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
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
TweetWrapped in Cozy and Koozie Friendship
Conversations between young children may include “Will you be my friend?” or “You are my friend.” or “I’m glad you are my friend.” What do you think about friendships? Do you feel warm and cozy when thinking about certain people? In what ways have you seen friendships form and grow?
God has blessed me with many wonderful friendships in my life. My two sisters, Glenda and Carol, and I have a bond beyond friendship. We’re sisters, yet we’re also friends. We laugh together at the silliest happenings. We cry together when sorrow hits. We ask questions, check on each other, and pray. Whatever the circumstances, the sister bond is strong and will last forever. Disagreements or differing opinions have never stopped the love that we have for each other. I thank God for my sisters, their husbands, and their children.
As a young child, I remember playing with the kids in our neighborhood. Boys and girls played kickball, basketball, hide and seek, and tag. The groups separated when the girls wanted to play with dolls and the boys wanted to play with toy cars.
Many years have passed since we gathered together in different yards to watch the stars at night, walked together to the ice cream store to our purchase favorite treats, and visited the local pool to cool off in the summer heat.
Several of the kids keep in touch on social media. We haven’t seen each other in person for many years, yet we see photos and read about life experiences. Those friendships continue to be important parts of life.
When I was a young mother, I remember older women in the church showing God’s love with hugs. They also provided tips on motherhood. Their guidance and friendship was appreciated.
My parents were wonderful. They taught me many ways to care for friends and strangers. Sharing, showing compassion and love, and listening before speaking are lessons I will always remember. Friendships developed from following their examples.
Each time my husband, Alan, and I moved to a different town, there were opportunities for new friendships. Invitations to church and church activities, introductions to neighbors, and being included in local events helped us find friends.
Although we have moved from one place to another, we continue to keep in touch with folks. One dear friend and I often met for lunch at a local restaurant. Every week, we ordered the same meal. Every time, we laughed and said, “Maybe I’ll order something different today.” Yet, we continued to order our regular favorites. That friend sends cards with hummingbirds as she knows those are my favorites. I send her cards with butterflies because that is one of her favorites. I’m thankful for her. She makes me laugh and brings joy to my life.
Another friend, who lives in a different state, calls and chats. We visit and tell each other about our grandkids and what is happening at church. The telephone calls are a great way for us to keep up-to-date on life. She calls me daughter even though I’m not her biological child.
Since we moved from VA to SC, I have found many new friends. Some younger than me and others who are about the same age as me. Sometimes we meet for breakfast or brunch. Other times, we catch up via text or email.
One friend, Robin, creates beautiful koozies, prayer shawls, and more. Her gift for knitting and crocheting is amazing. The koozie in the photo above is one she created. Each time that I place one of her koozies on my water bottle, I can feel the love she put into creating the item. I feel wrapped in a cozy and koozie friendship.
There are many more friends who I keep in my prayers. I can’t mention them all here or you would be reading forever. Today, think of the people in your life that bring joy and love. Have you told them lately how much you love them?
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka 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
Eagle Message
“Are we going to church today? We missed last Sunday.” My husband Alan inquired.
“I’m kind of tired this morning. But, there’s no excuse for not attending. Yes, we’re going.” I responded.
When I woke on a recent Sunday morning, exhaustion from holiday preparations and gatherings had begun to catch up with me. The previous weeks had been filled with busyness, laughter, love, and joy. Now, things were beginning to quiet and my schedule was returning to the normal routine.
My body was tired from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Each activity has been a blessing. Sharing time with family and friends had brought fun and laughter. Wrapping presents, giving presents, opening those gifts, and then, enjoying delicious meals together helped create precious memories.
Church events included singing favorite hymns, meeting new people, and sharing time with family and friends. Meaningful sermons and Bible study helped remind us of the true meaning of the season.
Yet, I was tired and the urge to stay in bed and snuggle under the warm blanket was pulling at me. Pausing to give thanks to God for His glorious day, another feeling tugged at my heart.
The need to attend church service and give thanks to God for His love and glory began to energize my body and give me the strength to rise and shine.
Throwing back the covers on the bed, I rose and smiled. “Yes, we’re going to church.”
Alan was enjoying a bowl of cereal with milk when I entered the dining room. His smile greeted me as I began preparing my toast and chocolate milk.
“Today is a beautiful day. The sun is shining. I bet the wind is a little stronger on the island, but right now, everything is calm here.” Alan and I often notice the difference in temperature and wind between Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island. When we cross the connector bridge to head to church, the atmosphere changes.
Completing the morning routine, we were dressed and ready to go to church. As we rode, I commented how I was glad we were going to be at church today. “I can always take a nap later in the afternoon. But, this morning, I need to be in God’s house and give Him praise.”
We arrived at the church parking lot. After finding a parking spot and exiting the vehicle, I gazed at the sky and let the warm sun kiss my face. Right as I looked up, a beautiful bald eagle flew over our path.
In awe and excitement, I said, “Look, look, an eagle. A message from God.”
“Thank You Lord. You know my Daddy loved eagles. If I had not been here for church service, I would not have seen the glorious and majestic bird. The reminders of Your love are always present. You always know best.”
My heart was full of love as we entered the sanctuary. I continued to praise God for the blessing of seeing the eagle. If I had chosen to stay home because I was tired, I would have missed seeing the eagle and the opportunity to thank God for that eagle.
How can you thank God today? Have you felt a nudge from God? Did you follow His lead?
Have a blessed day,
Happy New Year,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson