Facebook

Well, I guess I am done blogging for a while. I finally broke down and joined Facebook. I can't believe it either.

Check it out and let's be "friends" there. Go to www.facebook.com.

Peace out.

More Beach Pics

We've had a good time here in Gulf Shores, Alabama this week and leave in the morning. Here's s
some more pics before we go.

Claire








































Collin





























Caleb

































The Three C's

Beach Trip

Thanks to being able to take a few days off from work, cheaper meals via grocery shopping and a kitchen in our condo, and some assistance from family, we are at the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It is a fun time as a family. The kids love it and so do we. Here are a few pictures from our first day and a half.

Grace-based Accountability

I was reminded this week of a very important truth and Biblical principle what I will call, grace-based accountability. It is difficult yet the best option when it comes to relationships.

Here's what happened: A friend of mine recently made some decisions that were quite frustrating and affected many of us at work. After a long week and weekend, we all got to talk about it today. That really helped to clarify some things and gave me an opportunity to speak to him about my feelings. I was able to share some perspective with him as well as hear his side of the story. I am not sure why I was quite so bothered but I am thankful that I didn't hold my feelings in or let them fester and linger. It would have damaged our relationship.

I also realized the value of grace. You see, my friend made some mistakes with communication. I was pretty upset but wanted to be gracious. It's a good thing because I made a communication decision yesterday that really could have turned out bad for my relationship with a friend of mine who happens to be my boss. I contacted a person about a policy at work without letting my boss know. Then, the guy I contacted didn't call me but instead called my boss to ask him about it. It threw my boss by surprise. I felt like crap! I wasn't trying to go behind his back but made an impulsive decision. Thankfully he and my boss are full of grace and mercy.

If I had gone off on my friend and then turned right around and made just as bad of a mistake which I was forgiven of, then I would feel like the guy in the Bible who was forgiven by someone he had wronged but then turned around as was harsh to someone who wronged him. Not a good thing. This is all a great learning experience with some growing pains.

Thank you Jesus for grace and mercy. May you fill me with more of that please!