Library Time with Eden’s Class
I received an email from our son Mike. “Hey, Mom. Here’s a sign-up sheet if you are interested in helping with the school library.” My answer was “Yes, I’ll fill out the form right now.” As a former substitute teacher and library aide, I was eager and wanted to help with granddaughter Eden’s class. I’ll sign up for grandson Rowan’s library time, too. The excitement was building as I prepared for library time with Eden’s class.
The online form was simple. Basic information. After I completed the form, another part of registering to help at the school was required. I’m thankful for the extra attention that the school requires for volunteers. A background check was completed. Two long videos with questions to answer were part of the requirement. The school is dedicated to the well-being of the children.
All tests were completed and passed. I am now a registered volunteer.
On the day I was scheduled to help in the library, Bop(Alan) drove me to the school. He waited in the parking area while I was in the building. The library class was for forty minutes. I entered the office and told the lady at the desk my name and why I was there. She gave me a special lanyard to show I was a guest, and then, another sweet woman introduced herself and said she would take me to the library. Everyone was friendly and thanked me for being there to read to the children.
When we arrived at the library room, the woman asked, “What are you planning to do?”
I answered, “I’ll help with whatever the librarian needs.”
I didn’t know that there wasn’t a librarian. The volunteers help with checking out books, making crafts, and reading. I quickly looked around and said that I would read some books. I had planned to read to the young ones but thought there might be an activity already waiting. The Pre-K class doesn’t check out books yet.
Looking at the shelves and displays, I found several cute stories. I sat in a little chair and read the books to myself while I waited for Eden’s class.
In a few minutes, I heard giggles and footsteps as the children came upstairs to the library. They entered the room quietly. Eden looked at me and grinned. She was very proper. She didn’t run to get a snuggle. She was following the directions from the teacher.
Each child found a spot on the circular rug and sat down. I introduced myself and told them that I was happy to see everyone.
“Hello, I’m Mrs. Henderson.”
Hands began raising. “You’re Eden’s grandma.” “You’re Eden’s Mimi.”
Eden grinned and raised her hand.
I said, “Yes, Eden?”
“Mimi, you’re my grandmother.”
“Yes, I am your grandmother.”
After the introductions of each child and their name, the room quieted, and I began to read.
I love to change my voice while reading. Each character has a different tone to fit. The expressions on the faces of the children were delightful. They listened and when one book was finished, they found another one for me to read aloud.
Between stories, I suggested that we stand and do a little stretching. The class of ten kids reached to the sky, and then, found their knees, elbows, eyes, and shoulders. We laughed as we exercised in the library.
A bell rang and library time was over. The teacher called everyone to line up to go back to class. Shouts of “Thank you Mrs.Henderson.” “ Thank you Mimi.” “ Thank you Eden’s grandma.” were exclaimed as they walked back to their classroom.
I listened as the children left. I began putting away books. I laughed out loud when I heard the comments.
“That was fun. I want her to come again.”
“Eden, I like your Mimi.”
And then, one boy stated, “That was too long.” I fell over laughing when I heard his comment.
Volunteering is a precious gift to give to your children, grandchildren, and any child. Schools need volunteers.
Next time, I will take copies of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”.
Have you volunteered at a school? I always learn lessons from precious children.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4 NIV)
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
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
TweetMeet Author Sandra Kay Chambers
Today, I’m happy to share information about author Sandra Kay Chambers. Her dedication to readers is amazing. Sandra’s new book is “Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions to Help You Realize You are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose”.
Let’s get to know more about Sandra Kay Chambers and how she is inspired to write and share her faith.
Can you share a little about your background and when you decided to become a writer?
Writers are always asked when they first consider themselves a writer. I guess my answer is when I won an essay contest in elementary school. In high school, I had a great English teacher who inspired me to major in English in college. After earning my teaching degree, I went on to get an MA in Education, focusing on Learning Disabilities. Teaching kept me pretty busy, but I also did some freelance writing and have since published hundreds of news stories, profiles, lifestyle stories, travel, and feature stories for more than 20 publications. In 2014, I self-published a book on prayer: Lord, It’s Boring in My Prayer Closet: How to Revitalize Your Prayer Life. My newest release is a children’s devotional, Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions to Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose (ages 8-12) Ambassador International Publishers © 2023.
What message do you want to share with your writing?
The motto on my author’s website says: “Pray Often! Inspire Others! Create Beauty!” That is what I hope to do and what I hope to encourage others to do. I write articles, blogs, and books to encourage children and adults in their personal walk with God. I encourage Christians in discovering ways to keep their prayer life fresh and I have a passion to help kids understand how uniquely created and loved by God they are and to help them discover their God-given purpose in life. That is the mission behind my latest devotional for kids.
Can you tell us about your new book?
As a Christian parent, a former teacher, and now a children’s author, I believe God birthed this idea for a devotional for kids in my heart and spirit. Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions To Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose,” (Amazon link: https://rb.gy/hnqys) helps kids understand they were created by God who has a purpose and plan for their life. It pairs fun scientific facts about the uniqueness of each person’s fingerprints with Scripture, a short devotional, a prayer, and a question to journal or an activity to do. It has four sections with topics about each person’s creation and uniqueness, their identity in Christ, accepting Jesus, developing the fruit of the Spirit in their lives, and discovering the gifts and talents that God has given them to serve others and live a purposeful life.
From the very beginning, my hope was that this devotional would reach not only children in Christian homes but also children who are not being raised in a Christian setting or attend church. I’m excited about my partnership with 7Homes—a NC-based Christian foster and adoption agency that would love to have the devotional to put in their “care bags” they give to children who have to be taken out of their homes (sometimes suddenly) and placed in foster care. These children need to know that God loves them and that they are important and have a purpose for their lives. My heart is that this book would show them how much God loves and cares for them. I’m donating some books myself and asking those who purchase a book for their own child or grandchild, or if you don’t have children this age, to consider buying one to donate to 7Homes. There’s a direct link on Amazon to purchase the book ($11.99) for 7Homes to be sent directly to them: https://rb.gy/uvsry
How did you decide on the title of your new book?
I knew Fingerprint Devotions was to be the main title. The subtitle is long and I struggled with that, but I feel it describes what kids will get out of this devotional.
What audience would you suggest for this book?
I came up with ages 8-12 because I believe kids will be reading on their own by that age and can make the devotional very personal by reading and filling out journal questions. Amazon suggests ages 6-14. I know a lot of families are reading the devotional together, so younger children could definitely benefit and older kids would still be interested in all the fun scientific facts about fingerprints.
How has your faith impacted your writing?
In this journey of writing the devotional, I had to completely trust God for everything—from getting a publishing contract to the right editor and cover designer as well as for the timing. I met plenty of challenges, but God worked on my character throughout the process and taught me how to trust Him more. Any author will understand the long journey it takes to publish a book (one-and-a-half years for this book). I think we just need to keep the right perspective of why we are writing what we write—not to get rich or become famous, but to bless our readers and show them a loving God who wants to know them and walk with them.
Thank you Sandra for sharing your faith and love for God.
Ways to connect with Sandra Kay Chambers.
https://sandrakaychambers.com
https://www.facebook.com/SandraKayChambers
https://www.instagram.com/sandrakaychambers/
https://www.pinterest.com/magnoliask/
https://twitter.com/PrayWaves
Have a blessed and wonderful day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Taking Care of Baby Dolls, Stuffies, and People
The new year has arrived and daily routines begin. Some activities are new while others are routine from the past. An important part of any time is taking care of others, including baby dolls, stuffies, and people.
Granddaughter Eden is three years old. She is wise beyond her years, just like her six-year-old brother Rowan. Those two children amaze us with their creativity, imagination, compassion, and love for family, friends, and strangers.
A typical day at our house involves playing with toys, puzzles, stuffed animals, baby dolls, and much more. Sometimes, we play restaurant and pretend to be servers and customers. We tap a small bell and shout, “Order ready.” when the food is cooked.
The library is also a fun activity as we pretend to check out books to take home and read to the babies.
Playing store is another way to bring laughter. Sometimes Eden is the storekeeper and other times, I am the clerk. A question often asked while we’re playing store is, “Do you have any bananas for my babies?”
On a recent day, Eden and I decided to play doctor. She lined up the baby dolls and stuffies. She arranged them on folded blankets and made sure they had pillows so their heads could rest. After placing each baby and stuffed animal in the perfect position, Eden said, “They need band- aids. They all have boo-boos on their foreheads.”
So, of course, Mimi always has extra inexpensive band-aids in a drawer filled with supplies. We found what we needed and headed back to our “doctor’s place” in the playroom.
Eden opened each band-aid and delicately placed one on each baby and stuffed animal. I noticed they all had the same “boo-boo” in the same place.
I asked Eden what happened that made them need to go to the doctor.
Answering in a calm voice, Eden spoke. “Mimi, they were running in the living room and fell on the coffee table and got a boo-boo. Remember? That’s where I got my hurt and I had to go to the doctor.”
Yes, months ago, Eden was running in the living room of her home and tripped and fell against the coffee table. Eden went to the doctor and got stitches on her forehead. She has recovered well. However, she remembered that scary event and decided that was what happened to the baby dolls and stuffed animals.
Eden showed tender care to the toys. She remembered how to show love and compassion. When she was hurt, Rowan showed Eden love and compassion by playing quiet games and being mindful of her bandage.
Bop and I are thankful that our grandchildren are taught how to show God’s love to others. Through the examples of their parents, Mike and Christine, these sweet children are learning to be kind and thoughtful.
God, thank You for the many ways we can express Your love and peace. Through the actions of children to the actions of adults, may we always pause and share Your love. Amen.
Have you noticed children showing God’s love?
Have a blessed day!
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Bop 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
“Look at the Ball, Not the Moon”
Notebooks, backpacks, water bottles, pencils, pens, paper, lunch boxes, and more are ready to go on weekday mornings during the school calendar year. Yellow buses pass by and stop so students can board. Along with adjusting to school schedules, there are also new events such as sports and music groups. How do children and adults stay focused?
Recently, grandson Rowan joined a local soccer team for kids. He has participated in swim lessons and other creative activities. Being part of a sports team can be a great way to learn patience, physical and social skills, how to work together, show kindness and compassion, and how to share.
Some of Rowan’s soccer games are on Saturday mornings. Other games are scheduled for the evening. Bop and I have been blessed to attend some of the games. Driving to the soccer field parking area, we find a spot to park and begin unloading the items needed to watch the game.
Sunhats, sunscreen, foldable chairs, water bottles, and bug spray. Yes, it’s still warm in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Bugs like sweat.
Our family walks across several fields making sure not to intrude on other teams already playing their games. We find a spot where we can view Rowan and his team, the Sharks. Children ages 6-7 arrive wearing their bright orange Sharks shirt which displays their team number. Rowan is number 5.
This particular evening, the game started at 6 p.m. The sun was lowering in the sky as the game started. “Go! Team! Go! Go Sharks!” was shouted by family and friends. The other team had family and friends cheering for them, too.
After a full day of school, organized sports can be a bit draining for young children. At one point during the game, the referee noticed that most of the focus was not on the game and the soccer ball.
The ball was in play and the game was in process, but there was something more fascinating than playing soccer. The sky was growing dark as night approached and the moon was becoming visible high in the sky.
As the referee realized what was happening, he blew the whistle to pause the game. He looked to the sky and spoke to the kids.
“Look at the ball, not the moon.” He tried to regain their interest in the game.
A few seconds later, the fascination with the moon was over and the game continued. People on the sidelines tried not to laugh, but seeing those sweet children looking at the moon was a precious sight.
The Sharks won their game that evening. High fives and “good game” congratulations were shared by both teams as each team member stood in line. Great sportsmanship and fun for all.
The distraction of the moon reminded me of how often I am distracted by things or events in life. I admit that during my prayer time, I have thought of my “to-do” list instead of focusing on God. I am thankful God forgives me and is ready to hear my prayers at any time of day or night.
What distracts you in life? Is your “to-do” list keeping you from sharing time with God? Are you focused on Him or yourself? These are questions that I have asked myself.
God sent a message that evening. Yes, His creations are wonderful to view. Pause and look at the moon. Thank God for His love and forgiveness. Always keep your focus on Him.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
How a Famous Author (and friend) Save the Day
A road trip to see a famous author, who is a sweet friend, brought laughter and joy to a special event. We never know what will happen with the Henderson family. God always gives us something to bring happiness and joy. Today’s blog is about how a famous author (and friend) saved the day.
Alan and I enjoy attending book signings and author events. Sometimes we know the person and other times we learn about new writers. Often, lunch is served and everyone has an opportunity to fellowship with other readers.
Recently, we were blessed to attend a presentation and book signing by author Nancy Naigle. She’s written many great stories and some of her work has been turned into movies. Alan and I met Nancy years ago when we went to see her speak at an event in South Carolina.
We became friends and now, every time Nancy visits the area, we make sure to attend her events. Nancy enjoys laughter and we often share giggles about the simplest things in life. The first time we met Nancy, a person was giving away Vidalia onions after the presentation.
Although we never found the Vidalia onion person and didn’t get any of those special offerings, the three of us joked about how we met on that onion day.
At the latest event, a delicious lunch of garden greens with a hunk of chicken salad on top was served. Yummy warm bread accompanied the main course. Slices of decadent chocolate cake were served for dessert.
There were eight people at our table, including Nancy’s mother Bettie. During lunch, we chatted, shared which stories were our favorites, and enjoyed getting to know each other. A delightful time.
After a few bites of food, Nancy reached over and touched my arm. “Melissa, just want you to know a spider hanging from the chandelier and it’s getting ready to fall into Alan’s salad.”
I immediately glanced over to try and see the culprit. The light hit the tiny spider at just the right moment. The spider held tightly to a thin translucent string of web as it inched down towards Alan’s salad.
Everyone at the table became alert when I shared, “Alan, there’s a spider about to go into your salad.” I thought Alan would discreetly dispose of it with a napkin. But, of course, nothing goes quietly around us.
Before speaking a word, Alan clapped his hands together with a “SLAP”, and the spider was gone. The sound was loud enough to cause everyone at our table, and probably in the room, to pause to see what was happening.
Alan had acted before thinking the spider might have landed in his lunch. Oh, well… After getting rid of the spider, Alan decided he wasn’t hungry anymore.
There were giggles and remarks about how the salad now had more protein because the spider was in it. My salad was fine so I continued eating. Alan did enjoy some of the warm bread.
Thank you to our author friend, Nancy Naigle, who saved Alan from eating a spider. 😁
Nancy’s new story, “And Then There Was You” is available at retailers. Visit her website at www.nancynaigle.com
Have a blessed day! Watch out for spiders in your food.
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
“Come Back, Honey!”
Laughter and conversations can be heard in our neighborhood every day. In the morning, children and parents gather to wait for the yellow buses to arrive. After school has ended for the day and everyone is home, the time for fun begins. Happy children bring out bicycles, frisbees, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and more.
When Rowan and Eden visit, there are belly-holding giggles, surprises in conversation and actions, amazing stories of what happened at school, and yes, even some quiet time. All of these things provide wonderful opportunities for bonding and sharing the love of God.
Temperatures have warmed in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and outside play is a wonderful way to burn off energy and have fun. One of my favorite activities is playing with bubbles. Sometimes, I bring out the mixture and wands and enjoy the bubbles by myself. However, most of the time, neighborhood kids are playing, too.
Recently, two years old Eden and I were preparing to take the needed supplies outside. She carried wands of various sizes and shapes. I carried the large pink bottle of solution to pour into the circular pans.
With everything in place on two little plastic tables lined up on the sidewalk, we were ready to create fun shapes. Eden doesn’t like for “bugs” to get in the pans, so I have to be on the lookout to remove any creatures before she notices. Sticky fingers don’t bother me.
On that particular day and since then, every time I place my wand into the pan and cover it with the solution, Eden begins to laugh. As I raise my arm, the bubbles appear and dance in the air. She throws down her wand and runs to catch the different shapes flowing toward the sky.
Her energy is limitless, just like her brother Rowan. Her breathing is rapid and her eyes are opened wide as she laughs and jumps in the air to catch the clear circles. The excitement she shows over the simple act of running and chasing something flying through the air is truly contagious.
Along with running, she calls to the bubbles. I’m not sure where she learned this or why she talks to them, but she calls out, “Come back, honey. Come back, honey.”
Her sweet voice brings happy tears and tons of giggles to me as she tries to catch each one.
I’ve never called bubbles “honey” and I’ve never asked them to “Come back.” But, Eden has a plan and for some unknown reason, those bubbles are “honey”.
Bop and I are thankful we live close to Mike, Christine, Rowan, Eden, and doggy Olive. God has blessed us with many joys from this move. Five years in South Carolina and we continue to treasure each moment.
Have you played with bubbles lately? Or perhaps another fun outside activity with kids?
Be alert and listen. You might hear someone calling “Come back, honey.”
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Super Exciting News for Readers
I am super excited to announce that I have a story in the new anthology “Charleston Light: Stories Inspired by Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse”. The book contains eight novellas written by authors who belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).
The inspiration for each unique story in this anthology came from the Charleston Light lighthouse on Sullivan’s Island. My husband (Alan) and I attend church on the island and enjoy learning the history of the island and the people. The writer’s group toured the Charleston Light lighthouse area and agreed this would be great material for stories.
My story is “Second Time Lighthouse Love”.
After two years, widow Lana Pierce continues to grieve the loss of her beloved husband Stan. When the older woman finds a mysterious notebook left on their favorite bench, she wonders if this could be a secret message intended for her. Is another “forever love” possible?
One of the extra special ideas came when the writers discussed how proceeds from sales of the book should be handled. As a group, the decision was made to donate all proceeds to SOUL (Sanctuary of Unborn Life). Dianne Miley, a chapter member of our group, and anthology contributor, is the Founder of SOUL. This faith-based non-profit group provides support, mentoring, and housing assistance for local pregnant and new mothers in need. More information about SOUL can be found on their website. www.sanctuaryofunbornlife.org
Now for more exciting news. I am putting together a launch team for the book. Would you please consider being part of this launch team? There are several ways to help.
Read my short novella for free and write a review and post it on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub. Hopefully, you will enjoy the story and want to purchase the entire book.
Pre-order the anthology ebook. The ebook is $2.99 on Amazon now. The normal price is $4.99, which is still a good deal.
Share this Preorder on your social media. Tell your family, friends, and yes, strangers, about the book.
If you decide to be on my launch team, please read the story by April 14th. All reviews should be posted by April 17th. Amazon will not allow reviews until April 14th.
If you are interested and available to read my novella, please email me at ahenderson312@gmail.com. I’ll be happy to send you a free pdf of my story.
Perhaps you would like to purchase the ebook without being on the launch team. Here’s the link to pre-order.
Have a blessed day and look for lighthouses,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
Leaping Lizard Under the Cushion
Yes. Leaping lizard under the cushion. How could this happen? A normal evening of household chores turned into a momentary frightful experience.
Being a Mimi to Rowan and Eden brings many unexpected surprises and joys. Those two sweet children sometimes ask to take toys from our house to play with at their home. Bop and I always say “Yes, if it’s okay with Mommy and Daddy. Be sure to bring the toys back.”
Sometimes a teddy bear stays at their home and other times, a bear or doll baby will make the return trip in the car to the home of Mimi and Bop.
Having fun items to play with and make unique creations is fun. From modeling clay to blocks to bubbles and more, there is always something special to do at our home. Bop and I enjoy playing as much as the kids love to play.
After Rowan and Eden have left to return home, clean up time begins. Glancing in each room, I often notice paper, crayons, markers, stickers and other things we have used for making pictures. Another room sometimes has toy cars, plastic dishes for playing restaurant, baby dolls and a toy stroller so Eden can be the Mommy, and plenty of dinosaurs and sharks for Rowan to be a paleontologist and a scuba diver. Yes, the imaginations of children are inspiring.
On a recent evening, the house was quiet as the children had left for home with Daddy and Mommy. Bop was taking the trash bag outside. I noticed the couch cushions were crooked. Deciding to lift them and arrange the cushions and pillows so everything would look nice, I reached down, pulled up a cushion and…
I screamed. “Yikes!!!” My high pitched scream and what I saw caused me to jump back. There, sitting under the cushion was a lizard. The thing looked real and actually wiggled when I moved the cushion. Then, I realized the creature was yellow and not a real lizard.
Sweet Rowan had hidden a squishy toy lizard under the cushion. I’m not sure when he hid the lizard, but the thought of how long the toy had been hiding under the cushion made me think. When was the last time I had looked under the cushions?
After I calmed my breathing and knew the lizard was not real, I began laughing. Bop had no idea that I had been scared by a toy lizard. The evening continued and I shared the story with Bop.
We both laughed and shared how happy we are to live near our grandchildren.
I’m thankful that the lizard in the photo above was not the one under the couch cushion.
God gives us the gift of laughter and the ability to find joy in everyday moments. Have you laughed lately? Share your story in the comments.
Have a blessed and laughter filled day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson