No Greater Joy

I was blessed this weekend to go to a church retreat and spend some quality time with my Mother and four of our children. It was so peaceful to be out in nature away from the hustle and bustle of regular life. It gave me joy to see Kimberley just being able to relax... it was fun to watch the excitement of the kids hunting and finding insects with their bug-catching equipment....especially when Marjorie and a friend found a wounded butterfly, gave it some TLC and were able to see it fly off on its own just as we were leaving camp....I enjoyed picking wildflowers with Emily and having a "party" with her stuffed animals...and it was special to see Nathaniel in the distance going on a hike with a dear friend. But what filled me the most were the questions and comments from the their hearts to mine, and now to yours:

Kimberley and Marjorie, on the way to camp,"Mom, thank you so much for teaching us about God."

Nathaniel, during a skit about going to heaven, "Mommy, am I a Christian?"

Kimberley, on the way home, "I am so happy because I have been doing the right things...I'm not afraid to die anymore...I used to be afraid, but I'm not anymore because I have the assurance of heaven."

Nathaniel, after we got home and were getting into bed, "Mommy, I just want to spend a little Bible time with you before we go to sleep."

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John:4

Lord, make me worthy of the calling to teach them your truth.

Poppy Seed Chicken

This dish was served and enjoyed by all at our Ladies Night with church on Monday evening...I made it for our family meal last evening and everyone liked it, even the kids...thought I would share it...I adapted it to lower the fat and calories for a more healthy version.

6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped into small chunks
1 can cream of chicken soup (I used the healthy version)
8 oz. nonfat sour cream
1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (with whole wheat), crushed
Poppy Seed
1/4 cup melted butter (I used Smart Balance Light)

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix soup, sour cream and chicken together and spread in large casserole dish.
Sprinkle crushed cracker crumbs over top.
Drizzle butter over crumbs.
Sprinkle poppy seeds over all.
Bake for 30 minutes. Serves 6.

You can serve alone or over rice. We had it with steamed broccoli as a side. Enjoy!