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Awake: Paying Attention to What Matters Most in a World That's Pulling You Apart
What If There Is More to Life than What You're Living?
You've felt it--the underlying anxiety that you're missing out on the good life. So you zone out, swipe up, slim down, work hard, and spin in circles trying to get it.
Anjuli Paschall calls it carpe diem syndrome--the fear of not living life to the fullest.
But the full life isn't found by chasing it. It's found by coming awake to it.
As she puts "I want to be awake. I don't want to nervously navigate my life one to-do list, email, and espresso shot at a time. When my life comes to a slow halt, I want to know I savored the small moments and watched the sky change color. I want to know I didn't rush through life but received it. I want to know I came to peace with my weaknesses, loved people fearlessly, and walked with God faithfully. I hope I gave in to the audacious belief that I was loved and, miraculously, even liked."
And now, Anjuli casts a compelling vision for you to live a soul-awake life too.
The invitation might be as gentle as a song--or as abrupt as a rooster's crow--but God is always waking you up. You can have the life you really want, and you don't have to lose your soul trying to get it.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Full life is right here.
You've felt it--the underlying anxiety that you're missing out on the good life. So you zone out, swipe up, slim down, work hard, and spin in circles trying to get it.
Anjuli Paschall calls it carpe diem syndrome--the fear of not living life to the fullest.
But the full life isn't found by chasing it. It's found by coming awake to it.
As she puts "I want to be awake. I don't want to nervously navigate my life one to-do list, email, and espresso shot at a time. When my life comes to a slow halt, I want to know I savored the small moments and watched the sky change color. I want to know I didn't rush through life but received it. I want to know I came to peace with my weaknesses, loved people fearlessly, and walked with God faithfully. I hope I gave in to the audacious belief that I was loved and, miraculously, even liked."
And now, Anjuli casts a compelling vision for you to live a soul-awake life too.
The invitation might be as gentle as a song--or as abrupt as a rooster's crow--but God is always waking you up. You can have the life you really want, and you don't have to lose your soul trying to get it.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Full life is right here.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 5, 2022
30 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 8, 2022
Awake by Anjuli Paschall is her 2nd book. I enjoyed Stay and looked forward to this one. Her writing style is more like a series of memoir-style essays compiled together with a thread that links one to the other to make up the book. She is one of those authors that I feel like I have gotten to know over cups of tea. . .and by the end of this book, in a sense I have.
Awake is Paschall's thoughts on living a full life for God by "staying awake."Throughout the book, she shares her personal stories and spiritual reflections, with some Bible verses, on living awake, rather than chasing after more and better. She talks about staying awake by seeing all the little things in a day--as well as being there for each other. She is down-to-earth and so very real that I feel like I know her and I am ready to move in to her wonderful neighborhood so I can join in to one of her fun traditions. She is also real enough to share the hard things she has gone through and how to be awake even through those difficult things like her grandma passing away and her father-in-law leaving the family. She doesn't shy away from some of the struggles we have all faced through the pandemic either.
Besides the glimpse into Paschall's life, Awake encouraged me to reflect on my own life. Paschall is introspective and her prose is somewhat deep, I think. I like good books that cause me to think about how to live my own life better, as well as learning about other people. In the back of the book there are questions to go along with each chapter. This book would be good to journal through. It would also make a good discussion book for book clubs or Bible studies besides personal use.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
Awake is Paschall's thoughts on living a full life for God by "staying awake."Throughout the book, she shares her personal stories and spiritual reflections, with some Bible verses, on living awake, rather than chasing after more and better. She talks about staying awake by seeing all the little things in a day--as well as being there for each other. She is down-to-earth and so very real that I feel like I know her and I am ready to move in to her wonderful neighborhood so I can join in to one of her fun traditions. She is also real enough to share the hard things she has gone through and how to be awake even through those difficult things like her grandma passing away and her father-in-law leaving the family. She doesn't shy away from some of the struggles we have all faced through the pandemic either.
Besides the glimpse into Paschall's life, Awake encouraged me to reflect on my own life. Paschall is introspective and her prose is somewhat deep, I think. I like good books that cause me to think about how to live my own life better, as well as learning about other people. In the back of the book there are questions to go along with each chapter. This book would be good to journal through. It would also make a good discussion book for book clubs or Bible studies besides personal use.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
June 15, 2022
I originally started listening to this book. The author’s prose is so amazingly beautiful that I felt like I was missing so much just listening. So I switched to the written version and highlighted my way through the rest of the book. Such a lovely work that did my heart and souls so much good. Beautiful.
June 9, 2022
I once told this author (through a mutual friend) that I love her writing so much that I’d read her grocery list. I still stand by that. The author’s writing is beautiful. She has a way of capturing her story so genuinely and expresses it almost poetically. With every sentence and page I felt my soul drawn closer to Jesus. Her words have that effect. I highly recommend this book, especially for those who are having a hard time getting caught up in the hustle and hurry of this world, struggle with being content, and are currently staring at their ceiling wondering what their purpose is.
July 26, 2023
Anjuli’s writing has a way of making you feel like you are sitting with a friend in your living room. Her words are gentle and full of love and brought me to tears several times as she reminded me of God’s presence, goodness, and love in my life. I love how creatively she writes God’s truths and promises into stories of her everyday life, but then again it’s evidence of how God works.
I started the summer burnt out, disappointed, and numb. Through what felt like conversations with a friend, chapter after chapter, I began to open back up to how God is moving, even in his stillness. “My awakening happens when I enter God’s story in worship and when God enters my story in love. At this intersection, I am alive.” Amen.
I started the summer burnt out, disappointed, and numb. Through what felt like conversations with a friend, chapter after chapter, I began to open back up to how God is moving, even in his stillness. “My awakening happens when I enter God’s story in worship and when God enters my story in love. At this intersection, I am alive.” Amen.
February 15, 2024
Anjuli really has a way with words. It's funny how sometimes God puts a book in your hands right when you need it most and that is the case with this one. Had I read it earlier I just wouldn't have 'gotten it', I wasn't there yet. It felt like a pep talk when I needed one the most.
February 23, 2022
A great perspective and look at the world and faith. I loved the introspective nature of this book. This book book gives you strategies for noticing God's presence in all you do and invites you to wake up to the love of God.
May 5, 2022
Loved this book. The truth struck me at times so hard that i broke down crying.
August 9, 2025
Anjuli's love for God is very nearly tangible. Her writing style is flowing and filled with beauty and authentic humility, and sometimes I got lost in her flow like I get lost in my own rambling, but I still loved it and I know God loves how she pours her heart out.
I have over 50 highlights from this book. Here are just the first few:
I’m rapidly approaching midlife, and I still don’t fully know how to do life right or well. I feel like something is missing. I call it carpe diem syndrome—the fear of not living life to the fullest.
God is on a mission to move us into a life of abiding. The work of the Spirit right now is to transform my heart habits from living a life of autonomy (the self-laws I’ve made) to a life of with-ness with God. Living life to the fullest doesn’t have anything to do with my ability to carpe diem, but everything to do with living a life of connectedness. Awake-ness is with-ness. It is a call to wake up to the story beneath the story.
Through taste, touch, sight, smell, sound, memory we can become awake to God’s presence of love in our lives. He meets our souls through the quiet ding of the dishwasher, the expansive valley parting the way through mountain ranges, and the frothy foam ceiling on our morning coffee greeting us into a new day. With our eyes we read psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Our souls awaken. In the scraping of wipers scratching frost off windshields and soft ice in sweet lemonade, God greets us gently with kindness. With butter slathered over slices of fresh sourdough bread, fried eggs cackling like the sound of schoolgirls giggling, and sunlight bursting into sleepy kitchens like a laser show, God is waking us up to His constant presence. In response, we stay soft, open, and on the lookout for His invitations.
When were you the most awake? Really, think about it. Your mind may stream through a series of significant events: graduations, your wedding day, your first kiss, a thesis paper you worked hard on, a coveted promotion. All of these were good, but they slowly slip out of your mind. To your surprise, you recall a two-a.m. conversation you had with a friend when you were in college. You shared things you’d never shared before. You were connected closely to another person, and something in you woke up. You remember that time when God used your unique gifts for the good of others, light turned on inside of you. You were connected to your calling. Your memory takes you back to a lonely night when in the most unexpected moment, you saw a shooting star.... the streamer of light dazzling like a sparkler across the cave-dark sky was meant for you. You were connected to creation. But, most certainly, you could never forget the exact second when Jesus saved you. When you were flat on your face, God loved you. You were connected to your creator. These intersections of awake-ness weren’t milestones, accomplishments, or something you coerced; they were about connection. Mysteriously, instead of achieving awake-ness, you were actually receiving it.
Living life to the fullest isn’t something we do with more book clubs, wine nights, weekend getaways, or the next home project. It isn’t found when we sacrifice more, live with less, or give away all we have. It won’t come when you plant a garden, have a happy family, reach your ideal weight, or make enough money. Look at the times in your life when you have been most awake and let those be your guide into the future. If you want to truly be awake, it comes through meaningful connection to others, connection to your calling, connection to your voice, connection to creation, and connection to your creator.
Without waking up to God’s presence with you, you will meander through your days sleepwalking. You will continuously feel stuck, lost, disconnected, and adrift. You will have low-grade anxiety, frantic thoughts, numbing strategies to get through the day, and pills to get you through the night. You will be with people you’ve known for years but feel sadly unknown. Life will feel like a bland dish; you’ll eat it, but it won’t be savored. If you are honest with yourself, you will hear a nagging, haunting, and confusing desire for more.
True awake-ness isn’t about what we do, but who we are connected to.
I test people who attempt to get too close. I am constantly testing. If someone is trying to climb my walls, I put out traps. If someone dares to come close, I’ll be sure they pay the price. My traps are tricky. If a friend wants to scale my walls, they must pass my series of small tests or they get sent to the back of the line. For instance, if I share the smallest piece of information about my life and a week or two later, they don’t mention it again, then like a canon, they get shot out of my inner space. If someone checks their phone when I’m telling them something personal, then the wall gets thicker. If I don’t get an email response in a timely manner, then it just confirms what I already believed: they don’t really care about me anyway. I reject them before they have a chance to hurt me anymore. The barricade grows higher. If people want in, they have to pass my series of impossible tests. But I make the rules. I hold all the cards. I’m the only one who knows the instructions. To this point, everyone had failed. It only proved my deepest, darkest, most lonely cave-living belief—no one likes me. I look around; the evidence is damning. No one passes....With anticipation I clicked on the RSVPs. Who would be coming to my gathering? Then there it was—more evidence. Only six out of dozens replied yes. It was like the ground split open and yanked me under by the ankles. I was dragged down into that dark, damp cave. Instead of fighting against my giant “nobody likes me” fear, I let it have me. I sobbed like a six-year-old about a birthday party. I gave myself over to the belief I had held at bay for so long—that not a soul cares if I exist. In the dark chamber all the voices echo louder, stronger, and more convincing....
When my acceptance doesn’t hinge on their actions, I can love others freely. How can I show up for my friend and receive God’s deep love for me at the same time? No more ifs or thens. Only one test remains. It’s a test for me. Will I trust that I am loved? We have to trust that people care even if they give love differently. We have to allow people the freedom to not love us perfectly every time. We have to give them the benefit of the doubt and trust they are doing the best they can. Unsafe people break our hearts over and over and wisdom will lead us when or if it is time to walk away. But we can’t abandon relationships based on rigged tests. Both sides need to know the rules.
True connection with God comes through humility.
As I transitioned from single to married and into motherhood, God’s voice changed. He became very quiet. He became faint and far away. Even when I strained to hear, there was only silence. Like a dull match, no matter how hard I’d strike, no flame would come. I felt abandoned. Looking back now, I think God was growing me into deeper maturity. God was growing me to trust Him even when I didn’t feel, touch, or see Him. He was purifying my motives. I was growing from loving God for my sake into loving God for God’s sake.
My friend Becky says it like this: “When anxiety about tomorrow’s uncertainty creeps in, you can make an intentional choice to include Jesus in everything you envision.” I like that. I can imagine my worst-case scenario, but when I do, I allow Jesus in that scene too. When I imagine a break-in, break-up, or break-down, Jesus is there too. When I imagine disappointing my husband, Jesus is there too. When I imagine a war, a kidnapping, a natural disaster, a bridge collapsing, Jesus is there. He is all knowing, all good, and the greatest source of all love I could ever imagine. The way to the deep down, all out, soul-satisfying peace I am desperate for is found when I am awake to the actual presence of the Prince of Peace with me.
I have over 50 highlights from this book. Here are just the first few:
I’m rapidly approaching midlife, and I still don’t fully know how to do life right or well. I feel like something is missing. I call it carpe diem syndrome—the fear of not living life to the fullest.
God is on a mission to move us into a life of abiding. The work of the Spirit right now is to transform my heart habits from living a life of autonomy (the self-laws I’ve made) to a life of with-ness with God. Living life to the fullest doesn’t have anything to do with my ability to carpe diem, but everything to do with living a life of connectedness. Awake-ness is with-ness. It is a call to wake up to the story beneath the story.
Through taste, touch, sight, smell, sound, memory we can become awake to God’s presence of love in our lives. He meets our souls through the quiet ding of the dishwasher, the expansive valley parting the way through mountain ranges, and the frothy foam ceiling on our morning coffee greeting us into a new day. With our eyes we read psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Our souls awaken. In the scraping of wipers scratching frost off windshields and soft ice in sweet lemonade, God greets us gently with kindness. With butter slathered over slices of fresh sourdough bread, fried eggs cackling like the sound of schoolgirls giggling, and sunlight bursting into sleepy kitchens like a laser show, God is waking us up to His constant presence. In response, we stay soft, open, and on the lookout for His invitations.
When were you the most awake? Really, think about it. Your mind may stream through a series of significant events: graduations, your wedding day, your first kiss, a thesis paper you worked hard on, a coveted promotion. All of these were good, but they slowly slip out of your mind. To your surprise, you recall a two-a.m. conversation you had with a friend when you were in college. You shared things you’d never shared before. You were connected closely to another person, and something in you woke up. You remember that time when God used your unique gifts for the good of others, light turned on inside of you. You were connected to your calling. Your memory takes you back to a lonely night when in the most unexpected moment, you saw a shooting star.... the streamer of light dazzling like a sparkler across the cave-dark sky was meant for you. You were connected to creation. But, most certainly, you could never forget the exact second when Jesus saved you. When you were flat on your face, God loved you. You were connected to your creator. These intersections of awake-ness weren’t milestones, accomplishments, or something you coerced; they were about connection. Mysteriously, instead of achieving awake-ness, you were actually receiving it.
Living life to the fullest isn’t something we do with more book clubs, wine nights, weekend getaways, or the next home project. It isn’t found when we sacrifice more, live with less, or give away all we have. It won’t come when you plant a garden, have a happy family, reach your ideal weight, or make enough money. Look at the times in your life when you have been most awake and let those be your guide into the future. If you want to truly be awake, it comes through meaningful connection to others, connection to your calling, connection to your voice, connection to creation, and connection to your creator.
Without waking up to God’s presence with you, you will meander through your days sleepwalking. You will continuously feel stuck, lost, disconnected, and adrift. You will have low-grade anxiety, frantic thoughts, numbing strategies to get through the day, and pills to get you through the night. You will be with people you’ve known for years but feel sadly unknown. Life will feel like a bland dish; you’ll eat it, but it won’t be savored. If you are honest with yourself, you will hear a nagging, haunting, and confusing desire for more.
True awake-ness isn’t about what we do, but who we are connected to.
I test people who attempt to get too close. I am constantly testing. If someone is trying to climb my walls, I put out traps. If someone dares to come close, I’ll be sure they pay the price. My traps are tricky. If a friend wants to scale my walls, they must pass my series of small tests or they get sent to the back of the line. For instance, if I share the smallest piece of information about my life and a week or two later, they don’t mention it again, then like a canon, they get shot out of my inner space. If someone checks their phone when I’m telling them something personal, then the wall gets thicker. If I don’t get an email response in a timely manner, then it just confirms what I already believed: they don’t really care about me anyway. I reject them before they have a chance to hurt me anymore. The barricade grows higher. If people want in, they have to pass my series of impossible tests. But I make the rules. I hold all the cards. I’m the only one who knows the instructions. To this point, everyone had failed. It only proved my deepest, darkest, most lonely cave-living belief—no one likes me. I look around; the evidence is damning. No one passes....With anticipation I clicked on the RSVPs. Who would be coming to my gathering? Then there it was—more evidence. Only six out of dozens replied yes. It was like the ground split open and yanked me under by the ankles. I was dragged down into that dark, damp cave. Instead of fighting against my giant “nobody likes me” fear, I let it have me. I sobbed like a six-year-old about a birthday party. I gave myself over to the belief I had held at bay for so long—that not a soul cares if I exist. In the dark chamber all the voices echo louder, stronger, and more convincing....
When my acceptance doesn’t hinge on their actions, I can love others freely. How can I show up for my friend and receive God’s deep love for me at the same time? No more ifs or thens. Only one test remains. It’s a test for me. Will I trust that I am loved? We have to trust that people care even if they give love differently. We have to allow people the freedom to not love us perfectly every time. We have to give them the benefit of the doubt and trust they are doing the best they can. Unsafe people break our hearts over and over and wisdom will lead us when or if it is time to walk away. But we can’t abandon relationships based on rigged tests. Both sides need to know the rules.
True connection with God comes through humility.
As I transitioned from single to married and into motherhood, God’s voice changed. He became very quiet. He became faint and far away. Even when I strained to hear, there was only silence. Like a dull match, no matter how hard I’d strike, no flame would come. I felt abandoned. Looking back now, I think God was growing me into deeper maturity. God was growing me to trust Him even when I didn’t feel, touch, or see Him. He was purifying my motives. I was growing from loving God for my sake into loving God for God’s sake.
My friend Becky says it like this: “When anxiety about tomorrow’s uncertainty creeps in, you can make an intentional choice to include Jesus in everything you envision.” I like that. I can imagine my worst-case scenario, but when I do, I allow Jesus in that scene too. When I imagine a break-in, break-up, or break-down, Jesus is there too. When I imagine disappointing my husband, Jesus is there too. When I imagine a war, a kidnapping, a natural disaster, a bridge collapsing, Jesus is there. He is all knowing, all good, and the greatest source of all love I could ever imagine. The way to the deep down, all out, soul-satisfying peace I am desperate for is found when I am awake to the actual presence of the Prince of Peace with me.
April 16, 2022
Anjuli Paschall has wrote a new book, Awake – Paying Attention to What Matters Mose in a World That’s Pulling You Apart and it is out and ready for you to read. I finished it up the other day and am sharing my thoughts about the book. First, we may not line up 100% theology wise, but she has a lot of good to share and she gave me some thoughts to ponder on. I relate to her stories she shares from life experiences, maybe too relatable. I would have like to have seen more pointing to the gospel and Scripture, but this isn’t how she wrote the book, so have that in mind as you read it. It is more memoir. She would be a person I would sit down and have coffee with, and those friends that I sit down and have coffee with, know what I mean. We share are good and bad, we share encouragement, give truths, and suggestions, but never judge.
Here are some highlights I made in my book, yes I write in my books, no judgement please. It is the best way for me to gather thoughts and go back to.
If you want a rich life without regret, it will never come from chasing after it…comes through meaningful connection to others, connection to your calling, connection to our voice, connection to creation, and connection to your Creator.
Without waking up to God’s presence with you, you will meander through your days sleepwalking.
We stand on issues instead of peace of Christ.
Following Jesus isn’t about being the smartest; it’s about becoming wise. In wisdom I seek Truth.
I don’t think finding God has anything to do with attending the “right” church, knowing all the “right” things, or doing things the “right” way.
Spiritual growth looks like learning how to keep knocking. It starts with humility.
Grieving isn’t a singular action, but slow and gradual healing.
Love is hard. Sacrifice is hard. If it’s hard you aren’t doing something wrong, you are walking the narrow road of sacrifice.
Even in the darkest winter, nothing can stop the spring.
Traditions don’t save me, but they pull me back to what’s true.
Here are some highlights I made in my book, yes I write in my books, no judgement please. It is the best way for me to gather thoughts and go back to.
If you want a rich life without regret, it will never come from chasing after it…comes through meaningful connection to others, connection to your calling, connection to our voice, connection to creation, and connection to your Creator.
Without waking up to God’s presence with you, you will meander through your days sleepwalking.
We stand on issues instead of peace of Christ.
Following Jesus isn’t about being the smartest; it’s about becoming wise. In wisdom I seek Truth.
I don’t think finding God has anything to do with attending the “right” church, knowing all the “right” things, or doing things the “right” way.
Spiritual growth looks like learning how to keep knocking. It starts with humility.
Grieving isn’t a singular action, but slow and gradual healing.
Love is hard. Sacrifice is hard. If it’s hard you aren’t doing something wrong, you are walking the narrow road of sacrifice.
Even in the darkest winter, nothing can stop the spring.
Traditions don’t save me, but they pull me back to what’s true.
April 22, 2022
Awake is Anjuli Paschall’s second book. This book is about learning to embrace our lives and to live them to the fullest. She stated how we spend most of lives on putting things on hold. We wait until we are married, have a better job, wait to have kids, wait until the weekend, and much more. She explained how she struggled with the fear the something is missing and having carpe diem syndrome- the fear of not living life to the fullest. She shared how she wanted to live her life awake and live it to the fullest. A big key she discovered is to having meaning connection to others, calling, voice, creator and this assist us in living our lives more fully.
In the book, she shared how she had to use courage when she was faced with a small tumor near her pituitary gland and the only thing, they can do is treat it with medication. This could also cause her not to be able to have children. The doctor explained what her name means, “the fragrance released from a love offering”. She explained how we need to at our past and reflect on our story and suffering. He looked at how God changed names in scriptures, such as Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, just to name a few. In Revelation, it is revealed that God will give us all new names. She explained how important it is to have meaning in our lives.
I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is ready to begin to live their life and not focusing on things that doesn’t matter. I loved how she went into great detail about how she awakening her own soul and how we can learn to enjoy the small moments. I also loved the story and concept of the Moth party and this is an event where people gather to share their personal stories that changed their lives. I immensely loved how she opened up about dealing with her rejection and how only six RSVP for her birthday/moth party. I loved how she spoke on acceptance and receiving God’s love.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
In the book, she shared how she had to use courage when she was faced with a small tumor near her pituitary gland and the only thing, they can do is treat it with medication. This could also cause her not to be able to have children. The doctor explained what her name means, “the fragrance released from a love offering”. She explained how we need to at our past and reflect on our story and suffering. He looked at how God changed names in scriptures, such as Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, just to name a few. In Revelation, it is revealed that God will give us all new names. She explained how important it is to have meaning in our lives.
I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is ready to begin to live their life and not focusing on things that doesn’t matter. I loved how she went into great detail about how she awakening her own soul and how we can learn to enjoy the small moments. I also loved the story and concept of the Moth party and this is an event where people gather to share their personal stories that changed their lives. I immensely loved how she opened up about dealing with her rejection and how only six RSVP for her birthday/moth party. I loved how she spoke on acceptance and receiving God’s love.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
April 13, 2022
Paschall writes about having that feeling, that itch, that persistent thought she was missing something. What if she wasn't living life to its fullest? What if she wasn't living her life well? What was that something more she was missing?
She asked herself, what if that itch was a message from God and that the “something more” was God Himself. “God is on a mission,” she writes, “to move us into a life of abiding.” (15) This book contains many stories and reflections as Paschall explores vulnerability and transparency, telling your story and letting other people in, embracing God's love for you, being real, death, thin spaces, fragility, Covid and the rhythm of life, conflict, peace, idols and more.
Paschall has a way of writing that draws the reader in, sharing the experience, and learning the lessons. Like other readers, I am sure, I identified with many of her experiences and reactions to them. I like her raw honesty. I appreciate her insights and wisdom. Paschall suggests her book is like a dinner bell, calling us to wake up to our relationship with God, recognizing our being with Christ no matter the circumstances.
Living life to the fullest isn't something we do, Paschall says. Rather, it is the “beautiful, wild, risky adventure to stay awake to the loving presence of Jesus on the inside.” (232) This is a book to savor and reflect upon. There are good discussion questions at the end for that very purpose. This is a good book for readers who like spiritual lessons gleaned from personal experience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
She asked herself, what if that itch was a message from God and that the “something more” was God Himself. “God is on a mission,” she writes, “to move us into a life of abiding.” (15) This book contains many stories and reflections as Paschall explores vulnerability and transparency, telling your story and letting other people in, embracing God's love for you, being real, death, thin spaces, fragility, Covid and the rhythm of life, conflict, peace, idols and more.
Paschall has a way of writing that draws the reader in, sharing the experience, and learning the lessons. Like other readers, I am sure, I identified with many of her experiences and reactions to them. I like her raw honesty. I appreciate her insights and wisdom. Paschall suggests her book is like a dinner bell, calling us to wake up to our relationship with God, recognizing our being with Christ no matter the circumstances.
Living life to the fullest isn't something we do, Paschall says. Rather, it is the “beautiful, wild, risky adventure to stay awake to the loving presence of Jesus on the inside.” (232) This is a book to savor and reflect upon. There are good discussion questions at the end for that very purpose. This is a good book for readers who like spiritual lessons gleaned from personal experience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
June 15, 2022
Awake
Paying Attention to What Matters Most in a World That's Pulling You Apart
by Anjuli Paschall
Pub Date 05 Apr 2022 |
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian
I am reviewing a copy of Awake through Bethany House Publishing and Netgalley:
What if there is more to Life than What You're Living?
You’ve likely felt the underlying anxiety that you're missing out on the good life. So you zone out, swipe up, slim down, work hard, and spin in circles trying to get it.
Anjuli Paschall has a term for this, she calls it Carpe Diem Syndrome, which is the fear of not living life to the fullest.
The full life isn’t found by chasing it though, but by coming awake to if, Anjuli points out.
she puts it: "I want to be awake. I don't want to nervously navigate my life one to-do list, email, and espresso shot at a time. When my life comes to a slow halt, I want to know I savored the small moments and watched the sky change color. I want to know I didn't rush through life but received it. I want to know I came to peace with my weaknesses, loved people fearlessly, and walked with God faithfully. I hope I gave in to the audacious belief that I was loved and, miraculously, even liked."
Anjuli has one cast a compelling vision for you, to live a soul-awake life too.
The invitation might be as gentle as a song--or as abrupt as a rooster's crow--but God is always waking you up. You can have the life you really want, and you don't have to lose your soul trying to get it.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Full life is right here.
I give Awake five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Paying Attention to What Matters Most in a World That's Pulling You Apart
by Anjuli Paschall
Pub Date 05 Apr 2022 |
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian
I am reviewing a copy of Awake through Bethany House Publishing and Netgalley:
What if there is more to Life than What You're Living?
You’ve likely felt the underlying anxiety that you're missing out on the good life. So you zone out, swipe up, slim down, work hard, and spin in circles trying to get it.
Anjuli Paschall has a term for this, she calls it Carpe Diem Syndrome, which is the fear of not living life to the fullest.
The full life isn’t found by chasing it though, but by coming awake to if, Anjuli points out.
she puts it: "I want to be awake. I don't want to nervously navigate my life one to-do list, email, and espresso shot at a time. When my life comes to a slow halt, I want to know I savored the small moments and watched the sky change color. I want to know I didn't rush through life but received it. I want to know I came to peace with my weaknesses, loved people fearlessly, and walked with God faithfully. I hope I gave in to the audacious belief that I was loved and, miraculously, even liked."
Anjuli has one cast a compelling vision for you, to live a soul-awake life too.
The invitation might be as gentle as a song--or as abrupt as a rooster's crow--but God is always waking you up. You can have the life you really want, and you don't have to lose your soul trying to get it.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Full life is right here.
I give Awake five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
April 19, 2022
Paying Attention to What Matters Most in a World that's Pulling You Apart
This is such a good, good book. What will it take for us to wake up and really live life?
Wake up to the resurrection and let it squelch your fears.
Wake up to the safety that is Jesus Christ beside me.
Wake up to the power of Christ that can smash the idols I hold fiercely tight.
Anjuli shares through personal anecdotes her journey to being awake and it is her desire for each of us to be awake and to live each moment and to walk the journey with Jesus. It's hard for me to put into words exactly what this book meant to me. I quoted it extensively in my journal and it is the desire of my heart to lay down my idols and let Jesus take control of my life, to live in the power of Christ's resurrection to overcome my fears and monsters.
"I am not a statue. I am a human. Don't worship me, be with me. My identity, importance, and worth aren't found in being a good mom, wife, daughter, or friend, but in the One who calls me beloved." This is what I want--an identity that doesn't have to prove myself with what I can do but that rests in being loved by God.
When a book really speaks to me and is one I truly love and want to reread, I have a hard time saying what it really means to me and writing a review on it. So I'm just going to say, go read the book. It's absolutely worth it. I would also recommend her other book, "Stay", as well.
I received this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 20, 2024
Beautiful anecdotal stories are woven together with lessons the author has learned throughout her four decades of life thus far—all umbrellad under her message of being “awake” to get the most out of life. Her faith is a central element and it is clear her inspiration lies in Jesus Christ, and she shares an important takeaway that through Him is the only way to truly live with eyes, and hearts, wide open.
I would most recommend this book to women in their twenties and thirties but others can appreciate the lessons and ideas shared. Great for fans of Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. This would also be a great pick for a book club because it opens doors for a lot of different conversations around mindset, what it means to live for God, how you should approach relationships, day to day life, and more. Not everything the author asserts is necessarily universal truth, and readers may find themselves yearning to further digest topics through discussion with others, but there are clear biblical truths at the heart of this work.
Because of the author’s style, I feel some extended metaphors and meanings were lost to me with the audio version. If you read this book, I recommend either ebook or a physical copy.
I would most recommend this book to women in their twenties and thirties but others can appreciate the lessons and ideas shared. Great for fans of Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. This would also be a great pick for a book club because it opens doors for a lot of different conversations around mindset, what it means to live for God, how you should approach relationships, day to day life, and more. Not everything the author asserts is necessarily universal truth, and readers may find themselves yearning to further digest topics through discussion with others, but there are clear biblical truths at the heart of this work.
Because of the author’s style, I feel some extended metaphors and meanings were lost to me with the audio version. If you read this book, I recommend either ebook or a physical copy.
February 25, 2022
Thanks to Bethany House for the free book.
Paschall is so open and vulnerable in her writing. She doesn't shy away from sharing the depths of her heart, and as a reader, this is something I immensely enjoyed in her previous work and this one. I liked how she captured who Jesus is and could relate his qualities to all of the ways that she feels she is lacking - which is the point of Jesus. ;)
For me, I found that the chapters were a bit long and felt like she got off on tangents quite a bit, and I had a hard time remembering what the chapter's focus was.
I think this one will be good for women that feel like life is just passing them by or they're paralyzed by their thoughts/emotions - or they need reminded of who they are in Christ and how He has overcome the world.
Paschall is so open and vulnerable in her writing. She doesn't shy away from sharing the depths of her heart, and as a reader, this is something I immensely enjoyed in her previous work and this one. I liked how she captured who Jesus is and could relate his qualities to all of the ways that she feels she is lacking - which is the point of Jesus. ;)
For me, I found that the chapters were a bit long and felt like she got off on tangents quite a bit, and I had a hard time remembering what the chapter's focus was.
I think this one will be good for women that feel like life is just passing them by or they're paralyzed by their thoughts/emotions - or they need reminded of who they are in Christ and how He has overcome the world.
April 5, 2022
Anjuli is, I think, the most honest writer I’ve ever read. I’ve been reading her work for years, and this book is just an extended look into her very real desire to make her whole life about staying awake to love and be loved. It’s raw and about as transparent as one can get - but not just for the sake of “being real”. Being vulnerable might be on trend these days, but this is not that. Anjuli’s vulnerability is with great purpose, and it pushes her readers into deeper places and desiring deeper healing. Her call to us to be AWAKE is not faddish or a trope, but instead grounded in great conviction and hope. I highly recommend any weary person to check this book out for a breath of fresh air - it will help awaken your spirit. :)
June 1, 2022
I Never Knew Someone Else Felt Some of the Same Things I Did!
I was shocked to hear Anjuli talk about some of the same things I’ve thought. I thought I was alone in my thoughts and feelings. This book struck me hard in ways and I’m thankful to have read it. Some of what she said was spot on and some was close enough to have gained insight on some areas God is working in my heart and life. Thank you Anjuli for being transparent and sharing those areas that aren’t comfortable to talk about with others. I am better for you sharing. I’m excited to see how God uses this book!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.
I was shocked to hear Anjuli talk about some of the same things I’ve thought. I thought I was alone in my thoughts and feelings. This book struck me hard in ways and I’m thankful to have read it. Some of what she said was spot on and some was close enough to have gained insight on some areas God is working in my heart and life. Thank you Anjuli for being transparent and sharing those areas that aren’t comfortable to talk about with others. I am better for you sharing. I’m excited to see how God uses this book!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.
April 4, 2022
How many of us today are just trying to get by, keeping our heads above water in the seemingly endless list of "must be dones" everyday. Look perfect; write the perfect social media posts; be a perfect mother and wife; own your business life; so many things and we just keep putting one step in front of other, merely surviving day to day. This book will remind you to step back, reframe your perspective, and remember to look to God's plan for your life. It is a collection of essays - and they were a bit longer than my typical, favorite 'bite-sized chunk' for daily readings, but there is still a lot of wisdom here, as well as good reminders.
March 29, 2022
“If you want a rich life without regret, it will never come from chasing after it. It will only come from receiving it.” What a beautiful reminder in this world of “accumulate and acquire.” I don’t need to chase after what Pinterest, Instagram, and other media tells me that I need to be a good wife, mom, business owner, or even just to be happy and fulfilled. The world has sexy marketing but crappy fulfillment on its false promises. This book is a gift to remind us to open our eyes to what God has for us.
March 29, 2022
Awake came into my life at a time where I am going through a parental and spiritual transformation. The gentleness and kindness of the author allows for the awakening and allows you to truly see God in many places in our lives.
Heartfelt, honest, transparent, its so captivating and applicable to us moms in whatever stage we are and not just moms... honestly any woman who needs a reminder to stay AWAKE to what matters most!
Heartfelt, honest, transparent, its so captivating and applicable to us moms in whatever stage we are and not just moms... honestly any woman who needs a reminder to stay AWAKE to what matters most!
March 29, 2022
I absolutely loved Stay and was so excited for Anjuli’s newest book. Just like Stay, Anjuli delivers her super down to earth and relatable stories and observations, spurring readers on to opening their eyes to what God has done and continues to do in the daily, sometimes mundane moments of life and be Awake to those moments. Her book beautifully encourages without being preachy or condescending as if the author has arrived with all the answers.
March 29, 2022
I love the simple, attainable challenges that this book offers. Anjuli has a powerful story and is able to communicate how she overcomes struggles in a way that is relatable and tangible. This book has pushed me to address the ways I have fallen asleep in my life and encouraged me to stay Awake to all that God is doing. There has been an incredible mind shift that has happened for me since reading this wonderful book!
March 30, 2022
Anjuli Paschall provides a real-life view of being a mother to five, pastor's wife and the challenges of this world while striving to be awake to God in the struggles of everyday experiences. Anjuli has a beautiful way of expressing the challenges we all face in such a way that we can see God's sovereignty over these challenges. Sometimes an author peaks in the middle and slows down towards the end, the last chapters were what pulled me in wanting be more Awake to the voice of God.
March 30, 2022
This book is like walking with a spiritual director. If you want a quick fix to be excited about life, this book is not it. But if you want to know you aren’t alone in feeling insecure and not together- yet still want to embrace all of life, then this book is for you. With honest sharing, Anjuli invites readers to also name all the things you want to hide about yourself, and then … with a corkscrew like baby step feeling, choose to believe you’re loved JUST AS YOU ARE - pain, mess, and all.
December 31, 2022
I admire Anjuli Paschall's courage and vulnerability in this book, and I'm sure her transparency has been and will continue to be a blessing to many. I enjoyed this book more as a "friend read," and found it so much more inspiring because of those shared insights. Sometimes I found Paschall's comparisons hard to follow, and towards the end, the structure seems to unravel, but the book definitely contains many worthy thoughts.
September 9, 2023
I admit, I chose this book for the cover alone. I mean really, don't you just love it? (Turns out Anjuli is "not an animal person" and she admits that "holding the rooster on the cover of this book was a scariest thing I've ever done".) The content is pretty solid; filled with honest, touching, sometimes heartbreaking, insightful, inspiring anecdotes from the authors life. Anjuli writes with wonderful insight, gives sone good advice, and reasonable action strategies. This book weighs in heavily with a religious standpoint which I'm fine with, but for some reason, I had an issue with the author continually referring to her readers as "sister". Yes, I know the meaning behind this. But for some reason, it seemed overused and was slightly annoying to me🤷 Overall, I enjoyed this book, Thanks to goodreads and the pub for sending it to me 😊
February 23, 2024
While I enjoyed her first book, I had struggles with the second. It was definitely worth the read. I walked away with several good things. I read this with my women's group. We all felt that she was redundant at times; especially toward the end of the book. The questions at the end of the book that corresponded to each chapter also seemed hit or miss. While would still recommend it, I would also tell them to stick with it.
March 29, 2022
Anjuli offers a raw, vulnerable perspective on how to stay AWAKE to God's presence in our lives. Her writing is beautiful, uplifting and challenges us all to find the "thin spaces" in our days where God meets us in love. Offering up her personal stories as a guide, we are invited to slow down and experience the beauty and light in all of life's blessings and tragedies.
March 29, 2022
People may say because I’ve known Anjuli since she was in high school, of course I would leave a positive review. That being said…this book,, “Awake” is a must read for anyone being pulled in all directions by a world that is being torn apart. Anjuli’s genuine words on these pages will help guide you to what matters most - being awake to God and all He has for you.
March 30, 2022
This book is just as impactful as the first! If you want to dive into a beautiful journey of how to become Awake to the life you’ve been given, pick this book up. Then buy another copy to offer to a friend. This is inspiring and yet, down to earth. Her real life stories pull you in and remind you of the moments in your life you can wake up to God’s presence.
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