celebrating progress...

I've been challenging my own thoughts.  I'm learning to appreciate progress.  Yes, progress.  Not the end result but the here and now.  Life happens in between.  The in between is just important as the goal.

"Dear me,
Well done for being here today.
Well done for coming this far.
Well done for every good choice you made heart.
I am proud of you"

Be kind to your heart.

Love,
Phoenix and Sarah

bye bye wrinkles... clothing wrinkles.

I found this super helpful!  Ways to get rid of wrinkles in your clothes- shower, kettle, hair iron, under your bed mattress and so the list goes on!

check it out here

Its a pleasure!

Love,
Phoenix and Sarah

M O R E

This morning I woke up with the word...

more... Shouted in my ear... I heard... There's more...

Ive come to realize that boundaries are good but I've also learnt that life is not about staying in a corner hoping that one won't get hurt.  Truth is we will get hurt and I don't mean that in a self sabotaging way. I mean that in a way that life is an adventure and like children we will bump our heads on the wall.  There is more to venture and more treasures to find.   There is more of the kingdom to bring to earth. And more to find ones heart.  There is more.  

May your life be enthused with excitement and passion.  May you find the more- a peace steamed 'more'...

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Expectations versus affirmation.

Ok Im back!  I have something to say!  

What this world doesnt need more of are expectations.  There are countless unrealistic expectations put on us everyday if we don't take vigilant care.  

People expect things from us.  We expect things from us.  To have expectations of oneself or others is not abnormal.  It's pretty normal.  We expect a certain level of professionalism from our colleagues and a certain level of respect from loved ones and strangers.  

However, sometimes expectations becoming over burdening.  Sometimes expectations are unrealistic.  People can be idealistic and expect others to be Wonder Woman/Superman with little or no communication about such expectations or support towards them being fulfilled.  

Sometimes we become overburdened as we have not realized that we have/had expectations and they are not being met.  

The coin can land on both sides.  We can also place unrealistic expectations on ourselves if we are not careful.

So what am I saying?

Expectations are normal.  To expect things is good when comuinication lines are clear and the expectations are realistic.  

A concern that I have with expectations is that they can often replace affirmation.  

So instead of focussing on the good we focus on the lack.  Instead of focussing on ground gained we focus on what is absent. 

I've found this true in a particular relationship.  I was so needing someone to be x, y, and z that I couldn't appreciate the beauty of who they are/were.  Were my expectations wrong?  Nope.  They were valid but I was denied access altogether to the beauty that that relationship could of been because I allowed myself to be focussed on the lack that I didn't see the gain.   

So in concluding this long muling in my brain I must say that I am learning to be realistic about my expectations on myself and recognizing when unrealistic expectations are being placed on me.  As an artist ideals come easily and so I need to be extra careful not to create and allow myself to be pressured of what could be but instead be affirmed on what I have done and the beauty that God has already placed in me. 

May this be an encouragement to you! 

You are enough. 

You are smart.

You are you- and that in itself is reason to celebrate!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

T i m e out

Tuesday

5/16

I've loved sharing my life with you all.  But I feel that it's time to live in the moment and focus on a few things.  

Thank you for reading my blog.

Until further notice this service is currently unavailable.  

Lots of love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Within///

Monday

5/16

My favorite day

I've been encouraging the kids in my classroom to write nice and neatly.  There's one particular boy who looks like he is artistic.  I've been encouraging him (subtly) but haven't seen what I've been looking for.  I mentioned to a colleague that he looks like he could have a good technical skill but I haven't seen it.

Then today... 

Today happened! 

I was going on about handwriting again!!!!

And I mentioned once again that you have to sit nice to write nice.  Well today this boy shined! I couldn't help but brag about his neatness to the rest of the class and was just so encouraged to see a technical skill of his shine through.  

How much more excited do you think God gets about us using the things that he has placed within us? 

"dear heart,

God supports you.

He supports you by placing all that you need within."

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

P e o p l e

Sunday

5/15

Above the food and the wonderful interesting places in Taiwan my favorite is the people. 

This dear lady joined in My beautiful friend and My giggles and conversation on the underground system.  We were playing on an app that warps and makes your face look funny.  She saw us doing this and started giggling.  We then showed her her face on the app and we giggled till our stomachs hurt.  We missed our stop so we had to go the other way! It was worth the extra mileage for sure!

Enjoy the moments of giggles.  May they be your strength.

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Sunshine after the rain

Friday

5/13

I've had a few dark nights of my soul lately but the sunshine after the rain is always so sweet and soft.  The lows help one appreciate the highs.  This doesn't make someone bi polar it makes us human.

Im learning to be okay with the journey and if possible to enjoy it!  Sometimes what we feel is not nice but we can see this as a healthy and natural part of upgrading to a deeper level of revelation or understanding.  

P.s I will take photos tomorrow I promise.

  

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

You are not your work

Thursday 

5/12

You are not your work.

Without your work you are enough.  

Living and working in a foreign country I've been somewhat focussed on work.  It's what has brought me here but there are so many other hidden reasons as to why I am here (some known and some unknown).  Some obvious like saving cash and becoming independent.  Some are deeper and more intricate.  Regardless it's always good to remind oneself of ones goals and why it is that we do things.  

While I want to be good and efficient at my job I need reminding that I am not what I do and I am not defined by what I do.  I am enough regardless of income or occupation.  You are so much more than what you do.  

This is a simple reminder.  I hope it releases you like it released/s me. 

And yes, today I took a break in the park and lay my head down to rest for five minutes.  It was indeed time well spent.

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

The dip

Wednesday 

5/11

Honestly, I've been going through a dip.  I've forgotten to post and I've been so caught up in thought that it's been difficult to articulate.  

But What I know is this...

Sleep is a God given gift to cope with life.

It's okay to be a beginner at something and sometimes that is navigating the deep waters of your own heart.  You will come out the other side - even if it doesn't feel like it!

We are so privelaged to have what we have and do what we do.  We live in a time where any job is encouraged.  You can follow your passion.  

There is always another chance.  

God is constantly looking at all the positive things about you.

He loved me first. 

I have access to pure love-  love from God. 

These are some of the thoughts most foremost in my mind.  Thoughts that I am pondering on. May they bless you. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

My l o v e r

Tuesday

5/10

My favorite day of the week.  

So today I woke up not wanting to go to work.  I love work so it was a weird and irrational thought.  I let the thought continue and didn't pay it much attention.  I got to work and yes I love work!  I love my kids and I love what I do with them.  I love their big personalities in their small bodies and I love that I get to be part of their growth.  

I came home and I realised that I need to take captive my thoughts and consequentially my emotions.  I realised that food is a second rate lover and that I am responsible for me and my thoughts.  I realised that only I can make the good decisions I want to make.  

These are all big truths that I have taken to heart.  I want to live a life Im proud of and I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  

May you know that God is for you.  He supports you, guides you, looks out for your good.  He is your number one supporter.  He takes your burdens and concerns.  Let Him.

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Travel t i p s

Saturday, Sunday and Monday all in one

My favorite days of the week

Hello all, 

It's been a few days.  

I took my own advice and got offline and more in the moment.  I made a trip to taipei on the bus.  We went to the Jade market, flower and the Yongle Fabric market.  It was so overwhelming that I took no photos.  

While I was travelling I thought of more travel tips:

*PACK LIGHT. Im sure you've heard this a million times but it's so true.  Don't take things you won't use.  Use your friends hair drier and if they're a very good friend- toothbrush. 

*know when to take photos and when to just allow yourself to take in that moment right there and then. 

*make friends along the way. You never know where a smile or "hello" could lead.

* it is possible to travel cheaply.  Everyone has to eat and everyone has to allow themselves some time and space to "let go!"  Enjoy these moments.  

*find peace in the every step you take.  Breathe and be thankful that this is your adventure.  Focus on the blessing that travelling is and enjoy the privelage of being able to have stories to tell and souvenirs to give your family.  

One of my absolute favourite moments. (Apart from the great company) was the heavy down pour of rain.  It was majestic and powerful.  The weather had been hot and humid and then the rain came... It was also time for Sunday lunch so we ate and drank coffee with the sound of the rain splattering on the hot cement.

May you enjoy the beauty of the moments you find. To someone somewhere your life and experience is the ideal... a dream...  Enjoy it ! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

H e a r t & health

Friday

5/6

My favorite day of the week

(Yes,  I am starting to spell the American way).  It's all about streamlining my life at the moment.

Personal progress is important but I believe that how we get back on the bike.. (As the saying goes) is just as important. 

Milk has slowly crept back into my diet and I have forgotten about fruit and so on.  But this evening I went to a cheaper grocer than usual and bought the usual things- oats, apples and some veg.  

Often when I try limit myself to say coffee I focus on what I shouldn't have that I crave it more instead of focussing on nutrition and the benefits thereof.  But as I've said its all about getting back on the bike.  

So tomorrow for the gazillionth time I try again to steer from milk and all those other funny things.  But more importantly I focus on adding to my health.  Adding vitamins, nutrients, fresh air, good friendships and ... Enough sleep.  

With having said that... good night! 

But before I go, 

"dear heart,

You are strong.

You are courageous. 

You are mine.  

And I will look after you are well as the temple that you live in.  Im sorry for not thinking of your best interests but I promise to do my best in the future.  Thank you for working everyday.  I bless you heart.  I bless you mind and I bless you body"

These are some validations that you can say to yourself cos... You are pretty important!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

S e l f

Thursday

5/5

A lovely warm coloured coffee I had a few days ago...

Today I taught art and science or better said... Science and art. 

I must say that I absolutely love my job!  I love that I get to show children things they they have never seen.  It's like giving the blind sight and they will tell you just how appreciative they are.

Things that identify me as a teacher:  

Coming home and finding a rubber band on my arm.  

Finding white board markers in my pockets

Rehearsing teaching conversations in my head before bed

Going to the shops and thinking of what I could buy for my HRT

Going to a fabric shop and wanting to make things for my students 

Thinking that I see my students when I'm out

While Im finding and figuring out the balance I am also super blessed to be in a job that I love.  

My prayer is this

"may you see the beauty in your everyday.  May your eyes be opened  to the beauty of your co workers.  May you know that you are more than enough.  May you be kind to yourself"

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Moon and mood

Wednesday 

5/4

My favourite day

Talking about day , let's talk about the night.  Some of my favourite quotes are about the night and the day.  One being, "it's always darkness before the dawn"... Or the darker the night the brighter the day...these always seem to give me courage to keep on going.  

It seemed ironic when a co worker (Taiwanese) came to me and asked me what "this too shall pass" means... Well, firstly I was needing the encouragement. I explained to her that things that are difficult now are only for a season and now looking back im glad that those words we ringing through my ears subconsciously echoing into my soul.  These past few weeks back in Taiwan have been tough.   Emotionally tough as is forewarned in training.  They say the five month dip is tough.  Well, yip it is.  

In retro spect im glad that I bought this moon from Poya on the weekend beacause it shall remind me of what my uncle said to me before I left this last time...

"Whenever you feel lonely look up at the moon and know that we are looking too!"

So I say,

"You are strong brave heart.  You are strong.  Nevermind the critics in your mind.  I believe in you.  You can do it!"

Love,

Phoenix and Sarah

R e j e c t ion & acceptance

Tuesday 

5/2

My favourite day! 

The feeling we try to avoid- rejection. The feeling that takes air from our lungs.  It makes us feel weak.  It stings like a bee and we feel inadequate to pull it out.

Some thoughts around this:  people who reject actually feel rejected or have been rejected.  They need love and may not know how to love.  Whether it is our job to love them or not is another thing!   

Some truths or tools to use when you're feeling rejected:

* ask God to show you what he loves about you

* go to His word and see how people overcame challenges 

* treat yourself to something you like

* be kind to yourself (emotionally).  Maybe  the person rejecting you has no grounds to reject you.  Stand up for yourself- even if this just means in your own mind.  This goes back to my first point-  people who reject are people who feel rejected.  

"Dear heart, you are loved.  You have access to full time love.  Embrace that! Embrace who you are!  You are wonderful!"

Love,

Phoenix and Sarah

Things people don't tell you about travelling

So,  there are a few things I would like to share.  Things that people don't mention of living or travelling overseas.  Rather than approaching it from a problematic point of view Im going to share some helpful tips.

This is my list:

*Make a list of things that make you happy.  When you feel sad go to this list.

* Don't be too hard on yourself for missing a bus/train or eating too much stinky tofu ( this probably won't happen).  

You will get lost.  It's okay.  

* surround yourself with friends.  Surround yourself with positive people or people that are going through the same thing.  Sometimes just being around people is better for your soul than sitting in your apartment.

* if you're more of an extrovert, get out!  What are you doing sitting online?

*  phone your mom, keep in touch with people back home. They are still hellava important.  The world is so small with Skype/ whatsapp/ facebook and I guess emailing.

* keep a journal.  Write about the highlights and low lights (Yes, go there!). this is a good way of processing.

*cry! And cry hard!  Let your body process the emotions the way that it wants to.  Soon endorphines will kick in and you'll feel released again.  

*know yourself.  Know when it's that time of the month.  Know when you're needing extra sleep or nutrients.  

*sleep! Sleep! Sleep! Your body and mind is so much, sleep is a tool in your toolbox! Use it!!!

And lastly living in a country where the majority aren't Christian you will feel somewhat isolated.  It's normal.  Find your own way of connecting with God on a personal level or with a christian friend. Thankfully I was warned about this one and forewarned is forearmed!

These are some of the things that I do and find very helpful.

A photo of me just for the fun of it!

Lots of love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

K i n d n e s s

Sunday 

5/1

It's a new month, yay! 

(Sally and I on the MRT)

So it's convienient that I am talking about kindness on a Sunday.  Sunday's always remind me of church days. It's a holy day in my family.  We don't work.  We go to church, eat a meal together and have an afternoon nap.  Sunday's are a little different now.  I still keep work at bay and try to get to church.  This Sunday I skipped church, it was a friends birthday (one of my closest friends) and so I spent as much time with her as I could.  On my return I hopped onto the MRT (underground train) and something caught my eye.  

But let me set this up first, I've been feeling pretty tired because it's been a long week, im on some tablets, I ate really late today and I have been lugging my bags around.  All I wanted to do was sit on the MRT but elders always get priority.   While I could've sat I rather stood just in case.  Then I saw an older lady give her seat to a mom and child and that was really thoughtful but then someone else offered her seat (which she declined) and then I pointed her to "my seat" that I was keeping open just in case.  It was a beautiful thing for me.  It's so simple but the beauty of it all spoke out loud to me.  I was watching the ripple effect of kindness...There were a few gestures and mumbles but as the saying goes... Actions speak louder than words.

May we live bold lives silently.

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah