Thrive:Student Edition by Mark Hall

Do you want to merely survive, or to thrive?  While the content of this book is applicable to anyone, I decided to read the Student Edition specifically to decide how I could use the teaching at home with my boys, or in our youth group at church.  The main message of Thrive comes from Psalm 1 and the picture of the tree you see on the front cover.  The basic idea is that a balanced Christian life has two parts: digging deep into our personal relationship with Jesus (strong roots) and reaching out to others.  In order to thrive we must have both.

This book is great for students because the chapters are short! There are 30 chapters, each 4-8 pages long.  The content is a mixture of story, Scriptural teaching, and application.  At the end of each chapter is the main "Point to Remember" which helps to maintain focus. 

One topic under the reaching out section that spoke to me was about obedience.  Mark Hall writes "We're looking so forward to tomorrow that we're tripping over today....Doing big things for God is not some grand movement to shoot for in the future.  Doing big things for God just means doing the very next thing he says."  And the Point to Remember: "God doesn't want us to live in the future but in his Now."

For those who are impacted by song, you will be pleased to know that several of Casting Crowns' song lyrics are explained and woven into the teaching.  Listening to the songs afterward is great reinforcement and will help to keep the message fresh.

While it is still in the "Coming Soon" stages, it appears that there will be video teachings accessible through Casting Crowns website that will supplement the book.  So youth leaders - be on the lookout for that!

I recommend this book to anyone who has already committed to following Jesus and wants to get a better idea of what that looks like - and desires to thrive.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.