Trusting the trust worthy

2/1

Monday 

First day with my friend being here with me but this post has nothing but something I guess to do with this fact. 

Paul the writer of Corinthians encourages us to love and defines love.  He says love always hopes and trusts. 

While we cannot depend on someone for our happiness we can trust people ( who are trustworthy) live and love, because aren't those two things so intermingled. 

God intends for us to live a full life- one where we love and are loved.  In order to do so we need to trust and hope.  We need to trust Him to guide us.  

May you find your life in His. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

The small things ...

2/3 

Wednesday 

Yesterday I recieved a beautiful gold box of tea and biscuits from the company I work from.  Blast, I should've taken a photo of it!  The gold and watercolours caught my eye as well as the combination of vivid and soft colours.

I appreciate how the Taiwanese show appreciation for the small things- the simplest acts are worthy of celebration.

The last point ties in this one, I appreciate the honour and respect that is evident for one another.  On the street there is a lack of space but yet people don't bump into one another.  They respect the little space that surround an individual.  I haven't heard anyone whistle or make any inappropriate gestures towards the woman. 

These are a few of the things ( among others) that I appreciate.  I will share more as time goes on!

Have a happy and peaceful day!

Love,

Phoenix and Sarah

being known and pouring out...

1/30

Saturday 

Being known and being loved are needs we all have.  Not as basic as food and shelter on Maslow's hierachy of needs but an essential part to live a full life.  Although it is a need for shelter- but Im not talking about a physical shelter (although that is important too).  We need to feel like we have a shelter for our hearts and emotions.  We need a shelter or a safe place for our thoughts and minds to go to.  

Being known by God offers a place of shelter for our hearts.  I think in order to bring our precious hearts to the Lord we need to have some wanting to tap into what is happening in us. 

This act of turning towards him is a beautiful action.  He sees and He says as  he said to the woman who annointed and poured herself out on Him... "You have done a beautiful thing"... 

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

dear l a d y

D e a r,
 l a d y,

May you know how beautiful your heart is.  May you know that as the waves seep into the sand on the shore, so God's love is always there to seep into the grains of your life.  May you know the consistency and the rhythm of His love.  If you're looking for the soothing and reminding notion of love, take His heart to your ear and listen deeply.  Just as you take a shell from the seaside with fascination and delight to your ear eager to hear of other worlds and it's secrets may you take God's heart and all that it is and press it against your ear.  May you take it with wonder and delight and pure marvel.  May your eyes light up again and may your heart skip a beat when you hear His name.  May you look with awe at the world through your kaleidoscopic colored lenses.  May you always find room in your heart for dancing.  May you let your mind wonder of thoughts beyond the normal.  May your thoughts dance as your fringe tickles your imagination.  May you know without wavering that His thoughts and yours are intricately interwoven.  May you see that your mind is sanctified in the most creative way.

May the sea refresh you from the tips of your toes and tickle you with invigoration.  May you enjoy the nonsensical things of this world.  May you enjoy the sunrise and sunset and may you enjoy those moments in between.  May you be contented in those "nothingness moment's". Those moments before day break and sunset.  May you enjoy the hum drum of everyday life.  May the colors of grey speak to your soul.  May they offer you something as refreshing as the neon colours or the exotic colors of a rain bird.  May you find what your heart has been needing the whole time.  May you find what your heart needs right now.  May you see the finger prints of God in it all.  May you know that your heart is precious and God made you because He wanted to enjoy friendship with you.  May you see that He created and gave this world to man to enjoy.  But, most importantly may you know that your heart is the most precious thing on earth.

Dear heart.  You are important.

Yours Sincerely,
Phoenix & Sarah.

Things I love about Taiwan...

1/31

Sunday

The day my dear friend comes from South Africa. 

There are a few things that I have allowed to steal my joy but Im realising now that I am in control of my joy.  So, I've once again ( it's a lifetime of choosing ) to look for the things that are wonderful! 

Here are a few of the things that I love about living and loving in Taiwan:

I love the pot plants that stand at doorways and on balconys to smile at passerby's.  I love how people use their space to decorate, welcome and warmly encourage beauty! 

I adore the drizzle.  I love the fact that the gentle rain just refreshes the ever thirsty earth.  I love that the rain is gentle- not dramatic and powerful.  It's much like the  people - you know they are there but they don't force themselves on you.  

I marvel at the window displays in and around the shops and I guess this also ties in with my first point- people use their outward facing property as an opportunity to show beauty.  The window displays are generous with flowers or decorations.

I cherish the smiles from people I barely know or don't know.  A waitress saw me the day after dining in a restruant she works at and she was so excited to wave  repeatedly.  She wasn't even our waitress !  I love the warm and helpful nature of the people here, which leads me to the next point. 

The service.  The service here is really effiecient!  The people are really thoughtful.  I won't forget the first meal I had in Hsinchu.  The woman asked how I wanted my water- hot, Luke warm, warm or cold.  She also asked what kind of salt I wanted. When someone says, "We have a problem" and by that they mean that they mean that there is an adjustment in one's schedule.  So far I've found that when someone says there's a problem it is not a major one.   

Another thing I honour is the elderly folk and not just cos they are elderly but because they are determined to keep living their lives by squeezing life out of their every moments.  A few days ago a man was walking across the main road with his walker, at snails pace! 

I appreciate how everyone diligently takes breaks to laugh and eat.  There's always a giggle in the office ( who knows what about ?) The last point ties in with their conscious effort to break and that is the effort to stop and breathe.  As mentioned in previous posts the instructors at gym make an intended effort to pause and chat or giggle between exercises.  

Lastly, the availability of sushi here tantalizes my taste buds.  I thoroughly enjoyed the array with my dear friend, Sally, last night at a reasonable price. Around R15 a plate! This is not the last piece of sushi I'll have there nor is this the last post about things I love about Taiwan.  These are just few (among many) of the happenings, traditions, cultures or modus opperandy that I look at with fascination. 

May you see the beauty in everyday life.

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

Mysteries revealed

1/29

Friday

(A book that I am reading - completely not related to this post).

One thing about working in a team and being surrounded by people who speak a language that you understand is that you learn things that you didn't know.  I found out yesterday that a sketch of Beautrix Potter has been discovered which has been hidden for a hundred years.  This fact got me spinning.  The mystery and elation of something that has been hidden and is now being revealed serves as such an tantalizing story! This reminds me of a friend confessing his/her unwavering love of many years, or a plant that flowers once every three years or the arrival of a baby who has been securely growing in its mothers tummy or a basic need in Maslow's hierachy of needs- a meal after much waiting and hunger pangs.  

The beauty of the wait and the knowlege of the upcoming reveal.  A butterfly comes out at just the right time, once it's wings are strong enough and Yes! sometimes things "come too soon" such as a prem baby,  this becomes their story! 

Back to Beautrix Potters sketch being revealed, what a delight! what an elation for moms around the world who are still reading her other stories and what an honour it must be to have been asked to illustrate the book.  

I shared a quote with a friend the other day, which a friend shared with me and now I am sharing with you and the quote is ...drum roll please!  "beautiful things don't ask for attention"...  This is part of the reason why I'm not participating on Facebook as much anymore as well as trying to stay clear of Instagram.  I've uninstalled Facebook messenger and am on a winter cleaning spree! For some reason I've been trying to prove myself, trying to prove my validity when in actual fact I don't have to be part of this rat race.

In the days and weeks to come I too will be sharing my favourite quotes and I will illustrate them through my view point, not because I'm trying to prove anything but because like a friend shares his heart so I am sharing with you- my friend or mom.  Mom, I know you are reading this!  Thank you.

Truth is I wanted this blog 'to go big' and for many people to comment and like it but I realise now..."beautiful things don't ask for attention" and that's perfectly fine with me.

Love you mommy and big brother bear 

( I know you are reading this )

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah 

Xxx

A miracle...

Thursday 

1/28

So yesterday I don't know if I fully expressed myself when I was talking about ones viewpoint.  While i backtracked (and am doing so again) I want to further back up what Im saying.  

As an artist when studying a still life one has to see the object in its fullness.  Sometimes it takes a lecturer to point out the somewhat white spots, the slight shadows, the yellow or orange tint in the subject etc.  One also has to consider the light source and the shape and texture of the form.  These things are taught.  While artists may be generally good at seeing they also are taught in theory what to look out for.  They're conditioned to look for certain things.

What stood out to me on one particular session such as the above is how everyone viewed the same still life different.  One boy specifically stood out to me, he had really emphasized the light source to a point that it looked like a lightning bolt had struck his page.

His interpretation of the situation was dramatically different from the rest.  We all have different glasses on through which we view life.  Some situation require a more professional pair, some shocking pink cat lady glasses.  It's really our choice as to what we choose.  

We derive a lot of dis/satisfaction from viewing life as a drudge or viewing it as a miracle.

I hope you put on the love glasses today and see it as the day the Lord intended it to be, a miracle!

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

You find what you see...

Let me back up this statement or maybe back track this statement.  "You find what you want to see..." Before falling asleep last night these words rung true in my mind.  "You find what you want to see..."

We all have choices and we have a choice how we view life.  We have an option whether we believe it is a miracle or not.  We can believe anything we want.  These decisions (whether made consciously or not) become visible at one  stage or another.  

So back to my point about finding what we want to see. If we look and search for joy, we will find it! If we look and actively pursue peace she will come and curl up on our lap.  The truth is seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened.  If we seek wisdom we will find it, if we esteem joy it will come knocking.  What we honour we attract.  If we are honouring or focussing on negativity that's exactly what we will find.  But on the flip side if we put importance on positivity or the things of God, that's what we will find.

My conscious choice is to seek peace, joy, love and patience ( Well, actually God).  My choice is to want to see good in this world and to find it.  My choice is to create heaven on earth. My choice is to look for these invisibles on earth because they are truly visible if I just open my eyes to see! 

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

Upside down dwellers...

Tuesday 

1/26

I have this theory and please excuse me if it doesn't fit into your puzzle.  But I have this theory that we live in an upside down world.  Some people choose to live life differently and when they do they immediately become an upside down dweller and by this I mean figuratively.  

Some people chose kindness instead of anger, this makes them upside down or maybe this is actually the right way up. Some people believe it is better to give than recieve, this too makes them an upside down dweller.  People who give without expectation of recieving, people who hold on lightly to money, generous people, ambitious to do good, others focussed, servant hearted and so the list goes on.  These are the sort of criteria that make one in my mind a upside down dweller.  

To everyday dwellers lovin upside down is strange and somewhat inconvienient- which it is. 

Tears are said to make someone weak by everyday dwellers  but in my upside down world they make someone strong.  Tears bring refreshing and show vulnerability- all things that are esteemed in my world. 

In my world the king of kings left his throne to save the world.  This may be your world view too but I just thought I'd share with you some of my world views- tears keep you humble, pain keeps you growing and character cannot be bought.

Happy day to you all

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

But what does Jesus think...

So I've mentioned that Jesus is praying when we are sleeping, well actually always!  

But what does he think of us? 

Before I ask others opinions I want to ask God.  "God what do you think of me?" And more often than not its mind blowing love.  We can feel absolutely drained, empty, life less or disgusting and His feelings never change.  

I'm going to sleep on that.  

Night world 

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah 

Welcome baby girl Godfrey...

1/23

Sunday

Today I woke up with no fitting blog post and I didn't want to force it. Nothing seemed worthy enough to write about and quite frankly I didn't want to push.  Sitting on the couch this evening watching Maleficent and thinking about human life and how we try and protect the ones we love.  Thinking of the story of Snow White and baby Moses.  Thinking of my friends new born.  How it's an innate desire to protect that which we love.  

So I wasn't going to push for a post today (even though I'd commited to post everyday).  Instead my beautiful sister in law did in the hospital today and before tucking into bed I got the news...

So, this post is dedicated to the beauty of human life.  I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the baby girl Godfrey into our family. Our lives are forever changed and enriched by baby girl.  An ice berg in my heart is melting and watering on my face as I think of the creation of my oldest brother and wife in this life.  

I'd like to be sentimental here and say just what an amazing big brother he was to me growing up.  Always looking out for me and giving me the cricket bat in the middle of their game to let me have a try! He probably knew that it'd soon be over but had the patience for me to interrupt their thing. I know this patience is going to keep him in good stead with an active son and now a new addition to the family.  

Welcome Abigial Alice Godfrey. 

You are your fathers joy. 

You are welcomed with so much love, grace and peace x

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah 

Child play x x x

Saturday 

23/1

Hello all, 

After much recommendation and encouragement from a friend I didn't ever read the story of "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint.  One would think her enthusiasm and life philosophy hinging on this book would cause me to run into this books arms but it did not.  It took me the time to move to Taiwan and find it in the cirriculum to actually settle down to read it, and this is just one instance of the above notion.  

"The little Prince" is a charming book and was voted the best book in the 20th century in France.  It's the fourth most translated book in the world.  While there are many things that could cause you to opt for this book among the enthusiasm of a friend, the wonderful illustrations or the insight and wisdom between the covers.  So let's get beneath the covers!  The weather is reaching a minimum of 1 degrees Celsius here so it seems like a good enough reason to! 

The continual mention of an adults viewpoint in this book is pretty direct and we can see that this story teller doesn't quite fancy the opinion of adults.  Interestingly enough and so much so that their opinion is mentioned on numerous occasions.  Funny how we harp on what we don't like.  But it's not a doom and gloom story, some of the inspiring high lights come from an animal.  Yes, an animal.  Who said animals can't speak? 

Even a donkey did in the bible, so this is nothing new. 

Anyway, back to the point we've all heard the voice of the critic and in this story it comes from a discouraging adult.  The thing about adults is that we all are adults.  We all feel like we need to be responsible adults.  We feel it's childish to be like a child.  Yet in the bible it says " the children will enter the kingdom" and we are encouraged to have faith like a child.  We are to trust like a child and reason (or not reason) like a child.  Being a child pleases God.  Seems pretty backwards to what the world and societal pressure puts on us.

So while this blogpost is me encouraging you to read or watch the story of "The Little Prince" which may mean that you have to move countries, leave loved ones behind and start a new job it is also to encourage you to be like a child.  Consider this to be encouragement to love instantly, laugh often, to be unconfined by societal pressure and to run freely into the abys of imaginative play.  

Preferably this doesn't mean you have to leave loved ones behind but simarly it's about skipping into the unknown with glee and a grin on your face- as would a child! 

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

 

Surround yourself with beauty

Friday 

1/22 

Hello beauties! 

My mom once told me that if you have a dead rose you ought to remove it from the rest of the bunch because it releases a chemical that then makes the others die.  This morning I did just that.  I removed the one rose that was not only wilting but it's petals where falling off.  It's always such a shame when they die so young.  

We were warned in training to remove ourselves from negative people.  While this term is large Im not going to go into detail about it.  Let's use the label for this instance because it's functional.  

The same principle with the Rose is true with us.  We ought to surround ourselves with beauty and positive people who energize us and are going in the same direction as us.  Im not saying that we don't be the Good Samaritan but we can choose our friends and we can choose who influences us.  We become like those we surround ourselves with.   

Have a good weekend with positive people x x x 

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah 

"Huis vriende"

Thursday 1/21

x x x 

Making a place feel like home takes time and well some more time.  I've found delight in putting a few smallish pot plants around to tend and care for.  I'm slowly making it feel like my apartment.  Like a leather jacket it becomes better the more you wear it in.  Ones scent starts to infuse the history and it starts to take a new shape and function.

I must say I enjoy being a home body, being tucked away warmly in my nest.  I had a friend come visit this weekend and we just spent some time together at home.   We stayed in our pj's all day and I only went out to gather food.  

Some of you may know the Afrikaans term "huis vriende", which means house friends.  This easily distinguishes friends from close friends very well.  Some people are not people who you'd invite home and then there are those special ones who you welcome into your home and heart.  These are the friends that eat, sleep and talk with you until their heart is content.!

What peace and contentment it brings to know that we have someone who understands us, who listens to us, I repeat who listens to us.  These are rarities: someone who listens and someone who understands or at least seeks to understand.  A friend is someone who seeks to understand so they listen.  

My hope is that I would be someone who listens and seeks to understand, not someone who is seeking to give advice or categorize others for my own sense of security but someone who simply... Listens. 

May you know the deep and intimate friendship that God has to offer.  May you welcome Him into your heart and home. May you disern Him truly listening to your heart beat and may you know that He understands.

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah 

  

x x x

Look up...

1/20

Wednesday

Little did I know that when I wrote this line ... "Look up!" that my lesson would be about phrasal verbs such as 'look up', 'sit down', 'stand up' and so on... 

God knows the details though, I shouldn't be so surprised.  So it's once again a lesson in a lesson.  Whenever fear or stress comes knocking at my door I have the option to slam the door in their face and look up or to look at the stress and put on repeat "Im feeling so stressed, Im feeling so stressed..."

Similarly I shouldn't be so surprised at Gods interweaving into my life-day in and out.  Some things so far that have been interestingly taken care of have been the pay rate, my spacious apartment, the people that I've met that will be forever friends and the working schedule.  These are just a few things... Being able to have food in my tummy and crossing the language barrier to get food in my tummy is a vital plus.  

Whenever I've found myself in a 'mind funk' or negativity stuck on repeat I look back and see how it was unnecessary and that God always worked things out for me. 

Subsequently it's okay that things are not ok.  It's all about friendship with God and these are all things to talk through. As my mom always says... "There's a solution to everything!"...

So this is a note to myself "remember phrasal verbs!", kidding.  But seriously... 

Remember to look up, always. 

Love,

Phoenix & Sarah

You've got post!

You've got post!

At the dial of a button, the flick of a switch or a click of your fingers comfort is yours! we can call to have our food delivered, purchase clothing online and message people instantly at any time of the day.  We can have what we want when we want it and how we want it.  Dining out is easy and there are no dishes what so ever to clean unless you've left your wallet at home.  We in an age where it's amiable to work smart and not hard.  Where it's socially acceptable to follow your dream and pursue your own career.  

Living in Taiwan is pretty easy - bar when it rains.  But hey! you can always just order anything online!  There are convenience stores on every corner with what ever you need.  There are apps to assist you with whatever you are needing. 

But why the rush?  Why is it necessary for all this convienience? Tearing us from everyday connections with the soil, sand ( and to know the difference), the heart in your chest and those around you?

This past weekend I watched a movie "Spirited Away" which is a Japanese film. I watched it in English where they created words that fit the mouth movements of the Japanese version. A girl loses her parents to gluttony as they enter the spirit realm.  They too had endless supply to convienience and turned into pigs.  In so many ways i related to this movie- moving to a new place, physically leaving people behind and then having to work, work, work to keep myself from being consumed by a fast moving world.  Why I repeated "work" is cos drilling is part of the teaching method here.  Also you'll understand this more if you watch the movie, which I encourage you to do.  Back to the plot...People throw gold at this little girl and entice her to the 'finer things' of life but she does not waver.  She is dead set on redeeming her family to their former state.  

I look and ponder on this little girls life and how set she was.  Maybe she is the kind of girl that posts insteads of texts or waits instead of buys.  Maybe she is more concerned with connection than with comfort.  Maybe she is like you and me? Maybe we are like her.  Maybe we are all like her... Maybe we are all searching for this truth... We all desire and need connection.  

Love,

Phoenix & Sarah 

His & her words...

"His words over you are life.  He's full of life and passion.  Today, as always, God is in a good mood"

x

x

x

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

Joy voucher.

"Comparison is the thief of joy"- Theodore Roosevelt. 

This quote's truth rings true in every truth seekers ears.  It's been a refreshing & joyful vacation for the mind not comparing myself to anyone.  Everyone here is so different to me and so one cannot compare.  The truth is that we are all individuals and we shouldn't be measured with the same yard stick.  We are all so different (Yes, i repeated myself).  

So, this is a disclaimer: Please do not look at this blog and compare yourself to me. Your life is beautiful, unique and inspiring.  It was created in the mind of God and He is more involved than you think.  His finger prints are all over this world and that includes your life.  

Take this as an invitation to take a mental break from comparing yourself to anyone, your family, neighbours, friends or the rich and famous.  You may compare yourself and justify it cos they're similar to you but truth is 'You're unique!'

Have a beautiful week ahead embracing the individual the Lord made you! Cash in this "Joy voucher" this week. 

Love,

Phoenix & Sarah 

Guanxi and saving face x x x

Gaunxi is a term that is in full swing in everyday Taiwanese life.  It is the networking of people and basically relationships.  Relationships are very important here and people will acknowledge loyalty in business and friendships. But watch out if these relationships are hampered with or harmed.  But the social conflict or explosion probably doesn't happen the way you imagine it to. In fact you may not even notice that it's happened.  You may just find that you now have less friends.  One bad relationship can affect the rest of the friendships that you made with the one you had a 'conflict' with.

People are all about 'saving face' and by this we mean that protecting one's or another's reputation. So instead of being directly approached you may hear or be confronted from another angle.  And then put in the language barrier for sh1t$ and giggle$!

This has been an adjustment and I've had to take subtleties and make something with them.  Although it is an adjustment it is an interesting one with loads of lessons in.  Let's make this slightly more specific...Instead of pointing out a colleague and saying "Jim, your approach is lazy" his colleagues would approach his superior and the superior would then put it more subtly. This way they are great because they separate the behaviour with the person. Mental note.

Another plus side would be that you get extra cake at your favourite deli that you and now your friends go to on a regular basis (this really happens! And often!) Just in case you were trying to shed those Christmas kilos.  Hehe

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

X x x 

Dear heart x x x

So, every now and then you have to have that chat with your heart.  Today is that day for me... I'll let you in on this chat...

"Dear heart, 

You are brave and strong yet gentle and peaceful.  You are adjusting to so much and you are doing so well.  I see your desire to do well at life.  I know your ambitions and your desire to please.  I see you constantly checking that you are doing everything right. But heart of mine let me let you in on something...

You
are
enough.

You are loved when you fail and you are loved when you try and suceed.  You are loved.  No matter what. No matter where you are, you are loved.  You are cared for and admired.  You are seen and considered.  You are desired and you are fierce.  You have overcome so much in this life and I want you to just know that you are loved.  You are loved not because of what you have done or haven't done.  You are simply loved and when I say that I mean by the God who invented love-real love.

You are loved and you are strong and you don't have to give in to perfectionism and striving.  Let what you do or don't do come from the revelation of the truth that yip you guessed it- that you are loved.

Just as God showed His love and favour over Jesus' life by saying "Well done good and faithful servant" before He even did anything for Him so you recieve the same love and acceptance without trying to prove your wage.

I love you heart.

Thank you for being resilient."

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

Delight in breathing...

The spinning instructor was almost giddy with delight.  His enthusiasm unquenchable.  Inspiring at best!  

Although what really stood out to me was his delight in breathing, relaxing on the bike and taking breaks which is diligently incorporated into the routine.  This takes me back to one of my first blog posts this year about taking time to breathe and for the heart.  I just never expected that I would find that in the gyming environment.  Refreshing!  Back home I would find myself absolutely drenched in sweat and exhausted after gym classes that I felt like a drowned rat and on a high of note. 

I think the ethos of relaxing at gym ( not only in spinning class) says something at large about the Taiwanese lifestyle.  They are not so driven for "the high" or even driven by passion.  I've noticed that they value discipline, consistency and commitment.  All things that I'm popping into the pocket of my heart to treasure forever.  

Travel changes one- in the best way, if you allow it!

Love,

Phoenix & Sarah 

Mental space... Breathing

If you're a visual learner like me then you may appreciate this blog if that's what you want to call it- http://saralaughed.com/

She posts easy free downloadables to help one organise ones life.  I like to visualize what my week is going to look like.  Which days are busy, which are not and to find a mid way break for the heart and mind.  

My schedule at the moment is very light so to say.  Living and loving in South Africa was a lot more demanding...  whereas here i have more time to make my teaching time of a better quality so to say.  My day only starts around 1640 and ends around 2100.  But I like to get to the office around 14:00 and prep there (as well as at home).  The point that I am trying to make is that it is being mentally alert all the time and rehearsing in my mind what I'm going to teach can be exhausting and when we don't have enough challenges we can overthink things.  Putting them down on paper has freed up a lot of mental space. That way I don't keep rehearsing them because they are already committed to.  

Just a thought x

Love, 

Organised

Phoenix & Sarah 

X

X

X

Fierce love...

Last week I fumbled into church.  I nearly tripped over my own feet because I was so excited.  Truth is this fool was desperate for fellowship and food and by that I mean the word of God.    Being in Taiwan I've been constantly confronted by the fact that the majority do not believe in the God that I am hopefully in love with.

Desperate I went to church and will continue to go to church.  It's a multi cultural group of people, people from Taiwan, South Africa, Italy, India and America and that's saying something considering that there are only about ten of us.  I can see God reaches and touches us all.  I ponder His fierce love that constantly pursues and cuts through walls and chains that Satan ( and sometimes ourselves ) put up against Him.  

This last weekend I watched a movie called ' The Vow ' and was once again taken by the pursuit of the husband.  His wife forgot their marriage bond due to a car accident.  He spends his days pursuing her just as he had promised in his wedding vows. How much more fierce is Gods love for his beloveds?  His bond is eternal and unrelenting.  It's a monkey grip- even if we let go, He's holding on.  

Truth is:

There is nothing that can hold you back from the love of God.

Simple.

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah 

Oil and water...

There's no fear in love and if God lives in us and us in Him then we can no longer live in fear.  Oil and water do not mix.  Love and fear don't go together.  This is a fantastic revelation if you live alone.  When we hear sounds creaking in the house late at night.  When our imagination races to a burglar climbing through the second floor window ...We can declare this truth sending our heart and mind into mind blowing peace.  let's take our thoughts captive and centre them around the truth of Gods love x x x 

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

An added note for u...

...

dear heart,

I know you often feel weak and weary.  You long to live in a deeper awareness of My love, joy, hope and peace.  Take heart.  I hear you.  I've received all your prayers and pleas. I notice. Although you are in a hidden place you are seen. You are seen by me.  I see you.  I hear you.  I'm always here to listen.  Pour out your thoughts.  Nothing that you think is too scary for me.  Nothing too large.  Nothing too deep.  Nothing too strange.  Nothing too dark.  Nothing.

Bring it all before me.  Pour it out.  Maybe it feels more like dumping.  Then dump it all on me.  I am here.  I am able.  

Always loving Pappa x x x 

...

Going with the flow...

The way the birds swept down looked like leaves falling from the sky.  So graceful, effortless, so unposed but so harmonious to view.  If you're the arty type this is how you imagine life to unfold- gracefully, with ease and satisfaction on reflection.  Things are done swiftly, with efficiency and style.

But truth be told things don't always fall so gracefully into our lap.  Sometimes we have to be as focused on our task as a lion on its prey.  Yes, at times things do swiftly fall into our lap but at other times doing life looks as ungraceful as an elephant trying to do ballet in high heels.  There are times to be goal orientated and times to be relationally orientated.  Thankfully my job is relational and so I find great joy in preparing knowing that people are going to benefit from it. 

For too long I've gone with the flow... Been swept with the tide that I haven't set goals for fear of failing one more time.  A simple rule I set for myself just recently has been to get to bed early, to eat before nine and to sit on the couch for a minute or two when entering my home. It's small things like this that give our minds the peace that they need.  

I'm going to continue to set goals based on what's important to me and to be clear about them in my own mind.  

This week: I am going to join the gym and focus on understanding the curriculum that Im teaching.  

Have a fabulous goal oriented and people oriented week...

A beautiful arrangement my mother did for church.  Putting her hands to the task at hand. 

love, 

Phoenix & Sarah 

Expect the unexpected x x x

May you experience the unexpected... may you see growth come where you least expect it.  May God surprise you in life. May you see the goodness of God in the land of the living x x x 

Love,

Phoenix & Sarah

While you were sleeping...

Do you know that while you were sleeping Jesus was sitting at the right hand of God the Father interceding for you? 

...

He was 

And 

He still

Is.

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

"Phoenix Scaling The Heaven" by Yuyu Yang

God is more involved than we can think or imagine...

While looking around the university on Tuesday my eye was drawn to the beauty of this sculpture... Fluid yet heavy.  Harmonious yet stable.  Big but not demanding.  Then I created and peered a little closer to it to read its name... Phoenix!  I completely freaked out!  I think Amir ( a new friend ) saw a completely different side to me.  But it gets better... It's title is Phoenix ... (Drum roll please!) scaling the heaven.

I'll give you a moment.

The parallels and similes that I could denote are endless as you all know and typed in the url address to find this site (PhoenixandSarah.blogspot.com).  

But what stood out the most was the manifest presence of the plans to make this sculpture and then obviously to name it (physically).  I draw that back to the point I was making about faith without actions is dead.  The manifest presence/power or action draws people to the heart of God. 

I'm always surprisingly surprised when I see people who are made in the image of God exhibit attributes/actions/physical manifestations that express the heart of God so well. Really I shouldn't be because as mentioned they are ...made im the image of God.

Im out ! Oh to scale THE heaven (wink, wink! )

Love,

Scaling Phoenix & Sarah

F r a g m e n t s

a j o l l y good morning to you...

Truth be told I feel like I've been doing you a disservice.  I feel like part of me has been so fragmented, so dispersed, ill focused and distracted.  You see there is this tearing within me and Im still trying to get comfortable with it.  Part of me feels that life is always going to be about letting go and then at the same time feeling deeply.  I've felt extremely weak over this period of travels as well as extremely alive.  Stripped of my past in a way of feeling somewhat naked and vulnerable and simultaneously relieved in being able to 'create a new me'.  I've felt weak in not knowing where to go for basic needs and not knowing who to trust on a deeper level yet excited about doing life differently.  

There's this seemingly deep chaosm that Im often trying to bridge.  One one side there's this mass notion of following my heart and then the side of me that likes to go on a whim.  Of trusting my instinct and then going against the fears.  The knowlege of knowing when to push and when to slow down and when to put down the coffee pot.

I giggle when I see the colourful temples yet I respect the people here deeply,  my heart breaks when I see them and I know that they don't know Jesus, I smile because He fills me with joy from the inside and I cry because those on the outside only see the outside of me.  I smile because I will get my pay cheque but I know that it can so easily be spent in a day on frivolous none sensicals.  I smile because I know I am loved but I hestitate because I know I can damage. I declare Gods goodness when I don't see it.  I say Im strong when I'm feeling weak. There's this constant struggle in my mind of what it should be like.  The constant tug of war of wills and desires ( both weighty and of grounding).  The tug when reading and sub consciously thinking of a million other things only to put the book down for another day.  

'Go get it girl. You deserve it... You are worth it... You do what you need to do' but at the same time the future cautions me... ' Slow down, my love... I'm coming for you second by second ' . . .

You see it's this lingering of masses that lies before me... And maybe it's the same for you.  If Im not able to merge or bridge these masses what does a place of rest look like and how do I know if I have fully rested?  Does your mind tell your body or your body your mind?

Truth is I've been questioning... Why am I writing this? why am I doing this?  Because it hurts.  My heart (physically and emotionally) hurts.  If my goal is to benefit people how would I be able to measure that ?

While I write this I question whether I should be so vulnerable and put those thoughts out there in fears of being more weak.  but part of me doesn't want to live in a stifled place of fear and paranio.  

Truth is my heart hurts to see people whom don't know the one who saved my soul and physically repairs my body.  I guess it's by faith that I write this and by faith that I pray and in faith that I say TODAY is the BEST day ever!

This is the contrast we live in and we choose ( whether mindfully or not ) how we want to come to a place of rest / peace with it.

from my heart and hands to your heart and hands 

Love,

Phoenix & Sarah

x x x

cute in a cup...

One thing I love about the coffee culture is that it causes one to stop and focus on one or two simple pleasures: coffee and relationships.  

As a friend put it so well when he commented about coffee , "it reminds one of all the good times".   It also doesnt hurt when there's a cute picture created on top of it!

Enjoy a good cuppa today! Do it for me ...

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah 

Kisses of refreshment

I love waking up to the rain patting the cement and kissing it with refreshing.  The rhythm so soothing and contrasting to the rushing traffic.  This is what I see as I look out my bedroom window... 

May your day be drenched in refreshing...

Love,

Phoenix & Sarah

Over spiritualising ...

So what is over spiritualising?  I'd say that it is over thinking something in a religious way.  I'd say that it goes hand in hand with analysis paralysis.  We want to make the best decisions, even to the point of following Gods will and so we rehash a situation/problem in our minds without looking to God for the answer.  We can become so stifled if we start believing that we don't/can't hear Gods voice.  The truth is that if Christ lives in you, you have heard his voice and can hear his voice.  Over spiritualising an issue or situation is taking the person of Christ (who is our solution) out of the conversation and religion is taking the oil out of the scooter and expecting it to work really well.  

The scriptures say that Gods sheep (his children) will know His voice. Don't buy into lies, fear, over spiritualising, analysis paralysis in life.  Whatever situation you are facing God knows and he is closer than your skin.

My thoughts 

Phoenix & Sarah 

Thankfulness

While at church on Sunday (yay!!!) the pastor was reading the scriptures and while he was a few words into the passage a few lines stood out.  "Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed, took bread .... And gave thanks".

Talk about being let down and coming bouncing back quickly.  These are questions I ask myself but 'How quickly do I move forward after a setback?  how willing am I to forgive and move along?  how keen am I to reflect on the cross when I've been hurt in some way?'  

I'll leave it at that today.

let us always have a mindset of the finished work of the cross.

There is always something to be thankful for. 

Love,

Phoenix & Sarah

g o o d 

m o r n i n g 

A blessed one for you.  May you know the finished work of the cross today! 

love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

Looking in...

G o o d M o r n i n g 

g o r g e o u s! 

Last night, I watched a documentary on Marilyn Monroe and as we all know her life was miserable on the inside.  From the outside looking in she was somewhat successful.  

There've been seasons in my life where I was so down I didn't know how to get out of it- but I did.  One bad thought would spiral into a bad few hours which would turn into a bad week of stinking thinking and then a season of negative thoughts.

Being so far away (physically and emotionally) looking in its easy to see how Satan would condemn me when I had a bad thought and instead of looking to pappa I'd "hang my head in shame".  

It brought some encouragement to know that some famous artists/actresses battled with depression or bio polar.  I also had to leave it there and say although that defined them and they still made an impact on the world at large my story doesn't have to go like that.  

Years down the line it's easy to adjust a negative thought and some days I've already been thinking negatively and then I have to adjust the negative feelings.  

Medically speaking having an underactive thyroid would also add to the mix of low energy levels and could turn into bad choices.  God has been healing that and the tests show that.  With positive thinking, Healthy eating and God on my side all things are possible! 

When it comes to eating healthily or even missing a workout Id hear those words "Ah! you always mess up.  You've skipped one work out you may as well just give up now".  Its not that those words aren't there anymore it's just that I don't listen to them anymore.  

Its true... Laughter is the best medicine.

God sits on his throne laughing at the enemy and his predictable lies.  

Let's laugh together at the lies of the enemy because looking in on a Christian is looking into a temple of God and that my friend is truly magnificent! 

yours truly, 

Phoenix & Sarah

truest self

g o o d 

m o r n i n g 

x

x

x

Faith without actions is dead.  Actions without faith is dead.  Recently in teachers training we learnt about behavior modification and we also learnt about the labeling theory.  We may not be able to control labels we may be able to (at times - heart willing) be able to adjust our behaviour.  It's standard / expected that as a teacher our behaviour is always controlled but let's take this into our personal lives.  We learn about modifying children's behavior through addressing the antecedent and positive reinforcement.  We could apply the same approach to our lovely selves.  When addressing the antecedent instead of self condemnation, punishment and shame we could praise ourselves for good and desired behaviour.  While this isn't the point of my blogpost it does make a point.  Similarly as Christians we want to exhibit behaviours on the outside that exhibit the depth that is within.  So faith needs to be demonstrated by power and actions regardless of whether people label you this or that. Truth is christians can be stupid and christians can be intelligent.  So maybe being labeled 'Christian' is not desirable anyway.  

Which leads me back to my previously mentioned point ...It is an overwhelming task to disprove the entire human race that Christians are actually quite cool.  It is not our job.  God in all His might is not threatened by His ' bad name / misconception '... 

This too should not deter us from practicing self control and practicing behaviour that feels true to our truest self- the self that is made in the image of God.

May He continue to reveal His truest self to you and may you continue to experience His truest self being exhibited through you- in power, behaviour, actions and self control.

love, 

Phoenix & Sarah