Release Plans: Jarrod David Copeland

Release Plan

November 5, 2023

Dear Unit Team:

Before surrendering, I researched the best practice for serving time in federal prison. From that research, I found a website to help me prepare. It helped me learn more about the Unit Team and the importance of each person developing a release plan.

I write this release plan to express my sincere remorse for my actions and to show how I will use my time to transform myself into a better person. I am not proud of what I did, but I am determined to make amends and return to society as a productive, law-abiding citizen.

This release plan describes my self-directed pathway to becoming a better person. Together with my Unit Team’s guidance and the accountability of my loved ones, I will remain committed to making this time productive and strengthening relationships with my family.

This plan is one that I will continue to develop and update so that I maintain a self-directed pathway to prepare for the best outcomes after my release. The plan includes the following headings:

I.      Identifying Information
II.     Community support
III.    Transportation/Housing
IV.     Medical/Mental Health
V.      Education
VI.     Financial Obligations
VII.    Risk and needs assessment
VIII.   Personal Plan
IX.     Book Reports

I hope the Unit Team finds this plan useful in guiding me back to my family and community as soon as possible.

Respectfully submitted,

Jarrod David Copeland
Registration Number: 55179-509

Identifying Information:

Name: Jarrod David Copeland
Date of Birth: September 19, 1983. I am 40 years old.
Today’s Date: Oct. 22, 2023
Registration: 55179-509
Sentence length: 54 months
Date of Incarceration at Santa Rita Jail: July 14, 2021
Begin in Federal prison: April 29, 2023
Projected release date:

Identification:

Driver’s license image: (see last page of plan)
Social security card image: (see last page of plan)
Birth certificate image: (see back page of plan)
High School Diploma: (see back page of plan)
Vocational School Certificate: (see back page of plan)
Health Insurance Card: (see back page of plan)
Covid Vaccination Card: (see back page of plan)

Support Information:

Letter from primary support: Sheila Copeland (wife)

Dear Case Manager:

My name is Sheila Copeland and I’m married to Jarrod, and I stand in 100 percent support of him. I am attaching a letter that I submitted to his judge, but I also want administrators in the BOP to know that he has my unconditional support. Upon his release we will reside together and resume our life. I will continue to work and support my husband until he can get back on his feet and secure a job. I have full confidence that with Jarrod’s perseverance, skills, hard work and dedication, he will be able to return to the workforce in no time. His family, friends and community are all committed to helping Jarrod pursue a successful re-entry into society upon his release.

My husband has been doing his due diligence by enrolling in programs in Santa Rita Jail while awaiting sentencing. He is using his time productively to educate and better himself by taking advantage of the programs he can access. He has completed five different courses through the Five Keys Schools and Programs while serving time in Santa Rita Jail. He has received Certificates of Completion and a Letter of Program Completion awarded to him as well. The Five Keys Schools and Program instructor Deputy D. White wrote a sealed letter to Judge Breyer regarding Jarrod’s excellent work in this educational program. Jarrod is also a student of Crossroads, a program with our local church. The Crossroads program has awarded him two Certificates of Achievement in the study entitled “Who Are You?” and “Who is Jesus?”

He continues to make me proud by being a model individual while serving his time. While in Santa Rita, he tutored individuals whose second language is English. Additionally, while being transferred into the BOP system, at his hold over in Southern Nevada Detention Center, he took the responsibility in helping an elderly man with a disability. Jarrod assisted the elderly man with his daily medication, transported him around the facility, and kept watch over his overall welfare and health. Jarrod was officially requested to be the elder’s caregiver and offered a weekly pay of $14.00. I believe that says a lot for someone who was just passing by at the hold over station, to be requested and considered to be another inmate’s caregiver. Likewise, while in Victorville FCI II, he joined the daily bible study and shortly after, was requested to lead the bible study. No matter what facility he’s in, he exemplifies himself to be positive influence and motivator to those around him. Undoubtedly, upon his transfer to his destination facility, I know he will continue to help and serve others any way he can. Jarrod is focused on pursuing productive work, educational curriculums and programs, and personal and professional self-development endeavors while completing his time.

Sincerely,
Sheila Copeland

Letter from Dave Copeland (father)

Dear Case Manager,
I am Jarrod’s father, Dave Copeland. Jarrod has always been a good son and has never given me any problems nor ever been in any trouble with anyone. He’s always been kind and helpful to others. In the past, he always did what he can to help me and his step mom.
I’ve always seen Jarrod as diligent and hard working. He strives to support and better himself. In his early teenage years he was able to seamlessly manage going to school and working a full time job. He took responsibility to take care of the bills to help his mother who was disabled. Jarrod educational background has been in the automotive industry. He has been in that industry for fifteen years, moving up in professional ranks. I’m confident that upon release, my son will find work in his trade and vocation that he is adeptly skilled and trained at.
Jarrod has a wonderful support system with his wife, in-laws, myself, his brother, family and friends. We all support him and look forward to helping him get back into the community. He had also been attending and serving at a local church and they are more than ready to receive him back into their community upon his release. He has his family, friends, and church to keep him focused to lead a productive and successful re-entry back into society. The 23 months that Jarrod has spent serving time has given him the opportunity to reflect on life, family and his goals which will keep him on a straight path.

Sincerely,
Davey Copeland

Letter from Pricila Dela Cruz (mother-in-law)

Dear Case Manager,
I, Priscila Dela Cruz and my husband, Bienvenido Dela Cruz, are writing this letter for our son-in-law, Jarrod Copeland. We are Sheila Copeland’s parents. We’ve known Jarrod for about 15 years now and sincerely attest to his moral character. From what we’ve experienced firsthand with Jarrod, he’s always been kind, reliable, honest, and hardworking. He is our go-to guy whenever our car needs repair or maintenance. Not only has he been helpful by fixing our car troubles, but Jarrod has also been a helping hand around the house. Moreover, we would also like to point out that Jarrod had a great reputation with his most recent employer, Snap on, before he was incarcerated. He accomplished and exceeded the company’s sales goals and expectations. He was a diligent worker and top producer, completed tasks that were assigned to him and surpassing the sales goals.
Most importantly, Jarrod has been a wonderful husband to our daughter and continues to show his sincere care and dedication for our daughter, Sheila. We witnessed how he treats, cares and provides for her. How loving, attentive and tender he is towards her. He’s caring ways is also evident as he’s helped us become rooted in our faith and draw closer to God. Jarrod and Sheila have been giving their time to serving the Lord and church members at our local church. One of Jarrod and Sheila’s goal, is that once Jarrod is released, they can go back to serving in our church community.
My husband and I fully support our son, Jarrod, and will help motivate and encourage him to get back into society as a law-abiding, family and goal-oriented citizen. He will have a place with his family and community that welcomes him with open arms, ready to root him on in his newfound purpose in life. We will make sure he leads a straight and narrow road to success and will help his path to lead a life that is moral, honest and productive. We believe that while serving his time, he has had time to reflect on the past and has had profound revelations that led him to genuine remorse. There is no doubt that this experience will have a lasting impression on our son, Jarrod. We believe we are already seeing steps that show that he has taken full responsibility for the decisions he’s made and his efforts to correct them. We believe that the improvements that he’s made in these 23 months, speaks volumes on the growth and character that he’s beginning to exhibit. We believe that our son, Jarrod, will learn from his mistakes and use them to his advantage by using that pain into purpose and consequently leading others in their own pursuit of redemption by leading by example and impressing upon them a discipline of hard work, focus, and continued efforts to produce outcomes of achievement, education, and a respectable course of living.

Respectfully yours,
Priscila and Bienvenido Dela Cruz

Letter from Pastor Jake Taylor

Dear Case Manager,
I have served as the Campus Pastor for The Father’s House in Roseville for just over 5 years and had the privilege to have Jarrod Copeland serving on one of our teams in the past. Upon his release, his plan is to return to the Roseville Campus and continue to serve. We will gladly get him back on a team to love on our parishioners. Life has a way of getting even those firmly rooted in their faith sidetracked. My job is to do my best to see people get clear vision, be restored, and turn their life around. I look forward to being able to serve Jarrod in this capacity
after he serves his time.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Pastor Jake Taylor
The Father’s House- Roseville
8330 Brady Ln.
Roseville, CA 95747

Transportation:

Vehicle:
I am the registered owner of a 2011 Ford F-150 Lariat, Four-door Supercrew, fully insured by AAA.

Housing:
I will be living with my wife in our apartment. To conserve financial resources, my wife lives with our extended family. She is steadily employed at a post-secondary school and earns a livable wage. Together, as stated in her support letter, we’re saving resources with plans to secure a place to live before my release. It will only be my wife and me living in the apartment. We will have a landline available to accommodate any requirements for electronic monitoring. She will be working and I am actively pursuing to get my job back at Snap-on. My wife, family, church community and outreach programs will contribute as support resources for my successful reentry. My wife understands the importance of getting our apartment in a low-crime area.

Medical/Mental Health/Dental:

I will have full coverage with Covered California for Kaiser and Anthem Dental and Vision through my wife Sheila. We will cancel the insurance during my term of imprisonment and will reinstate it before my release. I have attached an image of my health insurance card.

Before incarceration, my physician prescribed cholesterol medication. While confined in the Santa Rita Jail, doctors told me that I would not need the medicine because of the meal plan.

Since my incarceration, I have suffered from abnormally high blood pressure. I have a family history of high blood pressure, heart attacks, sleep apnea, diabetes, and Factor Five, a blood clotting disorder.

I have severe periodontal disease and have lost four teeth since my incarceration. I was in the process of getting dentures before my arrest, and still plan on doing so upon my release.

Substance Abuse Counseling / Treatment:

I have a documented history of using anabolic steroids and would like to participate in the RDAP program. I understand substance abuse to be a trigger for criminal thinking patterns, and I believe the courses would help me avoid such triggers.

Family Situation:

As my wife wrote in her letter, she has been supportive throughout my imprisonment. She is eager to have me home along with my loving in-laws. My father, brother, nieces and nephew all reside in Kentucky where I grew up and where my immediate family resides. They are all praying and anticipating for me to be reunited with them soon.

I lost my stepmother, Connie, to COVID in late 2021 a little after my incarceration. Upon my release and when I am given the approval to visit my family in Kentucky, I would like to mourn my stepmother with my dad and brother properly.

Education:

In 2002, I earned my High School diploma from Mayfield High School. I have attached a copy of my High School transcript.

In 2008, I earned my certification from Universal Technical Institute in Automotive Technology. I have attached my copy of the certificate and transcript from the college.

In 2008, I earned yet another certification from Volkswagen Academy which certified me as an Electrical Specialist for Volkswagen. I have attached a copy of the certification.

While locked up in Santa Rita County Jail, before the judge sentenced me to 54 months, I committed to working toward reconciling with society for my crimes. I earned certificates from the Five Keys School and Program the following courses:

• Financial Literacy
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
• Roots of Success
• Entrepreneurship Basics

In addition to the above courses, I also earned certificates through Edovo in the following course:

• Thinking for the future / Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Anger Management
• Straight-A Guide / Michael G. Santos

I took these courses because they directly relate to the areas of the SPARC-13, anger/hostility, cognitions, education, finance, poverty, and mental health.

Upon serving the rest of my sentence in jail/prison, I intend to participate in more courses so that I can further educate myself and develop the character and skills I will use upon my reentry to empower me to live a respectful, thriving and successful life. I commit myself to self-development and self-improvement and serving others with my God-given gifts and skills whenever and wherever possible.

While serving my sentence, I would like to tutor, teach, and offer guidance in any way the Unit Team deems appropriate.

I plan to read several books while in jail and prison, adding to the ones that I’ve already read while in Santa Rita County Jail. I have a goal of writing a book report for each book that I read. Those book reports will detail:

• Why I chose to read the book.
• What I learned from reading the book.
• How reading the book will contribute to my success upon release.

I will organize my reading list based on what I’ve read about risk assessments and SPARC-13.

I will read books on personal growth to become a better member of my community.

I will read books on Finance to develop my understanding of how to manage my financial affairs properly and effectively.

I will read books on Business/Sales/Entrepreneurship because it will contribute to the career that I will build upon my release.

I will read books that will enhance my faith walk in growing closer to God. Which is my ultimate goal.

Update on classes taken since being transferred to FCI Lompoc in April 2023:

• Guitar lessons
• Real Estate
• Art class
• Participated in Kairos Ministry, a three and a half day of Christian ministry, workshop and fellowshipping with a non-profit organization that serves in prisons across the US.

Created an ACE automotive course being approved by the Educational Department to teach men how to work on cars.

• Applying to college
• Prison Professor Talent: Book Reports
• Prison Professor: Preparing for Success After Prison Program

Employment:

I have held a job ever since I was fifteen years old. I worked full time at McDonald’s while attending High School because my mother was unable to work due to her illness and disability. I did my best to take care of her until she passed in 2004.

I have had experience in factory work, office work, and retail. I was the Service and Commercial Manager for Pep Boys and later offered the General Manager role. I have been in the Automotive Industry since 2006. I am a certified Auto Technician and have held positions in the automotive industry as a Technician, Service Writer, Retail Shop Manager and General Manager.

My last job was in sales, where I worked as Northern California’s Equipment Sales Specialist for Snap-on. I held that position for nearly two years before my incarceration. My greatest achievement while employed there was out-lasting seven other members of my team during the pandemic and ranking the third highest in sales in the country! I am hopeful that, upon release, Snap On will allow me to return to my position.

In June this year, I had written one of my former superior a letter to express my apology for having left the company abruptly when I was arrested back in July of 2021. In the letter, I had shared my gratitude for the position I held and the opportunities that were given to me. I expressed my willingness to work hard and to prove to them that I am still worthy of another chance and will do whatever it takes to earn their trust once again. As a response to my letter, my former superior addressed me back in an email stating for me to apply on the website.

Financial Obligations:

In addition to imposing a 54-month sentence, the judge imposed a court fee of $200. I have been paying since I entered the BOP system and as of Nov. 1, 2023, I have completed paying this court fee in full.

Reentry Accountability Plan:

I am beyond blessed to have a wife that fully supports me. We have been married nine years this May of 2023, and have been together as a couple for fifteen years this August of 2023. I also have a strong support network in my immediate family and in-laws. I have five nieces and one nephew that I will continue to keep me determined to stay on the path of success upon release. My wife and I are also planning to have a family of our own, and we were going through the steps to make that a reality before my arrest.

I began engineering a strategy to prepare myself for the journey through incarceration no matter the length. That strategy required me to focus on the following:

Faith / Grow closer to God through prayer and reading the Bible.
Family / Grow closer to my wife by encouraging each other continuing to love one another.
Growth / Take classes and read books to grow my mind and prepare for a successful life upon release.

Through personal development, I am finding out my “self-defeating” behavior includes substance abuse and anti-social personality. I learned the following risk factors that relate to recidivism from the Bureau of Prison’s website:

• Low self-control: inability to control impulses.
• Anti-social personality: indifference to how actions affect others.
• Anti-social values: doesn’t identify with community values.
• Criminal Peers: socializes with criminals.
• Substance-abuse: dependence on mind-altering drugs.
• Dysfunctional family: immersed in sexting that fosters criminal behaviors.

To address these risk factors, I have made a commitment to personal development. I will continue to read books and take available courses to address these risk factors.

Although I understand that after I complete the SPARC-13 survey questions, my case manager will create an “Individual Need Plan,” as stated in the program statement 5410.01. To contribute, I will show my commitment to reducing my risk of recidivism by following this plan.

I intend to learn more about my criminogenic needs from my Unit Team. I will follow guidance from the experts in the BOP, but in a self-directed way, I attempt to answer the question as follows:

The reason that I’m in prison is because I didn’t think about how my thoughts would affect others, and I associated with the wrong people.

I didn’t put myself in their shoes, and I didn’t see the view in their eyes.

I associated with people who did not share my values. Despite my better judgment, I made the bad decision of standing beside them, even though we did not share the same values.

Accountability metrics:

I strive to be empathetic of and mindful of everyone around me.

I will not associate with anyone who could potentially deter my path of being a law abiding citizen.

I will build a strong support network to ensure that I don’t deviate from my path.

To hold myself accountable to the goals I mention above, I will journal daily, to keep myself on track.

These last twenty-one months have humbled me greatly. I will continue this journey to live as a selfless, God fearing, law abiding, contributing member of society. My journal will help me grow in meaningful and measurable ways.

Each time I meet with my unit team, I intend to provide an updated release plan that profiles the growth that I’ve been making during my imprisonment.

Summation:

I plead guilty because I was ashamed of my thoughts. I allowed them to be polluted despite my better judgment. I take full responsibility for the crimes I committed, and I am committed to making amends, not through words, but through action.

During my sentencing hearing, I stated that the fault lies in my head and not in my heart. Those polluted thoughts do not reflect my feelings, or my life.

I broke the trust of my community as well as my country. Most of all I have let my family down. To elaborate upon what I stated during my sentence hearing, I’m deeply shamed and extremely remorseful for putting fear into the victims of my crime.

I will devote my remaining time in prison, and upon release, to making amends and reconciling with society. I now have a duty and responsibility to work toward making things right.

While in prison, I plan to make amends by learning to become a better, more mindful person who will re-enter the community as a law-abiding, productive citizen.

This guide will be like a compass, keeping me on path and structure so that I can become a better person by using my time wisely and productively.

Completion of Plan:

I developed this Release Plan, as I wanted to prepare for release from prison. I have shared this Release Plan with my support group and will use this document, together with guidance from my Unit Team, to make the most productive use of my journey through prison.

Case Manager / Counselor Information:
Facility name: Lompoc FCI
Housing Area:
Case Manager Name:
Counselor Name:
Work Detail:
Work Detail Supervisor:

Book Reports

Book 1: Goliath Must Fall
Author: Louie Giglio

What did I learn from reading this book?

Building the mindset and dedication to overcome any obstacles no matter the size. Fear, rejection, comfort, anger, addiction are all giants that will tower over you and rob you of who you are. David and Goliath is the base of the book. The tale of a simple kid, a shepherd boy, who stood up to the mighty warrior. Although Goliath was not the first adversary the simple shepherd had defeated, he had killed a bear and a lion. The point is that no matter the so-called giant in your life, with God you are unstoppable.

Fear must fall at your feet. Depression, addiction, rejection all must fall at your feet. These giants have a way of crippling us and causing us to fall into situations that can be harmful, not just to us, but those that we hold close. The ultimate message of the book is that God has got your back. Our giants have already fallen because Jesus has already defeated them on the cross. Our giants keep taunting us, so we need to hold God at his word: that He is already victorious.

In Acts 16:30, a Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas “What must I do to be saved?” Paul replied in Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” This doesn’t simple mean to must think of something as true. It is putting all your trust in Jesus to be all He says He can be in your life. A common misconception is that we think that we are David and that we had slain the mighty giant. In truth, the shepherd boy is Jesus, who went before us and took the giant down. He is the shepherd that stands over our beds. He is with us in the middle of the valley of the shadow of death. He is standing in the storm with us. It may be darkness all around, but He is preparing a table before us so that we will have what we need in the middle of the storm. He promises to lead, guide, and protect us – not in the absence of our foes but in the presence of our enemies. Psalm 23 is a perfect description of this, beautifully described in David’s words.

In the midst of our fight, the enemy will most likely use this line against us – “if God is so good, then why has this pain come upon you (me)? Why are you (am I) struggling?” Because the enemy is sitting in our midst.

What do we do? We decide who gets a seat at the table. Satan is after God’s glory. If the enemy can pierce your heart, he can break the heart of God. After all we are created in the image of God. “Whoever has the Son of God has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” 1 John 5:12. What does that mean? It means “Whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have abundant and eternal life” John 3:16.

So in closing, I will say this: we face many giants of all types. But know that there is hope. That hope is Jesus Christ. God loves us so much that he came into flesh to be like us and to be the ultimate sacrifice. To pay the ransom that sin held over us. He had to die for us to save us. So, what are you waiting for? He is knocking at your door.

Book 2: Built Not Born by Tom Golisano with Mike Wicks,
No Nonsense Guide for Entrepreneurs

First ask yourself why you want to be an entrepreneur. Do you want to take a chance or sit on the sidelines and let others live out their goals? Ask yourself, “are you cut out for the lifestyle? Is the risk high? Absolutely! Is it worth it? Absolutely! How does the author spot a good entrepreneur? First, the owner of the business must have worked in the industry. Second, they must possess a sense of reality. These are important because it means that the entrepreneur has an intimate knowledge of their market and environment.

The author describes how a simple business plan should just be the basics. Five-year and ten-year projections along with statistical information is what the author considers “fluff.” It should contain: 1. Executive summary, a one or two page summary of your business concept, the industry, your market, and the highlights of how your business will operate. 2. Profit and Loss Statement, this one page assessment will show whether you have a grasp of the fundamentals of your business. 3. Human Resources, show that you have enough industry and product knowledge to know what you’re doing.

Things that must be known before you start your business venture:

• Product of service – know what you’re selling
• Financials – cost of operating
• Market sector – what will the industry be?
• Customers – who and where are they?
• Market Research – Cornerstone, learn about the market.
• Competition – learn who you’re up against.
• Price – what are people used to paying?
• Marketing – Advertise.
• Sales – have a sales strategy.
• Production – process to end up with the finished product.
• Distribution – how to get product to customers.
• Administration – legal business structure, sole proprietorship, LLC, S or C corp.

The author explains that realistic expectations is key for success. How much is needed to begin your business? Where will you get it? Understanding profitability is essential to the overall health of your company. Prepare a professional presentation when approaching potential investors. The author talks about hiring the right people and when to fire. Keep negative energy away from your business and take training your employees seriously but have fun at the same time.

Leadership comes down to 4 steps:

• Create the vision.
• Sell the vision.
• Execute the vision.
• Monitor the vision.

Success depends on you! You are responsible not only for your own actions but also for those of your company. The two keys to success are patience and persistence. If you don’t build your own public image, one will be made for you.

In closing, I would say overall the author does well in explain the basis of starting a business without the added “fluff” as the calls it. He does a good job in breaking down the steps from the plan to the growth of your business all the way to eventually selling if you wish to do so.

Why I chose to read this book. My goal is to have my own automotive repair shop and this book helped me get a better view on what is needed to be successful.

What I learned from this book: To not focus on “fluff” as the author calls it, and focus on the basics. To do my research on the industry and my competition. I have a better understanding of what must be done from beginning my shop to continuing to grow and scale and eventually selling it or retiring.

How it will contribute to my success upon release: I am more focused on what I need to do upon release with an attitude of determination. My goal is to open an automotive repair shop with my wife and this book helped with getting my mind on what I need to do to prepare.

Book 3: Prisoners of our Thought
Authors: Alex Pattakos and Elaine Dundon

Based on the teachings of Viktor Frankl and his principles for discovering meaning in life and work. “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and our power to chose our response. In our response lies growth and our happiness.”

What is life asking of me?
What is this situation asking of me?

No matter what challenges you face in life, you always have the ultimate freedom to choose your attitude and your response to what is happening to you. You are responsible for finding meaning in your circumstances and importantly, for not becoming a prisoner of your own thoughts.

The authors develop seven core principles that best describe Viktor Frankl’s teachings.

1. Exercise the freedom to choose your attitude.
   • “You do not have to suffer to learn. But, if you don’t learn from suffering, over which you have no control, then your life becomes truly meaningless. The way in which a man accepts his fate – those things beyond his control – can add a deeper meaning to his life. He controls how he responds.” Or as I like to tell myself, I control the outcome. The authors describe how VF taught that “everything can be taken from man but, the last of the human freedom to choose one’s own way.” Complaining, for example, when we complain we allow ourselves to be victims and to be helpless. We lose or power, we give away our freedom. An example of true freedom is from Nelson Mandela who served 27 years in prison. Years later while he was president of South Africa he explained to the president of the US, Bill Clinton, why his face of anger and frustration quickly faded on the day he was released from prison.
   • “That day when I stepped out of prison and looked at the people observing, a flush of anger hit me of twenty-seven years. Then the spirit of Jesus said to me, while you were in prison you were free; now that you are free, don’t become their prisoner.” The authors go on to describe that while it can be difficult, we still have the freedom to choose how we respond. True optimism is we choose our attitude. We actually make three choices: one, we choose a positive attitude about the situation at hand. Two, we choose to visualize what’s possible to deal with the situation at hand. And three, we choose an attitude that generates passion for the action that makes the possible become a reality.
   • A question that was posed is: List ten positive things about being in prison. So, I came up with a list: 1) I value life and freedom like never before. 2) I can use my testimony to help others who might be incarcerated or going down a path that will lead to incarceration. 3) I’ve learned how to cope and battle against depression, anxiety, fear and stress. 4) I learned how to listen to God. 5) I value simple things in life (the things that matter most), for example, my wife, God, family. 6) I have read books that I was more thn likely never going to read. 7) My relationship with my wife has grown stronger. 8) I know and understand what I must do with my life upon release. 9) I focus on my personal growth. 10) I am being refined.
2. Realize your will to meaning.
   • “A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the “why” for his existence and will be able to bear almost any “how.” This quote alone set my emotions on fire. The authors describe how important it is to focus on realizing the will to meaning rather than focusing on pleasure or power. As the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates wisely advised, we should go within and listen to our inner voice. We should trust our inner voice and not be swayed by others.
3. Detect the meaning of life’s moments.
   • We don’t create meaning, we find it. To find authentic meaning in our lives, we need courage, which is not the absence of fear but the willingness and ability to walk through the fear – to tread into the darkness of life’s meaning. Fear is crippling, it limits us. Knowing why we do things is essential and the beginning of real freedom and meaning in our lives. What will be my legacy? A question that I ask myself daily.
4. Don’t work against yourself.
   • ‘A job at which one works is not what counts, but rather the manner in which one does the work.’ The authors go on to say how we often work against ourselves by trying too hard to get things done our way and not the right way. One reason we may miss succeeding is that we overlook the importance of relationships in the workplace. Also, missing the connection with customers and consumers. Meaning also rests in the appreciation of the moment. When our awareness is focused on the past or on the future, we lose the connection to present, to the Now.
5. Look at yourself from a distance.
   • Be able to laugh and find humor. It’s a great gift. It’s a great equalizer. A sense of humor is usually accompanied by cheerfulness. When we detach from ourselves and from our situation, we don’t diminish or deny the circumstances, we go beyond them. When we dwell on our mistakes, we give them far too much credit.
6. Shift your focus of attention.
   • “De-reflection is intended to counteract, compulsive inclination to self-observation.” We can choose to hold onto our anger and resistance, or we can choose to let go. If we let go, we can begin to heal by shifting our focus to something or someone else. We can choose to shift from negative thoughts and negative situations to positive ones. In doing so, we regain control of our emotions and thoughts. Also, our imagination can also help us distract ourselves from certain potentially negative situations, or to de-reflect.
7. Extend beyond yourself.
   • When we focus solely on ourselves an our own needs, we are being prisoners of our thoughts and our actions. When we spend our lives consumed with our own struggles and our own perspectives, we limit our ability to connect meaningfully with others. Self-transcendence – is going beyond our own needs and desires to truly care for others. These seven core principles the authors derived from Viktor Frankl’s system of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis provide insight into how we all can live more meaningful lives. The final few chapters go into what the authors call Meaningology. Which is defined as “the study and practice of meaning in life, work, and society.” The seven principles form a new paradigm called OPA.

O – connect meaningfully with others (O).
P – engage with deeper purpose (P).
A – embrace life with attitude (A).

In closing I would say the teachings of this book closely resembles the way Jesus Christ walked, not just talked. The authors are quick to quote Greek philosophy, and while I do agree with most of the teachings, I still can see the roots derived from the way God envisioned us to live on earth. Meaning is at the heart of what makes us human. Every situation and every human interaction, we can glean something from. After all, we are still learning to be human.

Why did I chose to read this book?
Once again, due to my greatest blessing, my loving wife, who told me about Viktor Frankl and his teachings. I walked past the book cart one day and saw a book that had Viktor Frankl’s name on it. And just as God would have it, he placed in my path, something that would help me in my pursuit to my personal growth.

What did I take from this book?
I learned a deeper understanding of how to live my life with meaning. The authors did a good job at explaining Viktor Frankl’s teaching on finding meaning in everything and the power to choose that is within me. Or as I like to say, I control the outcome. No matter the situation, good or bad, I will focus my energy on positive thoughts and attitude. I will use every situation to learn and grow from.

How will this book help me to prepare for success upon release?
Prison is a stifling place and it’s easy to be a prisoner of my own thoughts. It is very taxing on the mind and spirit. Emotions are stretched to the limit as I battle my demons. I will use these teachings to take control of my thoughts and use every situation as a means to learn. I am using this time to better myself, not letting the ‘time’ use me. I am solely responsible for how I respond and feel towards every situation. I am being refined into a new man, a new creation. I will not back down. I will not stop seeking redemption. I am fully committed to being a successful member of society. This book has helped me understand how to become a better husband to my wife, a better son to my parents (my dad and my in-laws), a better brother, a better uncle to my five nieces and nephew, God willing, a good father, and a valued member of the community.

Book 4: Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting
Author: Derek Prince

The author does a wonderful job at explaining how prayer is powerful and we as royal kingly priests (Christians), have the authority and responsibility to be intercessors in prayer for not just our own lives but the entire world.

As Christians, we have an expectation to use our authority both for His glory and our good. In 1 Peter 2:5, Christians are called “a holy priesthood.” As priests of the new covenant, our ministry is to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. These “spiritual sacrifices” offered by Christians, are various forms of prayer, particularly worship and intercession. The author goes over multiple verses on how God tells us to pray for our leaders and our government. In 1 Timothy 2: 1-2, Paul calls for “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks to all men, for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and reverence.” The author continues by going over the importance of understanding that our prayers will be answered as long as it is God’s will. Good government is God’s will. This allows Christians to fulfill their duty to spread the gospel in a peaceful, nonvolatile environment.

In Romans 13:1-5, Paul said that “every person must submit to the supreme authorities. There is no authority but by act of God, and the existing authorities are instituted by Him; consequently, anyone who rebels against authority is resisting a divine institution, and those who so resist have themselves to thank for the punishment they will receive.” I myself am here (in prison) because I chose to rebel. I let my faith be shaken, and I fell as the ground beneath me gave way. What if Christians find themselves under an evil government? It may be corrupt, inefficient, wasteful, or actively oppressive toward Christians. How then are we to react? God’s word gives us no liberty to complain or to disobey. It does however, impose a solemn obligation to pray for our government. If we humble ourselves before God and meet His conditions, our prayers will be heard and bring about a change of government that will ensure the fulfillment of His purpose and the best interests of His people. This is done by two simple requirements as stated in 2 Samuel 23, through the mouth of David, “He who rules over men must be Just; ruling in the fear of God.” Two requirements that cuts across most motives and pressures in which we are all familiar with in contemporary politics. God promises blessings to a government whose officers fulfill two great basic moral requirements. He demands they be ‘Just’ and ‘God fearing.’ The party label is meaningless.

The author then goes on to give examples of how prayer has shaped history. He describes how prayer had brought the Jews out of the Nazi control and likewise saw to the end of Stalin’s era. At the end of World War I, the state of Israel came into being and God’s promise was fulfilled. The author lived in the midst of the war as a hospital attendant with the British forces in North Africa at the time Winston Churchill appointed an unknown officer named B.L. Montgomery as commander of the British forces. After Montgomery had called for his officers and soldiers to pray, “Let us ask the Lord, mighty in battle, to give us the victory,” the allied forces secured their first major victory for the entire war up to that time.

The author along with his wife and eight adopted daughters lived in the center of Jewish Jerusalem during the time when the Arab nations declared war on it. They realized that they were seeing the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel, as said in Isaiah 43:5-6. They prayed for Israel’s deliverance. In Matthew 18:19, it states, “that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Full scale fighting broke out in Jerusalem and after they prayed; his wife Lydia uttered, Lord please, paralyze the Arabs. Soon after that, a four-week ceasefire was imposed by the United Nations. During that ceasefire, a Jewish soldier gave his testimony to the author saying, “There’s something we can’t understand. Arabs outnumbered us ten to one and much better armed than we are. Yet, at times they seemed powerless to do anything against us. It’s as if they are paralyzed!”

God had provided them with objective testimony that this was what He had done. Glory be to God! Prayer is one of the greatest opportunities, one of the greatest privileges, and one of the greatest ministries available to all Christians. There is no record of Jesus teaching his disciples to preach, but he did teach them how to pray. The author then goes on to describe the eight principles of effective prayer. God’s willingness, he is not wearied or offended by our praying. God wants us to pray. All throughout scripture we are reminded of how if we ask we shall receive. The more we pray, the more we please God.

Eight principles:

1. Reverent submission: come to God as children.
2. The name of Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” John 14:6.
3. Thanksgiving and praise: “Enter into his gates with Thanksgiving and into his courts with praise,” Psalm100:1.
4. Boldly and without condemnation: “If I regard inequity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” Psalm 66:18. Do not allow your thoughts to condemn you or allow Satan to berate you over already confessed sin.
5. For God’s glory: God’s searches your motives and his and he discerns the reasons for which we pray.
6. Right relationships: if we do not forgive those who trespass against us, either will your father forgive your trespasses.
7. The power of the Holy Spirit: yield to the Holy Spirit and let him pray through us.
8. According to God’s word: pray according to his word.

The author then goes into how fasting intensifies his prayer. In Matthew 6:1-18, Christ gave his disciples instructions on their duties: charitable giving, praying, and fasting. The New Testament gives us numerous examples of how and when Christians fasted. In one sense, fasting is a form of mourning. Psychologically, no one welcomes the thought of mourning, just as, physically, no one welcomes the thought of fasting. In Matthew 5:4, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” In Psalms, David wrote of many times he humbled himself with fasting, “I wept and chastened my soul with fasting.” Fasting is also a means by which a believer brings his or her body into submission. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul said, “but I discipline my body and bring it into submission, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

Fasting brings deliverance and victory. This is told to us in the Old Testament and the New Testament. For example, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, received word that a massive army was invading his Kingdom from the east. Realizing he had no military resources to meet his challenge, he turned to God for help. “Jehoshaphat… proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” The outcome as described in 2 Chronicles 20:22-30, states that there was no need for military weapons. The entire army of their enemies destroyed itself, leaving not a single survivor. It was accomplished by spiritual weapons: collective fasting, united prayer, supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, public worship and praise. The author then goes on to describe practical guidelines for fasting. He does this by backing it up with scripture, just as he had done with the entire book. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him,” Hebrews 11: 6.

Faith is the base of Christianity. There are physical aspects of fasting so do care and sense must be practiced. You may experience unpleasant symptoms, such as dizziness. Headache, or nausea. After a day or two, these unpleasant physical reactions usually subside. Sometimes drinking a glass of water at meals times instead of eating will fool your stomach. Also the author goes over how to avoid Constipation by before and after you’re fast to eat fruits figs prunes oatmeals or apricots it is wise to abstain from strong stimulants such as coffee or T during the fast. The author winds down the book by talking about the pilgrims and the foundation of America. The pilgrims believed that the ultimate purpose of God was to restore the church to its original condition, as portrayed in the New Testament. He goes over a recorded instances of answered prayers by fasting. These foundations are still being built upon to this day by Christians. The author ends the book with different fasts that have been proclaimed in American history. All the way from the pilgrims, to George Washington, Adams and Madison, to Abraham Lincoln. In each succeeding generation, it has been sustained and continued by the faith, prayers, and fasting of like minded believers.

In closing, I will say that I am in full understanding of my purpose here in prison. Although this is my punishment, yes, I know that I am being refined in the furnace. For as Paul said in first Corinthian 9: 27, “I discipline my body and bring it into submission, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” I am learning to listen to God and accept his blessings. I am fully open and committed to following Christ and to fulfill my duty as a Christian on earth.

Why I chose to read this book?
I found this book one day after reading emails from my wife. I was reading previous emails that she had sent me and about not focusing on what I can’t control, but on what I can. I passed by the book cart as I did daily. I saw the name prince and then the word prayer. I immediately grabbed it and my heart leaped. I knew God wanted me to read this book. My wife had mentioned the author to me several times since my incarceration. I know that God is with me and using me for his glory.

What did I learn from this book?
I will say that I have a better understanding of the importance of fasting period I have practiced a form of fasting in the past by eating only in a 12 hour window and not eating in the other 12 hour window. For example, i would eat from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM only. That wasn’t done for God so I constantly failed at it. I have a better understanding of how to pray and how and when to fast. Glory be to God!

How will this book help prepare me for success upon release?
I will continue to seek after God, using prayer for his will. I know that what I was a part of was not his will. I am fully committed to giving my life to Christ and to let him use me for his will. I will pray and fast with my wife in church for our government and world affairs. I will surround myself with like minded believers so I can be successful not only in my personal life but also my professional life. My prayers will be more meaningful, more focused, and more open to fulfilling God’s will. I am forgiven and I am on my path of redemption. Glory be to God!

Book 5: Shane
Author: Jack Schaefer

The year is 1889 and the point of you is from a young boy named Bob Starrett. The author does a really good job at keeping the story in a steady pace. Bob is living on a farm in Wyoming with his parents Joe and Marian Starrett. When one day he sees a mysterious stranger riding towards him. After his father, Joe offered the stranger to stay and have dinner, he then hired him as a farmhand. It didn’t take long for the suspicious folks in their small valley to make it known that this mysterious stranger wasn’t welcomed.

Soon after his arrival, the starrett family took to him in different ways. He had made quite the impression. Bob snook into the barn loft where the stranger was staying to find a shiny gun the likes of which he had never seen before. Bob would also notice how the stranger would look off into the distance and have a look of this content, like he was running away from something. His past seem to trouble him. He was dangerous. The starlet family didn’t feel threatened at all by him. They felt a sense of peace and calmness With him around. The stranger couldn’t have came at a more opportune time because a powerful neighboring rancher was attempting to drive the homesteaders away. They all looked up to Joe Starrett and came to him for guidance.

It doesn’t take long for the rancher to approach the stranger and proposition him to come work for him. The stranger stays loyal to the Starrett and the feud escalates. After a group of the rancher boys trapped the stranger into a fight at a tavern in town, he is forced to show just how dangerous he is. He was outnumbered until Joe Starrett came to his aid. The stranger and Joe walked away after giving those boys a beating and sending a clear message to the rancher. Then things turned deadly after the rancher brought hired gun into town.

After killing one of the homesteaders, the rest of them went to Joe for guidance. Joe knew that he had to fight for his family and he didn’t want to drag the stranger into it more than he already was. The stranger was fighting his past, running from it in a sort of way. The stranger rode off into town to fight in Joe’s place, his shiny pistol on his hip. He took out the hired gunman and the rancher. The townsfolk understood now. The homesteaders were here to stay. The little boy Bob watched the whole fight and ran up to the stranger before he could ride off. It was at that moment Bob knew just what the stranger was there for. He wasn’t running from his past, not at all. He was seeking redemption. What was this stanger? His name was Shane.

Why I chose to read this book?
It’s my father’s favorite western movie and he would always talk about it while I was growing up. I didn’t plan on reading it until I found it on the book cart.

What did I get from reading the book?
It surprised me honestly to feel the deep connection with Shane. He was a man apart, seemingly running away from his past. The way he would look fierce and dangerous at times then suddenly calm and almost shameful. His past hurt him, just like me. He was seeking redemption, just like me.

How will this book help me upon release?
While this book is a work of fiction, I understand its true meaning. My time be incarcerated has caused me to reflect on my past. Although I’m not a gunslinger riding from town to town in a in the Wild West, I feel like Shane in a sense that he was riddled with shame and guilt and seeking redemption. I will use this as a beacon of hope, to right my wrongs and prove that I am not beyond redemption.