I am a lover of languages. I always have been and always will. I remember when I was in preschool quite a few of my classmates were Asian and would speak in their native tongues to each other. The different intonations and sounds intrigued me. Although I had no idea what they were saying, it fascinated me that they could communicate to each other in different way (almost like a secret code if you will.)
If I had the time (and money) I would learn every possible language. After all, what better way is there to communicate than verbal? Having the ability to simply switch languages when necessary is a gift many have, but not all appreciate. In my current classroom I have kids who range from mono- to over trilingual. There have been times in class when my students will say "Ms. Jameson talk in your other language." I'll teach for a little bit in Spanish, but apologize and continue with a response of "English is really my only language."
Lately I have found that languages move me most when incorporated into worship songs.
One of my friends recently showed me a world edition of How Great is Our God.
Watch it.
Watch it again.
There are no words
Having the ability to see different brothers and sisters worshiping Christ in their heart languages is overwhelming. I think sometimes I personally forget that English is not the only appropriate translation for these songs.
Seeing people bursting and belting out words in a tongue so beautifully unfamiliar is something that I can't help but get choked up about. It reminds me that even though they live so far away, God's presence is still within their country. No matter if Christianity has been outlawed or not, God is still there. He fills the heart of people and gives them the freedom to sing even if they don't have it.
How great our God is.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
When I'm 24
On Tuesday October 8, 2013 the numbers of my age changed from 23 to 24.
Not a huge leap, in fact it's times like this where I've come to realize that the importance of birthday celebrations has gone downhill.
At 15 I got my permit.
At 16 I got my license.
At 18 I morphed from a minor to an "adult."
At 21 alcohol beverages became an option.
Anything after has just become another birthday.
If I were to look back 10 years and compare my current living situation to what I had anticipated my life would be like, the result is relatively laughable. (I mean that in good spirit).
When I was 14, 24 looked like that following...
I'd be married.
I'd have a high-paying job.
I'd have a house.
I'd have a kid.
The typical American dream panned out in a preteen fantasy.
Though I haven't accomplished any of the above (for a few of those ideals, it's probably best that I haven't), I am happy to say that within those ten years of dreaming I've gained much needed wisdom and experience.
I'm not married and I don't know when I will be. However, through the dating relationships I have had, I've learned the importance of give and take, communication, respect, you name it. Qualities and knowledge that will help me to be better prepared for when I do join my life with my future husband.
I don't have a high paying job. In fact, I'm probably the poorest I've ever been. Yet, in all honesty, I'm glad my pay check is small. Though the first year was rough, I would not trade my current profession for the world. As a teacher I have received so much undeserved love. Every sweaty, post recess hug. Every handmade drawing. Every moment when I see a kid's eyes light-up because he or she finally understands something. There is nothing I can compare it to.
I don't have a kid. I have fourteen, more if you count the other ones outside of my class that I've gotten to know well. It's strange how maternal I become to each of my students. There are still times when I can't believe that I can control over 10 kids at one time. Yet with each victory and failure, stomachache and fever, I treat these kids as if they were my own.
I praise God for the life He has given me. Though it may not have turned out the way I had wanted when I was 14, it became what I needed at 24.
Here's to another 10 years.
Not a huge leap, in fact it's times like this where I've come to realize that the importance of birthday celebrations has gone downhill.
At 15 I got my permit.
At 16 I got my license.
At 18 I morphed from a minor to an "adult."
At 21 alcohol beverages became an option.
Anything after has just become another birthday.
If I were to look back 10 years and compare my current living situation to what I had anticipated my life would be like, the result is relatively laughable. (I mean that in good spirit).
When I was 14, 24 looked like that following...
I'd be married.
I'd have a high-paying job.
I'd have a house.
I'd have a kid.
The typical American dream panned out in a preteen fantasy.
Though I haven't accomplished any of the above (for a few of those ideals, it's probably best that I haven't), I am happy to say that within those ten years of dreaming I've gained much needed wisdom and experience.
I'm not married and I don't know when I will be. However, through the dating relationships I have had, I've learned the importance of give and take, communication, respect, you name it. Qualities and knowledge that will help me to be better prepared for when I do join my life with my future husband.
I don't have a high paying job. In fact, I'm probably the poorest I've ever been. Yet, in all honesty, I'm glad my pay check is small. Though the first year was rough, I would not trade my current profession for the world. As a teacher I have received so much undeserved love. Every sweaty, post recess hug. Every handmade drawing. Every moment when I see a kid's eyes light-up because he or she finally understands something. There is nothing I can compare it to.
I don't have a kid. I have fourteen, more if you count the other ones outside of my class that I've gotten to know well. It's strange how maternal I become to each of my students. There are still times when I can't believe that I can control over 10 kids at one time. Yet with each victory and failure, stomachache and fever, I treat these kids as if they were my own.
I praise God for the life He has given me. Though it may not have turned out the way I had wanted when I was 14, it became what I needed at 24.
Here's to another 10 years.
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