I think the Middle Ages in history can be compared to puberty in life! Sandwiched between ancient times and the Renaissance, the Middle Ages was an awkward time of growth—and a power struggle over authority—much like junior high! Be it that you’ve covered Medieval Times, or are teaching it soon, this is a summary of some of the most significant topics you’ll not want to miss. To help you break this up, I have five stories in our last episode, and five in this one. To learn these stories in full, please see The Mystery of History Volume II.

Click over to our "Read-Aloud Favorites" —a list with links provided for historical fiction titles to match every volume of The Mystery of History. 

I think the Middle Ages in history can be compared to puberty in life! Sandwiched between ancient times and the Renaissance, the Middle Ages was an awkward time of growth—and a power struggle over authority—much like junior high! Be it that you’ve covered Medieval Times, or are teaching it soon, this is a summary of some of the most significant topics you’ll not want to miss. To help you break this up, I have five stories in this episode and five in the next.  To learn these stories in full, please see The Mystery of History Volume II. (TheMysteryofHistory.com)

In the world of home education, academics are important!  But immeasurable blessings await the homeschool family that additionally focuses on real-life learning beyond the books. Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History and retired homeschool mom, for heartfelt thoughts about teaching values to your children that matter the most.  If you need refreshment, inspiration, or encouragement—this podcast is for you.

The older I get, the harder it seems to get Christmas right.  It’s “complicated” to sort through all the moving parts and expectations of others. While I can’t manage it well, or just won’t, I can at any given time pause to remember what this sacred season is all about. Join me, the author of The Mystery of History, for a short reflection on Immanuel, which means “God with us.”

I also have a historical re-enactment video of myself dressed up like Cleopatra—because she has an interesting connection to Bethlehem! I won't give it away here, but you can watch through the YouTube link provided below.

https://youtu.be/aHpjbA30az4

November 22 marks the anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Who shot JFK in 1963? The conspiracy theories abound, and the murder mystery has yet to be adequately solved. Join me, Linda Lacour Hobar, the author of The Mystery of History, for Part 2 of “The Assassination of John F. Kennedy” where we’ll look more closely at Lee Harvey Oswald, the Zapruder Film, James Files, and more. (For Part 1, link here.)

John F. Kennedy, America’s 35th President, was tragically assassinated on November 22, 1962.  The death of this American president left the nation hurting and in shock. To this day, theories abound on who, what, why, and how this tragedy occurred more than 60 years ago. I can’t solve the mysteries behind this unparalleled event, but I can share the details we do know, or think we know, to help the next generation learn from it. My audiobook lesson on “The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy,” fromThe Mystery of History Volume IV (Lesson 69) is a bit long for one podcast. So, I’ll give you Part 1 this week, and release Part 2 on November 22, the anniversary of Kennedy’s sudden and violent death. For more on The Mystery of History, visit, www.TheMysteryofHistory.com

As the well-known adage goes, those who don’t learn from history will repeat it!  I agree. And so, with the U.S. soon marching off to the polls, I thought this a good time to examine “Poisonous Politics” found in socialism, communism, and Marxism.  Join me, Linda Lacour Hobar (author of The Mystery of History), for a biblical and historical look at relevant issues facing Americans today. Covering Vladimir Lenin up to present time, this is Part 2 of 2 and suitable for mature students. (If you missed Part 1, you can access it here.)

As the well-known adage goes, those who don’t learn from history will repeat it!  I agree. And so, with the U.S. soon marching off to the polls, I thought this a good time to examine “Poisonous Politics” found in socialism, communism, and Marxism.  Join me, Linda Lacour Hobar (author of The Mystery of History), for a biblical and historical look at relevant issues facing Americans today. (This is Part 1 of 2 and suitable for mature students.)

It’s been 23 years since the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers of New York City.  While some parts of the horrid event will stay forever in the hearts of Americans, the passing years make it hard to retain the details.  So, I offer this audiobook excerpt from The Mystery of History Volume IV, written about 10 years ago, to help you and your mature students remember 9/11.  If you’re interested in more lessons like this, we have four audiobooks available on our website from Creation to modern times at www.TheMysteryofHistory.com.

You can also watch this bonus video - "Restoring Hope" at https://youtu.be/po8ipGdSLXs , which was co-produced by my husband, documenting the testimonies of several New York Yankee baseball players regarding the 9-11 Terrorist Attack.  It was distributed to first responders and disaster workers as part of an Athletes in Action Ministry Project in New York City.

You may be geared up and ready for the 2024-2025 school year (or not) but that doesn’t mean you’re entering an easy season! Join me, Linda Lacour Hobar, author and veteran homeschool mom, for “Top Tips for Homeschooling – Part 2” that may help with the little things or remind you of the significance of the big things. The tips offered in Part 1 (our last episode), were practical in nature; the tips in Part 2 are a bit more philosophical in nature. Please use what you can and skip over what you can’t—there are no hard fast rules to home education! (If you missed it, you can find Part 1 here.)

Scripture referenced in Top Tip #12 (Navigating Sibling Nonsense):

Matt 5:22-24; John 13:34-35; Rom 12:9-10; Gal 5:26; Eph 4:32; Phil 2:3-4; Heb 13:1, 16; I Peter 2:17, 4:10; I John 3:14, 4:20