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
TweetRescuing the Slugs and Talking About Science
A recent walk to the mailbox brought adventure, learning, and talking about science. Rowan and Eden were visiting. I asked if they would like to mail a card to a friend. Our neighborhood has a cluster mailbox area and we often walk, chat, and visit with neighbors.
On that morning, the sun was shining, birds were singing, and we were the only three people outside. As Rowan, Eden, and I walked on the sidewalk, we talked about nature. I asked for them to notice what kinds of sounds we could hear.
Because of spring break, there weren’t many cars passing by and we didn’t hear engines. I paused and put my hand to my ear. “Do you hear any people talking?” No voices. All was quiet.
Next, I pointed to the sky and described the colors. The color blue filled the sky. We only spotted a few white puffy clouds.
Rowan spoke next. “Mimi, let’s be scientists. We can save the world.” Eden agreed. “Yes, save the world.”
“What do scientists do?”, I asked.
“Mimi, they do all kinds of things.” As Rowan looked at his surroundings, he began listing ways scientists help the world.
“Mimi, scientists help our planet. They find out about nature and other stuff.” Rowan looked down at the sidewalk and found several small slugs traveling from one side to the other.
“Hey, let’s rescue the slugs. Let’s be slug rescuers!” Rowan clapped his hands.
“Yeah, let’s rescue buggies.” Eden was ready to help, too.
The night before had brought rainfall. Grass was damp, and the soil was wet. Slugs were abundant. Knowing that we shouldn’t touch the slugs, I suggested we find ways to help the slugs move off of the sidewalk and on to the grassy areas.
Rowan and Eden started sharing ideas. “How about using a rock? Maybe the slug will climb on.” Rowan tried that method and, unfortunately, more than one slug ended up being smeared on the sidewalk. I thought Rowan might become upset, but he kept trying.
Eden found blades of grass to help the “sluggies”. But the grass wasn’t strong enough. Her interest faded when she saw bluebirds and butterflies.
Next, Rowan tried using a piece of mulch. “Come on, little guy. You can do it. Climb on this mulch stick and I’ll put you in the grass.”
At last, success. A small piece of mulch worked to rescue the slugs. After we helped many slugs of different sizes into the grass, we continued our walk.
We placed the letter in the mailbox and walked back to the house. Along the way home, we chatted more about science and how we can learn from all of God’s creations. Slugs are slow and sometimes they need help.
People need help, too. God calls us to love one another and show compassion and care. In these small lessons about slugs and science, Rowan and Eden and Mimi were reminded of God’s love.
Have you learned anything new recently about science, slugs, or how to show care to God’s creations?
Yes, we washed our hands after helping the slimy crawlers.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetThe Toys are Out at Mimi’s House!
Warmer temperatures allow children and adults to venture outside and enjoy a bit of fun and recreation. Weather in the Lowcountry of South Carolina can change from moment to moment. Sunshine and warmth may be replaced by clouds and cool air in an instant. The comfortable temperatures are opportunities for fun and joy.
During playtime on a recent afternoon, granddaughter Eden and I brought the bubbles and wands outside. We sat the green circle tray on a little white table and placed the wands on the ground. Eden and I took turns making big and little bubbles and chasing them through the air.
We laughed as the gooey mixture landed in our hair. Some of the clear circles sat on the grass refusing to pop while others burst and disappeared in midair.
The wands are shaped in different sizes. Some create large circles while others release tiny bubbles.
As we continued the fun, a voice from someone in another yard called out, “I’ll be right there, Mimi. I’m coming!” I looked to see who was trying to get my attention.
A sweet girl of about five years old was smiling and running towards our yard. Her three-year- old brother followed along behind her.
Those children had arrived home from school and noticed that the bubbles were out waiting for everyone to play. In previous blog posts, I have shared how our neighborhood is filled with loving families who enjoy playing with the toys in our yard.
Sometimes Bop and I leave the bubbles, foam toy planes, and other toys outside so everyone can play, even when we are not home.
There are times when I’m sitting at my office/playroom desk and notice adults taking a walk on the sidewalk in front of our home. A precious sight is when I see an adult pause, look at the bubble wands, and walk to the table. I’ve seen men and women pick up a wand, dip it into the tray, and watch as bubbles fill the air.
The smiles on those adults are as sweet as the smiles on the children playing with the toys.
I smile when I hear children and adults yell, “The toys are out at Mimi’s house! This signals a time for people of all ages to gather, play, and share conversation and laughter.
If you are ever in our area, please come by and play with the toys and perhaps blow bubbles.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
When Green Things Stood at the Door
When we moved into this home a few years ago, one of the first purchases we made was a storm door. Bop and I enjoy the light coming through the house. From the glass storm door, we can view the hummingbirds at the feeders and check for any packages that have been delivered. We never thought there would be a time when green things stood at the door.
Rowan and Eden arrived early one morning. Daddy Mike had brought them to our house to play. I usually go outside and greet them when I see their car in the driveway. On that day, I noticed there were extra occupants in the vehicle. Two large blowup green aliens and two smaller gray aliens were along for the ride. These creatures sitting in the car caused me to laugh out loud.
Six-year-old Rowan quickly explained how he had worked and earned money to buy a toy. He chose the aliens. “Mimi, I did chores at my house and got money. I chose to buy these guys.”
Two-year old Eden was quick to try and help tell the story, too. “Yes, aliens. Green. They are funny. Do you love them?”
As we gathered the usual supplies that come to Mimi’s and Bop’s house out of the vehicle, the four “guests” were carried inside and placed on the couch. There was even a small air pump, just in case they needed more air.
During the day, those creatures mysteriously found hiding places in the bathrooms, behind bedroom doors, in my office chair, and next to the building blocks in the playroom.
As the morning progressed to noon, we decided to take our daily walk to the neighborhood mailbox and send a few letters. The storm door closed as we went outside. Rowan, Eden, and I walked on the sidewalk and through the grass.
“Wait, Mimi. I have an idea.” Rowan has a creative mind and always has unique ideas.
“Let’s put the alien family at the front door. Then, anyone walking or riding by your house will see them. They will be waving hello to everyone.”
“Yes, yes! They can wave.” Eden agreed to this plan.
So, I stood on the sidewalk and waited for Rowan and Eden to position the green and gray guests at the front door. The above photo shows what our neighbors and delivery people saw when passing by our home. Laughter and smiles were brought to everyone who viewed this unique sighting.
We returned from the mailbox and moved the “guests” from the front door. For the rest of the day, those two green things and two gray things found funny hiding places in the house. Imagine walking into the bathroom and finding a life-size green alien standing there waiting to greet you. Yes, that happened to me and yes, I jumped. Haha!
More fun and laughter with the Henderson’s. What has made you laugh out loud recently? Have you had any green things standing at the door?
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Spouse In The House by Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby
What a great experience to help promote this new book by authors Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby!
My Review
What happens when your spouse is home full time? Read this heartwarming, thought provoking, and sometimes funny book about how spouses interact with each other from moment to moment. Personalities can clash at times. In this book, we are reminded that all of us are created uniquely and have different gifts and talents. Patience, compassion, love, honesty, trust, and God are needed to guide us in relationships. Excellent book.
An Interview with Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby, Authors of Spouse in the House
There are times in marriage when the hustle and bustle of life, the demands of work, and the busyness of the kids have couples desperate for even just a little bit of time alone together. While two’s company, especially for those who love each other, what happens when—due to retirement, working from home, or even running a business together—spouses find themselves spending what feels like too much time together? Times when being in the same space all the time is awkward, complex, annoying, and just plain challenging? How can partners coexist without co-exhausting each other? In Spouse in the House: Rearranging Our Attitudes to Make Room for Each Other (Kregel Publications) Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby take a frank and funny look at what to do when time together may seem like too much of a good thing.
Q: Spouse in the House was in the works prior to March 2020, but did it take on a whole other life after the initial COVID-19 shutdown? How can couples who aren’t home together for most of the day benefit from reading this book?
Becky: Though we originally saw our audience as women who were home with spouses 24/7 for an array of reasons—working from home, retirement, disability, seasonal occupations—the shutdown added a whole new group of couples who were thrust into togetherness without warning and were scrambling to make it work. The adjustment can be hard enough when you have time to discuss foreseeable problems. One of the things we’ve tried to do in each chapter is offer action steps and discussion topics that are as helpful for those in the midst of unplanned togetherness as for those who have time to prepare for it.
Cynthia: Interestingly, if anything changed, it revealed that it is not a subject only applicable to retirees. So many situations can put two spouses in the house for more time than expected, even if it’s just for more time each day. It’s true that COVID magnified the potential for relationship glitches and demonstrated how often a couple might need to adjust and readjust to keep themselves from colliding when there doesn’t seem to be enough air for two.
Many early readers said that they wish they would have had a book with this kind of encouragement when they were first married. When we talk to couples married only a few years, they too have stories to tell of moments or seasons when the quarters seemed too tight. I was just talking to a young couple that mentioned how shift work has created a problem for them—when their needs for quiet or activity or sleep fall in different parts of the day. We tried hard to make it clear that the principles apply whether that “too much togetherness” is five minutes too much or all day every day.
Becky: The spark for Spouse in the House came from our shared experiences with retired husbands, but we have both experienced seasons of togetherness for other reasons—job layoffs, injury, etc. Three of my adult sons are self-employed, allowing them flexible schedules, and one is home 24/7 due to disability. From the beginning, we wanted to offer hope and help to couples in all of these situations. As of August 2021, 16% of companies worldwide are 100% remote, and 85% of managers believe having teams with remote members will become the new norm, so we see our audience as a growing demographic. But even couples who have limited hours together each day will benefit from our relationship experiences (and mistakes) and what we’ve learned from them.
Q: You speak to the heart of women in Spouse in the House. In what ways do you envision its encouragement reaching men, too?
Becky: We hope to hear of couples who either read it out loud together or read separately and then compare notes to spark productive discussions.
Cynthia: Some of our early readers report their husband looking over their shoulder, that they share chapters together, or that they take the book with them on date nights. It offers an opportunity for them to laugh at themselves or start conversations they may have avoided. The husbands who’ve read the book report appreciating that a guy’s perspective is scattered throughout the book.
Q: How do people tend to respond when you tell them you’ve written a book for couples who are home together 24/7?
Cynthia: One person—one—responded, “Oh, we’ve enjoyed the 24/7 so much!” Everyone else has leaned in a little with a hopeful expression that conveyed eagerness to discover a place they could find genuine, down-to-earth, practical empathy as well as hints and tips for navigating the challenges.
Becky: The response is almost universal. Either “I need this book now!” or “I have to buy this for my parents, sister, best friend.”
Q: What did you learn about yourself and your marriage as you wrote Spouse in the House?
Becky: While neither Cynthia nor I will ever claim to be marriage experts, we both realized we needed to be writing from a place of at least partial victory in the areas we tackle. I confess there were attitudes I had to focus on correcting while we were writing. I’m so grateful for the push this project presented and hope the end product offers the same incentive to our readers.
Cynthia: Oh, my! What a loaded question! I realized how far I’d come, how far we’d together come over the years. And I realized how much I still have to learn about relationships. A few years ago, even though we’d been married for centuries by then (only a slight exaggeration), I couldn’t have written this book authentically. Mired in more than a little awareness of what wasn’t working, I too needed some attitude adjustments before writing word one of this book. But with those adjustments—some gradual and some lightbulb moments—came the peace-hemmed, tender, mutually satisfying relationship we enjoy today. (Note that I didn’t claim “perfect.”)
Q: What were your husbands’ initial reactions to the concept of the book?
Cynthia: Every time my husband says something hilarious or noteworthy, I always ask, “Ooh! Can I use that in a book?” So he was prepared for the big ask—“Can I use YOU in a book?”
Becky: It’s dangerous to assume you can read your spouse’s mind, but I’d label my hubby’s initial expression “cautious.” As we got into the writing, his input was invaluable, and I think he enjoyed being part of the process.
Q: How should you work out the annoyances that are bound to come up around the house? After being married a long time, why do they seem to be more of an inconvenience now?
Becky: The little things we managed to ignore or tolerate when we were only together a few hours every day can turn into major sources of irritation when they happen All. The. Time. Even after years of marriage, we can think we know how our spouse prefers to be approached about what’s bugging us, but if we haven’t talked about it, we might be wrong. Would he prefer you use a bit of humor? Maybe side-by-side in the car is easier than the intensity of face-to-face, or maybe a note or text would give him time to ponder an answer without overreacting. How about you? If your spouse is frustrated by your habit of leaving lights on in every room, or all the cupboard doors open, how can he bring it up in a way that won’t set you on the defensive?
Cynthia: Ask anyone who has had to move their family to the in-laws’ basement while their home is remodeled or who are sequestered in a hotel room while their home’s flood damage is repaired. Togetherness and tighter quarters are a breeding ground for annoyances, no matter how long you’ve known one another or how much you love each other. In the book, we discuss converting what can be annoyances or irritations into either opportunities for the application of humor or a chance to show uncommon grace and courtesy. One path—letting the irritation fester—leads to destruction and bitterness. The other path—granting a “pass” and not allowing the irritation room to grow—leads to an atmosphere of peace.
Q: Can you offer some tips for families that find themselves home together now, maybe homeschooling and a new work-at-home situation? If both parents work jobs from home, where is a good place to start discussions of the division of labor?
Cynthia: In most couples, one is clearly a more linear-thinking, organized personality. The other is likely more spontaneous. But together all the time or work from home or running a business together from home situations call for some measure of preplanning and organization. Tip #1: Figure out, if you don’t know already, your best learning styles. Are you a visual learner/processor or an auditory processor? Do you appreciate detailed plans on paper, in color, with pictures? Tip #2: Play to your strengths. Which of the two of you are naturally more skilled at jobs that don’t take a lot of thought but do take a lot of endurance? Which is better at homeschooling math help, for instance? Can the other then get more involved in the art projects? Is emptying the dishwasher no big deal to one of you and torture for the other? That’s a no brainer then in division of labor. Tip #3: Jettison the idea that it will ever come out looking like a precise 50/50 balance of tasks. Even our stamina can differ from person to person.
Becky: For starters, take some time as a couple and as a family to talk about all that is good about this new arrangement. Let every family member finish the sentence, “Now that we’re all home more, I hope we can ______________.” Make a list of all of the ideas that come out of this family meeting. Including the kids in creating a who-does-what-when chore chart can help them take pride in doing their part. Built-in rewards can help motivate everyone, including Mom and Dad.
Q: Throughout each chapter are nuggets of wisdom from a variety of people. Can you tell us more of how you recruited help to offer advice to readers?
Becky: When I first mentioned our idea for Spouse in the House to friends and family, people often shared their own stories, some funny, some hard to hear. When I sent out an email inviting them to share their experiences in the book, it was heartwarming to see how many wanted to help others with what they’d learned.
Cynthia: We drew our research from others through several avenues. We asked couples we knew who had great relationships for their perspectives. We talked to marriage and family experts. We conducted surveys of family and friends. And we observed others who were either navigating well or seemed to be growing more tense over spending additional time together.
Q: Why is it important for both husband and wife to spend times separately, with friends of their own?
Cynthia: The concept of symbolically becoming “one flesh” as the Bible describes it doesn’t mean we don’t each still have our own hair, nails, bones, skin, and brain. I can either make my man miserable by insisting that he participate in every activity or hobby I enjoy, and vice versa, or we can each have our own things—our own hobbies, our own reading interests, our own cadre of friends, our own space for what fills our soul—and wind up with more to talk about together because of it.
Becky: The right kind of friend, one who believes in your marriage and cares enough to speak the truth in love, can be a marriage saver. Ideally, every woman should have a confidante she can vent to when things are rough, knowing that friend is going to listen, then compassionately turn her heart to God and back to her husband rather than adding fuel to the fire. We also need girlfriends just for fun. A day spent antique shopping, baking together, going to an art show, or a dinner-and-a-chick-flick girls’ night out can lift our spirits, change our outlook on life, and give us something fresh to talk about when we get home.
Q: How long have the two of you been friends? What things did you need to consider before entering into a writing partnership? Any advice to others who may be considering co-authorship?
Cynthia: When we discovered we had so much in common, and then when I found out Becky was a wellspring of wisdom and the best kind of listening ear, we bonded on a deep level. She’s a giving, caring, insightful woman. And a great author. But what made me know we could write together was partly because we’d collaborated on two novella collections before and understood each other’s patterns and strengths, and partly because I knew I could trust her to be kind but truthful with me. Co-authorship is challenging for many authors. Speaking for myself, I thought it was fun. Her thoughts inspired me and pushed me to be a better writer. And we prayed with and for each other. Highly recommended.
Becky: We aren’t exactly sure when we met. I think it was at a Wisconsin writers’ event about twelve years ago. My advice for anyone entering a co-authoring arrangement is that it needs to either be approached as a purely business arrangement, complete with signed agreements, or you need to have the kind of history and understanding that allows you both to be completely honest and receive suggestions with genuine humility. Knowing Cynthia will always speak the truth bathed in love meant I could relax and enjoy the process. Plus, it’s just so much fun working with someone who knows you almost as well as you know yourself!
Q: What’s next for the two of you?
We are both working on concepts for novels with an eye toward publication. And there just may be another collaboration on a nonfiction book about… well, Dr. Snuggles and Wonderhubby are likely to show up in that book, too.
Learn more about Cynthia Ruchti and her writing at cynthiaruchti.com or by following her on Facebook (@CynthiaRuchtiReaderPage), Instagram (@cynthiaruchtiauthor), and Twitter (@cynthiaruchti).
Find out more about Becky Melby’s books at beckymelby.com or follow her on Facebook (becky.melby.9) and Instagram (@beckymelbybooks). She also shares short blog posts each Friday on the Fill My Cup, Lord page on Facebook.
Click the link to enter the giveaway for a copy of Spouse in the House
https://www.audrajennings.com/2021/09/win-copy-of-spouse-in-house.html (will be live 9/28 at 12:01 AM CST)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Merry Christmas! Gifts for All!
Hello My Friends,
Thank you for being part of our lives. In appreciation for you, my author friends and I assembled this collection of gifts to enrich your holidays.
Click on the links from each author to receive your absolutely free, no-signing-up-for-newsletters-required gifts. If you have people in your life who could use a smile and holiday cheer, forward this to them.
Merry Christmas,
Linda Gilden, Linda Goldfarb, Melissa Henderson, Yvonne Ortega, Rhonda Robinson, PeggySue Wells, Karen Whiting, Debbie Wilson
‘Tis the season for giving gifts! Especially for you, Homeless for the Holidays is a hope-filled novella about a family that loses it all and find they have everything. Click HERE to download Homeless for the Holidays.
As the author of 29 books including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make and creator of Single Mom Circle.com., wishing you and yours grace and joy.
Merry Christmas,
PeggySue Wells
I love this season of the year celebrating the birth of Christ, singing carols, and putting out my collection of nativity sets. Of my 26 books, one is especially for this season: Christmas is Coming! But Waiting is Hard.
I want to give you two free gifts to make the season special.
- Keep Christ in Christmas with simple tips.
- Make shopping with children fun by using this Mall Sighting game to find signs of Christ’s birth as you shop. Play the game while shopping online by observing what’s in the background of various sites.
Find a delicious and versatile biscuit recipe, sample advent devotions for families, and other specials if you sign up for my newsletter as well as learn to understand the basic emotional needs of people to strengthen your relationships!
Merry Christmas!
Karen Whiting
Hi, I’m Debbie Wilson sending Christmas greetings your way. From personal experience and twenty plus years working as a Christian counselor, I know holidays can be tough. The first Christmas was also challenging as I discovered when writing Little Women, Big God. Many people are approaching the 2020 holiday season empty and depleted. Financially. Emotionally. Isolated from loved ones.
Click here to restore the Christmas spirit with How to Celebrate Christmas When You’re Empty and find other resources to refresh your faith.
May joy and peace fill you this Christmas!
Debbie Wilson
Merry Christmas. I’m Linda Gilden and I want to help you put a little fun in your Christmas. My book, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas, is filled with unique ideas. Click here to start the fun. I think you will love the 12 days of Christmas chapters.
Writing has been my passion for more than thirty years and I coach writers to make their books and articles something they can be proud of. Has God given you a passion you could share with others? I have included a free Beginner Writer’s Glossary to help you navigate the publishing world. Just click on Resources when you get to my website.
May God bless you this Christmas season and fill your heart and home with His presence.
Linda Gilden
Lindagilden.com
Hello friends! Coach Linda Goldfarb here with Christmas cheer to pass your way. If you have young children who enjoy coloring adventure books, my coauthor, Kelly Harris, and I want to gift you this season with our free download of Lovey Mouse in the Night Before Christmas – #REAL Adventure Book and Audio narration. We pray you and the children in your life enjoy this story as much as we did writing and recording it.
The holidays can be stress-filled, so as an additional gift, download your copy of my Holiday Stress – A Matter of Choice. These doable strategies help you cope when you feel you’ve lost hope. I’d be honored to stay in touch with you throughout this season and beyond. Check out Coach Linda to see where you can find me.
May you be blessed this season.
Linda Goldfarb
You’ve probably suffered many losses during the pandemic. Please know that you’re not alone. May you find comfort here. If you prefer to watch videos, click here or here.
I’ve experienced countless personal losses. As a professional counselor, I worked with hundreds of clients who struggled with grief, divorce, forgiveness, or a life-threatening illness. May you find peace, promise, and purpose in my series, Moving from Broken to Beautiful® here.
Jesus came to earth so you can live an abundant life. Pandemic or not, his promises do not change.
Hello, Melissa Henderson here. I want to share a video with you. Enjoy a reading of my children’s book, Licky the Lizard.
In this special story, we learn we don’t have to be afraid of lizards because God created the people and God created the lizards, too.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
“Follow me, Bop. I will protect you.”
Grandson Rowan enjoys taking walks in the neighborhood. He notices every decoration. During October, he paused at each house and commented on the pumpkins, ghosts, witches and “Jack Bones” characters. If the blow up characters were not fully inflated, he told us (Bop and Mimi) that they were asleep.
Each morning and afternoon last week, Rowan and I took a leisurely stroll on our street. We paused at the pond and saw a baby alligator on the other side of the water. We laughed as turtles jumped in the water when we walked closer. Safety is always first, so we stay on the sidewalk, far away from the water.
From the moment the front door opened and we walked outside, Rowan began talking and sharing about everything he encountered. “Look, Mimi, that’s a cloud. Look, Mimi, that’s a truck. Look, Mimi, that’s a dog.” He shares his enthusiasm for life.
One house in the neighborhood had a life size witch standing by the front door. Her tall, pointy black hat and long green nose and pointy fingernails made for a scary sight.
Every time we passed by that house, Rowan said, “She won’t talk to us. Don’t be afraid.”
This decoration never made a sound when we walked by the house. Maybe things were different at night. Perhaps she made a scary sound.
Alan (Bop) arrived home from work early one day. Rowan wanted the three of us to take a walk. We started out on a nice slow walk, with Rowan explaining every decoration to Bop. “Look, Bop, that’s a pumpkin. Look, Bop, that’s a bones man. Look, Bop, that’s a ghost.” Once again, his enthusiasm was amazing.
The closer we came to the house with the witch, the slower Rowan walked. He stopped suddenly and turned to Alan. “Follow me, Bop. I will protect you.” Rowan slowly stepped, inch by inch, making sure Bop was following. I already knew about the witch, so I didn’t need protecting. 🙂
Rowan paused in front of the house and turned to us.
“See, she doesn’t talk. It’s pretend. But, I will protect you.”
We stood still for a few moments. Rowan shared how the wind had blown her hat away. He also told us not to be afraid.
Then, as most 3 year olds tend to do, he began walking again and found interest in the next house and decorations.
Every moment with Rowan brings surprises and delights. This walk reminded me how God has told us not to be afraid. God tells us He will protect us.
Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” NIV
No need to be afraid. When troubles or fear arises in life, look to our protector. God is the answer.
Have a glorious day and know you are loved and cherished.
Blessings,
Melissa aka Mimi
Meet Author Hope Bolinger
Hope Bolinger is a literary agent at C.Y.L.E. and a graduate of Taylor University’s professional writing program. More than 500 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer’s Digest to Crosswalk.com. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Her column “Hope’s Hacks,” tips and tricks to avoid writer’s block, reaches 6,000+ readers weekly and is featured monthly on Cyle Young’s blog. Her modern-day Daniel, Blaze, (Illuminate YA) released in June, and they contracted the sequel Den for July 2020. Her YA superhero chat fiction “Dear Hero” is set to release January 2021. Find out more about her here.
When did the writing journey begin for you?
Technically, I’ve always been writing. I think my mom has three-page books I scrawled back in first grade buried somewhere in her garage. With that being said, I never considered writing a novel until I reached high school. My best friend was in the habit of writing them, and I wanted to be cool like my friend, so I wrote.
Do you have any favorite characters in the stories you write?
Oooh, tricky. I’ll boil down my favorite characters in the next few releases/already published books, because I have so many favorites.
Blaze – Hannah. I love her morbid energy and the face she doesn’t care about what anyone thinks.
Den – Still Hannah 🙂
Dear Hero – I love Kevin. He’s a ridiculous theater nerd/frat boy, and everyone needs a good sidekick.
Dear Henchman – Liam. I don’t want to give away too much, but basically he’s insane and I love him and want to marry him.
Vision (fingers crossed, it’s at pub board now) – Still Hannah
Do you dream about your characters?
I wish. Instead I get nightmares about being back in high school and teeth falling out.
Have you based any characters on real life people?
I don’t know how libelous I can get in this question. In the Blaze trilogy, no (unless you count the historical figures of Daniel and his three friends). In other books … quite possibly 😉
Snack or no snack while writing?
I usually take breaks after every 1,000 words, so snacking does occur.
What is your favorite time of day and why?
9:36. It’s my favorite multiple of nine. I love the number nine, but don’t get me started on why. We have limited page space.
Thank you Hope Bolinger!
Have a blessed day,
Melissa
Refresh Your Faith
About the Book
Book: Refresh Your Faith
Author: Lori Hatcher
Genre: Devotional
Release Date: May 2020
Unfamiliar verses. Uncommon insights. Unlimited possibilities.
Move from biblical doldrums to dynamic discovery! While your favorite Scripture verses or stories may bring you comfort, if you’re feeling monotony in your time with God it’s time to shake it up a bit. Each of these 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions—one from each book of the Bible—spotlights an unusual verse or passage and takes only five minutes to read. If you have more time, you can dig a little deeper with an uncommon thought to ponder, unusual faith action step to take, and an unfamiliar passage suggestion that invites you to further explore the Bible’s hidden gems.
You’ll be challenged to think deeply, step out boldly, and grow dynamically, transforming your devotional time—and your life!
Praise for Lori Hatcher’s writing . . .
“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Lori Hatcher is a blogger, pastor’s wife, and women’s ministry speaker. She’s the editor of South Carolina’s Reach Out, Columbia magazine, president of Columbia Toastmasters, and regular contributor to magazines such as Christian Living Today and websites like Crosswalk.com. Her book Hungry for God . . . Starving for Time, won the Christian Small Publisher 2016 book of the year. Find out more about Lori and her well-loved 5-minute devotions at lorihatcher.com.
Read a Teaser from Refresh Your Faith
The dirty little secret in Christian circles is that many of us are bored with our devotional time. We know we shouldn’t feel this way. It’s important to read our Bibles every day. After all, it’s God’s Word, the source of truth, and life, and hope.
While some have successfully built the discipline of Bible reading into their lives, others struggle. Even those who regularly read their Bibles find it a bit dry at times. Many of us also read devotionals, not to take the place of Bible reading, but to help us discover unfamiliar passages and stories and benefit from a godly writer’s perspective.
I wrote Refresh Your Faith because I was frustrated by many of the devotionals I read. They seemed to focus on the same basic verses I’d memorized with my children twenty years ago. John 3:16, Romans 8:28, Psalm 23, Matthew 3:5-6. Same with the Bible passages and stories. I treasure the familiar verses and stories. I’ve held them close to my heart during some of the darkest times of my life.
But I knew there was more to the Bible than these well-worn favorites.
I reached a point in my spiritual life when I needed something new. If something didn’t change, my spirit was going to wither up. My time with God shouldn’t be something I did out of duty. I wanted to delight in God and His Word.
So I asked God to help me. I needed something to refresh my faith and energize my Bible reading. Wow, did He answer. I’d been reading through the Bible every year for more than a decade, but all of a sudden, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to passages I’d never noticed before.
These uncommon verses sparkled like gems. The more I read, the more I spotted them, tucked into obscure stories and buried under genealogies and census reports. I found some hiding out in plain sight—golden nuances and nuggets in the shadows of the more familiar stories.
Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is a collection of the treasure I unearthed during my year of searching. Each story-driven devotion contains an unusual verse, a real-life application, and an uncommon faith step.
I hope my book will energize your faith, inspire your devotional time, and make you say, “Wow, I’ve never seen that before!”
My Review
A devotional like none other I have experienced. Each devotion brought calm and peace as I read, thought about the reading and considered my daily walk with God. This book made me want to slow down and truly absorb the words. From personal stories to Scripture examples, this is a book I will read more than once.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 5
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 5
Through the Lens of Scripture, May 6
Melissa Henderson, May 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7
Emily Yager, May 8
Texas Book-aholic, May 9
Inklings and notions, May 10
Mary Hake, May 10
Godly Book Reviews, May 11
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 12
For Him and My Family, May 13
deb’s Book Review, May 13
Older & Smarter?, May 14
Splashes of Joy, May 15
For the Love of Literature, May 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 17
God is Love, May 17
Spoken from the Heart, May 18
Marilyn Ridgway, May 18 (Guest Review on Lighthouse Academy Blog)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Lori is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and autographed copy of Refresh Your Faith!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f9ed/refresh-your-faith-celebration-tour-giveaway
Lizards Learning to Share
What a beautiful day! The sun is shining. The sky is blue. Temperature is in the 70’s. A very nice South Carolina day!
The hummingbird feeder is filled with sugar-water. Alan and I have purchased hanging pots filled with bright red impatiens, red geraniums and one contain of purple and pink petunias. Perfect flowers and feeder to attract hummingbirds.
Each morning, I open the blinds and look outside at the feeder. When the hummingbirds approach, I squeal with excitement. No matter how many times I see the little birds, I still am giddy with joy. Their fast-moving wings make a whirring sound. The little bodies are more powerful than their size would indicate. I first learned to love hummingbirds and almost all birds years ago. My parents enjoyed bird watching and they shared that hobby with me.
Throughout the day, I find myself going back and forth to the window to look for the hummers. Morning and evening are the times of day when I notice the ruby throated hummingbird visiting the flowers and the feeder. What a life! Flying from flower to flower and feeder to feeder to drink sweet nectar.
I am so happy we have placed the feeder where we can enjoy watching the hummers.
YIKES!!!! What’s that on the feeder? A lizard!!!! How can that be? Lizards are not supposed to drink that juice. Sure hope they don’t scare away the precious little birds.
Worrying about the lizards taking over, I wondered what could be done to prevent the lizards from enjoying something that wasn’t meant for them.
No problem. The solution has been revealed. The lizards have learned to share. Hummingbirds and lizards both drink out of the feeder, just at different times.
Quite a sight to watch the lizards climb and jump from the gutter to the pole and then, to the feeder. The hummers visit flowers and then, head for the feeder. Then, the lizard leaves. They have learned to share with each other.
This whole situation makes me think about how we share with each other. Are we willing to share? Are we hoarding things that might be needed by other people? Is there an item you can share with a local food bank, nursing home, homeless shelter or other place?
Even the lizards are learning to share.
Have a blessed day and check your hummingbird feeders. You might find a new visitor.
Melissa