Write a Mystery 102: Create a Detective

September 8, 2025 by Laura Leave a Comment

Write a Mystery 102: Create a Detective

In episode 239, “Write a Mystery 102: Create a Detective,” Meredith Curtis brings you to the next step on your storytelling journey. Mystery writers, it’s time to create a detective. He will be the protagonist, the one your readers will root for. Will it be a man or woman? Will he be a professional or an amateur sleuth? Are there different kinds of detectives? Yes! Discover which one appeals to you and fits in with the story you want to tell. We’ll talk about creating a backstory, relationships, day job, personality, and basic character. You are on your way to creating your own Who-Dun-It!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Nancy Drew, Frank & Joe Hardy, Trixie Belden, Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Monk, Jessica Fletcher.

Last week, we talked about choosing a mystery genre. Today, we’ll talk about creating a detective. Just a reminder

Mystery Storyline Basics

Crime committed, usually a murder. Clues & red herrings followed by detective & reader who try their hardest to guess the perpetrator. At end, crime is punished.

Christian Worldview

We live in a fallen world, but God is Just. Justice.

God is a mystery writer, leaving clues about Jesus throughout the OT.

Kinds of Detective

Part of a Team

Maybe the leader, or ‘star’ of the team or partnership, working with others to solve a case. Include forensics, interviews, etc. in a professional setting.

CSI, Blue Bloods, NCIS,

(Vintage) Dragnet, Adam 12, Hawaii 5-0

Police Detective

Lead Police Detective, with helpers, who solves the case. May have power struggle with other officers.

(Vintage) Columbo, Inspector Morse, Dick Tracy, Detective Chief-Inspector Roderick Alleyn, Walker Texas Ranger,

Private Investigator

Professional, licensed detective. Not a police officer but can be a retired officer. Relationship with official police can be good or bad. Solves the case with traditional and/or unique methods.

(Vintage) Hercule Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, Magnum PI, Monk, Psych, Remington Steel, Tommy & Tuppence Beresford, Canon

Spies

Can be FBI, CIA, MI6, Naval Intelligence, etc.

Jack Ryan, Agents of Shield, Numb3rs

(Vintage) Scarecrow & Mrs. King, MacGyver, It Takes a Thief, The Wild, Wild West, Mission Impossible,

Lawyer

His (or her) client is accused of murder or other crime so must figure out who the actual perpetrator is.

(Vintage) Perry Mason, Matlock

Amateur Sleuth

Stumbles into a case, follows clues to solve case when officials cannot. Good or bad relationship with police. Has a day job.

Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Encyclopedia Brown, Murder She Wrote, Miss Marple, Father Brown, Lord Peter Wimsey

Teams: Sister Boniface, Rosemary & Thyme

Backstory

How did your sleuth start solving mysteries? Is this the backstory?

Relationships

Family
Friends
Business Relationships
Other (landlord, customers, pastor)

Examples of relationships & locations

Garage Sale Mysteries – Jennifer Shannon, husband Jason, son Logan, daughter Hannah, Detective Lynwood, co-worker Dani

Locations – home, antique shop, diner, garage sales, police station

Maggie King Mysteries – Maggie, husband Matt, toddler Bethany, friends Anika & Erik, Miss Lucy, Jack & Betty,

Locations – home, playground, Tidewater Treats, library, church

Sister Boniface Mysteries – Sister Boniface, Police Sam, Felix, & Penny, Mrs. Clam (landlord), Reverend Mother

Locations – Abby, Police Station, Village

Relationship with Police in Father Brown vs. Sister Boniface

For step-by-step help in creating your own murder mystery, grab your copy of Who Dun It Murder Mystery Literature & Writing Volume II by Meredith Curtis

Who Dun It Murder Mystery Literature & Writing Volume II by Meredith Curtis is a one-credit high school English course.

For step-by-step help in creating your own murder mystery, grab your copy of Who Dun It Murder Mystery Literature & Writing Volume II by Meredith Curtis

Who Dun It Murder Mystery Literature & Writing Volume II by Meredith Curtis is a one-credit high school English course.

In Print

PDF Digital Download

Day Job

Can run a business – bookstore, bakery, craft shop, businessman, accountant, cashier, vet, doctor, nurse, park ranger, farmer, ballerina, student

Maggie – SAHM, Jessica – Writer, Matlock – Lawyer,

Game we play

Personality

Introvert vs Extrovert, Silly vs Serious, Late vs. On Time, Big Picture vs. Detail,

Game We Play – what would your character do?

Character

Christian or no? Godly or struggling?

What hills will they die on?

No person is perfect. Where do they struggle?

Quirks

Quirks help your detective to be relatable and believable.

Monk – OCD, Shaun Spencer (Psych) – Irresponsible, Miss Marple – nosy, gossipy, Trixie Beldon – forgets to obey, Matlock – stingy,

That Something Special

Most detectives have serious observation and thinking skills, notice details & put them together (Sherlock Holmes, Shaun Spenser trained by his dad, Monk, Columbo, Death in Paradise detectives)

CSI, Bones, NCIS use scientific research – still add an uncanny ability to dig out facts

Miss Marple & Jessica Fletcher – conversation, un-noticed

Gus (Psych) – sense of smell

Sidekick

Best friend, spouse, co-worker, parent, child

Dr. Watson, Hastings, Gus, Natalie or Sharona, Della & Paul, Rick & TC & Higgins

Anika & Miss Lucy & Detective Walker

Information Sheets on Each Character

Help you remember all the details

Don’t want your detective to have blue eyes and unruly curls in chapter 2 and straight blond hair and brown eyes in chapter 12.

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Maggie King Mysteries

Maggie & Matt King move to Hopeville, Virginia so Matt can go to seminary, studying to be a pastor. Maggie is a SAHM to Bethany (and more children to come) but finds time to stumble across dead bodies and unmask the murderer. Eventually, Maggie will homeschool her children and enjoy her role as a pastor’s wife. But, she doesn’t stop solving mysteries. Enjoy her adventures. Wholesome Christian Cozy Mysteries.

Maggie King Mysteries Volume 2: Pumpkin Patch Peril by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

Maggie King Mysteries Volume 3: Old-Fashioned Christmas Murder by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

Maggie King Mysteries Volume 4: Community Garden Chaos by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

Literature and Writing Curriculum:

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, literature, Meredith Curtis, murder mystery, Mystery Writing, Parent, Write, writing

Write a Mystery 101: Choose Your Genre

August 18, 2025 by Laura Leave a Comment

Write a Mystery 101: Choose Your Genre

In episode 238, “Write a Mystery 101: Choose Your Genre,” Meredith Curtis starts you on your storytelling journey. So, you’ve decided to write your own mystery. Congrats! What a fun project. Let’s start with what kind of mystery you want to write. Are their different kinds of mysteries? Yes! Discover which one appeals to you, and start on your way to creating your own Who-Dun-It.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Mom, Aunt Shirley, Nancy Drew, Meg, Trixie Belden, Agatha Christie.

What I love about mysteries.

Why I started writing them/high school English with Rose

Mystery Storyline Basics

Crime committed, usually a murder. Clues & red herrings followed by detective & reader who try their hardest to guess the perpetrator. At end, crime is punished.

Christian Worldview

We live in a fallen world, but God is Just. Justice.

God is a mystery writer, leaving clues about Jesus throughout the OT.

Genres of Mysteries

Police Procedural

Usually a team, or partners, work together to solve a case. Include forensics, interviews, etc.

CSI, Blue Bloods, NCIS,

(Vintage) Dragnet, Adam 12, Hawaii 5-0

Police Detective

Focus on 1 lead Detective, with helpers, who solves the case. May have power struggle with other officers.

(Vintage) Columbo, Inspector Morse, Dick Tracy, Detective Chief-Inspector Roderick Alleyn, Walker Texas Ranger,

Private Investigator

Not a police officer but can be a retired officer. Relationship with official police can be good or bad. Solves the case with traditional and unique methods.

(Vintage) Hercule Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, Magnum PI, Monk, Psych, Remington Steel, Tommy & Tuppence Beresford, Canon,

Spies

Can be FBI, CIA, MI6, Naval Intelligence, etc.

Jack Ryan, Agents of Shield, Numb3rs

(Vintage) Scarecrow & Mrs. King, MacGyver, It Takes a Thief, The Wild, Wild West, Mission Impossible,

Lawyer

Client is accused of murder or other crime. Lawyer has to figure out who the actual perpetrator is.

(Vintage) Perry Mason, Matlock

Amateur Sleuth

Usually stumbles into a case and follows clues to solve case when officials cannot. Good or bad relationship with police. Has a day job.

Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Encyclopedia Brown, Murder She Wrote, Miss Marple, Father Brown, Sister Boniface, Rosemary & Thyme, Lord Peter Wimsey

Cozy Mystery

Amateur sleuth, focus on following clues, see detective’s personal life, no profanity, usually romance but no romantically private scenes, conversation-focused rather than action focused.

Suggestion

Watch some of these shows. Read books in different genres. Vintage is better because…

What kind of mystery do you like best?

Choose Your Genre

Lots of Action vs. Little Action
Professional vs. Amateur
Blood & Gore vs. Little Blood & Gore
Conversation Interviews vs. Police Interrogation
Lots of Forensic Clues vs. Motive Clues

Other Related Choices

Historical, Future, or Present-Day (most are present-day)
Point of View (third-person or first-person narrator)

For step-by-step help in creating your own murder mystery, grab your copy of Who Dun It Murder Mystery Literature & Writing Volume II by Meredith Curtis

Who Dun It Murder Mystery Literature & Writing Volume II by Meredith Curtis is a one-credit high school English course.

In Print: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Mystery-Literature-Writing-Homeschooling/dp/B0CMZNY8ZK/

Digital Copy: https://www.powerlineprod.com/shop/who-dun-it-murder-mystery-literature-writing-second-edition/

Next time, we’ll talk about creating your detective & sidekick. In later weeks, we’ll talk about clues & red herrings, creating suspects, classic who-dun-it plot, and more.

Maggie King Mysteries

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Literature and Writing Curriculum:

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Crazy Fun Back-to-School Celebrations

August 4, 2025 by Laura Leave a Comment

Crazy Fun Back-to-School Celebrations

In “Crazy Fun Back to School Celebrations,” Episode #237, Meredith Curtis encourages homeschool families and teens to plan something special for the first day of school. And it doesn’t have to be Mom who plans; teens have great ideas, too. This podcast gives a plethora of ideas from food and nature to silly projects and educational fun. This podcast will make you smile and probably give you some creative ideas of your own.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Let me take you back in time to 1990. My first & only first-day-of-homeschool photo

Food & Nature

Special Breakfasts at Home

Make-Your-Own Breakfast Pizzas

Favorite Restaurant

Nature Fun – picnics, hikes, playgrounds, beach

Projects & Silliness

Creation to Jesus’ Return Timeline

Treasure Hunt to Find Schoolbooks

Plane Trip to Heathrow & Tel Aviv

To kick off our geography co-op, we set up our living room as an airport gate, the dining room as security, and the family room as an airport. We made passports and plane tickets, using them to travel to London and Tel Aviv. It was a blast! (you can read more in Travel God’s World Geography – a yearlong course.)

Travel God's World Geography by Meredith Curtis

HIS Story of the 20th Century by Meredith Curtis

Turn Christmas Carols into Homeschool Songs

Family Vaudeville Show

Learn more about the vaudeville show in HIS Story of the 20 Century.

School Color Photos

Theme Photos

Crazy Outfit Pictures

Tag me! 😊

Be sure to post them and tag me! 🌞

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Curriculum with Added Fun!

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: back to school, celebration, Christian, Christianity, family, Finish Well, fun, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, party, school, Silliness, Silly

Weather Modification I: What is Cloud Seeding?

July 21, 2025 by Laura Leave a Comment

Weather Modification I: What is Cloud Seeding?

In “Weather Modification I: What is Cloud Seeding?” Episode, #236, Meredith Curtis introduces weather modification, a topic that has implications for you and your future! Cloud Seeding was first tried in 1946 and has been sanctioned by the government since the 1970s. How does it work? What are the benefits? What are the complications? This topic makes for a lively family dinner table discussion.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Cloud seeding impacts a large number of people, yet it is seldom discussed. So, let’s talk about it, starting with the basics.

What is Cloud Seeding?

Airplanes release a seeding agent into sub-cloud updrafts or drop the seeding agents directly into the upper regions of the clouds. This seeding agent acts as a condensation nuclei.

“Chinese scientists recently announced the results of a weather modification experiment conducted in the arid western region of Xinjiang. Using a fleet of cloud-seeding drones, the team reportedly increased rainfall by more than 4 percent across an area of more than 3,000 square miles (8,000 square kilometers) in a single day. According to the researchers, just 1 kilogram of silver iodide generated more than 70,000 cubic meters of additional precipitation, enough to fill 30 Olympic-sized swimming pools.” (Graceffo, Antonio, “The CCP’s Weather Modification Ambitions” https://www.theepochtimes.com/opinion/the-ccps-weather-modification-ambitions-5883068 7/13/2025. Accessed 7/19/2025.)

Cloud seeding can increase rainfall, prevent rain, or disperse fog. So, let’s do a quick review of why it rains.

What Makes it Rain?

Remember the water cycle? Water evaporates and rises in the air. As it rises, it cools and condenses into ice crystals. A condensation nuclei is needed for the water to condense. This might be dust, smoke, or salt particles.

What Seeding Agents, or Particulates, or Condensation Nuclei, are Used in Cloud Seeding?

In 1946, Vincent J. Schaefer used dry ice (solid carbon dioxide CO₂) into clouds. This created snow.

Later that same year, Bernard Vonnegut used silver iodine (Ag1) could be used for cloud seeding.

Other known seeding agents:

Potassium Iodide (KI)
Propane (C₃Hg)
Calcium Carbide (CAC₂)
Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃)
Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
Urea Compound (CH₄N₂O)

Dubai uses Titanium for cloud seeding.

How Does Cloud Seeding Work?

By adding condensation nuclei to clouds, cloud seeding manipulates the structure of clouds. This causes the water crystals to fall to the earth as rain.

Static Cloud Seeding
Dynamic Cloud Seeding
Hygroscopic Cloud Seeding

How They Get the Condensation Nuclei into the Clouds?

Drones, rockets, and special airplanes are all used to shoot the particulates into the clouds. Canons and generators can also shoot condensation nuclei into the atmosphere, hoping it will find a cloud or targeting clouds specifically.

How Long has Cloud Seeding been Going On?

Experiments began and continued in 1946.

What Countries Use Cloud Seeding?

USA

The USA uses Cloud Seeding. In fact, it was used in the Vietnam War.
Next, the National Weather Modification Policy Act of 1976 – “let’s study this”.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1991 (102nd Congress 1991-1992)
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has been issuing licenses and permits for weather modification projects for at least 20 years.
Private businesses who use Weather Modification must notify NOAA when they are going to weather modify.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Started in the 1990s. Cloud Seeding Missions: 187 (2014), 214 (2017), 184 (2018), 247 (2019). Research, prizes, and government involvement to pursue excellence.

Dubai

More recently, Dubai has followed UAE’s example and used cloud seeding to combat water scarcity.

India

India has experimented with cloud seeding since the 1980s especially during droughts. However, many Indians object to cloud seeding because of its effectiveness and environmental impact.

Indonesia

Indonesia uses cloud seeding to prevent flooding. Indonesia used cloud seeding to fight a fire-related haze in 2015 and to reduce flooding in Jakarta in 2013.

China

China is the leader in weather modification and uses cloud seeding in all kinds of ways, even to make sure clear skies are there for important political events.

Does Cloud Seeding have Positive Potential?

The main reason to use cloud seeding is to produce more rain. This can improve crop productivity, increase vegetation cover in an area, and help farmers.

Cloud seeding can modify weather, reduce the size of hailstones, and prevent the formation of fog. Cloud seeding brings relief to places with drought. It can make arid places more suitable for living.

Does Cloud Seeding have Negative Potential?

Cloud seeding harms the environment with the chemical compounds it uses. It is very expensive. Cloud seeding can harm people and animals. For example, silver iodide can impact human health negatively.

Cloud seeding needs clouds. No clouds. No cloud seeding. Flooding is probably the biggest negative of cloud seeding and is a big problem in China and UAE.

One Final Thought

The Creation Mandate. We are called to fill and subdue the earth.

Is weather modification part of subduing the earth?
What about harmful effects to the environment, people, animals, and plants?
Is the excess CO2 really from cows or it from pollution and cloud seeding?
Is the increase in cancer a result of exorbitant amounts of particulates in the air?
Finally, since cloud seeding impacts vast amounts of people, especially since clouds travel, should people have a say in whether we cloud seed or not?

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, Cloud Seeding, Extreme Weather, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, Rain, science, STEM, weather, Weather Modification

Teen Summer Book Club!

July 7, 2025 by Laura Leave a Comment

Teen Summer Book Club!

In “Teen Summer Book Club,” Episode, #235, Meredith Curtis has a challenge for teens before summer ends: have a summer book club with friends and/or family. Just choose and read a book for pure enjoyment! Make it more exciting by discussing it with friends while you eat yummy food! Reading excellent literature for fun works out your brain, stretches your vocabulary, increases your attention span, cultivates compassion, and builds character. Plus when you read for fun, you release endorphins and add joy to life!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

“I read that book with a flashlight under the covers so I wouldn’t wake my sister!”

“I figured out who did it.”

“I thought I figured out who did it, but the ending shocked me!”

One summer in high school when boredom was encroaching, I made a list of classics I’d never read.

Pride & Prejudice
War & Peace
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court
The Deer Slayer

Summer Reading with Friends

How about you?

Are there books that interest you, but you’ve never read them?

Maybe childhood classics your friends talk about.

Little Women
The Five Little Peppers and How they Grew
GA Henty Adventure Novels

Do you have friends or family members who feel the same way?

Why not choose 1 book that everyone reads. Set a date and plan a book club. You could meet when everyone finishes the book or meet a couple times during the reading (after chapter 10 and after chapter 15).

Where to Meet

Beach
Ice Cream Parlor
Lake
Park
Family Room at Someone’s House
Backyard, Deck, Screened Porch
Restaurant
Tree House

What Do You Need to Host a Book Club?

A book
A discussion leader
Everyone to read the book and bring the book with them (or chosen chapters)
A comfortable place to sit where everyone can see each other (circles work great!)
Yummy food
Yummy drinks

Questions to Ask

So, how do you get the discussion going?

I start every book club with this question, “Did you like the book? Why or why not?” This often starts lively discussions because people have different opinions about the same book.

Another one of my favorite questions is “Was the ending satisfying?” So many times we have ended up with folks sharing a new ending and others standing firm that the original ending is the best! It’s such fun when the discussion gets lively!

Did you like this book? Why or why not?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Who was your favorite character and why?
Did anything happen in the story that surprised you? Why did it surprise you? How did the author work things together to make it surprising?
Does any character in the book remind you of someone in your family or one of your friends?
Was there anyone in the book you didn’t like? Why didn’t you like them?
Was the ending satisfying?
What character did you relate to the most? Why?
What message do you think the author was trying to get across? Do you agree with that message?
Is there a quote from the book that was meaningful for you? Please share it. Why was it meaningful?
If this book were made into a movie, who would play the lead roles?
Would you recommend this book to other people? Why or why not?

Topics To Cover with Questions

Here are some things I like to cover in book clubs:

Plot
Characterization
Setting
Mood/Tone
Theme
Worldview
Foreshadowing

I don’t try to cover all of those topics in each book club. I will usually keep the discussion going by asking the questions, “What did you like about this character?” followed up by, “Why?” Then I will ask the kids who they didn’t like and why.

Rabbit Trails

Rabbit trails are the best part of book clubs.

Books can be like treasured friends because people and events remind us of our life. Or there are characters we’d love to be friends with or adventures we’d love to experience.

One time we were talking about our favorite characters in Little Women and we realized that most of us chose the character that we related to because we had similar personalities. This led to a whole discussion about personalities.

Historical fiction is fun because it make a time in the past come alive. This can lead to discussions on food, sanitation, transportation, fashion, customs, religion, etc.

Respect

Differing opinions is an important part of life. In America, we value freedom of speech. However, free speech doesn’t mean being crass, ugly, or rude. We share our opinions politely and we respect people’s opinions that are different from us. The exception is that the Bible has the final say.

The Blessings of Book Clubs

If you enjoy reading a book and discussing it with friends and/or family, you might ask to add book clubs to your English (Language Arts) classes.

We started a book club years ago when we were reading a challenging book in our homeschool co-op. We had so much fun and we realized that we learned so much more from literature and good books when we discussed them together.

As we discussed the elements of literature (plot, setting, characters, theme, point-of-view, voice) in a natural way, these things became easier and easier to understand and talk about. My teens loved discussing foreshadowing because it was like solving a mystery. Symbolism was another fun topic because everyone brings a fresh perspective.

Yes, we loved sitting in comfortable chairs to talk about books and eat cookies, but we began to enjoy literature at a deeper level. Book clubs have enriched my children’s education and enjoyment of literature! All our English courses offer book clubs.

What Shall I Read?

Check our reading lists for every age imaginable:

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All these High School & Middle School Courses have Book Club Questions

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: book club, celebration, Christian, Christianity, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, literature, Meredith Curtis, Parent, read, reading, summer

Fourth of July Liberty & Responsibility

June 16, 2025 by Laura Leave a Comment

Fourth of July Liberty & Responsibility

In “Fourth of July Liberty & Responsibility,” episode #234 for teens and homeschool parents, Meredith Curtis reminds us of the freedoms we celebrate on our nation’s birthday. Personal liberty comes with authority and responsibility alongside accountability to God. Families have freedom with accountability, too. And what about church and state? Dive into a refreshing look at what makes the United States of America exceptional.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

How do you spend Fourth of July? We’re going to visit our son and his family this year.

Fourth of July is a wonderful time to explore the freedoms that we have grown up with and take for granted. Personal liberty, freedom of speech, the right to trial by jury of your peers, and accountability of leaders to their citizens are things that many people throughout history have been denied. Where did freedom begin? Did it start with the Magna Charta? Or did it start even further back?

Back to the Creation & the Old Testament

According to Samuel Rutherford, in his book, Lex Rex (Law is King), written in the 1600’s by a Presbyterian pastor, the Bible makes it clear that the law is king. Rutherford took an in-depth look at Scripture and history to prove this, shattering the popular philosophy of the “divine right of kings” to rule as they please.

Everyone is equal under the law. Reformation & the Divine Right of Kings.

Our political rights and freedoms go all the way back to the Bible, the source of our rights and responsibilities. In the Garden, Adam and Eve had autonomy.

God has all authority & He delegated that authority to individuals, family, church, and state.

Individual Freedom

Freedom of thought, speech, decision-making, writing. Freedom to own property, start a business, succeed, fail, fall in love, get married, stay single, follow God, not follow God, care for the poor.

God delegates authority & responsibility along with that freedom. What is the responsibility of man? To follow the Lord, to honor him, walk in His ways.

Accountability for actions, behavior, and fulfillment of responsibilities.

Galatians 5 tells us how to handle our freedom in Christ.

Family Freedom

Families are free to choose educational method for teaching children, how they raise their children, where they live, and who can part of their lives.

God delegates authority & responsibility along with that freedom. What is the responsibility of family? To follow the Lord, to honor him, walk in His ways, to provide, protect, teach, raise children, clothe members, care for the poor, and care for sick & elderly.

Accountability for actions, behavior, and fulfillment of responsibilities.

Church Freedom

Churches have freedom from God to assemble, preach the Word, teach their doctrine, preach the Gospel, worship, administer church discipline, choose leaders, choose leadership style, care for the poor, and mentor members.

God delegates authority & responsibility along with that freedom. What is the responsibility of church? See above freedoms

Accountability for actions, behavior, and fulfillment of responsibilities.

Government Freedom

Government has freedom to make laws and enforce them, protect the nation militarily, provide fair trial, protect individual & family & church freedoms.

God delegates authority & responsibility along with that freedom. Accountability for actions, behavior, and fulfillment of responsibilities.

What is the responsibility of elected officials in USA (based on our form of government – Constitutional Republic)? To obey the Constitution, obey the law, lead with integrity, personal integrity, keep campaign promises, NOT take bribes.

What is the responsibility of citizens in USA (based on our form of government – Constitutional Republic)? Understand issues that face the nation, vote responsibly, walk in integrity, remove bad leaders from office, put good leaders in.

Protecting Freedom

What can you do to protect freedom in our beloved nation?

Vote responsibly. Don’t just look at who candidates pretend to be but how they vote.
Pray for our nation.
Recognize threats to our freedom.

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: 4th of July, America, American History, celebration, Christian, Christianity, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Independence Day, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent

Summer Job Applications & Interviews

June 2, 2025 by Laura Leave a Comment

Summer Job Applications & Interviews

In “Summer Jobs Applications & Interviews,” episode #233, Meredith Curtis gives teens wanting to grab a summer job some practical advice for the job application and interview. Learn to put your best foot forward with confidence. Mae Smith, a talent acquisition specialist, joins her to give the interviewer’s perspective.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Homeschooled teens often grab a summer job during the family break. If you are planning a summer job, put your best foot forward in the application process and the interview!

Application Tips

Read application completely before filling it out
Follow directions completely – ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vs. longer answers
Highlight things that apply to the job you are seeking
Say it the best you can
Review before submitting

Application Tips from Mae

When you wade through applications, what stands out to you?

having done their research
prepared with concise and well thought out answers
is knowledgeable of what the job entails and can offer examples of similar work they’ve done

What communicates to you that the applicant will be who you are looking for?

Tips for In-Person Interview

Role-play interview with a trusted friend or family member
Prepare for questions
Research the company (Bill and the owner of a local Chick-Fil-A interviewed Micah. When Bill asked Micah why he wanted to work for his restaurant, Micah replied that he loved the way Truett Cathy ran his business according to biblical principles. He also liked the way the company was set up with local restaurant owners. Micah went into a lot of detail with enthusiasm. Bill was impressed.)
Arrive early (early is on time; on time is late)
Dress for the interview (suit & tie or polo & khakis, neat, CLEAN)
Stay calm & focused
Relate your answers to the company’s needs
Follow up with a thank you note

Tips for a Phone Interview

Keep a glass of water handy in case your mouth gets dry
Make sure the room is clear of people, pets, and noise of any kind
Do not eat or chew gum during the interview
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly
Stand up and smile while you are talking. You will come across better if you do this!
Use the person’s title when you address them. “Well, Mr. Glass, I see what you are saying.”
Keep a pad and pen nearby for notetaking
Have a copy of your resume handy so you can glance at it
Have a list of your accomplishments and goals nearby, too
Don’t interrupt the interviewer
Be friendly, but stick to the point
Give short answers

Share some interviews that did not impress you.

being totally unprepared for answers
using profanity
being too casual

Share some interviews that were impressive.

being time sensitive
answering questions concisely and thoroughly
knowing the industry and having looked up our website and social media to better understand our company
asking thoughtful questions – such as what is the company culture

More Tips for Getting Hired from Mae

Common Questions Interviewers Ask

Tell me about yourself- tell me about your experience
Tell me about your current position and what your duties are
Pay expectations
Look for questions online – LinkedIn, Indeed, Google, YouTube, AI

Do you have any more tips for getting hired?

virtual interviews- read directions carefully and either make note of or ask for the interviewer’s number ahead of time so that if you have any technical difficulties you can call and let them know – additionally test the link about an hour ahead of the interview to make sure it works
Also, research lots of interview questions ahead of time and have answers prepared for them.

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, employ, employment, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, interview, interviewing, job, job hunt skills, job hunting, job search, Jobs, Laura Nolette, life skills, Meredith Curtis, Parent

Computer Skills for Children

May 19, 2025 by Laura Leave a Comment

Computer Skills for Children

In “Computer Skills for Children,” Episode #232, Laura Nolette comes out of the background at the Finish Well Podcast to talk to you about an important life skill for your children. Computer skills are life skills. Computers are everywhere and our children are fascinated by all the flashing lights and fun sounds. They usually don’t realize how useful computer are. Let’s talk about working with children as young as 5-years-old to teach them actual computer skills.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Ask most children, “what is a computer for,” and they’ll probably talk about games or watching movies.

Play “Find the Computer”

Computer Parts & Peripherals

Keyboard

Mouse

Monitor

Printers

Cameras

Storage, Files, and Folders

Memory vs. Storage

Everything is made up of files

A marble in a bag in a bag in a bag …

Email & Other Office Applications

Writing

Saving

Printing

Internet & Computer Safety

Stay Aware

Stay Safe

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, computer, Computer Education, Computer Literacy, computer skills, family, Finish Well, holiday, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, life skills, Meredith Curtis, Parent

God’s Promises for Homeschool Moms

May 5, 2025 by Laura Leave a Comment

📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Burnout

God’s Promises for Homeschool Moms

In “God’s Promises for Homeschool Moms,” Episode, #231, Meredith Curtis invites you to grab hold of the Promises of God for your situations so you can get out of survival mode to rule and reign in Christ. Whether you are needing wisdom, feeling overwhelmed, struggling with guilt, or simply exhausted, there is assurance for you that the Lord is with you and will provide for you in each and every situation.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Do you want to get out of survival mode? Stop feeling overwhelmed? A bubble bath won’t cut it. You need the promises of God!

Exhausted?

Away all night with sick children or nursing baby. Juggling so many different hats that you can’t keep them straight? Weary from your children squabbling all day?

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary. And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40: 27-31 NASB)

Confused?

Wondering what curriculum to use? Or how to help your children get along? Want ideas on how to keep the flame from dying out in your marriage? What vaccines to give your children?

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NASB)

Is Life Hard?

We all go through trials and hard times, but sometimes life hits us curve balls that leave us devastated, unable to go on.

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NASB)

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Or is blameless (Psalm 84:11 NASB)

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NASB)

Worried about the Future?

Wondering how you’ll pay the bills this month? Or worried how your son will thrive with Autism? Hoping your teens won’t do the bad things their friends do? Or just worried about the education you are giving your children?

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NASB)

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NASB)

Feeling Guilty?

Have you yelled at your kids and feel awful about it? Do you struggle stay focused and fell guilty later when things are undone? Maybe you still feel ashamed of the abortion you had as a teenager. Guilt and shame come in all sizes but God’s promises cover all sin.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9 NASB)

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103: 12 NASB)

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1-2 NASB)

Believing & Declaring God’s Promises

Merey’s testimony of standing on the promises of God.

Dueteronomy 28 and Isaiah 54.

Are you a believer in Jesus? If not here’s some Good News!

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: celebration, Christian, Christianity, faith, family, Finish Well, God, God's Promises, holiday, homeschool, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, mother, Motherhood, mothers day, Parent

Between Easter & His Ascension

April 21, 2025 by Laura Leave a Comment

Between Easter & His Ascension

In “Between Easter & His Ascension,” episode #230, Meredith Curtis walks everyone through what happened during the 40 days after Jesus rose from the dead until He gave the Great Commission & ascended into Heaven. Meredith shares passages to cover and ways to bring it alive for children, teens, and parents.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Easter is often hectic for Christian families. Church services and special events enrich our faith and family get-togethers fill our joy tank, but they leave little time to dig into God’s Word with our kiddos.

If you weren’t able to go through the Holy Week story in the Gospels last week, do it this week. It’s not too late. If you’ve already done that, this is a great week to teach your children what happened next … after Easter!

Doubting Thomas

Jesus answered Doubting Thomas’ faith Questions – apologetics.

Road to Emmaus

Jesus appears to 2 of his disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) – Emmaus Walk.

Jesus Reinstates Peter

Jesus reinstates Peter (go over the story of Peter’s denial Luke 22:31-34). Jesus makes him breakfast & brings him back John 21:15-21) – Fish Fry.

Great Commission

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20 & Mark 16:14-20) & The Plan & Priority of Extending His Kingdom (Acts 1:8) – Suitcase Craft.

Wait for the Holy Spirit

Jesus tells them to wait for the Holy Spirit. Prayer & Fasting.

Ascension

Jesus’ Ascension (Mark 16:19-20 & Luke 24:51-53 & Acts 1:9-11)

Power of the Resurrection

Talk about the Power of the Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:12-28
1 Corinthians 15:35-58
Ephesians 1:15-22
Philippians 3

Devotions for the whole family

Celebrate Easter Devotions starts the Saturday before Psalm Sunday and follows the last week of Jesus’ life step by step. However, these devotions don’t end on Easter Sunday. The following week looks at his post-Resurrection days and final ascension. Be reminded this season of the Resurrection Power of Jesus available to His people today.

Blog Post: Holy Week Eggs Learning Activity

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: celebration, Christian, Christianity, Easter, family, Finish Well, God, holiday, homeschool, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, teen