**Disclaimer** This blog is not meant to tear down, but to build up. So, have an open heart and open mind. Let this convict you (in a good way) to fast before the Lord about break through in your own household. Ladies and gentlemen, the world around us is dark and dim, we need every ounce of power we can muster. Enjoy!
Matthew 6:16-18
"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
I was astonished when I once heard a pastor say, " I have never heard of "fasting" before! Ummmm....really? Did you just completely skip through the book of Daniel? Wait. What about Isaiah 58, Matthew 6, Matthew 9, Luke 18, Zechariah 7, 1 Corinthians 7 etc...Or what about the fact that Jesus fasted for 40 days?
I am a firm believer in fasting. Why shouldn't I be? The Bible discusses it in more than one book, so why should I feel exempt from doing it? After all, if we are to model Jesus Christ, who fasted for 40 days, then why isn't the church inclined to fast?
Well, I think I have a pretty good idea! Does it cost you anything to pray? To read your Bible? To attend church? You may be saying, "yea, my time." Well, if that's the case, you may need to examine your walk with the Lord...if it's such a burden then maybe you need to revisit what it means to have the joy of the Lord! Just sayin'
Fasting causes us to hunger.Physically. And, well, we don't like to hunger, esp. when there is a pantry full of delicious foods calling out our name! But, that's just it. Think about the "hunger" that Jesus felt when he withdrew himself from people and from food? Not to mention, the temptation and daily attack from the enemy. Yet his reward was great!
Do I think God will withhold things from us if we don't fast? No. I will say this much, I believe some break throughs will only come through fasting, prayer and worship! I just don't mean one over the other...I mean all three working together!
I have done it in my own life and I have seen God's hand of provision work in a mighty, mighty way! Granted I haven't been on one in like 3 years...but, I recently changed that. There were somethings going on with my son, and I was really believing for breakthrough for my husband and a job. We are blessed to have jobs and it allows me the opportunity to work from home! However, the gas is ever increasing and my husband spends A LOT of time on the road. Needless to say, a good chunk of our pay was going towards gas, car maintenance and him eating out...
So, at 2am a few weeks back, I finally said, "enough is enough!" I was over it! I was doing it. I was going to fast again. Only liquids.
Would you know that within those few days I started to see such a difference in my son? No lie! Some things only come out through prayer and fasting! AND, with in the next few days my husband got a call, from out of the blue, about interviewing for a job that he is completely under qualified for and never sought out.. Yep. That's right. He got it! Some things only come out through prayer and fasting! All within that time frame we found out that Bear's ear surgery will cost, give or take, $100,000 dollars. Yes. $100,000 dollars. Granted by the time he is old enough to have it, I'm sure it will cost way more...
With that being said, we are slowly shifting into our new season. THANK YOU, LORD!!! It has been the longest year and a half of our lives. All in all-- He is faithful-- just like He said He would be! And, as his children, we will be too!
Be Blessed!
~Jenni~
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Momma thoughts...
There is no greater joy than being a momma; however, why is it also the most scariest feeling in the world?
Ya know:
I'm now responsible for another completely dependant, human life...and guess what? No daily guide on how to raise a human being. Nice!
I want to take away the hurt and pain.
I really wish I could know what you are thinking.
Will you add something positive to our very corrupt society?
Will you shine the light of Jesus in all that you say and do?
Will you be a leader and not a follower?
Will you be full of poise and valor?
Will you be humble?
The list could go on....
But, I will close with this...what did I do to deserve such a miracle???
There are a million, trillion things that pass my mind everday. My prayer is that I will always be a momma who is: patient, loving, kind, and gentle but be firm, stern, and understanding when the time comes.
I am sure you momma's can relate. Right? You seasoned momma's could probably add to this list very easily. I probably could write a book with all of the random 'momma thoughts!'
Most importantly, I will always be a 'praying momma!'
Ya know:
I'm now responsible for another completely dependant, human life...and guess what? No daily guide on how to raise a human being. Nice!
I want to take away the hurt and pain.
I really wish I could know what you are thinking.
Will you add something positive to our very corrupt society?
Will you shine the light of Jesus in all that you say and do?
Will you be a leader and not a follower?
Will you be full of poise and valor?
Will you be humble?
The list could go on....
But, I will close with this...what did I do to deserve such a miracle???
There are a million, trillion things that pass my mind everday. My prayer is that I will always be a momma who is: patient, loving, kind, and gentle but be firm, stern, and understanding when the time comes.
I am sure you momma's can relate. Right? You seasoned momma's could probably add to this list very easily. I probably could write a book with all of the random 'momma thoughts!'
Most importantly, I will always be a 'praying momma!'
Friday, March 18, 2011
It's a New Day!
And what a glorious day it was!
I expected to see a whole new baby when you had the hearing aid put on...but, nope, you took it in stride...You looked around rapidly but no HUGE reaction...I expected tears, uncontrollable tears but then again you have always been able to hear...now you just hear CLEARLY!
It was St. Patrick's Day and your Memaw sent you a St.Patricks's Day outfit! All the ladies commented on how cute you were, all decked out in your Irish gear...Afterall, you are Irish!
We are going to get you a new band, the one you currently have doesn't fit too well on your head...So, I'm sure once we get you set up with a good band you will be good to go!
The doctor said it will take you a couple of months to be able to identify where the sound is coming from...it is as if you are a newborn baby all over again! Your ears are technically 2 days old today; that's pretty amazing.
Your daddy and I are so extremely grateful...God has been good to us! To think there are babies who are born with out any nerves at all, it's reassuring to me that you have all nerves intact and can hear at an amazing level.
You are a special little boy! Did you know that most patients who have either bilateral or unilateral microtia atresia can only hear at 40-50 decibals? You can hear at 20!!! Praise the Lord!
One day when you are able to have a CT scan, around 4 or 5, your daddy and I are beleiving that everything will be perfectly intact and all they will have to do is open up the skin leading into your ear canal. When that happens you will no longer need to wear a hearing aid!!! They will just reconstruct your ear to make it a "normal" size!
I certainly am not rushing those years because I have already been told, over and over again, that you will grow up way too fast! So, for now, we will enjoy your cute little band around your head and work around the whole hearing aid thing. No biggie.
By the way, you are a STUD! See?
I expected to see a whole new baby when you had the hearing aid put on...but, nope, you took it in stride...You looked around rapidly but no HUGE reaction...I expected tears, uncontrollable tears but then again you have always been able to hear...now you just hear CLEARLY!
It was St. Patrick's Day and your Memaw sent you a St.Patricks's Day outfit! All the ladies commented on how cute you were, all decked out in your Irish gear...Afterall, you are Irish!
We are going to get you a new band, the one you currently have doesn't fit too well on your head...So, I'm sure once we get you set up with a good band you will be good to go!
The doctor said it will take you a couple of months to be able to identify where the sound is coming from...it is as if you are a newborn baby all over again! Your ears are technically 2 days old today; that's pretty amazing.
Your daddy and I are so extremely grateful...God has been good to us! To think there are babies who are born with out any nerves at all, it's reassuring to me that you have all nerves intact and can hear at an amazing level.
You are a special little boy! Did you know that most patients who have either bilateral or unilateral microtia atresia can only hear at 40-50 decibals? You can hear at 20!!! Praise the Lord!
One day when you are able to have a CT scan, around 4 or 5, your daddy and I are beleiving that everything will be perfectly intact and all they will have to do is open up the skin leading into your ear canal. When that happens you will no longer need to wear a hearing aid!!! They will just reconstruct your ear to make it a "normal" size!
I certainly am not rushing those years because I have already been told, over and over again, that you will grow up way too fast! So, for now, we will enjoy your cute little band around your head and work around the whole hearing aid thing. No biggie.
By the way, you are a STUD! See?
3 months old!
This is very cliche but where has the time gone?
You have already proven to be a fighter and have overcome so much. Your daddy and I are certain that there is an anointing on you that is unexplainable. It was prophesied over you when you were in my womb and it's evident considering all that you have gone through. We know that the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy but the ONE has come that you would have life and have it more abundantly.
So,we will uphold our duty as your parents to train you up in the way of the Lord.
Just some things that you are doing:
1) Smiling
2) Sitting up in your bumbo
3) Making noises
4) Plenty of funny facial expressions
5) Pulling on momma's hair. OUCH.
6) Grasping for things
7) Fist pumping! ;) Now we just have to teach you the fireworks move!
8) Putting your fingers in your mouth...not sure about the whole thumb just yet.
9) You can hold something but not for very long.
10)You like to put objects in your mouth if I put them to your face.
11)You can sleep at least 8 hrs. through the night.
12)You drink about 5oz. every 3.5-4 hrs.
13)You suck a paci for soothing...other than that you want no part of it.
14)There is a cry you make which reveals frustration but only proves determination.
15)You are drawn to the light. I think I will be buying you sunglasses soon!
16)You love to sleep with your arms and hands straight by your side, tucked under the covers!
17) You are cutting 2 teeth...they look like your side incisors! Most babies cut there two front teeth (top or bottom). You are doing it your own way! ;)
18) You are focusing a whole lot better!
I think I got it all...
Some things you are having to overcome:
1) Getting your head into a straightened position...you favor your left side!
2) Getting your head nice and round...it's going to take some time...
3) Getting fitted for your hearing aid next week. I'm sure you will do great!
We love you lil' champ and look forward to seeing God's MIGHTY, HEALING HAND work in your life!
You have already proven to be a fighter and have overcome so much. Your daddy and I are certain that there is an anointing on you that is unexplainable. It was prophesied over you when you were in my womb and it's evident considering all that you have gone through. We know that the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy but the ONE has come that you would have life and have it more abundantly.
So,we will uphold our duty as your parents to train you up in the way of the Lord.
Just some things that you are doing:
1) Smiling
2) Sitting up in your bumbo
3) Making noises
4) Plenty of funny facial expressions
5) Pulling on momma's hair. OUCH.
6) Grasping for things
7) Fist pumping! ;) Now we just have to teach you the fireworks move!
8) Putting your fingers in your mouth...not sure about the whole thumb just yet.
9) You can hold something but not for very long.
10)You like to put objects in your mouth if I put them to your face.
11)You can sleep at least 8 hrs. through the night.
12)You drink about 5oz. every 3.5-4 hrs.
13)You suck a paci for soothing...other than that you want no part of it.
14)There is a cry you make which reveals frustration but only proves determination.
15)You are drawn to the light. I think I will be buying you sunglasses soon!
16)You love to sleep with your arms and hands straight by your side, tucked under the covers!
17) You are cutting 2 teeth...they look like your side incisors! Most babies cut there two front teeth (top or bottom). You are doing it your own way! ;)
18) You are focusing a whole lot better!
I think I got it all...
Some things you are having to overcome:
1) Getting your head into a straightened position...you favor your left side!
2) Getting your head nice and round...it's going to take some time...
3) Getting fitted for your hearing aid next week. I'm sure you will do great!
We love you lil' champ and look forward to seeing God's MIGHTY, HEALING HAND work in your life!
Monday, February 7, 2011
2 years ago...
I said "I do" to the man that I knew I would spend the rest of my life with!
If you were to ask both of us we would tell you that it feels like it has been more like 20 years. We say that not to say the past 2 years have been dreaded and long, but because we have been through so much.
The first year of marriage: in-laws, opinions, letting go of "it's all about me," sacrifice, leaving and cleaving, learning what to say and what not to say, dealing with each others "habits" etc...I'm sure you can relate?!?!?!
On top of all that we lost our first baby. By far the hardest thing I have ever endured. From seeing our lifeless baby on an ultrasound screen to actually experiencing a miscarriage, it was all a very emotional time for us.
The second year of marriage: lost our jobs, got pregnant AGAIN, some issues during my pregnancy, possible move, our sweet baby boy is born (after a long and complicated labor) and a family in the process of being restored...
The birth of our son was by far the greatest event that occurred during our 2 years of marriage; Trey would concur. So much so that after minutes of giving birth he looked at me and said, "we can have 15 more of these "things" if you want!" haha Definitely was not the time, but I was letting him bask in the moment.
Barington Stephen Sheneman was born on Dec. 9th, 2010 at 12:20 am 7.3lbs and 19.5 inches long! He overcame so much during the first week of his life. We were thrown with so many scares, it wasn't even funny. As his parents, Trey and I both held onto our faith and onto each other and Bear came through a champ!
Now here we are...celebrating 2 years of marriage! Considering all that the 3 of us have endured, we can rejoice singing the lyrics of this song:
We have overcome and as a result we are stronger and more united then ever!
To my love, I look forward to living my life with you for the next 70 yrs.-God willing! I truly believe that God has allowed us to go through all that we've gone through to one day help other young couples in their marriage! So, here's to our past, present and our future! Let's continue to praise Him for all that He has done and all that He is going to do...
All my love,
Your "Jenni-Bug"
If you were to ask both of us we would tell you that it feels like it has been more like 20 years. We say that not to say the past 2 years have been dreaded and long, but because we have been through so much.
The first year of marriage: in-laws, opinions, letting go of "it's all about me," sacrifice, leaving and cleaving, learning what to say and what not to say, dealing with each others "habits" etc...I'm sure you can relate?!?!?!
On top of all that we lost our first baby. By far the hardest thing I have ever endured. From seeing our lifeless baby on an ultrasound screen to actually experiencing a miscarriage, it was all a very emotional time for us.
The second year of marriage: lost our jobs, got pregnant AGAIN, some issues during my pregnancy, possible move, our sweet baby boy is born (after a long and complicated labor) and a family in the process of being restored...
The birth of our son was by far the greatest event that occurred during our 2 years of marriage; Trey would concur. So much so that after minutes of giving birth he looked at me and said, "we can have 15 more of these "things" if you want!" haha Definitely was not the time, but I was letting him bask in the moment.
Barington Stephen Sheneman was born on Dec. 9th, 2010 at 12:20 am 7.3lbs and 19.5 inches long! He overcame so much during the first week of his life. We were thrown with so many scares, it wasn't even funny. As his parents, Trey and I both held onto our faith and onto each other and Bear came through a champ!
Now here we are...celebrating 2 years of marriage! Considering all that the 3 of us have endured, we can rejoice singing the lyrics of this song:
We have overcome and as a result we are stronger and more united then ever!
To my love, I look forward to living my life with you for the next 70 yrs.-God willing! I truly believe that God has allowed us to go through all that we've gone through to one day help other young couples in their marriage! So, here's to our past, present and our future! Let's continue to praise Him for all that He has done and all that He is going to do...
All my love,
Your "Jenni-Bug"
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Overwhelmed with gratitude...
by God's goodness and faithfulness in my life!
Today was a BIG day for our lil' man...but let me back track to bring you up to speed on a few things.
The Sunday before Bear was born Trey and I spent the evening at church worshiping our Heavenly Father. After worship was over, a sweet friend of ours (who was sitting behind us with her husband) came to me to tell me she had received a Word from the Lord for me. Now, if anything like this freaks you out, I would encourage you to KEEP reading because afterwards you will have goose bumps running up and down your body! There's no denying that we serve a risen Savior. :)
At this point, we had no idea that Bear had any issues with his ears because that is not something they can detect on ultrasound. Got it? Ok. So, she proceeds to tell me that the Lord told her, "Bear will be quick to hear and slow to speak." I really was in shock, not knowing how to respond. I mean how do you respond to that? My thoughts, "of course my son will be able to hear." Ok, so he is slow to speak, no biggie.
Goose bumps yet? haha.
Bear is born and "ta-da" we have a son who is born with "supposedly" no ear canals and small ears. The Dr.'s inform us right off the bat that Bear CAN NOT hear and they didn't even bother doing a hearing test.
From there, they ran a BUNCH of genetic tests. We just got the results back from Emory and he has no SYNDROME'S (but his chromosome 13 was inverted-No biggie, apparently).
We were advised to get genetic testing as his parents and we will do just that!
Speed up to the last week or so...I keep getting a Word from God about the number 20 regarding Bear. All I could think was that he would only have 20% hearing loss...so, I finally said something to Trey and lo and behold Trey was getting the same thing. Coincidence? I think not.
With that being said, during his test they measured Bear's response to various different frequencies. Starting from 20, they worked up to 45. Basically, 20 is the lowest, softest sound that is emitted from the hearing test and 45 is the loudest. With me?!?!?
After an hour and a half of holding my son, the test was finally over. Mind you, I was praying over my son the entire time, "by Your stripes my son is Healed in Jesus name." What else would or could this momma do? I was helpless, so I did what I only knew to do, lift high the name of Jesus!
I also was taking glances at the 2 audiologist's faces trying to figure out what each facial expression meant...I couldn't help myself...the suspense was killing me!
I passed the time talking to the other audiologist about cases such as Bear's. The many questions I asked were: "Have you seen this in many children? Were the children born with it in both ears or one? More common in girls or boys? etc....She then proceeded to say the job is rewarding but can also be sad when babies come in with no nerves whatsoever. GULP. There's no help. NOTHING. GULP again.
While fighting off the attack from the enemy, I kept going back to the Word that was spoken over me, "Bear will be quick to hear, slow to speak!"
Once the test finished, the other audiologist said, "Your son hears at a NORMAL level!" The 20 you see is the softest setting and he can hear that at a normal level.
PRAISE THE LORD! Seriously. She went as far to say that Bear could very well have developed canals with a skin flap covering them! Now that would be an even bigger miracle!
For those of you out there who doubt that prayer works, you need to rethink your approach!
God IS AWESOME!
Please continue praying for fully developed ear canals and we look forward to sharing in that victory.
To God be the Glory!
Daddy Bear, Momma Bear, Baby Bear
Today was a BIG day for our lil' man...but let me back track to bring you up to speed on a few things.
The Sunday before Bear was born Trey and I spent the evening at church worshiping our Heavenly Father. After worship was over, a sweet friend of ours (who was sitting behind us with her husband) came to me to tell me she had received a Word from the Lord for me. Now, if anything like this freaks you out, I would encourage you to KEEP reading because afterwards you will have goose bumps running up and down your body! There's no denying that we serve a risen Savior. :)
At this point, we had no idea that Bear had any issues with his ears because that is not something they can detect on ultrasound. Got it? Ok. So, she proceeds to tell me that the Lord told her, "Bear will be quick to hear and slow to speak." I really was in shock, not knowing how to respond. I mean how do you respond to that? My thoughts, "of course my son will be able to hear." Ok, so he is slow to speak, no biggie.
Goose bumps yet? haha.
Bear is born and "ta-da" we have a son who is born with "supposedly" no ear canals and small ears. The Dr.'s inform us right off the bat that Bear CAN NOT hear and they didn't even bother doing a hearing test.
From there, they ran a BUNCH of genetic tests. We just got the results back from Emory and he has no SYNDROME'S (but his chromosome 13 was inverted-No biggie, apparently).
We were advised to get genetic testing as his parents and we will do just that!
Speed up to the last week or so...I keep getting a Word from God about the number 20 regarding Bear. All I could think was that he would only have 20% hearing loss...so, I finally said something to Trey and lo and behold Trey was getting the same thing. Coincidence? I think not.
With that being said, during his test they measured Bear's response to various different frequencies. Starting from 20, they worked up to 45. Basically, 20 is the lowest, softest sound that is emitted from the hearing test and 45 is the loudest. With me?!?!?
After an hour and a half of holding my son, the test was finally over. Mind you, I was praying over my son the entire time, "by Your stripes my son is Healed in Jesus name." What else would or could this momma do? I was helpless, so I did what I only knew to do, lift high the name of Jesus!
I also was taking glances at the 2 audiologist's faces trying to figure out what each facial expression meant...I couldn't help myself...the suspense was killing me!
I passed the time talking to the other audiologist about cases such as Bear's. The many questions I asked were: "Have you seen this in many children? Were the children born with it in both ears or one? More common in girls or boys? etc....She then proceeded to say the job is rewarding but can also be sad when babies come in with no nerves whatsoever. GULP. There's no help. NOTHING. GULP again.
While fighting off the attack from the enemy, I kept going back to the Word that was spoken over me, "Bear will be quick to hear, slow to speak!"
Once the test finished, the other audiologist said, "Your son hears at a NORMAL level!" The 20 you see is the softest setting and he can hear that at a normal level.
PRAISE THE LORD! Seriously. She went as far to say that Bear could very well have developed canals with a skin flap covering them! Now that would be an even bigger miracle!
For those of you out there who doubt that prayer works, you need to rethink your approach!
God IS AWESOME!
Please continue praying for fully developed ear canals and we look forward to sharing in that victory.
To God be the Glory!
Daddy Bear, Momma Bear, Baby Bear
Thursday, January 27, 2011
7 weeks...Are you kidding me?
It seems like yesterday we were leaving the NICU with our 1 week old baby boy. Although a lot of that time was spent a blur, so have these last 7 weeks. Seriously. I have blinked a few times and here we are.
He is the greatest little bundle of joy! He does my heart good. Ya know?
Our little man is starting to focus more (if there isn't a bright light distracting him), he's smiling from ear to ear, and wrapping his momma around his tiny little finger. He does great holding up his head. It's incredible to me. He loves to sleep snuggled on his daddy's chest while they sit on the couch. He loves the sound of our heart beats. I'm convinced of that. He most definitely will be a tummy sleeper which scares me just a tad-bit...ok, how about a WHOLE lot. We have the angel care monitor but, well, there is still some slight apprehension on my part. I have tested it and it does work but...I'm not fully trusting it just yet. So, for now, he will continue to sleep on his back waving his hands around (yes-he does that when he sleeps). I have even caught him with his arms and hands straight up next to his face. Quite cute if I do say so myself. I have a picture to prove it! See...
He is the greatest little bundle of joy! He does my heart good. Ya know?
Our little man is starting to focus more (if there isn't a bright light distracting him), he's smiling from ear to ear, and wrapping his momma around his tiny little finger. He does great holding up his head. It's incredible to me. He loves to sleep snuggled on his daddy's chest while they sit on the couch. He loves the sound of our heart beats. I'm convinced of that. He most definitely will be a tummy sleeper which scares me just a tad-bit...ok, how about a WHOLE lot. We have the angel care monitor but, well, there is still some slight apprehension on my part. I have tested it and it does work but...I'm not fully trusting it just yet. So, for now, he will continue to sleep on his back waving his hands around (yes-he does that when he sleeps). I have even caught him with his arms and hands straight up next to his face. Quite cute if I do say so myself. I have a picture to prove it! See...
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| I told you! At his last ped. appt., on Jan. 18th, he was in the 50th percentile for his weight and 65th percentile for his height. He weighed in at 10.5 lbs. and was 22.5 in. long. Can u say, "GROWING BOY?" All in all he is a great baby. He sleeps very well. We try to keep him awake from about 6pm until his last feeding around 11. He typically falls asleep around 10:30pm... |
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| His Great Aunt got him this swing and he LOVES it! These are just a few Bear updates. I will do my best to stay more on top of this blog esp. since the majority of it will be all about him! |
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| That is one sweet face right there! |
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