Essential Spiritual Exercises for a Fulfilled Life
Religion / Nonfiction / Christian Living
Date Published: July 15, 2025
Publisher: Lucid Books Publishing
Who is God when life falls apart? Can faith coexist with fear,
difficulty, or conflict? In this compelling debut, Courtney McElvain explores
the greatest commandment—loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and
strength—and what it means for our whole person. She unpacks how
God’s design for our heart, mind, body, and soul equips us to overcome
anxiety, break free from self-limiting beliefs, and spiritual stagnation.
Alongside this, she highlights the transformative power of loving others as
ourselves, creating deeper connections and purpose within our relationships.
Tackling tough questions like navigating tragedy or addressing polarizing
topics such as practicing yoga, this book is a guide to spiritual, emotional,
and physical transformation through a deeper understanding of who God is and
how He’s working in your story.
Interview
What was your main drive to write this book?
My drive came from realizing how easy it is to drift through life without intention. I wanted to create something that would help people pause, pay attention to God’s presence, and courageously live the life He designed for them. A big part of that is our physical bodies. It’s something that often gets left out of church conversations. But our physical wellbeing and our spiritual life are deeply connected, and I felt it was time to bring that much-needed conversation to light.
What do you hope readers will learn by reading this book?
I hope readers will see that faith isn’t just something you think about, it’s something you live out in your daily moments, both in the small minutia and the big, life-changing times. It’s a daily practice. By pausing, reflecting on who God is and what He’s done, and moving where He’s guiding you, we can train ourselves to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind in real, practical ways.
Did you do much research when planning this book?
Yes, a mix of biblical study, referring back to years of journaling, speaking with faith leaders, and personal reflection. I leaned heavily into Scripture, but also into my own experiences as a veteran, a yoga instructor, a wealth manager, and wife and mom. Each of those perspectives shaped the exercises I share.
Did you have any main people who helped you in the process of this book or influenced you to write it?
I was greatly influenced by the book “Living in Christ’s Presence”, a conversation between Dallas Willard and John Ortberg. They talk about the different parts of a person: heart, mind, and soul, and it opened my eyes. I realized that transformation happens when we invite God into one part at a time, paying attention to where strength and focus are most needed in a given season.
And my business partner, Ann Marie, has been a big influence. She believed in my writing before I even did.
How long did this book take you to write from initial thought to hitting publish?
From the very first spark of the idea to holding the finished copy in my hands, it was four years. And it was not a straight line. There were starts, stops, and many rewrites, but every stage deepened the message.
Do you have plans to write more about this topic or new topics?
Yes! “Move Into Meaning” is actually the first of three books. I’m already co-writing the second, “Invest Into Meaning”, which blends biblical principles with practical financial wisdom. And I have a children’s book idea waiting in the wings too.
About the Author
Courtney McElvain is the Co-CEO and managing partner at Wealthwise
Partners, with over 15 years of experience helping clients achieve financial
clarity and confidence. A former fitness and yoga instructor, she spent nearly
30 years empowering others to reach their goals, a discipline that continues
to influence her work and life.
An Army veteran and recipient of the Iron Soldier award, Courtney brings a strong sense of dedication and purpose to all she does. Her deep understanding of biblical principles, shaped by years of study and conversations with theologians and faith leaders, informs her thoughtful approach to life’s big questions.
This is her debut book, written to inspire readers to discover God’s work in their lives. Courtney is currently working on her next book in the series, Invest Into Meaning. She lives in Far Northern California with her husband and two children.
Contact Links
Purchase Links
Posts
0 Comments