Mind Dumps, Randomness, Reflections & Introspection
Father’s Day Mind Dump
First I want to wish my father, Eugene Gibson as blessed Father’s Day. Also wishing all the other dads a blessed day. Enjoy the day. I have a few folks who keeps asking about me and what’s next, so in a effort to keep everyone abreast, here it goes:
- Finishing up my last few weeks here in Kalamazoo MI. Kalamazoo has been good and I have met a lot of lifelong friends but it’s time to move on. I will be moving at the beginning of July to head to Alabama to spend some time with some dear friends for a few weeks resting. The plan is to transition from there to my next assignment and church God calls me to. I fully expect to dig roots and build community wherever God leads me next and that includes longevity in the grace (calling) that God releases over my life..
- I have had some really great interviews over the last 2 months with churches in MI, FL, GA, TX and CA. As of now I have 2 more coming up. I am really, REALLY excited about a possible church and partnering with them to bringing revival to their church, community, city and schools. Praying for God’s best for me and the next church. I always say, “Waiting is the hardest and also the beneficial!”
- I always get asked this in interviews or by other people – “What’s God teaching you in this season of life?” My answer is always – “He is teaching & redefining what a Good Father he is and that he has good gifts/things for me. That it’s okay to ask & seek for those gifts. I am knowing him more personally, beyond what Scripture says and what others say!”
- Often times, when I go walking in the evenings, I am just enamored by his presence while I am worshipping and walking.
- I am clinging to healthy and positive encouragement. I seek that and enjoy it. I have surrounded myself around people who speak life into me and want the best for me. Regardless of family or friendship, this is important to me. This season is proving to shine a light on those who I call friend.
- Staying positive about my schoolwork and completing my Bachelors Degree. This is still a priority and I am excelling at it in my grades.
- I returned home at the end of May to celebrate my birthday with family & interview with a church but more importantly, honor someone who meant a lot to me. She was like a 2nd mother to me for a long time, and I was apart of 2 of 3 sons weddings (Groomsmen & Officiant). I have known their family for 16 years. Still trying to process her death. I know this without a doubt… that if it wasn’t for her and her belief in/support of me, I would not be in ministry today. And for that, I am forever thankful. Thank You Janine A. Owen!
COREY GIBSON, Father's Day, God, Good Father, hope, Interviews, Jesus, mind dump, Pastor Corey Gibson
Leadership, Mind Dumps, Randomness, Reflections & Introspection
After Spring Break Mind Dump
PERSONAL LIFE
- Have spent most of the last year focused on me and Jesus.. The Lord has been redefining some key things in my life such as Hope, Faith, Surrender and Joy. Cannot express in the right words how important this season has been to my life and ministry. Times just listening to podcasts, studying scripture and times of prayer/worship.
- For me community is everything… it keeps me out of my head (thinking negatively) and keeps me focus on what matters most – God & His people. “Community is only built when you intentional invest in others and have a give/take mentality.”
- Was grateful to be apart of my cousin’s wedding. Also for the time to travel and spend time in TN & GA with family and Friends
MINISTRY LIFE
- Have some speaking engagements in April and May. Right now, I am accepting more speaking engagements, so if you or anyone you know are in need of a speaker for this Summer or Fall let me know.
- I’ve had some solid interviews with some great larger churches. More interviews are being scheduled with other churches. Also working with recruiting agencies to help streamline this process and find a good fit for me. Hopefully, prayerfully, and Lord willingly I will have a new church family/home by the end of May. The waiting is such the hardest part of the search process.
- You can join me in praying for God’s best during this process. I have some pretty cool friends and family members who are super supportive and making sure to reach out to me during this time.
“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
Church Leadership, featured, leadership, mind dump, ministry, Speaking Request, Spring Break, Youth Ministry Leadership
Leadership, Mind Dumps, Reflections & Introspection
Mind Dump 2015
Haven’t done one of these in a very long time… this will be a transparent & vulnerable posting.
- Back in September, I resigned and stepped down from my position at a church for several reason with the main one being to pursue getting back into Student Ministry after a stint as an Associate Pastor. It was a painful experience of leaving a church and people that I loved, but knowing God was doing MORE with me. A decision that up until December I semi-regretted, which is big because I’m a person that lives life without regrets. As I move forward, I will always be thankful for my time there. There is so much more I would like to say, but I will save that for a later blog – maybe even a BOOK!!!
- In a season of my life with all that has transpired over the last few month there were times of fear (moving forward, nay-sayers), loss of friendship/closeness of friends, lack of calling/anointing, tiredness, and frustration. I have always preached/said that ministry is NOT for the weak at heart. There will be times of loneliness, regret, fear, joy, favor and fun. The attitude you keep during these times are important. The people & friends who speak into your life matters as well. Keep believing, keep praying and stay encouraged. “It’s in the place of obscurity where Jesus develops you.. the real you!” – Pastor Jason Laird
- Had a great time back in TN for 3 weeks visiting friends, going to a Live Album Recording and lastly attending a friend’s Wedding. Was great to just get away without an expectation or guilt
- Thankful for some open opportunities coming up with possible FT ministry positions and speaking engagements. I am grateful for every interview, email and phone conversation which brings me one step closer. I also love spending time networking with some pastors. If you know of churches hiring, let me know.
- This past week, I started working at a regular job. YAY God!!! Absolutely thankful to work, while waiting on the right church the Lord has for me. I’m totally depending on God
- Checkout my last blog about Friendship called “Soul Ties: A Call to Friendship”.. Also the plan is to blog at least once a month. We will see how that goes.
- Things I’ve been focused on in prayer: God’s favor, wisdom and influence in this generation. The right church, spouse, & friends/ministry partners! Praying for blessings in My Finances and a renewed mind & vision
- I am planning on taking a break from social media for awhile so that I can focus on things that matter most. I have gotten side-tracked with likes, followers and social contacts. While connecting is great, I want to focus on me. So if you are in need of getting in touch with me, just shoot me a text/call or email – corey@awakenthisheart.com. I don’t have a set time frame on coming back, so it will be as the Lord leads.
Bonus:
This scripture has wrecked & pierced me this entire week.. “Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.” – Psalm 105:19 /// with all the dreams in my heart and promises over my life, I am still in the waiting stage till the Lord fulfill them BUT he is testing and teaching me about my character. What you do between the Promise and the Payoff is absolutely critical. How will you be found during the meantime of obscurity & greatness?“Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD TESTED Corey’s character.”
COREY GIBSON, Jesus, mind dump, ministry, Pastor Corey Gibson
