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

Eagle Message

“Are we going to church today? We missed last Sunday.” My husband Alan inquired.

“I’m kind of tired this morning. But, there’s no excuse for not attending. Yes, we’re going.” I responded.

When I woke on a recent Sunday morning, exhaustion from holiday preparations and gatherings had begun to catch up with me. The previous weeks had been filled with busyness, laughter, love, and joy. Now, things were beginning to quiet and my schedule was returning to the normal routine.

My body was tired from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Each activity has been a blessing. Sharing time with family and friends had brought fun and laughter. Wrapping presents, giving presents, opening those gifts, and then, enjoying delicious meals together helped create precious memories.
Church events included singing favorite hymns, meeting new people, and sharing time with family and friends. Meaningful sermons and Bible study helped remind us of the true meaning of the season.

Yet, I was tired and the urge to stay in bed and snuggle under the warm blanket was pulling at me. Pausing to give thanks to God for His glorious day, another feeling tugged at my heart.
The need to attend church service and give thanks to God for His love and glory began to energize my body and give me the strength to rise and shine.

Throwing back the covers on the bed, I rose and smiled. “Yes, we’re going to church.”
Alan was enjoying a bowl of cereal with milk when I entered the dining room. His smile greeted me as I began preparing my toast and chocolate milk.

“Today is a beautiful day. The sun is shining. I bet the wind is a little stronger on the island, but right now, everything is calm here.” Alan and I often notice the difference in temperature and wind between Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island. When we cross the connector bridge to head to church, the atmosphere changes.

Completing the morning routine, we were dressed and ready to go to church. As we rode, I commented how I was glad we were going to be at church today. “I can always take a nap later in the afternoon. But, this morning, I need to be in God’s house and give Him praise.”

We arrived at the church parking lot. After finding a parking spot and exiting the vehicle, I gazed at the sky and let the warm sun kiss my face. Right as I looked up, a beautiful bald eagle flew over our path.
In awe and excitement, I said, “Look, look, an eagle. A message from God.”

“Thank You Lord. You know my Daddy loved eagles. If I had not been here for church service, I would not have seen the glorious and majestic bird. The reminders of Your love are always present. You always know best.”

My heart was full of love as we entered the sanctuary. I continued to praise God for the blessing of seeing the eagle. If I had chosen to stay home because I was tired, I would have missed seeing the eagle and the opportunity to thank God for that eagle.

How can you thank God today? Have you felt a nudge from God? Did you follow His lead?

Have a blessed day,
Happy New Year,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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33 Comments
  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 17:59h, 12 January Reply

    I love the story of the eagle. This time of year, it’s always hard to get out of bed. Thanks, Melissa. God bless!

  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 18:40h, 12 January Reply

    I can just see you bounding from bed, that big “Ms. Mimi” smile beaming. God has a way of energizing us doesn’t He? I loved that He rewarded your faithfulness with a sign of His love for you, a warm memory. He does the same thing for me sometimes when we see bright red cardinals (Ms. Diane’s mother’s favorite bird) when we turn onto the dirt road leading to the Cross-Dubya and when ducks (my mama’s favorite) when they stop by for a visit on our pond. Oh, how you’ve warmed my heart today dear friend. God’s blessings upon you and Bop.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:06h, 13 January Reply

      Thank you JD. I love how God sends those sweet reminders of His love for us. My Mama loved cardinals, too. Mama and Daddy loved all kinds of birds. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 19:14h, 12 January Reply

    Staying under the blankets just a little longer on a Sunday morning is a tug that is hard to not follow! I love that you saw the Eagle. Getting up and outside shows us God’s beautiful creations in abundance!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:07h, 13 January Reply

      Yes, yes. God gives us beautiful creations in abundance and we can enjoy them all. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 20:20h, 12 January Reply

    When we put first things first, everything else has a way of falling into place. Thank you, Melissa.

  • June Foster
    Posted at 23:29h, 12 January Reply

    Love the story of seeing the eagle. We never know what God has in mind. Happy new year.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:08h, 13 January Reply

      Happy New Year to you and Joe! I love seeing eagles. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 00:37h, 13 January Reply

    What a neat gift from the Lord. I’m glad you got to see the eagle.

  • colarnold
    Posted at 01:08h, 13 January Reply

    It always feels like something is off if I miss going to church. Glad you got to go, and that you saw the eagle! Happy New Year!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:12h, 13 January Reply

      Happy New Year! I’m glad I listened to that nudge from God and went to church. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 02:09h, 13 January Reply

    On those days when we just don’t feel up to going, when we decide that we should go always anyway, we typically end up being blessed by the sermon the most.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:13h, 13 January Reply

      Yes, I agree. God blesses us with His messages. I’m glad I went to church. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

    • Melinda V Inman
      Posted at 06:03h, 09 February Reply

      This post is so refreshing and encouraging. Sometimes, no matter how tired, we simply need to be in church.

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 14:52h, 13 January Reply

    I love that God blessed you with the eagle, underscoring the deeper blessing we get when we choose to do the right thing and follow/worship/praise/center our lives on God. All praise!!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:08h, 13 January Reply

      Amen. God provides blessings for obedience. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 15:46h, 13 January Reply

    I felt the same way after Christmas. I loved all the activities and time with family, but I just wanted to hibernate and rest afterward. So often I have felt tired before church, but then felt fine once I got there and was glad I went. What a extra-special blessing to see the eagle that morning.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:09h, 13 January Reply

      Yes, I understand. When I attend church service, I am blessed by the message and the people. 🙂 Have a blessed weekend!

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 02:56h, 15 January Reply

    What a wonderful story of the eagle in the bright morning sky on a Sabbath.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 17:27h, 15 January Reply

      Thank you Karen. Seeing the eagle brought comfort and peace. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen
    Posted at 07:31h, 17 January Reply

    Isn’t it amazing how God has those special gifts for us when we are obedient to His calling? I’m glad your gift was that glorious eagle. Happy New Year, Mimi! xoxo

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:21h, 18 January Reply

      I agree. God has amazing gifts for us. Happy New Year dear friend! 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 22:39h, 20 January Reply

    Such an uplifting message, Melissa, and what an amazing blessing to see a Bald Eagle! You responded to God’s nudging to get up and go and He sent you a gift. Blessings, my friend.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:52h, 20 January Reply

      Thank you Katherine. I love how God gives us blessings in so many ways. Have a blessed weekend. 🙂

  • kathybarrett222yahoocom
    Posted at 23:54h, 23 January Reply

    I love those “dovetail” moments from the Lord. Thank you for sharing yours, Melissa.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:48h, 24 January Reply

      Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I love how God sends us special moments. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Judy
    Posted at 01:11h, 02 February Reply

    I saw one of yor stories in the Faith on Every Corner, Feb issue. Doesn’t Our God often give us an unespected blessing when we Satan’s temptations? That was sure a beautiful blessing. I’ll be reading your fun writing.
    Blessings,
    Judy

  • Gail Johnson
    Posted at 01:09h, 08 February Reply

    Putting God first always brings us blessings. Oh, to see an eagle! Wow!

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