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!