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
Can you tell us a little about the process of getting this book published? How did you come up with the idea and how did you start?
When I first began teaching, I noticed that yoga and Christian faith often felt like a conflict for many of my students. Having been a student of the Bible since I was four years old, and a fitness instructor since I was fifteen, I felt compelled to connect the dots between faith and wellness more intentionally.
The turning point came when I read 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.
That framework—integrating body, mind, and spirit with prayerful intention—really became the seed for this book.
What surprised you most about getting your book published?
What surprised me most was that it actually became my reality. I loved the creative process. It was messy and frustrating, but also magical and deeply satisfying. For a long time, the book was just a swirl of ideas in my head, and I only hoped that one day it might become something I could actually hold in my hands. The most surprising part was watching that chaos slowly take shape into a finished book.
Tell us a little about what you do when you aren’t writing
When I’m not writing, I wear a few other hats. By day, I’m co-CEO of a wealth management firm, something I’ve poured into and grown for sixteen years along with my business partner Ann Marie Tyrrell. And a lot of my life happens outside the office—I’m a mom to two teenagers, plus a bonus teen (my nephew), and a wife to an amazing man. So a lot of my time is spent in the full rhythm of family life: driving lessons, ortho appointments, sports games, late-night talks. I’m so grateful for all of it.
As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?
There were two pivotal points. First, when my life swerved from being solely focused on building a business to also having a creative outlet in writing, that’s been one of the biggest surprises of my adult life. Second, early in the process of writing my first book, I caught a clear vision that I would write three books in six years. The titles and concepts for each part of the ‘Meaning’ series came quickly, and that sense of direction has really shaped my writing journey.
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?
That’s easy—walking. When I’m out in nature, the ideas just flood in. There’s something about moving my body and breathing fresh air that clears space for creativity. I’ve learned to keep my phone handy to record voice notes, because if I don’t capture the ideas right away, they’re gone forever.
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
As a first-time author, the toughest critique has been the reminder that not everyone will connect with my words in the way I hope. Learning to take the feedback with open hands, and sifting what I need to learn from it without ruminating on it has been a stretching but important part of the journey.
What has been your best accomplishment as a writer?
I still consider myself a baby author, since this is my first book. My biggest accomplishment so far was my book launch party. It felt almost like a wedding—my family and friends surrounded me with so much love and celebration. To feel that kind of support around something I created was unforgettable.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I have three others waiting in the wings—one of them is even a children’s book. They’re all in different stages, but I love knowing there’s more creativity ahead.
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.
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