Finish Well

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Finish Well episodes

November 22, 2022 A Brand New Adventure Series for Kids
A Brand New Adventure Series for Kids
with Special Guest Mike Curtis
In “A Brand New Adventure Series for Kids,” Episode, #174, Meredith Curtis interviews Mike Curtis, pastor and author of a brand-new series (and her husband!). He has written an amazing new series for children and teens: The Noland Kids Adventures. Mike shares his journey that led him to share his story. Learn all about the series and why your kids will love to read it!

Powerline Productions, Inc.
Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes
Introduce Mike & Ministry https://www.powerlinecc.com/
Noland Kids Adventures https://www.powerlineprod.com/books/the-noland-kids-adventure-series/
How It All Began
Rockford Park, Bedtime Stories to Children, Stories to Grandchildren
Covid-Strikes!
Needed to entertain kids at home listening to sermon
First Novel
The Key House
Newly Inherited House 150-Year Old Secret, Clues to Hidden Treasure
Mystery/ Adventure, Hardy Boys meets The Goonies
Who is This Series Written For?
Christian Kids 10-14
Second Novel
Lost City of Light
Coming November 25th, 2022
How Can Listeners Get Book?
Amazon print or Kindle
Our website PowerlineProd.com
Reviews
Leave Reviews
Spread the Word
What Books are on the Horizon & When?
Legend of the Craftsman King & Secret of Paradise Cove

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The Key House
HUGE Black Friday/ Cyber Monday Sale!

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!
The post A Brand New Adventure Series for Kids appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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26 min
November 08, 2022Family Traditions to Celebrate, Teach, & Identify
Family Traditions to Celebrate, Teach, & Identify
In “Family Traditions to Celebrate, Teach, & Identify,” Episode, #173, Meredith Curtis believes family traditions are a perfect way to celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and special days. They also help us to pass on values and give our children a sense of security as a family member. Many celebrations also lend themselves to teaching children family and national history. Where do you start to build family traditions your family will enjoy and keep everything simple and easy? Meredith hears you and she has some simple steps to take to plan your own family traditions.

Powerline Productions, Inc.
Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes
Start with his and hers. Then move to ours.
The Basics of Traditions
Festive with purpose!
Celebration Fun
Teaching & Passing on Virtues
Identification in the Family
Let Me Give Your Some Examples
New Years Day
Scriptures
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (II Corinthians 5:17)
Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14 NASB)
New Life, New Opportunities, Moving Forward
Celebrate: Game night & Festive midnight “toast with hugs”
Teach/Pass Values: Family Communion (new life in Christ) & Prayer for the New Year (new beginning)
Family Identity: “This is how we celebrate New Years”
St. Valentines’ Day
Scripture
“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12 NASB)
Love for God, Romantic Love
Celebrate: “Pink & Red & White Dinner,” decorate, make Valentines for each other
Teach/Pass Values: Parents share love story or looking at wedding album, Read (or watch) something about St. Valentine
Family Identity: “This is how we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day”
Mother’s Day / Father’s Day
Scripture
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth(Ephesians 6:1-3 NASB)
Blessing of Parents, Honoring Parents
Celebrate: Special meal, Encouragement Game, Family Outing, or Presents (combo or all)
Teach/Pass Values: Call grandparents, Send cards earlier, Help children make cards & gifts for parent
Family Identity: “This is how we celebrate Mother’s Day & Father’s Day”
How to Get Started
Brainstorm your dreams for your family
Talk to your husband – his favorite holiday traditions
Talk to your kids – what are there favorite holiday traditions
Can tweak traditions (e.g. opening presents one at a time)
Think in terms of Celebrate & Teach/Pass Values. All traditions help establish a family identity.
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Resources
Be proactive this holiday season!

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!
The post Family Traditions to Celebrate, Teach, & Identify appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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26 min
October 19, 2022 Welcoming Skills Made Easy for Teens
Welcoming Skills Made Easy for Teens
In “Welcoming Skills Made Easy for Teens,” Episode, #172, Meredith Curtis interviews Vicki Tillman of Seven Sisters about helping even shy teens learn the skills they need to welcome others. These life skills helps in relationships, ministry, and in the business world. It is a great investment in your teen’s heart and life to equip them with these important life skills. Best of all, welcoming skills allow us to express the love of God to others.

Powerline Productions, Inc.
Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes
Welcoming special guest Vicki Tillman.
What are Welcoming Skills
Especially important for teens.
Welcoming Skills Require Confidence
Greeting
Scriptures
Role Playing
Teaching Kids as Welcoming Skills
Need a Set of Behaviors that Work – Tools
Nonverbal Helps
How to Walk over and greet a new person
Ask a Question
After 2 or 3 Questions, person you are welcoming feels safe and able to talk
Help for Parents
Shy Children Can Learn to Be Welcomers
It is okay to be shy, introverted, and also okay to be treated the way they would want someone to treat them.
Reap what you sow.
Friendliness is a character trail not a personality trait
When to Start
Fifth or Sixth Grade is a great time to learn to reach out to others in their Sunday school class or homeschool co-op. In high school, Vicki gives them the assignment to be a welcomer.
Manners are now called life skills but they still matter.
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Life Skills Resources

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The post Welcoming Skills Made Easy for Teens appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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24 min
October 10, 2022 Hurricanes & Homeschooling
Hurricanes & Homeschooling
In “Hurricanes & Homeschooling,” Episode, #171, Meredith Curtis shares her personal experience with hurricanes – preparation, weathering the storm, and aftermath - for a homeschooling family. She shares how to make the most of these extreme weather teachable moments by teaching science, geography, and life skills while the hurricane rages – not from books - from life! Set aside school work and learn practical science and geography while you prepare, endure, and clean up after the storm.

Powerline Productions, Inc.
Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes
Our Experience with Hurricanes - Highlights

* My first as a preschooler – rowing down our street as a preteen
* 2004 – Frances, Charlie, Ivan, Jeanne
* 2022 Hurricane Ian

Getting Ready
Clean Tub and Fill with Water
Yard

* Remove outside furniture, decorations, potted plants – anything that could be lifted up
* Board windows

Supplies

* Water – 1 Gallon Water per person x 3
* Coffee Pot and Coffee Pot for Grill
* Canned Food - tuna, soups, chicken, vegetables
* Dried fruits & jerkey
* Bread, peanut butter, honey
* Snacks – nuts, granola bars, crackers, chips
* Candles
* Flashlights
* NOAA weather radio
* Batteries

Grill Ready – Charcoal or propane
Check on elderly, widows, sickly – make sure they are ready for the storm
Make sure Generator is in working order (if you have one) and NOT in or near the house

Should You Evacuate?
Low-lying areas, near ocean or bay, trailer? YES!
Always go to higher ground, further inland

Learn about the Hurricane
Tropical Cyclones (Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm, Hurricane)
Categories
Track the Storm
Name, track, size, stability, cone
How hurricanes form and move
Why they often spin off tornadoes
Meteorologists share so much good information about hurricanes and the storm in particular

Aftermath
The day after, let emergency workers check roads, etc for downed powerlines, flooding, etc.

* Clean up debris in Yard
* Return outside furniture to outside and unboard windows
* Check for flooding, leaking, damage

While without power, play board games, talk, saving phone batteries
Help others – our family worked at a ministry afterward sorting clothes for tornado victims, cook a meal for someone without electricity if yours is back on, help the elderly get settled

Resources
National Hurricane Center (NOAA) https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Free Tracking Maps https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/tracking_charts.shtml
Florida’s Health Department has a neat pdf on the storms of 2004: https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/climate-and-health/_documents/2004-hurricane-season-factsheet.pdf

37 min
September 19, 2022 Should I Join a Homeschool Co-op?
Should I Join a Homeschool Co-op?
In “Should I Join a Homeschool Co-op?,” Episode, #170, Meredith Curtis discusses homeschool co-ops and how they benefit homeschooling families. She explains the difference between support groups, co-ops, enrichment classes, and umbrella schools. From a wealth of experience, Meredith shows how to co-op wisely when seasons allow.

Powerline Productions, Inc.
Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes
Our Experience with Homeschool Co-ops

Differences Between Co-ops, Support Groups, Erichment Classes, Umbrella
Each different purpose, cost, personal responsiblity

Should I Join a Homeschool Co-op?
What season are you in?
Where do you need help?
What classes are you willing to NOT teach?

Roles in a Co-op
Cooperative – each one plays a role:

* Administrator
* Teachers
* Helpers
* Treasurer
* Support (Nursery/Study Hall)

Theme
Co-ops might have a theme: History Day, Travel thru Time, Science Fun
Co-ops might just be enrichment
Coo-ops might cover core classes & Enrichment
Co-ops might be online

Possible Classes
Core – English, Math, Science, History, Geography
Out-of-Box Core – Who Dun It, Travel Around the World
Life Skills/Enrichment – Bible, Homemaking, Art, Music, Labs

Standards
Do their standards match yours?

* Faith/Beliefs
* Behavior
* Conversation

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Resources
All our curriculum is built around living books

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!
20 min
September 05, 2022 7 Classic Books Every Homeschool Mom Should Read

7 Classic Books Every Homeschool Mom Should Read
In “7 Classic Books Every Homeschool Mom Should Read,” Episode, #169, Meredith Curtis shares her favorites with you – books that have inspired, equipped, and encouraged her. These books will change your life and your perspective. Grab a cup of tea or mug of coffee and learn about some classic books that you will want to read and reread again.

Powerline Productions, Inc.
Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes
The bookcase outside my door.
Books impact our lives. Some of my books are like special friends who have spoken into my life and brought forth something new.

L’Abri by Edith Schaeffer
Frances & Edith Schaeffer’s ministry in Switzerland.
Focus on creating a nurturing environment and ministering in and from the home.

For Better or Best by Gary Smalley
As a young couple, we attended this author’s conference and had our first introduction to the vast difference in the way men and women think. Also how different their needs are.
He also wrote If Only He Knew.

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
My favorite book on parenting. It really shows how to parent by imitating Jesus as a shepherd of our children’s hearts.

Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer
I love art and beauty and classic books. Edith opened my eyes to the true art involved in creating a home from interior decorating to fostering integration of ages, I love this book!

Creative Counterpart by Linda Dillow
A great book on how to be a wife from the relational to the practical including organization.

The Christian Family by Larry Christenson
Every Christian should read this book on the the how, what, and why of God’s design of the Christian family. Covers roles and responsibilities, including the family’s Saviour – Jesus and parent’s role in the spiritual nurture of their children.

Spirit of Loveliness by Emilie Barnes
Lovely inside and out, Emilie reminds us to add beauty in our world to fee our soul. I love all her books but this is my favorite!

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Resources
All our curriculum is built around living books

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!
24 min
August 15, 2022 Career Exploration with Special Guest Vicki Tillman

Career Exploration with Special Guest Vicki Tillman
In “Career Exploration with Special Guest Vicki Tillman,” Episode, #168, Meredith Curtis interviews homeschool mom/counselor/curriculum creator Vicki Tillman about future careers for homeschool grads. They start by sharing the careers of their 10 homeschool graduates – all so different and some very specialized. Vicki and Meredith discuss ways to help our teens explore various careers in high school – classes, investigating careers, talking to people about their jobs, ministry, apprenticeships, starting their own businesses – so they can enjoy successful careers in the future.

Powerline Productions, Inc.
Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes
Welcome to Special Guest Vicki Tillman with Seven Sisters, a homeschool podcast and curriculum provider.

Careers of All Our Grown Children
All graduated from Homeschool & College
Vicki’s Kid’s Careers
Meredith’s Kid’s Careers

Career Exploration
How to Help Teens Explore Career
God’s part in Career Exploration
God’s Will, Experiences, Giftings, What They Enjoy, Values
Apprenticeships

When to Learn About Careers
No Right Way
Sometimes a Little at a Time
Sometimes a Semester Class
Adding to Economics Class
Starting Your Own Business
Vicki’s Career Exploration Class
Ministry
Listen to Vicki Tillman’s Podcast: The Homeschool High School Podcast
Purchase Seven Sisters Career Exploration Bundle HERE.

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High School Resources

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26 min
August 01, 2022 Teens Take Charge of Your Health! … for high school credit!

Teens Take Charge of Your Health! … for high school credit!
In “Teens Take Charge of Your Health! … for high school credit,” Episode, #167, Meredith Curtis shares practical things to include in your teen’s health class that will motivate healthy lifestyle changes. Teens can do health as an independent study if they want to start adding healthier habits to their lives. Or parents can create a health class that is practical and helpful. Healthy nutrition, exercise, hygiene, sleep, and relationship habits can start now and last a lifetime.

Powerline Productions, Inc.
Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes
I started 2 habits related to health in high school – 1 good and 1 bad

Nutrition
What nutrients does your body really need? What is the best way to get it?

Exercise
What are the 4 kinds of exercises teens need? What is the funnest way to do them?

Sleep & Fresh Air
Teens need more sleep – why? Why does fresh air matter?

Avoiding Sickness
Simple investments to avoid sickness –-> huge dividends

Personal Hygeine
Body odor, acne, shaving, and clothing all matter for teens.

Healthy Communication & Relationships
Communication and relational skills called soft skills – make a huge difference in the 21st century.

Sexual Purity
How on earth can teens stay pure in a seductive world?

Addictions
Common addictions among teens and how to find freedom.

How To Keep Growing in their Relationship with God
Silver, Kit Carson, Carson City, Virginia City
Silver and gold mining, mining towns, ghost towns, Kit Carson, mountain men, capital, capitol, desert

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High School Resources

39 min
July 18, 2022 Ultimate Extravagant USA Road Trip V: Pacific States & Territories

Ultimate Extravagant USA Road Trip V: Pacific States & Territories
In “Ultimate Extravagant USA Road Trip V: Pacific States & Territories,” Episode, #166, Meredith Curtis becomes your tour guide a final trip through the USA—this time it’s a cruise starting in Alaska and making our way down the west coast and out to Hawaii. From the island state, we’ll make our way to our five territories. You will see some breathtaking views, enjoy delicious seafood, and venture into the Ring of Fire. Grab your navigation chart, pack your suitcase, and don’t forget your swimsuit and life jacket—there’s lot of miles sailing over the ocean! This is the fifth in our series of USA road trips—traveling is a great way to learn geography the fun way!

Powerline Productions, Inc.
Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes
Hi! Today, I’m your tour guide. Ready for a whirlwind trip through the Pacific states and our 5 inhabited territoreis?
Pacific Ocean, extremes, Ring of Fire, seafood.

Alaska
Largest state, Mt. Denali, mountains, glaciers, moose, caribou, bears, bison, reindeer
Peninsula, Denali, fauna (animals), tundra, national parks & preserves, ports

Washington
Mount Saint Helens, Olympic National Park, Mount Olympus
Volcano eruption, “geological layers,” rainforest, waterfalls, mountains

Oregon
Crater Lake, Crater lake National Park
Extinct volcano, alpine lakes

California
Redwood National Forest, Sequoia National Park, Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree, Death Valley
Agriculture, volcanoes, islands, mountain ranges, deserts, valleys, fertile farmland, earthquakes

Hawaii
Missionaries, Coral Church
Archipelago, volcanoes, multicultural population, missionaries

American Samoa
Fiafia, Christian influence
Archipelago, natural harbor, coral reefs, volcanoes, mountains, rainforests, tropical flowers, tropical fruits

Northern Mariana Islands
Tinian, Diving for WWII weapons or artifacts
Mariana Trench, World War II, shipwrecks, diving

Guam
Pacific War Musuem, Capital Hagnatna
World War II, history of island, division between Guam and Northern Mariana Islands

US Virgin Islands
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, Estate Whim Plantation, coral reef diving
Archipelago, Danish culture, archipelago, sugar mill, sugar plantation, coral reef, SCUBA diving, snorkeling

Puerto Rico
Fort Fortaleza, Castillo San felipe del Morro, Palacio de Santa Catalina
Tropical archipelago, mountains, hurricanes,

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We are celebrating the launch of our newest series, God Bless the USA (see books below).
To celebrate, we have giveaways subscribers can enter, freebies subscribers can download, and fun for everyone.
Not a subscriber? Don’t worry. You can subscribe right here
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US Geography Resources
Jr High US Geography

35 min
July 11, 2022 Ultimate Extravagant USA Road Trip IV: Southwest & West States

Ultimate Extravagant USA Road Trip IV: Southwest & Western States
In “Ultimate Extravagant USA Road Trip IV: Southwest & West States,” Episode, #165, Meredith Curtis becomes your tour guide on a road trip through 10 states and two tribal nations in the Southwest and West region of the country. You will see some breathtaking views and meet some wild west heroes. Grab your road map, pack your suitcase, and don’t forget your camera and extra water—we’ll spend a lot of time driving—there’s a lot of miles to cover in this wide-open country! This is the fourth in our series of USA road trips—traveling is a great way to learn geography the fun way!

Powerline Productions, Inc.
Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes
Hi! Today, I’m your tour guide. Ready for a whirlwind trip through the the Southwest & West?
Spanish & Native American Influence.

Cherokee Nation
Trail of Tears—from NC to OK. Cherokee Heritage Center
Native lands, reservations, Trail of Tears, Native populations

Oklahoma
Oklahoma City: Underground, capital, National Cowboy Hall of Fame
Capital, capitol, city planning, oil refining, stockyards, cattle ranches

Texas
Culture of Texas, The Alamo
Spanish influence in Southwest, forts, missions, Texas indepence, wars, Texas statehood, landscape

New Mexico
Culture of New Mexico, Santa Fe, San Miguel Chapel, Pueblos
Native Americans, Pueblo homes, Spanish missions, oldest capital city in USA, landforms

Four Corners
Navajo Nation, Four Corners
Territories to states, boundary lines, desert, mountains, landmarks, Native tribes

Arizona
Desert, Grand Canyon
Desert, saguaro cactus, Colorado River, Grand Canyon, canyons, cliffs, rock formations, living in a desert

Colorado
Mountains, Ski Resorts
Colorado mountains, snow line, mountain safety, mountain recreation, valleys, mesas, forests, canyons, plateaus, lakes, rivers

Utah
Bonneville Salt Flats, National Parks
Red sandstone cliffs, arches, rock formations, mountains, desert, salt flats, salt lake, mining salt

Nevada
Silver, Kit Carson, Carson City, Virginia City
Silver and gold mining, mining towns, ghost towns, Kit Carson, mountain men, capital, capitol, desert

Wyoming
Cowboys, Rodeos, Native Americans, Yellowstone National Park
Cattle ranching, rodeos, Native Americans, tribal land, national parks, mountains, plains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, geysers

Montana
Fourth largest state, mining, copper mining, Ringing Rocks
Forests, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, valleys, farming, cattle ranching, mining boom towns, ghost towns, ski resorts

Idaho
Potato farming, farming, ranching, gems, birthplace of TV, Lava Hot Springs
Hot springs, farming, ranching, gem mining, westward trails, rivers, white water rafting, resort towns

Sign up for our Newsletter
We are celebrating the launch of our newest series, God Bless the USA (see books below).
To celebrate, we have giveaways subscribers can enter, freebies subscribers can download, and fun for everyone.
Not a subscriber? Don’t worry. You can subscribe right here
48 min

About Finish Well

From the publisher's feed

Join the Finish Well Team the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. ET as they talk about real issues that teens face each day. We want to grow in Christ together, prepare for life after graduation,…