Finish Well

In “23 Ways to Honor Mom for Sons & Daughters of All Ages” Episode #064, Meredith Curtis explains clearly why it is in our best interest to honor our parents. Meredith addresses how to forgive Moms who have inflicted hurts and pain.  She also gives 21 ways to honor your mother on special occasions and ordinary days. This show is for teens and their parents—well, really for anyone who has a Mom!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proclaiming Jesus through Bible Studies, Classes, Websites, Blogs, and Podcasts!

 

 

 

 

Show Notes

Mother’s Day. A time to honor Moms. What does that mean anyway? Does it matter?

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 go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3 NASB).

What does it mean to honor your mother after you are grown up and on your own?

What does it mean to honor your mother when you are still living in her home?

With Mother Day coming up, we think of doing special things to honor our Mommas. Here are some special things, but also things you can do any time or all the time.

Treat Her with Kindness

Gracious words, kind actions, smile

Resolve Past Hurts and Start Fresh

If nothing else, be grateful she chose Life

Forgive Her Compassionately

No one sets out to be a terrible mother.

Talk to Her Regularly

Tell her about your day and your life, For Older Moms, call once a week

Flowers

Bouquet, Plant a Garden, Potted Flowering Plant

Make a Ceramic or Plaster Imprint of Children or Grandchildren’s Hands

Beezie story

Make Her a Booklet Filled with Photos, Scriptures, & Notes

Scrapbook, Photobook, Cardstock

Cook Mom a Meal

Breakfast in Bed, Dinner by Candlelight, Lunch in the Garden, Picnic at the Park

Take Mom out for the Afternoon

Antiquing, shopping, to the movies, to a museum, to a botanical garden

Give Her a Tea Party

China teacups, lace doilies, tea sandwiches, sweet treats

Write a Poem

 

Write a Short Story with your Mom as the Main Character

 

Seek Her Wisdom

Respect Her Opinion & Ask For It

Listen to Her Stories about the Good Ole Days

Ask questions, laugh, delve deeper

Pray for Her Every Day in Your Personal Prayer Times

Ask her what she needs prayer for every so often so you can pray effectively

Tell Her One Thing She Did Right

She probably knows and cries over the things she did wrong

Take a Long Walk with Her

Around the block, at the beach

Buy Her a Bible Study

Topical, Book, Series

Buy Her a Book in Her Favorite Series or Genre

Inspirational, Biography, Mysteries, Historical Fiction, Histories

Serve Her

Rub her feet, rub her back, wash her dishes, mend some clothing, fold her laundry

Esteem Her Publicly & Privately

Speak well of her

Remember Her Gratefully

This is practice for when she is gone and you would do anything to have her back

Advance Her Legacy

If there is something wonderful to passed on to you, keep it going to the next generation

 

Great Gifts for Moms

In “The Problem with Pornography and What to Do about It” Episode #063, Meredith Curtis talks about the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about but is destroying the hearts of minds of Christians across the world. She addresses the problem with pornography and why it brings devastation. She reveals how to experience freedom and where to go for help—no matter how young or old you are. This is a problem that both parents and teens can face. Meredith also gives parents some practical advice on what to do and say if your son or daughter is indulging in, or addicted to, pornography.

 

 

 

 

Bible Studies, Christian Character Classes, and so much more!

 

 

 

 

Show Notes:

Our culture is inundated with pornography.

How Pornography has changed.

God has a beautiful plan for nudity and sex--between a husband and wife. Sex outside marriage is sin and so is lust. God commands women to dress modestly so that they will not stir up lust in the men around them.

In contrast, we are surrounded with so much pornography that we do not notice it. We watch opening scenes of favorite shows that show women dressed immodestly and pole dancing. Popular movies show nudity and sex scenes without shame. Does all of this harm us?

Yes, it does. Pornography harms its viewers, but harms our culture as well.

Sex is Removed from Love & Commitment

Our Creator designed sex as an expression of love inside a committed relationship. Instead of desire stirring up toward his wife, a man is aroused by watching a girl he doesn't know. Sex is no longer something sacred and beautiful.

"It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit," (I Thessalonians 4:3-8 NIV ©1984).

Women Lose Their Value

In pornography, women exist to please men. They have no needs, they don't get pregnant. But, that young woman that is being lusted after is someone's daughter. She is made in the image of God and has value. She is not an object to desire, but a woman to be loved and cherished.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church," (Ephesians 5:25-29 NIV ©1984).

Women Try to Be Pornography

As women lose their value in our culture, the only way young girls believe they can get attention from boys is to be pornography. As a result, young girls and older ladies wear skimpy, tight clothing designed to stir up lust in guys. However, God’s word mentions modesty and propriety.

"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety,"(I Timothy 2:9a NIV ©1984).

Pornography is Addiction

In "How to Enjoy History" Episode #062, Meredith Curtis reveals secrets to parents and teens that will make history thrilling and fun instead of dull and dreary. She shares how to use your hobbies and interests as a way to delve into the past so that you can connect with history. She also paints a picture for you of God’s Grand Story beginning with Creation. Finally, Meredith shares tips to help you remember people, places, and events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bringing fun history into your homeschooling!

 

 

 

 

Show Notes:

Argh! History!

Or maybe you like history, but you find it hard to keep track of everything in your mind, it’s hard to remember stuff.

Maybe your kids love history and you don’t, but you have to teach them.

Or maybe you love history and you want your teens and kids to love it, too.

History is not just a bunch of dry, boring facts.

History is a Grand Story written by God Himself with a beginning, focal point, and an end.

Creation………the Cross……..Jesus’ Return/New Heaven and New Earth

People who enjoy history, look for the story and the stories.

Like investigative reporters they want to know Who? What? When? Where? Why? And How?

How to Connect to History

Cody hates history, but knows all the football stats from the last 50 years.

Brittany hates history, but loves dressing retro.

Nate hates history, but loves vintage cars.

Mrs. Johnson hates teaching history, but she decorates country-style.

Let me tell you a secret. All four of these people enjoy history—they just don’t know it.

Connections Explained.

What is Your Connection to the Past?

Family Heritage & Stories

Cars, trucks, boats

Sports: football, baseball, basketball, soccer, car racing

Are you a foodie?

Ways to Look at History

Focus on…

* Fashion

* Sports, or a Sport

* Music

* Art

* Architecture

* Wars & Battles

* Philosophy

* Economics

* Faith

* Literature

* Historical Fiction

* Writing

* Poetry

* Science

Tips to Remember Historical People, Places, & Events

Maps & Photos

Timelines

Dates we Memorize:

Circa 4000 BC (general)/Circa 4174 God Creates the World!

Circa 2500 BC (general)/Circa 2538 The Flood

Circa 2100 BC (2166) Abraham—the nation of Israel is born!

Circa 1000 BC King David of Israel

Circa 325 BC Alexander the Great conquers the entire civilized world

Circa 4 BC Jesus is Born in Bethlehem

313 Edict of Milan (Emperor Constantine makes Christianity legal in the Roman Empire)

476 Fall of the Roman Empire

1066 William of Normandy Invades England—Battle of Hastings

1215 King John of England is forced to sign the Magna Charta

1492 Columbus sails for the Indies and finds the New World

1517 Martin Luther nails the “95 Theses” to the Wittenburg Door—Reformation begins

1607 English Settlement at Jamestown

1620 Pilgrims Land at Plymouth

1624 Dutch Settle New York

1628 Massachusetts Bay Colony founded

1776 Declaration of Independence signed, declares freedom from England

1861-1865 War Between the States—Slavery is finally abolished!

1914 World War I begins

In “The Cross has the Final Word” Episode #061, Meredith Curtis gives a solution for guilt, shame, addiction, and self-loathing. She explains what happened on the cross that affects your life today. She also answers the question: “What on earth does it mean that I have been crucified with Christ and He lives in me and that the life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me”? This podcast will have you jumping for joy! And you will understand and enjoy Good Friday and Easter so much more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Easter gift to you:

Download for free here: http://www.joyfulandsuccessfulhomeschooling.com/books/free-e-book-gifts/

 

Show Notes:

Whether you are a teen or a parent or a homeschool grad, this show is for you!

Do you struggle with guilt and condemnation?

Do you compare yourself to others and feel like you don’t measure up?

Do you sing songs about Jesus, yet not feel any kind of emotion?

Do you think it’s hard to live the Christian life?

One of my new favorite songs is by Cody Carnes, who is married to Kari Jobe by the way.

The cross has the final word

The cross has the final word

Sorrow may come in the darkest night

But the cross has the final word

There's nothing stronger, nothing higher

There's nothing greater than the name of Jesus

All the honor, all the power

All the glory to the name of Jesus

The cross has the final word

The cross has the final word

Evil may put up its strongest fight

But the cross has the final word

There's nothing stronger, nothing higher

Nothing greater than the name of Jesus

All the honor, all the power

All the glory to the name of Jesus

The cross has the final word

The cross has the final word

The Savior has come with the morning light

The cross has the final word

What is that final word?

Well, let’s talk about the cross and how it impacts your life today.

The Sin Problem

Holiness of God

Nature of God vs. Nature of Sin

Addiction to Sin

Consequences of Sin

The Soul that Sins will Die

The Heart of God

God’s Love & Compassion

Choosing to Satisfy His Own Wrath with His Own Son

Loving His Enemies

The Decision of Christ

Do the Will of the Father

Give Up His Life

Take On the Sins of the Whole World

Experience the Wrath of God.

“It is Finished”

The Triumph & Victory of Christ

Death Defeated

Wages of Sin Paid

Power of Sin Broken

Resurrection Power

The Power of the Cross

We died with Christ

Our sinful nature is dead!

It is against our nature to sin.

When we sin, we can confess our sin and receive forgiveness.

The Christian life is about surrender; not effort.

Grace saved us & Grace enables us to live for Him.

The Cross’s Final Word

You are Forgiven!

Your Debt is Paid!

You are Free from Sin!

You have an Advocate with the Father!

In “7 Benefits of Reading Classics” Episode #060, Meredith Curtis inspires you to read classics by explaining how enjoying great literature and living books will benefit your heart, mind, and life. She will give you tips on how to choose great books to pull off the shelf and treasure for a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s sponsor is Powerline Productions. Powerline Productions wants to equip you to be a world changer and raise world changers. They offer curriculum, unit studies, high school courses, Bible studies, cookbooks, and How-to-Homeschool books. Find them at PowerlineProd.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Show Notes:

Why I Urge You to Read

I grew up surrounded by “bookophiles.”

I loved to read! In high school, I made a list of classics to read. When I was experiencing pregnancy sickness I finally read the Russians. (tip for Russian literature—list names on a notecard.)

Read the books the historians write about and talk about. E.G. Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Why Should Your Read Old Books instead of Just Books Written in the late 20th and 21st Century?

Books have been dumbed down.

Many adults would have trouble reading children’s books written in 1800s and early 1900s.

7 Benefits of Reading Classics

* Reading classics will make you smarter and strengthen your ability to think and make logical conclusions. A brain workout, flex your brain muscles. Improve your comprehension.

* Reading classics will improve your vocabulary. It will expose you to a richer, more intellectual vocabulary. In addition, there is more description, conversation, and character development.

* Reading classics will increase your attention span. Blogs are shorter. Commercials are shorter. Movie scenes are shorter. Trains our brain to focus for long periods of time.

* Reading classic books will help you understand literary references that used to go over your head. “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”

* Reading classics will have a deeper understanding of history with its culture, cultural context, beliefs, and values. Even historical fiction often puts values of today into the story set in yesterday.

* Reading classic books will develop your character and compassion. Times may change, but human nature and the problems people face don’t change. There is nothing new under the sun. Identifying with people from different times and places will stretch your heart.

* Reading classics will bring joy to your life. Everyone loves a good story. Everyone loves an intellectual challenge. Whether you are reading literature or living books, there is nothing like the pleasure of a good book.

Where Can I find classics to read?

Boy do I have reading lists for you! Check our reading lists for every age imaginable: http://www.joyfulandsuccessfulhomeschooling.

In “A Hero For All Times?” Episode #059, Meredith Curtis introduces you to a brave war hero, gallant gentleman, devout Christian, and enthusiastic farmer. George Washington is a hero for all times with his unwavering faith, kindness, and humility. God spared his life so he could be at the helm in the early days of our beloved United States of America. Join us to learn more about this great man.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s sponsor is Powerline Productions. Powerline Productions wants to equip you to be a world changer and raise world changers. They offer curriculum, unit studies, high school courses, Bible studies, cookbooks, and How-to-Homeschool books. Find them at PowerlineProd.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Show Notes:

Boyhood

Copybook

Heart to be good

Dying to Dreams on the High Seas

His first dream

Why he gave it up

Why God was closing the door

The White Warrior Who Wouldn’t Die

Why the Native American Chief wanted to meet George Washington

The horses shot from under him

Colonial Virginian

Mount Vernon

Church

Hospitality

House of Burgess

Revolutionary War

Crossing the Delaware

Valley Forge

Constitutional Convention

A Peacemaker

A New Nation

Two enemies working together in his cabinet

People above Parties

His advice: “Do not get entangled in Europe’s mess”

 

American History Resources

Families Learning Together: American History Art Appreciation

American History Cookbook

American Literature & Research

American History Timeline

 

Podcasts:

Link Between Literature & Political Freedom

Happy Birthday America

In “When Will I Be Loved?” Episode #058

Meredith Curtis addresses the longings of our heart to be loved, especially during the teen years. All of us long to be loved by that special someone. Where is that special someone and when will he/she come into my life? And why is that desperation there in the first place? Meredith speaks straight to your hearts, revealing the Lord’s purpose in placing those desires inside you.

 

 

 

 

Special Thanks to our sponsor, Powerline Productions, Inc.

 

At Powerline Productions, We exist to serve you! We have Resources for family, faith, homeschooling, ministry, home, and life.

 

At our website, PowerlineProd.com you will find Books, Bible Studies, Curriculum, Unit Studies, Cookbooks, Timelines, Fiction, and Audios.

 

 Notes

Linda Rondstandt Song “When Will I be Loved?”

I've been cheated, been mistreated

When will I be loved

I've been put down, I've been pushed 'round

When will I be loved

When I find a new man that I want for mine

Always breaks my heart in two, it happens every time

I've been made blue, I've been lied to

When will I be loved

The Longing in Our Hearts to be Loved

Where does that longing come from? What kind of love do we long for? We think it is romantic love we long for but we see so many broken marriages.

The Romantic Fairy-Tale: Aunt Matilda, Hollywood, Action Movies, Rom Coms,

Let’s Renew our Mind about Romantic Love. (Romans 12:1-3)

What does the Bible say about Marriage (Genesis 1:27 & Genesis 2:20-25 & Malachi 2:14-16 & Ephesians 5:21-33)?

The Purpose of Marriage: A Team on a Mission from God

If we find the perfect marriage: is that enough?

The One Who Loves Us

Jesus loves us with an everlasting love.

Jesus doesn’t ever get frustrated with us.

Jesus has prepared a beautiful place for us in Heaven.

Jesus doesn’t grow tired of us. He always tells the truth, always forgives, always teaches us, always has our best interest at heart.

Jesus is working all things together for good in our lives. He is working in us to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Men & Woman who Gave up Marriage for the One Who Love Us:

Apostle Paul, met Jesus on the road to Damascus, passionate to reach the Gentiles, died a martyr’s death.

Lottie Moon, Southern belle missionary to China, gave away all her resources to the Chinese when facing plague, famine, and war, Refused to marry a man who didn’t believe in Creation.

Without Jesus

Love fades away. We grow tired of one another. We hurt one another. We are not satisfied because the other person can’t meet all our needs.

When Will I Be Loved?

It is the devil who lies and cheats and misleads us with wrong information and dreams.

When are you loved????? NOW!

Algebra 2 - Hard?

In Why Is Algebra 2 So Hard?, Episode #057, Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette share real conversations that they have had with concerned students and parents. Both have homeschooled for many years and have taught many of their children! In this episode be encouraged --you can teach Algebra.

Algebra 2 - You can Teach It!

Everything seems to change when students get to Algebra 2 and many parents and students are at a loss as to why or how to overcome the difficulties. Many are tempted to give up and skip the class altogether. Don't do it! Listen in and learn why this class is so important, how to succeed.

If you have trouble with it, we are here to encourage and provide the help that you need! Get some great suggestions for preparing your younger students long before they even begin this difficult course.

 

 

 

Special Thanks to our sponsor, Powerline Productions, Inc.

 

At Powerline Productions, We exist to serve you! We have Resources for family, faith, homeschooling, ministry, home, and life.

At our website, PowerlineProd.com you will find Books, Bible Studies, Curriculum, Unit Studies, Cookbooks, Timelines, Fiction, and Audios.

 

Algebra 2 - Notes

Why do I ask this?

Many students come to me for help in Algebra 2

Moms come to me frantic about how to teach Algebra 2

Students who have never needed help need it in Algebra 2

“A” Math students suddenly are failing math in Algebra 2 (more than Trig or Calculus)

Typical Math Schedule

Pre-Algebra (7-9th grade)

Algebra (8-10th grade)

Geometry (9-11th grade)

Algebra 2 (10-12th grade)

Trigonometry (11-12th grade)

Calculus (12th grade-college)

Why is it even necessary to take Algebra 2?

SAT and ACT assume a level of competency at this level

Almost every college degree requires Algebra 2 (also known in the USA as College Algebra)

All Science degrees require Calculus which requires Algebra 2

 

What is taught in Algebra 2?

Complete the square

Solve the quadratic

Conic sections

Irrational numbers (in the denominator)

Logarithmic functions and exponents

 

How Can You Prepare for Algebra 2?

Do math consistently from elementary to high school.

Do a little bit of math during breaks so you don’t lose it.

Memorize addition facts, “like making 10.”

Memorize multiplication facts.

Make sure you understand decimals and fractions.

* Remember they are the same thing.

* Make sure you properly understand "Cancelling Out".

*

 

Learn at a 90% or higher rate (because math is cumulative).

Have student correct all mistakes.

In Ready to Lead? With Meredith Curtis, Episode #056, teens and their parents are challenged to heed God’s call to His people to rise up and lead! The world is crying out to see authentic leaders who lead with love and integrity. How can lead in a way that will earn the respect of others and win the favor of God. You can influence and inspire others no matter how young or old you are.

 

 

Today’s sponsor is Powerline Productions. Powerline Productions wants to equip you to be a world changer and raise world changers. They offer curriculum, unit studies, high school courses, Bible studies, cookbooks, and How-to-Homeschool books. Find them at PowerlineProd.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Show Notes

Josh is filling out his college application. He is asked to list his leadership positions, as well as any awards, achievements, and honors.

People are Looking for Leaders

Colleges are looking for leaders.

Employers are looking for leaders.

Young people, old people; everyone wants a leader they can trust.

An Unlikely Leader

Tim was a young Christian leader whose Mom was a believer, but father was not. He was sent to a famous Greek city to choose elders for the brand new church there.

He had God’s anointing, but still he struggled with fear.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. (II Timothy 1:6-8 NASB)

Another Young Leader

Dan was kidnapped from his hometown. He had to start a new life without his parents, temple teachers, or brothers and sisters. He did have some friends who loved God, too.

The place Dan was taken to was horrible, full of sin and idolatry.

Dan refused to compromise. Would this close the door on leadership?

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. (Daniel 1:8 NASB)

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. (Daniel 1: 17 NASB).

What is a Leader anyway?

A leader influences, challenges, and gives direction to his followers. A leader is someone that people follow.

The world is filled with some good leaders and many bad leaders.

In the world, leaders are up on a pedestal.

God’s Kingdom is an upside-down Kingdom. Leaders serve and lay down their lives just like Jesus did.

Leadership is Stewardship

All authority belongs to God

All responsibility belongs to God

He delegates responsibility to people and gives them enough authority to get the job done.

In “Start Strong and Finish Well with Christmas Traditions” with Meredith Curtis, Episode #055, Meredith shares ways to establish Christmas traditions that work for all ages and will be enjoyed by the whole family now and in the future. She shares specific traditions that her teens loved long after childhood was over.  Traditions can be used to celebrate God’s goodness, instill godly character, and refresh our spirits—Meredith puts traditions through that filter. She also shares how to ebb and flow with traditions, as children grow up and have families of their own.

Merey Christmas from Merey & Laura. We want to bless you this Christmas with a copy of our Christmas devotions, Curtis Christmas Family Devotions. Download your copy FREE on our JoyfulandSuccessfulHomeschooling.com website on the Free E-book Gifts Page.

 

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor, Kiwi Crate!

 

We'd like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor, Kiwi Crate!

KiwiCo has monthly subscriptions of hands-on projects that make learning fun! Their core offering is projects that make learning about STEAM -- science, technology, engineering, art, and math -- accessible and are designed to spark creativity, tinkering, and learning. Some recent favorite crates are the Slime Lab, Physics Carnival, and Paper Circuits.

Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network is excited to be able to offer you the chance to try them for FREE. To learn more about their projects for kids ages 2 to 16 AND to redeem this exclusive offer, click here to get your first month free today (just pay $4.95 for shipping)

Show Notes

Baking cookies with Mom.

Christmas Traditions are Awesome & Fun!

Celebrate God’s Goodness/Bringing the Story Alive

Blog Post: “The Wonder of God’s Love at Christmas” http://www.meredithcurtis.com/blog/the-wonder-of-gods-love-at-christmas

Blog Post: “Christmas Traditions: The Traveling Dinner” http://www.meredithcurtis.com/blog/christmas-traditions-the-traveling-dinner

Teach Truth & Cultivate Godly Character

Blog Post: “’Tis the Season to Be Generous I” http://www.meredithcurtis.com/blog/tis-the-season-to-be-generous-i

Blog Post: “’Tis the Season to Be Generous II” http://www.meredithcurtis.com/blog/tis-the-season-to-be-generous-ii

Blog Post: “Christmas Tradition: Shoebox” https://powerlineprod.weebly.com/blog/christmas-tradition-shoebox

Establish Family Identity

Blog Post: “Living, Loving, and Learning at Christmas” http://www.meredithcurtis.com/blog/living-loving-learning-at-christmas

Be Refreshed

Blog Post: “Keep Christmas Well” http://www.meredithcurtis.