Update

Hey all

We get asked quite often some form of the question - what are you up to/how are you all doing...

So - I'll start with an update of things in the Groves Home.

Shawn & I are doing great. We have been going to marital counseling for about 8 months now. Until mid December - we went every Thursday. Now we go every other. To say that our counselor (a Christ follower) has been a God send would be an understatement - for both our marriage & myself. My past keeps trying to show up via people that "just won't let it go" or that don't want me or others to forget about it - but we are doing well in spite of all that.

For about 3 months now - we get up each weekday at 6:15 to pray together. This one spiritual discipline has provided some serious healing for each of us & our marriage.

I have been meeting with a Sr Pastor of a local church, every Tuesday, for about 5 or 6 months. Again - a God send into my life. He offers some great friendship as well as Godly wisdom. Our meetings have gone to every other week now too.

My kids - are all doing well. Cosmetology school...Baseball...an 8 year old Sweetheart...

We have still not found a church to call home. Fact is we haven't even come close yet. We have only been to church a few times in the last 9 months. Sundays are still a tough reminder of my sin(s).

We have been surrounded by some great friends through out the last several months. It would be true to say - that without them we would not be close to where we are today. They know who they are & we are eternally grateful for those that have been there for & with us.

A Couple local pastors have reached out to me/us during this extremely difficult time in my/our life. They have exemplified the ability to still offer grace & forgiveness - which - for some reason - is not as readily offered when you fall as a Pastor. Not that we shouldn't have a higher accountability & all that...but when ya fall - your titles are all gone & you are then just a regular ole sinner that has to still make it...

I still hear often of my past from someone that "follows Christ". Interestingly enough - that's the only group that still does that? They still are calling people...talking about the latest rumor...making sure all the people in my life have all the latest...etc...Truth is - repairing a marriage is tough enough...having to do so in the spot light that people keep shining on us is quite another...whoops - I'm sorry - I didn't mean to get off on that...but if you want to know what a day is like in our life - that would still be what it's like...

Well, there's more - but for now this will do...

Peace

Bob