Walking on Water

Hey there! It's been a while since I last posted anything and that is purely down to having a hectic Easter period and being involved in a Youth Camp over the Easter holidays. Being part of the camp experience again was totally awesome and even though I felt "old" sometimes, I appreciated the immense value in investing in the spiritual lives of the young teens. I have just started reading a great book by John Ortberg, 'If you want to walk on water you've got to get out of the boat.' Wow, this book is really challenging and I find that it is speaking to me on a whole number of different levels. I will have to share some of these insights with you in the weeks to come. First thought though - Why is it that we so seldom take risks? Is it because of our personality types? Is it because we are afraid of the "F" word - failure! Or is it that we are just far to comfortable with where we are in our spiritual lives and in our relationships with others. I'm not sure about you, but I want to be person who is willing to "walk on water" or at least to say I have tried it. We usually reflect back on the incident where Simon Peter starts to walk on water and then realises that he is hectically out of his comfort zone and starts to sink. We focus on Jesus' words "You of little faith. Why did you doubt?" However, we miss what Jesus could have said to him, but which is not recorded in Scripture. Perhaps, Jesus said, "Well done dude, at least you tried!" or "Hey bud, at least there are two of us who can say we have walked on water!" Im sure that Jesus was chuffed that Peter at least got out of the boat. The other 11 guys were so afraid they were literally clinging onto each other and praying that they would survive the storm. From that day on Peter had bragging rights that the other disciples never had - "I got out the boat and I walked on water...even if it was only for a short time."
Let's try and live in the moment and take worthy risks. Enjoy walking on water!
Have a great day.
BDT.

Learner Dad

Hi there fellow bloggers. Just starting out on my blogging adventure and have to admit I feel a little intimidated. Posting my thoughts on the internet is almost as scary as having a child.I have two boys and if I can 'live the adventure' with them, then blogging should be a breeze! Anyway, I look forward to linking up with fellow dads and sharing thoughts on raising kids in the 21st century.

I remember going for my driving test, as if it were yesterday (and believe me it was many years ago). Taking the big "L" off the back of my car window was such an awesome feeling. It was as if I was walking ten feet tall. I drove around imagining that everyone was staring at me and commenting on what an awesome driver I was. However, soon my bubble burst and I realised that no one actually cared that I was on the road (well, that excludes my mom, who was probably praying furiously the whole time.) So, what does driving have to do with being a dad? Nothing, really, except that everyday I wake up feeling like I am a "learner dad." I think to myself, "well, I learnt so much yesterday, what will I learn today?" The reality of being a "learner dad" is that I 'm not sure I will ever shake off the big "L" that all new dads wear. I don't know what you think, but I realise that I'm in this life-long-learning experience called 'fatherhood.' Somedays I feel that I've arrived and that I am the world's best dad, but as soon as I reach those dizzy heights I plummit to the pit of reality and realise that I am a real "shocking" dad. What a roller-coaster ride! Anyway, being a dad is still the most awesome blessing in the world and I am willing to plough through the frustrating moments as long as I can continue to experience the privilege of hearing the words "I love you dad!"
Live the moment.
BDT