Grumpy the Gator

In Grumpy the Gator, a group of children playing encounter a grumpy alligator. The story teaches children to always keep a safe distance from animals in the wild, and to find an adult if they see an alligator.

Grumpy the Gator

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

In the stillness…

My head hurts. A pounding sinus headache. Or is it sinus? Could the pain in my head be coming from another source? Yes, I’ve had a sinus headache for a week. Changes in the barometric pressure always cause problems for my sinuses. There is something else happening in my head. I can feel the difference. A stress headache.

God has been whispering to me for weeks. I realized this morning that I have not been heeding His call.

The end of 2019 and beginning of 2020 have been filled with many activities for our family. Most of the events have been fun and filled with laughter. Some events were filled with tears. One of the many busy days was shared with friends in a celebration of life for a dear one who has passed on after a lengthy health struggle.

Looking at my “to do” check list each morning brought reminders of doctor appointments, birthday parties, writers group meetings, an award banquet, radio interview, author events and more. Each morning, I began with a smile and joy in my heart. Each afternoon, I felt the need for a nap.

What was I doing? Why was I feeling so happy and then, so tired? Couldn’t I just continue to enjoy each special event and press on to the next one? I love staying busy. I love sharing time with family and friends. I love volunteering.

I always say, “God taps me on the shoulder a couple of times and then, hits me in the head.” He tries to get my attention. My response is crucial to showing His love to others and to myself.

Another weekend of the most wonderful events. Alan and I enjoyed everything. Laughter, love, the giggles of children, the sharing of meals, the blessings of the life God has given us.

Sunday morning church service arrived. Sunrise Presbyterian Church sits across the street from Breach Inlet. The ocean view beckons as we stand to sing worship and praise songs. Glorious piano sounds played by our talented music director invites everyone to sing along and praise God.

As the time comes for us to sit and listen to the morning message, I glance at the title listed in the bulletin. “Be Still, and Know That I Am God”. Our pastor reminds us to relax into the pews and to “be still”. He suggests we close our eyes and truly take in the message of being still.

The words “Be still” seep into my mind, body and soul. “Be Still, and Know That I Am God”. Those words speak to me as I breathe in and out. My body begins to relax. I remember one important thing I have forgotten during the busyness of life. I have thanked God once or twice, but not nearly enough. In good times and in sad times, when I am busy or when I am resting, I need to thank God.

So there in the stillness of prayer and meditation on God’s Word, my heart is filled with thanksgiving.

“Thank You God. You have provided laughter, love and joy. You have also provided peace and comfort during sorrow. Thank You God, that in the stillness and the busyness, I can reach for You and You are always there.”

How are your days lately? Busy, quiet? Have you paused to give thanks to God?

Have a blessed day and know you are loved,
Mimi

 

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50 Comments
  • Jacquie A. Bradford
    Posted at 17:48h, 21 January Reply

    Melissa, I can definitely relate. Pain is definitely designed in part to help us remember. We remember what we were doing or not doing before its onset, and hopefully, we remember that we haven’t heeded something from our loving Father. Our body has an effective way of gaining our attention. I glory in stillness before Him as well, and praise Him for His faithfulness to love and heal us. Blessings and thank you for sharing your experience. β™₯

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 18:58h, 21 January Reply

      Thank you Jacquie. I love how God gives us various ways to draw closer to Him. Even headaches can help us find our way to Him. πŸ™‚

  • Melissa McLaughlin
    Posted at 17:48h, 21 January Reply

    Dear Melissa,
    A beautiful reminder of pausing in stillness and gratitude before our Loving God. I can relate to your experiences here and have my own struggles with headaches. But oh, the image of your church service by the beach! I imagined the songs of praise and the Pastor’s voice. And then, in the quietness, your heart response was gratitude. So lovely! I’m lifting you in prayer for healing.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 18:59h, 21 January Reply

      Thank you Melissa. I appreciate the prayers. I am resting in the stillness of His presence. πŸ™‚

  • Ava Pennington
    Posted at 18:49h, 21 January Reply

    “Be still…”
    Words that speak to my own heart.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:00h, 21 January Reply

      Amen. Have a blessed day Ava! πŸ™‚

  • michellekaderlywelsh
    Posted at 19:22h, 21 January Reply

    Thanks for the reminder, Melissa! I tend to let busyness steal my peace sometimes.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 20:32h, 21 January Reply

      I think we all let busyness steal our peace at times. Praying today is a peaceful day for everyone. πŸ™‚

  • dscales24
    Posted at 19:43h, 21 January Reply

    Oh, Melissa, thank you! I’ve been so rattled lately. Can’t focus. Can’t sit still. Can’t start something new or finish something already begun. I needed this.

    Balm of Gilead, it was. Thank you!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 20:33h, 21 January Reply

      Thank you so much. I am glad you read the message. πŸ™‚ Praying for peace and calm for all.

  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 20:47h, 21 January Reply

    This is a beautiful reminder, Melissa. I also struggle with being still, but when we take the time to slow down and listen, isn’t is amazing how much easier life becomes? By the way, I’m a barometer head, too! <3

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 20:54h, 21 January Reply

      Thank you Jill. I learn valuable lessons when I pause to listen for His Word. πŸ™‚ Praying your barometer head is behaving. My headache is still with me. Cold here in the Lowcountry. πŸ™‚

  • debwilson2
    Posted at 22:41h, 21 January Reply

    Melissa, I’ve learned that even though I enjoy the stimulation of doing, I need the stillness of being. I appreciate you experience. My body tells me when I need to be still too!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 00:27h, 22 January Reply

      Yes, yes! I enjoy the stillness of being. Resting in His love is comforting. πŸ™‚

  • Vickie@Vickie's Kitchen and Garden
    Posted at 00:12h, 22 January Reply

    Just reading this and listening to “your voice” made me realize that I need to be still more often and listen to God. I hope your feeling better. Sometimes we need to be bored.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 00:59h, 22 January Reply

      I believe God wants us to take time to rest. Being bored can be a good thing. πŸ™‚

  • nancyehead
    Posted at 00:57h, 22 January Reply

    You’re preaching to me, Melissa! Thanks and God bless!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 00:58h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you for your encouragement Nancy. Blessings. πŸ™‚

  • Bettie G
    Posted at 03:34h, 22 January Reply

    I am continuing to learn the lesson of “stillness,” even though it was my #OneWord for 2017. I think He will always have more in that lesson to teach! I am praying for you to find relief this week as you still with Him.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:31h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you dear friend. I woke with a new perspective this morning. My “to do” list will still be there waiting. I want to rest and enjoy the sunshine peeking through the window. The temperatures are freezing but the sun is beautiful. Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Karen
    Posted at 06:00h, 22 January Reply

    Dearest Mimi, prayers for your sinus headaches to vanish under the loving hand of our Healer, Jehovah Ropha. Thanks for the reminder to “be still and know that He is God.” Much love xoxo

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:31h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you for the prayers my dear sweet friend. I feel better today. I am smiling and full of joy. Whatever the day brings, I know God is with me. Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Carol
    Posted at 10:00h, 22 January Reply

    A very good message and at a good time for me. Thanks!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:33h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you so much. I need to remind myself to pause and renew. Resting in His promises each moment. πŸ™‚ Have a blessed day!

  • June Foster
    Posted at 14:18h, 22 January Reply

    Melissa, thank you for sharing your heart here. I think it’s a way we’ve all felt at different times. Happy new year.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:34h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you June. You always encourage me and I appreciate your friendship. Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 15:09h, 22 January Reply

    I needed to read this today… feeling beyond stressed! You are right: time to give it to God (along with my THANKS). I’m grateful for it all, and I need to remember that.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 15:19h, 22 January Reply

      I am praying today will become less stressful for you Jessica. Thank you for reminding me to give THANKS to Him. πŸ™‚ Have a blessed day!

  • Christy Williams
    Posted at 16:16h, 22 January Reply

    Thank YOU for reminding me to thank HIM!! 😊

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 17:00h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Unmasking the Mess
    Posted at 21:54h, 22 January Reply

    Such a great reminder to remain peace-filled during all times!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 22:11h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you. Stress will come and go and as long as we have God, we can find peace. πŸ™‚ Have a blessed day!

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 02:50h, 23 January Reply

    I hope your sinuses feel better Melissa! Migraines are common barometer reactions for some of my friends, and I feel for them. I’m glad God brought you His perfect words at that Sunday service. We do have His care and love, always.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 23:10h, 23 January Reply

      Thank you Lynn. I feel much better today. I love how God sends us messages in unique ways. Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Jeanne Takenaka
    Posted at 17:10h, 23 January Reply

    Awww, Melissa. You’ve shared on one of my favorite verses. I first encountered it sculpted onto a rock at a camp in the mountains. I’ve prayed it every night for years, to try and calm my meandering thoughts and focus them on the Giver of sleep and rest. There atime when we simply need to be still. For it’s in the stillness that we can usually hear Him the clearest.

    I hope your headache is fading.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 23:11h, 23 January Reply

      I feel much better. Thank you Jeanne. Yes, in the stillness is when I hear Him best. Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Marcie Cramsey
    Posted at 22:01h, 23 January Reply

    My days are very busy, keeping me from getting much writing done. My busy days sound like yours, laughter, children, a passing of a loved one, friendships, hardships, and the like. But as you said, God is always near me, supporting and encouraging me and my family. I cannot imagine life without him!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 23:12h, 23 January Reply

      Knowing God is always with us gives me such precious comfort. I, too, cannot imagine life without Him. Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Lori Hatcher
    Posted at 12:57h, 24 January Reply

    Timeless truth and a solid reminder to slow down and be thankful. Thanks, Melissa!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 17:50h, 24 January Reply

      Yes, I find comfort in slowing down and resting in Him. Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Emily Saxe | To Unearth
    Posted at 18:41h, 24 January Reply

    Yesterday I had to pause and go before God in prayer because β€” like you said β€” it was as if He was banging me over the head with the need to do so. While I wish we would respond before that’s needed, I’m thankful He doesn’t give up on us!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 21:53h, 24 January Reply

      Emily, I am thankful God doesn’t give up on us. He gives us opportunity and opportunity again to go to Him. Have a blessed weekend dear one! πŸ™‚

  • Anne Mackie Morelli
    Posted at 15:36h, 26 January Reply

    Seeking stillness in our busy lives is so important isn’t it. It is in the stillness that we are able to sense the presence of God, and tap into his indescribable peace. We can find a soul deep healing in his presence. A great reminder to pause in our daily lives and just sit, in stillness, and spend time with our Heavenly Father.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 18:36h, 26 January Reply

      I am sitting at my desk right now and enjoying the sun streaking through the pine tree branches. Sitting quietly in His presence. What a joy! Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Yvonne
    Posted at 19:14h, 26 January Reply

    I think God keeps a 2×4 handy to get my attention sometimes. I love how you explain it for us. Life can tie us up in knots of busyness and we forget the importance of spending time with Christ. Thanks for sharing.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 23:18h, 26 January Reply

      Thank you Yvonne. I love how God uses different methods to get my attention and remind me to rest in Him. Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • ordinarilyextraordinarymom
    Posted at 02:56h, 27 January Reply

    Stillness is so important. This speaks right to my heartstrings. Thank you for this beautiful reminder.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:52h, 27 January Reply

      Thank you for reading and commenting. Stillness can be a good thing. πŸ™‚ Have a blessed day!

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