"Insert Yourself"

GOD knows I miss my Mother so very much.

As I do throughout the course of EVERY day, I think about her and I'm constantly reminded of her presence in the things that I see, in the things that I hear and in the things that I do. Which brings me to my Ramona thought.

I remember as a young boy when my Mother was teaching me the way, she implored me to "Insert Myself." It was very simple in her estimate. If I walked by something that needed to be done, then I should not pass by it before doing it. If I saw something that needed some attention, then it was my duty to see to it that it received the right amount of attention. If there was a way for me to "Insert Myself" into the process that would ultimately afford the chance to 'make a difference,' then it was my obligation to do so and 'make that difference.'

I remember walking into the kitchen one day and I noticed some dirty dishes in the sink. My Mother asked me how come I didn't clean them. "Well Mom, I didn't dirty them. I cleaned my dishes, the ones that I dirtied before these new dirty dishes came along."

And that is exactly what she meant by "Inserting Myself." If I saw something that needed to be done, do not simply ignore the fact that it warrants attention because I am too selfish to give it my own.

It did not nor does it much matter who was responsible for what, if something needs to be done, then "Insert Yourself" in the process to make sure that it gets done.

As a lad, all I thought about was the fact that whomever dirtied the dishes should bare the responsibility of cleaning them. But, it was much bigger than that!

My Mother was instilling something bigger than the physical labor of cleaning a couple of plates, although at the time, that is all that my young mind could see.

Along Life's path lies a plethora of opportunities to "Insert Yourself" in the process to be representative of advanced reciprocity. You see, you will not just have to "Insert Yourself" because the knife cuts both ways. At some point in time, someone else will take it upon themselves and clean a couple of dirty plates that you too have left behind.

Do not wait to be told what to do, when you already know. Take the initiative to "Insert Yourself."

Her presence in the things that I see, in the things that I hear and in the things that I do. Since so much needs to be done, maybe that was Ramona's way of ensuring that I would always think of her as I do, throughout the course of EVERY day.

GOD knows I miss my Mother so very much!

Where will you "Insert Yourself" today?

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

"To Never Betray Again"

Such a powerful statement that requires acknowledgment of an initial betrayal. At some point in time haven't we all had the feeling of some sort of betrayal that we could not fully wrap our thoughts around?

But when I think about how Jesus was betrayed, my alleged "betrayal" is nothing short of a figment of my imagination. Who am I to think that I am so mighty, that someone actually betrayed ME?

The actual betrayal is not what stung the most, it was the process of actually following through with the betrayal. Somewhere down "Betrayal Boulevard" I'm sure there were plenty of exits that could have been taken instead of barreling down the strip, recklessly ignoring the stop light, the stop signs and all of the other warnings that spelled out CAUTION!

Yet still, full speed ahead, to one day slamming on the brakes so hard that you bump your head in an attempt to upright your body behind the steering wheel, "To Never Betray Again."

What a way to put a screeching halt to your misdeeds of the past, your personal and selfish agenda, your breathtaking actions to avoid the inevitable dead end that was right on the horizon.

Now, doesn't it feel good to "Be...Better?"

With the revocation of reckless abandon, I now acknowledge you stop light! I now see you stop sign! Beyond the tip of my nose, I now see the caution without even having laid eyes upon its presence.

All, "To Never Betray Again."

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

"Be...Better"

There are a lot of things in Life that we could be.

There are a lot of things in Life that we should be.

But there is one thing in Life that we ought to "Be...Better."

Wouldn't you just hate to disappoint yourself by accomplishing absolutely nothing throughout the course of your Life? I mean now that "Fear" is in the rearview, there is nothing holding you back from achieving all of your long-term and short-term goals, right?

With zero intentions on crawling back into that rut disguised as a comfortable bed, watching Lifetime as your Lifetime passes you by, now creating a Lifetime each and every time you try.

We all just want to "Be...Better."

Continuing education because you now understand the importance of it, all so that you can "Be...Better."

Working hard to pay down and off your debt, to make room for the new you, just so you can "Be...Better."

Purging the toxins out of your system and the toxic out of your Life, all so that you can "Be...Better."

Rejoicing in the victory as opposed to normally wallowing in the sympathy, well on your way to "Be...Better."

And when I author each and every one of my Blogs, I am acknowledging that I am a work in progress and that I too can stand to "Be...Better."

Since perfection permanently eludes us, whatever your purpose, whatever your focus, whatever your goals, we can ALL stand to "Be...Better."

Starting today, "Be...Better!"

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

"Fear"

When we run from ourselves, there's a good chance that we started out not 'walking in worship' which meant that we were probably 'crawling in confusion' from the onset of our existence.

With family members like "Fear," chaos, closed-mindedness, shitty attitudes, hopelessness, despair, animosity, hatred, ignorance, jealousy and selfishness, it is no wonder why one roof can easily house up to three generations of a single family. "Fear" has us too afraid to do ANYTHING!

Do not walk IN "Fear" and do not walk WITH "Fear." Beauty and the Beast is what we look like hand in hand with the spirit of "Fear." The same spirit that GOD does not co-sign.

"Fear" is an abusive relationship that can and will offer you permanent scars for the rest of your Life should you choose to remain committed to something that offers you nothing, but more of the same, "Fear."

When you terminate that relationship with "Fear" you will begin to 'crawl with confidence.' Like a baby, you will be able to 'furniture walk' by holding on to something other than "Fear." You will be able to 'stutter-step' your way to a 'beautiful stride,' that "Fear" would have otherwise admonished you for. You will be able to pace yourself in a glorious 'sprint to success.' And finally, you will be able to 'run Life's marathon' by releasing that "Fear" anchor that has kept you down and out for far too long.

And to think that "Fear" was holding you back from all of the things that GOD already knew that you could do.

"Fear" has held you back from all of the things that GOD has purposed for you.

"Fear's" inventory has kept you well stocked, all too eager to replenish you with all of the "Fear" that you can consume.

This Blog: littered with 16 "Fears."
Your Life: littered with how many "Fears?"

Put "Fear" in its final and rightful place...in the rearview!

It's time: Now go catch up with yourself!

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

"By Now"

Have you recently or ever for that matter, reflect back on the not-too-distant past and thought that you should be further along 'the way' than what you are "By Now?"

Do you ever ponder the possibilities of how things would be different had you chosen to do things differently than what you did as if those things are the sole reason or reasons why you are not farther along "By Now?"

Monday morning quarterbacking is essentially admitting that hindsight is 20/20. But what about the day of the game, when the past has yet to surpass the present?

All of the doubters and naysayers will attempt to have a field day with your choices in Life should you so choose to not disappoint them with your stagnancy.

Most importantly, that internal doubt-whisperer that is always in your head, whispering in your ears, what you wouldn't normally allow to manifest, but because you chose to not disappoint, appears to be right all of the time. It is not that you can't or you couldn't, you just didn't try.

So those whispering thoughts didn't know what you wouldn't do, they just saw that you didn't do and keep reminding you of that fact.

Do you still think that you should be farther along 'the way' than what you are "By Now?"

Then silence the doubters, the naysayers and most importantly that internal doubt whisperer by simply doing something about it.

One day,
One week,
One month,
One year from now, ask yourself:

Have you recently or ever for that matter, reflect back on the not-too-distant past and thought that you should be further along 'the way' than what you are "By Now?"

Make that change today before the past surpasses tomorrow's future.

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

"Controlling The Outcome"

You ever say just enough to say that you said just enough to void any (what may be perceived as) unwarranted questions relative to you and your situation without planting a seed of doubt but questioning the reason for the doubt that others may have, that you already understand to begin with?

I know no one that has not been guilty of this. When opinions, thoughts and feelings matter, our goal is to simply "Control The Outcome." We want to control what people think and how they feel about us. But in doing so, our controlling efforts have a tendency to backfire.

The only thing that we can control are our actions and our efforts. The information that will generate the thoughts and feelings that we are attempting to control is just that, 'information.'

Once we release that information, we are no longer in control, hence the very reason why we are guilty of 'withholding' information, in an attempt to "Control The Outcome."

What we end up struggling with is the fact that we do not own the copyrights to the stories, even if they are OUR stories, when they reside in the public domain.

Don't fear the information that composes the soundtrack to your Life. The less control we exhibit, the more confidence we illustrate.

Whether we withhold, omit, deny or flat out lie, the information does not change, so our control is even less than what we initially thought.

Do not add to the definition of 'information,' just leave it as is. Should the information no longer represent who and what you are, take what you can control (your actions and your efforts) and allow it to work wonders on your behalf.

You will no longer want, fill the need or have a desire, to be "Controlling The Outcome."

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

"I Love You!"

When I first fell in Love with You, I felt completely and utterly compelled to relinquish all of me, just for You. Although I must admit that it was not a fair trade, for my value was not even on the market scale until I started to measure my microscopic accomplishments against Your great shadow.

Although an exercise in futility, I became abundantly aware of You being in a league all of Your own. I'm humbled that You would Love someone like me, someone that cannot measure up to You with my greatest effort and on my best of days.

But my purpose was not to measure up to, but to benchmark against You to ensure that the path is to Your liking.

You taught me how to Love that way by leading through your example. Like me, some may not measure up, but You still Love them the same. And that is a small component in the bigger scheme of things, as to why I Love You the way that I do.

I am because You are.
I have because You gave.
I live because You beat, within my heart.

Thank You for loving me as I am, so that I may in turn Love as they are. The most perfect form of leading by example I have ever known.

You saved my Life and I will always Love You because of that very reason.

For as long as I have breath, I will breathe Life into every testimony, to serve and acknowledge the power of Your name.

Thank you LORD, "I Love You!"

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

"The Same Energy"

It is very hard for people to see you in 'the light' when for so long they were so accustomed to seeing you in 'the dark.' When you become reacquainted with these same people, you might be accosted with "The Same Energy" that you previously left them with. And even though that seems light years away from who and what you are today, that is indeed what you left them with when "The Same Energy" once represented who and what you were.

Be careful and remain steadfast in response to "The Same Energy" that is no longer the type of energy that put into the world and exhibit through your actions. Historically speaking, we go with what we know.

But since the past no longer represents stagnancy on your behalf, allow your growth to shine through in your actions and convert the "The Same Energy" of old into the "The Same Energy" of new, so when they see you again, they will approach you with "The Same Energy" that represents who and what you are today.

The onus to convert the negative to the positive rests squarely on our shoulders because during our 'growth spurt' we took full responsibility of our past indiscretions while holding ourselves accountable for them.

But there is no infinite loop with respect to winning them over. You "Forgive Yourself" (http://allthebestallthetime.blogspot.com/2009/04/forgive-yourself.html), understand and demonstrate your worth and you keep moving. The only person that you owe is 'you.'

And now, it will be very hard for people to see you in 'the dark' when they are so accustomed to seeing you in 'the light.'

Like a knife, "The Same Energy" cuts both ways.

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

"With Your Whole Heart"

Have you ever committed to doing something to only wind up doing that something half-hearted? Truth be told, if the numbers were calculated, your efforts would prove to not even be half, but rather fractions, quarters and thirds.

So I ask myself, "Corey, what if YOU ran the numbers and found out that GOD only Loved you in a half-hearted fashion, that wound up actually being just fractions, quarters and thirds? How would that make YOU feel?"

I dare not go there, for I need GOD to Love me with HIS whole heart and not a part or fraction thereof. I need for GOD to Love me when I'm too foolish to adequately Love myself. In fractions, quarters or third, that cannot be accomplished.

When I fall short, I need for HIS Love to make me tall.

When I fall down, I need for HIS Love to lift me up.

When I have lost my way, it is not my GPS, but HIS Love that gets me right back on track.

When I feel weak, it is not my gym membership that makes me strong, but HIS Love.

On all of the highways and byways of Life, where I need to see a sign for guidance, I need for HIM to Love me with HIS whole heart.

HIS example is reason enough for me to commit myself to someone other than myself and to something other than what "I" want and to do it with my whole heart.

I implore you to go all out, in a whole-hearted fashion, in all that you do, "With Your Whole Heart," starting with Love.

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

"Guest of Honor"

Nobody "feels" your pain?

No one is "listening" to your whining ways?

Did you not get what you wanted, when you wanted it?

Did the mailman put your million dollar check in somebody else's box?

Are you "publicly" going through trials and tribulations that you are all too happy to marinate in?

I ask you, where is your "Trust" (http://allthebestallthetime.blogspot.com/2009/07/trust.html)?

In lieu of your "Trust" are you now soliciting sympathy to draw attention nigh?

Well nothing happens to us that we do not allow.

Please keep in mind that when we wallow, we are only as deep as the shallow.

So, stop throwing yourself these elaborate pity parties, where you are the "Guest of Honor."

Get over it and get on with your Life, RIGHT NOW!

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

"Know Where You Stand"

Have you ever swam in the "Sea of Doubt," or swim horizontal to the beach in order to evade the "Rip Currents of Life," make your way closer to shore only to be clobbered by a surfer's size dream wave and pulled right back out into that "Sea of Doubt" better known as uncertainty?

That essentially equates to "a lot going on." But out of all that you will encounter, it is of the utmost importance to "Know Where You Stand." We make better decisions when we have better information to assist us in our quest for results.

To "Know Where You Stand" does not mean that you are standing where people "THINK" you should stand, but rather you are standing where you are "SUPPOSED" to be standing and doing what you are "SUPPOSED" to be doing.

Do not allow yourself to be preoccupied with intangibles that are unfamiliar with their own place, position and role. But do know what YOUR place, position and roles are. Be abundantly aware of where you need to be.

In your relationship with GOD, you should "Know Where You Stand."

In your marital relationship, you ought to "Know Where You Stand."

In your Faith, you need to learn so that you can "Know Where You Stand."

In your family relationships, mend the fences so that you can "Know Where You Stand."

In your professional relationships, your best efforts will let you "Know Where You Stand."

In your personal relationships, your actions will tell everyone that you "Know Where You Stand."

In your religious relationships, your Faith will emphatically illustrate that you "Know Where You Stand."

And when you look in the mirror everyday, you should be proud of the fact that you "Know Where You Stand!"

We make better decisions with better information, so "Know Where You Stand."

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

"Trust"

On the count of three, I'm letting go...

I..am..sim-ply...let-ting...go.

"Trust" is an enormously powerful word. A word that cannot have a support mechanism that is weaker than the strength of the word itself.

So, when you "Trust" someone or that someone is asking for the strength to "Trust" you, do understand the enormity of the word "Trust," not to be taken lightly or for granted. You yourself need to be as strong as the word "Trust," the same "Trust" that you are asking for.

The sheer magnitude that exudes the kind of strength that invokes the true meaning of the word "Trust" can only be obtained by "letting go."

Release the fear monger that habitually asks you to "Trust," when "Trust" has already been rendered and obtained, hence the "weakness" that makes up the surroundings that we oft times find ourselves in.

Weakness is no match for strength! Strong is what we need to be in order to effectively appreciate the strength that is required to "Trust," by way of "letting go."

I trust GOD! My weakness is no match for HIS strength. So, I let go, to allow me to grow and be as strong as the "Trust" that I have in HIM.

On the count of three...

One,
Two,
Three.

"Trust"

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

"Rose Petals & Sand"

When the door opened, the Smile said it all. Could it have been any brighter? Could it have been any wider? Could the eye contact have been more evident?

What was about to happen was supposed to happen and nothing else could have happened to prevent US from happening.

The Love was evident, even when the "I Love You" was reluctant. But there it was, "we happened." Those two forces became one and any and everyone, any and everything acted in a contradictory manner, rejecting the fact that, "we happened."

Along the way, 100% of too much attention was paid to the distractions. And distractions only serve one purpose, one that we foolishly obliged.

Constantly yearning for "Rose Petals & Sand," we could no longer deny what we allowed ourselves to ultimately become.

Could the experience had been an upfront security deposit on the damage that would be attempted against two GOD fearing people? Or was the experience strategically placed and preemptive in nature, to allow the distractions to run their course, thus making way for "forever" to take root, spending it together?

Needless to say, "it happened." But "it" only happened because "we happened." Without "us" there would have been nothing to conjure up about or against the two forces that became one on that "Rose Petals & Sand" day.

The distractions have crossed their finish line. They have run their race and completed their course.

Now it's time to get back to the days of "Rose Petals & Sand."

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

"Just Say It!"

Communication is not the issue. It is the non-existent communication that is the issue. You see, when you are effectively communicating, verbiage or other acts of communication are going back and forth. The non-existent communication is when you "think" that the person or people that are supposed to know you and your thoughts so well are extracting what you would "like" to communicate from your thought process to theirs.

But that cloud of non-existent communication never transfers or transmits anything but silent thoughts.

It matters not that you think that the other person should know what's on your mind. If you have not told them, then you have effectively chosen to "not" communicate and that is not their fault.

Oft times we use the "Breakdown in Communication" label to describe our non-existent communication. But in order to truly understand what is going on, we should label it exactly what it is and work towards correcting the problem and not relabeling it and passing it off as a "Breakdown."

Let there be zero ambiguity about what you want, what you need, how you feel, how you do not feel, who you are and who you are not!

So long as you keep your communication "Tuned Up," there should never be a "Breakdown."

If you want something,
Need anything,
Feel a certain way,
Have to express yourself,
Describe your intentions
Or communicate,

"Just Say It!"

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

"The Man That I Will Be"

Already written, what I one day will be, I patiently await the arrival of the inevitable destination, that has my name written all on it.

I am humbled by the grooming process that boldly contradicted my perception, all the while demonstrating my reality. For it was not what I thought. I paid for something that I never should have bought.

But the silver lining of Grace and Mercy is the fact that they are much like "receipts." We return what we don't need, exchange it for the right one or we simply get a full refund.

By the time that I arrive at "The Man That I Will Be" destination, I will have done all three.

"The Man That I Used to Be" lead me to "The Man That I Am," which is preparing me for "The Man That I Will Be."

Simmering beneath the surface, "A Man, Forevermore." Bubbling with limitless potential and enough gravitational pull to make a difference in every Life that is touched, in every ear that hears and in every plan that requires action!

Oh, but if "The Man That I Used to Be" had any inclination of "The Man That I Am," even with that same name and resemblance, he would wage his entire existence, against "The Man That I Will Be."

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

"The Man That I Am"

Every day that I rise grants me another opportunity to rise, to the occasion.

You see, "The Man That I Used to Be" knows NOTHING about "The Man That I Am."

But "The Man That I Am" knows EVERYTHING about "The Man That I Used to Be." And that is exactly how it should be.

What I now do with what I now know has everything to do with my success or failure in every corner, crack or crevice of my Life.

And even though "The Man That I Am" was created from "The Man That I Used to Be," they both serve as ingredients for "The Man That I Will Be."

I appreciate the past for what it has shown me, but my presence is in the present until the future takes hold of me, molding me, into "The Man That I Will Be."

But until that times comes I have remixed the original man, from the one that I used to be, to "The Man That 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

"The Man That I Used to Be"

If hindsight is 20/20, then my vision is perfect! But then again, of course "hindsight" is 20/20. What I now know is after-the-fact. I might share the same name and resemblance to "The Man That I Used to Be," but that is exactly where all similarities cease to further exist. We no longer have anything in common.

If you truly are what you repeatedly do, then I should effectively change my name to "Growth Spurt." I cannot stop hitting them and the more that I "Grow Through" them, the farther away I migrate from "The Man That I Used to Be."

My purpose has already been planned and I plan to fulfill my purpose, at no less then "100%."

Who I am today now serves as a testimony to "The Man That I Used to Be," good, bad and otherwise. Now that I know what I know, I can never revert back or ever stake claim to ignorance again. The past is exactly where it belongs.

"The Man That I Used to Be" pales in comparison against the measuring stick that I now use to gauge my new level of maturation for "The Man That I Am."

"Growth Spurts" for children means "new clothes." "Growth Spurts" for me means new way of Life, new way of living and a purge of toxic things and people that are contrary to the notion of growth.

For what I am today, what I will be tomorrow and what I shall inherit forevermore, I am grateful, good, bad and otherwise, to "The Man That I Used to Be."

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

"Love Makes You, You"

All of the differences in the world become less relevant when the common denominator, that "like thread" that binds us all together is stitched with the perfectly skilled precision of an artist that knows how to compose in the name of Love.

What you do makes you, you. And if you Love with that same artistry, then "Love Makes You, You."

You cannot change the very fabric of who and what you are.

Created by Love,
Influenced by Love,
Packaged in Love,
Delivered by Love.

You begin to understand why "Love Makes You, You."

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

"Love is the Answer"

Every question is deserving of an answer that is universally accepted and understood. I have never subscribed to the notion that there is such a thing as a "stupid question."

The intelligence of a "question" that is in search of an "answer" should not be diminished by a response that is contrary to "Love."

No language barrier exists when the heart talks to the mind, body and soul on the subject of Love. I am a witness of that! The language of Love is a beautiful thing!

You recognize it as soon as you see it.
You understand it as soon as you hear it.
You are comforted by it as soon as you feel it.

Love is the universally accepted and understood answer to all of Life's questions.

So, if "Love is the Answer," yet the question precedes the answer, do you still believe that there is such a thing as a "stupid question?"

The only question that Love will EVER ask of you, is the question where "Love is the Answer."

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

"Built on Love"

Solid is the ground that it is built upon and shallow is the mindset that thinks that anything is stronger than the foundation of Love.

Delusional at best to believe that the construction of anything based not on Love, yet a bland substitute, will suffice. For only Love can substitute for Love and only Love can constitute Love. Anything less than is delusional, at best.

Faith, "Built on Love."
Family, "Built on Love."
Life, "Built on Love."
Today, "Built on Love."
Friendship, "Built on Love."
Tomorrow, "Built on Love."
Forever, "Built on Love."
Because GOD, is "Built on Love."

Anything else is less than and delusional, at best.

Build on Love's foundation. It won't ever crack and can withstand the pressure of the forces that are NOT synonymous with Love.

But before you build, grant your contractor, that is your HEART, the necessary permits to construct a dwelling, that is "Built on Love."

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

"Love is Going to Win!"

If the only thing that GOD cannot do is fail, then there is zero reason to EVER doubt the fact that "Love is Going to Win!"

In so many instances, Love has already won!

Why, isn't there someone in this world that you presently Love? Then yes, Love has already won!

Still doubting the fact that "Love is Going to Win?"

Do you not Love the Blessings that have been bestowed upon you even as you read and process the words: "Love is Going to Win?" If you do, then yes, Love has already won!

Do you Love the fact that even though you have failed at "some" things, you are still afforded the opportunity to learn from them and grow into the new person that Love would have you to be? Yes, Love has already won!

Even if you were to deny the joy that you feel within your heart for that something or someone, there is zero denial in the fact that Love is responsible for that joy, that tingling sensation that justifies that bright Smile that emanates from your face. It's OK, you know that, Love has already won!

Looking forward to see how tomorrow's Love is going to top today's Love, so you turn in early just so that you may rise EARLIER, to meet Love for breakfast? You got it, Love has already won!

You try in vain to fight those feelings and suppress those thoughts, but your anger is nothing more than you waving the flag in defeat because Love has defeated the same anger that you attempted to leverage against Love. And now you begin to see that, "Love is Going to Win!"

It matters not what you do or what you say. Being obstinate is irrelevant because Love is patient. Love is DETERMINED to win!

"Love, is Going to Win!"

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

"Demonstrate Your Love"

I can tell you what you want to hear and just, leave it at that.

I can verbalize every intimate detail of every encounter, perceived or realized and just, leave it at that.

But all of that verbiage would fall short and eventually onto deaf ears if I were to never follow that talk up with a demonstration of Love to the one that I Love or the one that I call myself in Love with.

At some point, you need to "Demonstrate Your Love" in grand fashion.

At some point, you need to seal off any and all entrances where ambiguity or doubt can seep in, disrupt the flow and eventually infiltrate and destroy what is attempting to be created, all in the name of, Love.

Recognizing Love is key. Allowing Love to enter the premises is not optional if Love is what you truly seek. Knowing what to do with Love, is EVERYTHING!

Love will always demonstrate itself to you, even when you're not watching.

Love will always talk to you, even when you're not listening.

Love will never fail you, even if you've yet to succeed at Love.

Love is just waiting for you to "Demonstrate Your Love" to the one that you Love or the one that you call yourself in Love with.

Do not TALK about your Love, BE about your Love! Clarity will begin to take form as soon as you start to "Demonstrate Your Love."

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

"Until We're Gone"

Entirely too much of the time, we do not appreciate or we are not appreciated until it is too late, "Until We're Gone."

Your window of opportunity has just slammed shut, to never have again.

Why do we do that? Why do we wait until it is too late to make it right, to do it right, to be right and lastly, to live right?

We should all make a concerted effort to know our history, so that we're not predisposed to repeating the negative aspects of it. Those components fall into the "Lessons Learned" category and should be filed away and used for references only.

From time to time, I refer to that material and do my very best to keep it all in perspective. It serves none of us any purpose if the appreciation is posthumously deposited into our Life's savings account. Even though others may be able to withdraw from it, we should all be so lucky to hear those words, feel that Love and rejoice in the fact that we did our absolute best.

Do it while we're still here. Do not wait, "Until We're Gone."

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

"100%"

Before you ever walk away, know within your heart and soul that you have given your all and not one tenth of a percent less than "100%."

If hindsight has proactively and positively influenced your vision to now be 20/20, then forgive, forgive yourself, heal, heal yourself and happily afford yourself the opportunity to now give yourself and OF yourself, "100%."

There is zero redundancy in your efforts and no replication of the mistakes of the past. "100%" IS ALL ANEW! You're not simply picking up where you left off. You ARE the living representation of every reason why from this day forth your "100%" will always add up to be no less than "100%."

Not even one tenth of a percent less than "100%!"

May GOD's Grace continue to soften the hearts of those that have wronged and those have been wronged. No less than "100%!"

May GOD's Love, wisdom, knowledge and understanding be imparted among all of us to reveal the need to acknowledge those "wrongs" and open up our hearts for "Reconciliation." No less than "100%."

May your heart be troubled no more with the permanent presence of GOD. No less than "100%."

May you recover, renew, replenish and rebuild. No less than "100%."

Accept no less than "100%."

In EVERYTHING that you EVER do, make sure that it is done at no less than "100%."

Love with every rhythm of your heart. Move to every beat of that rhythm. Live to Love for the "Reconciliation" of Love. And do it, no less than "100%."

I Love You, "100%!"

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

"By Their Actions"

Always wondering what the deal is and why you find yourself in a perpetual "spin cycle" that habitually leaves you wet? You're STILL wet!

Soaked in ambiguity, drenched in a bunch of "could've, would've, should've" and immersed in EVERYTHING that represents NOTHING that you stand for, what you want, who you are and your purpose and goals in Life.

How do we find ourselves in these situations?

From MY experience, GOD was left out of the equation! And when HE is subtracted out, nothing will EVER add up! We can forget about multiplication because zero times anything yields you absolutely NOTHING! We are divided by the lack of having exercised the fundamentals of Life.

Put GOD first, in ALL, that you do!

GOD is a man of action and anything less than represents contrary, disguised as primary, when in all actuality is secondary, at best!

Keep GOD first, in ALL, that you do!

For what you attract should be representative of the GOD that dwells within you.

The true intentions of people should be easier to discern. For they will not lead by their words, they will lead "By Their Actions."

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

"Other Than Yourself"

You ever want to experience something so liberating that it winds up bringing you to a place that you have never been before? Try being of service to someone "Other Than Yourself," and marvel at what is about to be revealed to you after you have given OF yourself TO someone else.

Somewhere along the way, someone HAS picked you up when you were down! Somewhere along the way, someone HAS scraped some of us off the bottom of the barrel when we were put out with the rest of the garbage! That someone was being of service to someone else, "Other Than Themselves."

And now it is OUR turn. Spiritually, we are obligatorily bound to be of service to anyone "Other Than Ourselves," especially when our knowledge is directly on the pulse of what they might be going through.

How can I eat, when my neighbor is unemployed and his children are hungry?

How can I partake in my Blessings without sharing with the one's that ARE without?

One at a time, make a single difference. Be that spark that ignites that flame that burns deep down within the soul that gives Praise and Thanksgiving to all whom need it and do not have it and to those that need it and have yet to even realize that they are in need OF it. They do not know what they do not know, until you tell them!

Mentor that young boy that has no father!

Teach that young girl how to be a lady!

Show that absent father how to be present!

Demonstrate Love to that Mother that is on the brink and about to break!

Allow the revelation to take place within you, by being of service to someone, "OTHER Than Yourself."

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

"Identity"

One of the most important things that every relationship needs is an "Identity." Specifically the "Identity" WITHIN the relationship in addition to the "Identity" OF the relationship itself.

What I mean by this is that "HIS" "Identity" should not be defined by "HER" existence. Likewise, "HER" "Identity" should not be defined by "HIS" existence.

We need and are entitled to having our own individual "Identities" in addition TO the "Identity" of our relationships.

I have learned that it is of the utmost importance to continue to be who and what we are and who and what we were when we initially garnered the attention of our now significant others.

Losing yourself in someone else's "Identity" will only end tragically. Their "Identity" is theirs alone.

Someone losing themselves in your "Identity" will also end one way, tragically. Your "Identity" is yours alone.

Keep your "Identity" for yourself. That is why it was given to us in the first place. It IS us and represents who and what we are, who and what we will be and ultimately who and what we will become, whether we are in a relationship or not.

Avoid an "Identity" crisis by being true to yourself. You will Love yourself for it in the end.

It's time for me to start Smiling again. It is a BIG part of my GOD given "Identity."

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

"Out the Window"

Driving down the highway, I had the windows on the drivers side, the passenger side, the two in the rear and the hatchback closed tightly. While the iPOD was hooked up to the auxiliary blasting my latest playlist, I popped the sunroof.

The symbolism of sharing the fact that all of the other windows and orifices were closed is simple. You ever think that you have flicked something "Out the Window" only to realize that Mother Nature was watching and whatever it was just flew back into the vehicle? Not this time!

I stripped myself of all of my pride and tossed it "Out the Window!"

I did not even look in the rearview as I'm sure that the image of that once big and bad pride got smaller and smaller as I drove farther and farther away, as fast as I could!

Never to be a passenger, a piece of garment or an ornament dangling around my Life again, pride is gone, "Forevermore."

I rolled the windows down and let the newness overtake the space that pride once occupied. Newness has never looked so beautiful in all her Life.

She's riding shotgun from this day forth now. As a matter of fact, I think I'll let her drive on the way home this evening. Be cautious of the Smile should you happen upon me. It is highly contagious and I might otherwise infect you from ear to ear.

Go ahead and strip yourself down and toss IT, "Out the Window."

But make sure that Mother Nature's not watching.

Prideless!

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

"Forevermore"

Even though I now know what it feels like "To Be Humbled," STILL, "My Time Is Now!" Time to renew myself, renew relationships, renew the passion for companionship, renew those important friendships and take back EVERYTHING that the devil EVER stole from me!

Sometimes in order to rebuild, you have to completely destroy by permanently purging the old. The old habits, the old ways, the old actions, the old attitudes, the old thought processes, the old philosophies and the lingering ignorance that always told you "Yes" when it clearly should have been "No," at least half of the time.

Hindsight is always 20/20, but the realization followed by the acknowledgment is current.

My personal realization and public acknowledgments are not a solicitation for heroism, yet they are a testimony for someone or anyone to witness the Blessing within the Blessing. Within that Blessing lies the UNDERSTANDING that no one is an island to him or herself.

Nothing but the Love of GOD precedes our ability to coexist and our responsibility to Love each other in the process.

No matter what, unconditionally and "Forevermore," I Love You!

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

"To Be Humbled"

It is a humbling experience, "To Be Humbled."

I knew that I should have been backing up my laptop on a regular basis so that I would not lose all of the valuable data that I had created and saved over the years. I thought of it and referred to it as valuable, but my actions or lack thereof would lead you to believe contrary to that.

So when my laptop crashed, I tried in vain to retrieve what I once neglected, that same valuable data that I should have been backing up to begin with and all along.

Everywhere I went I was met with a look of disdain since they were already in the know with respect to how much this data retrieval was going to truly cost me, yet all I had to do was back it up. "That's a mistake that you will only make once Mr. Ford." Believe me when I tell you, IT IS!

I received countless "you should have been backing up your data" lectures. So much so, I was able to recite their speech prior to them ever administering it to me.

I was finally able to retrieve all of my valuable data and 100% of the contents of my laptop. But not without a cost that I found myself unprepared for and unable to afford, at best. Oh, how I wish I was talking strictly monetarily.

There is zero glorification for being the poster child for what not to do. But as long as growth is appended to the lesson learned, I do believe that it is ok to accept the position as "example," in order to prevent others from making the same mistake(s) that you did.

The data retrieval experts treated me kindly, thank GOD. Perhaps it was because of the "not so shy" price tag of the data retrieval process or because they knew that I had been humbled due to a stupid mistake that I made along the way. They as well as I knew, that I had learned my lesson and that I was ever so gracious they beat me up no more than I had already beat myself up for making such a huge and costly mistake.

Life has a way of reminding you that "YES, your shit stinks too and NO, you cannot use an air freshener!"

Data is represented in many formats: documents, pictures and files. But most importantly and for the purposes herein, data represents PEOPLE. Yes, the same valuable data that I should have been backing up to begin with and all along.

Boy I tell you, it is a humbling experience, "To Be Humbled."

Suffice to say, I've learned my lesson! And since I now know what it feels like, "To Be Humbled," count on me to back up my data tonight and every night going forward. Always.

It is a humbling experience, "To Be Humbled."

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

"My Time Is Now!"

I finally got all of my "Ducks in a Row" and they are in an impeccable single file line.

I finally got my Spiritual prowess in tact and it advises me of every step of every way, constantly keeping me on the straight and narrow.

I finally got Corey out of the drivers seat so that Jesus can take the wheel.

I said, I finally got Corey out of the drivers seat so that Jesus can take the wheel!

I finally know my purpose, am aware of my strengths, embrace my temporary weaknesses and have acknowledged my faults and apologized for my shortcomings.

I finally spoke the desires of my heart out loud, pledged my Faithfulness and have decided to let GOD direct my path.

I finally arrived at a space and place within my Life where I know and like who and what I am.

I am finally comfortable with the outcome even though I am void of its knowledge, for my walk is that of Faith and not that of sight.

Finally, I know who the hell I am, what I am supposed to be doing, my purpose in Life and what I ultimately want.

Here I am! This is me!

"My Time Is Now!"

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

"Look of Determination"

Would you recognize it if you just so happen to see it?

Would you know how to interface with it if you had to conduct business looking at it?

Do you even have it yourself?

That "Look of Determination" can be deceiving to many people. Some might even mistaken it as an attitude, a chip on a shoulder or outright arrogance. But make no mistake about it, that "Look of Determination" will indeed get your attention.

That "Look of Determination" will INSPIRE the fearless, TRIUMPH over the naysayers and FUEL the motivational drive taking you roundtrip from "Point A" to "Point B" and all points in between.

That "Look of Determination" is the bridge that connects the gap between "wanting" and "having." So, do you "have" everything that you "want?"

Learn how to recognize it!

Learn how to interface with it!

Should you not have one, it would behoove you to get one!

And if you're not sure, just look in the mirror. Do you SEE a "Look of Determination?"

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

"Be Ready"

I remember when I first saw this complete stranger, a young lady, dressed very nicely. I gave her a onceover from head to toe and I thought to myself, "why is she wearing those running shoes as beautifully dressed as she is?"

Nevermind the tote bag that she was carrying or the fact that her dress shoes could have very well been in the office, exactly where she "intentionally" left them.

Every morning we get up and come to work in our dress shoes only to find out that TODAY, we are running a marathon. And in order to run that marathon we need to have on the appropriate attire so that it will be able to sustain our efforts along the 26.2 mile trek.

In other words, we need to "Be Ready!"

That complete stranger might not have been running a marathon on that particular day, but she was ready in the event that she did or if her dress shoes were indeed the appropriate attire for the day. Either way, she was more than prepared!

Years later, I have been witness to many people who's attire might have appeared to be in conflict, or in turmoil, but they knew to prepare themselves with the appropriate attire just in case they had to lace up their shoes and "Get On Their Mark."

My Momma always told me about judging a book by its cover. Dare I say she was right?

The message within the attire resonated with me long after the fact, but the relevance cannot be denied.

No matter what we go through in our day to day lives, it is imperative for us to ALWAYS, "Be Ready."

The story on the outside is not always synonymous with the story on the inside, so look beyond what the eyes can see and focus in on what cannot be seen. We just might wind up becoming better because of it.

Truth be told, her running shoes were probably more suitable and comfortable for the purposes of walking. But I do know for a fact that if she had to "Get On Her Mark," she was prepared. On that particular day, she chose to "Be Ready."

Whether you're running, walking or talking about running or walking a marathon, "Be Ready."

Life is that marathon that requires all of us to "Be 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

"First Breath"

Through adversity, opportunity takes its "First Breath," from its virgin experience.

Our very first encounter with something of zero familiarity is the initial step in a multiple step process that will determine how we navigate through Life, covering places we have never been and faces we have never seen.

How we lend ourselves to the "Process of Life" has a direct impact on how Life lends itself to the "Process of OUR Lives."

Opportunity is littered throughout the highways and byways of Life. But our "Virginity to Opportunity" tells us that the litter that we see is garbage, when in all actuality the litter that we commonly refer to as garbage is merely disguised as opportunity. The same opportunity that would have us "pick it up" and do something with it.

Even a new born child seizes the opportunity when it is first born to take its "First Breath." It does not have to be told to breathe. Yet somewhere along the way, we forget to do so.

Seize the moment!
Seize the opportunity!
Make something out of nothing and then be bold enough to share the ingredients!

Perhaps someone around you forgot to breathe. But by watching you from afar, they are no longer afraid to take their "First Breath."

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

"The Right Decision, My Voice of Reason"

One of the things that I miss most about My Mother was her ability to innately be my "Voice of Reason." Whenever I felt like it was "me against the world" or that "they were out to get me," she would always reassure me by bringing it back down to reality with the magical words that emanated from her lips, to my ears.

Whenever tough times are upon me, I am constantly reminded of her absence in the physical form, yet I am calmed and Blessed as my umbrella, my Smile, continuously shields me.

My Mother taught me that we never really stray too far from home. Not necessarily in the physical, but in the emotional, within the mental and definitely the Spiritual form.

That fact alone allows me, affords me and provides me with the remembrance of everything that was right within everything that My Mother ever taught me.

With the trajectory of a sharp pain, I grimace at the realization that my "Voice of Reason" has been silenced. But like My Mother once said, "we never really stray too far from home." And since home is where the heart is, the heart WITHIN my home resides with my "Voice of Reason," My Mother. And although I can no longer HEAR that voice, I still listen TO it, I still listen FOR it, as I open up my umbrella and Smile.

Whenever I ponder whether or not I am making "The Right Decision, My Voice of Reason" brings it back down to earth, brings it on home, exactly where my heart is, with My 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

"Inside/Outside"

Sometimes we already know the answers to our questions, but for some reason unbeknownst, we seek "Outside" verification for something that we have already confirmed on the "Inside."

Who we are on the "Inside" is what is projected to the world on the "Outside." Perhaps "what you see is what you get," is so appropriately justified.

A crash course in "Demeanor" is what I once needed even though I initially took offense at that suggestion. But years later, I am Blessed that someone cared enough about me to tell me the TRUTH and not what I WANTED to hear! I am better for that and am grateful at the behest of their brutal honesty.

What I once was on the "Inside" was projected to the world on the "Outside" and since "what you see is what you get," perhaps that explains why I got little to nothing at all.

But NOW, what I am in the "Inside" is ILLUMINATED to the world on the "Outside" and because I know who I am and what I am, no "Outside" verification is needed. "What you see is what you get," and I know that My Mother would be proud!

If the "Outside" is not even attractive to you, then change the story on the "Inside."

"Demeanor 101" has offered me exponential ROI. If it was not for that wealthy deposit, I would not have healthy withdrawals.

My "Inside" IS my "Outside." For what you see, is TRULY, what you get!

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

"Said, Love"

One day Love told me to Love and allow Love to Love me in response.

So, I took Love up on Love's offer and made a date with Love. Only to be stood up by Love, or so I thought.

I went back to Love and informed her of my disappointment with Love. "How dare you recommend Love so highly, yet Love did not even live up to Love's expectations," I scolded.

She told me that "Love is Love and that Love stands by her words once she has committed her Love to you. Whomever stood you up was NOT Love, but an impostor of Love that you will easily be able to identify and recognize going forward due to Love's unmistakable glow," Love insisted.

Love advised me to better screen who I shared my Love with for the Love that is "proposed" could actually wind up being a Love that is "opposed."

Love was talking a good game to me, but I needed more than the just the four quarters of regulation Love. I needed more than just the 9 innings of Love. Love had better provide me with EXTRA innings, so that I could get my batting average back up to par. Simply put, Love had better do what I needed Love to do, or ELSE!

When it comes to Love, I have found that a lot of resumes that boast an MBA in Love and preface it with their "experience" in Love, cannot even demonstrate an "example" of Love on the whiteboard during Love's interview process.

Obviously Love is "listed" but the lack of Love referrals prevents a 2nd Love interview from ever occurring.

I must admit, Love was right! I mean, JESUS first Loved me. My Mother nurtured me with her Love. My daughter first taught me the meaning of unconditional Love. My son literally wrestles with me to display his Love. And both of my children relish me with their infectious Love. Love DOES stand by her word!

So, as I make my way back to Love, I believe the words that come from her and implore Love to continue speaking those words of Love to me.

Love is not worth the paper that Love is not written on.
Write it down!
Verbalize it!
Make it an acton item!

Love is all about the glow!

Thank you Love! Needless to say, I now find myself "glowing," in "Love."

And to top things off, they called me back for my 2nd Love interview.

Things are looking Lovely today!

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

"It All Adds Up"

When you start down the road less traveled, for a split second you might THINK that you are all alone, keeping yourself company down this, soon-to-be familiar path.

For starters, since HE never leaves our side, we are NOT alone! As we make our way farther down the road less traveled, we do wind up with FEWER willing passengers.

The road less traveled is not familiar enough, soon enough for those not willing enough to step out of that comfort zone and into something even more comfortable. As of yet, they don't know what they don't know!

Therefore, the pruning process begins and we start the shedding of old friends, old habits, old ways and old thought processes that took us absolutely nowhere.

We start subtracting these things from our lives so that we can make room for the new habits, the new ways, the new thought processes and the new enlightenment for the old friends that we still Love very much. Since "WE" now know better, that means that vicariously, "THEY" too, know better as well.

In order for us to come into the new, we must first rid ourselves of the old, by subtraction.

Subtracting FROM, so that we may one day add TO, in order for us to multiply, without any further division. Mathematically speaking, "It All Adds Up."

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

"Playing With The Box"

I remember My Mother having conversations with her friends about buying a "particular gift" for one of their children and much to their surprise the child wound up "Playing With The Box" more so than the "particular gift."

Over the years, I have repeatedly heard the same story echoed in many conversations with my friends and their friends alike.

As adults, "particular gifts" have been bestowed upon us, whether we asked for them or not and we too, wind up "Playing With The Box" more so than the actual "particular gift."

If a good breath of fresh air in the form of a person has come into your Life, then stop "Playing With The Box" and the notion that this "particular gift" is not "meant for you" or that you are not deserving. WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS IN YOUR LIFE TO BEGIN WITH?

If the Promise of tomorrow is asking for your participation today, why would you NOT oblige that "particular gift?" WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS IN YOUR LIFE TO BEGIN WITH?

From children to adults, we get "particular gifts" and wind up simply, "Playing With The Box."

Although I am immensely appreciative of the lesson that "Playing With The Box" has taught me, as adults, it is time for us to STOP "Playing With The Box" and embrace our "particular gifts."

Afterall, it would be a crying shame if our "particular gifts" wound up being "re-gifted," to someone else.

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

"BEGIN With Love"

Created in HIS likeness, my physical composition takes a back seat to the internal composition which consists of everything that "BEGINS With Love."

Loving Heart,
Loving Mind,
Loving Spirit,
Loving Thoughts,
Loving Attitude,
Loving Disposition,
Loving Reciprocity.

With Love being the nucleus of my soul, I find it easier to navigate terrain that bares no resemblance to Love, because I know that is ultimately not a place where I would rest or take up residence, even temporarily.

I fill up on Love to avoid even having to make a pit stop in those rest(less) areas and continue to drive straight on through the night until all of my surroundings "BEGIN With Love."

A lot of detours along the way, coupled with off- ramps, on-ramps, speed bumps and other traffic, coming and going in both directions. But since I know what Love looks like, I prevent myself from admiring imitations of Love and focus on the authenticity of Love in its truest form.

Love made in HIS likeness assumes no other shape or form other than its original composition, an unmistakable image that needs no support mechanism and is perfection in all of its wonderful brilliance.

"BEGIN With Love" and Love will never END.

I Love You My Sweetest Mother and that is exactly why I always will. You "BEGAN With Love," thus teaching me how, to "BEGIN With Love."

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

"Differences, Between The Two"

Sometimes the "Differences, Between The Two" can form a concrete, permanent wedge that fits so perfectly, that you have to wonder if that customized fit is the result of a bright spotlight on the undeniable "Differences, Between The Two" or if it is just attempting to PUT the spotlight on the PEOPLE in your lives that are steadily piling on fresh concrete to further reinforce that permanent wedge, THUS creating "Differences, Between The Two."

My Mother used to constantly remind me that "everything ain't always what it appears to be, Corey. What you think might be working for you, could very well be working against you. And what you think might be working against you, could very well be working for you."

Understanding the "Differences, Between The Two" is the key!

That unmistakable variable that boldly attempts to play a role in all of Life's equations, is Love.

Should Love be present, then that concrete wedge can be jack hammered.

If Love is absent, then that concrete wedge shall forever bare witness to the names permanently scribed and solidified within its composition.

Nothing else but Love, is the deciding factor!

Love ultimately determines whether or not the "Differences, Between The Two" will align themselves in a show of force to the power of Love or crumble in the wake of defeat for perpetrating anything less than admiration for Love.

The "Differences, Between The Two," have everything to do, with Love.

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

"Love Is Love"

Once upon a time I heard that "you cannot help who you fall in Love with." At the time I first heard this, I did not believe that you had no "control" over who you decided to Love and who you decided not to Love. My interpretation of "control" was just that!

But oh, time and experience sure does change both perception AND reality. Who we Love is who we Love and we can deny the desires of our hearts but for so long until they eventually cave in to the POWER of Love.

An immovable force, Love is. Shall it move, it will be in its only direction, towards Love.

Sometimes we try to alter the course of Love and are rendered helpless as our feeble attempts are rebuffed at the door. We cannot "change" something that does not need to be changed. We cannot "fix" something that is not broken and does not need to be fixed. Rather we should "EMBRACE" Love in all of its Heavenly glory.

Love is that one Blessing that has been bestowed upon ALL of us. And as soon as we halt all attempts at redesigning Love, we shall realize its strength and power and humble ourselves to something that is greater than any of us could ever imagine.

"Love Is Love" and represents ALL that is right and shames all that is contrary to Love.

The most powerful representation of "Love, Is Love."

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

"The Absence of Love"

That couple that sits across the table from one another and utters more to the server than they do to themselves, in "The Absence of Love."

Such a pitiful existence to deny yourself of the greatest, unrivaled feeling in the world.

I am GRATEFUL to the person that marked me PRESENT when I was ABSENT from Love.

I am FORGIVING of the person that was ABSENT when I tried to GIVE them Love.

I am HUMBLED by the fact that Love never goes out of business.

I am REMINDED of all of the acts that Love demonstrates to market its brilliance to the world with the understanding that NOTHING can defeat, upstage or rival, that of Love.

Love is like class, you need to be PRESENT in order to appreciate what is being taught. Someone else's notes will not due.

Even if you are tardy, you are still marked PRESENT. Do not allow "The Absence of Love" to be the story of your Life.

Corey??....Here!

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

"Promise You Love"

Love has kept many of us at bay for such a long time that it is now time to come ashore.  Sometimes we sit and wait for the High Tide to ride it out and then during the Low Tide, we're anticipating the arrival of High Tide, hoping that our timing is ripe enough to enjoy the perfect moment on the perfect spot, underneath the forgiving sun.

But, "The Promise of Love" tells me that the High Tide/Low Tide philosophy is outdated and needs to be updated, especially if you're still trying to perfectly time your "fun in the sun."

Love promises me that it shall never fail and it offers up zero in the way of condolences with respect to whether or not you ever got your timing just right!  There is no such thing!  That is equivalent to asking "The Promise of Love" to "Promise You Love" while you do nothing to promise yourself the same in return.

"The Promise of Love" is not outdated nor does it need to be updated.  "The Promise of Love" just requires you to acknowledge the gravitational pull when "The Promise of Love" is attempting to "Promise You Love."

Promise yourself what you expect others to promise to you in return.  The energy that you demonstrate is synonymous with the energy that gravitates, towards you.  "The Promise of Love" never fails.

It wasn't Love that kept many of us at bay.  It was US that kept Love at bay when it was attempting to come ashore only to wash back out to sea, while ambiguously awaiting us to perfect our timing.

I Pray for recognition of "The Promise of Love," because I know that it will "Promise You Love."

That, I Promise.

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

"Dripping Wet"

Completely drenched and saturated in every emotion that I no longer have bottled up, for I have unscrewed the top, popped the cork and released every reason to conceal it ever again.

Life changing it has been, forever changed I now am. I realize what I used to ponder and firmly acknowledge every wonder that exists between the two, that were never supposed to.

I happily oblige the vacancy of pride and open wide the window of possibilities between you and me.

I look forward without looking back should the reason be contrary to reflection.

I maximize by minimizing all that serve no purpose within my surroundings, for I am in constant need of concrete grounding.

The heart on my sleeve is eager to believe that nothing is impossible when our shared beliefs are merged and represent each of us individually as well as collectively.

From the first installment of our first encounter, the day that we first met.

The Love that bleeds from within my heart, is "Dripping Wet."

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

"Forgive Yourself"

I have learned that forgiveness is vitally essential and a key ingredient in and for Life.

We need to forgive the ones that have perpetrated less than towards us even though we have perpetrated greater than towards them.

We need to forgive those same individuals for those same less than acts so that we may pick up the pieces TO and move on WITH our Lives.

In turn, we need to humble ourselves and genuinely ask for forgiveness for all that we have done to contribute to all of the ingredients that forgiveness calls for.

And when it is all said and done and the recipe for forgiveness has been followed, the final act is to "Forgive Yourself" so that you too may pick up the pieces TO and move on WITH your Life as well.

Forgiveness does indeed come full circle and it leaves absolutely nothing for the imagination. It is as bare as naked allows. And one piece of garment at a time, you will become clothed again, with each piece of attire replenishing the portion of you that was stripped away.

If it was done TO you, "Forgive Them."

If it was done BY you, "Forgive Yourself."

Starting today, rid yourself of the guilt. Genuinely ask for forgiveness, Pray for forgiveness and finally, "Forgive Yourself."

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

"Half A Chance"

Some of us consume so much adversity that we now monitor the caloric intake. The sodium levels from the contents of said adversity try their best to elevate our blood pressure and silently kill us. Adversity attempts to destroy us wholly AND Holy!

This destruction is done in part, in halves or in whole. But through the example that HE has shown, those seeds of adversity become a thing of the past when they are uprooted, removed and ultimately destroyed!

The DEPTH of the adversity matters not. It just means that GOD has a BIGGER shovel to facilitate HIS uprooting process. And sometimes that means that we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

While we are steadily looking for that COMPLETE opportunity, GOD is steadily showing us that all HE needs is "Half A Chance" to show us that EVERYTHING that HE does is ALREADY complete. Our personal "work in progress" is just part of the revealing process, preparing us for what HE has already done.

In order to make us whole, all we need to do is give HIM half, "Half A Chance."

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

"Inclusion"

I learned an extremely valuable lesson from a co-worker. You see we work together and from time to time we ask one another what the other thinks about a certain "thing" relative to work.

Here and there I would ask a question or two about a "thing" or two, but most of the time I would attempt to figure it out on my own, without any help. Until the other day, when I needed an opinion on something that I had yet to encounter on the job.

So, instead of asking the question from "across the office," I printed my document, highlighted the area and made my way over to the co-worker to ask for an opinion. They looked up, stood up and listened to my question while taking a look at what I printed.

An epiphany came over me at that very moment. You see, it was a look that I had never seen before and I immediately knew what it was!

Here it is, I go about my daily business, doing my job, which I believe that I am very good at, but I found myself asking a question relative to a situation that I had not encountered on the job.

Now my perception of "the look" could have been totally misconstrued or it could have served its purpose by delivering the epiphany to me. It dawned on me that what we do, whether or not we think that we are good at it, has little or nothing to do with how we treat what we "think" we are good at.

In a nutshell, the message to me was that it is not how good one "thinks" they might be, the TRUE, REAL Blessing is the "Inclusion" of others when you are going through your "process" or "discovery" thereof. It is more important to share and "include" others so that they might either grow WITH you or grow BESIDE you.

My co-worker provided the answer that I needed and I applied 100% of their advice to the "thing" that I had never encountered, until then. I was grateful at the art of "Inclusion" that was afforded to me. And even though I still "think" that I am pretty good at my job, the day that I asked for help, my co-worker made me better.

Cheers to "Inclusion!"

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

"If You Only Knew"

When they have not the first clue as to what stands before them, they are destined to lose all of what they don't even realize they already have.

When they treat you like the water in the palms of their hands, you too will fall through their fingers as they desperately attempt to grasp what is no longer tangible to them.

Some people think they are losing what they have when they don't even realize that they have already lost what they once had.

There IS a statute of limitations with respect to your course of action. So, when your inactivity has blatant visibility, do not be surprised by your inevitable reality.

Listen when you're being spoken to. Raise your hand if you don't understand. Of all the times Love has been there for you and now I find myself left with, "If You Only Knew."

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

"Lead BY Example"

It is so easy to be a verbal mouthpiece, dictating what should be done, what could be done and what someone else needs to do. But if you are truly in it for positive results, then your actions will precede your words as you further illustrate your point when you begin to "Lead BY Example."

Always in the ears of my children, I decided to flip the script and do what it is I would have them do so that I can be the example that they need to see and not just the verbal mouthpiece that I already knew I could be.

Its tricky being a parent, but I have learned that if you go about Life in the same or like capacity, coupled with the power of Prayer, the immovable will be moved and the impossible will become possible.

I find this to be true because people have a tendency to gravitate to what it is that they want or what it is that they want to be. And if they witness "that" within you, your actions have BECOME the verbal mouthpiece that leads the way, thus allowing you to "Lead BY Example."

No, it's not rocket science, but putting the wheels in motion has to start with the driver of said change, that reflection that stares back at you every time you happen upon a mirror. You have to be the change that you wish to see within the world, first starting within YOUR world, with you, in your home.

The more you do, the less verbiage needs to be heard. The less you do, the more likely your verbiage will fall onto deaf ears.

In every facet of your Life, "Lead BY Example" and witness the positive results that will undoubtedly come about. It is equivalent to earning your "interest" even before having made a single deposit.

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

"But A Dream"

They possess all of the talent in the world, yet they keep it bottled up like its their own little personal genie. With every chance to be everything that they so desire to be, they have chosen to lock THEMSELVES up and throw away the key.

But as soon as they witness what they want "in action," that "could've, would've, should've" mouthpiece gets louder by the second. And at the end of the day, the only thing that ever tends to materialize are the same old words that you have heard time and time again. Those same words that you no longer believe!

Sometimes you wind up fighting a battle that is riddled with time. And every orifice is representative of that leakage of time and all that you have wasted, thus far.

The timekeeper does not guarantee us what we "think" we're entitled to, which is exactly why the maximization of EVERY situation should be aided by our prioritization and impromptu ability to handle fluctuation. A lot of those self-imposed impacts are only perceived, not realized.

My Momma used to tell me, "Corey, nothing comes to a sleeper, "But A Dream." Wake Up!"

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

"Comprehend the Possibilities"

My Pastor said to, "Comprehend the Possibilities."

When I learned that I can do EVERYTHING through Christ Jesus, I also learned that the enemy couldn't tell me NOTHING!  I am learning to "Comprehend the Possibilities."

I am waiting for HIM to fight the battles on my behalf and allowing HIM to beat up the "bully" so that I can take back EVERYTHING that was once stolen from me!  I am learning to "Comprehend the Possibilities."

I am restoring the Faith WITHIN my Faith so that I may walk the same example that I talk, by illustrating it in EVERYTHING that I do. I am learning to "Comprehend the Possibilities."

Today, I am doing EVERYTHING that I am destined to do because I now "Realize the Possibilities" and am proactively doing not just SOMETHING about it, but EVERYTHING about it!

Whether it is my Pastor, your Pastor or just you coming to the realization, it is time to start to "Comprehend the Possibilities," restore the Faith WITHIN your Faith, take back EVERYTHING that was ever stolen from you and allow the enemy to tell you NOTHING, as you make your way down a path that permits you to "Realize the Possibilities."

But first, you need to learn to "Comprehend the Possibilities."

Thank You Pastor!

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

"Get It When They Get It"

You know, you can talk until you are blue in the face to someone about something that could be life-altering, beneficial to them or in their absolute BEST interest.

You can illustrate your point of view in the best Van Gogh impersonation with all of the brilliance emanating from the canvas, staring right back in your direction.

You can carve your thoughts into a slab of wet concrete and rest assured that the recipient of your intended point, your thoughts, will step right over them, walk right on them, spit upon them and not even "get it!"

You know My Mother used to give me this sly, little smirk whenever, as an adult, I finally realized that 2+2 was not 3 nor 5, but actually 4. She didn't say too much, but I grew to know what that look was all about. "I've been trying to tell you this the whole time, Corey." I KNEW what she was thinking and SHE knew that I knew what she was thinking. Hence the reason for not an utterance, but rather a quiet, sly, smirk.

GOD knows that I miss those smirks, those words, that advice, hearing that voice telling me that "everything's going to be alright."

Be patient with the people that do not "get it until they get it," because once they get it, they got it and they shall never relinquish it.

They WILL "Get It When They Get It" and not a moment sooner.

2+2=4, quietly, slyly, smirking.

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

"I'm Never Going Down From This"

My children keep me on my toes! How they think, what they say, what they do and how they react is as unique as each of their personalities. At the drop of a dime they can conjure up laughter at the somberest of moments, invoke a thought deep enough to prance around my mind all day and bring about an immense joy that cannot be replicated by any store with something to sell or by nothing that money can buy.

We TRULY practice random acts of Love, for it is part of our daily bread, our daily requirement, a part of who and what we are. I am what I wish them to be and demonstrate it in such a manner that it requires the same of them in Loving response.

Their playfulness at the most serious of times reminds me that there are indeed more important things in the world than what I THINK I might be going through at the moment.

No matter how tired I might be, how broke I am or how broken I have been, I HAVE TO make my contribution, my deposit into this Blessing called Life. The seeds of today shall flourish within the harvest of tomorrow. And that is why I proactively claim my itemized contributions and not my itemized deductions.

When I kneel down to embrace my children, they wrap their little arms around my neck, squeeze tightly and they always ask me to "lift them up." I said, THEY ALWAYS ASK ME TO "LIFT THEM UP!" I didn't get that until recently. Amazing it is to hear the "verbal commands" or witness the "physical illustration" of someone or something talking to you, imploring you to do what you are called to do.

I lifted up my daughter to an impeccable embrace, putting her on my emotional level with her "physical illustration."

I lifted up my son to hear his "verbal command" that informed me, "Daddy, "I'm Never Going Down From This.""

Each of your verbal requests to "Lift Me Up" are happily obliged in such a manner that it requires the same of ME in Loving response. For the same rule applies to Daddy. When I need you to "Lift Me Up," the laughter comes, the thoughts prance and the joy cleanses.

So NO, "I'm Never Going Down From This" either.

Thank YOU for always "lifting me up" and using my children as a conduit in which to get your message across, so that I can in turn "lift someone else" up.

"I'm Never Going Down From This," he said.

Well, neither am I son! Neither am I!

From on high, "I'm Never Going Down From This."

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

"Back Into"

Sometimes we fall out of GOD's good Graces. Other times we fall out of Love with Love and/or the person that we said that we were in Love with. Being human means that more often than not, we will find ourselves trying to get "Back Into" what we intentionally or inadvertently fell out of.

Perfection does not define our existence, it is only a benchmark that we already know we will not be able to achieve. But that does not mean that we cannot challenge ourselves to strive for something higher, something better. I mean eventually, one day we shall all perish, but that does not stop us from going to see our physicians, getting our check-ups, screenings and shots, now does it?

I have recently experienced immeasurable growth that has instantaneously altered what I thought LAST WEEK with what I now know THIS WEEK. That is just how quickly HE works when we humbly seek HIM first in all that we do. I have learned to BE READY when you pray for and ask HIM to be a constant presence in your Life.

Getting "Back Into" what we once took for granted is at times, not an easy task when we lead with the flesh. But should we fondly recall the permanent example that we have in Jesus, our stubbornness should subside and be replaced with forgiveness, the single ingredient that is needed to move on.

If you have fallen down, then get back up!

If you have fallen off, its time to get back on!

If you have fallen out of, do not back off, step "Back Into." For we should ALL step "Back Into" our rightful places, with those familiar faces, "Back Into" HIS good Graces.

The time has come, to get "Back Into."

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

"To Encourage You"

Deep in the throws of adversity, down the back alleys of uncertainty, up the block of obstacles, around the corners of hate, at the end of despair avenue, on the bypass of resentment, lies the cul de sac of Love.

Oft times, we have to travel down these paths in our lifetimes in order to get to Love's destination. And although these things have the potential of clouding our judgment or doubting what is within our hearts, they cannot override, overpower or overrule the power of Love.

These things might attempt to pollute the pureness of Love, but they shall ALWAYS fail miserably! Love is not negotiable! It truly "is what it is." I'm talking about the one thing that always makes the best first impression and the second thing that cannot fail, with GOD being the first. Talk about hitting two birds with a single stone.

Times are hard and the battles will continue to wage on, but the VICTORY has already been won! Love ALREADY has the victory within the palms of its hands. Love cannot be cheated or defeated! You cannot simply retreat from Love and what is within you. Love will always defeat any ADVERSITY, any UNCERTAINTY, any OBSTACLE, any HATE, any DESPAIR, any RESENTMENT and ANYTHING that is not, Love.

Love only asks you of one thing. Love asks that you allow it to "To Encourage You."

It is time to fall in Love all over again.

GOD Bless.

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

"Like Your Life Depends On It"

Should you feverishly Smile "Like Your Life Depends On It," do you think that the act of Smiling will ever cease?

Now Smile, "Like Your Life Depends On It!"

Truth be told, it does!

Smile, all day long!

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

"The Other Way Around"

All four of them met at the door at the same time. The young lady was coming in and the three men were exiting. She grabbed the handle of the door and pulled it towards her, holding it open for each of them to walk through. Without skipping a beat, all three of the men did just that.

At the same time I noticed the bewildered look on her face I was shaking my head as I said "Jesus," thinking about My Mother, my daughter and my son. You see beauty might take you around the corner, up the block or down the street, but mannerisms will run a marathon on your behalf. There was nothing beautiful about this young lady holding open a door for three willing men to walk right on through with zero utterance, as if nothing was wrong.

As she proceeded to walk in my direction, we made eye contact and I was COMPELLED to tell her, "you know that should have been "The Other Way Around," right?" She responded, "I know, but what are you going to do?" What are you going to do? What are YOU going to do Corey?

That is exactly why I thought about My Mother and children. You see My Mother would have handed me my butt in a custom made basket with my name embroidered on the handle and adorned on each side had I pulled a stunt like that. REMEMBER: Mannerisms will run a marathon on your behalf.

Which brings me to my children. When it comes to our children we ALL think that the mold was broken after our kids were created. There couldn't possibly be more beautiful children than the one's that carry the same genes as the parents that co-created them. I am no different in this thought process. I believe that my children are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! But around the corner, up the block or down the street is not very far. And since mannerisms will run a marathon on your behalf, looks are SUBTRACTED from the equation, for they ADD no redeeming value when it comes to mannerisms.

I make sure that my son practices his "gentleman manners" with his sister every chance that he gets. He knows that "ladies first" is not an option and he will actually stutter-step remembering "ladies first" as we are out and about and it has momentarily slipped his mind. I have not informed him of the custom made basket with HIS name embroidered on the handle and adorned on each side. Its actually a hand-me-down from the one that My Mother had made for me (The names have been changed to protect the innocent).

Being the oldest, the hand-me-down process kind of bypassed me altogether, with the exception of mannerisms. They started with me and were demonstrated and reinforced by My Mother. The best hand-me-downs known to man, are mannerisms.

My daughter understands the process as well and with any kids, I deploy "tickler reminders" that should you desire to go further than around the corner, up the block or down the street, do not allow your looks to lead the way. Rather employ your mannerisms to run that marathon on your behalf.

Besides, Daddy would hate to have to pull those two custom made baskets with your names embroidered on the handles and adorned on each of the sides out of the closet and hand them to you with each of your butts in them.

Thank you for the basket Mother. I'm not around the corner, up the block or down the street. I'm actually down the road, on the highway, in another state. My mannerisms are still running that marathon on my behalf.

So, what am "I" going to do? Well, I'm going to continue to teach my children contrary to the ways that are being exhibited by people that think there is nothing wrong with a lady holding the door for quite capable men. As a man, I refuse to co-sign that!

Mannerisms should NEVER be absent. It should be "The Other Way Around." They should ALWAYS be 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