Lil’ Son Chronicles – Is Vinnie Ready to Move???

So for some time, I have been really thinking about making a move from the DC area.  It wouldn’t be any time soon, but I could see another 5 years here in the DMV.  From there, where to go?  Well here are the possibilities…

New York City.  Now I know NYC is expensive as all out doors. And the folks up north would get a kick out of my country accent; like I would with their northern accent.  But for some reason, I wonder if I should consider it.  I could see it now… Living in Long Island or Brooklyn… Taking the train everywhere.  Hey, I finally get to see the ball drop on New Year’s lol.. But with me working on this degree in Accounting; I could how that would be a benefit as it pertains to being within the financial district of NYC.  Plus, I likes ta look good… LOL!!! A fresh suit er’day… with the cufflinks shining like da sun… WHAT!!!!??? That boy would be killin’ dem lol…

Charlotte, NC.  North Carolina has always had a soft spot in my heart.  Folks down there know a thing or two about southern hospitality and I love it!!! I could see me down in Charlotte, with a football field for a yard lol… or chillin on the porch with that lemonade.  But the biggest thing is the scenery.  Nature is a blessing from God and there’s so much of it in North Carolina.  Open roads… a summer day… with some Erykah Badu crankin’ … oh yeah… And then of course, there’s the dress attire… a relax comfortable style during the summer… I would be rockin it with the linen lol… I’m being silly…

Miami, FL.  I’ve been to Miami three times and I absolutely love it.  All that Vitamin D… yes lawd!!! You talkin bout a golden brown bro’ham… all day… lol. The weather overall is beautiful there.

And finally, my stomping grounds… Portsmouth, VA.  Each time I go home, the biggest that sticks out to me…  family. I love being around my folks. It’s very therapeutic.  It’s familiar, of course, and well it’s peaceful all around.  I could definitely see myself moving back home.

Now don’t get me wrong, making that reluctant move to the DC area 10 years ago was truly one the best decisions ever.  But after 10 years, I wonder… what’s next for Vince?  Will it include DC in the next 5 to 10 years?  As of right now, I can’t see it.  I see myself in the next 5-10 years onto a new challenge, but who knows… Only God can say what will happen.

Nonetheless, I am ready to move forward… but I want to make sure that in everything contemplate on; that I first seek God on His Way, Path and Approval.

Lil’ Son Chronicles – Ramblings from Augustus Jr…. (5/9/2013)

It has been quite some time since I last wrote or even thought about writing.  Seeing that I have a few moments, I just want to get out my thoughts.  That in itself is difficult, so I’ll do it the only way that makes since to me…

Dear God… I Love You.  I thank You for who You are in my life.  I thank You keeping me in midst of it all.  Lord, before I make any request or pour my heart out, I need to ask for Your Forgiveness.  I have allowed my frustration to get the best of me, instead trusting in Your Word.  You allowed Jesus Christ to die for me and Christ lives.  That sole reason is why I have no choice but to trust in You and know that everything will work according to Your Plan; to build Your Kingdom.  Father God, if there is any I’ve done, said, thought that is not of Your Will, I ask that You forgive me in the name of Jesus Christ.  I’m human and I know I will fall short, but I’m thankful for the blood Christ shed for me.  I thank You God for revealing to me what’s right, what’s wrong, and what the solutions are.  Help me Father God to forgive myself for being selfish at times when I should be selfless.

Father God… I’m frustrated.  Not necessarily due to issues at work, school, the frat, the family.  Moreso with myself.  God, You know my heart so here it is… I’ve distanced myself from You and I don’t like it.  I don’t believe I’m on a repeat track like 2005 or anything on that level, but You have brought me so far and I don’t want to lose my connection with You Father God.  I often think back to 2005 and wonder if it had not been for You God stepping in when You did.  I’m so grateful, so humbled that in spite of my mess then, You spoke into me that I can be free because of the sacrifice Christ made.  Father God, I often think of my nieces, nephew, godsons, and now my lil goddaughter.  My babies, but Your angels.  Thank You for bringing them into my life.  In a lot of ways, they keep me grounded and remind me that this walk with You is so worth it.  God, I am so focused with career, school, fraternity, family, and friends.  And that’s fine, but none of that means anything if my priority is not focused on You.  I can’t go… do… or be without Your Love, Joy, Peace.  And know that, this is in no way on You God, but this is on my end.  Because I haven’t been doing the best job in this walk with You.

God, my request is that You continue to speak to me.  Even though I haven’t been doing the best in relationship with You, for some reason, You continue to keep Your Grip on my soul.  I don’t care what this world presents to me, You are always and continue to be there.  I realize that You don’t have to, but You want to because You love me that much… Hmmm… this must be that Unconditional Love Your Word speaks of… I must do my part to live a Christ like life, a life that is pleasing unto You… not what I would assume, but what is pleasing unto You.  I ask that You give me the necessary strength and provisions to do a better job in my first position; the only position that matters…. Being a Kingdom Kiddo for You God… Being obedient unto You so that You get the Glory. So that Your Kingdom will continue to be edified.

Father God, I pray that You receive this humble and open prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ…

Amen…

Thought:  It’s easy to say others are holding you back, but when you look around realize it’s only you that’s holding you back… It’s time to seek God and get out your own way… Let God have His Way… Totally…

Be blessed folks…

Lil’ Son Chronicles – Progress…

Since the last post, quite a bit has occurred… and so let’s get to it…

Operation debt free:  I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. On a small scale, but it’s better than nothing. By the end of this month, I hope to be paid off on one of my credit cards.  I am also making an effort to become a bit more aggressive in getting the credit card paid off and closed out.  My goal still for this year is to pay off roughly $10,000 in credit debt… That should put me at the half point.  The good thing is that I am not using the credit cards anymore and it’s nice to see the balance decrease.  My ultimate goal is to become credit/student loan debt free by the age of 35 or earlier…

Education:  Well… I finally did it. I applied to a graduate program and got accepted.  Starting the end of this month, I will be enrolled at the University of Phoenix’s Masters of Science in Accountancy.  Finally!!! Thank You Jesus Christ… When I tell you this has been a major fear for me.  Wondering, if I can handle school again… Well we shall see.

Career Transition:  This comes off from education, but when I graduate, I hope to take the CPA exam and get certified. My prayer is to open a business or at least be a financial advisor to assist those that under privilege and help them realize that God desires them to be the head and not the tail… to not be slave to the lender… to be debt free… to be a good steward over what God has blessed them with.  On the regular 9-5, I hope to transition from the world of statistics to the world of finance, budgeting, auditing, and accounting…

Walk w/Christ:  An on-going process… but well worth it.  Lately, church messages have been an eye opener. God has and continues to reveal the wickedness of this world and it’s very disheartening.  What’s even more frightening is that each of us, if not careful, will fall into the traps of this world. Our lives, as we know them, will be completely turned upside down.  It makes me think of my own life and how sometimes, I being naïve caused me to fall into traps. Thankfully, God was guiding me every step.  Still, I wonder, what more can I do for God? What work does He want for me to do? What sacrifices will I have to make? How will any of it help someone grow closer to God? How will help me to grow closer to God?

Thought:  In this year, a lot is occurring so far and so much more is coming.  I pray that God will renew the strength to do His Will. I pray that if there be anything that is not of God’s Will and Purpose, that He remove it, so that His Perfect Will can be done… I think we all simply want that… A challenge, but can be overcome… All we have to do is let go… and Let God… He will with us folks… Let us turn from the status quo and embrace God… embrace Holiness… Let’s make a better effort to live a holy life unto the Lord…

Be blessed all…

-Vince

Lil’ Son Chronicles – After 10 Years…

This year will make 10 years in several areas of my life.

10 years since I graduated from college… 10 years since I became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc… 10 years since I moved to DC… 10 years since Lorenza Lonnie Davis, Sr (my grandfather) passed… 10 years since one of my best friends and introduction to manhood passed, Vincent Augustus Davis, Sr. (my father)… 10 years of growth in God.

At 31, I sit back and reflect back on these past 10 years. Time has gone back swiftly.  A lot has occurred. A lot is occurring. A lot will occur. But in all of it, I’m grateful.  In these last 10 years, my spirit man has become a bit more sensitive to God’s Voice. It’s interesting, because I can recall a prayer that I would pray as a teenager. “God I just want a connection to You.” Hmmm, and that is steadily occurring. Funny though because in asking for that request, I didn’t realize that in order to get closer to God, I would have to get further away from what was comfortable… what felt right… the usual. Still an ongoing lesson lol.

God has a sense of humor indeed. But I am grateful to God for all the lessons… the tough love… the blessings… and the fact that He continues to keep a grip on me.  I’m not sure what’s to come… or even what this year will entail… but something my aunt asked a year ago… “Do You Believe?” I am reminded of my godbrother’s declaration… “I Believe.”  God, I ask that You make me real for You. I believe You are all I need ever. I believe that this path You have me on is ordained by You. I believe Christ died for me. I believe Christ got up with all power for me. I believe Christ lives in me. I believe I am saved by His Blood, Power, and Love.

Do you believe God has more in store than your present setting?  Do you believe He wants to take you to the next level in Him? Do you believe you can get out of your way, so you can really experience God?

Dollar$ & $en$e – Is $5.61 Worth It?

In the return of one of my favorite series… Dollar$ & $en$e, I would like to touch on something most of us have an issue with. I like to call it, minor spending… major loss… You know, that cup of coffee and muffin at work. The $7.00 lunch you spend and think, oh well… I get paid, I’ll be ight. And let’s not forget that occasional run to Famous Dave’s for a full slab of baby back ribs with potato wedges, potato salad and for dessert, a slice of pecan pie.  Yeah I do too much lol… But when one starts to sit down and examine those daily spending habits, it becomes very clear why one can’t get a break. 

So here’s my situation.  For each day I go to work, I enjoy getting a bacon, egg & cheese croissant with a small cup of coffee (with cream & sugar).  $5.61. Okay … yeah… that isn’t bad… right???  Well, here’s the reality.  If one multiplies that by 5 working days, that’s $28.05. For 4 working weeks, that’s $112.20. In 12 months, that’s $1,346.40.  That nearly $1350.00 could go to a nice vacation… or how about this, a bill paid off.   Makes sense, so how come I haven’t followed that philosophy. Too much like right lol.

Well, God, in His Infinite Wisdom, put it plain… “Vincent, you are lazy.”  Of course I was like, but God… I go to work. My salary is HALLELUJAH!!! I worked hard for what I have… why can’t I splurge?  And He hits me with this, “And you’re stubborn and prideful… Get a hold of yo’ self… I did not create you to be a self centered, self absorbed fool. I created you to be a blessing. How can I use you if don’t obey me?” Checkmate, shut down, and the doors of the church are now open… And He’s right.

In the last couple months, I’ve started sitting down and looking over the finances. Now, while I’m not hurting for money, I have a lot to learn about managing what God has blessed me with. Hmmm. And so here’s a challenge to myself. I challenge myself per week to set aside $30.00. What I would usually spend on breakfast in a week.  Now what to do with that money, I have no clue. But it will definitely be something that will be long lasting and gives God Glory.  Here’s a bright idea… why not pay a bill with it.

As of today, January 3, 2013, I currently stand at $21,567.86 in debt. This is minus the house and student loans. My goal for the month is to set up a game plan to ATTACK THE DEBT… I challenge each of you; if there is something you routinely purchase that you can go without, take that money or $30.00 a week and put in a savings account, or use it to pay a bill.  Also, take a look at your debt. Be honest with yourself. Pray to God for a plan and attack the debt.  I’ll follow up in February with a status on how things are going. And please…. Feel free to share lessons you have learn or your testimonies… We are all in this walk with Christ together… Let’s push one another to becoming debt free and closer to God…

Another important thing, none of this is going to be lined up with God’s Plan if one does not seek God. Seek Him… Pray to Him… make sure you before you pay out any bills and/or yourself… You pay God with you first of everything. Money, gift, talents… who you are. Then and only then can everything else line properly…

Be blessed!!!

Lil’ Son Chronicles – 2013: The Faith Journey

Inspiration – Faith Evans – Keep The Faith

Well, it’s finally here folks. 2013. For many we are excited because, it’s an opportunity to “start over”. But in this year, I have a feeling the challenges will continue to increase; increase to a point that one must ask him/herself…. Do You Believe…

Let’s look back to an earlier entry…

God wants to know….. Do…. You… believe? And if you do, what do you believe in?”

I think about that question and I’ve heard it many times. Do you believe in the Word of God? That Christ died and got up? And so forth. But at 31 years old, I ask myself… “Vincent, do you believe? And what do you believe?” I have to admit, if I was asked this question years ago, I would have said yes, but only because it was the “right” answer… but what did I believe in?

Many of us say that we believe God for “this and that”, but put “this and that” to a side. DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD, period? Do you believe, He created you? Saved you? Loves you? Wants you to love yourself? I’ve realized that if I am to believe in God for something, then I have to see myself in the blessing, I have to be obedient to His Word & Commandments, and I have to start making the necessary steps and sacrifices to get to the goals and benchmarks He sets. I also know that for me to believe that God is my everything, that the trials I’ve been through, have led me to my knees asking Him to believe in me… to not give up on me. And each time God has reveal Himself to me in a unique way, I find yet another reason to say yes, I believe and I believe in God, because I know for myself He is my everything, He is Love…. When I didn’t know how to love me or anyone… He is provider…. When I couldn’t provide for me or wouldn’t offer encouragement to someone. He is everything I need, when I felt that I could be made complete in this thing or that person or money and so forth.

THOUGHT: True, many of us will say we believe, but I ask… Do You Believe? And what about God do you believe in? What has God done in your life? Did he deliver you from suicide? Did He turn the pain of abuse into ministry that can help others? Did He teach you how to love yourself? Did He teach you how to trust others, by learning how to trust Him? Take the time and think about what God has done and soon enough you will believe and you will know what it is about God that you believe in.

In this year, 2013… understand that you are on a journey… a journey that will always reinforce that you believe in God and His Perfect Will. You are on a journey that cause you to make the tough choices, but for His Glory…. A journey of faith, love, joy, and true identity in Christ…

You ready?

The Return of Dollar$ & $en$e – Watch Yo’ Money Foo!!!

When it comes to finances, I think we can all agree that there’s room for improvement.  All of us want financial stability right? Sure… But when we start to make the push towards that, it can be a real challenge.  At any given moment, things can happen and those left field experiences will cost top dollar.  It can leave one wondering, “How to prepare for the “Pandora boxes of finances…”? I’m finding myself with that very question and well… I would like to do something about it.

By God’s grace and mercy, I found out that I was promoted on the job.  How cool is that?  And of course, folks have already told me what I should do with the additional money… Everything from shopping to a new car and oh get this … a new house… *blank stare* Really? A new house, really? *pulls an Eboni Ivory and walks away* (those who know my niece). SMH… lol. But I have to ask myself, “Vince… how do you handle this money properly?”  As I look over my finances, I can say that I’m actually in a good position to pay bills with ease and still splurge. But then, I have to ask myself, Vince… is that being a good steward over the Benjamins? How can you as an African American man (via CAMEROON!!!) maximize on this opportunity and be a blessing to others?  And then it hit me… Transparency and allowing Godly folks to hold me accountable.  But let’s touch on this some.

Transparency. As a member of the Fort Washington (MD) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., I hold the office of treasurer; Keeper of Exchequer.  Like any position in this Noble Clan, the Keeper of Exchequer is very important. He is the money man. The steward over how the money is budgeted and spent based on the decisions of the chapter.  Transparency is something I take very serious, especially as it pertains to others’ money.  I think of that and wonder, am I applying those same principles to my personal finances? If so, is there room for improvement?  In my opinion, I think it is very important that an individual is aware of how his/her money is spent. Even the purchases we consider minor. Those minor purchases can add up very quick. I should know this all too well. I’m good for getting a bacon, egg & cheese croissant with a small coffee daily… (THE GLORY OF GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) *ahem, ahem*. My bad, got excited lol, but real talk… that’s $5.61 for five working days.  In a month (20 working days), that comes to $112.20. Over a year that comes to $1364.40. Well you get the idea. But the $1300 could be use to pay off a couple bills, an investment into a mutual fund, and so on…

Accountability.  I will say it is good to have Godly people in your life to hold your feet to the fire. In the area of finances, it helps if you have money folks (particularly folks that watch every penny). Folks like Senior Budget Officer Cook (the heathen looking up in the pic lol).  Jermell’s infamous line said after he finds a deal, “you can’t beat that!” Frugal bama LOL!!! But I give him props. In his mid 30’s the bama is financially stable. And that says a lot for an African American man in this type of economy.  But he is my accountability partner as it pertains to money matters. Folks you don’t want a “yes man” or a “co-signer” on everything you say. You need folks that will tell you the truth, period. If it’s not a wise choice, hear the person out. Don’t let your pride get the best of you. When it’s all said and done, will you get mad at your accountability partner or are you mad at the One that uses the accountability partner? Hmmm, yeah… let that marinate…

But nonetheless, I think of these things and well, I think it’s time for another challenge. Of course challenge involves goals within goals, but attainable goals.  If I’m willing to be humble and trust God.

 

And so here it is… being transparent… currently I have in total credit debt $19,462.03. That’s right, you heard it. Now keep in mind this does not include my student loans or the house. The ultimate goal is to be completely debt free by say… oh 35/36. Too ambitious??? Not for my God…

But the $19K I want to definitely stop playing around with and take care of immediately. Now the question is… “Can Vincent Augustus Davis, Jr… do it? Well, can Obie One, Great Son do it (stop laughing Erika)? LOL…” There’s one way to find out… You gotta stay tuned for the return of the “Dollar$ & $en$e” Series… Each month of 2013 I will post my journey to financial freedom. Outside of financial freedom, I hope to inspire others to pay their bills, as well as teach and learn from others.

Hey I don’t know it all. Maybe together we can learn and be closer to saying, ‘I’M DEBT FREE!!!!!”

Stay tuned folks… this should be interesting … be blessed.

Simply, Marian… Thoughts of My Grandmother…

Inspiration:  My grandmother, Mrs. Marian Rose Barnes… Natural Birth: January 31, 1932 ~ Eternal Birth:  November 13, 2011

It’s been a year. It’s been a challenging year. But God is faithful. The Barnes/Rose family, loved ones, and so forth thoughts are with the one we love… She was Deaconess Barnes… To Haywood, Mern… lol… To Erika, Monique, Deidre, and I she was Mern’Teen lol… To my nieces, she’s Nana… To all, she was a modern day Esther. But to God, she’s His Daughter… Marian…

It’s funny. We know the day comes when a love one goes from this world to Heaven. And we rejoice and are thankful to God; for we all will see Him one day.  But from the hearts of a husband, a daughter, a son, a sister, a brother, a cousin, grandson, a granddaughter, a great-grandchild, a niece, a nephew, a friend… it’s hard. As a grandson, you keep wondering when the phone rings will you hear her voice, saying, “Hey baby!!” You walk through the doors of the house and look forward to embracing her as she says, “Hey Tweet!!” You attend St. John Baptist Church and look down from the balcony to see her looking up with the sweetest smile, thinking, “All my babies are here.”  You look to her as a nurturer and an encourager, saying, “Keep your hand in God’s hands.”  And yet, physically, we can’t have that anymore.  Yet God blessed us with a beautiful gift, memories.

Of all the memories I have of my grandmother, Red… I realize that God used her in a powerful way.  Here’s a woman that was full of wisdom, yet humble. A woman that spoke her mind, but compassionate. A woman that set standards. A woman that gave all of who she was to God all the time.

And so…

Grandma,

What can I say? Like Dad, you are smiling down on us all. Oh how I miss you. If I could have a chance to take both of my grandmothers out to eat again as you and Ms. Margaret talk trash lol.  I’m so grateful for you being in my life.  The lessons, the discipline, the encouragement, the sweet potato jacks lol, the chocolate birthday cake lol, the wisdom. The example you set for how Mom was to be a wife and mother. The example you set for all the women in the family to be wives and mothers. The standard, us bighead boys should have when looking for a wife.  Red, thank you. Thank you for the guidance you gave Mom. Momma is modest at times, but she is such a strong woman, because of you… Momma is indeed Erika, Monique and mine modern day Esther… like you were to her, Aunt Laverne, Uncle J, and Uncle Tony.  I’ll be honest, it hurts… I wish I could see you again, but then I can in dreams.  Continue to give God the glory, continue to praise Him. And watch over Dad lol…

I love you grandma.  I’ve said it before, but I must this again… It’s been a privilege and honor to be your grandson. I hope and pray that I made you proud.

Love,

Vincent

 

 

Father God,

Thank You for this day. God, thank You for family. Thank You for the life and legacy of Marian Rose Barnes.  Because she humbled herself and heard from You, we, the family, are blessed.  God the lessons that You taught her, that have passed down the family members, remind us of those nuggets, so that we can continue to do Your Will and add blessings unto others.

In Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Lil Son Chronicles – Momma…

To many she is Rose. Others call her, Aunt Rose, some grandma-grandma, grams and so forth. But to me she is my Mother, Rose Marie. She may not realize it, but she was very inspirational in me taking a chance to write. As a lil dude, she called me “Lil Son.” Lol…

In a few days, my mother will celebrate her birthday. For all 31 years of my life, she has and continues to be a nurturer. A woman of strength, elegance, who has a heart for God and His people.  I call her a modern day Esther.  She has made sacrifice after sacrifice, disciplined, taught lessons and still to this day, she is woman after God’s Will for her life. And so…

Mom,

I often wondered how you and Dad did what you did. Raise 3 children. Maintain a household. Juggle a career. Pay the bills. Tend to the needs of Erika, Monique, and I.  Mom, thank you for all that you are to me. For all you continue to be to me.   I thank God for your prayers, your advice, and your words of affirmation.  You remember that picture I did in the 5 or 6^th grade of the horizon?  You still have that picture lol.  I recall you telling me how creative I was and how I was going places.  Thank you Mom. You continuous encouragement and Dad’s saying, “I’m proud of you”, keeps me pressing forward to what God desires for my life.

Mom, I pray that all that you have done to see that we were supplied with the needs to maneuver through this life that God would bless you all the more. I pray that He continues to cover you.  That He continues to do a new thing in you. Mom, continue to stand on the Word of God. Continue to be an encourager. Continue to show that beautiful smile. That smile that let me know as a lil dude, that everything is going to be okay. I pray that you enjoy your birthday… May you have many more…

Love,

Son

Lil’ Son Chronicles – My Nieces, “The Little Women”…

Inspiration: My Nieces, Ashlei & Alexis Sutton and Kamryn Tyndall…

19, 17, and 14… Jesus, where has the time gone? My babies have grown up on me. Funny, because the four of us have grown up together. Kind of like my lil sisters. I’ve changed diapers, disciplined them, listened to them, and I must say… Dad was right when he called them, “Little Women”.  I look at the three of these rascals and I thank God. They are classy young ladies and developing into women of God. Let’s take a look…

The First Born… Ashlei Monique.  She is definitely a leader. About her athletics, photography, and her love for old school hip hop but Miss Sutton is about her business.  Her business; serving the Lord.

The Diva… aka… Star Manning… Alexis Markee.  The creative one. Her writing skills are phenomenal.  An old school kind of swag when it comes to music like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Temptations to name a few.  Not afraid to speak her mind, but does it out of love.

Lil’ Maude Rose lol… Kamryn Tonise.  The old soul one. She’s been here before, I swear lol. This kiddo’s gotta a lot of wisdom.  The conversations, I have with this one, I have to stop and look at her like, uh??? Why are you talking with this much sense at such a young age? She really has more sense than most adults.

These three, my oldest runts, are going places.  Each of them, teenagers, know that they know, THAT they know who they are and who God is for them.  In a lot ways, they inspire their Uncle Veeg to keep pressing forward.  They inspire me to continue the journey; the path that God has me on.  And so…

Father God:

I thank You for who You are. Thank You for Your Love and Wisdom. Lord, I thank You for bringing the “Little Women” into my life. In their young ages, they already have established a solid relationship in You and that’s a blessing.  Father God, I ask that You cover my nieces, Your Daughters. Like all of us, they too wrestle with issues and pressures all around. But I serve a God that is a keeper. And I know that You will keep them in the midst of it all. Teach them the necessary lessons to maneuver through this beautiful journey you blessed us with; life. Continue to pour into them Your Love, Joy, and Peace. Cover them at school, on their jobs, and all their future endeavors. I thank You Lord for the team they have backing them. Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Church Members, God Parents, Friends and yes even their haters. Each of these individuals continue to shape and mold Your Daughters into all that You called them to. Lord, give Ashlei, Alexis, and Kamryn the courage of Esther and humility of Ruth. Lord guide them as they continue to recognize You to be their everything.

In Jesus Christ,

Amen

P.S. Love You Nieces… Uncle VJ… oh and if any of you cry, I’ma have jokes lol…