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Vacation Highway or Military Express?

In “Vacation Highway or Military Express?,” Episode #261, Meredith Curtis introduces you to the US Interstates. Discover how and why it was built, what inspired the system, and who started it. How do they number the Interstates? Why are they limited-access roads with exits instead of lights and stop signs? What happened to the US Routes (like Route 66) after the highway system was built? Which Interstate is the longest? Which Interstate is the busiest?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

When was the last time you got on a US Interstate?

Dwight D Eisenhower

As a young lieutenant colonel, Dwight D. Eisenhower was part of a convoy across America from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA, testing various Army vehicles.

(Info I share in this section was gleaned from https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2006/summer/interstates.html )

German Autobahn

Germany planned highway system in the 1920s. When Nazis took over, Hitler, and then East & West Germany completed the project.  Connecting every corner of Germany, the Autobahn has 8,000 miles of road and is a fast, efficient highway.

General Eisenhower noticed that the German Autobahn made it very easy to transport troops.

Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956

Road building was a states-only issue. On June 29, 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Federal Highway Act to give federal aid to states to build US Interstate.

The Interstate System Today

Look at the map below and notice how the interstates are numbered.

The north-south Interstate highways are odd-numbered west to east, starting with 5 and ending with 95.

East-west highways are even-numbered south to north, from I-4 to I-94.

If a sign has 3 digits, it’s a helper road near a big city.

Limited Access Roads

No stoplights or stop signs on the interstate, just one long continuous freeway. Exits only.

The main purpose of the interstate is for the military to get from any point in the US to any other point as quickly as possible. In a national emergency, all exits could be shut to allow troops to move quickly.

What happened to the Old US Routes & US Highways?

Below, you can see a map of Interstate 40. I-40 is the third-longest freeway in the US. Construction began in several different states in 1957, and the final leg was finished in 1990.

From Oklahoma City to Barstow, it parallels US Route 66. CARS.

Longest & Busiest Interstates?

I-90 is the longest interstate running from Boston, MA to Seattle, WA.

I-5 is the busiest interstate.

Learning Fun with the Interstate

Plan a trip on an Interstate. Visit at least 3 different exits. What does that city offer? Where will you stay? What will you do?

Books about the Interstate System: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/interstate/brainiacs/booksenjoy.cfm

Ten Things You Should Know About the Interstate System https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/interstate/brainiacs/thingsyoucando.cfm

Plan a road trip on a US Interstate – FREE pdf file:///C:/Users/Mered/Downloads/(14)Plan%20a%20Trip_US%20Interstates.pdf

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A Homeschool Mom Looks at Freedom

In “A Homeschool Mom Looks at Freedom,” Episode #257, Meredith Curtis introduces you to Teresa Clayton, a homeschool mom, with strong feelings about American freedom. Meredith & Teresa talk about history, freedom, and their relationship with Jesus Christ. They discuss ways to impart a love of freedom in the next generation to keep freedom’s light burning bright. Teresa and Meredith also talk about how they will be celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Meet Teresa. How Teresa and I became friends through homeschooling.

Teresa has a degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Gifted Endorsement.  After 16 years of teaching in public school, Teresa’s family began homeschooling, and  God showed her that academics and discipleship were never meant to be separate.  She wanted her children to see the providence of God in every subject, to see them seek His truth, and to be tethered to His Word.  Teresa is now an empty nester who loves encouraging and edifying homeschool moms.  Right after her youngest graduated from college, a medical scare and victory from God, coupled with her love of learning, teaching, and encouraging others, led her to embark on a new career in thermography and open a holistic wellness center, North Georgia Thermography and Wellness.  Beyond her professional endeavors, Teresa is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, “a homemaker with a business.”  She loves the outdoors, especially biking, hiking, and kayaking.  Teresa is also fascinated with art and history.  Her mission is to impact others’ lives and give God the glory for her story.

What is the True Meaning of Freedom?

Teresa defines freedom and its impact on history.

Why is it important for our children to articulate the meaning of Freedom?

True freedom is found in Christ. Warning: America’s biggest threat is biblical illiteracy. We have the responsibility of maintaining freedom.  To keep it, we must honor the Giver and Sustainer.  We must guard it as we guard our hearts, defend it as we defend The Faith, and protect it just as love always protects.

Why should freedom be an essential theme when teaching history?

Teresa explains how freedom impacts our lives and what it looks like to have Jesus as our first love.

Freedom from condemnation; Individual Freedom, National Freedom. When educating your children, teach them to be truth seekers, lovers of beauty, and defenders of freedom. Art reflects our culture.

“..God withholds nothing good..” Psalm 84:11

Wallbuilders: https://wallbuilders.com/

How is the Cross the pivotal point in history?

The cross divides history. All things are either looking forward to the cross or looking back at what Jesus has done.

“Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-33

“I am the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:6

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

“I walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” Psalm 119:45

“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13

How are you planning to celebrate our country, home of the brave, land of the free, 250th birthday?

Teresa’s celebration plans and memories of the Bicentennial in 1976.

Tell us how your family is culminating this exciting summer with another big celebration?

Teresa ties in her summer plans with our conversation to inspire and encourage homeschool families.

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Our Heritage of Freedom II

In “Our Heritage of Freedom II,” Episode #256, Meredith Curtis takes you back in time to the early days of our nation, in fact, while we were still British colonies. She walks you through our heritage of freedom, from the Mayflower Compact to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Meredith even reads the Mayflower Compact and Declaration of Independence aloud, clarifying what it says. She challenges listeners to keep the torch of freedom burning brightly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

We are continuing Our Heritage of Freedom. The Story of Liberty came across the ocean to America and continued as colonies were established, independence was declared, a war was won, and a new nation was formed.

Mayflower Compact

The Pilgrims and Puritans got together and wrote an agreement called The Mayflower Compact. This contract gave the freemen, Stranger or Pilgrim, the right to vote for a governor and an assembly (like our mayor and city councils of today!). These elected officials would be accountable to those who voted for them. This was an historic document, the first of its kind in the New World!

Meredith reads the Mayflower Compact.

City on A Hill

John Winthrop’s goal was to establish a “City on a Hill” by forming a colony government based on the Word of God.

Declaration of Independence

The Revolutionary War began in April 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. When the fighting began, Americans were simply fighting for their rights as Englishmen. Yet a year later, that had changed. Too much had happened to alienate the colonists from the Mother Country. Now, they wanted freedom to be their own nation.

Meredith reads the Declaration of Independence.

Second Continental Congress

During the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation on November 15, 1777. It took three and a half more years for the states to ratify it. The Articles of Confederation gave the government authority and responsibility, but no power to back it up. It would need to be tweaked.

Constitution

The Constitution Convention, as it is now referred to, was a difficult one, to say the least. There were tons of arguments and disagreements. It was hard to find a compromise. The amazing Constitution was a gift from God with checks and balances and a blueprint for a republican form of government. Our nation is the longest existing constitutional republic in the world.

Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist.

Preserving Our Heritage of Freedom

During the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation on November 15, 1777. It took three and a half more years for the states to ratify it. The Articles of Confederation gave the government authority and responsibility, but no power to back it up. It would need to be tweaked.

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Our Heritage of Freedom I

In “Our Heritage of Freedom I,” Episode #255, Meredith Curtis takes you back in time to the very beginning and walks you through our heritage of Freedom. From the Garden of Eden and the Law of Moses through Greek, Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and British influence, we can see the torch of freedom blazing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Our heritage of liberty goes back many years. Like all Western nations, we have the tradition of biblical law from the OldTestamentand New Testamentof The Holy Bible. We are also blessed to have been influenced by Hebrew theocracy,Anglo-Saxon tribal rule, Greek democracy, and Roman republicanism, along with the British.

The Old Testament

The Lord God Almighty gives us His holy and perfect Law in the Old Testament. Genesis. The Law of Moses

The New Testament

Jesus summed up The Law, making it simple and practical for us to understand. Jesus modeled for us obedience to TheLaw. He also raised the bar to include love, sacrifice, and redemption. Sometimes we can even extend mercy in our national justice system.

The Nation of Israel

From the nation of Israel, we have a picture of power divided between national and tribal, as well as a call to righteousness throughout the nation.

City-States of Greece

Greece was not a united country, but rather a confederation of nations called city-states. Athens functioned as a democracy where decisions were made by popular vote or by officials who were elected by popular vote.

Roman Republic

Our ideals of a republic are inspired by the ancient Roman Republic. Our Congress is made up of the Senate and theHouse of Representatives, similar to the Roman Senate.

Anglo-Saxons

Like the Israelites, the Anglo-Saxons governed through family and tribal leadership. Tribal leaders came together to make decisions, and leaders of tribes gathered to make decisions for the whole nation.

Heritage from the English

Before we were Americans, we were British colonists. Elected official, trial by jury, leaders accountable to the law, protection of private property, protect  people from harm English Common Law is based on the Old and New Testaments,Jewish Law, Anglo-Saxon Law, Viking Law, Roman Law, and Ecclesiastical (Church) Law. Henry II.

Norman Invasion. Magna Charta. Parliament begins.

The Reformation.

English Petition of Rights & English Bill of Rights.

France – Edict of Nantes.

Preserving Our Heritage of Freedom

Individuals, Families, Churches.

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Our Founding Mothers

In “Our Founding Mothers,” Episode #254, Meredith Curtis introduces you to 6 Founding Mothers who raised children while they invented a dye, helped write documents, fought in a battle, rescued priceless artifacts from a fire, fought with words, and stood strong beside their husbands. All of them impacted the leaders of the day and made their own marks. Each fought the American Revolution in their own way and helped bring about our amazing USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

If you asked me to create a Hall of Fame for American Revolution heroes, I would start with my favorite Founding Fathers and Founding Mothers. I’m so proud of my American heritage and all our American history heroes!

Abigail Adams

Abigail Smith Adams (1744-1818) was the first Second Lady and the second First Lady. Brilliant, she advised her husband throughout his prestigious career while being a devoted wife and mother throughout her life. She often took other children under her wing.

Martha Washington

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington (1789-1802) was thrust into the world of politics and served her nation as the first First Lady of the brand-new United States.

Eliza Pinckney

Elizabeth (Eliza) Lucas Pinckney (1722-1793) developed indigo as an important crop in colonial South Carolina. She was also the mother of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a signer of the Constitution and Thomas Pinckney, who negotiated Pinckney’s Treaty in 1795. She turned the indigo plant into a cash crop.

Mary ‘Molly Pitcher’ Ludwig Hays

Mary Ludwig Hays (1744-1832) fought in the Battle of Monmouth in the American Revolution. She is considered by many historians to be the famous Molly Pitcher.

Eliza Hamilton

Elizabeth ‘Eliza’ Schuyler Hamilton (1757-1854) grew up with a deep devotion to Jesus Christ. After the war, she helped Alexander with his political writings, many of which are in her handwriting.

Dolley Madison

Dolley was born into a devout Quaker family and was raised on a plantation in Virginia. After the War of Independence, her family freed their slaves. When her husband, James Madison, became Secretary of State and later President, Dolley took Washington, D.C. by storm as a charming hostess, engaging friend, and witty conversationalist.

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US Habits Keeping Freedom Alive

In “US Habits Keeping Freedom Alive,” episode #253, Meredith Curtis continues celebrating America’s 250th Birthday by uncovering American habits that preserve individual and national freedom. Faith & Family; Hard Work; Community Service; Rule of Law; and Safety keep the lights of liberty burning brightly. Let’s unpack these traditions so you can build on them in your own life today and in the future. God bless the USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

America is different from other nations – first to be governed by a written constitution, friendly people, a wealthy nation, values freedom, and is independent.

Faith & Family

Faith and family work together to strengthen one another.

Faith gives our lives meaning and purpose. Salvation.

George Whitfield and Jonathan Edwards. Great Awakening. Revival. Transformation & Unity.

Democracy in America: America is great because Americans are good. Author talked about their virtuous lifestyles, which included attending church, loving their neighbor, and having strong families.

Marriage and family, created by God in the Garden, provide love and security. Strong families mean a strong society. Weak, broken families lead to a broken-down society filled with crime and cruelty.

How can we revive this American tradition of faith and family?

Story: Paula

Hard Work

America’s heroes and heroines are hard workers.

In Jamestown, Captain John Smith reminded colonists of Scripture “If a man does not work, he should not eat.” Massachusetts Bay Colony led by John Winthrop, a wealthy man who led the way in working hard, outdoing everyone in serving. Paul Revere. George Washington and the other Founding Fathers. When Americans moved westward. Rags to Riches Stories.

Hard work is a virtue, respected in the USA. Giving free stuff to able-bodied men and women who can work brings harm to them and to our country. It entices lazy people to come here and get welfare. Hard work is not a punishment; it is a blessing.

How can we revive the American tradition of hard work?

Story: Bob

Community Service

Philanthropy and charity are an American way of life.

Hurricane Helene Our local church How Americans give & volunteer

How can we revive the American tradition of community service?

Story: Anna

Rule of Law

When God set up the nation of Israel, he gave them laws—many give with punishments for breaking them.

In the US, we have are ruled by a Constitution, our overarching law.

Thanks to the Bible and British Common Law, we enjoy many rights and privileges in relation to law and justice–trial by jury, face our accusers, just cause and warrant for searching our person or property, defend ourselves in court, and punishment cannot be cruel or unusual; it must fit the crime.

Elected officials must take an oath to defend the Constitution and the people they serve. Elected officials are accountable under the law.

How do we revive the American tradition of the rule of law?

Story: Matt

Safety

For Americans to be safe, those who break the law must be punished, regardless of social status, wealth, or power. Peace and safety require vigilance and military readiness. Prepare for war with a strong defense in place, yet seek to avoid it through diplomatic channels.

Barbary Pirates

How do we revive the American tradition of safety?

Story: Brandon.

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US Navy Life

In “US Navy Life,” episode #252, Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette continue celebrating America’s 250 Birthday celebration by taking a close look at one military family with gratitude for all our men and women in uniform and their families. We’re looking back over Laura’s father Lew’s navy career. Of course, Lew’s naval service involved his wife and children. The whole family, like other military families, had their share of blessing and challenges. As men and women in America choose to serve in the US military, the whole family is impacted. Thank you to all men and women in uniform and their precious families.  God bless the USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Intro: Merey talk about Lew.

Lew’s Naval Career

Lew’s childhood dream. Appointment to Naval Academy.

Flight school in Pensacola, FL; Norfolk, VA (Spike born); Iceland (Laura born); Corpus Christie, TX; Virginia -Vietnam

Vietnam War on USS America – Flight Deck Officer & pilot, accident & miracle

Ranks, Commander Squadron, Masters Aeronautical engineering – thesis

XO Ship – Joined right after Grenada, Lebanon, Carried Marines, Pink Bicycle Story

Father of the NEST program, caring for elderly parents

Sara’s Life as a Navy Wife

What was life like for your mom?

High school sweethearts, committed to Lew’s career, political relationships, entertaining, Navy Relief

Challenges – teaching when you move so often, running things when Dad’s gone but what happens when he comes home?

Laura’s Life as a Navy Child

What was the blessing of being a Navy child?

Blessings: saw America: ME, TX, CA, FL, road trips, attractions, proud to be part of a military family

Challenges: father gone six months a year, moved a lot, new school every 6 months, always the new kid. Family members didn’t always understand

Navy life cultivated patriotism in her life. Growing up on Navy bases. To her, the noisy jets overhead was the sound of freedom.

US Navy Families

When Dad or Mom serves, the whole family serves. Prayer for our US Military Families.

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Will the Real Father of American Education Please Stand Up?

In “Will the Real Father of Education Please Stand Up,” episode #251, Meredith Curtis continues celebrating America’s 250 Birthday celebration by looking back at American education from colonial times until today and the man who founded it. But wait. Is it Noah Webster or Horace Mann? What contributions did both men make? What is their fruit? How should we move forward in American education?  God bless the USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Education in 2026. Homeschooling. AI. Public schools. Literacy. IQ.

Western Education

Greek Education. An educated person is curious, always learning and appreciates beauty in philosophy, art, and nature.

Roman Education. Trivium: grammar, logic or dialectic, and rhetoric (speaking, debating). An educated person can lead people and persuade others to his point of view.

Judeo Christian (Bible) Education. Acquire knowledge from a Biblical Worldview and apply it to life. An educated person is wise and good.

Noah Webster

Noah Webster, a devoted Christian, created America’s first dictionary, along with textbooks, and a Bible translation. An American Revolution soldier, state legislator, and education activist, Noah believed in American exceptionalism and the centricity of the Bible.

Blue-backed Speller American Dictionary of the English Language History of United States

Noah Webster’s Legacy: Education focused on God’s Word and unashamed to teach about American Exceptionalism is Noah Webster’s legacy to America. His goal in education was to raise generations who would fear the Lord, think independently, and protect God-given freedoms. He believed that education was the responsibility of parents who should hire/fire teachers and choose the school’s curriculum.

Horace Mann

Horace Mann spearheaded the transition of education being in the hands of parents to the arms of government.  Grew up in a Bible-believing church, but at fourteen, his brother drowned, filling Horace with bitterness against God. From then on, he rejected Jesus. He saw the Bible as a moral guidebook to create good citizens. Horace was inspired by Prussian education.

The Prussian (now Germany) education system produced obedient citizens for Prussia and obedient soldiers for the Prussian Army. Citizens who thought alike on most issues which led to national uniformity in thought, word, and deed.

Teacher Institutes based on Prussian model, indoctrinated in Evolution and Communism. Education from Parent’s hands to government’s hand, paid by taxpayers, run by states Targeted woman as teachers

Two Different Men with Two Different Philosophies

Noah Webster wanted to instill a love of American freedom into the hearts of the children. He wanted to see a nation that honored and served the Lord. Noah knew that glorifying God is true success.

Horace loved a philosophy that emphasized man over God. He believed that his system of education would raise up generations of “useful citizens.”

Which one do you think is the Father of Education?

What Does the Bible Say?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.(II Timothy 3:16-17)

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the fear and instruction of the Lord(Ephesians 6:4)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding(Proverbs 9:10)

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance(Proverbs 1:5)

Education that Promotes Freedom

Bible & Classic Literature & Works- Home Libraries

7 R’s – Relationships, Reading, Rhetoric, wRiting, aRithmetic, Research, Right Living

Hard Work, Routines, Patterns of Living

Creation, Value of Human Life, Original Sin

Where Will We Go from Here

Most Homeschool Curriculum is produced by secular companies. Purchase from Christian companies: Notgrass, Apologia, Master Books, Heart of Dakota, Powerline Productions.

Even though Mann’s philosophy has taken over the government run school system, we are still blessed in America with freedom! We have freedom to send our children to private schools or even better, to educate them at home. At home, we can use the Bible as our foundation, teach American Exceptionalism, and raise our children to value liberty! What a glorious privilege to homeschool! What an opportunity to pass on the baton of faith and freedom to the next generation!

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The Bible & the American Revolution

In “The Bible and the American Revolution,” episode #250, Meredith Curtis continues celebrating America’s 250 Birthday celebration with a look at the Bible’s influence on the Founding Fathers. Did the Bible really shape the culture of Colonial America & the American Revolution? Did the Founding Fathers read and understand the Scripture? What passages did they quote the most? Discover the role God’s Word played in our Founding Father’s lives and the documents they wrote. God bless the USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

The Bible & me.

4 Sources of Influence on Founding Fathers & Documents

British Common Law (Magna Charta, Blackstone) The Enlightenment (John Locke and Montesquieu) Classical and civic republicanism. (Cicero, etc) Bible (Old & New Testament)

George Washington identified the Bible among the significant contributions to the American experience.

There was broad agreement that the Bible was essential for nurturing the kind of civic virtues that give citizens the capacity for self-government. In various meetings, pamphlets, political sermons, and private papers, Founding Figures appealed to the Bible for principles, precedents, models, normative standards, and cultural motifs, to define their community and to order their great political experiments.

The Bible offered guidance on how to select righteous leaders and rights and responsibilities of citizenship, including the right to resist a tyrannical government.

Deuteronomy

“Donald Lutz author of American Political Science Review,  wanted to know who it was that Founding Fathers were citing in political literature before and during the American Revolution. He discovered that the Bible was cited more frequently than any European writer or European school of thought, such as Enlightenment liberalism. The Bible, Lutz reported, accounted for approximately one-third of the citations in the literature he surveyed. The book of Deuteronomy alone was the most frequently cited work, followed by Montesquieu’s The Spirit of the Laws. In fact, Deuteronomy was referenced nearly twice as often as John Locke’s writings, and the apostle Paul was mentioned about as frequently as Montesquieu and Blackstone, who would have been the two most-cited secular theorists.” (Daniel Dreisbach, “The Bible and the American Founders”, Broadcast Talks, August 1, 2018; Accessed 3/1/26)

Deuteronomy – God’s dealings with His chosen nation, Israel, – establishing the political and legal institutions necessary to govern a nation. The Founding Fathers saw Deuteronomy as a guide on how to put a nation together.

The Founding Fathers could identify with the children of Israel fleeing from Pharaoh. They were fleeing form George III. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean was like crossing the Red Sea.

Quoted & Referenced familiar and obscure passages from Scripture. Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty.”

If a family owned a single book it was almost certainly going to be the Bible. So, this was the one book that Americans would be most familiar with. If they owned two….

Popular Texts

Duties of civil authority and the duties of citizenship such as Romans 13 or 1 Peter 2:13–15. Passages dealing with liberty and liberation. Exodus, Galatians 5:1 Old Testament texts dealing with the idea of covenant Texts that describe character, characteristics, blessings of a righteous ruler. Proverbs 29:2 Exodus 18:21 2 Samuel 23

How Founders Used Scripture

Literary and rhetorical to the profoundly theological. Enriched language and culture distinctively biblical allusions, phrases, figures of speech, proverbs, aphorisms, and the like. Gave credibility to assertions Identify and define standards and rules for public life. Uncover God’s oversight of the world and dealings with men and nations.

The Bible Influenced the Founding Texts

Judeo-Christian concept of covenant is where we get our ideas of compact, contract, and constitutionalism. Quoted passages like Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 Biblical view of original sin Genesis 3 – designed a constitutional system to check & prevent abuse of power Depravity of man – limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, rule of law, due process of law and representative government That phrase future state of rewards and punishmentsshows up in state constitution after constitution in the founding era. (heaven & hell) Hebrew commonwealth described in the Old Testament a model for republican government Ten Commandments of Due Process – Exodus 23:1-9 That flows out of a relationship with Jesus Christ The Constitution – Division of Power and Authority reflects the nature of God as Judge, King, and Lawgiver. No one person can have that much authority and power (due to original sin & the flesh) So we divide up the power between Supreme Court, Congress, and President. Free Will & Free Speech Mankind image of God; life is sacred.

Where are We Now & What Can We Do?

Culture. Education System. Corruption. Fraud. Bribery.

Read & Study the Word, Bible-Believing Church, Pray for Revival in USA, Talk & Post about our Christian Heritage

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Teens on the Pony Express

In “Teens on the Pony Express,” episode #249, Meredith Curtis continues celebrating America’s 250 Birthday celebration with the Pony Express. Grab the entire family and meet 15-year-old Bill who discovers a Job Poster. Wanted: Riders for the Pony Express. Young Skinny Wiry Fellows. Riders willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred. Wages $25 per week. If you’re a teen, would you apply? If you’re a parent, would you let your teen apply. The Pony Express captured the imagination of the American people and still does. Teens can do anything. God bless the USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Pretend you’re job hunting and see a poster at Chick-fil-A. Interested?

I want to take you back in time to Fort Laramie in present-day Wyoming. A teenager is in the US Post Office in the fort when he sees a poster. The poster reads:

Wanted:

Riders for the Pony Express

Young, Skinny Wiry Fellows

Riders Willing to Risk Death Daily

Orphans Preferred

Wages $25 per Week

Bill Applies for a Job

The Interview

US Mail Problem

Hard to get mail from East to West and back again.

Solutions.

A new solution.

Pony Express

Stations, Station Masters, Ponies, Riders

Kickoff April 3, 1960

Bill’s Adventures

Bill’s Home Station

Bullets Whizzing

Riding On

Wolves

Buffalo Bill Cody

Teen Adventures

Teens can do anything God calls them to do.

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Undercover Superheroes of the American Revolution

In “Undercover Superheroes of the American Revolution,” episode #248, Meredith Curtis continues celebrating America’s 250 Birthday celebration by introducing you to the Undercover Superheroes of the American Revolution. We’re talking about the Son’s of Liberty, of course. Mostly young husbands and fathers, there were some older men, too. They did crazy things like throw tea into Charleston’s and Boston’s harbor. God bless the USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

USA is 250 years old. It’s a great time to remember the heroes of the American Revolution.

Sons of Liberty

The Sons of Liberty was a secret society whose aim was to spread American Revolution fervor and to fight unjust laws imposed by the British. It started in Boston. Paul Revere is believed to be the leader. But it spread! Using resistance, defiance, and sometimes violence, the Sons of Liberty impacted the colonies and won colonists to the Patriot Cause. Many of the Sons of Liberty attended the First and Second Continental Congresses, working for freedom that way, too.

Samuel Adams

Malt Maker & Tax Collector. Founded Sons of Liberty in Boston. Led Boston Tea Party. Later, Governor of Virginia.

John Hancock

Wealthy merchant, ship owner in Boston. He and his ship “Liberty” were sued by British government. Later, Governor of Virginia.

Paul Revere

Silversmith and practiced dentistry in Boston. 16 kids Set up a gunpowder mill to produce gunpowder for the Continental Army. Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. Revere Copper still exists today.

Patrick Henry

Lawyer in Virginia. 17 kids Commander-in-Chief of the Virginian Army during Revolutionary War. Famous “Give Me Liberty or Give me Death” speech accompanied by drama. Governor of Virginia.

Dr. Benjamin Rush

Physician, chemistry professor, and prolific writer in Philadelphia. Surgeon General in the Continental Army. Founded Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and Bible Society of Philadelphia.

Christopher Gadsden

Merchant & Rice Plantation owner in South Carolina. Led first “tea party” and two more later.

Marinus Willet

Cabinet maker in NYC. Aggressive action in NYC. Later, sheriff and mayor of NYC.

Oliver Wollcott

Lawyer & sheriff in Connecticut. Turned a 2-ton lead statue of King George III into lead bullets for the Continental Army. Later Governor of Connecticut.

How Can I Be a Son or Daughter of Liberty

Pray for Revival Read the Freedom Documents Protect Freedom of Speech – Listen respectfully to those who disagree with you and share your own opinions candidly, yet with kindness Protect Freedom of Religion Protect the Second Amendment – When dictators take over a nation, one of the first things they do is disarm the citizens Help Elect Wise & Good Leaders Protect the Weak and Helpless

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Celebrations & Contests

In “Celebrations & Contests,” episode #247, Meredith Curtis shares all the contests and celebrations she’s uncovered for America’s 250 Birthday celebration all year long. From art and writing contests to special celebrations from American Legion, DAR, and US National Park Service. Take time to celebrate this year – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime birthday! God bless the USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

USA is 250 years old. There will be celebrations all year long, but there will also be contests.

Faith-Filled Stories

SchoolhouseTeachers is celebrating with 250 faith-filled stories from America’s history.

Check it out and enter the challenge here: https://schoolhouseteachers.com/250-days/

National Park Services

National parks across the country are amazing places to visit from Independence Hall and the Statue of Liberty to Yellowstone. There will be special programs and volunteer opportunities, too. For example, you can volunteer as a citizen archivist by transcribing pension records of America’s first veterans and their widows.

Visit here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/usa-250.htm

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

Daughters of the America Revolution has special events going on at state and national levels. On Saturday April 18, 2026, the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, DAR is hosting two special events: a birthday party and concert.

Find out more here: https://www.dar.org/outreach/america-250

Iowa State Fair

The Iowa State Fair will celebrate the spirit of America with a nod to America’s founding, similar to “The Spirit of Iowa ’76” held during the 1976 national bicentennial.

Visit website here: https://www.iowastatefair.org/visit/iowa-state-fair-americas-250-2026

Great American State Fair

The Great American State Fair will bring America 250 programming to fairgrounds across the country, culminating in a patriotic festival next summer on the National Mall, featuring exhibits from all 50 states.

Keep watch for details here: https://america250.org/

America 250 Writing/Artwork Contest

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students in grades 3–12 to share what America means to them. Writing or original artwork.

Winners earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks like Mount Rushmore, the National Archives Museum, Kennedy Space Center, and Yellowstone National Park. A total of 250 students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience this summer or a cash prize.

Here is the page where you submit artwork or essay: https://america250.org/fieldtrip/

Notgrass History Contest

Notgrass history is sponsoring a contest for K-12 students. Submit a poem, picture, song, costume, story, or video that celebrates America. Original content required.

Enter the contest here: https://www.usa-250.net/contest

Patriot Games

President Trump announced a national athletic competition for top high school athletes as part of the country’s 250th anniversary. The Patriot Games will bring together one male and one female high school athlete from every U.S. state and territory in the fall. We’re awaiting more details. The Patriot Games are part of Freedom 250.

Visit website here: https://www.doi.gov/freedom250

The American Legion USA250 Challenge

The USA 250 Challenge encourages American Legion Family members, other veterans and all Americans to volunteer with disabled veterans and families in need.

Participants may engage in one, two or all three activities as an individual or as part of a team like an American Legion post, American Legion Auxiliary unit, Sons of The American Legion squadron and/or an American Legion Riders chapter.

Learn more & join the challenge here: https://www.legion.org/get-involved/community-programs/usa250

More Ways to Celebrate

See How Your State is Celebrating

There is plenty more to come on a national level and state level. Check out your state’s plans and feel free to share with me anything special you discover. What a great year ahead!

Sons of Liberty Mini-Unit

We’ve changed our opt-in-to-our newsletter freebie to celebrate American’s 250th Birthday. US Living Books & Movies List (57 pages) andSons of Liberty. If you are not getting our newsletter, sign up and grab your freebies. If you already get our newsletter, don’t worry, these new eBooks will be the January and February freebie.

What do you know about the clandestine group that kept their identities secret? These superheroes played a huge role in turning the tide of public opinion. Meet the Sons of Liberty. Some names are familiar, and others will be new to you. Discover Paul Revere, a successful silversmith by day, but at night he might be leading a group to dump tea in Boston Harbor. Enjoy meeting these men and find out how you and your children can be a son or daughter of liberty in the 21st Century.

Read Books & Watch Movies about US History & Heroes 

Reading historical fiction and watching movies set in the past can make history come alive! We’re always adding movies and books to make US History come alive.

What books should I read? What movies should I watch? Homeschool parents often ask me. Wonder no more. I’m sharing ALL the US history living books we read, and ALL the movies, too. Enjoy!

Family or Homeschool Co-op Contest

Have a contest to see who can read the most books (or most pages) of US history books and novels.

Family or Homeschool Co-op Movie Nites

Pop popcorn and watch US History movies together.

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Pop the Popcorn & Watch a Christmas Movie

In “Pop the Popcorn & Watch a Christmas Movie,” episode #246, Meredith Curtis suggests Christmas movies for the whole family. At our house, we love to curl up under a blanket and watch a Christmas movie with the whole family. Some are inspirational, others funny, and all wholesome and entertaining. Let’s admit it. We all watch movies – a lot – so choose wisely and spread a little Christmas cheer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

At our house, we have family favorites that we watch year after year. All are packed with festive holiday cheer and music that makes the troubles of the world seem distant for a short time. As Christmas rolls around again year after year, we find ourselves wanting to see these old favorites once again.

So, pop the popcorn, heat up the hot chocolate, and get ready to hear about some wonderful Christmas movies that the whole family will enjoy!

It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s a Wonderful Life never grows old. It is the timeless story of a man who feels like a failure but is actually a true success! Step back in time and watch George go through high school, college, the Great Depression, World War II, and finally come to a breaking point on Christmas Eve. But, the love of family, friends, and an angel named Clarence pulls him though. I laugh and cry every time I watch this movie.

Charlie Brown Christmas

I grew up on Peanuts cartoons and always felt so sorry for Charlie Brown. In A Charlie Brown Christmas, though, Charlie Brown nails it at the end of the movie when he reads the Christmas story from the Bible. A very sweet movie for all ages!

The Nativity Story

I love this movie! The Nativity Story is the story of Mary and Joseph as they find out their world has been turned upside down. There is a tenderness to this movie that is so heartening and inspiring. I love the characters of Mary and Joseph. Really well-done movie!

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carolis my husband’s favorite movie, and his favorite version is the one with George C. Scott. This classic tale by Charles Dickens has been made into numerous movies, even cartoons. Its timeless message shines through in this version of a “Scrooge” who is converted from selfishness to genuine love for his fellow man.

So many adaptations of this story/movie. The Muppets and Disney have children’s versions. Scroogedis an example of a version for adults.

A Christmas Less Traveled

A Christmas Less Traveledjust came out last year. From Great American Family, it has become a favorite. An old audio cassette left by her father sends a woman on a journey (in his truck of course) to retrace her family’s special moments. On the way, a man joins her to find a way to close the most important deal of his life.

A Christmas …. Present

A Christmas … Presentis another heartwarming movie that just came out last year. From Great American Family, it has become a favorite because the message is so timely for homeschool moms like me. Real Estate Agent Maggie Larson and her family will be spending Christmas with her recently widowed brother, Paul, and his young daughter at their house. Maggie is determined to give her brother and niece the best Christmas possible and to lift their spirits when they most need it. Though Maggie’s plan is to aid her brother, his faith and parenting style ultimately helps her to understand issues within her own life and a need for closeness in her own family.

Timeless Tidings of Joy

Timeless Tidings of Joyjust came out this year. Another Christmas classic from Great American Family! A young woman returns home to a letterpress shop, that she considers a burden, and meets a man determined to preserve its legacy. Together they travel back in time and discover that faith, sacrifice, and love are more important than riches and ease. Wow! I loved this movie.

Christmas with the Chosen O Holy Night

Christmas with the Chosen O Holy Nightis another wonderful video from the producers of The Chosen TVseries. A young mother labeled impure. A shepherd boy considered “unclean”. A never-before-seen performance from Andrea Bocelli highlights seven music performances and two beautiful monologues.

Elf

Elf is a silly movie that tickles our family’s funny bone. We all laugh so hard together when we watch this lighthearted Christmas movie. However, there is a message of family reconciliation and making family time a priority that is always a timeless, and needed, message.

There is some cursing. We watch with Clearplay or VidAngel

A Christmas Story

A Christmas Storyis set in the 1950/1960s era of wholesomeness. Raphie wants a Red Ryder BB Gun, but Mom is worried he’ll shoot his eye out. This movie is hilarious, and we have so many lines memorized. We always laugh through the whole fun drama. Great family fun movie!

There is some cursing. We watch with Clearplay or VidAngel

Christmas with the Kranks

Christmas with the Kranks is a hilarious movie starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis. With their daughter doing charity work in South America, the couple plan a cruise for Christmas and opt out of all their usual Christmas traditions. But there must be a twist! Their daughter tells them she is coming home with her brand-new fiancé, so he can experience a traditional American Christmas. The Kranks must get everything ready for their daughter in 24 hours. This is such a funny movie!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The Grinch is played spectacularly by Jim Carey in How the Grinch Stole Christmas.Silly and fun, but with a message. Like many of us, the Who’s go overboard with light contests and excess commercialism but one little girl thinks about the Grinch and reaches out to him. The resulting chaos is predictable especially if you’ve seen the cartoon or read the book but the scene where the Who’s are singing is worth the whole movie. I always tear up. There they are with all their presents gone but they’re singing. If only Jesus was in it! Super cute movie!

Home Alone

Home Alone is another silly movie with a little boy who gets left behind when his parents head to Paris for Christmas. If you have a large family, the chaos will ring true and isn’t every mother’s fear that her child will be left behind. While Mom is hitching a ride with a polka band to get home to her beloved son, the little boy is shopping, cooking, ordering pizza, and defending his home from robbers. Super cute movie!

There is some cursing. We watch with Clearplay or VidAngel

Three Wise Men & A Baby

From Hallmark, three brothers who each have their own issues inside and with one another, find themselves forced to care for a baby during the holidays. They rebuild their relationships and rediscover a great blessing of Christmas – love and family. The highlight of this movie is when the three brothers sing. Hilarious!

White Christmas

White Christmasis another vintage movie with a sweet story and beautiful music. The clothes are amazing, too. World War II vets become a famous song-and-dance team and are asked to watch a sister act. The four help out the men’s former commanding officer, Major General Waverly who is in danger of losing his family inn. It is a lovely Christmas in Vermont. This is my daughter Julianna’s pick each year.

Christmas Cartoons for Children

There are so many Christmas cartoons that my children enjoyed when they were little, and now my grandchildren watch. They help make the Christmas story come alive in little hearts. Here are my favorites:

The First Christmas(Superbook) Little Drummer Boy (Veggie Tales) The Star

Christmas Rom-Coms  

Okay, Moms and Teen girls, let’s admit it. We love the romantic comedies. Each of the movies that I’m going to mention has a part that I don’t like but much I do.

While You Were Sleeping You’ve Got Mail

You’ve Got Mail always makes me think of my mom and how much I loved being with her, how much I miss her – but I hate the beginning where the hero and heroine are both living with people. Yuck!

While You were Sleeping is such a tender look at family but at times people in the movie are crass. Yuck.

Christmas Movies & Family Discussions

Often these movies lead to discussions about Christmas, traditions, generosity, and what the treasures of life are. 

Christmas is a great time to talk about life and things we value in life like family, traditions, and Jesus! I hope this season will be a blessing for you and your family.

Merry Christmas to all and please share your favorite Christmas movies in the comments below.

 

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A Moravian Christmas

In “A Moravian Christmas,” episode #245, Meredith Curtis introduces listeners to the passionate and joyful Moravians who traveled to the New World to save souls. Their missionary zeal was only matched by their joyful Christmas celebrations. Travel with me back to Colonial Times and meet these amazing people who led Charles and John Wesley to Christ and continue to send missionaries around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

The Moravians are a group of Christians filled with missionary zeal, joyful singing, and festive celebrations. Christmastime is the perfect time to meet the Moravians who named Bethlehem, PA because of Jesus’ birthday. So, travel with me back to Colonial Times and meet these amazing people who led Charles & John Wesley to Christ.

Where did the Moravians come from?

John Wycliffe

Let’s travel back in time to the Middle Ages. While studying at Oxford University, John Wycliffe (1331-1427) discovered that the “True Church” had nothing to do with church membership roles and everything to do with a man’s relationship with the Lord. John began the first translation of the Scriptures into English.

John died peacefully but his writings were discovered in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) by Jan Hus.

Jan Hus (John Huss)

Jan Huss (1369-1415) was ordained a priest in 1401 and discovered John Wycliffe’s writings about the truth taught in the Holy Scriptures. He meticulously copied his books and passed them out. Called to a church council to defend his teachings, he was sentenced to death because he would not recant. He died singing praises to God. Though he died, his teachings lived on.

His followers found refuge in Count Zinzendorf’s castle in Saxony, now part of Germany.

Count Nicolaus Zinzendorf

Count Nicolaus Zinzendorf (1700-1760) was sent to live with his grandmother, who homeschooled him. As part of the nobility of Saxony, he had to attend a ritzy school called Halle Academy, where he helped form a secret society: the Order of the Grain of Mustard Seed. They committed to use their money, nobility, and influence to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Nicolaus owned a castle with a village inside. One day refugees who were being persecuted for their faith showed up, wanting to live inside his castle in the village. More refugees followed. Nicolaus was able to leave the king’s court and devote himself to his little congregation. He led Bible studies, prayer meetings, worship, and times of accountability. The Moravians were always singing and encouraging one another.

One day, they held a 24-hour prayer meeting. They decided to keep it up. Twenty-four hours a day, there was someone praying for the church and lost souls around the world for over 200 years! The Gospel went from Count Zinendorf’s little village all over the world. He traveled to visit daughter churches and build up the brothers and sisters.

Moravians in Colonial America

The Moravians came to Colonial America in obedience to the Great Commission. After an unsuccessful attempt to establish a Moravian settlement in Georgia, some of these missionaries went to Pennsylvania. The new Moravian settlers finished their first building on Christmas Eve. One half was a stable and the other side was used for church services. While the settlers sang in one room, cows mooed in the other, reminding them of Jesus birthplace, so they named the settlement “Bethlehem.”

Celebrating Christmas

Their Christmas Eve candle service included a “love feast” where coffee and buns were shared in fellowship. At the end of the service, Christians passed around lighted candles while they sang hymns to celebrate the birth of the true Light of the World.

The Love Feast was first celebrated in Germany in 1727. Not communion, it is an attempt to model the “common meal” that is mentioned in the book of Acts, where the early Christians shared a meal together before sharing communion.

Moravians Influence the Wesleys

John Wesley, and his brother, Charles Wesley, met the Moravians on a ship as they were all heading over to help start the new colony/ministry of Georgia. The Wesley brothers were impressed with the strong faith and bubbling joy of the Moravians and had many deep discussions on the ship and later on visits to their settlement.

Moravian Christmas Traditions

Moravian traditions include singing, feasting, candles, special stars, and putz.

Love Feast (already mentioned) – a meal and love offering symbolizes the love of Christ. Advent Candlelight Services – lighting candles as part of the worship service. Music – beautiful music is part of every service. Carols. Vespers. Christmas Eve Vigil – worshippers receive a lighted beeswax candle representing Jesus as the Light of the World. Beeswax is used because it represents the purity of Christ. Putz – elaborately decorated nativity scene telling the story of Jesus’ birth from Annunciation to Wise Men’s visit. Moravian Stars – created originally as a geometry lesson at a Moravian school, they became a symbol of Advent. Garlands & Wreaths – popular for decorating Spiced Christmas Cookies – cut into shapes to eat and hang on the tree Handmade Gifts – knitted socks, hand-sewn shirts, woolen petticoats Candies and Treats

Websites to Check Out for More Study & Fun

Check out the Moravian’s Christmas website: https://moravianchristmas.org/ Google “How to Make a Moravian Star” for videos and make your own! You can visit Old Salem, NC https://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/attractions/old-salem-museums-gardens Learn about the Moravian’s Historic Bethlehem PA here: https://www.historicbethlehem.org/world-heritage/historic-moravian-bethlehem-story/ Historic Moravian Bethlehem PA https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/cities-towns/bethlehem/the-living-history-of-bethlehem/ Moravian Church Settlements (around the world) https://moravianchurchsettlements.org/

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Teen Queen Elisabeth

In episode 244, “Teen Queen Elisabeth,” Meredith Curtis introduces you to a teenage queen. Have you ever imagined yourself as a princess or queen? How fun to have beautiful clothes and servants to wait on you hand and foot, especially back in the times of knights and castles. Married at 14 and widowed at 20, this young woman ruled in her husband’s absence. How did a teenage girl rule a kingdom? And why did she make the rest of the royal family so mad?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Have you ever imagined yourself as a princess or queen/prince or king? Back to medieval Europe. Knights & castles. How did a teenage girl rule a kingdom? And why did she do the make the rest of the royal family so mad?

Young Elisabeth

Princess Elisabeth of Hungary (1207-1231) was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and Gertrude of Merania, a Germanic kingdom.

At 4 years old, she moved far away to the small country of Thuringia, now a province in Germany.

Elisabeth was brought to the court of the royal family of Thuringia as a child so that she could learn the language, culture, and customs of the Thuringians. She was pledged to marry the crown prince who grew up to be Louis IV, also known as Ludwig IV.

Creuzburg Castle was full of music, a place for poets and songwriters to gather. Love was the most popular theme. Sort of like pop music today but add tournaments and pageantry.

Christian Elisabeth

Early in life, Elisabeth gave her heart to Jesus Christ. Her strong faith revealed itself in a gentle, kind personality. At the age of 14, Elisabeth married Louis, who was 20, and later that year, he was crowned King. The new rulers were very happy together and God blessed them with three children. All accounts say that the couple loved one another deeply as only young lovers can.

Impact of the ideals of Frances of Assisi. As queen, she lived in Wartburg Castle where centuries later, Martin Luther would years later translate the Bible into German.

Balance between supported husband as queen and the longing to live a life of poverty & charity.

Leper Story Elisabeth ruling in King Louis IV’s absence. Built hospitals, gave away money, visited patients. The rest of the royal family mocked her. Louis was proud of her when he came back.

Louis embarks on the Sixth Crusade in 1227 while Elisabeth pregnant with their third child.

Elisabeth’s husband death left her heartbroken.

Three children taken from her.

She got her dowry back.

Rejected many offers of marriage.

In 1228, she renounced the world and joined the order of St Francis of Assisi.

Moved to Marburg, she built another hospital for the sick. She spent hours each day caring for patients at the hospital she founded.

The Death of Elisabeth

Elisabeth died at the age of 24, leaving her three children orphans. In her short life, she had a beautiful marriage where the couple shared strong faith in Jesus and deep compassion for the poor and needy. As a widow, deprived of her children, she did not see herself as a victim. Instead, she devoted herself to Christ and His Kingdom. She made a difference in so many lives. People loved her!

So, what happened to her orphan children?

Oldest child, son Hermann Middle child, daughter Sophie Youngest child, daughter Gertrude

Elizabethkirche was built in Marburg to honor Elisabeth of Hungary. It is a beautiful church for a beautiful woman.

Elisabeth’s Legacy

The Catholic Church made her a saint in 1235 and to all Christian everywhere, she is an example of Christian charity and kindness.

I love these stories of teens who rule, who minister, who impact people’s lives. Teen years don’t have to be about fitting in and trying hard to have fun the world’s way. Even a 14-year-old can be a queen and rule well. Whatever is going on in your life right now, take a deep breath and fix your eyes on Jesus. He will never leave you and best of all, He has a plan and purpose for your life, just like he did for Elisabeth.

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Write a Mystery 104: Suspects, Clues, Red Herrings

In episode 243, “Write a Mystery 104: Suspects, Clues, & Red Herrings,” Meredith Curtis talks about those ingredients that make a mystery fun. Mystery writers, it’s time to create suspects and all those clues that lead the detective and reader to unmask the criminal, and the red herrings that lead them astray. In a classic who dun it, the writer keeps the reader guessing until the end. That requires motive, means, and opportunity. While super fun, it also requires careful plotting out so that you reader can solve a puzzle along with your detective.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Crime committed, usually a murder. Clues & red herrings followed by detective & readers who try their hardest to guess the perpetrator. At the end of the story, justice is served.

Suspects

Characters should always be well-rounded.

The Real Murderer’s identity isn’t revealed until the end of the book.

Other Suspects must have motive, means, opportunity, too.

Victim – why would someone kill him/her?

Show not Tell.

Don’t tell us about your characters when you write, show us. It is better for a writer to show your readers your characters, their personalities, and their emotions through dialogue or actions.

Scared Pain Sad Cold Angry

Relationships (and hidden ones too)

Clues/Red Herrings

Your reader wants to solve the mystery with your detective. You will plant clues for your detective to discover right along with your reader.

Clues reveal information about the murderer, the crime, the motives for murder, and the character of the victim and suspects.

A clue brings the detective and reader closer to solving the mystery. A red herring leads the detective and reader in the wrong direction or to the wrong suspect. That’s the only difference.

Your cozy mystery will be filled with clues and red herrings that lead the detective and reader on a wild goose chase. Sometimes the murderer will plant false clues (red herrings) to lead the detective in another direction away from himself.

Who will solve the mystery first?

Clues can be hard to come up with when you first start writing a cozy mystery.

List of clues/red herrings that you can use in your story. (you’ll have to listen to get it)

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 at Amazon.com

Digital Download at PowerlineProd.com

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

The post Write a Mystery 104: Suspects, Clues, Red Herrings appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Write a Mystery 103: Classic Who Dun It Plot

In episode 242, “Write a Mystery 103: Classic Who Dun It Plot,” Meredith Curtis brings you to the next step on your storytelling journey. Mystery writers, it’s time to create a plot. The classic who dun it plot goes beyond the inciting incident, rising action, climax, and resolution. It keeps the reader guessing who the criminal is until the end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Crime committed, usually a murder. Clues & red herrings followed by detective & readers who try their hardest to guess the perpetrator. At the end of the story, justice is served.

Classic Plot

Plot is what makes a story a story. Stories have action, movement, a beginning, and an ending.

A story moves from the initial scenario to the climax to the final conclusion. The plot, or story line, pulls us into the lives of the characters through their words and actions during the adventure. Every story is made up of a series of incidents that are related to each other.

Conflict is the Heart of a Story

Conflict is the heart of the story. This is where you find out who the “good guys” are and who the “enemy” is. There is no plot without this dramatic struggle between the main character and an opposing force in the story. Conflict can be external(human versus human, human versus nature, human versus society) or internal (human versus self). Conflict is often introduced early on in the story, sometimes in the opening pages.

In a murder mystery, the battle of wits is between the detective and the unknown murderer.

Scenes

I like to think of the plot, or storyline, in terms of scenes. One chapter may have several scenes.

Classic Mystery Plot

Introduce Normal

Show what normal life looks like in the first scene, introduce main characters (can be done in 1 chapter or less than a chapter. The stage is now set for the story to begin.

Teatime Trouble – Maggie & Matt move to Hopeville for Matt to start seminary.

In Third Girl, young woman Norma Restarick seeks help from Poirot, believing she may have committed murder.

Inciting Incident

Crime or murder happens. Clues at the scene. Suspects.

Teatime Trouble

In Third Girl

Conflict & Complications

Conflict between detective and criminal, trying to unmask murderer and bring to justice. Investigating suspects. Every suspect should have a motive. Clues & Red Herrings. Complications – personal things impacting detective, thus impacting investigation.

Teatime Trouble

In Third Girl

Climax

The moment you wait for in a movie, where the action is most intense (the chase scene in a detective television show!) is called the climax. You are at the edge of your chair for the climax.  It is the turning point in the story. The main character comes face to face with a conflict and will change in some way as a result of the conflict. This is the final showdown that elicits the greatest emotion from the reader. The climax might be the murderer confronting the detective, trying to stop him from discovering his identity or the detective revealing the identity of the murderer. It is usually something along these lines.

Complications – personal things impacting detective, thus impacting investigation.

Resolution

The conclusionor ending of the story is where the story stops in a reasonable way that allows the reader to feel that the tale is through.

Justice is served. Things are resolved and/or clarified.

Teatime Trouble

In Third Girl

Back to Normal

I like to add a final scene to bring the amateur sleuth back to normal life. Think of a TV show with the ending scene.

Teatime Trouble

In Third Girl

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 at Amazon.com

Digital Download at PowerlineProd.com

 

 

 

 

 

Sign up for our Newsletter

Sign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

The post Write a Mystery 103: Classic Who Dun It Plot appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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12 Homeschool Gold Nuggets from Laura & Meredith

In “12 Homeshool Gold Nuggets from Laura & Meredith,” Episode, #241, join Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette for a trip down memory lane with purpose. They will share their very best homeschool tips and insights to help your homeschool journey be joyful and successful. From teaching to relationships to adding hands-on fun, will share from their successes and failures. Grab a cup of tea (or a mug of coffee) and join us if you want to be encouraged and inspired.

 

Grab your Homeschool Gold Nugget, Treasure Hunters! Find it here.

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

 

Show Notes

12 years ago, Felice asked me to pray about an idea: a homeschool podcast network. 12 years later, Laura and I are still here podcasting.

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No purchase necessary — this is a free resource made possible by our generous sponsors: Media Angels, True North Academy, CTC Math, Math Mammoth, BaseCampEd, Powerline Productions, Funda Funda Academy, Raising Real Men, 7 Sisters Homeschool, and Galaxy Grammar Books.

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Raise Children Who Love to Read

Don’t just teach kids to read, cultivate a love of reading using reading aloud, conversations instead of book reports, and a well-stock home library.

 

Introduce Children to Science with Hands-on Learning

Science is the discovery of God’s creation and it should be fun. Fun early prevents intimidation in the future.

Differentiate between Smorgosboard & Incremental

Some subjects are incremental like phonics, math, grammar, foreign language, music

Many are smorgosboard. You can explore different aspects at different times.

Moms, Read Classic Literature

Classic literature is filled with excellent vocabulary and language. This helps moms grow intellectually which gives them a taste of learning and soon a love of learning that is contagious.

 

Throw a Party at the End of the Year or Unit Study

Archaeology Dig, Ancient Greek Olympics, Heroes for Jesus Party, Medieval Banquet, Victorian Tea Party, Luau, State Dinner, Vaudeville Show, Seder Meal

Incorporate Food Whenever Possible

History, geography, models, math, art (mosaic), cake & cookie decorating

“Travel” for Geograpy & History

Immerse in place or time period

Turning the house into an airport & airplane

Field Trips

Farm Tour, Lu Botanical Gardens, Beach, Boating, Palm Tree Farms, Aquarium, Zoos, Bird Sanctuary, Sea World, Planatarium, Wet Walks, Fire Station, Police Station, Colonial-Era Tall Ships, St Lucia Festival, Museums, Morse Museum,

Life Experiences are Learning Opportunities

Grandparents stories & hospitalizations, hurricanes, significant world & local events, 911, Charlie Kirk

Ministry

Church worship team & sound team, Sunday school

Volunteer hours & experience on resumes. Finish Well Conference.

Teach All Ages Together When Possible

Mistakes with my oldest learning alone. Our history days. Geography Fair, Drama, Fine Arts Nite, Choir, Community band,

Homeschool Co-op: math club, history labs, mapping, science experiments, PE

Think Outside the Box

Map on the Bathroom, Write a Murder Mystery, Mini-Golf Lab,

Ideas that been vetoed: Buy an old car for kids to learn car repair

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Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

The post 12 Homeschool Gold Nuggets from Laura & Meredith appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Live the Legacy of Charlie Kirk!

In “Live the Legacy of Charlie Kirk,” episode #240, Meredith Curtis challenges teens and adults to keep the legacy of Charlie Kirk alive in your personal life, home, and sphere of influence. She looks at some takeaways from Charlie’s life and gives practical ways to live them out. This is one of those windows in history. Don’t let this moment pass without jumping into a closer relationship with Jesus and shining your light brighter than ever before.

 

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

 

Show Notes

When I heard Charlie was shot.

How my family reacted to his death.

Takeaways from Charlie’s Life

Watched him grow in the Lord over time. Became first Christian martyr on US soil in a long, long time.

Genuine Love for People.

Deep love for God’s Word & respectful debate.

Promoted “Work hard, marry, have children.”

Pro-life.

Called men to Leadership & Authentic Manhood.

Love America & American Values: honesty, integrity, freedom of speech, Constitution, hard work, etc.

Put Jesus First

I want to be remembered for my faith and courage. Saw so many people say, “I went to church for the first time today.” Or “I started reading the Bible.” RFK, Jr’s niece.

Read the Word daily and study the Word occasionally. Pray. Worship. Join a local church.

Genuine Love for People.

President Trump: “Charlie loved young people, and they loved him. No one could connect with young people like Charlie.”

People are valuable, made in the image of God. Respect.

What about all the people mocking his death? Compassion. When we were His enemies, Christ died for us.

Promoted Work Hard, Marry, Have Children

I love when Charlie told guys, you pay on a date! What’s the big deal about that?

This is the lifestyle that makes a culture strong. The nuclear & extended family.

Pro-Life

I saw many testimonies after Charlie’s death from women who chose to keep their baby. What a precious legacy.

How can we promote life?

Called Men to Leadership & Authentic Manhood

Men need mentors in our culture in the midst of Single-Mom homes, corruption, mixed messages, and a constant battering of biblical manhood. Charlie called men to be men.

If you are a man, be the man God’s called you to be.

If you are a woman, pray for and affirm the men in your life.

Love America

Charlie loved America and got involved in the political process. He debated on college campuses where indoctrination can be mixed with education. He was courageous to stand for what he believed – his faith and his politics.

America’s Spiritual Heritage – Great Awakening, Constitution

Get political. If we leave government and politics to the world, how can there be hope for our nation? We have the answers in Scripture.

Prayer for Erika and the children and Turning Point USA.

God bless you, God bless your ministry, and God bless America.

 

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Resources:

Learn about government and character the fun way!

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

The post Live the Legacy of Charlie Kirk! appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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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.

Literature and Writing Curriculum:

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

The post Write a Mystery 102: Create a Detective appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Click the icon below to listen.      

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

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.

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Literature and Writing Curriculum:

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

The post Write a Mystery 101: Choose Your Genre appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Click the icon below to listen.      

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.)

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!

The post Crazy Fun Back-to-School Celebrations appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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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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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!

 

 

 

 

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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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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.

 

 

 

 

 

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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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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.

 

 

 

 

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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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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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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Easter Traditions around the World

In “Easter Traditions around the World,” episode #229, Meredith Curtis travels the globe to uncover unique and inspirational celebrations in other countries. It’s so fun to learn about people in other places, to see how they rejoice in their faith! You just might want to try some of these traditions with your own family or homeschool co-op.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Are you ready to travel the world to discover unique and inspirational celebrations in other countries?

All Over the World

Lent Palm Sunday – Palms, Procession Foot Washing Easter Parades Hiding Eggs Dying Eggs Decorating Eggs Using Wax New Easter Clothes Easter Monday Easter lilies symbolize rebirth and new beginnings. Baptisms

Oceania & Australia & New Zealand

Easter is during the fall instead of spring.

New Zealand Australia Papua New Guinea

Africa

In Africa, Easter is celebrated from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Churches decorated with bright cheerful cloth, butterflies, flowers and more. The music is joyous with drums and dancing.

Ethiopia Kenya South Africa

Asia

China Philippines Jerusalem, Israel

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.

 

 

 

 

South & Central America

Argentina Chilie Honduras (El Salvador & Guatamala) Bermuda Mexico

North America

USA Canada

Europe

France Russia Ukraine Poland Norway Sweden UK Austria Germany Spain

Italy

            Stations of the Cross

Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus is betrayed by Judas & arrested Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin Jesus is denied by Peter 3 times Jesus is judged by Pilate Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns Jesus takes up His Cross Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene to carry His Cross Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem Jesus is Crucified Jesus promises His Kingdom to the repentant thief Jesus entrusts Mary and John to each other Jesus dies on the Cross Jesus is laid in the tomb

Greece Ireland

Blog Post: Holy Week Eggs Learning Activity

 

 

 

 

 

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Feminist-Free Living

In “Feminist-Free Living,” episode #228, Meredith Curtis celebrates Women’s History Month by taking a fresh look at femininity and feminism. What is the purpose and worldview behind feminism and where does it lead? Does God have a better plan? What is His plan for families? What is his plan for women? Teens and parents, what does this mean for you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month! We’ll talk about God’s plan for women in the beginning of time and what it looks like today in 2025.

Reflecting HIS Glory

Back to the Garden – Genesis 1 & 2.

Equal but Different

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

What is femininity?

Roots of Feminism

Does feminism liberate women from an oppressive, evil patriarchy?

When I was in college, as a new Christian, I thought about taking some courses in women’s studies but when I noticed the mention of witchcraft, spirit guides, and female goddesses, I was turned away.

Or does feminism strip away the fundamental structures that give us stability, security, and purpose?

If you look back in time, Satan always wants to destroy the church and the family. Who is at the heart of the family?

Does feminism trick women into abandoning their God-given identity to serve a new world order and one of the oldest belief systems in the world?

If mom is not at home, the state can step in and raise our children. Indoctrination.

Pathway of Feminism

“Women, you are missing out. Why should you be treated any differently? Grab your place.” “Men, you are too masculine. Get in touch with your feminine side.” “There’s really no difference between men and women.” “Choose your gender – what does it matter.”

A Word to Men of All Ages

Women are valuable, worthy of honor, protection, provision, and listening to. Treat all women like ladies. Open doors, pay on a date, notice how they make your life better and thank them.

Be the man God called you to be. Lead, provide, protect, serve.

A Word to Women of All Ages

Encourage men to be knights in shining armor with your respect, kindness, and example.

Be the woman God called you to be.

A Word to Everyone

God’s ways are best. Seek His face. Live for Him. You will not be sorry.

Teens & parents Discussion Questions

Does feminism liberate women from an oppressive, evil patriarchy? Does feminism strip away the fundamental structures that give us stability, security, and purpose? Does feminism bring women into a more fulfilling life? Does feminism trick women into abandoning their God-given identity to serve a new world order and Satan’s belief system? Where do you see feminism working? Where do you see feminism causing destruction?

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20th Century History Resources

 

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24 Women Who Changed the World

In “24 Women Who Changed the World,” episode #227, Meredith Curtis celebrates woman’s history month with you this week. Let’s meet 24 women from the 20th century who impacted the world in a lasting way. These women are unique pioneers, heroes, or leaders. Though this list of women is far from exhaustive, it gives a glimpse of how one life can change many. I hope it sparks an interest to discover even more of the amazing ladies from the last century that have truly made a difference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month! We’ll meet a scientist, nurses, missionaries, writers, national leaders, teachers, businesswomen, an astronaut, a nun, and a watchmaker.

Marie Curie – The couple that works together – radium, polonium.

Edith Cavell – A British nurse who save British soldiers.

Jeanette Rankin – first woman US representative.

Agatha Christie – introduced the world to mysteries.

Mary McLeod Bethune – Christian teacher/ president of Bethune-Cookman College.

Gladys Aylward – A parlormaid who became a superhero!

Corrie ten Boom – first woman watchmaker in Netherlands & rescuer of Jews.

Irena Sendler – rescued 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto in Poland.

Golda Meir – first woman Prime Minister of Israel.

Queen Elizabeth II – the longest-reigning British monarch

Rosa Parks – refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man.

Elisabeth Eliot – chose to forgive and love the fierce Auca tribe in Ecuador.

Lillian Hochberg – first female-founded company to be publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange.

Lucille Ball – pioneer in comedy.

Mother Teresa – lived a life of chastity, poverty, obedience, and wholehearted service to the poorest of the poor.

Ruth Bell Graham – released her husband to travel.

Edith Schaeffer – hospitable homemaker & theologian.

Margaret Thatcher – conservative MP & PM in UK.

Sandra Day O’Connor – first woman associate justice on the Supreme Court.

Sally Ride – first American women in space.

Condoleezza Rice – first African American women to serve as National Security Advisor (2000) and Secretary of State (2004).

Ruth Beechick – homeschool mentor in the early years.

Darlene Zschech – worship leader and songwriter.

Laura Ingraham – author, radio host, editor, and political commentator.

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Presidents Day Salute!

In “Presidents Day Salute!” episode #226, Meredith Curtis introduces you to her favorite Commanders-in-Chief along with their leadership style and impact on the USA and the world. The President of the USA is the most powerful man in the world. Yet, it is a taxing job fraught with constant conflict, difficult decisions, and extreme escapades. Grab your teens (or grab your parents) to learn some valuable life lessons from American History.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

The President of the USA is the most powerful man in the world. Yet, it is a taxing job fraught with constant conflict, difficult decisions, and extreme escapades. Look at pictures of Presidents before they took office and after. Being the President ages you!

George Washington

Not one to give eloquent speeches, people followed George Washington into battle because they trusted him as a man of faith, integrity, and wisdom. Boldly courageous, he treated everyone with respect and honor, making time each morning to pray and read the Bible. His humility and love for people inspired deep loyalty from people in battle, business, and later in politics.

Teddy Roosevelt

Sickly as a child, Teddy worked hard to get healthy and strong. A cowboy and war hero, he served as a NY assemblyman and NYC police commissioner. Thrust into the Presidency from his position as Vice-President when President McKinley died, he roared into his role as President. Roosevelt’s leadership style was ACTION! He was always learning, reading, and writing books. He believed in fighting for what you believe in.

Cal Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge became President when President Warren Harding died. Nicknamed Silent Cal, he was a man of principle, rather than charisma. Never flashy, he was responsible and thrifty. He vetoed every spending bill he thought unconstitutional bringing the deficit down to almost zero. He was also a good, decent man respected by all. During his years in office, he was one of the most popular Presidents to occupy the White House.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

A war hero, General Eisenhower led the massive invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe that started on D-Day when Allies stormed the beaches at Normandy. President of the US was his first political office and was elected to two terms. He excelled at strategy calling for a civilian space agency (NASA), interstate highways system (modeled after Germany’s autobahn), and cold war peace through strength. As a leaders “Ike” was likeable, optimistic, humble, and purposeful. He took responsibility – “always be the first to apologize” and wrote an “in case of failure letter” before D-Day.

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan loved people and had the best sense of humor! He told jokes about communism to communist dictators. How’s that for the power of humor? He was uncompromising and put America first, earning the love of Americans and respect of all other nations. He restored conservative values and pride in being an American after a decade of disappointment. His leadership strength was folksy communication that resonated with people, vision casting, trust, and expertise.

Fun ways to Celebrate President’s Day

Make food your favorite President liked/likes (George Washington – hot chocolate; John Adams – Apple Pan Dowdy; Thomas Jefferson – Macaroni & Cheese; James Madison – Virginia Ham; Andrew Jackson – Fried Apple Pies; Martin Van Buren – Oysters; Donald Trump – Cheeseburger & Diet Coke) Have a Teddy Bear Tea to celebrate Teddy Roosevelt and find out why the Teddy Bear is named after him Build a log cabin out of cinnamon sticks to celebrate Abe Lincoln who was born in a log cabin in Kentucky Recreate Mt. Rushmore with modeling clay Find out each President’s height Visit their home/museum or Presidential library online I love to teach my children about the Presidents each year on President’s Day. One way is to research 1 or 2 Presidents each year. Simply use our 45 Presidents of the USA Notebooking Pages for each President or research them online. These 1-page research pages make it quick and easy to learn about each President. Print out the pages you need – for each child or teen. Don’t forget the Ladies. As Abigail Adams said, “Don’t forget the ladies!” And as my grandfather often quoted, “Behind every good man is a woman of excellence.” There are so many fascinating First Ladies to meet from the pages of history! Don’t forget to learn about them, too. You can purchase 50 First Ladies of the USA Notebooking Pages at PowerlineProd.

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Valentine’s Day Fun for the Whole Family

In “Valentine’s Day Fun for the Whole Family,” episode #225, Meredith Curtis answers the question: Is Valentine’s Day just about romance? Nope! It’s a great day to celebrate God’s love, family love, AND romantic love. Join me for some amazing and creative activities the whole family – from children to teens to parents – can enjoy together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Is Valentine’s Day just about romance? Nope! It’s a great day to celebrate God’s love, family love, AND romantic love. Join me for some amazing and creative activities the whole family – from children to teens to parents – can enjoy together.

Hide the Valentines

Grab a few boxes of Valentines for kids and pass them out – 1 box per person. Everyone writes little notes to other family members and hides them in their rooms.

Bake & Decorate

Make or buy heart-shaped cookies and happy decorating with frosting, candy, and sprinkles. Or bake a heart-shaped cake.

Crafting

Make beautiful homemade Valentine’s Day cards or try other Valentine’s Day crafts like treasure boxes, pencil holders, mugs, or T-shirts.

Learn about the Real St. Valentine

St. Valentine was a real person who loved Jesus. Read the well-written beautifully illustrated The Story of St.  Valentine ​from Voice of the Martyrs. Or read my blog post: 3 Leadership Principles from St. Valentine. Or listen to my podcast: Will the Real Nicholas, Valentine, & Patrick Please Stand Up?

Explore Bible Verses on Love

Grab some time together with your kids to talk about how God defines love. Use a Bible  concordance to look up verses on love. Read verses and discuss what they mean for your family.

Here are some great verses on love: Romans 5:8, Romans 8:35-39, I John 3:1-2, I Corinthians 13:13, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 15:9, Matthew 22:37-39, John 13:34-35, Luke 7:36-50, Ephesians 3:14-21, Galatians 5:22-23, John 14:15, Romans 12:10, I Timothy 1:5, I Corinthians 16:14, Colossians 3:14, and Hebrews 10:24.

Brighten Someone’s Day

Visit shut-ins at nursing home and pass out flowers or cards. Sometimes Valentine’s Day is hard for singles – surprise them at work or home with flowers, cookies, and/or cards.

Hike & Picnic

Go on a hike together (walk or bike) and end your time with a picnic.

The Story of How I Met Your Mother

Mom and Dad can share a piece of their love story: how they met, how Dad proposed, or their wedding adventures. Be sure to include pictures.

Fancy Dinner

Pull out the fancy lace tablecloth and good China. Have a delicious feast and wear your best clothes.

Karaoke

Play your favorite karaoke tracks – love songs or Christian songs – and sing along. If you’re not a big karaoke fan, try lip syncing.

Games

A family game night is a great way to end the night!

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Teens, Take Adulting Baby Steps

In “Teens, Take Adulting Baby Steps,” episode #224, Meredith Curtis invites teens to get ready for adulting the easy way by taking baby steps that lead to bigger steps. Transition from teen toddling to teen triumphing by taking ownership of your chores, schoolwork, health, relationships, and walk with God.

 

 

 

 

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Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

Show Notes

Adulting can be overwhelming if you jump right into it with no preparation. Here’s how to begin adulting now.

Chores

Take responsibility for your own chores getting done. Choose a day and time to get weekly chores done (and a backup) and a time to get daily chores done (and a backup).

Work hard as if you are working for money and a promotion.

Schoolwork

Be independent when it comes to getting assignments done on time or early. Give input to parents about what has helped you learn most effectively and what hasn’t. Make suggestions about subjects you want to study and books you want to read.

Do an independent study. If you like a subject, go deeper.

Work hard as if learning is a joy! It is.

Health

You can start today building healthy habits that last a lifetime. Habits you can start today can influence your health in the golden years.

Relationships

Build healthy friendships and strengthen family ties. Flee from bullying and negative peer pressure. Run with those who are running after God and living virtuous lives.

Walk with God

Build a devotional life that will go the distance. Serve in your local church. Share the Gospel. Walk in grace not condemnation.

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Inauguration Day Learning Fun

In “Inauguration Day Learning Fun,” episode #223, Meredith Curtis invites you to learn about Presidential Inaugurations the fun way! No matter who you voted for, Inauguration Day is a great time to learn about our political system and the tradition of taking an oath in a time-honored ceremony, a festive parade, and a fancy ball. Meredith provides a bit of history, where to watch it live, and fun learning ideas like scavenger hunts, choosing your own cabinet, a virtual tour of the white house, and throwing an inauguration ball.

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

Show Notes

No matter who you voted for, Inauguration Day is a great time to learn about our political system and the tradition of taking an oath in a time-honored ceremony, a festive parade, and a fancy ball.

What is a Presidential Inauguration?

On Monday January 20, 2025, at noon, President Biden’s term of office ends, and President Trump’s begins. This day is called Inauguration Day.

At noon, on the steps of the US Capitol, President Trump and Vice President Vance will take their Oaths of Office.

What Other Events Take Place on Inauguration Day?

Inauguration Day is full of traditions. The first one is the Procession to the Capitol. The outgoing President escorts the new President to the Capitol for the Swearing In Ceremony.

After the Swearing In Ceremony, the new President gives his Inaugural Address. Every President from George Washington to Joe Biden has delivered a speech. Some are long and some are short!

At this point, the outgoing President and his wife leave by helicopter escorted by the new President and First Lady. After the President and Dr. Biden’s exit, President Trump and Vice-President Vance, along with their wives, will attend an Inaugural Luncheon. This traditional meal is hosted by the Joint Congression Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Another tradition is for the President and Vice-President attend a Signing Ceremony in the President’s Room in the US Capitol. The new President gathers with his aides, US Representatives, and US Senators to sign nominations, memorandums, or executive orders.

Next comes the Inaugural Parade! President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will walk down Pennsylvania Ave from the US Capitol to the White House.

I Can’t Get to Washington DC – Can I Still Watch the Ceremony?

Yes!

FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, & C-Span will air the ceremony live at noon on 1/20/25 Eastern Time.

There will also be streaming on YouTube, White House website, and & social media.

Internationally, it will be live on BBC, Sky News (UK), Al Jazeera, CBC (Canada), ABC Australia, France 24.

What Are Some Unusual Inauguration Days?

James Madison’s Inaugural Ball President Ulysses Grant’s canaries President Cal Coolidge quiet inauguration President Eisenhower’s cowboy President Nixon’s dead pigeons

Chief Justice John Roberts

Chief Justice John Roberts administers the Oath of Office.

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

George Washington added, “So help me, God” and all Presidents have added “so help me God” to their oath.

President Trump’s Cabinet & Your Cabinet

A Presidential Cabinet is a group of men and women that oversee different areas of government.

If you were the President of the United States, who would you choose for your cabinet?

Inauguration Day scavenger Hunt

Watch the televised events on Inauguration Day. Make a list of things you might see at Inauguration Day events. Or create a scavenger hunt for the kids with items to check off as they watch the events unfold.

Tour The White House!

Visit this link to tour the White House Virtually!

https://www.whitehousehistory.org/tour-the-white-house-in-360-degrees

Host Your Own Inauguration Ball

There are several official and non-official balls on Inauguration Day. The President and First Lady usually attend at least two or three. This is a website I found for one of the inaugural balls. https://allamericanball.com/food-bev/menu-2-2/

Host your own ball with a yummy menu, fun entertainment, and dancing!

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The post Inauguration Day Activities to Teach Kids About Government appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Top Ten Christmas Stress Busters

In “Top Ten Christmas Stress Busters,” episode #222, Meredith Curtis shares the top ten Christmas stress busters for homeschool Moms over the holidays. From personal experience, Meredith understands how the hustle and bustle of Christmas can be overwhelming at times for a homeschool mom. Join her as she shares ten ways to reduce stress and enjoy Christmas this year.

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

Show Notes

I understand how the hustle and bustle of Christmas can be overwhelming at times for a homeschool mom.

I also encourage you to listen to Simple Shortcuts to a Stress-Free Christmas Finish Well Podcast episode #200 to reduce stress all around. https://ultimateradioshow.com/simple-shortcuts-to-a-stress-free-christmas/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Focus on Jesus

Start each day with prayer and one or two Christmas carols. Read a Scripture passage.

Fresh Air

Get fresh air each day with a brisk walk around the block or a leisurely jog. If the weather is nice, play outside. If it’s snowing, build a snowman.

Smells

Sniff a lemon, boil cinnamon sticks in water on the stove, or burn your favorite scented candle (vanilla, citrus, peppermint, lavender, jasmine).

Exercise

Get some exercise! Ride a bike, go sledding, hike, play touch football, or work out at the gym.

Quiet & Dark

After the kids go to bed, sit with your husband, or your parents, or your kids, or alone, with all the lights off in the house except for the Christmas lights. Enjoy the quiet.

Relaxing our Bodies. Relaxing Our Minds

Spontaneous Fun

Cancel school and have a Christmas movie day. Drive around and look at lights. Get out some board games and have fun!

Listen

Play Christmas carols in the house and in the car when you drive. Play classical music, especially Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker or Handel’s Messiah. Listen to water flowing in a stream or waterfall.

Relax & Read

Drink coffee, hot tea, or hot chocolate and read a cozy mystery while the kids watch a Christmas movie. I have two suggestions for you.

Massage for Mom

Get a babysitter and go get a massage.

Refresh Your Soul

Spend some time each day reading the entire Christmas story from Zechariah & Elizabeth to the Flight into Egypt. This will refresh your soul!

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The post Top Ten Christmas Stress Busters appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Celebrate Christmas in Central Florida

In “Celebrate Christmas in Central Florida,” episode #221, Meredith Curtis takes your homeschool family to sunny Central Florida for the holidays in 2024. She shares famous and not-so-famous festive adventures for those who are visiting for the holidays as well as those who call Central Florida home. Inspirational, educational, and just plain fun Christmas experiences await!

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

Show Notes

So many people visit Central Florida at Christmastime to enjoy the theme parks. For those who want something different and those who live in Central Florida, here are some fun ways to celebrate Christmas. I live in Central Florida so I am sharing some of my favorite places to go and things to do.

Saint Augustine

Historic St. Augustine, the continuously inhabited city in the USA, offer her beautiful annual Nights of Lights from Saturday, November 23, 2024, to January 26, 2025. Three million lights await you for a spectacular end to a family field trip. The trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours, too.

https://www.visitstaugustine.com/event/nights-lights

Christmas in the Country

This is an annual Christmas event for our family and friends. Put on every year by River of Life Church, this event takes place at 130 Garfield Rd, Enterprise, FL, United States, Florida 32725.

Enjoy a FREE, family-friendly, one of a kind, holiday event!

Check out our 4-H display. Navigate a merry melt-proof maze. Create your very own ornament,
enjoy free cocoa, and roast marshmallows over a bonfire on the lakefront. Hot dogs or bottled water are available for a $1 Donation. Don’t miss our Hayride through a Christmas Wonderland!

Starts the day after Thanksgiving and open the following days: 11/29, 11/30, 12/2, 12/6, 12/7, 12/13, 12/14, 12/20.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1236932000687164/?active_tab=discussion

Fort Christmas Historical Park’s Cracker Christmas

Mark your calendar for December 7-8, 2024. From 10 am to 4 pm, step back in time with a Florida Cracker Christmas celebration. Enjoy pioneer demonstrations and sample some gator meat.

The park includes a replica of a fort built in 1837 during the Second Seminole Indian War; a traditional Florida “Cracker” house and eight pioneer homes; a schoolhouse and lunchroom; a sugar cane mill and other historical farming equipment.

https://www.facebook.com/events/466759382773764

Parades

Yes, there are parades at all the theme parks, but Central Florida cities have their own parades, too.

Sanford’s annual Christmas parade is on December 14, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1231111001281827/

Mount Dora’s annual Christmas parade is early in the morning on December 7, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/881104570200250

Minneola’s Moonlight Christmas parade is on December 14, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/387873457731304/

The City of Oviedo’s Holiday Parade is in the evening on December 7, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/881104570200250/

Boat Parades

Mount Dora has a boat parade on Lake Beauclair on December 7, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3825059924415876/

Daytona Christmas Boat Parade is held in Daytona Beach, featuring decorated boats and a festive atmosphere.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2217032025364914/

There is also a boat parade in Cocoa Beach on December 14, 2024.

Home Tour

Stetson Mansion Tour takes you inside Florida’s Most Historic Home, c1886, of iconic hat maker JB Stetson, Florida’s First Snowbird. This home is beautifully decorated for Christmas.

https://www.facebook.com/stetsonmansiontours

The Holiday Candlelight Tour lets visitors explore DeBary Hall during holiday evenings when candlelight will fill the 19th century mansion with a warm glow, accentuating its historic treasures and Christmas decorations. Guests will be escorted to the mansion for an open style tour. The mansion, once owned by the prominent DeBary family, will be decorated with many Christmas trees, wreaths, and other festive adornments.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2692456947592494/

Lake Helen Christmas Home & Garden Tour visits beautifully decorated Historic Homes, Churches, Buildings and Local Gardens. Enjoy the Christmas Marketplace for all of your gift giving needs and delicious refreshments, as well as live entertainment!

December 7th & 8th, 12:30 PM-5:30 PM. Tour Begins at Hopkins Hall: 150 Connecticut Ave, Lake Helen, FL 32744.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1357305044410133/1357305051076799/

Living Nativity/Walk Thru Bethlehem

During this immersive experience, you will take a stroll through Bethlehem. You will see the guards at the front gate, talk to the people going about their daily lives, and hear the gossip about a strange couple who are staying in a stable.

 This year, we have a brand-new layout for the city of Bethlehem that will bring you up close and personal with the characters and story of Christmas. Even if you have been before, this will be a new experience!

 Whether it is your first Walk Through Bethlehem, or it is part of your Christmas tradition, we can’t wait to see you in Bethlehem!

Visit our family’s favorite Walk thru Bethlehem on December 7-8 or 13-15, 2024 at Crossroads Church, Daytona Beach.

https://crbible.com/events/

Experience the story of the birth of our savior Jesus Christ at the Living Nativity! The Biblical story will be narrated and portrayed by church members on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Children will have an opportunity to pet live animals. Cookies, hot cocoa and coffee will be served outside of the Fellowship Hall throughout the evening. We will also have coloring/craft tables set up for the little ones. Everyone is welcome!

Visit Beachside Baptist Church on December 18, 2024, in New Smyrna Beach.

https://www.beachsidebaptist.com/living-nativity/

Bring your family and friends to see Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth in this unique living nativity experience on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Begin your guided tour in the sanctuary. Follow the star to the manger, rejoice with the angels, hear the music, see the animals, pay your taxes to the Roman soldiers, and enjoy the festive marketplace. Your journey concludes with the joy of the nativity.

https://www.facebook.com/events/831861212189288

Concerts, Outdoor Movies, & More

St. Luke’s AMC Annual Christmas Concerts are “Sounds of the Seasons” from Thursday 12/12 24 to 12/15/24.

https://www.facebook.com/events/458290197338715/458290214005380/

Christmas movies at parks, churches, and downtowns.

Lights everywhere! Two favorites near me – 3 homes / owners of nursery and Lake Mary City Hall.

Ballets, concerts, Handel’s Messiah singalong, Christian concerts.

High Tea Aboard the Barbara Lee

Enjoy the beautiful decorations of the season while enjoying a wide array of endless tea along with savory finger sandwiches, scones with jelly and bite size sweets.

This 3-hour cruise on the St Johns River will take you back to a time when things were peaceful and pretty. Celebrate your sister or the women in your life.

You can dress casually or wear your favorite dress and hat. Gentlemen can break out their favorite top hat and long coat.

Live entertainment by Harpist and Composer Rene Devia. Friday December 20, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3805730683041097/

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The post Celebrate Christmas in Central Florida appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Keep Faith & Family First During the Holidays

In “Keep Faith & Family First During the Holidays,” episode #220, Meredith Curtis shares easy tips and simple hacks to enjoy meaningful time with family growing in your faith. Meredith shares ideas for Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, New Years, and Three Kings Day. Try out two or three and have the best holiday season ever!

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

Show Notes

God is good. Holidays are a great time to celebrate God’s goodness! Family traditions can teach children more about Jesus and how to grow in Him if we are proactive in choosing quality over busyness!

Thanksgiving

Put the “thanks” in Thanksgiving!

Pass the Corn Kernels Thankful Tree Secret Notes Special Thanksgiving Placecards Praise Breakfast

Advent

Preparing hearts for Christmas.

Advent Devotions Advent Calendar Felt Tree & Ornaments The ENTIRE Christmas Story Make Gifts & Cards Christmas Unit Study

Christmas Festivities that Build Faith

Choose wisely.

Handel’s Messiah Singalong Christmas Pageant Birthday Party for Jesus Walk Thru Bethlehem Christmas Read Alouds (The Tale of the Three Trees, Humphrey’s First Christmas, Mortimer’s Christmas Manger, The Legend of the Candy Cane, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomy) Christmas Movies (The Nativity Story, A Christmas Carol, Charlie Brown Christmas, It’s a Wonderful LifeI) Traveling Dinner

Christmas Morning

Jesus before presents.

Christmas Devotions – Luke 2 Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus Sing Christmas Carols

New Years

Review and plan ahead.

Review the Year (biggest praises & biggest challenges – how they built character) Make Goals for next year (goals, habits, pattern of living) Game Night Yummy Food Read Scripture & Pray

Three Kings Day

When the wise men came.

Gifts for Jesus (donate to Crisis Pregnancy Center) Traditions from Other Countries Read the Story of the Wise Men Special Meal

Plan Free Time to be Spontaneous!

It sounds crazy I know but sometimes we need to plan free time into our schedule because the holidays get so busy.

Things You Can Do Ahead!

There are many things you can do in November to beat the Christmas stress.

Take family photo on Thanksgiving weekend (or earlier) Shop early and wrap as soon as you purchase (I keep a list on my computer) Address Christmas cards while you watch a Christmas movie (men can’t do this but we can!) Bake and freeze Shop and freeze Plan Menu Make a family calendar and place in prominent location

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The post Keep Faith & Family First During the Holidays appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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4 Ways to Teach Life Skills

In “4 Ways to Teach Life Skills,” Episode, #219, Meredith Curtis invites parents & teens to explore the exciting world of adulting. Life Skills help us live useful and productive lives. Some folks call it adulting. In the business world, life skills such as problem solving, conflict resolution, and manners are called soft skills. Teach and learn life skills 4 different ways. Some life skills are “caught” and others are learned intentially. Discover what works best for you!

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

Show Notes

Life Skills help us live useful and productive lives. Some folks call it adulting. In the business world, life skills such as problem solving, conflict resolution, and manners are called soft skills. These soft skills help people advance in their profession. From brushing teeth to mowing the lawn to balancing a checkbook, life skills are needed by the entire human race.

Caught Not Taught

Many of the life skills we pass on to our children will enter their lives effortlessly on our part. We won’t even realize that we are teaching them to brush their teeth or weed the garden.

Hurricane prep, tipping generously, voting, unplugging pipes, changing locks, washing dishes, laundry, setting the table, communication.

Proactive Natural Living

Sometimes we need to be proactive with children who don’t want to brush their teeth or little boys who hate baths.

Removing hats to pray, standing when older folks enter the room, tithing, serving, hospitality, conflict resolution, manners. Our Kate was shy.

Inserted into Classes

Other life skills I had to learn. My parents were great at managing money but they never talked much about money except to teach me to tithe. I never learned anything about money in public school. My husband came to our marriage tithing and with a commitment to live debt-free which I thought was strange. When the church offered a course on finances, we signed up. It changed our life. We made a budget and set financial goals. My children are much better at managing money than we are because we got such a late jump on it. I included financial management in their high school economics course.

Real Men 103: Leadership

God’s Girls 105: Homemaking

“Give Me a High Level Overview” – High School English

Small group assignments & group discussions in my online courses.

Economics Course – how to start and run your own business.

Serving at Church/ Internships & Apprenticeships

Sound team, worship team, greeting, children’s ministry, sharing testimony, leading Bible study

Internships & Apprenticeships can overlap. Possibilities: with a plumber, car mechanic, doctor’s office, roofer, lawn service, pastor, secretary, business owner.

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