Wrapped in Cozy and Koozie Friendship

Conversations between young children may include “Will you be my friend?” or “You are my friend.” or “I’m glad you are my friend.” What do you think about friendships? Do you feel warm and cozy when thinking about certain people? In what ways have you seen friendships form and grow?

God has blessed me with many wonderful friendships in my life. My two sisters, Glenda and Carol, and I have a bond beyond friendship. We’re sisters, yet we’re also friends. We laugh together at the silliest happenings. We cry together when sorrow hits. We ask questions, check on each other, and pray. Whatever the circumstances, the sister bond is strong and will last forever. Disagreements or differing opinions have never stopped the love that we have for each other. I thank God for my sisters, their husbands, and their children.

As a young child, I remember playing with the kids in our neighborhood. Boys and girls played kickball, basketball, hide and seek, and tag. The groups separated when the girls wanted to play with dolls and the boys wanted to play with toy cars.

Many years have passed since we gathered together in different yards to watch the stars at night, walked together to the ice cream store to our purchase favorite treats, and visited the local pool to cool off in the summer heat.

Several of the kids keep in touch on social media. We haven’t seen each other in person for many years, yet we see photos and read about life experiences. Those friendships continue to be important parts of life.

When I was a young mother, I remember older women in the church showing God’s love with hugs. They also provided tips on motherhood. Their guidance and friendship was appreciated.

My parents were wonderful. They taught me many ways to care for friends and strangers. Sharing, showing compassion and love, and listening before speaking are lessons I will always remember. Friendships developed from following their examples.

Each time my husband, Alan, and I moved to a different town, there were opportunities for new friendships. Invitations to church and church activities, introductions to neighbors, and being included in local events helped us find friends.

Although we have moved from one place to another, we continue to keep in touch with folks. One dear friend and I often met for lunch at a local restaurant. Every week, we ordered the same meal. Every time, we laughed and said, “Maybe I’ll order something different today.” Yet, we continued to order our regular favorites. That friend sends cards with hummingbirds as she knows those are my favorites. I send her cards with butterflies because that is one of her favorites. I’m thankful for her. She makes me laugh and brings joy to my life.

Another friend, who lives in a different state, calls and chats. We visit and tell each other about our grandkids and what is happening at church. The telephone calls are a great way for us to keep up-to-date on life. She calls me daughter even though I’m not her biological child.

Since we moved from VA to SC, I have found many new friends. Some younger than me and others who are about the same age as me. Sometimes we meet for breakfast or brunch. Other times, we catch up via text or email.

One friend, Robin, creates beautiful koozies, prayer shawls, and more. Her gift for knitting and crocheting is amazing. The koozie in the photo above is one she created. Each time that I place one of her koozies on my water bottle, I can feel the love she put into creating the item. I feel wrapped in a cozy and koozie friendship.

There are many more friends who I keep in my prayers. I can’t mention them all here or you would be reading forever. Today, think of the people in your life that bring joy and love. Have you told them lately how much you love them?

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV)

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Rescuing the Slugs and Talking About Science

A recent walk to the mailbox brought adventure, learning, and talking about science. Rowan and Eden were visiting. I asked if they would like to mail a card to a friend. Our neighborhood has a cluster mailbox area and we often walk, chat, and visit with neighbors.

On that morning, the sun was shining, birds were singing, and we were the only three people outside. As Rowan, Eden, and I walked on the sidewalk, we talked about nature. I asked for them to notice what kinds of sounds we could hear. 

Because of spring break, there weren’t many cars passing by and we didn’t hear engines. I paused and put my hand to my ear. “Do you hear any people talking?” No voices. All was quiet.

Next, I pointed to the sky and described the colors. The color blue filled the sky. We only spotted a few white puffy clouds.

Rowan spoke next. “Mimi, let’s be scientists. We can save the world.” Eden agreed. “Yes, save the world.”

“What do scientists do?”, I asked.

“Mimi, they do all kinds of things.” As Rowan looked at his surroundings, he began listing ways scientists help the world.

“Mimi, scientists help our planet. They find out about nature and other stuff.” Rowan looked down at the sidewalk and found several small slugs traveling from one side to the other. 

“Hey, let’s rescue the slugs. Let’s be slug rescuers!” Rowan clapped his hands.

“Yeah, let’s rescue buggies.” Eden was ready to help, too.

The night before had brought rainfall. Grass was damp, and the soil was wet. Slugs were abundant. Knowing that we shouldn’t touch the slugs, I suggested we find ways to help the slugs move off of the sidewalk and on to the grassy areas.

Rowan and Eden started sharing ideas. “How about using a rock? Maybe the slug will climb on.” Rowan tried that method and, unfortunately, more than one slug ended up being smeared on the sidewalk. I thought Rowan might become upset, but he kept trying.

Eden found blades of grass to help the “sluggies”. But the grass wasn’t strong enough. Her interest faded when she saw bluebirds and butterflies.

Next, Rowan tried using a piece of mulch. “Come on, little guy. You can do it. Climb on this mulch stick and I’ll put you in the grass.” 

At last, success. A small piece of mulch worked to rescue the slugs. After we helped many slugs of different sizes into the grass, we continued our walk.

We placed the letter in the mailbox and walked back to the house. Along the way home, we chatted more about science and how we can learn from all of God’s creations. Slugs are slow and sometimes they need help.

People need help, too. God calls us to love one another and show compassion and care. In these small lessons about slugs and science, Rowan and Eden and Mimi were reminded of God’s love. 

Have you learned anything new recently about science, slugs, or how to show care to God’s creations?

Yes, we washed our hands after helping the slimy crawlers.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV)

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

“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

Tweet

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

Tweet

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

Crossing Into the New Year

Happy New Year! Wishes for good health and happiness have been posted online, stated out loud, written in cards and letters and displayed on signs in stores. Smiles and handshakes are given to friends, family and strangers. For a few days before the new year begins and a few days after the new year begins, people show extra friendliness and compassion as we all “cross” into the new year.

Calendars are displayed with new appointments, activities, birth dates, anniversaries and more. Planners and “to do” lists fill my dining room table as I prepare to “cross” over from one calendar year to the next.

On a bright, sunny, breezy morning, Alan and I wanted to take a walk and enjoy scenery of the local waterfront park. After arriving at the waterfront, finding a parking place, bundling up (because ocean air is always more breezy than in town), we held hands and began walking to the end of the pier. Along the way, we could hear the laughter of children and adults playing in the great playground. Swings and slides, climbing area and plenty of benches for the adults to rest and watch the young ones playing.

The pier was filled with other walkers, joggers and people casting fishing lines into the water. This pier is long and allows for wonderful viewing of the harbor, barges passing by, tug boats, the occasional cruise ship and my favorite, dolphins jumping in and out of the water.

Above this pier is a huge bridge which is famous for its design. The bridge leaves Mount Pleasant and crosses into Charleston. As I stood and watched the many interesting sights in the water, my eyes were led to the bridge. The sounds of vehicles crossing from one area to the next reminded me of how we were preparing to “cross into the new year”. This bridge is equipped with safety features and inspections to keep travelers safe.

How are we equipped to cross over into the new year? Are we placing God first in our lives or are we too worried about our “to do” lists to make time for Him? Staring at the huge bridge, I began wondering about the people crossing from one city to the next. Where were they going? Family event, work, doctor appointment, shopping, tourist attraction? Wherever their destination, they trusted the bridge to be safe and sound.

I pray we will put our trust and faith in God as He leads us to “cross over” into the new year.

On a side note, as Alan and I stared at the bridge, we both commented how thankful we are for the people who inspect the bridges. “I sure wouldn’t want to be up that high in the air.” No need to worry. God is in charge. He equips us all with different gifts and bridge climbing is a gift someone else enjoys. 🙂

Have a blessed “cross into the new year”. God loves you and He is with you always.

Blessings,
Mimi

The Hospital Shirt…Finding Comfort

Have you ever paused to think of all the ways God sends comfort? Last week, after a strange reaction to an infusion for osteoporosis, I called the emergency number for the doctor office and was told to go the e.r. immediately. I didn’t have an allergic reaction. I had an “adverse” reaction to the infusion. No itchy throat or trouble breathing. My problems were extreme bone pain, nausea, fever, chills and muscles that kept contracting making my body feel like I had done 100 or more sit ups. Very strange feeling.

The infusion itself went well. The staff who assisted me provided information about the before, during and after components of an infusion. Being an almost 15 years breast cancer survivor and having dealt with chemotherapy and radiation all those years ago, I was a bit nervous. Stressful memories flooded my mind the moment the infusion was scheduled. I prayed and asked God to give me comfort. He answered. He always answers in one way or another. Days after making the appointment, I relaxed into my daily schedule and put the upcoming appointment in the back of my thoughts.

The day of the infusion was normal. No problems. I didn’t have the “reaction” until 1:00 a.m. That was when my body starting showing a dislike for the medicine that had entered my body.

After speaking with the medical staff on call and letting Alan know we needed to get ready and head to the emergency room, I slowly walked to the bedroom closet to find clothes so I could change from my pajamas to “day” clothes. Looking at the shirts hanging on the rack, my eyes quickly went to one shirt. Grabbing the maroon colored short-sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans, I dressed for the car ride to the hospital.

Alan opened the car door for me, helped me into the car and turned on the seat warmer. I closed my eyes and prayed as we rode through the dark of the night to arrive at the hospital.

On this ride to the e.r., I began thinking of the shirt I picked to wear. Something comfortable and easy to remove if a hospital gown was needed. Short sleeves would be easy for blood pressure cuff.

I started to wonder. “Why do I always pick this same shirt to wear to the emergency room or for stressful medical tests?” I have noticed a pattern in what I choose to wear for those possibly worrisome visits. I always choose the maroon shirt.

A calm came over my body and I remembered.

I prayed and asked God to give me peace and calm. I was afraid. He would be the answer to my fears. He would cover me with peace only He can provide.

Looking down at my maroon t-shirt, I smiled. God gave me comfort through an old shirt. God was reminding me that His love and peace are covering me in all situations. No matter the outcome, He covers me from head to toe. This favorite shirt of mine was one way God was covering me. No need for worry.

The hospital staff provided great care and soon we were on our way back home. I feel much better and have been busy with family and church activities.

Each time I see this old shirt hanging on the rack in my closet, I smile. One of these days, that shirt will wear out and I will find another one to wear to the hospital and doctor appointments.

I am thankful God’s love never gives out. God’s love never changes. He will provide comfort and peace in many ways, even in an old shirt.

How was God provided peace and comfort to you lately? Share with us. Your story may encourage others.

Have a blessed day,
Mimi

“Get in there Mimi…Get in there.”

An aroma of warm comfort food filled the home. A delicious dinner of baked ziti, bread and salad was enjoyed by all. Alan and I were visiting with Mike, Christine and Rowan. We provided dinner on Sunday evening. Delightful conversation, laughter filling each room and echoing off the walls. Olive the Boston Terrier racing back and forth from room to room looking for someone to play a game of throw and retrieve. A blessed evening with family.

Dinner finished, dishes readied for the dishwasher and the final chocolate chip cookie eaten for dessert, we slowly walked to the living room. Nice time for conversation and settling down.

Rowan was not ready for rest or quiet. His two years old body was eager to build a tent, play with dinosaurs, sing songs and climb onto the couch and snuggle Bop(Alan) and Mimi(me).

Resting after the meal, Bop positioned himself on the gray couch by leaning over to his side, propping his elbow on top of the couch cushion.

The moment Rowan saw Bop sitting that way, Rowan looked at me and said, “Get in there Mimi…get in there.” I paused and wondered what Rowan was talking about. Then, I could see. Rowan enjoys making tents with blankets and pillows. He wasn’t talking about tents when he made the request.

The way Bop was angled made a small “opening” between the side of his body and the couch. Almost like going into a tent. Rowan was asking me to “Get in there” and snuggle Bop. I was happy to oblige.

Rowan and I both cuddled up to Bop and shared warmth, hugs and love.

This sweet act of snuggling with our grandson made me think about how often God calls us to “Get in there” with Him. Are we listening to the call to share time with Him? Time to pause and feel the warmth of His love.

Have you wanted to “Get in there” with God and enjoy sharing quiet moments and also, sharing laughter with Him? Take a moment and rest in Him.

Blessings, snuggles and laughter,
Mimi