SCRIPTURE: Exodus 28:20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. (KJV) Revelation 21:19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedoyn, the fourth emerald, (NIV) Related Scripture: Exodus 39:13; Ezekial 28:13; Revelation 4:3, 21:11, 18 REFLECTION: JASPER: a variety of quartz, of red, yellow and some dull colors. (Webster's Dictionary) a red, yellow or brown opaque quartz (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). A variety of stones were placed on the breastplate of judgment. The jasper was one of the choice stones. Jasper is also a male name, the name of my high school physics teachers. His last name was Militello. Being the typical image of the physics teacher, he was open to teasing by the students. We called him as Jasper Milquetoast, referring to a meek, backwards dull character. I wonder if he knew. Mr. Militello did, however, treat me with respect. I probably didn't realize how much at the time, but a slide rule I unpacked brought back some memories. He was giving a test, and said he would make allowances for alternative answers to problems for those who used a slide rule. My test was returned to me with an F. I went to him and told him I had used the slide rule, and when the test was re-graded with that consideration, the grade was upped to an A. Later that year I used Mr. Militello’s name as a reference for a high school science grant. Surprisingly, I received the grant, which was way beyond my ability. I made the connection between using Mr. Militello as a reference and my receiving the grant when I unpacked that slide rule. He’d probably seen me as a risk taker, for I was the only student who took him up on the offer for the test. Jasper is a positive memory for me. Was God's hand in this? Could that positiveness have had some influence on my marrying a college professor---of physics?!???! Although jewelry means little to me, and the jasper is an unattractive brownish-gold stone, I should add that piece of jewelry to my collection. Is there a precious stone that carries fond memories for you? PRAYER: Lord, you are like a precious stone in my life, a stone I hold dear to my heart. I appreciate your presence in my life. Amen. ---written by Carolyn | 
