Pepper-Shaker

A long time has past...

2005-09-15T16:39:00.000+08:00

It's been a long while since I've posted but I've just decided to do it. I was frantically trying to type in my password. To my dismay, I tried again and again in cold sweat, but I finally got it right. Man, oh man!

I thought I'd share with you an incredible site that I bumped upon for drawing perspective. It teaches you how to draw one-, two- and three- point perspective. For anyone wanting to learn to draw 3D things on a 2D page, here you go. I remember trying to draw my res. room back in the good old days. It really looked distorted because I knew nothing about vanishing points or the horizon line.

Here's the link. If you like, arm yourself with paper, pencil and ruler, and get drawing.

Life's Challenges

2005-06-08T16:35:00.000+08:00

It’s been so long since I last wrote. Yes, I’m still alive and well. Knowing the Lord, things can never be boring. Some have said life is like a rollercoaster, and with what has been happening, I agree.

Since, I last wrote, I’ve learnt to gradually let Jesus shine through me in a very secular world. Things aren’t easy when you get the “social reject” label stamped on to you, but in the process I’ve come to hold on to biblical values more strongly. Always wanting to be accepted, I’ve realized that I won’t comprise the values I hold dear just to be IN.

In the Chinese culture, there’s such a struggle to say things as they are. I’ve chosen to speak the truth in love. Because of this, I feel that people will know where I stand and what my parameters are. Believe it or not, there is security in this. With God’s wisdom and guidance, I’ll know how I should go about this.

Even so, God is good!

Orange Cake - Recipe

2005-04-27T22:51:00.000+08:00

This is dedicated to the teachers who'd like to try their hand at this tasty yet simple recipe.

Serves 6
Cake
170g plain flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
115g butter or margarine
115g caster sugar
grated rind of 1 large orange
2 eggs, at room temperature
2tbsp milk

For the syrup and decoration
115g cater sugar
250ml fresh orange juice, strained
3 orange slices, for decorating

1. Preheat a 180ºC. Line a 20cm cake tin with greaseproof paper and grease the paper.
2. Sift the flour, salt and baking powder into a mixing bowl
3. With an electric mixer and in another mixing bowl, cream the butter or margarine until soft. Add the sugar and orange rind and continue beating until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time. Fold in the flour in 3 batches, then add the milk.
4. Spoon into the tin and bake until the cake pulls away from the sides, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven but leave in the tin.
5. Meanwhile, for the syrup, dissolve the sugar in the orange juice over a low heat. Add the orange slices and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove and drain. Let the syrup cool.
6. Prick the cake all over with a fine skewer. Pour the syrup over the hot cake. It may seem at first that there is too much syrup for the cake to absorb, but it will soak it all up. Unmould when completely cooled and decorate with small triangles of the orange slices arranged on top.

(This is a recipe from Baking by contributing editor, Carole Clements)

Try it and tell me how it came out.

As mixed up as a salad?

2005-04-25T23:18:00.000+08:00

Anyone for a chicken toss salad with a dash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar?

I love whipping up something that's easy and healthy to eat.

Lately there has just been so much internal wrestling. You know when God is telling you that there are certain things and struggles you need to face? You kind of say, "Do I have to, Lord?" I know this is an unavoidable process of molding that God needs to do in me. As much as I dread it, I really know that God knows best, and I know to yield.

Even though I cannot see and feel Him, I know that He is with me. He has promised in His Word that He will never leave me nor forsake me.

This is a testimony that is waiting to shine for His glory.

Sand between my toes

2005-04-14T23:15:00.000+08:00

I love the feeling of sand between my toes

Don't you just love that cold and grainy feel of sand when you push your toes into the sand and then curl them up? My thoughts run back to Fishoek, the most amazing beach in Cape Town. It's got such a laid-back, family feel. Don't worry about the paparazzi, the models in tinie-weenie bikinis in photo shoots or the chic & the suave. They're not here. Nothing wrong with looking gorgeous, but I think sometimes we're just way too image concious.

With all trips I've made to Fishoek, its warm water always tranquilly bob up and down, carrying you as you lounge back in utter bliss...mmmm. I miss Fishoek.

Okay, we're talking about Green Bay, not Fishoek beach. Rarely is there a chance to access a beach close to Taipei, if you don't have your own transportation, so Green Bay was a great change. The day was too cold to venture into the water, so the next best thing was to get my toes in the water.

Cool ripples of water tickle my toes

The Purpose Driven Life

2005-04-12T15:15:00.000+08:00

For those who are saying, another blog?!?!?
Yes, I've started up a new blog for good reason.

Over the next 40 days, I'll be reading the "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. If you care to join me, you're more than welcome to leave comments. Reading this book is a journey with purpose. For those who have questions like - What on earth am I here for? What's the point of life anyway - you'll find this a book of discovery.

A penny for your thoughts? Click Bubble Brainwork

Miracles Still Happen Everyday

2005-04-07T15:40:00.000+08:00

It’s been a wonderfully long weekend. The Pepper-Shakers joined other couples on a retreat at Green Bay for two days and a night. I wish we had more time to spend enjoying the wonderful resort and beach, but without your own means of transportation, I was pretty content already.

The most beautiful discovery on this retreat was one reason why God put Mr. Pepper-Shaker and I together. There’s something indescribably safe about being able to face things that you’ve battled with from your past and find overwhelming love and acceptance from your spouse when sparks begin to fly.

Okay that probably didn’t make too much sense to you. Some people have pretty rough childhoods, but it doesn’t mean that I can use that as an excuse not to face the things I’ve struggled with and find a breakthrough. Personally, I’m now finding God taking me on a journey of facing the circumstances and certain people types that I would have avoided. I know it’s safe because He knows best and has my interest at heart. God is amazing, and so is Mr. Pepper-Shaker.

Don't overlook the little miracles in life

A holiday spent renovating

2005-03-30T11:02:00.000+08:00

At last, I’ve patched up the gapping hole in the kitchen ceiling that Mr. Pepper-Shaker had half-completed. My first attempts were greeted by falling sludges of wet cement, and I wondered why I didn’t just stick to plaster. I persevered and I finally got the knack of getting cement to stick with its constancy much like a cake batter. (Me and cooking again…) My arm and shoulder muscles feel strained today, but I know it’s a job well done. Now there’s one more hole in the kitchen ceiling to attack with plaster, and the painting can begin.

Renovation isn’t easy when you’re still living in the home. It’s not just repairing, but it’s the massive clean up afterwards. With cement splotches and sprays seeping into nook and crannies that the newspaper missed, I was set out for a major scrub-down. Next time, I won’t be lazy, I’ll tape the newspaper to the wall.

Updates coming soon!

Food, Glorious Food!

2005-03-30T10:42:00.000+08:00

The medley of colors from the food and the plate, just said, “Photo me!” So here it is.

Bounty of plenty: Mr. Pepper-Shaker's plate

The Pepper-Shakers tucked into this Thai dish to find that it tasted as good as it looked. The lemon grass and the kaffir leaves put the zing into this dish, and it put fish sauce in a totally different light. Until this dish, my taste buds had never quite caught on to the odd taste of fish sauce. The crisp lettuce adds an interesting contrast to the rice noodles and fried carrots. What an amazing Saturday lunch. You’ll learn that with just a recipe, you too can whip up wonders in the kitchen on any day of the week.

Lemon Grass Pork in Lettuce Cups

I have no photo to show of the cheesecake we made as a cell group last Thursday, but wow was it a seller at Alpha. It’s fantastic seeing people cook something that they’d only think to order and eat, and now bake and eat. Feeling real pooped after a busy day of work, I forgot to put in a tray of water, resulting in the cheesecake looking more than a little tanned. Thankfully, I poked at the brown surface just before Alpha to discover it has actually burnt. Spatula to the rescue and off with the brown layer! A sprinkle of crushed digestive cookies and the accident was hidden. It actually looked really good, and it tasted even better. Girls from cell, you did it!

You got to try the links!!!

2005-03-28T10:46:00.000+08:00

Okay so for those of you who are wondering what has happened to the half-finished flat, I’m likely to start again this Tuesday, a public holiday. Things have been incredibly busy, and when you’re body tells you it needs time to catch up, you know to let renovation rest for the time being.

I thought I’d introduce you to some of the links I’ve put in on the right hand side. (Words that are underlined are hyperlinked.)

"Just Add Zip" is Mr. Pepper-Shaker’s blog. Filled with useful links, it’s a blog that offers tips, tools, tricks ad techniques to help you create an amazing website that works.

Tricia Guild is an incredible interior designer that I’ve mentioned time and time again in this blog. If you like color and you’re not scared to decorate your home in zesty orange and lime, here’s the site for you. Here’s past posts that I’ve written up about her:
Post 1
Post 2

Terence Conran first caught my attention because of his ability to mix his love for cooking and interior design. One of his amazing restaurants features a window looking right into the kitchen. Passersby on the street can glimpse master chefs at work wielding their tools of the trade. Imagine seeing delicious pastries laid out before you eyes, and food in vivid fresh colors presented on cream white plates. With all five sense stirred, you’ll want to step into the restaurant. I know you’re asking me what restaurant, but sadly its name has slipped my memory.

Pronovias are Spanish designers. If you enjoy designing bridal wear and evening gowns, here’s a site that will ignite inspiration. Just click on it. The site speaks for itself.

The-Ward-O-Matic is a blog that I stumbled upon. Ward Jenkins is a phenomenal artist. I love his daughter, Ava’s gorgeous drawings. I think Ward’s talent gene runs in her too. He’s got some tremendous links for all you avid cartoonists:
Jared Chapman
Primal Screen
Dagnabit
art smear
Just click around and you’ll see what I mean.

If you like the movie the Incredibles, you’ll love Pixar. Zip on over and check out their movies shorts like Geri’s Game.

Dong Haeng uses such simple strokes to tell people about Jesus. Some clips really get you thinking, others bring a tear. I love “Love” most.

You got to try the links!!!

A weekend out in nature

2005-03-21T22:28:00.000+08:00

What a weekend! The Pepper-Shakers finally left the concrete jungle to get out into nature. Close to where we live is a hiking route that breathes the sounds and sights of nature. Up until recently there have been road constructions that have hidden the park leading up to this hiking route to the Elephant Mountain.

I hang in my head in shame when I think about how I struggled with going down flight upon flight of stairs. You need to understand that Mrs. Pepper-Shaker is quite the fitness fanatic. I’m hoping for more than just glimpses of summer in Taiwan, so that I can swim again. It’s been a surprisingly long, rainy winter.

I miss seeing flowers and nature as it is, so I thought to post it up for all to enjoy. Thanks, Mr. Pepper-Shaker!

A posy of white flowers

A single white flower

Life in the Fast Lane

2005-03-21T11:34:00.000+08:00

Things have been incredibly busy this week. From piles of edits to reviewing a colleague’s university homework, I’m just pooped. It’s not merely ensuring that all the English is correct, but it’s going through the logic of it all. For a second I was wondering if I was sitting at my office desk, or I was burning the midnight oil for some Economics II essay. So you get the gist, my brain needs a rest.

Just this past Tuesday, the Pepper-Shakers were invited to celebrate a birthday over dinner. I’d only heard about Mr. Pepper-Shaker’s colleague, and boy was it great meeting this birthday girl. She is so down to earth and spontaneous. I like how this Mississippi girl missed good old comfort food from the South and how she relished good wholesome cooking. I think we share the same rave for chocolate =)

Work has been truly busy. That’s why entries have been rather sporadic.

What an interior designer does with color and texture

2005-03-15T12:02:00.000+08:00

I know of one interior designer that captures colors and textures like no other. She draws much of her inspiration from nature, from the colors, textures and patterns of the surrounding landscape.

Here’s just one example. Look at the striking colors of the curtains in the one picture and compare it to the colors and fabrics worn by the Indian women. Can you see hints of India? Do you notice the ethnic touches that the colors and fabrics of India bring to this interior? The typical vivid reds, purples and fuchsias of another land, Thailand, mixed with other bold colors can also breathe vitality and brilliance into any interior.

Zandanechi (source: www.designersguild.com)

Indian women in colorful saris (www.amazingindia.info)

In the next photo, you’ll see that the room invites the view outside the window inside the room through its décor. The turquoise wall reminds a person of the sky outside, and the apple-green splash of cushions and duvet brings in the natural green from the trees outside. Solitary yet bright flowers in vases accentuate the bold floral pattern of the curtains.

Inessa (source: www.designersguild.com)

That's Tricia Guild for you. For more of her amazing work, go to
Designers Guild

Couples Sharing over Dinner

2005-03-14T10:46:00.000+08:00

Alpha on Friday evening was fantastic. Although not everyone that was invited came, I know that they will come in due course. Food was good and company was great =)
A happy hum could be heard among all.

I was a person that never enjoyed people for too long. I’d feel claustrophobic and uncomfortably self-conscious. More often than not, I bumbled along in small talk or was at a loss for words. Sometimes I have a blip and fall into this mud pool again, but God has been so gracious to me, moving me forward and transforming me. This past Saturday was evidence of one more step forward, with the invitation of a couple coming to our flat for supper.

Of course, that means I get to do what I enjoy… whipping up a good meal. The couple are courting at the moment, but meeting up with difficult challenges. It was such a pleasure to freely share our challenges during courtship with this couple, and to see their response. Mr. Pepper-Shaker was not aware of the particulars of their challenges, but yet God used him to speak to the guy openly. I was so blessed to witness the moment.

In truth, I was a little tired from the cooking and it was affecting my translation abilities. God really undertook when Mr. Pepper-Shaker shared, and I was able to translate simultaneously. Wow, that’s God. He knew what this couple needed to hear.

I’m so truly blessed.

RED TAPE-------ugh!!!

2005-03-11T17:57:00.000+08:00

It’s one of those bizarre days where almost everything is a test of patience when your nerves are raw with crisis explosions. It’s really hard doing intercontinental paperwork and cutting through all the bureaucratic red tape. Registering a marriage certificate can be quite a test of endurance. These are the times you look up and say, “God please help me. I have Alpha at home tonight, I really need to unstress so I can serve properly.” Hey, we’re all human.

I’m really looking forward to Alpha tonight. So it’s off to Alpha I go.

Feast in France

2005-03-10T12:01:00.000+08:00

Remember the adventure-turned library trip I told you about?
Well, here’s a gem of a book. It’s entitled “French Lessons” by Peter Mayle. Reading it is as fulfilling as feasting at the gourmet restaurants the author mentions. His humor brings on hearty laughter as you embark on a journey to tiny, out-of the-way restaurants, local village markets, annual festivals and hazy vineyards throughout France. With his Michelin Guide in hand he leads you along the path of gastronomic discovery.

Here’s something from the book to whet your appetite:
“Jenkins, quite unconsciously, came to my rescue. “ Personally,” he said, “I never eat anything I can’t pronounce.” He closed his menu with a decisive snap. “Fish and chips for me. They do a very decent fish and chips in France. Not quite like ours, of course.”

With a sense of relief, I said I’d have the same. Our two French colleagues raised four surprised eyebrows. No oysters to start with? No soupe de poisons? The company was paying; there was no need to hold back. But Jenkins was adamant. He couldn’t abide the texture of oysters—"slippery little blighters” was how he described them—and he didn’t care for the way soup had a tendency to cling to his mustache. Fish and chips would suit him very nicely, thank you.

By this time, I was already enjoying a minor revelation, which was the bread. It was light and crusty and slightly chewy, and I spread on to it some of the pale, almost white butter form the slab on a saucer in front of me. A slab. English butter in those days was highly salted and a lurid shade of yellow, and it was doled out in small, grudging pats. At the first mouthful of French bread and French butter, my taste buds, dormant until then, went into spasm.”

Don't stay angry: It's a health risk

2005-03-08T10:42:00.000+08:00

In my single days, I really struggled with anger—pure wrath. I’d rather fight to the bitter end or seethe in sizzling anger, and no exaggeration. This may sound childish, but yes these were my thoughts: “If that so-and-so could hurt me, I’ll just hurt them right back.” Guess who got the most hurt? Me.

Getting angry is human, but staying that way is giving Satan a foothold. This may sound incredible to some of you, but my digestive system started reacting to my bitterness and anger to the point of constipation. Every time I chose to bring my hurts before God and to ask Him to help me to forgive the person who had hurt me, my digestive system would become unblocked and it would work healthily again.

God’s not a killjoy, but my own folly was causing pain to my own body. I simply was not submitting myself to His ways.
Eph 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”

I couldn’t do Eph 4:26 because I felt that I had every right to be angry and to stay angry. God showed me what unforgiveness and anger was doing to my body and my heart. He showed me that He extended grace and mercy to me, so I should do the same to others. I asked Him to help me and He has. Now though I still get hurt, I choose to do what is right, and yes, I have a very healthy digestive system.

We live in a fallen world, but we can choose our reaction and attitudes. God sees and knows.

No kidding... A LIBRARY

2005-03-07T10:18:00.000+08:00

What an amazing weekend! The Pepper-Shakers decided to pop on over to Tienmou. We’re not too familiar with the area, but we thought to scout it out. A surprise waited for us around the corner… okay, don’t laugh… A LIBRARY!!!! You are talking to people that have been deprived of good English books and starved of choice. We each took out 5 books and are blissfully tucking into them.

Food for the brain…Bon Appetit!!!

Keep both eyes appeal and your mind clear

2005-03-04T17:55:00.000+08:00

For all those who may think all this hard work preparing for marriage is bad news, can think again. Even though I may have whined, moaned and gritted my teeth through some of the preparations, I’ve come to know the person I was about to marry.

Let me tell you, waking up after the wedding and realizing that you’ve married a figment of your imagination can be quite earth shattering to your dreams. I held high hopes for my own marriage, having witnessed many unhappy marriages and divorces. I had my ideal of what a husband should be, and you know what Mr. Pepper-Shaker sure didn’t fit the bill. In fact, Mr. Pepper-Shaker is much better. He’s exactly the person God knew I needed.

It was a matter of me waking up from my unrealistic dream and appreciating the gift God has given me. Being a hopeless perfectionist, it wasn’t easy. But guess what, God has a thing about pruning all the unfruitful branches off and perfection was one of those unfruitful boughs.

God wanted me to go into marriage with both my eyes open and my mind clear, knowing that I would have to love and accept this person unconditionally. Boy, oh boy, did He help me see the real Mr. Pepper-Shaker, warts and all. That also goes to say, Mr. Pepper-Shaker got the unedited version of me, holler-free and feisty.

Part of being in a marriage relationship is all about change, changing for the better.

When your mind races and your heart flutters...

2005-03-02T15:49:00.000+08:00

You’re in love!!! Could this be the one? Your mind races with thoughts of him and your heart flutters with the excitement of romance.

This still sounds like me, but it makes a big difference when it’s before marriage. I’ve thought to share with you some of the things the Pepper-Shakers learnt while courting—the good and the not so good.

When you realize that an ordinary relationship is taking on a different direction, you really need to watch your heart. Many have suffered the consequences of dating a person that God has not intended as a marriage partner. Let’s put it this way; God has created each of our lives with a unique meaning. Imagine being married to someone who doesn’t share the calling that God has given to you. Marriage glorifies God and in it a couple can serve God together.

One of the easiest ways of watching your heart is of committing this relationship to a pastor in the church and to someone you trust and respect. The person(s) that you have chosen should be a mature Christian that you can be open with and that will pray for you. These are the people that will keep your feet in the ground, and will be the peacemaker when you argue as a couple.

People in love never expect to have huge fallouts, but it does happen, especially if the relationship is moving into marriage. Looking back I thank God for it, because marriage is now heavenly. It wasn’t always so though.

Personally, I had baggage that God knew I could not take into marriage. I was like a tantrum-throwing toddler, holding on to my toy for dear life. (Mr. Pepper-Shaker wanted to introduce a line of squeaky shoes for me—Tantrum Trotters.) I really did not want to cooperate, but God’s love and grace overcame my stubbornness.

It was a painful process of discovering the ugliness inside the both of us, and the disappointment of not being able to change the other or ourselves. With the ever-increasing arguments and fallouts, we were becoming more and more disenchanted with what was once a flaming romance. God kept on giving us hope in the midst of it all. He encouraged us from the Word and put peace in our hearts. He wanted us to know that He had put us together.

Today, we enjoy the fruit of allowing God do His work in our hearts. We’ve also found a new grace in marriage, speedy forgiveness and unconditional love.

Marriage is not about you changing the other, but of God changing the both of you. That’s why you need to love and accept each other unconditionally.

If you know God has called you together, see the other for who he is clearly and choose to love and accept him unconditionally.

Pray! It’s the fastest way to understand the other when you’ve already talked and talked again. Don’t go cold turkey with “I refuse to talk,” or stay angry. You don’t want to give Satan a foothold.
Eph 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”

I think that’s enough fodder for the mind. Let me leave you with this, “Marriage is incredible!!!!”

Life Lived Abundantly

2005-03-02T14:48:00.000+08:00

The Saturday fiesta was a feast! I have no idea what happened out in the front while I was back in the kitchen, but I do know that everybody had their fill of food. Sweet & sour chicken nuggets, bolognaise, quiche, hummus, Irish soda bread, milk tart and pumpkin muffins (don’t be deceived, it’s delicious) was dished out to all. Oh yes, let’s not forget the humble rice, otherwise how would anyone eat bolognaise. Right, I know—pasta, but I only had enough time to make rice. As a cook, my greatest joy is to see people enjoying the food I cook. Over-catering is a given. I hate under catering and having anyone leave hungry.

Proud of our wedding ceremony and reception, I made sure that my guests would be given a whiff of Cape Town party fever, even if it was just on DVD. Man, do these people know how to jive. Our DJ had good, wholesome Christian music bumping from the sound system, and guests were making the most of it. It’s something that is so foreign to people in Taiwan unless you’re one to club. You should have seen the joyful noise these people were making to the Lord =)

Thankfully Monday was a national holiday, which meant more time for home renovations. The kitchen ceiling responded to the Pepper-Shakers’ attack with utter stubbornness. We tried to scrape as much of the die-hard paint as possible, but eventually we left it. If it didn’t come off after our assault with a water gun and scraper, I’m sure the old paint is here to stay. Sadly, there’s more gapping holes in the kitchen ceiling so we’ve had to fill it with cement. Talk about a major feat of trying to get the cement to stick to the ceiling. Mr. Pepper-Shaker even went online to find some advice as to remedy our blight. So it’s work in progress… and my patience is growing…

Ready Set....GO!!!

2005-02-25T14:39:00.000+08:00

Mrs. Pepper-Shaker will be cooking up a storm tonight and tomorrow. I haven’t quite decided which recipes to cook, but I’ll get it done chop, chop with grocery shopping scheduled for tonight. Much hard work involved in the Pepper-Shakers’ Taipei wedding reception definitely calls for a fiesta!!!

I just thought I’d share a really moving site with you today. It’s inspiring to a see a creative individual use his talent to God’s glory. Prepare the tissues, and click on to:
www.donghaeng.net/english/main.htm#

Too little time for devotions as a couple?

2005-02-23T16:07:00.000+08:00

Celebrations!!! At last, I’ve finally finished plastering the bathroom ceiling. Hopefully, Mr. Pepper-Shaker will have dressed up the dicey patches in the dining room. Taipei city isn’t the most beautiful place in the world, so it helps to have an aesthetically pleasing home.

I decided to share with you a book that Mr. Pepper-Shaker and I read together. It’s the perfect read for all you married couples—“Devotions for Couples” by Patrick Morley. If you are starting out as a Christian and busy describes your everyday life, then you’ll find this book a bonus. Of course, it’s not off limits to veteran Christian couples.

The author’s vulnerable writing style helps you to see that truths mentioned in the book are tried and tested. It’s initiated some deep and interesting conversations with the Pepper-Shakers, and brought on much laughter as we retraced some of our funny experiences.

Let’s open to a page in this book:
“…As fate would have it, at that moment the woman across the street was walking to the street in her pajamas to fetch her morning paper. Unfortunately, at the precise instant she turned to go back inside she happened to look across the street and catch my eyes. There I stood, craning my neck over the fence to catch a glimpse of the hot air balloon.

Egads! I ducked behind the fence as quickly as I could and slinked back to my study, knowing I know had a neighbor who thought I was a pervert. I never even got to see the balloon.

We all have embarrassing moments when perceptions and realities collide into a humorous concoction of anecdotes that can be filed away for future use. But these experiences have current value, too, if we will exploit the opportunities.

As soon as Patsy awakened I shared this embarrassing moment with her and we both had a hearty laugh. Instead of spending the day brooding about whether or not my neighbor was going to call the police, I shared the story with my wife and was set free from dwelling on it any longer…”

Ps… Thanks to Mr. Pepper-Shaker’s teacher for giving us this wonderful book. It’s enriched the Pepper-Shaker’s marriage all the more.

Do you want to finish strong?

2005-02-22T17:47:00.000+08:00

Mr. Pepper-Shaker recommended that I give the book a try. I grudgingly opened the book thinking it was one of those heavy, dry books. Boy was I wrong. Yes, “Finishing Strong” by Steve Farrar is a book for men, but it makes incredibly good reading. Dealing with serious and challenging issues, it never fails to add humor and inspiration to these difficult topics. This book gave me a glimpse of a man’s heart and the issues they face. I think this book helps wives know how better to walk alongside their husbands.

Here’s a sneak preview straight from the book:

“Now, do you believe that God has a sense of humor? I can guarantee that He does. In fact, let me prove it to you. Do you see the last sentence of the previous paragraph? The sentence says, “I’m called to do it.” Just as I was finishing this last sentence of the previous paragraph, I hear the faint words, “Daaaad… Daaaad….” I walked out of my office to see my son vomiting in the hallway between his bedroom and the bathroom. And since I am here alone with my son, the job of serving him fell to me. In the last ninety minutes—when I should have been completing this chapter—I have cleaned up my son, put him to bed, cleaned up the vomit off the carpet, gone to the grocery store, rented a carpet shampooer, shampooed the carpet… well, you get the idea.

It is now 9:48 P.M. This completed chapter needs to be at FedEx by 10:30 P.M. So, FedEx closes in forty-two minutes.

When my son threw up, my first question was, “Where is Mary?” Actually that’s not quite right. My first question was “WHERE IS MARY?” She promised on our wedding day to be faithful in sickness and in health—and THIS IS SICKNESS!” Now, I didn’t say this out loud. But I was thinking it.

After I cleaned Josh up and got him to bed, I looked at my watch and noticed that the time was quickly coming when “no man shall work.”

I began to think, Where is that woman and what is she doing? I don’t have time to clean this crud up! I have to get this chapter done and get it to FedEx! I have to finish this section on servanthood so that these guys can be the men Christ wants them to be! Where is she? I’m about ready to throw up myself after getting this stuff off the carpet! I’m supposed to be doing something important for the kingdom of God instead of getting recycled hot dogs and chili off this rug!

When I finally sat down to figure out where I left off, I noticed the last paragraph that I had written:

Let me ask you a question: Do you want to change? Are you willing to change? Are you willing to become a servant? Unless I miss my guess, that serving stuff may not come naturally for you. It may not be your knee-jerk reaction to situations in your life. It’s certainly not in mine. But do you know what? I really don’t have an option. I’m called to do it.

Bingo. You see guys, it’s easy for me to write this stuff. I just have a hard time living it…

For more on his writing, visit www.stevefarrar.com

Renovation Update - The Bathroom

2005-02-22T17:14:00.000+08:00

Renovations are taking shape nicely. Yesterday, I managed to plaster some of the bathroom ceiling, and I hope to finish the rest of it today. The ceiling will be the same color as the kitchen ceiling—oatmeal white. I’ve yet to start the kitchen. So it’s scraping and the plastering before any painting can happen in the kitchen. Hopefully, I won’t have to treat the ceilings for dampness, drawing out the process again.

We'll see how it goes...

Another Match Made in Heaven

2005-02-19T18:02:00.000+08:00

Here’s an expert from “Learning to Love People You Don’t Like” by Floyd McClung

“When Sally was born, her mother was forty-seven years old. She already had four children from her first marriage, and when her first husband died she married a man with four of his own. Most people would have assumed she was done raising her family. But she had always wanted one of her children to be a missionary, and none of her eight kids seemed inclined in that direction. So she prayed that the Lord would send her one more.

Two days after this last little baby was born, her mother took Sally into the tiny church she attended in Galveston, Texas, laid her on the alter, and dedicated her to God. She made a vow to pray every day for her little girl, that she would hear God’s call to the mission field. That’s how certain she was that God had given Sally to her for that purpose.

One night when Sally was five years old, she awoke in the middle of the night, crying. All she could think about was a family from their church who were missionaries to Africa. The more she thought about them, the more she cried. She woke her mother and told her what was happening. Her mother—immediately perceiving that it was the Holy Spirit at work in her little girl—told her to go back to bed and pray for the missionary family. Sally later remembered that she finally drifted off to sleep thinking, “Some day I’m going to be just like them.”

When Sally was sixteen, the opportunity arose for her to go on a summer outreach to the island of Samoa. However, several barriers barred the way. For one thing, the sponsors of the trip didn’t want to take anyone who wasn’t at least eighteen years old. For another, her stepfather—who was not a Christian—didn’t want her to go. And last be not least, it cost a lot of money to go on the outreach, a tidy sum totally out of the teenager’s reach.

Two weeks before the trip was to begin, Sally’s stepfather told her he had changed his mind. She was flabbergasted: she had been pleading with him every week for months to give her permission to go, and he had been adamant in his refusal. Now, suddenly, he said she could go.

Why the about-face? Apparently, he assumed that since Sally didn’t have enough money, she wouldn’t be able to go even if she did have his permission; by saying yes he could avoid looking like the bad guy. Little did he know that while Sally didn’t have the full amount she needed, she had managed to scrape together enough to get to Los Angeles, where the week-long training session for the outreach trip was to be held. Much to her stepfather’s chagrin (and to her mother’s delight), off she went.

In Los Angeles, Sally ran head-on into the sponsors of the trip, who told her she couldn’t go. They pointed out that she was below the minimum age they had established. They also pointed out that she didn’t have any money to pay for her food, lodging, and transportation.

There was a young man in Sally’s training course who had also grown up wanting to be a missionary, and who had been working and saving for months so he could go on this outreach to Samoa. During the course of the week he and Sally got to know each other. She told him of her conviction that the Lord wanted her to go on the trip, and of her confidence that the Lord would somehow make it possible.

One night as he was praying, the young man sensed the Lord speaking to him. The Lord seemed to be saying, “Give her your money. You are to stay home so that she can go.” Since that definitely wasn’t what he wanted to hear, he argued the point at some length.

His arguments seemed sound. He was between his second and third year of university and might never have the freedom to make such a trip again. He had worked hard to save up the money. He believed God had called him years before to be a missionary, and this was going to be his first overseas adventure.

But God was not to be dissuaded. Finally, the night before the group was to leave, the young man went to the sponsors and told them what he had decided.

Now the sponsors found themselves in a predicament. It had been easy for them to stick to their guns regarding Sally’s age so long as they knew she didn’t have the money for the trip anyway. But now that obstacle had been overcome. And Sally—who still knew nothing of the young man’s decision—was as determined as ever.

The morning the group was to leave, the sponsors called the teenager on the telephone. “What are you doing right now, Sally?” they asked.
“Packing to go to Samoa,” she exclaimed.
“But we told you, you can’t go,” they said.
“I know what you told me,” Sally said. “But the Lord has given me faith to trust him. I believe I’m supposed to go to the airport—right up to the door of the plane, if necessary—and that if I do, he’ll make a way for me. Somehow I believe he’ll change your minds, as well as take care of my finances.”

The sponsors were amazed and encouraged by Sally’s response. What could anyone say to faith like that? “Look, Sally,” they said. “Last night someone came forward and provided the money for you to go. And we’ve prayed about it, and… well, we feel this is a sign that we should make an exception and let you go.”

And go she did. Sally’s group spent most of the summer in a small village where no missionaries had ever been able to visit before. In fact, when they first arrived, a local leader told them they could go to any other village on the island but that one. He encouraged them to pray and ask the Lord where else they should go. Naturally, the Lord said, “Go to the village he told you that you couldn’t get into. I’ll get you in.”

They did, and God did, and by the end of the summer one hundred fifty of that village’s three hundred inhabitants—including the chief—had become Christians. Today, the church those young people started is the largest one of its denomination on the whole island.

Needless to say, the whole incident made a profound impact on Sally. It made a profound impact on the young man as well. Seeing the amazing circumstances—the way his decision about giving away his money changed the sponsors’ minds about letting Sally go—convinced him that he really had heard the Lord. God rewarded Sally’s obedience, and he rewarded the young man as well. The experience persuaded him, once and for all, that the Lord really does speak today, and that he wants his people to listen. It opened up a whole new area of the spiritual realm to him.

The reason I know so much about this story is that the young man was me. And Sally is now my wife."

God the great matchmaker

2005-02-18T15:26:00.000+08:00

I promised that I’d write about how a match made in heaven put Mr. Pepper-Shaker and I together. We both went to the same university and church, but there was never opportunity to meet, until we had a joint area meeting. I remembered Mr. Pepper-Shaker vaguely, but I had so many issues at that stage of my life that I didn’t really take much notice. A couple of months later I left for Taipei without an idea of what would follow.

By then 1,5 years had past before I decided to return to Cape Town for a holiday. Because I had been away for so long, a group of curious people gathered around me after a church meeting. Mr. Pepper-Shaker was one of them. We all exchanged emails, but I didn’t think that people would stay in touch.

Three weeks after getting back to Taipei, I received an email from Mr. Pepper-Shaker. He said that there was a girl who I may want to meet to tell her about Jesus. For this reason, we emailed back and forth. We enjoyed chatting with each other and sharing jokes, but I didn’t think much more of our relationship.

There came a point where Mr. Pepper-Shaker was sensing that I was the one God had prepared for him as a wife. Honestly, I really wasn’t ready for it, and I hadn’t heard from God myself. We courted for about 1,5 years before he came to Taipei, all the while with me unable to make the commitment. I hadn’t heard from God for sure and I didn’t want to make a mistake again. During this time, I cut all ties for a month, because I needed time to have direct assurance from God. In that time, God told Mr. Pepper-Shaker to “Pursue Love” and to patiently wait for me. In time I heard from God, and knew Mr. Pepper-Shaker is the one.

He eventually came over to Taipei, and lived with my grandfather. I sensed peace from God about us marrying and received a confirming scripture verse. Even so, our relationship was tested severely. We both learnt that we really needed to submit to God’s work and hand over our relationship to God. Preparing for marriage really showed up our differences and brought on many conflicts. Yet, God had His hand in the process. We married last year December, and are still blissfully happy.

So to all you singles out there, wait for God’s timing. He gives the best!

Patience is a virtue!

2005-02-18T15:20:00.000+08:00

Home renovation is truly a test of your patience. When you see dark patches coming through the newly painted walls, you know that you’ve got to patiently scrape away the new paint and treat the wall surface for moisture. Urgh…. Patience is a virtue! God help me!

We’ve plastered the holes in our ceiling, but plaster has a tendency to shrink. This means that you can only layer it on bit by bit until the hole is filled up completely. Let’s not forget to wait for it to dry before covering the plastered surface in paint. Cracks appear in the plaster with shrinking so slapping on the paint isn’t wise. I know, I know. You’re supposed to wait for the plaster to dry totally before applying paint.

How’s that for another test of patience, and where only talking about the dining room. There’s still the study, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and lounge. At least the bathroom is ready for painting, and the bedroom is work-in-progress. Mr. Pepper-Shaker at least has the patience.

The last bit of dinnerware and glassware is being moved back from the lounge into the dining room so that there can be place for people to mingle in the lounge for home cell tonight.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"--Phil 4:13

French manicure or white plaster?

2005-02-16T12:02:00.000+08:00

Ever thought about doing a French manicure with a coat of white plaster under your nails? Don’t worry, I didn’t intend for it to be that way, but home renovations have a way of bringing the small extras to your life.

I decided the two extra days of holiday would be spent painting the dining room. Never mind the whole procedure of waiting for the plaster to dry fully (it was sufficiently dry from the outside), I just decided to apply the powder mint-green paint. Dinnerware and glassware strewn across the lounge is not the preferred way of living. No one likes to tip toe through the crockery landmines scattered around the lounge floor. That’s why there’s the urgency to get things done. Even better, it’s great to have Mr. Pepper-Shaker join in the fun. I don’t know if he calls fun the fine shower of paint that covers you when painting the ceiling, not to mention the strain in your shoulder and back muscles from the awkward positions. We still have the lounge, bedroom, study, kitchen and bathroom… a lot of work ahead.

I wouldn’t mind having another Chinese New Year break, but I guess that’s impossible. I’ll have to wait until next year.

The Five Love Languages

2005-02-10T13:44:00.000+08:00

It's been a while I know. Flu and Chinese New Year have kept me from the blog. For the same reasons, home renovation also has been put on hold. Once more is done on our flat, I'll update you on it.

I just thought to introduce another good book that's great for couples. Mr. Pepper-Shaker and I have found "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman to be a great blessing. You learn to understand that each individual has a different love language and in order for that person to feel loved, you need to communicate love to them in their language.

The book mentions five main love languages, which are as follows:
1. Words of affirmation
2. Quality time
3. Receiving gifts
4. Acts of service
5. Physical touch

It's really reduced the frustrations of miscommunication, and minimized the incidents of "Why can't you do this or that?"

I recommend that if you are a couple, read it together. It's almost Valentine's Day. This may just be the perfect present.

ps... Thanks to the Ks for introducing the book to us. You are such a blessing.

The Father Heart of God

2005-02-05T17:25:00.000+08:00

On a more personal note, I've decided to share a little more about me, Mrs. Pepper-Shaker. I grew up not really trusting authority figures, having really bad experiences with some. As a christian, God recognized that I would struggle to have a wholesome relationship with Him, and in His mercy, through a pastor's referral, I came across an amazing book:

"The Father Heart of God" by Floyd McClung

I think I just about cried throughout the book, but it helped me to understand why I struggled to trust God and to believe that He really loved me. It was a vital step in the healing process.

Here's a beautiful link that I'd like to share with you. May you also know the Father Heart of God.

The Father's Love Letter

Step-by-Step Home Decorating Book

2005-02-04T17:31:00.000+08:00

Here's the book that gives more than just renovation tips. It's called the "Step-by-Step Home Decorating Book" by Nicholas Barnard. With its easy-to-follow instructions and color photographs, making your own cushions, tablecloths, bedding and lampshades couldn't be easier.

If you want to tackle your house, you'll be able to do your own painting, wallpapering, tiling after you've read this book. You don't need to read the whole book to start, just read the pertinent section.

If sewing jargon or any other words seem foreign in this book, you needn't be put off. This book demystifies the jargon with clear descriptions and explanatory photographs.

Look it up on www.amazon.com

Have fun!

Home Renovations

2005-02-03T14:05:00.000+08:00

You learn not to touch a sleeping dog, if the flat isn't falling apart around you. After deciding that the flat needed a new paint of coating, Pepper-Shaker's hubby and her started scrapping the paint of the walls. Not only was it hard work but the plaster and bits of cement came off too.

Imagine the horror of hearing chipping noises as you're about to fall asleep. The paint and plaster was actually coming of the ceiling that I'd been hacking. Armed with a long wooden block, Mr. Pepper-Shaker came to the rescue and attacked the hole in the ceiling. After clearing away more paint and plaster, we settled down to sleeping peacefully.

The ceiling has damp spots, so I still must waterproof it before putting on anymore cement or plaster. All I wanted was powder mint-green for my rooms and look now. At least I get to do more than just read books on home décor and renovations. I actually get to apply the content.

There’s a fantastic book that’s set me up for the job. I need to look up the title, so I’ll tell you all about it in the next update.

Still want to shop for your flat?

2005-02-02T13:00:00.000+08:00

I mentioned yesterday that I'd introduce Hola and B&Q to you, so here's the story.

Stop 3: Hola
You could practically live in this store. You're offered candles, curtains, carpets, bedding, towels, applicances, pots and pans, storage items, furniture, lighting, dinnerware and many other gorgeous items. See what I mean... Sadily Hola's site is in Chinese only, but simply by clicking you get to see their fantastic range.
www.hola.com.tw/index.do

Stop 4: B&Q
I guess this place doesn't require much introduction if you're from the UK. This place pretty much covers everything you would need to build a home from scratch. If you're into home renovations, this is the place to go. Even though there so much material, admittedly people in Taipei don't really go way out with DIY. They generally call in people to do it for them.
www.bnq.com.tw/index.do

Shop around first if you're going to do any major renovations. It cuts out unnecessary hassles.

The Best Interior Design Stores in Taipei

2005-02-01T15:54:00.000+08:00

Being a foreigner and unable to speak Chinese, you often want something that will remind you of home. For those that come from the Western world, the appearance of a room is vital. You don't want to sit on a bench with four bare walls around you and a fluorescent bulb dangling from the ceiling. Ok, it's not that bad in Taipei, if your an expat. However, if your just an English teacher, you may not be able to afford one of their comfortable pads.

So here's your way of turning your stay in Taipei into something beautiful.

First stop: Working House
If your looking for furnishings that will cheer up your room and you're not looking for huge pieces of furniture, this is the place for you. From cookware to dinnerware, plants to vases, candles to latterns, you'll be delighted by the selection. If you enjoy cooking as much as I do, you'll love their dinnerware, and if you're as pesky as me about cleanliness, you'll be delighted by their bathroom range. Their recent selection celebrates the coming of the Chinese New Year. If you like Chinese novelties, you'll love what is on offer in this selection.
www.working-house.com.tw

Second stop: IKEA
If you like clean lines and bright colors, something with a Swedish touch, IKEA is what you're looking for. I love their array of products. The floor layout of the stores is generally arranged to model a particular room in the house. This means if you want to furnish your lounge, you'll have all the elements in that model to transfer that particular look into your own lounge. However I'm not sure how sturdy and long-lasting their furniture is. I much prefer their cookware, dinnerware and other decorative accessories. One thing's for sure, they sell good designs and functions at prices lower than the pricetags hanging on usual designer pieces. Plus, they stock all the things that I've mentioned above and more. If you are into DIY, you'll find the paint, tools, gadgets and furniture items to put together.
www.ikea.com

My suggestion is that you visit these sites and find out which store is closest to you and visit it at your leisure.

Theirs still Hola and B&Q, but I'll leave that for another time.

Happy shopping!

Fantastic Interior Designer!

2005-02-01T14:51:00.000+08:00

There's such inspiration from a renowned designer like Tricia Guild. I find her use of colors phenomenal. You page through her books and you feel like you've breathed in not just ideas and colors but a new way of looking at nature. Her books radiate with brilliant photography which spills over in the way she decorates and furnishes. An ordinary poppy with its translucent hue becomes the inspiration for fluid, gossamer curtains. Simplistic, wild flowers become a medley of splendor that enhances homely cooking.

See for yourself on www.designersguild.com

If you like pop on to www.amazon.com for more of her books.

Pleasant browsing.