"Keri joins an ancient stream of thinkers and writers who look at the growth of all living things and reflect on the growth of the heart. Jesus teaches the deep wisdom that we can?t make it happen by ourselves, but we have much to do. It requires wisdom. "Keri writes as a mom, wife and active, real-world person. I remember hearing about a parent who asked once at a seminar on desert spirituality--'Is there childcare in the desert?' If you ever ask that kind of question--how is growth possible in my world?--this book is for you. For it turns out that while there might not be childcare in the garden, caring for children can become one of the ways that God causes the garden of your soul to grow. "Her approach is accessible--anybody who really wants to grow can jump right in. It?s also realistic--you don?t have to resign from your life and go be a hermit someplace. Her voice will bring hope to people who may have felt stagnant for too long. "So here?s to growth. Read the book--slowly if you can--but read it with an eye and ear for God?s hand and voice."

"With wisdom and humor, Keri Kent offers a practical handbook for gardening the soul. Both the novice and the experienced gardener will delight in her backyard tussels and triumphs, and anyone can grow spiritually through these honest insights to nurturing a relationship with God."

"If the thought of the spiritual disciplines intimidates you, then stop by The Garden of the Soul. Keri Kent?s wonderful book helps us understand the importance and excitement that come from cultivating our spiritual life. It will make you want to sink deeper roots with God--and maybe plant a garden too!"

"Our first home was a garden where we were surrounded by natural images that served as teachers for cultivating our spiritual lives. When we left the garden and made cities for ourselves, we lost our connection with the soil. What Keri Kent has done through the garden of her own backyard is to reconnect us with our first teachers whose soft-spoken lessons are winsome as they are wise."