A Letter To My Longtime Friends XII: The Random Check-In Update

Dear Longtime Friends,

This is your friend Victor. How's it going? I know it has been a while. First and foremost, I want to apologize for not showing up at the high school reunion. I would've made it there, but I was busy with work and helping people. I was available, but I didn't have the money. I was thinking about you guys. It is good that you all had a blast! Hopefully soon, I may see some of you randomly when I'm out and about. You know, surprises do happen every once in a while. And I see it happening too. Just have a little faith. It is always in the unseen.

Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen."

You know, I am still working on my plans, but a little at a time. I am still writing my memoir, and it will be published real soon. I will keep you posted if I can. Hopefully (if the Lord willing), I would like to organize a get together as a book release party. Each of you will possess a free copy of my book autographed and signed by yours truly! Hehehe... I'm just thinking ahead. But I do hope and pray for a good outcome. I still have lots to do on there, but don't worry, all of you will be mentioned in the credits as my high school class in the back of the book. Listen, I'm just trying to make up of lost time. As I said earlier, I am busy trying to set foot into school. There is still lots of work for me to do. I have to work on my G.E.D. first. Please pray for me that I accomplish these goals. Here is my only problem, I have too much time on my hands, and I haven't been doing much action. I've been doing all this talk about it, but I made a little or no action. You see, faith without works is dead. Having said that, I just need to put it to action and fruition.

It has been a decade since we've been out of high school. Once again, I regret not showing up at the high school reunion. I could have obtained some money, but it was no big deal. If the Lord willing, I will see you all again soon. I've been praying for you guys though. Not THAT was even better for me. At this time, I am trying to plant a seed for the life I've never had growing up. I hope to go places and discover new things. I believe I've already planted a seed, and I won't see the fruit until sometime in the near future. There is no need to worry. You see, because ever since we parted ways ten years ago, I basically lost touch with most of you, except that we were able to re-connect and chat over the internet. I lost touch with many of you through face-to-face, and through eye contact, and even through our voices.

I want to take this time out and thank you all for taking the time to read this letter which I've wrote. As usual, stay on top of your game everyday. Don't back down for anyone; not even the Devil our enemy and adversary. Stay strong and wise in the Lord Jesus Christ! Until Next Time...

Respectfully Yours with Humble Regards,

Victor Kendrick II (Brother Vick)

P.S. Once again, I am still writing my book, and I hope to get it published soon. When it is done, I will let you know, and hopefully, we can come together so that you can possess an autographed copy of my memoir. I just want to endow a piece of my life's story with you. With that being said, you guys know me from high school, but you guys have no idea of the things what I've seen, been through, done, and experienced. I could say the same for those who grew up with me. As what the people of old used to say, "A Heap See, But a Few Know". Thank you for listening to me. Peace, Tranquility, Serenity, & Many Blessings!!! God Speed!!!

Suburban Summer II (volume 2): The Neighborhood Block Party

Greetings friends, here is another weblog chapter series of "Suburban Summer" which I am composing. This particular event took place in my neighborhood, but elsewhere. You already know that I normally record events of fun which mostly happens two houses away from mine whether I can record it afar off, or I could just walk to the view and see for myself and enjoy. I am now trying to stick to my word that whatever happens in my neighborhood like fun stuff, I will make an effort to try and write about it and post it here. So without further ado, please enjoy the blog...

On June the 4th, it seemed like a typical Saturday at first. I was doing my same ol' routine. Later, I went to my neighborhood corner store to buy a few things and went home for a quick second. And then I went back to do a little work for the store clerk. All I basically did was break down cardboard boxes and discard them into the dumpster. I got paid afterwards. And after I was heading elsewhere, my sister's friend wanted me to help her with the hew grill she had bought from Walmart. So I proceed to her house, she gave me the kit, and I proceed to her backyard to set it up. It took me about a half an hour to get it done. She had children with her and later at night, I was invited to her house to have s'mores with the kids. Anyway, back on the topic, I then walked around the block because I heard music playing by a live D.J. The music was playing throughout the neighborhood. And as I was walking to the place where the event took place, I saw some friends and they were happy to see me. I was offered food and drink, and a friend of mine paid for it for me. I ate inside. The people were nice. May Jesus Christ bless him. At this particular event, it was about motorcycles and riders that ride them. It was a yearly anniversary. Out side, I bought me some Italian Ice made by a good friend of mine. I stayed humble when I was present there. The people on the motorcycles were racing on that one road. I I had my phone with me, but too bad I didn't take it out of my pocket to record the commotion. I wish I did, but I didn't. But I did enjoy the view though. I didn't stay long, because I had to go my way. Maybe next year, I might squeeze in about an hour or less to enjoy the view. The event took place at the same place last year, and I even went to see what's up. I eventually walked home. As I was walking, I was enjoying my Italian Ice which my friend made.

As I was laying halfway on my bed reflecting my activities on the day, someone visited us. I had my blinds ajar. I thought it was another person, but it was actually my uncle. I was happy to see him. He kept us company until dark time. Later, I had to get my clothes ready for church the next morning.

When it was all said and done, it was a good day. As what rapper Ice Cube stated, "Today Was A Good Day!" To me, it was more than just that. Thank God! So I went to bed, and called it a a day!

Be God's!

Brother Vick!

Suburban Summer (volume 2): Pre-Memorial Day Sunday Afternoon

Greetings One and All,

This is your friend Vic coming to you once more with another blog of "Suburban Summer". First and foremost, I want to apologize to my readers for not posting a blog relating to the subject, for nothing really happened during the previous year before. So without further ado, here is my story, and I hope it takes your mind somewhere. Hehehe...

 The day was socially fun. On the typical Saturday evening at two houses away from mine, I saw that there were chairs were being set in the backyard of the designated area. At first, I was wondering what was happening. I was already taking a walk to the store to run a few errands and back. I even took a walk to my grandparents' house around the corner just to pay them another visit. Couple of days before, I was helping my other grandmother do some cleaning. Anyway: back on topic, I was doing a bit of walking because I was a bit bored. When nighttime came, I was getting ready for the next day, because I had to go to church in the morning. So I drifted off to sleep...

So after I came home from church, I walked into the house to get some water to drink because I was a bit "parched". Oh yeah, the music was playing from two houses away from mine. Vehicles were filling then street. All day, the DJ was playing from a variety of Hip-Hop, R&B, Neo-Soul, and Blues music. I had my bathroom window opened to get some air from outside, but the music was playing. It was like another dimension of a XM/Sirius Satellite Radio, even when you're outside working in your garden. I even ran a few more errands for someone as I was listening to the music playing by a live DJ. All day, I was sitting in my bedroom being bored trying to find something productive to do. Minutes later, my dad called me to the living room and told me that I should go to the party. So I did. I went to the designated area to see what's up. Plethora people were there chilling out and having fun. I proceeded inside to get something to eat. The people there were nice. I even met the DJ. Of course I didn't stay long (I wish I did though.)

When time was passing by, it was getting dark. The people were still partying. When it was around 12 A.M., they were wrapping the party up and bringing it to a close. Vehicles and people were leaving the scene, and it was back to a quiet night.

Thank you all for listening to me. I try to stay attentive to what goes on in my neighborhood and I bring it to fruition. Just use your imagination. Close your eyes and picture the scene as I structure and paint it for you. Have a nice one.

-Vic

A Letter To My Longtime Friends XI: Class Commemoration Jubilee

Dear Longtime Friends & Brethren,

This is your brother in Christ Victor. How's it going? As you guys can see, I am commemorating the tenth year anniversary of our high school graduation! I will forever cherish the moments we did. This is the day that we should backtrack and reminisce on the good days we had back then. I'm not saying that we should live in the past, for we also had bad times and went through them. May 27, 2006 was the big day for us. All throughout our school days, we kept the faith, and looked forward to the finish line! Today is May 27, 2016, and it has been a DECADE since we've been out of high school. God has really blessed us throughout the years. We were gathered together for the final time. Here is my take on the story...

On May 26, 2006, we went to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to practice walking together. We first went into some large room which resembles a school classroom with no blackboard. And then we walked to the sanctuary. Earlier, I picked up a few more tickets to give some to my friends so they could attend my graduation. We then went home to get ready for the next day. At night, my brother and I drifted off to bed, for we were both graduating. When the morning rays of sunshine spilled on my eyes, I woke up. I took a good shower. We got dressed and put on our caps and gowns. When everyone was dressed, we got into the car, and went straight to the designation where our graduation took place. I got out of the car with confidence.When we went inside, we once again went into this room. We received our scarves with "CGHS" and "2006" on them. A few moments later, we were told that we could "get it out of our systems" (heavy cheering).We then walked out the backdoor of the room and walked the outside path which leads back in the building through another door to line up in the hallway so we could walk together. As we were lined up in the hallway, my mother was extremely proud. There, I was thinking that there was no turning back! We've made it this far to turn around. When the graduation march song was being played, we then walked together. (For those who don't know, "Pomp and Circumstances" is the name of the graduation tune.) We walked in two straight lines straight to the choir stand. We were given the signal to sit down together. Everyone in the audience were cheering us on and they were overjoyed. We sung our Alma Mater called "Saints Forever", and a Gospel song "I Am Here". My grandmother loved that performance. Almost at the end of the ceremony, we tossed our caps in the atmosphere! When it was over, we then marched through the sanctuary isle to proceed outside. We greeted each other before we parted ways. Pictures were taken, handshakes were extended, hugs were given, and even some kisses from some. We even exchanged more autographs. I tell you, it was the proudest day of my life! I can't speak for eveyone, for some of you might think it was bittersweet. To each his own. When we parted ways, we went home. I then went to my grandparents' house for a graduation party. I really had a smile on my face! I was in PEACE! My whole summer was peaceful too. God has been gracious and merciful to us. He has kept us throughout our school days. 

NUMBERS 6:24-26

"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace"

Folks, I am still working on getting my things straight like college and work, which I am looking forward to. I've been reading and studying my Bible and being a minister to the lost who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that He died on Calvary's cross, buried, and rose again. We all need a Savior. All you have to do is to put your Faith, Trust, and Hope in Christ alone for salvation. When Christ comes back for us to take us believers into Heaven, that will be the REAL graduation to eternal life.

JOHN 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but lave everlasting life."

Anyway, I want to thank you all for taking your time to read this letter which I have written unto you. As usual, stay on top of your game everyday. Don't back down for anyone. I wish you Peace, Joy, Serenity, Tranquility, and Exceeding Blessings from God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord, and the Holy Ghost!

Brother Vick!

P.S. I am still working on my memoir. Chapter after chapter, and page by page. When it gets published, I hope to meet you all once more in person for a High School Class Reunion so I can promote my book. If the Lord willing, I'll do it. Thanks again, and I love you all! God Speed!

Suburban Summer: The Late Anticipated Article (08-11-2012)

Greetings once again, this is your friend Victor coming to you with another late weblog entitled "Suburban Summer" Though the title remains the same, I would like to apologize to my readers for not posting this blog in time, for I was late. So shame on me. Anyway, I hope you have something to snack on with you as I narrate this blog. Just close your eyes and picture a scene as I paint it for you. Okay, here we go...

On August 11, 2012, I thought it was some typical tedious day as it seemed. That day, I was finishing up some work for my neighbor. I was working for long hours. I did however take a few breaks though. I was pulling weeds away from gardens and I was cutting dead leaves from her plants and elephant ears. It was taking me a long time because it was plethora work. I did eventually worked my way though. By the time when I was finished, I saw my cousin walking the road. I was wrapping everything up. My cousin and I talked about things as we were walking to our grandparents' house. I grabbed my green steel water bottle to carry with me. My cousin and I were chatting until we made it there. I greeted my grandparents, and then I proceeded to the kitchen to put ice in my water bottle. My grandmother was making sure that I washed my hands first because she knew that I was working for my neighbor. After we spent some time, I then walked home. My cousin and I were talking about college (which I am still working on trying to set foot into). I stayed home for a few hours, and then my dad asked me to walk with him on the street, so I walked with him. And just a block away from mine, there was a live party going on. At first, we were looking for someone; we did, and then another person asked us to stay and we were welcome anytime. We stayed there for a while, and we ate some food: I had fried fish and fruit salad. Music was played by a live band and a disc jockey. I later had dessert, which was brownies and ice cream. And while I was there, I met two ladies who used to work at a day care I used to be at when I was ages 7-9. People were having a blast! It was someone's birthday. Oh, earlier that day when I was busy, I was hearing music. I didn't know where it was coming from. When we walked home, I called it a day. So all of this had put my boredom to bed. I even tried repelling it off by doing some work during the day, but the party event had knocked it out cold! Anyway, thank you for listening to me.

Be God's.

Confronting My Own Greedy and Selfish Motives

As a sincere man of God, I feel the need to call this off. Even though I humbly serve the Most High and others, there is a sin which I am kind of struggling with. Even though I don't do it on purpose, it still needs to be confessed and repented of. As a Bible-believing, Holy Ghost-filled Christian, it is up to me to take immediate action and be responsible for my own actions. As followers of Christ Jesus, we ought to be in continual repentance, according to our sinful nature.

For example, being greedy is not only disrespectful to peers, but also disrespectful to self. Let's say if one conducts a giveaway at a place, and there is a gathering at that particular place. The conductor of the giveaway asked every individual to be mindful of the person standing behind another person. Whenever something like this happens, thoughts of greed runs through my mind, but not every time. A person is supposed to wait until everyone gets served first. As stated earlier, it does not happen to me every time. It is true that we sin everyday according to our sinful nature; so therefore, we must repent daily. Being greedy is a no no. It is unfair to our peers and everyone. My aunt once said, "A greedy person won't have nothing." That is absolutely true, because those who exalt themselves will be abased according to the Sacred Scriptures. If we have a problem with anything, we should go to the Lord for help, and He will fix it, no matter the situation. Sometimes; even rarely, I think about taking more than  what I am being offered. You see, we need to be considerate about others. It is like going to a formal dinner, or a party, or anything on any occasion, you ask for seconds, and the conductor asks you to wait until everyone else gets served. So I have no choice but to call this off and confess it. We are not perfect, but God still loves us unconditionally. If we are serving the Living God, then we must humble ourselves under His mighty hand.

LUKE 14:11

"For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Another example, let's also say there is a duty which anyone may volunteer doing. If a little child wants to play cards with friends and wants to deal the cards each time. When the kid gets real selfish with dealing cards, an adult tells him or her to let someone else to deal the cards. This is somewhat the same with me. As a Christian, I attend church. As you know, the vast majority of churches across the nation does the "tithes and offerings", which is part of church service. After every person had gave, then a person prays for the blessing of the offering. Each time when I pray over them, I mostly feel the need to do it every time. One time, my cousin gave me a rebuke and told me to let someone else bless the offering sometines, because I was being a little selfish. I thanked him for letting me know about it and the reproof. As I said once before, "I think it is good to accept correction from someone when we get carried away doing certain things, even by accident. I believing listening and being humble are part of it. Pride is the sin that is of the flesh." When we are wrong on some points, when we get carried away doing certain things, and when we get greedy, selfish, and prideful at times, we need to be corrected on and rebuked for them.

PROVERBS 9:8

"Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee."  

As you already know, I detest greed, pride, and selfishness. But at some point, we must clean up our own backyard and confess our own faults. We all make mistakes, have our imperfections, and fall, but we can always get back up and confess our faults for the better. We all grow, and learn things as we walk with God. As Christians, there is always a hunger for more wisdom, discernment, knowledge, and understanding.

JAMES 5:16

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." 

Well, this was a brief confession of my own errors. So I ask for your prayers as I continue to walk with our Lord and I pray for you. Thank you all for listening to me. 

Be God's!

-Brotha Vick for Life!