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

Joy Dancing


“Are you dancing?” “What are you humming?” “What’s the name of that song you are singing?’

These are questions I hear from folks almost daily. I am usually singing, humming, or dancing to songs that have special meaning to me. Sometimes, I don’t realize that I am singing aloud or moving to the beat. When asked why I am smiling while listening, singing, or dancing, I answer with a simple statement:. “I have joy in my heart because of God. How can I possibly be still when I’m filled with His love and joy?”

I recently watched our four-year-old granddaughter Eden dance. She was listening to her favorite songs. Eden sang along as she lifted her hands, twirled in circles, and moved her feet to the beat. Her joy was evident in the ways she moved. Watching Eden express her love for music and dance brings me joy.

Seven-year-old grandson Rowan likes to make up songs and sing while riding in the car. Bop and I have listened to songs about dragons, building towers, games, funny characters, and more. Rowan enjoys making us laugh with his rhyming songs.

Music and dance can bring out feelings such as happiness, love, and contentment. Song lyrics and tunes can also make us recall sad times and precious memories. I have favorite songs that are loaded onto my listening devices. Some songs are upbeat while others are slow. From instrumental to words spoken aloud, I enjoy music and dance.

I sing aloud even though my singing voice isn’t perfect. I dance while cleaning the house even though my steps aren’t professional. God listens. He hears. I believe He smiles when His children show His love through singing and dancing.

At a recent vendor event, my table was positioned next to a creek. The above photo shows the oak trees and hanging moss. I imagined the moss dancing in the Lowcountry breeze. I watched the people admiring the large oak trees. Some folks live locally and others are from various spots around the world. People of all ages were fascinated by the sights and sounds of nature.

During the special event, I read my children’s stories aloud. Folks gathered to listen to me read “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. As I read each story, I noticed the tree branches dancing in the background.

Do you sing and/or dance? Is your heart filled with joy when you sing and/or dance? Do you have a favorite song? Share your happiness with others. A song and a smile can bring brightness to the world.

Have a blessed day,

Melissa Henderson aka Mimi

14 Comments
  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 21:55h, 06 January Reply

    I am the same way, Melissa. I can often be heard humming or whistling. 🙂 The joy of the Lord.

  • Lynn J Simpson, PLC
    Posted at 03:25h, 07 January Reply

    This reminds me that we are to sing to the Lord! I was thinking that when you are singing and dancing because of God’s joy in your heart, you are also witnessing to others! Keep on dancing, Melissa!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:09h, 07 January Reply

      Thank you Lynn. Yes, witnessing to others. I love that! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 13:40h, 07 January Reply

    I love this post, Melissa. It reminds me of a man who does occasional work for us. He whistles the whole time regardless of the circumstances he faces.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:10h, 07 January Reply

      Thank you Diana. As my husband and I were entering a local grocery store recently, a man was walking out and he was whistling. I thanked him for sharing the beautiful whistle. He smiled and said, “Thank you Ma’am.” He brightened our day. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 22:13h, 11 January Reply

    I’m so glad you love to sing and dance around the house, Mimi. I can see you doing that in my mind’s eye. 🥰

    That’s just what we did with Mother. We played our “dinner music” every night, which meant her favorite songs, and we would sing together. Meg would dance around the kitchen, and we would laugh. So much fun. That’s how we chose our music at her heavenly graduation. We played all her favorites, and I’m sure she was joining in with us. ❤️🙏🏻✝️

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:56h, 12 January Reply

      Dear friend, I am thinking of you all and sending love, prayers, and hugs. Thank you for sharing your Mother with the world. She was full of joy. Blessings! 🙂

  • melissamclaughlin55
    Posted at 00:47h, 12 January Reply

    Melissa, this brought joy to my heart just reading! I imagined you and your grandchildren dancing and singing. All of these are gifts from the Lord. May His joy keep overflowing you and your family!

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 13:39h, 12 January Reply

    This post brings me so much joy! I am ALWAYS singing and dancing, and I’m no singer. Or dancer. Yet I too believe God smiles at the love and joy I feel, which points to him!! Thank you for this reminder. xoxoxo

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:57h, 12 January Reply

      Thank YOU! 🙂 I’ve been singing and dancing with joy. Looking forward to seeing you in March. Have a blessed week! God is good.

  • Yvonne Morgan
    Posted at 19:43h, 12 January Reply

    What a beautiful picture of joy. I can imagine the scene in my head and it makes me smile. I pray the Lord sees me singing and praising with the same delight. Thanks Melissa

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:58h, 12 January Reply

      I pray that the Lord rejoices when we sing for Him. Have a blessed week! 🙂

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