Stand Up Snowman!
Towards the end of November, my husband and I decided to start decorating for Christmas. A little tree for the playroom/office was first on the list. The big tree for the living room came next. Red, green, and white lights to adorn shelves, counters, and other spots, were pulled from cardboard boxes in the closet. Along with the decorations for the inside of the house, we gathered the outdoor inflatables and lights. We noticed one problem immediately. The inflatable snowman wouldn’t stand up. We called out. “Stand up snowman!”
Alan was arranging extension cords and unboxing the Christmas tree and snowman. The front yard would be inviting with colorful decorations and lights. I checked on Alan and he looked at the ground and frowned.
“I guess the snowman has seen its last day. It won’t stand up. The air is blowing into the right place, but it won’t fill up completely. Oh, well. We’ll have to get another one.”
The disappointment was evident as he asked me to bring a trash bag for the defeated snowman. I went inside and gathered a bag. I walked back outside and watched as Alan attempted to get the inflatable Christmas tree to work. That failed, too.
Both of us spoke more words of frustration. We didn’t want to go to the store at that moment. We wanted to have the decorations working for the grandkids and the neighborhood to enjoy.
As I looked down at the deflated and wrinkled snowman, I noticed a zipper on the back side of the item. I wondered if that could be the problem.
“Hey, honey, did you see a zipper on the back? There is probably one on both things.”
I reached down, closed the zipper, and to our surprise, the snowman filled with air and stood tall.
“Oh, my goodness!! Look at that!” We both shouted and laughed.
In our joy to put up the inflatable snowman and the Christmas tree, we neglected to check all the parts and follow directions.
This situation reminds me not to rush through the Christmas season. Enjoy every moment and remember the reason for the season. Jesus Christ is our gift from God. Share time with God today. Thank Him for the many blessings He gives. Thank Him for Jesus. Thank Him for fun decorations that make us smile. Give thanks for His love and forgiveness.
Have a blessed day! God loves you.
In His Name,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetLibrary Time with Eden’s Class
I received an email from our son Mike. “Hey, Mom. Here’s a sign-up sheet if you are interested in helping with the school library.” My answer was “Yes, I’ll fill out the form right now.” As a former substitute teacher and library aide, I was eager and wanted to help with granddaughter Eden’s class. I’ll sign up for grandson Rowan’s library time, too. The excitement was building as I prepared for library time with Eden’s class.
The online form was simple. Basic information. After I completed the form, another part of registering to help at the school was required. I’m thankful for the extra attention that the school requires for volunteers. A background check was completed. Two long videos with questions to answer were part of the requirement. The school is dedicated to the well-being of the children.
All tests were completed and passed. I am now a registered volunteer.
On the day I was scheduled to help in the library, Bop(Alan) drove me to the school. He waited in the parking area while I was in the building. The library class was for forty minutes. I entered the office and told the lady at the desk my name and why I was there. She gave me a special lanyard to show I was a guest, and then, another sweet woman introduced herself and said she would take me to the library. Everyone was friendly and thanked me for being there to read to the children.
When we arrived at the library room, the woman asked, “What are you planning to do?”
I answered, “I’ll help with whatever the librarian needs.”
I didn’t know that there wasn’t a librarian. The volunteers help with checking out books, making crafts, and reading. I quickly looked around and said that I would read some books. I had planned to read to the young ones but thought there might be an activity already waiting. The Pre-K class doesn’t check out books yet.
Looking at the shelves and displays, I found several cute stories. I sat in a little chair and read the books to myself while I waited for Eden’s class.
In a few minutes, I heard giggles and footsteps as the children came upstairs to the library. They entered the room quietly. Eden looked at me and grinned. She was very proper. She didn’t run to get a snuggle. She was following the directions from the teacher.
Each child found a spot on the circular rug and sat down. I introduced myself and told them that I was happy to see everyone.
“Hello, I’m Mrs. Henderson.”
Hands began raising. “You’re Eden’s grandma.” “You’re Eden’s Mimi.”
Eden grinned and raised her hand.
I said, “Yes, Eden?”
“Mimi, you’re my grandmother.”
“Yes, I am your grandmother.”
After the introductions of each child and their name, the room quieted, and I began to read.
I love to change my voice while reading. Each character has a different tone to fit. The expressions on the faces of the children were delightful. They listened and when one book was finished, they found another one for me to read aloud.
Between stories, I suggested that we stand and do a little stretching. The class of ten kids reached to the sky, and then, found their knees, elbows, eyes, and shoulders. We laughed as we exercised in the library.
A bell rang and library time was over. The teacher called everyone to line up to go back to class. Shouts of “Thank you Mrs.Henderson.” “ Thank you Mimi.” “ Thank you Eden’s grandma.” were exclaimed as they walked back to their classroom.
I listened as the children left. I began putting away books. I laughed out loud when I heard the comments.
“That was fun. I want her to come again.”
“Eden, I like your Mimi.”
And then, one boy stated, “That was too long.” I fell over laughing when I heard his comment.
Volunteering is a precious gift to give to your children, grandchildren, and any child. Schools need volunteers.
Next time, I will take copies of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”.
Have you volunteered at a school? I always learn lessons from precious children.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4 NIV)
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
TweetA 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
TweetGrandkids and Tomatoes
Warm temperatures in the morning placed droplets of dew on the grass. A beautiful day was waiting for folks in the Lowcountry. Grandkids would arrive soon and the fun would begin. Today’s project would include a trip to the local greenhouse to purchase dirt and tomato plants. Grandkids and tomatoes.
One of the first comments from our grandchildren Rowan and Eden as they enter the house is “What projects do we have today, Mimi? What are we going to make?”
That day, Bop and I took the grandkids to the store and let them pick out things to grow. Rowan and Eden chose tomato plants that were about 6-8 inches tall. After finding the best ones, each child placed their container in the cart. Our purchases were completed and we headed home.
Bop placed two containers on the grass in the backyard. Each child used a trowel to fill the pots with dirt. Gently placing each plant in the perfect location, Rowan and Eden patted the dirt gently. “Good job, Buddy,” Rowan spoke to his tomato plant.
“Good job, Buddy,” Eden repeated what her big brother had said.
Now, the waiting period started. A few days passed and we noticed small yellow flowers growing on each stalk. With a reminder not to pick the blooms, everyone was patient and continued to wait for the first little green ball to form.
Another week and then, success! Several tiny green tomatoes hung on the vines. Rowan and Eden saw the new developments as soon as they arrived early one morning. “Mimi! They’re growing!”
“Can we pick them? Can we eat them? When will they turn red?” The questions kept coming from both kids.
Later in the morning, a fierce wind knocked over the pots and little green tomatoes fell off of the vines. Rowan suggested we check on our garden. When we walked outside, Rowan and Eden began picking up the green tomatoes. I suggested we get a plastic bag to hold them until we could take them inside.
The day continued with other fun crafts and games. The time came for the grandkids to go home. Eden wanted to take a‘mater with her. She took one, looked at it, named the ‘mater, and placed it back in the bag. Names like Sha Sha and Greenie were her choices.
Rowan liked the idea of naming the green tomatoes in his bag. He chose “Derek” as one name.
In the evening, I contacted our son Mike, to remind him that the kids had bags of tomatoes in their backpacks. He told me that he would check. Rowan’s tomatoes were there. Eden’s tomato was gone.
The following day, I spoke to the kids on the phone and asked Eden where she put her tomato.
“I planted it.” She spoke in a calm voice.
“Where did you put it?” I asked.
“In the pot in the bathroom.” She answered.
Eden went on to tell me that she planted it in Mommy’s flower pot in the bathroom. A beautiful live plant now had a little green tomato in the dirt.
Rowan heard Eden telling me about planting the tomato. He said, “Oh, I moved it.”
With a loud voice, Eden scolded her brother. “Why? Rowan. Why did you move my tomato? Where is it?”
We had no idea where big brother placed her special treasure. But, he knew. He hid it behind the spigot on the sink. No worries. He didn’t want it to get forgotten in the flower pot.
I’m not sure what has happened to those tomatoes. But, I do know that we learned many lessons from God. We learned how to take care of plants, give them names, make sure they are fed and watered, and how not to move something someone else has planted.
Grandkids and tomatoes. Bop and I learned that laughter can come from planting tomatoes.
Do you have any funny grandchildren’s stories? Share with us and continue the smiles.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetStocking Up and He Knew Why
About a week ago, my husband and I felt a sudden need to stock up on groceries. Bad weather was not in the forecast. The kitchen cabinets and refrigerator held many items for meals. So, why did we both feel the need to stock up on soup, rice, toilet paper, facial tissues, water, etc.? We had no idea. But…God knew.
After Alan and I had completed our shopping at the local grocery store, we went back home and emptied the bags. We commented “Well, I guess it’s a good thing we bought this stuff. Now, we don’t have to go to the store for a while.” and “Glad we’re all stocked up.”
Little did we know that in two days, the awful coronavirus would hit our family. God knew it was coming. God knew we needed to be prepared and stocked up on groceries. Alan began feeling achy and developed a stuffy nose. Two days later, he tested positive for the virus. I tested negative.
Some other members of our family tested positive, while others remained with a negative test result. We are blessed to have our vaccines and boosters. Everyone affected is quarantined and feeling better every day.
This virus affects people in different ways. We’ll never know how the virus came to us, yet, we do know we are thankful for the love and prayers of family and friends, and strangers.
Alan’s symptoms are not as bad as they could be and for that we are thankful.
We continue to pray for everyone affected by the virus and yes, that is everyone in the world. Whether you have had the virus yourself or know someone who has had it, we are all affected.
God constantly shows us His love in every moment of the day and night. While Alan and I were shopping for those extra items and wondering why we felt the need to shop, God knew what would be happening to us.
The love of God is eternal and He cares for us deeply.
During this time of quarantine, Alan and I have watched old movies, read great books, studied Scripture, and video chatted with family. This quiet time has allowed us to slow down and rest in the moment. We’ve noticed the sunshine more, the sounds of ice melting on the roof, the sound of wind whipping in the trees, and the quiet of the neighborhood. The freezing temperatures last night caused the azaleas in the front flower bed to shrivel and pose like a statue.
We also gave thanks to God for His provisions, even though we didn’t know why we would need extra groceries in the house.
When those times come and we don’t understand what is happening, going to God in prayer can bring peace and comfort that only He can give.
You are cherished and loved by Him.
Have a glorious day and stay warm and healthy,
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson 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
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
The Falling Toad
My morning routine includes opening my eyes and saying “Good morning God. Thank You for this glorious day and all Your blessings.” Before my feet touch the floor, I am thanking God.
Once I am dressed and ready for the day, I head for the front door.
Opening the door, I view the beauty outside and feel the early morning temperature. Once again, I say, “Thank You God, for this glorious day and all Your blessings.”
This simple routine starts my day with comfort and peace.
On a recent morning, things took a different turn. Placing my hand on the doorknob and twisting to open, I heard a slight “thud”. The humidity sometimes causes the door to “stick” a little so I thought that was probably the reason for the odd sound.
No! As I opened the door, a gray toad fell from the top of the door into the foyer.
My scream was probably loud enough to wake the neighbors. Luckily, no one came out to see what happened. Maybe my scream wasn’t as loud as I imagined.
There sat a gray toad in the foyer.
“Alan, come quickly. There’s a toad in the house! Help! How do I get him out of here?”
Alan replied while sitting in his chair in the living room. “What did you say? A toad? Where? How did it get in the house?”
“No time to explain. Get him out before he starts hopping around.” I didn’t want to see that toad jump and hide behind furniture where we couldn’t find him. All sorts of scenarios played in my mind.
Walking to the foyer without any speed or worry, my dear husband asked, “Where is it? Where’s the toad?” I explained that the toad was right there in front of him.
My superhero husband used a floor duster to scoot the little toad back outside. I think the fall must have stunned the toad. The toad sure stunned me.
My peaceful morning blessings were interrupted by a gray toad and laughter. Well, laughter once the toad was back outside.
I am not afraid of all creatures. I just don’t like when they interrupt my peaceful morning and try to come into the house.
Come to think of it, that toad probably thought I interrupted his quiet morning routine.
Silly toad. Stay outside. Please don’t linger on the front door. I am thankful it didn’t fall on my head. If that had happened, you would have heard me screaming all the way to your house, wherever you live.
This silly experience gave me time to pause and consider how easily I can be distracted from sharing time with God. What began as a peaceful morning giving praise to God, turned into a few moments of fright and frustration.
I’m glad the toad was put back outside and that I could continue saying, “Thank You God, for this glorious day and all Your blessings.”
Have a blessed day, and watch out for falling toads,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Toad photo courtesy of Pixabay
“Mimi…do you see that?
Grandson Rowan and I recently enjoyed a quiet chat on the front porch at his home. He is two years old and has great conversations skills. We had brought toy cars outside and were racing them up and down the railings. “Let’s vroom!” He would shout. “Okay. Let’s vroom!” I answered. He stood behind a chair and asked me to come stand behind the chair, too. “Welcome to our car show!” He announced. I repeated his words.
Approaching the railing on the side of the porch, Rowan asked if I could climb up. I pretended to lift my foot on the bottom of the rail.
Looking at the sky, Rowan pointed and said, “Mimi…do you see that? That’s clouds. That’s rain.” My heart filled with joy as he began listing things for me to see and hear.
“Mimi, do you hear that? Birds singing. They are in the trees. Mimi, do you see those flowers? Mimi, do you see the bushes and the trees?”
The quiet conversation between Rowan and his Mimi. My heart filled with so much joy that tears moistened my eyes. The innocence of a little boy. The excitement of seeing clouds, listening to birds singing, showing me the flowers. What a blessing to be his Mimi!
I couldn’t wait to share with the family about this special time. A conversation I will always remember.
The chat ended with giggles when Rowan looked at the side of the neighbor’s home, grinned and pointed to the water spigot. “Mimi, I can’t play with the hose.”
Trying not to bust out laughing, I understood what he was talking about. Not too long ago, I believe I heard how he liked to point the water hose at his parents and spray them. Or maybe that was my imagination. Either way, he grinned while telling me about not being able to play with the hose.
A special bonding time, lots of giggles and a chance to play “Vroom” with toy cars, pretend to have a car show, listen to birds singing, watch for clouds and rain and best of all, receive hugs from sweet Rowan.
These are simple joys. Times I noted in my journal. Memories I hope to share with Rowan when he is older. I imagine us laughing and sharing more special conversations in the future.
In this time of crisis and stress, I will look for ways to find joy. Sharing time with family is one of the best ways.
Thank you God for giving us ways to find joy.
Can you share some ways you are finding joy? Let us know in the comments.
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi
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