Mixed Messages

Some of you who are familiar with me may remember that I taught special education for over 12 years . In my special ed class I frequently used sign language to augment communication with non-verbal children. I also speak Spanish, and am learning Swedish. In my classroom, we mostly spoke Spanglish-- a combination of English and Spanish. Along with the Sign, which I also use with the baby in small amounts. In college, I also learned a little bit of Japanese, and German. My husband speaks some German as well, because he used to live there.

This has created some interesting days in my new job, as I have a variety of languages going through my mind all day.

The baby and I are working on her acquisition of new words because at 8 months old, language seems to finally be "clicking" in her mind. It seems like she's finally getting it-- that the word I say and sign means something.

Here's where it gets tricky: the other day the baby was looking at the overhead lights in the living room and I told her it was "Ein lampara." I MEANT to tell her the word in Swedish. It came out as a combination of German (ein) and Spanish (lampara!) ...and at the same time, I was showing her the sign for "sun"!!! nooooo!!! What a mixed message!!

My husband said I better focus just on one language at a time for a while. *groan*

I am so glad that God's message is not mixed or confused. His message is not confusing.

1. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. Do not make yourselves an idol.
3. Do not misuse the Lord's name.
4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. Do not murder. (jesus said to hate is to murder, btw, so we should not even hate.)
7. Do not commit adultery
8. Do not steal.
9. Do not give false testimony against your neighbor.
10. Do not covet (be jealous).

Those are pretty straight forward. God tells us what to do. He tells us what not to do. And God does not change. They are the 10 COMMANDMENTS-- NOT the 10 "suggestions". God says, I am who I am, I do not change. God's commandments were not just for the old testament, or for 200o years ago...they are for now. They are there for our protection and to give us good lives, and I for one am glad they are there... they help me leave a better life. God is not sending us mixed messages.... and I am so thankful.

Unlike myself, who is not a good communicator, God is the best communicator there is. He has sent us his Word, through prophets and writers , to give us direction for His good pleasure and for edifying & loving us. That's pretty cool. Because He loves us.

And that's not a mixed message at all.