Don’t Waste Your Life

In “Don’t Waste Your Life,” episode #085, Meredith Curtis challenges teens to drop out the dull and routine to live a life worth living. She addresses lies that keep us from living joy-filled lives and how to exchange half-hearted hanging on for abundant zeal and passion. A life worth living is possible at 15 and at 50 if the desire is in your heart. So, shake off the dust, and let’s move on to the adventure God has for us!

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Being World Changers, Raising World Changers!

We offer books and ebooks to help you homeschool to the Glory of God!

Show Notes

Dull, Drudgery, Naps, & Video Games vs. A Life Worth Living!

My Story

Rebellion

Repentance

Rebirth

Real Living

Drawing Close to God

Pressing In

Pressing On

With All Your Heart

Overcoming Obstacles

Internet

The Opposite Sex

Gossip, Negative Talk

Self-Pity

Wrong Friends

Battle Ready

Spiritual Weapons

The Battle in the Mind

Standing Firm in Who You are in Christ

You are LOVED!

A Life Worth Living

Tell People about Jesus

Challenge Friends to Grow in the Lord

Serve

Healthy Relationships

Zeal/Passion/Energy

Outlets for Emotion: Music/Art/Poetry

HARD WORK:  Projects/Chores/Home Business

Family Ministry

J.O.Y.

Resources

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25 Movies Families Can Watch Together

In “25 Movies that Families Can Watch Together,” episode #084, Meredith Curtis shares some of her family’s favorite movies and how they have impacted their lives and hearts. From faith builders to tear-jerkers, these movies have made us laugh and cry. Each of these movies also lead to great family discussions right after or days later. Some of them (like Cars) bring an historical time to life. Others impart a life lesson or just make us laugh.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Being World Changers, Raising World Changers!

We offer books and ebooks to help you homeschool to the Glory of God!

Show Notes

Our Family Movie Nights

Movies often lead to discussions afterward or even weeks/months later.

Chariots of Fire

This is the story of Eric Liddell, a gold medal winner in the 1924 Olympics. His devotion to the Lord is exempliary and inspiring! The movie also follows another runner who must overcome anti-Semetic prejudice in his quest for winning.

This awarding winning movie (Academy Award for Best Picture) was released in 1981.

Return to the Hiding Place

One of my favorite movies, Return to the  Hiding Place is set in the Netherlands during Nazi occupation of World War II. Here is the rest of the story of Corrie ten Boom and her band of teenage resisters. This does have some scary scenes so will not be appropriate for  young children.

***** Teens and Adults/Might be too scary for youngers kids

The Ultimate Gift

Billionaire Grandpa Red dies and dispenses some of his money to his children, but leaves a series of “gifts” for his wild living grandson. I love this movie! In fact, I require watching it for my Economics, Finances, and Business course in high school.

Facing the Giants

In Facing the Giants, we meet Coach Grant Taylor whose life is full of problems and pain. When Grant makes a decision to fully surrender to Jesus, things happen! The Kendrick brothers and Sherwood pictures have produced an awesome sports movie! This is one of my all-time favorite movies.

Anne of Green Gables & Anne of Avonlea (PBS 1980s)

Set on Prince Edward Island, Anne is a little orphan girl with bright red hair adopted by an older brother (Matthew) and sister (Marilla) who run the family farm. She brings life to her new family and the entire village of Avonlea. You will love these movies!

The Princess Bride

This movie is just for fun because it is a totally silly fairy tale released in the 1980s. We repeat so many funny lines from this romantic comedy that you almost have to see this movie to understand our family. A farm boy falls in love with a beautiful maiden and goes off to seek his fortune, but he is kidnapped by the dreaded Pirate Roberts. Really fun movie!

Cars

Yes, this is a cartoon, but it’s about Route 66, completed in 1926, which was dotted with prosperous towns and it was America’s route west traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles. Construction began on I-40 in 1957 and was completed in 1975, causing the little towns along Route 66 to dry up. Can you tell I’m a history buff? Okay, the movie is adorable with a life lesson about friendship.

Snowball Express

I saw this Disney movie in the theatre when it was released in 1972. A big city accountant named Johnny Baxter moves his family to Colorado when they inherit a hotel from his uncle “Crazy Jake.” This is a fun adventure set in beautiful snowy Colorado following the family hilarious attempts to open a ski resort. Wholesome.

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

Growing up in poverty with a single-mom and a learning disability did not stop Ben from growing up to be a ground-breaking nuerosurgeon. His life is a beautiful testimony to the grace of God and love of a good mother.

It’s A Wonderful Life

The classic Christmas feel good story about a young man with dreams who becomes a middle-aged man facing a terrible financial crisis. This movie promotes love, family, and friendship inside a touching story.

Sound of Music

A quirky nun is called to be a governess for a widower’s seven children. She brings life, joy, and music back into the family. With romance, singing, and light comedy, this is a family favorite in our house. I saw it for the first time with Mom and 45 years later, my daughter took me to see in the movie theater for a reshowing. I love this movie!

42

In 1946, history was made when Jackie Robinson crossed the color barrier to play for the Brooklynn Dodgers. In the midst of prejudice and thoughtlessness, Jackie remains kind and loving. A very inspiring movie!

Parent Trap (Disney)

Both versions of the Disney classic are wonderful to watch together as a family. The earlier version stars Hayley Mills in two roles as twins separated at birth when their parents divorced. They meet up at summer camp and discover they are sisters. Then they hatch a plan to get Mom and Dad back together. The hilarious fun of the first movie was wonderfully remade in 1998 with Lindsay Lohan playing the twins. I was surprised and delighted that the original and remake could both be so entertaining and enjoyable. Usually one is better than the other. This is a great movie to watch if you want to relax and laugh.

Risen

Risen takes us back in time to the time of Jesus Resurrection. Career military tribune Clavius investigates the mystery surrounding Jesus’ empty tomb. As Clavius attempts to find a rational explanation, he is confronted with the miraculous power of God. I love this fresh perspective on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus!

Remember the Titans

In Virginia where football is sacred, a high school football coach is forced to become the assisant when a black head coach is hired and black players are added to the all-white team. Set in 1971 and based loosely on a true story, this is a beautiful story of friendship, loyalty, and teamwork. Great family film.

Mom’s Night Out

This movie is just plain fun! We laugh so hard when we watch three moms head out for a night of no kids, no husband, and relaxation. Of course, the night is anything but relaxing and all sorts of mishaps make it a fine comedy.

Courageous

The Kendrick brothers and Sherwood pictures introduces us to a Sheriff’s deputy who endures a terrible personal loss that causes him to rethink what it means to be a father. He brings in his co-workers on his quest. A beautiful story of redemption!

Polycarp

Released in 2015, this movie takes us  back in time to the church in Smyrna where the Christians are being persecuted for their faith. Bishop Polycarp and his precious congregation will become dear friends as the story unfolds and their faith is put to the test. An inspiring film that will strengthen your commitment to Jesus.

Faith Like Potatoes

When a Zambian farmer (of Scottish descent) moves to Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, to make a better life for his family, there is one trial after another, including terrible tragedy. Likes his potatoes, Angus grows in his faith and love for God.

Please note that there is one scene which is fairly graphic, very tragic, and heartbreaking. Every parent I know who has scene this movie weeps at this scene. It is probably too much for younger audiences so this film may be better for more mature audiences.

Time Changer

A  Bible scholar from 1890 travels forward in time 100 years to see the impact his book will have on future generations of Christians. This movie explores the negative impact of liberal theology at its roots. An excellent movie to understand how what we believe about God impacts how we live.

Miracle

This movie released in 2004, takes us back in time to 1980 where we meet Herb Brooks, played but Kurt Russell, a hockey coach who builds a winning team to compete for the USA in the Olympics. The hot-headed college hockey stars have to learn to work together and value on another if they have any hoping of winning a medal. A great movie!

The Chronicles of Narnia

The classic C.S. Lewis fantasy is brought to life in this movie. Four young children move to the country to live with their uncle for safety reasons during World War II. When they open the magical wardrobe, the adventure begins. This adventure stands alone, but as an allegory, it is amazing!

The Blind Side

Sandra Bulluck is one of my favorite actresses and she shines in this movie about a wealthy Christian family that takes in a tramatized homeless teenager, Michael Oher, who rises to become an All American football player and first draft pick for the NFL. Another inpiring movie about love and investing in people. Beautiful story.

The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry

Dustin begins mowing laws for an older man at church which leads to a special friendship. Jonahtan Sperry, the older gentleman, begins a Bible study with Dustin and his friends, but his mentoring goes beyond the study to living out the ways of the Lord. The ending will have everyone in tears. I love this movie!

Pollyanna

One of my favorite books is a movie released by Disney in 1960. After the death of her missionary parents, Pollyanna is sent to live with her rich, but grumpy aunt. Her gladness and looking at the bright side of things turns the town upside down and when she is down and out, they rally to her. This is beautiful movie about friendship and love.

Resources

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Wacky Wild Wonderful Teenagers

In Wacky Wild Wonderful Teenagers,” episode #083, Meredith Curtis talks frankly about the teen years and how they affect teens, their parents, and the parent/teen relationship. Shake off the lies that these years have to be negative, they can be a blast! Meredith believes parents and teens can work together to overcome the challenges teens face.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Being World Changers, Raising World Changers!

We offer books and ebooks to help you homeschool to the Glory of God!

Show Notes

Drill Team Story

What’s so Great about a Teen?

• Interesting
• Engaging
• Energetic
• Enchanting
• Fun
• Funny

What’s So Challenging about the Teen Years?

• Hormones
• Guys—Anger
• Girls—Emotional
• Need More Sleep
• Insecurities
• Lapses in Judgment (“Have You Lost Your Mind?” song)

Problems for Teens & Their Parents

• Disposable Income—Targeted by Advertisers
• Message from Media
• Stalked on Internet
• Predators
• Normal Temptations

Questions Teens Ask

• Will Anyone Love Me?
• Do I Measure Up?
• Am I Valuable?
• Will I be a Success?
• Is God Real?
• Can I Trust the Bible?

Start with Relationships

• Lives Changed
• Teens Influenced
• Jesus’ Model
• Set Up for Success
• Family Time
• Friendship Time
• Sports Days
• Picnics/Parties/BBQs

Build Healthy Relationships

Give Them Answers

• Apologetics
• Read Bible & Discuss
• Create Classes
• Bible Studies
• Living Books
• Biographies (Augustine, Luther, Amy Carmichael, Georg Muller)

The Opposite Sex

• Natural Attraction
• Sexual Desires
• Movies & TV
• Internet
• Facebook/Social Media
• Pornography
• Sexting
• Vigilance
• Listen/Give Godly Counsel
• Purity
• Freedom from Lust
• Wholesome Friendships
• Courtship/Dating with a Purpose or American-Style Dating?
• Who Will They Marry?

Put That Energy to Work

• Zeal/Passion/Energy
• Outlets for Emotion: Music, Poetry, Sports
• HARD WORK: Projects, Chores, Home Business
• Family Ministry
• O.Y.

Prepare Them for Life

• Build Godly Character
• Foster Close Relationships with Jesus
• Mentoring
• Bible Classes
• Character Courses
• Adult-Prep Courses using Living Books

Real Men Bible Studies & Courses

God’s Girls Bible Studies & Courses

Resources

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bright Ideas Press

Homeschool moms are busy! Bright Ideas Press gets that. And that’s why, for over 25 years, we have promised to publish Christian-oriented homeschool curriculum that will fit your family—curriculum that is both affordable and easy-to-use with children of different ages and learning styles at the same time. Curriculum that busy Moms love!

Offering history, science, geography, and humanities curriculum and over 100 options of online classes and clubs for homeschool families, the team at Bright Ideas Press creates products and resources that will not only help simplify your life, but also inspire, encourage, and equip you to educate your children.

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