B l o o ming mind

4/28

Saturday 

Do you feel that you're a victim to your life or your situation?  Do you feel that you've got everything in control ( or the most part of it)?  

So often I am unaware of my thoughts and end up feeling horrible about life.   Then I realise I've been thinking stinking thoughts.  The truth is we have so much control in our life.  We can choose whether to exercise or not, to eat the fourth slice of chocolate cake and so on...

I've got to a place where I'm not going to wait for people to initiate or encourage.  But instead focus my thoughts on the good things in life.  May we be so full good thoughts that our minds bloom with beauty!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah  

My l i f e

Friday

4/29

My life at the moment is simple.  Work, rest, work.  A little bit of meeting new people but mainly work.  

My day starts like this.  I wake up and realise that I only have to be at work at 0900.  Or twenty minutes before.  But officially my teaching time starts at 0900. It always is a nice surprise!

But before I get to work i cycle there.  Which means I see a lot of people.  People who are strangers.  I see vendors at the fruit and veg market.  I see and smell lots of scooters ( I bought a mask to smell less) and I still haven't plucked up the courage to cross the big intersection.

This morning I noticed a man that I see every morning but today he was somewhat highlighted to me.  I noticed that he was doing the same thing that he has been doing since I started workin at at the Don Yuan branch which is cutting pineapple.  Yeah, he's being cutting the skins off pineapples like a boss- with precision and speed.  It seems to amaze me because there is still so much of the pineapple left and plus he does it in just about one long cut.  This is a simple thing for him but I struggle doing this without being pricked having my drool dripping on the now half a pine.  

So what has this got to do with my life? Um, maybe nothing but if I look deeper (like I love to do) I would see that he's been faithful with his job and he has a skill that not everyone has to that degree.  Maybe people look at your life and think the same.  While this should not be the fuel behind the fire it forms encouragement to know that skills sharpen and we have all been given gifts and talents,jobs and things to do that are specific and unique to our day. 

I have been encouraged this week to enjoy what I do.  I've been encouraged to sharpen the tools in my basket.  I have been encouraged to know that God is looking down at me in a favorable manner and that quite frankly is enough for my heart to do flip flax!

"Be encouraged heart. 

You are important. 

You are seen.  You are beautiful..."

Love,

Phoenix as Sarah

The f u t u r e

Thursday

4/28

Another favourite day of the week.  

My word for the year is 'breathe' and my word for the week is 'enjoy'.  I think they conincide somewhat but that is not the focus of my blog post today.  

I've come to the realisation that one should approach the future by just breathing.  When I was in matric (final year of school) I thought long and hard about what to do the next year as if my brain didn't have enough opportunity to ponder with everyone asking me,  people coming to give talks at school and then university's approaching us at large too.  My heart was pretty set on going to study art.  But Instead I gave a year to serving at my local church.  At the end of the year my heart was still set on studying art .  I guess I wanted the desire to fall away but it didn't.  Maybe that is another blog post too.  

Anyway, I thought that I wouldn't really have to think about my future after I had decided on what to study.  I expected that a job would fall into place and I would love happily ever after.  This is not true and ever so often I think of that thing called ... The future.  

In doing so Ive also learnt to enjoy the process of life and the journey that I am on.  Sometimes I can get so focussed on what I want that I forget to enjoy what I have.  So this is a reminder again to self...

Self...you've got shoes on your feet.  You have joy in your heart.  You have friends in your arms and children in your sight. You feel the warmth on your skin and the rain refresh your face.  You are where you are and that is a special place.  Enjoy!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

R e j o i c e

Wednesday

2/27

Today is my favourite day.  

It's a new day.  Full of hope and surprise! Open it.  Enjoy it.  Rejoice it's all new! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

/// Relationships ///

I found this post , https://thechristianpundit.org/2012/08/15/it/ , to be very interesting- a different perspective.  What really spoke to me is will the person you marry be excited about your mom/significant family member coming over one weekend?  

Relationships are important and have taken years to build.  These relationships continue to grow when you're married- not to the same level of intimacy but grow they do!   I think that the person that you are marrying should honour and respect that.  For twenty something years of my life (that's if I get married in my twenties) my family and friends have been influencing me.  I sure am going to choose someone who sees the value and importance of these relationships.  

Can I get an amen?! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

  

E n j o y

Tuesday

4/26

Today is Tuesday and this is one of my favorite days of the week because I have the afternoon semi off.  

Last night when I was in bed super (21:00) early and woke up at 22:30 thinking that it was morning but that is actually besides the point.  So as I was saying last night when I was in bed early I was thinking about all the things that I have to do (but Ive chosen to rather get sleep )and I asked God for a word of encouragement.  He said to me... "Enjoy!"

So I could've said that this word popped into my mind or I can say that I came up with it myself but I pulled the God card. But this word has revolutioned my day. 

Enjoy.  It sounds to me like being in joy. Being encapsulated by Joy!  We can drag our feet through life or we can enjoy every moment given to us!

When I'm cycling to work and can feel the sweat starting to collect in my clothes I choose to see this as part of an adventure!  This is all part of the fun!  

Enjoy!

Love, 

Phoenix.

S l e e p

Monday

4/25

Last night I got into bed at a reasonable time and then I just had so much on my mind that next thing it was midnight.  It's actually okay that this happens every now and then but I realise time and time again how sleep helps stabilize one.  I've vowed to myself not to come to any great conclusions at midnight.  Sleep is great for helping one manage with everyday life and stress.  Mid day naps are also a great way to keep abreast of things especially if one has to be up in the evening.  No amount of chocolate or good thinking can replace the very necessary thing called sleep.  

Tonight I'm going to snuggle in early.  Let's hope it will be an early one. 

This is the view from the top of my apartment.  

Have a good nights rest to night. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Strappy tops and bare knees

4/23

Sunday

Yes, the blog title was correct.  Today I am wearing no sleeves and my knees are showing.  Yes, on a Sunday! 

I have come to a place in my life of not caring what people think of me... Sometimes I will know what they're thinking because they're actually verbalising it but other times I won't.  

So I'll tackle this from two sides. 

Firstly sometimes people will think and verbalise what they are thinking.  Sometimes they won't.  Sometimes they verbalise without thinking or a better word would be processing.  Some people say everything that comes in their mind.  They don't have a filter.  Others will say something thinking that you won't understand.  Yes this is from experience.  

This happened.  I was back in SA and a woman at the teller said to the packer ... "This woman has no boobs (meaning beasts)"... I can understand isiXhosa in part.  So I knew they were talking about me so I enquired to which she then told me her thoughts.  

Other times people won't say what they're thinking but we can feeeeel it or see it by their body language.  Other times our "feelings radar" is completely off and we actually don't actually mind read every time.  Funny that!  As woman I think we expect our mind reader to always be 100% accurate every time.  

See sometimes we let the lies of the evil one to come into our thoughts and completely paralyze us.  We must gaurd against these thoughts and remember to whom we belong to!  Im writing this because this is a reminder to myself: "be kind to yourself girl... Don't worry about what people think.  Plus sometimes you'll interpret correctly... Other times, not!  You are beautiful.  You are enough."

Here's a pic of me and my beautiful gran 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Breaking d o w n

Saturday 

4/23

Breaking things down into small tasks elude to break through and not a break down.  I've been putting off painting and lots of little things because I don't know how they are going to turn out.  Also quite frankly I haven't wanted a new challenge to overcome.  But, that's lazy and childish actually.  Life is a series of hurdles but I mean that in an exciting exhilarating way as if you're on a horse wondering if it'll make the jump.  

This week I took the next step in a few areas (hitting the gym, cutting out milk, starting a painting, going to language exchange...) and Yes it was great but there is also a lot of room for growth and development and Yes, many more hurdles in the process.

But, you know what?  It feels great! These little hurdles make me feel alive.  They are not there to kill me but to remind me that I am A L I V E.  

Of coarse that means coffee breaks in between.  Sticking very closely to my word of the year... B r e a t h e! 

B o u n d a r i e s

Wednesday 

4/20

Boundaries.  That word was like a cuss word for me.  I felt limited, paralyzed and uncreative when people would say it.  I would think that it's unambious and that they have some secret agenda. 

So it's just past 23:00 at night here and Im still to switch off my laptop and brush my teeth.  Then to settle into the beloved bed.  

Now, the word boundary is something that is there to protect me.  It's there because my well being is important. 

While my creative brain imagines me writing and reading up a storm after I go to gym and paint a picture oh and write a poem of coarse (as well as read a few articles, catch up with friends, find cool diy projects to put on my list) this is not healthy for my tiresome body. 

This is me clocking out and sticking to my word of blogging everyday and more importantly being true to my word of the year... Breathe. 

May you simply breathe. 

May you find fine for your heart.

May you find time for your body.  

You are worth it. 

Love, 

Phoenix 

C l a r i t y & confusion

Friday

4/22

On Wednesday night I went to language exchange to learn some Mandarin and about the Taiwanese culture.  Were those things achieved?  Yes and No.  

There will be days of perfect nails and days of chipped nails ( and I feel like an absolute failure when this happens?). There will be moments of feeling like a roaring sucess  and moments of feeling like failure.  Although these are in our control to some extent.  I've learnt a moment of failure doesn't mean a lifetime of failure.  A moment of failure doesn't take away from a moment of sucess.  

There will be moments when you know you're on the right path and moments of confusion and dabbling.  This is what I like to call it.  Some days are like an intricate pencil drawing, some emotionally and as watery as a water color painting.  Other days maybe a hit and miss with feeling neither here nor there.  But everyday is filled with colour.  Everyday there is something beauty to appreciate.

Appreciate the clarity and know in the confusion that the things that were clear are still clear.  

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Provision

Thursday

4/21

Im gunna boast a bit here about my king and provider, God.  After crashing emotionally of the low of being back in the humdrum of life God has continually provided emotional and financial encouragement and support.  In a practical and "invisible" sense.

I am forever thankful. 

Amen.

T e m p l e s & church

Tuesday 

4/19

Warning: this post is going to mention Jesus.  I mention it in case that bugs you.  It doesn't bug me.  In fact I love it!  So, I keep writing.

I think, deeply at times. I think about religion.  I hunger after truth.  I ponder on thoughts and patterns.  I often think about Jesus and how people would be drawn to him.  I notice the temples here daily.  I also know that I have written about this before but this blog is true to me and I think about this often.  I think Jesus wouldn't necessarily have a colorful temple to reside in but church would be wherever he is.  I think it would look very different to our church today.  

I think Jesus is a persuasive man (I mean he had so many people following him) but not arrogant.  I think he is gentle but confident. I don't think he would be trying to get people to like him. I think he is so content in who he is.

I love this man named Jesus.  

W o m a n power

So my hot water wasn't hot.  It was cold, which was okay considering that the weather has been hot and humid.  Plus I'm a tough girl.  My body heat heated up the water anyway.  At first I thought that the humidity and on off overnight rain  had maybe wet something in the geyser that is important.  Then I thought again.  I fiddled with all the gas levers and nothing changed.  

I mentioned it to a dear- fellow Wonder Woman and she mentioned that there's a big round battery that may need changing. 

As per normal I was lazy to run up the two flights of stairs to my apartment so I went straight to the "ten dollar shop"... Why are they even called that?! I grabbed a battery for like 50 nt$ and boom! It worked in the best way possible!  I'm not intimidated to be in a foreign country without a man looking out for me.  Yes,  I went there.  

May you know that you have the power to change things in life and that is not solely restricted to changing batteries.  

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

This,

Was the scheduled post for today!  So you're in luck!  You get both!

Love, 

Phoenix 

O p t i o n s

Monday

4/18

"Your life will be full of options", someone once said to me.  I blew it off at the time ut as I write about my option of beetroot and/or taco cake it comes back to me.

The beetroot will be devoured but the taco cake was declined as nicely and kindly as I could muster.  I don't mind a cheat meal but it has to be a scheduled one.  Plus,  I am learning not to people please and do what is on m heart. So, yes!  I declined the taco cake.  But I gave him an origami bunny to communicate thankfulness anyway!

I also went back to gym today so things are really on a roll here.  

Let's make good decisions- ones that make us come alive!  Ones we won't regret in the morning!

Love, 

Phoenix  

Choosing who & what to love

Sunday

4/17

We can't choose who loves us.  We can choose who we love although sometimes it feels like we can't.  We can choose what we read.  We can choose what we listen to.  We can choose where we go, who we see, what we do and what we do or don't fill our lives with.  We can choose to be pressured by others expectations of us and we can choose to rebel or live up to their expectations.  We really have so many choices.  While daily routines seem to be religious- we still choose to live that way.  

While reading this book (in the photograph) of a drug addict I can't help but think of this thing of choice and free will.  Unfortunately his choices were more difficult to break free from that maybe cutting out milk.  

However we (just like him) have the ability to make good decisions and we have the power to own our choices.  For years I have chosen to put off my desire of having good skin.  I've felt that it is somewhat impossible and out of my reach.  This was a mental and somewhat vague background thought.  This is not true though.  Just recently I tackled this problem head on and am taking this area back.  This might not relate to you but I'm sure there is/are area/'s that you too have cast out as "hopeless" but I want to tell you that you have the power to challenge it!  

May we make powerful decisions.

Love, 

Phoenix

E s s e n t i a l s

Saturday 

4/16

While this post may seem forward and backward let's just pretend we are doing the two step.  My reason of moving overseas was to live more independently, be on an adventure and challenge myself.  It has been all three indeed.  I can't say I've loved every moment of it but I'm happy with my decision and I know that this is where I am supposed to be.  

While I am somewhat independent I have also learned to be aware of what is happening on the inside- the essentials. 

I have learned that no big conclusions should be drawn when one is tired and that humour is one of the best ways to deal with the sh1++y parts.  I often imagine myself as a cartoon and then the colour and humour of the moment comes back to me. This little egg head cycling on her bicycle trying to avoid the baddies and mole characters on her path.  

I would encourage anyone to make a decision to live life deliberately... To take charge of their decisions and simply own it.  I would encourage (add courage) to anyone wanting to move overseas to remember that it's not a life and death situation... Things are not that serious, they are a whole heap of fun!  

My prayer is that our lives would consist of the essentials: love, joy and peace!

Lots of love, joy and peace to you, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

H e a l t h ///

I never regret eating a healthy meal.  

This chicken I cooked in coconut oil/butter.  My cupboard is also stocked with olive oil ( because I was trying to get rid of the burps and I thought the soya oil was a cause).  Olive oil is great but when it reaches a certain temperature it loses its goodness.  Coconut oil on the other hand doesn't.  It's the small adjustments that make the difference. 

Here's to healthy eating! 

As mentioned eating healthily in Taiwan is more expensive than eating like the locals but it's worth the extra pennies.  But the reason Im mentioning this is that one can always buy the cheaper fruit or vegetables.  The ones that are in season will be or they could be on special because they were bought in bulk and want to get rid of them.  Some brands are also cheaper and just as good especially if they are eaten raw and not boiled.  More food stories soon.  

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

C e l e b r a t e

4/15

Friday

It's a new day and that's reason enough to celebrate.  This is the face I make when someone compliments me. 

It's kind of nice but also kinda awkward.  Why is it that we deflect attention and compliments?  Surely we are worth celebrating.  Every day there is something to celebrate.  One of my favourite things to ask God is, " Pappa, what do you love about me?"  

It changes my self critical approach on itself to something more positive and helpful.  When we acknowledge and give honour to what he loves it grows.  It is like water to a flower.  

I encourage you to ask God to tell you what He loves about you.  What he loves about your child, your spouse or those who you find difficult to love.  I promise you, He responds and will show you.  

Enjoy! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

"Left over woman"

I posted this pic,

just before I saw this post ...

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/leftover-women-in-china-emotional-advert-challenges-the-pressure-on-single-women-to-get-married-a6980291.html

In China an advert was posted that called woman who are over 25 as "left over woman".  Consequently this put pressure on Chinese woman.  Why do we even pay attention to ads such as these?  We as woman have the power to make wise and powerful decisions and we shouldn't accept pressure to settle down or take cues from people who don't even care for us.  Ok, rant is over!

You are worth the quality man you are waiting for.  

You are the quality that some man is going to recognise.  

You don't have to settle.  Choosing someone that you feel consistently uncomfortable (unsettled and unpeaceful) around is well um...uncomfortable.  

More on my thoughts of this in the days to come...

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

P r o g r e s s

Thursday 

4/14

I've been cutting down on my caffeine consumption and increasing natural sugars.  It's amazing how much more energy one has.  Also been disciplined in getting to bed at a good hour.  These are small but notable adjustments that help one in the long and short haul.  

Tomorrow is the weekend. 

May you have a blessed night in tonight. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Bumping the burps!

Wednesday 

4/13

I've realised that the milk here gives me the burps but Im yet to bump milk altogether.  I have reduced my consumption of it though.  I no longer have milk in my oats which helps.  I guess it's to focus on small improvements rather than massive Neil Armstrong leaps.  

A classic sald with some left over pineapple from the girls night weekend. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Mid day breaks

Breaks in the sunshine and the fresh air refuel and re energize one to work more productively and positively.  Short breaks can do your work the world of wonders.  It doesn't have to be long just a breath of fresh air will do the trick.  

This photo was taken at one of my favorite coffee shops in Hsinchu.  

Have a beautiful day. 

Don't forget to get out the office or house (if you're a house wife) for some sunshine or just fresh air. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Here's to h e a l t h

We spend our days using energy yet we can fuel our bodies with short term energy.  Let's make sure we are putting in as much as we are giving out. Let's treat our bodies with love and care.  

The usual girls night binge transformed into a fruit salad bonanza.  Here's to many more.  

Eating healthy in Taiwan is more expensive than in South Africa but it's worth every taiwanese dollar.  

You deserve goodness. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Miracles- everywhere!

4/10

Sunday

There are miracles everywhere. We just need to open our eyes and look in the mirror, look at a spouse, a child and marvel at the work of Gods hands.  As I sit here looking at the rain and smelling the African coffee beans in this Taiwanese coffee shop I marvel at the way we have developed as a people.  If we want something from anywhere in the world we can have it, if we want to see rain it's raining somewhere, if we want to feel inspired open up YouTube or Pinterest.  Ever lacking ideas check out blogs.  Life is never lacking in inspiration.  

Plus there are so many benefits of being a child of God.  He's always looking out for our best.  When I've been upset about not getting a job- theres been something better!  Arriving back from SA I thought I'd be bleak that I've left everyone back home (which is very valid) but God provides friends.  

I'm so in awe of the rain, the people and the finger prints of God on everything around me. 

May your eyes be opened to see the beauty that is.

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Inspiration.

Inspiration is everywhere. This is my motto at the moment.  One core thing I desire to do with my life is inspire people.  Whether that means children, woman or grand pa's.   Whether it's through personal encouragement or creating things with my hands and that being a source of inspiration. I desire to be a vessel of God and shine His glory.

When we believe inspiration is everywhere we see it everywhere.  I was inspired when I saw a friend of mine being promoted by Beyoncé- http://www.heraldlive.co.za/pe-born-designer-gets-free-boost-beyonce/for more.  This is not the only story I've heard of late as a school friend , Tim Agaba, made the Hong Kong 7's team. Big up's to him!  There are so many people that me proud to be a South African.  These people found treasure in the grind.  They made a life out of the somewhat mundane.  Laduma picked up his mom's skill of knitting at a young age when he saw that he wasn't great at soccer.  Tim was faithful in being disciplined and took every opportunity that he got!

This inspires me.  

R e l y

4/11

Monday

Also my first day back at work

Today while taking a short break in the bathroom a thought came into my mind. I thought that if we base our emotions on others we will always be unstable and unable to be who we fully are.  Peoples emotions come and go and thankfully we have the power and will to think our own thoughts which effect our feelings and actions.  

I am a firm believer of a positive attitude and I truly believe that it can affect my choices and consequentially my life.  I choose to think positive thoughts and I love challenging myself to more.  I love putting myself in situations where I can experience more of Gods strength and capabilities.  

I hope that you press into Gods love for you.  I hope you rely on his joy to be your strength.  

Regards,

Phoenix and Sarah

Living in Taiwan

4/9

Saturday

I live in a old apartment.  Although to me it's as modern as Id like it to be.  Tiles from entrance to the bathroom and bedroom.  It's tiled because of the humidity and to avoid dust and mold having a party together.  

Another thing about living in Taiwan is that you can't drink the tap water at all.  Period.  It contains lead and all sorts of things that have broken down and are now in the pipes.  This is quite unfortunate, especially when you've forgotten to get water and its 1 am in the morning and you've been travelling for 24 hours and your mouth is bone dry.  This actually happened.  So what did I do? I got up and walked to the seven eleven to get water and a coke zero.  

I'll be sharing with you how to travel on a budget, how to eat healthily and more about Taiwanese culture.

Love,

Phoenix and Sarah

I am back...

Friday

4/8

(Flowers in my grans garden)

I am back.  And... Im ready to rumble...  Actually it's more like ready to mumble and rumble in the jungle.  I don't expect my thoughts to be crystal clear following a theme like we do at pre school.  Well, 'cos life quite frankly isn't crystal clear.  Mother Theresa herself said, " I have never had clarity.  I have only ever had ️trust".  

While people watching the other day I looked at all the people walking past me. They all looked pretty lost. Moms and dad with kids,  young adults,  teens drifting among the masses.  Everyone.  The father leading the pack would lead a direction and then change direction with some coercion from a female counterpart. Men in suites and well groomed woman.  We all think we're the only ones when in actual fact we are all trying to navigate life as best we can.  

Going back to the first pointer of learning to trust.  We can put our trust in money, people, ourselves, food, gym and so the list goes on.  God calls us to trust him.  So often I try put on my independent big girl pants and leave God out the equation.  But, He's more than willing to help... And im learning to stop and ask for just that! I pray that you do too!

Love,

Phoeni and Sarah