Soul Care Series, Part 2

Because we are complex beings made in God's image, every part of us affects the whole.

Addiction recovery groups nationwide use the acronym HALT, which stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired, to highlight when people are most likely to make bad decisions. This underscores the significance of self-care and meeting our basic needs as Debra Fileta states in her book "Soul-Care," some of the best ways to nurture your soul aren't spiritual practices at all. Because we are complex beings made in God's image, every part of us affects the whole.

In Mark 12:29-30, Jesus says the most important commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’”

This all-encompassing love extends beyond emotional and spiritual well-being to encompass our mental and physical health. It necessitates a shift in our decision-making that caring for our bodies through healthy eating, exercise, and rest is important, and not merely a matter of personal well-being, but an act of worship.

Nurturing our minds through learning, reflection, and seeking wisdom aligns us with God's will. Paying attention to our emotional health by cultivating healthy relationships, practicing self-care, and seeking support allows us to love God and others more fully. And tending to our spiritual health through prayer, worship, and community deepens our connection. By integrating our faith into every aspect of our lives and recognizing the interconnectedness of our emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical health, we can live a life that truly honors and glorifies God.

How do we do this? Highlights from the book Soul Care by Debra Fileta

Simple daily awareness of how we nourish our body through nutrition, hydration, and movement.

• John 21:12 - “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said.

• John 4:3-8 - “Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.”

• Jesus walked everywhere! I love the verse Acts 17:28 “For in him we live and move and exist.”

We are aware that caring for ourselves begins with intentional rhythms of rest and setting a sustainable pace.

• We learn that it is ok to nap, Jesus took Naps! John 4:6 - “Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime.” Mark 4:38 - “Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up.”

• We choose to live by the 85% principle - living within our means with margin so we have time and energy to give, save, and spend.

We connect with others and with God.

• We deal with our hurt, get involved, be hospitable, mentor, and disciple: A healthy community is a marker of a healthy soul.

• We begin to learn that serving others is less about what you do and more about fostering a heart that’s willing and ready to bless others.

We protect our heart, soul, mind, and body by setting boundaries so we can live called.

• Proverbs 4:23, Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

• “Boundaries are the fence you build around your home to keep you and your people safe from harm.” We protect our time, emotions, and energy. Luke 5:16, “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

• Are you living by obligations to others or obedience to God? Get comfortable with saying no and not now….saying no is simply an acknowledgment of your capacity and your human limitations. When we learn boundaries and set limits it becomes a tool for staying focused and aligned with God’s calling on your life. God’s plans for your life are more important than any obligation or demand.

• Proverbs 4:25-27 “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”

Care for your soul by being present, practicing gratitude, and intentionally enjoying life.

• “Sometimes the healthiest way to live is not the most efficient way to live.”

• Luke 10:41-42 “But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Tune in to yourself

• Feelings are not bad or good, they are simply signals. What matters is how we respond.

• Throughout scripture, we see Jesus had lots of feelings. (page 184 in book)

  
  

  Embark on a transformative journey of soul care and discover more about nurturing your inner self at: https://debrafileta.com/soulcare/