Stand Up Snowman!
Towards the end of November, my husband and I decided to start decorating for Christmas. A little tree for the playroom/office was first on the list. The big tree for the living room came next. Red, green, and white lights to adorn shelves, counters, and other spots, were pulled from cardboard boxes in the closet. Along with the decorations for the inside of the house, we gathered the outdoor inflatables and lights. We noticed one problem immediately. The inflatable snowman wouldn’t stand up. We called out. “Stand up snowman!”
Alan was arranging extension cords and unboxing the Christmas tree and snowman. The front yard would be inviting with colorful decorations and lights. I checked on Alan and he looked at the ground and frowned.
“I guess the snowman has seen its last day. It won’t stand up. The air is blowing into the right place, but it won’t fill up completely. Oh, well. We’ll have to get another one.”
The disappointment was evident as he asked me to bring a trash bag for the defeated snowman. I went inside and gathered a bag. I walked back outside and watched as Alan attempted to get the inflatable Christmas tree to work. That failed, too.
Both of us spoke more words of frustration. We didn’t want to go to the store at that moment. We wanted to have the decorations working for the grandkids and the neighborhood to enjoy.
As I looked down at the deflated and wrinkled snowman, I noticed a zipper on the back side of the item. I wondered if that could be the problem.
“Hey, honey, did you see a zipper on the back? There is probably one on both things.”
I reached down, closed the zipper, and to our surprise, the snowman filled with air and stood tall.
“Oh, my goodness!! Look at that!” We both shouted and laughed.
In our joy to put up the inflatable snowman and the Christmas tree, we neglected to check all the parts and follow directions.
This situation reminds me not to rush through the Christmas season. Enjoy every moment and remember the reason for the season. Jesus Christ is our gift from God. Share time with God today. Thank Him for the many blessings He gives. Thank Him for Jesus. Thank Him for fun decorations that make us smile. Give thanks for His love and forgiveness.
Have a blessed day! God loves you.
In His Name,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetWrapped in Cozy and Koozie Friendship
Conversations between young children may include “Will you be my friend?” or “You are my friend.” or “I’m glad you are my friend.” What do you think about friendships? Do you feel warm and cozy when thinking about certain people? In what ways have you seen friendships form and grow?
God has blessed me with many wonderful friendships in my life. My two sisters, Glenda and Carol, and I have a bond beyond friendship. We’re sisters, yet we’re also friends. We laugh together at the silliest happenings. We cry together when sorrow hits. We ask questions, check on each other, and pray. Whatever the circumstances, the sister bond is strong and will last forever. Disagreements or differing opinions have never stopped the love that we have for each other. I thank God for my sisters, their husbands, and their children.
As a young child, I remember playing with the kids in our neighborhood. Boys and girls played kickball, basketball, hide and seek, and tag. The groups separated when the girls wanted to play with dolls and the boys wanted to play with toy cars.
Many years have passed since we gathered together in different yards to watch the stars at night, walked together to the ice cream store to our purchase favorite treats, and visited the local pool to cool off in the summer heat.
Several of the kids keep in touch on social media. We haven’t seen each other in person for many years, yet we see photos and read about life experiences. Those friendships continue to be important parts of life.
When I was a young mother, I remember older women in the church showing God’s love with hugs. They also provided tips on motherhood. Their guidance and friendship was appreciated.
My parents were wonderful. They taught me many ways to care for friends and strangers. Sharing, showing compassion and love, and listening before speaking are lessons I will always remember. Friendships developed from following their examples.
Each time my husband, Alan, and I moved to a different town, there were opportunities for new friendships. Invitations to church and church activities, introductions to neighbors, and being included in local events helped us find friends.
Although we have moved from one place to another, we continue to keep in touch with folks. One dear friend and I often met for lunch at a local restaurant. Every week, we ordered the same meal. Every time, we laughed and said, “Maybe I’ll order something different today.” Yet, we continued to order our regular favorites. That friend sends cards with hummingbirds as she knows those are my favorites. I send her cards with butterflies because that is one of her favorites. I’m thankful for her. She makes me laugh and brings joy to my life.
Another friend, who lives in a different state, calls and chats. We visit and tell each other about our grandkids and what is happening at church. The telephone calls are a great way for us to keep up-to-date on life. She calls me daughter even though I’m not her biological child.
Since we moved from VA to SC, I have found many new friends. Some younger than me and others who are about the same age as me. Sometimes we meet for breakfast or brunch. Other times, we catch up via text or email.
One friend, Robin, creates beautiful koozies, prayer shawls, and more. Her gift for knitting and crocheting is amazing. The koozie in the photo above is one she created. Each time that I place one of her koozies on my water bottle, I can feel the love she put into creating the item. I feel wrapped in a cozy and koozie friendship.
There are many more friends who I keep in my prayers. I can’t mention them all here or you would be reading forever. Today, think of the people in your life that bring joy and love. Have you told them lately how much you love them?
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetHold On Mimi! Have Patience!
Lowcountry weather has tricked me again. Every morning, I check my phone app to get the latest updates on temperatures, winds, and barometric pressure. January brought cool nights and warmer days. February continues with Spring-like weather. A bit of rain here and there. Clouds on some days and bright sunshine on other days. When will Spring arrive? Will the forecasters have the correct predictions?
The coastal area of South Carolina hasn’t experienced a deep cold snap this winter. No snow or ice, and only a few days of below-freezing temps. Will that trend continue? I enjoy the differences in each season. The cold invigorates my body, but I’m happy to go inside and have a cup of warm tea when my bones begin to ache. The heat of summer and the sun baking on my skin feels good until the sweat and humidity become unbearable and I venture inside the house to cool down with air conditioning and a glass of cold tea.
Where is my patience? Why do I want to hang the new hummingbird feeders at the first rise in temperatures? Am I missing something that God is trying to share with me?
Last week, I ordered two new hummingbird feeders. The box arrived and I couldn’t wait to hang them on the pole in the front flower bed and the pole in the backyard flower bed. That was Thursday. Today is Monday. The feeders continue to sit on the kitchen counter. Why haven’t I asked Bop to help me hang them outside?
I paused and prayed. I asked God for the answer to why I was waiting to place the beautiful red and yellow food stations outside. Then, I smiled as I woke up this morning and checked my phone. Rain and cold weather are forecasted for the next few days.
Yes, the little hummers will visit the area in the rain. Yes, they have visited in the cold. God knew I should wait a few more days to prepare the sugar nectar and fill the globes. God was saying, “Hold on Mimi. Have patience.”
So, I will wait until I feel the nudge from God. I will wait to display those feeders. God knows what is best for the hummingbirds. Perhaps if they saw the red nectar too soon, their flight pattern would be disrupted. God knows what the birds need. God knows what we need.
Now, I wait patiently and hope for warmer days and sunshine. Those days will come. As for now, the beautiful feeders sit on the kitchen counter waiting to be used.
I feel like a young child with new toys. I want to play with them. But, I will wait for the best time to take them outside.
Do you enjoy watching the hummingbirds? When do you hang your feeders?
“I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.” (Psalms 50:11 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetBirthday Lunch…Wrong Car
“Let’s go to lunch and celebrate your birthday and my birthday.” A dear friend recently suggested we go to a local restaurant and celebrate birthdays. Of course, I agreed. After finding a time that suited both of us, we scheduled the day and looked forward to the special time together.
On the chosen day, my dear friend drove us to the destination. A lovely local eatery known for delicious food. Along the drive, we chatted about the recent happenings in life. From joys to worries, this is a trusted friend with whom anything can be shared.
We arrived at the restaurant, entered the building and the front desk person greeted us with a smile. Sharing that we had a reservation, the server took us to our table immediately. The place was crowded as it was lunch time. Sounds of conversations between patrons and staff filled the air. Laughter became louder as chats continued. Dishes of delectable food being delivered and placed on tables made me pause to see what people were ordering.
After placing our orders for food and beverage, my friend and I continued talking. Grandchildren are always a topic of conversation. The delight of living close to those special children was evident in our shared stories of the new school year, overnight visits, and more.
The food arrived and we enjoyed every bite. Dessert was chosen after we had finished eating our meal. Yummy to the tummy. In fact, there was so much food that we asked for “to go” boxes for the extra food.
The time had come for us to leave the restaurant and return home. After thanking our server, paying the bills, and grabbing our food to take home, we stood and walked to the front door. Continuing to chat and laugh, my friend and I watched for vehicles as we crossed the parking lot. All was clear and we headed to her car.
I walked to the passenger side and began trying to open the door. Nothing happened. Dear friend was on the driver’s side attempting to open her door. Nothing happened there either. A few moments passed and I heard her say, “This isn’t my car.”
Yes, we were so busy talking and enjoying the day that we attempted to enter the wrong vehicle.
There was a similarity between the vehicles. Same color, same brand.
Only problem was that it was a different model of SUV and definitely did not belong to my sweet friend.
Laughter began and we giggled all the way to the correct car. When we were seated in the correct vehicle, I turned to my friend and said, “You know, “It’s Always A Story With the Hendersons”. She laughed and agreed. Now, she feels like a Henderson, too.
Good thing we didn’t set off any car alarms.
This funny situation caused me to thank God for the laughter and blessed friendships He brings to our lives. We may try a wrong door at some point, but God will lead us to the correct door. I am thankful to know the door to God is open and available in every moment.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Creepy Crabs on A Hot Summer Day
“What in the world? Why are there fiddler crabs on my front porch?” I spoke aloud to myself.
Opening the front storm door to take a peek outside, I jumped as two small sand fiddler crabs raced across the pavement. The twosome were fast as lightning and caused me to hop from one foot to the other while trying to figure out their intended direction.
Alan and I have become accustomed to seeing South Carolina sights such as alligators in the neighborhood ponds, Eastern Hercules beetles in the grass, wild turkeys in the backyard, and armadillos digging holes in the dirt. But, seriously, sand fiddler crabs at the front door?
I slowed my breathing to calm my heart rate. What adventure or crazy sight would be next on the list of exciting things to share with family and friends? My next thought was wondering how to get rid of the fast moving creatures. Unfortunately, the crabs hid in an area that could not be reached. I would have to wait until another time to somehow remove them from the premises.The daily routine continued and the crabs remained hidden. I wouldn’t see them again. Or at least that was my story.
The next day, grandson Rowan was here to have playtime with Mimi and Bop. As Bop left the house and went to work, Rowan and I discussed our plans for the day. Sidewalk chalk drawing, creating crazy pictures with the new paint set and paper, playing with friends, blowing bubbles, and making up stories would be parts of the fun.
The outside trash can had been emptied earlier that day and was ready to be cleaned and brought back into the garage. As I pushed the button to open the garage door, two more sand fiddler crabs jumped into the garage and ran for cover. I screamed and laughed while watching the quick movement of the crabs. Rowan grabbed his tummy and doubled over with laughter.
“Mimi, quick, quick, get them. They went behind the recycle can. Mimi, here’s one. Get him with the broom.”
“Where, Rowan, where is it now? Do you see one?” I spoke between laughter as I found the broom and readied for attack.
“Behind that can, he’s behind that can.” Rowan gave directions as he giggled.
One little crab darted out from behind the trash can. I guarded against the creature by sweeping it with the broom. Watching as the crab went flying in the air from being swept, Rowan and I could not contain our giggles.
The next crab peeked out from behind a garden tool. I swung the broom into action and shooed that little thing right out onto the driveway.
Between laughs, Rowan yelled. “Mimi, quick. Close the door. He’s trying to come back in.”
Rowan and I stood and watched the garage door close. The crabs were outside on the pavement. We were safely inside the garage. The creepy crabs would have to endure a hot summer day.
After the laughter settled and our next activity began, Rowan and I looked at each other. “Mimi, those were some creepy crabs, right?”
“Yes, those were creepy crabs and I don’t want to see them again.”
Interesting fact is that we live about ten minutes from the ocean. There are ponds and marshes in every neighborhood so we should not be surprised at seeing the crabs on the front and back porch.
Of course, I had to share this story because as you know, “It’s Always a Story With the Hendersons.”
God creates the most awesome sights and sounds for us to enjoy, even if some of those things make us hop from one foot to the other.
Do you have any funny crab stories? Please share with us.
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
Mistaken Identity or “Sorry, I thought you were someone else.”
Moving from one house to another is quite the task. Alan and I have moved numerous times in our over 41 years of marriage. Job changes have caused most of those moves. From living in apartments to townhouses to building our dream home to finally believing this latest move is our “forever home”, we follow the idea of “finding joy wherever God sends us”.
Since moving from Virginia to South Carolina three years ago, we have lived in three homes. Each of those three homes is located in the same area, just different sections. When we first arrived in SC, we didn’t know the area, so we rented a nice townhouse instead of buying. The neighbors on that street are some of the best people we’ve ever met. The ladies still gather for special occasions and if someone has a need, the “Draymohr Girls” are there to help and pray.
With that home no longer for rent, we searched and found another townhouse just a few streets away from the first one. Once again, God provided great neighbors who show care and compassion for everyone. We often see neighbors from both places at the local grocery stores. We’re able to visit and catch up on the latest happenings in the lives of these special friends.
This year, 2020, we finally made the decision to purchase a home. This is our favorite neighborhood and we wanted to stay. Our search began and in just a short time, we found a home to purchase. Offer made, offer accepted, closing date set, movers scheduled and we began packing up the boxes.
Alan and I have lived in this new “forever” home since the middle of August. The neighborhood is filled with families of all ages. What a blessing to hear the laughter of children and to watch families taking walks together. This is a wonderful place. We thank God for providing this home and the friendly people who have welcomed us with open arms.
With all the moving from one place to another, I had an embarrassing moment (or two). Alan and I went to the local home improvement store to look at storm doors. Of course, there is always something else to check out at the home improvement store.
As we walked to the checkout line, a nice lady, wearing a mask, said, “Hi, where have you been? I talked to you one day and the next day, you were gone.”
Recently, we had been invited to share refreshments and fellowship at a new neighbor’s home. (Social distancing, of course.) When I saw the lady at the checkout counter, my mind immediately thought that she was one of the new neighbors.
I began trying to get the right words out, without embarrassing her. “Oh, remember, we visited with you at the neighbors house. Remember, we live near you?” I kept referring to the new neighbors. The nice lady gave me an odd look, although I could only see her eyes and forehead due to the mask.
I kept attempting to explain who we were and how we knew each other.
All of a sudden, Alan placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked at him and shaking his head, he said, “No, dear. That’s not her. That’s a friend from the other place.”
My embarrassment began to show as my face turned red and my mask became sweaty.
Apologizing, I began sharing about the new neighbors and how we had moved in August. My words rambled and rambled.
Our friend from the other neighborhood just laughed and said, “No problem. I understand.” We continued with conversation and laughter.
For a few days afterwards, I still felt embarrassed when I thought of my mistake. Then, I took my worry to God.
God reminded me there was no need for embarrassment. We all make mistakes and sometimes, we can laugh at those mistakes.
A true “Mimi” moment. Thank You God, for covering me with Your love.
Have you ever had an experience with “mistaken identity”? What was the outcome?
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
“Did you open the garage door?”
Alan is working at home due to the coronavirus. The dining room table is his office. We have a room designated as my home office, so I have all my writing materials together in that room.
On a recent morning, I was upstairs and heard the garage door open and close quickly.
I called out to Alan, “Were you just in the garage? Is everything okay?”
I was hoping he did not see an unwanted creature in the garage. I pictured Alan standing in the garage, seeing a snake trying to come inside and then, Alan pressing the button to close the garage door as quickly as possible. All sorts of scenes were playing out in my mind.
Perhaps he was oiling the garage door chain, maybe he accidentally opened the door and hit the button to lower it again.
His answer came. “No, I wasn’t in the garage. I’m sitting here at the dining room table.”
My reply. “Did you hear the garage door open and close?”
The look on Alan’s face was priceless as I walked downstairs and saw him sitting at the table.
“What are you talking about? The door didn’t open. I didn’t hear anything.”
Well, I almost asked if he had his hearing aids turned off, but decided against inquiring about that.
“Okay. It must have been my imagination. I thought for sure I heard the door open and close.”
I was still confused and wanted to find the answer.
Taking a break from writing, I sat on the couch to watch some “mindless trivia” as we call some t.v. shows. Right as I found a comfy spot, the garage door opened and closed again.
“There! Did you hear it that time? That was the garage door opening and closing again. I knew I wasn’t imagining things!”
My heart raced as Alan went to the door leading outside to the garage. He checked the switch plate and the garage door for anything out of the ordinary. Everything looked good. Nothing strange. No reason why the door would open and close without us using the clicker or the wall switch.
We discussed calling a repair person and imagined how the conversation would go.
Something like, “Yes, we have a garage door that opens and closes by itself.” Can you imagine the person on the other end of that call? They would probably think we were a bit strange.
Back in the foyer, Alan asked if I knew anything about the white vehicle in front of the house. I did not have any information. We considered maybe someone was visiting a neighbor.
About the time we had considered various options as to why the door was opening and closing, Alan received a text on his phone.
The rental company representative of the home we rent had stopped by and brought an extra garage door opener for us. She didn’t think we were home and so she tried the opener several times and left it on a table on our front porch.
Mystery solved. Alan and I laughed and laughed. Then, I had to send a message to the nice lady explaining how she had given us the giggles and a true mystery with her actions.
Again, I thanked God for giving us laughter and joy. Amidst all the turmoil going on in the world, God provided something simple that caused us to pause and laugh.
Remember our family motto. “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”.
Have you ever been in a funny situation? Share with us.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
“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