What does exercise have to do with our souls?How do our sleeping habits relate to being conformed to the likeness of Christ?What do our bodies have to do with spiritual formation?Valerie Hess has taken up these questions with her spiritual formation graduate students. And Lane Arnold has processed them with others as a spiritual director. They have discovered that the life of our bodies has quite a bit to do with the life of our souls.Together they have written a book that helps readers explore- choices about what we eat- worshiping with our bodies- seasons of life for body and soul- caring for the planet- and moreEach chapter has reflection questions and creative exercises to help you engage body and soul with these themes. This is not just a book to read. It's an invitation to a new way of experiencing God.

Valerie E. Hess is a pastor's wife, mother, teacher, retreat speaker and musician. She received her master's in church music from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. She is currently the coordinator of music ministries for Trinity Lutheran Church in Boulder, Colorado. Valerie is an instructor in the Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Leadership program at Spring Arbor University. She is part of the Renovaré Partners in Renewal group and led a workshop at the 2005 Renovaré International Conference. She is the coauthor of Habits of a Child's Heart (NavPress, 2004).Lane M. Arnold (M.Ed., Georgia State University) is a spiritual director with a certification in Christian formation and soul care from Denver Seminary. She offers spiritual direction to those in her local area of Colorado and internationally via Skype. Lane loves exploring invitations from the Holy Trinity and encourages adults to go deeper in their relationship with Christ.

Introduction: Here's the Question
1. Jesus Has a Body
2. Bodies Within the Body
3. Our Body in Worship
4. Toward a Balanced Lifestyle
5. Theology of Food
6. Questioning Cultural Messages
7. Extremes Examined
8. The Body Gone Awry
9. Seasoned Well
10. The Next Generation
11. Caring for the Planet
Conclusion: Going On From Here
Appendix A: Holy Habits for the Whole Body
Appendix B: The Bible and the Body
Appendix C: Resources
Appendix D: Small Group Guide
Notes