Smile And Love Always!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

"Flattery"

Momma used to tell me, "Corey, imitation is the BEST form of "Flattery," my son. But the gift that dwells within YOU is for YOU and YOU alone. There is a big difference between an ORIGINAL composition and a duplicate OF the original. Yes, imitation is indeed the BEST form of "Flattery," my son."

There is also a big difference between being a professor and being a student. As a student, class is ALWAYS in session. And as a professor, the session is always being CONDUCTED. Either way, there is no mistaking where the status lies, but imitation is indeed the BEST form of "Flattery," Momma.

My Martial Arts Instructor has taught me for over 12 years, but I will ALWAYS be a student of someone that not only teaches the art form, but maintains his student status to advance himself even more in his Grandmaster status, further distancing himself from the students that he teaches.

As a 3rd Degree Black Belt, I too have the ability to teach, but have not been "ordained" in which to do so. Yet even the "ordained" have LIMITATIONS when the crux of their very existence is based on IMITATIONS. You were absolutely right Momma! Imitation is indeed the BEST form of "Flattery."

Through everyones purposefully Blessed Life, it is of the utmost importance to "imitate no more, create your OWN door and then walk through it." Do not allow it to pass you twice, before you get it first. But for those, that "won't" get it until the 3rd or 4th time out, YES Momma, imitation is indeed the BEST form of "Flattery."

Following the blueprint of another affords you nothing in the way of creating your own design, coming into your own existence, authoring your own script. You might as well lip sync or recite the words of another since your presence is overshadowed by the shadow of the one that you're imitating.

Those self imposed limitations lead to nothing but future imitations. But, should you feel comfortable in SOMEONE ELSE'S skin, behind THEIR shadow, using their WORDS, doctored and represented plagiaristically as your own, then you shall always prove my Momma right: imitation is indeed the BEST form of "Flattery," regardless of what you "Go Through or Grow Through," your entire Life.

Yet again, I thank you for the heads up Momma. Job "Well Done" (POSTED 2/21/08).

Although imitation is the BEST form of "Flattery," walking in someone else's shadow means that you will ALWAYS be, "Behind Them."

I Eternally Love You Momma!

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

Saturday, December 27, 2008

"Tapping Into, Something New"

Have you ever had to reach deep down inside to find that place that held, was in possession of, the nucleus of your soul? On the surface, we all appear a multitude of ways: strong, weak, happy, sad, satisfied, settled, content, miserable, Blessed, grateful, depressed, rejuvenated, thoughtful, shy, extroverted and even humble.

I'm learning that "Tapping Into, Something New" is providing me with a plethora of energy, emotions and answers to questions that might have otherwise seemed unanswerable.

I'm learning that "Tapping Into, Something New" is an honest and humbling proposition that should not be taken lightly or for granted for you are about to unravel some things that have bogged you down for quite some time. You will be liberated from what has kept you emotionally anchored and while the thought of freedom is liberating itself, should you not be prepared, you might find yourself entangled in all of those once hidden tangibles that are about to forever change your Life.

"Tapping Into, Something New" is unleashing that inner self, those inner thoughts and taking hold of something that once had hold of YOU!

"Tapping Into, Something New" is a personal revelation in the drivers seat as your journey rides shotgun in the neighboring seat, making sure that you do not doze at the wheel, miss your turn or lose your way: up the street, around the corner, down that road called "Narrow."

When Life has you on the ropes, do not tap out or throw in the towel, just "Tap Into, Something New."

When you stumble along the way, should you hit the ground, get back up, dust yourself off and "Tap Into, Something New."

With the New Year quickly approaching, honor the "New," appreciate the "Old," generate your "Own" by "Tapping Into, Something New."

GOD Bless You as you "Tap Into, Something New."

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, December 22, 2008

"What Love Does"

It has this deliberate way of reaching deep down within the marrow of your bones, steadily calling your name, even as you pretend to not hear what you KNOW you just heard.

That is "What Love Does."

This tireless, driven, ambition-filled necessity that you so crave, all on the strength that you caught one single whiff of it.

This is "What Love Does."

The need to never give up because to do so would mean to miss out on the one thing that fills you to capacity.

This is HOW "What Love Does."

Not being able to imagine yourself out of it, not even on the outskirts of the most tremendous emotion that we should ALL be so lucky to embrace, at least ONCE in our Lifetime.

That is WHAT "What Love Does."

Forgiving of the faults that exist within, reminding them not of their weaknesses, but of their strengths, bravery and courage to carry on in the midst of.

This is WHY "What Love Does."

To be there for you without once mentioning the need for companionship, to be that ear to hear and to be present when everything else is absent.

This is WHO "What Love Does."

The Who, What, Where and Why's of Love matter NOT, if Love itself, is not present.

The most beautiful thing about "What Love Does" is the fact that GOD HIMSELF, is Love. And from HIS perspective, "Love Truly Matters."

All of the aforementioned are "What Love Does."

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, December 17, 2008

"I Lost It All, I Gained It All"

I had to lose something in order to understand that I once had everything! "I Lost It All!" When I surrendered what I thought was mine, I gained something in return, that could never be lost! "I Gained It All!"

You see when you are being spoken to, you should listen to...what is being said. If a bird in a hand beats two in a bush, why sacrifice the one that is guaranteed, for the two that are not? Sometimes greed is the culprit, the reason why all three of the birds wind up getting away and we lose it all.

Oh, but to lose and then to gain reminds me of what My Mother used to recite: "Corey, sometimes you have to fail, in order to succeed."

The appreciation garnered might be after-the-fact with respect to what was lost, but the "lesson" learned shall be forthcoming for all the time going forward, to minimize the foolish, but needed absence of better judgment which helped you arrive at the current pit stop, that also allowed you to refuel on wisdom, having been there, LOST that!

Situations are temporary and anything speaking to the contrary of such is a blatant and open invitation to misery....You know the thing that likes to keep us company.

What was gained can never be forfeited. The tangible now has everything to do with the mental, knowing what needs to be done, thus "Making it Happen."

Once upon a time, "I Lost It All," but since I know the end of the story, and through Victory "I Gained It All."

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, December 16, 2008

"The Same"

You ever happen upon someone from the recent or distant past and before you know it, almost instantly, you realize that the more things change, the more they remain "The Same?"

Their desire is to pick up right where you left off, totally ambiguous to the fact that the person you once WERE, is that person no MORE! That person that you used to be does not even REMOTELY resemble the person that you are today. The physical might have remained consistent, but the mental is a "Heavenly Distant."

You have turned over that new leaf. You have turned that corner. And low and behold, you have passed them once and are about to pass them yet again, twice!

But there you are, in their midst, listening to the very words that fall off of their lips, silently concluding, while simultaneously rejoicing to yourself, THANK GOD! Momma was right! "Corey, Be A Leader, Not A Follower," "Be Your Own Man, Do Your Own Thing" and "Birds of A Feather, Flock Together." My Angel used to tell me that "You Are Judged by the Company You Keep."

Mind you, all the while they are delivering their "monologue," all of the aforementioned thoughts are running through my mind and dare me NOT, to recite any of the verbiage that was chimed my way. Outside of the first sentence through the last word, I heard not one thing. The more things change, the more they remain "The Same."

I might not be where I WANT to be, but THANK GOD, I am not where I USED to be!

Growth might be a multiple choice response to some, but it is a mandatory essay for me! There is zero option to do anything outside of Growth, except to Grow.

Self-Aggrandizing, no. Testimony to the goodness of the LORD that was bestowed upon me through "My Loving Angel," yes.

The opportunity to "dialogue" did not present itself at any point. The monologue let me know that the things we once had in common, existed no more. When I quit smoking cigarettes, I realized that a lot of my smoker friends and I actually had nothing in common, outside of our mutual addiction to those cancer sticks.

When I desire to free myself of the mediocrity that permeates my circumference, I talk about "That Sweet Goodness" of the LORD. You see, it philosophically works BOTH ways: The more things change, the more they remain "The Same."

Pleasantly surprise the recently and distant members of your past with an "essay," not a multiple choice response, because it is true, the more things change, the more they remain "The Same."

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, December 15, 2008

"That's A Present?"

My son asked me, "what do you want for Christmas Daddy?"

I looked down at his little face and told him, "Daddy wants you and your sister to be healthy and happy."

His response to me, "That's A Present?"

I said, "Son that is the best present that Daddy could ever ask for."

Confirmation that the best things in Life are truly indeed, for FREE!

I could not emphatically stress the importance of that conversation with my son, at this time of year, anymore than the emphasis that it currently holds.

Be Sure to Share Your Blessings with Someone. Your Generosity Could Save Their Life.

"That's A Present!"

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, December 12, 2008

"I Am Blessed"

I awoke to another glorious day this morning and for that very reason, "I Am Blessed." I was awaken with breath this morning and for that very reason, "I Am Blessed." I have Love in my heart today and for that VERY reason...."I Am Blessed."

The infinite ways in which I am Blessed compel me to acknowledge, through verbal confession, through written composition, through virtually any method that can be communicated, articulated or translated, that indeed, "I Am Blessed."

I need not question my Blessings or the responsibility that comes with. I give Praise, I give thanks, I rejoice and I celebrate the origins OF and WHOM has bestowed the fact that "I Am Blessed."

Take a look around. That once obstacle that is now an opportunity that has afforded you the luxury of all that you thought it could never be...you too, are Blessed.

Examine, in rearview mirror fashion just how far you have come and all that you have left behind to get where you are now...you too, are Blessed.

Being able to finish what you started, cherishing the relationships of your departed and still be able to continue in the name OF and because OF...we ALL, are Blessed.

Pass the Blessings today.

Smile on BEHALF of someone.

Be someone's voice of ENCOURAGEMENT.

Lend an ear so that someone can VENT.

Go above and beyond what is EXPECTED of "YOU.".

Pass the Peace to an unsuspecting person.

Be at Peace with YOURSELF.

Be Blessed.

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, December 10, 2008

"Playing for Keepsies or Funsies"

Back in my marble-playing days, you were either "Playing for Keepsies or Funsies." The good marble players always wanted to play for "Keepsies" so they could grow THEIR marble collection by dwarfing YOUR marble collection. The players that always called "Funsies" were, you know, not as "Marbly Gifted." Since I fell into that category, it is safe to say that "Keepsies" was not a familiar word that my mouth ever grew accustomed to saying. Now, if the goal had been to go home marbleLESS, then by all means, game on!

I have not played marbles in quite a number of years, but sometimes when I take a look around, an in-depth view of Life and how it is both Lived and played, I am often compelled to wonder if some of Life's participants are "Playing for Keepsies or Funsies."

I must admit, My Life has compelled me to take a "Serious-All-The-Time" approach and through a Faith-Based epiphany, I am working towards changing that approach to grow my marble collection.

You see "Playing for Keepsies or Funsies" should not be solely one way or the other, but a combination of the two, just like my "Serious-All-The-Time" approach. One way affords you no other way in which to go OR grow. Therefore and in order for me to now grow my marble collection, I needed to adopt "Keepsies" into my vocabulary, not just altering my thought process, but adding TO my thought process.

When you are solely one way or the other at no less than 100%, your epiphany will come to you when you start losing your marbles (no pun intended) and your collection starts to dwarf on its own.

Some DAYS are designated as "Playing for Keepsies," while other days are designated as "Playing for Funsies."

Some THINGS are designated as "Playing for Keepsies," while other things are designated as "Playing for Funsies."

But the one thing to remember is that depending on the goal, purpose or intention, sometimes you have to play for "Keepsies" and other times you have to play for "Funsies." Knowing the difference and when is which time to do what, is the key. In order to ever arrive at that determination and proceed with conviction, you have to first engage and familiarize yourself with "Playing for Keepsies or Funsies."

In other words, open your mind to new possibilities and opportunities that are patiently awaiting your arrival. You might be surprised at that marble collection at the end of the day.

"Playing for Keepsies or Funsies"

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, December 08, 2008

"Dagger-Free"

Once upon a time, folk would at least wait until you turned your back before they pulled their daggers out. Nowadays, or perhaps even always, if you pay attention, you can actually witness the daggers being removed from the very sheath that is protruding from underneath their garments as they salivate at the moment in which they can pierce, penetrate your flesh to rip you apart. Not that you have said or done anything to them, but because of what you represent. You probably represent everything that they wished they represented, only successfully.

Camouflaged as friends, family, members of your congregation and even the people that tell you that they love you, I now see your sheath and since it is empty, it must be wielded by yours truly.

Every smiling face ain't your friend! Every friend does not have your best interests at heart! And whomever has your heart, make certain that they DESERVE IT, because it is NOT a right, but a privilege to be permitted to share.

My LORD and Savior Faithfully represents my best interests and deserves ALL of my heart. I face HIM, I trust HIM and at the very moment that your attempts to penetrate My flesh, that of which he gave me, your one dagger will face many daggers in return because I am INDEED covered by HIS Grace and Mercy.

Bringing your dagger to this gun battle is an exercise in futility that will soon enough be realized and exposed for what it really is....NOTHING!

".....Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies....."

As long as the naysayers exist, living a "Dagger-Free" Life might not be possible, but having the "The LORD as my shepherd" is all the difference-maker that I need as I navigate down that road called "Straight."

Peace Be Still.

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

Sunday, December 07, 2008

"Thinking of You Today"

In the absence of your Loved one, I just want you to know that I will be "Thinking of You Today." Of course the last year of My Life has afforded many people to offer me the same thoughts as I am now offering you. The Love Of GOD dictates actions as such and My Heart can ill afford to do otherwise.

Love compels me to do more than expected and accepting of nothing less than. I will be "Thinking of You Today."

The memories that so warm your soul and retains the joy that keeps you alive, abiding by the very FAITH that sustains you. I will be "Thinking of You Today."

HE is abundantly aware of everything that your heart so desires and everything that your soul so requires. Yet still, I will be "Thinking of You Today."

As you draw on the Love that your memories provide, I will indeed be "Thinking of You Today."

Peace be still, My Friend.

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, December 05, 2008

"Lost In The Truth"

Would you rather be somewhere "Lost In The Truth" or "found" barricaded in a pack of a bunch of lies? Of course the truth shall not permit you to lose your way, but instead assist you in the trail that you are attempting to litter with your attempts at success. Litter not in the irresponsible sense, but litter as in the "I was here" sense.

I've learned that one good way to remove the dishonest from your perimeter is to shun them away with the truth. In the same respect that you can shun the presence of wrongdoers by simply being habitual in doing the right thing. Get "Lost In The Truth" to shun the liars as well.

Taboo instances in which family devotions are one of the many barricaded lies, you can effectively break the cycle for your own sanity and get "Lost In The Truth" by letting go of the lies that have provided a generational plague to you and your Loved ones.

Get "Lost In The Truth" and reclaim all that the devil stole from you in the Masterful Name of Jesus and move on from the painful past that has anchored you down for so long.

Become "Lost In The Truth" and be that leading by example parent/role model that you perpetrate in the presence of others, that are otherwise blind to the fact that you are anything but.

Live "Lost In The Truth" to avoid any self inflicted mishaps in thinking that HE knows not, when indeed HE knows all.

My discovery is irrelevant since I am not trying to be found. I shall continue to be "Lost In The Truth," victory bound.

Get "Lost In The Truth!"

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, December 04, 2008

"Designated Driver"

A "Designated Driver" should NOT be under the influence nor ASLEEP at or behind the wheel. My LIFE is the vehicle that "I" am the "Designated Driver" for! Your LIFE is also the vehicle that "YOU" are the "Designated Driver" for!

I said asleep "AT OR BEHIND" the wheel because too much of the time there are people driving under false pretenses: with no direction, no driver's license, no insurance, nowhere to go or no key for the ignition to even start. Yet you steadily find them firmly planted behind the wheel, going nowhere fast or fast asleep....MeritLESS in either capacity!

Do not wait for other vehicles to begin to pass you by. Go at least the speed limit and stay on par with the potential that exists within your own vehicle/Life.

Of course upgrading your model/mentality is always an option and the type of motivation/fuel that you put in your vehicle serves as a multiple choice option as well.

If ownership is key though, leasing your future should not be an option on the table. Of course rotating your tires/updating your short and long term goals will keep your vehicle balanced and provide for a more even ride after you have then aligned/set your goals in order.

Tuning up your vehicle/setting new goals on a regular basis, will keep you and your vehicle running for quite some time. Keep track of all of your maintenance records/accomplishments, so that when the time comes to get a new vehicle, you have all of your paperwork/success stories in order.

The parallels of Life and a vehicle should be closely documented to witness and appreciate both the similarities and differences between the two.

After all that you have invested in your vehicle/your Life, who better to designate a driver than you? Just as, if not MORE important, what better "Designated Driver" to be "AT OR BEHIND" the wheel THAN you?

I'll let YOU answer that one!

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, December 03, 2008

"Latching On...But You Already Knew That"

It has been one year and thank GOD, I'm alright Momma! But of course, I'm sure you already knew that.

I was always a late bloomer and still to this day, I directly attribute that to the stubborn arrival on the day of My Birth. With precise recollection, ala a photographic memory, your ability to recall, make sense of and enlighten your first born, has thus given me the ability to recall, make sense of and enlighten my own children. But I'm sure you already knew that too.

I am doing unbelievably fine in your absence. Truth be told, you've spent my entire Life preparing me for such a time. Had I known what you knew I wouldn't find out until after the fact, I would have made it my business to put my two cents in. But you already knew that, hence the reason you did it the way that you did it, like a Mother.

If I achieve a fraction of your parental accomplishments, My Children will be Spiritually Wealthy and HE will be enormously pleased to know that my job was "Well Done" (POSTED 2/21/08).

You left behind some pretty big shoes to fill and the "two pairs of socks" method does not quite work. You got me on that one! Being a quick study does have its advantages, most importantly the recognition of the body of knowledge obtained by the student being granted the permission to absorb from the teacher. And I thought my "Latching On" days ended when you stopped nursing me as a baby. Yet I find myself still "Latching On" to EVERYTHING that you ever instilled in me.

Today, after one super long year, I can finally breathe! I can finally relax, enjoy your memories and let them marinate all through my mind and rid myself of the heavy burden that I have been carrying since you left.

I will sleep well knowing that all is well and that you are completely pain free. Today marks the first day of the rest of My Life and tomorrow I will once again begin to Live, one year after the fact, "Latching On" to your marvelous memories, funny stories and your infinite wisdom......"But You Already Knew That."

I Forever Love You, My Sweetest 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

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

"Art of a Compassionate Heart"

It is one thing to have a BIG heart. It is another to have a GIVING heart. Yet still to have a FORGIVING heart, but a superb Blessing it is to have a "Compassionate Heart."

I must confess, I have not mastered the "Art of a Compassionate Heart," but I promise that I will continue to practice the art form until I can do it with the ease of one with a natural born GOD given gift, the stroke of a genius painter or the confidence of the perfect swagger.

I will explore all possibilities and extract from the most infinite wisdom in order to accomplish the "Art of a Compassionate Heart."

I will receive and embrace, give and embrace and share and embrace in my journey to the "Art of a Compassionate Heart."

My Mother had a "Compassionate Heart" that I am still reeling from the effects thereof. A "Compassionate Heart" is not a given, nor should be taken from, but to Bless the most compassionLESS of hearts in their quest to become more compassionate in their own right.

A "Compassionate Heart" does not make way to a foolish heart and should not be misconstrued as such. The foolish part of that equation would rest squarely on the shoulders of the one who would dare subscribe to such a belief.

The Passion of Life!
The Compassion to CHANGE one's Life!
And the Art in which to do so!

Adopt a "Compassionate Heart," and make it all your own.

The "Art of a Compassionate Heart."

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, December 01, 2008

"My First Birthday"

Last year this time, My Mother was calling to sing Happy Birthday to me, for the last time as My Mother. This year, for the first time as My Angel.

What has amounted to the most difficult year of My Life, has culminated to the most rewarding Life that I could have ever asked for. As a matter of fact, I did not have the wherewithal to even envision the type of Life that having a Mother such as I, could have ever afforded me.

From "My First Birthday" to the last birthday that I was Blessed to have shared with My Mother, I am forever grateful for the opportunity of being in the absolute right place, at the absolute right time, to be able to claim My Mothers DNA as her Loving son.

Two days after the anniversary of my birth, marks the anniversary of My Mothers death and although I admit defeat in the ocean of emotions that have overwhelmed me since that day, I stand in the wake of Victory as a verbal testimony to the wonderful things that My Mother did, the wonderful things that My Mother accomplished as well as the wonderful things that My Mother achieved in addition to the physical testimony to the greatness that My Mother required of myself as well as my siblings, in the form of Love.

"My First Birthday" is upon me, as well as the everlasting memory and Love that I cherish of You, Mother.

I cannot promise you that I am not going to cry today!

But, with the vigor and tenacity that My Mother so embodied, I will celebrate "My First Birthday" as My Mother calls to sing happy birthday to me, for the first time, as My Angel.

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