Home 2024 May

Great Outdoors

Recently, I wrote an article for The Homeschool Quest Magazine. I really enjoyed creating 3 math-related outdoor activities. I think children need to see more fun activities for math and the outdoors. Here is the link for the entire magazine.

Dive into the magical world where mathematics and nature collide! This article by Mary Carroll Of His Vessel Academy reveals the captivating patterns and structures that will 
capture your kids’ imaginations. 
Click here to download the magazine for free: https://smll.ink/thq-issue6-download
My article is on page 52.  I hope you like it.  I did this with my grandkids, and they loved the scavenger hunt.

Equal Recipients: God’s Unbiased Distribution

In the grand tapestry of God’s love, grace, and mercy, there is no partiality. God loves each of us equally and unconditionally. As recipients of His boundless affection, we are called to mirror His example in our interactions. The biblical truth in Galatians 3:28 resonates – there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female; all are one in Christ Jesus. God’s love knows no distinctions or biases. When we distribute the love He has bestowed upon us, let us emulate His impartiality, ensuring every individual receives their share of His grace. So, when you have to distribute a number in math, remember God wants us to love as He has loved you. Make sure every term gets an equal amount of love.

Life’s Angles: A Mathematical Reflection

“In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
In the realm of mathematics, angles can be metaphors for the different times in our lives. We often veer away from what is right and good, allowing our paths to be shaped by our own will. When we succumb to pride and overindulgence, we mirror an obtuse angle – over the top and lacking humility. On the other hand, when fear and doubt hinder us from following God’s will, we resemble an acute angle, folding in and withholding God’s love from the world. The aspiration is to be at the right angle and live a righteous life. It involves an unwavering commitment to follow God’s will at all costs. Just as a right angle is balanced and, aligning our lives with God’s purpose allows us to radiate His love to others. So, let us strive to be the right angle in life’s intricate geometry, acknowledging our angles’ imperfections and holding fast to the power of following God’s will with unwavering faith and dedication.

Input and Output of an Equation: Understanding Domain and Range in God’s Sovereignty

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5 – 6
In the realm of language, “domain” signifies dominion or territory under a sovereign ruler. Think of it as the x-value, the independent variable. Now, associate this x with God’s direction in your heart and life. When we invite God into our hearts, we willingly concede dominion, making our hearts His domain. Consider the range linked to the y-axis, the dependent variable. In the grand equation of life, we are
reliant on God’s guidance through His Word. Following His direction yields the desired outcomes He has envisioned for our lives. So, as we delve into the concepts of Domain and Range, let’s not forget that our hearts are now God’s domain. We are intricately woven into the fabric of His plan, and by surrendering to His rule, we align ourselves with God’s mathematics, where every variable finds purpose in His sovereign design.

Beyond Mean, Median, and Mode – God’s Grace is a Gift, Just Receive It

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
In the arithmetic of life, some believe in a cosmic balance sheet, hoping their good deeds will outweigh the bad, granting them passage through heaven’s gates. However, God’s calculus isn’t a mere tallying of deeds; it demands perfection. God, being holy, requires 100% goodness, a feat unattainable by human efforts alone. We can only stand before God because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The mean, often equated with averaging, suggests we can tip the scales in our favor. Yet, God’s standard transcends human calculations. Only through Jesus, who intercedes between our imperfections and God’s holiness, can we find the perfection required for heavenly dwelling. Consider the median, akin to the mean but with a twist – canceling out good and bad deeds until only one number remains. Living in uncertainty, hoping this result secures our place in heaven, is a fearful existence. Thankfully, we don't have to live in such uncertainty. Through Jesus, we can know with certainty that we stand cleansed before God. Another misconception is finding a mode, a singular skill or attribute, to pave our way to heaven. Yet, even a mode of all good deeds falls short. It’s not our merits but Jesus who enables us to stand before God as His children. By inviting Him into our hearts, we secure a place in God’s kingdom, not through a collection of good deeds but through a relationship with the Savior. God’s calculus is not about hoping we’ve done enough or excelling in a single skill. It’s about acknowledging our need for a Savior, recognizing Jesus as the bridge between our imperfections and God’s holiness. In this certainty, we find peace, knowing that our place in God’s kingdom is secured not by our efforts but by His grace.