Mouse batteries low….

Have you ever seen this notice on your computer screen? “Mouse batteries low”. I have been watching that little box on the right side of my computer screen for a couple of days now. I am trying to wait to change the batteries and hopefully  squeeze out the last bit of energy from these batteries.
This reminds me of day to day life. There are times when we exhaust ourselves and know that we need to rest, relax and refresh. But, we keep on going, trying to squeeze one more thing, activity, appointment, “to-do” item on our list, and thinking that we will feel better when all the “things” are done.
Not true. When we get that feeling that our batteries our low, our bodies are tired, our minds are exhausted…. God is sending us a message. He is telling us that we need to rest. We need to share time with Him. We need to stop, even if just for a moment. Everything that we think needs to be done right this minute, will definitely be there after we take time to breathe, rest and renew in God.
Can you take some moments today and just breathe and relax? Can you thank God for His blessings? Blessings like the flower in the photo above, the breeze in the trees, the laughter of children and adults, the food and drink you will enjoy today, the laundry waiting to be washed, the love of family and friends and so much more…. I know you have your own list. Relax and think about your blessings… and don’t let your “mouse batteries get too low”.
Matthew 11:28 New International Version
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Blessings, and rest….
Mimi
 

Need a vacation to recover from vacation…

Alan and I recently enjoyed a wonderful vacation. So many great experiences and memories made. We traveled from Virginia to South Carolina, just to see Casting Crowns in concert. Yes, we have seen the group in concert in the past. But, they just happened to be playing at a venue that was on our way to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where our son(Mike) and daughter-in-love(Christine)live. Great concert. The venue was right behind the hotel, so, we walked to the building. No need for driving and finding parking. Great hotel.
Of course, Alan wanted to eat at a certain restaurant that shall remain nameless, because I don’t like that place. I thought that we might as well go there before the concert and let him get that out of his system. I was right. Yucky place. I tried as best as I could not to say, “ITYS”, which is our code for “I told you so”. 🙂 He said it before I could even think to say our code. I am happy to report that eating at that place is officially “out of his system”.
The time shared with Mike and Christine is always wonderful. We went to the movies, had a picnic under the famous large bridge in Charleston, helped babysit their niece, enjoyed time on the beach(yes, even with sunscreen, we all got a sunburn), and even saw a celebrity at a restaurant. We took walks, saw the alligator at the hotel creek(he’s famous), and ate pizza with extended family at our favorite pizza place.
There is always lots of laughter with our family. Something funny always happens. Well, funny to us. Like Alan dropping food on his nice new shirt while we are in the fancy restaurant, Alan sitting in an old beach chair and it breaking; us realizing that the beach umbrellas on the beach were actually reserved for other people(yes, we moved to another area when we finally saw the tags with names on the chairs); me tracking sand into our hotel room and not even noticing until sand was everywhere.  The list goes on and on.
The trip ended and we returned home safely, missing everyone already. Hope to see them again soon.
Returning from a trip means catching up on laundry, checking the flowers to see if they need watering, reading the mail and newspaper, answering emails, working on book launch team tasks, returning phone calls and more. In other words…… I need a vacation to recover from vacation. This feeling is a good feeling.
I know that not everyone is able to have a vacation. But, even if you can’t go on a trip, there are ways to have fun in your own area. Visit local museums, have a picnic, take a walk in your neighborhood, sit outside at night and look at the stars, and enjoy God’s blessings.
Just remember to take time to rest, recover and renew your mind and body. Thank you, God, for all the fun times you give this family. Laughter is truly a wonderful medicine.
Until next time,
Blessings, hugs, laughter….and more…..
Mimi

Fun with neighbors

Tuesday evening, National Night Out was held in communities across the country. Our neighborhood held a wonderful, family friendly event at the pool, including various booths from local businesses. Games were played, water bottles were handed out to anyone who wanted one, there were food trucks with delicious items for dinner,  homemade popsicles, the local fire department brought the big truck and people could look inside and visit with the fire department personnel, the local Sheriff Dept. visited and even the Crime dog made an appearance. A special demonstration by the scuba diver from the police dept. was very interesting and the kids loved seeing the guy in all his equipment. The local news crew even filmed live reports during the evening. Prizes, swimming, games, dinner, family fun and so much more.
We are blessed to live in such a wonderful neighborhood. New houses have been built and that means new people to meet. Families getting to know each other and children finding new friends.
I noticed so many blessings that evening. Blessings of old friends, new friends, laughter from all ages, good food, lifeguards who constantly monitor the pool, volunteers who make the event a success, sponsors, the news crew and the police and fire department. I watched as representatives from each organization interacted with all ages. Corn hole, hula hoops, and mini golf, were just some of the games played.
I sat in a chair by the pool, watching the people around me and I said, “Thank you, Lord, for all these blessings.”
Did you participate in National Night Out? Or do you have a neighborhood where you can show God’s love to others? Remember, when you are outside taking a walk, or just standing in your yard, a simple “Hello” and a smile, to your neighbor can make all the difference in their day and your day, too. 🙂
Have a blessed day and show some love with a smile,
Mimi
 
 

Too hot…staying in…

What do you do when the temperature is 100 degrees with a heat index of 116 degrees ? There is hardly anyone moving outside. A few cars have been sighted riding on the road out front. The pavement is steaming, the grass is brown and crackly. The birds are hiding in the trees. No one is even walking their dog. Too hot.
Yet, here are the neighborhood landscapers running the weed eater and cutting what little bit of brown grass that exists. I ask myself, “Why?” Then, I realize that this is their job. The men are wearing hats, long sleeves and long pants. The sweat is pouring off of them. I look out of the window every so often and make sure they are drinking water and resting in the shade for breaks. They have no idea that someone is watching them. I worry.
I ask God to keep the landscapers and everyone who is outside safe. I ask God to keep the animals safe in this awful heat.
When will we get cooler temps? Forecasters say later this week. We’ll see. While I wait, I thank God for air conditioning and cool drinks, popsicles, ice cold water, and lots of great books to read.
How is your weather? Have you checked on any one who might need help in this heat?
Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay inside if you can. Read some great books while you wait.
Have a blessed, cool day,
Mimi

Lizards and more

Most of my family and friends know that I don’t like lizards or any kind of creepy crawly things. Yes, I know they are part of nature and God’s creations. But, I just can’t like something that moves so fast that I don’t know where it is going. Even cute frogs have been known to make me jump in the air. 🙂
Alan and I have lived in North Carolina, where an alligator ended up close to our front door. Wildlife control was called and a nice man came to “wrangle”the gator. That was kind of cool to watch (from a distance, of course).  We lived in Winchester VA at a home near a forest and there were snakes. Yucky!!!
So, I don’t know why I was surprised on Sunday. We returned home from church and as I was getting out of the car, I noticed a 10-12 inch lizard running up the front of the brick on the house. Now, a 10-12 inch lizard might not seem like much to most people. But, to a lady like me who is scared of those things, it is a big deal.
Of course, Alan had to get out and “take a look at him”. This crazy lizard scaled the house like a superhero and then, sat on a second story window ledge looking down, as if to be saying to us, “You can’t catch me, you can’t catch me.” I realize the lizard was probably scared of us.
The lizard finally disappeared and who knows where it lives and truly, I don’t want to know. I am hoping it was a temporary visitor and now, has gone on to visit somewhere else.
Now, you know, I tell you all this because I have written a story a long time ago and yes, it is about a lady seeing a lizard. This is a children’s story and I hope to have it published one day. I have a friend working on some art for the story.
In all this shrieking (yes, I shriek when I see lizards), I stop and realize that God makes many wonders for us to enjoy and to learn about. I thank God for His creations, even if some of them make me a bit uneasy.
Do you have any creatures that makes you uneasy? Safety is a true concern around certain creatures. In fact, just looking from a distance, a long distance, is preferable for me. 🙂
Blessings and keep giggling,
Mimi
 

You are not old until you reach 100……

Last Saturday, hubby and I decided to take a trip to our local Christian book store. We purchased some cards and a certain cd that I had been wanting for a while. I don’t know why I had not purchased that cd in the past. No special reason, unless it was because this particular Saturday was a day to “rock and roll” to some great music. (Although I do “rock and roll” to great music all the time) 🙂
Our purchases completed, we picked our next destination. Hubby needed something from the auto parts store. We stopped there, he went in the store, and I stayed in the car and fought with the plastic wrap on the cd case. You probably know what I mean about that.
By the time we were on our way again, the cd was out of the case and in the cd player. With a great burst of excitement, I turned the volume way, way up. Yes, I love some bouncy music. Alan and I looked at each other, grinned and starting bopping our heads back and forth, back and forth. Good music causes me to move. No sitting still for this girl.
We played the cd and enjoyed the music. There were a few traffic lights that we had to stop at and we looked at each other and laughed. We could imagine people in other cars saying, “Where is that loud music coming from? Where is that bump, bump, bumpity bump coming from? It certainly can’t be those gray haired people in that car over there.”
Little did those people know, we will rock to great music anywhere. Yes, folks, that was the two gray haired people in the comfortable car over there “rocking and rolling” to TobyMac and his song “Move”. Have you listened to that song? Great message.
So, we are not too old to have fun and dance in the car. My Mama used to say “You are not old until you reach 100 years of age.” I agree and I will keep on rocking to great music, no matter what age I am. 🙂
Do you have a favorite song that makes you want to get up and dance or even dance in your chair?
Blessings,
Mimi

"Changes at the Panty Pantry"

My family really enjoys living close to the local grocery store. We were even happy when the store announced they were expanding and would be selling clothing and toys. The day arrived when the new “Grand Opening” was happening. Of course, I had to go see what all the excitement was about. I just knew I would find something to purchase.
We refer to our store as “The Pantry” because we live so close that we can just pop in the store and get the items that we need without having to travel far. It’s like having a “food pantry” right near our home.
One aisle of the new section of the store has my favorite brand of ladies underwear. My husband refers to that section as the  “PANTY PANTRY”.  He doesn’t really go over to that part of the store very often. He prefers to shop in the food sections. (and I totally understand that he doesn’t want to shop in the ladies panty section)
I love the extra coupons that the store offers, too. Clothing usually gets an extra 15% off with the coupon. I have found some great deals on socks, underwear and pajamas at this store.
However, imagine my shock when I went to the store this week and found that the ladies underwear(panty) section had been reduced to a couple of items. Oh, no!!! No more of my favorite brand of ladies panties. Whatever shall I do? Now, I will have to go to another store. Oh, well……
As my husband tells me, there have been “changes at the panty pantry”.  Maybe one day, the store will carry the item again, or maybe, just maybe, I will have to adjust. This is a minor change. No worries.
Of course, as usual, my husband and I have enjoyed some laughter about the “Panty Pantry”. A few of our friends know about our name for the store and they have enjoyed some laughter, too.
How do you adjust to change, even if it is a minor change? Do you get upset? Do you turn to God first or try to handle things on your own? Each change can be a learning experience for us. We must look for the positive in each situation.
Have a wonderful day and look for ways to find the joy and laughter in the simple things in life, even if it is something as silly as the “Panty Pantry”.
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi
 
 

This is why I pack extra stuff for a trip

A few weeks ago, hubby and I traveled back to the city we lived in for 19 years. We went back to attend the memorial service for a dear friend. We had not returned to that place in since we left about 8 years ago. Lots of great memories and sad memories, too, from the 19 years there.
We knew going to the memorial service would be hard, because we loved our dear friend so much. His wife, Carol,  is one of my best buddies. Often times, we shared “George” stories or “Alan” stories. We would call each other on the phone and say “Hey, I’ve got a story for you. Guess what he did now?” Always funny stories and always light hearted fun from our husbands.
In preparing for the day trip, I packed a small travel bag with extra shoes, extra shirts for both Alan and me(yes, because we are known to spill food on us at any time) and other extra “stuff”. While packing the car for the day trip, Alan asked me, “Why are you packing so much stuff? We are only going for the day.”
Ah….. Mimi knows best. We arrived to the church parking lot. I had worn my tennis shoes for the trip, so, I proceeded to get out of the car, and change into my dress shoes for the memorial service. As I was changing shoes, friends came to welcome us back and give hugs. As we chatted and walked across the parking lot , I stepped on to the grass and thought, “Wow, I must have stepped in some clumps of grass because my shoe feels weird.”  No way. I looked down at my shoes and one of my shoes was falling apart, right there in the  parking lot. Say WHAT????? Alan and I looked at each other, laughed, and walked back to the car for me to get my “extra” pair of shoes that I had packed. Yes, I did.
I changed shoes, and we went into the church. Later that day, Alan said that he would never again ask why I pack so much extra “stuff” for a trip.
We cherish the memories we have of our friend George, and we cherish the continued friendship of his wife, Carol. They both have touched our lives in wonderful ways. In fact, their whole family has touched our hearts in special ways.
So, remember, if you ever have the thought of packing “extra” stuff for a trip, do it. You just might need those shoes, or shirts or pants. Life is fun and you never know what will happen.
Remember our family motto continues to be “It’s Always A Story With The Henderson’s.”
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi

In the quiet morning… or afternoon…

One of my favorite childhood memories is that of going to visit people. My parents and I visited relatives and friends and enjoyed sharing chats and laughter. There was always one thing from those visits that stayed in my memory . I noticed that a lot of the older people always had a home of “quiet”.
By “quiet”, I mean that there were no t.v.’s blaring, or cell phones ringing, or computers chirping with the local weather update. In almost every home, the sounds were peaceful and fulfilling. The tick tock of the clock on the mantle, the birds chirping at the bird feeder outside the window, and occasionally a timer waiting to buzz to let us know the cookies or cake were done.
I remember walking into homes and sitting on soft couches, filled with huge decorative pillows(some handmade) and often, a beautiful crocheted or knitted afghan(some handmade) lay across the back of the couch. These items welcomed everyone to sit down and have some quiet and rest.
Interesting thing is…. the older I am, the more I appreciate the “quiet”. Oh, yes, everyone who knows me knows that I love to laugh out loud and I do enjoy the “loud” times. In fact, I often cause the “loud” times. 🙂 Yet, the “quiet” of my surroundings is really affecting me lately.
During the quiet of the morning or afternoon…. I listen to rain tapping on the roof, I hear the birds singing songs, I hear the laughter and voices of children and families playing outside or taking walks together, the sounds of the house settling in different weather, the  sound of a passing siren(which gives me an opportunity to pray for whoever needs help and also, for the rescue people) and so much more.
Most important is that the “quiet” gives me the wonderful, amazing opportunity to listen for God’s Word for me. He is always ready to listen to my prayers and in the “quiet”, I am ready to listen to Him. I am amazed at all He reveals to me during these precious times. He gives His love during the “quiet” and the “loud” times. We need to be prepared to listen.
Enjoy your day and notice what you hear and/or see during those “quiet” times. Is God sending you a special thought or message? What is one of your favorite “quiet” moments?
Have a blessed day,
Mimi
 

"The Three Cousins"

 
Recently, I have been in touch with some cousins from North Carolina. We have been sending emails back and forth. I had only met one of the ladies when I was in my early 20’s. Now, at 55 years of age, I am blessed to be in contact with three sweet cousins.
Imagine my surprise when receiving an email saying the three cousins were coming  to Virginia to visit us. How exciting to learn they would arrive on a Friday and stay overnight! Plans to meet for a visit at our home, then, dinner out and brunch the next day were quickly formed and the excitement started.
My sister, Carol, came to our home in the afternoon and we waited for the arrival of “the three cousins”. They called to say they were close to the house and Carol and I went outside to greet them. We couldn’t wait for them to ring the door bell. Hugs all around and huge smiles and hello’s filled the air.
We enjoyed asking questions about our family and learning facts about this person and that person and where do they live and do you remember when this happened? 🙂
Unfortunately, some relatives have passed on. However, how wonderful to share memories and find out things that we would never have known if we had not met. We were amazed at how one person remembers something completely different than another person.
Friday evening, Carol’s husband, Hal, and my husband, Alan, joined us all for dinner. The husbands enjoyed a great time, too, learning more about the family. Laughter was in the air,  as we realized things we have in common and also, things we don’t have in common.
What a wonderful blessing to get acquainted with these sweet ladies!!! We will continue to keep in touch and hopefully, on the next visit, our other sister, Glenda, and her husband, Ernest, can join in the fun.
I did have to share our family motto with the cousins, you know…. just in case something out of the ordinary happened.( and you know it did when we were sitting at a restaurant and two employees knocked into each other and dishes and food went flying) No one was hurt, but, we were not surprised something like that happened, because you know….
“It’s always a story with the Henderson’s”
Do you have any relatives or friends that you could reach out to and say hello? The blessings that we have received because of the emails and visit are warming our hearts each day.
Think about saying “hello” to someone that you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while. You will be blessed.
Have a wonderful day,
Blessings,
Mimi