Pressing On

Climbing up a steep mountain - sometimes, that's what I feel like I'm doing.   The lesson reinforced this week was that there are times I just need to keep pressing on, even when I don't feel like it.  And afterwards, there is a sense of accomplishment for having completed it, despite initially not feeling like doing it (similar to exercising).

I also stuck with the plan all week, and I'm keeping my mind on things above.  I was productive, and do think that continuing will be good for me in the long run.  I'm also taking the time to read some good books; and even picked up some new cook books that I'm excited about trying out.   Yesterday, I made vegetable chow mein, with bok choy, bamboo shoots, straw mushrooms, and "vegetarian mock abalone".   Next time, I think I will add baby corn.   In terms of seasoning, I tried many different ones, but, haven't decided what combination is best (e.g. soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, chili sauce, fish sauce, etc).   I also cooked snow pea sprouts (Dou Miao).   This may be one of my favorite vegetables, along with spinach.   I don't like to add much to it, since I like to be able to keep the flavor.   I think it just needs garlic and salt.

On Saturday, I had a chance to go to a COA fundraising dinner.   It was encouraging to see some of the people who went through or are going through the COA program turning their lives around.  The opening prayer, by one of the people in the program, was offered with so much joy that it brought a smile on many faces.   It reminds me that God desires what we offer from the heart, more than any well-rehearsed eloquent words.  Also, Markus Flanagan was the emcee, and he was really funny and quick-witted.  He mentioned how much he liked doing the COA event, since it is so different from the cynical atmosphere of the Hollywood industry he works in.

Sunday, I put into practice what the lesson in class was - that at times of discouragement, I could turn to the God for encouragement and reassurance.   It is neat to see that the class continues to grow.  Our roster now has over 40 people - amazing, considering we started with about 4.  I just pray that God will continue to use me; and that His Truth will be taught accurately and effectively.