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A Different Perpective

In the  midst of life’s trials and tribulations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Often, when we take a closer look at our circumstances or dwell on our failures, we find ourselves trapped in what can be described as the “Angle of Depression.” But there’s another perspective, a better perspective, known as the “Angle of Elevation.” Just like in math, where these two angles are identical, it’s not the angle that changes but where we choose to focus our gaze.
Recently a parent gifted me with a book called “God Hears Her” by The Daily Bread. Today, I read the page from Julie Ackerman Link’s “From Bad to Worse.” The story of Moses and the Israelites in the Bible offers a moving reminder that obedience to God does not guarantee a smooth, trouble-free path. We see how Moses, obedient to God’s call, faced increasing challenges and hardships when he went to Pharaoh to speak on behalf of the Israelites. Sometimes, obeying God leads us through difficult and trying circumstances. It may seem like things are getting worse before they get better.
The Angle of Depression: When we focus solely on our circumstances, our failures, or our shortcomings, we are looking at life from the Angle of Depression. This perspective can be disheartening and debilitating. It’s like staring down into a deep, dark pit of despair. We see only the challenges, the obstacles, and the pain. In this state, we might question God’s plan and wonder if our obedience was in vain.
The Angle of Elevation: On the other hand, there’s the Angle of Elevation. This perspective is about looking up to God, even in the face of adversity. It’s an act of faith and trust, acknowledging that God is in control, no matter how bleak things may appear. When we turn our gaze upward, we find hope, strength, and a source of unwavering support. It’s a posture of surrender and dependence on the Almighty.
In life, we have a choice between these two angles. Satan often tempts us to focus on the Angle of Depression, which cripples us and paralyzes our ministry. It magnifies our fears and insecurities, preventing us from fulfilling God’s call on our lives. However, choosing the Angle of Elevation empowers us to rise above our circumstances, enabling us to complete all that God has asked of us. From God’s perspective, our failures and shortcomings are not obstacles; they are opportunities. He can use them to glorify Himself and to shape us into the people He wants us to become. When we cry out to Him from the Angle of Elevation, He hears us and responds. He lifts our spirits out of despair and into His presence, where we find comfort, guidance, and the strength to overcome.
In a world that often seems filled with challenges and disappointments, it’s crucial to remember that our perspective matters. The Angle of Depression may seem like the default view when life gets tough, but we have the choice to shift our gaze upward to the Angle of Elevation. When we look to God for answers and trust in His plan, we find hope, purpose, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with unwavering faith. So, let’s choose the Angle of Elevation, for it is there that we discover God’s grace and strength to carry us through.
Thank you for all the comments on my posts.  I wasn’t sure if anyone was actually reading them.

Is this worth it?

I have been actively working on Blogging and I decided to also post on this site. But it feels like a ghost town. I think on FB at least it gives me stats on the number of people who click on it and read my posts. So if I don’t get likes or comments as least I know that someone is reading it. Can you tell me if anyone is actually reading my posts?
Mary

God Created All Mankind in His Image: Lessons from the Scalene Triangle

“So God created mankind in His Own Image, in the Image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Gensis 1:27

In a world often divided by differences, we tend to fear what is dissimilar to us. We engage in heated arguments with those who hold contrasting opinions, and we sometimes believe that there can be no connection with people who seem entirely unlike us. However, amidst this divisiveness, there is a powerful lesson we can learn from the humble scalene triangle.

The scalene triangle, a basic geometric shape, is unique in that it has no equal sides and no equal angles. Each side of the triangle stands alone, seemingly disconnected from the others, yet they all converge at a single point, forming a complete triangle. At first glance, these lines appear to be unrelated, but when they come together, they create a harmonious whole. In essence, the scalene triangle symbolizes the potential for connection among seemingly unconnected elements.

 

According to Christian belief, Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice on the cross, brings together disjointed lives and dysfunctional families to create something unique and beautiful, much like the scalene triangle. When Jesus gave His life for us, He tipped the scales, allowing us to approach God as His beloved children, We are all His Children.

In our own lives, we often feel disjointed, unequal, and seemingly random, just like the sides of a scalene triangle. But just as Jesus can transform our lives, He can also make connections with others that defy human understanding. He can use our unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives to bring people together for His Glory. Just as the scalene triangle’s sides, which have nothing in common, come together at a vertex to create a triangle, so too can individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together to achieve something greater for God.

So, the next time you encounter a scalene triangle, let it serve as a reminder of the remarkable power of connection. Just as these seemingly unrelated lines can form a triangle, so too can individuals from different walks of life find common ground and create unity. We must allow Jesus to heal the divisions in our lives and communities, transforming our disjointed existences and allowing Him to turn us into His Masterpiece.

Where Is Your Focus? The Center of a Graph is called the Origin

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5 – 6

In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, it’s all too easy to find ourselves pulled in multiple directions, our attention fragmented by a constant stream of distractions. It’s as if we are constantly in search of our center, a point of balance that seems increasingly elusive. In the realm of mathematics, there’s a concept known as the parent graph, which serves as the foundation for various functions and equations. This parent graph is centered precisely at the origin of the graph, serving as its focal point. In our lives, just like in math, we need a center,  that center is God.

Picture a simple circle on a graph with its center point at (0, 0). This circle is centered at the origin, undistracted by circumstances. But life is seldom as straightforward as mathematics. Distractions, challenges, and temptations continually enter our lives, shifting our center of focus away from where it should be: God. Our lives can easily be compared to that circle on the graph, where external factors pull our center of attention in different directions.

When our center shifts from God to worldly distractions, we start to feel adrift, lost in the chaos of life. The more we allow these distractions to consume us, the farther we drift from God. It’s a pattern familiar to many, as the pressures of daily life, ambitions, and desires lure us away from what truly matters.

But here’s the key: just as in mathematics, where we can recalibrate our graphs and equations to return them to the origin, God has the power to reset our focus and realign our lives with Him at the center. It’s a conscious choice to eliminate the distractions that have crept in and to reevaluate our priorities.

Returning to God as our central focus isn’t about ignoring our circumstances or situations. It’s about viewing them through a different lens, one that acknowledges His presence and guidance in our lives. When God is our center, we gain clarity of purpose, a sense of peace, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. We become less swayed by the ever-changing currents of the world and more anchored in our faith.

The journey back to God as our focus is a personal and ongoing one. It involves regular self-examination, prayer, and reflection. It means making choices that prioritize our spiritual well-being and nurture our relationship with God. It’s about recognizing that the distractions and temptations of the world will always be there but understanding that we have the power to choose where we anchor our focus.

 

In a world filled with endless distractions, it’s crucial to pause and ask yourself: “Where is my focus?” Is it on the fleeting pleasures and worries of the world, or is it on something greater, something eternal? Much like recalibrating a graph to its origin, shifting our focus back to God can bring clarity, purpose, and a deep sense of fulfillment to our lives. It’s a choice worth making, for in God, we find our true center, our unwavering focal point amidst the chaos of life.

Building a Solid Foundation on Jesus: The Isosceles Triangle Principle

“But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” Matthew 6:33

In life, the strength of our foundation can often determine the stability and success of our endeavors. Like an isosceles triangle with its two equal legs firmly grounded on a solid base, we, too, must ensure that our foundation is on The Rock in order to weather the storms of life.

The term “Isosceles” finds its roots in Greek, where it means “equal legs.” This symmetry is more than just a mathematical concept; it can serve as a powerful metaphor for our lives. Just as the two legs of an isosceles triangle are of equal length, we must have both legs in the foundation of Jesus, our base.

 

In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Jesus emphasized the importance of a strong foundation. A house built on solid rock withstood the storms, while one built on sand crumbled. This parable isn’t just for non-Christians; it’s a lesson for all, including especially Christians.

Our lives often mirror this parable. We may construct “houses” such as ministries or future plans on sandy foundations, believing them to be secure. Yet, it’s only when we bring our plans and desires before God and first seek His will that our foundations our built on Him.

It’s easy to assume that our good intentions align with God’s will. However, God’s plans are the only ones built on The Rock: Jesus. Many times, we discover that our own plans are not in sync with His purpose. This can be disheartening, even painful, as we watch our carefully laid-out plans crumble.

Instead of clinging to our own designs and desires, we should surrender them to God. By submitting to His will, we allow Him to reshape our plans and dreams into something that truly stands the test of time. It might be difficult to let go, but the results can be eternal.

Remember, it’s not about what we want, but what God wants for us. His plans are the ones that will endure, and they will lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. So, let go of the sand and embrace the Rock, and watch as God’s plans unfold in your life, bringing stability and joy beyond measure.

Empowered Learning: Tapping into God’s Power for Homeschooling Success

Homeschooling is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and a vital source of empowerment. As Christian homeschoolers, we have a unique advantage—the power of God that is readily available to us when we obediently align ourselves with His will. Much like the parable of the Talents illustrates, God rewards our faithfulness and obedience by multiplying our efforts. In our spiritual lives and mathematical concepts like powers or exponents, we can find profound lessons that apply to our homeschooling experience.
In the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus teaches us the value of obedience and faithfulness. The master entrusted his servants with various amounts of talents, symbolizing the unique gifts and opportunities God grants each of us. Those who faithfully managed their gifts were rewarded with even more responsibilities. This parallels our homeschooling journey; as we remain faithful in teaching and nurturing our children’s education, God blesses us with increased wisdom and effectiveness.
In mathematics, exponents or powers exhibit a fascinating similarity to the principle of obedience and reward. When we raise a number to a higher power, it grows exponentially faster than through other mathematical operations. Similarly, when we faithfully obey God’s call in our homeschooling efforts, His power works within us to amplify our impact on our children’s lives.
Just as exponents magnify numbers, God’s power magnifies our abilities as homeschooling parents. This divine strength is available daily, waiting for us to tap into it. On days when we consciously connect with God’s power, we feel empowered, capable, and equipped to handle the challenges that homeschooling can present. However, we might feel depleted, struggling, and ineffective when we neglect this connection.
Much like the exponential growth (powers) of numbers, our connection with God’s power compounds over time. Consistently plugging into His strength daily builds a foundation of resilience, patience, and creativity. Without this connection, we risk running on empty—much like a vehicle without fuel. Our efforts might feel in vain, and our labor may lack the impact it could have with God’s power behind it.
Just as a higher exponent leads to a more significant number, allowing God’s power to flow through us increases our potential. We open ourselves to God’s transformative influence through prayer, devotion, and surrender. Our homeschooling endeavors become more effective, impactful, and rewarding.
As Christians, we must align ourselves with God’s will and tap into His power. The parable of the Talents teaches us the rewards of faithfulness, and exponents remind us of the exponential growth that occurs through obedience. Through daily connection with God’s power, we can navigate the challenges of homeschooling with strength and confidence. Remember, just as a higher exponent yields a greater outcome, letting God’s power flow through us allows us to achieve remarkable results in our homeschooling journey. So, let us remain faithful in the little things, trusting that God’s power will magnify our efforts beyond measure.

Embracing the Beautiful V-Shaped Victory: Reflecting God’s Love through Absolute Value

“Dear Children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” 1 John 3:18
In mathematics and faith, an intriguing concept beautifully merges the two – absolute value. Picture this: when you graph the absolute value function, it takes the form of a triumphant V-shape, akin to the symbol of victory. But there’s more to this metaphor than meets the eye. Just as the absolute value function helps us understand the distance of a number from zero, our relationship with Jesus is the anchor for our spiritual journey.
Embracing Victory through Jesus: The Absolute Value Connection
Imagine the absolute value function as a visual representation of our faith journey. We accepted Jesus as our Savior, and His love for us is as unchanging as the absolute value of a number. He loves you absolutely, without sin and shame. He gives us victory; we just have to accept it. The absolute value function strips away the negativity and focuses solely on the positive value, reminding us of the boundless love that Jesus has for each one of us. x = |-x|
Spreading God’s Victory, Even in Trials
Sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn, like flipping the absolute value to its negative counterpart. In these moments, it can feel like our victory and joy are slipping away. Doubts and challenges cloud our perspective, and we might even question the authenticity of our faith.
Interestingly, the world watches closely, sometimes without us even realizing it. As we analyze the absolute value function graph, people observe our lives to see if our faith can withstand trials. They’re curious if our victory in Christ is genuine or merely a facade.
When you find yourself in challenging situations, don’t shy away. Let your victory pour out for all to see. You reflect His love and grace by trusting Jesus during tough times. Even on your most challenging days, your faith can be a beacon of hope for those watching. Let your actions and attitudes be a testament to the realness of God’s love and victory. Paul let Jesus use him to pour out His love to others so they might have victory over sin. Paul: “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Phil 2:17
You are now allowed to pour out that victory onto others.
The metaphor of the absolute value function and its V-shaped graph is a powerful reminder of our journey with Jesus. Embrace your unchanging victory in Christ, even when circumstances flip things upside down. Let your life be a testimony that reflects God’s love and triumph, even in the face of challenges. As you do so, you’ll continue to pour out God’s Victory onto those around you, reminding them of the realness of God’s love and the victorious life we have in Jesus.

Reducing Fractions: Embracing Simplicity in Your Homeschooling Journey

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, knowing that God’s plan for our lives is rooted in simplicity is comforting. As Christian homeschoolers, we strive to impart academic knowledge to our children and the wisdom of finding God’s peace amidst life’s complexities. This simplicity can be applied in mathematics, particularly when tackling the daunting task of reducing fractions.
As we guide our children through their math lessons, we may encounter a common stumbling block: fractions. The concept of reducing fractions can be particularly intimidating. Determining what to divide into the numerator and denominator, repeatedly if necessary, until reaching the simplest form, can feel like a challenging puzzle.
Isn’t this similar to how we approach life at times? The fear of fractions mirrors the fear of reducing our chaotic lives into something more manageable. We often wrestle with the notion of simplifying, of finding the essential elements that truly matter. Just as we teach our children to patiently and persistently reduce fractions, we must also learn to navigate life’s complexities by seeking God’s guidance.
Reducing a fraction involves breaking it down into its most fundamental components. Similarly, in our lives, we need to discern what elements are essential and what can be let go. Just as we divide the numerator and denominator to find the lowest terms, we must divide our time and energy between what is vital and simply a distraction.
Think about the darkest days you’ve faced. Those moments when life felt overwhelmingly burdened with busyness, stress, financial strain, and more. In those moments, it becomes imperative to reduce our “life fraction.” We must determine what aspects can be divided away to simplify and embrace life more aligned with God’s plan.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Just as you guide your children through challenging concepts, God is there to guide you through life’s challenges. Letting God reduce your fraction means surrendering your worries, fears, and burdens to Him. It means trusting that He will guide you toward a simpler, more purposeful life.
When we allow God to reduce our fraction, our energy is refocused on the things that truly matter – our relationship with Him, our family, our community, and our personal well-being. The process may not always be easy, but by seeking His wisdom, we can find the courage to eliminate the clutter that often clouds our lives.
As Christian homeschoolers, we have the unique opportunity to instill in our children the value of reducing fractions – not just in math but in life. By teaching them the significance of simplifying and seeking God’s guidance, we equip them with tools to navigate an overwhelming world. Moreover, as we strive to embrace this concept, we pave the way for a life rooted in God’s peace and purpose.
So, the next time you encounter fractions in your math curriculum, remember their parallels with life. Use this opportunity to reflect on how God’s plan is one of simplicity, and let His guidance help you reduce the fractions in your life, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.  Matthew 6:25 – 29
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Teacher tricks to finish math by the end of the school year.

Do you feel like the book goes on forever? Especially a math book? It feels long, and most years teaching continues well into the summer. You feel like a failure and think, “ I am ruining your child’s education.” “They will be so far behind if they do not get it all done.”, is one of the biggest myths in homeschooling. Did you know most math teachers are happy if they get through 75% of a book? That makes a good year! Of that 75%, the students can typically only process about 50% of this. That is less than half of a math book. I am here to tell you to stop stressing over finishing that book. Do as much of it as you can, and move on.
Trick one is to know how math books are set up. A typical math book’s first few chapters are review from the previous year. The last few chapters are advanced, and they are getting your child ready for next year. If you did not get Through last year’s book, then make sure you focus on the first few chapters of the next year’s book to help fill in those gaps.
Another trick is noticing when your student is grasping a topic. When you see this happening, move through this topic and this chapter faster. You might teach several lessons in one day. Assign either odds or evens so the students are not overwhelmed with homework.
What about the review questions? Teachers use them if they notice the students are still struggling with a particular topic. Math is a building block of knowledge, and review questions are great, but students do not need to do all of them. A great idea I use for the review questions is: if there are five of them, I allow the students to select two to three of them, and they could choose any of them out of the five.
Another important thing to remember is no student should have more than one hour of math homework. If they do, it might be time to evaluate if you are giving them too many problems. Remember, the problems are there for practice until they understand the procedures and steps to solve them. If you give them too many, it is just busy work.
Math can be scary to teach, but there are ways to make it more enjoyable. Your child will likely feel the same way about math that you do. Math is not hereditary, contrary to popular belief. It is a learned process of steps and procedures. You just have to find ways for your child to learn it. Keeping in mind that the goal is learning and grasping concepts rather than completing every exercise in the book will help alleviate some of the stress. Understanding how math books are arranged and how to use them properly will ease the tension as well. You might find yourself and your child enjoying math!
For more ways to engage your child in math, visit: https://www.hisvesselacademy.com/

So, You Have Decided to Home-school?

 Your family might think you are nuts; Your friends worry about the social skills of your children, and there are so many choices for a curriculum that it is just overwhelming. This is a great adventure you are embarking on. It might seem daunting, but it is not. Embrace the challenge, and know there are some things you can do to make the journey a little less bumpy. 

First,  I would suggest finding a good co-op. A co-op is short for cooperative. This is exactly what it sounds like. Parents come together and share their individual strengths to help each other educate their children. At first, this might sound like more work, but there is a big secret about co-ops: co-ops are not really for your kids but for you! You need someone to cheer you on without questioning your sanity. Plus, those great friends are going to give you ideas of what worked and what did not work with the curriculum. What works for one child may not necessarily work for all your children. The people you meet at co-ops are wonderfully god-fearing, and they give you the ability to keep going on those tough days. Do not discount the importance of a support group during this time. I remember play dates in the park,  amazing field trips, shared laughter, and crying. Most importantly, I remember being strengthened to stay the course.

Second, do not be afraid to ask for advice. I wanted to look like I had it all together. I am sure you do, too, especially if friends and family are doubting your decision to homeschool.  But do you know what? No one actually does have it all together. If you do not feel comfortable teaching a subject, especially as they get older, then share responsibilities. Co-ops are a major part of helping in this department.  So are online classes. There is nothing wrong with seeking help when you need it.  It is worth the risk of seeming incompetent.

Lastly, if you remember that your child doesn’t need to know everything there is to know before they graduate, the pressure is off. Teaching children to love learning, helping them to know how to learn, and leading them by example if far more important than curriculums or knowing gads of facts. Keep in mind the end goal. Keep in mind no education is perfect. When I think of my public school education which graduated me with barely any reading skills, I realize I did the right thing by homeschooling my children. And I loved doing it well most days!

Let us mention the biggest fear you have right now: I might ruin my child’s education. No, you will not. You love them too much. No one cares more about your child’s education than you do. You were made to be their first and best teacher.  The best advice I give newbies is that you just must be smarter than your child by one day. If you are not smarter than them, then go to the park and get smarter that night. We all had that fear, and your children will not understand or appreciate your sacrifice. Even so, all the effort is worth the end result. Treasure this time with your children, and don’t let anyone or anything, especially fear, keep you from it.

For more on homeschooling and help, visit www.hisvesselacademy.com