A c c e s s

Today

My favorite day

Today is especially my favorite day because my mom arrives.  I am so happy!  

I love the fact that she is able to see a different part of the world and I get to be a part of that.  We live in a world where so much is changing and we have access to so much.  

Back in the day a magazine was a treat.  People dreamt of having access to beautiful ideas, homes, fashion and people all the time.  Now we have access to so many exciting projects, ventures, inside people's lives by the click of a button.  We can google anything we don't understand and we can take online courses by watching videos.  I mean it may not seem like rocket science to you but back in the day this wouldve seemed impossible.  

I live overseas yet i can talk to my friends and family any day of the week.  We really have a lot to be grateful for...

May we count our blessings-each and every favourite day! 

( the lady in the pic is not my mom) 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

B r e a t h e

My word for the year was and still is ... Breathe.  

Yes, that is a noun but a verb too.  Go on... Breathe!

...

...

...

Sometimes we need to just stop and breathe.  Life may be full and life may feel empty but it's so important to stop and breathe.  Just take a moment.  This afternoon a few curve balls were thrown at me:  it started to rain.  I was without umbrella, appropriate clothing, cash and I had to be at my next school in twenty minutes.  

...my heart was pumping and I was starting to feel stressed.  I reminded myself to just ...pray and Breathe.

I was so grateful to the secretaries for calling me a taxi, writing down my next address in Chinese, giving me cash and sending me off just in time.  

Everything worked out better than expected.  My class went well.  Creativity kicked into drive.  

  Often I overthink things (or sit on facebook) and ponder and ponder and ponder. BUT When I do good things (like getting myself organised/gyming/blogging/drawing) without over thinking it pleases my heart, body and soul.  

May we just go for it (with breathers on the way ) ...

May we never tire in doing good.  

Love ,

Phoenix and Sarah

Alone and feeling lonely

Hsinchu is a bustling city.  Scooters, people and ads everywhere yet I arrived home last night to my apartment and felt so alone.  A friend had cancelled her vague last minute plans with me.  I was upset.  I was alone and lonely - because there is indeed a difference between the two.  I love the lord and I know he resides with me so how could I feel alone?  I then felt guilty for feeling lonely and upset! 

Why do I invest emotionally in people so much ? I questioned.  Why do I try so hard to keep in contact ?  Why ? Why ? Why? Why would I be craving contact and connection with others when I have my best friend with me all the time? 

Good question Sarah! 

So I sobbed my heart out to the Lord.  It felt like he had forgotten my needs.  I felt hated by him.  I felt angry and it felt like he wasn't there.  I guess that is what I was needing to do-  commuin, engage and connect with God!  I needed to let it all out before him.  Even though I was trying to pretend it's all okay.  It was not.

So often I pretend everything is okay but it's not and these are opportunities not problems!  They can be solved if we are real about them.  Speak up dear heart.  Let it out before God.  

When it felt like he was withholding good things from me he was actually just desiring deeper intimacy with me. 

You are powerful.  

Speak out your needs.  

Speak about your desires. 

All is possible with God. 

He cares for the smallest mumor of yours!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Being a lady...

As a young girl I had a strong desire to be a lady... I'd watch my mom as she came home from work, or stare at her when she drove me to school , I'd watch my female teachers and notice their high cheek bones or the way they taught me.  I did a lot of observing.  I couldn't wait to own my own hand bag and have my own money!  I think most little girls go through this.  They can't wait to wear make up and high heels.  From being a baby I noticed if I was wearing a dress or not. 

Maybe you remember these feelings?  Maybe you couldn't wait for your first job or your first car and now...?  Well now you have grown up and im pretty sure you've grown in one way or another!

Life doesn't always feel like the dream we dreamt but maybe we just take a few minutes to think how far we have come we will be surprised as to how much has happened.  How we have grown up in some regards.  How we didn't have but now we do (whether that is understanding or compassion or something physical).  We have grown.  The bible encourages us to set stones along our path to remind us of mile stones.  I encourage you to do this!  Let's appreciate our story, our growth and all the things that God has done for us!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

R e s t ing

Tuesday 

My favourite day

Last night I slept like a baby! While physical rest is important so is emotional rest.   We can rest in the truth that God will fight for us.  We can rest that he has our needs covered.  That he knows our desires and hopes.  

Phew!

Isn't it great to have a God who looks after us?! 

Have a beautiful day resting in His truth. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

The whispers

Monday

My favorite day 

The inner voice never ceases to exist and converse.  It's always whispering and leading.  How I pray that I would listen to it more.  It's gentleness is sometimes overlooked.  It's hiddeness sometimes unheard.  Yet vitally important to inner and outer peace and joy.

My constant prayer is that God would illuminate the whispers.  But maybe instead I should pray that I would become a better listener and follower...

This voice described is the beautiful voice of the Holy Spirit.  While other voices are more audible to the outside world the inner voice is worthy of attention and value.  Adding onto my prayer list would be to listen to Gods voice over mine or others! 

These are my inner wonderings... 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Easter eggs?

Im always surprised when I see the eggs here!  I mean I love eggs!  But being white i imagine them to be sugar coated and chocolate (like the ones around Easter time) which is a major draw card to try one incase maybe just maybe they are! 

While they may not be chocolate Eggs are full of protein and a great way to start the morning with the essentials to get ones brain up and running! 

Have a beautiful day friends and family eating eggs or not!  Remember to give your body what it needs!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Take off your shoes

It's Taiwanese practice to take off your shoes before entering a home or some work places. The germs from outside are prevented to come into the home.

It reminds me of when God says to Moses "take off your shoes you are now standing on holy land"...  

I think this is a brilliant idea as ones home is ones sanctuary and by taking off ones shoes before entering into the home one has to stop dead in ones tracks.  

Even if it's for a second we leave the dirt from the day at the door or for some even outside the door.  

Work hard. 

Rest hard.

Play hard. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Don't s t o p

Sunday

My favorite day

I have this quote as my wallpaper and screen saver ... It speaks for itself.

This morning I went for breakfast with Sally and I was given a complimentary coffee with my meal.  I couldn't finish it, it wasn't all that great!  Life is full of these average moments.  I ended up getting a good ol cuppa later!  

While you may be in an in between moment/ season there is always beauty in every moment. 

Sometimes when I'm not full of passion for something I don't want to start but as soon as I do i realise that it is enough.  It was enough.  That life doesn't have to be perfect for things to work and for ️awesome thingbs to happen.  

Then I realise there is always enough inspiration to live a full life.  There is always enough.  

Take a step! 

Take a chance!  

Make a move! 

P r a y e r

Saturday 

My favourite day 

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

If we are seeking answers all we need do is pray.  Sometimes the peace that God releases is even more comforting than the answer being sorted out.  May you know that he hears you. 

Your prayers are heard. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

My favorite day

Hello 

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Romans 8:31 NIV

I love new days.  We have the opportunity to read Gods word and let it refresh and encourage us.  This was the word for today.  How do you see God?  

I've had to remind myself that he is not a fault finding God but a loving and encouraging God.  

️Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Day to day

Thursday

My favorite day

Sometimes a good ol sleep in does the world of damage control.  

It also doesn't hurt when I arrived at class and one of my favorite students (shhhhh!)  with a gift- some paper she folded up for me.  

I believe the truth that when you're generous you attract generosity...  

These are some of the props that I've been working on for our performance. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing this.  It makes my heart sing!  

A photo I took on my way home from work.  The robot turned red so I took my opportunity.  

Lots of love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Breathe e a s y

It just so happens that I have the morning off tomorrow and South Africans celebrate youth day tomorrow too which makes for loads of resting for many.  As a true South African I feel it's only fit that I get time off - even if that means im living in Taiwan.  

Long story short about why I have the day off I have the day off tomorrow.  Look Im not complaining that I can go to gym, drink some coffee and sleep in... But what I do want to say that it fits my word for the year perfectly well... B r e a t h e

Half way into the year most people have most probably given up on their New Years resolutions.  I sometimes need to remind myself of my word for the year too! 

I'm really still chuffed with my choice.  The word "breathe" certainly hasn't meant that it's a chilled and easy breezy year but one with loads of moments of simply titling my head back and breathing amidst the choas.  

Life isn't about sitting on the sidelines.  It's about immersing oneself in the task at hand with a healthy knowing and air of grace.  It's about giving ones all in a contented and mindful way.  It's about working and playing and resting.  It's about serving your best ball and being on the other side to hit that ball out the park.  I takes skill and focus.  It takes multi tasking and being flexible.  It takes zoning out of all the crowds voices and zoning into knowing who you are and what your role is in this life.  We have one life.  Let's make it count.  

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Final word

Is God worried about your life? 

Is He stressed about your health?

Is He worried about your habits?

Is he losing sleep about your finances or future?

I truly believe the answers to these are "No".  

This doesn't mean that he isn't loving or interceding for you.  

The next question I want to ask is this... What does God say ?  What does he say about you? And What does he say about your situation? 

The answer will be  unique to each one of us.  But it helps me thinking about things from His perspective.  

People contradict their opinion of one all the time.  I have had people say " You're shallow" and others say " you're so deep".  I've had the same person say you're "chunky" and then "you're small".  I've had people say "do this and that" and then the next breathe say " Im concerned that you're doing this and that".  I've had a ️loved one say "you're beautiful" and then "Youve lost your beauty". People sometimes don't think before they speak and then they come across confusing.  

Im encouraged to live a life free of others opinions.  I'm learning to dance in the rain and celebrate being me right now not when I'm skinnier or have more money in my bank account.  

Enjoy being you!

You're a banana flambé with extra rum.  

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

S i m p l e choices

Everyday we have choices.  Duh!  As a dreamer I can be so outcome and vision focussed that I undermine the value of everyday decisions.  I've recently cut out coke zero because of the caffeine content and replaced it with more water and (sugar free caffeine free) tea and vinegars.  

Here's to making small good decisions.  

Prost!

The b e s t

Monday 

My favorite day

It's one day closer to my moms visit and I really love teaching my kids.  I love that I can be crazy, silly and animated for the good of someone else.  

I've also just got so much hope and expectation for all the good things that lie ahead.  As they say... The best is yet to come! 

Today is full of potential and I am so thankful for a new day to draw breathe. 

Have a wonderful day! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Asking for h e l p

So there it is- the title.  Asking for help. 

If you're anything like me you don't like asking others for help.  Whatever the reason may be it is not something that comes naturally.  Some people call it suffering silently.  Whatever it may be we all know these people and sometimes that person is me (or you). 

We may do this because we don't want to bother others, we think our way is better etc but I want to suggest that it is actually not the best way to live.  Yes, we may want to be independent but asking others for help doesn't make us any less of an independent person.  We all need eachother and the quicker one can get used to that the quicker we can live a full life the way God intended.  This could mean asking a co worker a few questions, a friend for prayer, asking for help.  As a tourist I've learnt to just 

H o l d out my h a n d

In traffic this principle is respected and followed.  If you're on a bicycle and want to turn left or right you simply put out your hand.  Traffic will make way for that. It is as simple as that.  

May we hold out our hand to God and to others to live a full and free life.  

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Taking hold of...

Sunday

My favorite day 

Today I get to go to church-️yay! I've just recently taken church more seriously.  Hear me out.  Im not into religion... Im into relationship!  

For so long I've been looking back on what I've left behind that I haven't taken ahold of what is in my reach and by that I mean a wet cycle away! 

I loved my church back home with my whole heart.   I loved attending.  I loved recieving.  I loved giving into the vision.  

Coming here and singing hymns was new (or old).  But mostly I didn't know the people and it was tough going and maybe having a few lines with someone that I enjoy cos they are on duty.  

But the truth is that God wants us to take hold of what he has for us everyday.  He doesn't want us to stay stuck in the past.

I made the decision to just "GO!" even if it felt uncomfortable.  I've also learnt that loneliness is not a thing in God.  It is a thing a part from him.  He doesn't want us to deny his very presence within.  I may feel lonely but Im not.  In this im developing deep relationships.  

Today's outfit:

It's a very ordinary one but the flat cap keeps the drizzle off my face and my boots keep my feet above the waters.  I also love my second hand bag that cost me two cappucinos.  

My hair is growing.  My long/short fringe is something to navigate.

My favorite cappuccino comes from Cama- the milk is still something Im not used to. 

May the ordinary things come alive to you!  May God surprise you.  May you let go of the past.  May you take hold of all that is infront of u!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Everyday is a Reason to Dress up

There are many things that catch my attention: home decor,  healthy food and beautiful clothes.  The things that money can buy.  Oh and how these things can lift the spirits!

I'll be sharing with you some of my favorite outfits and my day to day ones too.  I'll be posting them on my bed or a flat surface so that you can imagine them as they are and not as they are on my body shape.  I believe you should wear what you feel good in regardless of all the rules that can be so restricting.  I enjoy buying the basics (tee's, jeans and neutral colours).  So I can build and be more flexible.

This black dress I can wear in so many different ways (with or without leggings, with different neck peices and so it goes!)

It's sometimes good to take stock of what's in your wardrobe.  At the moment Im planning an island holiday with my mom so naturally my outfits may have a tropical overtone.  

Tips when travelling and buying:

*Buy a few quality and durable items

*pack items that can be used more than once and in a variety of ways.  

*always carry water!!!

Enjoy day to day dressing! Everyday is a reason to dress up!

Love,

Phoenix and Sarah

Things money can't buy...

I moved to Taiwan for many reasons: to become more independent, to save and put that money towards a vision I have I my heart. 

I never quite imagined the sense of loss that I would feel in this process.  They don't show that on facebook- another surprise! Kidding.  While im gaining so much how could it be that I feel loss? 

For a couple of months Taiwan has been exciting and full.  But there have been moments when I see friends chatting over coffee and I almost burst into tears... Where I see a mother and daughter walking hand in hand down the street and I can't help but ache.  Just recently I've felt a tremendous emptiness coming home to myself.  I've filled up on food, skipped going to church (and gym as well).  I got a guitar, a bunny and spent waaaay too much time on Facebook looking at everyone else's "perfect" lives. Trying to fill this emptiness.

In this process of mourning things that I've so desired, hoped and dreamt of I've also found God seeking me out, revealing Himself to me.  He always shows me that no darkness is too deep for Him and nothing in me scares him.  He always loved/s me and thinks I'm beautiful.  He sees the darkness but focusses on the good in me.

I hope that in the future Id be more purposeful in seeking him in times of pressure, misunderstandings, disapointments, heart ache and emptiness.  

I've found so much peace in Him.  Something that money can't buy.  May you press into and recieve all the peace he has for you.

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Surprise Surprise!

Friday

My favorite day

So yesterday was Dragonboat festival and so we have a long weekend.  Most of the shops that I needed are closed but I have been able to rest and enjoy no pressure to get things done.  I also haven't been feeling well so the rest came at the perfect time!  

Just recently I've posted about traveling light and expectations.  I am someone who has high expectations and im not particularly good at accepting that life is a process.  Im often impatient when I don't see the results that i so desire.  

But sometimes im surprised at the beauty I stumble upon: whether it be a new friend, a beautiful building, a delicious pastry or a good chat with someone I love.  

This is a building I stumbled upon by accident a few days ago.  I've also posted other photos for the fun of it! 

Lots of love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

 

L i g h t

P a c k i n g light

I always vow to myself that I'll pack light but today Im off to training with three bags.  They are all small though- I must say!  In one is home brewed Tim Horton coffee from a friend from Cananda, a smoothie, water and a salad.  In the other are my crayons and a bookie that I am making and have dedicated to my dear little Nephew, Michael.  Lastly is my hand bag.  Yes, you should never scratch In a woman's hand bag so I'll leave it at that.  

I still believe that one should pack light. I guess this is light for me anyway!  In Asia you're bound to do some walking here and there... 

More importantly pack light mentally.  Don't carry grudges, worries, anxiety and fear.  Those things really do break ones back.  Instead pack in a skip and a hop mentality to bounce from anything that comes your way.  Let's not be easily offended or carry heaviness.  Cast it onto Pappa God-He cares a heaven of a lot! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah