Soul Care: *Find Life-Giving Rhythms *Live Restored *Avoid Burnout *Discover Unspeakable Joy

by Debra Fileta, Tim Timberlake (foreword)

How Full Do You Feel?

In our fast-paced culture plagued with burnout, stress, and chronic fatigue, we often find that we’re functioning out of emptiness. What would it be like to experience a fullness in our life that was truly lasting and regenerative?

In Soul Care, licensed counselor Debra Fileta shows you how Jesus’ own life rhythms can guide you to true health and rest, teaching you how to live full rather than empty. Rooted in Scripture and expertly informed by clinical psychology, Soul Care identifies six life-giving practices from the life of Jesus that address your whole person—mind, body, and spirit. As you are guided toward your own practice of biblical self-care, you will learn how
  the Bible responds to common myths about soul care a lack of soul care impacts your relationships, ministries, and careers to recognize the signs and signals of burnout and respond proactively with practical solutions  
Empty people cannot fill up others. As you learn to be filled as Jesus was by intentional rhythms and practices, you will experience renewed energy, motivation, and strength to serve others as you never have before!

Genres: Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Health, Audiobook

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[K.J. Haakenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually rate non-fiction, but this book was so helpful for me spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I will be referring to this book over and over again now and in years to come.

To my brothers and sisters in Christ currently searching for gospel-centered therapy/counseling: here is a great place to start that won't cost more than a paperback and your time. I finally feel like I have some Biblical coping mechanisms and a better understanding of how Jesus modeled life as fully God and fully man here on earth.

[Hema Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came into my life at just the right moment. I am currently struggling with burnout and this book by Debra Fileta has been so uplifting. Each chapter ends with questions that are reflective and encouraging that has lead to change in my life. One of my favorite chapters in the book is about pacing myself (learning to rest and not having shame about it) and living at 85%. Why you ask 85% and not 100%, I would recommend that you order this book to learn more.

[Kayla Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent—definitely one of my favorite of 2024! Debra Fileta has done it again! This book is full of practical insight related to caring for your soul and avoiding burnout. Debra infuses the entire book with rich content directly from the Bible. She explains the value in healthy rhythms, caring for your physical body, and figuring out where your issues are stemming from. This book is faith-filled and leads readers to the source of joy and hope…Jesus! In my opinion, this book is a game changer for those in ministry. I wish I’d had access to it years ago. However, I’m glad it’s here now! I will definitely be recommending this one to friends!

[Allyson Milligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book for those who are trying to redirect themselves and find their “soul” again. The last chapter was the best chapter in my opinion. Understanding that we all are apart of the “body” of Christ, and if we neglect ourselves, we are neglecting Christ!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

For this burned out Enneagram 6 this is the book I’ve needed! I finished and now time to go back and dig in. As the book says, “Soul care is how we remain filled, so we can live fully.”

[Andrea Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You can run fast, or you can run far. But you can’t do both.”

[Andrea Moncayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Very easy read and very relatable to my own life. I love that Debra writes as if I were sitting in a counseling session and I walk away with so many tools and self reflection points. If you need a book with a spin on self care and really gets to the core of what that even means and how to do it, then this book is for you.

[Giselle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book as an audiobook over the last few weeks and thoroughly enjoyed it. The overall message is this; Christians are bad at caring for themselves and often neglect much-needed soul care. Some favourite/convicting quotes are these: (some paraphrased)

“Spiritual commitment doesn’t always translate into emotional health. You can love and serve God and still have an unhealthy view of self”

“Always operate at 85%. We are told to rest one day of the week which is 15%. We should always operate at 85% throughout our week our we will become burnt out”

“Boundaries are essential. They keep valuable things in and the distractions and meaningless out. Choose obedience to God over obligation to man. Care about what GOD thinks about us more than what man thinks of us”

“Efficiency is the enemy of savouring life. You can’t rush and savour life all at once” (YIKES I’m bad at this)

“Thoughts -> Feelings -> Behaviours. Feelings are ultimately what lead us down an unhealthy or a healthy path, but feelings aren’t always true”

“The health of your soul is of utmost importance because it involves others too. Your soul is entangled in how you respond and treat others, yourself and God. Whether you want to believe it or not”

The book provided a very helpful soul care plan outline and 3 month assessment to actually cultivate change which I found to be helpful as well. 5/5. Very convicting and an important message for the ever growing number of “lukewarm Christians”. Care for your soul and in turn, you can care for others too.

[Nikki Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a Christian counselor/therapist, this book states the importance of caring for our souls by paying attention to our emotions to find out why they are there. And it's not just for us, but for those we touch with our lives- our ministry to our brothers and sisters, as followers of Christ. She deep dives into a lot of areas that just aren't talked about much. She even has a quiz you can take on her website which she talks about at the end of the book. Even if, like me, you don't think you need this book for yourself... It will help you in parenting, friendships, ministry... andyou might just discover an area or two in your own life that needs a little more attention. Many people care about the health of their bodies and will go to the doctor for a checkup. We should remember that the things that happen in our heart/mind/soul affects our body and our connection with others.

[Heidi Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! I literally just finished this and am at a loss for words. This was a really helpful read as I think I am realizing more and more how much I function out of burnout. That probably sounds crazy but so much of what she said resonates with me. Practical illustrations help you realize what she is talking about. Definitely recommend as I am steering far away from non-fiction these days to give myself a break. I may look into her other books because this one was so helpful with practical advice and space to write down your own thoughts at the end of each chapter.

[Sasha Star Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I snagged this book on audio as I’ve been desiring to read “Care of Souls” for a while now and thought this was it 😅 Quickly in I realized it wasn’t the book that I thought it was. That being said, it heavily resonated and throughout parts it was as if I had written the book myself. I very much related to the authors philosophies and beliefs towards structure and intentionality. I blasted through it on a cross country airplane ride and enjoyed the ride. Recommended if you love Jesus and want to live intentionally.

[Meagan Mankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard this author on a podcast and bought her book immediately. I really enjoyed the book— nothing is revolutionary or mind-blowing, but it is full of simple truths and reminders about how to care for ourselves: mind, body, soul, and spirit. It aligned really well with things that I have already been thinking about and even the teaching series at our church right now. If you are in a season of needing refreshment, I highly recommend it!

[Emily Wertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource. It is grounded in scripture while being practical and transformational, if the rhythms are put into practice. I appreciate the short, digestible chapters with helpful and accessible reflection questions at the end of each. I worked through this over the course of about a month to focus on refreshment and personal renewal after a very busy and stressful season. I’m grateful for this resource and will be recommending it to friends as well as women that I work with and mentor.

[Paige Pietrofesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Thought it talked about a lot of helpful things to think about when taking care of yourself as a person. A lot of it wasn’t mind blowing & new to me but just such important reminders! Mostly reminded me and encouraged me to take care of myself bc it’s so easy for me to neglect this bc I feel selfish. But God wants me to take care of myself and prioritize myself and have good boundaries! Anywho would def recommend esp for anyone in ministry and/or helping professions.

[Christiana Luttrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valuable and insightful, but not ground-breaking.

This book may be worth reading for many people, but it’s also very high level and better as a starting point than a thorough tool. One practical aspect is the personal reflection questions at the end of each chapter intended for application and lasting digestion of the content.

Overall, I enjoyed and gleaned some valuable thoughts from this book, but wasn’t blown away by it.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another new favorite from Debra Fileta! I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I love the advice she gives, and at the end of each chapter, it has reflective questions. I also liked how she would talk about Christ in the chapters and how He also dealt with things. But also how we do need to care for our soul. She also talks about nourishing our bodies and also getting rest and avoiding burnout. This is a book I will for sure read again. I flagged quite a bit in the book of stuff that really stood out to me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent way to end the year. This is a great reflection book on helping to take care of our souls not just spiritually but emotionally and physically. It is all connected. God made us each so uniquely and wants us to be the best version he created us to be so as members of the body of Christ we can fulfill the purpose created us for.

[Lizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn’t overcomplicate self-care. Instead, it makes self-care—renamed here as a deeper, soul care—feel tangible and possible. It helps you get underneath the rhythms, habits, and patterns that have led to burnout and an unfulfilling life, and it points you back to the basics of caring for yourself.

[LaMonica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just reading through this book, you will feel your soul being cared for. Pair it with the audiobook to truly immerse yourself in the care offered via this book and the ultimate Carer of our Souls: Jesus.

[Sam Kauerauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most selfless things you can do is care for your soul. Going to remember that one for a while.

Timely. Well thought out. Great reflection questions. Clear application. Great tone. Caring. A must read for anyone in a helping profession.

[Kiera · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of the book it felt like it was taking Bible verses out of context to fit their topics. I do think there were really good truths! I just wished it was a little more careful with how they used scripture.

[Kendra (thevisionaryclassroom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was book is filled with practical advice. I liked that there were questions at the end of each chapter that helped to reinforce the concepts which also provided a way to apply them immediately to my life.

[Crystal Friend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the reminder that I need to take care of my soul in order to take care of those around me. Great explanation of areas in my life that need my attention & identify which area currently needs work.

[Wanda Reiter Kintz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that gives various tools to care for your body, mind, and spirit. The author explains that taking care of your soul isn't selfish because when our souls are filled, then we can bless others. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a more spirit filled, joyful life.

[Michelle Martino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a helpful resource for tending to your soul. It encompasses all the ways to care for your soul, such as through community, exercise, rest, and boundaries. Chapters are engaging and easy to read with space for reflection.

[Melissa Skrepak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Debra at an AACC conference and she is both confident and humble at the same time, a preacher at heart she would say. This book has both depth and practicality to apply to daily life. It is one I will reference over and over again and would be a great gift to all of my friends.

[Megan B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book and the Biblical take on caring properly for ourselves. There are a few things I’m not 100% on board with. I do recommend it and it makes for a good devotional.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Good content, but for me, few new insights. The chapters are short and simple and end with questions for reflection and application that were helpful.

[Bri Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly!? Life changing. 🫶🏼

[Amanda Hassfurther · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my top books of 2024. I recommend everyone to read this book. I plan to reevaluate and reread this book in the next 3 months.