The Mystery of Home Education

The history of the Holocaust is difficult to learn, difficult to grasp, and difficult to teach. But – to prevent it from happening again – it is history that demands our examination! Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for a pensive look at the Holocaust and what teens and tweens should know about it. Part 1 of this two-part podcast touched on Hitler's evil ideology and politics (please don't miss that important background!) Part 2, this podcast, will cover the horrendous repercussions of Hitler's ideas, as well as the bravery of those who stood against it. Let us learn what NOT to repeat in history! (This podcast may not be appropriate for young or sensitive students.)

The Holocaust is difficult to remember, difficult to grasp, and difficult to teach. But – to prevent it from happening again – it is history that demands our examination! Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for a pensive look at the Holocaust and what teens and tweens should know about it. Part 1 of this two-part podcast will touch on Hitler's evil ideology and politics.  Don't miss Part 2 which will cover the horrendous repercussions of Hitler's ideas, as well as the bravery of those who stood against it. Let us learn what NOT to repeat in history! (This podcast may not be appropriate for young or sensitive students.)

Who are the worst of the worst dictators of the 20th century? Opinions may vary, but you can join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, to learn more about the chilling rise to power of Vladimir Lenin, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, and Adolf Hitler. Great for mature students - to appreciate what we "should" learn from history!  (For ease of listening, Part 1 covers only Lenin and Mussolini; Part 2 covers Stalin and Hitler. Don't miss Part 1 for a crash course on communism!)If you would prefer to "see" this podcast as an MP4 with slides—or obtain a PDF worksheet for students with an answer key—this workshop is now available to purchase on our website. (It was previously only an MP3; it's been upgraded to an MP4!) 

Who are the worst of the worst dictators of the 20th century? Opinions may vary, but you can join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, to learn more about the chilling rise to power of Vladimir Lenin, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, and Adolf Hitler. Great for mature students - to appreciate what we "should" learn from history!  (For ease of listening, Part 1 will cover only Lenin and Mussolini; Part 2 covers Stalin and Hitler.)If you would prefer to "see" this podcast as an MP4 with slides—or obtain a PDF worksheet for students with an answer key—this workshop is now available to purchase on our website. (It was previously only an MP3; it's been upgraded to an MP4!) 

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 American's 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

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 my “Top Tips for Homeschooling (Part 1)” that may help with the little things, like “what's for lunch?”These tips are above all practical in nature, so use what you can and skip over what you can't.  (There are no hard fast rules to home education! It's unique for every family.) I'll follow up next month with some additional tips in Part 2 that will be more philosophical in nature. 

Have you heard? Our publisher, Bright Ideas Press, has just released The Mystery of Science!  We are so excited to see this new addition to the Bright Ideas family. Designed for 4th-8th grade, the first book in the series, Biology, is available now and will soon be followed by physics, chemistry, and more! Join me today for an introduction to The Mystery of Science and a personal interview with the author (and my good friend) Karri Iverson. To get your copy of The Mystery of Science: Biology, please visit Karri's website: www.TheMysteryofScience.com

Do you struggle with your summer to do list? Do the summer days tend to slip away too fast? Are the kids restless while you're overwhelmed? I understand. Summer can be fun and frustrating all at the same time. Join me, Linda Lacour Hobar, a veteran homeschool mom and the author of The Mystery of History, for “Salvaging Summer” a podcast episode to learn how to carve out some productive days in and around the more frivolous ones. 

Let's be honest; some of you need help with world history for students 13 years and up—especially if you're counting credits for high school! Why? The reasons are varied, but some of you feel pressured to homeschool and ill-equipped for the job. Some of you are experienced homeschool teachers, but nervous about calculating high school credits. And some of you are interested in home education but lack the time to pour into it because of work, caretaking, and life's other demands. We understand and offer The Mystery of History Online Academy in two formats to come alongside you! Join this podcast to learn more from Linda Lacour Hobar, the author of The Mystery of History.

From time to time I post an audiobook excerpt from our series and convert it to a podcast. Because I'm passionate about world history and don't want you to miss some of the best stories we have. Well, when it comes to best stories, and most important stories, of course nothing is better or more important that what Christ did on the cross for you and me! And nothing is more significant in the eternal realm than the empty tomb that followed! So, for today's podcast, we're going to play Lesson 107 from The Mystery of History Volume I, which is titled, "Jesus: His Death and Resurrection." With added music, this is a good one for the entire family. I pray you know this lesson well and embrace the meaning of our Lord raising from the dead—on our behalf. 

Are you overwhelmed by curriculum choices? Do you get stressed over daily lesson plans? Do you worry when you don't finish a program? We understand. We've all been boxed in and stressed out by curriculum that didn't quite fit our lives.  Well, at The Mystery of History, we strive to offer freedom, flexibility, and fun in our curriculum—by allowing YOU to choose your “side dishes” to go with your main dish of world history.  For vision on how you can pick and choose what to add to history, join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for “The Buffet-Style Approach to World History.” 

When is the best time to use The Mystery of History? We think any time is a good time to study history, but there are some variables and best practices you may want to consider. Join the author of The Mystery of History, Linda Lacour Hobar, for a casual conversation on how, when, and why you can teach world history with the whole family.For a pre-recorded video on the topic of Scope and Sequence, and printable PDF, visit: https://themysteryofhistory.com/how-to-use-the-mystery-of-history/ 

It's hard not to notice that Valentine's Day is nearly upon us. Every year the retailers bombard us with candy, cards, and heart shaped chocolates boxes. But it begs the question, what has any of that to do with the real man named Valentine?  I'll answer that today in an audiobook lesson from The Mystery of History Volume II.  I hope you'll gather the children around to listen to this true story from medieval times. (Since there's mention of martyrdom, you may want to prescreen it for your little ones.)  

Home education is a journey with lots of twists and turns. One of many ways to help navigate the good days and the bad is to incorporate audiobooks! For inspiration, join me and my guest, Jim Hodges (an audiobook creator) for “The Awesomeness of Audiobooks.” Be amused and encouraged by the popular voice and fun personality of Jim Hodges.                      Subscribe to Jim's email list, and get a free trial audiobook Under Drake's Flag by G.A. Henty.https://jimhodgesaudiobooks.com/

Since the U.S. celebrates Martin Luther King Day on January 15, I thought it appropriate this week to give you and your students the audiobook story of MLK from the brave beginning to the tragic end. I hope you find inspiration in the life of Dr. King, not because he was a man without flaws, but because he courageously sought to undo one of America's greatest flaws! (The flaw of racial discrimination.) I hope you enjoy learning more about this American icon from The Mystery of History Volume IV (Lesson 71). Pretest Questions:1.     Dr. King was born in… Atlanta, GA or in Memphis, TN. 2.     Dr. King was a voracious reader and so he was able in his youth to skip one grade level or two. 3.     Dr. King helped Rosa Parks boycott the segregated bus system in…. Montgomery Al or in Huntsville, TX. 4.     Dr. King led a civil rights campaign in Birmingham AL where blacks had been denied access to… gardening or public water fountains. 5.     Dr. King's famous “I have a Dream” speech was…. 7 minutes long or 17 minutes long. 6.     And last, Dr. King was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis, TN at…. the historic Peabody hotel or the Lorain Hotel. 

You may know the tender Christmas carol titled “Good King Wenceslas.”  But you may not know the tragedy behind this true medieval story!  Join me this Christmas season for an audio narration of “Good King Wenceslas” from The Mystery of History Volume II, to learn this story of faith and forgiveness from the Middle Ages.For your copy of The Mystery of History Volume II, click here: https://themysteryofhistory.com/product/volume-2-student-reader-and-companion-guide/

Many a student has wondered why the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor about halfway through World War II. I confess that the incident seems "out of place" in World War II where Europeans and Russians were battling Adolf Hitler and his regiment of Nazis!  To better understand the scene, I'll first explain in this audio recording (from The Mystery of History Volume IV) the strange relationship between Germany and Japan. Then we can look at the deadly attack with some vivid details to help us "remember Pearl Harbor."www.TheMysteryofHistory.com

Interested in hosting a Medieval feast, but don't know how?  Join Linda Lacour Hobar and her guest Shelley Noonan (author of Legends of King Arthur and His Court) for the benefits of hosting a medieval feast or tournament, tips for planning, and inspiring resources on chivalry. It is Linda's opinion that the month of February is perfect for a large-scale project, like a Medieval Feast, so tune in now and prepare early! Legends of King Arthur and His Court (comes with a free Bible Study!) “Lessons of King Arthur and His Court” Study Guide King Arthur Bundle (the book and the Study Guide)Shelley Noonan Bible Studies A Medieval Feast by Aliki 

Since our headlines are swirling with "anti-semitism," it's important we remember the Holocaust! The history of the Holocaust is difficult to learn, difficult to grasp, and difficult to teach. But—to prevent it from happening again—it is history that demands our examination! Join Linda Lacour Hobar for a pensive look at the Holocaust and what teens and ‘tweens should know about it. This workshop will touch on Hitler's ideology and the repercussions of it, as well as the bravery of those who stood against it. Let us learn what NOT to repeat in history! (This workshop may not be appropriate for young or sensitive students.)Approximately 50 minutesOur MP3 workshops are recorded live at homeschool conventions and may include ambient sounds common to a live event, as well as live Q&A. Thank you to Teach Them Diligently and Resounding Voice for making this workshop available.

American Heritage Girls has been at the forefront of Christian leadership development for girls ages five to 18 for nearly 30 years. Want to meet the founder, Patti Garibay? You can by joining me for this special podcast on “Navigating Girlhood.” With a mission to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country, AHG is the premier national character development organization for young women that embraces Christian values and encourages family involvement. Be inspired and encouraged, if you have girls or not, that there are Christian programs to help parents navigate the many challenges our youth face today.  Link to Patti's book: "Why Curse the Darkness when you can Light a Candle?"*UPDATE! Since recording this podcast (August, 2023), Hamas attacked Israel on October 7—and the Middle East is presently embroiled in war! With a burden for the impact of violent headlines on young hearts, Patti has issued a free e-book, “The Raising Godly Girls Guide to Peace in Times of Global Conflict.” This timely e-book is a free resource for parents, guardians, teachers, and church leaders looking for age-appropriate guidance to talk to girls about world events causing anxiety in a generation of highly anxious teens. With practical ways to apply scriptural truths, parents and their daughters can build a culture of biblical peace in their homes, communities, and most importantly, in their girls' hearts. Download your free resource here. 

This is “Understanding the Middle East (Part 3.)  This audiobook excerpt is designed to help with “some” understanding of today's headlines.  While I can't make full sense of the current war in Israel, I can provide some historical background to the conflict. This background won't provide commentary on recent events, but it's a starting point for those that might not be familiar with Egypt's relationship to Israel and the significance of the Yom Kippur War.  For best results, please don't miss “Understanding the Middle East” Part 1 and 2. (This pre-recorded audiobook excerpt is from The Mystery of History Volume IV, Lesson 76, “The Assassination of Anwar Sadat—October 6, 1981.”)

Welcome to “Understanding the Middle East” (Part 2.)  This audiobook excerpt is designed to help with “some” understanding of today's headlines.  While I can't make full sense of the current war in Israel, I can provide some historical background to the conflict. This background won't provide commentary on recent events, but it's a starting point for those that might not be familiar with the Islamic Republic of Iran (or the story of the American Hostage Crisis under Jimmy Carter.) For best results, please don't miss “Understanding the Middle East” Parts 1 and 3. (This pre-recorded audiobook excerpt is from The Mystery of History Volume IV, Lesson 75, “Ayatollah Khomeini Forms the Islamic Republic of Iran—April 1, 1979.”)

I'm going to interrupt our regularly scheduled podcasts to bring you “Understanding the Middle East (Parts 1-3).” These audiobook excerpts are designed to help with “some” understanding of today's headlines.  While I can't make full sense of the current war in Israel, I can provide some historical background to the conflict. This background won't provide commentary on recent events, but it's a starting point for those that might not be familiar with Old Testament history or the formation of Israel after World War II. For best results, please don't miss “Understanding the Middle East” Parts 2 and 3. (This pre-recorded audiobook excerpt is from The Mystery of History Volume IV, Lesson 64, “The Formation of Israel—May 14, 1948.”)

Planning to teach ancient history? Need help integrating the Bible? Listen to Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, as she takes you from Creation to the birth of Christ in a 30-minute podcast placing Biblical and secular history onto one amazing timeline. Like pieces of a mosaic, listen to how the Ice Age, King Tut, Buddha, Cleopatra, and more come together in one picture to reveal the beautiful story of redemption found in Jesus Christ.  Though designed to “teach the teachers,” students of all ages are welcome!  

If you like Read-Alouds in your family, or need help liking read alouds in your family, you will love hearing from our guest Dr. Michelle Dunham, the founder of Ruby Reads. Michelle has gone a step further than most and used her gifts, talents, and advanced degree to create beautiful and informative coloring posters for some of the best pieces of children's literature on the market today. Learn more here—and be inspired! For a 20% discount on any product $25 or more, visit:RubyReadsBooks.com Discount Code: mystery20

Why did I write The Mystery of History? What are its distinctions? If you're new or returning to our world history series, it may interest you to know the heart and the mind behind it. So, I'm kicking off our third podcast season with a slight rebranding—and a personal testimony of how God worked in my life to bring you The Mystery of History. My hope is that it inspires you in your journey teaching at home or in a classroom.

Have you been tasked with teaching The Mystery of History in a co-op or classroom, but don't know how? Are you interested in using the series with a small group, but don't know where to start? Are you the admin for a private school needing information for a bulk rate? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for the philosophy, materials, and how-tos when teaching The Mystery of History in a group.  For group rates and licensing information, see our printable PDF “Group Rates & Licensing”. Our “Hypothetical Perfect Co-op Teacher Starter Pack” includes:·      One volume of The Mystery of History (with a digital Companion Guide; optional            Classroom Licensing is available)·      Paper version of the Companion Guide (for teacher prep)·      A set of Planning Pages (for teacher prep)·      Audiobook (for teacher prep; not to be played in the classroom)·      Two atlases (that correspond to the time period; for teacher and/or classroom)·      Go Fish Card Game (that matches the time period)·      Challenge Cards by Bright Ideas Press (with classroom licensing)·      Timeline Figures (with a teacher or school license)

If you're tuning in to this podcast, you probably know “The Most Important Event in History” as the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  But, in preparation for Resurrection Sunday, sit back and enjoy the story again through a narration by Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History. Reflect on the historical and biblical context of this supernatural event—which shapes our faith, our family, and even the direction that we choose to educate our children!  (This narration is family-friendly.)

What happens “When Bible History and World History Meet Face to Face?” Experiences may vary, but chances are your confidence in God's word will grow from seeing “bible people” alongside their world history contemporaries. And, chances are your faith in God's sovereignty might be strengthened from seeing His hand in history! Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for a thoughtful look at one timeline that integrates the sacred and the secular in a new light. (This podcast offers a coupon code to expand your study through an MP4 workshop that comes with a printable worksheet for students.) Link to MP4  workshop (with printable worksheet and answer key):https://themysteryofhistory.com/product/when-bible-history-and-world-history-meet-face-to-face-workshop/For 50% off the MP4 workshop, use the coupon code:facetofaceCode expires: May 31, 2023

Have you ever worn green for St. Patrick's Day—or been pinched for forgetting? The wearing of the green is a common custom on March 17. But do you know the life story of Patrick, to whom the day is dedicated? Many do not. Amid the fun and festivities of St. Patrick's Day, many have forgotten the faith and courage of the man whom we celebrate. Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for an audiobook narration of “Patrick—a Missionary to Ireland” from The Mystery of History Volume II Second Edition. (It's a story you don't want to forget!)

Home educated children are not immune to hearing bad words—and repeating them. Profanity is everywhere and in every culture around the world! How then do we deal with kids and cuss words? Opinions will vary, but you can join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History and veteran homeschool mom, for a proactive strategy that may help. As a gift to your children, address this issue ahead of time—with God's Word as a guide. (Don't miss Linda's free printable template to use with your children.)Get your printable template under our Workshop tab:https://themysteryofhistory.com/product/free-kids-and-cuss-words-pdf/

If you teach at home, you're probably on the endless quest to build your best home library—a worthy endeavor that's not without challenges! While ideas will vary on how to build your library, the chances are we agree on why. Join me and my guest, Nicki Truesdell of Knowledge Keepers, for the importance of building a home library (big or small), as well as ways to save, organize, and display your favorite books.  For a FREE PDF on home library favorites (from Linda and Nicki), click here.  To follow Nicki Truesdell, visit: www.KnowledgeKeepersBookstore.com

As home education has grown, so have accessible methods of education. In fact, it may be daunting to sort through all the possibilities on the market! If you need a guide to the most common methods of education available in the homeschool movement today, join Linda Lacour Hobar, veteran homeschool mom and author of The Mystery of History, for “Finding a Method to the Madness (An Overview of Methods of Education).”  Be encouraged that you're allowed to craft your own “toolbox” of home education for your family!  For a printable PDF on "Methods of Education," visit the curriculum tab on our website. (We also have some videos on "How to Use The Mystery of History" no matter what method of education you choose!)https://themysteryofhistory.com/how-to-use-the-mystery-of-history/

Do you need incentive to get you through the next semester of home education?  Do you need reassurance that this movement is doing well? Do you need encouragement through a good report card?  We hope the answer is yes—because we have an assessment sure to make you smile. Join Linda Lacour Hobar and her guest Tara Bentley (Executive Director of IAHE) for “Home Education: An Encouraging Midterm Report Card.” (Spoiler Alert: You'll be proud of these grades!)Participate in a new study here!https://homeschoolfreedom.com/study

Need some Christmas inspiration? Consider the World War I Christmas Truce—when the soldiers laid down their arms, sang Christmas carols in two languages, and welcomed the Prince of Peace into the trenches of the Western Front! Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for this miracle of Christmas through a narrated excerpt from her fourth volume.   (Appropriate for students!)

“Home Education” is a two-part term that requires just as much attention to “home” as it does to “education” to be truly successful. If the home side of your homeschool needs some attention, join Linda Lacour Hobar, veteran homeschool mom and the author of The Mystery of History, for caring thoughts about keeping the home in home education (where love and respect are bred!) 

Most of us grew up with some knowledge of the Newbery and Caldecott Awards. (Who could miss the shiny metal stickers on the book covers!) But that doesn't mean as children that we understood the meaning and background of these prestigious awards. If you'd like to know more now, to pass on to your students, join me and my guest, Kelly Howe—a Newbery/Caldecott collector and enthusiast—for an inside look at award winners and more. We'll both share some of our favorites with the hope of stirring your love for quality children's literature. As a bonus, I'm offering a free PDF, “The Mystery of History Guide to Newbery Medal Winners.”Free Printable "The Mystery of History Guide to Newbery Medal Winner" Kelly's Instagram Store "Beauty in the Ordinary Book Nook"Resource to help you find long lost books of old,  "Children's Book Illustrations/My Old Books" Correction: Prayer for a Child is written by Rachel Field, not Christine Field. (Sorry!) 

Are you feeling “fall fatigue” in your homeschool? Are you at that dismal place where the newness of school has worn off—and weariness has set in? It's not uncommon in the throes of homeschooling (and through the burdens of life) to feel discouraged and downtrodden! Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for a personal testimony of a difficult time in her life when the Lord provided His words to provide motivation for staying the course.

In the mid 1800's, members of the Communist League gave Karl Marx the task of writing The Communist Manifesto. It was published in London in 1848. That was over 170 years ago! So why do we still hear about Marxism when we turn on the news today, and what does the topic have to do with Christian home education?  For a concise look at Marxism, and why it conflicts with a biblical worldview, join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for "What is Marxism?" To better follow this episode, grab your free printable PDF worksheet and answer key here.  For a lengthier message on this topic, with video and slides, see the MP4 "The Dark Side of Socialism." For an expanded and updated message on this topic, see the MP3 audio recording "The Threat of Socialism"

Your plate is full. You don't need more to do. But if you homeschool, and occasionally ache for beauty, you may want to join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, as she explores the source of beauty, the significance of beauty, and a few tips on how to spread beauty in your homeschool. (Spoiler alert: Beauty is an attribute of God and so we sense a great need for it!)

Do you have questions about homesteading and homeschooling? Join me and my guests, Nathan and Carla Ahlstrom (Redeemed Homestead,) for an informative and inspirational look at family discipleship and growth—with less reliance on the world! Learn how and why more and more Christian families are seeking a simple, wholesome lifestyle with gardens, animals, and lots of fresh air.

Need inspiration to simplify your homeschool, get past the perfect Instagram image, and move on to real life ways to learn at home? Join me and my guest, Kerry Beck, for a frank conversation on integrating subjects, choosing the best activities, and scheduling to reduce overwhelm. (And when all else fails, how to salvage a bad day!)