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With wit and wisdom, Nicole Johnson leads readers in a journey of awakenings—first, to God as they respond to His tender, passionate love for them; second to readers as they embrace their identities as women, their gifts, and their dreams; and finally to others as readers learn to love and communicate in ways that bring joy and closeness.
kdelightful7043
Posted September 29, 2011
This book gives you a refresh side of life while enjoying coffee. The author deals with the issues of life and how to resolve them in a more practical and spiritual way. She gives some insightful information and even shares her own experiences. I must admit that before reading this book I wrote in my journal every other day, but now I have written in my journal daily. In writing in your journal daily, gives a sense of release from stress and allows you to open up for meditation and spiritual cleansing. Oftentimes, we get so caught up in our daily lives till it becomes stressful and reading this book brings us back to ourselves; and the joy we can regain within ourselves. I recommend this book to all readers looking for purpose, fulfillment, and joy. Remember to celebrate yourself because you are loved, Prayer is the key.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 22, 2011
This book was as warm and inviting as that freshly brewed cup in the morning. The author reminds us of our beautiful identity and encourages us to be our true selves when coming before Father. Her tips on journaling in order to remember and save those conversations with Father were also wonderful and very inspiring/relevant.
This is a great book to gift to others. Relevant to all women.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.TStephens
Posted September 21, 2011
I had the pleasure to seeing the author, Nicole Johnson live at the Women of Faith event last month in Atlanta, Georgia. In one of her sessions, Johnson spoke of the journey of a coffee bean and related it to the human experience. I was so intrigued and knew that I had to read her book soon. Today I am reviewing that book, "Fresh-Brewed Life: A Stirring Invitation to Wake Up Your Soul."
This is the revision of Johnson's successful 1999 book. It includes more chapters and a study guide to help the reader explore the concepts more in depth. How many of us meet a friend at the coffee shop to catch up? Johnson shows us how we can have that same relationship with God, and we do not have to even leave our home to do it! Fresh-Brewed Life shows us how we can accept the invitation of God and live our lives truly awake.
Johnson uses her personal testimony to write this truly authentic book. I absolutely love the style in which she writes. It is as though she were talking to her best friend, making the reader feel invited and engaged. The author's use of wit and wisdom is great, making this a pleasure to read and a fun experience. The directed journaling and study guide questions are inspiring and thought provoking, making your journey through this book and your fresh-brewed life, a more satisfying one. I am recommending Nicole Johnson's book to all of my friends and it will make a great gift to anyone, especially coffee-lovers! I could see gift wrapping this along with a mug and giving these out for Christmas, birthdays or any other occasion that presents itself.
Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided to me without charge to review. A positive review was not required. All opinions are solely mine.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Now, I'll admit I'm not much of a coffee drinker. But this book sounded so refreshing, I wanted to dive in and savor it. Overall I found the book enjoyable, though I was disappointed. I expected more.
The overall themes of each chapter were wonderful. I did some excellent reflecting throughout each chapter, thanks not only to the great points Nicole Johnson tries to make, but also through the excellent journaling questions posed in each chapter.
However, I felt the writing was a little unorganized. Nicole Johnson reminded me of a butterfly sipping on coffee, zipping from one story to the next and from one point to the next, often returning to the original story with little organization and maybe a little too much caffeine. In fact, there were several famous quotes throughout the chapter and sometimes they were thrown in the middle of a story or a point.
And as for the coffee themes, I thought they'd be a little more prevalent in each chapter. But Johnson's goal was that each chapter would be like sipping a cup of coffee.
Like I said, I did enjoy the book. And I think, just as with a cup of coffee, the more you put into it, the more you savor it and reflect on it, the more you'll enjoy it. I was just disappointed with the organization of the book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ElaineDalton
Posted March 8, 2012
Title: Fresh Brewed Life.
Author: Nicole Johnson.
Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Revision, Women.
Plot: This book, the revised and updated edition, sends an invitation to women to wake up and live again. With ten simple chapters {not counting the introduction and epilogue, of course}, and a continuing theme of coffee weaving through the written words, this is - if nothing else - a very creative and often entertaining look at life. Drawing upon her own life experiences, the author opens the bag of coffee beans and gives the reader the tools to wake up and experience life for themselves.
The ten chapters cover surrendering to God - always the first and most important step in matters relating to life yet it's often overlooked; journaling, the act of writing down one's thoughts and sorting them out on paper is very therapeutic and helps one to see the bigger picture sometimes; listening to one's longings {especially if one has a history of not doing so} is a good way to learn what it is one really wants; embracing one's beauty is important if one is in the habit of, well, doing the opposite; interviewing one's anger can teach one quite a few very surprising and informative things; savoring one's sexuality probably falls in alongside embracing one's beauty; celebrating one's friendships - a good idea and this chapter has plenty of good ideas on how to do just that; changing one's world is a daunting task to some but a grand challenge to others; enriching one's relationships, and enjoying one's freedom round out the list. Of all the chapters, I found the second one {on journals} to be the funnest, interviewing one's anger to be the most eye-opening, and the friendship chapter the most inspiring.
Likes/Dislikes: This book was obviously written for an older generation of already married women {ya know, the old good gals in the ten-to-twenty-year marriages and needing to re-awake to the life around them} but I still found some of the information helpful and interesting. The whole embracing one's beauty was a thought-provoking chapter though I personally never had to struggle much with that issue. All in all, a very good interesting book with light touches of humor that makes it all flow together very well. I enjoyed it.
Rating: PG-16 and up, mostly for content. Bear in mind that it is written for older women so if half the stuff doesn't apply to you or make much sense then don't worry about it.
Date Report Written: March 8, 2012.
I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
seascapes12
Posted February 9, 2012
No one likes stale coffee that's been sitting in a pot for days. We all crave fresh, strong, vibrant coffee that wakes us up! Much like coffee, our hearts crave a wake up, a fresh, vibrant life that is new each day. I was fortunate to receive a copy of the book Fresh-Brewed Life through Booksneeze®, and found that this was just the pick-me-up I needed! A "God-help" book, as I like to call them, Fresh-Brewed Life is comprised of multiple facets of ourselves that are in need of a new outpouring of color, and encourages us to live up to the expectancy God created in us, to be bold and fresh in Him.
I read this book over the course of a few months, slowly savoring each chapter and marking pages that jumped out to my heart. Oddly enough, I found that when I would start a new chapter and topic, like friendships or dreams, it was related to what was actually going on in my life at that time. Nicole Johnson writes with ease and humor and includes quotes and scripture that spoke to me. Each section is neatly laid out and written in a easily accessible manner that connects with the everyday reader. Factual scriptures weave through the pages to ultimately give a message of bright hope to live the life we've always longed for, not only because God’s word encourages this, but because God Himself longs for the everyday to be turned into the extraordinary. This is one book I would give again and again to the women in my life, so that they, too, may know all of the fullest riches are at God's fingertips.
H-20
Posted October 25, 2011
I must say i love and enjoy coffee, and this book need some caffine to keep a reader like me up. I appreciate the wirters point in encouraging her reader in journalling and the benefit of it. She express how we can find ourselves and convey emotions through writting down and asking questions. for instance interviewing anger , which is one of the chapters ,very therapeutic and honest of her sharing the deepest part of her life with her readers. she discusses great ways to deal with anger in a constructive way.
As the tittle , the writer tries to relate and express some of her journalling with coffee which was attracting to me at first but all i got was that she is a coffe lover and enjoys every process of it's making.
But she also writes about how journalling has been a way in communicating to God and has develop closer relationship through that.
I enjoy the writers view and appreciated some of the benefits she shared through journalling. She reminds me that writting is a means of communicating emotions and actually have a conversation with our selves.
This book was provided to me free of charge by booksneeze for my unbiased review
MissieS
Posted October 10, 2011
Fresh-brewed life was a great book. It was honest and unique. It definately made me feel like I wanted to cuddle up on the couch and snuggle with the book and a cup of coffee. Although I feel some of the book was typical of women's devotional books, it was still a great pick me up or gift book.
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Posted September 14, 2011
This book was absolutely terrific and helped me examine some key areas of my life that I've needed to make some changes in and come to terms with others for quite a while.
At first glance, the cover drew me in. I saw Nicole's name on the cover and went, "Oh, goody!! This is going to be great." I was NOT disappointed. I have enjoyed Nicole's writing and speaking engagements for years and Fresh Brewed Life gave a fresh perspective on some key areas, mainly appearance, emotions, and relationships. Key areas all for me.
I have struggled with my weight since high school and finally, after reading the "A Cup of Beauty" section I have come to fully realize that God loves me just the way I am and that if I am not happy with my appearance or health He can and will help me but I have to do my part as well. What others think of my looks is NOT my problem, its theirs.
I don't deal with anger very well, either. I either hold it in and get madder OR I "blast off" with no warning. Neither being a healthy way to handle stress or emotional upheaval. Fresh Brewed Life has given me resources to deal with anger in constructive ways.
The other sections were just as terrific and insightful, inspiring, full of fun and wit that we've come to expect from Nicole Johnson.
A book you won't wish to part with!
Kellie4
Posted September 14, 2011
I really enjoyed reading Fresh Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson. Anytime someone can be witty and charming while writing "real stuff" is my kind of person! Nicole Johnson is just this. She invites you to a wake up with what better thing that "Fresh brewed coffee"! I love coffee.if it has a lot of cream in it and was thrilled with the opportunity to read this.
In Fresh Brewed Life Nicole Johnson takes the time to look at different areas of our life that may have become stagnant.or day old coffee. She invites us to take a look at these areas with her own thoughts, her own "fresh brewed adventures" and her ideas for journaling so that we can get out of the doldrums and begin to live a life that God wants us to live! Her writing and sense or who we are as humans allows your soul to waken and allows you to begin to really think about your own life and if you are living each day drinking day old coffee or living each day drinking fresh brewed coffee. You have to read it to truly understand, which I recommend for anyone that wants to wake up from their life of ordinary and begin to live extraordinary!
jmorrison
Posted August 24, 2011
Nichole Johnson puts it in interesting, to-the-point language. She has truly encouraged me to break out of the fear and self-loathing that we seem to deal with in our lives. This book could have easily been finished in one sitting it is one that I recommend reading slowly and taking the time to reflect on each and every chapter. Overall the book was well written to include anecdotes and journaling prompts that I found to be very helpful.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.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Marsha_Randolph
Posted August 18, 2011
Just looking at the cover of "fresh -brewed- life", BY Nicole Johnson, made me want a cup of coffee! As I began reading the book I wanted to curl up in a corner of the Miami Vineyard Community Church and drink a cup of their fabulous coffee while I read. As I turned the pages (is it technically page turning with a kindle?) I so enjoyed every word just as I enjoy every sip of Vineyard coffee. This book is just as comforting.
"Fresh-Brewed-Life: A Stirring Invitation to Wake Up Your Soul" is an excellent book that gently guides the reader to a non-threatening place within where he or she can address faith as it pertains to life. Reaching past religiosity the author walks the reader through various topics that are a part of everyday including: self-esteem, sexuality and relationships.
Often times we get caught up in the minutia of life, overwhelmed by stuff and we forget we have help. There are suggestions in this book, questions to ponder and a workbook available to aid in the personal growth and development of one's soul. I recommend this book.
This book was provided to me free of charge courtesy of BookSneeze for my unbiased review.
This book is very knowledgeable and is a great read for anyone who has anything going on in the life that makes them feel like they need a little uplifting. Many women go through each day doing the same mundane thing, day after day after day. Johnson aims to wake you up and smell the coffee to what life is all about.
Nicole touches the hearts of women with her words and actions. This is a wonderful life changing book! This is a book that can be read more than once. You're going to love it.
I give the book 5 stars and highly recommend it to everyone.
In this amazing little book, Nicole Johnson takes the reader on an incredible journey to wake up their soul.
Chapter topics include: Surrender to God, Encounter Your Journal, Listen to Your Longings, Embrace Your Beauty, Interview Your Anger, Savor Your Sexuality, Celebrate Your Friendships, Change Your World, Enrich Your Relationships, and Enjoy Your Freedom.
In the chapter titled "Listen to Your Longings", one particular paragraph really spoke to me.
"Until we grieve, we cannot be comforted. Until we lay our longings at Jesus' feet, we cannot be met with his presence. Until I come to the end of "longings management" - trying to hold it all together, pretending I'm better than I really am - I can't trust Christ. But when I bring him my crumpled longings, trying to press them straight from holding them so tightly, he will hold them for me and help me straighten them out."
For anyone who longs to live a life of joy, this book is a true gem. I plan to read it over again, and start implementing a bunch of the suggestions. Just like the journey of a coffee bean to a fresh-brewed cup of steaming coffee, Nicole's invitation is for each of us to wake up to a richer, fuller, more flavorful life than ever imagined ... one cup at a time.
This book received as part of the Book Sneeze book reviewers program. I was not compensated for my thoughts.
I've just finished reading 'fresh-brewed life' by Nicole Johnson. After all coffee was a staple in Bible times. ( hint-you find it in the book of He-brews!) I guess I was in the right place for this book because it sure spoke to me, like a fresh cup of coffee (here in Canada we just call it Tim's in honour of our favourite coffee chain). I liked the book because it is slow-paced, and methodically works through issues that we gals find challenging, disturbing and even frightening. Nicole doesn't mind sharing true stories about her failures and successes. Honesty is part of the charm of this book. She encourages journalling and gives ideas on how to get started.Who can argue with thoughts like this. 'Better to write for yourself and have no public than to write for the public and have no self.' (Cyril Connolly) Get this book and enjoy it as a private study or use the supplied questions and share in a group. Well worth the read. Brenda J Wood
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.crichmanfreebies
Posted August 13, 2011
Fresh Brewed Life is a book written by Nicole Johnson and published by Thomas Nelson. This book is very knowledgeable and is a great read for anyone who has anything going on in the life that makes them feel like they need a little uplifting. We all get down sometimes, but nowadays there are so many different ways to lift ourselves back up. If you read Fresh Brewed Life, that's probably what you will encounter, being lifted up. It is sure to make you smile.
It is not a boring step by step guide telling you what you have to or should do. It's an easy to read, interesting and informative book explaining the many ways to enrich your life. I read the book rather quickly after receiving it, and it kept my attention the whole time.
If you're looking for a great read, and an uplifiting/upbeat book, than look no further.
Is your life feeling a little bland? Are you cracking under pressure? You my friend, need a fresh-brewed life. In this witty, knowledgeable book, Nicole Johnson shares her personal triumphs and tribulations, all the while showing us christian girls how to "freshly brew" our life, after all, you can only drink old coffee for so long before it is, old! While everyone has to face the daily grind, Nicole shows how you can use it to make a wonderful life!She uses ten helpful "guidelines" to jump start everyone's fresh brewed life. With helpful tips, refreshingly funny stories, and a base in scripture, this book is a sure hit!
I thought this book was very cute, and I enjoyed the beginning thoroughly! She is a funny, interesting author, who actually made me laugh out loud at a couple of sections. One disclaimer I must add: I was unable to read the sixth chapter, for personal reasons only. This said, I would recommend this book to a married woman more quickly than I would an unmarried woman. I absolutely adored the cover of the book, simple, colorful, and enticing! It seems to call to you, wishing for you to read it! I would definitely give this book a high score in my "book rating" list, and my mom actually loved it as well! I urge you, if you are married, to pick up this book very soon!
Sincerely,
Libbi H.
Thomas Nelson gave me this book for free as a trade for my review.
OneRedFish
Posted August 10, 2011
This book started to change my life in chapter one! I love it. The author writes from a humble and open perspective, just chatting with a friend over coffee. I highlighted something in every chapter (at least one time!) There are a few places in which some might argue that the author didn't need to go on as much as she did (like with the journaling), and yet, every thing she had to say was good. Sometimes people just need someone, anyone, to give them permission to do something or like something or be someway, and Nicole Johnson does that in this book. Her words are encouraging, not berating or criticizing and so very useful. Johnson has a way of making such huge and valuable points easy to take in and allow to change your life.
I share books with my best friend when I think that they are worthwhile and this is definitely one that I will be passing along.
Angela_Nic
Posted August 2, 2011
As one who enjoys an inviting cup of coffee each morning upon waking, just the title of Nicole Johnson's book "Fresh Brewed Life" caught my attention. I love the way it's set up, easy to read and savor, but yet goes down into your soul and invigorates you. "Fresh Brewed Life" is divided into 10 wonderful chapters covering the following themes:
Introduction: Taking Your First Sip
Chapter 1 Surrender to God
Chapter 2 Encounter Your Journal
Chapter 3 Listen to Your Longings
Chapter 4 Embrace Your Beauty
Chapter 5 Interview Your Anger
Chapter 6 Savor Your Sexuality
Chapter 7 Celebrate Your Friendships
Chapter 8 Change Your World
Chapter 9 Enrich Your Relationships
Chapter 10 Enjoy Your Freedom
Epilogue: Good to the Last Drop
Discussion Questions
Each chapter has it's own sections as well, which makes it easy to pick up and enjoy whether you have 5 minutes to read a short passage, or enough time to enjoy a full chapter. Being one who enjoys sayings and quotations, I've enjoyed reading new ones here, sprinkled throughout on the topics of the chapters.
elise067
Posted August 2, 2011
I've just been reading Nicole Johnson's welcoming book, "Fresh Brewed Coffee". With heart and soul opening thoughts and truths, it wakes us to the wonderful, beauty, joy and love in and around us. Here are a few lines that have stood out to me:
"To take pleasure in coffee and benefit from all it has to offer, it must be savored, not merely consumed." (And may I add, so it is with life, and this is what I feel she is trying to help each of us do.)
"Because the life part is not quite as simple as the coffee part, we'll spend the rest of the book exploring how our lives can become fresh brewed. You're invited to begin stirring your soul to wake up the slumbering parts and throw out the two-day-old, stale stuff in the bottom of the glass carafe."
"Fresh-Brewed Life is a journey of awakenings: to God, as we learn to respond to his compelling love for us; to ourselves, as we recognize our true identity and it illuminates us from the inside out; to others, as we relate in new and healthy ways that bring joy and peace."
I especially enjoyed the chapter on journaling. It's something I've always wanted to do, but always thought it was too late to start. The way it was present made it so inviting, it encouraged me to start and that it's never too late. The chapters have questions scattered throughout as thoughts for jotting down in your journal to react and reflect on. Through journaling, we are encouraged to " live life and not just let it pass us by, to think about life and the things going on around us".
As a last note for those who may not be full aware, "Fresh Brewed Coffee" is written especially for women, from a Christian perspective.
Overview
With wit and wisdom, Nicole Johnson leads readers in a journey of awakenings—first, to God as they respond to His tender, passionate love for them; second to readers as they embrace their identities as women, their gifts, and their dreams; and finally to others as readers learn to love and communicate in ways that bring joy and closeness.