We Need A New Night Light..or Do We?

“Hey Mimi, I think we need to buy a new night light. This one isn’t working.” Alan (Bop) called to me from the guest bedroom. “I keep plugging it in, but no light turns on.” The conversation continued as I walked from the living room to where Bop was standing. His frustration at the light not working was evident in his tone. “We need a new night light.”

Walking into the room, I could see Bop putting the light into the socket, taking it out, and trying again. He commented that those things usually last much longer than that one. He began coordinating a trip to the local hardware store. “Is there anything else we need from that place?” I answered that I couldn’t think of anything. 

There wasn’t a rush to get a new night light. We had others, and they would work fine. The hallway is illuminated in the dark by battery-operated decorative candles. No need to rush out to the store. However, I considered that perhaps Bop wanted to go to the hardware store to look for other items.

I finished putting away laundry, answered a few emails, and checked the kitchen cabinet to decide what to add to the grocery list. Meanwhile, Bop continued to work on the light. 

He finally finished working on the project and gathered his car keys and wallet. Ready to make the trip to the hardware store, he asked if I wanted to ride along with him.

I went to check out the light and locate the brand so we could purchase another one or a different brand. I plugged the light into the socket, and it turned on. No problem. Easy peasy. I repeated the action several times. Plug in, take out, plug in, take out. Each time, the room was illuminated with no issues.

Calling Bop, I asked him to come to the room and watch. When he saw what was happening, he began to smile. There wasn’t a problem. The issue was that Bop was trying to get the light to turn on while the overhead light was on.

These night lights only turn on when it’s completely dark. Every time he plugged it in, he also needed to see what he was doing, so he turned on the bedroom light. Silly Bop!

No, we didn’t need to visit the hardware store for that item, but we went there anyway. There’s always something to find in the nuts and bolts section.

Have you experienced difficulty with night lights? Yes, it’s always a story with the Hendersons.

**** Bonus… share this blog post and let me know that you shared. I’ll enter your name in a drawing for a free copy of “Licky the Lizard”. Thank you.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

A Beachball Mystery

There is a window near my office desk. I often look at the view outside while I’m creating a new story. I’m fascinated by the colorful birds at the feeders, the red berries on the holly bushes, and the brown grass that will soon start to change to green as the temperatures warm. On a recent windy day in the Lowcountry, there were leaves dancing in the air. Imagine my surprise when a single beachball rolled down the street. Yes, a beachball mystery.

I’ve enjoyed a variety of sights while gazing out of the window. The most recent mysterious sight caused me to pause and laugh. A lone beachball bounced down the street, as if someone had kicked the bright and colorful ball. 

I waited and listened for the sounds of laughter or chatter. Nothing. Everything was quiet. The ball continued its journey from the street to the sidewalk. I decided to investigate. Opening my front door and stepping onto the porch, I looked to the left and to the right. Not a sound. Not a person. Nothing. The ball kept rolling. Interesting sight.

Walking back into the house, I considered asking the neighbors if the ball belonged to them. Then, I realized most everyone was at work or school. This mystery wouldn’t be solved yet.

The next day, as I sat at the desk again, another beachball rolled by. The wind carried it from one side of the street to the other. Could that be the same ball? No way. Something strange was happening. Where were these balls coming from, and who was the owner?

A couple of days later, a torrential downpour and wind caused everyone to stay inside. No neighborhood visits outside or games of hide and seek. The sound of the wind moving through the trees and flags flapping against the poles filled the air.

As the rain stopped, I went outside to see if our hummingbird feeder was safe. Then I noticed another strange sight. A large white trash bag full of beach balls. What in the world? Where did that come from? The bag had landed in a neighbor’s yard. 

Waiting to see if the bag was picked up by someone or if I should retrieve it made us laugh. Bop and I checked to see if the bag was there. After a day, it was gone.

Beachballs. I don’t know where you came from or where you’ve gone. I’m thankful for the laughter and the simple act of trying to find the answer to the mystery.

Have you ever seen a mysterious object rolling down the street? Perhaps a beachball?

Have a blessed and fun-filled day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

The Blanket Flashlight

A while back, I was startled by a toy lizard that our grandson Rowan had left under a couch cushion. That experience gave me laugh-out-loud, tummy-rolling giggles. Yesterday, I found something that granddaughter Eden had left as a surprise.

There are many wonderful ways to use our imagination. I love how the minds of children work and how joy can be found in the simplest things in life. Ideas are endless and creations can come from anything.

Filling the bathroom sink with water and adding toy sharks so we can pretend to be shark hunters, wrapping baby dolls in blankets and singing sweet songs so the babies can sleep, or pretending to be clowns, there is always something exciting happening at Mimi’s and Bop’s house.

Recently, Eden and I found flashlights, turned off all the lights in the hallway, and started making shadows on the walls. We created butterflies, birds, dinosaurs, and bunny ears. Giggles filled the air each time we shaped something new in the shadows.

Two years old Eden has definite opinions about things. After making shadows, she led me to the living room couch and said, “Sit, Mimi. Sit.” Of course, I listened and sat on the couch.
Eden held her flashlight and looked under the couch, behind the couch, and shined the light on the ceiling.

Then, as children often do, Eden found something else that sparked her interest. “Outside. Outside.” She was ready for a walk through the neighborhood. We would look for birds, ant hills, airplanes, friends, and more.

For our walk on that day, we each carried a baby doll. Eden said, “Shoulders.” That meant I was to put my baby doll on my shoulders. I complied and placed the doll in the right spot and we continued with our journey.

After the time outside, Eden and I went back to the house and found our drink cups and a snack. Putting our dolls on their blankets and kissing them on the cheek, we left them in the playroom and went to the living room.

The afternoon had arrived and a time of rest would be good for Mimi and Eden. We snuggled on the couch and watched a “show”. All was quiet. We didn’t take a nap, but we did have quiet time.

Later that evening, Eden left to go home and be with Daddy, Mommy, and Rowan. I decided to clean the house the next day.

After a good night of sleep, my energy returned. Thinking about all the items that Eden and I had used for play, I noticed one of the flashlights was missing. I searched in the playroom, the bedrooms, the dining room, and the kitchen. No flashlight.

I noticed a blanket on the couch that needed folding. Walking closer I caught a glimpse of a light shining from under the blanket.

Yes! The flashlight that Eden had been using had been left under the blanket. The light was still shining bright. The mystery had been solved. Sometimes we make tents out of quilts, towels, and blankets. We always need a flashlight inside the tent. This one was shining through the darkness and had been shining all night.

Flashlights remind me of the ways we can shine the light of Christ and help lead others to know Him. We need to replenish the batteries from time to time. God doesn’t need batteries. His light shines forever.

When the night seems long and darkness comes, trust in God.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)

Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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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

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Fried Eggs and Melting Ice Cubes

“Mimi, what projects do we have today?” This is one of the first questions four years old Rowan asks when he walks into our home. Rowan and I enjoy working on things together. From filling a bowl with ingredients to make cupcakes to planting marigold seeds to checking on the one tomato on the vine, there is always excitement in the air.

Last week, the lowcountry of South Carolina was hit with heat index warnings and calls for everyone to be alert of the air quality. The neighborhood was quiet as no one wanted to be outside to play.

After considering what type of fun project we could have for the day, I settled on experimenting with eggs on a hot sidewalk. All outside fun would have to be done before the heat arrived.

What a fun time! Rowan and I gathered two eggs from the refrigerator. We carried a small bowl and a fork outside to the front sidewalk. Placing the bowl on the sidewalk, Rowan then asked if he could break the eggs open with the fork. Yes, yes.
He was super excited to watch the yolk come out of the eggs. Next, came the fun part of pouring the eggs onto the sidewalk. Rowan and I laughed as the gooey mess wiggled out of the bowl and sat still on the walkway. The heat had already warmed the area enough to fry eggs.
After watching the eggs solidify, we returned inside the house to have a drink of water.

Cool and ready for another adventure, we opened the freezer and filled a cup with ice cubes. The cold squares stuck to our fingers. Heading back to the sidewalk, we emptied the cold cubes on the sidewalk, side by side. This experiment was to see which ice cube would melt the fastest. Cheering for the melting ice, we called out, “Go, buddy, go. Melt. Melt.”

Laughter, learning, and a bit of sticky stuff on the sidewalk. These are the kind of messes that bring smiles. The rain will wash away any residue from the eggs. The ice cubes have melted and the sidewalk is dry.

Another fun day with Rowan. The Lord reminded me that big fancy projects are not needed every day. Sometimes the simplest of activities brings the most joy.
I thank God for showing me how to be a child at heart. Wonder what projects we will have this week?

Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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The Leaning Bed of Henderson

A recent move from a rented townhouse to purchasing our own home involved many “to do” lists. Alan and I chose to rent a home when we moved from Virginia to South Carolina three years ago. After renting two beautiful townhomes in two years, we finally made the decision to purchase in the same neighborhood.

We put an offer on the home, it was accepted, and with papers signed, our new home was ready. Packing boxes, placing items for sale and giving items away happened almost daily. Donations to various organizations and friends helped those boxes become lighter.

Most of our furniture had been with us for years. Our dark cherry wood bedroom set reminded us of the Virginia mountainside. Although we have lived at the beach and the mountains, we’ve always had dark wood furniture.

This time, we decided that one day we would purchase “beach” furniture. That day would have to wait for now, but we could hope and dream about a headboard and nightstands, dresser and chest of drawers that looks more like a beach theme. A lighter color or maybe white furniture would be something to consider. Add that to the “to do” list.

God works in the most amazing ways. Two nights at the new home and all was well. We were settling in nicely and enjoying the new surroundings.
As I prepared for sleep by washing my face, putting on comfy pajamas and waiting for Alan to turn off the lights and t.v. in the living room, I prepared to get under the covers.

Situating myself on the side of the bed, I heard and felt a sudden sharp movement and sound.
“Crack!”
The connecting slats on my side of the bed had ripped away from the headboard. The bed now slanted at a strange angle and I slid off the side.

Immediately, I began laughing. Thinking about how God gives me the most funny and unusual experiences, I couldn’t stop laughing. Standing and looking at this lopsided bed made me think of all the stress of packing and moving and how amidst all that stress, God provided laughter.

“Alan, did you hear that? I broke the bed!” I shared while walking to the living room.
“No, I didn’t hear a thing. What happened?” He asked.

After explaining the situation and both of us laughing, we had to decide how to sleep. Alan decided the “leaning bed of Henderson” would work for him. He suggested I sleep on the guest bed.

Picture this. This six foot tall man slept on a leaning bed all night while I rested in a nice guest room bed. Yes, I do believe he probably almost rolled off the bed a few times, but he wouldn’t admit that.

This past weekend, we finally ordered a new bed frame. A nice beach theme. For now, the mattress and box springs are on the floor. The new bed won’t arrive until October.

In the middle of moving stresses, God reminded me once again how laughter can be found in the everyday moments of life. A broken bed provided laughter and the necessity to add “buy new bed” to the list of things to do “immediately”.

Thank You Lord. You always remind me of Your love and protection. You give laughter and joy even in the midst of unpacking boxes and checking off “to do” lists.

Have you ever broken a piece of furniture? Is there a funny story? Share with us.

Blessings and giggles,
Mimi aka Melissa

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“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

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Do Turkeys Have Exercise Class?

Watching the wildlife in our backyard is amazing. Ducks, geese, herons, egrets, lizards and turkeys all have a great area to roam freely. A forest behind the house is filled with pine trees that hold woodpeckers and bluebirds.

The male turkeys and female turkeys are often seen traveling in groups. They pause and nibble on the tall weeds, picking off seeds and bugs. Male turkeys show their feathers in hopes of attracting the females.

Sometimes, only the males walk by and other times, only the females. Then, there are those times when all the turkeys travel together. One turkey looks to be in charge. The other turkeys follow.

This morning, I noticed a different situation with the male turkeys. Three big fellas ran past the back door like they were headed for some place important. Running to the right, they kept the speed up for a whole block. A few minutes later, they returned running in the opposite direction.

The back and forth kept going on for a while. One turkey was slower than the other two. This reminded me of gym class when I was a young girl. I was often the slow runner and left behind. The other turkeys didn’t wait for this guy to catch up. They kept running from one end of the block to the other.

The thought entered my mind. “Do turkeys have exercise class?” Seeing those turkeys run quickly made me wonder why they were running. Could they be trying to escape a predator or were they running for fun?

My thoughts sparked questions. “Am I running away from something? Am I lagging behind in my faith?” Today, I am searching my thoughts, words and actions to see if I have been “putting off” or “running away” from studying His Word. There are no time constraints for me, as we are quarantined. Housework can wait. Reading His Word and sharing conversation with God can’t wait. There is no need to fall behind like I did in exercise class. I can share my thoughts with God at any time.

What comfort knowing that God will search for me when I fall behind. He will seek and find me.

Maybe the turkeys are having exercise class. Maybe they are running for fun. Maybe they run as a mating ritual. I don’t know. I will pretend they are having exercise class. That makes me laugh.
As for me, I will run toward God. He is waiting for conversation. He is holding out His arms waiting to give comfort and peace.

Have you found yourself running away from something lately? Share your thoughts. Your message may help someone else.

If you see any turkeys running back and forth, enjoy the sight and know they might be in “turkey exercise class.”

Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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Oops!! Wrong place…at the right time…

Beautiful scenery from the shore to the hills. Redbuds waking from winter sleep. Yellow daffodils standing tall in fields. Blue birds and wrens flying from fence post to tree limb. Mountain views in the distance. Traveling from home to a writers conference filled my eyes with interesting sights along the way. Alan drove and I was in charge of the map, the phone and the printed directions. ( I like to be prepared for any circumstance involving directions).

We left home on Thursday and headed for a writing conference. The hotel had been booked months ago. Suitcases were packed, snack bags filled with pretzels, crackers, trail mix and of course, chocolate. Water and bottled tea were placed in the cool pack. Toiletries packed. Jackets placed on the back seat of the car, just in case the weather was cooler. (Yes, the temperatures were cooler and we were thankful for jackets).

A few stops along the way to stretch our legs and visit the local rest area. The 5 hours trip went very well. The directions were followed and we arrived at the hotel in the late afternoon.

“Ah, there’s the hotel. I’ll be glad to unpack and rest a bit before the conference.” 

Alan drove the car to the front door of the hotel. I gathered empty snack bags and prepared to throw them in the hotel trash can outside the main door.

Car turned off, doors opened, we stood and stretched. I threw the trash away. 

We walked to the main entrance of the hotel, the sliding glass doors opened and I looked at the next building.

“Oops! We’re at the wrong hotel. Our hotel is the next one.”

We had stayed at the same hotel last year so we should have remembered. Of course, traveling over 300 miles can make any person tired. Mistakes are easily made.

Alan and I laughed and shared how we were glad we didn’t go inside and try to register at the front desk. There would not have been a room in our name.

We went back to the car, drove to the next parking lot and started over.

Interesting conversation with the lady who checked us in at the correct hotel. She grew up in the same neighborhood area where I lived  as a young girl. That was in Virginia and now we live in South Carolina. We shared a nice chat. I wondered if God had us arrive at a particular time to share fellowship with this young woman. The odds of meeting someone from the same neighborhood was very small.

We did not share with her how we went to the wrong hotel first. God had a plan for us to meet her and yes, His plan is always best.

The conversation brought joy to us and joy to her, recalling special memories of times gone by.

Can you think of a time when you were in the wrong place at the right time? Share your story.

Have a blessed week,

Mimi

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In the stillness…

My head hurts. A pounding sinus headache. Or is it sinus? Could the pain in my head be coming from another source? Yes, I’ve had a sinus headache for a week. Changes in the barometric pressure always cause problems for my sinuses. There is something else happening in my head. I can feel the difference. A stress headache.

God has been whispering to me for weeks. I realized this morning that I have not been heeding His call.

The end of 2019 and beginning of 2020 have been filled with many activities for our family. Most of the events have been fun and filled with laughter. Some events were filled with tears. One of the many busy days was shared with friends in a celebration of life for a dear one who has passed on after a lengthy health struggle.

Looking at my “to do” check list each morning brought reminders of doctor appointments, birthday parties, writers group meetings, an award banquet, radio interview, author events and more. Each morning, I began with a smile and joy in my heart. Each afternoon, I felt the need for a nap.

What was I doing? Why was I feeling so happy and then, so tired? Couldn’t I just continue to enjoy each special event and press on to the next one? I love staying busy. I love sharing time with family and friends. I love volunteering.

I always say, “God taps me on the shoulder a couple of times and then, hits me in the head.” He tries to get my attention. My response is crucial to showing His love to others and to myself.

Another weekend of the most wonderful events. Alan and I enjoyed everything. Laughter, love, the giggles of children, the sharing of meals, the blessings of the life God has given us.

Sunday morning church service arrived. Sunrise Presbyterian Church sits across the street from Breach Inlet. The ocean view beckons as we stand to sing worship and praise songs. Glorious piano sounds played by our talented music director invites everyone to sing along and praise God.

As the time comes for us to sit and listen to the morning message, I glance at the title listed in the bulletin. “Be Still, and Know That I Am God”. Our pastor reminds us to relax into the pews and to “be still”. He suggests we close our eyes and truly take in the message of being still.

The words “Be still” seep into my mind, body and soul. “Be Still, and Know That I Am God”. Those words speak to me as I breathe in and out. My body begins to relax. I remember one important thing I have forgotten during the busyness of life. I have thanked God once or twice, but not nearly enough. In good times and in sad times, when I am busy or when I am resting, I need to thank God.

So there in the stillness of prayer and meditation on God’s Word, my heart is filled with thanksgiving.

“Thank You God. You have provided laughter, love and joy. You have also provided peace and comfort during sorrow. Thank You God, that in the stillness and the busyness, I can reach for You and You are always there.”

How are your days lately? Busy, quiet? Have you paused to give thanks to God?

Have a blessed day and know you are loved,
Mimi