Olive and The Keys
“Mom, can you and Dad go to our house and let Olive outside? We’ll be home later.” Our son Mike had called to ask if we could take care of their Boston Terrier dog named Olive. Mike, Christine, Rowan, and Eden were away and wouldn’t be home until later that evening.
Agreeing to ride to their home and make sure Olive had fresh water, food, and the chance to play outside in the backyard for a bit, Alan and I chose a time to make the drive.
As the bright sun of day began turning to dusk, I gathered my key ring that has more keys on it than I could ever use.
“Mimi, are you sure we have a key for their house?” Alan inquired.
“Sure, it’s bound to be somewhere in this pile of keys.” I answered with confidence.
“Which one is the key we need?” Alan didn’t share my confidence.
“Well, we’ve taken care of Olive before, so I know we have a key.”
Alan laughed. “Are you sure it’s not one of the keys that we keep in a plastic bag in the basket on the kitchen counter?”
The basket Alan was referring to is filled with business cards, stamps, coupons, address labels, small mementos, and other things, including plastic bags with keys.
At Alan’s suggestion, I decided to look inside the full basket.
What do you think I found?
Yes, a plastic sandwich bag with the key we needed. Alan was right.
In my hurry to complete the task of taking care of Olive dog, I thought I had the needed item. I was overconfident. I didn’t pause to make sure the correct key was on the key ring.
This reminds me of how there are times when we need to be confident and other times, we need to ask for help. Seeking guidance from the Father is always the best way to handle any situation.
God hears our prayers. Whether we are asking to find lost keys,(or keys we didn’t know were lost) or praying to the Father with big requests, there is comfort in knowing He is listening.
Alan and I were able to visit with Olive doggy and sit with her in the backyard. She constantly looked at the garage door and at the gate. Olive missed her family, but they would be home soon.
As for all the keys on my keyring, I’m still perplexed as to why I have so many keys. I only use a few of them. I’m thankful for God’s reminder to be patient and ask for His help, even with finding keys.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
New Neighbor Giggles
“Hello! How are you today? Nice to meet you. Welcome to the neighborhood! Where did you live before moving to the Lowcountry?”
These are some of the questions often heard in our neighborhood. The area is filled with friendly folks. Some have lived in the area for a while and others have recently relocated from another state. The same conversations are shared as each person is welcomed into the community.
A variety of ages is one of the things that makes our neighborhood wonderful. From young couples with new babies to seniors who have retired, we are blessed with caring, compassionate friends.
Recently, Alan and I met a lovely couple while taking our evening walk. Greetings were exchanged and a delightful conversation started. Sharing about children, grandchildren, and reasons for moving, the chat continued with laughter and joy. We talked about how we would easily remember their names because the man has the same name as our son, Mike. The sweet lady, named Joanne, reminded us that her name is the same as a craft store.
When time came for Alan and me to proceed with our walk, we said goodbye. We looked forward to seeing the couple again soon.
Days later, Alan went to the grocery store. He returned and mentioned how he had seen the man we had recently met. “I saw the new guy. He was at the store. He said they are building a house and moving to another part of the state.”
My reaction was shock and disbelief. “Wow, they just moved here. Are you sure? Houses sure do sell fast around here. I didn’t know they were building a home. They are so nice. I’ll miss them when they move.”
We talked more about houses selling fast in the Lowcountry. Some homes in our area are under contract the day the house is placed on the “for sale” listing.
I hoped we could chat with the couple again soon, especially before they moved.
Friday evening, Alan and I went to the local big box store to shop for certain items. As we walked through the aisles, we noticed our new neighbors shopping.
“Hello, hello. How are you all today? Are you really moving?” A perplexed look appeared on their faces.
At that point, Alan began to share the rest of the story. He had not updated me on the mistake he had made. Perhaps he was a bit embarrassed, but now the truth would be revealed.
Alan spoke. “Hey, funny story. I went to the store the other day and saw a guy who looked just like you Mike. I approached him and introduced myself again, reminding him how we met the other day while walking. The guy nodded and said he remembered. I carried on a full conversation with the guy. He told me that they are building a house and moving.”
Later that same day, Alan had seen our neighbors driving by the house. The man, Mike, still had his mustache. The man Alan had chatted with at the grocery store did not have a mustache. Oops.
Alan had enjoyed a conversation with a stranger and the person never corrected Alan’s mistake.
I had to laugh out loud as I shared with our new friends that Alan never told me the rest of the story and about his error in talking with the wrong person. We all laughed and continued with a joyful visit right there in the aisle of the big box store.
I do need to share with our new friends about our family motto.
“It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”.
Have you chatted with someone who wasn’t the person you thought you were talking to? A case of mistaken identity?
What happened when the mistake was revealed?
Lord, thank You for new friends. Thank You for laughter. May we all find joy in each day.
Amen.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Stocking Up and He Knew Why
About a week ago, my husband and I felt a sudden need to stock up on groceries. Bad weather was not in the forecast. The kitchen cabinets and refrigerator held many items for meals. So, why did we both feel the need to stock up on soup, rice, toilet paper, facial tissues, water, etc.? We had no idea. But…God knew.
After Alan and I had completed our shopping at the local grocery store, we went back home and emptied the bags. We commented “Well, I guess it’s a good thing we bought this stuff. Now, we don’t have to go to the store for a while.” and “Glad we’re all stocked up.”
Little did we know that in two days, the awful coronavirus would hit our family. God knew it was coming. God knew we needed to be prepared and stocked up on groceries. Alan began feeling achy and developed a stuffy nose. Two days later, he tested positive for the virus. I tested negative.
Some other members of our family tested positive, while others remained with a negative test result. We are blessed to have our vaccines and boosters. Everyone affected is quarantined and feeling better every day.
This virus affects people in different ways. We’ll never know how the virus came to us, yet, we do know we are thankful for the love and prayers of family and friends, and strangers.
Alan’s symptoms are not as bad as they could be and for that we are thankful.
We continue to pray for everyone affected by the virus and yes, that is everyone in the world. Whether you have had the virus yourself or know someone who has had it, we are all affected.
God constantly shows us His love in every moment of the day and night. While Alan and I were shopping for those extra items and wondering why we felt the need to shop, God knew what would be happening to us.
The love of God is eternal and He cares for us deeply.
During this time of quarantine, Alan and I have watched old movies, read great books, studied Scripture, and video chatted with family. This quiet time has allowed us to slow down and rest in the moment. We’ve noticed the sunshine more, the sounds of ice melting on the roof, the sound of wind whipping in the trees, and the quiet of the neighborhood. The freezing temperatures last night caused the azaleas in the front flower bed to shrivel and pose like a statue.
We also gave thanks to God for His provisions, even though we didn’t know why we would need extra groceries in the house.
When those times come and we don’t understand what is happening, going to God in prayer can bring peace and comfort that only He can give.
You are cherished and loved by Him.
Have a glorious day and stay warm and healthy,
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
Lost In A Jumble
“We’re missing a bolt. No, wait, here it is.”
“Now there’s a plastic bag missing. No, wait, I found it.”
“This is going to take forever to assemble.”
These are comments from a recent Saturday when Alan worked on putting together a piece of furniture to go in the foyer.
About a week before that day, a delivery truck arrived at the house. I was super excited as the piece of furniture was just what we needed to complete the look of the entryway.
However, when the delivery man unloaded two flat boxes, brought them to the front door and asked, “Where do you want these, ma’am?”, I was surprised.
I thought the furniture would arrive assembled. Wrong assumption on my part.
The next few days, Alan opened the boxes and began unwrapping piece after piece of the doors, front and back of the furniture, and several drawers which had to be assembled. Numbered bags filled with nuts and bolts were spread across the kitchen counter. We tried to organize as best we could.
Alan said he would need something to put on the hardwood floor so his knees wouldn’t get hurt while working on this project. No problem. We have a work blanket for that. Next, Alan brought out screwdrivers of all sizes and shapes, the battery operated drill, a ruler, a flashlight, and lots of patience.
My dear husband worked on that project for seven hours. He took a few breaks to eat lunch and drink water to stay hydrated.
During the time he was working on this project, I tried to help whenever I could. He would ask me to hand him certain tools or to check the time. Sometimes a break for conversation was what he needed.
The morning became afternoon. I could hear Alan talking to himself. “What? Where does that go? That doesn’t look right.” Inquiring if he needed me to help, he answered with his usual sweet reply.
“Dear, I always need you, just not for this project.” He’s a sweetheart!
Afternoon turned into evening and he had completed building this beautiful entryway piece. I was so proud of him for sticking to the task at hand and not giving up.
I thanked Alan for his hard work and the time he took to make sure everything was assembled correctly. There were only a couple of bolts left over. Perhaps the company sent extras.
How easily it would have been to give up and feel like we were lost in a jumble of nuts and bolts and instructions. Yet, with patience and yes, prayer, the item was put together with no scratches, dents, or cuts and scrapes.
The furniture is assembled. Project completed. We enjoyed a few giggles during the process. I can picture God saying, “Look at those two. They’re laughing and learning.”
In life, there are times when situations may seem too hard to handle. We may feel lost in a jumble and aren’t sure what to do.
Friends, we have a Father who loves us and guides us along the way in every moment. All we have to do is go to Him in prayer and ask for His help. God loves His children.
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Smashed Pumpkin Face
A strong breeze scattered leaves from yard to yard. Decorative flags danced in the air. Temperatures lowered to the upper 40’s last night. Autumn has arrived in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Will this cool weather stay or is this only a tease of what is to come?
One of our favorite family activities in October is carving pumpkins. In Virginia, those orange delights could be carved as early as September. Not in South Carolina. Warm weather stays longer in the south, so pumpkins need to be carved later in October so they will last.
When grandson Rowan asks to work on a pumpkin, that’s what we do, even if carving time should be put off for a few weeks. With the outside of the heavy orange pumpkin washed and dried, the time had come to create a jack o’lantern. This one will wear a scary face. Mimi and Rowan clean out the inside of the pumpkin. The guts are yucky and a decision is made for Mimi to finish that project. Once everything was clean, Bop drew the eyebrows, eyes, nose, and pointy teeth. Next, Bop went to work making small cuts in the pumpkin while paying special attention to the details.
When the jack o’lantern was completed, Bop carried the heavy creation outside to display in the flower bed. Yellow mums would highlight the fall decorations. Beautiful!
All was well for a few days. I put a battery operated tealight into the pumpkin each night. Rowan was happy with the jack o’lantern. Alan and I were pleased with how well the decoration looked in the front flower bed.
Then…it happened. Evening arrived and before nightfall, I went to put the tea light in the pumpkin. Lifting the stem of the lid, I was shocked at the yucky sight before me. Our nice creation had begun to mold and shrink. The once large, firm orange pumpkin was starting to deteriorate into a piece of mush. Looking at the front of the pumpkin, I noticed a smashed pumpkin face. Yikes!!!!
The beautiful carved decoration was shrinking and turning into a soft blob. Oh no!!!!
There was only one thing to do. That orange smashed pumpkin face had to be taken out of the flower bed and disposed of.
I wondered how Rowan would take the news. The next day, when he arrived, he asked “Where is my pumpkin?” I explained what happened. He didn’t get upset. He said, “That’s okay Mimi. We can get another one. This time we can draw a happy face on it for you.” Sweet boy.
When I asked God to help me find a lesson in this experience, He reminded me that there is a time for everything, even pumpkin carving. Even if we had to dispose of that pumpkin, the time shared with Rowan was priceless. Bop and I are looking forward to carving a pumpkin with Rowan and his baby sister Eden.
Do you decorate for autumn? What is your favorite fall activity?
FYI…the picture above shows our new pumpkin without a face. 🙂
Have a blessed day and put on a sweater if it’s chilly in your neck of the woods,
Mimi aka Melissa
Beach Buddies and Mermaids
“What is your name? How old are you? I’m six.”
“I’m six, too. I go to school. What grade are you in? My Mama says I can’t go too far in the water.”
“Did you know I am a mermaid?”
I stood at the edge of the ocean. Waves rolled water in and out bringing warmth and sand to my feet. The back of my sun hat slapped against my neck as strong breezes rolled across the ocean. A string kept the hat from escaping and flying across the beach and into the ocean.
Some of our family had decided to have an afternoon at a local beach. Time to let the children run and play in the sand and splash in the water. The adults stood laser focused on each child while watching for rushing water and any need for help. Sometimes sand or water gets in the eyes and the young ones need assistance in cleaning their face.
On this particular afternoon the children in our family played, giggled, hid their feet under the sand, looked for sea shells, and watched for dolphins. As the fun continued, I noticed a young girl moving closer and closer to our family.
This girl watched us and began smiling. After running back to the blanket where her parents were sitting, she rushed back to begin talking with us.
The questions and comments came pouring out of her mouth. She was six. Her Mama said it was okay to talk to us. Her Mama was on the blanket “up there” and she pointed to her family. She told the children in our family her name, age, and asked if they knew she was a mermaid.
Giggles, jumping waves, and sharing beach toys quickly became fun activities.
As I stood and watched the children, I noticed their ease of chatting, laughing and sharing toys. The conversation went from one topic to another. No fussing. No arguing. Just good summertime fun with new friends.
The warmth of sunshine and the ease of new friendships brought a smile to my face. I began thinking of how often we take for granted the simple things in life. Times are stressful and become more busy with each passing moment.
Yet, here on this Sunday afternoon, children who had never met and may never see each other again, began playing and chatting like they were best friends.
They shared toys, giggles, and stories. Some stories were true and some were “made up”.
I hope that I will always be open and ready to enjoy time with new and not so new friends. These children reminded me of the love God has for each of His children.
These young ones had a major impact on me that day.
I’m still smiling thinking about the joy of being with the group and watching them enjoy the wonders of life. The children became “beach buddies” for the day.
Have you played in the sand lately? Have you visited the beach recently? What makes you smile?
Blessings, sand, and giggles,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
Fried Eggs and Melting Ice Cubes
“Mimi, what projects do we have today?” This is one of the first questions four years old Rowan asks when he walks into our home. Rowan and I enjoy working on things together. From filling a bowl with ingredients to make cupcakes to planting marigold seeds to checking on the one tomato on the vine, there is always excitement in the air.
Last week, the lowcountry of South Carolina was hit with heat index warnings and calls for everyone to be alert of the air quality. The neighborhood was quiet as no one wanted to be outside to play.
After considering what type of fun project we could have for the day, I settled on experimenting with eggs on a hot sidewalk. All outside fun would have to be done before the heat arrived.
What a fun time! Rowan and I gathered two eggs from the refrigerator. We carried a small bowl and a fork outside to the front sidewalk. Placing the bowl on the sidewalk, Rowan then asked if he could break the eggs open with the fork. Yes, yes.
He was super excited to watch the yolk come out of the eggs. Next, came the fun part of pouring the eggs onto the sidewalk. Rowan and I laughed as the gooey mess wiggled out of the bowl and sat still on the walkway. The heat had already warmed the area enough to fry eggs.
After watching the eggs solidify, we returned inside the house to have a drink of water.
Cool and ready for another adventure, we opened the freezer and filled a cup with ice cubes. The cold squares stuck to our fingers. Heading back to the sidewalk, we emptied the cold cubes on the sidewalk, side by side. This experiment was to see which ice cube would melt the fastest. Cheering for the melting ice, we called out, “Go, buddy, go. Melt. Melt.”
Laughter, learning, and a bit of sticky stuff on the sidewalk. These are the kind of messes that bring smiles. The rain will wash away any residue from the eggs. The ice cubes have melted and the sidewalk is dry.
Another fun day with Rowan. The Lord reminded me that big fancy projects are not needed every day. Sometimes the simplest of activities brings the most joy.
I thank God for showing me how to be a child at heart. Wonder what projects we will have this week?
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
The Weed Walk and Planting Seeds
Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies. Flowers and vegetables can bring smiles and joy to every moment. I find happiness in filling a container with dirt, adding fertilizer to the soil, adjusting a plant in the pot, and providing enough moisture to quench the thirst of the plant. Other times, preparing soil in the ground, adding seeds or plants, and then covering the dirt with water, gives a great opportunity to watch sprouts pop out and the growing cycle begin.
Recently, a neighbor shared a bag of marigold seeds. Grandson Rowan and I decided a good project would be to find a pot, fill it with dirt, poke holes in that dirt, and plant the seeds. Of course, we did not use any system for spacing. We giggled while we stuck our fingers into the dirt. Then, we decided to place many seeds in each hole. When teaching a four year old about gardening, allow for the creativity to flow. 🙂
Rowan and I planted seeds on a Tuesday and a few days later, the photo above shows what we have grown. How exciting to know that we prepared the soil, planted the seeds, and now, we have marigolds growing in a pot on the back porch.
Bop(Alan) has been teaching Rowan to do the “weed walk”. They walk in the front yard and the back yard and check for weeds in the flower beds. A fun time for grandson and Bop, as they share special conversations while looking for weeds. I’m very impressed that Rowan knows which things need to be picked and which ones need to be left alone.
A big smile appears on my face when I hear Rowan say, “Mimi, I found a weed. I better pick it for Bop.” One day, baby sister Eden will be doing the “weed walk”, too.
God’s creations are amazing. Two days ago, an Eastern Hercules Beetle decided to live in the back flower bed. What an interesting sight!
Whether planting, watering, or looking for weeds, I am reminded how our faith starts at one point and then, has to be nurtured. Our faith can grow by reading Scripture, praying and sharing conversation with the Lord, sharing God’s Word with others, attending worship services, volunteering, listening, and many other ways.
Every moment is an opportunity to learn and to teach. No matter our age, there continue to be new adventures and fun to explore.
Have you been on a “weed walk” lately?
Blessings and giggles,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
Cracker Crumbs and Little Friend
When you first read the title of this message, you might think I’m referring to finding a mouse or some other little creature eating cracker crumbs. No, not this time.
This past weekend, Alan decided to vacuum the floor in the living room. He’s a sweetheart! He takes care of the vacuuming and yes, I appreciate him very much.
As I was in our home office writing articles, blog posts, and taking care of other things on the computer, I heard the laundry room closet door open and close. I could hear Alan moving the vacuum across the floor and unwrapping the cord. A slap sounded when the cord hit the floor.
The loud sounds of my hard working husband and the hard working vacuum cleaner began. I kept writing. Best if I stayed out of the way. Alan was on a mission. I could hear Alan grunting as he moved the heavy vacuum cleaner back and forth across thick carpet and then, on to the hardwood floor.
Ten minutes passed. Machine turned off and all was quiet. The only sounds I could hear were the ice maker in the refrigerator and the sweet laughter of children playing outdoors.
Footsteps…
Alan entered the office. Stretching out his right arm, he opened his palm to display a tiny toy figure.
“What’s this? Where did this come from? I found this toy stuck between the sides of the cushion of the brown chair in the living room. I also found a lot of cracker crumbs under the chair.”
“Oh, my goodness! That is Rowan’s little friend,” I remembered. Rowan had brought “little friend” with him when he came to play last week. Certain toys are very important to three years old boys. I hoped Rowan was not missing this special toy.
We placed “little friend” on the kitchen counter in plain sight, so as not to lose him again. As for the cracker crumbs, they have found a new home in the vacuum cleaner canister. When I empty the can, their new home will be the trash.
I asked the Lord to show me the lesson to be learned from cracker crumbs and “little friend”. The Lord answered. He reminded me that we are never lost when we have Jesus in our heart. He reminded me that even cracker crumbs have a purpose. If Alan had not been vacuuming up the cracker crumbs, he would not have found Rowan’s special toy.
Have you looked under your chairs or couch lately? Are there cracker crumbs or toys waiting to be found? Each moment is precious. Take time to thank God for the small things in life. There’s always something to be learned. Share your crackers. Share your toys. Share His love.
Blessings and laughter,
Mimi aka Melissa
The Missing Pieces
A small pair of binoculars sits in my desk drawer.The dark green color on the binoculars has faded over the years to a greenish brown tone. I take them out of the drawer from time to time and look for wildlife. Eagles, hawks, egrets, herons and of course, hummingbirds. A thick black strap is attached to each side, making ease of wearing them around my neck.
The strap shows signs of age as frayed pieces of fabric escape to the floor when I touch the binoculars. Tiny strands that were once strong now are soft and fall apart easily. As the torn pieces escape in the air, they remind me of dust floating aimlessly.
I wonder if now is the time to replace the binoculars with a new pair.
Deciding to hold on to them for a while longer, I attempt once more to place the worn holder around my neck. OOPS! The string releases from the side. I quickly grasp the binoculars preventing a crash on the hardwood floor.
The once strong holder is now at the weakest point and cannot bear the load any longer.
Perhaps there can be a repair. Surely, that would cost less than a brand new pair of binoculars. I begin to closely study the place where the tear happened. Pieces are missing. Little pieces that will need a magnifying glass to find. On hands and knees, I search the floor. A flashlight, a magnifying glass, and determination to find the three tiny missing links.
Frustration sets in. Nothing is found. Well…only a piece of cracker that somehow made it’s way to the floor. Wait, when did I eat a cracker? Moving on.
Alan searches for the missing pieces, too. Nothing else is found. We give up.
No repair. We’ll have to buy a new pair online.
Time comes to vacuum. If those pieces are on the floor, the vacuum will find them. No. Nothing is recovered. The missing links have completely disappeared.
We say we’ll never know what happened and why we can’t find three little items on the floor.
Life goes on. We walk on the floor every day.
Then…it happened. Grandson Rowan visits. He walks across the carpet and says, “Mimi, what’s on my foot?”
Yes, there on the bottom of his foot are the missing pieces. How did this happen? We are thankful there were no sharp pieces and no injury. They stuck to his foot like stickers.
Three little pieces to a binocular strap and they were found by a three year old boy.
We laugh. We thank Rowan. Alan finds his special tools for small things and begins a repair process. All is well.
I look for God’s message in this situation. I remember God wants us to go to Him for all things. Big pieces and little pieces of our lives. Did I remember to pray and ask for help in finding the missing pieces? No. I tried to solve the problem on my own and it didn’t work. God allowed Rowan to find the lost items. An innocent child to remind me of what is important in life.
Don’t worry. Take our “missing pieces” and worries to God. He will guide us through every moment. Something like a small pair of binoculars and their torn strap can bring a lesson of faith and patience and joy.
Thank You God, for bringing joy to life.
Do you have any “missing pieces” in your life? Have you taken your worries to Him?
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa