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Thoughts from Carole's Heart
While waiting in the checkout line at a local discount store, the mom and daughter standing ahead of me were
gleefully telling the checker that it was the daughter's birthday. The checker shyly smiled, finished bagging
their birthday goodies, and wished them a nice day.
Now my turn, I transferred all my bargains onto the conveyor belt and the
checker dutifully proceeded to beep each item over the scanner. I began
our conversation, "How are you today?" "Okay,"
the checker answered trying to sound positive.
"Talking about birthdays," I continued, "my mother-in-law's birthday
is just two days away and we're planning a party for her." In a barely audible
voice, she replied, "My birthday's next Monday." She scanned another item and under her breath vented the words, "I'm going to be 21. My
family doesn't celebrate my birthday."
With an obvious question on my face, the checker went on to elaborate that because her birthday was so close to the
holidays, her mother thought it would be enough to give her one gift at
Christmas for both events. "It's always been like that," she said.
Standing quietly trying to process what I had just heard, I finally asked, "Do you
have to work on Monday?" Nodding, she continued to robotically beep
through my pile of stuff. This precious young woman shared just a tiny
portion of her hurting heart with me and then, after bagging everything, handed
me the receipt and said, "Have a nice day!"
Yes, my life was very busy that following Monday, but I found a card in my desk, a gift assortment of lotions, and the perfect scripture gift book from my keep-on-hand
collection. With tissue paper and a birthday gift bag, I
quickly assembled the items and dashed to the store.
Arriving a few minutes early, I spoke with the manager explaining my plan. It
was then I learned the checker's name and finished filling out the birthday card.
The manager and co-worker also stated that they'd do something for her in the staff room
later that day. Hooray!
Trying to keep the gift bag behind my back, my eyes looked up to see that my checker had arrived for work. She noticed
me, voiced a hesitant "Hi", and then, I shamelessly raised my voice.
"May I
please have your attention?" My stage voice carried well over the three lines of customers. "Today is Carrie's 21st birthday! Let's show our appreciation
for the excellent job she does here. Please join me in singing Happy Birthday!" Most
everyone sang with me...after concluding that I wasn't completely nuts! Stunned and teary-eyed, Carrie thanked me
for the gift and gave me a hug. Several people greeted her and
expressed their best wishes as well. On her 21st birthday, this special person was made to feel loved and valued.
We've all been wired by our heavenly Father to hunger for
significance. It's in Christ alone that our intense need to be valued is completely fulfilled. His love that exceeds all understanding is an absolutely free gift to each one of us. It's the ultimate bargain!
This
month, as we celebrate love, embrace the love of the Savior and look for meaningful ways to share His love with others. Give
your time, a kind word of encouragement, your smile, and the warm touch of your
hand. Yes, life is busy, but in His strength we can do it!
God bless you!
In Christ
always,
Carole
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew
5:3
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CAROLE'S NEWEST CD RELEASE!
Everything Began With You
Timeless Songs of Praise
Carole's beautiful voice accompanied by ten gorgeous orchestrations make Everything Began With You a musical experience to remember. This extraordinary collection of hymns and original songs includes Be Thou My Vision, What Wondrous Love is This, Everything Began With You, If Only All Love, We Sing the Greatness of Our God, plus two of Carole's originals; I Like Those Simple Words and Morning Star.
Listen to songs from Everything Began With You!
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Life-changing Women's Retreats
Carole's multiple sessions contain transformational messages that go straight to the heart and then, home.
1. The
King and I - Women's Retreat helps each woman find the everlasting love, security, and peace that only the Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, can offer.
2. Shopping for a Bargain - Women's Retreat equips women with the necessary wardrobe staples from Ephesians, Chapter Six. Shop for Shoes, Hats, Outerwear, and Purses. Find Good Deals and then, the Heavenly Deals to dress for success when facing every day battles.
Click here to find out more!
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