Shoe Tissue and Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy…
I’m laughing out loud this morning. Yes, the new year has begun and God is already giving me ways to laugh at myself and find joy. I appreciate the ways God shows me how to find joy every day.
One of my Christmas presents was a beautiful pair of bedroom slippers. The kind with the “no slip” backing, cozy and soft inside and cute on the outside. I couldn’t wait to try on my new slippers. I imagined my toes snuggling up to the inside of the shoes. No more cold feet on the floor. This was going to be fantastic!
Slipping my right foot into the opening of the shoe, I paused when I reached a certain point. My foot would not budge any further. I had already double checked the size. Yes, that was correct. What could cause my foot to only enter halfway into the shoe? Perhaps the size was marked incorrectly? Perhaps my foot was swollen due to eating too many salty foods the day before?
Reasons began filling my thoughts.
These slippers were cute and looked like they would make my feet comfortable. Why weren’t they fitting? Disappointment began to set in.
But, wait….
Yes, you may have experienced the same thing with a pair of shoes you tried to wear.
Silly Mimi! Looking inside the slipper, I noticed a large ball of tissue paper inserted in the toe area. That paper was placed inside to give the shoe form. Hooray!
Removing the tissue paper allowed my foot to slip right inside and find a home. Now, to the other shoe. Same thing, more tissue paper.
All ended well. Paper removed, feet inserted into slippers and a comfy, cozy experience began.
Along with finding joy in the simple moments in life, grandson Rowan and I have created our own song to sing when we are together. Simple words.
We sing “Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy…Happy, Happy, Joy!” Sometimes the tune or the rhythm changes, but the song always fills us with joy.
When we sing these words, Rowan and I bust out in laughter. I look forward to the day when we can teach his baby sister, Eden, the words to our special song. Yes, baby sister Eden was born in November 2020. We are now blessed with two wonderful grandchildren. Thank You Lord.
Look for joy in the simple moments. Whether tissue paper in a shoe or singing a made up song, God is providing happiness and joy. Can you share a time of unexpected joy?
Blessings and Happy New Year,
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
Do Turkeys Have Exercise Class?
Watching the wildlife in our backyard is amazing. Ducks, geese, herons, egrets, lizards and turkeys all have a great area to roam freely. A forest behind the house is filled with pine trees that hold woodpeckers and bluebirds.
The male turkeys and female turkeys are often seen traveling in groups. They pause and nibble on the tall weeds, picking off seeds and bugs. Male turkeys show their feathers in hopes of attracting the females.
Sometimes, only the males walk by and other times, only the females. Then, there are those times when all the turkeys travel together. One turkey looks to be in charge. The other turkeys follow.
This morning, I noticed a different situation with the male turkeys. Three big fellas ran past the back door like they were headed for some place important. Running to the right, they kept the speed up for a whole block. A few minutes later, they returned running in the opposite direction.
The back and forth kept going on for a while. One turkey was slower than the other two. This reminded me of gym class when I was a young girl. I was often the slow runner and left behind. The other turkeys didn’t wait for this guy to catch up. They kept running from one end of the block to the other.
The thought entered my mind. “Do turkeys have exercise class?” Seeing those turkeys run quickly made me wonder why they were running. Could they be trying to escape a predator or were they running for fun?
My thoughts sparked questions. “Am I running away from something? Am I lagging behind in my faith?” Today, I am searching my thoughts, words and actions to see if I have been “putting off” or “running away” from studying His Word. There are no time constraints for me, as we are quarantined. Housework can wait. Reading His Word and sharing conversation with God can’t wait. There is no need to fall behind like I did in exercise class. I can share my thoughts with God at any time.
What comfort knowing that God will search for me when I fall behind. He will seek and find me.
Maybe the turkeys are having exercise class. Maybe they are running for fun. Maybe they run as a mating ritual. I don’t know. I will pretend they are having exercise class. That makes me laugh.
As for me, I will run toward God. He is waiting for conversation. He is holding out His arms waiting to give comfort and peace.
Have you found yourself running away from something lately? Share your thoughts. Your message may help someone else.
If you see any turkeys running back and forth, enjoy the sight and know they might be in “turkey exercise class.”
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Savannah or Jovannah? Who are you calling?
Have you ever had one of those phone calls when things didn’t go the right way?
Recently, I was occupied and could not answer my phone quickly enough. By the time, I reached my cell phone, the caller had hung up. A red button on the message icon alerted me that someone had left a voicemail.
Entering the correct prompts, I waited and listened for the details of the message. Static on the connection caused the words of the caller to fade in and out. There was something about a reservation for an upcoming trip.
I remembered there was also a prompt on the phone to allow me to read the “transcript” of the call.
Awesome. I would not need to listen anymore. Just read the message.
A person named Jovannah had called to alert me of changes in the reservation. No problem, I would call back and reschedule. All would work out fine.
Tapping the buttons on the phone, I was ready to speak with whoever answered and ask for Jovannah.
A friendly voice answered and gave the name of the hotel and provided their name, too.
“How may I assist you today?” The person inquired.
“Yes, I’m returning a call from Jovannah. I’m calling about rescheduling a reservation.”
“Who are you calling? What name did you say?”
“Jovannah. She called and left the nicest message. May I speak to Jovannah?” I asked.
A moment’s pause.
“Ma’am. There is no Jovannah here. Could you be trying to reach another hotel?”
My face began to blush even though I was alone and the person on the other end of the line couldn’t see me. How could I have made such a silly mistake?
Beginning to explain, I mentioned how the call came from that number and the transcript of the message said Jovannah called.
“Ma’am, could you possibly mean Savannah? Sometimes phones record the messages wrong. We have a Savannah and she is standing right here. Would you like to speak with her?”
Laughing, I said yes and waited for this person to begin speaking.
“Mrs. Henderson, this is Savannah. I left you a message about your reservation.”
As I explained the silly mistake, we both laughed and shared about other mishaps with phone messages at the hotel.
This experience reminded me how we each have unique names. Some of us are named by family members, some are named to carry on the family line, some names are chosen out of a baby book.
Do you know how you were named? Do you know the meaning of your name? Melissa means honeybee.
You have a name here on earth. The most important name you have is “child of God”. You were created by Him and you are loved by Him. I am thankful to be His child and He calls me by name.
Blessings,
Mimi
Watch Out!! Stinky Mimi!!
Warm weather has arrived in the Lowcountry. Hot weather has arrived, too. Spells of warm days turned into spells of hot days followed by cooler evenings. Spring is here. Some days feel like summer already. The weather forecasters try to get the correct prediction. Sometimes they get it right and sometimes not. If we want to know the weather, just open the front door and step outside.
Taking walks in the neighborhood gives Alan and me a chance to enjoy the beautiful flowers our neighbors have planted. From red and white impatiens in hanging pots to bright pink geraniums in planters at doorways to white oleander in yards, the sights are gorgeous.
There is a forest behind our house. A park which, according to county plans, will never be developed. Deer, turkey, geese and ducks are seen almost every morning and evening playing at the edge of the woods.
We decided to purchase a few colorful flowers for our back yard area. Red impatiens hang next to the hummingbird feeder. Red geraniums are seated in a two feet tall planter. Pink and purple small petunias are situated in another planter. Beautiful.
The hummingbirds and lizards love the plants. What a joy to watch the plants grow!
A joy until one recent morning when the next door neighbor alerted me to part of the flowers being eaten away by the deer.
Oh no! Those silly deer crossed into the yard and had a feast on our flowers and our neighbor’s flowers. Something must be done!
Over the years, we’ve dealt with deer eating the flowers at previous homes we’ve lived in. Friends are always eager to share a “treatment” or “idea” to deter the deer.
We know what has worked for us in the past, so we decide to stick with purchasing the “deer repellant”. A bottle of spray that is applied once a week. A tried method that has been successful.
A trip to the local nursery was the plan for the next morning.
Deer repellant purchased. A few replacement flowers were purchased. A few marigolds to add to the mix. Marigolds are a flower that deer are not supposed to like. Tell that to a deer who was seen munching on the yellow marigolds.
I wanted to take care of spraying the flowers. I had used this product in the past. No problem. This would be quick and easy.
Full of too much confidence, I didn’t bother putting on my garden gloves. Taking the spray bottle in one hand, I attempted to open the nozzle to prepare for spraying. This deer spray has an awful smell. The scent goes away after time, but the initial smell can cause a person to gag.
Attempting to turn the nozzle, I realized before I could stop that I had the sprayer turned in my direction, toward my pants and shoes.
Spray! Spray! A spray of the nasty smelling deer repellant didn’t hit the flowers. The spray landed on me.
Quickly as I could move, I dropped the bottle, took off my shoes, ran into the house and started washing my hands. That special kitchen lemon soap would not work. I had to reach for the dishwashing liquid.
After my hands smelled better, a change of clothes was definitely needed. Spraying my shoes with disinfectant and putting the smelly clothes in the washer, I washed my face and hair and began to relax.
Yes, I was a “Stinky Mimi” for a while.
During this time of spraying to repel the deer, I had to laugh out loud. What a sight the neighbors must have seen! Yes, I used my gloves the next time and also, made sure the nozzle was pointed in the correct direction.
Once again, the Lord gave me a reason to laugh at myself. I also wondered about the “stinky” parts of my life. I pray I will “repel” those stinky parts and focus on showing God’s love in all my words and actions.
Have you ever used “deer repellant”? Do you have any “stinky parts” of your life that need to be fixed?
Have a blessed day, Enjoy the flowers, Make sure the spray nozzle is turned the right way,
Mimi
“Mimi…do you see that?
Grandson Rowan and I recently enjoyed a quiet chat on the front porch at his home. He is two years old and has great conversations skills. We had brought toy cars outside and were racing them up and down the railings. “Let’s vroom!” He would shout. “Okay. Let’s vroom!” I answered. He stood behind a chair and asked me to come stand behind the chair, too. “Welcome to our car show!” He announced. I repeated his words.
Approaching the railing on the side of the porch, Rowan asked if I could climb up. I pretended to lift my foot on the bottom of the rail.
Looking at the sky, Rowan pointed and said, “Mimi…do you see that? That’s clouds. That’s rain.” My heart filled with joy as he began listing things for me to see and hear.
“Mimi, do you hear that? Birds singing. They are in the trees. Mimi, do you see those flowers? Mimi, do you see the bushes and the trees?”
The quiet conversation between Rowan and his Mimi. My heart filled with so much joy that tears moistened my eyes. The innocence of a little boy. The excitement of seeing clouds, listening to birds singing, showing me the flowers. What a blessing to be his Mimi!
I couldn’t wait to share with the family about this special time. A conversation I will always remember.
The chat ended with giggles when Rowan looked at the side of the neighbor’s home, grinned and pointed to the water spigot. “Mimi, I can’t play with the hose.”
Trying not to bust out laughing, I understood what he was talking about. Not too long ago, I believe I heard how he liked to point the water hose at his parents and spray them. Or maybe that was my imagination. Either way, he grinned while telling me about not being able to play with the hose.
A special bonding time, lots of giggles and a chance to play “Vroom” with toy cars, pretend to have a car show, listen to birds singing, watch for clouds and rain and best of all, receive hugs from sweet Rowan.
These are simple joys. Times I noted in my journal. Memories I hope to share with Rowan when he is older. I imagine us laughing and sharing more special conversations in the future.
In this time of crisis and stress, I will look for ways to find joy. Sharing time with family is one of the best ways.
Thank you God for giving us ways to find joy.
Can you share some ways you are finding joy? Let us know in the comments.
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi
Crossing Into the New Year
Happy New Year! Wishes for good health and happiness have been posted online, stated out loud, written in cards and letters and displayed on signs in stores. Smiles and handshakes are given to friends, family and strangers. For a few days before the new year begins and a few days after the new year begins, people show extra friendliness and compassion as we all “cross” into the new year.
Calendars are displayed with new appointments, activities, birth dates, anniversaries and more. Planners and “to do” lists fill my dining room table as I prepare to “cross” over from one calendar year to the next.
On a bright, sunny, breezy morning, Alan and I wanted to take a walk and enjoy scenery of the local waterfront park. After arriving at the waterfront, finding a parking place, bundling up (because ocean air is always more breezy than in town), we held hands and began walking to the end of the pier. Along the way, we could hear the laughter of children and adults playing in the great playground. Swings and slides, climbing area and plenty of benches for the adults to rest and watch the young ones playing.
The pier was filled with other walkers, joggers and people casting fishing lines into the water. This pier is long and allows for wonderful viewing of the harbor, barges passing by, tug boats, the occasional cruise ship and my favorite, dolphins jumping in and out of the water.
Above this pier is a huge bridge which is famous for its design. The bridge leaves Mount Pleasant and crosses into Charleston. As I stood and watched the many interesting sights in the water, my eyes were led to the bridge. The sounds of vehicles crossing from one area to the next reminded me of how we were preparing to “cross into the new year”. This bridge is equipped with safety features and inspections to keep travelers safe.
How are we equipped to cross over into the new year? Are we placing God first in our lives or are we too worried about our “to do” lists to make time for Him? Staring at the huge bridge, I began wondering about the people crossing from one city to the next. Where were they going? Family event, work, doctor appointment, shopping, tourist attraction? Wherever their destination, they trusted the bridge to be safe and sound.
I pray we will put our trust and faith in God as He leads us to “cross over” into the new year.
On a side note, as Alan and I stared at the bridge, we both commented how thankful we are for the people who inspect the bridges. “I sure wouldn’t want to be up that high in the air.” No need to worry. God is in charge. He equips us all with different gifts and bridge climbing is a gift someone else enjoys. 🙂
Have a blessed “cross into the new year”. God loves you and He is with you always.
Blessings,
Mimi
The Hospital Shirt…Finding Comfort
Have you ever paused to think of all the ways God sends comfort? Last week, after a strange reaction to an infusion for osteoporosis, I called the emergency number for the doctor office and was told to go the e.r. immediately. I didn’t have an allergic reaction. I had an “adverse” reaction to the infusion. No itchy throat or trouble breathing. My problems were extreme bone pain, nausea, fever, chills and muscles that kept contracting making my body feel like I had done 100 or more sit ups. Very strange feeling.
The infusion itself went well. The staff who assisted me provided information about the before, during and after components of an infusion. Being an almost 15 years breast cancer survivor and having dealt with chemotherapy and radiation all those years ago, I was a bit nervous. Stressful memories flooded my mind the moment the infusion was scheduled. I prayed and asked God to give me comfort. He answered. He always answers in one way or another. Days after making the appointment, I relaxed into my daily schedule and put the upcoming appointment in the back of my thoughts.
The day of the infusion was normal. No problems. I didn’t have the “reaction” until 1:00 a.m. That was when my body starting showing a dislike for the medicine that had entered my body.
After speaking with the medical staff on call and letting Alan know we needed to get ready and head to the emergency room, I slowly walked to the bedroom closet to find clothes so I could change from my pajamas to “day” clothes. Looking at the shirts hanging on the rack, my eyes quickly went to one shirt. Grabbing the maroon colored short-sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans, I dressed for the car ride to the hospital.
Alan opened the car door for me, helped me into the car and turned on the seat warmer. I closed my eyes and prayed as we rode through the dark of the night to arrive at the hospital.
On this ride to the e.r., I began thinking of the shirt I picked to wear. Something comfortable and easy to remove if a hospital gown was needed. Short sleeves would be easy for blood pressure cuff.
I started to wonder. “Why do I always pick this same shirt to wear to the emergency room or for stressful medical tests?” I have noticed a pattern in what I choose to wear for those possibly worrisome visits. I always choose the maroon shirt.
A calm came over my body and I remembered.
I prayed and asked God to give me peace and calm. I was afraid. He would be the answer to my fears. He would cover me with peace only He can provide.
Looking down at my maroon t-shirt, I smiled. God gave me comfort through an old shirt. God was reminding me that His love and peace are covering me in all situations. No matter the outcome, He covers me from head to toe. This favorite shirt of mine was one way God was covering me. No need for worry.
The hospital staff provided great care and soon we were on our way back home. I feel much better and have been busy with family and church activities.
Each time I see this old shirt hanging on the rack in my closet, I smile. One of these days, that shirt will wear out and I will find another one to wear to the hospital and doctor appointments.
I am thankful God’s love never gives out. God’s love never changes. He will provide comfort and peace in many ways, even in an old shirt.
How was God provided peace and comfort to you lately? Share with us. Your story may encourage others.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi
“Get in there Mimi…Get in there.”
An aroma of warm comfort food filled the home. A delicious dinner of baked ziti, bread and salad was enjoyed by all. Alan and I were visiting with Mike, Christine and Rowan. We provided dinner on Sunday evening. Delightful conversation, laughter filling each room and echoing off the walls. Olive the Boston Terrier racing back and forth from room to room looking for someone to play a game of throw and retrieve. A blessed evening with family.
Dinner finished, dishes readied for the dishwasher and the final chocolate chip cookie eaten for dessert, we slowly walked to the living room. Nice time for conversation and settling down.
Rowan was not ready for rest or quiet. His two years old body was eager to build a tent, play with dinosaurs, sing songs and climb onto the couch and snuggle Bop(Alan) and Mimi(me).
Resting after the meal, Bop positioned himself on the gray couch by leaning over to his side, propping his elbow on top of the couch cushion.
The moment Rowan saw Bop sitting that way, Rowan looked at me and said, “Get in there Mimi…get in there.” I paused and wondered what Rowan was talking about. Then, I could see. Rowan enjoys making tents with blankets and pillows. He wasn’t talking about tents when he made the request.
The way Bop was angled made a small “opening” between the side of his body and the couch. Almost like going into a tent. Rowan was asking me to “Get in there” and snuggle Bop. I was happy to oblige.
Rowan and I both cuddled up to Bop and shared warmth, hugs and love.
This sweet act of snuggling with our grandson made me think about how often God calls us to “Get in there” with Him. Are we listening to the call to share time with Him? Time to pause and feel the warmth of His love.
Have you wanted to “Get in there” with God and enjoy sharing quiet moments and also, sharing laughter with Him? Take a moment and rest in Him.
Blessings, snuggles and laughter,
Mimi
The Day I Apologized to A Dead Worm
Sharing time with grandson Rowan brings joy to Alan and me. Rowan is two years old and full of love and laughter. Everything is a new adventure to him. From running in the backyard to chasing Olive, the Boston Terrier, to giving hugs, Rowan is a precious boy. His interest in everything brings chances for discussion and learning.
On a recent Saturday evening, Rowan’s parents went out for a date night. Bop and Mimi (Alan and Melissa) arrived at their home to play with Rowan while his parents were away for a few hours. After saying goodbye to Mommy and Daddy, we dumped colorful blocks on the floor, arranged dinosaurs in a row on the table, read books aloud and we all enjoyed playing chase and building forts with blankets and couch cushions. A two years old never slows down until bedtime.
Pointing his finger toward the front door, Rowan stated, “Let’s go outside. Let’s go walk.” Gathering our shoes from the closet, Bop and Mimi and Rowan readied for a short walk in the neighborhood. Fall has arrived and many homes displayed decorations. Rowan knows where all the fun pumpkins and spiders and bats are located. We walked and talked as he pointed to stop signs and cars and dogs barking.
At one point, Rowan stopped in his tracks and asked, “Mimi, do you hear that? It’s the birds.” I smiled and listening to the birds singing as they perched in trees and on telephone pole wires.
Another time, Rowan paused, turned his face upward and asked Bop to hold him. We had walked a long way. Everyone was tired.
Turning to head back home, a burst of energy found this two years old and he was ready to walk again.
We walked with a slower pace this time. He pointed out more interesting sights. Flowers, more dogs, more pumpkins and more birds.
The walk halted quickly and he looked at the sidewalk. I wondered what had happened.
“Mimi, you stepped on the worm. Mimi, say sorry to wormy.” I did not notice the dead worms on the sidewalk. I was busy watching this precious boy and how he enjoyed everything he saw.
After he told me again to tell wormy I was sorry, I did what Mimi’s do. I apologized to the dead worm.
“Wormy, I am so sorry.” Looking at the flattened dead worm that had probably been there all day, I felt the need to follow Rowan’s request and say I was sorry.
Apology over, the walk continued. We arrived home and all was well.
Rowan helped us remember to enjoy simple things in life. Taking a walk in the neighborhood, listening to birds singing, enjoying fall decorations, noticing stop signs and yes, watching for dead worms on the sidewalk.
Thank you Rowan. You make us so happy.
Mimi and Bop love you very much.
Have you paused and enjoyed the sights and sounds around you? What have you noticed lately? Share with us.
Blessings,
Mimi