Now that you’ve signed up for our book club 😁 … let’s talk about soul care. How can we attend to the care of our souls in a way that helps us to flourish in our lives? Author, spiritual director, and ministry leader Dr. Barbara Peacock joins us on the podcast to discuss her work in the practice of soul care. In our conversation, Barbara explores the breadth of spiritual practices that can support our formation and the ways we can integrate these into our lives. We talk about her work in understanding the shaping force of history in our spiritual lives, particularly the impact of African American history in our culture today. Plus — InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on one of Barbara’s books for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Soul Care in African American Practice at ivpress.com.

When I practice receiving the love of God, opening myself to receive the love of God, I’m blessed by that encounter, understanding that God is love. He is the very essence of love. The very essence of God is love.

The invitation to invest in our own soul care feels gentle and appealing. But how can one weave this practice into a busy life? We’re reminded of the wise advice our mentors shared about spiritual formation during grad school — most of which is still very applicable to faculty or those in other fields. Finding space for spiritual disciplines when the calendar is full can be a challenge, but we’re here to say it’s possible, and we want to help.

Knowing what your boundaries are and having an end goal makes it more likely that you will be able to advocate for yourself and keep a level head when things are hard. These things are important in any life, and will help you whether you are in grad school or not.

And one more thing! A hearty congratulations to our book giveaway winners Krista L., Yasmine V., Sierra B., and Tiffany N.! Each of these women will receive a copy of Penny Preaches by Amy & Rob Dixon. Listen to our podcast with the authors to learn more about this great children’s book and purchase a copy of your own!

You’re Invited!

Pray with us. Join us online for 30-minute guided prayer meetings on Fridays at 8 am, 9 am, and 12 pm (Eastern). Can’t come? Send your prayer requests anyway by emailing us at wsap@intervarsity.org.

Faithful Politics — Fall Book Club. Join the Women Scholars and Professionals Fall 2024 Book Club as we discuss Faithful Politics (IVP 2024). Miranda Zapor Cruz helps us to envision what faithful citizenship looks like in light of being citizens of God’s kingdom. Click through to register!

IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy for InterVarsity Press titles adopted for classroom use up to three times a year. Your free exam or desk copy will be sent to you within four weeks. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!

Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.

Downloadable Pocket Prayer Card from Graduate Healthcare Ministries. Medical students at Brown asked for a small resource that would prompt them to pray throughout the day. Colleague Renee Nicholas created this card with psalms and short prayers to support them — and you’re invited to use it too! Thanks, Renee!

Save the Date: February 21-22, 2025 for Believers in Business. As the largest Christian MBA gathering in the country, the 2025 Believers in Business Conference is a key intersection of the Christian MBA and Christian professional communities. Mark your calendars to join them in New York this February!

Are you a new graduate student? We invite you to subscribe to a unique newsletter from InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries designed to support and encourage first-year grad students as they embark on the next step of their academic journey. If you’re a first-year graduate student, click here to subscribe.

Calling all scientists! The American Scientific Affiliation will host an online “Faith & Work Accelerator” event for students and those in the early stages of their career on September 21 at 1:00 p.m. (eastern). Hear from a panel of scientists and campus ministers on connecting faith & work in science-related fields, then split into Zoom rooms to meet colleagues and/or mentors in your field area. Click through for more details and registration information.

Four More Things We Loved This Week

1. National Voter Registration Day was this week. Here’s everything you need to check your voter status, locate your polling place, and brush up on candidates.

2. My Deconstruction Turned to Deconversion. But God Wasn’t Anxious. (Christianity Today, unlocked)

3. Moleskine Mania: How a Notebook Conquered the Digital Era

4. Have you tried the “didn’t know” rule for decluttering?