DARE YOU TO HOPE

It's one thing to talk about the perfect-world scenario—boy likes girl, girl likes boy, boy asks girl on date, girl accepts, they date and fall madly in love—it's another thing entirely when the dating environment resembles crossing a five-lane highway blindfolded and inebriated. The current reality is that many Christian women aren't getting asked out by Christian men, and this dating vacuum is sucking some women down a desperate hole.

So what's happening? Is it us, women, the problem? Or are men loosing their 'knight in shinnnig armour' attitude?

It was months ago when I attended a friend's birthday party. Feeling a bit out of place not knowing many people, i quietly blend myself in the background having a chat witha significant someone, hoping that time would pass quick so that I can get back home.

That's when I noticed him.

An oh-so-handsome guy, who, from what I've seen and overheard from others, seems confident in his Christianity. For the first time a guy looked at me with eyes so piercing. The next moment, i realise he was walking stright towards my direction. Just. My. Type. And just a few feet away! First, I was stunned. Then I felt a twinge in my heart, a flutter it took me a moment to recognize. All at once I felt all cartoony, twitterpated, and full of irrational exuberance. Unfortunately, it turned out that he was more interested in talking to my friend instead of me. But that was besides the point.

For a moment, I felt confused and foolish for responding this way. It's not as though this guy seemed at all interested in me. But soon I realised why I felt the way I did. For the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful. Seeing this guy gave me concrete proof that the kind of man I want to marry exists, and reminded me that God is capable of bringing us together—if nothing else, at least into the same room!

When it comes to my desire to date, let alone marry someday, hope often demands more faith than I have. For me, it's safer to believe what I see. It's simpler to look at the sociological studies that point out that women in my demographic have a shrinking pool of eligible, low-baggage bachelors to choose from and conclude that the right man probably isn't coming along. It's easier to look around and realize I haven't met him at work or church and decide I'm better off not dreaming about him.

That way, I can focus totally on living in contented, purposeful singleness without the potential for disappointment. I can make plans for me, just me, without including the hope of this guy I've yet to meet. I can focus my prayers on my friends, my goals, my commitments, instead of directing a few prayers toward the dream of meeting this guy who seems to not exist. I can hope that if I ignore this desire, sublimate it, even spiritualize it, maybe it will go away.

Hope is dangerous. If I open myself hoping that one day I will meet this guy, I open myself to the possibility of yes and no. I concede that I will be disappointed if my story doesn't unfold this way. I acknowledge that although I've been able to accomplish most everything I've tried so far, there may be a part of my life, an important part, beyond my control. I recognize a yearning that the love of my family, an enjoyable career, and other meaningful relationships can't completely satisfy. I open my heart to risk love and my mind to wrestle with the difficult reality that the God I trust may allow me to experience heartbreak, failure, uncertainty. I begin to think not only about how my life will take shape if it doesn't happen, but also what it will look like if … it does.

I'm not completely sure why God allowed me to see this man who seems so right for me. I don't know if he's priming me for someone just around the corner, or whether he's simply fanning the embers of hope in my heart. But a part of me is deeply grateful that he cares enough to challenge me to live more fully by venturing to hope. His promises—and that sighting!—are reason enough.

YUAN LAI Ni SHE ME DOU BU YAO

zhe shou ge she gai ni yi ge ren ting de, xi wang ni xi huan.


wo zhi dao zhe yang bu hao
ye zhi dao ni de ai zhi neng na me shu
wo zhi you bu ting de yao
yao dou ni xiang tou
lei shi de zhen tou sai gan jio hao
yan lei zai ni de xing li zhi shi wu li qiu nao
yi we zai ni shen hou she wo yi bei zi de jiao ao
yuan lai ni she me dou bu xiang yao

wo bu yao ni de ge hu
ni de mei gui
zhi yao ni hao hao jiu jiu ai wo yi bei
jio suan xu rong ye hao
tan xing ye hao
na ge nui ren dui ai bu zi si
bu shi wang

wo bu yao ni de chen mo
bu yao ni de yong yuan
zhi yao ni zhen zhen qie qie ai wo yi bei
jiao suan xu rong ye hao
zi xing ye hao
zui pa ni ba chen mo
dang zuo de wo de hui da

yuan lai ni she mo dou bu xiang yao

ReLaTionShips......

Haha.....i finally caught your attention.

Anyway, i have been thinking about whether the post thoughts up on the topic on relationships. I mean this topic is so personal to many of us. Many people think about it....but fear to talk about it openly. So i finally concluded....its a topic on relationships....everyone wants to hear about it. What the Hack!!

So...i'll be turning 20 this year. Yes, a '2' in the front...getting a bit older. And yes, with regards to relationships....i have been thinking of it more. Lately, my pastor's wife asked me, "So is there any guy out there that has caught your attention?" I pasued....and she continued, "You do know that you should start praying about it you know." And i was like....okay....

I know i'm still young...but not that much younger and i have to confess that i have been thinking about when am i going to get attached? Who will it be? *guyz...tis may be smthg 4 u...jus to know how gurls might be thinking abt r'ships*

So...now that its 2:30am...i'm thinking.....how hard should i be praying for this guy i dun even know? Should i ask God to send me a sign? Its not like i have not been praying....but sometimes u pray abt it for a period of time n u just loose hope. I personally dun tink that getting attached @ 20yrs is too young (i noe my mother thinks otherwise...hehe). Many of them are attached and i do wonder when i will be too?

It was kind of funny....i went out wif my girlfrend the other day and she told me tis, "Cheryl...i tink u need to allow yourself to start experiencing love." and i said, "gurl, you're so random man." And she said, "u r so gaurded, no guy can see through u...that is why u r still single. Be a little vulnerable and then you'll be able to experience the kind of love that a guy gives. You'll not regret it." Although it may have sounded veri random at that moment (becoz a few seconds ago we were talking abt mickey mouse)....wat she said made a little bit of sense.

So...here i am, not desperately in need to find someone...but just thinking abt relationships. Well, not much wisdom from me today...but jus thought i'd share it wif you all...so that does of u who are feeling lonely and in need for love wouldn't feel that bad...haha!!

*MARKETING MY BLOG* - - Be sure to stay tune for more on relationships....hehe

Luv ya all and God bless,
Cheryl

SOMETING 2 THINK ABT...

This questioned poped in my head while i was having my one-on-one tme with God. The question is:

Do I place the sense of belonging and achievement above me wanting to be changed by God when I go to church or attend/be involve in any church-related event? Do you?

Tough question this one. I mean, some people become so concern with how big the church is, how accomplished it is etc....that they forget the real reason for going to church, which is to be changed by God with every encounter.

Honestl speaking, i really can't answer this question. Can you? Think about it...share wif me your opinion. I'm really stuck with this tough cookie....but that's cool, keeps my brain working rather than rotting while i'm slacking back in singapore...hehe!!

Cheryl

Justine's 2006 Campaign begins

On a late afternoon Australian summer Monday, Justine defeated Poland's Marta Domachowska 6-2 6-1 in 63 minutes. In a day that featured the huge upset of Venus Williams earlier on Vodafone Arena, the Belgian 4x grand slam champion stayed focused, and cool as ice.

Justine's first match in Melbourne, since her victory on finals day back in 2004, has been a smooth success. Today there were no signs of jagged early round play that drives supporters on end with nerves. Instead, Justine played surgical percision tennis. Domachowska lacked the creative shot options to make any designs in the match, opting to hit everything with the same pace or patterns.

The first, and second set seemed virtually identical. The young Polish player is a good striker of the ball, yet was unable to win breakpoints, nor points that weren't unforced errors from the Belgian's Wilson stick. Domachowska was too inconsistent throughout the match in earning points. There were good shots then weak errors.

So let's see how far can Justine go at the start of her campaign which seems to be going in the right direction. Go Ju Ju!

Awesome year ahead...

Today was our first evangelistic service for Dunamis Rock....n oh my goodness....God is really awesome. Like..i dunno how to say it but He is. Just this morning, during our main service/celebration meeting I was just asking God to really change the atmosphere in our youth group...bring a breakthrough, send a revival.

When it was time to get ready for the service...as usual we had our music practice...and i really felt uprepared becoz of time constraints....but somehow i had tt inner peace which kept telling me, it'll be fine...jus be sensitive to the Spirit. And i guess i was...along with the rest of the musicians. Our band neva relly experienced the presence of God moving so strongly in our youth service before.

It was so real...youths were just coming to the alter, kneeling and crying out...asking God to bring a chge in their lives, in their ministries, in the r'ships wif friends and family. Honestly speaking, being in this youth group since the day it was formed....i have neva experienced such a real presence of God sweeping through this place. Youths who were once lost, were slowly realising that God is the way, the truth and the life. It was jus great.

Being on stage n looking down, i was like "Yes God...more of you, less of us. I hear you, I feel you. Come and change our youth group...." Its amazing.

I really believe that this year is a year of transformation. It will be a year where things will change and we will be able to see the fruits of our labor. OOohhh....so excited.

Cheryl

FEELING LIKE JEREMIAH

It was 2:30am this morning when i just couldn't sleep...thinking heaps as usual. So i went to the study room...sat down and decided to read the bible (*how excitinng...*), while enjoying the song "Glorify your name" sang by Lakewood church. Its so amazing how God just shows up at a perfect timing such as this one I'm about to share.

Lately I have had heaps of spare time on my hands, thinking about what my purpose in life was...and whether am I grabbing every opportunity that passes me by in order to bring me closer to knowing my purpose, the will of God for my life. Sounds deep huh....Such questions have been in my mind for the past few months and I begin to ask myself what can i do more for God? Am i using all that He has given me? Then i realised how tired i quickly became everytime this topic on: 'am i using all that God has given me to show that He is awesome' came into my mind.

At that moment....there was just an overwheming sense of emotions running through me...and i started to cry. Not becoz i was insane...as u might tink...but becoz i was frustruated with what i saw and what was happening ard me. I can never understand how some people are just so cold or ignoratnt towards the love of God? Why can't they see that God's love does matter in their life? Are they too young, too scared, too naive or just plain blind towards it? At the sametime, i feel God's love for them...praying hard that one day they will be able to get it.

Like me, Jeremiah felt the same way. He was a prophet whose words were ignored by kings who slowly lead the people away from God. He felt frustrated and discouraged, but always responded to all that was happening with God's message and human tears, love for His people. Ultimately, he was taught to endure, to keep pressing on hard for Jesus Christ.

As i reflect on my life, and my passion for, not only music, but young people....i sometimes get really frustrated at how they can be so ignorant to the message, to the wonders that God is doing...and sometimes feel like what i'm doing is nothing, not life changing...and on the verge of giving up, not really wanting to give off my best. But just reading on the book of Jeremiah who kept persevering even though it was tough, I began to realise that its not about what i do but rather the love of God i show unto others that will oneday make head turn and turn towards God.

I hope this will encourage you, if you may be feeling the same way as i do. Keep doing what you are good at for God. And remember...LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE....!!

Peace,
Cheryl

One of the bes days ever....

Man was yesterday cool....one of the best days i've ever lived. Nothing really out of the ordinary happened...but it felt like as if i needed to live life this way more often.

Woke up late as usual..(man give me a break man, its my holiday)...jus in time for lunch. Had a bit of time before lunch, so i went ot the gym. Was suppose to go to the gym like 3 times a week...but since the year started, n two weeks into the year, this is my second time to the gym. Haha...so much for committment. Anyway, had my planetshakers (mp3) on real loud while i was on the treadmill n lifting weights....

After an hr and a half...headed back home...went out for lunch wif Dad. I have to say, having lunch wif dad since i came back from aussie has been one of the best moments of each day. Coz we talk heaps abt anythg n everythg anyone can think off.....(got to find a guy like tt...haha). So lunch was cool as usual, wif dad.

Then went home, was getting ready to go out wif Shanice (best-frend in singapore)....Plaza Singapura...took the bus n train while i had my planetshakers (mp3) cranked up blasting high. Had a great time wif shanice having dinner n planning to go clubbin next thursday after watching Memoirs of a Geisha..n took the train back.

Nothing very unusua happened...the same old stuff...but what was different abt tis day was tt i had my planetshakers cranked up real high, no-doubt killing my eardrums...but it was worth it man. I tink pple thought i was crazy or smthg...but i was jus having so much fun listening to the music n actually worshipping Him. Think of me as weird or freako...but those moments worshipping Him on the train or even while window-shopping....were what made this day one of the best days ever.

Music 4 God rocks...sometimes i wonder if i'm actually singing inside, screaming out loud for Him (in my head of coz)....wld there be like tis spiritual warfare happening above my head? U noe like the angels n red demons fighting wif each other...so funny....but on a serious note, why note. Afterall...God is everywhere n i'm pretty sure satan is too....or at least his meannies (little dwarfy demons) are....

Cheryl

Scared but passionate...

Entering into this new year...lots of challenges, changes will come my way. Some are expected...some unexpected. I've been involved in Moriah (Singapore church) youth ministry ever since i entered youth....that was like 8years. Woah...i'm getting old. Hehe...

Well 4 those of u who dunnoe...i use to help lead a cell group in Citylife (Australia church) in 2005. The middle of last year, i have been thinking about changing ministry and serving in the youth ministry instead. And i guess after heaps of discussion wif God, pple n myself...i've made the decision to lead a cell in Xlr8 (youth ministry). One problem:

Although i've been to a few youth services or meetings...i barely know anyone...young or old...and i really dunnoe how things run in tt ministry. Honestly speaking...i'm freakin scared to enter into this new environment. Everyone there seems to know each other too well it jus seems so hard to try n break into the scene w/o not trying too hard. Its scarey...i tot everyone was suppose to be welcoming...or at least i tot the leadership team shld be welcoming. Not being offensive to the leaders there, i tell u they r a passionate bunch of young pple who really wana see the world changed n lives transformed. I guess its the same everywhere...when someone enters into a new place...its neva a comfort zone one enters into. Hmmm...to make things worse....i'll be missing the leaders' orientation n missing the start of the youth ministry for 2006.

Despite the dear of uncertainty in the decision that i've made...somehow the peace and assurance takes place. Why? One word...PASSION....for tthis ministry...(**oops...dad jus screamed becoz liverpool missed a goal)...back to the topic. PASSION...so powerful. I guess, i know tt i'm passionate abt tis ministry, therefore i dun mind experiencing a little discomfort. I'm really praying tt my passion for this ministry will be contagious enuf to influence those i lead.

I hope this wld encourage you to think abt wat u r doing in life or in church. What is the reason behind wat u r doing....who u r serving...which ministry u r in? Do u have the PASSION....or is it jus for men sake?

1 Cor 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Cheryl

Just-ine Time 4 Tennis...

2005 has finally gone fast...without much action, much news. But this time round...it would be different. Finally, my favourite tennis player....Justine Henin-Hardenne is back on the tennis courts....doing what she does best....playing tennis n entertaining her fans.....haha....

Go Ju Ju!!

Tennis has been a sport i love the most...it is actually i love-hate sport. Love it becoz i jus love the entertainment it brings...the passion on the court. Hate it becoz i can't play it well. Haha...Ever since i ended my secondary education, my love for badminton (some may say its a cici sport but its not ok...) has been replaced by tennis. I'm liike a crazy fan ok...or more like a crazy fan of Justine Henin-hardenne...

I have heaps of tapes of her...sounds obsessive...i agree...but she is just so cool to watch. Its like Sam Ung watching his ever-losing soccer team chelsea (sorry sam...but is tt how its suppose to be spelt) play...haha. Jus kidding brother.

Anyway, i hope JHH is going to show the WTA world wat she is made up of n proof to all the critics that she is not some weak, 5 feet 5 tennis player who got conquered by injuries....Go Ju Ju...u can do it this year. Unfortunately...i wldn't be in Melb to see her make her grand slam comeback. But its cool...I will just have to make do withSinagpore's cable. Oh Martina Hingis is making her comeback too...all the best to her...coz she is talented...only a bit unfortunate.

Oh well...enuf of tennis for me...before i kill u pple out there...haha...i can go on if u want me to. But i'll spare all those who have a weak heart. In the meantime, be strong and love ya.

God bless,
Cheryl

Music gets my heart pumpin...

Yeah....i jus finish writing my third song...feelin pretty good abt myself...but feeling even more excited when pple get to hear it (in due time...haha...i tink) and understand what the song means to them.

Man writing songs...songs that are personal but yet shared by many...I am just glad that I am able to express myself..my thoughts through music...its such an international language everyone relates to. And i jus feel that if we can all communicate the love of God through the music we sing and play...that was jus be so awesome.

Hahaha....oh well, can't wait to start on my forth song. And if God willing...have my own album. Haha...it a dream...that would either come true or remain one. We'll see....

God bless,
Cheryl

A ShOuT tO tHe CroWd...

Just wana wish you all a great start to 2006. For those of you who had a great year in 2005....strive for a better 2006. For those of you who may not have a veri good 2005 as you had heaps of 'downs'...cheer up, bring those lessons with you in 2006...and become a stronger person.

Keep the faith,
Cheryl

New Year, new beginning

I'm glad i manage to survive until 2006. Let's see...its kinda jus dawn on me that i'll be turning 20 this year (yes i'm turning 20 not 26...for those of you who think that i'm 25). How quick time flies...one moment i'm a teenager, the next moment i'm suppose to be responsible for myself and my actions...*darn*

Reflecting back to 2005, I jus wana thank God for being with me throughout this year. It was a tough year for me...leaving the comforts of staying with a family to styaing by myself (sorry Joy, not tt u r not a good housemate, u noe wat i mean)...but its different. Then from not doing much as a cell intern to leading a cell group with Nigel, who had noe clue ab leading a cell too (sorry nigel...not tt u weren't gd @ wat u did....but we were really blur @ the start which was a struggle).

Next came the birth of new friendships and also the "opp, of birth" (not death la...its not tt bad) of some friendships. Academically...it was the increasing workload, which led to brain decreasing in size (well @ least it felt like it), to crammping of units in the 2nd semester, and an increase sense of loneliness...dieing to go back home (n most imptly eat mum's home-cooked food, instead of home-cooked congee boiled with carrots and accompanied with a can of tuna).

Then in the later part of the year...came along the decision to change the ministry that i'll be serving in....and while i was making tis decision to switch ministries...there was the realisation that certain life principles i once believed in had to changed so that i can move on with life, draw closer to Him. Sounds serious...u bet...lots of soul-searching, thought-provoking, brain-bursting, eye-melting, heart-renching questions i kept asking myself...jus so that i cld understand myself better and know who is In-CharGe of my life. Just in the last two months since i've been back in Singapore...my attitude has changed...my perspective in life has be affirmed.

2005 has brought along lots of ups-and-downs...none of which i regretted experiencing. Honestly speaking, as tough as it was..i enjoyed every moment of it. If 2005 was that exciting....what abt 2006!!

Entering into the new year, i really sense God expecting a lot from me....and me expecting great things from HIM so that I may begin to attempt great things for HIM. Not only is He going to be more evident in me....he is going to really turn DR and Moriah AOG into a community-impacting, life-changing experience for all who walk in. I am really excited to see what God has for me.

bring it on, GOD!! (hehe...)
Cheryl