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Do We Really Need It?

In “Do We Really Need It?,” Episode, #151, Meredith Curtis reveals the challenges that Christians face as wise consumers trying spend money for the glory of God. “Just do it!” Nike shouts! Do what? you wonder, confused. Advertising slogans dazzle and repel us from billboards to glossy magazine pages, from sides of buses to television commercials to internet ad pop-ups. How do parents, teens, and children combat advertising that leads us in the wrong direction? How can we separate our desires and wants? And our good desires from evil desires? Meredith helps us sort through these murky waters with biblical principles and practical wisdom.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

The Power of Advertising

Culture heavily influenced by Advertising
Advertising dictates how we decorate & celebrate holidays
New product promotional ads

How Advertising Works

Advertising appeals to both good and evil desires
Products will often be linked to a universally desired thing (happy marriage, mate, fast car, admiration, athletic skill)
Target certain segments of society
Most companies targeting homeschooling families are not homeschoolers themselves
Many homeschooling companies targeting Christian homeschooling families are not Christians.
Advertising isn’t always honest

How Jesus Responded to Advertising

Satan advertised the Kingdom of Darkness to Jesus (see Matthew 4)
Satan advertised food while Jesus was fasting and challenged him to test God
Finally, Satan offered Jesus wealth and power.
Jesus resisted using the Word of God as a weapon of Truth.

Our New Way of Life

Imitate Jesus in responding to advertising. Respond to lies with truth. Respond to insinuations with reality.
Don’t fall into the trap of having advertising dictate what and when you purchase.
Seek God about your needs and desires.
Work/talk together as a family to apply truth to advertising and felt needs.

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Resources

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

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!

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7 Ways to Save Big on Homeschool Curriculum

In “7 Ways to Save Big on Homeschool Curriculum” episode #113, Meredith Curtis shares practical ways to plan ahead and take advantage of opportunities so you can save money on homeschool curriculum. We all want to save money! Yet, we want to give the best to our children. You can do both! Learn how today!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

We all want to save money! Yet, we want to give the best to our children.

You can do both! Learn how today!

Plan Ahead

The further you plan ahead, the more opportunity you will have to take advantage of money-saving opportunities.

I like to think 1-3 years ahead with curriculum. It doesn’t mean I’m locked in to it, but it does help to keep my eye out for something that is coming ahead.

Explore Curriculum You Like

I keep a notebook of curriculum, homeschool resources, and living books that I’m interested in purchasing. Then I try to see them in person at other homeschooling family’s homes or at homeschool conventions. I like to see and touch.

Is it attractive to me? To my children?

Does it look easy to use?

Is it from a Christian worldview?

Is it full of content that will expand my children’s knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.

E-book or Print Version

As a publisher, I publish most of my books, curricula, and Bible studies in print and E-book format. It’s just smart because each family is unique in what they need and want.

However, some things (like lapbooks) I only sell as E-books.

Families don’t need to print the directions to put the lapbook together; they can just read it on their electronic device, but each family member will need to print the booklet pages so it’s just easier to have an E-book to print from. It’s not always easy to make copies from a print book.

Use Freebies to Explore Curriculum or a Publisher

Speaking of E-books, when it’s time to explore curriculum, I keep my eyes out for publishers who give away freebies. You can get a feel for a publisher from their freebies and samples.

Many writers and publishers offer free newsletters that have monthly freebies.

My company, Powerline Productions offers a monthly freebie for subscribers. You can sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/9221394dfca7/plpnewsletter

Our host network, Ultimate Homeschool Podcast offers a freebie each month if you sign up for their newsletter. Sign up here: https://ultimateradioshow.com/sign-up/

Homeschool Freebie has been around a long time and offers incredible freebies. You have to sign up on their mailing list: https://homeschoolfreebie.com/

How about your favorite publisher? Are you on their mailing list?

Here are some other places I go to look for Freebies:

Homeschool Giveaways: https://homeschoolgiveaways.com/

Homeschool Family Freebies & Giveaways Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoolfamily

Homeschool Deals & Freebies Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/97859293949

Don’t forget you are gathering information to decide what curriculum to use with your children. Jot notes down on your notebook.

Try to narrow down what you are looking for.

Watch for Sales from Your Favorite Publisher

Once you know what you are looking for, watch for sales.

e.g. Rosetta Stone

e.g. Alpha Omega April annual April sale

e.g. YWAM

Used Curriculum Sales

Used curriculum sales are such a blessing!

Make a list of what you are looking for and keep your eyes out for bargains. I have acquired some very expensive curriculum that is hardly worn at these sales.

Bundle Sales

Bundle sales are another amazing way to acquire very expensive curriculum very cheap! It’s amazing! You can get a collection of high school curriculum valued at hundreds of dollars for 85-90% off the price. I love to stock up on E-books this way!

My favorite bundle sale is Build Your Bundle. I have been shopping there for years each May when they have their annual sale!