WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT ME
(Recipe: Coconut Macaroon Brownies)

Recently my husband and I attended a retreat. it was an awesome few days away, especially since the retreat was held on the beach! There is something magical about standing on the ocean’s shore and looking out at the massive expanse, amazed at God’s creation.

Our speaker for those few days was challenging. Made us do a lot of soul searching as we spent time alone with God, and discussed together as a group. During one of our sessions he had us look at a list of things that God says about us. We all know God loves us. We are forgiven. We are part of his family. As I looked over the list we were given, I stared in wonder and humility at all the things God says about us – about me – and realized anew how very much God loves me and how very special I am to him. Let me share some of these awesome thoughts with you as well, for you to ponder and think about. (taken from Neil Andersons’s ‘Bondage Breaker’)

I AM ACCEPTED
a. I am God’s child – John 1:12
b. I am Christ’s friend – John 15:5
c. I have been bought with a price; I belong to God – 1 Corinthians 6:20
d. I am a member of Christ’s body – 1 Corinthians 12:27
e. I am a saint – Ephesians 1:11
f. I have been adopted as God’s child – Ephesians 1:5
g. I am complete in Christ – Colossians 2:10

I AM SECURE
a. I am free forever from condemnation – Romans 8:1-2
b. I cannot be separated from the love of God – Romans 8:35, 38-39
c. I have been established, anointed and sealed by God – 2 Corinthians :21-22
d. I am a citizen of heaven – Philippians 3:20
e. I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind – 2 Timothy 1:7
f. I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me – 1 John 5:18

I AM SIGNIFICANT
a. I am the salt of the earth – Matthew 5:13-14
b. I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit – John 15:16
c. I am God’s temple – 2 Corinthians 3:16
d. I am a minister of reconciliation – 2 Corinthians 5:17-20
e. I am God’s co-worker – 2 Corinthians 6:1
f. I am God’s workmanship – Ephesians 2:10
g. I can approach God with freedom and confidence – Ephesians 3:12
h. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength – Philippians 4:13

If you are a child of God through faith in His Son Jesus then you are a SOMEBODY! In God’s eyes you have much worth. Take time to thank God for his awesome thoughts toward you.

COCONUT MACAROON BROWNIES
1 cup soft butter
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups four
¾ tsp. cream of tartar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup chopped walnuts
4 cups unsweetened flaked coconut]
1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 Tbsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Combine the flour, cream of tartar and cocoa; stir into the egg mixture until well blended. Fold in walnuts. Spread half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Make the middle layer. In a medium bowl, stir together the coconut, sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon vanilla. Carefully layer this over the chocolate layer in the pan. Top with the remaining chocolate batter. Spread to cover evenly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, until top is no longer shiny. Cool in the pan before cutting into bars.