"Teach us, O God, that nothing is necessary to Thee. Were anything necessary to Thee that thing would be the measure of Thine imperfection: and how could we worship one who is imperfect? If nothing is necessary to Thee, then no one is necessary, and if no one, then not we. Thou dost seek us though Thou does not need us. We seek Thee because we need Thee, for in Thee we live and move and have our being. Amen."

A.W. Tozer speaks of the self-sufficiency of God. A topic presumed to be known, but how often considered and truly pondered?

While reading this chapter I noticed an objection rising within me. A thought that would indeed make me a necessity to God Almighty. Tozer addresses this train of thought. A way of thinking among some in the Body of Messiah that God needs us, that we are necessary to Him, and that without us, Christians, His good news would not reach the most remote and primitive places on earth.

I kept thinking how impersonal Tozer was making God sound. How "above us" He is. (Who does he think He is? Oh, that's right. He is.) I felt like I wasn't needed. That I am not necessary. I felt that I wanted to be needed. I suddenly had the truth that God doesn't need me forced into my thoughts. I knew this before, but I now realize that it hasn't been informing my daily life. I have been living under a false impression, worshiping an idol instead of the Lord. Lord, forgive me. I am humbled that You would even consider working through me; much less have a relationship with me.

"He needs no one, but when faith is present He works through anyone."

It's not that the Lord needs us to meet the needs of others. That is absurd! The important thing is for us to recognize our place and our dependency, our NEED and NECESSITY, for God.

"That God exists for Himself and man for the glory of God is the emphatic teaching of the Bible."

Fountain of good, all blessing flows

From Thee; no want Thy fulness knows;

What but Thyself canst Thou desire?

Yet, self-sufficient as Thou art,

Thou doest desire my worthless heart;

This, only this, doest Thou require.

Johann Scheffler

Last Thursday evening I baked coconut macaroons for the very first time! I am trying to be more conscious of my dairy and sugar intake so I used agave nectar in place of white sugar. (I do understand that agave nectar is not sugar free, but I do tend to feel better about what I bake when I use it) They tasted great. My one complaint is that the coconut I bought had sugar listed as the 4th ingredient. I don't know if I can (probably can), or should, buy unsweetened coconut. I don't know if the macaroons would taste as good with unsweetened coconut. Does anyone know or have an opinion on this?

I also made almond milk, well, almost. I didn't, and still don't, have cheese cloth so I wasn't able to complete the process. Therefore, I have nearly completed almond milk sitting in my fridge. Next time I will certainly read the whole recipe and have the necessary tools on hand.

The Results Are In...

In my age group (20-29 year old women) I finished 9th out of 19.
Overall I finished 47th out of 100 with a time of 2:04:39.

Great experience overall. Hopefully my first of many adventurous physical endeavors. Which reminds me that I need to clear something up from my last post. I decided to not run in the Nov. 22 half marathon here in KC for a few reasons, but I am about to start working on my swimming and will have access to a gym so that will be good for triathlon training. I have to be disciplined to do these work outs if I am serious about wanting to do a triathlon, 1/2 marathon, and even a full marathon. Self-discipline isn't my strong suit especially with time, physical training, and how I use my energy, but it is something I am trying to improve. I have the ability and the drive within me no matter how hidden it is at the moment. Ultimately I know that the Lord has given me these abilities, so who am I to not work on developing what He has put inside of me to share with the world? (No, I do not think I am superman or greater than anyone else.)

Praise You, Lord, for my vision, hearing, my voice, a strong heart beat, the ability to walk, breath, think, reason, learn, stand, sit, run, swim, hike, sleep, wake up, hear Him, my community, my friends, family, a body that functions pretty much how it is supposed to, You, Your love, Canada, and so much more.