Book excerpt from page 129: “[A walk with God]…is an encounter and experience when we become aware of his presence, and this experience reminds us that we are not alone, that “God is with us.” The movement from being alone to be being with God is a life-giving step in soul care.”
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(info from Barnes & Nobles dot com)
Synopsis
We live in a high-maintenance world; cars, homes, computers, and even relationships need continual attention. But what about our souls, the center of our selves where our passions, gifts, and individuality unite? Do we ever consider what it means to care for our souls? In a world where the quick fix and instant gratifications are many people’s most immediate focus, author Steve Smith invites the reader to focus on what truly matters most; the lifelong process of nurturing our souls by focusing on relationships, spiritual and personal growth and healing, and living out God’s purpose for our lives. Step off the hamster wheel of endless activity and purposeless action to find a deeper sense of self and spiritual transformation. Foreword by Dr. Gary Chapman.
Publishers Weekly
Smith, a confessed former workaholic, introduces readers to the unique joy of caring for the soul, which he says “contains the deepest part of who we are.” This founder of the Potter’s Inn Ministry, which helps people experience soul transformation, shares his wealth of knowledge about the soul in 92 brief chapters presented in 13 sections that address issues such as soul identity, soul formation and threats to the soul. Each chapter includes several questions to help readers address their own soul struggles. Smith certainly covers all the bases of the soul, but one wishes for more depth. Staccato chapters whet the appetite for deeper exploration, but Smith moves on quickly to new topics. The book, however, does bring important issues to light. He speaks often of the need for those who believe in God to slow down; he urges readers to use their senses to nurture the soul and highlights the importance of companionship on the soul journey. Studying the soul, he says, “is an incomparable journey to explore the depths and heights of the soul, for we travel the contours of a holy land.” (June) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Biography
The founder of The Potter’s Inn, Stephen W. Smith has been involved in Christian ministry for more than twenty-five years. He and his wife, Gwen, are frequent speakers and retreat leaders who focus on the spiritual growth and transformation of individuals, couples, churches, and organizations.
It is so true that we miss the whole purpose God has for us!
If we are on “the hamster wheel of life” and we don’t take time to appreciate the miracles around us we are indeed “missouts”! Soul Care sounds like a very good book to give suggestions and educate the person that is in need for just that, care of the soul! So much in this world gets in the way of caring for your soul! Time is an excuse that lots of people use! “I ran out of time…” or “I don’t think I have time to…” We must “stop and think!” God gave us 24 hours in a day, approx. 30 days in a month, and 52 weeks in a year! There should be some time in there to care for your soul…and others’ for that matter!
People definitely don’t make enough space in their lives for communication with the divine. I’d love to check out this book’s ideas!
I am so often haunted by the words of G. K. Chesterton’s Judge Basil Grant, who said to the plaintiff in a case before him, “Get a new soul. That thing’s not fit for a dog. Get a new soul.” Not bad advice.