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Fresh-Brewed Life: A Stirring Invitation to Wake Up Your Soul, Revised & Updated Edition
Do you need hope for the daily grind? Are your responsibilities and commitments robbing your life of joy? Are you sleepwalking through your days? Are you on the sidelines of your life as a spectator instead of fully participating? This is your wake-up call to a Fresh-Brewed Life . Nicole Johnson invites us to wake up to a richer, fuller, more flavorful life than we ever imagined. In a robust blend of relationship, ritual, and hope, we are summoned on a journey of discovery that awakens us to God to ourselves, and to others. And- like lingering over a cup of coffee- this is a process to be savored. Since first published ten years ago, Fresh-Brewed Life has helped more than 100,000 women wake up their souls. Now revised and expanded with additional chapters, more journaling ideas and fresh-brewed adventures, and a brand new discussion guide, Fresh-Brewed Life will help start brewing your own, richer, more meaningful life.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
74 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 2, 2009
Are all my books going to have 5 stars? I don't think so. But this book I return to over and over. I love how she gives suggested reading, music, exercises for your life. Some people don't get it, but those who do, always try to live more of a fresh brewed life. And there are coffee recipes, too. Can't go wrong with coffee and recipes!
June 27, 2017
Nicole is forth-right and tackles issues women face head on. It was a good read and I'm not a huge coffee fan. :)
April 13, 2018
I am a sucker for self help, inspirational, and motivational books. Nicole Johnson does a fabulous job using her life stories and inserts from other great books to light a fire in my eagerness to better myself. This doesn't mean doing more or being more. It is about embracing every day and living every day to the fullest. Our attitude determines how we see and drive through our lives. One of my favorite things she said in the book was about making the most of simple every day things. Don't just scarf down a meal or worry about creating the best meal for yourself. It can be just as enjoyable to make a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich but bring it out to your patio and listen to nature around you and the sounds of birds chirping as you eat your little sandwich. A main point that I drew from many of her stories is to slow down. I hear this so often and I have to force myself to do this, but it is so worth it.
Living a fresh brewed life is full of energy for embracing and celebrating everyday life. Nicole Jonson did a grand job in expressing her honest thoughts on a fresh brewed. It is not always easy and some days we feel like we are drinking decaf, but when we make the choice to aim for an energy filled fullness in our days, we are doing great things for ourselves and those around us.
Living a fresh brewed life is full of energy for embracing and celebrating everyday life. Nicole Jonson did a grand job in expressing her honest thoughts on a fresh brewed. It is not always easy and some days we feel like we are drinking decaf, but when we make the choice to aim for an energy filled fullness in our days, we are doing great things for ourselves and those around us.
January 14, 2024
My review. Just last night I was commenting to my wife that this book wasn't keeping my attention. Then this morning, in the quiets hours of dawn, I finished it. I came away with a good impression. The concept of the book is using the metaphor of coffee as a way of living. It describes how, like coffee, life needs to be brewed, savored, and shared. The author did a great job using her own personal trials and tribulation as examples. It is written mostly for female readers if the Christian faith, but I recommend it for anyone. It provides me insight to how to be a better husband and communicator. It discusses her relationship with her mother and father and her anger over childhood trauma and how to heal relationships. It discusses how to savor the richness of ones sexuality, despite the barrage of self-depracation and self esteem issues we battle against external comparisons. Its not overtly religious but she shares her personal relationship with God. She is a good writer and uses allusions quite comprehensively. Made me see things symbolically that I normally take for granted.
July 31, 2017
I love this book. I read this for the first time 13 years ago when I was engaged, and it was fabulous to read again after being married for 12 years, a mom, and further on in my walk with the Lord and all the life that has happened in the last time that I read it as a hopeful, idealistic bride to be. It is practical and inspiring. I appreciate the author's vulnerability so much. I really loved the discussion on the relationship with her mom as well as how we relate to our daughters. She talked about how if we do not believe that we as a woman are beautiful our daughter's will not believe us when we tell them they are beautiful.
August 31, 2018
For me, this was a soul-awakening and daily-devotion-revolutionizing book when I read the original edition. The new version is equally good. I highly recommend it for those who want to journal as a personal exercise and need freedom from preconceived ideas about what a journal "should be."
October 6, 2019
This was quite a busy book with recipes, coffee notes and more... it was a bit distracting and made it difficult to focus on each chapter. Otherwise, the book was good. It had insightful journal prompts and words to offer, just wasn’t as engaging as one might hope.
June 17, 2022
Some good nuggets of wisdom and practical advice tucked in between a lot of fluff. Worth the read. I also enjoyed the recipes. Didnt much get the point of tge “percolations” boxes though.
Just my opinion.
Just my opinion.
January 29, 2020
One of my favorites...love to settle in with a warm blanket, some coffee and this old friend.
June 24, 2021
The sub-title says it all-loved it.
January 13, 2022
Boring.
July 25, 2022
A fresh aspect if encouragement being realistic and making appropriate reference of bible verses
February 29, 2024
Such a great book! Adding it to my list of books to read every year.
September 10, 2011
http://wendyalton.blogspot.com/2011/0...
The subtitle of this book is "a stirring invitation to wake up your soul." If there is one book you are going to read this year, make it this one.
Nicole Johnson serves inspiration in 10 compact chapters, in areas such as friendships, marriage, beauty, and sexuality, along with your relationship with God and the world around you.
I couldn't put this book down. If I could sum the book up with one quote, it is this one: "Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary." The entire book inspires you to metaphorically slow down and have a cup of coffee and be quiet so that you can stop "doing" and start "being." She reminds us of the importance of keeping a journal (recording what happens in your life--make every day count), the importance of cherishing and nurturing your friendships, and the importance of embracing your beauty.
Chapter 3 ("listen to your longings") and Chapter 8 ("change your world") hit home the most for me. In those chapters, she leads you through the re-discovery of finding purpose and meaning in your daily life--saving a sunrise--enjoying a book-reading session with your child--forgetting about trying to be "superwoman" and focusing on living your life--doing something "with" your life--instead of doing life: "Remember, there is a difference between changing your world and trying to run the world."
This book is a gem that should never be put on the shelf--it should sit ready to be opened over and over again--and a book to definitely give to a friend... I couldn't put this book down and read it in 2 sittings. However, I will read it again and again for its simple wisdom and nuggets of inspiration.
Book Description
With wit and wisdom, Nicole Johnson leads readers in a journey of awakenings.
Living a fresh-brewed life requires that women encounter a beautiful awakening in three areas. First, to God as they respond to His tender, passionate love for them; second to themselves as they embrace their identities as women, their gifts, and their dreams; and third to others as they learn to love and communicate in ways that bring joy and closeness.
In this substantial revision--including new chapters and a study guide--of the successful 1999 Fresh-Brewed Life, Nicole offers a freshly brewed, wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee guide to living life to the fullest. She encourages Christian women to recognize the areas in their lives where they are sound asleep--and let God wake them up again.
Readers will find a heartwarming, honest book that's good to the last drop.
I was provided this book for free from the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program, in exchange for my unbiased review. Thank you BookSneeze.
The subtitle of this book is "a stirring invitation to wake up your soul." If there is one book you are going to read this year, make it this one.
Nicole Johnson serves inspiration in 10 compact chapters, in areas such as friendships, marriage, beauty, and sexuality, along with your relationship with God and the world around you.
I couldn't put this book down. If I could sum the book up with one quote, it is this one: "Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary." The entire book inspires you to metaphorically slow down and have a cup of coffee and be quiet so that you can stop "doing" and start "being." She reminds us of the importance of keeping a journal (recording what happens in your life--make every day count), the importance of cherishing and nurturing your friendships, and the importance of embracing your beauty.
Chapter 3 ("listen to your longings") and Chapter 8 ("change your world") hit home the most for me. In those chapters, she leads you through the re-discovery of finding purpose and meaning in your daily life--saving a sunrise--enjoying a book-reading session with your child--forgetting about trying to be "superwoman" and focusing on living your life--doing something "with" your life--instead of doing life: "Remember, there is a difference between changing your world and trying to run the world."
This book is a gem that should never be put on the shelf--it should sit ready to be opened over and over again--and a book to definitely give to a friend... I couldn't put this book down and read it in 2 sittings. However, I will read it again and again for its simple wisdom and nuggets of inspiration.
Book Description
With wit and wisdom, Nicole Johnson leads readers in a journey of awakenings.
Living a fresh-brewed life requires that women encounter a beautiful awakening in three areas. First, to God as they respond to His tender, passionate love for them; second to themselves as they embrace their identities as women, their gifts, and their dreams; and third to others as they learn to love and communicate in ways that bring joy and closeness.
In this substantial revision--including new chapters and a study guide--of the successful 1999 Fresh-Brewed Life, Nicole offers a freshly brewed, wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee guide to living life to the fullest. She encourages Christian women to recognize the areas in their lives where they are sound asleep--and let God wake them up again.
Readers will find a heartwarming, honest book that's good to the last drop.
I was provided this book for free from the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program, in exchange for my unbiased review. Thank you BookSneeze.
October 10, 2011
Is the daily grind getting you down? Nichole Johnson invites readers to wake up in Fresh-Brewed Life. This book is an updated version of the one she released ten years ago. Much has happened in Nicole’s life since her first book and she’s open and honest about her life. A popular Women of Faith speaker, she’s inspired many women.
In this book, Johnson covers an array of topics: friendships, relationships, beauty, sexuality, dreams, and more. Each topic is handled with a biblical perspective and there are discussion questions in the back for those who want to use the book as a small group study.
Chapters have attractive callout quotes throughout as well as activities called “fresh brewed adventures” for the reader to do. Example: Write a letter to God, confiding in Him your deepest longings. Each chapter also has a box with suggestions for “directed journaling”. Example: What is someone else doing that you wish you were doing?
One of the most effective chapters in this book was the one on anger. Johnson is open about her own struggle and gets to the heart of why people get angry. The other chapter that I found significant was the one on changing your world. So many women are hindered by fear, overwhelmed by life, and unaware of their real passion. This book helps then reconnect with their dreams and let go of what holds them back.
At first I thought this would be a collections of devotions. It isn’t. It’s more of a workbook to help women do just what the title promises—to wake up their souls and life a richer, fuller, more flavorful life.
Note: I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers via BookSneeze for review purposes.
In this book, Johnson covers an array of topics: friendships, relationships, beauty, sexuality, dreams, and more. Each topic is handled with a biblical perspective and there are discussion questions in the back for those who want to use the book as a small group study.
Chapters have attractive callout quotes throughout as well as activities called “fresh brewed adventures” for the reader to do. Example: Write a letter to God, confiding in Him your deepest longings. Each chapter also has a box with suggestions for “directed journaling”. Example: What is someone else doing that you wish you were doing?
One of the most effective chapters in this book was the one on anger. Johnson is open about her own struggle and gets to the heart of why people get angry. The other chapter that I found significant was the one on changing your world. So many women are hindered by fear, overwhelmed by life, and unaware of their real passion. This book helps then reconnect with their dreams and let go of what holds them back.
At first I thought this would be a collections of devotions. It isn’t. It’s more of a workbook to help women do just what the title promises—to wake up their souls and life a richer, fuller, more flavorful life.
Note: I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers via BookSneeze for review purposes.
August 19, 2011
With wit and wisdom,
Nicole Johnson leads readers in a journey of awakenings.
The opening line for this book's description sums up everything I would say so simply...but I wouldn't be me if I didn't add my own view in my own rambling fashion.
I first discovered this book 10 years ago. I was at a Women Of Faith event with some great girlfriends and I snapped this baby up because of the way Nicole's talk spoke to my heart that day. I brought it home, caressed the cover...and then sat it on my shelf and left it there. It got moved when I did...and when I pulled it out of a box two years later, I cracked the cover on the first page. As my eyes drifted, my heart felt invited in to sit and listen to Nicole's easy-going, arms-open approach...and I sat there for an hour, unable to pull myself away.
While I realize that the Holy Spirit is the One who does the work on an open heart, I can whole-heartedly say that He used this book to really open my eyes and my heart...to God, to my own heart and to the walls I had built between both. She addresses anger at God, sexuality, friendships, surrender, and so many other topics that a woman on the path to giving into the heart of God.
I wasn't sure what to expect, having read the book once before...but as I opened my new revised and expanded version, I found myself sinking back into the same position ~ openly listening as a sweet, transparent woman shares from her heart in order to draw mine back to the feet of our Lord.
Nicole Johnson leads readers in a journey of awakenings.
The opening line for this book's description sums up everything I would say so simply...but I wouldn't be me if I didn't add my own view in my own rambling fashion.
I first discovered this book 10 years ago. I was at a Women Of Faith event with some great girlfriends and I snapped this baby up because of the way Nicole's talk spoke to my heart that day. I brought it home, caressed the cover...and then sat it on my shelf and left it there. It got moved when I did...and when I pulled it out of a box two years later, I cracked the cover on the first page. As my eyes drifted, my heart felt invited in to sit and listen to Nicole's easy-going, arms-open approach...and I sat there for an hour, unable to pull myself away.
While I realize that the Holy Spirit is the One who does the work on an open heart, I can whole-heartedly say that He used this book to really open my eyes and my heart...to God, to my own heart and to the walls I had built between both. She addresses anger at God, sexuality, friendships, surrender, and so many other topics that a woman on the path to giving into the heart of God.
I wasn't sure what to expect, having read the book once before...but as I opened my new revised and expanded version, I found myself sinking back into the same position ~ openly listening as a sweet, transparent woman shares from her heart in order to draw mine back to the feet of our Lord.
October 12, 2011
"Fresh Brewed Life" wakes you up to all that you have been missing out on. Nicole's desire is for you to see the "whole bean" essence of who you are. There is more to life than laundry. You were created to give God glory, not to give dishes that special shine. This book will challenge you to live for the here and now. It deals with real life issues that are facing many women today. She candidly talks about longings, anger, relationships and sexuality. Her humor lightens up heavy subject matter and her God given wisdom will leave you thinking long after the book is done. Nicole so bravely shares her own struggle with beauty, sex, and how to be worthy of the call God has placed on her life.
I found this book to be very emotional. I went through a lot of issues that I really did not want to deal with. God will show Himself in such a mighty way. The issues seemed to be popping up every where. God used this book to heal a lot of past hurts and give me a hope that does not disappoint.
GET A JOURNAL!" Keep your Bible near by. You are in for the ride of your life. Take your time and embrace all that God wants you to enjoy. Sit back with your favorite cup of coffee and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you though this mighty woman of God. She shows that God will use all of our mistakes for His glory.
I found this book to be very emotional. I went through a lot of issues that I really did not want to deal with. God will show Himself in such a mighty way. The issues seemed to be popping up every where. God used this book to heal a lot of past hurts and give me a hope that does not disappoint.
GET A JOURNAL!" Keep your Bible near by. You are in for the ride of your life. Take your time and embrace all that God wants you to enjoy. Sit back with your favorite cup of coffee and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you though this mighty woman of God. She shows that God will use all of our mistakes for His glory.
February 21, 2017
I love these books.
They are written by moms (Christian), who are saying that we're all OK. We all have extra weight, dirty houses, and unruly kids. They also remind me that anger I feel, generally goes deeper than what is happening at the moment, and to deal with it, you have to root it out. These books are funny, life affirming, and teach us to accept ourselves and others. They teach us to connect with our husbands (and how) and often share personal stories that I'm not sure I could share with the world if they were mine. They teach the importance of friendships and how to important it is to make time for those too. They teach that a hopeful heart is more important than getting stuff done.
These books are short and to the point. They leave me with hope and affirmation. They remind me that what I'm doing with my life matters.
Are they earth-shattering? No. Is the information even novel? Not really. It's like a really deep conversation with another mom that has been there and isn't afraid to lay all her dirty laundry out on the table to show you--it's not just you--it's all of us. We're in this together.
Here are the other books I'm lumping this into:
Out of the Spin Cycle (Love this woman's sense of humor.)
The Allure Of Hope
Captivating
Fresh Brewed Life
They are written by moms (Christian), who are saying that we're all OK. We all have extra weight, dirty houses, and unruly kids. They also remind me that anger I feel, generally goes deeper than what is happening at the moment, and to deal with it, you have to root it out. These books are funny, life affirming, and teach us to accept ourselves and others. They teach us to connect with our husbands (and how) and often share personal stories that I'm not sure I could share with the world if they were mine. They teach the importance of friendships and how to important it is to make time for those too. They teach that a hopeful heart is more important than getting stuff done.
These books are short and to the point. They leave me with hope and affirmation. They remind me that what I'm doing with my life matters.
Are they earth-shattering? No. Is the information even novel? Not really. It's like a really deep conversation with another mom that has been there and isn't afraid to lay all her dirty laundry out on the table to show you--it's not just you--it's all of us. We're in this together.
Here are the other books I'm lumping this into:
Out of the Spin Cycle (Love this woman's sense of humor.)
The Allure Of Hope
Captivating
Fresh Brewed Life
October 26, 2012
A Soul-Refreshing book with journaling as a key.
I'm looking forward to the new year and starting a new journal. In which I'll be utilizing the "Directed Journaling" and "Fresh-brewed Adventures" sections of this book. There are some wonderful quotes throughout the book that will probably make it in my journal.
I loved the tidbits about coffee and all the coffee-themed recipes. Hmmm! :)
I also liked the section in each chapter called "Percolations" with its list of books, movies, and music.
While reading the book, I was definitely craving one of my favorite coffee "Texas Pecan"! Yum! :) A "Fun" book!
I'm off to the store now to get some more coffee! :D
I'm looking forward to the new year and starting a new journal. In which I'll be utilizing the "Directed Journaling" and "Fresh-brewed Adventures" sections of this book. There are some wonderful quotes throughout the book that will probably make it in my journal.
I loved the tidbits about coffee and all the coffee-themed recipes. Hmmm! :)
I also liked the section in each chapter called "Percolations" with its list of books, movies, and music.
While reading the book, I was definitely craving one of my favorite coffee "Texas Pecan"! Yum! :) A "Fun" book!
I'm off to the store now to get some more coffee! :D
February 13, 2012
Another great book by Nicole Johnson. I had first read Keeping A Princess Heart, and then picked this book up. Full of honesty, Johnson uses her own life struggles to give courage to others looking to live a "fresh-brewed life." This is probably a book that I would need to read again in order to extract all the principles, and the directed journaling should probably be completed rather than skipped over. Haha. But if you have some free time and want to take a deep look into your life, I highly recommend picking this up. This is also a great book to do as a book read with girlfriends or a Bible study. :)
June 10, 2009
While this book motivated me a great deal in creative and journaling ways, there were some things that I just felt unsure about. I couldn't pin point it but there seemed to be some influences that were completely unbiblical. Also, this constant, almost worshipful talk of coffee got old for me. I know that was the theme of the title but it still seemed to be too big of a deal.
Sorry if I'm wrong on this or perhaps wasn't focused when I was reading or something, but these are my thoughts.
Sorry if I'm wrong on this or perhaps wasn't focused when I was reading or something, but these are my thoughts.
August 3, 2011
A book that is written with incredible honesty. Compelling you to examine every area of your life and improve. Refreshing & helps you see past the every day stress of our sometimes over complicated lives.
In this book the author helps us by separating life as a woman into 9 different categories and how our relationship with God influences all of the different aspects of our lives, and how to wake ourselves up to real life, real adventure.
It will inspire and lift your spirit. It has lessons that we can learn as a young woman, to an old woman and all the places in between.
In this book the author helps us by separating life as a woman into 9 different categories and how our relationship with God influences all of the different aspects of our lives, and how to wake ourselves up to real life, real adventure.
It will inspire and lift your spirit. It has lessons that we can learn as a young woman, to an old woman and all the places in between.
June 1, 2013
This will become one of my daily devotion books to read over and over, a bit at a time, and savor. I finished the book, but think it would be best read a chapter, or even half a chapter, each day, while the information is absorbed and put into practice. Lots of wonderful, challenging ideas about how to live a fresh and vibrant life. My favorite quote: "If you let your soul bubble over while you are working or doing something that is unpleasant to you, you are living a fresh-brewed life, and you can't help but change the world."
May 8, 2008
I gave up 2/3 of the way through. I picked this up from McKay's for $.75 after seeing it quoted in another book that I enjoyed. I feel like the cheese factor was too high, this was too specifically for married women, and there were too many other books I was really excited about reading to waste my time finishing this one. My favorite parts of the book might have been the quotes from other people.
March 1, 2020
This is one of my favorite devotion books ... I've read it a couple of times, and think it's time for me to begin using it again, as it's been a while. I just read a chapter or two each day and ponder the thoughts that help me live up to my own potential.
Once again this has been a fantastic "devotional" book for the month. I always find something new each time I read it, and this time I focused a lot on keeping my own schedule manageable, and celebrating friendships.
Once again this has been a fantastic "devotional" book for the month. I always find something new each time I read it, and this time I focused a lot on keeping my own schedule manageable, and celebrating friendships.
October 25, 2011
The writer expresses how journal keeping has helped her with her christian life and encourages her readers also.it's very therapeutic and just show that there is more that one in communicating with God.I appreciate the idea, and will definately look into journaling, besides that it was ok. A good book for a christian looking to find time and place in expressing them selves and heving a quite time.
May 22, 2013
Fun theme & solid thoughts to inspire, encourage & prompt reflection. Light Christian read makes it approachable for those not to point of wanting a in-depth bible study. Clever quotes, recipes, little call out sections called "percolations", and journal/adventure prompts. I read it fast & could see giving it higher stars when truly used over several weeks as read, ponder/discuss, then read more.
January 8, 2008
This is a FABULOUS personal Bible study, a book to sit down with a journal and a cup of tea. While doing this 9 week/9 day/9 month study, I came to many personal insights as to who I am and what I want to change or improve about myself. Johnson's style of writing is so refreshing and very thought provoking, yet easy to relate to.
August 24, 2011
A well written book of inspiration and motivation based on the authors life experiences. Also, throughout the book are recipes, movie recommendations and journal ideas. A great book for all women to read and to understand that life is what we make of it - and with God in our life it will be fantastic!
FTC disclosure: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com hoping I would review it.
FTC disclosure: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com hoping I would review it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews