Closer and Closer to God

We had a baby shower yesterday for one of the women I have counseled for many months. I met her on the sidewalks of the abortion mill, and she came out of the building on the verge of aborting because her friend told her she needed to come listen to the lady on the microphone. (Yours truly.) She decided not to abort, but it has not been an easy road for her. I adore her. She is so honest in her struggle, never denying her sin, but very open about how difficult it is for her to follow God. We text or talk several times a week. I send her daily Bible verses and she always says, "Amen." She tells me it amazes her how often I send just the right verse that she needs to hear at the very moment she needs to hear it. I remind her that it is not me that knows what she needs...but God. He is the one that prompts me to send the verse at all, let alone being the author of the verse.

She was overwhelmed by the abundance of baby shower gifts provided by supporters of Truth and Mercy Ministries, a group of Christians who know that abortion is abhorrent to a holy God and a moral people. All the equipment, clothes, toys, supplies, etc. the baby will need for the first two years is provided by this incredible ministry. "V" was speechless that anyone would give so much to a stranger.
"This is how God loves you," I told her, "Abundant, lavish love."
(John 10:10:  The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.)

When we were saying goodbye after a lunch out, the director of Truth and Mercy, Sheryl, asked "V" who would be at her baby's birth with her.
"No one," she said. The baby's father wasn't interested, and her mom and she don't see eye to eye all the time, and she said her presence would be stressful.
"Do you have a friend you could ask?" said Sheryl.
"Well, I was hoping my friend Vicky would come...." She looked at me. I stared at her, not comprehending for a moment.
Then I understood, and threw my arms around her, "Of course!If you want me there, I will be there!!!!"

What a privilege it is to enter the lives of others in crisis, and watch them move slowly, but surely to a better place...closer and closer to God.
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Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

Psalm 23:5 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psalm 65:11 

You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.

John 10:10 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

James 1:17 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.