Challenges (A German Post)

Are you up to a good challenge?  I am trying to learn German. I want to learn it, because I like the language, I have a German heritage, and because it isn't an easy language to learn. My children challenged me to step outside my safe little box and post something in German.  At first I balked at this challenge, but with a little prodding from my family, I decided to try, so here goes:

Ich lerne deutsch. Es ist schwer, aber es macht Spaß. Ich lese die  deutsche Bibel, und ich lese das Gesangbuch. Mir gefällt Paul Gerhardt am besten. Ich hoffe, ich kann meinen Wortschatz erweitern. Gott lehrt mich, geduldig zu sein, während ich lerne. Es ist gut, neue Dinge zu lernen.  Es hält den Geist jung!    


To translate:  I am learning German.  It is difficult but it is fun.  I read the German Bible and I read the hymnal.  I like Paul Gerhardt best.  I hope I can learn more vocabulary. God teaches me to be patient as I study.  It is good to learn new things. It keeps the mind young!

Studies show that when a person keeps the mind active through learning new things,  the brain stays activeated and functioning; it helps the brain stay  young.  It can help keep Alzheimer's at bay.  Studies say that keeping the brain activated, which learning a new task does, improves brain function.  It's also a challenge to step out of a comfortable place at any age, but I think more so as we grow older, so this particular challenge stretches me.

Really, we can learn something difficult like a foreign language at any age.  We can step outside our safe area that we create for ourselves, and even one tiny step outside that area, will make it easier to take another step.  I pray God help me to stretch myself and grow for as long as He gives me breath.  

Vielen Dank für mein Blog lesen, und haben einen schönen Tag!  Thank you for reading my blog, and have a wonderful day!  (To my German friends, please feel free to correct my errors. : )

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