Live Wide Awake: Engaging God's Story; Embracing Yours

by Laura DeGroot, April Bowen (Illustrator)

Would you say y ou know God or know about God? How well do you know yourself ? And, who are the guides that speak truth into your life? Do you believe knowing God and knowing yourself influences the way you live your life and love others ? In this curiosity-generating, interactive approach to engaging with the Word of God Laura will take you on a powerful exploration of knowing and loving who you really are, knowing God personally and being able to speak and act from a life that is leaning into healing and wholeness. Drawing from a life of being strong willed, acquainted with grief, full of ideas, falling a lot and getting back up, Laura’s relatable storytelling helps you embrace your story. Having been mentored, taught, challenged, and led by influential people, experiences and environments, Laura offers creative ways to engage with God’s story. The variety of pay-attention practices show the reader how to engage with scripture , loving who we are through the lens of the Good News and knowing God through a close relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. This spiritual formation guide w ill help the
“ Live Wide Awake …what a great book for every age and maturity level! The author does a wonderful job creating an environment in which you can dig deeper, gain wisdom, and deepen your spiritual walk with God. Through her personal antidotes, thought-provoking questions, and daily activities for further reflection, Laura helps you learn to think outside the box. You won't look at the scriptures the same again - grab your copy, grab one for your sisters, your mother, your daughters, and your friends…and Live Wide Awake ! Brenda Roser
A powerful, transformative way of knowing God personally is by meditating on his Living Word . When you engage with the Word actively, you can expect to know God’s love for you, for everyone. Because no one learns the same, relates the same or sees the world through the same lense, Live Wide Awake teaches a variety of pay-attention practices. When you try them you will be delighted to experience words coming off the page, truth hitting home, and the voice of God speaking specifically to you. Don’t let your Bible sit on the shelf any longer, engage with God’s story, embrace your own story and Live Wide Awake.

280 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2020

Reviews

[Catherine Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Live Wide Awake is a beautiful invitation for anyone the least bit curious about who God is and what He might have to do with each one of us personally and intimately. Laura is wonderfully witty and transparent in her own journey with God, and thus sets a gentle yet vivid example for us to explore our own personal relationship with Him. Each chapter begins with a delightful and deep window into Laura's personal experiences, and ends with practical exercises to help us carve out our own personal space and time to discover truths about ourself and our Creator. The magic of this book it that it is for anyone, because it meets us exactly where we are in our own journeys and beckons us to explore with eyes wide open, what it means to live wide awake. What does this mean? To Live Wide Awake? Well, allow Laura to take you gently and joyfully by the hand and lead you on a new path of self discovery.

[Cathy Van Donselaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your typical devotional. Most devotionals, the author expounds on a text and leads you to their conclusions. In this devotional, the author gives some personal stories, but only to lead the reader to the scripture to discover a relationship with God for themselves. This is not one to get through in a hurry, but to learn to draw closer to God, savoring the time with Him. It asks you to look deep inside yourself and be honest with yourself, your emotions, your fears, your joys, your sins. When you can be honest with yourself, you can understand how deep God’s love for us is, because He already knew all the things we barely can admit to ourselves, and still loves us SO much.

[Malinda Fugate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unique because it is hands-on and interactive. The author guides you as you engage with the Word of God. It's more than something to read and think about; Live Wide Awake encourages growth in your relationship with the Lord. By the last page, you find yourself closer to Him.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Live Wide Awake: Engaging God's Story; Embracing Yours is practical, down to earth, and clear. I highly recommend the book. Buy more than one copy because the book will make a great birthday present for your friends, a Valentine's Day gift, and a Christmas stocking stuffer.

[Hayley Vander Vennen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the privilege of knowing Laura and was so excited to read her book! She does a wonderful job at prompting you to think deeply about the Bible in multiple different ways. I loved spending intentional time reading this and diving into my Bible and different translations!

[J.J. Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book! Love the Pay Attention Practices!