Tuesday, July 17, 2007 1:10 AM CDT
Former Mattoon man authors devotional/fitness book
By DAWN SCHABBING, Features Writer
dschabbing@jg-tc.com
MATTOON — A former Mattoon man has written a devotional book that is expected to be on the shelves locally on Saturday.
Author William “Bill” J. Duey of Chicago spent the past year writing a 42-day devotional book called “Fit 2 Serve,” which incorporates tools to help the reader grow physically, intellectually and spiritually.
Duey, 41, who has a PhD. in exercise physiology from the University of Tennessee, said his recently released book is intended to help the reader walk in the word, step by the Spirit and equip the reader to demonstrate a love for God by serving our neighbors.
The 133-page book, which contains black-and-white photographs of several Mattoon churches, also comes with a pedometer and sells for $24.95. It is expected to be available at Cornerstone Christian Bookstore in Mattoon and on the Web at http://www.fit-2-serve.net.
The book offers 42 days’ worth of readings, reflecting and responding to the Word; a log to record daily steps and other physical activity; and a Web site to record activity and reflections and share it with an accountability partner through the Internet.
The book offers things to ponder, including, “What is God’s plan?” “How are you living your life?” and “What cries do you hear?”
Duey is a professor in the department of human performance at Concordia University in Chicago. He is a 1984 graduate of Mattoon High School, and a 1988 graduate of Eastern Illinois University, with a degree in physical education.
The cover reads, “Sailing through the doors God opens,” and Duey said as Christians we are saved by grace through faith. Christians are designed to give to others and by helping others we are serving Him.
He was inspired to write the book and use his hometown churches as a means to reflect on the Word. Each day’s readings starts with a true story told by Duey, and each week begins with a photo of a cross of local area churches. The reading ends with the photo of the church that houses the cross, to signify our connectedness as members of the body of Christ, he said.
Mattoon churches in his book includes St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Broadway Christian Church and First Baptist Church.
His father, the Rev. W.E. Duey, ministered at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Dorans for 22 years. The author and professor is married to the former Renee’ Roy of Etna. They have one son, Zach.
Duey explained the title of his book. “The ‘Fit’ in ‘Fit2Serve’ is a celebration of the fact that we have gone from being ‘unfit’ to ‘fit’ through the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
“The ‘2’ signifies that we can bind together as members of the body of Christ as we seek to serve.”
And he believes one’s attitude about physical fitness should mean we get to take care of our bodies, but not that we have to.
Based on recent studies, Duey said youth of today may live less healthy and possibly even shorter lives than their parents if changes aren’t made. But Duey also said helping people with physical fitness wasn’t enough for him.
“I saw physical fitness as one-dimensional. I want to promote the intellectual and spiritual fitness as well. And the beauty of being truly ‘fit’ is that Christ has our hand. We are secure.”
The book is designed to be used in five-day segments, using the sixth day to set aside and reflect on Bible passages shared throughout the week. The seventh day includes a pause before the next week’s readings.
Contact Dawn Schabbing at dschabbing@jg-tc.com or 238-6864.
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