Celebrate Jesus on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

December 20, 2021 by Laura Leave a Comment

Celebrate Jesus on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

In “Celebrate Jesus on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day,” Episode, #150, Meredith Curtis challenges you to make Jesus preeminent on what can be the busiest day of the year. With honesty and embarrassment, she shares lessons she has learned about exhausting herself creating the perfect day instead of celebrating a birthday. Glean some simple lessons about focus and intentional living to make your Christmas all about Jesus.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

The pressure

The abundance of gifts, parties, fun things you don’t want to miss

To-do List

I tried to plan ahead, but…

Christmas is Here

There are things you can’t change

It’s not about a perfect day

It’s about a perfect Gift to Mankind

Ingredients of Christ-Centered Days

Surrender

Trust

Scripture

Music

Worship/Prayer

Christmas is a Birthday

Sing Happy Birthday

Blow up balloons and hang them from the ceiling

Focus on giving more than receiving

Work together

Give Thanks

Our Christmas Morning Devotions & Singing

Family Time

Peaceful, joyful topics of conversation

Play Games

Make something together (food, craft)

Watch an Inspirational Movie

Our Christmas Eve Traveling Dinner

Pray for each other and the lost world He came to save

Attend a church service

Personal Time

Walks

Read the Bible Devotionally

Alone with the Christmas Lights

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources

Be proactive this holiday season! 😊

Celebrate Thanksgiving by Meredith Curtis

Christmas Thoughts and Prayers Journal by Meredith Curtis

Celebrate Christmas with a traveling dinner by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette

Jesus Fill My Heart and Home by Meredith Curtis

Christmas Unit Studies

Celebrate Christmas in Germany Unit Study by Meredith Curtis

Celebrate Christmas with Cookies Unit Study by Meredith Curtis

Celebrate Christmas in Colonial America by Meredith Curtis

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

FW Radio - Podcast #55 - Start Strong and Finish Well With Christmas Traditions

FinishWell Radio, Podcast #077, Learning from the Pilgrims & Puritans

Finish Well Homeschooling Podcast, Podcast #103, Happy Birthday Creator-King, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #124, Create Treasured Memories with a Christmas Unit Study, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor: Courageous Movie

From the Kendrick Brothers, creators of the No. 1 box-office movie WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER, comes the remastered re-release of COURAGEOUS Legacy, in theaters September 24. Celebrating 10 years of impact on families and fathers, this updated version of the film includes new scenes and an enhanced look and sound.

Filled with action-packed drama, COURAGEOUS Legacy will once again have viewers laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That’s courageous.

Check out the trailer here!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: celebrate, Christian, christmas, Education, family, Finish Well, holiday, homeschool, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, teen

Raise Teens Who Love America

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

January 18, 2021 by Laura Leave a Comment

Raise Teens Who Love America

In “Raise Teens Who Love America,” Episode, #128, Meredith Curtis urges you to be proactive in raising freedom-loving young people. It’s so easy to take freedom for granted until you lose it. America has been a beacon of freedom and hope to the entire world for centuries, but do our children and teenagers appreciate their heritage? You can raise children and teens who are enthusiastic, yet realistic about the United States of America

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Diego “I Love America”

Venezuela

Cubans risking their lives to get here

Time in Germany (“We are all watching”)

Our Christian Heritage

Puritans, Pilgrims, and the Great Awakening

The influence of Jesus and the Word of God

Learn to look at history in light of national and world culture (e.g. cursing, sexual immorality, slavery, taxes, role of women)

Constitution

Based on Bible

God as Law-Giver, Judge, and King

Federalists & Anti-Federalists

Read/Discuss Constitution

Read/Discuss Bill of Rights

Meet the Founding Fathers

Freedom from Slavery

Christians Against Slavery

Both sides of the ocean—Wilberforce, Beechers

Underground Railroad

Immigration

Melting Pot

Ellis Island to Interwoven in the fabric of life

Horatio Algiers and the Rags to Riches Tales

Freedom in Education

Freedom vs. Government Nannies

Giving opportunities to experience freedom, taxation, entrepreneurships

Read biographies of brave freedom-lovers

Raising Patriots

Biographies (Cotton Mather, William Bradford, John Winthrop, Jonathan Edwards, George Washington, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Quincy Adams, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, Daniel Webster, Charles Finney, Jedidiah Smith, Davy Crockett, Marcus & Narcissa Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Lew Wallace, Booker T. Washington, Washington Carver, Calvin Coolidge, John D. Rockefeller, D.L. Moody, Billy Sunday, John Wannamker, Ben Carson, Ronald Reagan)

Listen to people who love America (Prager U, Dan Bongino, Tucker Carlson, Laura Ingrahm, Bill O’Reilly,

Patriotic Resources (A’Beka, Bob Jones, FACE, Powerline Productions, Notgrass, Liberty Press,

Patriotic Songs (God Bless America, Star Spangled Banner, My Country “tis of Thee, God Bless the USA)

Movies (Patriot, Harriet, Midway, Cheaper by the Dozen, The Blind Side, Remember the Titans, Dave’s Barton’s American Heritage series, Dave’s Stott’s Drive Thru American History)

Cartoons (Learn Our History, This is America, Charlie Brown, Adventures in Odyssey)

Conservative Authors (Cal Thomas, Rush Limbaugh, Thomas Sowell, William F. Buckley, Rand Paul, Pat Buchanan, Robert Bork, Edmund Burke, Adam Smith, C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, George Will)

Historical Fiction/Living Books/Biographies (The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane, The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, Gifted Hands by Ben Carson)

Conservative News Sources (Newsmax, One America News Network, CBN News, Town Hall, The American Conservative, Epic Times, Daily Caller)

Pointing out Inconsistencies

Compare/Contrast

Listen to viewpoints of those who oppose the USA and discuss (Iran, Socialists, Mainstream Media, Academia, Critical Race Theory)

Where are they right?

Do they take it too far?

Where are they wrong?

Read Communist Manifesto—see how many times you can hear the book being quoted or ideas from the book being encouraged or esteemed

Go through Understanding the Times together or in a group

Make sure your teens understand the idea of living in a fallen world and the sin nature of man. There are no perfect people, ideas, or nations. All is flawed, under the curse of sin.

Make sure your teens understand the redemption of Jesus. He saves, redeems, restores. The Word of God applies to all of life!

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Resources

Our one-credit high school courses use conversational text, living books, hands-on learning, and projects that prepare teens for real life! Enjoy!

Economics, Finances, and Business Answer Key

HIS Story of the 20th Century by Meredith Curtis

Government: God's Blueprint/Man's Agenda by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions

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I'd Rather Be Texting with Meredith Curtis, Podcast #044, on Finish Well Podcast on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, Christian, Christianity, curriculum, Education, Families, family, Finish Well, freedom, government, history, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, patriotism, teen

New Semester New Hope

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

January 4, 2021 by Laura Leave a Comment

New Semester New Hope

In “New Semester New Hope,” Episode, #127, Meredith Curtis welcomes you to a new year and a new semester. You can change direction, do something fun, try out new curriculum! It’s time to hope for a brighter tomorrow! Things don’t have to stay the same or get worse—with Christ there is always a chance for a new beginning. Forget what is behind and press on toward the goal!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Last year started out with high hopes! The economy was booming! Our family was healthy and happy. Who knew that 4 months later one of my daughters would be fighting for her life, Covid-19 would keep us from attending our son’s wedding, and a dear friend would die. 2020 was not a great year for me.

So, am I full of doom and gloom about 2021? Well, honestly, I am a little nervous about some things, but I am still full of hope. No matter what happens, Jesus is still on the throne! I trust Him.

Why does hope matter?

Hope

Faith, hope, love last forever.

Hope does not disappoint

Hope motivates us to action

Hope brightens our mood

Hope brings joy to those around us

Hope is contagious.

Our teens need hope.

Where is Our Hope Fixed

Our hope is in a person, not fate, not luck, not our abilities, not karma,

Where is do we place our hope?

Our hope is in the One that will never change.

God is faithful. He will complete what He has begun.

The Lord cares about your homeschooling.

New Year

Cultures all around the world celebrate a New Year. There is promise and an opportunity to make changes.

New Blessings

New Problems

New Solutions

New Opportunities

New Semester

Can you stop and evaluate and make changes? Yes!

Changing schedules

Changing furniture around

Organizing the homeschool room

Changing Curriculum

Couldn’t buy my textbook at a homeschool convention because of months in book.

Most important thing is the teacher and student, not curriculum. Here’s why.

Having said that, sometimes you do need a new curriculum.

Algebra II

Consider Living Books

Christmas conversation about Economics

Enjoying literature with book club.

Life skill courses are a blast.

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Resources

Our one-credit high school courses use conversational text, living books, hands-on learning, and projects that prepare teens for real life! Enjoy!

These Courses all include Book Club Discussion Questions

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #114, Easy DIY 5-Year Homeschool High School Flexible Plan, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #113, 7 Ways to Save Big on Homeschool Curriculum, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Finish Well Radio, Podcast #080, 12 Happy Habits with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

Finish Well Radio, Podcast #041, Get In Shape Spiritually for the New Year with Meredith Curtis on The Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, Christian, Christianity, curriculum, Education, Families, family, Finish Well, homeschooling, hope, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Mystery, Parent, Semester, teen

Investigate the Mystery of Christmas

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

December 21, 2020 by Laura Leave a Comment

Investigate the Mystery of Christmas

In “Investigate the Mystery of Christmas,” Episode, #126, Meredith Curtis calls you to put on your detective hat and solve a mystery with her! Meredith takes you on a tour of the Old Testament looking for clues that point to a spectacular event in Bethlehem! Are you ready to investigate the Mystery of Mysteries?

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Have you ever read a cozy mystery?

You match wits with a detective to figure out who did the dastardly deed?

There is a mystery in the Old Testament. It includes a dastardly deed in a Garden and a hero who makes a plan to save the day! He leaves clues throughout the centuries to raise the expectation level of those who need to be rescued.

The Snake Clue (Seed of a Woman)

Clue: Genesis 3:15

Mystery Revealed: Galatians 4:4

The Genealogy Clue (Descendant of Abraham)

Clue: Genesis 12:3

Mystery Revealed: Galatians 3:16

The Second Genealogy Clue (Tribe of Judah)

Clue: Genesis 49:10

Mystery Revealed: Matthew 1:1

The Descendant Clues (Descendant of David)

Clue: Psalm 132:11 & Jeremiah 23:5-6

Mystery Revealed: Romans 1:1-3

The Deity Clue (Son of God)

Clue: Proverbs 30:4

Mystery Revealed: Matthew 3:17

The Name Clues (Called Jehovah God)

Clue: Jeremiah 23:5-6 & Isaiah 9:6

Mystery Revealed: John 8:24 & John 8:58

The Miracle Birth Clue (Born of a Virgin)

Clue: Isaiah 7:14

Mystery Revealed: Luke 1:34-35

The Hometown Clue (Born in Bethlehem)

Clue: Micah 5:2

Mystery Revealed: Luke 2:4-6

The Ministry location Clue (Minister in Galilee)

Clue: Isaiah 9:1-2

Mystery Revealed: Matthew 4:13

The Miracles Clue (Jesus’ Miracles)

Clue: Isaiah 35:5-6

Mystery Revealed: John 11:47

The Resurrection Clue (Resurrection from the Dead)

Clue: Psalm 16:10

Mystery Revealed: Acts 13:35-37

The Gold Medal Victory Clue (Victory Over Death)

Clue: Isaiah 25:8

Mystery Revealed: Hebrew 2:14 & John 19:30

The Priest Clue (A Priest like Melchizedek)

Clue: Psalm 110:4

Mystery Revealed: Hebrews 5:5-6

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Resources

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Finish Well Radio Badge, Podcast #060, 7 Benefits of Reading Classics

Inexpensive Presents Your Peeps Will Love

Finish Well Radio, Podcast #079, Why We Love Hallmark Christmas Movies, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, Christian, Christianity, christmas, Education, Families, family, Finish Well, holiday, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Mystery, Parent, Prophesy, teen

11 Reasons Books Make Great Gifts

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

December 7, 2020 by Laura Leave a Comment

11 Reasons Books Make Great Gifts

In “11 Reasons Books Make Great Gifts,” Episode #125, Meredith Curtis gives you remarkable evidence that giving books for Christmas and birthday presents is a super idea and a lifetime investment in those you love. Meredith inspires you to give books and then gives a host of book gift suggestions! Get ready to rock Christmas this year with all kinds of literature, living books, and picture books.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Think about your favorite Christmas present.

Do you still have it? Probably not.

Yet, I have read Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, and Anne of Green Gables numerous times and they’re still on my bookshelf.

Let me inspire you with 11 reasons books make great gifts a give as Christmas and birthdays presents.

Books Are Not Expensive

Books are much cheaper than a bicycle, PlayStation, or designer sneakers.

Books Are Easy to Buy Online

Online bookstores are everywhere! Many have free shipping if you spend a small amount of money. My favorite online bookstores:

You can even find used bookstores online that let you know what condition the book is in. This allows you to give a “like new” used book as a Christmas present.

My favorite used bookstores:

You can buy E-books for people, too. Besides Kindle on Amazon, you can shop here at our store, Powerline Productions.

Books Are Easy to Wrap

I love how easy books are to wrap!

Books Can Be Read Over & Over Again

Books are reusable. You can read them again and again and again.

Books Are Always The Right Size

Forget about returning something because it doesn’t fit. Books are always the right size.

Keep in mind larger print for children and older folks, speaking of size.

There Are An Endless Variety Of Options

There are so many possibilities when it comes to books. Purchase a book about a hobby, a biography of someone admired, an inspirational book to offer hope, a how-to book for the do-it-yourselfer, historical fiction for the history buff, travel books for the traveler, classic novel for the literature-love, and I could go on and on and on. There are endless possibilities when it comes to books.

And don’t forget picture books. Everyone loves a well-written beautifully illustrated picture book. Oh, and picture books for adults are called “coffee table books.”

Books Last A Lifetime

If you take good care of a book and store it properly on a sturdy bookshelf, books last a lifetime.

Books Take You On Adventures

Stories take you on an adventure. Crack open a novel and you could end up chasing pirates, spying in a foreign country, catching bank robbers, guarding a queen, backpacking across Europe, meeting the love of your life, or meeting your long-lost grandfather. Literature can be thrilling!

Books Can Take You To Other Places & Time Periods

Novels and living books take you to other times and places around the world. Travel back in time through a history book or historical fiction. Use a travel guide, living book, or geographical novel to take you to another place.

Books Impact A Person’s Mind & Character

Books, like movies and TV shows, shape our character and impart values. If you give wholesome, Christ-honoring books to people, you are impacting them at the deepest level.

Giving Books Places High Value On Books & Reading

When you give books, you give a shout-out for education. You declare that books are valuable and reading is not only for education, but for pleasure, too.

Book Ideas for Young Children

Here’s our family’s favorite Christmas picture books.

Here’s are family’s favorite picture books.

Here’s some amazing Christian hero picture books.

These picture books teach kids about geography and counting at the same time!

Book Ideas for Children

Inspire children with Christian hero biographies!

Great list of children’s mystery series in this post!

Book Ideas for Teens & Adults

These books are amazing! Great ideas here!

Consider give your favorite cozy mystery buff a vintage “Golden-Age” novel.

Books for Mom!

Book Ideas for Homeschooling Families—All Ages

More than books in this list, but great book ideas here for your ancient history buff.

Here are some books and other resources for the archeology buff!

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Resources

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, book, Christian, Christianity, christmas, Education, Families, family, Finish Well, Gift, holiday, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, teen

Create Treasured Memories with a Christmas Unit Study

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

November 16, 2020 by Laura Leave a Comment

Create Treasured Memories with a Christmas Unit Study

In “Create Treasured Memories with a Christmas Unit Study,” Episode, #124, Meredith Curtis gives you step-by-step instructions to create your own unit study after she shares how unit studies refresh your family for the month of December. Breakaway from the routine with a unit study so you can celebrate Christmas all month long, create memories, make gifts, decorate, and prepare for the holidays while you learn! If you want a Christmas educational and wonder-filled adventure for your family, you will love this podcast!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Christmas is a busy time for the homeschool Mom. May I suggest a lighter schedule or even a complete change of pace?

There are two different tracks you can take.

Count Christmas activities and preparations as school.
Do a Christmas Unit Study

Count Christmas Activities as school

Handwriting (address or sign Christmas cards)
Home Ec (bake Christmas cookies)
Art (make Christmas presents)
Music (go Christmas caroling)
Geography (celebrate traditions from other countries)
History (listen to older family members tell stories)
Writing (write the family Christmas letter)

Do a Christmas Unit Study

Subject of unit study focuses on Christmas
The Christmas hustle/bustle is part of school

Our Favorite Christmas Unit Studies

Celebrate Christmas in Colonial America
Celebrate Christmas with Anne of Green Gables
Celebrate Christmas around the World
Celebrate Christmas in Victorian England (except we couldn’t find a goose)
Celebrate the First Christmas
Celebrate Christmas in Florida
Celebrate Christmas in Mexico

So many treasured memories of crafting, cooking, decorating, shopping, wrapping presents, and throwing parties.

Choose a Topic

What sounds fun?
Age and interest level of children?
Ability to read, write, and research
What sounds Christmasy?
What are some things that we’ve always wanted to do at Christmas?
What are some things we just have to do at Christmas?
What are some things we’d like to learn about Christmas (or another topic)?
What makes everyone say, “WOW! That sounds fun!”

Center Unit Studies on Good Books that you Read Aloud

Nothing is more Christmasy than snuggling up together and listening to a good book. There are many good Christmas read alouds, but it doesn’t have to be a Christmas book.

NO ONE is TOO old for a beautifully illustrated well-written picture book.

Example of Celebrate Christmas with Cookies Unit Study

Picture Book each day

Singing Christmas carols each day

Devotion, cookie baking, and activities match up!

End Unit Study with a Party & Giving Gifts to Family & Friends

Caroling Party for C C w C
Tea for C C in C A
Wreathes and Booklets were our family Christmas gifts that year of the CCinCA unit

What makes a Christmas Unit Study Different?

Don’t straight-jacket yourself, be creative
Think about what you need to accomplish for the holidays
Think about what you and the children…..and your husband….would really enjoy
Think about any baking, cooking, gift wrapping, shopping, or crafting that needs to be done.

Don’t Forget Field Trips

Almost every store, museum, bank, business, and church decorates for Christmas. Just going on your weekly errands, you can discuss Christmas decorations. You can observe whether these places are saying, “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” You could even collect data and make a bar graph!

“Tour of Homes” where you get to visit lovely homes decorated for Christmas. Often they serve hot drinks. Going at night is usually the best because of all the candlelight and twinkle lights. There is so much history to learn on these tours, as well as information on architecture and remodeling.

Holiday concerts, plays, and productions are annual events in your city that you and your children may have not yet enjoyed. Our local community college, Seminole Community College, offers free holiday concerts that are wonderful!

Free Messiah sing-a-long that we have enjoyed participating in.

Free church performances in our area. The talent in the Body of Christ never ceases to amaze me. We have enjoyed concerts and plays that were excellent for free or a nominal fee.

“Walk Through Bethlehem”

Don’t Limit Yourself!

Even Christmas shopping can be educational if you start with a budget. Your children can make a list and check it twice, comparing sales, and sticking to the money allotted. They can do the same with holiday grocery shopping!

How to Plan a Unit Study

List books you want to read aloud
List all the activities you would like to do
Lay out paper or computer file with topics for each day (you won’t use up all the topics each day, but you can use this to evaluate balance of for time and mess!)
Divide them by categories and days

Topics to Fill for Record Keeping & Variety’s sake!

Bible
Information
Read Aloud
Handwriting
Homemaking
Arts & Crafts
Music
Science
History/Geography
Math
Service/Hospitality
Field Trips
More Fun

Resources

We have 4 amazing Christmas unit studies that you will love! Visit PowerlineProd.com to explore our easy-to-use unit studies and start making memories with your family right away!

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Resources

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Finish Well Radio Podcast #016, Jerusalem News with the Finish Well Team, on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

Christmas Traditions Teens Love, Finish Well Radio Show Podcast #028 on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

FW Radio - Podcast #54 - The Birthday That Cut History In Two

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3 Ways to Inspire Your Family with Christian Super-Heroes

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

October 19, 2020 by Laura Leave a Comment

3 Ways to Inspire Your Family with Christian Super-Heroes

In “3 Ways to Inspire Your Family with Christian Super-Heroes,” Episode, #123, Meredith Curtis reveals creative ways to teach church history in a way that will inspire your family to draw closer to the Lord. She likes to introduce her children to super-heroes—real ones—not from Marvel—but from the pages of history! God has had His heroes through the ages—not perfect men and women—but folks who were willing to surrender to His will and power. This great cloud of witnesses has poured out their lives to see the Gospel extended to the ends of the earth and believers grow to maturity. They have endured shame, trials, despair, and all kinds of troubles, yet remained faithful. Their example is an inspiration for us today! Introduce them to your children through biographies, movies, and Heroes-for-Jesus parties. After all, church history should be fun!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Today’s heroes and where their power comes from.

God’s Super-Heroes.

How To Introduce Your Children to Church History

Give them heroes!

Biographies

Well-written, interesting. Find the story.

Biographies

Example: Heroes Then and Now series by Janet & Geoff Benge (older children to adults)
Example for Younger Children: Lightkeeper series for boys and girls/ 10 boys who…

Biographies within a story

Example: Torchlighter series

Picture Books

Voice of the Martyrs picture book series with St. Valentine, St. Patrick, William Tyndale, Richard Wurmbrand, and St. Nicholas.
Church History ABCs

Movies

Movies can be inspirational, but not always accurate. Example of The Inn of the Sixth Happiness about Gladys Aylward, missionary to China who works as a foot inspector to end foot binding and leads 100 children to safety. Still it is a warm, inspiring movie.

Chariots of Fire is an amazingly accurate portrayal of Eric Liddell, devout Christian, missionary, and Olympic gold medalist.

Luther, produced in 2003, is our favorite movie about Martin Luther.

Polycarp, another favorite produced in 2015 by Henline Productions, takes place in 2^nd century Smyrna where Christians are facing intense persecution.

Amazing Grace, produced in 2006, is the story of William Wilberforce, a godly MP (member of Parliament) who led the way to get rid of slavery in the British Empire.

The Torchlighters Christian Heroes series is excellent with cartoons on a wide variety of Christian heroes like William Booth, John Bunyan, William Tyndale, Jim Eliot, Amy Carmichael, Perpetua, Samuel Morris, Harriet Tubman, Saint Patrick, and many more. There is so much depth to these movies that you will learn a ton while you watch them with your children.

Heroes for Jesus Parties

Fun way to introduce children and teens to Christian heroes

Children meet them and play games.

Teens dress up and give monologue.

Stations/Heroes dressed up/monologue/answer questions/game

For complete instructions with over 40 Christian heroes with monologue/bio, game to play, recipes, and costume ideas, purchase Celebrate Our Christian Heroes at PowerlineProd.

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Resources

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Finish Well Radio, Podcast #078, Christmas Eve Traveling Dinner with Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, Christian, Christian Heroes, Christianity, Education, Families, family, Finish Well, heroes, Heroes for Jesus, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Life, Meredith Curtis, Parent, teen

Build Your House on the Rock

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

October 5, 2020 by Laura Leave a Comment

Build Your House on the Rock

In “Build Your House on the Rock,” Episode, #122, Meredith Curtis shares how we can survive the storms of life with the rock-solid Word of God! Meredith relates Matthew 7:24-27 to parenting and homeschooling, giving insights and practical tips for various ages and seasons of life. If you want to thrive in your Christian life and pass the baton of faith to your children, you will love this podcast!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Every family goes through storms. Is your family going through a storm right now or is everything smooth sailing?

Let Jesus Do the Building

Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it (Psalm 127:1)

Jesus said to build our house on the rock, but He also tells us that the Lord needs to build our house. So, building starts with surrender.

Accept Reality: Life is Full of Good Times & Bad Times

He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45 NASB).

I’m sorry to tell you that storms will come. You might face a job loss or rebellious child.

When bad times come, it doesn’t mean God is against you. It’s just part of living in a fallen world.

Be Proactive in Trusting God

In Matthew 6:25-33, Jesus reminds us to not worry, but instead trust God. Usually our worries are about finances, health, or children, making us feel so anxious.

1. Seek the Kingdom of God first in all areas (spend time with the Lord, tithe, share the Gospel, pray for missionaries, build up other believers, etc.)
2. Pray for all your needs and pour your worries out to Him (casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you–I Peter 5:7).

Put God’s Word Into Practice

God’s Word is true! We can trust it! We can unwrap all the promises in His Word and enjoy them! We can walk in biblical principles because they are designed to bless us.

We discover who Jesus is in the Bible. And reading His Word helps build us closer to Him. As we pour our worries out to Jesus, our relationship with Him is strengthened.

Beyond reading the Bible with our children and teaching them to obey, we want them to grow up knowing that Jesus is alive! He loves them! He cares about them! His ways are good! As they pray about their own worries and let Jesus build in their lives, a strong faith grows and grows.

It is this relationship with Jesus that is the strength of a Christian home, allowing us to stand firm when the storms come.

Create Memorial Stones

God commanded the Israelites to leave memorial stones at the Jordan River to remind them of God’s faithfulness.

Create ways to remember how God got you through!

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Resources

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Finish Well Homeschooling Podcast, Podcast #108, 7 Ways to Make Jesus Lord of Your Homeschooling with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Finish Well Radio Show, Podcast #094, How to Raise a God’s Girl, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

Finish Well Radio Show, Podcast #085, Don't Waste Your Life with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

Finish Well Radio, Podcast #061, The Cross Has the Final Word

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, Christian, Christianity, Education, Families, family, Finish Well, Foundation, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Life, Meredith Curtis, Parent, teen

How to Apply Sunday’s Sermon to the Rest of Your Week

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

July 1, 2019 by Laura Leave a Comment

How to Apply Sunday’s Sermon to the Rest of Your Week

In “How to Apply Sunday’s Sermon to the Rest of Your Week,” episode #092, Meredith Curtis helps you get out of the rut of listening to a great sermon Sunday and forgetting all about it for the rest of the week. Meredith gives you tips to listen for the biblical principles, take action steps, and set yourself up for success. She also tackles what to do when you are listening to a boring sermon or Bible study. Did you know you can still get something out of it? Meredith will share how that’s possible. Best of all, Meredith explains how sermons, Bible studies, and even words of encouragement from Christian friends all work together to impart life into your heart and spirit. Be encouraged all week long!

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Show Notes

Typical week.

Discouragement: will I ever change? Why can’t I remember? What do I feel so discouraged? Why aren’t I growing in the Lord?

Renew Your Mind about the Sunday Sermon

God is speaking right to you.

God is also speaking to the entire church.

God is faithful and His Word is effective!

How to judge a sermon.

How to listen to a sermon.

Knowledge is NOT a goal, it’s a means to an end.

How to take truth and put it in place for the week ahead.

Tools for Listening

Get comfortable.

Stay alert

Ask God to show you WHERE you should be applying the teaching

Take Notes/draw picture/draw diagrams/draw charts.

Amen the pastor.

Think Big Picture (E.G. Pastor talking to Singles about season of Singleness and you are married)

Set Yourself Up for Success

Reread passages & notes in QT next day

Prayerfully consider opportunities to apply

Ask for opportunities to obey

Talk to others about sermon and how God spoke to them.

NEVER evaluate speaker unless contradicted Scripture; then talk to him privately. Unkind! Only evaluate your response.

Take Notes

Think Big Picture (E.G. Pastor talking to Singles about season of Singleness and you are married)

How We Overcome

Blood of Jesus

Our Testimony

Weapons: Scripture

Teachings/ Words of Encouragement

Impart LIFE

Bring your umbrella and your oil container

Ignore jars of clay—get to the LIFE inside!

Resources

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, Bible Study, church, family, Finish Well, God, Jesus, pastor, sermon, teen

Caedmon, 7th Century Songwriter

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

May 20, 2019 by Laura Leave a Comment

Caedmon, 7^thCentury Songwriter

In “Caedmon, 7^thCentury Songwriter,” episode #089, Meredith Curtis introduces you to a fascinating man of God who could not sing, recite a poem, or write a song; that is until the Lord gave him an amazing talent. Meet Caedmon, a 7^thCentury Songwriter who touched the hearts of many, bringing Jesus and the Word of God alive for the wild, rugged Saxons of England. This is another Life Lesson from Ancient History, A.D. 600s.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Being World Changers, Raising World Changers!

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Show Notes

Life in Saxon England

Saxons were a wild, rough Germanic people

Being Christianized

Mass & Bible in Latin, not English

Life in a Monestary

Life/Schedule

Devotion

St. Hilda

Whitby

Caedmon

Shepherd

Unable to Sing

Old Man

The Gift

Answer to Prayer

A Dream

Singing the Scripture

Glory of God Only

Father of English Sacred Song

The Lesson

Faithfulness

God’s Timing

Humility

Using Gift for Glory of God

Resources

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Finish Well, God, God's Gifts, history, Jesus, music, Praise, singing, Song Writing, teen, Teens, worship