Review
“The soul of every Christian, whether a newborn believer or a seasoned spiritual veteran, must be replenished and cared for. Steve Smith's unique book, SoulCare so uniquely meets this critical need. As one reads this fascinating writing, one realizes that the author is reflecting a lifetime of genuine Christian living. He has been there. I have found Steve's uniquely helpful book not only giving us a wonderfully useable understanding of what each of our souls truly is and needs, but how to replenish it and take care of it. The book starts out simply defining the basics of what each of us needs to keep ourselves spiritually and emotionally healthy. But it goes much further. Steve covers the comprehensive and more complex areas about which few Christians are aware. Best of all the reader is gently led to effectively care for the soul, the true wholeness of what we are.” -Dr. Ross Campbell, MD How to Really Love Your Child, How to Really Love Your Teenager, The Five Love Languages of Children “If you will choose to make spaces in your day, SoulCare will help you think through what it takes to keep in alignment with God's heart. These are not pie-in-the-sky ideas, but an honest look at how our friend Steve Smith learned to care for his soul. He would agree that sometimes it's an uphill battle-but one worth the struggle. Because Steve has persevered, he has become a vital help to others. This book is for you if time is limited. Timely stories, quotes and ideas are woven together into brief devotionals that will give you something meaningful to “chew” on each day.” -Gordon and Gail MacDonald Authors and speakers Ordering Your Private World The Life God Blesses A Resilient Life “Jesus offers the solemn warning that no worldly gain can compensate for the loss of one's soul. Despite that divine “heads-up” many of us keep our heads down in our work or play, our pleasures or struggles, our wealth or wants. As a result, our souls are narrowed, neglected, diminished, or lost. In a time when the life of the body and the life of the mind have left little space for the cultivation of the soul, there is no one better than seasoned soul-care provider Steve Smith to come to our aid. SoulCare is a gentle and artful beacon from the lighthouse of Steve's life and experience of God that can guide our souls safely to the harbor of intimacy with God and authenticity with self. Through it your Good Shepherd will restore your soul.” -Howard Baker Professor of Spiritual Formation Denver Seminary Author of SoulKeeping “SoulCare is a remarkable tool for spiritual formation. Stephen Smith tackles the tough issues of spiritual growth with the tenderness and insight of the best spiritual director. You will carry this book with you like a good friend.” -Paula Rinehart, Strong Women, Soft Hearts Sex and the Soul of a Woman “This is a book I can recommend with enthusiasm. Read it if your spirit calls you to deeper places of rest in God and deeper knowing of both yourself and God. Read it with openness to God and you will be changed!” -David G. Benner, Ph.D., C.Psych. Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality Psychological Studies Institute (Atlanta) Author of Surrender to Love; The Gift of Being Yourself, and Desiring God's Will “The end of the 20th century may well be labeled the era of lost personal balance. Our lives are like a three-legged stool with legs of unequal lengths. We can stay upright for a while, but we can't be comfortable and secure. SoulCare provides a tool for re-establishing critical balance in a topsy-turvy world. To the harried executives bounding around the world, SoulCare is necessary, useful and quite amazing in the value it brings to our God-given humanity. This should be standard issue in every briefcase and rolling carry-on.” -Brian Marcotte Vice President International Energy Operations-retired, Unocal Corporation CEO, Marcotte Consulting Inc. Distinguished Member, Society of Petroleum Engineers “Smith's book is a welcome gift to the many pilgrims on their journeys with Christ. It is so clear in helping to chart a path toward health in the spiritual life. Meditative, probing, comforting, and challenging-this book is a must read!” -Dr. Jim Singleton First Presbyterian Church Colorado Springs, Colorado
From the Back Cover
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28, NLT
Sat through a three-hour meeting at work…have papers to grade…cell phone won’t quit ringing…must get the kids to band and soccer practice…have to run to the bank…trying to make it to rehearsal for the worship ensemble…the house is a mess…my boss is on my back…running late…car has an unexpected flat tire…got in an argument with your spouse…Are you feeling overwhelmed yet?
Like Jesus’ words in Matthew 11, SoulCare is about slowing down, stepping outside the chaos of our lives, and entrusting God with the care of our souls—letting Him give us peace that is truly satisfying. It is not about more principles that teach us how live a fulfilled life or manage our busy lives. It’s about taking care of what is most important. It’s an invitation to a journey full of true companionship, relationship, and intimate friendship.
“In SoulCare, Stephen Smith provides a user-friendly guide to caring for the spiritual person within you. SoulCareinvites you to walk around your soul, look at it from different perspectives, and learn how to deepen your walk with the heavenly Father.”
—Dr.Gary Chapman
from the foreword
“This is a book I can recommend with enthusiasm. Read it if your spirit calls you to deeper places of rest in God and deeper knowing of both yourself and God. Read it with openness to God and you will be changed!”
—David G. Benner, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality, Psychological Studies Institute
Author of Surrender to Love, The Gift of Being Yourself, and Desiring God's Will
The founder of The Potter’s Inn, Steve Smith has been involved in Christian ministry for over 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.
About the Author
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.
El doctor Gary Chapman es el autor del libro y de la serie Los cinco lenguajes del amor, número 1 en ventas en inglés según el New York Times. Con más de 35 años de experiencia como pastor y consejero matrimonial, ha viajado por todo el mundo impartiendo seminarios. Gary Chapman (PhD) is the author of the New York Times best-selling The Five Love Languages book and series. With more than thirty-five years of pastoring and marriage counseling experience, he travels the world presenting seminars to couples who want to improve their marriage relationship. He is host of the weekly radio program Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, which airs on more than 250 stations.
