To Our Son...

I was overwhelemed with emotions, son, when I found out that God had given you to us. I didn't understand nor was I expecting to become pregnant anytime soon. What you don't know now, but will know in the future, is that your daddy lost his job right before we found out you were already 'cookin in my oven.' Soon after, your momma did too.

On top of that, you were conceived a year later from when your big "sister" was conceived...your due dates are literally with in a year and a few days apart from each other. But, for what ever reason, we never got to me 'her' like we will you. 'She' is safe and sound with your Uncle Stevie-whose name you have taken on! Stephen is your daddy's older brother, who went to be with Jesus when he was a little boy. So, your name is EXTRA special because of all that your uncle means to our family and for the fact that he is taking care of your big "sister." Which means we know you will be very special, too!

I'm writing you this letter as you kick and squirm inside of me. By the way, to feel you alive and well inside of me is pretty spectacular! I wanted you to have something to read over when you got older. Something that you could read for yourself...a letter from your mommy & daddy.

More specifically there are some things that I needed to document even now...as you continue growing and flourishing inside of me.

Me and your daddy have been attending a church that has brought such joy and fulfillment to our lives, especially in this season...
The night of September 12, 2010 was a very special night. You had many people praying for you and, as a result, the Lord spoke to them to give your daddy and I just a glimpse of the baby you will be and the man that you will become. Other than the fact that we have prayed for your health, we have also prayed that you will live to bring honor and glory to His name and that you will love the Lord as much as we do.
We now know that our prayers will be answered.

This is what was spoken over you when I was 28 weeks pregnant:

"You will grow up to move and operate in the prophetic- you will be a prophet."

"You will carry a supernatural joy that people will notice something amazing about you. So much so, your daddy and mommy won't even be able to comprehend." The woman who spoke this over you broke out in tears because even she said she couldn't explain it.

As your mother, I stood there and wept as these words were being spoken over you, and so did your daddy. Your daddy by the way, had a dream about you the night before and he said that you were leading thousands of people to Christ. You are going to be a bastion for the things of God...so, how ever old you are right now, as you are reading this, know that God has big plans for you....do not fret or lose hope because He will bring them to perfection in His timing...much like He brought you to us in His timing.

Your name has strong meaning. Separately your two names mean "barington" the land of a troubled person and "stephen" which means crown or victor. So, you will be the Conqueror and Victor over lands that are troubled...you will be a man who takes back for the Lord what the devil has tried to steal, kill and destroy. In this season where the devil tried to stomp you out and take mommy and daddy's joy, you were here to bring oil in the mourning...so, walk humbly, speak kindly, live intently, love passionately, pray diligently, and be the Conqueror God wants you to be.

We love you, Bear!

Mommy and Daddy

The Righteous Will Never Be Moved

As Christians, sometimes we just need to know that despite bad news, set backs and trials, God still shines his face down on his children- The Righteous. 

I was watching Jentezen Franklin this morning and he referenced Psalm 112. His wife is a builder (new news to me) and every house they have lived in she has built. That's pretty cool! Anyways, during the construction of their current house, they opened up their Bible to Psalm 112, wrapped it up, and laid it in the foundation of their home. How cool! It makes me want to dig up a place in my home and lay a Bible in it. I know- crazy. But think about the power of laying-The Rock- as the foundation of your home? When the storms of life blow against your home, your spouse and your children, you can go back to the foundation of His Word. It's a safety and security net. He hears the cries of his children and knows our deepest desires. 

As I read through Psalm 112 out loud with my husband, I was overcome with emotion as I read His words for us. 

 ^1[a](A) Praise the LORD!^(B) Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
   who^(C) greatly delights in his commandments!
²His^(D) offspring will be mighty in the land;
   ^(E) the generation of the upright will be blessed.
^3(F) Wealth and riches are in his house,
   and his^(G) righteousness endures forever.
⁴Light dawns in the darkness^(H) for the upright;
   he is gracious, merciful, and^(I) righteous.
⁵It is well with the man who^(J) deals generously and lends;
   who conducts his affairs with justice.
⁶For the righteous will^(K) never be moved;
   ^(L) he will be remembered forever.
⁷He is not^(M) afraid of bad news;
   his^(N) heart is firm,^(O) trusting in the LORD.
⁸His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
   until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
⁹He has^(P) distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
   his righteousness endures forever;
   his^(Q) horn is exalted in honor.
¹⁰The wicked man sees it and is angry;
   he^(R) gnashes his teeth and^(S) melts away;
   ^(T) the desire of the wicked will perish!


As you read this verse this morning, I pray that no matter what you're going through that you will not allow the attacks of the enemy to move you from your place of peace. I realize that this is easier said then done. If there is anyone that this is most applicable to it's us...right now...during this season. So, if I can do my best to not be swayed by the mental attacks of the enemy, so can you! 


Have a wonderful Sunday! And, if you could, please say a special prayer for my family-Bear, Trey and me. 


Thank you, 


~Jenni~

Welcoming Fall...early!

Do you love my new background?!??! Well, I do... at least. I'm 'trying' to get a little more savvy...is it working?
I think it is an 'in-season' kind of blog...don't you think? :)

Today is August 31st, and I am choosing to embrace the new season (fall) early....despite the fact that it's going to be 93 degrees today.
I am doing a lot of things sooner rather than later since we have a special delivery coming soon! Christmas is my favorite time of the year; I care nothing about Halloween...So, Christmas will come EARLY in our home this year-starting Halloween weekend! My husband kinda thinks I'm crazy but when it is all said and done, he enjoys it just as much as I do.
Last year was our first Christmas in our home and we had a great time decorating the tree. Trey's parents came over and my "spiritual parents-" Gary & Judy- all helped with the decorating...Well, I should say that the men sat, observed, and took pictures. My husband, on the other hand, was very hands on. He will have to be that much more hands on this year too, as I "waddle" around trying to make our home ready for "Bear" and his first Christmas! Exciting stuff people.
Have I mentioned how excited I am to meet my baby boy?!?!? Well, I am REALLY excited!

As we embrace the change of season (thank God), I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Last year'sThanksgiving was difficult. We endured the heart ache of a miscarriage, as our baby would have been due around November 31st. I still think about "her" often and it is hard to believe that "she" would be approaching a year old in just a few months. But, God has been gracious to me and Trey by giving us another "miracle." Aren't babies by nature miracles? I mean think about the intricate design that goes into creating a life. Doctor's are even blown away!
Our little baby boy is most definitely a God-send. Once again, we were not even trying and wouldn't you know-another baby Sheneman on the way! Our babies' due dates are actually close to one year apart from each other. It amazes me to think that God saw my broken heart and saw fit to give us another try as parents...even in the midst of uncertainty.

So, here's to the start of a new season. Are you ready? For some, it will be a season of difficulty and trials, while others a season of success and pure bliss. Either way, are you ready for the new season? Are you equipped with the Word of God, covered in his armor and prayed up like never before? If not, you need to get there. There is nothing sweeter then basking in his presence both when times are good and bad.

In His Grace,
~Jenni~

COUPONS...S-A-V-E!

Despite the fact that I have not blogged in...ummmm, well, over a month now, I decided to open on a positive note and discuss this whole coupon thing again! My "spiritual" parents, who I have known for quite sometime now- we attended the same church in Miami for years-really out did themselves and blessed Trey and I immensly. She likes to say if it wasn't for me showing her how to coupon then what they brought for us would have never been...I'm humbed by her comment but at the same time we both desire to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us...we just happen to really get this whole coupon thing!
With that being said, here is a list of what all they bought for me, Trey and Bear. It's pretty amazing!

JENNI & TREY SUPPLIES 8/4/10

Toilet Paper 1 Charmin 9 pack

Shaving Cream/ Men’s 5 3 Fusion / 1 CVS/ 1 Gillette Satin Care

Rolaids / Regular 2

Shampoo 6 JF Root Awakening Strength/ Aussie Awesome Vol/ Aussie Cleanse Mend /Herbal Essence Body Envy / HE Drama Clean / Suave Prof 2 in1 Smoothing

Conditioner 1 Dove Color Repair

Hairspray 1 JF Luxurious Volume All Out Hold

Body Wash / Womens 4 Dove Energize / Suave Naturals: Cucumber & Melon, Ocean Breeze

Body Wash / Mens 10 4 Nivea Active 3 / 2 Nivea Energy/ 4 Gillette Hydrator & BW

Kitchen Dish Soap 1 Dawn Orange

Qtips 1 300 pack

Mouthwash 1 Crest ProHealth 1 Liter Clean Mint

Toothpaste 6: 4 Colgate / 1 Crest / 1 Rembrandt

Toothbrushes 6

Razors / Men’s 4 Fusion Pro Glide with 2 cartridges

Razors / Women’s 8: 1 V. Embrace /2 V. Tropicals / 1 Noxema / 2 Bic Soleil / 2 Schick Extreme3

Deodorant Womens 5: 2 Degree / 2 Mitchum / 1 Secret

Deodorant Men’s 9: Gillette Right Guard Defense 5 / Gillette Clear Gel

Cleansing Bars 10 Neutrogena

Dentyne 9: 5 Pure / 2 Fire / 2 Ice

Floss 1 Reach Mint Wax

Sunscreen 1 Neutrogena Body Mist Sunblock SPF 45

Face Scrub 1 Gillette Fusion

After Shave 1 G. Fusion Instant Hydration

Face Wash 1 G. Fusion

Face Treatment 1 Neutrogena Wrinkle Treatment

Lip Balm 1 Banana Boat SPF 45

MK Eye MU Rmr 1 Trial Size

Feminine Pads 10: 6 Stayfree Maxi Super / 1 U Kotex Reg / 1 U Kotex Heavy / 2 Carefree Ultra

Feminine Liners 2: 1 U Kotex Reg / 1 Always Dry Plus

$438 Estimated Retail

Baby Barington

Diapers Jumbo 7 Pampers: 5 Sensitive #2 / 2 Swaddler #2

Diapers Box 2: Pampers Swaddler #2

Wipes Boxes 6: Pampers 3 Sensitive / 3 Unscented

Wipes Refills 3: 2 Pampers Unscented / 1 Rite Aid Unscented

Wash 3: JJ Moist Care BW / Soothing Vapor / Bubble Bath & Wash

Shampoo 2: JJ No More Tears / JJ Lavender

Oil 1 JJ Gel

Lotion 1 JJ Baby Lotion (Pink)

Diaper Rash 1 Desitin Maximum Original

Bar 1 JJ Baby Bar

$216 Estimated Retail

Sub Total Est Retail to this point: $654 / Estimate Out Of Pocket: $60

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 8/8: Walgreens  & CVS


1 Schick Hydro 5 Razor 1 Schick Hydro5 Razor

1 Schick Hydro Shave Cream 1 Schick Hydro Shave Cream

2 Women’s Dial B/W 3 John Freida Conditioners

2 U Kotex Pads 2 VO5 Conditioners

1 Bio Tru Contact Solution 1 Folder

2 Womens’ Nivea B/W

1 Men’s Nivea B/W

Several Folders

$60 Est Retail (8/8) - Out Of Pocket: $5.29
$51 Est (8/8) Retail - OOP: $3.89

Moving right along...

I am going on 18 weeks and I feel (physically) great! Emotionally, well, that is another story. If you read the latter post you would know why. Needless to say, I am progressing in my pregnancy and moving right along. Trey and I were able to find out what the sex of our baby was last Tuesday, the 22nd. We are having a BOY! Well, at least our friend, Denise told us she was 80% sure. She has been a blessing and has given us two ultrasounds since being pregnant. I love her! My husband was 100% convinced it was a boy because he said he saw, "the turtle." I, on the other hand, was like I don't see anything, I "thought" I did but I was holding out hope that I was looking at a "cheeseburger" and not a "turtle." I have been very open about wanting a girl and I don't regret it one bit. I think it is rather cliche to say, "I want a healthy baby." My response when people say that is, "Ummm no duh, doesn't everybody? Now, tell me what you really want-  a boy or girl?" That's what people really want to know. Why do you think they ask?
Anyways, it has finally kicked in that we are having a boy and I'm thrilled! My girlfriend told me just give it 24 hrs. Ha! I needed a little longer. LOL. Even my niece was having trouble comprehending that this baby is a boy and not a girl! Apparently, I wasn't the only one who wanted a little girl. Maybe next try, Makinley.

I will post a belly pic soon. I promise. I really haven't had the motivation. My husband and I have been consumed with a lot lately and I just look forward to getting jobs so that I can start enjoying the rest of this pregnancy and all the planning that goes along with it!

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. They are much needed and greatly appreciated!

"Why Us & Why Now?"

I obviously have not written anything in a very.long.time. And, well, I've been a bit overwhelmed & really haven't cared to post anything.

As you can tell by the title of this blog, I really don't understand. Trey and I are going through a very difficult place right now. I can't explain it, I really don't get it, and yes, I am completely frustrated at times. My husband and I have done right and lived our lives according to God's Word- we are tithers, givers (to others & the church), helpers, and we've worked hard, but yet, here we are...
There are many in this world who have jobs and money yet all they do is cry poor mouth and ask for hand me outs and yet they are better off then we are at this point. I say that to say, even when Trey and I did have jobs, we never asked for anything from anyone; in fact, we would do for others even when we knew it was a stretch for us. We didn't make a lot of money but we made enough to take care of our responsibilities.

We have a baby on the way and all I keep thinking about is this baby. It has been extremely difficult to enjoy this pregnancy because of all the, "What ifs." I hate it. And, honestly, I can't say that I have not cried out to God in anger. In fact, I even said to my husband today (when I had a mini melt down), "last year when we conceived we had jobs and we were in a good place and yet God allowed for us to never see our baby here on earth, but this year He decides to give us another baby and here we are-no jobs & slowly but surely running out of money." It doesn't make sense to me. Do I believe there will be a testimony to share in the end? Most definitely but it still doesn't take away from the pain that we've experienced as a result. The shed tears. The anger. The confusion. The weariness. The heartache.

I'll close with this...Maybe you can't relate to this blog today and you know what I hope you don't ever have to. It's not fun. Or maybe you can completely relate and can sympathize. Whatever your case I hope that you can look at your life, your job, and your finances and say, "Thank you, Lord, that you have provided."

By Grace Alone,
~Jenni~

"Going through a hard place...

leads to your high place!"

Boy, what a whirlwind my husband and I have gone through over the last several months. Changes and surprises left and right! Can I just say how grateful I am to serve a God who knows all of my deepest thoughts, concerns, and desires. Aside from my husband, He is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.

Trey and I, back in February, got word that he would no longer be employed by his current employer for next year. We both made the decision that day to view this season as a promtion, not a demotion.  As a result of that news, we began praying as a couple (which I love & I'm blessed to have a husband who is comfortable doing so) and we sought the Lord together (which I recommend any couple do). Sidebar- I really do believe God delights and honors a husband and wife who come boldy before His throne of grace TOGETHER- unified. This was never modeled before me but, thankfully, I was able to serve under a ministry where the wife was honored and respected just as much as the man. Although the man is called to be the provider of the household, there's something to be said about a husband who can come to his wife, out of respect for her, to seek out her input and thoughts. That's why I always desire to be prayed up and fine tuned to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

So, the job search began. Trey has always had a desire to write music--a "dream" of sorts--and he recently decided to pursue that desire with a buddy of his. So,we set off for a few trips to Nashville...where he and his buddy recorded in the studio. While we were up there, we both filled out applications and sent our resumes to MANY different schools. The first school Trey found, contacted, and applied to had an opening for Spiritual Life Director (and the funny thing was it never was posted on their website). Completely a God thing. After our trip there in February, we came home, continued about our business and Trey continued to submit resumes and applications ALL over.

Spring break rolled around and back to Nashville we went...by this time I had FALLEN IN LOVE. I.will.not.lie. It's gorgeous. In fact, I actually fell in love our first trip up there.

Trey had an interview with the school I mentioned above (the first school) and it went really, really well! Unfortunately, the headmaster (who he was suppose to interview with) had some heart troubles so he was unable to make it. Thankfully, the interview went on with the school's principal, lead high school teacher, and guidance counselor. The interview was a success and they spoke very highly of Trey to the headmaster. So, with an interview and some more recording behind the belt, we headed back to ATL.

When we got home, we discovered that some more surprises and changes were under way. We discovered that baby Sheneman was "cooking in the oven." Many of you know that we miscarried last May and that was the starting point of this blog. Well, it just so happens that we conceived around the same time this year. I love the fact that God loves us enough to give us back- to restore- that which we've lost. With that being said, I have been carrying some precious cargo for the last 9 weeks and 3 days (to be exact). I can't tell you how happy we are...because words just can't express it. Honestly, we were being so careful as we knew there were alot of things "up in the air" for us. But, it's just like God. All I can say is that He works for our good and His glory. And, that's exactly what He is going to get from this family-ALL the glory!

Here we are today. Me-very moody, gassy, constipated, and of course, nauseous! I am easily agitated by what people say and do or what they do not do...but I struggle with this anyway. So, being pregnant has made it that much "worse." I think I have done ok "holding my tongue." Can someone tell me that this will gradually get better, please???

My husband-in the "waiting" room and on the verge of making a decision about our future. He has been presented with two job opportunities-  the headmaster from the school in Nashville, TN took him to lunch yesterday to discuss the Spiritual Life Director position & we head to Charleston, S.C. next weekend to interview at a school there.

Stay tuned!

I was not lying when I said we have faced many changes...Either way my husband and I are at peace knowing that He will show us exactly where it is He wants us. At the end of the day, it is us "three" who will be living with the decision, not anyone else.Your prayers are appreciated and don't leave out our little "miracle-" which is exactly what this baby is to us.

I look forward to reporting great news in the next few weeks.

Thank you Lord for hard places because it is those hard places that get us to our high place!