"Milestones"

"Milestones" are not just diamond items that are put into a project plan. "Milestones" are points and places we arrive at in our lives to appreciate all of the preceding actions that it took for us to get to this point.

According to YOUR life's project plan, you should have plenty of "Milestones" that you will arrive at ALL throughout your journey. Appreciate those "Milestones" for what they REALLY represent: a mirrored reflection of YOU and everything that you have done thus far!

Should you have no action items between each of your "Milestones" then it should not come as any surprise at your NEXT "Milestone" that in all actuality, you are STILL at the PRECEDING "Milestone," with little to zero progress. You accomplished nothing in a hurry!

But for those that adorn their life's project plan with EXPECTATIONS, they subsequently set up purpose, tasks, deliverables and ROI's. Not to be outdone by feeble attempts at success and greater accomplishments in mediocrity, "Milestones" have a way of overshadowing and bringing triumph to the table.

It is nice to know that before I feast, after my Grace, VICTORY will satisfy my insatiable appetite. I am famished at the thought of the preparation that lies before me and desire to drown my thirst in the knowledge that hath sustained me thus far, compelling me to celebratory mode via Honor and Praise fit for no one, but HIM!

Reaching "Milestones" are important, so long as the detailed details are recognized as PART of the "Milestones."

Before I embark upon the path to my next "Milestone" I will be sure to take inventory and APPRECIATE the Lessons Learned along the way until the "Milestones" in my life have all been checked complete.

Stay Blessed and Remain Encouraged!

Your next "Milestone" awaits you.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Better Than That"

I hold the door and allow ladies to go before me, because as a gentleman I was raised to do nothing less than that. Anything less than would silently scream, YOU know "Better Than That."

I wouldn't think of NOT offering my seat to a woman or an elder, all the while finding enjoyment in my upright position as if I were still sitting because I was raised "Better Than That."

I scoff at the notion that gentlemen are on par with dinosaurs because according to myself and my upbringing, I know, "Better Than That."

I teach my son "Ladies First," while he practices with his sister so she can simultaneously understand what it means to be TREATED like a lady. Thus hitting two birds with one stone, my son will become a gentleman as my daughter becomes a lady. Anything less than that would be unacceptable.

I am grateful in the fact that who and what I am has EVERYTHING to do with who and how I was raised.

I could not imagine being less than what is expected of me. Whether living up to expectations or fulfilling your own, create a standard that will separate yourself from the crowd. Be more than what is expected of you and dare to raise your own expectations to heights you might have once thought were unattainable. At the end of the day, co-sign the fact that "unlike the less thans" you are indeed, "Better Than That."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"The Power of Words"

My Mother used to tell me that the pen is mightier than the sword and that the healing power of words could save a many souls that once thought they were eternally doomed. But by opening up their mouths, they had the power to either save themselves, someone they knew or someone that they came in BRIEF contact with.

"The Power of Words" to speak into existence the very healing, fortune, goodness in the form of upliftment, encouragement, guidance, FAITH and forgiveness are truly a powerful gift that everyone has the ability to use on a regular, consistent basis, if we so desire.

"The Power of Words" is an unparalleled artform that can be an all encompassing medicinal GODSEND to make a difference not just in YOUR life but the lives of EVERYONE that you shall come in contact with during YOUR lifetime.

My Mother was right then and "The Power of HER Words" STILL resonate deep within both my sub AND conscious state to this DAY!

Oft times as parents do, we wonder if our children are listening, have heard us and if the message got through. I heard and fondly remember MY Mothers words as if she just hung up the phone from sharing them with me.

Make a difference in the words that you speak and relish in "The Power of the Words" that roll off of your tongue. Pretend like your Mother is listening. I know mine is!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Wonderful"

When I have taken it as far as I can, it sure is "WONDERFUL" to know that the journey is not ENDING, yet just BEGINNING because it is now within HIS capable hands.

To know that my Mother, whom I cherish with all of my being, suffers NO MORE, is 100% pain FREE, coupled with the fact that she now resides with the LORD is absolutely, impeccably "Wonderful!"

Witnessing the exponential growth of my children RIGHT before my very eyes is nothing short of some kind of Loving "Wonderful."

Harvesting the crops from the seeds that were planted quite some time ago, that are now used to nourish my mind, body and soul are nutritiously "Wonderful."

You see life is "Wonderful" in so many seen and unseen capacities that it beckons my attention to acknowledge all that has been bestowed upon and all that is right, good, plentiful, beautiful and joyous within a world where I know from wince my Blessings flow, from which direction the winds of change blow and the bright light that constantly illuminates my glow!

All that is good is all that is "Wonderful."

GOD is Good!
GOD is Love!
GOD is "Wonderful!"

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"The Motivation Of Others"

What lies beneath "The Motivation Of Others?"

The people that are the closest to you and claim to be your friend could very well be the perpetrators of intentional and malicious deeds, thoughts and actions aimed in your direct path.

What lies beneath "The Motivation Of Others?"

"Keep your friends close and your enemies even CLOSER." That is a mandatory sentiment that holds true in everything that you do. People are motivated by different things and what you represent could be viewed as a threat to them.

Most of the venom that has been spat my way can be attributed directly to the fact that I refuse to lose! One morsel of success could easily bring out the knives in spectacular fashion. Deflecting the attacks is useless, if you are not even aware of the fact that you are being attacked!

What lies beneath "The Motivation Of Others?"

Success is my preferred weapon of choice and I choose to use it REGULARLY and WELL! Whatever the motivating factors of others are shall be greeted by my knowledge thereof and my success thereafter!

Do not allow "The Motivation Of Others" to guarantee victory in the form of YOUR failure. Inevitably, your success hinges on the motivation of YOURSELF!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"In My Life"

"In My Life" I have failed.....and during the lessons learned from that failure, I have abundantly succeeded and subsequently elevated all levels of maturation. You see, within that failure is EXACTLY where the growth was hiding!

"In My Life" I have been the proud recipient of unpeelable layers of Love that have affectionately demonstrated that their strength and purpose was to strengthen ME and purposefully give me purpose.

"In My Life" I have endured losing the closest people to me. My Brother, My Grandmother, My Mother and other loved ones and Friends alike. It is within each loss that I have gained in strength and understanding. My life would not be what it is TODAY, had it not been for who they were YESTERDAY....to ME, EVERYDAY. They made me POSSIBLE! And I give all the Honor, Glory and Praise for accepting me in their lives. They made me BETTER!

Therefore, "In My Life," my goal is to SHARE in my lessons on success and failure, offer my unpeelable layers of Love in addition to strength and understanding to those who must also endure the pain of loss.

"In My Life," I have promised myself to be part of the solution and NOT part of the problem.

All this to be done, "In My Life."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Single Seed Of Inspiration"

Growing up in those gutter, grimy, ghetto streets of North Philly, it was hard to find a source of inspiration to keep you motivated that there is indeed a better life out there, awaiting your arrival.

That "Single Seed Of Inspiration" seems to adequately and mysteriously avoid your whereabouts at all costs! MY "Single Seed Of Inspiration" was and continues to be my Mother!

I was CONSTANTLY reminded that my environment did not dictate my actions and that HIS Grace and Mercy will CONTINUE to serve as my umbrella, no matter the weather. Come rain, sleet, snow or hail, that "Single Seed Of Inspiration" was planted, watered and nurtured until my growth afforded me the opportunity to plant my very own "Single Seed Of Inspiration."

Inspiration curved the hunger pains of temptation to do everything that I knew wasn't right. I was Blessed and fortunate enough to have that "Single Seed Of Inspiration" in my life. I pray for the less fortunate, those who feel that their "Single Seed Of Inspiration" has been absent their entire existence. I'm here to tell you that it is indeed there, you just haven't discovered it as of yet.

I am permanently inspired so that I may be that "Single Seed Of Inspiration" for someone else. If it is all about reciprocity, then I'm signing up and giving back! My Mother wouldn't have it any other way and since all of my actions represent the stellar job in which she did raising me single-handedly, I happily accept my responsibility of affording someone else a "Single Seed Of Inspiration" so that they too can realize that there IS indeed a better life out there.....awaiting YOUR arrival!

Be INSPIRED, so that you TOO may INSPIRE someone else.

INSPIRATION FOREVER!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"What's Important"

Nowadays, I ONLY complete tasks under ONE label: "What's Important."

I never realized how much time was wasted until I tried to do it ALL, while simultaneously burning my candle at BOTH ends. Momma warned me against doing that. Albeit and better late than never, the conservation of my wax was completely dependent upon ME getting IT!

I am STILL uncovering, discovering, relishing and wallowing in the knowledge deposits that my wonderful Mother invested into my wisdom account. Talk about having a DIVERSIFIED portfolio! I first learned that from my Momma, NOT my college professor!

My to do list is composed of nothing but "What's Important." I give GOD all the Glory, Honor and Praise! I "enJoy" my daddy duty responsibilities (PLURAL)! I spend QUALITY time with Family and Loved ones and I exercise my mind, body and soul!....IN THAT ORDER!

It is not only important to RECOGNIZE what is important, it is as equally important to treat what is important ACCORDINGLY. Even though you might reside on "The Same Page" as your significant other, never falter in SHOWING them how much you "Truly" Love them.

When I first started RECOGNIZING "What's Important," little did I know how easy the non-important items would simply fall to the side, where they now permanently reside. Better STILL, I do not even miss them.

RECOGNIZE "What's Important" and KEEP "What's Important" at the tippy-top of your list. For me, it wound up being one of the BEST decisions that I have ever made in my adult life.

"What's Important"

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"The Same Page"

Every letter that composes every word that composes every sentence that composes every paragraph all suggest and indicate that we reside on "The Same Page."

You do not have to tell me that you love me, since I am in love with you, I am already and readily AWARE of your feelings because we reside on "The Same Page."

From across a jam-packed, stuffy, crowded room, a single glance from you could indicate the intentions of two people that reside on "The Same Page."

Wordless verbatim proves to be the ONLY verbiage for people that reside on "The Same Page."

During your lifetime take up residence with the one that you cannot do without and always make sure that you are ALWAYS on "The Same Page" with them, their feelings and all of their Love.

Afterall, could you imagine traveling through life with your significant other and ONE DAY realizing that not only are you NOT on "The Same Page," but you are NOT even reading the same book?

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Life Is Contingent Upon Your Participation"

When I think about participation, I think about my individual contribution in the form of an idea or an action that is preceded by my willingness and followed by results.

I've come to the conclusion that it is decisively of the utmost importance to accurately differentiate between someone tearing you down and someone attempting to build you up in the form of a challenge.

"LIFE Is Contingent Upon Your Participation."

What we do or do not do, say or do not say is measured by our level of PARTICIPATION. In order to get ahead of the game and even ponder VICTORY, we need to not only SHOW UP for the game, but buckle down, accept the challenge and get IN the game!

"Life Is Contingent Upon Your Participation."

Life has not treated me any type of way or handicapped my performance. If anything it has made me more determined to prove the naysayers wrong and put on full display the inner-most potential that resides within ME.

Yes, "Life Is Contingent Upon Your Participation."

I will no longer make excuses or rely on them as an alibi as to WHY I did not do what I needed to do or say what it is that I needed to say.

Indeed, "Life Is Contingent Upon Your Participation."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"What Needs to Be Done"

When you love them, "What Needs to Be Done" will be a thing of the past because you will have ALREADY done just that to rid the uncertainty lurking around Love's corner, all too ready and willing to pounce on that single ounce of uncertainty that will ultimately increase in size, eventually outweighing you and your all-too-late efforts.

Doing "What Needs to Be Done" is as mandatory as brushing and flossing on a regular basis. And we know what happens should you decide to neglect your dental hygiene; a painful reminder that a little bit of maintenance does indeed go a long way.

Do "What Needs to Be Done" to preserve the Love that is not even GUARANTEED or even REALIZED by more people than you could ever imagine.

Do "What Needs to Be Done" so that you do not find yourself, by yourself. Alone.

With that said, I'm off to do "What Needs to Be Done."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Truly"

It is "Truly" a beautiful thing to realize that in order to live, you must FIRST love. Love is the recognition that there is something greater than, not less than and totally inclusive of YOU.

The majority of time we envision love, it is vicariously, through the perceived reality of others. Why can't it be YOUR reality? Why shouldn't it be YOUR reality?

We should "Truly" live our lives as examples of the same Love that we insatiably crave. I should "Truly" exercise my Love in the same manner that I exercise my body, with favorable results, always on my mind. There should "Truly" be zero ambiguity about how I feel about you! There should "Truly" be no question about how much I am consumed by my very Love, the very Love that I have for you, that which is undeniably characteristic of my every action therof, pertaining strictly to you.

I "Truly," Love You!

No thoughts other than Love are relevant or worthy of the time that I could be spending Loving you, backing up every letter to every word that I have ever used to address what we share, who we are and what we have "Ultimately" become.

Did I say that I "Truly" Love You?

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"The Ultimate Gift"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"The JC in Me"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Start anew with "The JC in You."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"You Know When You Know"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"The Single-Most Important Thing"

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

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

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

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

I Love You!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Taking Inventory"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"The Only Option"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Mom's Day"

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

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

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

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

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

I Forever Love You MOM!

Happy Mother's Day!

Your Son,
Corey

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

All the Best, All the Time!

"Holding On"

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

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

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

Hold On!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Days Like This"

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"enJoy"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"In the Face of Adversity"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"5 Months Removed"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you Mom! BFF!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"I'mPossible"

With so many uncertainties lurking, patiently waiting to plant their "Seeds of Doubt," nothing is impossible due to the fact that through HIM, "I'mPossible."

The possibilities are in abundance and through HIS audacious grace and mercy I know that, "I'mPossible."

Everything that I do is an illustration of all that was done in order to allow me to first do it myself, because "I'mPossible."

My Daughter will grow up knowing that what some may think is impossible will be proven to the contrary as her steps in HIS shadow tell her that "I'mPossible."

My Son will grow up knowing that what some may think is impossible will be proven to the contrary as his steps in HIS shadow tell him that "I'mPossible."

Since the only thing that HE cannot do is fail, I stand on the foundation of possibility with the built in assurance that because HE said so, "I'mPossible."

My life has already been outlined for me to meticulously color in between the lines with as much flavor and color as I can muster to display that NOTHING is impossible. Through HIM and because of HIM, "I'mPossible."

Everyday tell yourself that "I'mPossible."
When the clouds are hovering tell yourself that "I'mPossible."
Dig up those poisonous "Seeds of Doubt" and tell yourself that YES, "I'mPossible!"

NOTHING is impossible so long as you believe that "I'mPossible."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"I'm Thankful"

Each day is a blessing to be able to see beyond the tip of my nose and the "Forest for the Trees," which allow me a tad bit more growth than what I previously had. "I'm Thankful."

The smallest wonders instill in me the greatest joy as I plunder through trying to identify the next BIG thing, only to come to the realization that the next BIG thing is the VERY thing that has brought me this far. "I'm Thankful."

All the problems of MY day are diminished, forever vanquished when I hear how the day of my children went, making me realize the only things that are important are ALREADY....in my life. "I'm Thankful."

Too much to not be, too many that are not, too powerful are HIS deeds to NOT be.....Thankful.

All of my tribulations become my triumphs and subsequent testimony to the goodness that HE has bestowed upon me even when I should have been better to myself. "I'm Thankful."

My continuous growth, albeit a tad bit at a time, will forever manifest itself in HE who is greater than anything that I could ever fathom. "I'm Thankful."

Know that my flaws only represent my as-yet growth and room for improvement as I make my way down the path of a better me, a stronger we, all in HE, who has brought me this far. "I'm Thankful."

Everyday, "I'm Thankful."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"You Are Appreciated"

If making a difference in someone's life grants you wings, then I easily see you soaring. If making a difference with your words of encouragement grants you peace, then you shall forever remain conflict-free.

For all that you do, "You Are Appreciated."

You remind me to call on HIM relentlessly and assure me that this shall soon pass. In a world where the pace is beyond fast, you've encouraged and shared IN my FAST. And for that "You Are Appreciated."

Growth may be optional, but for the wise it is the ONLY option and for that very reason I have enjoyed our shared growth in the seeds of yesterday that we are watering today. "You Are Appreciated."

I show you everything I've ever told you, and our time together continues to mold me in the same likeness of our only fear. Yes, "You Are Appreciated."

I'm honored to share in the joy that brings you joy, in the laughter that makes you laugh, in the smiles that make you smile and the dreams that make you dream, all confirmation that "You Are Appreciated."

For all that you do, "You Are Appreciated."

For all that you are, "You Are Appreciated."

For all of your love, "You Are Appreciated."

For what makes us, US, "You Are Appreciated."

Let their be NO ambiguity, "You Are Appreciated."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Keep Your Wits About You Corey."

Whenever I went somewhere my Mother used to tell me to "Keep Your Wits About You Corey." I could be on my way into work and she would say: "Keep Your Wits About You Corey." I would be on my way home from work and she would say: "Keep Your Wits About You Corey." I could be on my way to the gym and she would remind me: "Keep Your Wits About You Corey." Going to Starbucks and: "Keep Your Wits About You Corey." Traveling to Europe: "Keep Your Wits About You Corey." Before and during the time I was in Africa: "Keep Your Wits About You Corey." She never stopped reminding me of the things that she knew I would not forget.

She never stopped reminding me of the things that she knew I would not forget!

She never stopped reminding me of the things that she knew I would not forget!

She NEVER stopped reminding me of the things that she knew I would not forget!

Every smiling face ain't your friend! Some of those warm greetings are actually cold as ice, just camouflaged as such. What might appear as an innocent comment, inquiry, gesture or look could as easily be one of those vicious attacks that are increasingly perpetrated on a daily basis!

It is unfortunate that we live in a time where we have to militarily equip ourselves against an enemy that is well disguised, well informed and eager to destroy! Yes Mom, I am still keeping my wits about me!

I wrap my children in the Word, Knowledge and Reverence of GOD to allow HIM to shield them from dangers both seen and unseen, whether daddy is present or not. Yes Mom, I am still keeping my wits about me!

They say that defense wins championships. Well, my offensive line is the LORD and since his nickname is "Slash" expect HIM to be my quarterback "Slash" running back "Slash" blocker "Slash" safety "Slash" linebacker "Slash" cornerback "Slash" referee "Slash" COACH! Yes Mom, I am still keeping my wits about me!

Everything that I am and everything that I do will forever represent the LOVE that my Mother had for me. Yes Mom, I am still keeping my wits about me!

If you still have your Mother here, call her, go see her and tell her that yes, you are and will continue to "Keep Your Wits About You." She will know exactly what you're talking about.

Continue to "Keep Your Wits About You".....Corey

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"$5 Dollars Daddy"

So one day I asked my son, "Do you love daddy?"
He quickly responded, "Yes daddy, I love you!"
Then I had the NERVE to ASK him: "How MUCH do you love daddy?"
He said, "$5 Dollars Daddy!"
I said, "$5 Dollars?!"
He smiled and simply said "Yes."
I smiled in return and asked, "IS THAT ALL?"
We both burst out into laughter.

Well, I laughed about it at first because I had no earthly idea that his response would be what it was. But then I got to thinking, "Corey why did you ASK him to QUANTIFY his love for you, when he already TOLD you that "YES" he LOVES you?" On a grander scheme, I started to ponder why all of us have a tendency to want to QUANTIFY love as opposed to QUALIFYING the love that we receive?
 
My son's response was more than adequate, yet I felt the need to know how MUCH when in all actuality the fact that he does indeed love me is all the reassurance that I need now and needed back then. I mean, I know that GOD so loves me.....and I wouldn't DARE ask HIM to quantify HIS love for me. So, why would I pose this question to my son?

Sometimes we're exactly like this! If we do not have as MUCH as we THINK we should we start QUANTIFYING what we have instead of appreciatingly QUALIFYING all that has been bestowed upon us. 
 
I know my son (and daughter) loves me!
 
I thank you son, for teaching daddy a valuable lesson that day.  Going forward, you will not ever have to worry about me asking again, "How much do you love me?"  I would hate to squander my current value! 
 
Be Blessed!
 
Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Hereditary Behavior"

You ever DO something solely on the strength that you witnessed your mother, father or family member do? You ever SAY something solely on the strength that you heard your mother, father or family member say? You ever FIND yourself "saying" or "doing" exactly what you "saw" or "heard" without any real "rhyme" or "reason" as to why you "did" or "said" it?

That same "Hereditary Behavior" befalls a collective group of people that has included the likes of myself and perhaps even a larger audience than one might imagine. A lot of times we become fixated on things without any or enough "requirements" or supporting "documentation" as to why. Too much of the time the only justification that we reconcile in our minds stems from the fact that we witnessed or heard someone do or say that WE now do or say. And that's it!

Carrying on family tradition is all well and fine, but passing on "Hereditary Behavior" without any UNDERSTANDING can be hindering or even detrimental to someone's success, happiness and life.

Love your momma, but UNDERSTAND why she did what she did so you can UNDERSTAND why you do what you do.

Love your daddy, but UNDERSTAND why he did what he did so you can UNDERSTAND why you do what you do.

UNDERSTAND why you do what you do!

Love your momma, but UNDERSTAND why she said what she said so you can UNDERSTAND why you say what you say.

Love your daddy, but UNDERSTAND why he said what he said so you can UNDERSTAND why you say what you say.

UNDERSTAND why you say what you say!

Once you've managed to collect all of your "requirements" and supporting "documentation," put it all together and truly UNDERSTAND. Then take it upon yourself to "Do You!"

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Been There"

Have you ever truly just "Been There" for someone in an unrelenting manner? Have you ever just completely and uncompromisingly just "Been There" because you were needed without having been asked? I have. Its quite the humbling experience to just give of yourself with zero expectation in return.

But what you do get in return is an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Consistently making an impact where that newly filled void was quite empty, is fulfilling in and of itself. To think that you can either "knowingly or unknowingly" fill a void is a wonderful Blessing. To know that you have been "tapped to tap" someone else is an honorable mention in a thankless world.

Do remember that however you have "Been There," in whatever capacity you have "Been There," has more than likely changed a person's life from what they once knew it as to a way that they have never known.

Someone having "Been There" forever changed MY life! The "laws of reciprocity" require me to return the deed and BE that "someone" who has "Been There" to forever change someone else's life.

Even if you've "Been There" done that, I encourage you to do it again, be a Blessing and fill someones void today.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Source of Inspiration"

Being a "Source of Inspiration" is not restricted to, nor limited to your inner-circle or those on the direct outskirts thereof. Being a "Source of Inspiration" is relative to ANYONE whom you should be so blessed to come in contact with. Being a "Source of Inspiration" is a "Source of Inspiration" all in itself!

I have often wondered what being a"Source of Inspiration" is all about. How does one be or become a "Source of Inspiration" without having had "formal training?" The truth of the matter is that whether you realize it or not, you have probably already been a "Source of Inspiration" to someone, somewhere along the way.

Should my "Source of Inspiration" ever teeter along the lines of "iota" I will humbly accept the fact that no matter how big or small, that I was able to positively impact, uplift and "inspire" someone to aspirations greater than they could have EVER imagined.

I pray that by the time HE calls me home that I would have been able to "inspire" someone to BE "inspired" and REMAIN "inspired" throughout their entire existence.

I pray that by the time HE calls me home that I would have been able to "inspire" someone to do everything that they said they wanted to do, thought they could never do or did not have enough audacity to put one foot in front of the other and "make it happen."

I pray that one gallon of "inspiration" is enough to fill up your tank and drive you to a small town with a big name called "Permanently Inspired."

With all the courage I possess, I pray that I may be a "Source of Inspiration" to all whom I've ever had contact with, past, present AND future! I wasn't always who I am today, but somewhere along the way, I was "inspired" to be who and what I am right now!

I pray that I may be so lucky to "inspire" that ONE, that may influence that OTHER, that will provoke that THOUGHT, that will conjure up those FEELINGS, that will stimulate those BELIEFS, that will soften up that HEART, to do all of the above and be a "Source of Inspiration" to someone else.

Residing in a town called "Permanently Inspired."

Be a "Source of Inspiration" to someone today.

I Love You Mom and I thank you for continuing to be my DAILY "Source of Inspiration."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Who's Next?"

As soon as you walk into the barbershop, you speak, give your pounds and take inventory. In all actuality, as you are speaking and giving your pounds, you are already simultaneously taking inventory. Quiet as kept you're taking inventory of who's in FRONT of you and how many YOUR barber has to cut before you can take your seat in his chair.

When it was too many people, I used to take inventory of the people that came in AFTER me and worried less about who was BEFORE me. It was easier to manage in the reverse from time to time.

All the while, the simple goal was to determine "Who's Next?"

Isn't it funny how we can put so much meticulous time and effort into figuring out "Who's Next" as opposed to realizing that in the world of success we should be claiming the fact that "I'm Next?"

LOOKING good does NOT equate to FEELING good! I began to realize that the waves that I used to brush "till the end of time" were not going to take me where I needed to go. I might look good in the process, but as my Mother used to say, "GOD don't like ugly and HE ain't studdin' beauty either." In other words what I looked like mattered NOT compared to what I was doing or what I was SUPPOSED to be doing according to HIM.

Therefore, it behooved me to understand that "Who's Next" is relative to how you position yourself. This same rule applies to everyday life. Should I arrive at the barbershop when it opens up then I need not worry about "Who's Next," taking inventory of who's in front of me or who's behind me. I didn't want someone asking me "Who's Next," when I was in the position to determine that "I'm Next!" I'm next in line! It's MY turn! This is MY life and I have made the conscious decision to BE next and not WAIT for next! You can ask "Who's Next," but I've already taken my seat in the chair, "I'm Next!"

As you traverse through your daily hustle and bustle, do not wait for someone to ask "Who's Next?" Proactively make the decision that "You're Next." You're next in line to better position yourself because you had the wherewithal to take inventory from the time you hit the door of who's in front of you as well as who is behind you. You positioned yourself with "SOMEONE" that you cannot lose with! You're next simply because of the promise of HIS Word coupled with the fact that the only thing that HE cannot do is FAIL!

I don't "HAVE" next, I "AM" next!

"Who's Next" is trivial because I know that when I walk through the door of the barbershop or any other door for that matter, the inventory that I take lies in the truth, that HE is the only one in front of me, HE is the only one on both sides of me and HE is the ONLY one that stands behind me.

I don't "HAVE" next, I "AM" next!

The barber might continue to ask "Who's Next," but all the while I'm already in his chair declaring that "I'm Next!"

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"A Crack Will Do"

Opportunity MAY be knocking at your front door. That window of opportunity MAY have been left wide open for you. But what about the smaller venue in which opportunity just as happily and eagerly presents itself? What about that little CRACK or crevice that you keep overlooking because you are searching for that big UPS package and get disappointed when the mailman brings you a letter? You see that letter could very well be that CRACK that you keep on overlooking that did not come in the form of a knock at the front door or an OBVIOUS wide open window. For all you know, the contents of that letter could far outweigh the physical weight of that bulky box/package that you think holds greater worth due to its size and size alone.

Don't get me wrong, for some size does indeed matter, but for the wise, knowledge of your size matters more. Opportunity has extreme versatility! How it presents itself today will probably differ from how it will present itself tomorrow or how it presented itself the day before. How we receive our opportunity should be just as versatile. I cannot begin to think about the opportunities that I have personally passed up because it did not come in the form of a big UPS box that I had to sign for.

In retrospect, the vast majority of my biggest opportunities were delivered in the smallest of venues. That offer letter for the new job at a higher salary. Fatherhood of my two bundles of joy. The day I asked about the memorization of the Church Covenant. And that small book that I carry around in my truck and with me every Sunday morning. Therefore, that CRACK or crevice, my venue, will be more than sufficient for me to "Make it Happen." Opportunity IS as opportunity DOES.

With that said....

"A Crack Will Do" since my non-discriminatory attitude towards blessings is alive and well!

"A Crack Will Do" since HE does not need a door nor a window in order to make HIS presence known.

"A Crack Will Do" since the recognition of opportunity oft times comes in the form of hard work, hence the reason why it's missed by so many, so often.

"A Crack Will Do" to keep me on my toes as I seek HIM out in search of what HE has in store for me and the manner in which HE plans on delivering it AND me.

So go ahead and sign for your big UPS box. It may or may not hold the contents that you are in search of. Whether or not it does, be conscious of how you determine its net worth.

The next time Corey is on the lookout for a "delivery," I WILL be checking for the mailman.

What can Brown do for YOU? NOTHING......compared to GOD. HE is "one size fits all."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Patience is Not Mandatory"

Have you ever arrived at your destination to find that someone has already been there waiting for you? The one that has just arrived implies that “Patience is a Virtue” and that you should perhaps practice it more often to perfect with meticulous comprehension what it actually means. You think to yourself “this person doesn’t get it.” I do not need to be reminded that “Patience is a Virtue!” This is the same person that would have impatiently awaited YOUR arrival had the shoe been on the other foot. What are you to do? I mean should I be so honored that the lesson is being filtered through your "conduit existence" or should I remind you “Patience is Not Mandatory?”

Therein lies the dilemma in what you should do or what should be done to not be tempted to wield your razor sharp tongue, saying the wrong thing, yet meaning every word of it! The nerve of someone to assume that without his or her presence, that the world would not/could not, still spin on its axis. Quite the contrary, but trying to convince them is an exercise in futility. The dilemma continues with no resolution, just prolonged drama. Some people truly thrive in chaos and everything wreaks of their chaotic existence, but “Patience is a Virtue,” remember? Virtue it may be, but mandatory it is not.

The amount of time that is invested in awaiting “their” arrival may not yield the necessary ROI that is needed to continue along the same path. Change IS mandatory! It is imperative to the current, present and future existence of everything that we embark upon. Patience may not be mandatory, but I am so glad that HE has been patient with me! Imagine ME telling HIM that “Patience is a Virtue.” Patience may NOT be mandatory, but I am so thankful that HE chose to await MY arrival. And to think that I have been keeping HIM waiting for so long.

Of course everything happens for a reason and exactly when it is supposed to happen, but Praise and Worship should not have just been on my daily agenda, they should have been checked off as they were being completed! No, “Patience is Not Mandatory,” but I’m so grateful that HE allowed me to “get it, catch up, pursue and catch my stride.” Patience may not be mandatory, but reciprocity SHOULD be, hence the reason I will bestow upon what has been bestowed upon me.

The next time I ponder about patience not being mandatory, I will kindly remind myself that HE could have said the same thing to me.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"All the Love I Can Muster"

I intentionally and vigorously exercise my biceps to hold you with no ambiguity relative to security. I intentionally and vigorously exercise my quads to bend down to lift you up should you stumble and fall along the way. I intentionally and vigorously stretch my limbs in the event that I may need to meet you MORE THAN halfway along our journey. I intentionally and vigorously exercise my triceps to display a show of force that attacks from the side or from the rear should reconsider in their feeble attempts due to the fact that weakness is not an option and strength is my preemptive weapon of choice. I intentionally and vigorously exercise my traps and deltoids to provide the type of support and conditioning that will always have my back. I have intentionally and vigorously exercised my calf muscles to support the "Leap of Faith" that has permitted me to arrive at my current destination.

And I intentionally and vigorously SMILE to ensure you that when the world is frowning upon you, you can depend on me to SMILE upon you.

I conduct my abdominal routines to be able to withstand the blows that are trying to knock the wind out of me. Love has me running in place, doing jumping jacks, bare knuckle push-ups until the pectorals are burning with happiness that they are being formed to stick out as a show of confidence.

My strength is beyond the physical and nothing short of the spiritual.

All that I do is preparation that affords me the opportunity to strengthen me, thus strengthening us in all that we do, all that we are attempting to do and all that we will indeed become.

With "All the Love I Can Muster," my fitness for Faith, Family, Friends, Love and Life tell me that I am built for this.

With "All the Love I Can Muster," a smidgen of nothing will infiltrate the smidgen of Faith that has collected my attention, kept my interest, garnered my Praise and WELCOMED my participation.

With all the strength that I have, I absolutely adore you, with "All the Love I Can Muster."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Prerequisites"

The arrival to the next level is strongly contingent upon proper preparation which warrants no less than the satisfactory completion of predetermined "Prerequisites."

Throughout the educational process, it has been determined that in order to take one class, you sometimes have to fulfill the obligatory "Prerequisites" that have been outlined and mandated prior to taking the NEXT level of classes.

Well life works in the same manner and capacity. In order to take your life to the next level, sometimes there are "Prerequisites" that have to be satisfied in order to appreciate the next level that we are so vigorously in search of, trying to navigate our way to.

I have personally attempted to skate around some "Prerequisites" that required my attention, but as I soon discovered, they did not and do not ever go anywhere. In all actuality, they stayed put, waiting for my inevitable return. You see, they were aware of the fact that I needed them in order to advance my personal journey. They were abundantly aware that even though I squawked at having to complete the "Prerequisites," they were well informed of the advantageous position they would later afford me.

Those "Prerequisites" were not trying to hold me back, they were trying to give me the foundation that I needed to build on. Those "Prerequisites" were trying to provide me with the necessary fundamentals that dictated that I needed to crawl before I walk, that I needed to walk before I ran, that I needed to have my support mechanisms in place to take any and all of my movements to the next level.

Within my personal transition, I have been and continue to be Blessed with "Prerequisites" that have bridged the gap between my own understanding or the lack thereof and the need to "lean not on my own understanding" to further advance my journey by coming to terms that I do not know it all. Where I am weak, HE is strong. And where I am strong, HE is even STRONGER!

GOD has been better to me than I have been to myself and I am so grateful for the opportunity to humble Corey and give "Thanks" for what my life has become and for who I am steadily becoming. A better person, a exceptional loving father, a humble spirit, a caring brother, a better friend, a spiritual warrior, a better listener (I'm trying), a proactive doer, a more patient reactive participant, a better planner, a good Uncle and an IMPECCABLE son, to HIM and my Mother.

All of my "Prerequisites" have not been taken since my refusal to cease learning and the successful shattering of the glass ceiling that once enclosed my thought process is no more. The potential to sponge and soak up as much as possible is only part of the equation. The other part of the equation begs me to formulate what I have learned and share. The "Prerequisite" for sharing is the satisfactory understanding and acceptance of the fact that I have indeed been Blessed.

With as much encouragement as I can muster, in life's next semester, do not attempt to avoid your "Prerequisites." The next level awaits your arrival and they are indeed mandatory.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Smiles and Glow"

Have you ever found yourself in the presence of a person that possesses a spirit that is undeniable, emphatic, deliriously positive and genuinely real? The illumination is so sincere that it is not just in the steps that they have already taken, but it exists well within the steps that they have YET to take.

Even the Periodic Table of Elements desires to possess the ingredients that composes the happiness and stirs up the emotions of what you have found yourself in the presence of.

An unwavering Faith in knowing what is real, contrived or just for show. A demeanor that begs to differ with any demeanor that is not at least complimentary to THAT demeanor.

Women possess the "Smiles & Glow when they are in love with a GOOD man.

Dedicated and present father's possess the "Smiles & Glow" as they bare witness to the birth and subsequent accomplishments of their children.

Some expecting Mother's possess the "Smiles & Glow" as they gently caress their bellies, pondering the future, anticipating the inevitable arrival.

Mother's possess the "Smiles & Glow" as they watch their children become parents of their own, instilling all the things that are sacred and pure.

The Faithful possess the "Smiles & Glow" as they stand on the Promising Word of their Lord and Savior.

"Smiles & Glow" have a way of righting any wrong that you may have endured. "Smiles & Glow" tell the story of survival because once upon a time those "Smiles & Glow" were probably non-existent. Yet here you stand: Revealed, Healed and full of much needed Zeal!

The very next time you walk into a room, be that same presence that you once found yourself in the presence of. Be that undeniable, emphatic spirit that is genuinely real and deliriously positive.

Should you be unaware, find out what brings about your "Smiles & Glow?" Whatever it may be, keep it in your presence. Whomever it may be, always keep them nearby. Wherever it may be, visit it often. Should it be you, contagiously infect as many as possible as often as possible.

HE represents my eternal "Smiles and Glow."
She represents my Love, "Smiles and Glow."
They represent the legacy of my "Smiles and Glow."

And here's to the longevity of ALL of YOUR "Smiles & Glow."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Glimmer of Hope"

Just a flicker of a spark, a tiny beam of light, a crack in the window of opportunity, a positive gesture in a negative-filled atmosphere, all represent a "Glimmer of Hope." A hope that I can cling to, albeit the last strand of a once impenetrable rope that has withered through the storm, yet managed to resemble itself through its determination to "hold on," all the while representing a "Glimmer of Hope."

"It may not be what it once was, but it still is."

Taking the scenic route towards accomplishing your goals often feels like you are inching your way over an elongated period of time in what should have taken you less time and resources to accomplish the same thing. But the fact that you have not given up means that there still exists a "Glimmer of Hope."

"I may not be what I once was, but I still am."

Determined to give it another chance, another try, another go-round confirms that all that is needed is a "Glimmer of Hope" to light that spark, to ignite that fire and douse those flames in a symbolic gesture to show that you have arrived because HE, never left. All the while HE was awaiting your arrival. And now that you are here, standing on HIS promise, recognize the fact that the only thing that HE cannot do, is fail."

GOD has always been who HE said HE was and HE still is."

Holding on to that rope, that last "Glimmer of Hope," is easy to do knowing that HE, is on the other end.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Hand It Over"

Sometimes victory is within our hands and we simply "Hand It Over." Sometimes victory is right within our grasp and we do not extend our arms out to reach it, thus we simply "Hand It Over." Sometimes we get tired of trying and our actions just take victory and "Hand It Over."

Sometimes we look to fabricate the truth instead of being part of the truth. Sometimes we say no, when there is no reason NOT to say yes. Sometimes we are the very company that misery loves to keep. Yet we find it necessary to verbalize how tired we are of our predicaments, all the while holding on to the past as if it is our sole and most prized possession.

Well, moving on requires letting go! Moving on requires the mental, emotional, spiritual AND physical action of literally moving on. Fear has no place within FAITH. The two simply cannot coexist.

I am moving on with the rest of my forever. Keep up like your happiness depends on it! Keep up like the nourishment of your smile craves it!

TASTE the victory with a single tastebud!
SMELL the victory through the deviated part of your deviated septum!
HEAR the victory through your damaged eardrum!
SEE the victory through your bad vision!
FEEL the victory in everything you TOUCH!

Use every one of your senses to realize the VICTORY through your entire existence.

Play to win! Refuse to "Hand It Over" ever again. Its at hand and its all YOURS!

No longer will you "Hand It Over."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"The Audacity of GOD"

Failing to realize and selectively realizing the difference that has been afforded to you by the hands and thoughts of someone else, via the conduit commonly referred to as "Blessings," begs me to wonder about the audacity of those individuals thinking that they are entitled to the "Blessings" that befall them.

How dare you to think that you are who and what you are, all and solely because of YOU and YOUR efforts ALONE! How ridiculous of you to walk about as if you have the cure for the common cold stashed away in your wallet or a cure for cancer tucked away in your purse. The denial of allocation of time from me to you would be justifiable EVEN in the eyes of the shadiest prosecutor working in the most horrific "justice-less" courtroom in the system.

But the one thing that compels me to "pray for instead of argue with" is The "Audacity of GOD!" How HE allows me to navigate through the thorny vines of life with not even a scratch or a prick is proof positive that HIS audaciousness means that there is an understanding bigger than me! There is a LOVE greater than mine! There is a way that can only be illuminated by HIM! There is a presence that is unparalleled, uncompromising and omnipotent! The "Audacity of GOD" drives me to overlook the buffoonery of such characters that strut about as if their presence alone is enough contribution to humanity as a whole.

I'm not impressed! Get over yourself! Or watch what you possess in the palm of your hands dissipate right before your very eyes.

The next time you think you have it going on and should be revered as such, compare your accomplishments to those of HIS! Then after you put yourself in check ask for the wisdom and knowledge that will truly make others revere you, yet keep you humble enough to know from wince it all came.

The "Audacity of GOD" is a wonderful, beautiful, magnificent thing. Talk about somebody that's REALLY got it going on!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Lean Not on Your Own"

Have you ever answered a question before it was even asked? Have you ever seen a contestant hit the buzzer on Jeopardy before Alex finished, compelling them to offer up what they THINK is being asked of them? That is what my Mother used to refer to as "Putting the cart before the horse." How could you possibly begin to bring forth an answer if you have not even heard the question in its entirety? A lot of the time, we THINK we understand more than what we actually DO. And once we have HEARD the question we then realize that patience should have been on our side at the moment the question was being formed because we wound up being totally off base and kind of look silly for being too presumptuous for our own good.

Life requires the same patience from us. Too much of the time, we jump to conclusions or offer up our own explanations, when they have nothing to do with nothing, and out of fear of rejection or better yet, CORRECTION, we try to hurry up and justify why our reflexes were working faster than our brains at that moment.

This is exactly what I want to illustrate in the point of the title, "Lean Not on Your Own." I am in the process of learning the importance of "Leaning Not on My Own Understanding" because too often, as the Jeopardy contestants, I have been guilty of hitting the buzzer too soon, answering the question before it was even formed, let alone asked. And just like others, without confession of my act, I tried to offer up my opinions on why my reflexes were working faster than my brain, at that moment.

In order to understand what is going on I need to exercise more patience and practice understanding that is OTHER than my own. I cannot allow myself to draw my own conclusions because being right is not the point. Being UPRIGHT is better than being right. If I am working too hard at being right all of the time, then my understanding will falter, thus hindering my progress, growth and development in a space that is greater than the one that I personally occupy.

I absolutely must NOT lean on my own understanding to avoid the deployment of erroneously incorrect information, further falsifying the truth and contributing to a perpetual cycle of inconsistencies. I absolutely MUST "Lean Not on My Own Understanding" so that I can contribute to the positive energy of the REAL understanding and from wince it came.

It is absolutely imperative to "Lean Not on My Own Understanding" since any understanding contrary to that would be out of sync and not representative of the beginning OR the end of an understanding that is not unique to my birth and will endure long after my death.

I will work harder to "Lean Not on My Own Understanding" because it is simply, "Not About Me." Together we should ALL "Lean Not on Our Own Understanding" and await the question in its entirety before we hit the buzzer and begin to offer up a response.

"Lean Not on Your Own"

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Striking A Balance"

Some of my siblings are not as motivated as others and do not understand that their rut is self-imposed. While the other siblings are all too anxious to strive and make it happen on any level, perceived or real.

Some of my co-workers do not hold as many degrees as the others, while at the same time are AS talented and in some cases NOT AS talented as the ones that do hold the varying degrees.

One of my children gravitated towards their shapes and colors and took to them like a duck to water. The other child took a more "subtle" approach.

Some of GOD's children are more obedient to HIM and HIS Word as opposed to the one's that have one foot in Church and the other one still in the street. Then there are the one's who step not ONE foot IN church and are MORE obedient than the one's that do attend in the form of "Sunday Morning Christians" or the one's who have feet in both locations.

.....During the preparation for my Mother's Homegoing Celebration, I was amazed at the innate ability that she had to be able to navigate, meditate, disseminate, articulate, demonstrate, dictate and oft times doctrinate, all of what she had to each of her children. What poise, patience and dexterity she had to be able to balance and juggle the personalities of not only her ADULT children, but THEIR children as well.

What I realized is how important it is to "Strike A Balance" in life as you travel along your journey's path. "Striking A Balance" allows you to maintain your sanity, all the while acknowledging that you cannot be everything to everyone. You will indeed fall into one of the aforementioned demographics. You will be you and you alone and with that needs to accompany a reconciliation with yourself that it is ok to be who you are and what you are, without the negative reinforcements of those who might be perceived as on the upper echelon compared to your more "subtle" approach.

But I've discovered that with all that said, options and choices have everything to do with HOW we "Strike A Balance." My grandmother used to tell me, "Corey, sometimes you have to ACT crazy, to keep from GOING crazy." I did not know at that time that grandma was just "Striking A Balance."

Imagine the balance that HE has to strike when dealing with all of HIS children.

Therefore, going forward, I will not only better my ability to "Strike A Balance," I will embrace the differences that initially made me "Strike A Balance." Through example, "Striking A Balance" in your life will SERVE to be a living example to someone who's trying to LEARN how to "Strike A Balance" to BETTER their lives, BRIDGE the gap and APPRECIATE others equally the same.

We should ALL "Strike A Balance."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Well Done"

Oft times we seek recognition for the things that we have done and sometimes even for the things that we have YET to do. I guess we can call it "advanced recognition" for lack of a better term. I must admit, recognition IS and CAN BE a beautiful thing. The TYPE of recognition is what I am in search of.

It's cool if my boss pats me on the back or if my co-workers recommend me for an award, but the TYPE of recognition that I'm looking for has to be "something bigger than Corey and nothing less than Glory." Therefore, I cannot allow myself to settle for quick intangible wins since this destination-less journey is at least a marathon.

I have entirely too much riding on my recognition to risk the tangible impacts that it will have on all that surround me. So, if it's not part of the solution, then it must be part of the problem and I want nothing to do with it. My recognition is at stake! If you are not part of the solution, then you must be part of the problem and I want nothing to do with you. My recognition is at stake!

I simply cannot SETTLE or dumb-down my goals and ambitions because you refuse to step up, yet you're always willing to step out! I cannot cheat myself out of everything that is in store for me, everything that HE has promised me, as long as I am obedient. My recognition is at stake!

No matter what I do, it has to be "Well Done." Although I'm not in search of perfection, I know that HE has provided me with entirely TOO much to simply do TOO little. And since HE is paying attention, then my recognition is DEFINITELY at stake!

I desire to be recognized with the TYPE of recognition that is pleasing to HIM! Since "U-Haul's" do not follow hearses, I need to leave my impact behind in the same manner that my Mother was "Planting Her Seeds." I WANT my recognition to be 2 words: "Well Done."

When my children are grown with children of their own, I want them to reflect back and be able to say, dad, "Well Done."

When I look into the eyes of the woman that I WILL spend the rest of my life with, I want her to say, SWEETUMS, "Well Done."

When I am reunited with my Mother, I want her to look me in the eyes and tell me, Corey, "Well Done."

And when my life is no more and GOD calls me home, I want HIM to embrace me and tell me, Son, "Well Done."

So, the type of recognition that you seek does indeed matter! It dictates the path that you will ultimately take in life.

My Children, My Love, My Mother, My FATHER! What I will do for you will ALWAYS be "Well Done."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"As Long As I Am"

When I ponder the possibilities and marinate on the reality of our love I cannot help but to get extremely giddy about what the future holds. My love is healthy enough to pass our "Relationship Physical" and sturdy enough to appreciate the concrete foundation that has already been laid. To know that cracks within the foundation are non-existent because Faith endures, reassures and implores me to fall back on one single source of inspiration, is to know that whatever comes our way will have to first encounter "the full armor of GOD."

I love you, I'm in love with you and I cannot do without you. You are my purpose and the reason my new leaf has turned over revealing the person that I am today, the goals I have for tomorrow, the smiles that accompany my actions and all the eternal joy thereafter.

You have revealed to me that I am indeed a work in progress and showcased my areas for improvement by qualifying what has been done thus far, yet identifying that this journey is destination-less, for I will not arrive until I have arrived. Therefore I will diligently keep it moving!

You have proven to me that it's not about me.
Your strength has sustained me through all of my adversity.
You have provided for me when I couldn't pay the fee.
Your love is enormous and spills over abundantly.

I promise to love you with all that I have for "As Long As I Am."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"To Whom Much Is Given"

"To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected."

Giving back is not synonymous with a monetary value. Truth be told, that belief hinders US from giving back as often as we should! It dawned on me some time back that giving back is synonymous with your TIME. Time IS money as "they" say. So, if that is the case then giving back could indeed hold a monetary value in the form of the donation of your TIME.

Speaking on your experiences, lending a watchful eye, offering a shoulder to lean or an attentive ear to hear are ALL forms of giving back. And not once did I dig into my wallet to pull out former Presidents.

Please do not ALLOW or PERMIT perception to become your reality when your reality could in all actuality ENHANCE someone's perception!

Do your part!
Play your role!
Positively impact someone's life!

Illustrate the fact that life extends far beyond the confines of a one city block radius. Don't just claim the street you live on. Do something that will make them name one AFTER you!

Understand the importance of "giving of, what was given to" in the form of a Blessing.

"To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Honey & Vinegar"

My Mother used to tell me, "Corey, you get more flies with Honey than you do Vinegar." As a kid I had the visual in full effect. "What on earth is my Momma talking about THIS time? You see, she knew I was the thinking type so she always told me things to keep my mind busy. My Mother resented an idle mind. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop Corey." Again, as a kid I had the visual in full effect. One of these days, I'll put it all together and figure out what Mom means, what Mom is talking about and why she CONTINUES to fill my mind with all of this brain food. In all actuality it is probably because she knew that I was hungry, craving for some information to soak up, absorb and most importantly process.

It's so important to not only build relationships, but to foster them as well. Oft times our approach makes all the difference in the world. This is exactly where Mom's quote comes into full effect: "Corey, you get more flies with Honey than you do Vinegar."As I ponder the success AND failure of past relationships both of the personal AND professional nature, I can now truly appreciate EXACTLY what my Mother meant when she told me, "Corey, you get more flies with Honey than you do Vinegar."

My approach would sometimes require reproach after I realized that perhaps the door or window of opportunity closed once it saw my demeanor coming. I had to analyze WHAT I was doing and HOW I was doing it! I had to analyze WHAT I was saying and HOW I was saying it! My "vinegar approach" wasn't working. My Mother WAS right, you DO get more flies with honey than you do vinegar.

Sometimes it is incumbent upon us to think about the end result before we attempt to communicate what it is that we want, what it is that we desire. As we contemplate our wants and needs we should develop a plan of action that is complimented with the right approach in hopes of those favorable end results.

I do not believe this to be a tact used ONLY for selfish wants and needs, but for wants and needs that have a much broader reach than what we're used to.

Expel that "vinegar" out of your mouth and dip your tongue in some "honey" before you flip your next words. You do indeed get more flies with honey than you do vinegar. Thank you Mom!

Happy Birthday!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"I Already Have"

For so long I have been looking to add things to my life that I was under the false impression I needed. I would ADD this person, join THAT organization, associate with THIS cluster of people and go to THESE particular places. Depending on your perspective, perception and reality, the differences between the two or the combination of both, can be a humbling experience. I wound up creating a "top-heavy" situation that could easily tip over in excess. Things were upside down because they were NOT right-side up.

When I right-sided the upside down I started to realize the balance that I truly needed, that was desperately missing. I was doing the opposite of what I SHOULD have been doing. By right-siding the top-heavy upside down I was able to stabilize my foundation. By subtracting FROM instead of adding TO, I wound up creating a new lane in which to travel, along a road less traveled.

My epiphany: Everything that I need in my life, "I Already Have."

There was no need to add TO because less is truly more. I have the best friend in the world and HE has never left my side nor forsaken me. I have a couple of living reminders of "What Not to Do." I have love in my heart, love in my life and the love of my life. I truly have everything, for there is nothing that I do not already have.

The math effort of subtracting has afforded me the luxury of time, more time to spend with and doing the things that I truly love and the things that truly matter. The aimless effort of adding TO no longer carries a top-heavy distinction in my life. Balance has tended to work better for me: better suited, better managed and better off.

I am SO thankful and feel enormously BLESSED to know that everything that I need in my life, "I Already Have."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Know Your Truth"

Ever been accused of something that the accuser was actually guilty of themselves? The perpetrator of the action was in all actuality the guilty party.

"You're not smart!"
"You're stupid!"
"You don't deserve this!"
"You didn't earn that!"
"Who do you think you are?"
And the BIG one, "You're cheating!" And all of this was BEFORE breakfast!

Truth always has a way of presenting itself! Truth will always shine a light on the accuser's ill-attempt to camouflage the truth. You have to be smarter than what you're attempting, so you can at least make sense out of it yourself! Should you not be smarter than truth, perhaps you should practice it more often.

But as long as we are and continue to be truthful to ourselves, the innate response to such mediocrity will be that of a revelation of sorts. You see, some people need to tear you down in order to build themselves up. Some people need to push you out of the way, in order for them to get ahead. And some people need to cut in line because their level of patience is not what it should be. They kept hitting the snooze button on life, hence the reason they are always "Late in Life." Unfortunate realities that we have to witness, but we're still fortunate enough to recognize them and nip them in the bud way before they blossom and spread in a weed-like manner. And we all know how hard it is to combat and rid our "Gardens" of weeds.

Do not allow yourself to be a verbal, emotional, physically abused, unrighteous, CAMOUFLAGED pin cushion for someone who lacks the tenacity, hunger and spirit and is too lazy to do anything about it! There is a BIG difference in being there during the struggle and winding up struggling and being left behind because you inherited the attributes and characteristics of the accuser, that guilty party!

Understand your truth and what it means to you. Do not EVER dumb down your ambitions in order to allow someone to fit into your world. Build them up, but NOT at your mental expense. Tell them: "The price is too high and quite frankly I cannot afford it."

You are NOTHING that you've been wrongly accused of and EVERYTHING that truth says that you are!

"Know Your Truth" and all that it is worth!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Change IS Good"

In a relatively short period of time, specific to YOUR timeframe, you have embodied the notion that "Change IS Good." Everything about you is proof positive that in order to want change, you have to be an agent for change. I have witnessed your struggle and in admiration of your situation, you continue to illuminate the path that you travel by vigorously putting one foot in front of the other and.....CONTINUE. The fact that you "Continue to Continue" reassures your own confidence and petitions my own level of motivation to abundantly contribute to the festivities leading up to your as-yet realized success and subsequent celebration. Congratulations are indeed in order and would surely be premature should they be verbalized right now. But a congratulations is needed NOW to illustrate the fact that it IS the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. You have identified the squeaky location and have independently applied the grease to adequately lubricate the nuts and bolts thus decreasing the annoying friction that threatens to further damage the very components that are keeping it all together. "Change IS Good."

Your new attitude has beckoned a response from me and I wholeheartedly acknowledge IT along with ALL of your efforts. I've already determined that a standing ovation for your "All the Time" performance is worthy of the recognition that it already has and will undoubtedly continue to garner. What you do and how you do it is nothing short of miraculous. Afterall, your situation could have wound up disastrous but you recognized that "Change IS Good!"

I am proud of the fact that you have found your rhythm and have taken to the dance floor to demonstrate your moves. I am delighted in the fact that you are now dancing like no one's watching and singing like no one's listening. I am overwhelmed with joy that you have accepted the notion that "Change IS Good."

It has never been up to me to change the fabric of who and what you are. Through example my goal has always been that of a Supporting Cast Member yielding my "Shield of Patience" as I witness the transition unfold before my very eyes. Your ability to accept and make changes is your ability alone! "Change IS Good."

No one ever testified under oath that change was easy or that change was NOT good. Perjury is against the law and they would have easily been found guilty thereof! "Change IS Good."

In order to build, maintain and sustain, change is not optional, but more along the lines of mandatory. Should you be content with life as you know it, simply avoid change. But if you're on the lookout for breath taking views, limitless opportunity and a chance to engage, experience and contribute to LIFE, primarily yours, embrace change for "Change IS Good."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"What Not to Do"

Throughout life we live and learn what to do, how to do it, where to do it and when to do it. Life teaches us to be prudent in our planning and even then nothing is guaranteed. We are always shown examples of who to look up to, who to emulate, who to pattern ourselves after; all with either with great happiness or supreme disdain.

Then we have the "Poster Child" for "What Not to Do," who not to be, where not to go, who not to associate or affiliate with. I use the "Poster Child" ideology in the reverse manner. For me that "Poster Child" is my daughter! That "Poster Child" is my son! They are my reminders of "What Not to Do!" You see I cannot and will not allow myself to do ANYTHING that could POTENTIALLY embarrass the likes of my children, family and loved ones. Just as I represent everything that my Mother instilled in me, I also represent everything that I instill within my children. I could not tell my children not to smoke as I excused myself to the deck to light one up. Therefore, I stopped smoking. I cannot pray for a safe trip to and from my daily destinations if I am the most aggressive driver on the road. I needed to be the example that I was attempting to set through my words.

I have taken the liberty of incorporating and embedding them into my daily thought processes. You can say that they are "hard coded" in all that I say and/or do. I have "Customers & Representation" on both ends of the spectrum with a built in "Expectation Insulation." This affords me the luxury of living up to my own expectations and exceeding them abundantly because all that I love, cherish, admire and adore, is watching my every move.

As my Mother watches from above, my children are front and center, clinging on to my every word and studying my every move, absorbing it all, in an exact sponge-like manner. Constant reminders such as Post-It Notes, Blackberry devices, Calendars and Appointment Books are all great ways to remind yourself. But what if you forget to enter them into your friendly reminder?

Living, Loving Reminders have proven to be the best reminders for me. I could not possibly fathom not living up to what is expected of me from them. Afterall, I represent them on both ends of the spectrum.

How do you choose "What Not to Do?"

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Guilty of Our Own Demise"

More often than not and quite frankly too much of the time, we find ourselves looking for someone or something to place the blame squarely on the fact that we are in the predicaments that we have SO elaborately customized for ourselves. The intricate details that house our "situations" have long since been in the need of a Home Makeover, a new interior decorator and in some cases a deconstruction for a reconstruction, starting with the core, the foundation.

More often than not and quite frankly too much of the time, we have been the owner, the slum lord AND the tenant, all in need of one thing: "An EVICTION of Our Old Thought Process." If it wasn't working for us THEN, why do we think it will all of a sudden pose an about face if WE ourselves have not posed an about face with respect to our own lives?

More often than not and quite frankly too much of the time, WE are the reason for and "Guilty of Our Own Demise." No one has held me back, BUT me! No one has hindered my success, BUT me! No one has written me off, BUT me! People do not believe in me because "I" do not believe in ME!

As a wide receiver on a football team, it is important to POSITION yourself in order to catch the ball so that you and your team can advance. The amount of yardage gained is contingent upon varying factors, but first and foremost is your ability to CATCH the ball due in large part to your POSITION. When you POSITIONED yourself to advance yourself, you took the initiative to develop a "play to win" mentality that will undoubtedly snowball into inevitable additional receptions for more yardage and even further gain!

When I reflect back on being "Guilty of My Own Demise," I feel Blessed to know that I have yet another opportunity to POSITION myself so that I can realize the "Emotions of Victory." The sheer elation of actual participation! The magnitude of MY gratitude! The Blessing of being Blessed!

It is time to stop being "Guilty of Our Own Demise." Through conviction it is time to give ourselves LIFE through living and being passionate enough to participate and rejoice in the fact that we have yet another opportunity that has been afforded to us, thus allowing us to align and POSITION ourselves for everything that life has to offer.

If HE's the quarterback and you're the wide receiver, catch the ball and receive the Blessing!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey