Smile And Love Always!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

"The Ultimate Gift"

There couldn't possibly be a better earthly Blessing than that of the woman that you wholeheartedly love, bestowing a child upon you, in the form of "The Ultimate Gift."

To bridge the gap of love manifested and forever connecting the dots of an eternal bond solidified by the culmination of two people who love each other with every ounce of their entire beings, bringing forth a NEW individual to serve as "The Ultimate Gift."

There is no other job on the planet that means more to me than the job as a father, a parent, a role model, a provider, a source of inspiration, a map of motivation, a pillar of strength, an example of determination, all wrapped within the single conduit called "Dad."

"The Ultimate Gift" provided by "The Ultimate Woman" that gives you "The Ultimate Love" forever blossoming into "The Ultimate Life" that you so dreamed of.

To experience "The Ultimate Gift" is to relinquish all of self from the equation then subtracting the remainder by 100%.

The promise of "The Ultimate Gift" is only preceded by "The Ultimate Sacrifice" hence the importance of "The Ultimate Gift" and everything that it means to my life.

"The Ultimate Gift" is the sole gift that I so desire with "The Ultimate Woman" that gives me "The Ultimate Love" to look forward to for the rest of my life.

I thank you in advance for "The Ultimate Gift."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

"The JC in Me"

I speak HIS name and attempt to walk in HIS likeness, all the while standing in amazement at every obstacle HE clears from within my path.

I stand in sheer delight at the thought that my journey will NOT be without HIM and HIS Grace and Mercy, but will actually keep me company along MY journeys path.

I revel in the victory and triumph as I walk towards the starting block, assume my position, all before even RUNNING my race.

I keep my feet on planted ground and deny the growth of grass underneath my soles as I plan my work and work my plan, all verbatim to HIS will.

I am encouraged, determined and motivated to BE the difference that I so desire to see and LIVE the change that I so desire to witness within the world.

"The JC in Me" utterly guarantees nothing short of victory.

"The JC in Me" removes the company from misery.

"The JC in Me" has restored ANY lost integrity.

"The JC in Me" has provided that much needed liberty.

"The JC in Me" has changed the course of MY history.

Start anew with "The JC in You."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

"You Know When You Know"

My Momma used to tell me more stories than what I THOUGHT my brain could retain. Always a lesson at hand, oft times I didn't "get it, until I got it." My biggest fear though at that time was NOT getting it and becoming frustrated that I would HEAR a story and not GET the story in a timely fashion.

Little did I know that the lesson was WITHIN the lesson, therefore "You Know When You Know." Life doesn't just give you what you want when you want it, life gives you what you want sometimes when you LEAST expect it. At that point, "You Know When You Know."

To this day, I fondly recall the stories and lessons that my Mother shared with me. Oh, if I could be HALF the parent to my children that she was to her children, I would be satisfied with my parenting skills and what I would impart upon them as I ready them for the world in which we live.

To this day, at thirty plus, I am STILL recalling those wonderful stories and life lessons that my Mother had for me. What a blessing they have been to my life! What a joy it is when life gives you not only what you want, but what you need. It is at THAT point that "You Know When You Know."

Twenty and thirty plus years later and stories are beginning, continuing and in their due time, resonating within, allowing me to "get it, now that I got it." I guess its safe to say that "You Know When You Know."

Two things that I DO know is the fact that HE loves me and that HE afforded MY Mother the insight to leaving a legacy of RICH stories and life lessons behind so that I too will "Know When I Know" all that I need to discover and know.

It is safe to say that I did not even know what I did not know until I learned what I now know.

Yet again, Mom was right, you do "Know When You Know."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Thursday, May 22, 2008

"The Single-Most Important Thing"

Instead of beating around the bush with a typical, end of story cliffhanger, it should so be stated at the beginning, littered throughout and of course at the conclusion that "The Single-Most Important Thing" in this world is Love.

Love manifests and has the wherewithal to endure, be patient and recycle itself so that it may be afforded the opportunity to be "Loved Again."

When Love invades your personal space, it is just in search of the same offering that IT is offering in return, Love.

"The Single-Most Important Thing" in this world is Love.

I Love You!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Monday, May 19, 2008

"Taking Inventory"

Whenever I go grocery shopping, I do EXACTLY what my Mother taught me to do prior to the actual trip: "Take Inventory," rotate and get rid of the expired.

As I compose my list, I'm checking out what I have in the refrigerator and the cupboards because I only want to have to make one trip! Do I have enough ketchup for the kids? Add orange juice....double check your list Corey!

I have yet to come across an item or a product that has NO expiration date. Therefore, I will always be compelled to "Take Inventory," rotate and get rid of the expired.

This exercise also holds true to the PEOPLE in my life! Oft times we arrive at a place or juncture that COMPELS us to "Take Inventory," rotate and get rid of the expired.

What this means for me is the acknowledgment that everything in my life has some sort of an expiration date affixed to it. It is imperative for me "Take Inventory," rotate and get rid of the expired just as I do with the products that align my cupboards and refrigerator alike. This does not mean however that I merely throw away people or toss them to the side. "Taking Inventory" means that I am acknowledging your presence or LACK THEREOF and rotating the impact that you have in my life, albeit positive OR negative, thus allowing the expiration process to fulfill itself.

"Taking Inventory" means that I am cleaning out my INTERNAL cupboards to allow them to be stocked anew with an item AND a product that has ZERO expiration date. "Taking Inventory" means that my spiritual refrigerator is stocked with plenty of Love and rejuvenating components that lend themselves as individual ingredients to a healthy lifestyle and a giving Spirit.

"Taking Inventory" means that the ONLY thing in MY life that has NO-ZERO expiration date affixed to it, is the only SOMETHING, that makes EVERYTHING right! And I thank HIM! HE is ALWAYS number one on my grocery list and never needs to be rotated out due to the fact that HE never expires!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

"The Only Option"

Failure is not and has never been an option for me. And since the ONLY thing that HE cannot do is fail, I have decided to partner myself with an undeniable, positively relentless force that guarantees exponential success so long as I am obedient to HIS Will.

Therefore, "The Only Option" in ANY viable capacity is for me to align and surround myself with a habitual offender of Love, Generosity, Grace, Mercy, Peace, Happiness, Joy and TRIUMPH!

Failure is not an option! "The Only Option" is to succeed in everything that I see, everything that I envision and everything that I touch.

Sometimes success comes the 2nd or 3rd time around, so only view the previous attempts as dress rehearsals for the "Main Event."

Remember, you might have to fail in order to succeed, but failure is never an option. Failure just provides you a "Cheat Sheet" to afford you the opportunity to get it right the next time around.

I will always partner, align and surround myself with the "The Only Option." Always partner, align and surround YOURSELF with "The Only Option" so that you too may reap the same benefits of HIS Promise.

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Sunday, May 11, 2008

"Mom's Day"

The meaning of Mother's Day is forever changed when you arrive at the first or ANY Mother's Day thereafter, without the woman that birthed, nursed and made you into the person that you are today.

In all honesty, I have been DREADING this day and now that it is here, I am ready to EMBRACE it. I won't be able to call my Mother today, but GOD knows I have and will continue to call upon her Loving memory and all that she means to me.

Although the tears will undoubtedly fill my swollen eyes, I wish I could blame it on my allergies, but there will be none of that today.

Today, as everyone celebrates Mother's Day, I too will celebrate with you.

I would not be the man that I am today if it were not for the woman that birthed, nursed and molded me into HIS loving likeness.

I Forever Love You MOM!

Happy Mother's Day!

Your Son,
Corey

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!

Thursday, May 08, 2008

"Holding On"

I know not what the future holds, but I am steadily "Holding On" to what I believe to be a future in the form of a tree full of branches of promise and prosperity whose roots run deep in a soil full of Faith.

With every breath that I take, I acknowledge and celebrate all that is good with HIM and all that HE has promised me. With every step that I take, I follow in the shadows of those before me creating a shadow of my own in which to allow my children to follow in. With every move that I make, I seek HIM first so that I may receive HIS approval and Blessings BEFOREHAND, thus acknowledging that ALL that is good has its origins in HIM and HIM alone!

"Holding On" is what I do when there appears to be nothing in which to hold on to. Believing is what I do when there appears to be nothing in which to believe in. Faith is what I have when there appears to be nothing else TO have. "Holding On" is what I do when there appears to be NOTHING in my hands.

Hold On!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

"Days Like This"

Even in the "Face of Adversity" it is "Days Like This" that challenge your innermost resolve and determination to do the right thing on a consistent, daily basis.

When you are ridiculously motivated to make positive change, it "appears" as if the "enemies of change" are lined up to take their shots at you. Forget what you heard, "Change is Good!" Forget what you heard, "Change is GOD!"

So, even on "Days Like This" the face TO adversity is changed to resemble love and positivity, which thus allows me to stare at adversity, smile and say GOD is Love and I Love you today.

Thank you adversity, for building up my character, strength and willpower to Smile in spite of and move forward with endless amounts of Love.

"Days Like This" are ONLY preparation for the "Blessings of Tomorrow."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

"enJoy"

The Joy that exists within my heart is as alive and festive as the Joy that you bring in the form of Love, Happiness, Promise, Sincerity, Security, Solidarity, Pleasure and even Pain. If it were NOT for the pain, I would not, could not be able to thoroughly "enJoy" all of the Blessings in my life.

It was once unthinkable for me to comprehend the need for the undesirable since I was solely in search of ALL that WAS desirable! You see that is where all that is good is all that becomes appreciated. How could I wholeheartedly understand my Blessings if they were all handed to me on a silver platter? I might wind up thinking that I am "entitled."

Having a sense of entitlement is as presumptuous as the weather man betting against the strength and unpredictability of Mother Nature. My Mother used to warn and remind me that "Hell Hath No Fury......"

Yet it is through the storms that I appreciate and "enJoy" the sunshine. It is through the dark clouds that I have come to appreciate and "enJoy" the clear blue skies. It is through my children that I have come to appreciate and "enJoy" being a parent, a father. It is through my Mother that I have come to appreciate and "enJoy" ALL that life has to offer. It is through HIS Son that I have come to appreciate and "enJoy" what is in store. And it is through HIS Promise that I have come to appreciate and "enJoy" HIS Word(s).

I "enJoy" the Joy that exists within my heart. It affords me the opportunity to "Steal Away" and "enJoy" all that is good, all that is appreciated.

Whatever you do, however you do it, ALWAYS "enJoy" it.

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Monday, May 05, 2008

"In the Face of Adversity"

"In the Face of Adversity," I stand tall and beg to differ against all odds! My Faith is unwavering and even when it appears that the dark clouds have singled me out, my strength fails me NOT because I know from wince it came, its origins and its birthplace.

"In the Face of Adversity," I refuse to flinch or even bat my eyes a single time! My humble beginnings have afforded me the luxury of perseverance, strength, character, nerve and the sheer audacity to know that no matter what I face, it could NEVER compare to the greatness that HE has afforded me.

"In the Face of Adversity," I borrow from my own "Reserves of Strength" and stockpile the same "Can Do" attitude to my sisters, to my brother, to my father, to my children, to my family and the love of my life.

"In the Face of Adversity," HE continues to shower down HIS Grace and Mercy to little old Corey. In the dead of winter, in the bare, I feel not one goose bump or cold chill because HIS warmth is not comparable to nothing I know, nothing I have ever experienced, nothing I have ever heard of, know about or NOTHING that could ever possibly exist.

"In the Face of Adversity," my tears are only cleansing agents to wipe clean the slate that HE is allowing me to start from anew.

"In the Face of Adversity," I will stand!
"In the Face of Adversity," I will believe!
"In the Face of Adversity," I will do!
"In the Face of Adversity," I will achieve!
"In the Face of Adversity," I will become!
"In the Face of Adversity," I will continue!

"In the Face of Adversity," what will you do? Faith tells me that I will do EVERYTHING!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Thursday, May 01, 2008

"5 Months Removed"

Only "5 Months Removed" from my Mother's homegoing celebration and sometimes "Eternity" is the absolute best adjective to describe how long it SEEMS like she's been gone. I lost my best friend that day, but in the process I know that I gained yet another Angel.

The selfish side of Corey wants his best friend back, but what I've come to realize is that TRUE, TRUE Friendship never, ever dies. Sometimes it departs or leaves you in order to get a head start on your next journey's preparation. Well, sometimes my desire is NOT preparation, but then I'm staunchly reminded that its "Not About Me."

Mother's Day is upon this year and I will celebrate my Mother in all that I do. What has amounted to being the most difficult time in my life has also been the most closeness that I have ever felt to GOD. I'm afraid of even pondering what these past 5 months would have been like without HIM and HIS Grace and Mercy.

That unscalable fence that surrounds me is nothing but Jesus! The love that is given and received was first taught to me by HIM.

The Grace, the Mercy, the Fence and the LOVE were ALWAYS Jesus in the form of my Loving Mother.

This Mothers Day will not differ from any of the rest. That same "Eternity" adjective also describes how much I will always love and miss you Mom.

The rest of my life will honor you in the form of a DAILY Mother's Day and celebrate you for making me the man that I am today. I thank GOD that HE blessed me with YOU as my Mother. I would be saddened to ponder what my life would have been like without you.

Thank you Mom! BFF!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey