The New Testament Handbook (Review and Giveaway) ** UPDATED **

*** WE HAD SOME ISSUES WITH THE PREVIOUS POST  NOT ACCEPTING COMMENTS. WE APOLOGIZE GREATLY. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED, AND YOU CAN NOW LEAVE A COMMENT***

Good Afternoon, Elegant Ones

Blessings that you are having a fantastic day!
I look forward to cooler weather and watching the leaves turn colors and fall from the trees. My hubby told me about an omega block over the Midwest, where we have seen temperatures in the 90s this past week. I am looking forward to those cool breezes.

In collaboration with Lifeway Christian Resources, our team had the opportunity to review a new tool during your daily bible study — The Old Testament Handbook. The Old Testament Handbook features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible. The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

My hubby and I are reading through the Bible with the Chronological Reading plan with Tara Leigh Cobble and the Bible Recap on YouVersion. We finished the Old Testament this weekend and are now moving on to the New Testament. I enjoy reading the Bible in hard copy, but I also listen on my smartphone and iPad.

Do you prefer reading the Bible in hard copy form or listening to the Bible on audio or both ways?

When I read through and study the Bible, I believe having a companion study tool is good when I have questions or want to dive deeper. Many parts of the Old Testament can be confusing or difficult to understand, so having a companion tool like  The Old Testament Handbook is essential.

TIP: You can ask the Lord to give you revelation on anything you do not understand. Write down your questions when you are reading, and when the revelations come to you, note what you learned.

Do you want to dive deeper into the Word Of God? The Old Testament Handbook is the tool you need to understand better.

Old Testament Handbook with the Bible

Features of the Old Testament Handbook
– High-quality, foil-stamped cloth cover materials and Smyth-sewn binding meant to last a lifetime.
– Elegant full-color interior design, including maps, charts, illustrations, and other visual help for every book of the Old Testament.
– More than 75 word studies of keywords found in each Old Testament book.
-Ribbon marker for easy referencing between pages during study, teaching, or sharing.

The Old Testament Handbook gives an overview of each chapter from a historical perspective, outlines events, lists in detail biblical characters, a word study, and much more. The precious key is building a personal relationship with God through His Word, and having this handbook when needed is a good study resource.

Order your copy of The Old Testament Handbook today!

** UPDATED Giveaway Details **
Collaborating with Lifeway Christian Resources, we offer our readers a chance to enter a giveaway. One of our readers will receive a $10 Amazon gift card.

To enter, please comment below telling us which Old Testament book you would like to understand better.

The giveaway runs through Thursday, October 12th, at 11:59 p.m. (Central Time).
We will randomly select one comment and announce the winner on Friday, October 13th.

**Please Note: This giveaway is limited to only residents of the United States, and the winner will receive the Amazon gift card via the email address used when commenting.

Disclosure:
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for allowing our team to preview THE OLD TESTAMENT HANDBOOK, write this review, and offer the giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Route 60: The Biblical Highway (Giveaway Winner Announcement)

Hello, Elegant Ones

Happy First Day of Fall!

As I read my Bible, I remember the many places Jesus walked. I have often thought a trip to the Holy Land would be the perfect vacation, so much so that I even named one of my puppies Israel.
The new documentary Route 60: The Biblical Highway follows David Friedman and Mike Pompeo as they journey along Route 60 in Israel. The two political leaders traveled the 146-mile road from Nazareth in the north to Beersheba in the south, sharing Biblical and personal stories of the sites. They tread the same ground Abraham, Jacob, King David, and Jesus once walked. Today, Route 60 connects Jews, Christians, Muslims, Israelis, Palestinians, truthfully, every one of us.

The documentary played in theaters for only two days this past week. However, you can preorder the film’s DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital Download in mid-October 2023.

Giveaway Winner!
Collaborating with TBN, we recently offered a giveaway for our blog family. Congratulations to

~~GINA F. ~~

who will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card. Yeah, Gina! We will contact you with the details.

Be on the lookout for our next giveaway, coming soon.

Route 60: The Biblical Highway (Movie Review and Giveaway)

Hello, Elegant Ones!

I pray that you are having a wonderful day!

Ever since I was a young child, I have been reading and studying my Bible. The story of Jesus and His disciples, Joseph and his brothers, and Noah and the animals are as much a part of my life as anything else. I often wonder what it would be like to visit these sites and to see it for myself.

The new documentary Route 60: The Biblical Highway explores some of these sites through the eyes of David Friedman and Mike Pompeo. Freidman served as the United States Ambassador to Israel from 2017 to 2021, while Pompeo served as Secretary of State from 2018 to 2021. Friedman and Pompeo explore the significance of the historic Route 60 that connects modern-day Israel with the ancient Israel we read about in the Bible. The two political leaders traveled the 146-mile road from Nazareth in the north to Beersheba in the south, sharing Biblical and personal stories of the sites. They tread the same ground Abraham, Jacob, King David, and Jesus once walked. Today, Route 60 connects Jews, Christians, Muslims, Israelis, Palestinians, truthfully every one of us.

Watch the trailer here:

Route 60: The Biblical Highway will only be in theaters on September 18th and 19th. To purchase tickets for a theater near you, click HERE!

ROUTE 60 combines the truth of the Bible with undeniable archaeological proof, and like our tour guides, Pompeo and Friedman, that’s a powerful combination!” –
– Erick Stakelbeck

Giveaway Details:
Collaborating with Trinity Broadcasting Network, we offer our readers a chance to enter a giveaway. One of our readers will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. To enter, please leave a comment below telling us which Bible location you want to visit.

The giveaway runs through Friday, September 22nd, at 11:59 p.m. (Central Time).
One comment will be selected randomly, and we will announce the winner on Saturday, September 23rd.

**Please Note: This giveaway is limited to only residents of the United States, and the winner will receive the Amazon gift card via the email address used when commenting.

Disclosure:
Many thanks to Trinity Broadcasting Network for allowing our team to preview the documentary, write this review, and offer the giveaway.
All opinions are 100% my own.

God.Family.Football. (Giveaway Winner Announcement)

Hello, Elegant Ones,

Thank you again for entering the giveaway. I have already started to feel a slight coolness in the air, and the leaves on the trees are starting to fall. Driving home this week I saw local high school kids in their football attire practicing on the field and getting geared up to play their first game. Looking through a different lens after watching GOD.FAMILY.FOOTBALL. The Freevee original docuseries made me wonder if those kids are experiencing tremendous pressure possibly because of parents putting their dreams on them, keeping up good grades, or longing to go pro one day. I hope you are running down the field with the football and making that touchdown to watch the series if you haven’t had the chance yet.

God.Family.Football. is available now to watch for free on Amazon Freevee. Stream free on Fire TV, Roku, Amazon Prime Video, or the Amazon Freevee app. NFL quarterback Russell Wilson is the show’s executive producer!

You can watch the trailer here:

Giveaway Winner Announcement:
To help spread the word about this new docuseries, our team collaborated with Amazon Freevee to offer a giveaway. Congratulations to 

** Cassandra D **

who will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card. YEAH! Our team will contact you to ensure you receive your gift card.

Stay tuned for more giveaways coming soon!

Stress-Busting Tips for Busy Professionals

Are you a busy professional struggling to find time and relief from stress? Luckily, there are effective tactics for relieving it even while working long hours at your job. In this blog post, we offer simple stress-busting techniques such as breathing exercises or scheduling regular breaks to remain calm and productive while still being at your best.

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Set Aside Regular Breaks in Your Day
Although it might seem counter-productive, taking regular breaks during your workday can actively help you to both accomplish more and reduce stress. Schedule five-minute breaks each day where you can step away from your desk and take some deep breaths – this will allow your mind and body to reset before returning with renewed vigor to resume your daily tasks.

Practice Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing can quickly restore calm when life gets hectic. Take five minutes daily to focus on your breathing – inhale for four counts through your nose, exhale slowly through your mouth for six counts. This simple exercise will relieve tension in your body, gain mental clarity, and maintain overall physical well-being.

Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly is key to good health and can also serve as a great way to combat stress. From jogging to gym workouts, regular physical activity will keep both body and mind in peak condition. Aim for at least 30 minutes daily of physical activity to get the maximum well-being benefits!

Unplug During Down Times
Our modern world has brought us closer than ever before, yet its constant connectivity can become overwhelming and exhausting. If you have some downtime, try your best to unplug from devices. Put away phones and computers and devote yourself to self-care activities such as meditation or yoga instead of scrolling through social media feeds.

Stay Positive
Staying upbeat and optimistic during hectic times may seem impossible, but it can make all the difference in stress management. Focus on solutions instead of dwelling on problems and avoid gravitating to negative thoughts as much as possible. Keep practicing staying positive, and you will soon succeed in taking on everyday challenges without anxiety!

Reach Out for Support
It is important to remember that you don’t have to tackle everything alone. Sometimes reaching out can help immensely, whether by talking to a friend, family member, or mental health professional about what’s bothering you. A problem shared is a battle half won, and your stress will become lighter.

Take Time for Fun
Life can become very busy and demanding, yet making time for fun activities remains essential. When you’re overwhelmed, take a break and find activities that bring you joy. Go for a walk in nature, watch an entertaining film, or listen to some tunes. Or, if creativity is more your forte, take the time to do some painting or writing that can help you reset and unwind. Allowing yourself to have some fun may just be exactly what’s needed.

Practice Healthy Habits
Your food, sleep habits, and physical activity all play an integral part in stress management. Adopting healthier habits like eating nutritious meals, getting sufficient rest, and staying active can help lift your mood and reduce anxiety. 

Alternative Methods
Even with the strategies mentioned above, a little extra help can go a long way in getting your stress reduced. Hemp flowers from 25 Hour Farms contain cannabidiol (CBD) and other natural compounds, which have proved their ability to reduce anxiety levels, promote muscle relaxation and have a soothing effect. Aromatherapy, yoga, and meditation are also great options to provide and bring peace and tranquility. 

Taking the time and dedication necessary to practice stress-busting techniques can create a healthier environment and make it easier to face everyday challenges. No matter how busy your professional life is, you can still control how stress affects you and how you handle it. With proper strategies and methods, you will feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your life. 

How to Take Better Care of Your Skin

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It protects you from disease and injury and helps regulate your body temperature to keep you healthy. Some illnesses affect your skin, meaning it’s a good idea to watch it. Also, healthy skin is considered beautiful skin. If you look after your skin, then you will boost your self-confidence and ensure better health. Here are some tips to help you do this.

Learn Your Skin Type
The first step to knowing how to take better care of your skin is to learn your skin type. Everyone is unique and has different needs; the same is true for your skin. One treatment or skincare technique might work for one person but not for another. 

Knowing your skin type should inform what products you use and how you care for your skin. You can break your skin type down into five basic categories. These are:
– Dry skin
– Oily skin
– Combination skin
– Normal skin
– Sensitive skin

Common Skin Conditions
As well as being aware of your primary skin type, you should consider common skin conditions. Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by dry, sensitive skin. It can be painful and prone to infections, especially if your skin cracks and breaks. Eczema can be affected by diet, stress, weather, or specific products. Contact dermatitis is linked to eczema and occurs when your skin comes into contact with an irritant and becomes inflamed or develops a rash.

Another common skin condition is acne. Acne is associated with teenagers, but anyone can get acne. You might have spots at specific points in your menstrual cycle or at certain times of the year. Over-the-counter medication can control acne, but sometimes you may need to see a dermatologist for more potent medicines.

Other skin conditions, like psoriasis, are linked to autoimmune diseases. Pay attention to your skin and what it might be telling you.

Regular Skincare Routine
The best way to care for your skin is to maintain it. Use a cleanser and moisturizer at least once or twice daily. Your skin goes through a lot during the day, and these products will help keep it looking healthy and supple. If you wear makeup, wipe it off before sleep and give your skin time to breathe.

Remember your skin type when putting together your routine. If you have dry skin, then moisturize more often. You should also use products designed with your skin in mind, as this will produce the best results for you and your skin.

Skincare Treatments
Sometimes, it’s well worth pampering yourself and your skin with more intensive treatments. Look for local medspa services to improve how your skin looks and feels. These treatments can combat aging and give specialized care to problem areas. You can also consult a specialist who knows how to treat your skin best.