TWINAS' FAMILY MAGAZINE

Activate Review

2017-12-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

Book Review of

Activate: Prayers of the Bible Revealed – Vol.1

Author, TV host, Ordained Minister, Evangelist, and Twinas' Family Magazine Christian-Movie Reviewer, Bernie Lutchman, walks us through the Bible, in his first book of the series Activate: Prayers of the Bible Revealed, and shows us how to “unleash the power of prayer, to energize spiritual growth”. In this book we are given insight, into the prayers of many great men throughout scripture, and the circumstances which led them to pray specific prayers, carrying them to ultimate victory in Christ! We loved this handy resource book; it is easy reading, informative, encouraging, and motivating.

Following the guidelines laid out by these men of renown, Bernie shows us how to tap into a powerful prayer life, with our Heavenly Father, giving us the ability to triumph over daily problems, and long-term difficulties. Perfect for Bible studies or personal reference, with room provided for notes at the end of every chapter, it will reinforce the powerful impact this book is going to make upon your life.

Activate: Prayers of the Bible Revealed is the right size, and price, for gifting, or keeping all to yourself. A cherished gift, suitable for any holiday, or special occasion; for motivation, or encouragement, or simply because you're worth it!

Order now for everyone on your gift list, and for celebrating all special occasions! Available in either glossy paperback, or Kindle electronic delivery, at Amazon: Activate: Prayers of the Bible Revealed

About the Author:

Author Bernie Lutchman is a minister and evangelist. He is also host of the long running PLUMBLINE Bible teaching television program seen worldwide on Unshackled.TV (on ROKU etc.), and local public access television. Bernie is a married father of three and the president of an all-volunteer men’s outreach ministry, He is also a regular volunteer minister and speaker at several retirement homes and missions and at many different functions. He has led the annual National Day of Prayer event in Springfield, Illinois since 2006. Visit his widely read blog "The Write Angle" at www.bernielutchman.blogspot.com

Sailing Australia

2017-05-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

Sailing Aussie Style

by Twinas' Emma

(Find her under the "Welcome" tab)

We are extremely excited to announce that we have a new addition to our family! A 32-foot Lexcen sailboat. We really wanted a lifestyle change, one that would add to our family, bringing endless memories and joy, which we have found aboard our new sailboat. I am so excited to share our up-and-coming adventures, as well as photos of our first amazing trip together. Wish us luck sailing in the Gulf of St. Vincent, South Australia!

First up we needed to get our boating licenses, so we started studying every night. Study involved Yev reading out loud, as I slept, so I knew I would need to step it up before the exam. We knuckled down and both passed it, the first time! Thrilled that this step, towards our new family adventure, was complete, we laminated our licenses, and may even frame them.

Next we set out to find the perfect family boat. While looking to purchase this new addition, we became obsessed with the research, and continuous dreams-of-sailboats filled every waking moment. The first boat we saw, we loved, but went on to see many more, wanting to make sure we had done our research.

After a few short weeks we went back to purchase the first boat we originally looked at, as we had connected with the couple who owned it. It was called the "Skinny Dipper", however we are changing it to the "Believe and Achieve" (our new business name). So all of you out there thinking we'd have an 18-day Christening ceremony with Poseidon and 100 wild friends, dancing naked around the boat, can rest easy.

Our new sailboat has became our 4th child, and you can probably image the excitement of taking her out for the first time. We were so elated! I was in awe, first because this was now ours, and second because I felt I was meant to do this for the rest of my life. I just loved it, and have never felt more relaxed.

We now have dreams of sailing around the world, and are excited about simplifying our lives. Of course we will need a bigger boat to do that, but for now this is the best practice boat ever. We feel such a pull towards the water now. So much so, that we sleep on the boat when we don't have the children, just to hear the pinging of masts, and water lapping beneath us. It is truly magical.

So after a few practice trips, we decided to venture out further, and cross the gulf about 30 miles (6 hours by sail boat). It turned out to be a dream-come-true. We set sail on a beautiful day, and with 3-8 knots of wind, it was a perfect day for our first adventure.

We had time to play at shaping the sails, and I was fascinated while learning how to get an extra .5 knots of wind sheer from them. After 3 hours we were welcomed by a pod of dolphins, and I became quite emotional as these majestic animals swam beside our boat for nearly 2 hours of the trip.

One dolphin stayed with us the entire time, while others joined in, swam off, and then came back to us again. It was an experience I'll never forget. I felt as though these kindred spirits were welcoming us to their ocean, and it was a surreal dream-start to our early life of sailing.

It took us 9 hours to get to Pt. Vincent, on our first sail, and we felt so accomplished. We will do this same trip a few more times to build up our skills and confidence in all sorts of weather. But for now our new sailing life has started out extraordinarily!

Won't you join us on a sail, over to the Fiji Islands, for our upcoming Believe-and-Achieve Retreat, August, 2017? We would love to meet you there! #BelieveAndAchieve

Fiji Retreat

2017-05-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Believe-and-Achieve

Fiji Islands Retreat!

August, 2017

Be there!

Potpourri

2017-02-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

Homemade Potpourri,

Rose Water & Oils

What do you do with all the lovely bouquets, or single roses, you are given for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or just because? They are still too lovely to toss out, even when the buds begin to droop.

Plus all those beautiful bouquets have so much sentimental value, even when dried up. They also have many practical uses too.

Instead of sending those once beautiful remembrances to the trash bin or compost pile; why not try mixing those bouquets with other garden flowers to make lovely scented floral waters, oils and potpourri?

They make delightful gifts to give, or to keep, creating welcoming, floral fragrances wafting around you, and throughout your home.

Potpourri or Gardening Compost?

The trick to using a withering gift bouquet, garden buds, or flower petals, is to dry them upside down, helping to retain as much color and fragrance as possible.

When completely dried, combine buds, petals, and a few leaves into large baggies, to store in a dark, dry closet, or pantry area. Pull out for a fresh-floral home fragrance whenever desired.

If necessary, you can add a few drops of floral-scent, or spice-aroma potpourri oil (from most craft stores), and gently toss-to-distribute with each new bouquet addition.

For potpourri-on-demand, I like adding colorful scraps of satin or curling ribbons, small paper scraps, as well as lace-edging remnants to absorb, and hold more of the fragrant-floral scents, while blending into the color-scheme, or holiday-theme of your potpourri.

Display all your lovely nature-inspired, and scented potpourri in candy dishes, or glass fishbowls throughout the house, but above- the-reach of small children, for delightfully fresh year-round fragrances.

Change out your potpourri with the seasons, and vary the holiday themes, by including other natural items in your potpourri mix, like boiled-and-dried starfish, seashells, and smooth sea glass (to sterilize and remove unwanted odors), for ocean-spray summertime fragrance.

Fall would call for boiling apples, and cinnamon sticks, with pinecones and citrus, for a glorious household aroma.

Christmas potpourri might consist of dried fruits, seed-pods, tree bark, nuts-in-the-shell, cinnamon sticks, and other whole spices. Slice or score fruits before oven-drying them, on low temps, arranged on a cookie sheet.

Arrange loose potpourri generously around wide, solid-base candles, or around homemade orange-clove pomander balls, displayed inside a decorative fruit bowl.

You can even make candles and soap with potpourri sprinkled in-and-around them. Or try spreading out potpourri to cover a square or oval serving tray, adding small, framed photos for mobile-décor. It will spice up, or scent each room you move it to.

Because you will be using the colorful flower petals and buds for potpourri, chop up the stems and leaves, adding to a home-garden compost pile. This will enrich your garden soil with decomposing nutrients.

Floral-Scented Body Oils and Rose-Water

Snip off flower buds from stems, placing into a boiling pan, and removing loose petals from flowers, which have already bloomed, simmer in clean water, to create a lovely scent throughout your home. After simmering and cooling, strain off mushy petals and any other debris, for homemade floral or rose-water.

Pour scented water through a coffee filter, into a sterilized jar, ready for room-freshening spray bottles. Keep refrigerated in summertime, for an invigorating body splash, or gentle-moisturizing facial toner.

To delicately scent an inexpensive dollar-store baby oil, or off-brand of unscented body oil, or even coconut-cooking oil (for use on skin), simply add to oil, the whole buds removed from steeping floral waters above.

Transfer into decorative capped-or-cork-top bath bottles, and include flower petals and rosebuds. Ribbon-tie bows around the bottleneck, labeling bath oils and waters with peel-and-stick lettering, for lovely gifts.

Twitter Conferences

2017-02-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

2017 USA Twitter-Conference Tour

Emma Illies on Twitter @illwah

Australian Twitter expert, Emma Illies, is holding several exclusive, social-media conferences from April 10 to April 28, 2017, to help local businesses build awareness in the world of social media, and create a strong, new client base. Bringing together her vast knowledge of business, and Twitter, the conferences aim to bring local businesses together, to teach the importance of an online presence.

2017 Southern USA Twitter-Conference Tour

Emma says; “I am so excited to be able to help so many businesses actually achieve something noteworthy with their Twitter accounts. Many businesses have social media accounts, but just don’t know how to use them to increase sales and awareness.”

The conferences aim to teach American business owners how to increase their client base, how-and-what to Tweet, and ways to increase their search engine optimization.

Jasper, TX, April 10th

Ranking as the 10^th highest social-media influencer in Australia, Emma has made it into eight top Forbes lists, here in America too. A lot of people do not know that Emma has a rare spinal disease, but it has never stopped her from achieving what she sets her mind to do. Emma first started Twitter after she found herself bed ridden for 18 months, following a huge back operation. While bedridden she started gaining an enormous online following, and people began asking her to help them with their Twitter accounts.

Kountze/Silsbee, TX, April 12th

Emma confided; “I honestly was just so bored, that I began Twitter, and as my following grew, people began to ask how I was doing it, and if I could I do it for them too. As an entrepreneur I saw a niche that wasn’t being filled, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.”

She explains; “I am the world's most positive person. I honestly see my back problem as a blessing, because it taught me how to make the most out of any situation. Without it, I would not have gained the knowledge I now have about Twitter, and wouldn’t be helping businesses all over the world achieve the optimum in social media.”

Shreveport, LA, April 18th

Emma's unique business is built upon years of her own personal experiences, managing her own Twitter account. It has grown organically from a demand of business owners, wanting to utilize her skills, through repeat business and new referrals.

“I could have never foreseen what this business would become. It has been so humbling, and I feel so blessed to have this opportunity,” reveals Emma. She will be holding six conferences on this trip to America, with many more dates, and locations promised for future trips.

New Orleans, LA, April 20th

Emma claims; “Taking the time to work with each individual business is also very important to me. I am including one-on-one coaching sessions the next day, so we can work with each business, to create a personalized strategy, that they will be able to follow.”

She continues; “I always say that a business going into social media, without a strategy, is like buying a car when you don’t know how to drive - there is almost no point. I want to help businesses create their own strategy, professionally tailored to them, not just a cookie-cutter version.”

Nashville, TN, April 24th

With so many businesses trying to be the ‘Jack-of-all-trades, by spreading themselves too thinly, over too many social-media platforms, it’s time to do things properly, and become the master of one. Head on over to Emma’s website, to book your conference-of-choice, before they sell out!

Cincinnati, OH, April 27th

April Conference Dates and Locations:

10^th – Jasper, Texas

12^th – Kountze/Silsbee, Texas

18^th – Shreveport, Louisiana

20^th – New Orleans, Louisiana

24^th – Nashville, Tennessee

27^th – Cincinnati, Ohio

Book Twitter-Business Conferences at:

http://www.twitterconcierge.com.au/book-online

ENTERTAINMENT - R.O.G.S. Movie

2016-12-31T10:01:00.000-08:00

MOVIE REVIEW 2017:

The RESURRECTION of GAVIN STONE

R.O.G.S.

GRACE...HUMOR...FELLOWSHIP... AND JESUS TURNS A HEARTBREAK KID AROUND

by Bernie Lutchman, Jr.

(Official Movie Trailer Below)

The first brand new Christian movie to be released in 2017 is guaranteed to wash your winter blues away. W.W.E. Studios (yes, World Wrestling Entertainment) produced one of the most humorous, and clearly impactful, Christian films I have ever seen. The RESURRECTION OF GAVIN STONE (R.O.G.S.) is due to be released nationwide on Friday January 20, 2017, starring Brett Dalton, as Gavin Stone. Wrestling fans will also recognize the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels, as one of the main characters in the movie. Shawn is a born-again believer in real life.

R.O.G.S.' swiftly-flowing storyline revolves around the former child-actor Gavin Stone (TV Actor Brett Dalton, AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. ABC TV etc.) who later became a troubled young adult, and typical of Hollywood child actors, made it too big too fast. Like most child actors, he hailed from either the Midwest, or the South, and Gavin Stone’s hometown was Masonville, Illinois. Masonville looked eerily like Mason City, an actual small Central-Illinois town, where the main attraction is a circa-1920’s theater, with authentic-era seating, called "The Arlee". Unfortunately Midwestern values went out-the-window once Gavin moved to Hollywood to become the great child actor, with catchy phrases, merchandizing, and more. That is, until it all went south; and like most child actors, Stone ended up on the wrong side of the law.

To work out his drug addiction rehab, Stone was sentenced to 200 hours of Community Service at the local mega-church, as a janitor. His displeasure at this required responsibility is obvious until he notices that the church's Passion Play is about to get going. His ego causes him to desire the lead role of, you guessed it - Jesus Christ. There is only one problem: the Bible-preaching pastor (played by TV/Movie actor D.B. Sweeney) mentions to Stone that the role is only open to someone who is a Christian. Naturally the self-absorbed actor suddenly declared that he, indeed was a "Christian" and did what any self-professing "Christian" does - he mouthed words about Jesus.

This sudden conversion began a series of humorous incidents throughout the movie, which flowed effortlessly into the well-crafted, and directed narrative, written by Andrea Gyertson Nasfel. She may not sound familiar, but some of the most powerful Christian movies were written by Ms. Nasfel, with an increasingly-impressive portfolio, including "Mom's Night Out", "WHAT IF", "Christmas with a Capitol C", and others.

Without giving away most of the plot, the expert weaving of holy humor, and complex human relationships, speaks to regular people who simply "do" life! As there is a notion that Christians have to have a great life of health, wealth, and great relationships. This is about 180 degrees out-of-phase with life, where wayward teens walk out on their parents, and have rough-and-tough relationships with them, as with Gavin Stone and his movie father (played by former Second City actor Neil Flynn). We also see imperfect people seek goals they can never attain, in this movie. Yet they can come together worshiping the same God, staying true to the Bible, all under the banner of grace.

Grace is a huge theme of R.O.G.S. We see a lot of grace with the former Hollywood "bad boy" Stone, being welcome back by his formerly estranged father (Flynn). We see grace in a church, with a group of regular people, welcoming a stranger, who is doing community service, in their midst. We see the doctrine of the "second chance", which God has given to each and every one of us, whom He has saved by that same grace.

We see grace in an ex-con named Doug, who now runs a well-stocked automotive shop, full of custom choppers and equipment. This former ex-con is now a sold-out man for Jesus, who loves to do anonymous good deeds, like repairing cars for single moms, and using the word "crush" a lot! This was a perfect role for the former World Wrestling Entertainment long time crowd favorite Shawn Michaels, the Heartbreak Kid (HBK), who is still a favorite with a lot of folks, and is a real follower of Christ himself.

For a serious student of the Bible, or even a casual one, the best illustration of this grace, which caused God to come down from Heaven, and be born as a man to save-the-world, was the same grace shown by the main-female cast member of this movie. Wonderfully played by Angelah Johnson-Reyes (as Kelly Richardson, the pastor's daughter) is the personification of poise, and the character who gets double-crossed again by Gavin Stone, just after she trusted him as a close, possible-romantic interest.

Stone had gone briefly back to his old life (another illustration of the attraction of the devil just before real breakthrough) when he felt the tug-on-his-heart, which all of us feel B.C. (Before Christ) before conversion. As Stone is about to make a mistake, which could have permanently ruined him, he decides to return from Hollywood to Illinois, only to be welcomed back with open arms, by those he almost betrayed.

To read more about this Christian-theme film, and many others, visit Bernie's blog “The Write Stuff” at http://bernielutchman.blogspot.com/2016/12/new-movie-review-resurrection-of-gavin.html

Also see Bernie's review of "God's NOT Dead 2" for Twinas!

More about Bernie Lutchman:

Bernie Lutchman's Family Ministry - be a part of his outreach ministry Businessmen in Christ, and watch his weekly Christian TV program Plumbline.

Pick up a copy of his book "Danger Zone", then follow +BernieLutchman on Google+, on Facebook he's Bernie Lutchman Jr., and on Twitter you can find him @BernieLutchman

Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies

2016-12-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas Peanut Butter Cookies

(Gluten-free & Dairy-free, but loaded with sugar)

Why make regular peanut butter cookies when you can take this easy recipe and go wild with tasty toppings for Christmas? No dairy, flour, or eggs here, but I will warn you, these cookies do have lots of sugar! These festive cookies also contain lots of protein, and they taste absolutely fantastic!

You will be able to create a fun Christmas-baking activity for your kids, and allow finger-licking, as there are no raw eggs used in this cookie dough. You may also be able to substitute coconut sugar, or stevia, instead of using processed sugar. Although I've never tried it, I would love to know how it turns out.

Christmas Peanut-Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

1 part peanut butter

1 part white granulated sugar

Equal parts peanut butter and sugar - that's it!

If you're making cookies for Christmas gifts make a large batch by adding 3 cups peanut butter to 3 cups table sugar (makes about 60 cookies). If you would just like to make a small batch to enjoy with the kids, add 1 cup peanut butter to 1 cup sugar (makes about 15 to 20 cookies)

Directions:

Mix both ingredients in a bowl. By spoonful, roll into balls in the palm of your hand, dusted with powered sugar (or flour), as these can get sticky. Place the rolled ball straight onto a non-greased cookie sheet (peanut butter has plenty of oil).

Either decorate with toppings (below) or make traditional peanut butter cookies by dusting with powdered sugar (or flour) onto a flat-bottom glass, and press down, flattening the rolled dough flat. Then sprinkle with sugar (or flour) and lightly crisscross with fork markings on top.

Toppings:

Add the Christmas toppings before cooking, such as red and green Holiday M&M's, green or white Christmas tree sprinkles or sugar star sprinkles. Other Christmas peanut-butter topping ideas are to add a single, unwrapped Hershey Candy-Kiss, red and green gum-drops or gummy bears, chocolate-orange slices, or red & white peppermint-swirled candy kisses.

You could also add a fresh apple slice sprinkled with cinnamon, a fresh pear slice sprinkled with nutmeg, seedless dates, raisins or Craisins (dried and sweetened cranberries).

Bake:

Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool at least 3 to 5 minutes before removing from cookie sheet (or they will fall apart). If you haven't added toppings before cooking, and you'd prefer to ice your cookies instead (once cooled off), go ahead and try these frosting recipes.

Frosting:

Mix 1 stick butter (at room temperature) with 1-2 cups powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 3 drops red or green food coloring, and mix into a smooth frosting. Ice your peanut-butter ball-shaped or crisscrossed cookies with red, white, or green frosting.

For a more natural frosting, why not spread 100% fruit jam on top of your cookies, for a really sweet peanut-butter-&-jelly cookie, or perhaps use spreadable, spun-honey! You could even spread peanut butter onto your cooled, Christmas peanut-butter cookies. Merry Christmas!

Candy-Cane Cookies & Breadsticks

2016-12-16T13:36:00.000-08:00

Candy-Cane Shaped Cookies &

Cheese-Biscuit Bread Sticks

(A fun holiday Christmas-baking project with your kids)

PLUS

History of the Candy-Cane

Instead of traditional pure-sugar Christmas candy-canes, we have options for you! Cut out most of the sugar and make these easy candy-cane shaped cookies, and cheese-biscuit bread sticks. We even let you substitute your favorite cookie or biscuit recipes, if you wish.

History of the Candy-Cane

The Christmas candy-cane story goes something like this . . .

Once upon a time there was a candy maker who wanted to create a candy symbolizing the true meaning of Christmas, which is all about Jesus (after all, He is the reason for the season). So the candy maker designed a candy stick, or cane, which was curved at the top to represent a shepherd's staff (for the Lamb of God) which also becomes the letter "J" (for Jesus) when the staff is turned upside down.

And you may ask, what is the reason for the red and white colors chosen by the candy maker, entwined into one cane? White represents the purity of Jesus, while the color red signifies the blood of Jesus, which He shed for us, to cover our sins.

Shortbread/Sugar-Cookie Candy-Canes

Using your family's favorite shortbread or sugar-cookie recipe, mix batter and form into palm-sized dough balls. Cut each dough ball in half, and with your hands, onto a flour-dusted counter top, or chopping block, roll each half into long tube-shaped strips (kids call these long, fat worms). Either is ok!

If you'd prefer, try making homemade Bisquick biscuits or using pre-made frozen, or pop-open canned biscuits. Cut each biscuit into two sections, and follow the rolling instructions above.

To create the two red-and-white striped, and entwined canes, you and your kids will be rolling individual dough strips into red or green, and white sprinkles, pre-poured onto separate plates. You can use your choice of any of the below-listed sprinkles, imbedding them into the biscuits, or cookie rolls.

Red - roll one strip into crushed and crumbled candy canes, or red-hot candies, even ground cinnamon powder with-or-without table sugar, and/or into red sugar-frosting sprinkles.

White - roll into white, clear, or green sugar-frosting sprinkles.

Twist the two strips around one another, and after placing onto a buttered cookie sheet, curve the top section into the shape of a shepherd's staff. Follow the baking instructions cited for the bread sticks below.

Pepper-Cheese Breadsticks

Using baking-biscuit dough, and rolling into worm strips, as explained above, roll into the bread-stick toppings (below) to create red-and-white candy-cane shaped breadsticks.

Red - roll in either chili powder, or wrap in pimento strips (available in small jars, marinated), even fresh-or-dried red-pepper bits (hot).

Green - roll into dried parsley flakes, or chives (optional).

White - roll in either powdered Parmesan cheese, powdered milk, or use a white string-cheese stick, instead of a dough stick.

Twist a red (or green), and white strip around one another, place onto a buttered baking sheet, and curve into a cane shape. Bake according to packaged-dough recipe instructions. However you can try baking them in a 400 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes, just make sure to remove them, prior to browning. And do not burn!

Expect them to puff up a little, and allow your candy-cane cookies or bread sticks to cool, prior to removing from the cookie sheet (so they don't break apart). Place onto a flat surface to cool completely before serving, or gifting. And have a very Merry Christmas!

Pasta Meal Solutions

2016-10-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

Pasta Meal Solutions

Kid-Friendly Pasta

With so many different varieties of noodles and sauces, pasta makes a perfect side dish, or main-course meal. We will focus on the 1-dish pasta meal for ease-of-preparation and kid-friendly, yet healthy meal solutions.

Pasta Noodles

Pastas are available in wheat, colorful veggie, gluten-free and egg noodle selections which are the healthiest varieties. If you make your own pasta at home use whole grain flours (try grinding your own) and add vegetable juices to the dough, to insure better nutrition.

Kid favorites are spaghetti noodles, and elbow macaroni, offering dinner table fun. However once they try shells, bows, or other shapes, and realize they taste the same, you will be able to switch around the same sauces to look like completely different-looking meals.

Pasta Sauces

Your kids love their red tomato sauce, but keep in mind cheese sauces can also hide a multitude of vegetable-meal additions. Children are not as fond of the white-cream or green-pesto sauces, but if you like them, go for it.

Marinara Sauce

Homemade spaghetti "marinara" sauce is healthy, and easy-to-make in large batches, to freeze and use later.

Simmer a large pot filled with trimmed and chopped tomatoes, with several cloves of chopped garlic (preferably from your own organic garden as recommended in "How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden") along with a cup or two of water, on the stove-top. Lift the lid and stir occasionally.

Add fresh or dried oregano, basil, a quarter cup of sugar, and a tablespoon of sea salt cooking together for several hours, until the sauce becomes a consistency you like. Feel free to add any other pre-steamed vegetables, to be hidden beneath your sauce, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or chopped spinach.

Try Twinas' easy-to-make pasta sauces ("Saucy Salsas" tab, right below the guacamole)!

Cheese Sauce

Homemade cheese sauce works just as well to hide vegetables your kids might not ordinarily eat. Simply add one 8 to 12 ounce can of evaporated canned milk to one pound of non-imitation grated cheese, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of oat flour, for healthy whole grain fiber (acts as a natural thickening agent).

Use your food processor to grind old fashion, or instant oats into oat flour, as suggested for whole-grain fiber, in the cookbook "ABC's of Nutritious Cooking". Combine the canned milk, cheese, and oat flour into a frying pan, and stir consistently over a low heat.

Once the cheese is melted (7 to 15 minutes) and your sauce is creamy, take it off the stove to prevent burning. No salt or butter is necessary, and it will continue to thicken while it cools.

My grandmother claimed the secret for perfect cheese sauce was to stir in one tablespoon of mustard. You cannot taste the mustard, but it does add an unexpected flavor that your entire family will enjoy.

Pasta Main Dishes

Boil vegetables and Italian sausages right along with your stove-top pasta water, according to pasta package cooking instructions. Make sure sausage is thoroughly cooked, and vegetables pierce easily with a fork, prior to serving.

Serve up an impressive platter of cooked pasta, layered with steamed vegetables, and sliced Italian sausages, or left-over meats such as chicken pieces, or seafood, such as shrimp.

Pour warm marinara sauce, or creamy cheese sauce, over the entire pasta-veggie-meat tray.

Add a couple of black-pitted olives or cherry tomatoes on top, and you will have a quick, yet elegantly-served pasta meal for your entire family.

ENTERTAINMENT - God's Not Dead 2

2016-04-30T17:54:00.003-07:00

GOD'S NOT DEAD 2

A REVIEW FROM A MOVIEGOER

GOD'S NOT DEAD, 3 STORY SET?

"...Atheists can't take away the pain, but they sure take away the Hope"; says the character Walter Wesley, played by well-known Christian actor/singer Pat Boone to his daughter, Grace Wesley (powerfully portrayed by well-known TV actress Melissa Joan Hart). What follows is one of the most critical movies for the Body of Christ in 2016, in America, if our fellow citizens are paying attention.

God's Not Dead 2 (GND2) is a compilation of several, actual court cases, where the religious freedom of students (high school and college), and teachers were denied by an increasingly hostile anti-Christian, God mindset. This mindset was coming for decades, from the days of Supreme Court Hugo Black, a former member of the Ku Klux Klan, who was part of the Warren Court, back in the 1960's, which had removed the Bible, and Prayer, from American schools.

Black reintroduced the long-time dormant "separation of church and state" concept, and set the stage for the eventual spiritual decline of the United States. Some of the actual cases listed in the movie credits were the backdrop for this warm, yet deadly-cold reality.

The reality is, some Christians have to walk a fine line daily, in a nation which was founded upon religious principles and liberties for Christians. Now what is apparently manifesting in “God's Not Dead 3” is the natural progression of such extra-constitutional activism.

It is recommended to movie-goers to sit through the entire roll of credits at the end of “God's Not Dead 2” to see what is coming next. A minor subplot during GND2 involves the popular late US Senator/Actor Fred Dalton Thompson, where a group of pastors are ordered by local-government authorities, to hand over all their sermons for a centralized authority to vet.

The story-line is based on what actually occurred in 2014 when the Mayor of Houston, Texas, threatened Houston preachers to hand over their sermons or else . . . An action which resulted in a massive national outcry and backlash. For those who are interested in a growing Christian-movie culture, fueled by current events, this is something to look forward to.

"God's Not Dead 2” revolves around the story of an Arkansas high-school teacher, Grace Wesley, who answers a seemingly-innocuous question in her History Class, about the heroes of non-violence (Gandhi and King) and the greatest non-violent hero in history, Jesus. Another student in the class immediately texted his atheist parents during the class, that his history teacher was turning the class into “Sunday school".

Grace Wesley, a likeable, single teacher, is wonderfully portrayed by Melissa Joan Hart, a popular mainstream television actress (and a Christian woman), is soon brought up before the school board, who demand an apology, and more from her, to deny her testimony of faith in Christ. Grace Wesley declines and decides to take her chances in court!

To read more of this riveting-movie review, and find out what's at stake for the characters involved, make sure to visit Bernie's blog “The Write Stuff” at

http://bernielutchman.blogspot.com/search?q=God%27s+not+dead+2

Also see Bernie's review of "God's NOT Dead" for Twinas!
Bernie Lutchman's Family Ministry site - be a part of his outreach ministry Businessmen in Christ, and watch his weekly Christian TV program Plumbline.

Pick up a copy of his book "Danger Zone", then follow +BernieLutchman on Google+, on Facebook he's Bernie Lutchman Jr., and on Twitter you can find him at @BernieLutchman

ENTERTAINMENT! Risen

2016-03-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

"Risen"

Beyond Expectations!

RISEN is the natural progression of the narrative of the Resurrection and the harsh reality of life in post-Crucifixion Jerusalem. For followers-of-the-way (Jesus' followers) there was fear, and hiding, but for the religious-corrupt there was genuine panic. When the entire city knew that the body of Christ had disappeared, both persecuting parties, the Romans and the Religious rabble, had “skin in the game” to cover up their crimes. After all, the Pharisees and Sanhedrin had conducted six illegal trials, in less than 24 hours against the Judge of the Universe!

To this day, non-believers, academics, and other like-minded people, have spread the same fallacies about the death and resurrection of the Risen Christ, that the same authorities of Jerusalem, and their Roman partners-in-crime did in 33 AD! As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, there is nothing new under the sun. The Resurrection was fact.

Roman records were as diligent as those that the Nazis used (to their own detriment) at the Nuremberg trials. Roman records were used by historian Dugard and Bill O’Reilly, in his book “Killing Jesus”, which was the biggest of his oddly-titled bestsellers.

As one immersed in Biblical worldviews and apologetics as well as evangelism, the most stunning part of the entire RISEN movie, was the brief conversation the former Centurion Clavius (Ralph Fiennes) has with Jesus, just before the Ascension. While this actual event is not recorded in Scripture, it is the gist-of-the-matter for those who are seeking more than just a head knowledge of God through Christ.

Jesus in RISEN is basically asking Clavius, what is it that he's really really afraid of, and searching for . . . “is it peace”? This is the eternal quest of mankind – how to find that peace. In the final analysis, the peace that surpasses all understanding can only be found in Christ, and through Christ Jesus.

Clavius (Fiennes’s character) goes through the same doubts which many have, attempting to reason their faith in Jesus. This is the most poignant moment of the film, when used as a tool for Evangelism.

Clavius also mentioned he was afraid of being wrong. This was an extremely serious thing: to make the wrong decision about Christ had absolute, deadly consequences!

The powerful acting, authentic locations and Jewish-looking disciples brings the viewer into the entire experience, thereby helping deliver this eternal message to spiritual seekers everywhere. Plus the screenplay and production were extremely well executed. And finally, the Ascension scene itself was dynamic!

To read the rest of Bernie's dynamic Resurrection-based-movie review and commentary of “Risen”, along with video clips, get on over to his blog-of-faith, “The Write Stuff”.

Also see Bernie's review of Christian Production, "A.D. THE SERIES . . ."

Bernie Lutchman's Family Ministry site - be a part of his outreach ministry Businessmen in Christ, and watch his weekly Christian TV program Plumbline.

Pick up a copy of his book "Danger Zone", then follow +BernieLutchman on Google+, on Facebook he's Bernie Lutchman Jr., and on Twitter you can find him at @BernieLutchman

Aussie Beach Report

2016-03-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

Shark Beach

Adelaide, in South Australia, has some of the best beaches in the world. With wide, sandy shores, and crystal clear waters, they rival any beach in the world. And one of the biggest Aussie-beach traditions is to eat fish and chips (also known as fries) on the beach.

Fish and chips simply taste better at the beach. I remember as a small child how much I loved doing this, and I now do it with my own son. There's something about eating fish and chips, while sitting on the sand, watching the water lap up as the sun begins to set, glistening off the ocean like diamonds in the sun.

We decided to move late last year, about 80 meters from one of Adelaide's most popular beaches. Every summer day that's over 70 degrees we go swimming, as there is something healing about the beach. Whether you're going for a walk, swimming, or lying on the sand listening to the waves, the beach offers something for everyone.

Just last week we had a shark siting at our local beach, a 21 foot great white. I didn't want my son to develop any fears, so we went swimming the next day. I didn't tell him about the shark siting until we were up to our waists in water throwing a ball.

He shrugged and laughed. We know when we go into the water we are in their habitat. So as we threw the ball back and forth it went right over my head, and as I swam off to get it my son yelled at the top of his lungs; "Muuumm- SHARK for real!"

I turned around, and about 20 meters from us was a huge, dark object rapidly approaching. We looked toward the sand, where people on the beach were yelling "RUN!" So we ran as fast as waist-high water would allow, and when I looked back I saw a dolphin jump right up into the air.

We stopped running and watched 4 dolphins playing in front of us. From a distance it looked much different, as they were swimming all together. We began laughing, and went back to throwing the ball another half an hour.

Once we were home, the TV news reported that our beach had just been evacuated, because there were two bronze whalers spotted (one 2 meter, and one 4 meters) approximately 30 meters off shore, when we had only been about 25 meters out. I know the dolphins were sent as safe keeping, yet it was exhilarating to be so close to these wonderful creatures.

On most days the water is crystal clear and you can see crabs running along the ocean floor, and swimming by beautifully-colored fish. Whether you are swimming at the beach, lying on the sand, reading a magazine, playing a game of Aussie cricket, or simply going for a walk, Adelaide beaches have it all.

I have been blessed to travel in many different countries worldwide, and I have to say that Adelaide, Australia, has some of the best beaches in the world.

Belize

2015-12-31T20:45:00.000-08:00

Belize in Central America is the

"Jewel of the Caribbean"

Belize an Introduction, by bestdestinations

Belize & the Maya History, by bestdestinations

The big "Blue Hole" and the largest barrier reef in the Northern hemisphere can be found in Belizean waters.

While some families go for vacation in tropical Belize, others go there for affordable, safe, off-grid living, in this English-speaking Latin-America country. At less than half the price of U.S. living, Belize's self-sustaining resources are highly prized, and suitable for, either a primary residence, vacation home, or a prepper's safe haven.

In Belize it's not uncommon to have a year-round garden growing in the front yard, along with a variety of free-range animals in the backyard. Everyone saves captured-rain-water in cisterns, and many take advantage of grid-free solar power from the equatorial sunshine (and it's not illegal either).

If this lifestyle is beckoning you and your family away from the poverty of over-taxed high-rise city dwellings, expensive food, water, and electricity, or you just need to feel free again, consider this your personal invitation to paradise~

Homegrown eggs (and chicken dinners) are an inexpensive source of nutritious protein, as well as making fun pets for the kids.

Goats and sheep provide the dairy products, if you don't want cows.

Horses can provide emergency transportation, and they will mow the lawn.

Coconut, papaya, and banana trees abound in this tropical climate, and vegetable gardens grow easily year around. Plant life stays green throughout the year.

Collected rain water will shower the crops throughout brief, dry summer months. And there are no chemtrails or radiation to contaminate the abundance of rain water captured in home-cistern tanks.

ENTERTAINMENT! A.D.

2015-06-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

A.D. THE SERIES . . .

the Bible Continues

REVIEW by Bernie Lutchman

WATCH EPISODES OF A.D. THE SERIES ON NBC HERE

Two years after a successful run with the BIBLE miniseries, on the History Channel, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey have accomplished something spectacular, which no ministry or Christian leader could have done alone. They managed to get the Almighty name of Jesus, the Son of God onto primetime television!

Additionally A.D. The Series was aired on a major media network, NBC (National Broadcasting Corporation). Whether or not this was a great marketing move for NBC (and we think it was), Jesus Christ and His Gospel is now going around the world, over the air, and completely uncensored!

There were obvious errors in moving the Biblical text to modern, American TV and/or movie production, but there will always be poetic license, liberty and alteration of God's word whenever man tries to bring powerful truths to television and movie theaters of the world. Even with a successful run on NBC, Burnett and Downey may be hard-pressed to match the success of both "The Bible", and "AD The Series ... the Bible Continues".

As a student of the Bible, author, and observer of culture, there are certain pros and cons to be considered in this particular body of work, listed below. Both are worth noting, for the sake of anyone who may consider watching these series from a website or Netflix.

PROS:

As aforementioned, the message of Jesus Christ, as the unmistakeable Son of God, Savior and Lord, who rose from the dead, is still stunning to me - on prime time, mainstream, network TV. That alone is priceless!

Jesus appears to Saul on Road to Damascus in AD The Series

The second positive development is this time, Burnett and Downey stayed close to Scripture and the facts, than some of their creative paraphrasing of the“Bible Series” from 2 years ago. The History Channel series which launched A.D. was criticized by conservative and reformed scholars, of which I am one.

However I saw the value of The Bible Series, yet was called a heretic and unsaved pagan by some, because I supported the showing of The Bible Series! A.D. the Series is also causing controversy, and conversation between people.

The third positive aspect of the showing of A.D. the Series is that it gave us a glimpse of how tough things were for the early church. Christians were displaced by the millions, chased out of their homes, murdered, beheaded, and worse, is confirmation that nothing has really changed for those who will inherit eternal life. The brutality of the Romans and the Jewish religious authorities against the followers of Christ, was phenomenal.

And regardless if intended or not, A.D. The Series should have edited out their anti-Semitic notion that the Jews alone killed Jesus. Anyone who has seen historic documentaries, or read books about the Roman Empire, can testify to the extreme nature of the Romans. Their viciousness brought on a 300-year reign-of-terror in Rome, against our brothers and sisters in Christ. It was only the supposed conversion of Emperor Constantine which ended the persecution.

For more controversial "pros", and the compelling "cons", of Bernie's review of A.D. visit his website, before viewing this Biblical event with your family!

Also see Bernie's review of Christian Production "Little Boy"

Bernie Lutchman's Family Ministry site - be a part of his outreach ministry Businessmen in Christ, and watch his weekly Christian TV program Plumbline.

Pick up a copy of his book "Danger Zone", then follow +BernieLutchman on Google+, on Facebook he's under Bernie Lutchman Jr., and on Twitter @BernieLutchman

Campfire Cookin'

2015-06-13T16:13:00.001-07:00

Banana-Coconut Fritters

(Gluten-Free & Sugar-Free)

Sliced pineapple & star fruit added, with grated coconut sprinkles.

Taste the Tropics -

No Syrup Necessary

With-or-without fruit slices and/or coconut sprinkles, you just can't beat these mouth-watering, naturally sweet and healthy banana-coconut fritters.

Stovetop and campfire friendly, you'll enjoy these hearty tropical fritters. Add fruit on the side for a nourishing breakfast. Serves a family of 4.

It will be lumpy.

Ingredients:

(mash & mix in a bowl)

2 large, overripe bananas

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons grated coconut (unsweetened)

2 tablespoons buttermilk powder (or powdered milk)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 drops vanilla extract (could also use pineapple, orange, hazelnut, or maple syrup extract, or essential oils)

Notice lumpy texture when poured into fry pan.

Directions:

fry stovetop

(or over a campfire)

Cook with 1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil (which doesn't burn as quickly as butter) until the fritter batter is covered with bubbles, as shown.

Before flipping, take the pan off the flame, and work around the edges with a spatula. Flip the pancake over, from the middle, and allow it to cook on the hot pan (no flame) for about another minute.

Then turn it onto a plate, ready to serve with added fruits, nuts, coconut sprinkles - or not!

Enjoy them topped, however you like!

Australia

2015-05-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

Coober Pedy, Way Down Under

Coober Pedy is a town in northern South Australia, 846 kilometers north of Adelaide, on the Stuart Highway. According to the 2011 census, its population was 1,695, and is the "Opal Capital of the World".

The first piece of opal, found in 1915, and has been drawing thousands ever since. It is also one of the hottest places in Australia, with temps between 45 to 52 Celsius (122 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer, explains why 80% of the population lives underground.

This is a town that has stayed with me since my visit at 12 years old. So when I looked for new camping options, for myself, and my son (currently 12) I googled fabulous places to camp, and found that Coober Pedy now has underground camping! I thought what a fabulously unique, and memorable experience that would be, and we were not disappointed.

We stayed at "Riba's Caravan Park", about 4 kms before you reach the main town of Coober Pedy. It was fabulous, and handmade by our wonderful hosts at Riba's, Rick and his wife. It is the only underground campsite in the world!

It has hot showers, a big kitchen area, and a wi-fi lounge area, making it extremely popular with overseas tourists too.

We spent our time playing board games and digging for opals! We weren't disappointed either, as we found 4-5 little opals. Next time (yes, there will be a next time) we will take picks and shovels. While we were there another camper found a piece worth $10,000 and sold it to a mine in town.

If you are patient and don't mind a bit of dust (actually a lot of dust) make sure to come visit, and stay at Riba's Caravan Park, the best place in town! The surrounding landscape is uniquely beautiful with red desert stretching for miles, and sunrises and sunsets to die for.

Sometimes the simplest adventures turn out to be the best!

Stay tuned . . . more Aussie-wonderland adventures to come!

Essential Oils

2015-05-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Popular Essential Oils &

Uses to Support Health, Naturally

Lavender - Probably the most popular essential oil, lavender has been cherished for its unmistakable aroma and its therapeutic properties for thousands of years.

In ancient times, the Egyptians and Romans used Lavender for mummification, bathing, relaxation, cooking, and as a perfume; its ability to calm and soothe the mind and body continue to be Lavender’s most notable qualities.

Lavender is frequently used to soothe skin irritations and help skin recover quickly, applying it to the back of the neck and temples helps reduce muscle tension and inhaling it promotes relaxation as well as a restful night’s sleep, making it an ideal oil to diffuse at bedtime and when stress levels are high.

Due to Lavender’s versatility and soothing properties, it is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times. dōTERRA® Lavender essential oil is sourced out of France.

Uses for Lavender Oil

• Add a few drops of Lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet for a restful night’s sleep.

• Keep a bottle of Lavender on hand for minor burns, cuts, and scrapes.

• Freshen your linen closet, mattress, car, or the air by combining Lavender with water in a spray bottle. (Use glass spray bottles with essential oils as the oils will eat away the plastic)

• Add to bath water to soak away stress or apply to the temples and the back of the neck to ease muscle tension.

• Use in cooking to soften citrus flavors and add a flavorful twist to marinades, baked goods, and desserts.

Peppermint - A high menthol content, like that found in the dōTERRA® Peppermint essential oil, distinguishes the best quality Peppermint from other products.

Frequently used in toothpaste and chewing gum for oral health, Peppermint also helps to alleviate stomach upset and promotes healthy respiratory function. dōTERRA® Peppermint is sourced out of Washington state in the USA.

Uses for Peppermint Oil

• Use a drop of Peppermint with Lemon in water for a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse.

• Rub on the stomach or take internally for occasional digestive discomfort.

• Add a drop of Peppermint to your chocolate Trim Shake for a yummy twist.

• Rather than grabbing an unhealthy snack midafternoon, re-energize by applying Peppermint to the palms of hands and deeply inhaling.

Melaleuca - More commonly known as “Tea Tree,” Melaleuca essential oil has over 92 different compounds and limitless applications. Melaleuca is best known for its purifying properties. It can be used to cleanse and purify the skin and nails and to promote a clear, healthy complexion.

Taken internally, Melaleuca enhances immunity when seasonal threats are high, and Melaleuca can be used on surfaces throughout the home to protect against environmental threats. Melaleuca is frequently used on minor skin irritations to soothe the skin and help it recover quickly.

Diffusing Melaleuca will help purify and freshen the air. dōTERRA® Melaleuca essential oil is sourced out of Australia.

Uses for Melaleuca Oil

• For occasional skin irritations, apply 1–2 drops of Melaleuca essential oil onto affected area.

• Add 1–2 drops to water, citrus drinks, or veggie caps to enhance immunity.

• Combine 1–2 drops with your facial cleanser or moisturizer for added cleansing properties, or apply to skin after shaving to prevent razor burn.

• Apply to fingernails and toenails after showering to purify and strengthen nails.

• Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and use on surfaces to protect against environmental threats.

Oregano - Oregano is one of the most potent and powerful essential oils and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its cleansing and immune-boosting properties. The primary chemical components of Oregano are carvacol and thymol, both in the phenols group, which possess purifying and antioxidant properties.

Due to its high phenol content, caution should be taken when inhaling or diffusing Oregano; only one to two drops is needed. Additionally, Oregano should be diluted with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil when applied to the skin.

Oregano essential oil contains phenols—powerful antioxidants that ward off free radicals. One drop in liquid, taken daily, can help maintain healthy immune function; Oregano should be taken more frequently when seasonal threats are high or as needed to further boost immunity.

In addition to being a popular cooking spice, Oregano supports healthy digestion by promoting the secretion of digestive juices. When diffused, Oregano acts as an enhancer and equalizer in essential oil blends and can help maintain healthy respiratory function. dōTERRA® Oregano essential oil is sourced out of Turkey.

Uses for Oregano Oil

• Take one drop daily to boost immunity when seasonal threats are high.

• Rub Oregano essential oil and Fractionated Coconut Oil on the bottom of your feet to help boost your immune system.

• Put one drop or less in place of dried oregano in spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or on a roast.

• Put 10 drops in a 16-ounce spray bottle with water for a surface spray.

• Mix one to two drops with water and gargle to soothe an irritated throat.

Frankincense - Renowned as one of the most prized and precious essential oils, Frankincense has extraordinary internal and external health benefits. In addition to its notoriety in the New Testament, the Babylonians and Assyrians would burn Frankincense in religious ceremonies, and the ancient Egyptians used Frankincense resin for everything from perfume to salves for soothing skin.

This centuries-old knowledge contributes to the modern uses of Frankincense today. It’s soothing and beautifying properties are used to rejuvenate skin and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. As the king of oils, Frankincense is known to promote cellular health and immunity and can be consumed daily for these internal benefits.

It also promotes a healthy inflammatory response and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems, helping them function optimally. When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense induces feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness. dōTERRA® Frankincense is sourced out of Somalia.

Uses for Frankincense Oil

• Rub Frankincense on your hands after a long day of gardening or working to promote a normal inflammatory response.

• Can help promote youthful, radiant–looking skin and slow the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of skin imperfections.

• Can be applied to the bottoms of feet to relax and balance mood swings.

• Dry weather can take a toll on your nails. Try applying a drop of Frankincense to strengthen weak fingernails.

Why dōTERRA®?

There are two major factors that play a role in the effectiveness and quality of essential oils:

1. Plant Potency:

When selecting which plants are to be used for essential oil production, it is important that the plant is grown in the correct soil, temperature, and climate. When these factors are optimal, the plant will be able to reach its highest potency.

2. Oil Purity:

When oils contain fillers or other elements that dilute and alter their purity, their ability to function at their highest capacity is compromised. In order to enjoy all the benefits of essential oils, they must be used in their purest form.

dōTERRA has set the bar for essential oil purity and potency through rigorous scientific research and advanced testing of each oil that is put into production. Proper extraction and quality control methods also ensure that dōTERRA essential oils are free of any contaminants such as pesticides or other chemical residues.

To find out more about dōTERRA essential oils, and how you can incorporate them into a healthy home environment and healing family lifestyle, contact Will & Misty Cottam at healthyudoterra@gmail.com or check out their site at mydoterra.com/wmcottam

Make sure to mention "TwinasLatinas" for free oil samples!

ENTERTAINMENT! - LITTLE BOY MOVIE

2015-05-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Little Boy ~ Big Faith

Learn How to Believe Once Again!

ROMA DOWNEY, MARK BURNETT & EDUARDO VERASTEGUI

EXCEL IN JOINT VENTURE

One of the most heartwarming, and inspiring movies of early 2015, was the joint venture between Roma Downey and Mark Burnett (The Bible, and A.D. the miniseries) along with Eduardo Verastegui in the production of the “Little Boy” movie.

Verastequi, who plays the youthful Father Crispin, in his own film, is best known for his anti-abortion film “Bella” (2006) and "The Butterfly Circus" (2009). All his movies have strong faith and family themes, messages, and undertones.

“Little Boy” had a tremendous amount of humor as well! Set in the 1940’s, World War II era, in Southern California, Little Boy is the younger child of two boys fathered by an "All-American Man". With a white picket fence around his beautifully-kept middle-class home, and lovely wife, he works very hard with his hands at his own auto-mechanic shop. He is drafted and called off to War, during the time in California, when President Franklin Roosevelt had interned over 110,000 Japanese-Americans into camps. This fact will be significant as the storyline of “Little Boy” progresses.

The amazingly stunning fishing village where this story unfolds was actually filmed in Baja California, Mexico, an area untouched by all the crazy stuff we now associate with most of California. My friend Twinas Latinas Cheri, was associated with the making of this movie (filmed in 2011) and had communicated her excitement about working on this Christian film, and the long-anticipated movie-theater premier. I remarked it sure would be a beautiful community in which to live right now!

The idyllic setting of this "American" ocean-front hometown (filmed at Baja Studios) belies the intense interplay between a lively 8 year old Pepper Busbee (Jakob Salvati) who is apparently doomed to be vertically challenged, as are nearly one third of the adults and other kids in the town. Pepper and his dad James Busbee (Michael Rapaport) spend a huge amount of quality father/son time together, which was a purposeful statement about the times when men were men, and family meant community; a time when life was more meaningful, and less complicated.

That simple existence actually covered up some of the dark nature of the soul of men, such as hatred, racism, bullying, greed, adultery, and more. The latter came in the form of the town's medic, Dr. Fox (played by Mall Cop himself, Kevin James). However Dr. Fox used the occasion of James Busbee going off to war to commence intentional flirtation with Mrs. Busbee (Emily Watson) to seek her feminine favor.

Pepper was bullied by the grossly overweight, only son of Dr. Fox, about everything, but especially for being short. Hatred was the soft underbelly of those who hated others for being different. And violent racism broke out when Pepper and his mother reached out to the hard-crusted, unlovable Japanese-American Hashimoto (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) at the time of Pearl Harbor and internment camps, which landed the older Busbee boy (David Henrie) in jail.

The "Little Boy" movie, with its beautiful settings, period-piece wardrobe and props, was a quality production with a $20 million dollar budget, showing the perfect dichotomy between God’s Creation of perfection, and man’s sinful nature. This is where Verastegui shines in all of his films, by introducing faith.

Not just any faith, but faith in the only God of Heaven, the God of Christians, known as Jesus Christ. Faith is the only bridge between man’s depraved human nature and the immaculate perfection of God, which was fulfilled at the Cross, where Jesus gave His life for us all.

To read more of his compelling "Little Boy" movie review, make sure to visit Bernie's website, and ask him to help lead you to the Lord. Learn to believe, all over again, and please receive God's free gift of Salvation in these final days. You'll be glad you did!

Also see Bernie's review of Hollywood's version of Exodus (from the truth?)

Bernie Lutchman's Family Ministry site - be a part of his outreach ministry Businessmen in Christ, and watch his weekly Christian TV program Plumbline.

Pick up a copy of his book "Danger Zone", then follow +BernieLutchman on Google+, on Facebook he's under Bernie Lutchman Jr., and on Twitter @BernieLutchman

Planting Time

2015-05-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

Sizzling-Hot Summer Fruits &Veggies

by Becca Badgett for Twinas

It is time to start planting summer vegetables in the garden. In other areas, planting time may be sooner or a few weeks later, depending upon your location. However, the following information applies to planting these vegetables in all areas with the exception of the time for planting.

Summer vegetables include the majority of crops that make the way to our tables. This is just a partial listing of some of the most popular.

Tomatoes; all types, and varieties, plants need a full-sun location to bear this favorite fruit.

Squash; summer, winter, autumn, zucchini, and patty pan must have the heat to produce.

Beans; vining or bush, green, yellow or red grows in the sunny garden.

Cucumbers; large or small, for pickling, salads or snacking are warm weather veggies.

Eggplant; another heat-loving vegetable, beautiful in the garden and delicious on the grill.

Melons; honeydew, muskmelon, watermelon, even pumpkins and gourds flourish during the hottest days of summer. Some of these take 100 days or more to maturity, so your harvest may be in autumn, depending upon when you planted.

Peppers; hot or mild, sweet or fiery, this favorite spice needs sunshine and heat to grow.

Do you need a good reason to start growing vegetables to feed your family? Here are just a few:

Save money over grocery store prices.
Have favorite and special varieties available that are not being sold in local stores.
Lean how to grow healthy food in the event that a natural occurrence my limit or stop the shipping of food throughout the country.

The California drought will create a shortage of fruits and vegetables this year. What is available is sure to be at a hefty price, in grocery store and markets. Get growing now to feed your family.

For those who are new to growing a garden or experienced gardeners who just need a few new tips, order a copy of “How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden”. Purchasers can have their questions answered online, as well.

Purchase at:https://www.createspace.com/3515759

Gardening Tip: Intermingle herbs and flowers among your summer vegetable plantings for pest control.

Cilantro, marigolds and nasturtiums are just a few plants that deter pests, trap them or attract beneficial insects.

About Becca

Becca Badgett is an enthusiastic gardener who enjoys sharing information with others. She is certified as a gardening expert and plant technician while writing how-to and garden articles for several sites online, such as Gardening Know How, Examiner, and Huffington Post. She is co-author of the book “How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden”.

Her writing experience includes stints in newspaper and magazine writing. She has worked as Editor on several in-house newsletters, written press releases, and worked as Director of Communications for a non-profit planetarium and nature center.

Find her on Twitter @Becca062 and visit her Facebook page Becca's Blooms for current information and to view her latest gardening articles.

Find more great growing tips from Becca here:

Growing Peppers

DIY Gardening Cheats

3 Great Reasons to Grow Cilantro

Preventative Pest Control in the Home Garden

Nasturtium: easy-to-grow edible flower (lovely around wedding cakes)

Garden Fresh Potatoes

2015-05-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

Growing Potatoes

By Becca for Twinas

You eat them baked, fried and scalloped. In some restaurants, you may eat them smothered, covered and topped. They are often a staple of evening meals everywhere, and are the number one vegetable in the United States.

Yes, of course, I speak of the potato.

Packed with healthy fiber and nutrition, you could live on potatoes, eaten with the skin, and supplemented with Vitamins A and D, found in butter (from grass-fed cows).

We are not recommending you do that, but we do recommend that you grow as many as you can in the home garden.

While potatoes are a staple of most households, few people grow them. You should consider this additional crop, as growing your own potatoes is not complicated.

If you have a garden, you can devote a couple of rows to this cool-season crop. If you do not have a garden, potatoes are adaptable to growth in containers, even large buckets.

Why would you want to grow your own potatoes? They are readily available in all grocery stores and the price is not yet prohibitive for many.

While growing your own potatoes will save money, the main reason to start this crop now is for the health of your family.

According to several sources, potatoes are following in the same direction as corn, and are the next major victim of the genetically modified (GM) crop intrusion. (You remember, those plants that can't be killed, even by Round-up).

Reported by the New York Times in November 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture has approved a GM potato for use in French fries at McDonalds. Other modifications are sure to follow, so now is the time to start growing, and cooking your own potatoes.

Many Twinas' readers will grow potatoes in the winter. If you do not have to worry about winter freeze in your area, grow them during the coolest time you have. Learn more about growing them in the article "Planting Potatoes in the Home Garden".

If you can, try to save enough from your harvest for planting the following year and you will not have to worry about poisoning your family with GM varieties.

Store potatoes in a cool, dry place and the crop can last for an entire year.

About Becca

Purchase at:https://www.createspace.com/3515759

Find her on Twitter @Becca062 and visit her Facebook page Becca's Blooms for current information and to view her latest gardening articles.

Entertainment - Exodus

2014-12-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

EXODUS FROM THE TRUTH?

REVIEW OF THE LATEST HOLLYWOOD BIBLE MOVIE

(SORT OF BASED ON MOSES)

(Image courtesy Google Images)

The problems with modern Hollywood trying to make Bible movies to reach the majority interested in viewing faith-and-family movies are multifold, as with anything we do, we must believe in a product for it to impact our lives.

Unlike popular epics such as the 1956 "TEN COMMANDMENTS" (Cecil B. DeMille) or even Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" from a decade ago, the current crop of jump-on-the-Bible-movie-bandwagon producers have basically two things in mind: money and agenda, rather than historic, honest narrative.

Cecil B. DeMille and Mel Gibson both made their blockbuster movies impactful, (becoming financially successful) for a reason - because the historic accounts, the stories of the ages, have forever impacted humanity. Although many of the actors did not necessarily believe in God, or the Bible, they did understand accuracy, and appreciated the intelligence of their audiences, and demographics (mainly Christians here and around the world).

DeMille himself would spend 2-3 years researching the Bible, before he got the script together to begin shooting his film. The result was the biggest Bible movie ever produced. The thinking behind these two current Bible-based super-flops, out of Hollywood in 2014, are almost opposite the style of classic film-making and honest, Biblical scripting DeMille was known for, in the golden age of Hollywood!

The first flop was NOAH, starring Russell Crowe (an avowed atheist). The film makers turned Biblical truths into fantasies, offensive to Christians, Jews, and even those with only basic Biblical knowledge.

Bringing a series to mind on the Great Flood of Noah's era, which aired on NBC-TV over decade ago. The fiction in that was also just as bizarre, so Saturday Night Live did a stinging parody of it, sending the NBC-TV series into oblivion.

It is against this background we take a look at "EXODUS - Gods and Kings" (released on December 12, 2014) starring Christian Bale (as Moses), directed by Ridley Scott, and produced by FOX. For the rest of this no-holds-barred non-Biblical-movie review, make sure to visit:

Bernie Lutchman's Family Ministry site, be a part of his outreach ministry Businessmen in Christ, and watch his weekly Christian TV program Plumbline.

Pick up a copy of his book "Danger Zone", then follow +BernieLutchman on Google+, on Facebook he's under Bernie Luchtman Jr., and on Twitter @BernieLutchman

See Bernie's other exciting Twinas' Reviews under the tab titled "ENTERTAINMENT!"

Noah & The Last Days - Not the Hollywood-fantasy version, but about the REAL Noah & the reasons for the Great Flood.

Garden Fresh Blueberries

2014-09-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

Blueberries

Fresh from your garden!

Growing blueberries is a fairly easy garden chore. The bushes are attractive and an asset to the home landscape. You can use them in groupings with other small shrubs. Overall, these shrubs are pest free and need little more than sunlight and regular water to produce a good crop. That is, if they’re planted in the right kind of soil.

Blueberries need acidic soil to bear abundant fruit, (pH 4.5 - 5.5). If you’re thinking of adding a few bushes to your landscape, start off with a soil test and get the soil right before you plant. Learn more about the proper soil for growing this delicious fruit here.

Loaded with healthful antioxidants, blueberries are a great means of eating healthy. Fresh or frozen, the berries are a source of anthocyanidins that protect certain cells within the body. Articles in Natural News gives a more in-depth explanation of anti-toxin extracts as well as healthful benefits of freezing blueberries. Find NaturalNews purity-tested products here.

Choosing Healthy Bushes

When choosing blueberry bushes for later winter or early spring planting, try to buy them locally at a nursery or garden center with knowledgeable employees. Your choices may include southern highbush, lowbush, and rabbiteye varieties. Hybrids are available for warmer areas above Zone 7.

For a better and extended harvest, plant more than one variety. Also, hard as it may be to do, remove all buds the first year. This helps resolve the issue of yielding small berries. Plan for a limited harvest the second year, and when the bushes are matured you’ll begin getting a good amount of large berries.

Depending on the age of bushes when they’re planted, a full yield comes in the fifth or sixth year. Patience is the key.

When you’re designating an area for the bushes, include fruit trees of your choosing, if you have the space. You can have a beautiful landscape that saves money and feeds your family.

Editor's note to the cook:

Store blueberries in the freezer, and when baking with them, add frozen to the batter, at the last minute before baking. To prevent a purple explosion that may look black when baked, swirl slightly to mix (as shown below).

Also see:

Growing Fruit Trees

About Becca

Purchase at:https://www.createspace.com/3515759

Find her on Twitter @Becca062 and visit her Facebook page Becca's Blooms for current information and to view her latest gardening articles.

Family Health - Disease Prevention

2014-08-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

Disease Prevention

Fighting Back!

In the wake of one of the most catastrophic disease outbreaks of this century, our investigations revealed some important things you need to know, to keep your family safe, protected, and disease free!

Just as Comet Negra foretold the Black Death, as it passed over earth in the 14th century, this last year 2013, (dubbed the year of the comet) may have also predicted another deadly out-break with the Ebola virus catastrophe of 2014!

Further investigation suggests that the Black Death was actually not a flea-infested, rat-carried Bubonic Plague at all, but that it presented symptoms similar to the Ebola-Hemorrhagic-Fever pandemic like we are seeing today.

If this is the case, then we might just know how to prevent the onset, and spread of this epidemic through prevention, just as the survivors of the 14th century Black Plague did! Unfortunately modern medicine, with antibiotics, and other assorted drug therapies, have not helped to cure this current Ebola outbreak. So we must take action right now!

What You Can Do To Protect Your Family

Garlic, Onions & Water

Two important home-grown necessities are garlic and onions. Find out how to grow your own, in our Garden Fresh section (scroll down for garlics & herbs) because these have a reputation as nature's own potent antibiotics. Remarkably enough they had also been found in homes of those surviving the 14th century Ebola-type hemorrhagic-fever, more commonly referred to as the Black Death.

Cook with these savory herbs for flavor and health, grow them in pots, indoors or outside, and keep them marinating in glass jars filled up with olive oil, to chew for immediate relief of high fever.

Chewing raw garlic cloves will bring down a fever faster than most doctor-prescribed, or over-the-counter medications, that we had ever tried on my febrile-seizure prone son (high fevers typically trigger seizure activity). Without the drug side effects, garlic will only leave a bad taste in the mouth. Drinking plenty of bottled water to counter the bad, raw-garlic taste will also treat the dehydration that accompanies a high fever.

10-a-Day Fruits & Veggies Challenge

Many of you may already be familiar with my health challenge for family and friends, to increase the number of disease-fighting nutrients consumed daily, and help build a strong immune system. Join us and get well, it works!

Newsmax Health just reported on a Harvard study, citing only 5 servings of fruits and vegetables will "boost longevity"! However my claim of eating 10-a-day will fill anyone up to the point of: 1) decreasing GMO-poisoned fast-food consumption, 2) adding more phyto-nutrients to the diet (equivalent to vitamins), and 3) eating all this, without gaining unhealthy pounds.

My 10-a-Day Fruits & Veggies Challenge is easy for anyone to do, just add it to your meats, dairy, and grains, although you won't be able to eat as much as before. Did you know that homemade salsa and chips contain between 5-to-10 fruits, veggies, and herbs? Learn how to make Twinas Salsas and indulge.

What about Twinas frosty-cold fruit Smoothies made easy like these (scroll to bottom), or Twinas 5-to-10-veggie Salads once a day? Eat like this - to get well and stay healthy!

Natural News Recommendations

Natural News recommendations that I also believe, and do myself, are to get plenty of sunshine, referring to it as a "full-spectrum medicine", and eating the exotic Mangosteen fruit daily (or use it powdered in smoothies) as it's rumored to fight off disease.

Now we are finding that both sunshine, and the Mangosteen fruit can heal cancer too, according to documented scientific case-studies, with articles on the Natural News web site. Pure powdered Mangosteen fruit can be purchased by clicking on any of the Natural News product ads (on our side banners) and then typing in Mangosteen. It is well worth the price.

Surgical Masks

Buy a package of inexpensive cloth or fiber surgical masks, and wear them out (as shown) when traveling close to home or abroad, to crowd functions or events, and even while grocery shopping. We now know that the Ebola virus is airborne, carried by water particles in the air, so put them on your children too!

Prayer

Pray over your family, and know that your chances of survival are very good, because our ancestors did survive this, many years ago. God bless and protect us all.

Incredible Universe - Twins in August Skies

2014-07-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Twins in

August Skies 2014

with Elias Fragakis for Twinas

NASA's Concept Picture: Binary (Pulsar) Star System

Discover NASA's Astrophysics concept of a neutron star (or pulsar) located within in 1 of our constellations. This star is actually a binary system of twin-closely-orbiting stars, producing strong radio signals, that turn on and off, as explained here:

Must See A Weird Binary System Containing a Rapidly Spinning ‘Transformer’ Pulsar (+Video) on BEFORE IT'S NEWS

Next learn the details of this first-ever "Rosetta" comet mission (space-landing) onto a rare, “contact-binary” twins comet, with unique footage as shown in the included video! Remember the wild-space-adventure movie "Armageddon" (landing in space, on an orbiting comet - to deflect it away from the earth)? Could this be our Armageddon movie?

ESA Photo: Twin Comet will be Orbiting Between Mars & Earth

Comet 67P/Churyumov Gerasimenko Turns Out to Be Both a Blessing and a Curse (+Video) at BEFORE IT'S NEWS

Then witness double (and triple) planetary conjunctions, summertime constellations, meteor showers, and so much more in:

Tonight's Sky:August 2014 Constellations,

Deep-Sky Objects, Planets and Events

And finally, this August, twin celestial events will be competing for your summer nighttime viewing, in spectacular ways, as described here:

Supermoon vs Perseid Meteor Shower -

Spectacular Celestial Show

Also be sure to check out Twinas' Summer of Supermoons 2014 for event dates on this summer's largest, and brightest of 3 supermoons, occurring between twin blood moons. Do they really forecast love, or warn of impending catastrophe?

About Elias "Hlias" Fragakis

(also known as "Nemesis Maturity")

Elias Fragakis has spent the last 2 years as a journalist, and filmmaker, covering a variety of topics. Specializing in the broad field of science (from a faith-based perspective) he diligently keeps others informed about urgent developments.

Hlias works in Athens, Greece, where you can find his reports on diverse, scientific findings, and breakthroughs, on both his popular YouTube channels. You should follow his updates by subscribing at: “Elias Fragakis” & “Nemesis Maturity”.

Elias is also a featured, contributing writer on “BEFORE IT'S NEWS” and you can follow him on many social sites too! On Google+ follow him at +nemesismaturity and +elias fragakis. On Twitter follow @NemesisMaturity, and on FaceBook you can friend him at Hlias “Nemesis Maturity” Frgks

Incredible Universe

2014-07-19T00:40:00.000-07:00

Our Incredible Universe

by Elias "Nemesis Maturity" Fragakis

Dark Rift in the Milky Way Galaxy

Discover what's going on in our incredible universe, and enjoy the beauty of space from a completely different perspective!

Univ. of Oslo: Heavy (Space) Weather: Coronal Mass Ejections and the Northern Lights

NASA: A Coronal Mass Ejection CME Strikes the Earth

NASA: New Horizons Spacecraft is Only a Year Away from Pluto

ESO: Largest Yellow Hypergiant Star is 1300 Times Bigger than Sun

MIT Tech: The Sun's 'Death Star' Companion

There Are Tens Of Billions Of Habitable Planets and Moons in Our Galaxy

Planets

Constellations

Galaxies

Also see:

A summer of Supermoons 2014 and August Skies 2014 to discover an incredible universe of binary twins & multiple celestial events!

About Elias "Hlias" Fragakis

(also known as "Nemesis Maturity")

TWINAS' FAMILY MAGAZINE

Activate Review

Sailing Australia

Fiji Retreat

Potpourri

Homemade Potpourri,

Rose Water & Oils

Twitter Conferences

Emma Illies on Twitter @illwah

ENTERTAINMENT - R.O.G.S. Movie

The RESURRECTION of GAVIN STONE

Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies

Candy-Cane Cookies & Breadsticks

Candy-Cane Shaped Cookies &

Cheese-Biscuit Bread Sticks

Pasta Meal Solutions

Pasta Meal Solutions

ENTERTAINMENT - God's Not Dead 2

A REVIEW FROM A MOVIEGOER

ENTERTAINMENT! Risen

Aussie Beach Report

Belize

ENTERTAINMENT! A.D.

A.D. THE SERIES . . .

the Bible Continues

REVIEW by Bernie Lutchman

Campfire Cookin'

Australia

Essential Oils

ENTERTAINMENT! - LITTLE BOY MOVIE

Planting Time

Garden Fresh Potatoes

Entertainment - Exodus

EXODUS FROM THE TRUTH?

REVIEW OF THE LATEST HOLLYWOOD BIBLE MOVIE

(SORT OF BASED ON MOSES)

﻿﻿

Garden Fresh Blueberries

Family Health - Disease Prevention

Incredible Universe - Twins in August Skies

Incredible Universe

Univ. of Oslo: Heavy (Space) Weather: Coronal Mass Ejections and the Northern Lights

NASA: A Coronal Mass Ejection CME Strikes the Earth

NASA: New Horizons Spacecraft is Only a Year Away from Pluto

ESO: Largest Yellow Hypergiant Star is 1300 Times Bigger than Sun

MIT Tech: The Sun's 'Death Star' Companion

There Are Tens Of Billions Of Habitable Planets and Moons in Our Galaxy