Finish Well

Homeschool Socialization

In “Homeschool Socialization,” Episode, #144, Meredith Curtis shares how homeschooling in her home has included other families. From involvement in homeschool support groups, lessons, sports, and co-ops to History Days and ministry, there have always been other homeschooling families involved in our lives. Meredith gives practical tips and fun ways to spend time with other families and learn at the same time.

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

People often ask me the famous question: “What about socialization?”

I always laugh! My family has way too much socialization! Just kidding.

Younger Years

Homeschooling at home building memories

Co-ops/support groups we were part of

Ballet, tennis, soccer, basketball

Church

Mixing with all ages

Making friends with peers

Opportunities to learn

Opportunities to serve

Middle School Help with Science

When the children hit middle/high school, we join “Friday classes” for the older kids.

We went as a family. I helped teach classes and later taught on my own

Kids took watercolor, fitness, choir, drama, and sciences

History Days

Friday classes was so big, I wanted something more intimate.

“History Days” was born.

Reading aloud, Listening to Diana Waring audios

Crafts, Sewing, Art Appreciation, Drama, Creating Radio Shows, Models

Timelines, Maps, Cooking & Baking

What we studied over the years: American History, British History, Geography, World History

NO homework—we did history together for the day!

A Co-op Is Born

We added friends

* The homeschool friend whose mom started working and wanted some time with other people

* The homeschool friend whose mom couldn’t teach physics

* The mom who was struggling

Adding more families

* What didn’t work anymore: Listening to Audios, laid back schedule

* What continued: reading aloud, hands-on fun, timelines, maps

* Memories

Which was better?

Not really sure; both were perfect for us in the season we were in.

So Many Options

* Umbrella Schools records only

* Umbrella Schools 2-3 days per week (great when both parents work)

* Online schools

* Online classes

* Support groups

* Co-ops

* Enrichment Classes

* Core Classes

Lessons Learned

If you are not careful, other people can be the primary influence in your children. Not everyone agrees with my definition of “wholesome” or “Christian”

Don’t Forget: You can’t HOMEschool is you are never home.

We want to give our children “the best of the best” but what they need most is peaceful days with us.

Sign up for our Newsletter

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

How-to-Homeschool Books if you want to learn more about homeschooling or plan to homeschool

Travel to Learn Geography

In “Travel to Learn Geography,” Episode, #143, Meredith Curtis shares how traveling to other states and countries have taught her so much about their culture, natural resources, farming, businesses,  landforms, and religion. Meredith shares how to start with travel locally, statewide, and beyond your borders. Best of all, Meredith gives practical tips and fun ways to travel right from your family room.

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

I love to travel! Trains, cars, planes, boats—even buses. The thrill of adventure gets me every time.

Netherlands: bikes, tall, cheese, read the street signs in Dutch, but not understand a word of English, canals, canal houses, Corrie ten Boom house

Rome: Jail cell of Paul, 3-layers of churches, the art in the Vatican, the magnificence of the Colosseum, that’s where Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

London: Tube, cathedrals, museums, Rosetta Stone, mummies, Gutenberg Bibles, rose gardens, tea at the Orangery

Start Where You Are/Travel Locally

I live in Florida. Smack dab in the center.

Farms (pick-your-own places—chat with owners)

Museums

Sunday Drives (Lake Mary, Pembroke Pines, 46 to I-95)

Explores

What is in your city?

Travel Statewide

Beaches, Tide Pools, Sand Dunes, Grasses, Life everywhere!

Birds, Alligators, Flowers, Blue Skies

Coral Reefs down in the Keys

Rolling hills in the panhandle

Lake Okeechobee, St. John’s River—Boating, too!

Parks, Forests, Wilderness Areas, Wet Walks, Swamps, Airboats

Cities, Heritage Neighborhoods, Local Museums

St. Augustine, Theme Parks, NASA

What is in Your State?

Across the USA

So much to see!

* Swamps, Beachs, Farms, Lakes, Rolling hills in the South

* Chesapeake Bay, Farms, Hills, Famous Cities in the Mid-Atlantic

* Mountains, History, Famous Cities, Farms, Villages in New England

* Plains, Great Lakes, Farm Belt, Rust Belt in Midwest

* Cattle Ranching, Oil Rigs, Rugged Terrain in Southwest

* Mountains, Arches, Ranches in West

* Diverse from Arctic to Tropical in the Pacific

Travel to Other Countries

Start with our Territories: US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa

* Caribbean

* South America

* Europe

* Africa

* Middle East

* Asia

* Australia/New Zealand

* Oceania (Polynesia in old books)

* Antartica

Travel from Your Family Room

Books

Movies

Travel Videos

Travel Journal

Travel God’s World Geography

Travel God’s World Cookbook

Restaurants

Maps

Mapping

Photos

Travel With “Travel God’s World Series”

Help! I’ve Got Issues

In “Help! I’ve Got Issues,” Episode, #142, Meredith Curtis talks to moms like herself that are far from perfect.

Often, we carry a picture in our head of the ideal homeschooler who has a perfect family, perfect children, and a perfect homeschool life. But how do you homeschool when family, financial, health, or other issues arise?

Meredith will give practical suggestions to homeschool when you feel overwhelmed by life and aware of your own inadequacies. Success is not perfection. Come away refreshed and encouraged!

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Moving. Financial crises. Death. Sickness. Chronic illness. Personal flaws. Can you still homeschool.

Renew Your Mind

First renew your mind.

There are NO perfect families!

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may [d]prove what the will of God is, that which is good and [e]acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-3 NASB).

Renew Your Mind

Worldly thinking: professionals need to educate my children

Lies: “I’m not smart enough”

Lies: “This is too hard”

What Does God Say?

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me (II Corinthians 12:9 NASB).

God loves to show off in your life in the middle of weakness.

Position yourself for grace.

Read God’s Word. Thank Him. Be faithful. Be obedient. Watch God move.

Help! I’ve Got Issues - Financial Crisis

Pray & Fast for Finances.

Look for ways to save money: barter, used curriculum, borrow

Help! I’ve Got Issues - Health Issues

Focus on the Majors

Read aloud

Math every day

Learn together about injuries/sickness/chronic illness

Help! I’ve Got Issues - Learning Weakness

Disciple

Pray for a love of learning

Read literature

Learn with your child

Help! I’ve Got Issues - Character Flaws

Acknowledge and ask God to help you

Ask for forgiveness if you sin

RECEIVE forgiveness

Don’t focus on flaws; focus on JESUS!

Story of Tricia.

Help! I’ve Got Issues - Relationships

Love your husband and children. Receive their love. Homeschooling is a lifestyle of learning but part of that learning is communication, serving, and loving one another.

Go the distance! Godspeed!

Sign up for our Newsletter

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flexible Scheduling Can Work for You!

In “Flexible Scheduling Can Work for You!,” Episode, #141, Meredith Curtis can help you if you feel overwhelmed by trying to get it all done. Is there a way to schedule that is flexible enough to deal with the interruptions every day brings? Can a free spirit live a scheduled life? Yes! If it’s flexible. Flexible scheduling brings order to the chaos while still leaving room to be spontaneous and fun!

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

I sat down with another homeschool mom who confessed her kids hadn’t gotten any schoolwork done the whole year (it was November), the house was a constant mess, and she had all these homeschool dreams, but she was giving up.

She needed help!

We can be led by the moment or derailed by the interruptions of our day. It is hard to direct children who want to do their own thing when you are up all night with a sick baby.

Yet, you look at rigid moms who run a tight ship and you think, “That’s not me.”

Or you were on a rigid schedule at one time in your life and now it is IMPOSSIBLE to stay on a schedule. What can  you do?

I have help for everyone! A schedule is your servant, not your master, but it is a great servant.

Change the Template

Instead of thinking in hours (from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.), I have learned to think in blocks of time (between breakfast and lunch). It makes more sense as a mom.

Our days have these blocks of time:

* Before Breakfast

* Breakfast (short for some and long for others)

* Between Breakfast and Lunch

* Lunch

* Between Lunch and Dinner

* Dinner

* After Dinner

* Bedtime Ritual.

These things happened in your house every day. Your bedtime ritual might be a nightmareish showdown, but you have one. Breakfast may be on the run dashing to homeschool co-op, but your kids eat it.

Reality Check!

When we don’t have a plan, things fall into chaos.

When we don’t give direction to our children for the day, they slide into neutral, the easiest thing for their brains—TV, videos, internet, napping, eating.

If I am led by my “heart” I will eat candy and watch old TV shows or talk on the phone all day. Poof! The day is gone.

Psalm 90 verse 12 addresses this:

So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.

What Really Matters

I like to step back and thing about what really matters to me.

* What do I want to run my days and weeks to look like?

* What do I want to accomplish each week (chores, school work, free time, reading time)?

* I want Jesus to be Lord of my homeschool. But what does that look like?

Ask yourself questions like these so you can determine what you want the days/weeks to look like. Be practical and realistic, not idealistic here.

Then examine yourself, your husband, and your children. What factors will play into this plan?

When my children were little, I discovered that we all worked best in the morning.

In addition, my parents raised me to work first, play second.

Now everyone will come up with their own values and priorities. What’s important is that you know what truly matters to you because if  you don’t take that into account, it will derail your plans.

Planning Blocks of Time

Learn Geography in the Kitchen!

In “Learn Geography in the Kitchen!” Episode, #140, Meredith Curtis introduces you to global cuisine that your children can cook, bake, and eat. Learning is more fun in the kitchen and that’s true of geography, too. You can travel from continent to continent learning about popular foods and places to visit. A springboard to a unit study or delight-directed rabbit trail is always a possibility!

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Your children can cook, bake, and eat their way across the world. Learning is more fun in the kitchen and that’s true of geography, too. You can travel from continent to continent learning about popular foods and places to visit.

Start by looking at a map of the continent and talking about some of the foods that are native to the region.

I also like to explore places that are beautiful and interesting. You can do all of this with Travel God’s World Cookbook: maps, flags, info about each continent, places to visit list, foods to try list, and recipes!

North America

Canada and the USA are huge countries that take up all the space in the third largest continent. Though Central America is considered part of North America, I’m going to talk about Central America separately.

Places to Visit

* Niagara Falls

* Rockies (in US and Canada)

* Nortre-Dame Basilica

* Grand Canyon

* Pike’s Peak

* Yellowstone National Park

* Mount Rushmore

* Kennedy Space Center

Foods to Try:

* Maple Syrup

* Tourtiere (beef and meat pie)

* Poutine (fries covered in gravey and cheese curds)

* Grits

* Hamburgers

* Fried Chicken

* Apple Pie

Central America

Mexico, El Salvadore, Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, Honduras, Guatamala, and Nicaragua make up Central America.

Beautiful beaches, hot deserts, and majestic mountains make it a lovely place to explore.

Places to Visit:

* Totihuacan (pyramids)

* Guanajuato

* Acapulco

* Ruta de las Flores

* Lake Ilopango (lake in a volcano crater)

* Tazumal (Mayan ruins)

* Snorkle off Caye Caulker Island

* Rio Celeste Waterfall

Foods to Try:

* Tamales

* Tostados

* Enchiladas

* Pupasas

* Yuca Frita

* Tres Leches Cake

Caribbean

The Caribbean is filled with tropical islands like St. Lucia, Curacao, Bahamas, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Aruba, Barbados, Grenada, Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

Places to Visit:

* The Beaches

* Historic Churches

* Gardens

* Plantation Museums

Foods to Try:

* Conch

* Mango Chutney

* Coconut Rice

* Breadfruit

* Plantains

* Sugar cakes

* Pina Colada

South America

Twelve nations make up South America and each has its own flavor and food.

Places to Visit:

* Angels Falls

* Igauzu Falls

* Christ the Redeemer Statue overlooking Rio De Janeiro

* Amazon Rainforest

* Cathedrals

* Monestaries

* Colonial Towns

* Cachu Picchu (Inca ruins)

Amazing History of Flight

In “Amazing History of Flight,” Episode, #139, Meredith Curtis introduces you to the amazing history of flight! Aviation history is thrilling. Meredith touches on some of the highlights and the men who risked their lives because they believed they could somehow fly. Unit study, delight-directed suggestions given too!

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Each time I fly, I’m overwhelmed by the miracle of flight—that we can soar through the air on a huge heavy plane!

Aviation history is thrilling. I want to dive into every detail! Instead, I’ll just touch on some of the highlights from early flight adventures. I’m hoping this will inspire your family to explore more!

Chinese Kites

A thousand years before Jesus was born, the Chinese people invented kites. They flew on their kites to spy on enemy troops.

Monk Oliver Breaks His Legs

A thousand years after Jesus’ birth, Benedictine Monk Oliver jumps from his Abbey with the aid of wings. After a very brief flight, he falls and breaks his legs.

Marco Polo Observes Humans Flying on Kites

When Marco Polo visited China, he was amazed to see huge kites carrying people!

Leonardo Designs Flying Machines

Leonardo Da Vinci draws a flying machine after studying bird wings.

Hezarfen Celebi Leaps & Lands

In Turkey, Hezarfen Celebi jumps from a tower and flies, landing in the market place of Scutari.

Model Hot Air Balloon

In Portugal, Father Bartolomeu de Gusmao creates a model of a hot air balloon. Then, he demonstrates how it works to King John V in 1709.

First Hot Air Balloon Rides

The Montgolfier brothers, Joseph and Jacques, create a hot air balloon in 1783. The have 3 successful flights: with human passengers, with animal passengers, and unmanned. The balloon is powered by burning wood.

The next year, the Montgolfier brothers fly in their hot air balloon with 6 passengers. Hot air balloons become popular!

Andre Parachutes Out of a Balloon

In 1787, Andre Jacques Garnerin leaps from a hot air balloon 2,000 feet in the air. Lucky for him, he is wearing a newly-invented parachute.

Sir George Cayley Builds a Glider

In 1799, Sir George Caylay of England created a design of a fixed-wing aircraft. 5 years later, he built and the first successful model glider.

In 1852, Sir George and his grandson George John Cayley completed a large glider that flew an adult.

Sir George Cayley was one of the first people to understand and identify weight, lift, drag, and thrust. He is considered the Father of Aviation.

Clement Flies a Steam-Powered Monoplane

In 1890, Clement Ader flew a steam-powered 1-wing plane a distance of 160 feet outside of Paris.

Otto Lilienthal

Otto Lilienthal enjoys several glider flights in the summer of 1891. These flights were observed to be safe and repeatable. People began to see gliding in a different light.

Over the next few years, he improved his designs. Unfortunately, he died in 1896 in a glider accident.

Zeppelin Airships

In 1900, the airship Zeppelin takes her first flight.

Wright Brothers

In 1892, the Orville and Wilbur Wright open a bicycle shop. However, their hearts are on flight. In 1900, the brothers took their first glider flight. In 1902, they modified their glider to make it more flyable.

On December 17, 1903,

My Favorite Founding Mothers & Fathers

In “My Favorite Founding Mothers & Fathers,” Episode, #138, Meredith Curtis introduces you to the Christian Freedom Fighters of old. The American Revolution was won by freedom-loving patriots who resisted tyranny after decades of patient negotiating. They worked hard, loved their families, read their Bibles, went to church, and poured their lives into a cause bigger than themselves. Are you ready to meet a few of these amazing men and women?

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

The American Revolution was won by freedom-loving patriots who resisted tyranny after decades of patient negotiating. They worked hard, loved their families, read their Bibles went to church, and poured their lives into a cause bigger than themselves. Let’s meet just a few of these amazing men and women.

First the Founding Mothers.

Abigail Adams

Wife of Founding Father John Adams, Abigail influenced her husband with wise counsel throughout his political career through letters and conversations. She took an active role in politics at her husband’s side.

Martha Washington

She was married to Founding Father George Washington. Though she was very shy, Martha was a lovely hostess and homemaker. She visited her husband during the Revolutionary War and served at his side in politics. First First Lady!

Eliza Lucas Pinckney

A botanist, Eliza experimented with growing indigo in South Carolina and shared her research with other farmers. Eliza’s husband and sons were all involved in the American Revolution.

Mary Ludwig Hays

Molly Pitcher brought water to the soldiers and fought beside her husband in the Battle of Monmouth.

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton

Deeply devoted to Jesus and married to Alexander Hamilton who she helped with his political writings, Mrs. Hamilton spend the remaining years of her life after Alexander died, directing an orphanage.

Dolley Madison

A bubbly extrovert, Dolley married the shy James Madison and helped to make her husband popular. She saved artwork and furnishings when the British burned the White House down during the War of 1812.

Now for the Founding Fathers.

Patrick Henry

Fiery speaker, governor of Virginia, US Representative, and father of 17 children, Patrick was a devout follower of Jesus Christ. He is considered the Father of the Bill of Rights and is remembered for his persuasive “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech.

George Washington

Remembered as General Washington and President Washington, yet his favorite roles were as husband, father, grandfather, and farmer at his beloved Mt. Vernon. He experienced God’s incredible protection in battle.

John Hancock

A business owner who became involved with Sam Adams and then the Sons of Liberty. He served in the First Continental Congress and as President of the Second Continental Congress. He served as governor of Massachusetts for nine terms, but is remembered best for his fancy signature at the bottom of the Declaration of Independence.

Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams was a fire ball with strong opinions about liberty. He served in the First Continental Congress, helped to draft the Articles of Confederation, and served in Massachusetts as President of MA Senate, Lt. Governor, and Governor.

John Quincy Adams

John served his famous father during the American Revolution starting at age 14.

30 Creative Gift Ideas Dad Will Love This Father's Day

In “30 Creative Gift Ideas Dad Will Love this Father’s Day,” Episode, #137, Meredith Curtis acknowledges that homeschool dads are amazing. Sometimes it can be hard to think of creative ways to let Dad know how much we appreciate him. Don’t worry Meredith has 30 different ideas—there’s one that will work for your father. You will love these ideas! And so will Dad!

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Homeschool dads are the best! They work so hard and sacrifice so much for their wives and children. Father’s Day is a great time to let Dad know how much he means to you. Here are some fun creative ideas. One of these will make his day!

Rent His Dream Car

Get Tickets to a Game

Hire Someone to Mow the Lawn for a Month

Make 7 Favorite Desserts: one for Each Night of the Week

Go Fishing or Hunting Together

Go To A Car Show

Get Him an Introductory Flight Lesson

Go Sky Diving

Interview Dad about His Childhood and watch the Videos together

Invent New Cereals (Add ingredients to plain cereals and see who comes up with the best cereal)

Make Dad a Playlist of Dad songs

Go Bowling

Play Horseshoes in the Back Yard

Binge-Watch Marvel Movies

Go-Karting or Bumper Cars or Bumper Boats

Paintball or Airsoft

Go Boating or Deep Sea Fishing

Hiking or Kayaking

Give Dad a Backrub

Golf or Miniature Golf

Wash the Car & Detail the Inside

Serve Him Breakfast in Bed

Do His Chores for a Week

Go to an Escape Room

Rock Climb

Tell Dad Jokes or Watch Video of Dad Jokes

Your Love & Respect

 

Sign up for our Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks. You can sign up here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

 

How-to-Homeschool Books if you want to learn more about homeschooling or plan to homeschool

Build Virtuous Habits & Patterns thru Homeschooling

In “Build Virtuous Habits & Patterns thru Homeschooling,” Episode, #136, Meredith Curtis gives some practical reality to what Charlotte Mason calls “Patterns & Habits” by zeroing in on 6 character traits (humility/obediene and honor/industriousness/diligence and faithfulness/greeting/service). She gives practical tips and wisdom so that you can use habits and patterns to build these virtues into your children’s hearts and lives. How do you build habits that turn into patterns of living anyhow? Don’t worry! Meredith will show you how!

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

How to we instill virtues through habits and patterns?

Model

Scripture Memorization

Role playing/training

Correction

Try, fail, redo, try, succeed, rejoice

Proactive opportunities

Reward

Humility

God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

A teachable heart starts with humility. “I have something to learn and you have something valuable to teach me.”

How to model humility and maintain authority.

Obedience/Honor

Obey immediately, completely, and cheerfully

How children treat parents is how they will respond to God

Obedience Game

Holidays (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, others)

Thank parents/spouse for what they do

Hard Work

The Lord commends hard work and declares that all hard work brings a profit.

Idle hands are the devil’s workshop

How screen time sucks our children’s drive and ambition out

Schoolwork

Chores

Reward hard work

Diligence/Faithfulness

But when the Son of Man returns, will he find faith (faithfulness) on the earth?

He who is faithful in little is faithful in much

Do your best in everything. Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as if working for the Lord

Schoolwork, making bed, clearing plate from table, putting away what you get out, chores

Teach the joy of completion with easy tasks with occasional challenges

Reward faithfulness & diligence with praise and awards

Greeting

Greet one another.

Greeting communicates love and value. Place high value on others

Manners/etiquette

Teach to greet if shy

Greet when you arrive and when others arrive

Always say goodby and “thank you for having me”

Service

You are not the center of the universe

J.O.Y.

Joy of giving and serving

Notice needs

Play the “Let’s discover needs” game

Serve in small ways and grow

Help carry diaper bag/help carry others’ diaper bags/bring in groceries/carry boxes

Bear your own burden and help others bear their burdens

Talk about how fun it was to serve

DON’T complain—complaining saps the joy out of serving!

Sign up for our Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks. You can sign up here.

 

 

 

Hope for the Mom of a Wayward Child

In “Hope for the Mom of a Wayward Child,” Episode, #135, Meredith Curtis brings encouragement for moms who are desperately praying for their child to come back to Christ. She shares stories from church history and Scripture of mothers who have been in that situation and how they played a role in their child’s return to God. Pointing us to the One who loves our children more than we do, Meredith shows how God’s grace leaves the 99 to seek and save those who wander away, as well as the role that strategic prayer plays.

 

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

The shocking conversation after my talk at a homeschool support group meeting.

A Mother’s Heart & Plans

Train a child in the way they should go….These words have I hidden in my heart….the fear and instruction of the Lord….Good News!

Organic baby food…family devotions….ministry at church….prayer & fasting….loving God together….Bible stories….Sunday school

Hijacked!

Questions or Sin or Heartache or Rebellion or Addition or Depression leading to turning their back on Jesus and His Word.

A generation gone astray.

Is faith gone? Will they get out of the pit they have fallen into? Will they stop believing lies?

Monica

Algeria 300s. Unfaithful husband with violent temper.

Her daughter was a devoted Christian, but Augustine. Wayward, drunken, false religion (Persian & later Plato philosophy), sexual immorality, living with a woman for 15 years.

“The child of these tears shall never perish.”

Ambrose in Milan

17 years of prayer & fasting while wholeheartedly serving God

Jochobed

Tribe of Levi. “Glory of God”

3 Children: Moses leader of Israel, Aaron first high priest, Mariam worship leader/songwriter

Multiply. Slavery. Midwives. Throw baby boys into the Nile.

Exodus 2:2-4: “And the woman conceived and gave birth to a son; and when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket and covered it with tar and pitch. Then she put the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. And his sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him.”

Hebrews 11:23 “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”

Wisdom. Courage. Trust.

Instead of throwing him into the Nile to his death, she placed him in the Nile within a protective basket.

Think of all the ways her plan can go wrong.

Jochebed is paid by the princess to nurse her baby. When he is weaned, she brings him to the princess.

Murderer. Fugitive. Pharoah wants to kill him. Escapes to Midian.

80 years/probably after her death

Annie

6 children. Slowly over decades 4 come to Christ.

Unwavering faith/prayer while wholeheartedly serving God until death.

Prayer & Fasting in Faith

Always pray and never give up! Stand in faith that the God who called you to the task of raising children for Him will pour out grace and mercy to rescue your child even if you do not live to see Him do it.

Fasting.

How to pray.