New Year's Resolution

Hello my name is Jasper, Praise the Lord!

Well soon it will be a new year. As the new year approaches I think of things of the previous year and I feel even more blessed to still be here. I wonder how many people think about what a blessing it is to be here, to see a new year. Every year you could hear people talk about New Year's resolutions- some vow to lose weight (that's a popular one), they vow to move up on their jobs, or they vow to get a new car, and they vow to reach other goals that are material. But how many people vow a resolution to get closer to God? Make a resolution to change your life on a more spiritual level. How many people vow that they are going to read the bible more often and to live God's word? How many people vow a resolution that they are going to love people more than they have before? The Lord said "Don't set your sights on material things, but rather look towards those things that are in Heaven". Make a vow to get in touch with the Jesus Spirit that lives inside of you. Make a vow to research the Lord Jesus and what He stood for. Those that believe that He is the Son of God, that He came to Earth wrapped in mortal flesh, did supernatural things such as raise the dead, heal the sick, made the blind see, and other wonderful things for people. How many believe that He took on our sins and all our sicknesses and, most importantly, He shed his blood for us, that we may have a right to everlasting life. He died so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. We did not deserve such an honor, but He did it out of love for us. Don't you think you should make a New Year's resolution to get to know more about a man like that? We live only because He died for us. I think people should vow to get closer to the Lord and you can only do that by reading his word. It's not about what family you came from, your race, what you believe in, it's not about your money or your social position, but it's about Him. Our lives exist only because of His love for us. Learn to love Him and you can only do that by learning His word, what it stands for, and vow to live it. That should be everyone's New Year's resolution. That's just my opinion.

Again my name is Jasper, and Glory to the Lord. Happy New Year!

God Speaks Through People

Hello my name is Jasper, all praise to the Lord. The place where I live is a rehab facility and I had a resentment against one of the female workers. I spoke to her in the hallway and she gave me a cold shoulder so I approached her again to try to find out why, she totally ignored me when I tried to talk to her. That made me angry, she is much younger than me, the same age as some of my daughters. I felt disrespected and I said to myself if she won't talk to me I won't talk to her. As a matter of fact I won't speak to her anymore and I'll totally ignore her. The Holy Spirit that lives inside of us will give you a little nudge to let you know you are doing something wrong. We must learn to pay attention to that feeling you have because that's God giving you a heads up. I didn't speak to her one morning and I speak to everyone in the morning, but when I didn't speak to her it made me feel funny. I felt it was wrong. When I went to church that next Sunday, they preached about love. The Lord commanded us to love one another just as he loves us unconditionally. It doesn't matter what a person has done to you, we must forgive them just as Christ forgave us. This is what He commanded us to do and He also said "If you love me, you will follow my commandments." The sermon really touched me and I felt as if the Lord was telling me through His word that I was wrong and I must make it right. So when I got back to the rehab, I approached the young lady and told her I wanted to speak with her. She can back shortly and we went to my room and we talked. I told her I had a resentment against her and the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said I must get rid of it, I must correct my wrong and forgive otherwise I'm being a hypocrite to the Lord. Talking with her, she told me she knew what she had done and she was having an awful day. As a matter of fact what she was going through that day made her go to the lady's room and cry. I appologized to her and she appologized to me and I found out that she's a wonderful person. It was just an unclean spirit in me that told me she ignored me so I must ignore her, but this is not the way God said we should live. We have to always express love to those around us so that they may see the Jesus in us. We must always be aware that the enemy is always looking for a way to gain. Put on the whole armour of the Lord and be ready to deal with the enemy when he comes. I want to say to you never forget who you are and whose you are. Again my name is Jasper. Praise the Lord.

With me all the way

Hello my name is Jasper, praise the Lord.

I turned 60 years old on December 11th, and even though I'm in a wheelchair I feel great. I'm 60, feel 40, act 30, and it's all a blessing from God. I know this because I know all the abuse I've put this body through and yet some people didn't want to believe I'm 60. I know in my heart it's the Lord's blessing to me because I couldn't help but think of my drug using years, the sleepless nights, the garbage I put in my body. I was truly abusing my temple. The hanging out for long hours, sometimes long walks to get dope, having sex, just living an unsafe life. Someone close to me even commented to my surprise "Jasper, I never thought we would even make it to 50". I often thought about that statement and I said to myself "really, am I that bad?" Apparently so. But I know today that God continued to bless me even through my sinful ways. He has always provided a lot of support for me through friends and family, He has always pointed me in the right direction, and medically they say I'm somewhat sound. I say to myself "how could this be, when they check me they find nothing wrong?" But I know all the stuff they put in my body. It has to be the Lord showing me favor. I'm glad to be 60- it feels good to watch my children have children, I have friends that have been with me over 50 years, I still have my senses and my well-being even though I'm in a wheelchair. I feel great! I feel blessed to have so many people wish me well on my birthday. It's not me, but the spirit of the Lord that lives inside me. So when you're alone sometime think of the blessings that He has given you throughout your life. Think of all those that have gone on before you and you're still here. Trust me- it's only because of God's good grace.

Again my name is Jasper, praise the Lord.

What it's all about

Hello my name is Jasper, praise the Lord!

Once again I want to encourage my fellow Saints, my brothers and sisters in Christ. We are not to celebrate the upcoming season for the same reasons that the world does. They believe it's all about pleasing one another with gifts and all sorts of merriment, but I encourage you to remember what Christmas is truly about and it's the Lord's birthday. We are to be reminded of that special day when He was born and how He went about the business of changing the world, teaching God's people, and dying for us while we were yet sinners. Nothing wrong with buying gifts, being happy about the season- but don't forget about God. Don't get wrapped up and lose focus on what it's really about, loving one another just as He loved us. Doing for those who do not have what you have. Helping those who don't have the means to make their families happy. Reaching down and pulling your brother or sister up at a time like this. This is what the Lord God said that we should do, like any good father He wants to see all his children loving, supporting, helping one another to be happy. So remember don't get caught up in worldly things, but rather focus on the Savior of the world.

Again my name is Jasper, and we praise the Lord.

It's the Holiday Season

Hello my name is Jasper, all glory to God.

Once again it's the holiday season. Thanksgiving is here, people are cooking, and families are planning to spend time together. There is so much talk about Christmas you almost feel as though Christmas is already here. People planning on what they're going to buy, so much talk about Black Friday and "Black Thursday", and so on and so forth. People are doing so much planning and rushing around preparing for Thanksgiving dinner, where they're going out of town, as I said people are already making plans for Christmas. As for Thanksgiving have you asked yourself "What am I truly thankful for?" Is it the gathering of my friends and family? Is it the fact I have a home that I can invite them to? Or am I thankful to God for all the blessings that He has provided for me? Do I realize that I don't have to be here, or I could be in a hospital, or in some other grave condition. Have I taken time to properly thank God to be able to be here to see this holiday? Have I made time for him in this holiday season? and as for Christmas- the world views Christmas as the biggest money making holiday of the year. As it gathers close to Christmas people are rushing about, often times spending money they don't have trying to please everyone they can. Sometimes trying to do more than they did last year. Their thoughts are full of commercials about Christmas, it's all about the gifts and making people happy. Nothing wrong with doing nice things for your family at Christmas, but don't forget what Christmas should truly be about. First of all it's the birth of our Lord and Savior- don't overlook that. He is the reason for this holiday season. Make time to spend time in prayer to the Lord- thanking Him for all that He's done for us. All He wants us to do is to love one another, protect one another, support one another with love. Offer yourself and your time to a charity to help those who are less fortunate. Take a chance, open your heart, and do something for someone you don't even know. I'm sure everyone knows someone that's going through a bad situation. They may have tragedy in their home, they may have a loved one that is near death, they may not have the money to give their children a Christmas. God says "if you have abundance it is your duty to help the less fortunate". What He's saying is don't just think about yourself at Christmas, love someone that you don't have to love, show them the same love that I showed you when you were still a sinner. This is what Christmas is truly about- helping someone who does not have what you have, doing it purely out of love for the other person.

My name is Jasper, Happy Holidays and praise the Lord.

Remembering JFK

My name is Jasper, praise the Lord!

I was just a kid in Elementary school when all of a sudden teachers started running through the halls, they were crying, they were all upset, and I learned later that President Kennedy had been shot. I remember the whole nation, it seemed like every neighborhood, was upset and crying. He was truly a remarkable man coming from a remarkable family. It seemed that he was a President that truly cared about the people. He was always pushing the people to do better academically and even though he had severe back pain himself he promoted exercise programs for kids. He was one of the nation's best presidents in my opinion and we still think of him and miss him today.

My name is Jasper, be blessed.

Strange and Peculiar People

Hello my name is Jasper- Praise the Lord!

The world- and when I say the world I'm talking about those people who live by their own agendas. The people who don't believe there is a God. The people who speak against God. The Christian people that know God but seem to always go against His word. I'm talking about society at large. They believe that if someone hurts you, you almost have a responsibility to hurt them back. They're often selfish people thinking only of themselves, some of them never express love or understanding towards another person. They have their own idea of what is good and fun in their lives, some of them feel that they create their own circumstances in life. But there is a society of people who make up the church the way God intended them to. They live and are guided by the word of God, they don't do as the world does. When they are confronted with a situation they always remain calm. When people show hatred toward them they are quick to understand and forgive. They are quick to pray for that person and always show them kindness. They help people that they don't even know and are happy to do it. They don't practice the things that people in the world do. This society of people don't drink, they don't believe in body art or body piercings, they don't believe in any violent behavior, the only time they dance or shout or show any outward emotion is in praising their God. The world view these people as "different" and "strange". "Strange" because they don't act the way most people do. The reason for that is they live their lives according to God's word. They live a life of meekness and forgiving, keeping their bodies clean and holy as the Lord commanded. They live as it is said by Jesus himself "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God". The world looks at these people and their strange habits and they don't understand, how could anyone be that nice and understanding? That is because they don't know the word of God. This type of life is for anyone that wants it, but you must first come to the Lord- His arms are open and He waits for you. He says "I come to give you life and that more abundantly. Take my yolk upon you, for my yolk is light and easy" meaning if you live your life according to the word of Jesus you will surpass many obstacles. Your life will be smooth, calm, and easy. You will learn to love others as He has loved you. So I urge you to come to Jesus and you will then understand the "strange" and "peculiar" people.

My name is Jasper, and God bless.

Miracles still Happen

Hello my name is Jasper- praise the Lord! Some people don't believe that the Lord exists. There are some people who do not believe in divine intervention. But here are two stories that actually happened that may change your view.

I believe it happened in Colorado where there was a terrible flood. There was a lady in an SUV who was trapped by the flood waters, her SUV with the windows rolled up tightly slowly submerged and went under the water. Rescuers tried desperately to reach the SUV as it was submerging. One man happened to reach under the water and he felt her hand, and he was able to grab her and pull her to the surface. It was an ordeal but the woman was saved. When they brought the van up out of the water the windows were still closed tight, just as it was when the van went under. So my question is, how was he able to pull her out and the windows were still shut tight? I don't know about you but I believe that it was divine intervention and God performed a miracle.

I'd like to tell you about another story- there was a terrible accident and the rescuers were having a difficult time getting to the person inside. It was a woman and the car was an old Mercedes Benz, and it was very difficult to rescue her because the car was so strongly built. I suppose the woman assumed she was going to die, so she asked for prayer. No one saw where he came from but a priest suddenly appeared. He prayed for the woman, then he told the rescuers their equipment will work now. Then they rescued the woman, they looked for the priest to thank him, but nowhere could he be found. No one saw him come, and no one saw him leave. Even though there were some 70 photographs taken at the scene the priest was in none of them and they could not find him anywhere. So I ask you, what do you believe? Do you have an answer for what occurred? Or do you believe it was a miracle from God? I prefer the latter.

My name is Jasper, praise the Lord.

Who has your back?

Hello my name is Jasper- Praise be to the Lord.

Do you remember a time in your life when you felt alone? Or maybe a time when you felt everyone was against you? Or even a time when you didn't know how you were going to make ends meet? But somehow you got through all of that and you were able to keep going. Do you ever remember a time when you put your trust in someone and they let you down? Do you ever remember running out of money and resources and had no one to turn to? But still you made it through these tough times. Have you ever been ill...I mean so ill you thought maybe you weren't going to make it? Or has the doctor ever told you that you had HIV or Cancer or something that knocked you off your feet? Somehow you found the strength and the spirit to keep going and you got past it. Well, I'm here to let you know it was no one but the Lord who had your back all the time. Sometimes we get in a situation that seems so hard to bear we forget who has our back. He said in his word He'll never leave you nor forsake you, saying that He will walk down every road with you, He will not forget about you, He will take care of you, even when you're not aware of it. So I want to say hold on to your faith, keep praying, and keep pressing forward because He's got your back.

God Bless, this is Jasper.

Always Press Forward

Hello my name is Jasper- Praise the Lord! Sometimes in our life we get the feeling that we're not making any progress. We may be working on a project and it seemed like no matter what we do it's just not right. At times we may go through a series of feelings that seem to be all negative, we second guess ourselves, we get confused, sometimes we don't know which way or who to turn to, but we must all remember one thing- that the Lord is still running things in our lives. He has our back and if we can just stand still for a moment, focus on Him, and allow Him to do what He's going to do in our lives everything will come together in our favor. No matter how bleak things may seem He said "everything works together for those who love the Lord". We get down in the dumps sometimes because believe it or not there are spirits that whisper negative thoughts to us and it's their job to tear us down, weigh us down with the troubles of the day. They will whisper our circumstances to us and try to get us to look at the physical rather than the spiritual because when we look at life through our spiritual eyes when we allow the Holy Spirit inside of us to help us and guide us, we get a feeling of hope. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we feel relieved because we know that we are not alone. We must remember that He said He is with us even till the end of time. That should give us a great relief knowing that He's always there to help us, to lift us up, to inspire us, to give us a second chance. We must always press forward no matter what you may be going through. Just press forward. There will always be people and events in your life that will try to hinder you from God's blessing. Some people won't like you just for no reason. Your boss may give you a hard time, even though you're doing the best you can. Sometimes even your own family members will seem to give you a hard time and oppose everything you try to do. But again I say we are warring against forces that we cannot see, but nonetheless they are there trying to stop us at every turn. But we take delight in knowing that greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world. He has overcome the evil one- all we have to do is stay focused on Him and the victory is already won. Press on, press forward, open your mind and your heart to the laws of the Lord and He shall guide your spirit. He said "ask anything of the Father in my name and it shall be given unto you". He said "you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you". When in doubt look towards the hills which becomes your strength. So take life boldly and without fear, press on towards your goal.

My name is Jassper, may the Lord bless you.

All Along the way

Hello my name is Jasper, Praise the Lord! As I was sitting alone I began to reflect on some past events of my life when I was a child and had polio. I remember the doctors and my mother had me run down this long hallway. I remember the old man who asked me to get into his car. I remember my mother fighting with my stepfather. I remember my mother longing for a husband, a home, and a better life for us. I remember a lot of dangerous times during my drug addiction- my addiction with crack made me a totally different person than I am now. I thought about the events surrounding my two near fatal car crashes. As I reflected upon all these things that happened in my life, even today the institution where I live, I can clearly see where God brought me through it all. I wasn't supposed to walk but God said yes. He brought my mother through two bad marriages without being harmed. Many times I found myself in places I had no place being. I was out all hours of the night, going days without sleep, and doing much harm to my body. But the Lord still had favor with me, even though I was messed up He still showed me mercy and grace. I did not know that I was going to have a second near fatal car crash when I bought my insurance. I think it was no more than a couple weeks after I bought it I had the accident. The insurance I have pays for my housing where I live. I didn't know but the Lord knew I was going to need that insurance. All through my life I now see that the Lord has carried me, protected me, guided me, and loved me when I thought no one else did. Everything I am, everything I have- my wonderful children, my grandchildren, and the mothers of my children- I owe it all to the grace of God. So I urge whoever is reading this when you feel that you can't go on, or that life has dealt you an awful situation, whatever it is God will take care of you just as He's taken care of me. He loves me and He also loves you. Hold on to your faith and just be patient. He is with you always, even till the end of time.

My name is Jasper, be blessed.

We are Blessed

Hello my name is Jasper- Praise the Lord! I was watching the news and various other TV shows and as I watched the news I heard of so many killings, senseless murders, women and children being killed, 2 men shot one another in road rage, the chemical warfare and Syria, the flooding that they're having in Colorado, and the fires in California. So much killing and destruction going on today, but we who know Jesus and have the spirit of the Lord inside of us know that we are covered by his blood. I can't imagine today living my life outside of the body of Christ. But knowing Him, having a relationship with Him, I know I can call His name or say a prayer and ask Him to surround me with his angels or put a hedge of protection around me. And I believe with all my heart that he will hear my cry and protect me. This is a gift that a lot of people are sorry to say don't have. Like a lot of people even after I turned my life over to the care of God I did things that were not of God, but in time He opened my eyes by chastising me and it's a wonderful thing because scripture tells me "He only chastises those whom He loves". So I know to some it may seem like a horrible twist of fate but I understand why He allowed certain things to happen in my life. To calm me. To bring me into submission. To give me time to reflect on His word and to take a good look at the wonderful gift of life that He's given me. and I praise the Lord for that. So although we're living in a violent society filled with all kinds of traps and snares by the Devil, we do not fear because we know the Lord and his spirit, the kingdom, is inside of us. My name is Jasper, be blessed.

Staying on Track

Hello my name is Jasper and I'm a quad. I also consider myself to live a Christian life. It is a life that I now believe was chosen not by me, but by God. Looking back at my past behavior I've always been the kind of man who was self-willed, stubborn, tunnel-visioned, seldom listening to what others thought about my actions. As a result I hurt people- my family, my mom, and my grandparents. But you know when people love you, I mean a for real love, they don't cast you aside that easily. God is no exception, He loves us whether we're good or bad. He wants us to always be obedient to His word but when we're disobedient to His word he loves us still. He loved me when I stayed out nights, He loved me when I drank, when I partied too much, when I lied, and when I threw temper tantrums. He loved me all through my addiction but I also believe that during your struggles He sends you messages through other people. He sends you signs that He's working in your life. Made people, especially my friends, talk to me and gave me sound doctrine. But you have to be willing to listen because the words that are coming from them, but they're speaking through the spirit of God. He's put these people in your life to keep you on track. If that doesn't work He will allow you to get in situations that you can't get out of. For instance, I was once stopped on the expressway by the police and I had things in my car that I should not have had. Suddenly they got a call and had to leave as something more important was happening, but that was God. I survived two near fatal car crashes- one in which I lost my wife. But still I did not listen to the messages He was sending me. I even had a woman tell me that the enemy was going to be after me and I should watch very carefully what I do and where I go. She said "the Lord has given you many blessings but he's going to get tired of you not living your life right, and you don't want the Lord to chastise you". I brushed off her warning thinking she didn't know what she was talking about, but sometime after I had my second car crash in April of '09. I realized the Lord had chastised me. I believe for being disobedient to His word because I had given my life to him in 1994 but I still hadn't stopped doing the things I was doing. Although he sent me many blessings I see where I ignored them all. I don't know if He got tired of me or not, but I do believe He decided to chastise his child. But believe it or not that doesn't bother me for the scripture says "He chastised those who He loved". He had no intention of letting me die out on the expressway but he did slow me down so that I could become the person He wanted me to be so I could reflect back on my life, see my mistakes, and work towards helping others. So I encourage you to stop and take a long look at your life, focus on the messages that God has sent you, ask yourself "what am I doing with my life? Am I being what God wanted me to be?" Don't wait until God has to stop you- you may not like it.

I'm Jasper, and be blessed.

He's Good to us

Hello, my name is Jasper and I'm a quad. Although right now I'm in a wheelchair, I know the Lord is still blessing me. Yesterday I went to a Tiger's baseball game. It was a beautiful day, I was with good friends, and I really enjoyed being part of the crowd. I liked watching people laugh, have fun, and enjoy themselves, especially the kids. They got a real kick out of the music that they play! This Sunday after church I'll be going to my high school reunion. Seeing old friends that I grew up with (we all went to school together) and after 40 or 50 years we're still friends. That in itself is a blessing from God. When He puts people in your life they are there for a reason. Sometimes they are there for only a season, then sometimes they stick with you through the years no matter what they watch you go through. Everyone does not have a blessing such as this. But I thank the Lord for having favor with me. I just go about my day and I appreciate the things the Lord has put in my life. Beautiful sunny days I can look upon, I'm always surrounded by good people that care about me. The Lord always gives people what they need. I'm in a wheelchair, I don't work, I don't have much money, but I live in a nice place, I'm fed every day, and I have clothes on my back. It's not my doing but it is my God's grace. So I encourage you to open your eyes and look around at the wonderful gifts that God has given you. Appreciate them. Goodbye, my name is Jasper.

Give Thanks

Hello my name is Jasper and I'm a quad. At the Neurocenter where I live they have different activities to keep the clients entertained and stimulated. We do such things as go on outings (I just came back from an outing to Belle Isle). I've gone to baseball games, the Opera, concerts, and parties. This Sunday I am going to a church picnic and it's usually lots of people and lots of fun. Here at the facility where I live I just came in from viewing some antique cars. They were beautiful! All decked out in different colors- Corvettes, Charger, Cobra, Nova, and a '63 Chevy Impala. The point I'm trying to make is even though I'm confined to a wheelchair God still allows me to enjoy life just as anyone else does. It's a beautiful day today. I can go out, feel the sun on my face, feel the warm breeze in the air, smell the flowers, and just partake in this wonderful life that the Lord has given me. I take the advice that my pastor gives us and that is I don't look at my circumstance, I don't dwell on the negative, and I look at life as a gift from God. I call those things that are not as though they were. I choose to praise God and thank Him for just allowing me to be here. Sometimes we don't have to have something great happening in our lives to give praise to the Lord. Sometimes praise Him for just being here. Praise Him for the little things- being able to see your grandchildren, being able to see friends from your school, being able to be around good positive people. These are all blessings from the Lord. Think about it- everyone may not have what you have, so appreciate it and give thanks. May God bless you and may God keep you. My name is Jasper and I'm a quad.

A Prayer for Detroit

Hello my name is Jasper and I'm a quad, also I'm a native of Detroit. I always enjoy growing up in Detroit. The 60s and 70s even the 80s was quit differnt it seems than today. There are so many things that have gone wrong with the management of Detroit that we've almost come to financial ruin. Along with that, people don't seem to cling together the way they used to. We have no outstanding leaders, no Coleman Youngs, no Ken Cockrels it seems that our city council can't agree on anything. I don't understand why so many of our leaders are so opposed to the city manager. We need help and if it has to come from an outside source, then so be it. If we could have handled the problem before we wouldn't be in this shape now. I believe we need someone to come in with an objective view of our situation and who has the guts to hire and fire whomever to straighten out the problem. The Kwame Kilpatrick administration did absolutely nothing to progress Detroit. Instead, he brought more negative controversy upon the city. Then there are the senseless murders that still go on in Detroit. The two men that were run down by a hit-and-run driver. There are so many kids being murdered in Detroit that you can lose count. I say all this about a city that I still love because Detroit needs prayer. As my mother often said "Prayer changes things." She would say that all the time and I knew in her heart she believed that. God said that his people have turned their backs on Him, but if they will just repent and obey his commands He would send healing throughout the land. Detroit I believe can still become a vibrant and exciting city to be in, but we have to do our part and come together as a city and we can't afford to leave God out. The churches need to stand up and be recognized. The church needs to be a voice within the city, standing on the Word of God and begin to minister and heal the land. We can no longer turn our heads away from things that are moraly wrong. We must begin to pool our resources together instead of the every man for himself mentality. I as well as my church hold a vigilant prayer for Detroit and we stand on the promise of God that He in His own time will heal our land. My name is Jasper and I'm a quad.

Vengeance is mine.

Hello, my name is Jasper and I'm a quad. I would like to give some of my opinion and express my concern about the Trayvon Martin case. When I first heard about the case I was surprised that a person of color, or any person for that matter, can be murdered on the street and nothing is done about it. It only shows that our court system is flawed. It can work for you or it can work against you, depending on the powers that be. In this particular case you have a grown man armed with a gun who was told by police not to pursue the suspect, ignored the order, and as a result shot and killed an unarmed kid. This was not a man fighting for his life as he claimed, but a grown man fighting a kid. To me it doesn't matter what the race may be, this was a gross miscarriage of justice. I know that we're only human and we have emotions and feelings. When something of this nature happens to us, our first reaction may be to lash out, fight back, get vengeance. But I urge anyone reading this message that our Lord said "Vengeance is mine". He said do not hold malice in your heart for your fellow man. Pray for those who spitefully use you, forgive those who have done you wrong. The battle is not yours, and vengeance is mine. I know this may be a very difficult thing to understand but the Lord said "If ye are truly my disciple, you will heed my commands". There have been many people who have sought justice through not violence. Ghandi, Dr. King, and Malcom X, and as we all know the results were outstanding. If you are striving to live a Christian life you may be called to do a lot of things that are difficult to do, but remember the Lord said "to follow me you must first deny yourself". We don't have the luxury of doing everything we want to do, but rather follow his instructions because he is Lord. These are my thoughts, may the Lord bless you. My name is Jasper and I am a quad.

The Grace of God

Hello my name is Jasper and I'm a quad. With that being said as a quad we go through many emotional, as well as physical, changes in our lives. We often feel that our circumstances are unjust. We may even feel that God has done us a disservice. Some of us become so angry and bitter that it poisons us in relationships with other people. This may last for a period of time, but somewhere along the line we must remember that we are living on God's grace alone. I know for myself after being in two near fatal car crashes, going through a life of drugs, being a womanizer in the streets, sleeping with many women I did not know, and as a child surviving polio. All of which I realize today had it been not for God my life may have been much different. I could have been a cripple, I could have HIV or AIDS, I could have lost my life doing drugs, and I could have died in both those car crashes, but God's grace is sufficient and he allowed me to survive. We must understand that there are so many things that can ruin our lives, or even destroy us, but with God's grace we manage to make it through. Often times not even thinking it's Him, but of our own will. I see people everyday that their bodies are so disfigured or so paralyzed that they cannot move at all, or even speak at all. I know I am living on God's grace because I'm not one of those people. I can talk, I can think, I can communicate and express my concerns to other people, I can turn my head from left to right (which may seem like a small thing but I assure you if you could not do it it would become a big thing), and it's only because of the grace of God because in my last car crash I broke my neck in more than one place. So remember, the next time you may give yourself a pity party or you feel out of sorts because of things you can no longer do just remember- if you're able to wake up in the morning, know your name, and be able to count to ten, you're living on God's grace.

Thank you, my name is Jasper and I'm a quad.

Your Comfort Zone

Hello, my name is Jasper and I'm a quad in a rehab setting. We all have a comfort zone of some sort. It may be at a job, working at home, anywhere you've been doing something for a long time and you've gotten used to it. We are creatures of habit and sometimes it gets very hard to branch out and do something different. But, I believe that the Lord moves us according to His purpose. He knows just how to pull you away from your comfort zone. I believe he only does it to teach us and to elevate us to a higher level. Recently, I was called upon to do a workshop at the upcoming convention of Alcoholics Anonymous.
I have been very nervous about doing this workshop because I know I'll have to speak in front of a group of people. I am concerned about what I will say, I don't want to be boring, and I don't want it to be too short. But, I know deep down inside, the Lord just wants to pull me out of my comfort zone. Doing this talk will take me to a new level, it will only strengthen me with my people skills. So, I think the only thing I can do is pray about it and step up and do the best I can. I believe that the Lord would not ask me to do this unless He has me prepared. I won't worry about it. I'll just step up and do it. So, remember, if you are ever called upon to do something that may seem difficult for you, think of this, the Lord is just taking you out of your comfort zone to enhance you and to lift you up to a higher level.
Hello, my name is Jasper and these are my thoughts, be blessed.

Family and Friends

Hello my name is Jasper and I am a quad. Just recently my best friend who happens to be a minister invited me to come and hear him preach. I was glad to hear from him and anytime I can I'm glad to go and hear him. He preached a very good sermon about the love of God. He comes from a very large family and coming up has a kid I pretty much grew up with him and his family. At the preaching event a lot of his family was there. Most of them haven't seen me in a long time because of my accident. I was the type of guy who liked to visit a lot so I saw them on a regular basis, but not so much anymore. As he spoke about the love of God, I began to think about how blessed I was to be there to see a lot of my old friends. We all used to run in the streets together. We used to party together, go to card games together, and cabaret together. This went on some 30-35 maybe 40 years ago. Just think we used to be in the world together, now we're all in the house of the Lord together. After all these years to be in the world then serve the Lord together a lot of people don't have that. You know when you get serious about serving the Lord, a lot of people shy away from you. You lose people, but I felt truly blessed that here were a lot of my friends serving the Lord with me. So think about this little story the next time you have an opportunity to be in church with an old friend or even a family member. It's truly a blessing from God to be able to think back where you were 20-30 years ago and see where you are now. God bless you and may God keep you and your loved ones. Again my name is Jasper.

It's all about Love.

Hello my name is Jasper and I am a quad. Most of my body is numb from my chest down. So, most things physically I dont feel. I cant do any of the things that I used to do or go to places I used to go. But occasionally I do get out and recently I went to hear my best friend preach a ceramon. He invited me to come hear him speak and I was so blessed to be able to make it. He spoke about love. The love of Jesus as he loved us. This started me to thinking about what the Lord required of us before he left this earth. It is quite simple, but for some of us is very difficult to do. He said, and I quote, "Love one another as I have loved you". This is all he wants of his people. That we should care, love, encourage, support, and help one another. If you have the love of Jesus inside you, if you allow his spirit to move you, loving another person should not be that difficult. Maybe some of us should take a self evaluation and see where your love meter reaches. What do you do when you see your brother in need of something? Or there may be someone you know that is hurting from a situation. What do you do when you know a child doesnt have a father and he needs male attention? What do you do for the widow, a woman who has lost her husband, and has no male presence in her life? Do you watch and ignore these things or do you help wherever you can? It doesnt always take money it can simply be a kind word every now and then, a phone conversation, a caring hug, or simply devote some of your time to a person who has no one. This is what I believe the Lord would want us to do. He does not want his people divided. He wants us to all be on one accord. Loving and caring one to another. So, I encourage you to take a look at your life, how do you live it? Is it according to God's will? Or are you falling short? A lot of us claim to be children of God and yet we turn our backs for our brother in need. This is not God's way. Jesus said, "If your brother thrist, give him drink. If he hungers, feed him. If he is cold, give him your coat." How many of us have that type of thought in our minds and hearts? Very few I imagine. So think of these words the next time you have a opportunity to help someone. It's not about you or the person, but you are serving the Lord. Again, my name is Jasper and these are my thoughts.

Clinical healing and Spiritual healing

Hello, My name is Jasper and I am a quad. Almost all of us will feel an ache or pain. We have certain conditions. We have concerns which lead us to go to the Doctor. He'll look us over and based on his clinical knowledge, he will make a judgement about our condition. He may even prescribe some therapy for us or write a prescription. Load us up on all sorts of medicines to help our condition. Often time they do work, but sometimes they don't. That's when we must look towards alternative medicines, natural medicines, that have been handed down through generations. We may even have to rely on a power much stronger than either of these. The Lord's word speaks of spiritual healing, to those who believe that Jesus walked this Earth, He healed the sick. He not only healed the sick, He cured the lame, He cleansed people of life long time diseases. He raised the dead. And these acts were witnessed by many people. Sometimes, even the Doctors, the Surgeons, can reach a point where they know they can go no further. They often won't admit it, but they look towards God for a miracle healing. As we all should know, your spirit is everything. When you're are on your sick bed, or you may be having problems in your life and you don't know where or who to turn to, if you lose your spirit, if your spirit is broken, you become weak and may not be able to make it through your situation. On the other hand, if you believe and have enough faith in the Lord, it will keep your spirit strong and vibrant. You will overcome things that some people may not understand. It is the spirit of the Lord that lives inside of us that can cure us, that can heal us, that can help us move forward, if you just have faith and believe. When Jesus left this Earth, He left instruction for us to live by. He told his disciples that I give you power to heal the sick, cure the lame. You may drink poision and it will not harm you, He even said that we would have the power even greater than He. To those who believe, Jesus said that we may ask anything of The Father in His name, and it shall be given unto us. If we believe this and our faith in the Lord is strong enough, you may lay your hands on the sick, near death person, and they may be revived. You may even lay hands on the cripple and they can walk again. You may be able to lay your hands on someone with a disease, in Jesus name, and they can be cured. These things are not in my imagination, these are actual events that have been witnessed. Think about this the next time you're going through a rough period in your life. Jesus said I will never leave you, nor forsake you. This should be a comforting thought, knowing that our Lord, our God, is there with us, always. And His word is true. Again, my name is Jasper and I'm a quad.

I can't talk enough about God

Hello my name is Jasper and I'm a quad.

I have no feelings in the lower part of my body at all. This may seem as quite an issue to some, but it doesn't worry me as much as I thought it would for I know and I believe that God is still in control of my life. Sometimes we all get thoughts that are not quite positive- I noticed that lately I've been getting thoughts that are not quite in line with what God wants. Thoughts of what I used to do in the past. I've been a quad for going on 5 years now- I haven't been able to even touch a female for those 5 years. I can't play with my grandchildren the way I used to. In short there are just a lot of things I love to do but can't do anymore. That gives the enemy an avenue in which to attack me through my thoughts. When I find myself thinking of relationships with females, I know it’s the enemy that’s taunting me. Then that’s when I remember that the Lord says, fornication is a sin in the eyes of God. This helps to keep my mind, my thoughts, on the right path. Thinking of things I cannot do anymore is another way the enemy attacks me but again I say God can do anything that he wills for my life. He can turn a situation completely around if he desires. I don’t worry about a lot of things. The thoughts that come are not only from Heaven, but are also thoughts from the enemy. I learned to separate and understand the two. Even though I'm physically challenged I still know that I am a blessed man. I still know that I have favor with God because of what he does for me each and every day. First of all I wake up at his will, I have the blessing of being in my right mind, I can breath, I have my eye sight, my hearing, and although I don’t have much movement I still can turn my head. I can move my upper body and that is a lot more than what some quads can do, and I thank the Lord for that. He starts me on my day. I have many people that I associate with and a lot of people that know me. I have friends, good friends that I have been with for some 30-50 years, and that is a blessing. I have a wonderful family. I have healthy grandchildren that I am able to see and show love. All of that is God's will for me. I have only him to thank because I could have been dead, but he chose to let me live. So look at the bright points in your life when you are feeling negative. It's only a ploy by the enemy to upset your life. Focus not on your thoughts, but rather focus on God. Praise and worship him and your life will be fruitful.

Again, my name is Jasper and I am a quad. Thank you.

Let God Take Control

Hello my name is Jasper and I'm a quad. I live in a rehabilitation center so I often see crippled bodies, people who are much worse off than I am. Some cannot move at all, some cannot speak, and some have emotional issues. But I say to you today, that the Lord is still in control. We must learn to look to him for our strength and the desire to go on. I don't know why he hasn't healed me or some others, but I still believe that he can and he will in his time as he sees fit. I'm thankful just to be alive because I know had it not been for the Lord I would be dead. I survived a life of drug addiction, and two near fatal car crashes, and I know in my heart that it was the Lord who saved me. I don't worry very much, I don't worry pretty much at all. Why should I be disturbed over things I can't control? Instead I just praise the Lord for what I do have. I can think, I can talk, I've been blessed with a wheelchair so I can move around, go places, and interact with people. I'm still blessed. So when you feel down and out, just remember you don't have to worry because the Lord who loves you is in control. If you talk to him, He will answer you and He will take care of any situation you may be in. You have to believe that.

My name is Jasper, love you, goodbye.

Don't fall Into the Trap

Hello my name is Jasper and like most of us I have issues in my life. Little things that just pop up that annoy us. But don't let the little things in life distract you from what you should be focusing on. You may own a business or desire to own a business, you may already be in some school, or raising a family. These things require all of our focus if you are to succeed. Don't let little things such as someone telling you you "can't do it", doors that are closed in your face, setbacks and failures. Don't let these things stop you from your goal, these are just traps set up by the enemy to throw you off. God wants only the best for us, he points us in the right direction and he has a gift or a blessing at the end of our labor. But the enemy throws obstacles in our way to throw us off track. People that don't like me, people that hurt my feelings, feelings of inadequacy, feelings of failure thinking that certain things are for other people and not you. These are things that come to our mind because that's where the enemy attacks us. We must look past this and understand that if we give it our best, the Lord will do the rest. He only wants success and joy and happiness in our lives. We must come to a point where we understand this and that will increase your desire to press forward. It's good to know that the Lord has our back and that He will always be with us to help us, to guide us, if we allow Him to. He said in his word that "If I be for you, who then can be against you?" This should be a great comfort and support to you in life. You can do whatever you desire to do, because He will give you the strength to succeed. "I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me". Believe it.

Don't Sit, Rise Up!

Hello my name is Jasper.

There comes a time in everyone’s life when we are challenged by certain events. It may be an auto accident or the death of a loved one, or you may be fired from a job, maybe going through a divorce- all of which are life changing events. Even though sometimes we may be knocked off our feet by an event I say that's not the time to sit, that's the time we must rise up and meet the challenge. We've all had the wind knocked out of us at some time or another, but staying down or throwing a pity party or sticking your head in the stand will avail you nothing. It is this time we must rely on God above to pull us through and we rise up and find answers to our problems. If we just believe that God will help us we feel better, we feel encouraged, we find new strength, we also find doors will start to open when we apply ourselves. There have been lots of people that have gone through life changing experiences and learn to overcome. I remember reading about a blind man who was a mountain climber. A girl who had her arm bitten off by a shark yet she still surfs. Christopher Reeves who became a quad did not stop his life because of his circumstances; he became an advocate and helped change the lives of many. You see with God as your guide you have an unlimited source of strength and power. All you have to do is rise up and tap into that power. You will find that you can go further than you ever expected. The enemy only wants to blind you and confuse you by bad events that happen in you life, but God will take those very events to groom you and make you stronger. So I say don't sit, and focus on your circumstance, but rather RISE UP and tap into the source and move on.

Thank you my name is Jasper.

Words of encouragement!!

Hello my name is Jasper and I am a quad.

Sometimes when I sit and reflect on my life I can't help but feel a great sense of thankfulness. I owe all my thanks and gratitude to the Lord. Some of you may not believe but I know had it not been for him showing me grace and mercy I would not be here. There was a time in my life when I was crippled as a child, I've been through an addiction to drugs, I survived two car crashes, one which took the life of my wife, and I am still here. I don't worry about a lot of things today because just as Jesus said, these are meaningless and they will pass away anyway. The most important thing that we should be concerned about in our lives is preparing for your spiritual life. Make no doubt about it God is still running things, I have no control over anything. I must look to him for everything. The air I breathe, every time I swallow, my thoughts, waking up in the morning is all due to his grace. So I don't fret over what people think of me or financial matters, because I know that he will work it out for me in the end. So I encourage you that no matter what you may be going through, no matter how hard it is, look to the Lord and he will surely make a way for you. Easter is coming up soon and we should all focus on what Easter is really about. He died for us, he paid the ultimate price so that we may have a right to life. So that we will one day life with him in his kingdom. He loved us that much and that's something we should never forget or take lightly.

Again my name is Jasper and these are my thoughts.

Keep your chin up

Hello my name is Jasper and I am a quad.

I have been a quad since April of 2009 and although I live in a very nice recovery center, adjustment hasn’t been easy. I try to stay positive- I smile a lot, I talk with other clients. I know just about everyone by name, yet sometimes my situation still gets the better of me. As best I can I try to follow the routine that’s laid out for me. I have even been told by a Pastor that I would hear from God one day and he would tell me to get up and walk. I’ve had more than one person tell me they’ve been in my condition and now they’re up and walking. Still sometimes it’s a bit much for me to bear. So many complications to get past. Lately I’ve been having a lot of anxiety coupled with a touch of pneumonia. I try to smile and be positive and tell myself one day it will pass. I am saying all of this because you may be going through something as a result of your injury, but holdfast, be strong as possible, and above all be positive. Even though we have setbacks God spared us, that means we have some more living to do. Children that need us, parents need us, friends who love us, and at all times remember God knows best! Keep your chin up and continue on.

My name is Jasper and I am a quad. Good-bye

Think Positive

Hello my name is Jasper and I am a quad.

I've written a number of blogs and in all my blogs I try to create a positive image. It is said "as a man thinks", so is he so if we think positive we will be more likely to do positive. I try to find something positive or humorous in everything I do. As I ride through the hallways in my recovery center I speak to everyone I can, try to remember each person by name, and always greet them with an uplifting attitude. This is just a small thing but it has a lot of meaning, not only for me but also for the people I speak to. We no longer can do a lot of the things we used to so we have to think of new ways to fill our days. It can be by participating in things we have never done before. I never used to play BINGO a lot because I consider it to be an “old folks” game, but that’s one of the activities that are offered here. At first I wouldn't play but with some encouraging from the staff, I began to play and now it is one of the activities that I most look forward to. I also try to join in whatever is going on at the center- it helps to not only fill my day but gives some meaning to my new life. So my message is stay uplifted, don't be afraid to change, try new things, and above all stay positive.

My name is Jasper, good-bye.

Let's go Bowling

Hello my name is Jasper and I'm a quad. Like a lot of people who are in wheelchairs it was difficult for me to adjust. Sometimes I felt as if my life had come to a standstill. I didn't know what to do or how to relate to other people in similar conditions, but slowly with the help of the staff at my care center I began to realize that life goes on. Just a few days ago I went on an outing to a bowling alley. Before I became a quad myself I never even thought of handicapped people doing something like bowling, but when it was suggested to me I decided to give it a try. I found out that there are a lot of handicapped people who bowl, and also it was a lot of fun! I got a lot of support and motivation from the staff and they even brought a special ramp for me and my ball. Oh! Did I fail to mention that I have gotten the highest score TWICE since I've been bowling? Well, not bragging but to make a point- if you feel down about your life because it has changed so much, rethink your attitude because life goes on. You have a choice- you can either sit by and watch it go by, or you can join in the fun and live your life as before. I go to movies, I've been fishing, I've been to the Opera, I go to concerts- my point is get off the pity pot and live your life. My name is Jasper- let's go bowling.




http://www.allegromedical.com/daily-living-aids-c519/bowling-ramp-two-piece-steel

Happy New Year

Hello my name is Jasper and another year has come and gone.  I can hardly believe it's 2013.  A chance for a new beginning, a fresh start.  Old things are put away and we look forward to what's ahead.  Each year I look at the new year as a new beginning.  All my mistakes, regrets and whatever are forgotten and I feel refreshed and brand new.  I want to make new plans for myself and watch it materialize within the new year.  I stop worrying about what I didn't do or what I should have done and focus on promising things of the future.  This is going into my fourth year as a quad and except for the obvious nothing has changed for me.  I have the same desires and feelings, same motivation I had before the accident.  Every new year just brings all that alive for me.  So I urge you, whoever you may be, don't worry about the year past, but rather take this opportunity to focus on what lies ahead.  Your faith, good or bad, all depends on you.  Your attitude determines your altitude.  Happy New Year.