If the starter is not engaging the flywheel it doesnt matter if the CPS is good or not...
You need to figure out whats keeping your starter from engaging.

 

so, i wasn't too accurate in the original description. the starter WAS engaging the flywheel and the engine would turn over, it just wouldn't actually start up and run.

ended up bringin it to a local jeep shop and the guy knew exactly what it was...the CPS. replaced it and it's runnin fine. thanks for all the tips, and, hopefully next time i have an issue i'll be able to better describe it...thus the "newb" tag on the thread.