Life's Beautiful Realities: My Better Whole (rather than my "better half")

In this edition of the newly renovated "Mr. & Mrs. Grover Chronicles", you can look forward to:
1. Catching Up with what's new in life, (including the pics to prove it) as well as some prayer requests.

2. Grover's Unword of the Month! (You don't want to miss this!)
3. Life's Beautiful Realities: The Better Whole (rather than my better half) encouraging devotional that God has laid on Jared's heart.
4. Super Links: Find some highly reccomended links below including an excellent video message series by Pastor Andy Stanley called "I" Marriage.

Catching Up

Hello my friends....It's great to connect with you after a long time,

I know it's been such a long time, to which I am sorry, but consequently I am blessed and excited to share a lot of exciting recent news, pictures, and encouragement with you. First of all..How have you been? What's new? Even as busy as the past several months have been, many of you have still been in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. I have certainly felt them, and can't thank you enough!

SO...right off the bat....If you haven't figured it out, or just in case I haven't told you fifteen thousand times already...I'M A MARRIED MAN! Please feel free to take a look at our wedding website at http://www.sarahandjared.weddingwindow.com to find out a lot more. Praise God for his love and direction in our lives. On July 11, 2009 I married my best friend, Sarah Jill Roberts from Ottawa, Ontario where I am now currently a "visitor" as far as Canada is concerned, until my permanent residency application is approved. That in and of itself is a huge matter for prayer. If you have ever experienced the immigration process you know it can be a big pain in the gluteous maximus; but on a more positive note, just recently Sarah was approved for spousal sponsorship. Now it's just a waiting game.

After seeing an immigration lawyer we were informed that the process of permanent residency can take up to 6 months. We're praying that it will be quicker than that, but we're not getting our hopes up. Under the rules of Canadian immigration, I am not allowed to legally work until I am fully approved. That in and of itself is a huge disappointment to me, because Sarah will be working and I will only be allowed to volunteer. I am thankful to say that I have been approved to volunteer for the school district that Sarah works in, and plan to do a lot of volunteering there. Sarah is now working in two different schools. She is teaching one AM kindergarten class, and one third grade English class. It is my desire and plan to try to keep myself busy volunteering in the school district so that when I am able to start working, I will have some good references, as well as some contacts for positions of employment. I also plan to do some volunteering at a rescue mission in Ottawa. We have a man that attends our church who happens to be one of the pastors at the Capital City Mission in downtown Ottawa and has told me that I am welcome to come down and volunteer.

For nearly 9 years, Sarah has been the leader the childrens ministries at our home church. She coordinates all of the Sunday School (called Kidz Zone) classes, leads the open session, and started a "Kid's Nite" program every Wednesday night at the church. In Kidz Zone we are currently doing a program that is taking us through the whole Bible. Now that we are married, I am blessed to be able to take a more active role in these ministries. When Kid's Nite starts the week after next, we will be beginning to practice our annual kid's choir presentation. I am so looking forward to working along side Sarah in these ministries. Sarah is finding it nice to be able to share the load with me.

After a beautiful honeymoon at a Couples all inclusive resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica (check out photo links at bottom of page), we came back to Ottawa for a couple of days before we took off to Maine for a 2 week visit. During our time in Maine we had a beautiful 2nd wedding reception that my mother and a friend of mine put on for Sarah and I. We were thankful and blessed to have been able to invite a lot of family and friends that weren't able to get to our wedding in Ottawa, to this reception in Howland, Maine at my former home church.

Well, we are now settled into our apartment here in Ottawa and are looking forward to a great future together. The apartment is slowly but surely getting organized. We are very happy with our little apartment. When we looked initially, all of the apartments that we saw were quite small in comparison to this one that we are in now. It has a good size living room, a good size kitchen (which I'm happy about) and is in what seems to be a very nice neighborhood. If you ever need a vacation, or just want to pay us a visit, please don't hesistate to give us a call or drop us an email. We'd love to have you. Well...I guess we'd have to give you our bed and sleep on the couch because I just remembered that it's only a one bedroom. That's ok. The couch is good enough for me, but I guess it's Sarah that I would have to talk into that situation first. HA, HA!

In the last installment of Grover Chronicles I believe that I forgot to share that I had graduated from an EMT course that I took through State University of New York in Canton, NY. It was a great learning experience for me and challenged me in so many ways. If it were not for the help of God, the patience and help of Sarah, and the countless hours of studying I never would have made it. I am now a certified EMT. On top of all the medical knowledge that I gained through this course, I also learned how to operate the jaws of life. That was a great experience. I even got to wear full rescue squad gear. I had the opportunity to ride on an ambulance for a number of months, as well as work for an ambulance service for a number of months. The funny thing about it, was in the total of 3 or 4 months that I was involved with the ambulance service, I had no opportunity to see any real "emergencies".  The purpose for taking this course was in hopes that if I needed to, I could use the certification to possibly work on a squad in Canada if need be, as well just the satisfaction of knowing that I accomplished a worthy ambition.

So that's the scoop on our life where it stands right now. Now that I'm married I am learning that are a lot of new adjustments that I am having to make in my life. I'm sure that all of you married friends of mine completely understand and most can agree that those adjustments are necessary and often helpful in our lives.  I just want to take a few moments to share with you a little bit about the how those adjustments have affected my life so far, and more importantly, what the Lord has put on my heart about "life's beautiful realities", and how my wife is not just my better half, but rather she is part of "the better whole". Even if you don't have time right now, please take some time to read the little devotional if you are able.

Until Next time,
We love you,

Jared & Sarah

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Grover's Unword of the Month

Accidentist

(āk'sĭ-dən'tĭst)

1. (n.) A dentist known for making mistakes.

Example: My accidentist decided to drill my good molars at my appointment today.

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Life's Beautiful Realities: The Better Whole (rather than my "better half")

One of my good friends asked me a few weeks ago what I liked about marraige the most so far. Although I know that I have a long way to go, and a whole lot more to learn, I told her that one of the things that I enjoyed the most about being married was being able to wake up every morning beside my wife. Not just the fact that she is beautiful and all mine (eat your heart out men..lol), but also for the encouraging fact that she can experience "a new day" with me. Our goal and aim as a couple is to remember that each day is a new day, and a new opportunity to have a fresh start, as well as an even more important opportunity to bridge that gap in our relationship that makes us "whole". To me..this is one of many beautiful realities in life.

My desire in sharing these devotional thoughts, is that the Lord may really allow me to share my heart, through His Word, and encourage those of you who might need some enlivening (it's a word...I promise), or at the very least, give you something to think about. I really try to wait on God to inspire me, and give me something that would speak to the hearts of people. Although I may never have any awe inspiring words to share, I am so thankful that I can use this venue to communicate my love and care for those that I care about. If your reading this....thanks for being you!

(Just a disclaimer: although this devotional is largely geared toward married people...it has a lot of points that largely apply and carry over to single people as well.)

If you think about it, referring to your husband/wife as "my better half" is really an unhealthy title to give away. I am very much aware that often it is just a "joke" or a "nickname", but never-the-less, it really has a negative conotation towards who you are in the eyes of God, and even who you are suppose to be in the eyes of your loved one. I would prefer to call Sarah "the better WHOLE", if I were going to use that term at all, but most women prefer sweetheart or beautiful, so I'll just stick to that. It is amazing, and I mean AMAZING how much I have already learned in the very short time I have been married about the husband/wife relationship. Regardless of my lack of experience in this area, I am determined, and encouraged by God and others to see the beautiful realities of  my new found love and commitment. Again, a lot of these realities can be seen in light of many different kinds of relationships.

Lately I've had to reexamine some ways that I can become "the better whole", rather than just "the better half" in Sarah and I's marraige. Recently I was brought to this very familiar scripture in Psalm 37:23-24 which reminded me that: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand."

As a believer, and as a husband, in order for me to focus on becoming the better whole in my relationship with my wife, I must allow my steps to be "ordered" or directed by the Lord. As much as I would like to figure everything out, and make everything right, the truth of the matter, according to experience, and His Word, I am not responsible to "figure it out", but rather am responsible to follow in His steps (that by the way, He directs).

Becoming that "whole" mate that God wants me to be is something that I have to realize is not about perfection, but instead it's about desiring, striving and seeking out opportunities to be the best mate that I can possibly be with the help of God. At a men's get together that my church had for me just before I was married, one of the men stood up and said something that I will never forget. He said something like this, "...in and of myself I can't be the perfect husband, but by the grace and help of God, I can strive to be the perfect husband for my wife...".  This is my prayer as well. Take a moment to think about some things that I have learned recently about my role in the "whole" relationship:

1. I learned that I had to realize that it would not come naturally.

It goes against our nature many times to give of ourselves, and to give up our own desires and "needs" in order to bless, encourage, and show love to our spouse. Everything that I have read recently, as well as all the advice that I have receieved from godly counsel has reminded me that in marriage it is not largely about me...but rather it is about what I can do for my wife. It doesn't seem natural, but I am slowly finding out that what I perceive to be natural, is not always the way it works. My God is the God of the supernatural. He works in ways that I never could understand, and yet, His way is the only right way. Always remember that despite how "unnatural" it may seem...GOD WILL ENPOWER YOU to be able to do it. Philippians 2:13 says "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

2. I learned that my head knowledge is no good until it becomes heart knowledge:

I have read and listened to so much advice and opinions on how to respond and act in different relationships in my life. I have been very open and receptive to that advice. I have weighed and considered it. I KNOW (for the most part) a lot of what I am suppose to do. The problem is that sometimes it has a hard time making it's way to my heart. I may even have times where I'm aware of what I need to do, but I don't allow my heart to be in it, or I don't allow God to take control of that area of my life that I struggle with. Maybe I'm afraid that it will be too hard, or that it won't help. Please, let God decide that. Let God give you the strength to do what you know you need to do. If you are confused and/or frustrated....stop, look, and listen for what He might be trying to show you. Always remember that "Where your treasure is, THERE your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

3. Let God reveal a "turning point".

I know that I have been guilty many times of wanting something to change, or get better so badly, that I spend too much time focusing on looking for a turning point in a situation, rather than allowing God to move and mold in His way, and in His time. Never forget that there may be big changes, and there may be turning points taking place beyond your scope of human sight.

Another very familiar portion of scripture in Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE". Be encouraged by the fact that even though we can not always see every important turning point, we have the complete assurance and blessing of knowing that our Father is paving the way for us. That is certainly a road that I want to travel on.

4. Allow Him to mold your heart.

It is so important to remember that it should always be our hearts desire and ambition to allow God to mold our own hearts. It's not enough to just say we want it, or think we want it, but to really, with everything we have, plead with God to give us the desires of HIS heart. No situation can be overcome without the sustaining power of Jesus Christ. I have been asking God to keep me open to His leading, and His work in my heart and life. Regardless of how difficult and hopeless the situation may seem, will you agree with me that we need to allow Him to mold our hearts.

5. You will be more happy and peaceful when you simply obey God and leave the results to Him.  

To some this might sound harsh, but I can not mince words. There is no greater understanding of love then to understand what our Lord has done for us. The least that we can do is surrender our situations and circumstances to Him, and know, as He has proved to us time and time again, that He is in complete control, He has complete compassion, and nothing takes Him by surprise.

I once read something that said, "we are His servants, not His adviser's."  Stop and think about that for a second. 

Everything that I have read about relationships, both marital or not, tells me that it is my job to be a servant, regardless of my position in life or in that relationship. I had to realize that even though I may not have a "mental" understanding of all that perplexes me, I am confident in the fact that I a son to a Father who has the "Godly" understanding that I need.

I have tried to the best of my ability to outline some encouraging thoughts that I have felt led to share. Whether you are a married individual or not, my prayer for you is that you can embrace the opportunity that you have to be a servant for an awesome Lord and Savior. If you are married, even if you have to remind yourself daily, your mate is your better "whole", rather than just your "better half". This, I believe, will serve us much better than all too often expecting that the answer is the responsibility of the other person in your relationship.

In conclusion, my prayer is that I will always remember and appreciate that fact that I am part of a relationship where my position is not just "the better half", but that I would take my rightful place, with the help of God, and be the "better whole". I am reminded that marriage is a picture of Christ's love for the church. May our love reflect His in all was say and do.

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Super Links
I often come across excellent links that I believe would benefit others as much as they have myself. Each installment of Grover Chronicles I will post some links for your viewing pleasure. 

1. "I" Marriage video message series by Pastor Andy Stanley.  (click on the links below)
"I" Marriage Intro 1

"I" Marriage Part 1a

"I" Marriage Part 1b

"I" Marriage Intro 2

"I" Marriage Part 2a

"I" Marriage Part 2b

"I" Marriage Intro 3

"I" Marriage Part 3a

"I" Marriage Part 3b

2. Professional wedding photos.

Pre-wedding:  
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2010844&;id=154000650&l=d06b954081 

Wedding Ceremony: 
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2010873&;id=154000650&l=b42bf6b8df

Ceremony continued: 
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2010874&;id=154000650&l=73218ae9a5

  

The Bridal Party: 
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2010875&;id=154000650&l=c14170ce8e 

The Reception: 
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2010876&;id=154000650&;l=ee41d53081

Honeymoon: 
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011367&;id=154000650&;l=4e49c90dc7 

Honeymoon continued:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011370&;id=154000650&;l=0b3da0f3db

 

Great is YOUR Faithfulness!

In this volume, you can read:
1. Update about where I'm living now, and how I got there.
2. My trip to California/Maine with Sarah with lots of pictures

Hello from Ogdensburg, NY,

I trust that your having a great day today, and that the Lord is blessing you beyond compare. You have been in my thoughts and prayers often since the last time I wrote to you. If you get a chance, drop me an email to let me know how your doing and what's new in your life. I look forward to sharing with you some exciting new blessings in my life.

Where I'm at now and how I got there

I have been up here living in the Ogdensburg area now for about almost 6 months now and during this time I have found that the Lord has been stretching me, teaching me, and growing me in ways that I never thought possible. I know that it's easy sometimes to make a statement like that, but I have learned invaluable lessons, and have been blessed with several friends and loved ones who have taken the time to share with me the changes that they have seen in my life. Praise be to God. I often have found myself in places and positions where I wonder why the process of growth and change seemingly takes so long. I am thankful to say that the Lord has shown me loud and clear when done in His time, and His way, all things truly do work together for good. Please continue to pray for me. Pray that my mind would be stayed and focused on him. Pray that this process of growth and surrendering to His Will (which I know is a life long process) will be a source of encouragement to me, and that I would be reminded constantly that when He is honored, and He is glorified, true fruit will be displayed in my life.

One of the 2 major reasons for my move to New York was that it seemed that there were more opportunities for a stable, good paying job than in Maine. I'll let you figure out the other reason (wink wink). I moved to New York practically on a wing and a prayer. I had sought council from my Pastor and a few other Christian friends as to whether or not it was a good idea, or if I was just being foolish. In the past I have made many foolish mistakes, so I really wanted to make sure that this was what the Lord wanted for me. So, after a lot of prayer and advise, I decided that this was what God wanted me to do. I asked the Lord if He wanted me to go, if He would provide both a place to stay, and a job. Sarah's parents were a huge blessing and extended me an offer to stay in their guest room until I could find a place in New York. They live just under and hour from the area I was planning to move to.

Just before I left for New York, I spoke with a Pastor in the surrounding area where I was interested in living. This Pastor happened to know another Pastor who was single and lived in a parsonage with a spare room. To make a long story short, I spoke with that single Pastor, had an opportunity to meet with him when I got to New York, and he offered me a place to stay. It was on the same day I met with this single Pastor that I was also hired to substitute teach in the local school district.

I have so much to be thankful for. To God be all the glory. He has really taught me some extremely important lessons that were a long time coming, and a long time needed.

My trip to California/Maine with Sarah

Fast forward to more recent news. Thanks to several different situations (long story...email me if you want to know more) I had the privilege of traveling to California and Maine with my sweetheart this past summer. We had a great time. By way of a brief synopsis (your probably thinking..."there's no such thing as a brief synopsis with Jared"...but I'll do my best) I will : We caught some rays; swallowed a bit too much salt water in the Pacific Ocean, thankfully with no shark sitings (apparently Ryan Seacrest was keeping their attention at the time)...on a side note, if you don't like seaweed, don't go to the Pacific Ocean..oh my goodness DON'T GO...the seaweed is like hugely overgrown artichoke's with no other purpose then to swallow up humans in its nest (brief video of me and the monster seaweed posted below as proof of my claim).

Anyway, we originally wanted to go to Laguna Beach, but when we got there is way too packed and it cost 20 bucks to park. We ended up at Newport Beach, which was far less packed and the parking was FREE! After the beach, we headed up to Hollywood for the evening...nothing much to see...but Billy Graham had a star on the walk of fame. Who'da thunk it?

We did the whole Disneyland thing. I could go on about that, but I won't. On Sunday for church, we "experienced" the 20,000 member Saddleback church, where Rick Warren, author of the "Purpose Driven" life and church is Pastor. He wasn't there that Sunday (surprise, surprise), instead we heard Doug Fields, one of the youth and teaching pastors. Now that was quite the encounter. To give you an idea of the size, you are able to take a tram from the parking lot to the main worship center. Honestly speaking, it looks a lot like a mini resort city. There is a lot that I could say about Saddleback, but I will refrain. Overall, it was an interesting opportunity to see the "purpose" up close and personal. (see photos below..click on pics to enlarge)

After a great week with my family in California, we flew back to Boston and drove up to Maine where we spent the next week. Unfortunately the good weather didn't follow us, but it was a fun week as well. I had the chance to participate in my dear friend Alana's wedding. Sarah and I took a trip up to Cadillac Mountain, located in Bar Harbor, Maine. It's sights like that that constantly put me in awe of our heavenly Father. Beauty that is indescribable.










To see more photos click links below:
Saddleback
Disneyland
Alana's Wedding
Cadillac Mountain

In His Time

All Things Beautiful In HIS Time

My Dearest Friend,

HELLO! It's great to be in touch with you again, FINALLY! You have no idea how often I have thought of you, and have had you in my prayers. I am so sorry that it has been so long since I sent out my last chronicle, but I am happy to say since I updated you last, God has worked and moved in my life in an incredibly awesome way. I can't wait to share it with you! I hardly know where to start. I will undoubtedly leave something out, but I will do my best.

I believe that it has been 6 months or so since I sent out my last Chronicle. Since then, I am pleased to say that the Lord has moved me on from Bangor, Maine to the Ogdensburg, New York area. I also have the privilege of sharing with you that I have met what I believe to be the sweetest, most beautiful, godly young woman that I have ever known. Her name is Sarah. We have been dating now for roughly 5 months, and they have truly been the best 5 months of my life. This is not a relationship that was entered into lightly by any means. Sarah and I both put a lot of time, thought, and prayer before making the decision to court. Sarah is 27 years old and teaches Kindergarten in Ottawa, Ontario.

Another praise that went along with meeting Sarah, has been the blessing of being able to get to know her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are such gracious, kind, hospitable, and caring people. They have both been so good to me. They have treated me completely like a member of the family since I began dating Sarah. Mrs. Roberts even shared with me that she had been praying for us even before we began to date. They welcome me into their home any time that I want to come and see Sarah. It’s so exciting to be dating a girl who's parents greatest desire is that their daughter serve the Lord and live for Him. I have had the opportunity to sit and talk with both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, and each time left with a feeling of encouragement and blessing. Every time that I have had an important situation that needed prayer, they have stopped what they were doing to take time to pray with me. How awesome is that? As the months go by, and the Lord leads, I will continue to share more about how things are progressing with Sarah and I.

I am writing you now from the thriving metropolis of Heuvelton, New York where I am living with a single Pastor temporarily until I can find more permanent housing. Heuvelton is a village with a population of roughly 800. I am substitute teaching temporarily in the nearby town of Ogdensburg, New York; population 15,000. Ogdensburg is a border town before crossing into Prescott, Ontario. Ogdensburg is located about an hour and fifteen minutes South of Ottawa, Ontario.

After praying about the move to Heuvelton, I asked the Lord if He would set up all the details before I moved there. So, I went up to visit Sarah for a week, and while visiting we took a trip down to Ogdensburg, met with the Pastor that I'm currently living with, and was offered the opportunity to stay with him. After meeting with the Pastor, I was interviewed and offered a substitute teacher position the same day. So as you can see, God set it all up. I am more than in awe of how the Lord set up every detail, and how He set my heart and mind at ease more than ever in my life. Praise God!

I am finally at a point where I feel the Lord has given me the green light to fully pursue full time youth ministry. I know that in the past I have shared my desire to be a Pastor, but looking back now I see that everything that I have been through up to this point has served to prepare me for where I am now as I enter the ministry. I still remember many of my spiritual mentors sharing with me the importance of being faithful in the little things, and then He will bless you with the bigger things. I have learned that in so many ways, and praise God for it. I am now pleased to say that I am in the process of applying and praying for a Youth Pastor position. Please pray that the Lord's Will be done in this area. This coming Thursday, March 27th, I have a phone interview with a church in Orleans, Ontario for a youth, young adult, and young family Pastor's position. I will keep you posted.

My family is doing pretty well back in Maine. Roughly a year or so ago my mother opened a cute little novelty store that she named "The Treasure Chest". It's located in Lincoln, Maine, if anyone is ever interested in taking a look sometime. She is loving it. It's not making her rich, but she loves it. Please continue to pray for the salvation of my mother Tanya, and brothers Aaron, Timmy, and Chad. As I'm sure many of you know, it's very hard witnessing to your family, but I do try on a regular basis, and recognize that sometimes my witness has to be through my testimony towards them. Please pray that I continue to be an honest testimony to my unsaved friends and family.

The week before last, I had an opportunity to go back to Maine for a few days to say some goodbye's and tie up some loose ends. Sarah and I drove to Maine where I had a very bittersweet time with some of my family and friends. To my surprise, before coming to Maine, my dear Sarah had planned a surprise going away party for me, with the help of my brother and mother. It was a complete surprise. I was completely humbled. It was the first time I've ever had anything done for me like that before. It was a very bittersweet time. I'm so glad and thankful to have people that love me like that.

I can't tell you how great it is to be back up and running full speed, knowing that the Lord is guiding my feet. Through the past several months as I have been watching Jesus mold and shape me in ways that I never thought possible, I have sat down and tried to think of a way to share with you all that He has done in my life in the past 6 plus months. I realize now that all that matters is that you know, as I'm sure you already do, that all things are going to work together for good, and God has some awesome things in store for all that love and serve Him.
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In His Time

As I sit here this afternoon, I can feel the sun beating down on me from outside the window. That's so nice to feel after all of this cold and snow that we've had. Let me tell you something: If you don't live in the North, you missed out on a lot of snow. I think this is the most snow I've seen in almost 20 years. It's amazing! I don't know about you, but I'm so glad that I'm not in charge of the time and the seasons. I don't claim to understand why and how the Lord works in our lives through the realm of time, but one thing I can tell you is that His timing is perfect. The past several months have been a perfect example in my life of how His timing is perfect.

Time is probably one of the most confusing things to understand in our lives sometimes. In many situations we think that we know when the best time for things to happen should be, when in reality, many times, our own desires, pleasures, and biases deceive us. How many times have you sat back and wondered where you were going, or what you were doing with your life? How many times have you believed that you were on the right track, later to find out that you chose to go the wrong way because you wanted to "speed things up" or were just too impatient to wait?

Ecclesiates 3:11 says "He has made everything beautiful in His time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.”

Chapter three of Ecclesiastes is probably one of the most well known chapters in the Bible. The author, believed to be Solomon, reminds us in this chapter that there is a time and purpose for everything under heaven. Take a moment to think about your life and the situations that you are dealing with in your life right now. How many times have your plans ended up being totally outside of the time line that you expected them to take place? How many of those times can we look back and say, "I'm sure glad that didn't happen when I wanted it to!" See, Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that its in HIS time, not ours, that HE makes everything beautiful. Don't forget that this verse is referring to God's plan, not our plan. "Everything" refers to everything in his eternal plan for our life.

I am so glad to know that through all of my mistakes and misguided steps, the Lord is still there to pick me up when I fall. Over the past 6 or more months, as God has been teaching me some of the greatest lessons of my life, the one lesson that he continually teaches me that will be invaluable for the rest of my life, is that lesson that reminds me that He makes all things beautiful…….IN HIS TIME!

I have no idea what you may be going through in your life right now. Whatever it is, know that you have a Father and Lord that desires to lead you through it, and even carry you if you need it. Always remember, His strength is perfect, when our strength is not. ______________________________________________________________________________

Please, do me a favor and send me an email and tell me how you've been. Whats new? Send me your prayer requests. I miss you, and am praying for you. Thanks for caring! Thanks for praying. Remember to keep in touch and keep up to date on what's new in my life by reading my updates at www.groverchronicles.blogspot.com and www.beingjared.blogspot.com.

Till Next time, Waiting for His time,

Jared Grover :)

A Red Sea Experience: You don't want to miss this!

IF YOU GET A HOLD OF THIS, IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE, I PROMISE.

Exodus 14:13b "...Fear Ye Not, Stand Still, and see the Salvation of the Lord, which He will shew to you today;..."

Hey friends,

I know that this new Chronicle is a little early, but I just couldn't help it. The Lord showed me something that I just had to share with you while it was still fresh on my mind. I want to encourage you strongly to read straight through this till the end without stopping. I am serious when I say that this kind of stuff can change your life. It certainly changed mine today.

Ok. Allow me to set the stage. This morning I went to church not knowing what to expect. I knew that I would be blessed, but had no idea how strongly and closely that the Lord would speak to my heart. Anyway. It started during the last song that we sang. During that song, the Lord began to speak to my heart very strongly about some things that I had been struggling with a lot lately. He kept reminding me to trust him and to allow him to control my situations, and not try to do it myself. The two major trials that I had been going through were #1 relationships, and #2, God's direction in my life at this point. Well, after the last song that we sang, Pastor Kirk (the Pastor of the church that I attend when I can't make it to my home church) got up behind the pulpit and announced that the Lord had prompted him to change the message that he was planning on preaching this morning. The thing that sparked my interest in this was the fact that Pastor Kirk said that in the first two services of the morning (there are 3 am services at this church) he preached his original message out of Colossians, but that now the Lord was telling him to change his message for this particular service that I was in.

Pastor Kirk continued on to say that he believed that there was one or more people in the church that were struggling in a couple of different areas. Can you guess what the first area he mentioned was? Relationships. The second area of struggle that he wanted to preach about was...God's direction in a life. Now, what I'm talking about is nothing charismatic. This was not a charismatic movement by any means, it was just the Lord speaking through a Pastor and His Word to touch hearts and communicate a message to me and others. Do I believe that the Lord can give a Pastor discernment and sensitivity to the Spirit of God in a situation? Absolutely. I will admit that it was emotional to me because of the fact that it hit right directly at home for me. The Lord knew exactly what I needed today. Every statement that was made in the message fit my situation to a T. What a powerful message that God had for my heart and life today. It blessed me so much that I wanted to share it with you. Read on.

A Red Sea Experience: "While we are waiting for God, He is waiting for us."
Quick! Read Exodus chapter 14 if you would please. This is the book and chapter that Pastor preached on this morning. This is the chapter where Moses leads the children of Israel across the Red Sea. After reading this chapter several times, I like to call this "The Red Sea Experience". How many times have you sat and wondered where you were suppose to go, or what you were suppose to do next in your life? Have you ever been one to sit there and just wait for God to move. Have you ever found yourself asking God "when are You going to do something", or "when are You going to move"? So many times we find ourself in a place where we have no idea why nothing is happening, or seemingly nothing in our life's struggles are changing or getting better. Maybe you are afraid, confused, or overwhelmed by it all. DON'T BE DECEIVED! This is the same predicament that the Israelites found themselves in just before God parted the Red Sea.

Think about this for a second. Maybe even write it down. "While we are waiting for God, He is waiting for us"! Read that again. For the past several months, I have been waiting for God to do a mighty work in my life in regards to my trials and struggles. What if maybe I have just been forgetting that all I needed to do was simply what he tells me to do in His Word and take that step of faith and trust him. I know what some of you may be thinking. Your thinking that a step of faith is not always as easy as it seems. Well, let me ask you this. Has your way been working? Which is easier, in reality, your way, or His way? Which way has brought you most success? Don't forget also that faith is the evidence of things not seen. Good thing the Lord can see far ahead of us, even if you or I can't see it.

Here is another important thing to remember, "Many times God wants us to just do the natural thing, so that he can do the supernatural." I'm not even talking about a charismatic experience. I'm talking about the fact that most of what God does could be considered supernatural. One of the definitions of supernatural, according to the Websters dictionary is "departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature". We follow His leading, and He does the work. When we do the natural thing, that opens up the door for God to do the supernatural.

Take the parting of the Red Sea for example. Even toward the beginning of the chapter in verse 4, God reminds the Israelites that He is going to make it known to the Egyptians that "...I Am the Lord...", but like we do so many times, the Israelites, sadly enough, still remained in fear. They said to Moses in verse 11, "...hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness...". They weren't doing the natural thing and just putting their trust and faith in the God that was leading them out of bondage. Here is the part that keeps me going every day. In verse 13, Moses tells the people "...FEAR YE NOT, STAND STILL, AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD, WHICH HE WILL SHEW YOU TODAY;...". 1. Fear Not. 2. Stand Still. 3. See

Do you sometimes wonder why you have no reason to fear? Do you wonder why its as easy and as natural as just not being afraid, standing still, and just watching? In verse 14, it tells me why. "The Lord shall fight for you...". Isn't that comforting and awesome to know; that He is there to fight for you and uphold you, and encourage you, and lead you, even when you know you can't do it yourself. Here comes the part that I like. As God tells Moses to tell the Children of Israel to move forward, He gives Moses this simple command in verse 16, "...lift up thy rod, and STRETCH OUT THINE HAND over the sea, and divide it...". Was there anything supernatural about the act of Moses lifting his hand and raising his rod over the sea. No! Moses did as God commanded, and God used his faith, trust, and obedience and parted the Red Sea. Moses did the natural, and God did the supernatural. When we just do the simple act of putting our faith and trust in God, he gets the honor. God reminds us in this chapter and verses 17 and 18 that "...I will get me honor". Doesn't He deserve it?


In verse 22, after the Lord parted the Red Sea, it says that "...the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left." Just like those waters parted and just hung their to each side of the Israelites as they passed across the sea floor, let the Lord take your problems, trials, struggles, confusions, and sorrows and hang them up for you. Give them to Him. Just stretch out your hand. Do the natural thing, and let God do the supernatural things and guide and direct you across your own Red Sea. Your problems might seem like a wall all around you, but remember that God is leading the way. He is making your path before you. If you don't know the end of the story, read verse 30 of chapter 14. The very last verse of Chapter 14 says "And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians; and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and His servant Moses."

So, how about your Red Sea experience. This morning when I went into church I expected that God was going to speak to me, but not so specifically, and so realistically. I guess thats what we as believers should always expect, and look forward to. Every time you enter into the presence of the Lord, expect great things. Never forget the simple truth that although sometimes we are waiting for God, most of the time, God is waiting for us.

Welcome Home! I Missed You All

Welcome Home! I Missed You
"Sometimes before God can use a man mightily, he must be broken deeply"

In this chronicle, look for...
1. Greetings! I missed you
2. Where is your focus? Looking unto Jesus
3. Meeting the Kingsmen, Dixie Melody Boys, Karen Peck and New River and several more
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Greetings! I Missed You!

Hello Everyone. Let me be the first to say a few things. First of all, I can not tell you how glad I am about getting my Chronicles back up and running. I have to appologize for it being so long since I updated you last. It has been about 10 months or so since I updated my Chronicles. I am so glad to be back, and I can't wait to hear from you to and see how you have been and what's new in your life. Although I haven't updated you for a long time, you have still remained in my prayers, as always.

So, what else is new with me? I am still in school here in Bangor at Husson College and am in the process of making a decision about what to do in the fall. I began at Husson in the elementary education major, but over the past year, both my advisor and God have been leading me to change majors due to some major struggles in a few of my required classes for the major that i'm in. At this point, I honestly feel like I'm at a crossroads as to where God would have me next. I have several opportunities open to me, so please keep me in your prayers, that I would do His Will and not my own.

I am still so thankful to be living here in Bangor with now 4 other Christian guys that are all doing a great job keeping me accountable and encouraging me every day. If you are a single guy, I would recommend this to you. Find a good Christian guy to share an apartment or a house with. I can not begin to tell you how the Lord has used the guys in my house to help, encourage, and keep me in line. Pray for Josh, Johnny, Jimmy, and Buster. They are my roommates. In August my apartment will be getting smaller because Josh is getting married, and Johnny is moving into a college dorm room. Then it will be just myself, Buster and Jimmy. That means the rent will go up. On that note, please pray about my job situation. I was recently laid off from my job as a delivery guy at a local Chinese restaurant. So now im back to job hunting again. Please pray that He will lead me to a job that will be permanent, or on the same token, pray that if it be His Will, that He will lead me into some kind of full time ministry, whether it be youth ministry, pastoral ministry, or music ministry. Right now I'm blessed with being a member of a worship team that ministers at a young adult group called Reality, every Thursday night at 7pm at a new church called "The Rock" in Bangor. The pic to the right is 3 out of the 6 people on our worship team singing at Reality.

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Where is your focus? Looking Unto Jesus!

Hebrews 12:2 says "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Read this quote a few times if you would:
"Sometimes before a man can be used mightily, he must be broken deeply."

It is this verse, and this quote that have been my constant encouragement over the past several months. They are both so powerful, and meaningful. Its almost too much to digest at once. "Looking unto Jesus...". That says it all right there. Let me encourage you to never stop looking to Jesus. For so many years I have been telling that to people, and I have had so many people tell that to me, but to be honest with you, I was hit right between the forehead with it over the past several months. I got so upset with myself because I have always told people to look to Jesus, but so many times I myself was not listening to my own advice. I have been tested with this more recently then I believe I have my whole life, and for good reason. I know that now. Thank the Lord that He never gave up on me when I was ready to give up.

What do you think about that quote. The Lord knew exactly when I needed it. I had never heard that quote till November or December of last year, and man, did it hit me hard. I didn't realize HOW MUCH that God could use my trials to help me grow so much in him. "Before a man can be used mightily, he must be broken deeply", and let me tell you, I sure have been broken lately.

I don't have any idea whatsoever what you might be going through right now, but I'm sure that there are things that you need prayer for. Maybe you are going through something that is testing your faith more than ever before. Lean on this thought. Look to Jesus. You might be saying "well, thats obvious", or "easier said than done", but I am here to tell you NO on both counts. To many, it doesnt always come naturally to look to Jesus, because all they have ever done was worry, or complain, or grieve, and it didn't even try to lean on the Lord. Maybe you did trust in the Lord, or are trusting in the Lord right now. Well! Keep it up! Don't give up, shut up, let up, until you are paid up, prayed up, stored up for the cause of Christ. I think thats the way it goes. HA HA.

"Lord, I pray that you would continue to bless my friends and loved ones. You knew each of their hearts and mind, and you know their struggles and heartaches. I pray that even at this very moment you would touch those lives and show them that there is no life without Jesus, and that no matter what it is they are going through, if they are called according to your purpose, they will never recieve more than they can handle. Even if they don't understand Father, help them know that you understand, and you see, and that they can rest in that. Put your arms around them and encourage, love, and bless them as we know you do every day. In your name I pray, Amen."
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Meeting The Kingsmen, The Dixie Melody Boys, Karen Peck and New River and several more.

I am privileged to be friends with a family here in Bangor that are not only very close friends of mine, but also have traveled over the years singing Southern Gospel music. Their group name is Glorybound, and their family names are Rick, Retta, and Dawn Kelley. Rick and Retta have been friends of mine for quite a while now and have been more than a blessing to me. Dawn, their daughter, is also an amazing Christian friend of mine who I have worked with in college with a ministry called Chi Alpha Campus Ministries.

Over the past 9 years, Glorybound has hosted a weekend long Southern Gospel Jubilee at the Blue Hill fairgrounds in Blue Hill, Maine. Let me tell you, it is a blessing. Every year they invite 10-15 different southern gospel groups to this jubilee, and man, do they have a good time. I was given the privilege to work as a volunteer at this years jubilee. It runs from Thursday to Sunday, with each night having 4 or 5 different groups singing. I was so blessed to be able to listen, hear, and even hang out with all the different groups while they were here. I was able to help carry sound equipment, joke around with, and even pray with a number of these groups. Oh what a time it was. I'm so thankful I got a chance to be a part of it. I think i'm gonna volunteer every year now. What an encouragement, and the Lord knew just what I needed, and again came through as He always does on blessing me beyond measure.

Some of the groups that were there this year were, The Kingsmen, The Dixie Melody Boys, Kevin Spencer and Friends, TK and the McRae's, Mark Bishop, Tribute Quartet (formerly Monument quartet), Karen Peck and New River, Sufficient Grace, and so many more. I had a great time talking to Ray Reese, who is the owner and Bass Singer for the Kingsmen. He was the one that sang the part in the "excuses" song, where he sang..."just to blow that poor kids nose". The Kingsmen are celebrating their 50th anniversary and Ray has been with them for over 40 years now. It was great talking to him. I also talked to Ed O'Niel who is the bass and oldest member of the Dixie Melody Boys. Overall, it was just a great time. Below you will find some pictures. If you ever get a chance, come on down to Blue Hill in June to see some of the concerts. Its a great time.



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Well, I guess I have shared enough for now. I'm definitely going to make a large effort to update you a lot more often now that I am back up and running. I promise to keep you in my prayers, and hope that you will do the same for me. ALSO, PLEASE drop me an email at grojared@yahoo.com, or even better, give me a phone call sometime...my new number (pass it on) is 207-907-6310. This is a new number and my old number is no longer in service. Well, until next time. God Bless You, and Keep Smiling.

Looking unto Jesus,

Jared Grover
1 Corin. 15:58