Matrimony Monday

Corie's Corner presents...

During one of our gatherings, we had a discussion that began about education. Of course, this conversation took on a life of its own, it was very insightful and entertaining, evolving into many subtopics. Then this happened...

She Said: He doesn't know how to update his resume'.

He Said: I don't, she has always done it. 

She Said: I would prefer to show you how to do it.

He Said: For what? Wives are the administrators of the home. 

She Said: So what happens when I am not around to update it?

He Said: I will wait til you come home.

He Said: I will call Kendra or one of the other administrators (LOL).

She Said: That's not okay. It is a basic skill that an adult should have. What does the Bible say about teaching a man to fish?

He Said: It would be a waste of my time, babe. 

She Said: It bothers me that you don't care to learn a simple skill.

He Said: I didn't know this bothered you. 

She Said: Yep, anything could happen and you need to have some admin skills. 

He Said: You're better at it than I am. It's your strength.

She Said: You can't change careers without adopting new skills.

Friend Said: Does he need to go to school to gain skills and/or change careers?

She said: Absolutely. I get tired of him coming home physically beat down. He isn't getting any younger. It concerns me...

He Said: She got me there. Okay babe, I will learn how to do it...

She Said: ***crickets*** In my mind, "I will believe it when I see it

Her conclusion: While most wives are administrators (agreed) and I am indeed the admin person in our home (agreed), I disagree with the fact that He will not put forth an effort. That to me is unacceptable. 

His conclusion: Committed to the idea of learning how to do a resume' and be the back up admin.

In conclusion, we agree to disagree. I had been harboring this one for quite sometime, can y'all tell? I love our gatherings; I always leave spiritually fed, learning a lesson, and laughing til I am tired. That night was no different. 

Communicate + Capacity + Character = Change.

#TherapySession

It's Not About Me

It has been a tiring week, but a blessed week just the same.  I must admit, I had one of the moments where I was irked...A LOT! Situations have a way of doing that to you when all is going well...

Ever have that moment when you want to just speak your mind without consequence? Maybe you just consider giving up and not going the extra mile for the next person. Then you end up going even further to help someone, against your better judgement. Welp, that about sums up the irked moment for me. Without going into details, I had a situation at work that left me feeling disheartened, confused, frustrated, and...well IRKED! I am learning that some things are not meant for me to understand, especially as it relates to the choices people make.

After an evening of laughs with friends, I received a message from His Highness. I was riding along thinking about what I would post for FOL Friday. On my radio, I heard a song by This'l, entitled "It's Not About Me". The hook is as follows: 

You lay my life down

Dirty I could die today
God's still gonna finish everything that he want to say
We not the stars
Man we just some features in the story
He the King, He reigns supreme
And He gonna get all the glory

And just like that, God got me right together. I went the extra mile to help someone, not only because it was the right thing to do, but because I was led to do so by the Holy Spirit. lord knows, I did not want to go any further, but it's not about me...
In other words, have several seats Corie!

Matthew 5:16  
Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and Glorify your Father which is in Heaven.

#GameChanger

Got Plans?

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." (AMP)

Woody Allen said, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your  plans." My plans were as follows: Graduate HS

Graduate College

Become an attorney

Buy my mom a home

Travel & party

Live happily ever after

I have spent all my life making plans (and decisions), feeling like nothing worked out. When I accepted His way, everything became as it should.

His plans:

Mother 

Wife

Bank Mgr

Believer

Home Body

During family prayer time, we discussed dreams, talents, and gifts. My boys easily identified their talents and dreams. They didn't really recognize their gifts. In that moment, I recognized my gift and God's plan.

My passion has always been numbers and money. It was something I got from my dad. Looking back, I was always treasure in clubs/classes, the banker in monopoly, and interested in the inner workings of a bank. Trips to the bank with my mom excited me. I got a lolly pop to boot, in the drive through LOL. 

I have been a cashier and lead cashier. I have worked in several financial institutions. I have worked an an admin assistant in Business & Financial affairs at a university. I have even worked in an investments firm. Each place offering a new layer to learn about finance. 

Fast forward, I am a manager at a financial institution. This was His plan. It took many wrong turns, mistakes, curve balls, bump, bruises, and triumphs, but here I stand, embracing His plan. 

Why didn't I see the signs? Maybe I couldn't or I wasn't ready. Maybe I didn't want to. I fought much of it tooth and nail. Why do we fight the change we pray for? 
SN: I still have those moments where I want to fight it....

Proverbs 16:9 "A man's mind plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them." (AMP)

Right where I am supposed to be...

Capacity. Character. Communication. 

#FightorFlight

Merry Monday

My four year old daughter keeps us laughing. Why should today be any different? We just shared a funny story with a friend of ours, which inspired me to share.

Last week, as we were putting up our Christmas tree, Kam was having a great time. She was watching cartoons, trimming the tree, and dancing around...just being Kam. I was standing around talking to her dad, overseeing this project, as I frequently do LOL. 

Then this happened:

Kam walks over to me and says, "Mama, I see you with your lil stockings on, looking cute...thinking you all that" (insert slap on my leg). Kam then goes back to dancing, trimming, and cartooning. 

I was speechless. I just looked at her dad and we both laughed. I wish we had it recorded; it was so random. 

Once again, laughter is good for the soul.

Communicate. Capacity. Character. 

Merry Christmas

FOL Friday 12/12

It's been a minute since I posted an edition of Fall Out Laughing Friday. Here goes...

So I'm out with my friend Kita, doing some shopping. We are talking about life, kids, etc., when we see these two teenagers without jackets in 35 degree weather.

Our conversation was as follows:

Me: (trying to get a parking space) Girl move out da 

street, walking like you cute.

Kita: She needs on a jacket. This is get sick weather.

Me: I remember when I thought I was cute, walking around without a coat SMH.

Kita: Yeah, me too, I'm too old for that now. 

Me: Honey!

Kita: The flu and pneumonia kill people everyday. Giiiirlllll, People dying that ain't died before.

Me: What!?!? *insert screw face* 

I am almost certain she meant something else, but I didn't give her the opportunity. The both of us just laughed for like 10 minutes. 

Lesson: Laughter is good for the soul. TGIF!

Friends know how to communicate.

#LaughOutLoud

Thumping Thursday

Quote: Children are our most valuable resource." ~Herbert Hoover

I had the following conversation with my 12 year old son this morning:

Son: Mom, what time does Target or Kroger open today?

ME: Target opens at 8. 

Son: What about Kroger?

ME: They're opened already. What's up?

Son: I need you to buy me a hoodie because mine is dirty.

ME: Kroger doesn't sell clothes dude *insert confused look*.

Son walks away annoyed...

...I follow him...

ME: So you want me to buy a new hoodie, when you could have washed the two you have?

Son: *whines* Mom, so what should I wear?

ME: I don't know. Is it stained?

Son: No, I am just tired of wearing it.

ME: Tired? Boy Febreeze it and wash it after school. 

Son: *under breath* I just don't wanna wear it.

Me: LISTEN! We aren't going back and forth because you might lose your furniture (two front teeth). You have two options, febreeze it or freeze, you got it?

Son: *stares at me with puppy dog eyes, wanting to say something*

ME: I WALKED AWAY LIKE THE BOSS 

I walked away from this wanting to thump him upside his head. 

I prayed a true, but sarcastic prayer in the care: "Father, change my attitude and that of my kids. Give us understanding and revelation about the things we ask for. Let us be thankful for what we do have. Make it make sense Jesus."

That child taught me to think before I speak. Even more valuable, he reminded me that when I was a child, I spake as a child (1 Corinthians 13:11).

As the kids say, "he tried it!"

Communication is the key. 

#Boss!

Wealthy Wednesday

QOTD: What small change can you make today to step towards wealth? 

It's hump day folks. It's the middle of our week. Friday is near, breathe easy.

What is your definition of wealth?

I happen to agree with this quote: 

Wealth is patience, giving, change, state of mind, and management.

I saw a Facebook post regarding life insurance that inspired this blog. Do you have life insurance? Do you have enough? 

I learned, at my job in investments some years ago, that one should have an insurance policy large enough to pay their spouses annual salary and cover funeral expenses. It came as a shock to me. I have since increased my policies. 

As for my small change, I have made several. First, I began to pay my tithes. I now use coupons when shopping. I have cut down on my number of trips to Starbucks. I also make an effort to eat better (exercise to follow) and see my doctor regularly because I don't want the spouse to CTC (cut the check) sooner rather than later (LOL). 

My wants are diminishing...

Just my two cents. Peace & Love.

"Small changes will lead to BIG results." ~ Boot

#ChangeTheThoughtProcess 

Mundane to Miraculous Monday

 

  

 

 QUOTE: "When you numb your pain you also numb your joy." - Brene Brown

 

It's another Muted Monday, at least for my mouth. My thoughts are loudly running through my mind. I have read so many inspiring things already today. I am just trying to take it all in...

 

My friend reposted this:

I think I have read more negative posts about Monday than usual. Probably because my Monday was off to a rough start. My kids failed to dry their clothes last night, I overslept, it was cold out, I didn't get my appointment with my hair stylist, I had one late employee and another disgruntled...ALL THIS BEFORE I HAD COFFEE OR FOOD (and it wasn't 8am yet). 



 

Then I got a text from my mother-in-love that read: "Successful and wonderful Corrine, have a productive day!" It made me smile. It also forced me to change my attitude instantly. Our attitude affects our thought process, which leads to what we say, and ultimately how we act.

 

My day has not been as productive as I would have liked, but it has been a good day none-the-less. In everything you have a choice.

 

 

 

 Communication begins with YOU!

Capacity begins & ends with your choices.

Character is your outcome.

 

#ExpectGreat

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mind vs Heart

"My mind struggles more than my heart. My heart knows. My mind doubts." ~GG Renee

#BestQuoteEVER

That quote epitomizes my convo with my sister in law today. We talked about relationships, life, family, family drama (in-laws), losses, illnesses and how we tend to handle these things. Our conversation made a lasting impression upon me.

Our issues go far beyond what we see. You truly never know how your actions affect, offend, or assist the other party. You never know what the other person is already feeling or dealing with.  

She has endured many of life's curve balls over the last few years and is still standing. She still has a glimmer of hope; the faith of a mustard seed. After our conversation, I read my daily devotional. As much as she would like to, life's problems have not forced her to FORGET God's promises.

I too have wanted to quit - quit my job, my family, ministry, praying - the list goes on. Ever wonder how you go on? Or why you go on? It's that something inside you that has taken root and just won't allow you to quit. It's the remembrance of God's promises.

Moral: Everything costs us something...

What's your capacity?

#TheStruggleIsReal

#DontQuit

#Victory



This Journey





Today…

 I am happy about who I have become. 

I AM STILL ON THIS JOURNEY.

Looking back…

   I remember drinking Rum,

      As a young girl – in the world –

  …though morally sound, I was hellward bound.

Now I am thanking God for mercy & grace because I have found my place-

Formerly in the world, now of the world, that girl…SHE IS ME.

Only pieces remain of her pain, now without shame – she fights on til the old is dead and gone.

In her new life, still she finds struggles and strife, even as a wife, she pays the price…

  Losing friends along the way, she could only pray; pray to stay His course since He is her source,

Her Healer, Keeper, & Provider. He redeemed. He forgave. He saved me. If only you could see,

  She errs, she is flawed, she is human and she strays yet not far from God’s map; she know it is He that stands in the gap.

   I AM STILL ON THIS JOURNEY

Looking up NOT ahead, lightly is how I tread – 

I AM STILL ON THIS JOURNEY...

                                                                                                                                                                Written 9/2/2012

Muted Mondays

It’s a new day, a new week, a new month, a new start, new mercies, new mysteries…

My week is off to an awesome start. I am so grateful to God for the suffering and learning to surrender. In light of that, I did some soul searching. I shared my answers to the F4 challenge, one of which is my mouth. I speak my mind; taking on more things than I have time for, defending others, and fighting for my position in life and especially the workplace. Guess who was on mute today??? *raises hand* ME!

God deals with me in themes. My current theme (it’s a repeat) is my mouth; gotta learn to tame this tongue. Have you ever thought about what you have spoken into existence? The blessings you’ve blocked? The bad things you’ve wished on others? The things you say when you’re in your feelings??? It scares me when I think of my thoughts, even more so when I try to recall my words…

Another reminder occurred this past Saturday. I was in a suit store chatting with my usual rep and fussing at Kam simultaneously. My rep comes back and says, “I have good news and bad news.” I replied, “Out with the bad news, the good news will make it alright, then I will make a decision.” Midway through her good news, I spouted out “No need to spend so much money and time, let’s go with that one.” Disclaimer: I don’t like disclaimers (good news/bad news); just give me my options.

Meanwhile, another rep came over and introduced herself to me…out of the blue. She explained that she had to meet me because of my “demeanor and no non-sense attitude.” She further explained that she had a problem speaking her mind or as she put it “I will hurt your feelings.” I giggled. In that moment, I cringed...MIRROR MOMENT! I saw glimpses of myself. I was thinking, “Lord what did I say?” I asked if I had been rude. She said “No.” I explained that I shared her sentiment of speaking my mind, especially in the workplace. Far be it from me to allow anyone to insult my intelligence. I also shared that I have been working on it…

My method now is to take a deep breath, give eye contact, nod that I understand, and ask for a moment. She said, “You have no idea how you’re helping me right now.” Truth is, she had no idea how she had helped me. You cannot take the words back. Words have power. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

What can I do about it now? I can TRY to do better. I will train my mouth to wait on my brain and pray before I respond.

Communicate. Capacity. Character.

CHANGE…before you have to. 

#MutedMonday

'Tis The Season

It seems the holiday season is upon us. 'Tis the season for God, love, family, friends, food, fellowship...oh and shopping, at least for most of us. 

For The Reedys, 'tis the season for injuries and illnesses. Once per yer, all three of my children get sick or hurt or both. 

Saturday, my youngest decided to run through the house in socks. You guessed it, she took a nasty fall. Her lip was busted open. After many ice packs, ibuprofen, and doctors visits, it's still swollen (pic are too gross to post). Today, my oldest wakes up with his eye swollen shut (pics too ugly to post; it's meme material). He was treated for some type of infection. Tonight, my middle child is complaining of a sore throat. He will get some vitamin c and Theraflu. 

They will be well.

Three Good Things:

We were all blessed in church on Sunday, TWICE.

Hubby stepped in and took care of the oldest & took the youngest to dance school (winning).

Everyone is on the mend.

I didn't overreact when thee spouse had an attitude about something (BONUS).

My prayer has been for God to bind all injuries, illnesses, and diseases and protect our home from anything that isn't of Him. It shall be answered.

Note2Self: Find the good in everything. Life could be a little shop of horror.

Communicate. Capacity. Character.

No matter the number, good things come.

#TisTheSeason

Days of the Week

"All great men endure tribulations, to achieve their goals." ~Lailah Gifty Akita

It's a new day, new week, a new start...

My week is off to a good start. 

Sunday surely was sent from heaven. 

Monday was miraculous, but not muted. 

Today was terrific!

Wednesday will be well.

Thursday, thanks will be given.

Friday, I will be free from more fears.

Saturday shall be the setup for...

Scintillating Sunday!!!

Happy Birthday to ME.

God willing, I will celebrate another birthday. I am HUGE on birthdays. Last year, I turned 35. I had no desire to celebrate, which was odd. this year, I don't know what to expect. I did not make any plans (hubby did), but I am really looking forward to my "new year". 36 will bring new peace that surpasses all understanding, positivity, growth, wealth, and dreams to fruition. 

I plan to put tribulations behind me and achieve my goals. I will pursue my purpose with a renewed focus. My relationship with God shall be stronger; no more emotional roller coaster riding for me. There will not be any more suffering.

#Countdown

FOL Fridays

"A day without laughter, is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin

It's Fall Out Laughing Friday! Laughter is universal, it's relaxing, it's a must. I love to laugh out loud...A LOT! I have decided to share my best laughs of the week, or day, on Fridays. 

I had dinner with one of my good friends this evening. We just needed a few hours of laughter; away from all of our duties as wives and mothers. We caught up on our TV shows, ups, downs, and day-to-day lives. It is during this night that I had the BEST laugh of my week.

Chelsea shared the following story:

One day her girls, ages 6 and 8, were getting dressed. After the six year old had put on her bottoms, including undies and stockings, she goes into Chelsea's room and says, "Mommy, I just felt my crotch and it got a hole in it!" Chelsea was speechless; thinking 'how do I explain this?' Her only response was "HUH?" The six year old explains, "My stockings have a hole in the crotch, I can feel my panties through it."

As a mother, I would have been equally confused, thinking, "how do I explain adult anatomy to a six year old?" and  "why did you touch your crotch?"  When Chelsea told me, I burst into laughter in the restaurant...I was in stitches. Chelsea was also falling out laughing as she relived the moment. This was a much needed night out and laugh. 

Communication. Capacity. Character.

#KidsSayTheDarndestThings

Challenged Myself

Soooo - I must say that anxiety reared it's ugly head about sharing my answers to F4. I then read the following quote on GG Renee's blog and penned my answers:

My biggest fear is needles LOL. Please believe that's real. 

On a serious note, I fear failure. I don't want to fail God, my parents, family, nor myself. Failure, to me, is not reaching my goals and purpose. Failure is not being happy or at least at peace.

My flaws include my heart and my mouth. No need to elaborate...

I refuse to allow my fears and flaws to be my legacy.

At age 30, I'd cringe at moving out of my home to assist my hubby care for his grandmother. We haven't had the best relationship.

 At age 25, I'd cringed at my career. I am so uninspired in my current place of business.   

At age 16, my weight and couch potato life. 

I would stand for equality for minorities and women in my workplace.

If I knew I couldn't fail, I would write my story and open my own business. 

Not trying is worse than failing, guess I should open that business.

I am partially functioning in my purpose. 

I have already given it up...my home and my pride.  

In this moment, I am unashamed, uninhibited, and unbothered. 

There is much more work to be done. 

#StayTuned

#OutOfTheShadows