Fox or Coyote…What A Sight!

Bookbag packed, notes from the writers’ meeting were placed inside my journal, pen put back inside my purse, and conversations continued as attendees of the meeting left the room. The monthly gathering of the ACFW SC Lowcountry chapter had ended. Some members chatted about going to a local restaurant for lunch. Others mentioned having appointments. As I said goodbye and left the building, I didn’t know that I would encounter an interesting sight on the way home. Was it a fox or a coyote? 

The Lowcountry of South Carolina has many ponds. Signs are posted in every neighborhood. “Watch out for alligators and snakes!” “Beware of wildlife!” “Do Not Feed the Animals!” Each sign is posted to ensure safety.

As Bop drove from the library parking lot and headed towards home, I glanced at the first pond we passed. I was looking for an alligator. But, to my surprise, I saw a strange sight standing at the edge of the water. Was it a fox or a coyote?

“Bop, Bop. Turn the car around. We have to go back. I saw an animal standing beside the pond.”

The traffic light we were approaching turned red, so we had to wait. When the light changed to green, Bop made a U-turn at the intersection and headed for the pond. The area has a row of businesses. Restaurants, dental offices, yoga studios, a children’s play area, and more. I couldn’t believe what I thought I saw. A wild animal.

Yes, the neighborhoods are filled with a variety of creatures. Hawks, eagles, herons, egrets, gators, snakes, lizards, and more are natural visitors. Actually, those animals were here before the humans decided to build homes and businesses. I continue to find excitement in seeing each one, except for the snakes. 

Bop slowed the car and turned into the parking lot by the pond. I shouted, “Wow! There it is! Look. Is that a fox or a coyote?” We’ve seen both foxes and coyotes, but I wasn’t sure which one stood beside the pond. I did consider that the animal was in the same spot and hadn’t moved.

Bop parked the car so I could take a photo. When I lifted the phone to take a picture, I realized the animal wasn’t alive. This was a plastic fox or coyote positioned to scare away the geese or other unwanted creatures. Silly Mimi. All that excitement over something that wasn’t alive.

We laughed and joked about how excited I had been at the possible sighting of a fox or coyote. Yes, I often say that it doesn’t take much to make me happy. Thinking I had seen something fascinating and rare made me remember that God gives laughter to us in the ordinary situations in life. 

I’m thankful for the joy God provides. When things are going bad and don’t seem to be getting better as quickly as I want, I remember that God will send joy. I need to be ready to accept the small, everyday moments and find laughter. 

Have you seen anything unexpected lately? Share in the comments.

Have a fun and blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Rainbows and Promises

Over the past couple of years, my husband and I have faced numerous difficult situations. Medical issues that haven’t been solved, the starter on our car quit, a scam that caught us in a strange predicament, two house floods that are totally unrelated, and several other things. Yet, through all of these trials, we have found peace in God’s rainbows and promises.

You might ask, “Why do these awful things keep happening to the Henderson family? We’ve asked that same question. “Why? Lord, why?” We question and wait for answers. Every time something troublesome happens, Alan and I look at each other and say, “Here we go again.”

Our prayers include thanksgiving for answers and for the promises of God. Do we get frustrated and upset? Are there a few tears shed from time to time? Yes. We don’t embrace the bad things with joy. But, we do face each problem knowing that God is with us.

A dear friend heard about some of the troubles. She quickly reminded me that we are facing spiritual warfare. When I heard her say those words, a new perspective covered me. Yes, these troubles are not from God. The evil one is trying to take us away from God. With a loud voice, we proclaim, “Stand back, evil one. You will not have us. We belong to God. We are children of God. The blood of Jesus covers us and our home.”

After the recent rainfall, I looked outside to check the flower pots. Looking outside, I heard the familiar whir of a hummingbird’s wings. I smiled because hummingbirds are my favorite birds. Then, the most beautiful sight appeared. A rainbow. God’s rainbow. His promises covered me with peace.

Tears came as I paused and thanked God for His provisions, protection, comfort and peace. I thanked Him for the rainbows and promises. Stepping back inside, I asked Alan to come outside and see the beautiful sights. We stood there and gazed into the sky. Hummingbirds continued to fly around us. Cardinals, bluebirds, woodpeckers, and wrens chirped to each other. 

I’ve also noticed that our grandchildren enjoy God’s creations. From drawing colorful rainbows to creating pictures with bright sunshine and a blue sky, Rowan and Eden find joy in God’s promises.

Rowan and Eden find delight in the simple things. Watching the worms crawling across the sidewalk, crows answering when we make funny bird sounds, squirting each other with the water toys, laughing when Mimi makes silly mistakes(sometimes on purpose), and much more. These are some of the promises of joy that God promises.

Yes, the troubles will come and the troubles will go. We can rest in the rainbows and promises of God. We’re never alone. So, whatever happens today, God will guide us through each moment.

Answers come in God’s timing. The car starter has been repaired. The reconstruction crew will begin work on repairing the flooded areas of our home. God has given us wonderful doctors who are working on helping us feel better. The scam situation has been fixed. Today is a new day. 

I pause and give thanks to God. His mercies are new every day. 

Have you thanked God for the rainbows?

In His Name,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

I Sent the Wrong Card

Sending and receiving cards via snail mail gives me great joy. Birthday, thinking of you, sympathy, congratulations, and other special occasions are great reasons to mail a card. As a young girl, I loved reaching into the mailbox attached to our front screen door. That was then. Nowadays, most people get their mail from cluster boxes or a box on the edge of their property. Imagine my surprise and embarrassment when I learned that I sent the wrong card to my sister Carol and brother-in-law Hal. 

Carol sent a text asking if I could chat for a moment. She had a funny story to share. We talk and text throughout the week. Sometimes we recall memories from childhood. Other times, we chat about daily happenings. We have a wonderful sister bond.

I texted back, saying I would call her in a bit. Rowan and Eden were visiting, and the art supplies covered the dining room table. I needed to wait until everything was cleared and the paints, paintbrushes, and paper were put back into the cabinet.

I clicked the button on my cell phone. The ring sounded twice, and Carol answered. She was laughing. I pictured Hal laughing, too. He was sitting close to her.

She began by thanking us for the sweet card that was covered in butterflies. I remembered sending that one. Carol let me know that the inside of the card had words about not wanting to be another year older. Oh my stars! The heat began to rise on my face, even though she couldn’t see me through the phone. 

My dear sweet sister said they liked the butterflies on the front of the card, but when they opened it, they were surprised by the words. No one was celebrating a birthday. Her birthday is in January. Hal’s birthday is in February. The card had been mailed in April.

I’m thankful for their understanding. I laughed at my mistake. The issue was that I was mailing a handful of cards. Our cousin Nancy may have received a “thinking of you” card for her birthday. 

Carol and Hal are the sweetest. They understand that sometimes Mimi makes mistakes. Bop told me that I was trying to do too many tasks at one time. I pray I didn’t send a sympathy card to the wrong person. 

I will try my best to check everything I mail. There might be a few more mistakes. I’m blessed with a family who understands my quirks because, as you know…”It’s Always A Story with The Hendersons”. This time, it was a story with Mimi.

My error in mailing has reminded me to slow down, focus, and not try to accomplish everything in one sitting. 

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Shadow Girl and The Author

There is something very special about the relationships between grandparents and grandchildren. From the moment Bop and I learned that Mike and Christine were expecting their first child almost nine years ago, life changed in wonderful ways. Rowan was born, and then, a few years later, Eden was born. Bop and I love our grandparent names. We also have several different names for Rowan and Eden. Eden is sometimes called “Shadow Girl,” and Rowan is sometimes called “The Author”.

These unique names come from everyday experiences. From the time Eden started walking, she has been fascinated with following Bop. She walks so close behind him that I worry he won’t see or hear her. So, whenever she follows along behind him, I say, “Shadow, shadow.” Bop knows to be careful and alert that his shadow is with him as he walks from one room to another.

Rowan has become an excellent reader and writer. He knows that I’m an author and he likes to create stories, too. Rowan enjoys technology class at school. At our home, he enjoys using my computer to type out stories and then print them. Bop and I tell him that he is a great author. He’s also wonderful at art. His drawings show a creative side that amazes everyone.

Recently, Rowan and Eden were sitting at the dining room table. Rowan was drawing, and Eden was coloring. They decided to take a break and have a snack. Eden asked Bop to bring her a cupcake. Bop replied that she knew where the cupcakes were stored, and she could get a bowl and a cupcake for herself. 

She smiled that precious smile that melts Bop’s heart. He walked to the kitchen and found a pink bowl and a cupcake for Eden. She sat on the couch.

Eden looked at me and proclaimed, “Bop will do anything for me because I’m his shadow girl.”

Now, how could we resist her request for a treat when she spoke the truth? Precious girl.

Rowan knows where the bowl of candy bars is kept. He is old enough now that he doesn’t ask for a treat. He walks to the cabinet and finds what he wants to eat. Yes, the author needs nourishment even if it’s a chocolate candy bar. We are so proud of him for saying “thank you”.

These sweet grandkids teach us lessons every day. Love each other, share your treats, use your manners, and remember to look out for one another. God is good. Bop and I are blessed.

Thank you for reading and commenting. The winner from the last blog post contest is Katherine Pasour. I’ll be mailing your copy of “Licky the Lizard”.

Blessings,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

We Need A New Night Light..or Do We?

“Hey Mimi, I think we need to buy a new night light. This one isn’t working.” Alan (Bop) called to me from the guest bedroom. “I keep plugging it in, but no light turns on.” The conversation continued as I walked from the living room to where Bop was standing. His frustration at the light not working was evident in his tone. “We need a new night light.”

Walking into the room, I could see Bop putting the light into the socket, taking it out, and trying again. He commented that those things usually last much longer than that one. He began coordinating a trip to the local hardware store. “Is there anything else we need from that place?” I answered that I couldn’t think of anything. 

There wasn’t a rush to get a new night light. We had others, and they would work fine. The hallway is illuminated in the dark by battery-operated decorative candles. No need to rush out to the store. However, I considered that perhaps Bop wanted to go to the hardware store to look for other items.

I finished putting away laundry, answered a few emails, and checked the kitchen cabinet to decide what to add to the grocery list. Meanwhile, Bop continued to work on the light. 

He finally finished working on the project and gathered his car keys and wallet. Ready to make the trip to the hardware store, he asked if I wanted to ride along with him.

I went to check out the light and locate the brand so we could purchase another one or a different brand. I plugged the light into the socket, and it turned on. No problem. Easy peasy. I repeated the action several times. Plug in, take out, plug in, take out. Each time, the room was illuminated with no issues.

Calling Bop, I asked him to come to the room and watch. When he saw what was happening, he began to smile. There wasn’t a problem. The issue was that Bop was trying to get the light to turn on while the overhead light was on.

These night lights only turn on when it’s completely dark. Every time he plugged it in, he also needed to see what he was doing, so he turned on the bedroom light. Silly Bop!

No, we didn’t need to visit the hardware store for that item, but we went there anyway. There’s always something to find in the nuts and bolts section.

Have you experienced difficulty with night lights? Yes, it’s always a story with the Hendersons.

**** Bonus… share this blog post and let me know that you shared. I’ll enter your name in a drawing for a free copy of “Licky the Lizard”. Thank you.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Dust Bunnies, Dust Balls or Creatures

Coupons, gift cards, sale prices…oh my! The sales after Christmas are amazing. Store managers are anxious to replenish shelves with items for the next holiday or season. Items that were full price are now 50%, 60%, and some are 90% discounted. I always find something on those sale shelves. Recently, I found the cutest pajamas featuring teddy bears. Who knew those pajamas would bring dust bunnies, dust bulls, and creatures?

After purchasing the new pajamas, I couldn’t wait to get home, wash them, and enjoy a cozy sleep in my new attire. The washer was full, and suds filled the machine. I waited. When the off button buzzed, I quickly emptied the clothes into the dryer. Later, the buzzer alerted me that the drying cycle had completed.

Taking the dry clothes and placing them on the bed, I folded each item carefully. The teddy bear pajamas were next in line. Soft and comfy cozy. I snuggled them to my face. When all the clothes were put away in drawers or hanging in the closet, I prepared for bed.

My new pajamas fit wonderfully. There was a cute hood to cover my head if the air was cold in the house. Relaxing and ready for the night, I told Alan that I was going to sleep. Little did I know that something strange was happening.

That night, I slept without any interruptions. Covered and comforted by my new jammies, I was happy when I woke. The morning routine began with prayers, breakfast, and opening both the front door and back doors, followed by a thanksgiving for God’s blessings. After taking my daily medications, I changed clothes. 

As I reached for a shirt and pants from the closet, I noticed that some items of clothing were covered in little balls of something. Perhaps they were dust bunnies, dust balls, or some kind of creature. Finding the lint roller, I retrieved every lint ball that I could see. 

The day continued. Alan chose a flannel shirt to wear that day. When he walked into the kitchen, I saw that his shirt was covered with those mysterious creatures. I began searching for answers. My disappointment came when I realized my new precious jammies were the cause of the problem.

Determined to fix the issue, I washed the pajamas three more times. Four total washings should do the trick. There would be no more dust bunnies, dust balls, or creatures attaching to our clothing. Much to my surprise, four weeks later, we continued to use the lint brush to remove those foreign objects.

I finally gave in and threw the pajamas in the trash can. They weren’t suitable for anyone. I’m glad I could enjoy them for a couple of nights. 

The mission continues today. The jammies have been gone for weeks. Finally, after a load of laundry was removed from the dryer, I only found two of those unwanted creatures.

This whole experience made us laugh. I’m sure we’re not the only ones who purchased those cute teddy bear pajamas. I wonder who else had an issue with them.

I thank God for giving us another reason to find joy in the simple moments of life.

Have you ever had trouble with extra dust bunnies, dust balls, or creatures on your clothing?

Blessings,

Melissa Henderson aka Mimi

Pocket Music

In a recent blog post, I shared my thoughts about the sound of a ticking clock providing laughter and joy. I had no idea that something similar would happen again. I’m thankful for the wonderful ways God gives us to find joy in the simple moments in life. Today, a bit of pocket music brought giggles to Alan and me.

Part of my morning routine includes praying and giving thanks to God for His blessings, handling morning tasks like making the bed, preparing and eating breakfast, and checking on my birds. I must admit that this morning, I scrolled through the emails on my phone. There was a reminder about the church service on Sunday. All was well. I decided to watch the service online because we couldn’t attend in person.

After checking a few items off of my list, I placed the phone in my pocket and continued with morning activities. Opening the blinds in the office/playroom, checking the mail app to see what letters and/or bills might be arriving, and also, looking in the kitchen cabinet to decide on a meal for lunch. Regular routine.

Alan was watching television in the living room. Thinking he was watching a Christmas show, I commented on the beauty of the music and voices in the program. Alan looked at me and said, “I’m not watching anything about Christmas. I’m watching an old western.”

I noticed that as I walked into the living room, the sound quieted. Walking back to the other part of the house, the music and voices became louder. 

I checked outside to see if people were carolling this morning. No. Not a person. Just the birds flying from feeder to feeder.

This situation continued for a few minutes. I could hear talking and singing, then quiet. There had to be an explanation. No radio, CD player, or computer was offering Christmas music.

As I stood still in the hallway, I noticed the sound coming from the pocket in my jeans. Lifting the phone out, I saw that I had pressed the button to play the “Festival of Lessons and Carols Service: The Story of God’s Promise Fulfilled in Christ” from Palmetto Presbyterian Church. I continued watching the service and shared the news with Alan.

The beautiful sounds of the choir and congregation were coming from the phone in my pocket. I’m thankful that our church has a youtube channel and we’re able to watch the service online if we can’t attend in person.

I’m thankful for the beautiful voices and musicians who brought the songs and words of the birth of Jesus. 

Check your pockets. You may find a message from God.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

How Do Birds Handle Change?

Bird watching has always fascinated me and brought hours of enjoyment. As a young girl, my parents pointed out different kinds of birds and shared interesting information about the creatures. From the little Carolina Wren to the large Bald Eagle, each bird has its own way of handling life. What happens when the temperatures drop or rise? How do birds handle change?

I remember making homemade bird feeders in elementary school. A pinecone covered in peanut butter and seeds, with a string attached to the top, was one of my favorite projects. Those unique treats hung from trees in the neighborhood. The kids would watch to see which one had the most visitors. Nowadays, Bop and I create the same feeders with our grandkids. Collecting pinecones in the neighborhood and making crafts from them brings fun and laughter, but there is always a mess on the floor.

Recently, I bought a new tray feeder for the tree in the front yard. The old one had worked well for a long time. Now, I wanted a different one. The bird store offers a variety to choose from, making the decision difficult. 

Over the years, I’ve learned some interesting facts about birds. Some birds don’t mind change. They will fly right next to me as I pour seed. Others wait and sit on branches watching until I go back inside the house. I wonder why some creatures are shy, and others are bold.

Another unique quality about birds is that they seem to know when a dramatic change in the weather is approaching. The weather forecasters in the Lowcountry are predicting a sharp drop in temperatures tonight.

I looked outside and saw birds of all sizes and shapes flying back and forth to the new tray. I sense that they know change is on the way. Watching from inside the house, I smiled and thanked God for these birds that make me happy.

Birds handle change by preparing for what may be coming. Other animals handle change in their own ways. What about people? How do we handle change?

Rowan and Eden adapt well to changes in their schedule. Rowan likes to have a calendar with events posted on the refrigerator. Eden goes with the flow. Both grandkids have unique ways to handle change.

I keep several calendars with dates posted. There are calendars on the wall, in my purse, on the computer, and on my phone. I adjust when change happens. Life brings many changes, and how we handle those changes can help us thrive.

We can learn valuable lessons from the birds. We can prepare and stay aware of our surroundings. I have often said, “God taps me on the shoulder three times when He is trying to get my attention. If I don’t listen, He hits me in the head.” Haha!

How do you handle change? With a smile, grumbles, or contentment?

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Sock Decorations Bring Precious Memories

The Christmas tree is decorated. The candles are in the windows. Empty ornament boxes are stashed in closets. Decorative towels and blankets are arranged in their designated spots. Christmas is almost here. As I gaze at the little tree in the playroom/office, I notice an old, familiar item. A brown sock, with holes in the bottom, was an arrangement that our son created. Yes, sock decorations bring precious memories.

Our son, now a grown man, created this ornament when he was a young boy. We’ve shown it to our daughter-in-love and the grandkids. Rowan and Eden both commented, “Dad made that? Was that when he was a little boy in school?”

My answer. “Yes, your Dad created this special decoration for the tree. He used one of Bop’s old socks and added some felt shapes and glitter. He carefully placed each bit of shiny sparkles and felt to make the perfect ornament to add to the tree.”

Rowan and Eden smile every time we talk about the old sock. By sharing the memories, we are handing down a legacy of love and care. The brown, worn-out sock might not be as perfect as the shiny things on the tree. But the feeling of love is evident every year when we open a box and find the sock.

There are many ornaments on this little tree and many on the big tree in the living room. Each one is placed with care. Each one finds a different spot every Christmas. Angels, stars, crosses, birds, cloth ornaments, and many more reminders bring smiles when we share time together. Conversations, giggles, and sometimes a broken item remind us that the things on the tree are important, but they are not forever.

God’s love is forever. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we can find peace in reading or hearing Scripture, and sharing the good news of His birth. We can share the story from the Bible. We can think of opportunities to share God’s love with others at this special time of year and always.

The best things on the tree are the ones created with love. Yes, even an old sock can bring precious memories.

What special Christmas ornaments or decorations are found at your home? Do you hang ornaments on the trees outside? Share some of your favorite homemade decorations.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

A Mysterious Sound

Alan walked into the bedroom laughing. “Guess what just happened?” I had no idea. It was a typical evening: I was preparing for bedtime while he was watching television in the living room. A normal evening at the Henderson house. But something made him laugh—Alan had heard a mysterious sound.

As Alan closed up the house for the night, I went through my usual evening routine. I washed my face, put on pajamas, turned the television station to a lighthearted movie, and turned down the bed covers. The same nightly routine that we’ve done for years.

My dear husband chuckled as he explained what happened to him. He had turned off the TV, closed the window blinds, double checked the back and front door locks, and started to head to the bedroom.

“I kept hearing a low ticking sound. I checked the refrigerator to make sure the ice maker was turned off. I checked the washing machine for leaks on the floor. I looked outside, and nothing was different. Yet, that ticking sound kept going.”

After walking through the house, checking outside, and becoming frustrated, Alan said that he walked by the large wall clock in the dining room. There was a problem. The clock hands were stuck in one spot. This happens when the battery is low. The slight tick, tick, tick was caused by the hands not being able to move any further. Time was standing still, according to the wall clock.

As he told me what had occurred, I laughed and mentioned our family motto. “It’s Always A Story with the Hendersons”. I’m not the only one who encounters silly things. My husband has funny experiences, too.

He decided to change the batteries another day. Actually, we’ll wait for our son Mike to change them. Mike is better at taking the clock off the wall. 

Meanwhile, we couldn’t hear the mysterious sound from the bedroom. All was good for the night.

Perhaps this has happened to us before. Yes, I’ve shared a similar story from the past. That’s okay. The situation brought us laughter again.

Have you ever heard a strange sound in your house? Were you afraid? Did you find the source and resolve the issue?

Life is filled with laughter and love. I hope you have a wonderful, blessed day.

Blessings,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson