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

Wrapped in Cozy and Koozie Friendship

Conversations between young children may include “Will you be my friend?” or “You are my friend.” or “I’m glad you are my friend.” What do you think about friendships? Do you feel warm and cozy when thinking about certain people? In what ways have you seen friendships form and grow?

God has blessed me with many wonderful friendships in my life. My two sisters, Glenda and Carol, and I have a bond beyond friendship. We’re sisters, yet we’re also friends. We laugh together at the silliest happenings. We cry together when sorrow hits. We ask questions, check on each other, and pray. Whatever the circumstances, the sister bond is strong and will last forever. Disagreements or differing opinions have never stopped the love that we have for each other. I thank God for my sisters, their husbands, and their children.

As a young child, I remember playing with the kids in our neighborhood. Boys and girls played kickball, basketball, hide and seek, and tag. The groups separated when the girls wanted to play with dolls and the boys wanted to play with toy cars.

Many years have passed since we gathered together in different yards to watch the stars at night, walked together to the ice cream store to our purchase favorite treats, and visited the local pool to cool off in the summer heat.

Several of the kids keep in touch on social media. We haven’t seen each other in person for many years, yet we see photos and read about life experiences. Those friendships continue to be important parts of life.

When I was a young mother, I remember older women in the church showing God’s love with hugs. They also provided tips on motherhood. Their guidance and friendship was appreciated.

My parents were wonderful. They taught me many ways to care for friends and strangers. Sharing, showing compassion and love, and listening before speaking are lessons I will always remember. Friendships developed from following their examples.

Each time my husband, Alan, and I moved to a different town, there were opportunities for new friendships. Invitations to church and church activities, introductions to neighbors, and being included in local events helped us find friends.

Although we have moved from one place to another, we continue to keep in touch with folks. One dear friend and I often met for lunch at a local restaurant. Every week, we ordered the same meal. Every time, we laughed and said, “Maybe I’ll order something different today.” Yet, we continued to order our regular favorites. That friend sends cards with hummingbirds as she knows those are my favorites. I send her cards with butterflies because that is one of her favorites. I’m thankful for her. She makes me laugh and brings joy to my life.

Another friend, who lives in a different state, calls and chats. We visit and tell each other about our grandkids and what is happening at church. The telephone calls are a great way for us to keep up-to-date on life. She calls me daughter even though I’m not her biological child.

Since we moved from VA to SC, I have found many new friends. Some younger than me and others who are about the same age as me. Sometimes we meet for breakfast or brunch. Other times, we catch up via text or email.

One friend, Robin, creates beautiful koozies, prayer shawls, and more. Her gift for knitting and crocheting is amazing. The koozie in the photo above is one she created. Each time that I place one of her koozies on my water bottle, I can feel the love she put into creating the item. I feel wrapped in a cozy and koozie friendship.

There are many more friends who I keep in my prayers. I can’t mention them all here or you would be reading forever. Today, think of the people in your life that bring joy and love. Have you told them lately how much you love them?

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV)

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

35 Comments
  • Robin Lee
    Posted at 11:16h, 03 June Reply

    I’m blessed to be able to call you “friend”!

  • Laurie Larsen
    Posted at 12:55h, 03 June Reply

    I’m lucky to call Robin a friend too!!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:01h, 03 June Reply

      Robin is a wonderful friend. You are a wonderful friend, too, Laurie Larsen. I think you have a birthday soon. 🙂 Happy Birthday a few days early.

  • Karen Ruhl
    Posted at 14:21h, 03 June Reply

    As always, a wonderful article and a good reminder for all of us to keep in touch with our family and friends. Sending my love your way.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:34h, 03 June Reply

      Thank you dear friend. You are so special to Alan and me. We love you! Have a blessed day!

  • June Foster
    Posted at 20:36h, 03 June Reply

    I love reading your posts. They are like sipping a hot lavender tea and relaxing in my easy chair. Thanks for being my online friend.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:53h, 03 June Reply

      Oh my goodness! June, you are such a special friend. Thank you for all of your encouragement and support. Hugs! Have a blessed week!

  • Karen
    Posted at 23:43h, 03 June Reply

    I’m very glad that we’re friends too, dear Mimi. I wish I lived close so we could visit in person. You are a precious friend to everyone in your sphere of influence. God bless you this week and always! xo

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:45h, 04 June Reply

      Thank you so much Karen. I’m glad we are friends. I hope we will meet in person one day soon. Hugs. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 13:09h, 04 June Reply

    What an uplifting message to brighten our day! Thank you, Melissa. You post brought back happy memories. Thanks for sharing sunshine today!

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 02:08h, 05 June Reply

    This is a wonderful description of friends and friendship and made me reflect on the friends the Lord has blessed me with. That’s a neat koozie in the photo, she did a great job on that gift for you.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:56h, 05 June Reply

      I’m thankful for friends. I’m thankful we are friends and hope to meet in person one day soon. Yes, Robin is very talented. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Dianne Miley
    Posted at 11:59h, 05 June Reply

    You are a sweet friend, Melissa, and so is Robin!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:25h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you Dianne. I’m happy to have you as a dear friend. Hugs! 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Carol Souders
    Posted at 14:14h, 05 June Reply

    My sister, my friend. Love you.

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 15:14h, 06 June Reply

    I had not heard or seen the word Koozie before. I learned something new today! I am blessed with a variety of friends, too.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:18h, 06 June Reply

      Friends are wonderful gifts from God. I’m glad we are online friends. I would love to meet in person one day. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Yvonne M Morgan
    Posted at 19:48h, 06 June Reply

    Friendship is so important and I’m thankful to have you as one Melissa.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:18h, 06 June Reply

      Thank you Yvonne. I’m glad that we are friends. You are very special to me. Have a blessed week! 🙂

      • Yvonne M Morgan
        Posted at 23:42h, 06 June Reply

        Thanks. Blessings to you my friend

      • Gail Johnson
        Posted at 23:45h, 09 July Reply

        What a beautiful example of friendship, Melissa! While reading, I recalled several friends and memories. So thankful to have you as a friend. I hope we get to meet in person one day!

        • Melissa G. Henderson
          Posted at 19:28h, 10 July Reply

          Thank you Gail. I pray we can meet in person one day soon. I am blessed by your friendship. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 15:00h, 07 June Reply

    I’m blessed to call you my friend! Your spirit reflects the Lord and makes life more joyful. You are so right… friendship is a true blessing from God!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 19:47h, 07 June Reply

      I am blessed to have you as a friend. Your encouragement has truly blessed my life. Hugs! Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Melissa McLaughlin
    Posted at 18:42h, 07 June Reply

    Melissa, this warmed my heart as you shared all these sweet bonds connecting friends and hearts through the years. Thank you for all your kindness to me and for being my friend. You are a great blessing to me and so many!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 19:48h, 07 June Reply

      Melissa, you are truly a sweet friend. I’m thankful for you. Thank you for your kind words. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Debbie Wilson
    Posted at 22:15h, 07 June Reply

    Sweet post, Melissa. I too am thankful for the friendships God has provided me. What a difference they make in my life.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:42h, 08 June Reply

      Thank you Debbie. I’m thankful for your friendship. God blesses us in so many ways and friendship is one of those special blessings. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 02:56h, 17 June Reply

    Oh, precious sister-in-Christ. You’re more than a friend, you’re family. And as virtual and remote as our friendship might be, ma’am, the godly love I share for you, Mr. Alan, and the grandchildren is as real as for my own family. What an honor it is to pray for you each morning. God’s blessings my mimi-esque friend.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:51h, 19 June Reply

      JD, you are truly a blessing in my life. I thank God for our friendship. Thank you for your kind words and for your encouragement. I feel like we are family, too. 🙂 Have a glorious and blessed day! 🙂

  • Lisa Robbins
    Posted at 11:53h, 17 June Reply

    Melissa,
    Reading your post reminded me of my many treasured friendships. Lifelong or recent friends are an important and meaningful part of my life. Thanks for sharing.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:52h, 19 June Reply

      Thank you Lisa. Friendships are blessings from God. I’m glad to have you as a friend. Have a blessed week! 🙂

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