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

Hearts of Love

Pink construction paper, bright-colored markers, and a place to sit. Four-year-old granddaughter Eden asked for these simple things. “Mimi, don’t look. I’m making something for you.” Her words were spoken in a soft voice accompanied by a big smile. My answer was, “I won’t look. I’ll sit on the other side of the table and color.” I didn’t know Eden was creating hearts of love.

I often comment about the craft cabinet in our living room. Grandchildren Rowan and Eden are always ready for a craft when they enter our home. “What are we doing today? What craft can we make? Mimi, can we make something? Can we do a science experiment?” All of those comments and more begin our time together. Whether the kids are at our house for a sleepover or a few hours, we enjoy making things and using our imaginations.

Eden continued to work on her project while Rowan drew pictures of mountains, buildings, people, and animals. I like to use colorful markers to draw balloons floating in the air. Those two grandkids can draw anything. I’m not a great artist like Rowan and Eden. My stick figures bring laughter and funny comments. That’s okay. At least I try.

A little time later, Eden folded her pink paper like a card. She walked to where I was sitting and handed me the card. “Mimi, this is for you because I love you.” Eden grinned as I accepted the gift.

The front cover of the card displayed beautiful purple hearts. As I opened the gift and looked inside, I tried not to cry tears of joy. This sweet granddaughter had taken her time to make the most beautiful hearts of many colors. “Hearts mean love, Mimi,” Eden spoke as I saw her artwork.

When I received this special present, my heart was full of love and joy. I told Eden that I would keep the card forever, and I will. Bop and I have folders and boxes of artwork from Rowan and Eden. Those heartfelt creations bring special memories.

Rowan made a green construction paper Christmas tree a few years ago. He asked me to keep it forever, and I told him that I would. That tree is displayed on the dining room hutch all year.

These moments of love and joy remind me of the love that God pours out on us. We can feel and see His love in every moment. From the sunrise to the sunset, the laughter of children and adults, the quiet moments of watching snowflakes float in the air, and many more ways, God shows His love. 

God shows us His hearts of love. How have you experienced His love?

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 NIV)

Have a blessed day and know you are loved,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson 

30 Comments
  • June and Joe Foster
    Posted at 15:55h, 24 January Reply

    I love your comparison of the sweet little card to God’s love.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 17:29h, 24 January Reply

      Thank you June. What’s your weather? The snow and ice are starting to melt in the Lowcountry, but schools are still closed. Have a blessed day dear friend! 🙂

  • Michelle Welsh
    Posted at 18:20h, 24 January Reply

    What a sweet story, and I love the tie ins to God’s love too. You are blessed. 🙂

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:35h, 24 January Reply

      Thank you. I love the ways we can find God’s love. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 18:21h, 24 January Reply

    What a sweet reflection! Your grandkids are blessed to have you, and WE are all blessed to have Jesus!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:35h, 24 January Reply

      Thank you Jessica. Amen. We are blessed to have Jesus! Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Ann
    Posted at 18:30h, 24 January Reply

    Love this story so much! And just in time for Valentine’s Day!

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 19:21h, 24 January Reply

    What a sweet gift and a wonderful reflection of God’s love.

  • Dianne M Miley
    Posted at 20:16h, 24 January Reply

    So sweet, Melissa! 🙂

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:52h, 29 January Reply

      Thank you. You, too, know how those grandkids bring joy. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

      • Gail Johnson
        Posted at 14:13h, 07 February Reply

        You always stir my memories, Melissa. And my spirit. There’s nothing like spending time with children and grandchildren.

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 02:35h, 25 January Reply

    So sweet Melissa! I have pictures from when my grandchildren were very young, too, and now that the oldest is one year away from graduating high school – I see how time really does fly by. But I see, too, the importance of feeling and seeing who they are in every season! Yes, God’s love is with us every moment and every season!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:35h, 25 January Reply

      Thank you Lynn. We are truly comforted by God’s love. You are right. Time flies. I pray we all pause and enjoy the times of love and joy. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Mary Ann
    Posted at 02:45h, 25 January Reply

    I babysat my 5 year old grand daughter, Olivia, on Thursday here at the house. She too made me a card covered in hearts. We had such a great day while I was helping out mom and dad on a rare South Carolina “snow day”.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:36h, 25 January Reply

      Thank you for reading and commenting. What a precious time for you and Olivia. Yes, these snow and ice days are rare in SC. Glad you could share wonderful time with your granddaughter. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • melissamclaughlin55
    Posted at 01:53h, 27 January Reply

    Melissa, this story was so precious! It touched my heart just reading along and imagining myself with you and your dear grandchildren. What a sweet blessing! Thank you for warming my heart!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:45h, 27 January Reply

      THank you so much. Those grandkids bring tons of joy to our lives. Have a blessed week dear friend! 🙂

  • Audre
    Posted at 04:46h, 27 January Reply

    So beautiful!
    “ because I love you “

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 06:16h, 27 January Reply

    Isn’t God’s love wonderful! Eden is so precious to express her love for you, which is a reflection of your love for her. I see God’s pattern of love knitting your family together. You are so richly blessed! ❤️😘

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:46h, 27 January Reply

      Thank you Karen. Yes, God’s love is wonderful! I’m thankful that we have opportunities to share His love with others. Yes, we are truly blessed. Have a blessed week dear friend! 🙂

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 20:57h, 30 January Reply

    I love it when my grandchildren draw me a picture or write a note. It’s a special gift from God. We are so blessed.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:41h, 30 January Reply

      Amen. We are blessed by these young folks. Have a blessed day Katherine! 🙂 Hope to see you soon.

  • Yvonne Morgan
    Posted at 19:12h, 31 January Reply

    Oh Melissa, you are such an inspiration of a wonderful grandmother and a woman of God. I appreciate you so much.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:58h, 01 February Reply

      Thank you for your encouragement and inspiration. God bless you. I appreciate you. 🙂 Have a blessed weekend!

  • Stephen De La Vega
    Posted at 21:07h, 31 January Reply

    This is adorably special, Melissa. I look forward to some of the same kinds of interactions as one of my sons is expecting the first granddaughter into our family in just a few short months. Enjoy your moments with Eden and Rowan. 🙂

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 01:00h, 01 February Reply

      Thank you Stephen. Being a grandparent is a special blessing from God. Blessings for your family and the first granddaughter coming in a few months. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 12:59h, 08 February Reply

    Such a sweet gift and tremendous reminder.

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