Week 12

Week in Review

Monday December 31, 2018

We, the PEP class called Redeemed ’19, were surprised to have class on New Year’s Eve; we thought that this was a holiday. Monday began by us being called to the PEP classroom around 7:30 a.m., and when we arrived the room was set up for Toastmasters. We began with a pray-in and then we took our seats. Jeremy B. was the Toastmaster today. He did a great job by putting all the speakers at ease. There were several speakers who gave their speeches, with most on Project Eight. Their objectives were to select visual aids that are appropriate for their message and the audience; to use visual aids correctly with ease and confidence; and to speak within the time limit of five to seven minutes. The majority of the speeches were about family and loved ones. Willie H. gave a touching speech about his only daughter. He started at her birth and continued to the present day. At about halfway through our Toastmasters class at about 8:45 a.m., the call for count time went out. We all lined up, pod by pod, to be counted. As always, count went off without a hitch. After count, the remaining speakers gave their speeches.

Afterwards, we were instructed to line up by pods to get our Crime and Punishment books. After we received our books, we were given some vague instructions on what to read and study by Jeremiah S. He also informed us that we needed to read Chapter 12 in our entrepreneurship textbook. We were told that Michele would be giving the lecture on the chapter, and that she expects us to have the chapter read by next week. By this time the class came to an end, so we prayed-out and were dismissed.

Kevin R. (a.k.a. “Buffet”)

Tuesday January 1, 2019

Today is New Year’s, a great day to be alive. We are blessed with the opportunity to watch movies that the Warden has brought us. We got to see Uncle Drew, which is a movie about an old man who plays basketball. He gets together with his old friends and they win a basketball tournament against young all-stars. This movie coincides with exactly what PEP represents. It doesn’t matter where you have been or where you may be right now in your life. If you have a strong team, you can achieve some of the most difficult tasks. My PEP brothers and I are a team, and we help each other succeed in developing ourselves into better men. We also got to watch a movie about a father whose daughter got hurt and was assumed to be dead. The father did not believe it though. He continued to search for her and despite what was said, he did his own investigation and found her alive. That is the kind of dedication a person must have in order to succeed in life. It also shows that we must not give up on anyone even when we think they’re lost. We also must not give up on ourselves.

Today, the first day of 2019, was a pretty cool day. We got the day off from class so we enjoyed the break because we know we have class tomorrow. With that being said, I’ll do I bit more studying so I won’t be given homework. Got to start the New Year off right.   

Edgar R. (a.k.a. “Pinocchio”)

Wednesday January 2, 2019

Today was an exciting day for Redeemed ’19. With graduation on the horizon, weary bodies are bouncing with anticipation of the final leg of our journey. We were also blessed today with a pop quiz on Chapter 12 of our entrepreneurship textbook, which everyone but one individual passed. I guess after so many pop quizzes, you learn to stay ready to keep from getting ready. We also had the opportunity to receive praise reports that were earned last month from doing good deeds and executing our 10 Driving Values. But this is not about popularity – it’s about what we can do for ourselves and others. On a lighter note, we were blessed with a visit from Ms. Michele, who gave a wonderful presentation on Chapter 12. It’s always an honor to have her teach our class, or to have her and her friends helping us along the way. We had the opportunity to get a better understanding of how a critical path chart is essential to starting a business. We also learned different tactics to make our businesses appear more legit. It makes it seem like what we are doing is worth going that extra mile, pushing forward like the warriors we are.

As today draws to a close, there is one person we all should give thanks to, the main educator and creator, and that is Jesus Christ. PEP has been a great experience and thanks to Him, I’m going home in April.

Joseph R. (a.k.a. “Piñata King”)

Thursday January 3, 2019

Today was a great day. We did not have class today, but the Phase One clsas did. It’s amazing seeing another class go through the same things we did. To know that we were exactly where they are now is what makes me grateful. What’s even more amazing is to know that they will grow and eventually be where we are today.

Scott H. came and gave a speech about how he embarrassed himself when he met his wife. It was a very insightful story because it shows you how important it is to humble yourself. After hearing his speech, we then broke the class down into groups to discuss the Robert Lewis video. Being in the class watching these guys is like going through the class again, but through a different set of eyes. It’s weird how we can believe that we have it all figured out, not knowing that we could really still headed down the wrong path. It’s the little things that count. So many areas of our lives go unnoticed because we don’t match our decisions up against values. Being a part of PEP has given us a value system to use. The Phase One class is very enthusiastic. They have also become very comfortable with their emcees, Dustin B. and Angel C., who are in my class and are both great men. Life in PEP has truly been a blessing and an honor to be a part of. Being in a growing environment with an entrepreneurial spirit, there is no better feeling to have.

Wiley R. (a.k.a. “Chester Cheetah”)

Expressions

T.H.I.N.K. before you speak to someone. J.O.Y Jesus first and other before yourself.” – unknown author

I have plenty of things to talk about on this subject. I used to sponsor people and mentor people in recovery. I used to try to instill quotes and sayings in them that inspired and helped me in hopes that it would do the same for them. One that I like the most and use a lot or try to instill is “T.H.I.N.K. before you speak to someone.” Is what you are about to say Thoughtful, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind? I try to do that as much as I can.

I have had a rough couple of months. I found out that I have cancer and I let that get me out of my normal character, but I now have checked myself and gave my problem to God. That quote has helped me along with “J.O.Y.” where I try to focus on putting Jesus first and put Others before Yourself, because that’s how you will find true J.O.Y. As long as I stick with these two quotes, I will get back to where I was in my life and grow even more from there. These two quotes give me the strength to keep pushing and never give up. I know that Jesus has my best interest, so I must carry myself according to his standards. This is why I must think before I speak to someone to ensure that my words inspire and uplift others.

Jimmy S. (a.k.a. “Sloth from Goonies”)