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
TweetSock 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
TweetStand 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
TweetWriting to Shine His Light
Each month, a group of writers gathers in person and online to participate in the ACFW(American Christian Fiction Writers) Lowcountry Chapter meeting. Our group has grown since the first gathering a few years ago. Folks write fiction, non-fiction, stories for children, articles, devotions, and poetry. Every writer creates unique pieces that reflect their personality and beliefs. One important goal this group includes is that we are writing to shine His light. The light of God is evident in the words and actions of the members.
In 2023, the chapter compiled its first anthology, “Charleston Light: Stories Inspired by Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse.” The authors shared stories of love, hope, inspiration, and more. That award-winning book continues to be an important part of shining the light and love of God.
Our newest book will be available for purchase on October 1st. I’m pleased to announce that “A Holy City Christmas: Charleston Holiday Tales” is a delightful book filled with stories that will touch the hearts and souls of readers.
Eight authors from the group have penned special tales incorporating famous sights from the Charleston, South Carolina area. Visitors and locals may recognize the mentions of places such as the Dock Street Theater, Breach Inlet, The Citadel, and other famous places in the Lowcountry.
The chapter started working on the project by organizing details. We set deadlines, chose clip art, chose book cover designers, found a local artist (a chapter member) to provide personal line drawings of significance to each story, and wrote the stories. Within our chapter, some talented people provided services to help bring the book together. Several members took the time to edit each story. Everyone contributed to this book. Whether they wrote a story, drew pictures, created a cover, worked with sites to offer the anthology for sale, or prayed, every effort was placed in God’s hands.
A lot of “behind the scenes” efforts went into making this book possible.
The people in ACFW South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter are talented, compassionate, loving, caring, and dedicated folks who love the Lord.
In 2023, we were blessed to have book signings and participate in “A Moveable Feast” with My Sister’s Books in Pawleys Island. This year, we are having more book signings and hope to meet you at one or more events.
My story in this new anthology is “Sunrise Shells and Christmas Bells”. I hope you enjoy reading more about Lana Pierce. Readers asked me to continue her story and I’m glad I listened.
Lana Pierce has experienced the loss of her husband due to illness and then, a hurricane that
almost destroyed her home. While life continues, Lana becomes involved in a mystery and
possibly a new love. “Sunrise Shells and Christmas Bells” brings love, faith in God,
and hope for the future.
Both anthologies are available for purchase. Contact your local bookstore and see if the books are available. Place a request for your local library to carry the books. Amazon offers print and Kindle versions.
Proceeds from the first six months of sales will benefit “RISE”. This charity helps men who are trapped in poverty, homelessness, or addiction. “RISE” is Restored, Ignited, Supported, and Empowered to flourish by the grace of Jesus Christ.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalms 119:105 NIV)
I hope you enjoy reading these wonderful new stories.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
TweetBop and the Outdoor Decorations
Preparing for Christmas involves many activities. Cooking, cleaning, purchasing presents, wrapping presents, making lists, writing cards, church activities, and more. I look forward to the fun times. Bop takes care of some of the “to-do” lists and I handle other things that need attending. We laugh and enjoy our time together.
Bop puts the inflatable Christmas tree and snowman out in the front yard every year. Rowan and Eden show him the exact spot for each decoration. Then, when all the pins are put securely in the ground and adjusted, the moment arrives for Bop to plug in the cord. We stand and watch excitedly as the flat balloon-like characters fill with air and appear to come to life.
My hands are cupped on my cheeks as we all squeal with joy. The inflatables are the same every year and perhaps next year, we’ll buy a new one. But, for this year, all is well. Seeing Rowan, Eden, and neighborhood friends run in the yard and touch the tree and snowman as they light up, is a precious sight. The Christmas decorations are a beautiful sight both day and night.
Only one thing might change the positions of the snowman and the Christmas tree inflatables. Weather in the Lowcountry of South Carolina is often unpredictable. Local meteorologists share their forecasts with the community and we wait to see what will happen. I check my phone each morning to learn the predictions for rain, wind, barometric pressure, etc.
With changing weather patterns, Bop and I needed to keep an eye on the outdoor decorations.
A prediction for heavy rain and wind sounded alerts on our phones recently. Checking the details, I noticed the weather wasn’t supposed to change until later in the day. The inflatables would be fine for now.
I should have remembered the weather changes from minute to minute here on the coast. The forecasted weather system arrived early and torrential rains and strong winds began to race through our neighborhood.
Looking out of the front window, I could see ornaments that had once adorned outdoor trees were now flying in the air. Decorative holiday garden flags from other yards were now stuck to the wet ground. Pine straw, pine cones, mulch, and more drifted from one yard to another as the rain began to flood the ground.
Bop and I looked at each other and knew there was no point in stepping out in the storm to rescue the inflatables. We watched as they teetered left and right, appearing to dance in the storm. Security pins held them in place for a while. Then, when the rain paused for a bit, Bop opened the front door and unplugged the cord from the wall.
A whooshing sound filled the yard as the air released from the snowman and tree. The pins had done their job and held tightly to the ground. All was well for now.
There were several days and nights when Bop ran out of the house to secure the decorations. Each time, he said, “I wonder if I should just take them down.” Yet, Bop continued to make sure the snowman and tree would be ready for all to enjoy.
The sunshine finally returned and the ground and decorations dried. Great news, until… More storms came on and off for a couple of weeks. Each time, Bop watched from the window and decided what to do. Some neighbors took down their inflatables. Other folks left them up and watched as they danced in the wind. Every day was an adventure.
Christmas arrived and the decorations survived. Now, Bop has released the pins from the ground and placed the snowman and the tree on the porch to dry out for the season.
Next, we will get ready for 2024 and the wonderful blessings God will provide. As you know, “It’s Always A Story with The Henderson’s”.
Mimi and Bop hope you all enjoyed a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy and Healthy New Year! God loves you!
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Mama’s Christmas Pins
Mama went to be with the Lord in February of 2013, just days before her 92nd birthday. Daddy had gone to Heaven on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1998.
After Daddy passed, things needed organizing. From paying bills, filling out forms, everyday grocery shopping and more, there were lists to be checked off. Mama, my two sisters(Glenda and Carol) and I organized the house preparing for a life without Daddy.
When Mama passed, she lived in assisted living and the organizing and coordinating task was smaller due to her not having so many things in her room. My sisters and I gathered together in Mama’s room. We cleaned, dusted and held each of Mama’s possessions with love and care.
Every item had a special memory. A birdhouse Mama created during craft time. Framed photographs of family. Books that had been given to her, as she loved to read. Quilts and special blankets made by special friends. So many beautiful items. So many precious memories.
As Glenda and Carol and I chose items to place in our own homes, tears fell from our eyes. Mama had touched these precious things with her own hands. A connection of love from one generation to the next. We could feel the love in the room.
Of the various things I chose to carry home, a small cardboard box containing a few Christmas pins caught my eye. Throughout the years, my husband and I had given Mama homemade Christmas pins. We had gathered the unique creations from various places. A teacher who was talented at making pins was one place where the pins came from. A few were purchased at a local store. Mama wore a couple of the pins. Others stayed in the little box.
Opening the box, the memory of Mama wearing the pins brought joy. A simple act of wearing a Christmas pin to complete her outfit. She always wanted her hair fixed, her nails polished and her clothes fresh and clean.
I have kept that box of Christmas pins and every year, I bring them out and wear one each day. A reindeer, a Christmas tree, an angel. Beautiful reminders of our precious Mama.
Do you wear Christmas pins? There are pins for women and men.
Merry Christmas,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Merry Christmas! Gifts for All!
Hello My Friends,
Thank you for being part of our lives. In appreciation for you, my author friends and I assembled this collection of gifts to enrich your holidays.
Click on the links from each author to receive your absolutely free, no-signing-up-for-newsletters-required gifts. If you have people in your life who could use a smile and holiday cheer, forward this to them.
Merry Christmas,
Linda Gilden, Linda Goldfarb, Melissa Henderson, Yvonne Ortega, Rhonda Robinson, PeggySue Wells, Karen Whiting, Debbie Wilson
‘Tis the season for giving gifts! Especially for you, Homeless for the Holidays is a hope-filled novella about a family that loses it all and find they have everything. Click HERE to download Homeless for the Holidays.
As the author of 29 books including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make and creator of Single Mom Circle.com., wishing you and yours grace and joy.
Merry Christmas,
PeggySue Wells
I love this season of the year celebrating the birth of Christ, singing carols, and putting out my collection of nativity sets. Of my 26 books, one is especially for this season: Christmas is Coming! But Waiting is Hard.
I want to give you two free gifts to make the season special.
- Keep Christ in Christmas with simple tips.
- Make shopping with children fun by using this Mall Sighting game to find signs of Christ’s birth as you shop. Play the game while shopping online by observing what’s in the background of various sites.
Find a delicious and versatile biscuit recipe, sample advent devotions for families, and other specials if you sign up for my newsletter as well as learn to understand the basic emotional needs of people to strengthen your relationships!
Merry Christmas!
Karen Whiting
Hi, I’m Debbie Wilson sending Christmas greetings your way. From personal experience and twenty plus years working as a Christian counselor, I know holidays can be tough. The first Christmas was also challenging as I discovered when writing Little Women, Big God. Many people are approaching the 2020 holiday season empty and depleted. Financially. Emotionally. Isolated from loved ones.
Click here to restore the Christmas spirit with How to Celebrate Christmas When You’re Empty and find other resources to refresh your faith.
May joy and peace fill you this Christmas!
Debbie Wilson
Merry Christmas. I’m Linda Gilden and I want to help you put a little fun in your Christmas. My book, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas, is filled with unique ideas. Click here to start the fun. I think you will love the 12 days of Christmas chapters.
Writing has been my passion for more than thirty years and I coach writers to make their books and articles something they can be proud of. Has God given you a passion you could share with others? I have included a free Beginner Writer’s Glossary to help you navigate the publishing world. Just click on Resources when you get to my website.
May God bless you this Christmas season and fill your heart and home with His presence.
Linda Gilden
Lindagilden.com
Hello friends! Coach Linda Goldfarb here with Christmas cheer to pass your way. If you have young children who enjoy coloring adventure books, my coauthor, Kelly Harris, and I want to gift you this season with our free download of Lovey Mouse in the Night Before Christmas – #REAL Adventure Book and Audio narration. We pray you and the children in your life enjoy this story as much as we did writing and recording it.
The holidays can be stress-filled, so as an additional gift, download your copy of my Holiday Stress – A Matter of Choice. These doable strategies help you cope when you feel you’ve lost hope. I’d be honored to stay in touch with you throughout this season and beyond. Check out Coach Linda to see where you can find me.
May you be blessed this season.
Linda Goldfarb
You’ve probably suffered many losses during the pandemic. Please know that you’re not alone. May you find comfort here. If you prefer to watch videos, click here or here.
I’ve experienced countless personal losses. As a professional counselor, I worked with hundreds of clients who struggled with grief, divorce, forgiveness, or a life-threatening illness. May you find peace, promise, and purpose in my series, Moving from Broken to Beautiful® here.
Jesus came to earth so you can live an abundant life. Pandemic or not, his promises do not change.
Hello, Melissa Henderson here. I want to share a video with you. Enjoy a reading of my children’s book, Licky the Lizard.
In this special story, we learn we don’t have to be afraid of lizards because God created the people and God created the lizards, too.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson