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????
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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....
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....
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, May 11, 2009
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
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
Saturday, May 9, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, May 1, 2009
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.
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.
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