Grant to me, O Lord, to know what I ought to know, to love what I ought to love, to praise what delights Thee most, to value what is precious in they sight, to hate what is offensive to Thee. ~Thomas à Kempis
Wide Awake
Awake my soul. A voice urges you to consider, Is this the life I was made for? Is this as far as I go? What if there is more to the ocean than the shallows I’ve mastered? What if there is more to me than I’ve allowed to grow? What if there’s more to God than the safe one I’ve fashioned?
Listen to that voice when you hear it.
“Perhaps somewhere in the subterranean chambers of your life you have heard the call to deeper, fuller living. Perhaps you have become weary of frothy experiences and shallow teaching. Every now and then you have caught glimpses, hints of something more than you have known. Inwardly you have longed to launch into the deep.”
~Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline
Awake My Soul
Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise
To pay thy morning sacrifice.
Redeem thy mis-spent moments past,
And live this day as if thy last;
Improve thy talent with due care;
For the great day thyself prepare.
Let all thy converse be sincere,
Thy conscience as the noonday clear;
Think how all-seeing God thy ways
And all thy secret thoughts surveys.
Lord, I my vows to thee renew;
Scatter my sins as morning dew;
Guard my first springs of thought and will,
And with thyself my spirit fill.
Direct, control, suggest, this day,
All I design, or do, or say;
That all my powers, with all their might,
In thy sole glory may unite.
Praise God from whom all blessing flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
~ Thomas Ken (1637-1711)
Where are you half-asleep to God and to life?
Photograph by Melanie Hunt
2 replies on “Sabbath Quiet: To Live Wide Awake”
Hi Janet,
I’ve been a member of Bayside for a few years now. I really miss your Bible Study every Tuesday morning I would close my eyes and imagine seeing all of my friends (Sisters-In-Christ) … Time went on and I realeased my heart to the memories. I and friends that became new believers got involved and attended every women function at Bayside. You Janet were always amazing I loved hearing your teachings and studying the Bible. My life had been so full. A little over a year ago, my life made a drastic change. God had bigger plans for me.. I’m doing terrific and I stay close to the Lord !!!! I moved to Texas, let go of my house in Sac. And went on the road with my husband. I prayed about this for months.. God had the master plan.. We go to different states to close/liquidate Furniture Stores. We are consultants. I Love it… We are now out of debt, leading simple lives, but working a lot of hours. Ron had been on the road while I stayed home, and I saw him less than 60 days out of two years. God wanted us to be together. We are Happy !!
This doesn’t make it easier, that I miss Bayside and all of my events, and friends. I’m truly grateful for my iPad and iPhone as I watch all the Sermons and keep up with what’s going on. I’m in Indianapolis, Indiana. I’ve enjoyed staying connected on facebook too, but can’t get on very often. I miss a lot of posts. Well, today I was blessed when Ginny posted Your Blog on FB.. I love you Janet; and your writings. I just wanted you to know, I’m smiling across the miles and sending you a big Hug! Bless You BIG !!!
Judy, it’s so great to hear from you! I rejoice that you are doing well. I so appreciate your encouragement through the years–not only of me but the women in your group. God bless you!