Holy BratZ

COMBINED YOUTH MEETING AT BALESTIER

2008-10-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

COMBINED YOUTH MEETING WILL BE AT BALESTIER ON THE

25TH OCTOBER 2008

WE NEED THE BOYS TO HELP ARRANGE THE PLACE AND MAKE GOOD PREPARATIONS SO WE CAN BE GOOD HOSTS!

AY - Adventist Youth

2008-10-11T07:51:00.002-07:00

Hi dear BRATZ

I wanna start a thread on our dearest blogablog about the AY we've been having.

please give your feedback if you're been there!

IF ITS GOOD SAY ITS GOOD,if there are areas that you would like to see changed, please suggest changes!

BTW

NEXT AY IS ON 8TH NOV 2008
GUEST SPEAKER will be PASTOR FABIEN
THE YOUTH WILL BE TAKING THE LEAD INSTEAD OF THE ADULTS THIS TIME!

alright!

fire on.

ps. those younger youths who don't have access to blog here, please contact jiahong 91475974 catch him before 21st oct cos he'll be going back to aenon.

love lovee
karen

hi guys!

2008-10-11T07:51:00.001-07:00

Are You A Christian..... Or A Christ-Follower?

2008-05-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

Christian. Religion.
Christ-follower. Relationship.

Check
these
videos
out.

Don't be a label.
Be His friend.

p.s Click on the 'view more details about video' on the right to check out the Bible verses.

Does anybody care?

2008-05-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

Form a happy acquaintance with your youth.--Very much has been lost to the cause of God because of inattention to the young. Ministers of the gospel should form a happy acquaintance with the youth of their congregations. There is a great reluctance on the part of many to become acquainted with the youth, but it is accounted of Heaven a neglect of duty, a sin against souls for whom Christ died. The youth are objects of Satan's special attacks; and the manifestation of kindness, courtesy, tender sympathy, and love, will often work the salvation of those who are under the temptations of the evil one. The love of Jesus will win you an entrance into the hearts of the young; and when you have obtained the confidence of the youth, they will listen to your words and take your counsel. You should bind them to your heart by the cords of love, and then instruct them how to labor in the cause of God. The youth may labor for their young companions in a quiet, unpretending way. This branch of God's work must not be neglected. Our churches are not doing what they might do for the youth. There seems to be no burden for souls for whom Christ died. Why should this labor for the youth in our borders not be thought the highest of missionary work? Why do the ministers leave the young without endeavoring to win them to Christ? Why do they not urge the young to give their hearts to God? This work will require the most delicate tact, the most thoughtful consideration, the most earnest prayer that heavenly wisdom may be imparted; for connected with the church are those who are not ignorant of our faith, yet whose hearts have never been touched by the power of divine grace.--RH Mar. 24, 1891. {PaM 275.1}

Dear God,
please help.

Can anyone answer my question?

2007-12-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

If Jesus provides for us the gift of eternal life and has made provision for salvation, why is it necessary for people to still die? Why can't he just give believers eternal life immediately? why must believers face the first death?

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." So if Jesus has paid the price, why do people have to still face death? (the first death)

2007-11-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

Hey Karen,

good idea in keeping in mind to maintain our youth room clean and comfy.
We are the ones who shud wash and if necessary raise money to have it changed.
While we are on this subject, probably just want to highlight that there is church cleaning day once a year, and wud love to have every1 to participate.
Let's start participating once a year, and hopefully when thers a need, we can organize
another cleaning day.

As for curtains, shud we decide to have curtains, then you will request this to the church board,
and the church board will decide whether they have funds for it.

As for as I know, that is not included in our budget, it is more like maintenance or asset or something which has a budget of their own.

Upkeeping our Youth Room

2007-11-21T04:30:00.001-08:00

Hey guys

Do you think that we should get curtains for our youth rooms? Remember that we wanted to get? is it necessary?

Also, do you think we should wash our cushion covers some times? (i think one of the cushions has Rachel's pee on it. Which one, I DunNO Man)

Hey quickly reply me. i need to send in the budget by 22nd night. That is thurs night. Then it's AENON HERE I COME!!!

i hate titles, once again.

2007-11-18T02:46:00.000-08:00

Allo allo, fellowship of the book.

having been at the meeting (briefly) and reading karen's post, here are some thoughts.

For the youth outings,
i think we need to hear from everyone where they want to go. start a poll, tell karen or anyone else where you'd like to go with the youth, and together we'll try to make it happen.

Here some ideas:

-Sentosa
-East Coast Park
-Johor Bahru Day-Trip?
-Pulau Ubin?
-Night Cycling? (Alternatively we could inquire if we could join up with jurong, whom i'm helping out with their night cycling trips)

But my only reservation is that i dont think we should get funding from the church for our youth social projects, if you know what i mean. for social gatherings, expenses should be from our own pockets so as not to tax the church further.

same applies to outdoor sabbath, please do give suggestions on locations and activites etc.

oh and just an inquiry, Whats AY?

anyway, honestly, i'm actually quite excited about some afternoon programmes like the visitation. i remember how i kinda looked forward to going for visitation till evening, then dinner with everyone, and finally games. i think a good afternoon programme would kinda make our saturday afternoons more meaningful.

so heres a new year ahead of us, and lets do something productive with this year.but last but not least, i think that as much as we can brainstorm, think and plan, what we HAVE to do as a youth group is to MATERIALISE our plans. and it really isnt by sitting around and lamenting about how someone else isnt doing it, but helping each other out to get the job done and lets give Karen all the support she needs.

signing off,

splice

BRATZ 2008

2007-11-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys!

Appreciate Sheena, Calvin, Jia Hong, Gerald, Jasmine, Kevin and Uncle Alan who came for the youth planning for 2008 yesterday.

Here are some of the proposals that have been brought up and considered for the meeting.

All these are subject to changes, please feel free to express any concerns on the tagboard by the 23 NOV, before i present it to the church board. (like too little money budgeted or some ideas need improvement etc.)

OVERVIEW:

For Fellowship:

Youth outings - going out on a non-sabbath day for fun. 4 times a year with a budget of $50 each outing to subsidize our expenses.

Outdoor sabbath - spending sabbath afternoons outside church.

Sabbath Lunch. - happening once in two months, we will to go a hospitable adult's house for lunch and chill out.

For Ministry

- Adult Sabbath school programme - asked to do 6 times next year. how many times do you think we can manage to do it?

- Visitation - to Mr Tan who cannot see and the Old folks home once a quarter.

Evangelism
- Kinokuniya – Literature evangelism for our youths to go to kino as promoters to promote adventist books being sold there. (if the authorities allow.)

- Wednesday night evangelistic meetings ushering - being the ushers for the Daniel and Revelation seminar held by Pastor Chan on a rotation basis every wednesday night.

For discipleship:
- Sabbath afternoon programs – held by Pastor Chan (twice a month on alternate sabbaths)
- Thomson Balestier combined AY - Sundown (once a month)
- Thomson Balestier combined revival camp - projected to be either end of June or September holidays.

DETAILS:
Sabbath afternoon programs

Topics (30mins to 1 hour)
Issues facing youths
• Premarital Sex
• Resolving conflicts
• How to say no to temptation
• How to manage finances
• How to break up
• How to choose a right partner
• How to study better and get good grades
• How to ask for a date

Spiritual
• How to read the bible effectively
• How to give bible study

Thomson Balestier combined AY
- happens once a month
- We take turns to host.
- every third session will be a combined hosting of AY.

Camp Extreme

2007-11-14T00:18:00.000-08:00

YO,

WE are INVITED by Maranatha(Rudy&Nath) Church to join their camp which will be held from 30Nov to 2 Dec

Cost: $30 SGD

Place: A 4-star Hotel in Spore and A hut in P.Ubin (thus the name: Camp Extreme)

Basically what ive been told is that it tries to give you the extremes view of life, the very left and right a pendulum. I saw Gerald's post, why dont we join this and get together with youth from Maranatha.

I'll probably be helping them as one of the Marshalls, those of you who are interested please pls let me know immediately. As in within 48hrs you receive this message.

[Mission Impossible mode: ON]
THis message will self-destruct in the next 10s.....10 9 8....
[Mission Impossible mode: OFF]

Allritey,
let me know A.S.A.P. if you are interested.

-C-

kablah. i hate titles.

2007-11-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

this is the second time i have to type this darned post so i'll keep it short.

Allo allo! my fellow friends from your not-so-favorite talking head.

2nd December (for those of you without a calendar or who have no clue how to access your desktop calendar, its a sunday doofus), lets have a beach outing to sentosa! being a sunday, no holds barred fun.

oh and also it could be a "recruitment drive" if you want, we could invite the older earliteens to join us. calm down ralph. we could invite CBD and other respective numerical referrences ;)

so whoever's in favour of this idea, say "I", "you" or "him/her/shim", depending on whether you like to talk in first person, second or third, and your gender orientation (or disorientation).

and keep your imaginary hands to yourself. sick perv. honestly.

LOL.

Preach Calvin Preach!

2007-11-03T03:02:00.000-07:00

hi this blog has become the announce board!

haha

well. can i have a show of imaginary hands who think that STILL CURRENTLY YOUTH LEADER CALVIN should PREACH NEXT?

please tag on the board to petition for him to take the stage!!!

teehee.

Love
Karen

Forbidden Fruit

2007-10-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! With all the obsession about marriage in our youth room (as influenced by YL Calvin.) I embarked on reading Adventist Home (don't ask me why). I just read this very straight and IMPACTFUL message which is very important for everyone to know and take note.

God Forbids Believers Marrying Unbelievers.

Never should God's people venture upon forbidden ground. Marriage between believers and unbelievers is forbidden by God. But too often the unconverted heart follows its own desires, and marriages unsanctioned by God are formed. Because of this many men and women are without hope and without God in the world. Their noble aspirations are dead; by a chain of circumstances they are held in Satan's net. Those who are ruled by passion and impulse will have a bitter harvest to reap in this life, and their course may result in the loss of their souls. {AH 63.1}

Those who profess the truth trample on the will of God in marrying unbelievers; they lose His favor and make bitter work for repentance. The unbelieving may possess an excellent moral character, but the fact that he or she has not answered to the claims of God and has neglected so great salvation is sufficient reason why such a union should not be consummated. The character of the unbelieving may be similar to that of the young man to whom Jesus addressed the words, "One thing thou lackest"; that was the one thing needful. {AH 63.2}

Hey guys after reading this I think we should not go "tsk tsk" so much at our boys going 'fishing' in the various churches anymore la. At least they are catching (or attempting to) church 'fishes'.

revival... no not that one.

2007-09-23T04:35:00.000-07:00

Allo' Allo' my friends!

since no one has stepped up to revive this dying/dead/buried-6-foot-under blog, i decided to make a move.

as you know we are going to thailand at the end of the year, so heres a little something to keep in mind.

thailand's northern side, despite its cold is riddled with malaria and dengue. as such, we should take the necessary precautions and bring the following things:

1. mosquito net
2. repellant
3. mosquito coil

plus, i think we should all go on anti-malaria medication before we go on the trip as a preventive measure.

Attention leader/leaders, please advise us on the luggage cap. and other airport/immigration and travel details asap., thus ending this talk of speculation. lol.

and yes, before we do go ruralising ourselves, i think its about time we had a youth group outing. i say SENTOSA. whos with me?

now i'm thinking of a date between the 20th Nov and 2nd Dec.

please advise.

well thats all from your oh-so-friendly talking head.

Dolby Surround Sound Bass

ciao.

2007-08-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

hey guys :)

just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to everyone for the amazing efforts yesterday at our very own fundraising event :) i cld really see everyone putting in their best efforts!

a big thank you to:
jeremy - coordinating the carwash without much of my nagging and allowing all the washes to go on smoothly without me worrying
caressa - for your efforts with the MILO DINO and for being so actively involved
pris & clair - for volunteering to stand outside the church to seduce unsuspecting old men to wash their cars! HAHA and pris for helping w the coupon counting and packing of tees!
karen - for making sure all the stall keepers come on time and making sure all went well :) the food sold out so fast!
jiahong - for taking over whilst i was gone and doing a good job at keeping track of everything!
gerald - for coming down although you're in the midst of your prelims!
ralph - for that lovely header HAHAHAHA
alden - for your driving ministry :)
jasmine & denise - for coming on time and helping out wherever you cld!
all the boys - for the hard work washing cars and having fun and adding so much joy and laughter :D

i hope i didnt miss anyone out but im really happy with yesterday's event and results and i'm sure God is pleased with the work too.

now that majority of the fundraising is over, we still have tshirts to sell to meet our target so lets continue working hard k ;) and PLEASE PAY ME $450 BY TUESDAY. i need to book tickets and we need to start planning our programme soon :)

do think about how you wanna contribute and what you would like to be i/c of for the project (vbs, etc) and we'll meet this sabbath to discuss everything in further detail :)

thank you everyone for the hard work, LOVEEEEEEEEE!

2007-08-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

DESIGN 3

DESIGN 4

2007-08-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

DESIGN 1

DESIGN 2

SYCe

2007-07-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm sure all of you had a great learning experience in The Awakening SYC 2007! From this Friday (TODAY) we will be having our first Soul-revival Youth Cell (SYCe). This cell group will be the place for you to have a good Christian support group, a source of Spiritual Food as well as a platform for evangelism. This cell group will be held on a regular basis.

Free dinner will be provided on account that you click the "reply" button and type "I want dinner!".

If you are coming for dinner, please meet at Genesis Restaurant at 6.30PM or Raffles Place MRT at 6.15PM. Call ME! Karen at 93660467 once you get there or if you're going to be late.

If you are not coming for dinner, You can meet at 7.15 at Genesis Restaurant or 7PM at Clark Quay MRT. Call Alden at 91883984 once you get there or if you're going to be late.

HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON!
SEE YOU THERE!

If unity can be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war.

2007-07-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

The apostle Paul declares that "all that will live godly in Christ
Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Tim. 3:12. Why is it, then, that
persecution seems in a great degree to slumber? The only reason is that the
church has conformed to the world's standard, and therefore awakens no
opposition. The religion current in our day is not of the pure and holy
character which marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His
apostles. It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the
great truths of the Word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is
so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so
popular with the world. Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the
early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived and the fires of
persecution will be rekindled. {SR 324.3}

This is such an interesting concept. We ought to be welcoming persecution and mockery then, because it will be an indication that you are living "godly in Christ Jesus".

2007-07-01T02:17:00.000-07:00

If for Jesus Sake,

People Insult you.

And Persecute you.

Falsely Accuse you.

Rejoice!

Be Glad!

Great is your reward,

Which shall await you in heaven.

Matthew 5:11,12

touchup

2007-06-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

alright guys so after about an hour of touch up, i present to you the draft touchup version of ralph's logo.

T front

2007-06-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

ok heres an idea for the T-shirt front.

t-shirts

2007-06-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

ok a few decisions..

i currently have a few questions i need answers

1)do u think we can sell 50 pc per shirt

2)3 or 4 designs

-for now the confirmed ones are:"I Belong to Jesus", "Don't Give Up,You Are Loved" , "Child of God"

-pending one is perhaps "This Font Rocks", and.. hmm i forgot wad i wanted to write!! ok nvm.. guess i have to think of other captions.. other ppl pls give some input too.. im dead..lol

oh ya.. for I belong to Jesus i have 3 drafts.. which one do u guys think is the nicest

the third one wun be sleeveless of cos.. just the designs..

Front design

2007-06-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks gerald. So I thot the wordings shud be top n bottom instead of the side. er, but I still prefer purple or yellow. haha... i think yellow better. cuz its brighter and more cheery. Anywas, I was thinking we put the logo at the back and just make the front simple. Sth like these (take note if the wordings in the middle, then it'll bigger fonts):

new ideas.

2007-06-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

try this one.

2007-06-18T00:17:00.001-07:00

looooogo

2007-06-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

here are the logos for pharos. please votos soonos becos i needos to do promo matos. thankos youos.

=)

SO....

2007-06-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

Project Aurora shud be okay, Northern Light---> Northern Part Of Thailand where we will be the light to those we server up there?

As for our name: Bratz to ----> Bands of Lights?

Bands might be read as Balestier Adventist Youths.

So How bout it guys?

2007-06-11T00:56:00.000-07:00

hello all :)

gerald and i have decided that we need a PROJECT NAME plus a GROUP NAME.

so it'll be like Project _. and the group can be called The _.

here are a few nice words for you think about.. TAG ALL THE IDEAS YOU HAVE!! :)

Beacons
Guides
Planters
Pharos
Blaze
Brio
Fuego (fire in spanish)
Aurora
Lighthouse

if you dont understand the meanings. search dictionary.com
for more ideas - thesaurus.com

THANKING ALL :)

sheena & gerald.

i like my daddy well done with bbq sauce pls.

2007-06-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

ok guys. i've gotten up a web portal where we can upload all out necessary files etc for easy access.

its at

MissionTrippin07

its basically a library listed with the date so for the latest versions it'll be right at the top (just look at the date).

webmaster pls link on right ty.

i think that this blog can become a very powerful tool of relay of info so lets use it more aight. updates can be posted here etc.

thanks peeps.

2007-06-10T03:07:00.000-07:00

okay.. the 4th caption is abit corny... i need comments on the shirts from u guys..

im printing all white shirts because we need to be frugal folks and coloured tees cost more.

i have not gotten a quotation yet as i emailed the supplier not long ago but can anyone email/taghere about any interesting caption u have thought of be it christian or non christian..

or any design changes (eg:change of colour of texts to other colours, change of font, change of position/size of text)

please help me ppl for i need yr opinions on this.. thanks.

2007-04-26T02:04:00.000-07:00

hello brats :)

would like to call for a short short meeting after church service this coming sabbath @ the youth room regarding the mission trip in december.

agenda for that meeting:
1. discuss and vote on which location to go. pastor phamor recommends bee yaw ta but we can discuss it together as a group before confirming with him.
2. to indicate interest (for those who want to go) so that we can start preparations for fund-raising, etc. i want to have a group of committed individuals who will most probably be going so that i can keep you in the loop and also involve you in the planning.

that's all for now :)
keep praying for this alrights?

love!
sheena

KAREN HERE

2007-04-16T23:54:00.000-07:00

Hi GUYS!!!

KAREN IS COMING BACK THIS FRIDAY EVENING! =P
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL!

well. On sabbath afternoon we'll all be going to MR TAN's house to celebrate his birthday with him right. I thought it'll be very nice if we make a card for him!!!

The plan is like this, since he cannot SEE written words, i was think of getting those 3-D squishy alphabets from kiddy palace or toys'r'us. you know the ones you play with when you're toddlers. so HE can FEEL the words on the card we made for him!!

HOW NICE RIGHT!

i donno how much the letterings cost but if everyone chips in, it shouldn't cost too much!

so when i return i'll go get the squishy alphabets and we'll stick it to our card on sabbath ya!

NOTE: ANYONE HAS A GLUEGUN PLEASE TELL ME SO WE CAN USE IT ATTACH THE LETTERS TO THE CARD EASILY.

lets SHARE THE LOVE

Karen

2007-04-09T01:18:00.001-07:00

this Sabbath (14april), pastor phamor from thailand will be in singapore for a week and he has kindly agreed to meet with us, regarding a possible mission trip to Thailand in Dec 07.

the meeting will tentatively be held at 4.30pm @ the youth room.

pastor phamor will be telling us more about mission work in Thailand and will also be showing us some powerpoint slides.

it'll be great if everyone can be present, especially if you're interested to go for the trip :)

the youth outing to changi beach will be postponed to next week.

:) :) :) :)

sheena

2007-04-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

WE'RE GOING CHANGI BEACH FOR SUNDOWN!!
430 THIS SABBATH!! BE THERE OR BEWARE!
(:

(:

2007-03-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

you all know what this picture means..

just a small change in timing.. 9 o clock sheena's phone.. hope to "see" u all there

2007-03-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

thursday (22 march) prayer conference call 9.30pm :)

my hp no as usual.

last week no one called, aww :(

prayer meeting

2007-03-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

for the lack of a better picture :)

telephone prayer meeting this week :)

thursday (15 march) 9.30pm.

call my hp with prayer requests and we will pray together :)

<3>

2007-03-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

I would like to say 2 things maybe 3 =) :

1. Thank you to those who have attended our cell group meeting last nite.
My apology for giving a short notice. We had a fruitful discussion and thank you Alden (straight from work - NS), Ralph (all the way from East Side), Spike (before running away to OZ), & Pris (gave priority over her "friends" and town) for coming. And may this be the first for many many meetings to come. This will be a regular cell-group meetings, every Tuesday , starts at 7.30pm.

Just to summarize last nite's discussion, among many other things we discussed difficult text in the bible, consistency between Old and New Testament and we learned to always Praise the LORD everyday in our lives. So come, let us reason together and know that we will be blessed!

2. Just heard the news that Wayne Hooper passed away on the 28th of Feb. A tribute in video and audio are available in vop.com
especially I love the audio tribute where he tells Melanshenko how he came up with the song We Have This Hope. I am telling you, for those who is inspired to write a song, any kind of song, specially Christian songs, this is a MUST hear. It is wonderful. My influence in singing, especially my love of male quartet has always been Wayne Hooper. I feel it is appropriate to mention his name and praise God for giving him great talents and for him to let others be blessed by them.

3. Dont forget tonite's prayer meetings - thru phonecalls! this is one of the thing where u want to be remembered for starting it. Let us all join, however consistency is what im hoping for, even if only 2 or 3 persons joining the call, we will still hav it.

Looking forward to HEAR your voices tonite @9.30pm Bratz.

2007-03-06T00:49:00.000-08:00

prayer meeting over the phoneee :)

hope you guys dont read this too late.. you guys can call as usual. tonight 9.30pm. conference call at my hp number :) with prayer requests and the likes :)

-sheena

2007-03-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY/SMALL GROUP MEETINGS

1st Meeting - 7.30pm Tuesday, 6th March 2007

I feel the need for us to spend an hour of our 144hrs(of 6days) to get together in the middle of the week to study/share/contemplate things that can remind us the important thing in lives other than study work careers and whathavyou.

I will be there, hope ill see you guys there too.

2007-02-28T22:54:00.000-08:00

PRAISE THE LORD!

Praise The LORD, o my soul and all that is within me
Praise His Holy Name...

Psalm 103 is one of the Psalms where one cannot find a trace of sadness, untouched by sorrow, pain nor unhappiness. Praise flows like an unbroken stream.

So is my heart filled with Joy and Praises that God has given me a priviledge to work with all of you - Bratz- the young guns from Singapore. Tho Ive been discouraged from time to time, but it is true what E.G. White says in Desire of Ages, If only we could see the end from the beginning, we wudnt want God to lead us any other way.
And so it is with my life, Ive experienced the work of God thru His young ppl back when I was in Indonesia and Cooranbong. It is a Joy that I can witness it again, here in Balestier. I told Priscilla, just 2 days ago, I got no regrets coming to Balestier. This church may not be for everyone, it is like a refinery, where raw metals turn into precious jewels. Not many ppl can stand the 'heat' =)

I do understand one thing tho', that everyone has his/her own season. This season may not be your season,
season where u dont feel like getting involved and prefer to sit at the back watching things get by and waive at opportunites to make a difference ,but when it comes to your season, I hope u will make sure you leave your mark, actively involved, part-taking the joy of working your brain and stretch yr muscles out for the work that is layed out b4 you - Sharing the Good News while preparing to live in the new Earth.

One thing I may regret is the fact that I wasnt there listening the whole thing and seeing the smiles on those wrinkly faces of our Parents ( well maybe not for some of ours =P ) But maybe I was supposed to be in Penang, for I believe I have great testimony to share with you all about the Youth over there.

So to all my friends who hv supported and/or participated in the Youth-Sabbath programs, my pray is that you will let the lights you carry be burning bright, that you will reach new heights day by day, and stay faithful till He comes.

From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to THANK YOU for your dedication and your great work. God Bless!

2007-02-28T22:46:00.000-08:00

COMBINED YOUTH PROGRAM - 3 March 2007

Guys,
FYI - if weather permits, we will be having our Combined Youth Program @Botanical Garden
3 to 5pm (one-way transport provided)

There will be games and they involve running jumping crawling around, so wear something comfy,
but not too shaby. Oh, also wear Black Youth T-Shirt. If you dont have, wear the white one.
For you who wants Black T-Shirt, let me know! For new Bratz I have them prepared for you and come and get it from me this Saturday.

We are encouraged to mingle around with other youth, prolly we can go sundown there and have dinner together.

Tell and remind each other so they wont miss this - See you guys on Sabbath!

Message from Aunty Mae

2007-02-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Bratz, aunty Mae sent this email for all you guys to read.

To the Blessed Balestier Youth Group,

God has chosen each of you to bless our lives this last Sabbath!Oh that Chiniah, Joe, Alan and others could have been there – their hearts would be so raised in praise for Jesus to bring up to Himself a Youth Group with such promise !

I could see it in the faces of so many in the congregation – glimpses of affirmation, even pride for their youth! I over-heard the quiet, but some rather excited hushed comments and soft laughter at the little slipped-out comments of Shannon during an inspired sermon filled with pertinent Bible texts that only God could have given him. Never before have I seen a longer and more mix of young and old, standing in line to hug and shake the hand and praise the Lord with the speaker of the hour! This is all God's doing when we consecrate our lives to Him. Seeing each of your smiling faces up there, we realized the answer to our prayers offered to God through the many years on your behalf ~ the unceasing prayers of every father, mother, father and church family is evident and you stand up there in witness of answered prayers!

This little email is written in Praise of God for His army of youth! It is prophesied that God's army of youth will move forward to finish the work! You are chosen! May you be encouraged to group even closer together …. to work together to let God polish each of you to witness together, so that God churches here in Singapore and across the causeway in Malaysia, AND wherever else God sends you will be blessed as we have been blessed by the Ministry of the Blessed Balestier Youth Group. (BBYG – Big in the name of the Lord)

In God's care and love,
Auntie Mae

How REAL God is in Karen's life this Chinese New Year!

2007-02-21T04:24:00.000-08:00

This Chinese new year, i came back with one purpose. That i can share as much about health and enthusiasm and knowledge about God with as many as possible. So wherever i went i prayed to God that i will be ready to be an instrument for Him. I prayed that God will send to me willing hearts to listen to His word through my mouth. nearing the end of my CNY I have to share with you how real God has been in answering my prayer.

my first encounter:
My auntie and litlle girl cousin came to my house to make pineapple tarts. they happen to come late and thus the pineapple tart making went to near sundown. I decided to lead sundown worship for my family. initially i intended to share with my family about the 144000 but then now that my non-christian relatives are around, i had reservations. I decided to whisper a prayer "Lord what should i do?" Suddenly it occured to me that this may be an opportunity that God has given me to share God with my aunt and cousin. I quickly searched the pink sophisticated looking book where i write down thoughts from group devotion or any sharing. I finally found two sharings. Both about angels. PRAISE THE LORD, in my sharing i could see the mesmerised and shinning eyes of my little cousin as she listened intently about Mrs white vision about angels. My aunt however got distracted a few times bc of the pineapple tarts being ready halfway through my sharing. (plus i HAD TO share in CHINESE!! and she found my malaysian chinese accent really funny!!! she actually burst out laughing twice!!) but i was really happy after i shared with them. At least i have planted a seed in their hearts. The next time i saw my auntie, she asked if i had some more things to share. *heart totally warmed up*

2nd encounter:
on monday, i had a visitation to my JC classmate's house and a number of my classmates were there. Again i prayed my daily prayer that i will be a good example and that i may be a shining light for Him. Once eveyone gathered, they mahjong table was pulled out. since i didn't wanna gamble or learn to gamble, although asked to a few times, i settled for uno stacko then this realli complicated board game that is like monopoly. then, very quickly many of my closer classmates wanted to leave alreadi. except for one mahjong table of people left. in my heart i was thinking, " i don't think its possible to share anything about God in this kind of situation" so i decided to take off with two of my closer girlfriends. but after putting on my shoes and seeing the hurry they were in, something told me that i wouldn't be able to share anything with them either. so i told them tht i decided to stay back and i went back into the house.and share a chair with one of the mahjong players. I alreadi gave up all hope of sharing with them about God. after a short while, a suggested that why not we eat now. then surprisingly they all took off to prepare to eat at the house. ( i expected them to be really hooked to the table). i scooped rice for everyone and the owner of the house(jolene) prepared the dishes. During the lunch suddenly, cumar ( a hindu) asked... (wait i go eat dinner) "is the seventh days adventist church the ones that say the catholics are the antichrist?" I WAS SO SHOCKED!!! I was like "HOW YOU KNOW!?!" then i explained to Him that we believe the papacy is the beast in revelations. I asked him where he got his info from he said that he was bored then he typed "christianity" in wikipedia. at this moment, then a few side conversations continues. then we stopped talking. i was asking God to give me wisdom. then cumar asked" so do you hate the USA?" DOUBLE SHOCK!! "HAHA! i don't hate them! but we believe that america is the one that is going to persecute us at the end of time. the church also, but we differentiate between the catholic church and the people in the church because there are good people in the catholic church and they may not know what is going on." After that the conversation shifts. Thank God for this opportunity to plant another seed.
3rd encounter:
My bestfriend constance.
i met constance for breakfast at macs. constance is my twin sister. She knows me through and through, and i her. (although she surprises me sometimes. or maybe more than sometimes)we met due to common interest in drama and we keep saying same words together at the same time and doing things simultaneously spontaneously. We became fast friends and are drawn to each other because of our love for God. As we were chatting and sharing our inner feelings, i dunno how it came to me introducing the most beautiful book to constance. "desire of ages" and later "christ object lessons". She was really interested in reading the book as well and surely if she reads it through she will gained ALOT of insights about Jesus and God. I truely hope that she will read it through and that the Holy Spirit will speak to her and that she will be blessed by the books, as i was.(you surely should read these two books if you haven't!)

I'M REALLY GLAD GOD HAS DEEMED ME WORTHY TO BE USED BY HIM!!! I FEEL SO HONOURED AND HAPPY!! =P

PRAY FOR CONS, CUMAR, MY SAN YI AND MEI XUAN (LITTLE COUS) AND MY FAMILY(ESP MY BROTHER) K?

regular prayer meetings :)

2007-02-20T07:27:00.000-08:00

hey all :) i was pretty inspired about today's prayer session we had at karen's place and i thought we should make it regular!!

as you all know (or not know), pastor chan will be conducting regular tues/wed night prayer meetings/bible studies for the youth in church.. starting 6march, 7.30pm, pastor's office. this was decided only two sabbaths back.

but mean while, those who are unable to make it for the meeting, etc. or find it physically impossible to meet up with the rest midweek. i was thking that we can have CONFERENCE CALL PRAYER MEETINGS :) this is opened to all! meaning.. one person will take charge a week.. and inform everyone else when to call. then we can chat and take down prayer requests and pray over the phone :) then we can share our requests/burdens and support each other spiritually too :) we can start next week.

i'll be in-charge next week, and maybe the following weeks. let's make it next tuesday, 27 feb, 9pm :) so at about 9pm everyone can just call my handphone (get the no from me if u dun have it) and we'll have a conference call :) even if it's just two people on the phone, we still can pray. so dont have to worry about whether it's on or not, just call :) i'll be available aights? any changes i'll sms everyone or post here.

so next tues, my hp will be charged to full batt!! and i'll be awaiting your calls at 9pm :)

Meeting Session with Pastor Chan

2007-01-31T18:55:00.000-08:00

Yo Bratz,

FYI - We will have a meeting session with Pastor Chan this Saturday, 3rd January '07
@3pm (after choir practice) in the Youth Room.

I'd like to invite all of you to attend the meeting, as you all know Pastor Chan is helping Balestier and it is his intention to work hand-in-hand with all of us youths.

Spare your bz time, let's get together, hope this will be a fruitful one.

Thanks.

An Impressive Dream

2007-01-22T04:58:00.000-08:00

An Impressive Dream

TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH
VOLUME 2
Page 595

While at Battle Creek in August, 1868, I dreamed of being with a large body of people. A portion of this assembly started out prepared to journey. We had heavily loaded wagons. As we journeyed, the road seemed to ascend. On one side of this road was a deep precipice; on the other was a high, smooth, white wall, like the hard finish upon plastered rooms. As we journeyed on, the road grew narrower and steeper. In some places it seemed so very narrow that we concluded that we could no longer travel with the loaded wagons. We then loosed them from the horses, took a portion of the luggage from the wagons and placed it upon the horses, and journeyed on horseback.

As we progressed, the path still continued to grow narrow. We were obliged to press close to the wall, to save ourselves from falling off the narrow road down the steep precipice. As we did this, the luggage on the horses pressed against the wall and caused us to sway toward the precipice. We feared that we should fall and be dashed in pieces on the rocks. We then cut the luggage from the horses, and it fell over the precipice. We continued on horseback, greatly fearing, as we came to the narrower places in the road, that we should lose our balance and fall. At such times a hand seemed to take the bridle and guide us over the perilous way.

As the path grew more narrow, we decided that we could no longer go with safety on horseback, and we left the horses and went on foot, in single file, one following in the footsteps of another. At this point small cords were let down from the top of the pure white wall; these we eagerly grasped, to aid us in keeping our balance upon the path. As we traveled, the cord moved along with us. The path finally became so narrow that we concluded that we could travel more safely without our shoes, so we slipped them from our feet and went on some distance without them. Soon it was decided that we could travel more safely without our stockings; these were removed, and we journeyed on with bare feet.

We then thought of those who had not accustomed themselves to privations and hardships. Where were such now? They were not in the company. At every change some were left behind, and those only remained who had accustomed themselves to endure hardships. The privations of the way only made these more eager to press on to the end.

Our danger of falling from the pathway increased. We pressed close to the white wall, yet could not place our feet fully upon the path, for it was too narrow. We then suspended nearly our whole weight upon the cords, exclaiming: "We have hold from above! We have hold from above!" The same words were uttered by all the company in the narrow pathway. As we heard the sounds of mirth and revelry that seemed to come from the abyss below, we shuddered. We heard the profane oath, the vulgar jest, and low, vile songs. We heard the war song and the dance song. We heard instrumental music and loud laughter, mingled with cursing and cries of anguish and bitter wailing, and were more anxious than ever to keep upon the narrow, difficult pathway. Much of the time we were compelled to suspend our whole weight upon the cords, which increased in size as we progressed.

I noticed that the beautiful white wall was stained with blood. It caused a feeling of regret to see the wall thus stained. This feeling, however, lasted but for a moment, as I soon thought that it was all as it should be. Those who are following after will know that others have passed the narrow, difficult way before them, and will conclude that if others were able to pursue their onward course, they can do the same. And as the blood shall be pressed from their aching feet, they will not faint with discouragement; but, seeing the blood upon the wall, they will know that others have endured the same pain.

At length we came to a large chasm, at which our path ended. There was nothing now to guide the feet, nothing upon which to rest them. Our whole reliance must be upon the cords, which had increased in size until they were as large as our bodies. Here we were for a time thrown into perplexity and distress. We inquired in fearful whispers: "To what is the cord attached?" My husband was just before me. Large drops of sweat were falling from his brow, the veins in his neck and temples were increased to double their usual size, and suppressed, agonizing groans came from his lips. The sweat was dropping from my face, and I felt such anguish as I had never felt before. A fearful struggle was before us. Should we fail here, all the difficulties of our journey had been experienced for nought.

Before us, on the other side of the chasm, was a beautiful field of green grass, about six inches high. I could not see the sun; but bright, soft beams of light, resembling fine gold and silver, were resting upon this field. Nothing I had seen upon earth could compare in beauty and glory with this field. But could we succeed in reaching it? was the anxious inquiry. Should the cord break, we must perish. Again, in whispered anguish, the words were breathed: "What holds the cord?" For a moment we hesitated to venture. Then we exclaimed: "Our only hope is to trust wholly to the cord. It has been our dependence all the difficult way. It will not fail us now." Still we were hesitating and distressed. The words were then spoken: "God holds the cord. We need not fear." These words were then repeated by those behind us, accompanied with: "He will not fail us now. He has brought us thus far in safety."

My husband then swung himself over the fearful abyss into the beautiful field beyond. I immediately followed. And, oh, what a sense of relief and gratitude to God we felt! I heard voices raised in triumphant praise to God. I was happy, perfectly happy.

I awoke, and found that from the anxiety I had experienced in passing over the difficult route, every nerve in my body seemed to be in a tremor. This dream needs no comment. It made such an impression upon my mind that probably every item in it will be vivid before me while my memory shall continue.

DON'T SAY LATER

2007-01-16T17:25:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd share some thoughts with my dearest friends.

The devil works very hard to keep us from reading the Bible. The TV, the internet, school, video games, mirrors (to constantly admire ourselves), shopping, sports, social gatherings with alcohol, smokes and music, and a lotta other stuff keep us busy everyday.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying all these stuff is evil and we must not do ANY of it. But they can great stumbling blocks. Spending too much time on stuff like these and a lack of proper discernment results in little or no time for God and/or a poor relationship with Him. I am guilty of spending too much time on things like that too. We must remember to always put God first in what we do. One very important thing is to read the Bible.

I'm sure most of us have been told probably a million times why we should read the Bible, so I shall spare you guys that. But if anyone out there doesn't know why we should read the Bible, well, you can look for me, or better still, check out the book with all the answers to life's questions - the Bible. (:

Now to what this post is meant to be about. I just want to tell you guys, to read the Bible and DON'T SAY LATER. Why? Well, let me share with you my experiences.

I used to give Jia Jia Bible study over the phone. When this happens, the connection cuts off several times or develops poor sound quality. But we speak quite long before starting and after closing and at those times, the connection is clear and problem-free. When we talk on the phone and not have Bible study, this problem NEVER occurs either.

At work, I'm often quite free after lunch. Sometimes I say to myself, I'll rest for a while and then read the Bible a little later. Sometimes I'll just start reading. But many times the moment I start reading (after my rest or not), my supervisor has some work for me. You may say it's coincidence. But I'm telling you, it happens too many times for it to be a coincidence.

So friends, take heed: read the Bible, and don't say later. Don't open the door for the devil to occupy your time for God.

Shine

2007-01-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

"sometimes our light out but is blown into flame by another human being..

each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.."

I love this quote, came across it today. Many ways it can be interpreted, but as for me I want to be the one who rekindle the lights of others. It somewhat serves as a reminder to keep our lights burning bright, gotta have enuf oil, gotta keep re-fueling and exactly what Nelson Mandela once said,

"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same"

So let our lights be burning, my brothers n sisters =), and let us SHINE for the road we are on, is a narrow & winding road. But then hey, if it aint hard, it aint worth our time.

C u all@ church tmr!

There are Roman Catholic CHRISTIAN CHURCH?!

2007-01-08T22:09:00.000-08:00

From: The Great Controversy

The Roman Church reserves to the clergy the right to interpret the Scriptures. On the ground that ecclesiastics alone are competent to explain God's word, it is withheld from the common people. Though the Reformation gave the Scriptures to all, yet the selfsame principle which was maintained by Rome prevents multitudes in Protestant churches from searching the Bible for themselves. They are taught to accept its teachings as interpreted by the church; and there are thousands who dare receive nothing, however plainly revealed in Scripture, that is contrary to their creed or the established teaching of their church. {GC 596.3}

Notwithstanding the Bible is full of warnings against false teachers, many are ready thus to commit the keeping of their souls to the clergy. There are today thousands of professors of religion who can give no other reason for points of faith which they hold than that they were so instructed by their religious leaders. They pass by the Saviour's teachings almost 597

unnoticed, and place implicit confidence in the words of the ministers. But are ministers infallible? How can we trust our souls to their guidance unless we know from God's word that they are light bearers? A lack of moral courage to step aside from the beaten track of the world leads many to follow in the steps of learned men; and by their reluctance to investigate for themselves, they are becoming hopelessly fastened in the chains of error. They see that the truth for this time is plainly brought to view in the Bible; and they feel the power of the Holy Spirit attending its proclamation; yet they allow the opposition of the clergy to turn them from the light. Though reason and conscience are convinced, these deluded souls dare not think differently from the minister; and their individual judgment, their eternal interests, are sacrificed to the unbelief, the pride and prejudice, of another. {GC 596.4}

Many are the ways by which Satan works through human influence to bind his captives. He secures multitudes to himself by attaching them by the silken cords of affection to those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. Whatever this attachment may be, parental, filial, conjugal, or social, the effect is the same; the opposers of truth exert their power to control the conscience, and the souls held under their sway have not sufficient courage or independence to obey their own convictions of duty. {GC 597.1} The truth and the glory of God are inseparable; it is impossible for us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor God by erroneous opinions. Many claim that it matters not what one believes, if his life is only right. But the life is molded by the faith.

If light and truth is within our reach, and we neglect to improve the privilege of hearing and seeing it, we virtually reject it; we are choosing darkness rather than light. {GC 597.2}

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 16:25.

Ignorance is no excuse for error or sin, when there is every opportunity to know the will of God.

Scary. Alot of Christian do not study the bible much for themselves. Alot of false teachings in swimming around. How to bring the truths to everyone? need to warn others...

ANNOUNCEMENT

2007-01-02T02:38:00.000-08:00

ahem!

choir practice/MEETING 1.30 music room this sabbath (6jan).

ALL TO ATTEND! :) it's important. cya there.

KAREN HERE!

2007-01-01T16:35:00.000-08:00

HI MY SWEET FRIENDS! I MISS YOU GUYS ALREADY!!!

ANYWAY, MY MEALTIMES ARE 8AM, 1PM AND 6.15
SO GIMMI HALF AN HOUR TO EAT! AND I'LL TRY AND COME ONLINE AT DINNER OR LUNCH OR BREAKFAST.

keep me informed k!

PS. i can onliy come online during mealtimes which is one hour each time.

see my blog for i'll be blogging to keep in touch k!

LOVE YOU GUYS A WHOLE LOT!

Karen

2006-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY DEARIES!! :):)

FREE ON CHRISTMAS DAY?

2006-12-21T20:22:00.000-08:00

HI BRATZ!

YOU ARE INVITED TO MY HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS DAY!

(80A TOA PAYOH LOR 4 #02-450)

MY MUMMY IS GOING TO COOK LAKSA!

AND MANY OTHER TANTALISING DISHES FOR YOU GUYS!

YOU CAN COME AT TWELVE NOON ONWARDS!

PS. DO COME K?

I'M LEAVING YOU GUYS FOR MALACCA ON NEW YEAR'S DAY.

LOTS OF LOVE,

KAREN

IS GOD DEMANDING?

2006-12-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

Somethings may sound severe but if it were true, wouldn't we be the ones at the losing end?

IF YOU BELIEVE THAT GOD IS OUR PROTECTOR, THEN HAVE FAITH!

Conflicts Not Created by Christ.--

We are living in a solemn time. An important work is to be done for our own souls and for the souls of others, or we shall meet with an infinite loss. We must be transformed by the grace of God, or we shall fail of heaven, and through our influence others will fail with us.
Let me assure you that the struggles and conflicts which must be endured in the discharge of duty, the

self-denials and sacrifices which must be made if we are faithful to Christ, are not created by Him. They are not imposed by arbitrary or unnecessary command; they do not come from the severity of the life which He requires us to lead in His service. Trials would exist in greater power and number were we to refuse obedience to Christ and become the servants of Satan and the slaves of sin.-- 4T 557, 558 (1881).

PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO REPLY THIS POST.

2006-12-20T00:02:00.000-08:00

I NEED YOU GUYS TO TAG QUESTIONS in our TAGBOARD REGARDING

1) MARRIAGE
2) TITHE AND OFFERING

It's for morning sabbath school program.

Thanks guys and girlies!

Youth Camp & New Year + BBQ

2006-12-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

Youth Camp was great fun!! Yeah....
although I was hoping more would come but then hey (5t was a33 g66d),
we will have more camps in the future...hip hip hurray!
And also, I hope we all can take something out of it but more than that
use/practice waever new perspectives on The Word u've gained.
I know I have - and I believe at the very least you shud take with you,
if u remember nothing else, that it is never about us, it is always
about God and how we portray His character to others thru us.

Our focus for next year is the Youth Week of Prayer,
I am sending you a newsletter from General Conference Youth Dept,
take time to read it, it will help us to focus on our work as Youth in Balestier Church for the year 2007.
get ready to spend your time, energy and to excercise every talents
that God has entrusted you with. It will be like shower of blessings, i tell you,
manz, you gotta experience it 1st hand (you will smile in every storm you face).

Therfore, my friends, (whom I have chosen - BRATZ) =), let's choose Him as our friend
to walk, talk, pray and be with for the rest of ourlives.

As for the New Year BBQ, aunty Lilian has asked us to help her out with the BBQ.
I think she wants us to help BBQ-ing the food and bring friends, There will be NOCHARGE for every friend you bring along with you. Hence it shud encourage you to bring your friends (sevvy or non-sevvy ones) and let me know how many you'll be bringing, also I need to know how many of us, YOUTH, will attend.
pls let me know. It will be on the 31st of December, night, after worship.

ps: yo Spike, can upload my picture, the one where u COULD almost see my 6 pack from the past .... mwwhahahaha! - it will at the very least encourage our little brother - Teddy the Bear!

2006-12-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

This is my first post as and after my appointment as sheena's secretary.
We are carolling for genesis during lunching time on thursday so we will need to practise on wednesday and thursday.
We will have a post-practise activity on wednesday at Minds Cafe. Those who are not in choir but wants to join are welcomed.
The schedule is as follows:
Wednesday 20/12: 11-1pm-Choir Practice @ church music room
2-6pm -Minds Cafe Outing @ Prinsep Strt Minds Cafe
6-????-Dinner Out
Thursday 21/12: 930-1130-Choir Practice @ church music room
1230-130-Carolling @ Genesis (Lunch may be provided)
130-dismissal
The standard uniform for choir is required for carolling.
Green shirt and white skirt for girls, white shirt red tie n black pants for guys.

PS:quek is being annoying and pointing out to correct my short forms and grammer.Oops, i mean boss.

Thanks and Invitation

2006-12-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks to JiaHong for setting it up,
Also wud like to invite others to join and blog!

Perhaps this could be a place where ppl come to know GOD thru us...
isn't that wonderful?

what r u waiting for then...let's start sharing the good news, shall we?

announcements announcements! :)

2006-12-09T06:04:00.000-08:00

yay nice posts from karen and shannon :)

okay guys i shall use this blog as an AVENUE to make announcements so i kinda hope people actually read this, jiahong quick go publicise can?

minds cafe & shopping for youth camp logistics & choir prac

(with $20, RAHHH to tampu)

wednesday 13 dec

12pm at city hall, then we'll head to bras besar.

2pm at minds cafe (prinsep street) for those who are laaazy to go shopping. we're gonna play plenty of BOARD GAMES, yay. really fun!

7pm choir prac in church

a day out for us to spend much quality time with each other, awww. so far people going are pris, karen, daniel, jiahong, gerald. haha so sad for the working people shannon and tampu!

youth christmas carolling

dates TBA, gerald will confirm. either 20th or 23rd.

programme is as follows:

1. White Christmas? tentative

2. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer (BIG CHOIR) unison/slight harmony acapella

3. When the Son of God was Born (Karen, Sheena, Daniel) SAB Minus One

4. O Little Town of Bethlehem (Karen, Sheena, Jia Hong, Calvin T, Daniel, Gerald) 4Part Acapella

5. Jingle Bells (BIG CHOIR) Unison/slight harmony Harmonica

6. What Child is This (Karen, Sheena) SA duet Piano

7. Silent Night (Jia Hong, Calvin T, Daniel, Gerald) 4Part Acapella

8. O Holy Night (BIG CHOIR) SATB Minus One

BIG CHOIR = lakshi karen priscilla sheena caressa gerald daniel calvinT calvinQ jiahong

for those who wanna put up your own items, or wanna join in just inform me or karen okay! :)

people on the list are CONFIRMED SINGING RIGHT? (except pris, only if its 20th right?) pls dont play tricks and pull out last min.

choir pracs for the BIG CHOIR (3 songs) will be done during youth camp!

small group practices, first one this wed 7pm - 9pm after minds cafe, aight?

okaaaaaay cant wait for youth camp :) ARE YOU EXCITED! :)

love, sheeeeeeeeena

Words

2006-12-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

Words

Boys flying kites haul in their white-winged birds.
You can't do that way when you're flying words....
Thoughts unexpressed may sometimes fall back dead;
But God Himself can't kill them when they're said.

Will Charleton was, to my boyhood poetical fancy, a rhymster of homely common sense. I valued a personal acquaintance with him, for we were guests in each other's homes. His Farm Ballads, from which these lines are taken, were of use in teaching me to read.

Few persons stop to think how much they use words. These little instruments can cause great happiness and also great sorrow. The wise man says much about them in his book of Proverbs. Among the Proverbs are these: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." "A flattering mouth worketh ruin." "The words of a talebearer are as wounds." Jesus declared, "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." You will also recall the words of the apostle James, "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." He compares the tongue to a bit in a horse's mouth by which we guide him. He also likens the tongue to the small rudder of great ships by which they are turned and controlled even in storms. Says he, "Every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: but the tongue can no man tame." You ask, "Can no man tame his tongue so as to always speak the right word?" I reply, "That is what the Bible says."

"What, then, are we to do?" This is naturally and rightly the next question for us to ask, and the answer is not hard to find. Two texts of Scripture answer it: "Out of abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," and "I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them."

"Expression deepens impression" has its application here. Kind words deepen kind feelings in the mind and the heart of the speaker. The prayers and songs of Paul and Silas in the Philippian prison must have made both of them more comfortable. Their wounds must have hurt less.

It is related that a dear old woman who had the kind-word habit never spoke ill of anyone. One day her niece rushed into her room with a complaint about one of her girl friends. The dear old aunt heard her through and then calmly offered an excuse for the offender. "Aunt," replied her niece, "I think you'd find something good to say about the devil."

"Well, my dear, I can say this about him: If we were all as diligent in doing right as he is in doing wrong we'd all have a home in heaven."

Thoughtless words often cause us embarrassment, and our embarrassment is sometimes increased by others' amusement. Quite some time ago a woman asked me about a certain man whom I knew. I answered her question, then remarked, "That man is a jack-in-a-box."

"What do you mean?" she inquired
"Oh," I said, "he's up and talking on all occasions, and sometimes he doesn't know what he is talking about."
"Well," she replied, "that's interesting. He's my brother."

Oh, yes, young people! I know what I'm talking about on this subject of words. However I don't know it all yet. Sad to say, I'm still having to learn, often - too often - the hard way! I long to keep you from the "word pitfalls."

It is often possible to accomplish more by saying nothing than by saying the inappropriate word. A Methodist preacher who was driving to his church on a Sunday picked up a boy whom he did not know. The boy had a string of fish that he had caught in the neighbouring pond. The preacher said nothing to the lad about his fishing on Sunday; instead he complimented him on his fine string of fish. Then he carried on such an interesting conversation that the boy came to his church, became an ardent member and ,later, the father of two gospel workers, one a great preacher and the other a foreign missionary.

Elijah had played the coward and run away from Jezebel, and the Lord sought to correct him. A great wind that broke rocks and split mountains passed by, but the Lord was not in the wind. Then an earthquake and a fire came, but the Lord was not in them. Finally a small voice was heard, and in that the Lord revealed Himself by the question, "What doest thou here, Elijah?" In those five words God accomplished His purpose. The Lord speaks at times through the wind, the earthquake, and the fire; but more often He speaks through the "still, small voice."

"Like apples of gold in pictures of silver" is the divine description of the right sort of words. They fit the occasion. Solomon also says of such words: "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoke in due season, how good is it!" I believe that no man ever lived who knew better than Solomon the value of a word for good or evil.

I fancy Job's visitors really desired to comfort him in his affliction, but what a sorry mess they made of it! They did not enter into sympathy with him. They gave him grievous words, not kind and understanding ones.

Solomon says, "With all thy getting get understanding." I would add "words" to that injuction!

So many worthless words are spoken in rapid conversation. It has been said that "a very great part of the mischiefs that vex the world come from words." Kind pleasantries which we say to our friends regarding their looks, doings, and ways are sometimes tinged with unpleasant insinuations that hurt, perhaps but slightly as a pinprick. Pinprick humour will usually be returned with added spite, and so back and forth, until swords are drawn and friendship and love are cut asunder.

Practical jokes are a form of this sort of humour. A practical joker tells how he was cured of this habit. He says that he had a warm friend in his home city, New York, who was quite penny-wise. The joker took a trip across the country to San Francisco, and thought it would be a good joke on his careful-of-money friend in New York City to send him a collect telegram. He sent this wire, "I am very well. Hope this finds you the same." In due time this practical joker received a heavy package express collect on which he paid $4.96 express charges. Opening it, he found a cement block with this note pasted on it: "This weight is lifted off my heart by your cheering message." The joker was cured by paying the $4.96.

I have known of one or two practical jokes that came near to taking the lives of those on the whom they were played. To all practical jokers I would say, It need not cost you a cent to be cured - merely quit. "Physician, heal thyself." It's human nature to put a drop of vinegar into the pleasant quips we pass to our friends; but why not put in lumps of sugar instead? It pays.

Talebearing gossip is another cause of sorrow, and before I had grown into my teens I learned a lesson about this evil habit. My father had a young farmhand, Rodney, and mother have a house girl, Angelina. They fell in love and were silly about it, to the amusement of the large family. One day I said to Angelina, "You love Rodney." "No, I don't," she snapped. I ran to Rodney with, "Angelina says she doesn't love you." "I don't care," said he. I diplomatically carried that word to Angelina, and took her response to Rodney. Back and forth I went carrying words, words, words, and in two days, the couple would hardly speak to each other. I had fun for several days until they took a long walk, came back, and told me what they thought of me. What they said to me went far toward curing me of talebearing, and I didn't pay $4.96 tuition either.

"There are few who realize how far-reaching is the influence of their words and acts... Everyone is exerting an influence upon others, and will be held accountable for the result of that influence... The impression made by our words and deeds will surely react upon ourselves in blessing or in cursing."-Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, page 556.

Taken from "That Million Dollar Moment", by Frederick Griggs

BRATZ, are you a Follower of Christ?

2006-12-05T22:48:00.000-08:00

BRATZ, are you a Follower of Christ?

If one is a follower of Christ,

he cannot be sharp in deal,

he cannot be hardhearted,

devoid of sympathy.

He cannot be coarse in his speech.

He cannot be full of pomposity*

and self-esteem.

He cannot be overbearing,

nor can he use harsh words,

and censure**

and condemn.

Mind,Character and Personality

pg 540

*Pomposity: Puffed up with vanity

**Censure: to criticize or reproach in a harsh manner or blame

Hi PPL!

2006-12-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

this blog has been set up to facilitate the spreading of news of us BRATZ.
whos blog have i not added n who have i not invited to post and u want to post pls tag at the tagboard to tell me.thanks (: