Lord Have Mercy

Today I am having a lavish baby shower for one of the mama's that chose life rather than abortion through the counsel of Cities4life volunteers. I have been a friend of this young mama now for many months, and she is very dear to me. I am not known for my cooking skill, but I researched good meals for brunch-time gatherings, downloaded a great egg/sausage casserole, planned and shopped, and assembled it ahead of time. I had purposely found a make-ahead recipe that I could assemble the day before and cook easily in the morning. I made an extra one for her family so after the baby shower, her siblings would have a great meal too since the family is struggling, and often go hungry.

Last night, she texted me, "I am so excited about tomorrow, Mrs. Vicky!"
"Me too!" I  answered, "And I made an extra egg/sausage casserole for your family!How does that sound?"
Silence.
Then a little later, "My mom is allergic to eggs and I can't eat them since being pregnant. But don't worry, I can nibble around the eggs."

No she can't. 

It is all mixed in together in one conglomerate casserole. The guest of honor can not eat the special meal I had prepared with such excitement and careful planning.

It was bedtime, I had to leave the house by 9 this morning, and I had little else to concoct a fancy shower meal. I quickly perused what I had in the house.
"How about a ground turkey/cheesy casserole without eggs?" I suggested, "And onions for flavor if you tolerate those?"
"No thank you. I will eat a big breakfast and won't be hungry."
"You might be surprised. It is a yummy casserole."
Or at least if miracles can still happen, it will be. I scurried about assembling the new casserole, without eggs, hoping the recipe works without eggs. When I bake it this morning I will find out. 

Stupid, stupid, stupid me!!!! Why hadn't I thought to ask if she had allergies or even preferences? I just assumed EVERYONE loved sausage/egg casserole. The two other ladies coming are bringing side dishes, so hopefully there will be something she will eat. And she may like the turkey casserole. She didn't know what a casserole was, so perhaps she will discover it is something she likes. But I was already nervous about running my first shower and now, I am doomed.

Deep breath.

What really matters? Do we have two vans full of wrapped gifts that will provide all this precious baby's needs for two full years? Supplies, clothes, car seat, stroller, bouncy seats, changing table, crib? Yes.
Do we have 3 women coming who love this young lady, and have prayed for her, and gathered supplies for her, and texted her, and set up all kinds of resources for her for months now? Yes.
Does she understand that the love of Jesus has prompted this outpouring of generosity from Christians all over the area on her behalf and when she told me she felt all alone, I reminded her of that, and she was heartened? Yes.
Do I have a neatly typed letter I wrote for her, with oodles of verses that point her to the truth of salvation in Jesus and the wonderful protection of choosing a life of purity and obedience to Him? Yes.
Is it already tucked inside her new Bible, the last and most precious gift I will give her? Yes.
Have I reread it several times and rehearsed how I will present this message at the close of the shower and then prayed that the Holy Spirit will lead me and take over my wandering mouth? Yes.

Then don't worry about the stupid casserole.

Praise God for the little life that was spared.
Praise God for the outfits and supplies donated by people who desperately desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Praise God for the people and fellow counselors who have come alongside me to help set up food deliveries, college advice, church Bible studies and peer/mentors for this mama and her family.
Praise God for the sweet young mama who wants to make a better life for her baby than she had, and listens intently to our counsel and advice.
Praise God that she is beginning to know Jesus through His servants.

Please pray for us all. Off to my first Cities4life baby shower and I am the one in charge. Lord, have mercy. Praise God for His mercy!
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If you desire to be part of this life-changing ministry, go to charlottecities4life.org
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1 Peter 4:10

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

1 Peter 4:10-11

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Acts 20:35 

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Galatians 5:13-14

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

John 13:12-14 

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

Mark 10:44-45 

And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”