If you want to walk on water...

Last Christmas my friend Amy gave me a book by John Ortberg called If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. In the book, Ortberg uses Peter as an example of how, unless we completely trust Jesus and follow His example, we will continually hold ourselves back from the life He wants for us. If you want to accomplish amazing things, you have to take that initial step... you've got to get out of the boat.

Matthew 14:22-33 (New International Version)
Jesus Walks on the Water
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Well, this weekend I am happy to say that I got out of the boat THREE times, and I am still grinning ear to ear. Complete and total joy. :)

Friday night I attended a party at a local gallery where I knew no one. I used to be friends with the owner, but that was years ago. History. Awkwardness. Santa mayhem... and SUCH a great time! Joy.

Saturday night was Art Conspiracy IV, and the first time I had my work on display since college. I was a bundle of nerves as THE MAN Rob McCollum auctioned off my painting... and it sold!!! (Pictures to come.) Word on the street is that AC4 raised $28,000+ for Preservation LINK, Inc. Joy!

Finally, this morning my church held a Christmas concert. Our Choir and Praise Team/Band have been working diligently for months on this labor of love... and I had a 5 min solo. The program was different than anything else we have done before and a huge success. JOY!

To quote Mase Masalosalo, "God is good! All the time!" "All the time! God is good!"

Will you be getting out of your boat this week? Come on in... the water's fine.