Finish Well

Easy DIY 5-Year Homeschool High School Flexible Plan

In “Easy DIY 5-Year Homeschool High School Flexible Plan” episode #114, Meredith Curtis shares easy ways to plan ahead and take advantage of educational opportunities for your teens to get every high school credit possible and make sure the core classes are completed by graduation. Meredith explains that education is a gift and helps you define what gift you want to give your teen, when you should start planning, and how to make and keep the plan flexible. Breathe easier through the high school years with a plan that is purposeful, proactive, and easy to tweak.

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

 

 

 

 

Show Notes

You can homeschool high school! Really! You can do it!

I decided to make a 5-year plan instead of a 4-year plan for high school from 8th-12th grade.

* some courses you can use on their transcripts from 8th grade so I thought it would be good to include that in our plan

* gives us more time and flexibility to get everything done we want to accomplish

What Do You Want to Give Your Children?

Education is a gift.

Gift of a Christ-centered, well-rounded education that will bear good fruit in their lives for years to come.

Think of things you want to teach your teen in high school that will bless them in years to come.

Make a list of your dreams for your son or daughter.

What gift of education do you want to give them?

My list for each child includes things that are the same and things that are unique for each child.

* Read Communist Manifesto in high school so that they can understand the socialist agenda in American universities and colleges

* Study worldviews so that they can recognize the different worldviews that are predominate in our culture

* Memorize God's Word, applying it to all of lifeRead classic books that have changed the world

* Use Bible study tools

* Make and live on a budget

* Understand physics, chemistry, and oceanography

* Grow in their gifting of: ​  (fill in the blank)

Don’t just shove a bunch of classes at them. Choose courses that will benefit them for life and lay a solid educational foundation if they will be going on to college.

What Does Your Teen Want to Learn?

Now it's your teen's turn.

What do they want to learn in high school?

Some of them may have a career goal in mind.

Others may have a dream of playing sports at a particular college.

When Should You Start Planning?

Summer before 7th or 8th grade

Build confidence by:

Reading a few books on homeschooling the high school student

Talk to other moms who have (or are!) successfully homeschooling teenagers. Other homeschooling moms can lead you by the hand and help you through the questions and decisions.

Make It Flexible

I sit down and make a five-year flexible plan for each child. This way you can take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Realize that your plan will change over the years, but it is good to have a rough idea of what you want to accomplish.

What is Your Goal?

I keep a folder for each child's homeschool plan on my computer with a high school plan file. Each year, I adapt the plan as opportunities arise for them to take var...

7 Ways to Save Big on Homeschool Curriculum

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

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

Show Notes

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

You can do both! Learn how today!

Plan Ahead

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

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

Explore Curriculum You Like

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

Is it attractive to me? To my children?

Does it look easy to use?

Is it from a Christian worldview?

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

E-book or Print Version

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

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

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

Use Freebies to Explore Curriculum or a Publisher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Homeschool Giveaways: https://homeschoolgiveaways.com/

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

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

Don’t forget you are gathering information to decide what curriculum to use with your children.

Motherhood Perfection Syndrome Myth Busters

In “Motherhood Perfection Syndrome Myth Busters?” episode #112, Meredith Curtis exposes lies moms believe that define who they are with a false narrative. For each lie, Meredith reveals the truth that brings freedom! Moms don’t have to struggle under the weight of constantly striving but never measuring up. In Christ, there is grace to walk out your calling with poise, grace, and dignity. Be encouraged as you listen to this podcast!

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

Show Notes

Motherhood has a way of shaping and defining us. It reveals the virtues and flaws in our character. It forces us to run to Jesus for help, wisdom, and strength.

I talk to so many mothers who feel discouraged and weary. They long to be perfect mothers and often believe lies about themselves, their children, and their ability to parent.

Jesus has overcome the lies of the enemy!

With those truths in mind, let's examine some of the lies that have weighed you down and hindered your ability to mother the precious treasures God has given you.

I’m the Wrong Person to Raise this Child

Yes, every Mom has wondered if God made a mistake. Maybe the child is brilliant and you are just average in intelligence. Maybe the child is musically gifted and you can't even clap in time with music. Maybe the child is so strong-willed and you are weary from disciplining him.

​God chose you!

Two examples from Scripture that I want to share with you: Abraham and Esther.

The Lord also chose you to raise this child.

I’m Ruining My Kids

All Moms feel this way at some point. They may be struggling with anger or sadness and taking it out on the children.

The sad truth is that you will blow it and make many mistakes.

Here's another truth: It's not all about you. God is bigger than your flaws and shortcomings. He will actually pour out grace in your weakness and turn everything around for good. Even though you will never be a perfect Mom, you will not ruin your children if you look to Jesus. Even the hurts can open our child's eyes to see that they need a perfect parent.

In mothering, as we surrender to Him, he will love and train through us. You see, children don't need perfect parents, they need parents who look to Jesus.

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me" (II Corinthians 12:9 NASB).

If I Love My Children, They Will Love Me Back & Meet My Emotional Needs

Let me just be honest here. Your children don't know how to love, yet. They are learning to love from the way you love them unconditionally. Their emotions run hot and cold.

You must be the stable one.

Moms can't look for children to meet their emotional needs. Motherhood is a one-way street.

Need some help in that department? I know someone who loved and loved and loved before His children finally loved Him back. He can love through you.

"We love because he first loved us" (I John 4:19 NASB).

I Can’t Control My Children without Raising my Voice

It can feel that we have more power when our voice is loud, but it is really the opposite.

If children don't obey immediately then give a gentle consequence. When you address disobedience quickly,

9 Creative Ways To Turn Covid-19 Into An Out-Of-The-Box Learning Adventure

In “9 Creative Ways to Turn Covid-19 into an Out-of-the-Box Learning Adventure” episode #111, Meredith Curtis takes a look at how exciting it is to live through a time that you will be telling your grandchildren about. It’s a great teaching/learning opportunity. Meredith shares 9 creative ideas to explore, investigate, and research all aspects of Covid19 and have fun doing it!  Learn history the fun way!

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Being World Changers, Raising World Changers!

 

Show Notes

Do you realize that we are living through a time that will be written about in history books?

We will be telling stories from 2020 to our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

That is exciting stuff! So, I was thinking it would be awesome to use this time to have some out-of-the-box homeschool learning adventures. I came up with 9 ideas!

Time Capsule

Create a time capsule with the whole family. You can bury it in the back yard or tuck it away in a hidden place, agreeing to open it again in a certain number of years (10, 20, 30).

Here are some things you might include:

* Photos of family, pets, lockdown, grocery stores, streets

* Journal of this time

* Clippings from newspapers or magazines

* artwork created by family members

* recordings by family members

* Letter from each family member to future self

* Mask

* Pair of Gloves

* CDC Poster

* Toy

* DVD

* Clothing

Journal

Keep a journal throughout the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. You don't have to write every day. Write about things that are happened in your home and current events.

News Reporting

Become a news reporter and family news team. Role play different key figures in the worldwide pandemic while one family member interviews them. Be sure to capture it all on videotape.

Unit Study

You can do a unit study on Covid-19. There is so much to cover!

* Faith--passages on God's protection & healing (e.g. Psalm 91, Psalm 103), Churches streaming services, benevolence, national days of fasting & prayer

* Anatomy--Respiratory System, Pneumonia

* Health --handwashing, germs, social distancing, nutrition, healthy habits, vaccines

* Machines--Ventilators

* Business/Money --businesses that are stepping up--who are they and what are they doing

* Economy--stock market, unemployment, stimulus package

* Government--what state and local leaders and agencies are doing to fight Covid-19. How are Constitutional rights being protected, CDC, FDA

* Careers--medical, trucking, grocery stores, banking,

* Geography--countries and states unique experience with Covid-19

* Art --Covid-19 Posters

* Homemaking--sewing masks

* Other--Army Corps of Engineers

Scrapbook

Make a scrapbook on Covid-19 with fancy scissors, cardstock, and stickers. Include lots of photos and news clippings. Be sure to include photos of you face-timing friends and relatives. And don't forget to write captions under all the photos.

Picture Book

Create a picture book for younger children that explains what the coronavirus is, how to stay healthy, what happened around the world, or how your family experienced the pandemic.

Dictionary

Create your own dictionary of Covid-19-related words like epidemic, pandemic,

Meaningful & Fun Ways to Celebrate Easter at Home

In “Meaningful & Fun Ways to Celebrate Easter at Home” episode #110, Meredith Curtis answers the questions you have about how to celebrate this significant Christian celebration without gathering with other believers in person to rejoice. She will give you Scripture, worship, prayer, hands-on activities, read alouds, and movie ideas to make this Easter Week the most meaningful ever!

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Being World Changers, Raising World Changers!

 

Show Notes

Coronavirus lockdown gives us a challenge that we have never faced before.

Easter is the high holy day of Christendom!

Easter Week

Mary anoints Jesus for Burial

Palm Sunday

Jesus Clears the Temple

Passover/Communion/Jesus washes feet

Prayer in the Garden

Arrest/Trail

Crucifixion

Burial

Resurrection

The Church Celebrates!

How God’s People Celebrate: Extra services, dramas, processions, parades, sunrise services

How to celebrate with the larger Body of Christ:

Streaming your local church

Streaming another local church

If you don’t have a home church of your church isn’t streaming, please feel free to join us for our live stream each Sunday during the lockdown at 10 a.m. You can watch us here: Powerline Church. https://www.facebook.com/PowerlineChurchFL/

Devotions

Scriptures to Read each Day can be found in our Easter Devotions:

4 Gospels tell the story!

Jesus Clears the Temple

Jesus was disgusted to see the corrupt money changers in His temple. He overturned their tables in righteous anger. Afterward, He healed the blind and lame before returning to Bethany for the night.

House of Prayer/Court of the Gentiles vs. Shopping Mall

Cleaning Hearts

Cleaning Rooms

Watch Gospel of John

Passover/Communion

Story of Passover from Exodus

Would you like to celebrate the Passover & Learn more about it? https://jewsforjesus.org/for-congregations/christ-in-the-passover

The Last Supper

Bread of Life/Wine is His Blood

Do this in remembrance of me!

Crafts & Activities: Elijah Cup, Bake Bread, Family Communion

Watch 10 Commandments

Prayer in the Garden

Jesus prays in the Garden for the church (John 17) and for the cup to be taken away; yet not His will, but His Father’s

All kinds of flower, plant crafts, Easter wreath

Try to pray together for one hour.

Arrest & Trial

Jesus is betrayed by Judas and is taken away to be tried by the Sanhedrin and then Roman courts.

Peter denies Jesus as the sun is coming up. Jesus is beaten and led off to be crucified.

Easter Egg Learning Activity

Crucifixion

Events of His death—forgiving criminal, It is finished, earthquake, temple curtain torn in 2.

Act out the Easter Week story with robes and towels

Watch Passion (for older children only)

Burial

He is buried in a rich man’s tomb, fulfilling prophecy

Super-Hero Patrick! Life Lessons from Ancient History

In “Super-Hero Patrick! Life Lessons from Ancient History” episode #109, Meredith Curtis introduces you to a Super-Hero of old: St. Patrick of Briton who served the Lord as a missionary in Ireland, converting most of the island to the Christian faith. Pirates, kidnapping, escape, and years of training prepared him for his Irish ministry where he faced down evil powers with confidence in the Lord! You will love his story of faith, courage, and victory!

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Being World Changers, Raising World Changers!

 

Show Notes

Today we say super-hero. In the olden times we called them saint.

St. Patrick is truly a super-hero!

Christian Home

Father Calpomius—civil magistrate, tax collector, church deacon

Wealth

Patrick not walking with God like his parents

Pirates & Kidnapping

Vacation villa by the sea

Age 16

Life as a Slave

Sold in Ireland to a Druid tribal chieftan

Shepherded flocks

Gave heart to Christ—“holy boy”

Escape

Dream

22 years—traveled 200 miles to coast

Ran out of food but Patrick prayed

Freedom & Surrender & Training

Home to Britain

Studied to be Priest then Bishop

Called to A Dark Place

Dream of Irish asking him to come

A Showdown Like Elijah

433 AD vernal equinox same day as Easter—started an illegal bonfire

Dragged before Druid council—power encounter!

The Fruit of His Ministry

Ireland strongly Christian nation

A story of the faithfulness and compassion of God

Life Lesson

God allows trials to remove the dross and prepare us for the call on our life

The Lord loves sinners and puts that love in our heart

God is more powerful than the devil! His Word is true!

Sign up for our Newsletter

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

https://mailchi.mp/9221394dfca7/plpnewsletter

Example: Christ-Centered High School Curriculum

Learn about St. Patrick and other Christian super-heroes who changed the world in Celebrate Our Christian Heroes by Meredith Curtis. Or dig into God’s Word with Bible studies and one-credit high school courses.

 

7 Ways to Make Jesus Lord of Your Homeschooling

In “7 Ways to Make Jesus the Lord of Your Homeschooling” episode #108, Meredith Curtis inspires you to make Jesus Christ the center of your homeschooling. Here are tried and true ways to homeschool to the glory of God and teach your children about Jesus in a way that is life-changing. Don’t just tell your children about the Plan of Salvation, introduce them to the One Who Saves! It’s easier than you think!

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Being World Changers, Raising World Changers!

 

Show Notes

We talk about homeschooling to pass the baton of faith to our children.

How do we do that?

It starts with dedicating our home school to the Lord.

#1: Dedicate Your Home School To The Lord

Let there be a moment in time when everyone is there to dedicate your family, home, and school to the Lord.

Each year and each day dedicate your homeschooling adventure to the Lord.

#2: Make It Clear That Jesus is In Charge of Your Home & School

Everyone should know that Jesus is in charge.

Seek His will, His plan.

Jesus is With us and Loves us.

#3: Let Scripture Fill Your Days & Teaching

Read the Bible to start each day.

Apply Scripture to situations and attitudes.

Memorize Scripture.

Talk about Scripture passages & Biblical principles.

Apologetics & Worldview Training.

#4: Start With Prayer & Keep It Going

Open each day with prayer.

Pray whenever you need help—a math problem is too hard, something is lost, someone is sad, the kids are arguing.

Ask God for His plans. What should you teach? How should you teach? What curriculum should you use?

#5: Teach From a Christian Worldview

Use books and textbooks that affirm the Word of God, not contradict it, especially in the early years.

When something does mention things that contradict the Word of God or leave things out, talk about it

* Evolution vs Creation

* Church as the center of life in Colonial times, Middle Ages, 1800s, etc.

* Literary characters making poor choices or treating people badly, especially if they are portrayed as Christians

* Timelines

#6: Look For God’s Perspective On Everything

Whether you are breaking up an argument or talking about Ancient Civilizations, wonder aloud how God sees things. What is His Perspective.

#7: Enjoy God’s Love

The Christian life is fun because we are lavished with love.

When you sin repent and receive forgiveness joyfully.

Imitate your Father in Heaven in loving your children. Be kind, forgiving, and tender-hearted.

Sign up for our Newsletter

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

https://mailchi.mp/9221394dfca7/plpnewsletter

Example: Christ-Centered High School Curriculum

7 Steps to Create Your Own High School Classes with Living Books

In “7 Steps to Create Your Own High School Classes with Living Books” episode #107, Meredith Curtis shares how she created all of her children’s high school classes. She began the process by listing all the books she wanted her daughter to read. From there, she went on to think about life skills, academic skills, and virtues she longed to see in her son and daughters. Finally, she packaged everything in an easy way where teens could keep their own records.

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Being World Changers, Raising World Changers!

 

 

 

 

 

Show Notes

It was time for high school and up to that point we had enjoyed a lot of freedom and creativity in our home school. Living books were at the center of our curriculum. When we used textbooks, we read them aloud together.

Could we carry on to high school?

Yes!

Here’s what I did starting when my oldest daughter was in 7th grade. I thought ahead.

Step #1: Creating High School Classes Begins with Prayer

Surrender my children and their high school education to the Lord.

Ask for wisdom and His plan in course creation.

Step #2: Creating High School Classes Requires Book Lists

I made a list of all the books I wanted my teens to write in high school

Classic Literature: Tale of Two Cities, Count of Monte Cristo 

Great Works: Mere Christianity, Wealth of the Nations

Inspirational: God’s Smuggler, Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life

Step#3: Crossing the Finish Line Lists

I also took time to prayerfully consider what virtues, values, habits, academic skills, workforce skills, and spiritual disciplines I wanted to see in their lives

Virtues/Habits/Values: hard work, kindness, servant’s heart,

Academic Skills: essays, research, reading at college level, analysis, advanced mathematics,

Practical/Work/Community/Church Skills: leadership, interview, resume, work with a team

Spiritual Disciplines: Quiet Times, serving at church, evangelize, defend the faith

Relational Wisdom: Purpose dating or courtship, honoring parents, building wholesome friendships.

Step #4: Dividing up Books

I divided my books into different categories which became classes.

Wealth of the Nations, Larry Burkett’s economic books, and Communist Manifesto went into the economics class.

Pride and Prejudice, Tale of Two Cities, and The Mysterious Affair at Styles went into British Literature.

Bondage Breaker, Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life, and From Prison to Praise became part of a Christianity Basics course (God’s Girls 101: Grow in Christ and Real Men 101: Godly Manhood).

The Hidden Art of Homemaking became the foundation of my homemaking course.

Understanding the Times was the main book in our worldview class.

Soon all my books were divided up.

Step #5: Creating High School Classes Requires Creating Assignments

Next, I created assignments that were practical and cultivating academic and life skills.

* Essays

* Life Prep e.g. Apartment Project, Mother’s Helper, Change the Oil

* Interviews to Articles

* Book Club

* Speeches

Step #6: Laying It Out for Quick Read & Check Off

Then I laid out the course for over a year and produced handy-dandy check-off sheets.

7 Reasons I Teach Newspaper Reporting In Middle School

In “7 Reasons I Teach Newspaper Reporting in Middle School,” episode #106, Meredith Curtis shares how she hones in our children’s writing before they start high school by teaching them to write like reporters. Not only do they learn to write clearly and concisely, they have fun putting together a newspaper and write with a purpose—for others to read their writing. Not only that, newspapers played a huge part in the history of the United States, so studying newspaper writing, though the newspaper industry is fading away, helps children understand our past with clarity by putting on their reporter and editor hats. Getting children ready for essays, research papers, and literary analysis doesn’t have to be boring. Writing like a reporter is super-fun and so is creating your own newspaper. Be inspired to enjoy middle school English while investing in your children’s long term growth as writers.

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Being World Changers, Raising World Changers!

 

 

 

 

 

Show Notes

Common questions: “How do you teach English in middle school?” and “How do you get kids ready for high school.

One thing I do in middle school is teach my children to think like reporters.

Some time in middle school we do a newspaper writing course.

We learn to write headlines, bylines, news stories, and put together a newspaper to share with others.

How a newspaper works with editor, reporters, columnists, and business side

History of newspapers

This is really fun to do with another family or two or in a co-op setting if you don’t have a big family.

Here are the Skills I Teach: 

Reporters

Asking questions

Find way around newspaper

Lead

Who, what, where, and when in the first sentence. Why and/or how in second.

What is really happening?

What is important and what isn’t?

Headlines & Bylines

Bylines: who wrote it and where

Headlines: brief, eye-catching, make reader want to know more

Font

Editing

Editing matters because people will be reading your work

Grammar & spelling in a practical way

Editor marks

Supplemental grammar/spelling

Creating a Newspaper

So much involved from writing to editing to business side

Everyone gets a job

Everyone writes an article

Mom is publisher and possibly editor-in-chief too

Making and selling ads

Teamwork

History

Brief look at history of newspapers

American history—federalist and anti-federalist papers

Different Slant and honest about compared to today

Yellow Journalism

Fun!

Joy of creating something other people enjoy!

Joy of working together on a big project

Joy of growing as a writer

Joy of people reading your writing—writing has a purpose

English Courses

If you would like to use my English courses in your own homeschool, they are all available for sale in print at Amazon and as E-books from PowerineProd.com, PayHip, and 

9 Keys to Financial Success

In “9 Keys to Financial Success” episode #105, Meredith Curtis shares 9 financial keys that unlock blessing in the financial realm. These principles will work! No matter how young or old you are, it’s time to stop falling into financial pitfalls and start living the way God wants you to live. Meredith offers an alternative to the ways of the world so that you can manage your money in a way that honors God and can be a channel of His blessing to others.

 

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Being World Changers, Raising World Changers!

 

 

 

 

 

Show Notes

God is our Provider and He meets all of our needs. So why do we struggle so much financially?

Often, as adults, we find ourselves in a money pit that we are trying to climb out of. Teens can be starting up habits that will eventually lead to living paycheck to paycheck, always struggling.

Is there Freedom?

Yes!

Here is God’s plan!

Key #1: God Owns It All; We are Stewards

The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it. (Psalm 24:1)

All of our needs, bills, possessions, and money belong to the Lord.

Key #2: The Tithe Belongs to the Lord

“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. 11 Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes,” says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:8)

90% with God’s blessing is a whole lot more than 100% without it.

Key#3: Live Debt-Free and Love It!

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7)

The Borrower is Servant to the Lender. Debt brings stress.

Key #4: Live Below Your Means with Gratitude

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:18)

Key #5: Ask God First

We see, we want, we buy. But, is this wise? What if God wants to just give it to you or knows it isn’t your best right now. Let Him be the financial decision maker in your house.

You do not have because you do not ask God. (James 4:2)

Key #6: God Most Often Provides thru Hard Work

Though God does provide supernaturally, the most common way is through hard work!

The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. (Proverbs 21:25)

Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. (Proverbs 12:11)

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)

Key #7: Save for Future Needs

Where do you get capital to start a business? Money to send kids to college? Money for retirement? That’s right! Savings!

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)