Community - The Body of Christ at work

I Corinthians 12:24-26
But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Since we brought Chandler home from the hospital, there has been a steady stream of friends - mostly from church - who've brought us dinner. I've been so touched by this sweet show of generosity, and also been delighted to visit one-on-one with many of my girlfriends. I tend to miss adult conversation while caring for a newborn. I've also felt ministered to, in the truest sense of the word, because it's as if God Himself is taking care of our needs. It's like He's saying, "I know it's stressful right now, but I'm going to get you through this. Just trust Me, I've called you to this." All of the sweet people who sacrificed their time and energy to bring us meals have also represented Christ to me. And I'm so thankful.

Another result of this great blessing is that I get to taste what other people serve their families for dinner. Oh, man! I've been inspired! I don't fancy cooking much, but it'd be worth trying, just to taste these great meals again. And I thought I'd pay it forward by sharing with you one of my favorite desserts that my dear friend Kelly brought us.

I've actually made this dessert a couple of times since her initial offering. This time I decided to take photos of it for you, but in the 5 seconds it took me to grab my camera, half of it was gone. Yes, it's that good! Just don't ask me where it went (*slurp*)...

Kelly's Chocolate Eclair Cake

1 large container of Cool Whip

2 small packages of French Vanilla Instant Pudding

3 cups whole milk

1 box Graham Crackers/Whole

Pour milk into large bowl. Add pudding and mix until you achieve a pudding consistency. Add Cool Whip and stir until thoroughly mixed. Line bottom of pan with crackers. Add a layer of pudding/cool whip mixture, then a second layer of crackers, then another layer of pudding/cool whip, and finish with a layer of crackers on top.

Chocolate Sauce

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup milk

1/3 cup cocoa

1/4 cup butter

1 tbsp vanilla

Mix sugar, milk and cocoa together in a metal sauce pan. Continuously stir until it comes to a boil. When it comes to a full boil, then boil 1 minute stirring continuously. Remove from heat. Add butter and vanilla and stir until completely mixed. Let sauce cool before you pour on cake. Refrigerate until ready to eat. Typically makes 9x13 pan.


[Disclaimer: If you happen to gain 50 pounds (or don't lose any baby weight), I am so sorry. If you find yourself getting up during the night just to have a bite, again, I am so sorry. And if you find yourself making this dish on a weekly -even daily- basis...well, maybe you and I can start an ECA "Eclair Cake Anonymous" group...oh, and I am so sorry. Please forgive me for introducing you to this delicious, and not-exactly healthy, piece of heaven.]