Smile And Love Always!

Friday, October 31, 2008

"Life Lessons"

One of the best things about Life is the fact that the revolving door continues to circulate with every push, following the exit of one to the entrance of another. With every circular motion a wealth of "Life Lessons" continue to revolve so that with the exit of the previous, the successor does not have to start from scratch with respect to "Lessons Learned" and the architectural makeup of how we Live, Learn and Pass On our "Life Lessons."

Everyone that passes through the revolving door does not have the same or identical push as the one before, but in order to keep the "Life Lessons" door revolving, it is a must that you do your part and push yourself through with enough UMPH to keep the momentum going for whomever follows your lead.

We cannot take it with us when we leave here, but we sure can leave behind a legacy that exemplifies our "Push" and the "Life Lessons" that we absorbed, molded, created, rejected and accepted along our journeys path.

Until my final entrance and my final exit, I am going to marathon that revolving door and whomever follows, treat it like Double Dutch ("Double Dutch" Blog 1/1/08) and jump in to allow the determined momentum to carry you.

"Life Lessons" are a must and at some point in time, we all travel through that revolving door.

"Life Lessons"

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Leave That Place"

You ever go somewhere or arrive at a "Place" that you can hardly wait to leave? I know there have been times that I have arrived somewhere and immediately upon arrival, I was already planning my departure.

Oft times we need not even go to these "Places" but once we do arrive at these "Places," it is in our departure that we grow and understand why we were there to begin with.

The "Places" that I am referring to are the "Places" that have nothing to do with physical locations (although they CAN be applicable), but have everything to do with your mental destination. Yes, we fool ourselves into "believing" that certain "Places" are ok and an acceptable way of Life. If that was so true, then why is it so imperative for us to CONVINCE ourselves of that? The truth does not need convincing. It is the TRUTH!!!

Therefore, that "Place" called "Average" is no longer an acceptable mental destination. Check out before you check in and "Leave That Place!"

That "Place" called "Content" is no longer an acceptable mental destination. Don't let the grass even THINK about growing under your feet. "Leave That Place!"

The place called "Normal" is no longer an acceptable mental destination. Create your own sense of what you believe and "Leave That Place!"

That stop called "Mediocre" is no longer an acceptable mental destination. High step it and promptly "Leave That Place!"

Move from that town called "Simple" because it is no longer an acceptable mental destination. Change your address and "Leave That Place!"

All of your friends that share the same "Shallow" nickname. They are no longer an acceptable mental destination. Terminate their existence in your Life and "Leave That Place!"

So, when you have come to the final conclusion and you "Leave Those Places," it will be in your departure that your growth has facilitated the understanding of why and how you allowed yourself to be there in the first place.

Should you "EVER" arrive at a "Place" that does not jive with who and what you are and represent, IMMEDIATELY "Leave That Place!"

I'm gone!

I Love You Mother!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

"I'm Ready"

I've heard it said that when opportunity is knocking, you should not only answer the door, answer the call, but you should be ready for what that opportunity has in store so when your name IS next, hesitate not in your actions, delay not in your reactions, but most importantly, be ready!

I have spent my entire Life preparing for what's about to happen to me now. Every word has lead to every paragraph. Every paragraph has lead to every story. Every story has lead to another story. And throughout it all, my Life's preparation has been rehearsed over and over, time and again. "I'm Ready!"

It has been said that if you do not use your skills, you lose your skills. You must practice your craft everyday in order to not only be good and even the best at it, but most importantly to be ready when you hear that resounding echo at the door in the form of a knock. "I'm Ready!"

I've learned to steer clear of those that have the unprepared approach, unless of course "thriving in chaos" is what you do best. The eyes of my children are among me and through what I learn, I in turn, teach them to be ready. Their level of readiness is confined to their personal agenda. But if their personal agenda is number one on the list of things to do, rest assured, they are ready.

Should you not be ready, you should get ready! In order to "Own That Opportunity" you must capture "Readiness in a Bottle," personalize it and make every effort to answer the door, answer the call and allow your preparedness to drive your success.

"I'm Ready."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

"To Be"

Some people are where they are because they are "content."

Some people are where they are because they are "happy."

Some people are where they are because they have no "choice" (or so they think).

And some people are where they are because that is exactly where they want "To Be."

I ask, where are you?

Where I am is exactly where I am meant "To Be," seeing all that I need to see, being all that I need "To Be" so that I can make all the difference between you and me.

If I am "To Be" everything that is required of me, then I shall align myself with the solution, studying the WORD, emulating HIS presence, growing stronger in and acknowledging HIS will and HIS way everytime I attempt to have it my will and my way.

If I am "To Be" everything that I know I can be, then I need to strip me OF me and start all over from "a TO z."

If I am "To Be" YOUR "To Be" then we need not remain "Content" without being "Happy" in our "Choice" of where we are
"To Be" coupled with all that I mean to you and all that you mean to me.

I have come to the conclusion, albeit not unique, that where you are is nothing short of a state of mind. Therefore, consciously choosing where you are is synonymous with being exactly where you want "To Be," which is exactly where I am.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Monday, October 27, 2008

"Rejoicing"

Ever roll up on someone and they are right in the middle of an infectious and undeniable SMILE? They are quietly "Rejoicing!" GOD is in their midst and they are celebrating what HE has DONE or what HE is ABOUT to do! The healing power of laughter or a warm SMILE will always be a beautiful thing, especially with the knowledge that they are either "Rejoicing" at what is happening to them right now or what is about to happen to them!

When you "Rejoice," it has a tendency to have an outward display of affection for a reason. It is meant for others to bare witness to the act of "Rejoicing" so that they now have a visual of what it is to "Rejoice," and will not be ashamed of "Rejoicing" when HE is in THEIR midst, working out THEIR problems. Everything happens for a reason and if HE is not reason enough, reason enough does not exist, could not exist and would be totally irrelevant in the event that it did exist, without HIM.

Therapeutically soothing and undeniably infectious, "Rejoicing" is my preferred method of an outward display of affection!

Catch me *SMILING* and know that HE is in my midst, working it out on my behalf and that I am happily "Rejoicing" because I already know the outcome.....hence the reason that I am "Rejoicing!"

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Friday, October 24, 2008

"Invest In Yourself"

In an economic whirlwind where we do not know where to dump, put or hold on to our Lifelong resources, perhaps this presents the perfect opportunity in which to "Invest In Yourself."

We are always looking for someone on the OUTSIDE to help us with our assets, yet we do not take the TIME to manage our own. Sometimes we are looking out and AROUND when we need to steadfastly search from WITHIN! That internal investigation and discovery phase will yield much higher percentages and greater returns on our investments should we/you be so inclined to "Invest In Yourself."

In the big scheme of things, wouldn't it be a beautiful thing to invest in yourself, see a return, invest more in yourself and see a big return, invest more in yourself and see an even bigger return, invest even MORE in yourself and see the BIGGEST return you've ever witnessed in your Life? That is exactly how HE works. GOD is good and that is all that HE wants us to do. HE wants you to "Invest In Yourself" to make a better Life for you and your family, depending on HIM to manage your assets and not someone that does not have your best interests at heart. HE needs not take or steal from you because there is nothing that we have that HE has not afforded us to begin with! You'd best believe that EVERYTHING that we have is all in accordance to what HE so desires for us, until we graduate, thus turning it over to HIM.

"Invest In Yourself" to lift yourself higher. "Invest In Yourself" to lift those around you higher. "Invest In Yourself" to lift HIM up higher. And when you "Invest In Yourself" having lifted yourself higher, you cannot help but "witness" how HE has more than met you HALFway by providing you EVERY way that you need to survive both yesterday, tomorrow AND today!

At the end of the day, that economic whirlwind just required us to stand in the midst of FAITH to demonstrate that the solution lies not in the problem, the solution resides "WITHIN" yourself and the problem solver HIMSELF!

When you "Invest In Yourself," you will not, cannot go broke. It becomes the gift that keeps on giving. Truly! When you "Invest In Yourself," your portfolio automatically becomes diverse as it anxiously awaits the fruits of your labor, for its harvest time!

Your Life depends on it, so "Invest In Yourself!"
Your Loved ones need it, so "Invest In Yourself!"
Your inspiration to others craves it, "Invest In Yourself!"
Your example to people welcomes it, "Invest In Yourself!"

Invest-In-Yourself!

The health of the economy is trivial in comparison to the health of your state of mind. Whatever lost shall be found. Whatever stolen shall be returned. Whatever denied shall be rewarded! All you need to do is "Invest In Yourself."

Blessings.

I Love You Mother!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Thursday, October 23, 2008

"Make the Most of YOUR -Dash-"

A good friend of mine that used to encourage me once told me that you have to "Make the Most of YOUR -Dash-." YOUR Life is the "-Dash-" that rests squarely between YOUR birth and YOUR death. Everything that happens in between is YOUR "-Dash-" and is representative of YOUR Life, hence the call to "Make the Most of YOUR -Dash-."

It took me a second or two to comprehend the core of what was being said, because it was actually easier than what I had initially made it out to be.

YOUR "-Dash-" is YOUR Life and all that lies within. YOUR "-Dash-" is what has been bestowed upon YOU in the beautiful form of Life, to make the most of it, giving it YOUR best and bringing the most out of YOUR best.

The beauty in YOUR "-Dash-" is the fact that it cannot be claimed or represented by anyone but YOU. Of everything that perhaps YOU do not have or own, YOU do have and own YOUR "-Dash-."

Compliments of my good friend, six valuable words were shared with me that day and I still heed the advice: "Make the Most of YOUR -Dash-."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

"What A Difference A Year Makes"

The excitement of writing and sharing Life experiences and stories began 1 year ago today! In a relatively short period of time, both from afar and up close and extremely personal, what started as an internal manifestation has thus rejected its domestic existence for a more prominent role in what has become a story in and of itself. What has taken root is a belief system that implores you to take a look at YOU and all that YOU are, to be all that YOU can, all of the time!

"All the Best, All the Time" has made me take a more in depth look at Corey and understand the makeup of this man and proactively plan out what is next, what is in store for me and how I can continuously improve upon myself, in the form of a human being, on matters of Love, as a Father, as a Son, as a Brother and lastly, as Corey!!

I learned long ago that contrary to self-centered belief systems, it is "Not About Me" (11/27/07 Blog). I have learned that throughout a Lifetime, many Lives have and will continue to come in and out of yours. But at all times, all the "Glory Be To GOD."

Everytime I wind up where I never thought I would be, I know that HE had/has HIS hands all on me! Everytime I make it through, unscathed, unscratched and stronger than EVER, HE had/has HIS hands all over my situation. Everytime I cross that finish line, I have automatically started the next race on my way to the NEXT finish line. HE promised me VICTORY each and every time, so in turn I promise to KEEP RUNNING! All in stride, gulp as I swallow that pride and relinquish all of self from the equation then subtracting the remainder by 100% ("The Ultimate Gift" 5/29/08 Blog).

I run because My Mother couldn't! I tithed because the Word tells me so! I live because too many Loved ones have died! I BELIEVE because HE rose! I write because I think! I think because I'm FREE! I'm FREE because My Mother did not raise me in captivity, she allowed me to spread my wings and FLY!

Through it ALL, I acknowledge My Mother and all that she has EVER done TO me and FOR me! A good man I am, not because I say so but because My Mother raised me to BE so! A good Father I am, not because I say so but because being a good man requires me to BE so! That's why I THANK My Momma! That's why I LOVE My Momma! That's why I MISS My Momma! And that is why My Momma will FOREVER live through me. When you see me, you SEE My Momma!

Yes, I will confess, "What A Difference A Year Makes."

Now, it's time to lace my shoes up, I have yet another race to run. This time, My Momma awaits me at the finish line.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

"In The Meantime And In Between Time"

It never ceases to amaze me how much people pay such close attention to everything that you are doing right down to the emulation of the formation of the words that roll off of your lips, to the recycled and feeble attempts to live vicariously through their meaningLESS up to your meaningFUL existence.

Some people WATCH things happen, hence the attention, while the watched are out there MAKING it happen, hence their "existence." But, "In The Meantime And In Between Time" it is of the utmost importance to be conscious of the venom that is being spat in your direction by the very same individuals that LACK direction! You ever happen to notice how they are NEVER doing anything? They do not KNOW where they are going because they do not KNOW what they are doing. It is no coincidence that "KNOW" is the FIRST half of the word "Knowledge." If you lack "Knowledge" of self, you will always maintain a directionless perspective becoming a permanent spectator, watching the doers getting it done by "Making It Happen!"

One of my literary friends once said, "I'm not looking AT you, I'm looking PAST you!" Should you happen to catch my visual aimed in your direction(less), "I'm not looking AT you, I'm looking PAST you!" By the time you arrive...I'm already gone!

But, "In The Meantime And In Between Time," as you continue to fuel my motivational drive, please understand that I will be driven by success by NOT allowing the "Watchers" to knock me out of my element. Please, I implore you to do the same!

Do not WAIT for success to pick you up, get behind the wheel and drive it yourself!

"In The Meantime And In Between Time," I am well on my way to the FINISH line, so that I can START!

Be Inspired!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Monday, October 20, 2008

"Too, 3, 4 AND 5"

If I told you that "I Love You" every single hour of every single day, would that be enough to convince you of the obvious?  My response to your "I Love You's" is always that "I Love You Too."  Sometimes it escapes me to think that your nutritional Love scale needs to pack on the pounds in order to persuade you of the most obvious.
 
3. Should they bare witness to how I look at you, they would know.  So should you!
4. Should they read the written confessionals, they too would know.  So should you!
5. Should they feel the Love that exists within my heart, they would already know.  So should you!
 
As the recipient of all of the above, the only doubt that exists is born of the fear that you have lived by for far too long.  Shake off the disbelief and reward yourself with all that you have earned and deserve. Learn to Love and Believe in the same Love that you have learned to Love.
 
Believe that you Believe.
Love like you wish to be Loved.
Fear nothing that you do not believe or love because it matters not.
 
I KNOW that you Love me and I BELIEVE that you Love me.

I Love You "Too, 3, 4 AND 5!"
 
Love and My Mother are My Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are My Motivation!
Love and My Mother are My Celebration!
Love and My Mother are My Dedication!
 
All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Thursday, October 16, 2008

"Simpatico"

Intertwined thought processes that both compliment one another, unquenchably attracting each other and undeniably reinforcing the other, "Simpatico."

I smell your presence, I taste your passion, I hunger for more, savoring the last morsel of the last "Embrace" that we shared. And to think that you just left, "Simpatico."

Fast forward to our next encounter and press pause, until we catch up to each other, recreating the favorite scene of our favorite auto-biographical movie, continuing to pause our most memorable moments, rewinding them only to relive them, recreate them and pressing play all over again, in slow motion, "Simpatico."

Forget you never, Loving you forever, stuck in the midst of complete harmony, realizing the reason "To Be" and exactly what your existence means to me, "Simpatico."

I might have missed it the first time, but I got it the second time and for all intents and purposes THIS TIME, it is ALL mine, "Simpatico."

Confusing to the outside, perfectly scripted on the inside referencing nothing but the location of where Love resides, "Simpatico."

Totally representative of just the two of us and our intertwined thought processes. "Simpatico."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

"Missed Opportunities"

My Mother used to say, "Don't let your mouth write out a check that your ass can't cash." Sometimes the "Diarrhea of the Mouth" syndrome gets us caught up in the intangibles that fool us into writing that check and then having the nerve, the sheer audacity, of trying to actually cash it.

Shame on us for being so foolish in our thought process as to "think" that lipservice puts us on some sort of advantageous path, one in which would "Hit" on opportunities as opposed to actually presenting itself in the form of what they actually wind up becoming, "Missed Opportunities."

I've heard it stated, "Some people do not recognize opportunity, because it comes in the form of hard work." Well, if hard work is disguised as an opportunity, then lipservice provides you no service at all in taking complete advantage of your soon to be "Missed Opportunities."

The next time opportunity knocks, answer the door! "Missed Opportunities" are hard to come by the 2nd time around.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Monday, October 13, 2008

"Picking at the Scab"

Sometimes the "Healing Process" needs to run its course in its entirety without us "Picking at the Scab," interfering with the natural process.

Who hasn't picked at a scab before though? You ever attempt to peel the scab off and you wind up bringing some skin along with it only to start the bleeding again? I know I have.

The "healing" is a part of the "process" hence the importance of these two joined words to create the "Healing Process." Yet when we choose to "Pick at the Scab," we have so chosen to interfere with the natural "Healing Process" whose "soul" purpose is to bring about a necessary healing from something that was lacerating, deep, painful, scarring and too often, permanent.

The "Healing Process" knows WHAT it needs to do and also knows exactly WHEN it needs to be done. We are not adding value to a process that is already perfect. "Picking at the Scab" only delays the "Healing Process," making matters much worse than what it would have been had we only let the "Healing Process" run its course in its entirety without our needless intervention.

This holds true to failed relationships of the professional AND personal type up to and including marriages. There is nothing tricky about the "Healing Process," it just needs the flexibility to "do what it does."

Before you know it, the scab, representative of the pain incurred, starts to wither away into oblivion and oft times before we even realize it, the scab is already gone. The "Healing Process" has successfully run its course, providing a new layer of external protection so that we can now move on to the internal "Healing Process."

Sometimes, both the external and internal heal simultaneously, or so we think. I firmly believe that the internal learns from the external, in order to double up on those new layers of internal protection to minimize the hurt that we experience on the inside. But if we "pick at that scab," interfering with the natural "Healing Process" the pain experienced will be even greater than previously known because our interference successfully delayed the creation of the additional layers of protection.

Whether it is the scab or either the internal or external "Healing Process," the common denominator is representative of a form of protection through additional layers.

Even if it is a failed relationship of the professional OR personal type up to and including a marriage, allow the "Healing Process" to run its course in its entirety, without running any interference. Those newly formed extra layers of protection are going to come in handy. Therefore, resisting the temptation of "Picking at the Scab" will indeed facilitate that scab inevitably withering away into oblivion, perhaps even taking any signs of permanence with it.

And with that being the ultimate goal, it is time to stop "Picking at the Scab!"

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Friday, October 10, 2008

"The Best Man I Can Be"

Being "The Best Man I Can Be" is not a challenge, but a daily requirement that affords me the opportunity to demonstrate through GOD's perfect illustration that I can and will be "The Best Man I Can Be," for it is the only TYPE of man that I know HOW to be.

My Mother raised me to be bigger than me and nothing less than me and to claim everything in between because it too, represents "The Best Man I Can Be."

How do you fill shoes that are unfillable? How do you measure up to something that is unmeasurable? How do you compare to something that is incomparable? For me it's simple: I don't! I am just "The Best Man I Can Be." If it is good enough for HIM, then it is MORE than good enough for me.

Being more than "The Best Man I Can Be" is an acceptable and viable option to go unnoticed by no one but myself. I focus not solely on what I CAN be, but what I AM and have the potential to ultimately BECOME.

My goal has always been to "Next Level" myself while maintaining the same level of integrity that has defined who I am. Career advancements do not even remotely carry the same weight in comparison to Life advancements.

My Life shall be an example for my son to not measure up to, but to fuel his ambition to what his heart so desires simply by ME being "The Best Man I Can Be."

My Life shall be an example for my daughter to not measure up to, but to fuel her ambition to what her heart so desires simply by ME being "The Best Man I Can Be."

By being "The Best Man I Can Be," I offer up myself to make those around me better, "Boomerang Effect" that, to in turn make myself, better.

It is a Win/Win! The victory is already done and the battle is already won because I chose to be "The Best Man I Can Be."

My Mother once told me to "never" say "never" because you "never" know what might compel you to have to do what you once said you "never" would do.

My Mother also knew her son.

Mother, I will NEVER stop thanking you for making me the absolute best PERSON that I could be! Because of that I know how to be "The Best Man I Can Be." It's that "Boomerang Effect." You made me and then you made me better!

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

Thursday, October 09, 2008

"In Their Sight"

Completely strip them of their color and remove any enthusiasm that you bare witness to whenever you look into them.

Close the window to my soul, seal it shut and weatherproof it. My eyes will forever be naked without YOU, "In Their Sight."

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

"Aroma of Love"

To unequivocally Love and allow yourself to be Loved, one should be so fortunate as to embrace all that Love has to offer and also be able to take your place among the beneficiaries of one of the greatest joys ever known, Love.

There is no pre-packaging or associated instructions with respect to Love and Loving. Love is not on par with MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) either. Sometimes before you partake in the feast called Love, you need to first sprinkle it with your own personalized ingredients, that make it all yours.

Oft times Love needs to be thawed, seasoned, marinated, and cooked on low to bring the flavor THROUGH and not just on the surface with the presentation. Although Love might be at varying stages of the preparation process, the "Aroma of Love" is unmistakable, deliciously tempting and sooner or later, will COMPEL you to take a seat and partake in the meal that Love has prepared JUST for you.

The Aroma brought you in and it is the Love that will keep your insatiable appetite satisfied.

Since there is no substitute for the "Aroma of Love," your recognition of the smell will bring a quiet Smile to your face and a delightful passion to never be replaced.

It is time to eat, the "Aroma of Love" is in the air.

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, October 08, 2008

"Improvise"

Not too much, not too little, the medium size latte represents the perfect opportunity for me to satisfy my espresso craving in the morning.

On many occasions, I have waited in line either before her or after her, to satisfy the same craving. Well, due to the fact that this particular coffee store was completely out of medium and large size coffee cup lids and the possibility of a liability issue, they could not sell hot beverages to customers until they acquired the appropriate lids for their medium and large size cups.

So, on this particular morning she could not get her medium or large size beverage and decided to storm out of the coffee shop in protest as if they sold the last espresso bean in the ENTIRE world, to the customer BEFORE her.

As I always do, thoughts of My Mother immediately invaded my thought process as I fondly recalled all of the times in which My Mother did not have what "I" NEEDED or thought "I" WANTED, but she always demonstrated the ability to "Improvise" at a moments notice and make SOMETHING out of NOTHING. And because of that innate ability, me going to bed hungry was NOT an option.

I thought to myself, "she can still get some coffee. It just won't be in her preferred size (what "she" NEEDED or thought "she" WANTED)."

At the end of the Barista Bar, I patiently awaited for my cup of coffee as she proceeded to march out of the store. How dare me and shame on me if "I" so chose to act in such a manner, displaying unnecessary behavior. That would have equated to a form of disrespect for all of the times that My Mother "Improvised" and made it happen.

Had she taken the time to open up her options, she would have ordered a small size cup of coffee and come to the instant realization that the person behind the register was actually the manager and he was giving away the "small size" drinks for FREE.

Sometimes it is through "Improvisation" that we yield some pretty good results, if we only open up our minds and forgo what we "think" we NEED or WANT. Not too much, not too little, the medium size latte does indeed represent my preferred beverage size, but a free small size cup of coffee tastes better to my pockets in an upside economy that I'm so Blessed to still be able to enjoy my Gourmet Coffee.

Going forward, I will always think of "Improvise" whenever I see her in the coffee store. I will always think of My Mother when I see her and THINK of "Improvise" in the coffee store. And in doing so, I will fondly recall My Mother's innate ability TO "Improvise," that kept my hunger pains at bay and always kept us humbled each and every day.

The Blessing is not necessarily in what you NEED or WANT, it is often in everything that you do NOT have and cannot get, at that moment. But, perhaps the Blessing of the day, was a free cup of coffee to start you on your way? Perhaps.

Sometimes Blessings come in packages that differ in the size that you were looking for, needed or wanted. But a Blessing is a Blessing and for all intents and purposes, Blessings lie within the RECOGNITION of such, that a Blessing IS amongst you.

Expand your options and enjoy your small cup of coffee today. The cashier is actually the manager of the coffee store and he has "Improvised" a Blessing for you on this day.

Blessings.

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, October 07, 2008

"The Beginning of the End: Resolution"

Oft times the end of a story brings about a certain level of sadness within a mindset that fails to realize that it is IN an "ending" that your NEW "beginning" takes its first breath, at birth. You simply cannot start Chapter 2 before you have finished Chapter 1. You might not otherwise completely understand the story that has unfolded before your very eyes.

"The Beginning of the End: Resolution" is nigh. The spirits of running through those big, wide open doors is high. The opportunities of starting anew are endless. The options of companionship means that one will not be friendless. "The Beginning of the End: Resolution" is nigh.

Learning to Love and Trust again will not ever be taken for granted by the two newly departed. Appreciating the "Substance" that you bring to the table will not ever be mistaken or forsaken again. The stakes are entirely too high because as of this very moment, right now, "The Beginning of the End: Resolution" is nigh.

The lessons of a lifetime that will be forever scribed in the mind of an experienced soul that has learned that it is not within ones own understanding, but the shared understanding that begs to be shared with those that have yet to depart, because the Love still exists, within their heart.

Standing on the edge of my fear, with a leap of Faith, I land on top of my destiny, "In the Face of Adversity," with every intention of succeeding Faithfully and in complete harmony of my very own symphony, as I explore the territories that I once thought were not for me.

All that was once unbeknownst to me, is now known to me, heard in the clearest voice, read in the perfect handwriting, with zero need for clarification, modification or justification as to WHY, "The Beginning of the End: Resolution" is nigh.

A better man is BEFORE you as his experienced soul writes TO you. Chapter 2 awaits the turning of the page; a moment in time, forever captured, etched in ones mind.

Something tangible that Life has for me, as I patiently await the transitional Chapter (2) and the start of 3.

"The Beginning of the End: Resolution" is nigh. Outside of the joint responsibilities, it is time to say, "Goodbye."

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, October 06, 2008

"Ducks in a Row"

Corey, "look before you leap and even then, be sure to have all of your "Ducks in a Row" to make sure that you have successfully planned your work and worked your plan to allow yourself the opportunity to net the results that you are looking for."

FOREVER, that's my MOMMA talking to me!

I looked at some geese exiting the lake after Church one day and I IMMEDIATELY thought about when my Mother used to tell me, "Corey, get your 'Ducks in a Row'." There was no exception to Her "Ducks in a Row" Rule either. And as I witnessed the geese exiting the water, they all got in a single file line while ONE in particular stood watching over the rest of the geese as they all exited, one at a time, in a single file line.....all "IN A ROW."

Everywhere I go, I speak, I hear, I see, I feel and I touch my Mother! She is EVERYWHERE that I am!

As I watched the geese get themselves in line as the ONE watched over the rest, I thought about my Mother watching over Her young and loved ones in the same manner.

I too watch my "Children" get themselves in line, their daddy watching over his young and loved ones in the same exact manner.

JESUS watches over HIS "Children" as we get ourselves in line and HE ensures US, HIS young and loved ones, a watchful eye, in the same exact manner as well.

Sometimes you do not get it, until you get it! I got it, plan to keep it and will relinquish it, NEVER!

"Corey, get your 'Ducks in a Row'." I hear my MOMMA talking to me in her typical verbose manner, FOREVER "Planting the Seeds" of hope and triumph!

I might not have my Momma anymore, but damn if she did not instill in me, prepare me for and equip me with all of the necessary tools and essentials that I needed in the form of endless reserves for the rest of my life!

I got it Momma!

From your Heavenly perch, watch your son get his "Ducks in a Row."

FOREVER,
Your Loving
and Proud Son!

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

"Substance"

A pretty face in no way, shape or form constitutes an appropriate covering for "Substance." Nothing compensates "Substance" for "Substance" and the outer appearance should not dictate a thought process otherwise.

"Substance" is having the wherewithal to verbalize your thought process with intelligence and coherence that extends beyond your very own capacity, limited, talented or otherwise.

Too often we mistaken subtraction (-) with addition (+). The only thing missing is the "other line." The "other line" that goes through the "other line" of truth that was camouflaged for having/adding something that was never there to begin with. "Nothing from Nothing does indeed equal Nothing."

Lipservice will provide you with a feeble attempt that would have you believe that your "-" is actually a "+" and while you are not looking for that "other line" of truth, you start accepting your "-" as a "+" and before you know it, you find yourself coming up short, continuously.

Mediocrity cannot stand in for "Substance." The truth does not take a day off, for it is always on point when mixed with a "Substance" that cannot be denied.

In the absence of absolute certainty, rely heavily upon "Substance."

For what you bring to the table is your contribution to the "Substance" that we consume.

May YOUR contributions be a "+" and not a "-."

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, October 01, 2008

"Unconditional Love"

The birth of my daughter introduced me to the first thought and complete understanding of "Unconditional Love" in its truest and most purest form, in the eyes of GOD.

I witnessed my little girls birth into this world with a presence that in turn witnessed the birth of her father's "Unconditional Love," for her and all of the Loved ones in my Life.

I have been on the front lines of parenthood, both offensively and defensively, with one single purpose: to guide and lead down a path of righteousness shown through the Living example and demonstration of "Daddy."

In order to DO right, I had to GET right!

I said: "IN ORDER TO DO RIGHT, I HAD TO FIRST GET RIGHT!!!"

That's right, it had to start with ME, if I was going to deliver it to THEM! Otherwise, how would it get done? Would I simply defer that to someone else? Would I haphazardly appreciate the Blessings that have been bestowed upon me? What would "I" do if "I" were in "MY" shoes? Well, I did just THAT!

In order to remain "Just Like A Daddy," I had to first BECOME one! My daughter's birth did not guarantee me that title. My ACTIONS provided and provide me with that title! Stripping myself COMPLETELY of me and ALL of my selfish thoughts and wants brought me to this place and space called "Unconditional Love."

I relish in the fact that I can look into the mirror everyday of my Life and be pleased with how far I have come. I use MYSELF as a measuring stick to gauge where I AM, from where I CAME. I wasn't always right and I will always be a continuous work in progress, this I know. But, for the purposes of reflection and perspective, when I "peek" back, I am so joyously proud and honored that through the birth of GOD's Blessings to me, I have arrived to that "Unconditional Love" that fuels my soul, drives my actions and responsibly molds the lives that helped ME re-mold my very own Life.

"HIS works are incredible! HE used the Lives that HE placed in my Life, to reshape me, so that I could mold them, in HIS liking!"

GOD is good! HIS Love is everlasting and forever endures the hands of time.

If you do not know HIM, introductions are in order. You will be pleased to make HIS acquaintance, this too, I know.

Thank you Princess, for introducing "Daddy" to this place and space called "Unconditional Love."

Keep reshaping "Daddy," and through "Unconditional Love," we will ALL be in HIS liking!

"Unconditional Love" in its truest and most purest form, ALL in the eyes of GOD.

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