Saturday, October 18, 2025

Off School Property


Off School Property: Solving the Separation of Church and State

Documentary | One Night Only | Oct 23 | Runtime 90 min

How did we get here? For generations, the Bible and prayer were part of public education. But decades ago they were systematically removed, leaving schools—the future-making factories of our nation—without the foundation that shaped so much of our culture.


The new documentary "Off School Property" is hitting theaters on October 23 for one night only. The film exposes how a biblical worldview has influenced every aspect of our society, and that removing it was like pulling the wrong piece from a Jenga tower — it has destabilized everything.

But here’s the surprise—while the Bible was being removed, an obscure 1952 Supreme Court ruling paved the way to bring it back. This solution has been sitting right under our noses for 70 years and it allows students to study the Bible—legally—during the public school day.

Today, communities across the nation are rediscovering this opportunity. The movement is spreading coast to coast—and it’s coming to a town near you.

The question isn’t just what happened? The question is… what will we do now?

BUY TICKETS HERE! Watch the trailer:


LINKS:




Wednesday, October 15, 2025

GROW

 

GROW Synopsis: In the Pumpkin Capital of the World, stoic farmer Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel) begrudgingly takes in her spirited niece, Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell). But Charlie isn’t an ordinary child—she has a special knack for connecting with plants that quietly reflects her own longing to feel just as seen and loved. As the town prepares for the annual pumpkin-growing contest, Charlie sets her sights on winning.

With the help of quirky Arlo (Nick Frost), plot and pumpkins thicken as rival growers pull every trick in the book. 
Will Charlie and Dinah’s unlikely entry stand tall against the fiercest competition the town has ever seen? As her pumpkin grows, so does her bond with Dinah, and together they learn the real prize is joy, laughter, and family.

Pumpkin spice in film form, GROW is perfectly timed for fall and Halloween 
season: cozy, funny, and a safe, whimsical alternative to scary movies. Yet, at the heart of GROW is the touching bond between a prickly aunt and her spirited niece. Their journey shows that sometimes the family we need grows where we least expect it.

BUY YOUR TICKETS: FathomEntertainment.com/Grow


MY REVIEW: If you love Autumn, pumpkins, fairs, and quirky characters, GROW is meant for you! From curmudgeonly farmers to over-the-top rivals, every character feels like they’ve stepped out of a cozy, autumnal fairy tale. Charlie’s pumpkin “Peter” isn’t the only thing full of personality—the whole town bursts with quirky charm. Charlie is new, having recently and reluctantly been placed with her Aunt Dinah, and is unsure how to fit in. Things change when Charlie's special gift for communicating with plants, plus the prize money, leads to her interest in the annual pumpkin-growing contest held in the village. The competition is fierce and the contestants will stop at nothing to win.

There are a lot of laughs, and older kids will appreciate much of the humor (GROW is rated PG for a couple of suggestive comments and thematic elements). There were a couple of slightly cringey moments for me, but I did enjoy the movie and laughed a lot. For me, even more than the enormous pumpkin, was the small spark of love between Charlie and Aunt Dinah that continued to GROW as they realized they needed one another and wanted to be together. 

I mostly review faith-based films, and this is not one. However, GROW absolutely contains values of family, friendships, and fun. For the Fall enthusiast who can’t get enough of pumpkin season...
 🍂🎃 you will want to enjoy this family movie. #GrowTheFilm. Get your tickets now!

LINKS:

BUY TICKETS

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Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card!
Please submit your full name and email address by 10/22/2025.

Disclosure: Many thanks to US Pumpkin Distribution, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.



Monday, October 13, 2025

Christmas at the Cabin trailer

Christmas at the Cabin” is the ultimate feel-good family Christmas movie of the season! Starring Todd Terry, Marianne Haaland, Corey Cannon, Sharon Oliphant, and Stacey Sheffield. Make your plans to watch in theaters this Christmas!

Visit christmasatthecabinmovie.com to watch the trailer and learn more about this upcoming holiday film.



 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bgM4pCGJbkg

Synopsis: Michelle and Josh are ready for a cozy Christmas at their cabin. They invite their friend Poppy to join. Simple, right? Not quite. On the way, their car skids into a snowbank. When they finally reach the cabin, the door is wide open. Then, in true holiday chaos, they accidentally bear-spray Josh’s old college buddy, Guy — who showed up uninvited.

Michelle, who loves a good plan, struggles with Guy’s wild energy. He drives her crazy... but somehow boosts Poppy’s confidence with his charm and antics. When a blizzard hits, tensions skyrocket. After one too many of Guy’s offhand jokes about God, Michelle snaps. She storms out into the storm — and quickly gets lost.

Enter Luke, a rugged stranger who rescues her. With his quiet wisdom, he helps Michelle realize how much her need for control is costing her. Back at the cabin, Michelle opens up to Josh and Poppy. Old wounds heal. New laughter fills the air. As the snow clears, they leave the cabin with a stronger bond — and a Christmas they'll never forget.

“Christmas at the Cabin” delivers a touch of chaos and laughter, plenty of heart, and one truly unforgettable Christmas. Beautiful scenery blends with original music and beloved holiday classics, making this a perfect film for the entire family. 

LINKS 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN

christmasatthecabinmovie.com

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Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

FAITH CHANNEL

faithchannel.com

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Instagram



Saturday, October 11, 2025

Super Bowl and Halftime Show

Out of 59 Super Bowls, I only remember watching 1; I prefer college football. The snack and party recipes are more likely to grab my attention, but I feel no sense of obligation to prepare, serve, or eat certain foods on one particular day of the year... I don't even do that for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or other traditional times of gathering with other people.

I usually have little interest in most of the halftime shows. I may see bits and pieces, especially now that they are all over the internet. Michael Jackson (Super Bowl XXVII) is the last time I remember making the effort to watch. I was not very interested in the "Up With People" performances during my childhood & teen years, either. Since the "wardrobe malfunction" of the 2004 Super Bowl, I definitely have not watched a live performance. Not even Prince in 2007; I watched video later. I looked up Bad Bunny & have zero interest in watching him perform. He's one musician out of thousands I normally don't listen to, originally because I had never heard of him, but I have now listened to some of his music and he's not someone I am likely to listen to again. I am not "boycotting" him. I don't care if he is Puerto Rican; my children and their descendants have Puerto Rican ancestry. (By the way, my married last name is through my former husband's paternal Filipino ancestry.) I don't care if he sings in Spanish; I know a handful of Spanish words (which is more than my husband knew. He also did not speak Tagalog.) so I am unlikely to understand him, but there is Spanish music I enjoy. Frankly, after the lyrics I read of one song, I am thankful I could not mentally translate his vocals. He has a beautiful voice, but I dislike the message.
I admit, I have been confused by seeing angry and sarcastic remarks of, "Bad Bunny is American! 😠" After all, "American" has never been a requirement for any performer that I am aware of on any program. Then I saw that Turning Point USA is promoting their "All-American Halftime Show."

THAT helped clarify. Some people have chosen, either innocently or deliberately, to ignore the intended meaning of the phrase "All-American." It has nothing to do with nationality in this case. Honest, wholesome, hardworking, and moral have become words offensive to some people, but that has been the implied attributes for most of my life. It is clearly evident that people have varying definitions for honest, wholesome, hardworking, and moral!
To be fair, no one wants to be criticized. That is understandable, but it's also hard to have a reasonable conversation when people have vastly different interpretations of what words actually mean. Unfortunately, I love consistency, and hate that some words do change their meanings either slightly or completely. The reasons behind the changes also vary. I hear people shout accusations using words that obviously have a different meaning for them than they do for me. I honestly think some people just grab a word that has a negative implication and throws it out as an insult. This isn't new, but is growing more common...and frustrating. This is further complicated by not knowing if whomever is posting is an actual human. I also have never kept up with "slang" or popular phrases that come and go as varying groups want to have their personal impact in the world. There is an excellent chance I will be watching the TPUSA special since the performers are most likely ones I listen to often...and the chance of me being interested in the Super Bowl game, halftime show, or even the commercials (gasp!) are very slim. However, it is certainly not to be defiant or boycott, or to score points against any person, group, or organization. I do wish this wasn't being promoted as an "alternative" halftime show since I am sick of every single thing that happens being a combative issue. I have opinions...STRONG OPINIONS
😉... but not in the mood to argue with random strangers who are determined to find fault in every single opinion that does not align with their personal (or copied word-for-word) opinion. I don't even agree with all of the people who are on "my side" of the issue. Honestly, I must confess...I simply do not care if you watch SUPER BOWL LX, TurningPointUSA, reruns of "I Love Lucy," read a book, go to church, go bowling, take a walk, listen to Beethoven, or any number of other activities (that aren't harming anyone).


Thursday, September 18, 2025

Dot Conner: Webtective

DOT CONNER: WEBTECTIVE is the family mystery adventure movie you've been waiting for!

Internet sleuth (or "webtective") Dot Conner (Gili Gould) receives a cryptic phone call from her father (Drew Waters) on the eve of her first day of high school, plunging her into an adventure she never expected to face. As Dot navigates the rocky start of her high school life, she uncovers the first of many clues her father has left behind, setting her on an urban treasure hunt with friends Makayla (Lauren McCardell) and Alex (Ethan Pogue). Their quest leads them through the city, crossing paths with dangerous Russian thugs as they go. What begins as a search for her father quickly unravels into a much larger mystery, revealing his deep involvement in the world of espionage. Amid the chaos, Dot discovers the truth of Philippians 4:13, proving that even in the darkest times, faith can light the way.

 Dot Conner: Webtective opens in theaters on Sept. 19th. Find theaters and Buy Tickets at dotconner.com/tickets. Watch trailer below:


MY REVIEW: I enjoyed it. While the primary audience would likely be 8-12 years old, Dot Conner: Webtective can definitely be enjoyed as a Family Movie Night/Matinee film. When i was younger, I loved Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon, The Hardy Boys, and any other mystery series that involved kids my age or a bit older. Dot Conner: Webtective would easily fit into that genre. 

There are foes to face ranging from a "mean girl" to "Russian thugs" but these bad guys would probably feel at home on a episode of "Scooby Doo" or "Rocky and Bullwinkle." The tense moments don't last too long, but add enough excitment to build suspense on how the heroes will escape and defeat their enemies. The main two thugs (Jason Marsden, John Brady) also are the comic relief; they made me laugh several times. 

Dot and her 2 best friends are great role models for kids and I loved how internet safety tips were easily shared in a manner that children and tweens won't feel like they are getting a lecture. The Bible was also freely discussed with friends and family. There is definitely a need for more faith-based entertainment for the intended age group. Dot Conner: Webtective takes faith, fun, friends, family, and just enough fear to make a wholesome film that also entertains. 

I recommend taking your family to the theater this weekend to enjoy this good movie together. I know many of my favorite childhood memories was seeing a movie with my family! Learn more & buy tickets at DotConner.com

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard.
Please submit your full name and email address by 9/24/2025.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Huff Media Productions and Pangea Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

LINKS:

Get Tickets 

DotConner.com

FB: @webtective 

IG: @webtective 

X: @webtective 

IMDb

 

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

GROW trailer

As Autumn approaches, our thoughts 
naturally turn to... pumpkins! A new film involving pumpkins is coming to theaters October 17 to help celebrate "Pumpkin Season." It's time to  GROW
 ! 

Synopsis: Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel), a no-nonsense farmer living in the "Pumpkin Capital of the World," reluctantly takes in her abandoned niece, Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell). However, the annual pumpkin-growing contest reveals that Charlie has a special knack that increases the competition with the rival growers, and also grows a bond with between aunt and niece. A seed grows from a hilarious competion into a new bond with this newly formed family of two. 

Fall plans just got bigger with the news that GROW is releasing in theaters starting October 17. Get Tickets: GROW Tickets!

Watch the trailer & Share to help #GrowTheFilm get bigger!


*This is a family movie, but not necessarily faith-based, and there are minor sexual innuendos.

LINKS

Get Tickets

Facebook @GrowtheFilm

Instagram @growthefilm

TikTok @growthefilm 

YouTube @GrowTheFilm

IMDb



Saturday, September 13, 2025

NKJV Alexander Maclaren Study Bible

Few preachers in the 19th century rivaled​ Alexander Maclaren. Called the “Prince of Expositors​,” Maclaren was considered one of the best preachers​ of his era, acclaimed for offering remarkable biblical​ insights in a poetic style.

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible invites you to learn from his powerful insights as​ you explore the Scriptures. Study notes drawn from his more than 1,500 published​ sermons illuminate every chapter of the Bible. Passage outlines based on his sermons guide you in systematic study of key texts. Short notes encourage you to apply​ the Bible to your life and see Christ’s relevance to all Scripture.

Features include:  

• Book introductions exploring each book’s background and key themes with insights from Maclaren’s work
• 1,400 study notes that cover every chapter of the Bible
• 380 Christ Connection notes showing the relevance of Christ to all Scripture
• 380 Life Application notes to help you live out the Bible’s principles
• 209 Passage Outlines based on Maclaren’s sermon outlines
• 8 essays addressing major doctrines of Scripture, personal devotion to Christ,and how to properly apply the Bible to your life
• Comprehensive concordance and index of features
• Bottom of page study notes
• Center-column cross-references 

 

Watch this video of Philip Nation with Thomas Nelson Bibles. You can purchase a copy for yourself at Thomas Nelson Bibles or Amazon


MY REVIEW: The first thing I noticed, of course, was the outward appearance. I love the 2 tone black and gray cover and the textured cover added to my initial positive impression. 

The inside is what really matters, though, and I am also pleased with the layout and the additional features. The introductions to each chapter provide needed context. I also loved both the Christ Connection and the Life Application notes, as well as the Passage Outlines.. I also found the footnotes very helpful when I used this Bible with my Sunday School lesson. There's an excellent concordance and several useful maps. 

The only things that weren't as favorable apply to my personal preferences. The print is a wonderful size for MOST people. I had no problems reading it, but I would have preferred it just a little bit larger; my eyes are feeling the effects of growing older. 

Narrow margins don't leave much room for note-taking. If you don't write in your Bible, not a problem. However, I do like to make notes if a scripture holds a significant meaning to me. Since wider margins and larger font would add to the size of this Bible, it isn't always practical. As is, it's an excellent Bible and I highly recommend getting a copy for yourself.
*****************

Giveaway: 1 copy of the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible.

Please submit your full name email address, and mailing address (to protect your privacy: cindynavarro713@gmail.com) by 9/18/25.

Disclosure: Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

BUYING LINKS:

AMAZON

THOMAS NELSON

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on February 11, 1826, Alexander Maclaren was the pastor of Union Chapel in Manchester England from 1858–1903. Heralded as the “Prince of Expositors,” he is considered by many to be one of the best preachers of the nineteenth century, The popularity of Maclaren’s published sermons rivaled that of Charles Spurgeon, helping him develop global acclaim for remarkable biblical insights delivered in a poetic style. Maclaren’s works continue to be read and studied due to their timeless relevance, verbal beauty, and profound freshness.