Who is like our GOD?!?!

And the only answer is, "NO ONE IS LIKE OUR GOD!!!" Our sweet Father has been up to some amazing work in the lives of this Grooms clan and we praise Him for His great faithfulness to us! We have been in exhausting trials and struggles over the past several months, but we hold tight to this truth: "[We] consider it all JOY when [we] encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of [our] faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that [we] may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1: 2-4

God has been answering prayers and working in mine and Jason's hearts to conform us to the image of His perfect Son in amazing ways. Provisions and blessings at just the right time every time! Though He has not chosen to change our circumstances, what He has done is change our attitudes and hearts. God is allowing us to see things from HIS vantage point, which is the only one that matters in the first place! Contentment was formerly not a word I would have used in my vocabulary, but has recently become a precious peace to me from the Father. He alone is worthy of all honor and praise! When things seem right, He is Sovereign. When things are a mess, He is Sovereign. When we feel like giving up, still He is Sovereign. In ALL things, He is Sovereign. He is good, ALL the time.

Our family is looking forward to this school year, to the weeks and months ahead as we prepare for the "Kingdom Challenge" kicking off at church, and for whatever our great God has in store!

He is Jehovah Roi, the God who sees. And praise be to His name that He is the God who sees to it all!

Our "Pray & Plan" weekend!

Well friends,
I don't have any new pictures to post, but boy have we been busy at the Grooms house! God has been so gracious to us! Jason and I just finished our annual "Pray & Plan" weekend for 2010. We've done this now for 4 years and it is definitely a high-light that we look forward to. Usually, we book a cabin or hotel for Friday night and Saturday night, but our budget wouldn't allow for that this year, so we sent the boys to Mimi and Pappy's house and stayed at home! Friday night we went to dinner at Puleo's and just enjoyed couple time that night. Saturday morning we typically have breakfast and spend time praying and talking about things that center on just us as husband and wife, and man and woman. Around lunchtime, we spend time praying specifically for each one of our boys and discuss things for and about them. Then Saturday evening, we pray specifically for our finances (budget, upcoming expenditures, and savings goals) and discuss anything pertaining to that. This is our usual game plan, but this weekend had just a few kinks thrown in.......but we managed to discuss and pray over what we felt we needed to. Plus, because Jason had to go into the office and work a little, that alone time gave me opportunity to extend my prayer time!

I really enjoy this time that Jason and I take. It ensures that we are both on the same page and allows us to discuss in detail things we normally don't have the opportunity to talk about what with the kids running around! I encourage you and your spouse to consider starting your own tradition of "Pray and Plan". Some of you may already have lots of opportunities to do this kind of thing and that is fantastic, but for those who don't, trust me, make the time! It is soooo worth it! God teaches Jason and I so much during this time, and He also uses this time to refresh us and tighten the knot of love around us!