Book Review: NKJV Apply the Word Study Bible

This week has been so, so, so, sooooo busy! But, I am never too busy to set aside some quiet time to study the Word and to share my current thoughts with all of you. It’s what I’m here for 🙂 .

While I enjoy receiving books and other items to review, it is even more special to me when I have the opportunity to review a new Bible. This Apply the Word Study Bible was released earlier this year and is in the New Kings James Version Translation. I’ve worked my way through the text over the past few months and here are my thoughts:

I Love the Compact Size

I work from home and often study while taking breaks and moving between the master bedroom, guest room, office, living room, kitchen, etc. — Having a bible that I can easily move around with is key! This text measures approximately 5 and 1/2 inches by 9 inches by 2 inches and tucks neatly into the crook of my arm along with my journal, pen, and highlighter case.

The Subject Headings Direct Your Eyes

I really admired the use of bold, block headings in a variety of shades and colors. These were used to label the application notes as well as the included study notes about people and places in the Bible. My professional communications professor at UNC’s School of Government always stressed the power of tones, fonts, and appropriate spacing in providing visual cues and my thoughts immediately went to her when I observed these elements in body of the text. (Hi Professor Setzer! 🙂 #PresentationZen)

Apply The Word NKJV Study Bible Review on FixItWithFran.com

Highly Effective Use of Subtle Images

I am an adult, but I still appreciate pictures in the books that I read (when appropriate). Especially my Bibles and cookbooks. I always imagine how some scenes and images may have appeared and the examples shown below were extremely useful references for me. I try to use study bibles such as this one while preparing my lessons and podcasts, so the more context I can understand about a certain passage, the better!

Apply The Word NKJV Study Bible Review on FixItWithFran.com

Maps!

I am a big fan of maps and I especially need them when a passage relies heavily on geographic references. I really liked the fact that this bible includes small maps within the body of the text as well as a set of larger maps in the rear of the text.

Apply The Word NKJV Study Bible Review on FixItWithFran.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Time for Tea!

Drinking tea is one of my favorite things to do. I adopted the habit while studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. We resided in a Bed and Breakfast for part of the semester and the host placed Rooibos and Chai teas out every morning and evening for us to enjoy.

When I returned to the U.S, I attempted continue drinking tea, but this proved rather difficult to do seeing as I was still a student in undergrad and quality teas are NOT cheap! Eventually I had to put my expensive tastes on hold. Now that I am an adult, I can afford to enjoy some of the finer things in life every once and awhile– especially when I receive them as product reviews!

This 100% Pure Organic Darjeeling Tea is infused with rare Indian spices and embodies a delectable and aromatic blend that is sure to please even the most discerning taste buds. The tea is high in antioxidants and includes cloves, cinnamon and cardamoms. Cardamoms have been traditionally used to maintain dental health and help relieve stress. Cardamoms also detoxify the body by flushing out toxins. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants with various health properties. Cloves help fight Dental problems apart from improving digestion.

Other Health Benefits (As described by the manufacturer):

Helps reduce stress
Helps promote relaxation and calmness
Helps support dental and skin health
Tastes delicious with an amazing aroma
Powerful antioxidants and pristine quality

I have used this with my Keurig machine in one of my reusable K-cups. While you can probably get more than one brew out of this tea, I prefer to only use this for one cycle and then I dump the used loose leaf tea into my cup before drinking the tea. I sweeten my tea with honey (sometimes using honey with cayenne pepper and ginger as this adds a bit of extra spice, which I very much like).

I am very happy to have reviewed the product and would recommend it to anyone looking to experience the benefits described above (I can’t comment on all on all of the benefits, but everyone comments on how clear my skin is and the smell of the tea REALLY is amazing). This item is Fix-it with Fran approved!

Isn’t Long Hair a Woman’s Pride and Joy?

If you haven’t picked up on it by now, I pray about EVERYTHING. From the major things to the minor things, there is NOT ONE THING that I won’t pray about. From the time I was a kid in Children’s Church, I was completely convinced that if it mattered to me, it mattered to God.

In addition to that, I learned that there is POWER in praying God’s Word back to Him. My mom taught me that. When you take the time to learn what God’s Word says about your particular issue or concern, you get to know God’s heart.

Even more than knowing His heart and what His Word says, you end up developing a RELATIONSHIP with Him and God is not Man that He should lie— in fact HE is FAITHFUL to perform what He has promised.

One of the habits that I adopted during my teens was to become extra diligent about learning those scriptures that applied to things I was praying for. At that time, I wanted my hair to grow. During my research, I came across 1 Corinthians 11:15 which reads, And isn’t long hair a woman’s pride and joy? For it has been given to her as a covering.

I made that scripture personal. It became part of my daily routine. I would brush my hair and apply carrot oil in the evening before going to bed and my hair eventually reached the length that I was desiring.

Continue reading →

Glass Water Bottles ARE Better!

The weekend is coming to a close and I spent a good portion of it finalizing my review of the Purifyou Glass Water Bottle.

First and foremost, I can be completely honest and admit that I was I was somewhat hesitant to review a glass water bottle.

I may come off as a prim and propper lady, but my siblings can tell you I was 100% tomboy growing up and I can still be rough and rugged– especially when it comes to my tumblers and water bottles.

Whenever I am in full out gardening or workout mode, my bottles have to be able to take a tumble (or two or twenty) without breaking. If they don’t make the cut, I move on to another brand.

The company assures customers (via the product description on Amazon.com) that the bottle is made of the most durable glass availible in consumer retail.

I can’t say that my concerns were completely relieved by the “most durable glass” description (no other information was provided to support this claim), but I did appreciate the high-impact-resistant silicone sleeve that came along with the glass bottle. In addition to providing drop protection, the sleeve is of food-grade quality, which is nice to know given that it will be in close proximity with the fluids you’ll be consuming and your mouth as you’re drinking from the bottle. Last but not least, the silicone sleeve also acts as an insulator, helping to keep your chosen beverage hot or cold during extended periods of use.

So, back to the bottle– the sleeve worked this week so I’m praying nothing happens going forward — it is entirely BPA free, Phthalate free, PVC free, lead free, cadmium free and worry free. It is also microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and freezer safe (though you have to make sure to leave space inside the bottle for the liquid to expand naturally as it freezes).

A final point about this glass bottle, is that for every glass water bottle purchased, a portion of the profits is sent directly to building water wells for impoverished communities in Africa. Not only are you keeping yourself hydrated, but you are helping others to secure the water they so desperately need. If that’s not fixing something, I don’t know what is!

The bottle is availible in 6 different colors: Grey, Aqua Blue, Pastel Green, Pastel Blue, Misty Pink, and Lavender. Here’s the link again if you’d like to check them out.

Federal Trade Commission Disclaimer: I received this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion and unbiased review.

Product Review : Bossywear Pink Wrist Wraps

This week’s next official product review item is this set of #BossywearWraps that I received to review. As described by the manufacturer, Bossywear Wraps are pink wrist wraps designed especially for women.

Here are some additional details:

The set is made with very high quality, yet soft materials which are carefully stitched in order to prevent any discomfort, injury or irritation. I have rather sensitive skin and I didn’t experience any irritation or chafing — even after several days of repeated use.

The set consists of two, 15 inch long wrist wraps that can be adjusted to fit comfortably on each wrist and will stay firm until removed. For extra protection, they also feature thumb loops that will eliminate the possibility of the wristband sliding up your hand!

I have also used these during extended writing sessions to assist with the wrist fatigue I sometimes experience. It’s been a great help as I’ve been writing a close out report for my most recent project for the past week.

Now that I am at my desired weight goal, weight training to achieve increased muscle tone is going to be my focus for the rest of the year. These will definitely be in regular rotation! I am 100% a fan of this product!

I received this item for free in exchange for my honest opinion and unbiased review.