Alert and Ready to Act
Listen. Listen for any message that God sends. Be ready. Follow that gut instinct. Yes, I’ve said or written those words many times. I pray that I will always be ready to listen for His instruction and that I will follow through and act accordingly. Sharing His love with others is important.
Recently, I failed to follow my own instructions. I failed by not listening and taking action at that moment. My intentions were good. But, something odd happened and I didn’t realize the message God had sent until later.
The gut instinct was there, but I chose to hurry along with items on my “to do” list.
A strange thing happened. I opened my phone case to check for emails. Instead of my email list, a weather alert popped up. Big bold letters about the weather forecast for the Philippines. My first instinct was to say, “Why am I getting alerts for the Philippines? I didn’t put that setting on my phone.”
I quickly scanned the forecast and thought there must be a mistake. A typhoon was forecast for that area. Authorities called for everyone to take shelter as soon as possible. I paused and prayed for the people and animals in the path of the bad weather.
Refreshing the screen, the next window showed the local forecast.
Weather in the Lowcountry of South Carolina would be unusually warm for the next few days. Records could be broken. Temperatures in this area can change quickly.
I scanned a few emails and put the phone away.
The next morning, I awoke to the realization that the message on my phone about weather in the Philippines should not have been put aside. My “to do” list could have waited. God had sent me a strong message through that weather forecast on my phone. I should have been alert and ready to act.
The fact is that Alan and I sponsor a child in the Philippines. There was only one way a weather alert could have come to my phone. God. God was giving me a way to pray for our sponsored child and his family. I had neglected the tap on the shoulder from God.
Realizing my failure, I went to God in prayer and asked for His forgiveness for not being alert to His prompting.
I began praying for our dear sponsored child and his family. I prayed for every person and animal affected by the typhoon.
While a typhoon was hitting the Philippines, this country was dealing with horrible tornado outbreaks and loss of lives and property. I prayed for all those people and animals, too.
God teaches us the most valuable lessons in every moment. He provides opportunities to share His love with others and the ability to pray for each other.
The next time I feel a nudge from God, I plan to be alert and ready to act. My “to do” list can wait. His creations are more important.
Thank You God for forgiving me.
We await news on our sponsored child and his family.
I pray 2022 will be a year filled with love, laughter, and many blessings from God for everyone.
Have you been alert to His messages lately?
Happy New Year,
Melissa aka Mimi
Lost In A Jumble
“We’re missing a bolt. No, wait, here it is.”
“Now there’s a plastic bag missing. No, wait, I found it.”
“This is going to take forever to assemble.”
These are comments from a recent Saturday when Alan worked on putting together a piece of furniture to go in the foyer.
About a week before that day, a delivery truck arrived at the house. I was super excited as the piece of furniture was just what we needed to complete the look of the entryway.
However, when the delivery man unloaded two flat boxes, brought them to the front door and asked, “Where do you want these, ma’am?”, I was surprised.
I thought the furniture would arrive assembled. Wrong assumption on my part.
The next few days, Alan opened the boxes and began unwrapping piece after piece of the doors, front and back of the furniture, and several drawers which had to be assembled. Numbered bags filled with nuts and bolts were spread across the kitchen counter. We tried to organize as best we could.
Alan said he would need something to put on the hardwood floor so his knees wouldn’t get hurt while working on this project. No problem. We have a work blanket for that. Next, Alan brought out screwdrivers of all sizes and shapes, the battery operated drill, a ruler, a flashlight, and lots of patience.
My dear husband worked on that project for seven hours. He took a few breaks to eat lunch and drink water to stay hydrated.
During the time he was working on this project, I tried to help whenever I could. He would ask me to hand him certain tools or to check the time. Sometimes a break for conversation was what he needed.
The morning became afternoon. I could hear Alan talking to himself. “What? Where does that go? That doesn’t look right.” Inquiring if he needed me to help, he answered with his usual sweet reply.
“Dear, I always need you, just not for this project.” He’s a sweetheart!
Afternoon turned into evening and he had completed building this beautiful entryway piece. I was so proud of him for sticking to the task at hand and not giving up.
I thanked Alan for his hard work and the time he took to make sure everything was assembled correctly. There were only a couple of bolts left over. Perhaps the company sent extras.
How easily it would have been to give up and feel like we were lost in a jumble of nuts and bolts and instructions. Yet, with patience and yes, prayer, the item was put together with no scratches, dents, or cuts and scrapes.
The furniture is assembled. Project completed. We enjoyed a few giggles during the process. I can picture God saying, “Look at those two. They’re laughing and learning.”
In life, there are times when situations may seem too hard to handle. We may feel lost in a jumble and aren’t sure what to do.
Friends, we have a Father who loves us and guides us along the way in every moment. All we have to do is go to Him in prayer and ask for His help. God loves His children.
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Canopy Lessons
A glorious sunny Saturday in the Lowcountry called for a local fall festival to be enjoyed by young and old. Crafts, jugglers, homemade food, a scarecrow on stilts, and more brought a fall atmosphere. I signed up to participate and sell copies of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Preparing for the event took time and effort to make sure everything was ready to go. A plastic tub with supplies for the event was filled with books, stickers, bookmarks, and a few candy treats. I also needed a table and two chairs.
Each of these vendor events call for readiness before the actual activity. This time, tables would be positioned on a certain area of lawn. Folks would be ready to sell their items and make new contacts and possible friendships.
One new important part of my “list” of items to take to the festival was a canopy. Since I would be outside, a canopy would shelter me from the bright sunshine and provide a comfortable place for people to look at my books. A few autumn decorations completed the atmosphere of my “booth”.
A few days before the event, my husband Alan and I decided to open the box with the brand new canopy to make sure we knew how to set it up. Wait…notice that we chose a few days before the event to check on the canopy. I would have preferred to open the box as soon as we purchased the item. Yet, Alan felt he could put that canopy together without any trouble. He didn’t need directions. According to him, the photos on the box made assembly look easy.
Picture this. Alan and I are standing in the backyard. Canopy box opened, canopy, spikes, rope, and yes, directions, pulled out of the box.
The video online had shown one person assembling the canopy and lifting the cover with one hand. No problem. Well…
Alan decided not to read directions. He asked if I would stand on one side of the canopy and help to lift the 8 x 8ft metal in the air. No worries until we got the canopy base halfway up and realized we forgot to put the actual cover on the top. What good is a canopy without a cover?
Imagining the neighbors watching the situation, we looked around. A nice man across the street had been sitting on his back porch. “Do you need some help?” He asked. Chuckling, we said, “Thank you, we’ll figure it out.”
By the time Alan and I finally got the cover on and the canopy raised and secured, we were laughing at ourselves.
We should have read the directions first.
The canopy worked great at the event. The sunshine and the strong South Carolina coastal breeze didn’t cause any worries. I was safe and secure under the brand new canopy.
God provides directions for us. The Bible is the Word of God and we can find answers to many questions by reading His Word. Perhaps if we read His directions first, we can deal with troublesome situations more easily.
That canopy reminded me to read directions first, instead of trying to fix things on my own. God will guide us if we ask Him.
Yes, folks, “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”.
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
The Weed Walk and Planting Seeds
Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies. Flowers and vegetables can bring smiles and joy to every moment. I find happiness in filling a container with dirt, adding fertilizer to the soil, adjusting a plant in the pot, and providing enough moisture to quench the thirst of the plant. Other times, preparing soil in the ground, adding seeds or plants, and then covering the dirt with water, gives a great opportunity to watch sprouts pop out and the growing cycle begin.
Recently, a neighbor shared a bag of marigold seeds. Grandson Rowan and I decided a good project would be to find a pot, fill it with dirt, poke holes in that dirt, and plant the seeds. Of course, we did not use any system for spacing. We giggled while we stuck our fingers into the dirt. Then, we decided to place many seeds in each hole. When teaching a four year old about gardening, allow for the creativity to flow. 🙂
Rowan and I planted seeds on a Tuesday and a few days later, the photo above shows what we have grown. How exciting to know that we prepared the soil, planted the seeds, and now, we have marigolds growing in a pot on the back porch.
Bop(Alan) has been teaching Rowan to do the “weed walk”. They walk in the front yard and the back yard and check for weeds in the flower beds. A fun time for grandson and Bop, as they share special conversations while looking for weeds. I’m very impressed that Rowan knows which things need to be picked and which ones need to be left alone.
A big smile appears on my face when I hear Rowan say, “Mimi, I found a weed. I better pick it for Bop.” One day, baby sister Eden will be doing the “weed walk”, too.
God’s creations are amazing. Two days ago, an Eastern Hercules Beetle decided to live in the back flower bed. What an interesting sight!
Whether planting, watering, or looking for weeds, I am reminded how our faith starts at one point and then, has to be nurtured. Our faith can grow by reading Scripture, praying and sharing conversation with the Lord, sharing God’s Word with others, attending worship services, volunteering, listening, and many other ways.
Every moment is an opportunity to learn and to teach. No matter our age, there continue to be new adventures and fun to explore.
Have you been on a “weed walk” lately?
Blessings and giggles,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
Friend of a friend…
A deep breath in…and then, a quick jump backwards with a shout of “Wow! Oh my goodness! What are you doing there?” That was what happened on a recent morning at our home in the low country of South Carolina. My usual morning activities were completed and I wanted to sit in the rocking chair on the front porch. I looked forward to enjoying the beauty and quiet part of the day.
The sun had risen and the temperatures were forecasted to climb into the 90’s later in the afternoon. A nice time of relaxation before taking care of more things on my “to do” list would start the day in a positive way. Prayer time and listening to the birds singing. What a glorious morning!
As I walked to the white rocking chair, I reached my hand to adjust the location of the chair so I could see the beautiful hydrangea and plumbago. At the same time that I held out my hand, a bright green lizard appeared from under the red cushion that had been placed on the seat for decoration. Imagine my shock and surprise! I’m thankful that I didn’t sit on the lizard. I’m glad the lizard didn’t come crawling up on my neck. Yikes!!
I started laughing when I considered that this bright green lizard was a friend of a friend. Yes, this green creature must be a friend of the lizard in my book for children, “Licky the Lizard”. Remembering my first encounter with a lizard on the porch at another house, I continued laughing.
Yes, this was a friend of a friend.
“Hello, little lizard. You sit on the other chair while I sit on this one, okay?” The conversation with a lizard was nothing out of the ordinary for me. I talk to everybody, even lizards. His color changed to brown as he tried to secure his place on the rocker. Thankfully, he finally moved along to another spot on the porch.
When the coast was clear and the lizard had left my chair, I sat and relaxed. I thanked God for His creations and how He brings joy and laughter to my life every day. God reminded me of the importance of taking time to share conversation with Him. That little lizard could have distracted me from my morning time with the Lord. But, I persisted in getting that lizard to move off of my chair. Then, I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds of His creations.
Have you been distracted lately and made a decision to put off sharing time with God? Pause right now, even if you have a lizard in your chair, and share your praises, joys, concerns, and thoughts with God. He is listening.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Beeping Along…
That sound! That annoying sound! Again…and again… Yes, I am talking about the smoke alarm beep that seems to follow me wherever I go. Alan and I usually change the smoke alarm batteries twice a year. The time change that moves us forward one hour or back one hour is always a good reminder to change the batteries. Yet, for some strange reason, this time, I decided we should change the batteries ahead of schedule. No problem.
Alan, and our son Mike, gathered the new batteries and a bag to put the old ones into, so as not to confuse the new from the old. Smart thinking.
Daughter-in-love Christine, and grandchildren Rowan and Eden, and I, sat outside on the back porch, while Alan and Mike changed the batteries. All was well until Mike shared that one of the alarms in a hallway wasn’t working properly. Interesting. Usually, when one alarm isn’t working, the others start beeping. Luckily, the green lights were showing all the other alarms. The one that wasn’t working didn’t cause the others to beep.
Alan decided to purchase a new alarm for that hallway. Locating the code on the back of the device, he drove to the local home improvement store and purchased a new alarm. With the new alarm installed, the beeps were gone. I was so happy not to hear those beeps. Although, I am thankful for the alerts if there ever was a fire.
I put the sound of the beep out of mind. A few days later, our local writers group met for the monthly meeting at our church. When we arrived, two nice gentlemen were already in the fellowship hall. They explained that they were there to work on the smoke alarms and assured us that any beeps we heard were just a test.
My first thought, “Oh, my goodness. Can I ever get away from the beeps?” Then, I thanked the men for working on the alarms. They explained how the pastor knew the situation. They would have to return and work underneath the building to correct any unnecessary beeping. Something about wiring, etc.
The writers group began the meeting. All was quiet for a while. I thought how wonderful that no beeps had started. Then…it happened, Our guest speaker began her presentation and… you guessed it. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! I left the group at the table, went to make sure there was no fire. Everything was fine. Just the beeping that the gentlemen had informed me might happen.
Our dear presenter gave her presentation while the smoke alarms continued to sound. Luckily, the beep was in a closet and not extremely loud.
After the meeting, the group discussed the annoying beep. We were glad to be able to get through our meeting without having to leave the building.
With the church doors locked, several people in the group decided to meet at a local restaurant for lunch. Vehicles were filled with writers, and off we went to the local eatery.
The vehicle I was riding in was filled with laughter and joy. We took a couple of wrong turns, but ended up right where we needed to be. As we scouted for a parking spot, a familiar sound was heard inside the vehicle. A beep, beep, beep. Much lower than the smoke alarm beep, but, still a beep.
We all laughed and asked what was making the sound. Our sweet driver shared that the beeping sound was alerting her that she was running out of gas. More laughter as we recalled the beeps we had heard all morning, and now here was another beep.
I looked for the message God was sending. I love how he sends us messages about the simplest things in life, even beeps. Every time I think about the different beeps I’ve heard lately, I laugh out loud.
I believe God was reminding me to always be alert for His messages. Pause, slow down, and rest in Him. Smoke alarms, car alarms, and other alarms give us the opportunity to pause and be aware of our surroundings. I pray I will be ready to listen and follow His guidance.
How about you? Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries? Is God trying to get your attention?
Have a blessed day,
Melissa aka Mimi
Sleeve Surprise
On a cool summer morning, I chose my outfit for the day. Cream colored jeans, white pullover shirt, and a lime green button up shirt to complete my look. Heart necklace around neck, step counter fastened on my wrist, socks and shoes on. I was ready to participate in a virtual writers conference and then, attend a neighborhood ladies luncheon.
All was going well. There was a bit of time before the events began, so I decided to complete some chores. Wash a few dishes, put away some clean laundry, and answer emails.
Yes, this day was going great. I was ready to face the world virtually and physically.
Until…a few hours into the morning, I noticed a strange lump on my left wrist area. What in the world?
You may have guessed this, as many people have experienced similar situations.
As I reached into my sleeve, I pulled out a ball of material. Yikes! A pair of underpants! How could this have happened?
I had been wearing this outfit all morning and never felt anything unusual.
Then… I paused and remembered.
The past few days had been stressful. A good kind of stress. Lots of writing and speaking opportunities. Decisions had to be made about each opportunity. My mind had become focused on the worry of the moment. Should I write this article? Should I work on my novel? Perhaps I should stop writing for a week. Maybe I need to make a list of things to do before attempting any of those things.
Pausing, breathing slower and slower, I looked at the strange sight that came out of my sleeve. I laughed out loud. A good hearty laugh. The kind of laugh that makes your belly shake.
Then…I thanked the Lord.
With all my worrying about tomorrow and my to-do lists, I had forgotten to go to Him for comfort.
The Lord has a wonderful sense of humor and often sends me the silliest messages. Sometimes those messages are found through a surprise in my sleeve.
I’m thankful that I didn’t find the “surprise” while I was at the ladies luncheon.
That discovery could have made for interesting conversation.
Thank You Lord, for constantly reminding me of Your love and glory. Thank You Lord for giving me the giggles.
Have you found any surprises in your sleeves lately? Or surprises in other places?
Blessings, giggles, joy, and prayers,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Yellow Pollen Cloud
Spring has sprung here in the Lowcountry. A few weeks back, the days were filled with warmer temperatures and the budding of blossoms. The heat rose like a fire pit waiting for hot dogs and marshmallows. Residents wondered if summer had arrived earlier than usual.
Days later, cooler evenings and mornings returned. Blankets that had been stored away in the closet were brought out and returned to the edge of the bed.
Sweaters and jackets were worn again. Breezes turned to wind and Spring announced it was here to stay for a bit. Summer would have to wait its turn.
Watching the azaleas, camelias, and roses shiver in the cool wind was a sight to behold. Some people covered the new buds with sheets. Morning sun provided enough warmth to remove the sheets.
This week, the weather is back to normal for the coast of South Carolina. Most trees and flowers have burst forth with bright colors to enjoy. Tulips, jonquils, hyacinth, and more plants are creating a beautiful landscape in the neighborhood.
I love flowers and all their beauty. Our hummingbird feeder is placed near my office window so I can see the fast moving birds.
Yet, there is a problem with warm temperatures coming too quickly.
Pollen.
The dreaded yellow pollen cloud that accompanies new growth of flowers, trees, and plants.
Standing outside on the sidewalk, I looked to the end of the street. Saying out loud, “What in the world is that? Is that smoke?”
No, not smoke. The yearly yellow pollen cloud had arrived and was here to stay for weeks.
Porch furniture turned yellow. Sidewalks were covered with the pollen so thick that you could see footprints when a neighbor walked to the mailbox.
Sneezes could be heard from yard to yard. “Bless you.” was said over and over.
Now, a few weeks later, the pollen continues to cover the porch furniture, sidewalk, and yards. Thankfully, the amount of the yucky stuff is lessening. Thank You Lord.
When I think about the process that brings the pollen, I remember the journey of growing in faith. Just like the blossoms and buds who try to reach for the sunshine, we grow in faith as we reach for the Son. Our faith grows. The plants and trees grow.
God created the people. God created the plants. Our call is to love God and love each other. Taking care of nature shows God our love for Him, too.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
The Missing Pieces
A small pair of binoculars sits in my desk drawer.The dark green color on the binoculars has faded over the years to a greenish brown tone. I take them out of the drawer from time to time and look for wildlife. Eagles, hawks, egrets, herons and of course, hummingbirds. A thick black strap is attached to each side, making ease of wearing them around my neck.
The strap shows signs of age as frayed pieces of fabric escape to the floor when I touch the binoculars. Tiny strands that were once strong now are soft and fall apart easily. As the torn pieces escape in the air, they remind me of dust floating aimlessly.
I wonder if now is the time to replace the binoculars with a new pair.
Deciding to hold on to them for a while longer, I attempt once more to place the worn holder around my neck. OOPS! The string releases from the side. I quickly grasp the binoculars preventing a crash on the hardwood floor.
The once strong holder is now at the weakest point and cannot bear the load any longer.
Perhaps there can be a repair. Surely, that would cost less than a brand new pair of binoculars. I begin to closely study the place where the tear happened. Pieces are missing. Little pieces that will need a magnifying glass to find. On hands and knees, I search the floor. A flashlight, a magnifying glass, and determination to find the three tiny missing links.
Frustration sets in. Nothing is found. Well…only a piece of cracker that somehow made it’s way to the floor. Wait, when did I eat a cracker? Moving on.
Alan searches for the missing pieces, too. Nothing else is found. We give up.
No repair. We’ll have to buy a new pair online.
Time comes to vacuum. If those pieces are on the floor, the vacuum will find them. No. Nothing is recovered. The missing links have completely disappeared.
We say we’ll never know what happened and why we can’t find three little items on the floor.
Life goes on. We walk on the floor every day.
Then…it happened. Grandson Rowan visits. He walks across the carpet and says, “Mimi, what’s on my foot?”
Yes, there on the bottom of his foot are the missing pieces. How did this happen? We are thankful there were no sharp pieces and no injury. They stuck to his foot like stickers.
Three little pieces to a binocular strap and they were found by a three year old boy.
We laugh. We thank Rowan. Alan finds his special tools for small things and begins a repair process. All is well.
I look for God’s message in this situation. I remember God wants us to go to Him for all things. Big pieces and little pieces of our lives. Did I remember to pray and ask for help in finding the missing pieces? No. I tried to solve the problem on my own and it didn’t work. God allowed Rowan to find the lost items. An innocent child to remind me of what is important in life.
Don’t worry. Take our “missing pieces” and worries to God. He will guide us through every moment. Something like a small pair of binoculars and their torn strap can bring a lesson of faith and patience and joy.
Thank You God, for bringing joy to life.
Do you have any “missing pieces” in your life? Have you taken your worries to Him?
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa
Shoe Tissue and Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy…
I’m laughing out loud this morning. Yes, the new year has begun and God is already giving me ways to laugh at myself and find joy. I appreciate the ways God shows me how to find joy every day.
One of my Christmas presents was a beautiful pair of bedroom slippers. The kind with the “no slip” backing, cozy and soft inside and cute on the outside. I couldn’t wait to try on my new slippers. I imagined my toes snuggling up to the inside of the shoes. No more cold feet on the floor. This was going to be fantastic!
Slipping my right foot into the opening of the shoe, I paused when I reached a certain point. My foot would not budge any further. I had already double checked the size. Yes, that was correct. What could cause my foot to only enter halfway into the shoe? Perhaps the size was marked incorrectly? Perhaps my foot was swollen due to eating too many salty foods the day before?
Reasons began filling my thoughts.
These slippers were cute and looked like they would make my feet comfortable. Why weren’t they fitting? Disappointment began to set in.
But, wait….
Yes, you may have experienced the same thing with a pair of shoes you tried to wear.
Silly Mimi! Looking inside the slipper, I noticed a large ball of tissue paper inserted in the toe area. That paper was placed inside to give the shoe form. Hooray!
Removing the tissue paper allowed my foot to slip right inside and find a home. Now, to the other shoe. Same thing, more tissue paper.
All ended well. Paper removed, feet inserted into slippers and a comfy, cozy experience began.
Along with finding joy in the simple moments in life, grandson Rowan and I have created our own song to sing when we are together. Simple words.
We sing “Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy…Happy, Happy, Joy!” Sometimes the tune or the rhythm changes, but the song always fills us with joy.
When we sing these words, Rowan and I bust out in laughter. I look forward to the day when we can teach his baby sister, Eden, the words to our special song. Yes, baby sister Eden was born in November 2020. We are now blessed with two wonderful grandchildren. Thank You Lord.
Look for joy in the simple moments. Whether tissue paper in a shoe or singing a made up song, God is providing happiness and joy. Can you share a time of unexpected joy?
Blessings and Happy New Year,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson