T r u s t

These past few days I've been feeling pretty down.  I have a questioning personality that likes to know the why and when I can't understand a process i get a bit frustrated.  But I am learning to let these times come and go.  

Im learning not to question so much. It's not helpful to always ask why!  I would dread a day where my students constantly asked me why!  Imagine..."why do we need to do this?", "why do we need to do that?"... 

Ahhh this would be the worst.  We could lose momentum.  We are students too and we need to trust our teacher. 

God is patient with us and yes he wants to know our hearts but let's trust him.  Let's trust his process! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

G r a t e f u l

I'm so very grateful for being able to sleep in, to work hard, chat to loved ones, to dress up and to be a child of God.  

There is so much to be grateful for.  So many wonderful things behind us and so many wonderful things ahead of us! 

You are loved and respected and God has amazing plans for your life! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Simplicity

My schedule has increased ever so slightly! An extra 6 hours a week.  It somehow feels like I have more time or maybe it is that I use my time more constructively now.  Extra time I have spent at the gym and in The Lords presence or both simultaneously! 

After my stomach ache I have also been enjoying food again.  Tonight I had potatoe,  greens, and some red beans! I am always disapointed by meat.  I've so enjoyed the simplicity of going all natural! 

May we enjoy the simple things in life. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

L o o s end up

Some things are better loose: loose wool, loose chains, loose muscles, fluid motion in the toilet and loose change (that one was a joke).  The fluid motion of the toilet water is a story for another day! 

Today I was filling up my whiteboard markers and I started thinking about the loose fibres in the one.  It was more suspectable to the ink because it's surface area was wider and the fibres could fill and the ink could wait in between for when the fibres were dry again.  This got me thinking about stress and how stress somewhat tenses one up to not fully grasp the input/inspiration of the moment.  Well for me anyway. 

I see now a few months into the job the ease that certain things were positioned in but because of my tightness i wasn't fully able to soak in the input of the moment.  Im talking being in a survival mindset.  

Some things are better loose and im not talking moral standards.  Im talking muscles and holding a certain amount of grace with oneself in the journey. 

That's all!

Loosen up. 

Daddy God's got your back.

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Be g l a d

I do believe that God wants and desires joy for us.  

Yesterday I hit the bed pretty early.  I worked until 1900, headed to gym and then hit the sack after some supper that i whisped up.  

I had some news that tempted to get me down and discouraged but it was so clear to me that every problem comes with a promise and provision.  So I was meditating on the promise that God has given me a hope and a future.  

Regardless of what your thoughts or feelings God desires goodness for you that includes your present and future situation.  

Take delight in him.  Those who take refuge in the Lord should be glad.  Psalm 5. 

My first coffee in six days.  I decided to treat must on my afternoon off! 

Love,

Phoenix & Sarah

Being alive

Sunday 

8/21 

Oh what a joy it is to be alive! 

These past few days I've been struggling with food poisoning.  I haven't had an appetite and I've just been existing.  What a joy it is to have things that we love to do! And with people that we love! 

May you enjoy this blessed life that we have been given! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Peace in pain

I've been food poisoned.  I've also had an intestine infection and a fever... Truth is I've been in bed for the past three days.  I see on facebook that when some people are sick they've watched series, painted and so on.  Well,  I've battled to keep concentration and focus so I've mainly been sleeping and looking through my facebook, Instagram and emails.  Obviously keeping in touch with my mom, duh!

I've felt very sorry for myself although that didn't really help.  I've been in so much pain and discomfort.  

What have I learnt in this time?  Peace doesn't come with perfect circumstances.  God gives peace in the confusion, in the mess, in the pain, in the struggle.  Simple.  When we release our situation to him he can do wonders.  

May we trust him in the easy times and in the struggles!

Love,

Phoenix and Sarah 

Suspense and dread

I came across these models ( http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2016/03/in-anxious-anticipation/) depicting the build up before something happens. The consequences are obvious: a balloon popping on pins or a champagne glass that is bound to break from the falling of the bricks. 

Sometimes the suspense of something is far worse than the actual thing.  We may dread going to the doctor but it actually turns out better than expected.  We may dread work, or going to church or the gym but everytime we go we are happy we went.  

My prayer is that we would release all our feelings of dread that steal joy to the Lord .  That we would find joy and peace in Him in the waiting... In the process.  May we grasp the hope that he died for.  May we grasp the peace and joy we now have. 

This is a note from my Granny.  "Be happy and ENTHUSIASTIC it makes the world swing".

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

T i m e

8/17

Wednesday 

This morning I woke up, ate breakfast and showered thinking I was late for work.  Then I realised that i had set my alarm an hour earlier.  So I have a whole hour to myself.  Has this ever happened to you?  

It just reminded me that time really is in Gods hands. He has a time and a season for everything.  May we trust in his timing.  "Though the seasons change, His love remains".

Love,

Phoenix and Sarah

C, C, c, c c

Tuesday

8/16

"A, A, a, a, a this is an apple. 

B, B, b, b, b this is a ball.

C, C, c, c, c this is a curious cat!"

(Points at the children in front of her)

Toddlers are curious by nature.  Recently I have subbed a toddler class.  We played a game where they had to try and get the balloon in the black bag through the hola hoop.  When the balloon fell in the bag made a crackling sound.  So i over emphasized this when they got it in.  They became so giddy with excitement.  It brought such joy for me to see them so happy!  They are talkative and easily amused.  This is something I hope I always keep in my life.  A sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty around me. May we never grow old and forget the simple yet beautiful things! God delights in our delighting!!!

This is just a snippet into my thinking. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

F e e l i n g s

Monday

8/15

Those fluffy things called feelings.  As my birthday has come and gone I've felt loved by non christian friends and tempted by christian friends and visa versa.  I've felt a bit depressed at the thought of celebrating alone and then hopeful in the Lord in the next breath.  

Sometimes we feel nothing or we tell ourselves that we feel nothing. It could be that we don't actually want to deal with our emotions.  Either way we come across a variety of feelings everyday and even when it doesn't feel like it- we have control over them.  

Im asking God for wisdom in dealing with my emotions.  Im asking him to reveal what to do when I feel a certain way or not.  May we seek God when we feel a million things or nothing at all!

Much love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Excuses and freedom

I've come to so many excuses of why I don't do something.  I want to paint more, draw more, gym more, read more, write more but I don't.  But why? 

I've been reading a book about bettering ones self.  While I know only true transformation comes from God I was curious about the book.  It most certainly has given me a deeper look into myself and my personality type-  im a questioner.  I want meaning to my decisions but I've learnt also to just stop overthinking something and having the freedom to follow through on what I decided was a good decision. 

I've also come to the realisation that we have been given everything we need for life and Godliness.  We don't need to wait for the perfect timing or even change our mind about a good decision.  

Im learning to let go of this questioner when it comes to obvious good decisions like: having boundaries at work, exercising daily and eating well.  

May you find this and greater freedom in commuting to good decisions and peace in following through. Amen. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Many h a t s

Yesterday I bought a flat cap for a steal.  It also goes with today's post.  This year I've struggled with exercising at the gym.  Whether it be that i over commit at work or that I've lost incentive cos my friends aren't there or because im  too lazy- who knows.   It could also be that I've been cycling in the heat everyday to and from work and that my job is active.  Regardless, everyday we have many caps that we wear:  teacher, friend, daughter, cleaner, cook, provider, shopper, gymer and so the list goes on. 

For those of you who don't know the most effective way to lose weight is through ones diet- not even exercise.  Although I've learnt to see cleaning my apartment as exercise or climbing the stairs, cycling to work and trying to make good food choices when there are so many options- although fried food in general doesn't really appeal to me. 

The encouragement that I want to come from this post is this;  you are enough.  You do enough and you are enough.  Cut yourself some slack and see yourself the way God sees you: beautiful.  

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Wait

A general theme that has been reoccurring in my life is to trust God and not man.  I have been overwhelmed by Gods goodness through people but I look to Him first.  I am always disapointed when I rely too heavily on anyone.  We are made to be in relationship with God.  Have you ever thought of God as waiting for you? 

He waits for your attention. 

Now I know as a teacher I'm there for connection with the children.  I know my abc's.  If they don't listen I wait.  I desire their attention but sometimes they are VERY interested in their shoes/buttons and so on... And then I wait some more.  

You have access to God all the time.  He is interceding for us.  He desires connection.  What a thought! We have access to pure love, divine peace, overwhelming joy and His presence any time, anywhere, any way! Wow! 

May we include God in all we do.  May we hear him whisper to us.

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Birthday cakes

Yesterday I was overwhelmed by the kindness of the Taiwanese.  I was running around this week- not getting to everything I want... I wasn't too fussed about getting a cake for my birthday lunch.  "How would I order it?", "how would I transfer it?" And "where would I get one without it being over the top expensive and still my taste?" 

Anyway my dear friends and I finished our lunch when two cheese cakes appeared on my table.  I was so confused.  They were made for me! 

They were delicious! 

I took the left overs home and now I gave a sugar hang over! 

May we be generous in our giving and content in our recieving. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

My B i r t h d a y

Birthdays- ️yay!!!! 

I love birthdays!

This post is a make up one for the 8/12.

My birthday started perfectly-  an email from a dear Uncle.  This was fresh rain on my heart.  Because of the time difference i wasn't expecting any messages until one o 'clock.  I also received a Whatsapp from my faithful mother- what a gift!

The night before around 20:00 i decided I wanted to spoil myself and wake up to a few gifts- even though I'd know what they are! So I went to H&M and bought a few things that were on sale.  

I ate my favorite breakfast- egg and tomotoe! 

Others at work forgot it was my birthday but I had brought cookies and made a fresh pot of coffee to share!

I was blessed with beautiful flowers, cake, card and gift from a friend that evening which was lovely. 

Another thing that I have learnt from the Taiwanese is to be content and that is exactly my general feeling of late.  

Absolute gratefulness.  

"if you don't ever feel the pointed things in life, you soon will take the soft things for granted"- John Everson. 

May we enjoy the soft things. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Keep on

This week has been my birthday and so I have really wanted to write- even had ideas but pure exhaustion has prevented me from getting up when I'm in bed to write.  So this one is for the 8/11.

This week I've been teaching toddlers- it has been a challenge.  What has been the biggest lesson in it is this-  keep on regardless of screaming! I think this can apply to life in general.  Whatever resistance you may feel when doing something you feel you want to do- keep going! 

So, while the children were screaming i taught, I sang, I carried on... I pushed through and found things about myself when I don't care about what others are thinking or feeling.  Look,  I tried to comfort this littlies but they were as stubborn as a toddler is. 

Second lesson that I learnt was this: even if one person is listening- it is worth it! 

It's so worth it.  

May you have a beautiful day.  

May you carry on- what you do is beautiful. 

Love,

Phoenix and Sarah

T a i w a n

10/8

Wednesday

When filling out forms for something in SA today I wrote it the Taiwanese way.  Taiwan has influenced me in the best way possible.  It has helped me develop patience (still working on this!) and I would like to think self control ( there are so any options here!). My mom was right when she said that when i leave I'll miss it.  

I love the patience people have here.  The gentleness and peace they function in.   These are just a few of many!!!

Tomorrow is my birthday so at 8pm i decided to go shopping for a dress or a present for myself.  I'll miss the shops being open so late when I head home. Or it costing me to go to the dermatologist for around 100 rand including medication. 

This post isn't about me giving advice or anything specific from the bible but it's about me sharing my life with you!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Everything we need.

The other day I was feeling down and I wanted to be happy but it just felt impossible.  I told God how I was feeling and he spoke so clearly to me.  He said "do you doubt my ability to really give you joy?"  I was making it as if it was something impossible.  

Since I've been meditating on the scripture that says we have been given everything we need for life and Godliness-  this includes joy and peace. 

We have been given these things.  This is not some shady double minded scripture but it's truth.  It's the word of God, with God,  Holy Spirit inspired.  

May this truth ignite you. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

You are you. I am me.

What do you think of yourself on a daily basis? I mean im sure at some stage of the day you think about yourself? 

This is crucial to the goals we set or don't set.  How we interact with others and risks we do or don't take.  

Twice today I saw my scooter parked next to another black one.  The one was new and shiny and it made mine look dull.  Then later today mine was next to an older black one and mine looked shiny and new in comparison.  I sometimes compare myself to others and I feel bad and other times I feel great but truth is we are who we are and we are where we're at and I need to accept that.  

May we look to God and ask him how he sees us. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

A light in the dark

So today is Sunday and I am aware i haven't posted.  Im sorry.  Oh that reminds me i leant how to say (not write) that in Chinese.  Yay! 

Okay so today I drove on my scooter (second yayyy!) around town looking at the interesting facades and adverts.  Inviting exteriors (some) and just luring passersbys in. I stopped in at the mall, tried on a few clothes - my birthday is coming up.  Didnt buy any clothes but I did buy some vanilla and coconut essence to infuse my passage.  There is a point to this story I promise.  I was amazed at this shop once again as everything is NT$39 which is around R20. 

I brought home my purchases after getting a massive bread roll to consume for Sunday lunch-haha!

First thing I did when I got home was unwrap the essence and put it in the passage way.  Now this passageway has an interesting smell.  When I first arrived I thought it was homely and taiwanese but seven months in Im a bit over it.  This passage doesn't get much sun nor fresh air.  My point is coming I promise. This evening when I arrived home from church I noticed that the essence had permeated the area.  It smells fresh and clean again.

Here's my point: our lives as Christians are lights in a dark world.  They give off warmth and light.  They bring freshness and can change the atmosphere around us just like my essence has done.

May your light shine.  May you not be afrId to let it shine.  Let your life be a fragrant offering to the Lord. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

E m b r a c e

Today I heard a word sneak into my mind... Embrace! 

Just a few minutes later I saw a pregnant woman walk in wearing a red dress... Now I don't think it was a real preggies dress as it pull up in the front and was longer at the back.  So what does this word , "embrace" mean ? It means to really accept or hold affectionately.  So this ladies dress was really embracing her . 

Our lives can be filled with a lot more peace and joy if we embrace what we have and what God has given us.  

This is a word I'm living by.  This evening i embraced the inner voice that wanted to go for a ride.  I so enjoyed it! The mountains, the river and the open spaces.  

Embrace.

Love,

Phoenix and Sarah

F a i t h

So what is faith ? It's being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  

So yesterday I felt like I was practicing faith in the school context.  Two year olds all staring wide eyed at me while I was teaching.  No noises, no singing, no moving just staring!  But I just kept going, talking, moving, singing, reading, chanting and so on.  Then today I saw progress.  Yesterday I really felt like giving up.  Yes, they're cute but I was just feeling so useless as a teacher.  Today they moved and spoke.  It was amazing! This is not their first language so it's really even more amazing! 

We need to have faith in God about any and all areas of our lives that feel redundant.  He cares and hears our prayers! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Simple things

Today was an interesting day - which helps when you've committed to writing daily on your blog.  

I should've guessed it would downpour today because it did yesterday but honestly the heat has been so overwhleming (especially with my hot coffee routine). Anyway,  I had to get to my Tuesday evening class at another branch and once again I hadn't packed a raincoat but this time I had a scooter to ride on (yay!). 

Y

A 

Y

!!!

I hopped onto my scooter wearing my black bag and rode to the closest seven eleven.  Two blocks away.  I was drenched.  So I bought a cheap pink raincoat, nearly bought a kiddies one and put it on - while racing against the clock.  But my backpack was on the outside of the raincoat and susceptible to the rain (which had my books in that i was going to teach).  In the process i split the raincoat and decided to just leave my backpack on the outside.  I stopped past home, changed, raced to school and just made it in time to realise I had prepped the wrong lesson.  But this is normal by now. 

In all of this excitement i realise that these things are just part of life and the cool moments of bliss or love are also and worth celebrating!

We sometimes put such emotional emphasis on the things that aren't our taste and I hope to be someone who makes a fuss of the things that are my style and taste ( the way someone says my name or the shape of a key, the colour of a wall or a message from a friend).  

May we emphasize the good in our lives. 

May we thank God for his goodness.

Im grateful that I didn't have my lunch alone, that I could share good news with a colleague and have her share in that joy.  I am thankful for time.  I am thankful for sleep and so with that-  Good night! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Crying out!

Well today was the first day of school for some toddlers at my school.  It was two and a bit hours of constant crying.  These  kids felt like their parents had abandoned them.  They were calling for their mom and dad for hours.  Sigh.  What a day.  

It got me thinking about how we cry out to God to do something and we too can have this feeling like He is not coming to save us.  But in the end He will come.  We can either cry, rant and rave or just sit patiently and enjoy what is right in front of us.  I guess our faith sometimes needs time to grow and progress.  We need to develop trust and confidence in his faithfulness.  We have logic and the past to look back to.  Has he abandoned me before?  We have the word to turn to too!   What does his word say?  It says he won't disapoint us.  It tells us that he is a good father, protector, provider and so the list goes on and on...

When it's raining we forget there will be sun.  When it's sunny we forget that it could be could but let us not forget all that God has done for us.  Let us not forget his goodness.  

 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah