Learning a new language... and failing miserably

Learning a new language... and failing miserably

12 Comments Edit

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
Revelation 7:9

 I'd like it to be said of me that I loved the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

 So I'm learning Tagalog.

 You see, my exotic hubby hails from the tropical islands of the Philippines.

 He's a package. "Love me, love my language."

 I love language, people. I'm a sure crier when we sing Revelation Song in multiple languages.

 Genesis tells us that language was a curse, and Revelation tells us that God has redeemed language to be a blessing.

 I give up easily when things get hard, though. So I've done lesson one about ten times since this tri-lingual man and I tied the knot. (Yes, he speaks Chinese, too.)

 Sometimes we narrow the definition of loving God with our minds to using Bible dictionaries and reading commentaries and studying theology.

 Update on the case: Theology is the study of God, and God created... you guessed it - language!!

 By learning a new language, I'm loving God with my heart because I'm serving and loving my husband, his family and our Filipino friends.

 I'm loving God with my soul because understanding God through the lens of another language and culture deepens my knowing of Him.

 I'm loving God with my mind because, well, brain power.

 I'm loving God with my strength because He asks me to persevere, to run the race with endurance.

 So I'm renewing my focus today. Every day is a fresh start. Praise God that both He and my husband are long-suffering with me.

 Magandang umaga! Beautiful morning!

 What exercise has God called you to as you love Him with your mind? Are you learning a new language? New skill? Reading a challenging book? Any encouragement/motivation you can give me if you're on the other side or at least past lesson one?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hello! I'm Faith. I'm a verbal processor who wants to love the Lord and love people with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I write to think and think to write. I don't drink coffee. I am a dogless dog lover. I enjoy hosting large parties in my home, and I enjoy being alone. Join me in looking to Him and pursuing A Radiant Face.

12 comments:

  1. KalinMay 9, 2016 at 3:08 PM

    Good luck with learning a new language! It's a struggle for sure, but definitely something that is so handy! And what a blessing it can be to witness to other people who may not speak our own language!
    www.thedivinepresence.wordpress.com

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  2. PamelaMay 9, 2016 at 3:36 PM

    I'm afraid my 58 year old mind is too overworked to learn a new language. But you really made me think about what what I can do to exercise my mind. It may take longer than my 25 year old mind, but to serve others is what we are called to do.

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  3. The Darda ProjectMay 9, 2016 at 5:51 PM

    I love how you are willing to do this to honor your husband and his family. I am sure that it means a lot to him.

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  4. Hylaandpeterechols.comMay 9, 2016 at 6:25 PM

    That's really cool that you are trying out a new language and embracing all the cultures in your family.

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  5. Andrea WienerMay 9, 2016 at 6:32 PM

    as long as we ask Him to help us :)

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  6. MarieMay 9, 2016 at 8:00 PM

    what an undertaking. That's not an easy language - or at least it doesn't look easy. praying it comes quickly to you

    Marie
    @speadingJOY
    spreading-joy.org

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  7. Sarah ElizaMay 10, 2016 at 12:09 PM

    What an exciting challenge! I love your positive attitude, and ability to see God's purpose even in a hard thing. Wishing you lots of perseverance and success in the task ahead! :)

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  8. UnknownMay 10, 2016 at 5:09 PM

    Wow, I loved this. You go!

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  9. Brandi DavisMay 10, 2016 at 5:56 PM

    Good luck, Faith. Learning a new language is hard but with your man helping you, you should succeed.

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  10. Caroline @ In Due TimeMay 10, 2016 at 8:23 PM

    Wow I so admire you!! This isn't not easy as I have tried many times at learning other languages with no success. I can't wait to hear and read more

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  11. Brianna GeorgeMay 11, 2016 at 11:55 PM

    Well right now I am learning a new way to trust God. I am feeling so beat up by it, but I know it is good.:)

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  12. Anna Clarke BlogMay 23, 2016 at 5:31 PM

    How wonderful! And exciting all at once. I know how hard it can be (I took 4 years of Spanish and I feel like I don't know much of anything LOL!), but I know your husband appreciates this so much which will hopefully help you continue along :) You've got this!! As far as loving God with my mind...I've recently tried to study the Bible more consistently, and it's been amazing to dig in deep on my own to discover more about our amazing Lord! Thanks for sharing! -xx Anna

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