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

Her One True Love

Conversations with a four-and-a-half year old child can shift from discussing potty breaks to imaginary friends to stories about school. Recently, our granddaughter Eden filled us with joy and brought tears of happiness as she shared about her one true love.

Rowan, Eden, Bop, and I were chatting while riding in the car on our way to take care of errands. We talked about the shapes of clouds looking like bunnies and dragons. We searched for alligators on the banks of ponds as we rode through neighborhoods. Rowan told us about one of his favorite movies. Great wisdom can be found in young children.

A few moments passed without anyone speaking. The silence was broken when Eden made a declaration that shocked us.

“My boyfriend kissed me.” Eden smiled as she spoke.

“What? Who kissed you?” Rowan turned towards Eden and asked the question in a firm voice that only an older brother could express.

“My boyfriend kissed me.”

“Who? Who is your boyfriend? Where did he kiss you?” Rowan frowned, and his voice deepened as his temper flared. He’s eight years old, so the sound of his voice was only a bit deeper. But he was concerned.

Eden paused, grinned, and stared at Rowan. She gave an answer that calmed Rowan and made everyone smile.

“Dad. He kissed me on the cheek. Dad is my boyfriend. He’s my one true love.”

“Oh, Eden! You can’t marry Dad.” Rowan tried to explain that she can’t marry someone in her family.

“I know. But, Dad is my one true love forever.” Eden smiled and reached down for the snack in her backpack.

I tried to hold back the happy tears. I told Eden that she is very sweet and Dad would be happy to know he is her one true love.

Of course, I had to share the encounter with our son Mike. He smiled. Touched by her sweetness, we learned a great lesson that day. Remember to love one another always.

Do you have one true love? Have you told someone that you love them? Everyone needs to know they are loved and cherished.

Have a day filled with love and joy,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

“Do the Stripes on the Sheets Have to Match?”

Recently, I shared about my severe back pain and medical issues. Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, and compassion. Throughout this experience, I’m learning to let go of some of the simple things in life while I hopefully heal from this condition. I’m realizing that my husband is capable of taking care of household chores. Although his cleaning methods differ from mine, I appreciate his efforts. One important task is changing the sheets on the bed. The question I posed to myself this week is, “Do the stripes on the sheets have to match?”

We have two basic sets of sheets. One set features small, light blue flowers on a white background. Beautiful. The second set has an off-white background and brown accent stripes.. Also, beautiful. The king-sized sheets fit perfectly if they are aligned properly. A tag on one end gives a reference to the best possible positioning of the sheets. I use that tag to make sure the sheets fit properly on the bed. 

However, last week, as Alan changed the sheets, I sat on the couch in the living room. While he worked, I watched a television show about gardening. He completed the task and alerted me to come and see how nice the bed looked.

As I entered the bedroom, the first thing I noticed was the bedspread arranged perfectly. I smiled. Next, I noticed the sheets and laughed out loud. “How in the world did you get the sheets on the bed like that?”

With a surprised look, my dear husband answered. “What do you mean? Isn’t that the way they are supposed to go? It works.”

How could I complain? I’m not sure how he maneuvered those sheets, but they fit and stayed in place until the next time he changed them. Good job!

God is reminding me every day that He is in control. I may have plans for my life, but, right now, God has other plans that He is working through me. Will I ever know why I am experiencing such pain and struggles with my back and spine? Maybe there will be answers. Maybe not. Yet, this struggle is bringing me closer to Him.

I lament, cry, scream, and pray for the pain to cease. I ask “Why?” Then, I pause and thank God for the comfort He has provided already. I thank God for the prayers of many friends and strangers. I thank God for my family who loves me and sends me encouragement every day. I thank God for His love and mercy.

When I calm from the pain, I smile and think about the sheets. No, the stripes on the sheets don’t have to match. That’s okay.

How are things with you today? Are you handling household tasks today? 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)

Have a blessed day,

Melissa Henderson aka Mimi

I Thank God for Grandkids and Hummingbirds

“Wow! We haven’t met our out-of-pocket amount for the year. Usually, by June, we’ve surpassed that cost.” My husband stated as he looked at the insurance benefits statement that had arrived in the mail. I was glad that neither one of us had been ill or needed to visit the hospital ER. 

I smiled and spoke words that would backfire on me in a matter of days.
“That means we are healthy. We haven’t been seriously sick or in pain this year.” 

Saturday mornings are what I call “changing bed sheets morning”. I like to change the sheets early in the day. There is something fresh and renewing about clean bed linens.

On June 14th, I removed the sheets from the bed and prepared to refresh the bed with clean, crisp linens. This time, I would use the set with bright blue flowers and a white background. Beautiful.

Finding the corner area of the fitted sheet, I reached down to tuck the material under the mattress. A sharp, shooting pain like I’ve never experienced spasmed my lower left back. I’ve had many lumbar spasms over the years. This pain was worse than anything I had endured in the past. I screamed. Tears flowed. I yelled for Alan to help me.

He walked into the room and tried to begin comforting me. Alan helped me on to the bed by holding my legs in a position where I could move. This was bad, very bad. Tears continued. Prayers began. 

My thoughts began to wander as I thought of the grandkids. What would happen to all of the fun activities we had planned for them? When would I be able to play again? More tears.

A few hours passed as we waited to see if my body would calm. Pain persisted. Alan suggested a trip to the emergency room. Getting me in the car was difficult, but Alan managed. I’m thankful for the strength God gave my husband during this time.

The ER staff ordered scans and administered pain and anti-inflammatory medicine. Nothing helped. I was sent home with a referral to a neurosurgeon and a reminder to contact my pain doctor. More tears from me.

Over the past two weeks, I have visited the pain doctor, my family doctor, had two MRIs, a CT scan, and we’re still trying to figure out what to do about the pain. 

On a recent morning, I was able to sit at my desk and look outside. There, in the midst of my pain and complaining, God sent hummingbirds. God knows that hummingbirds are my favorite. This time, there were many flying wonders. Not one, not two, but many. God knew what I needed. Hummingbirds make me smile. I thank God for the hummingbirds.

Alan and I miss being with Rowan and Eden and their parents. Alan reminds me that this is temporary and we will be able to play one day soon. I love his positive outlook.

Another blessing is video chat with the grandkids. They understand that Mimi can’t play at this time. Eden has tried to send me some ice packs for my back. Rowan has tried to make me laugh. Precious children.

I will continue to rest, keep my body moving even if it’s slow moving, and I will continue to pray.

I’ll keep watching for the hummingbirds. I’ll praise God every day because I know He is with me.

How are things in your life? Any praises or prayer requests?

Blessings,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

The Library is for All Ages

Summer has arrived. School is over for the summer. Families are planning trips. Kids and adults are signed up for swim classes, art camps, jazz and ballet classes, and more. Visits to the local aquarium are scheduled. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are seeking activities that engage the brain and keep the body active.

Along with those physical activities, we also need mental stimulation. A wonderful place to visit is the local library. Alan and I take our grandchildren, Rowan and Eden, to the library.

Our local library offers more than books. There are classes for children and adults. From games to crafts to story time, the library is filled with activities and ways to learn. We’ve created origami creatures, listened to special guests share about other countries, participated in a scavenger hunt in the children’s section, attended music hour in a special room, and sat in a window book nook to read books. 

After we have chosen books to take home, we get in line at the checkout counter, and wait our turn. A table nearby offers coloring pages, word find sheets, information about the ocean, and a calendar of upcoming events. These things are for everyone to take home. No charge.

Last year, a display near the entrance offered free seeds for everyone to take home. This gave a great learning experience for kids and adults. We planted cosmos seeds and watched beautiful plants burst from the soil providing purple and white flowers during the summer.

Another project was a plastic bag with a bean inside. Instructions on how to take care of the bean and how to watch it grow were provided. Each project offered the opportunity to share what we learned with each other.

The Summer Reading Program offers prizes for a certain amount of books read. T-shirts, bookmarks, and coupons to local eateries can be earned.

My local writer’s group, the American Christian Fiction Writers South Carolina Lowcountry chapter meets at the library on the fourth Saturday of the month. We have a private room with tables, chairs, and a television screen for online presentations. The members of the group have expressed thankfulness for the library, the staff, and the volunteers.

The children’s area is decorated with unique art pieces. From a large mural of a dinosaur to paintings and drawings by local folks, there is always something new to enjoy at the library.

Recently, as we entered the library, I realized that “Storytime for Toddlers” was finishing. Toddlers filled the children’s area. Parents and grandparents followed as the smiling young ones walked from the book shelves to the computer area to the play area. The children’s section was buzzing with sounds of laughter and stories being read aloud.

I looked at Rowan. He didn’t complain about all of the babies and toddlers. He smiled and looked at his sister Eden. Rowan was on a mission looking for books. Bop (my husband Alan) and Rowan went to look for chapter books. Eden and I went to the computer games and to find stories about baby animals.

The staff is always available to help us find a book or to offer guidance. When we enter the Wando Mount Pleasant Library, we are greeted with smiles. As we search, the staff is happy to help us find the perfect book. When we’re ready to check out, we are greeted with more smiles. Sometimes, we receive bookmarks or stickers.

Some libraries offer food programs for the summer. Free food is given to those people who need nourishment.

Looking around, I notice people sitting in comfy chairs reading newspapers. I see folks searching for books. I see people returning books at the designated area. The activity inside the building is fascinating.

The Charleston Friends of the Library Big Book Sale event was recently held at a local auditorium. Over 50,000 books were available for purchase at low prices. This event helps raise funds.

I’m thankful for libraries and librarians. I’m also thankful for authors and books. I’m an author and seeing people reading and checking out books from the library makes me smile.

Have you visited your local library? What interesting activities did you notice?

Have a blessed day,

Melissa Henderson

The House Sitting Goose

Honk! Honk! Honk! The sounds of honking geese were alarming. As I listened to the annoying calls of the birds, I wondered if there was a problem. Why were these animals making sounds loud enough to disturb the neighborhood? Did a predator lurk close to a nest? I ventured outside to seek the answer. 

Three geese sat on the roof of our neighbor’s home. The animals honked to each other, one at a time. First, a honk from the one on the left. Next, a honk from the one on the right. Then, the goose in the middle responded. I imagined a crazy conversation between three geese.

The birds usually find spots near the ponds to build their nests. Seems to me that I wouldn’t want a nest near a pond filled with alligators. But, I’m not a goose. Every Spring, we watch as the geese walk down the middle of streets and cause traffic to pause. Cute yellow “fuzzies” arrive and people wait as the parents and babies cross the street. Nests and families are guarded by the adults. They are cute until they begin leaving piles of goose droppings on the sidewalks.

These three geese sat on the roof and continued to talk to each other. I walked to the mailbox and began chatting with a neighbor. 

“Did you see those geese? Isn’t that crazy?” I asked my friend.

Her response caught me by surprise. “Well, did you see a goose on your roof?”

“Oh my! I didn’t notice. I’ll go check.”

I rushed home. Yes, one goose sat on our roof. It wasn’t making a sound. It sat there staring down at me. I ran inside the house to get Alan. Alerting him of the strange sight, he came outside and announced, “We’ve got to make that thing leave before it creates a mess on the rooftop.”

Being the helpful wife that I am, I suggested he spray water from the hose. Perhaps that would make the animal take flight. Alan unrolled the hose, turned on the water, and sprayed toward the top of the house.

Unfortunately, the jet spray didn’t reach the top of the house and the water sprayed back on my sweet husband. Alan stood there with wet shoes, pants, and a wet shirt. I couldn’t stop laughing. He laughed, too.

“Well, that didn’t work.” He responded as the goose continued to stare down at both of us.

“Get me a football or some kind of ball. I don’t want to hurt the goose, I just want to scare it away.”

“We don’t have any footballs here. How about that little green bouncy ball? It’s about the size of  a baseball.” I was trying my best to help.

Deciding that would work, I went inside and found the green ball in the playroom. The face painted on the ball appeared to be laughing at us.

I rushed outside to Alan and handed him the ball. He posed like a professional baseball player, warmed up, and threw the ball. No luck. The throw didn’t reach the top of the roof. After five or six tries, he announced, “I could throw better when I was younger.”

The goose perched on the roof and looked down at the two crazy folks trying their best to get it to move. 

We finally gave up and left for the grocery store. Maybe more ideas would come to us when we returned home. Or hopefully, the goose would be gone.

The grocery shopping was completed, and we headed back home. All of the geese were gone. The roof tops were clean. Alan and I laughed at the experience. Honking geese, wet clothes, toy bouncing balls, and a morning full of laughter.

Yes, it’s always a story with the Henderson’s.

Have you had any experiences with geese? 

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Fire Hydrant Protectors

Various sights capture my attention while I gaze out of my office window. A hummingbird feeder is positioned so I can enjoy the beautiful creatures as they drink nectar. The sidewalk is in full view so I can notice visitors coming to the front door. Neighbors pass by walking their dogs. On a cool morning, a new sight appeared. I was surprised to see “fire hydrant protectors”.

A white pickup truck arrived in slow motion. Two men left the vehicle. One held large papers that could have been a map. The other person wore a hard hat. They opened the back of the truck and placed the documents on the bed. Looking down, each man pointed to spots on the paper. 

Another truck pulled up behind the first one. Four men left that vehicle. Each person wore protective outerwear, including a mask and gloves. My curiosity was getting the best of me. I wanted to know about these people and why they were in our neighborhood. Watching intently, I witnessed something I’d never seen.

The two men in the first truck appeared to be the leaders. Motioning with their hands, they pointed to a fire hydrant. Next, the four men from the other vehicle moved. The scene looked like an action movie.

Each person had an assignment. Two leaders. Four workers. I sat in amazement at what happened next. With precision and dedication, each guy went to work completing his task. The first guy retrieved a tarp from the back of the truck. The second guy brought out a huge can with a long hose. The third guy used spray paint to mark a circle around the fire hydrant. Then, the first and second men held up the tarp next to the hydrant. The second guy began spraying a dull brownish-gray color on the hydrant.

The men holding the tarp ensured that no paint would land on our neighbor’s vehicles parked in their driveway. What a great method! Everyone had a job.

They worked quickly and efficiently. Moving like stealth figures, their work was completed in a few minutes. The men entered their vehicles again and moved to the next hydrant.

Before I could complain to my husband about the new color of the hydrants, another vehicle arrived and the answer was provided. This team was waiting for the fresh paint to dry. Next, a fresh bright red was applied.

I was so impressed with how the teams worked together to complete their tasks. 

Their efforts were greatly rewarded with a job well done.

The men never knew I was sitting in my office watching their every move. I’m thankful for their hard work and attention to detail. Yes, there was a bit of red paint on the grass, but that will disappear when Spring arrives and the yard covers begin growing.

How hard do we work at our jobs or passions? What happens when we work together to share His love? Do we pay attention to the way we interact with others? 

I pray that I work as hard as those men painting the fire hydrants. I pray that the glory of God will always shine in my words and actions.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson.

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 

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

Stand Up Snowman!

Towards the end of November, my husband and I decided to start decorating for Christmas. A little tree for the playroom/office was first on the list. The big tree for the living room came next. Red, green, and white lights to adorn shelves, counters, and other spots, were pulled from cardboard boxes in the closet. Along with the decorations for the inside of the house, we gathered the outdoor inflatables and lights. We noticed one problem immediately. The inflatable snowman wouldn’t stand up. We called out. “Stand up snowman!”

Alan was arranging extension cords and unboxing the Christmas tree and snowman. The front yard would be inviting with colorful decorations and lights. I checked on Alan and he looked at the ground and frowned. 

“I guess the snowman has seen its last day. It won’t stand up. The air is blowing into the right place, but it won’t fill up completely. Oh, well. We’ll have to get another one.” 

The disappointment was evident as he asked me to bring a trash bag for the defeated snowman. I went inside and gathered a bag. I walked back outside and watched as Alan attempted to get the inflatable Christmas tree to work. That failed, too.

Both of us spoke more words of frustration. We didn’t want to go to the store at that moment. We wanted to have the decorations working for the grandkids and the neighborhood to enjoy.

As I looked down at the deflated and wrinkled snowman, I noticed a zipper on the back side of the item. I wondered if that could be the problem.

“Hey, honey, did you see a zipper on the back? There is probably one on both things.”

I reached down, closed the zipper, and to our surprise, the snowman filled with air and stood tall.

“Oh, my goodness!! Look at that!” We both shouted and laughed.

In our joy to put up the inflatable snowman and the Christmas tree, we neglected to check all the parts and follow directions.

This situation reminds me not to rush through the Christmas season. Enjoy every moment and remember the reason for the season. Jesus Christ is our gift from God. Share time with God today. Thank Him for the many blessings He gives. Thank Him for Jesus. Thank Him for fun decorations that make us smile. Give thanks for His love and forgiveness.

Have a blessed day! God loves you.

In His Name,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson