Finish Well

Finish Well Team
Finish Well

Hear from teens, homeschooling parents, homeschool grads, and singles who are just like you. They love the Lord, resist temptation, sometimes blow it, struggle with relationships, and are pressing on to see Jesus face to face! Great discussions that will stretch you to live Christian lives.

  1. 22 HR. AGO

    24 Women Who Changed the World

    24 Women Who Changed the World In “24 Women Who Changed the World,” episode #227, Meredith Curtis celebrates woman’s history month with you this week. Let’s meet 24 women from the 20th century who impacted the world in a lasting way. These women are unique pioneers, heroes, or leaders. Though this list of women is far from exhaustive, it gives a glimpse of how one life can change many. I hope it sparks an interest to discover even more of the amazing ladies from the last century that have truly made a difference.               Powerline Productions, Inc. Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!         Show Notes Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month! We’ll meet a scientist, nurses, missionaries, writers, national leaders, teachers, businesswomen, an astronaut, a nun, and a watchmaker. Marie Curie - The couple that works together – radium, polonium. Edith Cavell - A British nurse who save British soldiers. Jeanette Rankin – first woman US representative. Agatha Christie – introduced the world to mysteries. Mary McLeod Bethune – Christian teacher/ president of Bethune-Cookman College. Gladys Aylward - A parlormaid who became a superhero! Corrie ten Boom – first woman watchmaker in Netherlands & rescuer of Jews. Irena Sendler - rescued 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto in Poland. Golda Meir – first woman Prime Minister of Israel. Queen Elizabeth II - the longest-reigning British monarch Rosa Parks - refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man. Elisabeth Eliot – chose to forgive and love the fierce Auca tribe in Ecuador. Lillian Hochberg - first female-founded company to be publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange. Lucille Ball – pioneer in comedy. Mother Teresa – lived a life of chastity, poverty, obedience, and wholehearted service to the poorest of the poor. Ruth Bell Graham – released her husband to travel. Edith Schaeffer – hospitable homemaker & theologian. Margaret Thatcher – conservative MP & PM in UK. Sandra Day O’Connor - first woman associate justice on the Supreme Court. Sally Ride - first American women in space. Condoleezza Rice - first African American women to serve as National Security Advisor (2000) and Secretary of State (2004). Ruth Beechick – homeschool mentor in the early years. Darlene Zschech – worship leader and songwriter. Laura Ingraham - author, radio host, editor, and political commentator. Sign up for our Newsletter Sign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.           20th Century History Resources

  2. FEB 14

    Presidents Day Salute!

    Presidents Day Salute! In “Presidents Day Salute!” episode #226, Meredith Curtis introduces you to her favorite Commanders-in-Chief along with their leadership style and impact on the USA and the world. The President of the USA is the most powerful man in the world. Yet, it is a taxing job fraught with constant conflict, difficult decisions, and extreme escapades. Grab your teens (or grab your parents) to learn some valuable life lessons from American History.               Powerline Productions, Inc. Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!         Show Notes The President of the USA is the most powerful man in the world. Yet, it is a taxing job fraught with constant conflict, difficult decisions, and extreme escapades. Look at pictures of Presidents before they took office and after. Being the President ages you! George Washington Not one to give eloquent speeches, people followed George Washington into battle because they trusted him as a man of faith, integrity, and wisdom. Boldly courageous, he treated everyone with respect and honor, making time each morning to pray and read the Bible. His humility and love for people inspired deep loyalty from people in battle, business, and later in politics. Teddy Roosevelt Sickly as a child, Teddy worked hard to get healthy and strong. A cowboy and war hero, he served as a NY assemblyman and NYC police commissioner. Thrust into the Presidency from his position as Vice-President when President McKinley died, he roared into his role as President. Roosevelt’s leadership style was ACTION! He was always learning, reading, and writing books. He believed in fighting for what you believe in. Cal Coolidge Calvin Coolidge became President when President Warren Harding died. Nicknamed Silent Cal, he was a man of principle, rather than charisma. Never flashy, he was responsible and thrifty. He vetoed every spending bill he thought unconstitutional bringing the deficit down to almost zero. He was also a good, decent man respected by all. During his years in office, he was one of the most popular Presidents to occupy the White House. Dwight D. Eisenhower A war hero, General Eisenhower led the massive invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe that started on D-Day when Allies stormed the beaches at Normandy. President of the US was his first political office and was elected to two terms. He excelled at strategy calling for a civilian space agency (NASA), interstate highways system (modeled after Germany’s autobahn), and cold war peace through strength. As a leaders “Ike” was likeable, optimistic, humble, and purposeful. He took responsibility – “always be the first to apologize” and wrote an “in case of failure letter” before D-Day. Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan loved people and had the best sense of humor! He told jokes about communism to communist dictators. How’s that for the power of humor? He was uncompromising and put America first, earning the love of Americans and respect of all other nations. He restored conservative values and pride in being an American after a decade of disappointment. His leadership strength was folksy communication that resonated with people, vision casting, trust, and expertise. Fun ways to Celebrate President’s Day * Make food your favorite President liked/likes (George Washington – hot chocolate; John Adams - Apple Pan Dowdy; ...

    39 min
  3. FEB 4

    Valentine’s Day Fun for the Whole Family

    Valentine’s Day Fun for the Whole Family In “Valentine’s Day Fun for the Whole Family,” episode #225, Meredith Curtis answers the question: Is Valentine’s Day just about romance? Nope! It’s a great day to celebrate God’s love, family love, AND romantic love. Join me for some amazing and creative activities the whole family - from children to teens to parents - can enjoy together.               Powerline Productions, Inc. Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!         Show Notes Is Valentine’s Day just about romance? Nope! It’s a great day to celebrate God’s love, family love, AND romantic love. Join me for some amazing and creative activities the whole family - from children to teens to parents - can enjoy together. Hide the Valentines Grab a few boxes of Valentines for kids and pass them out – 1 box per person. Everyone writes little notes to other family members and hides them in their rooms. Bake & Decorate Make or buy heart-shaped cookies and happy decorating with frosting, candy, and sprinkles. Or bake a heart-shaped cake. Crafting Make beautiful homemade Valentine’s Day cards or try other Valentine’s Day crafts like treasure boxes, pencil holders, mugs, or T-shirts. Learn about the Real St. Valentine St. Valentine was a real person who loved Jesus. Read the well-written beautifully illustrated The Story of St.  Valentine ​from Voice of the Martyrs. Or read my blog post: 3 Leadership Principles from St. Valentine. Or listen to my podcast: Will the Real Nicholas, Valentine, & Patrick Please Stand Up? Explore Bible Verses on Love Grab some time together with your kids to talk about how God defines love. Use a Bible  concordance to look up verses on love. Read verses and discuss what they mean for your family. Here are some great verses on love: Romans 5:8, Romans 8:35-39, I John 3:1-2, I Corinthians 13:13, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 15:9, Matthew 22:37-39, John 13:34-35, Luke 7:36-50, Ephesians 3:14-21, Galatians 5:22-23, John 14:15, Romans 12:10, I Timothy 1:5, I Corinthians 16:14, Colossians 3:14, and Hebrews 10:24. Brighten Someone’s Day Visit shut-ins at nursing home and pass out flowers or cards. Sometimes Valentine’s Day is hard for singles – surprise them at work or home with flowers, cookies, and/or cards. Hike & Picnic Go on a hike together (walk or bike) and end your time with a picnic. The Story of How I Met Your Mother Mom and Dad can share a piece of their love story: how they met, how Dad proposed, or their wedding adventures. Be sure to include pictures. Fancy Dinner Pull out the fancy lace tablecloth and good China. Have a delicious feast and wear your best clothes. Karaoke Play your favorite karaoke tracks – love songs or Christian songs – and sing along. If you’re not a big karaoke fan, try lip syncing. Games A family game night is a great way to end the night! Sign up for our Newsletter Sign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE.

    23 min
  4. JAN 21

    Teens, Take Adulting Baby Steps

    Teens, Take Adulting Baby Steps In “Teens, Take Adulting Baby Steps,” episode #224, Meredith Curtis invites teens to get ready for adulting the easy way by taking baby steps that lead to bigger steps. Transition from teen toddling to teen triumphing by taking ownership of your chores, schoolwork, health, relationships, and walk with God.         Powerline Productions, Inc. Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!   Show Notes Adulting can be overwhelming if you jump right into it with no preparation. Here’s how to begin adulting now. Chores Take responsibility for your own chores getting done. Choose a day and time to get weekly chores done (and a backup) and a time to get daily chores done (and a backup). Work hard as if you are working for money and a promotion. Schoolwork Be independent when it comes to getting assignments done on time or early. Give input to parents about what has helped you learn most effectively and what hasn’t. Make suggestions about subjects you want to study and books you want to read. Do an independent study. If you like a subject, go deeper. Work hard as if learning is a joy! It is. Health You can start today building healthy habits that last a lifetime. Habits you can start today can influence your health in the golden years. Relationships Build healthy friendships and strengthen family ties. Flee from bullying and negative peer pressure. Run with those who are running after God and living virtuous lives. Walk with God Build a devotional life that will go the distance. Serve in your local church. Share the Gospel. Walk in grace not condemnation. Sign up for our Newsletter Sign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.           Resources   Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

    21 min
  5. JAN 7

    Inauguration Day Learning Fun

    Inauguration Day Learning Fun In “Inauguration Day Learning Fun,” episode #223, Meredith Curtis invites you to learn about Presidential Inaugurations the fun way! No matter who you voted for, Inauguration Day is a great time to learn about our political system and the tradition of taking an oath in a time-honored ceremony, a festive parade, and a fancy ball. Meredith provides a bit of history, where to watch it live, and fun learning ideas like scavenger hunts, choosing your own cabinet, a virtual tour of the white house, and throwing an inauguration ball.         Powerline Productions, Inc. Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!   Show Notes No matter who you voted for, Inauguration Day is a great time to learn about our political system and the tradition of taking an oath in a time-honored ceremony, a festive parade, and a fancy ball. What is a Presidential Inauguration? On Monday January 20, 2025, at noon, President Biden’s term of office ends, and President Trump’s begins. This day is called Inauguration Day. At noon, on the steps of the US Capitol, President Trump and Vice President Vance will take their Oaths of Office. What Other Events Take Place on Inauguration Day? Inauguration Day is full of traditions. The first one is the Procession to the Capitol. The outgoing President escorts the new President to the Capitol for the Swearing In Ceremony. After the Swearing In Ceremony, the new President gives his Inaugural Address. Every President from George Washington to Joe Biden has delivered a speech. Some are long and some are short! At this point, the outgoing President and his wife leave by helicopter escorted by the new President and First Lady. After the President and Dr. Biden’s exit, President Trump and Vice-President Vance, along with their wives, will attend an Inaugural Luncheon. This traditional meal is hosted by the Joint Congression Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Another tradition is for the President and Vice-President attend a Signing Ceremony in the President’s Room in the US Capitol. The new President gathers with his aides, US Representatives, and US Senators to sign nominations, memorandums, or executive orders. Next comes the Inaugural Parade! President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will walk down Pennsylvania Ave from the US Capitol to the White House. I Can’t Get to Washington DC – Can I Still Watch the Ceremony? Yes! FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, & C-Span will air the ceremony live at noon on 1/20/25 Eastern Time. There will also be streaming on YouTube, White House website, and & social media. Internationally, it will be live on BBC, Sky News (UK), Al Jazeera, CBC (Canada), ABC Australia, France 24. What Are Some Unusual Inauguration Days? * James Madison’s Inaugural Ball * President Ulysses Grant’s canaries * President Cal Coolidge quiet inauguration * President Eisenhower’s cowboy * President Nixon’s dead pigeons Chief Justice John Roberts Chief Justice John Roberts administers the Oath of Office. "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." George Washington added, “So help me, God” and all Presidents have added “so help me God” to their oath.

  6. 12/17/2024

    Top Ten Christmas Stress Busters

    Top Ten Christmas Stress Busters In “Top Ten Christmas Stress Busters,” episode #222, Meredith Curtis shares the top ten Christmas stress busters for homeschool Moms over the holidays. From personal experience, Meredith understands how the hustle and bustle of Christmas can be overwhelming at times for a homeschool mom. Join her as she shares ten ways to reduce stress and enjoy Christmas this year.         Powerline Productions, Inc. Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!   Show Notes I understand how the hustle and bustle of Christmas can be overwhelming at times for a homeschool mom. I also encourage you to listen to Simple Shortcuts to a Stress-Free Christmas Finish Well Podcast episode #200 to reduce stress all around. https://ultimateradioshow.com/simple-shortcuts-to-a-stress-free-christmas/                 Focus on Jesus Start each day with prayer and one or two Christmas carols. Read a Scripture passage. Fresh Air Get fresh air each day with a brisk walk around the block or a leisurely jog. If the weather is nice, play outside. If it’s snowing, build a snowman. Smells Sniff a lemon, boil cinnamon sticks in water on the stove, or burn your favorite scented candle (vanilla, citrus, peppermint, lavender, jasmine). Exercise Get some exercise! Ride a bike, go sledding, hike, play touch football, or work out at the gym. Quiet & Dark After the kids go to bed, sit with your husband, or your parents, or your kids, or alone, with all the lights off in the house except for the Christmas lights. Enjoy the quiet. Relaxing our Bodies. Relaxing Our Minds Spontaneous Fun Cancel school and have a Christmas movie day. Drive around and look at lights. Get out some board games and have fun! Listen Play Christmas carols in the house and in the car when you drive. Play classical music, especially Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker or Handel’s Messiah. Listen to water flowing in a stream or waterfall. Relax & Read Drink coffee, hot tea, or hot chocolate and read a cozy mystery while the kids watch a Christmas movie. I have two suggestions for you. Massage for Mom Get a babysitter and go get a massage. Refresh Your Soul Spend some time each day reading the entire Christmas story from Zechariah & Elizabeth to the Flight into Egypt. This will refresh your soul! Sign up for our Newsletter Sign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.           Resources a rel="NOFOLLOW" href="https://www.powerlineprod.

    22 min
  7. 12/03/2024

    Celebrate Christmas in Central Florida

    Celebrate Christmas in Central Florida In “Celebrate Christmas in Central Florida,” episode #221, Meredith Curtis takes your homeschool family to sunny Central Florida for the holidays in 2024. She shares famous and not-so-famous festive adventures for those who are visiting for the holidays as well as those who call Central Florida home. Inspirational, educational, and just plain fun Christmas experiences await!         Powerline Productions, Inc. Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!   Show Notes So many people visit Central Florida at Christmastime to enjoy the theme parks. For those who want something different and those who live in Central Florida, here are some fun ways to celebrate Christmas. I live in Central Florida so I am sharing some of my favorite places to go and things to do. Saint Augustine Historic St. Augustine, the continuously inhabited city in the USA, offer her beautiful annual Nights of Lights from Saturday, November 23, 2024, to January 26, 2025. Three million lights await you for a spectacular end to a family field trip. The trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours, too. https://www.visitstaugustine.com/event/nights-lights Christmas in the Country This is an annual Christmas event for our family and friends. Put on every year by River of Life Church, this event takes place at 130 Garfield Rd, Enterprise, FL, United States, Florida 32725. Enjoy a FREE, family-friendly, one of a kind, holiday event! Check out our 4-H display. Navigate a merry melt-proof maze. Create your very own ornament, enjoy free cocoa, and roast marshmallows over a bonfire on the lakefront. Hot dogs or bottled water are available for a $1 Donation. Don’t miss our Hayride through a Christmas Wonderland! Starts the day after Thanksgiving and open the following days: 11/29, 11/30, 12/2, 12/6, 12/7, 12/13, 12/14, 12/20. https://www.facebook.com/events/1236932000687164/?active_tab=discussion Fort Christmas Historical Park’s Cracker Christmas Mark your calendar for December 7-8, 2024. From 10 am to 4 pm, step back in time with a Florida Cracker Christmas celebration. Enjoy pioneer demonstrations and sample some gator meat. The park includes a replica of a fort built in 1837 during the Second Seminole Indian War; a traditional Florida "Cracker" house and eight pioneer homes; a schoolhouse and lunchroom; a sugar cane mill and other historical farming equipment. https://www.facebook.com/events/466759382773764 Parades Yes, there are parades at all the theme parks, but Central Florida cities have their own parades, too. Sanford’s annual Christmas parade is on December 14, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/events/1231111001281827/ Mount Dora’s annual Christmas parade is early in the morning on December 7, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/events/881104570200250 Minneola’s Moonlight Christmas parade is on December 14, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/events/387873457731304/ The City of Oviedo’s Holiday Parade is in the evening on December 7, 2024.

    22 min
  8. 11/19/2024

    Keep Faith & Family First During the Holidays

    Keep Faith & Family First During the Holidays In “Keep Faith & Family First During the Holidays,” episode #220, Meredith Curtis shares easy tips and simple hacks to enjoy meaningful time with family growing in your faith. Meredith shares ideas for Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, New Years, and Three Kings Day. Try out two or three and have the best holiday season ever!         Powerline Productions, Inc. Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!   Show Notes God is good. Holidays are a great time to celebrate God’s goodness! Family traditions can teach children more about Jesus and how to grow in Him if we are proactive in choosing quality over busyness! Thanksgiving Put the “thanks” in Thanksgiving! * Pass the Corn Kernels * Thankful Tree * Secret Notes * Special Thanksgiving Placecards * Praise Breakfast Advent Preparing hearts for Christmas. * Advent Devotions * Advent Calendar * Felt Tree & Ornaments * The ENTIRE Christmas Story * Make Gifts & Cards * Christmas Unit Study Christmas Festivities that Build Faith Choose wisely. * Handel’s Messiah Singalong * Christmas Pageant * Birthday Party for Jesus * Walk Thru Bethlehem * Christmas Read Alouds (The Tale of the Three Trees, Humphrey’s First Christmas, Mortimer’s Christmas Manger, The Legend of the Candy Cane, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomy) * Christmas Movies (The Nativity Story, A Christmas Carol, Charlie Brown Christmas, It’s a Wonderful LifeI) * Traveling Dinner Christmas Morning Jesus before presents. * Christmas Devotions – Luke 2 * Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus * Sing Christmas Carols New Years Review and plan ahead. * Review the Year (biggest praises & biggest challenges – how they built character) * Make Goals for next year (goals, habits, pattern of living) * Game Night * Yummy Food * Read Scripture & Pray Three Kings Day When the wise men came. * Gifts for Jesus (donate to Crisis Pregnancy Center) * Traditions from Other Countries * Read the Story of the Wise Men * Special Meal Plan Free Time to be Spontaneous! It sounds crazy I know but sometimes we need to plan free time into our schedule because the holidays get so busy. Things You Can Do Ahead! There are many things you can do in November to beat the Christmas stress. * Take family photo on Thanksgiving weekend (or earlier) * Shop early and wrap as soon as you purchase (I keep a list on my computer) * Address Christmas cards while you watch a Christmas movie (men can’t do this but we can!) * Bake and freeze * Shop and freeze * Plan Menu * Make a family calendar and place in prominent location Sign up for our Newsletter Sign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.           Resources

    26 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hear from teens, homeschooling parents, homeschool grads, and singles who are just like you. They love the Lord, resist temptation, sometimes blow it, struggle with relationships, and are pressing on to see Jesus face to face! Great discussions that will stretch you to live Christian lives.

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