Devotions from Stephen Smith’s book, Soul Custody It isn’t possible to formulate one-size-fits-all way of dealing with stress in our lives. We are uniquely and wonderfully made and we need to recognize our own soul’s way of dealing with stress. As we learn to face it and cope we are caring for our soul and…

Devotions from Stephen Smith’s book, Soul Custody When we are experiencing stress it is good to have a sustainable rhythm for our souls. When everything around us seems to move too fast and we feel ourselves giving out we need a rhythm of rest. That means taking time for breaks, enjoying meals, and getting sleep…

Devotions from Stephen Smith’s book, Soul’s custody The demands of our roles in life affect our souls.  When we are squeezed too tightly, stress consumes our physical, emotional, and mental energy.  Stress is both residual and cumulative.  When we have prolonged stress it can lead to burnout and there are no reserves. Lingering effects on…

Devotions from Stephen Smith’s book, Soul Custody To live simply is to live with our souls in tact, our hearts undivided, and our destination sure.  We might ask ourselves if our heart is not beating for God, what is our heart beating for? Maybe that first love we had for Him gets sucked away by…

Devotions from Stephen Smith’s book,  Soul Custody “Solitude is a deliberate choice we make –like listening to the quiet and getting rested up-that enables us to be still before God.” We all need times of solitude or we lose our way.  Our soul requires nourishment that silence and solitude provide.  There is a rhythm of…

Devotions from Stephen’s book, Soul Custody Our world is so noisy and so are our hearts. Some fear the quiet because it is scary to be alone with their thoughts. But God often speaks in whispers, and we will not hear Him if we are not quiet.   Like Moses found out, God didn’t speak in…

Devotions from Stephen Smith’s book, Soul Custody Abundant living is a choice that requires a beginning step and more after that. If we want to change, we will need to let desire show us the way. God puts His desires in us and we need to get in touch with the longings of our hearts.…

Devotions from Stephen Smith’s book, Soul Custody How important it is to make space in our lives for what really matters. We can choose soul care that will, over time, bring healing, strength, and spiritual well-being. In fact, our small choices lead to larger choices and impact for a long time. Each day we choose…

Devotions from Stephen Smith’s book, Soul Custody Caring for our soul is never selfish or egotistical. It is the opposite for it is really an act of stewardship. Caring for our souls is an act through which God can replenish our hearts, restore our souls, and revive our day so we can meet the challenges…

Devotions from Stephen Smith’s book, Soul Custody Are we doing more but living less?  Making a living but not having a life?  Annie Dillard said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives” Everyone who feels more dead than alive, more tired than energized, more burned out than motivated is…