As I look in the mirror, on the wall,
I see me, looking back, at who is suppose to be me….
Am I surprised at what I see,
or should I turn around, one hundred,
and eighty degrees?
That will make me turn the other cheek….
Take a good look around, before I speak….
Then I can think, before I say,
I want to look at myself in a different way…
I should always be happy, when I look myself in the face….
As far as I’m concerned, I can’t be replaced.
I’m one of a kind, and I’m unique,
when I look back in the mirror, and the mirror speaks……
It’s only myself, telling me, to do what it takes, to be a better me.

By: James A. Tinsley (JT)

This state is unbelievable! Everyday the news is full of murders or shootings. The newspaper is full of sex offenders and murderers. The front page says”Body Found in River.” This is an everyday thing. What is wrong with this state? I don’t remember Texas having crime like this. But I also didn’t watch the news everyday or read the newspaper because I didn’t want to know about all the suffering going on around me. When I lived in Phoenix all I remember seeing on the news was a bunch of car thieves, drug dealers, and people running red lights. But Louisiana is full of crime. No wonder the sentencing is more harsh here than in any other state.

The Bible says in Romans 1:23-30 that “Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are back-stabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of evil and they disobey their parents.” This is exactly where the world is right now.

But Praise God!! There is still hope. Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” So as we live by the Spirit, we will produce these good fruits. And as we bring more people to know God, they will experience “The peace of God which transcends all understanding.” (Phil 4:7) And there will be more peace and less disorder. “For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.” (I Corinthians 14:33)

Glory to God!!! So lets stay on our job and spread the good news of what we have to look forward to in Jesus Christ!!

Luke 18:1-8
Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow. The widow kept bothering the judge to give her justice and he kept refusing her. Then finally the judge said he will give her justice so she doesn’t wear him out. And verse 7 says:
“And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones. Who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes will he find faith on the earth?”

The answer to this question is “yes.” I have complete faith that God will give me justice. But this story tells me that I need to be persistent. I am persistent in prayer every day-but I haven’t been persistent with my lawyer. But that is about to change. My friend Lisa told me that I need to be persistent, so that I am not forgotten. I made that call today to my lawyer and was told they hadn’t heard anything new yet. I asked if I should call my probation officer to be sure she hadn’t lost the paperwork or something. He said he would make the call on his end and see what was going on. Yeah!! That’s good news to me.

Thank you all for your prayers!! God is going to move for me soon. All praise and glory to Him!!
Randi

I had a very weird dream last night. I was leaving somewhere – I walked into a parking lot and I was looking for my truck. I couldn’t remember where I parked and I looked all around for my truck. All of the sudden in the air I saw fighting planes soaring across the sky with an
American Flag then more planes were chasing after them shooting at them. Then the other planes (the bad ones) came back towards all the people that were walking in the parking lot and started shooting the people down. I quickly laid down between a curb and a car and tried not to be seen. I remember praying cause I knew I was fixing to die. I asked forgiveness for any sin in my life and for not living the way I should and to please take me home if I was shot. Then I woke up.

I didn’t even think of this dream until I just sat down to do my Bible Study and read a story in the book I’m reading “Lord, Make Me Whole.” Stormie Omartian tells about when her dad was riding his horse and they fell into a deep hidden crevice. He was stuck in this pit and couldn’t get out. He was finally rescued, but his horse’s legs were broken and he had to be shot and killed to relieve his pain. Shooting the horse is actually what made me remember my dream, but this dream opened my eyes up to how short our days here on earth are. Anything could happen….we could die suddenly or Jesus could return for us in any moment. And we have to ready for him!

I keep telling my self that God isn’t finished using me at this jail…he’s still got work to be done here. But if that is the case – then why am I slipping and not as eager to do it? My days could be ended, or even worse someone whom I didn’t bring to Christ could miss their chance. I need to get my focus redirected back to Jesus Christ and away from my circumstances. I’ve got work to do here.
“People get ready,
Jesus is coming,
Soon we’ll be going home.”

It’s 10:30pm. Lights just went out. As I lay in my bunk looking around, I am reminded where I am. We are all sent to bed but no one is tired. Everyone is awake. Most have on their headphones. Some are writing, some reading, some playing solitaire, and one is even dancing in her bed. Then across the dorm, one of my friends is just staring at the top of her bed, probably looking at pictures posted above her, missing her family. It is the quiet nights like this that I really want to be home.

I lay in bed every night with my praise and worship music on Sunlife Radio or KLOVE. I end every night in worship and prayer. Sometimes I wonder if when I get home will I be able to set aside time everyday to praise God. I know that when I get busy I don’t have a lot of self discipline.

This is more reason for me to go into some kind of ministry work. So that my work is still for God. Yeah!! I want to go home so I can find out what God has in store for me!!! “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Listen to this prayer of mine, God; pay attention to what I’m asking, Answer me – you’re famous for your answers! Do what’s right for me. But don’t, please don’t, have me into court; not a person alive would be acquitted there.

The enemy hunted me down; he kicked me and stomped me with in an inch of my life. He put me in a black hole, buried me like a corpse in that dungeon. I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away, my heart heavy, like lead.

I remembered the old days, went over all you’ve done, pondered the way you’ve worked, stretched out my hands to you, as thirsty for you as a desert for rain.

Hurry with your answer God! I’m nearly at the end of my rope. Don’t turn away, don’t ignore me! That would be certain death. If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in you.

Point out the road I must travel; I’m all ears, all eyes before you. Save me from my enemies, God – you’re my only hope! Teach me how to live to please you, because you’re my God. Lead me by your blessed spirit into cleared and level pasture land.

Keep up your reputation, God – give me life! I’m our justice, get me out of this trouble! In your great love, vanquish my enemies, make a clean sweep of those who harass me. And why? Because I’m your servant. (Psalm 143, MSG)

“If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
Matthew 18:19-20, NLT

I’m writing for my friend Randi. I’ve been wanting to write to her blog since she has told me about it, but being in here can weigh the heart and mind down like thousands of pounds of water pressure. Sometimes it’s really hard to get anything out. Concerning Randi though it’s really simple. She is beautiful through and through! On her bad days (if that is what you’d call them and they’re few) she smiles and laughs and perseveres. Always keeping her head up. I wouldn’t even give it a whole day-not even a half day-only moments (now that I thing about it.) She is incredible. In such a place of hopelessness, she radiates hope. All I have to do on days I don’t want to get out of my bunk is look at Randi, usually smiling and doing something constructive, productive, and almost always for the Lord. She gives me incentive to study my Bible and share the knowledge of what the Lord purposes me to do in being obedient (instead of getting depressed and withdrawing.) I love studying, fellowshipping and worshiping with Randi. The Lord has big, big plans for her.
Right now we’re all waiting to her something for her. I know that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways higher than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) but being the limited creatures we are, we want to cry out in desperation and wonderment. By nature we want answers, but in trusting in Jesus, we have faith. Randi holds true to this every second of everyday. She truly has a heart for God!

Randi has been here almost a year. To know Randi, she does not belong here. Her punishment this long, already seems too severe. I can only hope and pray the judge will find immeasurable favor towards her. I pray he has the mercy of the Lord. James 2:13….mercy triumphs over judgement, and a judge can pretty much do what they want in Louisiana – anywhere for that matter- But when Jesus has the judges heart, rivers of water (decisions, rulings) turn where He wishes. (Prov 21:1)

I know Randi will come out of this soon-but when? That is all we really want right now, is to know something. Please join us in this prayer for her. The Lord is faithful and just. Pray for our patience – Randi seems to have the patience of Job-It’s amazing. I know her family needs all the prayers and support too. Let’s all come together and show our Mighty God how much she needs this.

May God bless everyone of you!! I love each of you with the love of Christ and am thankful for your commitment to Randi.

In Christ, your sister, Nathali

Randi and I are sitting at this “Pepto Bismol Pink” table crying… Again!! It’s 10:30 pm, time has little meaning in jail, we are sharing a cup of coffee and we were reminiscing and reading a few of the old “Blogs”. We had to laugh at the “Blog Chow Time.” We have become skilled uh, turkey neck cleaners since those days! Wow, we have been here for a little while now. We laughed at things our family and friends imagine – this place to be like. They have it all wrong!!

“Janitors”
On the phone with my mom, I tell her that we have 3 ladies here with fever blisters! Coincidence? No! They are contagious! I don’t want one, yuck! I told my mom, “If she had a hard time hearing me on the phone it was because I have a piece of cloth over the receiver.” Every one’s mouth touches the receiver. Mama said, “Well Vicki ask them for a can of Lysol!” Mama, we cant have aerosol cans or Lysol! No, much too expensive, no name brands here! She goes on to say, “When the janitors come in ask them to spray for Y’all.” Uh, mama we are the janitors! We are allowed to use dish liquid, it’s pink too, on the floors, table, phones, toilets, sinks and showers.

“Shower Time”

When we were in LPDC for 3 weeks, I called my mom one night. She asked me what I was doing? “Mama, I’m sitting on the floor talking on the phone, looking at Kim in the shower.” “Well Vickie that’s not very nice, why are you doing that?” “Mama the phones face the showers, I don’t have a choice.” “Ask Kim to close the shower curtain!” “Shower curtain? We don’t have those here mama.”

“Coffee Time”

I called my mom to let her know I would need extra money on my books to buy coffee. “Oh Vickie, they don’t give y’all coffee?” “No, we have to buy coffee, sugar, and cream if we want it.” She asked me how do we “brew” it? “Mama it’s instant.” “Oh, I thought y’all would have little coffee pots by your beds.” “No mama we don’t even have electrical sockets!”

Sometimes we forget that people on the “outside” may be curious about how we “live” in jail. I assure you it is not always pleasant, but we tend to make the best of it. For example: 1. We can lay in our bunks all day if we like. 2. Our food is delivered to us 3 times a day, it’s never late. 3. They pick our laundry up and bring it back nice and clean, well sometimes our clothes smell like the “mop heads” but a small sacrifice. 4. When was the last time you had a chance to lay in your “bunk” and read all day. We have that chance often. But don’t be deceived, this is no place for anyone!!

God Bless you Randi, even though we will be away from each other, we can continue to pray for each other. We will always be friends. You will be loved and missed!

My name is Vickie and I have been incarcerated since July 29, 2008. Randi Arrived nine days before me and unlike street time that means seven days a week twenty-four hours a day we are together. We eat at the same table and look for each other as soon as we wake up and before we to to bed. Randi is such a blessing to me, as well as to others, to be honest. I’m not sure I could have done this without her and the Lord. Randi and I read scriptures together, pray together, give each other strength, and most of all we encourage each other. Believe me we have to do a lot of that! She is truly a gifted person especially helping others she goes beyond anything any one could imagine. God is surely on her side!

Fridays are visiting day here, most of the girls are local so they get visits every week. Randi does not have that luxury, her family lives quite a distance from here and visits are rare for her. Of course, tough little Randi, would never say Fridays are hard, but I know she misses her family. She has a beautiful family that loves her dearly.

This prison has a “high turnover” of inmates, we have seen them come and go, come back again, some more than once. We love to see people walk out that gate, but we want a chance to go, too! See “this” is what Randi does best, now she needs me! I asked God to help me put my words on this piece of paper for Randi. To say what I wanted and needed to day. A few of us received requested blessings this week me included. Praise God!! My particular blessing is that I will be leaving here on April 22nd to go to a treatment center for 28 days and then home! As soon as I received my good news I rushed over to Randi, “I’m going to the Hope Center for treatment on April 22nd !” Our faces were priceless! We clapped our hands and jumped for joy, thanked Jesus, smiled then… I realized at the exact same moment what this meant, I was leaving her. We hugged and cried and cried some more. We had to resort to our “hidden weapon” to make us stop crying “Randi your hair is So Ugly! No Vickie yours is the ugliest!” Sure Randi wants me to go, I want to go, I don’t want to leave her here. I’ve asked God to give her strength, and peace. I’ve even asked for understanding.

But I need your help, I want to ask everyone who reads this, to say a special prayer for Randi. She needs encouragement, strength, understanding, and peace. Please God “move” for Randi, she is your daughter and she loves you with all her heart! She is a beautiful person, outside of course, but inside as well. I should have met Randi on the other side of that “fence” she is one of the most loyal friends I’ve ever known. She will be missed, but never forgotten. I love you Randi!
“Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one?”
Proverbs 20:6 (MSG)

OK! Here we go! What is this called again? Oh Yea! A “Blog”. I am writing this to ask for someones help and prayers for my friend. I am not sure where to start with this so I will start from the beginning. Dear God I hope I can get this point across. Here goes! My name is Lisa Andre, I am incarcerated in WBR Prison. All I know is I was on a 10 day trip “with no luggage”. Some of you out there know what I mean. Well, it landed me here on January 13, 2009. First couple of days I was just looking around you know checking people out and I saw this precious child named Randi Spearman. All I could think was as precious as she is on the inside as well as the outside how her parents must be proud of their child. Well, speaking for all of us in this facility she got mixed up with the wrong crowd and surrounded herself in wrong situations which lead to the wrong decisions. She has been here for 9 months and has not been sentence or heard anything about her case. Wow! Can you imagine? She has federal charges and has been told that federal cases can take as long as they like. I am very close to her but it took a minute for me to win her heart. There is only a small number of people here that has been with her since the beginning. This precious little girl does not let her case bring her down. Everyday she wears a smile from the time she wakes up until she rests her head at night. She is so strong in the Lord and knows that He has her back. Well, this past week requested prayers of Randi’s have been answered and one of her closest friends that has been with her since the beginning will be leaving in the next few days. Upon getting that news she was so happy. I was there when she got this news and her smile was priceless, but in the same moment she thought about losing that friend. Look! I ask everyone out there reading this to put Randi at the top of your prayer list. Her day is coming and she knows it, but as we all know according to Peter 5, Jesus states after you have suffered a while He will re-establish you, strengthen you , and settle you. Well, at times we want that according to our will and not His. I bet everyone can relate to that. This precious girl is truly “One in a million”. She deserves the best. You know my husband has always told me “Never get close to anyone in jail”. Well, guess what? She has won his heart too. So I ask all of you to pray for Randi that she will receive some news about her case and that she will receive the papers needed to push her case along. But most of all pray for miracles to happen that she will be reunited with her family sooner than she thinks. May God bless each one of you and thank you so much for your prayers. You know that Jesus says in Matthew 18:20 ” For where two or three are gathered together in My name I am there in the midst of them. So guess what? I thank Jesus for answering this prayer.