Day One Revisited

For those of you who know me, I have recently been doing a on-the-side business and have thus ventured onto other blogging opportunities. I have failed my readers once again by not keeping my promise to update regularly. Well, today I make a new promise. Yesterday, Jenni and I began a 21 day fast. I promise to recap each day of the fast on this blog. I do so not to brag about what we are doing or to sound over spiritual...rather, I mention this process so that you might lift us up in prayer. She and I both have been thick with the leading of the Spirit lately, and we are actively trying to discern what it is we are being told. Thanks in advance for the prayers, I know we have many good people in our lives that want the best for us.

Day ONe...

So, why the fast? Jenni and I are doing our best to live by faith. We enjoy wonderful opportunities to do so in our very Christ-centered work environment, and our very Christ-centered home environment. It seems though, that the most complacent seasons can come when we are the most "comfortable" in our Christian lives. See, our God is a God of seasons...seasons of joy...seasons of storms...but, it is when we are momentarily fulfilled with our current season that God wants to "shift" us into the new chapter of our lives...of our walks...of our faith...

Since God's Word tell us that faith "comes by hearing," should not our faith expand with the more of God's Word we hear? If your faith is not expanding, then either you are not hearing the Word enough on your own, or you attend a church that is not preaching the Word...each of these problems are mountains in and of themselves...the Good News is that it only takes a mustard seed sized faith to change your circumstances...

Jenni and I did not suffer as victims of these problems, as we regularly ponder God's Word and attend a church that is dutifully trying to express God's Word in a relevant way. Our season was a season of settling...a season of being OK with not taking the proper steps towards our God given destiny...we were 'comfortable' with who God was for us in our past, instead of seeking more of God with our present. We had become victims of an addage God gave me last year...a year in which he was trying to tell me that He had more for me, even though I chose to ignore His voice...the addage is that "most people never become who it is they are called to be because they settle for who they currently are." When God gave me that, I thought it was for the students in chapel, little did I know that God would be using it to challenge me today.

Jenni and I had the mutual feeling that we were on the precipice of a new season. The summer sermon series had really left me unsettled regarding what it is I am suppossed to be doing with my life; the school year has left me even more unsettled. Do not get me wrong, I love my job. I have great students, great co workers, and great superiors. I just do not know if this is all I am suppossed to be doing. With these feelings inside and Jenni's voice of reason, I decided it was time for us to seek out the change we felt was coming. So, we went to Free Chapel this past weekend for a change of pace and to hear pastor Franklin. What a blessing it was! Franklin spoke on the exact topic I needed to hear, about being a man of back bone and stability, whose character goes before him and who fulfills his calling...while the worship was literally unexplainable...Never have I felt so free to worship in my life...I took my portion home that day and I am still feeling God's presence around me...in me...and ready to work through me....

So, with what we experienced...Jenni and I started a fast...the details of which do not matter...all that matters is that we hear from God...so, please bathe us in prayer...

thanks...

Business Venture

I started anew business venture on Monday along with my father and my cousin. Jenni and I are both very excited about where this thing is heading. Who knew you could use the internet in such a powerful way? Partnering that with football starting and school on its way and life has gained some speed recently.

Jenni and I are reading Hebrews right now. The author is so quick to remind the Hebrew nation of the rebellious spirit of their forefathers and how God has to chasten them through the wilderness. often times we have a rebellious spirit and do not even realize it. Troubles come and we automatically start asking God why...well, I submit that our season of adversity is directly related to our spirit of rebellion. We have the gospel, the truth, the promise and hope of everlasting life...yet, we worry about car bills, paint combinations, draperies, family rifts, and the drama from yo momma...at the end of the day, salvation extends further than forever...it extends to the present, it extends to the NOW...it is so much easier for Christians to tell themselves " Thank goodness things will be better when we get to the other side." This is true...but things can BE BETTER RIGHT NOW...in whatever season we are in, we can still experience the abundant love of God and the incredible provision that partners alongside of that.

So, what's the bottom line? pray hard, pray long, Salvation is for NOW and forever...see you on the other side of your breakthrough.

Weight Loss Tracker

Well...most of you know that I have been trying to lose weight for a year now. I was 342 this time last year when I had my back surgery. I was already down 40 pounds or so from my heaviest weight around the 380 mark in 2006. I was put on insulin last summer for my type II diabetes. My oral medication has been helping a lot and I have had 4 consecutive normal A1C levels (glucose)now over the last year. So, in May, my doctor told me if I were in the 280's in August (at my next visit), he would take me off my medicine. Well with both of our receptions, school ending and our two week vacation, eating well was not a top priority. I did not do too bad, but my weight had settled back around the 323 mark. So, on Monday June 15th, Jenni and I started the South Beach diet. This had probably been the most consistent diet I have ever been on. I got on the scales today...and I was confused...I weighed this time last week and I was at 315...and that was very encouraging...I mean 8 pounds in one week...that's flippin' awesome. So, today, the scale said 307. I was like "Huh?" So, i weighed again, and it said 304...which made me very confused...so I waited a few minutes and weighed one more time..."305.5" So, that's where I am settling. I have lost 17 pounds in 14 days. Phase One has been SWEET!. Jenni and I leave again this week to go to SC and NC for two weeks. We are going to extend PHASE ONE of the diet until we leave. I am so pumped. We are also adding an hour or so of walking a day this week. My goals are as follows: 290 by July 26th (hopefully size 40 pants, which would be crazy because when I started at CCS two years ago I was a 48)...280 by August 26th (my docs appointment is Aug 27th) and 240's by Christmas...if this happens, I will have lost 100 pounds in 18 months...the right way...and for good....

please hold me accountable!!!!

Jenni and Trey's Las Vegas Vacation

Hello to all...I know, I know...I said I would stay on top of my blogs this time around. But, please, please, please cut me some slack this go around. I have been off the map these last few weeks. Now, I am back and ready to comment on what Jenni and I experienced.

Today, you get to read my full Vegas rundown. I will comment on everything from travel, transportation, food, Strip layout, Vegas history, timeshares, shows, etc. I hope my insights on our experience can help those who might visit in the future.

Here we go!

TRANSPORTATION: Jenni and I booked a flight on Hotwire that departed in the evening from Charlotte, NC, connected in Atlanta (I know, it was way cheaper this way) and landed in Las Vegas just after 11:00 PM local time. We flew out at 5:50 AM and returned on the same flight plan to arrive in Charlotte around 4:00 PM EST. The low down on the travel is to prepare for the potential temperature of the plane. For those travelers who have not flown for several hours before, the plane temp actually mimics the air temp outside of the plane. The longer the plane is at 35000+ feet, the more time the plane has to cool. Jenni and I had the exit row for the leg room and I had the window seat. It had to have been 35-45 degrees in my seat and it was freezing! So, this is a word to the wise...Simultaneously, do not believe the chatter in Vegas about arriving to McCarran International 3-3.5 hours before your departure time, even if it is early morning. Now, this suggestion may take precedence if you are departing in the afternoon or the evening. If you have an AM flight, an hour is plenty of time. Jenni and I had to wait 2 hours in the lobby of the airport for it to open, after being told we needed to arrive at 2 AM. It made for an even longer day.

Once on the ground in Vegas, you have a few options. You can choose to use a shuttle service to take you to your hotel and bring you back on the day of your departure. For anywhere from 12-16 per person, some choose this route. You can always take a cab, but cabs still run when stuck in traffic. On a side note, the drivers of these buses are very knowledgeable, so ask away. But, be sure to tip them upon arriving at your hotel, 1$ per bag should suffice.

While in town, you can choose to ride the DUECE city bus. It is 3$ for a one way ride, 7$ for a 24 hour ticket and 15$ for a 3 day pass. These buses are SLAMMED at night and go at a snail's pace. They stop every block, just a word to the wise...

ACCOMODATIONS: The good thing about Las Vegas is that you can spend a range of 20-200 dollars a night. It is up to you to decide what hotel and what location fit best for you. Jenni and I stayed at the Stratosphere, which will be seen below. It was a walk from here to go anywhere else, but for 20$/night the room was more than adequate. The main Strip jacks the price a bit, but again, you are right in the middle of the action.

SHOWS: Shows in Vegas run anywhere from 30$ per person to 200$ per person. Jenni and I saw 3 while we were there. Tony and Tina's Wedding was very interactive, funny and had a decent buffet. Mesmerized was a hypnosis show that was quite possibly one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life and what pretty affordable. We also saw a stage show of The Price is Right. You have a chance to go on stage and win prizes/money/etc. It was fun. We will definitely save and pay the big dollars to see a Cirque De Soleil next time around. Nothing but good reviews there.

FOOD: You can eat cheap every meal or you can spend 50$ a plate. There are several local dives, fast food joints, and top notch restaraunts. Just grab a map and plan what works for you.

FREE SIGHT SEEING: The top 5 things you have to see (that are free) while you are in Vegas...

5. The Lion cage inside MGM
4. The Gondola ride/Canal Shoppes in Venetian
3. The Fremont Street Experience
2. The Living Ceiling in Bellagio
1. The Singing Waters outside of Bellagio

CASINOS: Jenni and I enjoyed New York, New York, Planet Hollywood, Bellagio and Stratosphere. There are too many to see and too many things to play. FInd one that works for you and watch the magic happen. Many of the casinos have promotions going where you can earn 10-20$ in free slot play...on which, Jenni and I turned into 175$. So, do your research...most of the time, it is the less-ritzy Casinos that have these offers.

SIGHT SEEING OUTSIDE OF VEGAS:

You have to have to have to see the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. Period.

I feel like a whirling derbish

We're back safe and sound after two weeks of traveling. I'll be doing a thorough critique of Las Vegas and Orange Beach, Alabama, so get your popcorn ready.

Until then...

Life without a Filter

Stunned...amazed...bought up by His grace...

While I'm caught up in this race....

I'll fill my paper with his praise...

Now every day's a daze...

Watch my plans go up in flames...

Still I'll fame His name with a life that's lived ablaze...

Christ is the filter on my brain that keeps the sane, the sane...

Because higher are His ways...and lower are my wishes...

I'm Focused on fidelity to God and my Mrs..

Heed the Scriptural prescriptions ...

Assuage the steady reminisces...

Or else the mind slips through the sinful swagger of a mistress...

Ignore the sound of the devil's whispers...his nothing's are far from sweet...

Idle minds should be 'cautioned' like yellow lights for cars in streets...

It's so harsh to see when a couple hardly meets...

They can do their part in sheets...but you see, Love's a heart that beats...

not a heart that begs...So my sisters please do not lose the reason in your heads...

If you claim that your relationship is dead and your man watches TV instead...

Please do not break bread...because things are out of kilter...

This is what happens in Life without a Filter...

So do yourself a favor and remind yourself of His favor...

Know that Christ is beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega...

He is Lord and Savior...

He's the filter from the muck....

With Him your blessed like Donald Trump...

Without him your Donald Duck...

so, will your press your luck...and watch your life get filled with whammies...

Or Choose Christ the filter...and win more than Oscar's or the Grammies????

Almost done...

We are almost there. I can literally taste the Vegas action, beach relaxation, the ping of the aluminum bat and the sea breeze as I visually vacate my classroom in anticipation of the fun filled and crazy/busy summer my wife and I have planned.

We will spend June 1-6th in Viva Las Vegas...we will see the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon...we might take in a show or two...

We will spend June 8-13th in Orange Beach, Alabama with the Underwood's and Fox's...the chase pool and fine dining await...

I will spend June 15-17th at Basketball camp in Chattanooga

Jenni and I will head back out on the road on July 2nd to Fort Mill, SC to see her brother Cody play some ball...we will go to Myrtle Beach from there until July 11th...and then over to Wimington, NC for 2 or 3 days to visit family...

then its back to the humble abode for a week before school gets back on the swing...

this will be a crazy summer....

Fort Mill Throwdown

So....we had a great time.

And by great, I mean one of the most fun days I have ever had. The guys played golf Saturday morning...and badly, might I add...but enter the statement that "a bad day on the course is better than a good day at the office"...we got caught in a down pour on the 18th tee box to kind of wrap up one of those types of rounds...

then, the party happened...Jenni's Dad and Step-mom's families and my extended family met for the first time...we had GREAT food...Brad and Lori gave us some awesome wings...some pasta...some salad...some dips...some drinks...some dancin'...some cake all over my face... some great family pictures....some gifts...some hilarious moments...a lot of strange glances at my cousin's in bow ties...some really nice words from everyone...

it all was AWESOME.

Jenni and I are forever thankful for each and every person who made this weekend special...and we hated it for those who were unable to come...

Here's to many more great times in the future.

Venting

Today's a vent day.

This is sort of an ironic post. After just posting the letter I felt God wanted me to write to this year's senior class, I just spend 10 minutes land blasting my homeroom for their coarse language, lack of effort and flat out laziness. I assigned them an end of the year project last Monday. They were to combine snip-its of everything they've learned this year into a children's book. I have set up a reading time with various elementary teachers to have the students actually read their stories to the younger kids at CCS. I thought this would be an easy assignment plus a good way of recapping before finals...

boy was I wrong....

all they have done is gripe, talk about non class topics, listen to I pods and argue with each other...

I tried to promote a comfortable atmosphere because I felt I learned best in that setting when I was in school....

But that has been abused....

I would hate to see half of the class' grades significantly drop (as in, letter grades) in the last two weeks of the semester on a group assignment that they had two weeks worth of class time to finish.... I mean, am I asking too much here?

I think not.

Maybe our future as a people is not as bright as I thought.

To the Class of 2009

Dear Senior,

The day has finally come. The tests have been passed. The invitations have been mailed. The caps and gowns are on and the crowds have gathered. All that awaits now is that famed walk across the stage, a handshake from a few of your mentors and the long awaited turn of a tassel. And then life begins, right?

For the class of 2009, this over generalization would be a handicap. Grouping all of the wonderful accomplishments you all are destined to have as “life” would severely lessen each of your individual potential. As the dust settles and the air clears, I feel certain that the CCS graduating class of 2009 will not only be remembered for the time you graced these halls (and learning cottages, whatever that means), but, more importantly, for the oncoming impact you will have on the outside world. For this class possesses the dexterity and flexibility to tackle any obstacle, achieve any goal, and raise any bar. You will not be passing a proverbial baton, for the succeeding class is not even in the same race. In the same way, neither were any of the classes that have gone before you. This is the year of precedent. This is the class of excellence. This is the CCS benchmark and you are the elite group of young adults who deserve the highest accolades. You are the class of 2009.

From top to bottom or from Roger to Brand (I mean tallest to shortest), however which way this class is grouped, the light shines through. Whether it be the warmth of Roger's smile or the spark of Destiny's wit, whether it be the sparkle in Chelsey's eye or the kind gesture of Jon, whatever it might be, each of you possess some innate quality that separates you from your peers. As teachers, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to invest in such a diverse cross section of young people—young people from different backgrounds who will no doubt have equally different futures.

And as today marks the beginning of the future, there are certain realizations that must be made. You see, the torch that you all bear does not only carry the remnant of all of those who have impacted you. You carry something much brighter, a brilliant spectrum of color that surpasses any other before it. Your light is so bright that those you come into contact with may not be able to comprehend it.

“1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” John 1:1-5 NIV
Herein lies the dilemma. Your brightness, your crystal clarity as young people, and, more directly, as young Christians, is going to be challenged. The “darkness” should not understand you. You should live a life that exposes that which has remained hidden by mediocrity. You should be like a light set on a hill, as others are drawn to the splendor of Christ in you. Do not let the mishaps and mistakes of everyday life dull the majesty of what lies inside each of you. Never allow who you currently think you are to stop you from achieving who it is you want to be. It has been my honor to know each of you and I promise to bathe you all in prayer. Play hard, pray long, stay strong and love much.

Your teacher and friend,
Trey Sheneman

It's a New Season

It's a new season, it's a new day.

A fresh anointing is coming my way.

It's a season of power and victory.

It's a new season and its coming to me.

The lyrics to this song resonate so purely with my current state of mind.

Our relationship with God is so unavoidably seasonal. Its not that God waivers, thus causing some elaborate conquest for us to find him. No, it is we who waiver, wander and wish upon stars...instead of just resting and remaining in the goodness of God. It's funny how negative situations are the catalyst for the necessary change in our lifestyles...whether those changes come through our prayer time, social life, our priorities, etc. Why do the good times and blessings of God afford us the opportunity to lose sight of Him? Does complacency really creep in that quickly?

Yet, in spite of ourselves, God still sovereignly allows life's curve balls, not to strike us out, but to keep us honest and remind us of how easily life can change.

Negative: no more preparations for an arrival date of November 30.

Positive: I have a lovely wife, who wholly supports me and encourages me in my calling, a solid job and a great family. Above all else, I am a heir of righteousness, a child of the King.


Whether it be the nice breeze of Autumn or the fresh smell of spring, a new season awaits.

68 Days

68 days....

my wife carried our first child for 68 days....

I have been pretty numb for the last 12-14 hours, as my main focus has been to be strong for her emotionally....but in the quietness of my room this morning, I finally had the chance to emotionally grieve for our child...

I do not know why this happened...and I will not know until I get to Glory.

All we can do now is pray.

My devotional for yesterday was about the Devil testing your faith...I am glad the Lord uses His Word to prepare for times like this...

Please keep Jenni in your prayers.

A two Day Hiatus

But I am back....

and ready to blog like whatever...

I do not know what that means...

Anyways....

We had a wonderful day yesterday at the school house. It was Teacher Appreciation Day...and I felt appreciated. I received several gift cards, a watch, some nice cookies and treats....all in all...in was a nice day.

Jenni and I got to spend some quality time with some quality people last night. We did an In house Cinco De Mayo party with out life group. The food was excellent and the fellowship was even better. Only 22 days til a 2 month vacation, swine flu permitting of course.

I was very disappointed in American Idol last night...why they would do rock night at this stage amazes me...hopefully Danny survives.

OK, back to work.

Thoughts over the Weekend

Thought #1: The baseball team showed a valiant effort Friday. Well, not really. The kids joked around before the game, did not warm up properly, did not take infield properly, ignored my reprimands, and proceeded to excuse my advice and continue their theatrics during the first inning. After one snapped Fungo bat and 16 runs, we finally got an out. Needless to say, we lost 34-1 on Friday. It very well could have been 40 or 50, but the Strong Rock coach showed some major character. Kudos to him.

Thought #2: Henry County recently agreed to be the 4th county in the state to approve teaching Bible in the public school. I do not feel its coincidental that this happens weeks before I get my GACE scores back approving me to teach in the public arena. I am having an Esther moment as I feel like I am hearing God say "For such a time as this." I guess we will see what happens.

Thought#3: We are weighing this morning at church. I hope to have 3-4 pounds since the last weigh in. I am only about 25-30 pounds away from the goal I set back in August.

Thought #4: I guess its true that women have crazy dreams while they are pregnant. My wife has had some weird ones.

The End of a Season

So, today is the last game for the CCS Middle School Boys baseball team.

What a year.

We have given up 75 runs in 5 games. We have scored 9.

Needless to say, we are 0-5. Today, Strong Rock comes calling. I have promised myself to enjoy the opportunity I have been given to hopefully influence the kids for the better, rather than escalating my blood pressure by letting the 12-16 errors a game get to me. I want to focus on the little things. Winning an inning is a victory for us. Which actually happened in our last game versus Westwood Christian. We scored 2 in the 5th inning, they scored none. The two runs came off the bat of "Smalls," our resident motormouth, home schooled his whole life so he lacks social aptitude, cartwheels in between plays, batting gloves in the field and no batting gloves at the plate, reserve second baseman. Irony, anyone?

So, let's play ball....or at least play with it.

Faith versus Belief

We recently finished reading Life of Pi in my junior/senior English class. Pi is a story about a story, if that makes sense. Pi Patel grows up the son of a very rational zookeeper, but quickly sees, via the animals, that there is more to life than reason. Eventually, Pi embraces Christianity, Hinduism and Islam, a seemingly sensible way of life to him, but one that amasses confusion for those who know him. Pi's faith is put to the test when his father decides to sell the zoo and move the family to Canada. ON the way, the cargo ship transporting the family and the last remaining animals sinks, leaving Pi on a lifeboat with an adult Bengal tiger. The tale expands as Pi is tested and torn for 227 days at sea. It is a good read if you have the time.

The students had to choose an essay topic from a list I provided. One of the topics was whether or not religion is just a mask for "story telling" ( in other words, is there any substance to religion or are all relevant details left to the imagination). A sub-topic within this question would be whether or not a story having believable aspects challenges the reader to have faith that it is in fact true. One of my students asked me if there is a difference between believing in something and having faith in something. At first, I blocked his question by playing devil's advocate and trying to provoke him towards an answer on his own. But then I thought about it.

Is there a difference?

The more I thought about it, the more clearly I saw what God wants us all to know. Belief in something is about capability, while faith in something is about probability. In other words, I believe that my students are capable of making A's in my class, but I have faith that the probability of that happening is somewhere around 25%.

The same goes with "religion" or worldview, or enter some philosophically charged word here ______________.

James 2:19-20 tells us that the demons believe...and shudder. A lot of people-- a lot of Christians--believe in God. But do they have saving faith? Do they genuinely trust that God is going to do what He says He's going to do? Do they only see him as "existing" and not in His function of Creator of the Universe, Master, Messiah and Lord? I hope that probability is much higher than 25%.

Musings of a school teacher

Those of you who know me well know that I consider it a privilege to teach. Even though my students really challenge me at times, I love the opportunity to invest into their future, as painful as that may be.

I have one student who continually amazes me. I have assigned somewhere around 6 essay/writing assignments this school year. He has turned all of "0" in on time. It's always the same ole same ole..."I will turn it into you this evening, Mr. Sheneman." "This evening" must be a time frame that does not fall within this universe's spectrum of order because "this evening" has not happened. Obviously, his computer exists inside a black hole, making typing utterly impossible. How is one to format a paper if the keys are all spatially challenged? Now, if I put the assignment on MySpace and had them type a bulletin, he would miraculously manifest a 30 page thesis about the "effects of rock music on the equilibrium in the inner ear," or something relevant like that. Go figure, right?

Initial Thoughts

So....this is my third attempt at "blogging." My first shot at "blogging" failed after three entries...my second made it to five. Both times I have tried opposite extremes. The first blog was intended to be composed of deep theological posts that wowed the reader and put an end to any debate; the second was to be a hodge podge of happenings in my life with my fiancee at the time (who is now my bride....yea me!) This time around...I have it solved. My blog will be a chameleon. It will take on the color of my mind prior to that given entry. Some posts might be short, event-laden blurbs pertaining to the epic adventure that is my life (riiiigghhtt). Others may quite become a lexicon of knowledge, unveiled in the very face of tomfoolery, laughing insistently at the reader as they fail to plum the depths of the post's proponderence ( I hope none of that made sense, but I think you get the point). I am just an average guy with an above average itch to write...and this will soon become my hydrocortisone. This is my Whirling Derbish.

That being said, let me address my first issue.

Political assumptions are made on a regular basis. From the booth voter in some no name county Mississippi to the Suits on Capital Hill, all those who boast to be in the "know" regarding all things political make certain assumptions. One of those assumptions is that the President of the United States of America has America's best interest in mind. This may very well be the case of the present; however, yesterday's events suggest otherwise. In fact, yesterday's events display that the venerable Commander-in-Chief is not as "clued in" as he should be. When asked if he knew about the flyover of Air Force One in Manhattan, Pres. Obama claimed "he did not know." I get the critic's responses about him not being behind the wheel and that he has other "larger," more current, issues on his plate. Even so, how clearly should this resonate with each American? The leaders of our nation thought it appropriate to FLY A LARGE PLANE OVER DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN. Are we serious? I was beside myself when I saw the news reports. CNN, as they always do, quickly spun the footage into a Obama-supporting direction. The clips clearly showed frightened people fleeing their offices and places of employment and running for their lives. Forget who needs to take responsibility for the arrangement of the flyover, the real discussion should be how quickly we have forgotten what happened on 9/11. People can condemn Bush all they want, throw him under the bus and say he was uneducated and unqaulified. But none can say that he put the interests of the American people aside on that dark day. He was real, he was concerned, he was an American. I shutter to see what America's future holds.