The Bright Life: 40 Invitations to Reclaim Your Energy for the Full Life

by Jen Wise

Life takes it out of you. But the reset you’ve been desperate for is within reach. Writer and Bible teacher Jen Wise knew that holistic faith—that reaches into every facet of life—is what brings grace and renewal. But she didn’t begin to live this truth until her world fractured. So as she searched Scripture for a better way, she discovered Jesus’ invitation for just small steps able to lead us into a bright new beginning. So to the woman who feels her all is never enough, The Bright Life is your invitation to a new start. You were created to be healthy, strong, vibrant, and to rest in the unforced rhythms of grace Jesus so lovingly makes available to us all. Come along and learn how to avoid habits that seem smart but are deceptively self-sabotaging, pick up habits of wholeness that actually stick, and try surprising ways to practice kindness toward yourself and generosity toward loved ones. The Bright Life extends a daily invitation with striking insights, tips to reclaim your energy, and a three-part practice of looking inward, upward, and outward as you step into a brighter way. This 40-day reset weaves story and Scripture together to cultivate a peaceful place where, through the attentive love of Jesus, you can experience the unforced rhythms of grace.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 8, 2019

Reviews

[Chantel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish this book. I found myself dreading reading each day. The advice is commonplace superficial with VERY LITTLE scripture at all. It’s mostly her own musings from her life and what she thinks about things. I don’t want to hear from people. I wanna hear how God spoke to people. On top of that many of the entries were so disjointed I wasn’t sure what the point was until I got to the questions. The fluffy filler language and descriptions of her out of touch life made it totally unrelatable (this isn’t a word? Well it should be) even if her points were decent. I was very sad about how this turned out as my lent study …

[Bible Gateway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life takes it out of you. But the reset you’ve been desperate for is within reach.
Writer and Bible teacher Jen Wise knew that holistic faith—that reaches into every facet of life—is what brings grace and renewal. But she didn’t begin to live this truth until her world fractured. So as she searched Scripture for a better way, she discovered Jesus’ invitation for just that: small steps able to lead us into a bright new beginning. Read our blog post with Jen Wise here: https://bit.ly/2HjiGJU

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt so often that Jen wrote to my exact situation and struggles as a Christian woman attempting to do it all. It was certainly a challenging, yet hope-filled and encouraging read! I read this as a part of my daily devotions, and my only criticism is that it did not offer enough Biblical “meat” to stand alone as a study aid. That being said, I would definitely recommend this book as great book on Christian living.

[Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 rounded down.
Some excellent suggestions, some average content too. As with any book like this, some lessons will hit harder than others because none of us are in the exact same place. I don't recommend the audio version. It's a little too "soft church lady voice" (if you grew up in a church you'll know the one). It wasn't bad, but by day 40 it was beginning to grate

[Jill Vosberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I bought this book because Jen is a friend and it's pretty exciting when your friends write a book. I didn't doubt that Jen could write as I have been reading her work on her blog for years and often times it has hit me like a gut punch or shaking my fist with agreement to something she has written. This book has that, but it also has a level of vulnerability that I hadn't experienced in Jen's writing before. There were too many days that I read where I felt seen/known, sometimes in the weird way of "is she watching me." HA! This book is the real deal as Jen shares her inner dialogue that many of us are already having, but don't write it out for the world to see. She also provides some great reminders, inspiration and questions to wrestle with those inner dialogues. This is a book I will read many times over through the years.

[Michelle Watson Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God! This book was so good! I will admit I’ve been trying to finish it for years. 🙈😂 But every time I picked it up it blessed me. Every “invitation” was so relatable. I feel like this book was written specifically for me. It just spoke to me in a way nothing else has. I’m really sad that I’ve reached the end but I think I’ll just start over from day one. This will be something I go back to for the rest of my life. It’s THAT good! It’s a perfect reminder of what’s important when life gets stressful and overwhelming. Loved it! Can’t get enough!

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid 3.5 ⭐️ for me.
There was some really good and powerful portions but then others fell short for me. I don’t think this has anything to do with the author but more so that I couldn’t necessarily relate to her in certain levels. I do think that others might appreciate the book in its entirety and that the content could very possibly resonate more strongly.

All in all, solid devotional. I read this book at a time when I really needed to slow down and look at life from a different perspective and this book helped steer my journey in the right direction.

[Sh&ra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. Lots of practical steps you can implement immediately to slow down and live life less hurried. Dealing with chronic pain for years, I was able relate a lot to her husband who was dealing with a lot of pain in the season of her life that inspired the book. It was nice to see things from the spouse's perspective and to be reminded of the truths I know but so often forget. Good book for sure!

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reminder to put down the phone, tune out your own negative self-talk, and listen to what God wants for your and your life

[Freedom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to bring into a very busy chaotic life. Helps you to contemplate where you are at!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read! Jen’s story and reflections, to be read over 40 days (though, I admit, I read it in 3), is emotional, grounding, inspiring, and even had me laughing out loud. Recommend for those seeking wisdom, spirituality, and healing through the grace that comes when we intentionally slow down and find joy in the still waters.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. So applicable and well written and so fun to read since I’ve known the author since kindergarten! Well done Jen! Can’t wait for the next one.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous book!!!! I ended up highlighting and dog-earing (sorry not sorry) so many pages it’s basically the entire book. Highly recommend!!!!