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

Boards on Cars

Boards on cars? Did you do a double-take? I’m not referring to construction materials from the local home improvement store for building or landscaping. The boards I’m talking about are “surfboards”. Another hurricane has visited the eastern section of the country. The usual changing predictions had been televised for weeks. Professional weather personnel traveled every day to the shore to report any change in waves and shoreline. As the hurricane moved closer, I noticed more boards on cars.

Preparations began as the latest hurricane approached the eastern side of the country. The Lowcountry has seen devastating hurricanes in the past. Whether someone was born in this area or moved to the Lowcountry like my husband and I, everyone learns to be alert and take precautions. As we joined the crowd preparing for the storm, our own checklist awaited.

Alan and I went to the grocery store to stock up on needed supplies. Batteries, flashlights, and yes, chocolate candy and bottled water. On our way to the store, I noticed many vehicles with surfboards secured to the top of cars. While I waited in the car while Alan went into the store, I glanced around the parking lot. There were several surfboards on cars. I hoped to see who was driving the vehicles. The curiosity drew my attention as the parking lot began to fill.

Finally, several men and women exited the store and went to their cars. Their attire gave a clue to their destination. Surf shorts, t-shirts, sunglasses, and flip-flops. They had purchased supplies and were en route to the ocean. 

After Alan returned to the car, he suggested we ride to an inlet and look for dolphins. Yes, we’ve become those folks. “Let’s go look at the waves.”, my dear husband said. I recalled how my parents loved to take a ride in the afternoons, just to be outside and enjoy the sights.

When we reached the bridge that crosses over the inlet, we saw people walking on the beach. The inlet area has “No swimming” signs posted at all times due to rip currents. However, we rode a little further and saw surfers enjoying the big waves. Happy surfers who came to the beach with boards on their cars.

I wondered what it’s like to be a surfer. I enjoy walking on the beach, collecting shells, and gazing at sunrises and sunsets. One of my favorite parts of the ocean in this area is the dolphins. Beautiful creatures that amaze me every time one jumps out of the water and splashes back down. But I will stay out of the water.

One of our nephews, Daniel Harris, is a talented and strong surfer. Daniel is in the photo above. He and his friends love the waves, the feel of the ocean water, and riding the surfboards. Daniel has created awesome surfboards. His talent is endless.

When I see Daniel headed to the ocean, there is usually a big smile on his face. He knows the importance of safety in the water. He also knows the joy of riding the big waves. Daniel has shared his love of the ocean with our family. 

Daniel and our niece Ashley, along with their three kids, Peyton, Paige, and Ryder, have moved to an area near the ocean. They love “beach life”.

They can walk to the beach and carry their surfboards. If they want to travel to another area of waves and sand, they can secure the boards on top of their vehicles.

I’m reminded that God gives us glorious creations to enjoy such as the beach, the ocean, the inlet, the shells, the salty breeze, and much more. I’m also reminded that when I see “boards on cars”, someone is heading to the ocean or has already enjoyed riding the waves.

Either way, life is good. 

Praise God for His blessings. Praise Him for fun times. Praise Him for surfers and their love for the ocean.

Are you a surfer? Have you seen the awesome ways surfers ride the waves? Have you seen “boards on cars”?

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Three Heart Monitors

My recent back injury has led to a variety of tests, procedures, changes in medications, and more. I was required to wear a heart monitor for two weeks. My heart was racing because of the pain. I’m thankful that my doctors are thorough and pay attention to the details when I describe  my symptoms. The device attached to my chest was not the only heart monitor; there were others. Rowan and Eden were also asking about my heart. I had three heart monitors. One was worn for two weeks. The other is the most special and I will wear it forever. That is the love of grandchildren who showed compassion and care.

“Mimi, can I see it? Does it hurt? Why are you wearing that thing?” Eden started with the questions. She needed to see the device and touch it. After showing her the thing that was watching my heart, she looked at me and smiled. “You’ll be alright, Mimi.”

Rowan took a different approach. “Mimi, will you wear that thing forever? Can you still play? When can you take it off?” His care was evident when we sat at the table and drew pictures. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see him staring at me. I wondered what his 8-year-old mind was thinking. He kept drawing, and every few minutes, he looked at me and asked, “Mimi, are you okay? Do you need a soft hug?”

My doctor prescribed a device that would check my pulse and heartbeat. Alan had worn a similar thing years ago, when he was experiencing palpitations. He knew how to apply the monitor, what to expect, and how to return it when the two-week period was over. That took some of the fear of the unknown away. Easy instructions were supplied. Having something stuck to your body for two weeks is awkward. I also had to carry a phone with me and keep it close to the sensor.

The results from wearing the heart monitor should be ready soon, and a plan will be established. I’m trying to be patient as I wait for a phone call or a message in the patient portal. I’ve learned that trying to decipher notes on the portal can be worrisome. It’s better to wait and speak with a medical professional instead of trying to understand the results on my own.

The love and care that Rowan and Eden show others brings me joy. They are concerned when someone is sick. They take care of their aging dog, Olive, with tenderness. I’ve seen them hug each other and give a pat on the back when something goes wrong. When there is a hurt knee, a broken toy, a disappointment, or another sad occurrence, both grandkids have shown compassion and love.

How do we extend love to others? Do we pause and listen when someone speaks? Do we reach out to people we haven’t heard from in a while and let them know that we miss them? Or does the daily routine take first place? 

What about prayer and sharing time with God? When we rise in the morning and when we place our head down to rest in the evening, do we thank God for His blessings and forgiveness?

Wearing that device for two weeks allowed me to slow down, pause, and rest. As Alan prepared the box for return, packed everything in its place, and affixed the label, I breathed a sigh of relief. That monitor was gone. 

However, my two most special heart monitors will be visiting soon and bringing love and laughter with them. One named Rowan and one named Eden.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

“Do the Stripes on the Sheets Have to Match?”

Recently, I shared about my severe back pain and medical issues. Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, and compassion. Throughout this experience, I’m learning to let go of some of the simple things in life while I hopefully heal from this condition. I’m realizing that my husband is capable of taking care of household chores. Although his cleaning methods differ from mine, I appreciate his efforts. One important task is changing the sheets on the bed. The question I posed to myself this week is, “Do the stripes on the sheets have to match?”

We have two basic sets of sheets. One set features small, light blue flowers on a white background. Beautiful. The second set has an off-white background and brown accent stripes.. Also, beautiful. The king-sized sheets fit perfectly if they are aligned properly. A tag on one end gives a reference to the best possible positioning of the sheets. I use that tag to make sure the sheets fit properly on the bed. 

However, last week, as Alan changed the sheets, I sat on the couch in the living room. While he worked, I watched a television show about gardening. He completed the task and alerted me to come and see how nice the bed looked.

As I entered the bedroom, the first thing I noticed was the bedspread arranged perfectly. I smiled. Next, I noticed the sheets and laughed out loud. “How in the world did you get the sheets on the bed like that?”

With a surprised look, my dear husband answered. “What do you mean? Isn’t that the way they are supposed to go? It works.”

How could I complain? I’m not sure how he maneuvered those sheets, but they fit and stayed in place until the next time he changed them. Good job!

God is reminding me every day that He is in control. I may have plans for my life, but, right now, God has other plans that He is working through me. Will I ever know why I am experiencing such pain and struggles with my back and spine? Maybe there will be answers. Maybe not. Yet, this struggle is bringing me closer to Him.

I lament, cry, scream, and pray for the pain to cease. I ask “Why?” Then, I pause and thank God for the comfort He has provided already. I thank God for the prayers of many friends and strangers. I thank God for my family who loves me and sends me encouragement every day. I thank God for His love and mercy.

When I calm from the pain, I smile and think about the sheets. No, the stripes on the sheets don’t have to match. That’s okay.

How are things with you today? Are you handling household tasks today? 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)

Have a blessed day,

Melissa Henderson aka Mimi

I Thank God for Grandkids and Hummingbirds

“Wow! We haven’t met our out-of-pocket amount for the year. Usually, by June, we’ve surpassed that cost.” My husband stated as he looked at the insurance benefits statement that had arrived in the mail. I was glad that neither one of us had been ill or needed to visit the hospital ER. 

I smiled and spoke words that would backfire on me in a matter of days.
“That means we are healthy. We haven’t been seriously sick or in pain this year.” 

Saturday mornings are what I call “changing bed sheets morning”. I like to change the sheets early in the day. There is something fresh and renewing about clean bed linens.

On June 14th, I removed the sheets from the bed and prepared to refresh the bed with clean, crisp linens. This time, I would use the set with bright blue flowers and a white background. Beautiful.

Finding the corner area of the fitted sheet, I reached down to tuck the material under the mattress. A sharp, shooting pain like I’ve never experienced spasmed my lower left back. I’ve had many lumbar spasms over the years. This pain was worse than anything I had endured in the past. I screamed. Tears flowed. I yelled for Alan to help me.

He walked into the room and tried to begin comforting me. Alan helped me on to the bed by holding my legs in a position where I could move. This was bad, very bad. Tears continued. Prayers began. 

My thoughts began to wander as I thought of the grandkids. What would happen to all of the fun activities we had planned for them? When would I be able to play again? More tears.

A few hours passed as we waited to see if my body would calm. Pain persisted. Alan suggested a trip to the emergency room. Getting me in the car was difficult, but Alan managed. I’m thankful for the strength God gave my husband during this time.

The ER staff ordered scans and administered pain and anti-inflammatory medicine. Nothing helped. I was sent home with a referral to a neurosurgeon and a reminder to contact my pain doctor. More tears from me.

Over the past two weeks, I have visited the pain doctor, my family doctor, had two MRIs, a CT scan, and we’re still trying to figure out what to do about the pain. 

On a recent morning, I was able to sit at my desk and look outside. There, in the midst of my pain and complaining, God sent hummingbirds. God knows that hummingbirds are my favorite. This time, there were many flying wonders. Not one, not two, but many. God knew what I needed. Hummingbirds make me smile. I thank God for the hummingbirds.

Alan and I miss being with Rowan and Eden and their parents. Alan reminds me that this is temporary and we will be able to play one day soon. I love his positive outlook.

Another blessing is video chat with the grandkids. They understand that Mimi can’t play at this time. Eden has tried to send me some ice packs for my back. Rowan has tried to make me laugh. Precious children.

I will continue to rest, keep my body moving even if it’s slow moving, and I will continue to pray.

I’ll keep watching for the hummingbirds. I’ll praise God every day because I know He is with me.

How are things in your life? Any praises or prayer requests?

Blessings,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

The Library is for All Ages

Summer has arrived. School is over for the summer. Families are planning trips. Kids and adults are signed up for swim classes, art camps, jazz and ballet classes, and more. Visits to the local aquarium are scheduled. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are seeking activities that engage the brain and keep the body active.

Along with those physical activities, we also need mental stimulation. A wonderful place to visit is the local library. Alan and I take our grandchildren, Rowan and Eden, to the library.

Our local library offers more than books. There are classes for children and adults. From games to crafts to story time, the library is filled with activities and ways to learn. We’ve created origami creatures, listened to special guests share about other countries, participated in a scavenger hunt in the children’s section, attended music hour in a special room, and sat in a window book nook to read books. 

After we have chosen books to take home, we get in line at the checkout counter, and wait our turn. A table nearby offers coloring pages, word find sheets, information about the ocean, and a calendar of upcoming events. These things are for everyone to take home. No charge.

Last year, a display near the entrance offered free seeds for everyone to take home. This gave a great learning experience for kids and adults. We planted cosmos seeds and watched beautiful plants burst from the soil providing purple and white flowers during the summer.

Another project was a plastic bag with a bean inside. Instructions on how to take care of the bean and how to watch it grow were provided. Each project offered the opportunity to share what we learned with each other.

The Summer Reading Program offers prizes for a certain amount of books read. T-shirts, bookmarks, and coupons to local eateries can be earned.

My local writer’s group, the American Christian Fiction Writers South Carolina Lowcountry chapter meets at the library on the fourth Saturday of the month. We have a private room with tables, chairs, and a television screen for online presentations. The members of the group have expressed thankfulness for the library, the staff, and the volunteers.

The children’s area is decorated with unique art pieces. From a large mural of a dinosaur to paintings and drawings by local folks, there is always something new to enjoy at the library.

Recently, as we entered the library, I realized that “Storytime for Toddlers” was finishing. Toddlers filled the children’s area. Parents and grandparents followed as the smiling young ones walked from the book shelves to the computer area to the play area. The children’s section was buzzing with sounds of laughter and stories being read aloud.

I looked at Rowan. He didn’t complain about all of the babies and toddlers. He smiled and looked at his sister Eden. Rowan was on a mission looking for books. Bop (my husband Alan) and Rowan went to look for chapter books. Eden and I went to the computer games and to find stories about baby animals.

The staff is always available to help us find a book or to offer guidance. When we enter the Wando Mount Pleasant Library, we are greeted with smiles. As we search, the staff is happy to help us find the perfect book. When we’re ready to check out, we are greeted with more smiles. Sometimes, we receive bookmarks or stickers.

Some libraries offer food programs for the summer. Free food is given to those people who need nourishment.

Looking around, I notice people sitting in comfy chairs reading newspapers. I see folks searching for books. I see people returning books at the designated area. The activity inside the building is fascinating.

The Charleston Friends of the Library Big Book Sale event was recently held at a local auditorium. Over 50,000 books were available for purchase at low prices. This event helps raise funds.

I’m thankful for libraries and librarians. I’m also thankful for authors and books. I’m an author and seeing people reading and checking out books from the library makes me smile.

Have you visited your local library? What interesting activities did you notice?

Have a blessed day,

Melissa Henderson