Sunday, January 10, 2010

Mrs. Naomi, an Encourager

It was a few weeks before Christmas, and two important events were coming up: our church"s musical Christmas program and my school's annual Christmas pageant. I was singing in the choir for our church program, and I was the director for my school's Christmas pageant. About this time I received a phone call from my friend, Mrs. Naomi. She said she wanted to take me on a little "shopping trip" and could she come by and get me some time. So, we arranged for her to come and pick me up the next Saturday. When I got in her car, she told me she was taking me to our local fabric store to pick out some material and a pattern for a new dress for me to wear for our church program and my school's program. I was, of course, surprised and thrilled. I had a lot of fun picking out some pretty material and pattern for my new dress. We then went to a local seamstress, and she measured me for my new dress. I will always see that beautiful dress and remember how lovely I felt at both programs. Later that spring, Ms. Naomi knew I wanted to plant some flowers for a garden at my home. She came on Good Friday with seed packets and plants to help me plant my garden. She was an excellent gardener and said she always planted on Good Friday because then the flowers would do well. She was right because all of my flowers bloomed beautifully! I had known Mrs. Naomi all of my life. She and the other ladies at my church, including my sweet mother, were the ones who showed me the way. They not only professed their faith, but they lived it daily. I know that we all have had these special encouragers in our life to help us on our journey. I want to close with some inspirational words I have on my refrigerator by Charles R. Swindoll and a scripture:

"From the tiny birds of the air and from the fragile lilies of the field we learn the same truth, which is so important for those who desire a life of simple faith: God takes care of His own. He knows our needs. He anticipates our crises. . . He stands ready to come to our rescue. And at just the right moment, He steps in and proves Himself as our faithful heavenly Father."

What a wonderful God we have! He is the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 TLB

May you have a week filled with encouragement and hope is my prayer for you, my kind friends!

17 comments:

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post. Mrs. Naomi sounds like such a sweet and special lady, as does your mom! I bet the dress was beautiful :) Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful and inspirational post, as well as the quote, it is so very true!
Have a beautiful week sweet friend,
Amy

Pauline said...

Dear Vicki, thank you for sharing your lovely memories with us. I was having a little pity-party recently, about my poor health, when someone reminded me it was time to turn to Doctor Jesus. Every time I remember it I can't help giggling :o)
May you also have a blessed week, my friend.

Hugs

Jocelyn said...

Dear Vicki, what a very precious post you have written. I did not grow up around people of faith, but have found many along life's path since asking Jesus to come into my heart. Now it is my turn to be an encourager to those younger then I am(and also to the widows and orphans). Have a very blessed week!

In friendship,
Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Kerri said...

Thanks for sharing that wonderful inspirational quote!

God Bless :)

Julie Marie said...

Hello Vicki... what an inspiring story about Mrs. Naomi... and your mama... two lovely ladies who I am sure helped you in so many ways... I love the story about the dress and especially about the seed packets for your garden... she too planted love... xoxo Julie Marie

Julie Harward said...

AS A YOUNG WOMAN I TOO HAD A COUPLE OF LADIES THAT STEPPED IN TO GIVE ME A HAND...A JOB AND EXTRA KINDNESS AND TEACHINGS, I REMEMBER THEM WITH GREAT LOVE! I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE YOUTH FOR 7 YEARS NOW AND I LOVE THEM SO MUCH, THEY LIFT AND INSPIRE ME! I RESPECT THEM SO MUCH. LOVE THE THOUGHT TOO...COME SAY HI :D

maría cecilia said...

I would love to have a Mrs. Naomi around, how nice it is to be encouraged in every step of our lives. Thank you for all your words, Vicki.
Muchos cariños,
Maria Cecilia

Nanette said...

You have had some very special people in your life Vicki. Ms. Naomi sounds just wonderful, what a happy memory!
Valerie

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story- it is wonderful how God puts people like Naomi in our lives and just what a great impact they make for the rest of our lives!

blessings
mary

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Dear Vickie, you are always the encourager with your lovely memories and special posts. Always a pleasure to visit you and feel inspired by your wonderful words! Blessings for a wonderful week. :) Tammy

karenshopes said...

What a lovely friend you have, we could all do with someone like that in our lives, or perhaps we should be that someone....
Hugs
Karen

Pom Pom said...

Hi Vicki! What a lovely post - a tribute to a purposeful and thoughtful woman. I have had a couple VERY dear friends who helped me arrange my cupboards, plant a garden, plan our kids' weddings, and more. I cherish their sacrificial willingness to share. I am currently a school teacher (a late bloomer!) so I find comfort connecting with women who understand. Have a light-hearted, bouncy week. Thank you for visiting me for my first Pink Saturday, too!

Unknown said...

Hi Vicki!
What a sweet post! I needed this. God's really DOES put people in our lives when we need them most. Through the trials I have been going thru these past few years it has always been very evident of those encouragers he has sent my way! I truly feel loved and blessed! Thank your for reminding of this. God indeed is good!

Blessings...Lorena

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Naomi sounds like a wonderful lady. I was looking at your pinks. Such beautiful treasures. And oh, oh, oh, the rose garden. So beautiful. Rosie

lilian lopez said...

Thanks for your post, sometimes we forget that wonderful persons make our lives easier to live, I would have found someone like those in my life. besos. Lilian

Heirlooms For You said...

Thank God for such sweet souls He allows to grace our life. Thank you for sharing this

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post. Ms. Naomi reminds me of God's Love. That is what He does and He does it thru people that allow Him to shine in their lives. You are truly blessed by having a friend like her. Blessings, Marta.