We're all familiar with the story of Peter walking on the water but let's analyze it a little. The men were in big trouble. Storms spring up on the Sea of Galilee quickly and can be very strong. We assume they were not using sails because that would have made things worse. Therefore, they were struggling with the oars. They probably weren't out in the middle of the water but far enough from shore to be in great peril.

When Jesus saw their plight, he took the most direct route to help them. He walked across the water.

Now imagine this scene from the men's point of view. They are in trouble and may all soon be drowned. Suddenly there is this "thing" coming across the top of the water, robes flying, hair flying. What do you think is going through their minds? The words in the New Testament are a great under-statement--they were afraid. Don't you think they were terrified? Wouldn't you be?

As soon as they realize who and what it is, impulsive Peter wants to go to him. Jesus answers him as he answers any who want to go to him, "Come". Peter then starts towards him. As long as he focuses on his goal, his Lord, he is fine. However, as soon as notices how wild the storm is and he looks away from his goal, he sinks. I've seen many paintings of this moment. Many show Peter in the water up to his waist. Now if you drop into deep water like a stone, are you going to fall in only to your waist? No, Jesus has to fish him out and he is entirely wet. Then the story leaves out some details. If the ship is tossing on the waves is it close by. Probably not. Have you ever wondered how Peter and Jesus get to the ship? I don't think Jesus carries him. I think Peter is refocused and he now walks there. Jesus gently chides him for lack of faith but then Peter rises to the challenge and walks on the water to the ship.

How often do we make mistakes, lose our focus, and think we are lost and will never make it. Yet, Jesus is there to fish us out and set us back on the path. We just have to refocus and go on.

musings

If you are a child of God, if God is really your father, then what traits did you inherit? And how does the knowledge that you have traits of your father affect your life? Science says we are a combination of inherited traits and traits formed by environment. We can see that easily from our earthly families. Look carefully and see it from your eternal family.

We had a wonderful baptism January 9. Erin was so excited and we took great pictures which my camera failed to save. So, I need to get pictures from others to post. She had some rocky times getting to the baptism date but she made it!

You can't coast or drift into God's Celestial Kingdom.

New Year

The new year always keeps me guessing every year. I found a quote by Roald Dahl, one of my favorite authors, that says it well, “For the last twelve months we have all been living in one year and now all of a sudden it is another. It is extraordinary how this tremendous change takes place in the space of a fraction of a second. As the clock approaches midnight on the thirty-first of December you are still in the old year, but then all at once, one millionth of a second after midnight, you are in the new. I have always found this sudden change from one year to another awfully hard to get used to, and all through the new January that follows I keep writing down the old year instead of the new one on letters and cheques and other bits of paper.”

If you’re feeling a bit biffsquiggled too, why don’t you try out this tasty recipe for ‘Fizzy Lifting Drinks’ from CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY to help January 2010 go with a BANG!

You will need:
Cream Soda
Vanilla Ice Cream

1.Close all the doors so that you don’t end up on the moon.
2.Pour cream soda into a glass.
3.Top with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream.
4.Drink.
5.Burp.

Hope you have a tremendous 2010!

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