How Do Birds Handle Change?

Bird watching has always fascinated me and brought hours of enjoyment. As a young girl, my parents pointed out different kinds of birds and shared interesting information about the creatures. From the little Carolina Wren to the large Bald Eagle, each bird has its own way of handling life. What happens when the temperatures drop or rise? How do birds handle change?

I remember making homemade bird feeders in elementary school. A pinecone covered in peanut butter and seeds, with a string attached to the top, was one of my favorite projects. Those unique treats hung from trees in the neighborhood. The kids would watch to see which one had the most visitors. Nowadays, Bop and I create the same feeders with our grandkids. Collecting pinecones in the neighborhood and making crafts from them brings fun and laughter, but there is always a mess on the floor.

Recently, I bought a new tray feeder for the tree in the front yard. The old one had worked well for a long time. Now, I wanted a different one. The bird store offers a variety to choose from, making the decision difficult. 

Over the years, I’ve learned some interesting facts about birds. Some birds don’t mind change. They will fly right next to me as I pour seed. Others wait and sit on branches watching until I go back inside the house. I wonder why some creatures are shy, and others are bold.

Another unique quality about birds is that they seem to know when a dramatic change in the weather is approaching. The weather forecasters in the Lowcountry are predicting a sharp drop in temperatures tonight.

I looked outside and saw birds of all sizes and shapes flying back and forth to the new tray. I sense that they know change is on the way. Watching from inside the house, I smiled and thanked God for these birds that make me happy.

Birds handle change by preparing for what may be coming. Other animals handle change in their own ways. What about people? How do we handle change?

Rowan and Eden adapt well to changes in their schedule. Rowan likes to have a calendar with events posted on the refrigerator. Eden goes with the flow. Both grandkids have unique ways to handle change.

I keep several calendars with dates posted. There are calendars on the wall, in my purse, on the computer, and on my phone. I adjust when change happens. Life brings many changes, and how we handle those changes can help us thrive.

We can learn valuable lessons from the birds. We can prepare and stay aware of our surroundings. I have often said, “God taps me on the shoulder three times when He is trying to get my attention. If I don’t listen, He hits me in the head.” Haha!

How do you handle change? With a smile, grumbles, or contentment?

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Sock Decorations Bring Precious Memories

The Christmas tree is decorated. The candles are in the windows. Empty ornament boxes are stashed in closets. Decorative towels and blankets are arranged in their designated spots. Christmas is almost here. As I gaze at the little tree in the playroom/office, I notice an old, familiar item. A brown sock, with holes in the bottom, was an arrangement that our son created. Yes, sock decorations bring precious memories.

Our son, now a grown man, created this ornament when he was a young boy. We’ve shown it to our daughter-in-love and the grandkids. Rowan and Eden both commented, “Dad made that? Was that when he was a little boy in school?”

My answer. “Yes, your Dad created this special decoration for the tree. He used one of Bop’s old socks and added some felt shapes and glitter. He carefully placed each bit of shiny sparkles and felt to make the perfect ornament to add to the tree.”

Rowan and Eden smile every time we talk about the old sock. By sharing the memories, we are handing down a legacy of love and care. The brown, worn-out sock might not be as perfect as the shiny things on the tree. But the feeling of love is evident every year when we open a box and find the sock.

There are many ornaments on this little tree and many on the big tree in the living room. Each one is placed with care. Each one finds a different spot every Christmas. Angels, stars, crosses, birds, cloth ornaments, and many more reminders bring smiles when we share time together. Conversations, giggles, and sometimes a broken item remind us that the things on the tree are important, but they are not forever.

God’s love is forever. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we can find peace in reading or hearing Scripture, and sharing the good news of His birth. We can share the story from the Bible. We can think of opportunities to share God’s love with others at this special time of year and always.

The best things on the tree are the ones created with love. Yes, even an old sock can bring precious memories.

What special Christmas ornaments or decorations are found at your home? Do you hang ornaments on the trees outside? Share some of your favorite homemade decorations.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

A Mysterious Sound

Alan walked into the bedroom laughing. “Guess what just happened?” I had no idea. It was a typical evening: I was preparing for bedtime while he was watching television in the living room. A normal evening at the Henderson house. But something made him laugh—Alan had heard a mysterious sound.

As Alan closed up the house for the night, I went through my usual evening routine. I washed my face, put on pajamas, turned the television station to a lighthearted movie, and turned down the bed covers. The same nightly routine that we’ve done for years.

My dear husband chuckled as he explained what happened to him. He had turned off the TV, closed the window blinds, double checked the back and front door locks, and started to head to the bedroom.

“I kept hearing a low ticking sound. I checked the refrigerator to make sure the ice maker was turned off. I checked the washing machine for leaks on the floor. I looked outside, and nothing was different. Yet, that ticking sound kept going.”

After walking through the house, checking outside, and becoming frustrated, Alan said that he walked by the large wall clock in the dining room. There was a problem. The clock hands were stuck in one spot. This happens when the battery is low. The slight tick, tick, tick was caused by the hands not being able to move any further. Time was standing still, according to the wall clock.

As he told me what had occurred, I laughed and mentioned our family motto. “It’s Always A Story with the Hendersons”. I’m not the only one who encounters silly things. My husband has funny experiences, too.

He decided to change the batteries another day. Actually, we’ll wait for our son Mike to change them. Mike is better at taking the clock off the wall. 

Meanwhile, we couldn’t hear the mysterious sound from the bedroom. All was good for the night.

Perhaps this has happened to us before. Yes, I’ve shared a similar story from the past. That’s okay. The situation brought us laughter again.

Have you ever heard a strange sound in your house? Were you afraid? Did you find the source and resolve the issue?

Life is filled with laughter and love. I hope you have a wonderful, blessed day.

Blessings,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

A Missed Message Can Be the Best Answer

Have you ever considered that a missed message can be the best answer? Last week, Bop went to a local auto shop to check the price of new tires. The friendly salesman took the time to show  the various brands and explain their benefits and prices. An appointment was scheduled for Bop to return and purchase the tires. All was good. That afternoon, the salesman called to say that a better brand of tires was being delivered to the shop. Same price, better tires.

The salesman said he would call when the tires were delivered, and then Bop could go to the shop. The time for delivery was supposed to be around noon. We waited. We took care of chores at the house. Laundry, dusting, feeding the birds, pulling weeds in the flower beds, etc. 

Noon came and went. We figured that maybe the delivery was running late. No worries. We would keep working in the house and yard. As the afternoon passed, the light turned dark. No phone call. Frustration began to set in. We questioned why the salesman had not called to let us know what had happened.

Maybe the delivery was postponed. But, why hadn’t someone called to let us know? Maybe the salesman was sick. Why hadn’t someone else from the company called? Perhaps the tires were not a better fit for our car. Perhaps the salesman forgot about us. Why? Why? Oh, my!

Friday was over. The weekend brought fun times with Rowan, Eden, Mike, and Christine. Laughter, games of “telephone”, blowing bubbles in the front yard, charades, and enjoying a delicious meal from one of our favorite restaurants were some of the activities. Wonderful times.

Monday morning arrived. No phone call or message from the auto shop. Our patience grew thin, and we discussed contacting another place to purchase the tires.

Then, Monday afternoon… Bop checked his phone for work messages and there was a missed call from Friday. What? How could this be? He had looked for missed calls and messages and nothing was there, until that moment. 

Bop immediately contacted the shop. He apologized for not seeing the message.The salesperson assured him there was no need to apologize. A time was scheduled for the next day. New tires, better brand, same price. Thank You Lord.

After the phone call ended, Bop shook his head and said, “That missed call didn’t show up until a little bit ago. Wonder what happened?”

We remembered that God’s timing is best. We may never know why the message didn’t go through. But God knows. Sometimes a missed message can be the best answer. 

Have you missed a call or message and later realized that God had a plan? Share in the comments.

Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate your encouragement.

Have a blessed day!

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Her One True Love

Conversations with a four-and-a-half year old child can shift from discussing potty breaks to imaginary friends to stories about school. Recently, our granddaughter Eden filled us with joy and brought tears of happiness as she shared about her one true love.

Rowan, Eden, Bop, and I were chatting while riding in the car on our way to take care of errands. We talked about the shapes of clouds looking like bunnies and dragons. We searched for alligators on the banks of ponds as we rode through neighborhoods. Rowan told us about one of his favorite movies. Great wisdom can be found in young children.

A few moments passed without anyone speaking. The silence was broken when Eden made a declaration that shocked us.

“My boyfriend kissed me.” Eden smiled as she spoke.

“What? Who kissed you?” Rowan turned towards Eden and asked the question in a firm voice that only an older brother could express.

“My boyfriend kissed me.”

“Who? Who is your boyfriend? Where did he kiss you?” Rowan frowned, and his voice deepened as his temper flared. He’s eight years old, so the sound of his voice was only a bit deeper. But he was concerned.

Eden paused, grinned, and stared at Rowan. She gave an answer that calmed Rowan and made everyone smile.

“Dad. He kissed me on the cheek. Dad is my boyfriend. He’s my one true love.”

“Oh, Eden! You can’t marry Dad.” Rowan tried to explain that she can’t marry someone in her family.

“I know. But, Dad is my one true love forever.” Eden smiled and reached down for the snack in her backpack.

I tried to hold back the happy tears. I told Eden that she is very sweet and Dad would be happy to know he is her one true love.

Of course, I had to share the encounter with our son Mike. He smiled. Touched by her sweetness, we learned a great lesson that day. Remember to love one another always.

Do you have one true love? Have you told someone that you love them? Everyone needs to know they are loved and cherished.

Have a day filled with love and joy,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

The House Sitting Goose

Honk! Honk! Honk! The sounds of honking geese were alarming. As I listened to the annoying calls of the birds, I wondered if there was a problem. Why were these animals making sounds loud enough to disturb the neighborhood? Did a predator lurk close to a nest? I ventured outside to seek the answer. 

Three geese sat on the roof of our neighbor’s home. The animals honked to each other, one at a time. First, a honk from the one on the left. Next, a honk from the one on the right. Then, the goose in the middle responded. I imagined a crazy conversation between three geese.

The birds usually find spots near the ponds to build their nests. Seems to me that I wouldn’t want a nest near a pond filled with alligators. But, I’m not a goose. Every Spring, we watch as the geese walk down the middle of streets and cause traffic to pause. Cute yellow “fuzzies” arrive and people wait as the parents and babies cross the street. Nests and families are guarded by the adults. They are cute until they begin leaving piles of goose droppings on the sidewalks.

These three geese sat on the roof and continued to talk to each other. I walked to the mailbox and began chatting with a neighbor. 

“Did you see those geese? Isn’t that crazy?” I asked my friend.

Her response caught me by surprise. “Well, did you see a goose on your roof?”

“Oh my! I didn’t notice. I’ll go check.”

I rushed home. Yes, one goose sat on our roof. It wasn’t making a sound. It sat there staring down at me. I ran inside the house to get Alan. Alerting him of the strange sight, he came outside and announced, “We’ve got to make that thing leave before it creates a mess on the rooftop.”

Being the helpful wife that I am, I suggested he spray water from the hose. Perhaps that would make the animal take flight. Alan unrolled the hose, turned on the water, and sprayed toward the top of the house.

Unfortunately, the jet spray didn’t reach the top of the house and the water sprayed back on my sweet husband. Alan stood there with wet shoes, pants, and a wet shirt. I couldn’t stop laughing. He laughed, too.

“Well, that didn’t work.” He responded as the goose continued to stare down at both of us.

“Get me a football or some kind of ball. I don’t want to hurt the goose, I just want to scare it away.”

“We don’t have any footballs here. How about that little green bouncy ball? It’s about the size of  a baseball.” I was trying my best to help.

Deciding that would work, I went inside and found the green ball in the playroom. The face painted on the ball appeared to be laughing at us.

I rushed outside to Alan and handed him the ball. He posed like a professional baseball player, warmed up, and threw the ball. No luck. The throw didn’t reach the top of the roof. After five or six tries, he announced, “I could throw better when I was younger.”

The goose perched on the roof and looked down at the two crazy folks trying their best to get it to move. 

We finally gave up and left for the grocery store. Maybe more ideas would come to us when we returned home. Or hopefully, the goose would be gone.

The grocery shopping was completed, and we headed back home. All of the geese were gone. The roof tops were clean. Alan and I laughed at the experience. Honking geese, wet clothes, toy bouncing balls, and a morning full of laughter.

Yes, it’s always a story with the Henderson’s.

Have you had any experiences with geese? 

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

A Visit with Nature

A Visit with Nature

“Where are you going? Do the plants need water again?” I hear these questions several times a day when I gather my garden gloves and empty milk jug to head outside. My answer is usually the same. “I’m stepping outside to visit with nature.” 

The heat index has risen to 117 recently. Families in the neighborhood are staying inside. No bicycles, toys, inflatable pools, or other summer playthings are found in yards. The sounds of summer have quieted while everyone stays inside to stay cool. 

Thunder rolls in the clouds on some mornings. Yesterday, the loud booms could be heard for hours. Lightning lit up the sky. Yet, the rain didn’t fall. The sky grew darker, the wind started blowing leaves off of trees, and I continued to look out of the windows for any raindrops that might be coming.

While listening to the rain tapping on the roof, and watching the trees sway back and forth, I noticed how things were changing in nature. The birds stopped singing. Hummingbirds stopped visiting the feeders. The frogs in the forest were quiet. A storm was coming.

Finally, after hours of waiting, heavy downpours filled the ponds and streets with water. The storm rolled through and when it was gone, life began to emerge from the quiet hiding places. A beautiful fog sat above the neighborhood ponds. Birds sat on the branches of trees and shook their wings. Hummingbirds returned to the feeders. The tree frogs made loud sounds as if they were alerting every creature that the storm had passed.

I stepped outside of the house and saw one flower pot turned over. The wind had whipped the pot out of its normal resting spot. Placing it back into the regular nesting spot, I was ready for a visit with nature.

With garden gloves in my pants pocket, I was ready to work. There’s a special pair of tennis shoes that I use when I’m working in the dirt. I marked them with a “G” for “garden”. My previous work shoes had an “O” for “outside”. 

My visit with nature included pausing and thanking God for the rain, the cooler temperatures during the storm, and His blessings and protection. After heavy rainfall, things look different. Leaves drip tiny droplets onto the ground. The mulch in the flower bed has been displaced and spread across the yard. Mushrooms begin to form in the soil. The old has washed away and the new is coming.

I thank God for His provisions. What a wonderful time I enjoyed during my visit with nature.

Resting in His promises brings peace and comfort.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

Laughter can come after a storm, too. While I was basking in the joys of nature, a frog hopped in front of me as I walked in the grass. I screamed, jumped, and then laughed. I thanked God for the laughter, too. “It’s always a story with the Henderson’s.”

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Wrapped 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

Hold 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

Birthday 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

Tweet