Finishing Well...

Be advised...I can't take credit for this post but it was so applicable to me. In this season. At this very moment. I hope you can take something from this blog. I did.

In a season of so many trials, Trey and I have clung to our faith- in the One who provided peace and reassurance- when no one else could. There have been times when we have both looked at each other and felt like we were Job...except this wifey will never say, "Curse God and die." We are in this for the long haul and plus, we know what the outcome was for Job! He is faithful!

Enjoy this post. I pray it blesses you and that you...FINISH WELL!

"It’s important that we pay close attention to timing of events that occur in our lives. We shouldn’t allow time to float by or to let things just happen. For those with a destination in mind, you have to understand the value of providential moments.

We serve a God with a purpose. He uses providential moments to effect and or change our current paths permanently if we are obedient. As we get closer to the end of this year of trying times, economic challenges and multiple job losses, it’s imperative that we draw even closer to God.

One of my first providential moments occurred in October 2003 when I was downsized from my job. I immediately knew that my survival depended on how I handled this moment. As I look back over the past years, I can tell you that I thank God that I recognized this occurrence as a providential moment that would segue way me into my purpose and not as an instance that was recorded by me as being wronged, picked on or overlooked.

Often times, we as Christians don’t practice what we preach. We consistently say that we want what God has for us. It troubles me that when God gives us what he has for us, we question him, curse him and even turn our backs on him. The story of Job is so befitting for those that want to finish well. We know that God allowed the enemy to test Job. We have to understand that our tests and trials are no surprise to him.

If we are doers of the word, we know that the enemy will want to challenge God’s best, which we all are. What assignments have you not completed that you know you must before the end of this year? Is it a book, a program for youth, or even a new career? What providential moment did you experience that clued you in that its time to make the next move?

It’s heart wrenching to get knocked out when you are in a fight. Successful fighters spend years preparing physically and mentally for the challenge that lies ahead. Like fighters, God prepares us seasons in advance. Don’t take anything for granted. You may not be where you think you should but what you have already experienced was for you to use in this season. God knew then what he could trust you with.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. One man was given 5 talents, one was given 2 and one was given 1. The catch is that they were given talents based on their ability. In order to finish the rest of this year of “birthing” it’s important to get back in place, refocus and commit to go all the way so that you finish well."

Scripture Of The Day: "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." - Hebrews 10:36

Our Birth Story...

It began at 5am on December 8, 2010. Little did we know Momma Bear & Daddy Bear were about to experience a wave of emotions over the next 8 days.

We arrived at Henry Medical at 5am thinking that the show was gonna start promptly...not so much. Labor didn't start till 7:30am when Dr. Lopatine broke my water and started me on pitocin. I definitely went into this experience wanting to go all natural. So much so, that the doctor basically told me I could go home, as he was extremely busy with many deliveries. Ha. Let's just say, in the moment, I was not very fond of him. But, I must say, he was great for the rest of the experience.

I was soooooo slow to progress...that I literally thought I would be in labor for at least 24 hours according to my mathematical calculations. Thankfully, I was not...only 17hrs!
By 3:30pm, I had dilated 4cm...and, it wasn't the pain that did me in...it was the thought of not having the strength to push when it came time.
Bear was not responding well, as his little heart was showing signs of distress. Tammy, who came on at 7pm, was a wonderful nurse. She actually delivered my girlfriend's little girl and she told us how incredible she was. So, we requested her and got her!
Regulating the pitocin, while trying to produce stronger contractions, was really messing with Bear. Let's just say he was perfectly content without being induced and probably could have waited just a little longer to enter this world. I know, son; you tried telling me over and over again. Through all the natural methods we used to get you here...I should have left the hospital that morning, but your Aunt Stacey wasn't going to be real happy with me. She took off several days of work so that she could be at your birth and so did your Gigi.

At about 8:30pm, I had dilated to 5.5 cm. YAY! Like I said, I was very slow to progress. :) The good news...at 11:30pm I was complete! WOOHOO! Aside from being on oxygen and concerned about my son's heart rate, I was extremely calm and in control. I had a few practice pushes with Tammy & then Dr. Lopatine came in at 12am for the special delivery...9 pushes and 20 minutes later Barington Stephen Sheneman was born! Well worth the long hours of labor! He weighed in at 7lbs. 3oz. and 19.5 inches long. It was by far the most incredible experience ever. To see my husband's face was priceless. He never left my side and watched the entire process till the very end. I do remember this comment coming from his mouth, "Baby, we can have 15 of these things if you want..." As I was getting stitched up. Ha. Right.

From there began the roller coaster ride. I will not detail every minute but will include the major details.
Shortly after his birth, his blood sugar levels were extremely low. My girlfriend, Melissa, who is a NICU nurse just so happened to be working in the nursery that shift. She actually gave Bear his first bath and took care of him for the few hours that remained on her shift. She was a blessing!

It was that morning that we were informed he would be heading to the NICU as he was not getting better. From there we were told he may have Down Syndrome, no ear canals, fluid on his brain, possible coarctation (heart related), heart murmur and eventually would have an issue with his sodium being too low.
Needless to say, Trey and I curled up in the hospital bed late that evening and cried out to God. We were both completely overwhelmed by the series of events that had transpired...could you blame us? Once again, the devil set out to steal our joy...but we rebounded and continued to press on in prayer believing for a completely healthy baby boy.
With many prayers going up on behalf of Bear, we were told that he did not have Down Syndrome and his brain scan was normal. After 4 cardiologists looked at Bear's heart, we were told that he was good to go and there was no reason to follow up. The prayers of the saints were being heard and the Lord was working it all out. Thank you, Jesus! After recovering from the low sodium levels which ended up being a fluid issue...nothing more and nothing less...we were given the green light. It's time to go home!
The ear issue will have to be looked at by an ENT & a cranial-facial surgeon, but this momma already believes that he can hear and that it will just be a cosmetic fix. I will continue to keep you posted and definitely appreciates any and all prayers.
"We are over comers by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony."

Sometimes we just need to tell the devil...that he has already been defeated!

By Grace Alone,
Jenni

Twas The Night Before Your Birth...

and all through the house, Momma Bear was doing laundry, with no time to pout. The dishes were cleaned, and placed in the cupboard, as the house sat so quiet, not even an utter. Dad hurried home from calling his games, then packed moms 35 bags away in their sleigh. All of this bustle, was completed so quick; as we anticipated a gift not from St. Nick. No storks will be needed, to bring us our loot; just a doctor and nurses will help us induce. So tomorrow we'll meet you, the battle is won...Merry Christmas to us, we've been given a son!


We have anxiously waited for this day to come. Now that it is here, it seems so surreal..
You have not been very cooperative with our plans as it appears the name Bear is very fitting considering your nice long hibernation; nevertheless, it's time for you to come out! Two very special people are waiting to hold you and love on you...not to mention everyone else who can't wait to do the same.

Our prayer is that you feel the Father's love through His Son Jesus early and often in your lifetime. Daddy and I will love you unconditionally. Even so, our best attempts to love you will pale in comparison to the agape love of our Heavenly Father. We have prayed for your destiny to lead you down the narrow path and for your life to be an example of Jesus Christ. Your daddy and I are far from perfect but we do have some things right: 1) Christ is the center of our home and marriage 2) we are very much in love with each other and 3) we are already in love with you!

You were an unexpected blessing conceived in a time of testing. Yet, God knew all along the road He had planned for the three of us. We want you to know that you are loved beyond words, blessed beyond measure (because your daddy says we are the coolest parents ever) and more perfect than our wildest dreams.

barington stephen sheneman

our very special Christmas gift!