Corie's Corner: 2015

December 31, 2015

Pay It Forward Experience

the more you share, you'll have more to spare
this you'll find, when you've been randomly kind

Corny little rhyme, but you get my drift.

Moving right along...

I am seriously sick; bronchitis, sinus infection, feverish, runny nose, back pain. I truly wasn't feeling it today. I am beyond irritated. I went out to lunch to refocus. I placed my order about three times before the clerk got it correct. Ugh!

When I approached the window to pay, the cashier had a huge smile on her face. She said,"your total is $2.94." I guess she could tell my confusion. Before I could say anything, she told me that the car before me paid for half my lunch. I was like, "SERIOUSLY?" We laughed. My immediate response was, "I need to pay this forward. I'm paying for the next person's lunch." She laughed and said this is crazy. She went on to say that I was the third person to pay it forward.

As I slowly drove off, I watched her tell the next car. The passenger was like "WHAT?", while the driver just clapped and the two laughed. On my way back to work, I wondered how long this would go on today. I prayed for the one who started it, the lady that paid for my food, and the car I paid for. I couldn't wait to get back to work to share the news. It totally gave me hope and cheered me up.

Here's a few random acts of kindness ideas:
1. Pay for the car behind you in a drive up (DUH!).
2. Give a random person a scratch-off lottery ticket.
3. Compliment a co-worker, cashier, waitress, friend, etc.
4. Spend some time with youth in your community.
5. Pay a bill for someone.

Bless someone today, you have a few hours before 2016.

Giving is the best way to receive!

Ready. Set. Go.

#KindnessPays

Nearing the New Year

A few years back, I read an interesting devotional about new year's resolutions (I'm sure I posted on this topic last year). I no longer list resolutions; it's a set up for failure.

I simply choose ONE word to live by for the year. It is easier to succeed.

The past two years my word has been commit.

I proudly state that I did better in 2015 than 2014, which means 2016 will be even better.

*drum roolll pleeasseeee*

I am pleased to announce that my 2016 word is COMMIT.

Third time is a charm right? Maybe 2017 will bring about a new word.

I will commit to the following:

living without explanation.

I encourage you to embrace the truth of your 2015.

Make peace with it.

Pray about the ugly, purge the bad, pursue the good and respect it all.

Thanks for your support!

Happy New Year

December 23, 2015

This. Guy.

December...

a month filled with family, friends, & fellowship!

it's festive with flavorful feasts;

offering opportunities to finish strong,

face fears and favor increased

born on Christmas Eve,

a fashion forward father of three.

a funny man with a heart of gold,

feast preparer for our family

fun-loving & faith-filled man

with that, friends can agree

felt down for good deeds done

though unfair, highly favored still, you see?

yep he's flawed,

yet the anointing flows

flex not on His anointed

you'll fail as God's plan is exposed.

This guy is my husband, my homie-lover friend.

Two weeks ago, a friend told us to expect God's favor, in the form of seeds sown by us and those sown by strangers. While shopping for our church's giveaway, a man approached Kenny. He gave him a $50 gift-card simply because he was wearing this shirt. In awe, as he walked away, Kenny stopped him, shook his hand & thanked him for the blessing.

*keep in mind, I didn't know about this*

Meanwhile, at the register, I am going over the budget. Kenny hands me the gift-card to pay the remaining balance. It was just enough after the discount was applied. As we exit the store, he tells me about his encounter. I began to thank God for the unexpected blessing, the favor, and the seeds sown.. Immediately following, I thanked God for our friend, the stranger and Kenny. Without hesitation, he sowed right back into the kingdom. What an awesome night.

Happy Birthday Babe!

#YouReapWhatYouSow

Merry Christmas Everyone!

#TisTheSeason

December 7, 2015

No Explanation

Being misunderstood is frustrating.

It is more hurtful when your loyalty, position, and/or character is called into question.

The truth is what you choose to believe...
NO EXPLANATION.

Your team needs no explanation.
Your opponent demands it, yet will not accept it.

Both groups will judge you by your actions...
NO EXPLANATION.

Right, wrong, or indifferent -

Respond carefully.
Love freely.
Live purposefully.
Laugh loudly.
NO EXPLANATION!

Let no one define you.

#Misfit

#30Layers30Days

November 23, 2015

11/23

Today is my birthday!

I love birthdays, laughing, games, gatherings, cake; everything associated with birthdays.

I have always celebrated my birthday as if it were my last or a national holiday.

If you knew me when, you'd truly understand...

This year was different than any other:

-I stayed up til just before midnight to pray my birthday in.

-I woke up to wonderful texts from framily.

-I went to work (I usually take my birthday off no matter what).

-I was joyful and giddy.

-I'm on my couch with my dog and I'm in sweats.

-I will be up praying at midnight tonight.

To the average person, my celebration would be labeled BASIC.

*shrugs*

I didn't do anything out of the norm, nor anything "memorable", but it's been amazing.

It may not seem glamorous, but it is special to me.

Simply knowing that I am redeemed, loved, respected, and wanted is EVERYTHING!

Hello, my name is Corie and I am basic.

I was born on 11/23.

I am purposed to encourage, edify, and empower.

I. Am. Whole.

That is what's most important...

#BasicButBetter

#30Layers30Days

November 18, 2015

You're Worth It

Journal Entry: November 5

I woke up late, I woke up tired...

*PERISCOPE NOTIFICATION*

I tuned in, by invitation, to a random guy, worshiping to start his day…

Worship is infectious. I began to worship. I did so the entire morning while getting ready for work. My worship entered into my prayer with my kids. Though I do not remember my prayer verbatim, it included:

*thanking God for the hedge of protection around my family.

*thanking Him for making our paths easy and straight today.

*thanking Him for grace, mercy, and favor.

By the time, I reached the end of my block, I heard “his financial blessing is coming”. I continued to give thanks. My heart was warm, filled with hope, and just grateful.

***turns on radio***

‘Worth Fighting For’, by Brian Courtney Wilson was on.

I absolutely love this song!!! The irony here is that I only know the hook:

Eyes haven't seen, ears haven't heard

All You have planned for me

I thought, “I'm worth fighting for"

Nothing can separate me from
Your love when there's so much
more still worth fighting for

God said, “If you truly believe that, why aren't you fighting for me. Am I not worth fighting for?” At this point, all I could do was cry – tears of revelation, hope, repentance, love.

*song plays, God speaks on*

and nothing can separate me from

I thought back over the last couple of months. Many things, circumstances, people (self included), came too close to separating me from God, during this time period.

I was a stuck, feeling forsaken. I did everything I knew to do without any resolve, so I built walls (my defense mechanism). My focus was on everything but God.

Revelation: He had been fighting for me, though I couldn’t see it. He thought enough of me to keep me near, when I couldn’t fight for myself and wouldn’t fight for him.

Fear is paralyzing; it’ll make you a prisoner of the process*.

Regain focus. Be cautious of the things you give time and attention to.

Freedom comes with oppression (ridicule, condemnation, fear), obligation (God’s Way, friends, family), obstacles (work, racism, finance, temptation).

Suffer. Learn. Grow.

#RevelationInWorship

*"Prisoner of the Process" is lesson taught by Pastor Marcus Mobley of Armor of God Worship Center. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Periscope

November 16, 2015

The Cycle Keeps Repeating

When you don't express it,

not only my gift, but your gift suffers.

When you don't express it,

the madness silently creeps in

When you don't express it,

the out-seeping madness doesn't blend

When you don't express it,

walls reappeared, re-climbing to discover

When you don't express it,

the cycle keeps repeating.

When you don't express it,

what you say is fleeting

while what you whisper is defeating.

When you don't express it,

your gifts you fail to reclaim

You're attracted to this cycle,

like a moth to a flame.

#FunctionInYourPurpose

#30Layers30Days

Run or Reign

"I like writing flawed women, and being one, it's something I feel I can write with some veracity and authority."

~Callie Khouri

Though I have never really written a character, I write for the flawed woman.
I am flawed.
I have learned to embrace my flaws. In sharing my flaws, I learned the power of testimony.
I also learned how to testify; shining light on my dark moments....

I didn't realize this until my friend, Cordelia, sent me this text:
"Love you more. Thank you for showing me how to be transparent. #NotOnMyWatch"

Her text showed me five things:
1. I no longer run, but reign over my flaws and the darkness.
2. Even I cannot remove jewels from the crown God gave me.
3. Those jewels are the light that removes power from the enemy's hand.
4. Like it or not, you are an example to someone.
5. You choose the impact you have on yourself and others.

With the many pressures of society, it can be difficult to remain true to oneself.
It isn't an easy feat to be your authentic self without risking ridicule, being shunned, or unaccepted.

Welcome to Corie's Corner!
This corner of the world wide web gives me a voice.
In this nook, I can be unapologetically ME.

#NoNegativityNovember

November 11, 2015

The Next Puzzle Piece...

"Denied not delayed"

pertaining to you, seems cliché

Denial feeds doubt

you're trapped, can't breakaway

Carefully piece it together;

denials meant to tether, slowly made you better

Consider the big picture,

See where it all fits.

His timing is perfect,

on the throne He sits.

Don't force it. When it's right,

no need for elbow grease.

It'll snap into place,

your next puzzle piece.

Everything's finally in place,

your puzzle is complete.

Framed and mounted,

Gaze upon it as a treat

Not picture perfect,

none-the-less a masterpiece

purposed for this moment,

such an ending is bitter-sweet.

#YouAreThePiece

#30Layers30Days

November 10, 2015

What I See Now

Life's journey has varied obstacles.

I see the pressure I've always put on myself.

I see why I quit.

I see the cycles this has caused.

I see that this has been difficult to admit.

I see who I am.

I see my becoming.

I see who I was.
This journey is stunning.

I see that I can...

#TestimonyTuesday

November 4, 2015

Cul de Sac

On Struggle Street -

Here she sits -
Uncertain, Unaccepted, Unhinged.

Hear her thoughts -
Unclouded, Unbelieving, Unforgettable.

Crossing Courage Court -

Hear her heart -
Unaltered, Unchained, Unattached.

Here she stands -
Unqualified, Unashamed, Undefeated.

At Redeemed Road -

Meet your new neighbor, Unapologetic.

She has arrived...at a cul de sac.

Where does she go from here?

#ForkInTheRoad

#30Layers30Days

November 3, 2015

His Touch...

His touch,

is never selfish, never cold.

...oh so calming.

His touch,

reminds me that I am desired.

...oh so soothing.

His touch -

tells me how he's feeling.

...oh so loving.

His touch is his love language.

It's playful, never violent.

It's sensual, never rough.

...oh so needed.

I know it anywhere.

EXCEPT TARGET!!!

His touch was unlike any other...

As I leaned over looking at "unmentionables",

my butt cheek was met with one unsuspecting, swift, hard smack.

IT SOUNDED OFF! It startled me and angered me.

I dropped my purse, turned around with jaw dropped, and fists raised.

You know, the square off stance LOL.

I'm thinking "I'm bout hurt whatever ninja this is".

With his hands in the air, tears in his eyes, laughing uncontrollably-

he says "GOTCHA!"

His touch,

finally rubbed me the wrong way.

...oh not so funny.

His touch, nearly got him assaulted.

I was relieved that it was his touch, still irked.

Once he pulled me to him (still laughing), his touch made me smile.

His touch, his warmth made me feel safe again.

He plays too much!

His touch. His touch. His touch.

#HisTouchMakesMeCrazy

#30Layers30Days

Closer to Better

Gradually coming closer to peace,
as the silent whispers cease.

Quietly getting better,
she's let you in, unlike the day you met her.

The closer you get, the better she is,
though constantly giving herself a quiz...

Follow the head or the heart?
Can't decide the weaker part.
Her brain decides so she builds walls,
You climb in, hoping they'd fall.

Dagnabit! This is scary, much like the Virgin Mary -
It had to be - unable to see - what the outcome would be
Jesus be a fence, not a hindrance
Stop this girl's kicking, time is ah ticking.

So many emotions, you make her feel,
the best is helping her heal.

Her heart is at risk, trying to maintain this -
This love, this life isn't free of strife.
Loathing vulnerability, loving security,
she continues to trust, displaying her maturity.

Through it all, she knows
the closer, the better.
even when you upset her.

She shows signs of that girl of old,
It's the lioness in her, she remains bold.
Continue to keep her in your prayers,
You've melted away the toughest layers.

You're closer to better more-so now than ever.
A strong bond that will not sever.

#TheCloserTheBetter

#30Layers30Days

November 2, 2015

Can You See It Now???

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."

~Habakkuk 2:3

Are you waiting for His promise to manifest?

I am quite sure the answer is 'YES'.

Is what you say different than what you whisper?

Hmmm...

I say 'yes' to His will...

I whisper 'I'm weary Lord'.

I say 'God's timing is perfect'...

I whisper 'eventually my time will come, I guess'.

I say 'my breakthrough'...

I whisper 'I'm not good enough'.

There, I admitted it...I have days where I think, say, feel the wrong things.

Sometimes, what you believe cannot be seen.

Get tunnel vision. Walk and wait. Speak it. Work for it.

The vision you're chasing is waiting for you to catch it.

Will the waiting be worth the walk?

Only one way to find out -

#SilenceTheWhispers

#30Layers30Days

November 1, 2015

Going to 'NO'vember

Guard thy heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Welcome November.

October has been the single-most difficult month for me - mind, body, and spirit.

My patience has been tried, my faith tested, and my heart torn apart. The trials and tests came rapid fire from every aspect of my life.

I spent much of the month in tears, bitter, and afraid.

Unwilling to write, unashamed of who I was, yet unable to climb out of that place.

I missed so much...

I missed giving opportunities. I missed leadership moments.

I missed days of praying with my circle. I missed God a few times.

I missed events of close friends and family.

I failed to guard my heart, life's issues got the best of me.

I SHUT DOWN!

I began to build walls...again.

The best thing about it all, the Holy Spirit made concessions on my behalf.

The prayer circle kept praying and encouraging one another.

Random friends would call and pray for me.

My children would pray and love on me. Hubby kept worshipping, letting me be.

God spoke to me repeatedly.

I could see the messages, but could barely hear them.

I knew it was God, but couldn't receive and believe.

Then I witnessed a miracle. I watched a 5 year old girl, with serious illnesses, be healed.

God healing her is a miraculous blessing, in itself. To witness her strength, courage, and heart was my miracle. She did not complain. She is an inspiration and lesson to me.

November is my new year.

NOvember Resolutions:

NO wall building

NO pity party

NO negative talk

NO doubt

NO assumptions

NO quitting

NO losing

NO complaining

NO guilt

The walls are coming down.

#ByeOctober

October 19, 2015

Confessions

That moment when you wish you could go back in time because you ____________________.

2. I will fail you, though not intentionally, but because you have an expectation.

3. Bacon is my bff. It comforts me without judgement and makes everything better.

4. In a battle with depression; I will win the war.

5. I intercede for you more than you know.

6. I am a habitual quitter. (I will blog about this later).

7. My heart gets my feelings hurt.

8. Calm is something that I am NOT, unless in a stressful situation. #Oxymoron

9. Trying to manipulate me will end us.

10. I get weary...in fact, I am weary right now. #BreakthroughBound

11. I have changed a lot, but have more changes to make.

12. My loyalty has an expiration date. (Thanks Tyrese)

13. I am innately inquisitive. I need to understand...

14. My request is that you are authentic with good vibes.

15. I will eventually forgive you, but I will not see you the same (work in progress).

16. My weaknesses include my faith, my children, my finances and my career.

17. My strengths include my faith, my children, my finances, and my career.

18. I am not going back - MOVING FORWARD ONLY!

19. I love my prayer partners!!!

20. My friends call me Pistol.

21. Either I am all in or all out. #NoInBetween

22. I work to prevent the fire, rather than put it out.

23. You'll miss me when I am gone.

25. Judged by many, liked by few.

26. I am a leader, like it or not...NO TITLE NEEDED.

27. I see a lot more than I say. Timing is key!

28. I have insecurities, but they DO NOT define me!

29. I place an insurmountable amount of pressure on myself. #EsOnMyChest

30. Striving to be better, so over the cycles of life.

Pray. Purge. Pursue.

Prayer: Father, my faith is being tested; my mind is in battle, but my heart belongs to You!

My Spirit is whole, happy, and healthy. My name is Victory. If You be for me, who can be against me? Kneeling before You when I am too weak to stand on Your word. #Confession

October 2, 2015

Tape Deck

Remember these???

Record.

Creating memories,

Moment by moment, hour by hour,

Wanna run that back, but no man has that power.

Lessons learned, but not without pain.

Emotionally scarred, you cannot feign.

Rewind.

Just. Stuck., not a good place to be.

Looking back, what do you see?

Consider the impact of this button...

Oh the many changes you could summon.

Play.

Activate auto-pilot - SSDD!

Rise. Eat. Work. Sleep.

Ugly truth untold, as beautiful lies unfold;

Suppressing reality without notion

Tirelessly, going through the motions.

"I'm leaving!", you scoff,

Everyone will be better off.

A cooler head prevails, cleaner heart unveiled.

Dealt with those emotions, thank God He never fails.

Fast Forward.

No more auto-pilot, fresh off of pause,

Purged, cried. cleansed yet still flawed.

With those wounds sutured, look to the future.

Stop.

Compare not thyself, looking around.

Search within, look upward, adjust your crown.

Withdraw, you have limits.

Renew, rebuild, refresh - mind, body, & Spirit!

Eject.

That is all.

#RunThatBack

October 1, 2015

Thankful Thursday Thought

Begin October with gratefulness..

Create

reminders

God's

faithfulness...

~Dr. Charles Stanley

#GiveThanks

September 21, 2015

Vibin'

"If you change your thinking, but not your behavior, you haven't really changed your thinking."

~ Mike Dooley, The Universe

Projecting positivity, authenticity, and genuineness - from your heart into the the atmosphere - will be reciprocated.

Give and it shall be given...

Lift and you shall be lifted...

Law of Attraction...

What vibes are you creating?

Do you have multiple tribes?

Are you in the correct tribe?

Who is in your tribe?

Examine your tribe:
Be okay with loving then letting go...

Pray
Love
Laugh
Heal
Honesty
Support
Accountability
Boundaries
Edify
Encourage
Aspire
Inspire
Growth

"You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with."

~Jim Rohn

...bad company corrupts good character...

#Bible

September 16, 2015

Next Level: The Definition

"Without action, you aren't going anywhere."

~Gandhi

Tired?

Tired of being tired?

Exhausted even?

Feeling defeated. Condemning yourself. Blaming others. Doubting God.

Feeling like your prayers stop at the ceiling?

Unwilling to pray for yourself?

***Thank God for the Holy Spirit***

In this moment, you realize a painful truth,

- no matter what -

TIME KEEPS TICKING.

You have to get up. You have go to work. You have to eat. You have to be a responsible adult.

Going through the motions only, you maintain your day-to-day.

Then this happens ---

Reluctantly, you take that step... seemingly for the last time.

Without intending to do so, you've stepped right into...

YOUR NEXT LEVEL!

Renew. Rebuild. Refresh.

#VICTORY

September 14, 2015

Matrimony Monday: Dear Husband

Lord, lead me in this life

Give my husband a new wife...

Let it be me.

~Corie

Dear Husband,

Today, as you embark on this entrepreneurial journey,

I couldn't be any more proud.

Your faith endured, obedience pushed on,

while obstacles loomed like a dark cloud.

First the dream, then the promise.

So much excitement, but along came doubt...

Process grew longer, enthusiasm waned,

Unprepared for a bout, you hit a drought.

The prophet arrived,

With prophecy in tow

Vision reaffirmed, faith restored,

Tears then creativity began to flow.

The pieces fell into place, over & over...

POOF! Relationships & resources appeared,

To the average Joe, seemingly from then air.

It's not a stroke of luck, but God engineered!

Still prayers, education, and work to do,

to reach the goal of working for you!

Press on, working toward your goals,

Seek ye the Kingdom first; moving in stealth,

May all else be added for you

I support it, in sickness and in health.

Peace & Love,

Your Wife

Empower. Edify. Evolve.

#KingdomLiving

Make Power Moves

Thought of the Day:

Suffer. Learn. Grow.

#PainBirthsPower

September 3, 2015

Surf Board

Aloha Soul Surfer,

Jump in, head first, eyes wide shut;
you have to START somewhere...somehow, take the plunge of faith.

Now keep it moving; you don't want to drown, that would be reckless, tread those waters wisely.

Picture yourself there; ride those waves with confidence.

Anticipate blessings; your head is above water - even after the sets of highs & lows.

Be a visionary! Get stoked! Kick out!

Mahalo,

Corie

#Hang10

September 2, 2015

Be Intentional...

Thought of the Night...

#RestoreOrder

August 27, 2015

The Painful Truth

Ever been happy?

Ever been hurt?

Ever felt like you couldn't go on? Or didn't want to?

Unfortunately, we have no alternative.

No matter how unbearable the pain, how great the loss, how hard it seems -

life presses on.

We can only move forward... no matter what.

The. Painful. Truth.

#RandomThought

August 19, 2015

Thanksgiving

Thankful for every person that God has strategically placed in my life, in every season!

That includes YOU - my readers, writing buddies, and supporters. Your views, comments, posts, emails, and texts encourage, inspire, and motivate me to keep sharing.