Herald Youth Fellowship

Bake Sale for The Helping Hand

2009-11-11T01:41:00.000-08:00

Laziness

2009-11-09T01:37:00.000-08:00

Question: "What does the Bible say about laziness?"

Answer: Newton’s first law of motion states that an object in motion tends to remain in motion, and an object at rest tends to remain at rest. This law applies to people. While some are naturally driven to complete projects, others are apathetic, requiring motivation to overcome inertia. Laziness, a lifestyle for some, is a temptation for all. But the Bible is clear that, because the Lord ordained work for man, laziness is sin. “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise” (Proverbs 6:6).

The Bible has a great deal to say about laziness. Proverbs is especially filled with wisdom concerning laziness and warnings to the lazy person. Proverbs tells us that a lazy person hates work: “The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work” (21:25); he loves sleep: “As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed” (26:14); he gives excuses: “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets’” (26:13); he wastes time and energy: “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great waster” (18:9 KJV); he believes he is wise, but is a fool: “The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly” (26:16).

Proverbs also tells us the end in store for the lazy: A lazy person becomes a servant (or debtor): “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor” (12:24); his future is bleak: “A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing” (20:4); he may come to poverty: “The soul of the lazy man desires and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (13:4 KJV).

There is no room for laziness in the life of a Christian. A new believer is truthfully taught that “…it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). But a believer can become idle if he erroneously believes God expects no fruit from a transformed life. “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Christians are not saved by works, but they do show their faith by their works (James 2:18,26). Slothfulness violates God’s purpose—good works. The Lord, however, empowers Christians to overcome the flesh’s propensity to laziness by giving us a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In our new nature, we are motivated to diligence and productiveness out of a love for our Savior who redeemed us. Our old propensity toward laziness—and all other sin—has been replaced by a desire to live godly lives: “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28). We are convicted of our need to provide for our families through our labors: “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8); and for others in the family of God: “You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'” (Acts 20:34-35).

As Christians, we know that our labors will be rewarded by our Lord if we persevere in diligence: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10); “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24); “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10).

Christians should labor in God’s strength to evangelize and disciple. The apostle Paul is our example: “We proclaim him [Christ], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:28-29). Even in heaven, Christians’ service to God will continue, although no longer encumbered by the curse (Revelation 22:3). Free from sickness, sorrow, and sin—even laziness—the saints will glorify the Lord forever. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Opportunity of Our Words

2009-11-02T04:43:00.001-08:00

Every day we are given the opportunity to make a difference in
someone's life. Every time we open our mouth to speak, we send forth
words which have an effect on those around us. Our words, which come
"out of the overflow of the heart" (Matthew 12:34), will either cause
a positive or negative reaction - our word are rarely
neutral. Knowing the power of our words ought to cause us to use
them with great care.

Ephesians 4:29
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only
what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that
it may benefit those who listen."

This means that every time we speak, we have the opportunity to
encourage and minister. With just a few moments of our time and very
little effort, we have the opportunity to brighten someone's day, to
ease their burden, and possibly draw them closer to God. This
precious opportunity must not be taken lightly; "But I tell you that
men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every
careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:26).

Though our careless words are eternally forgiven, they are also a
reflection of our heart. If we have received Jesus as our Lord and
Savior, our heart ought to be filled with devotion, and our words
should be filtered through a desire to bring Him glory and
honor. I'm afraid we will one day be deeply ashamed to see how much
damage our words have caused.

We seldom realize how harmful and discouraging our words can be:
"Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who
deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'" (Proverbs
26:18-19). Sarcastic and joking words are "deadly arrows" which are
never useful for "building others up." Over time, this mode of
communication is sure to destroy a relationship.

Before we speak, we must carefully listen. What is the real
question? What are the real needs? "He who answers before listening
- that is his folly and his shame" (Proverbs 18:13). We may only be
given the opportunity to speak a few words, but we can make every
effort to use our words wisely; "The heart of the righteous weighs
its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil" (Proverbs 15:28).

Our words are a powerful gift. Let's honor our Heavenly Father by
effectively using this gift to encourage. Let's speak so those who
listen may benefit and be built up in their faith. Let's continually
encourage one another to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and never
squander the opportunity of our words.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

George Carlin: The Paradox

2009-08-22T07:23:00.001-07:00

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Happy Birthday!

2009-01-13T08:21:00.001-08:00

Don't worry about the extra line that's creeping up upon your face. It's just a part of nature's way to say you've grown a little more. Trees have rings and thickner branches. Kids shoes get a little tighter. Every year we're getting closer to who we're gonna be. it's time to celebrate the story of how you've come to be.

Happy Birthday, My Friend
Here's to all the years we've shared together, All the fun we had. You're such a blessing, such a joy in my life, may the good Lord bless you, may all your dreams come through.

So light a candle on your cake for every sumile you've helped create. For every heart and ever soul you've known to grow a little more. A few more pounds, a little more grey, don't count the years, just count the way. It takes a little time to go from water into wine. Don't ever lose the wonder of the child within your eyes.

Flag Day 08 November 2008

2009-01-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

The Helping Hand Flag Day!

(Yes, i have taken a long break from blogging.. haha. slammed with tons of work can.. and when i begin to enjoy the holidays, i already need to get back to the office on monday! SIGH!)

Herald Youth Fellowship was honored to be involved in this activity to raise funds for the centre. We were glad to be able to give off our time, efforts, and even eat the humble pie to roam the streets and ask for some kind hearts to donate. :)

I will follow up with photos for our Christmas Party 08 and other activities once i have consolidated and located those lost in transit. (between home and office desktops)

Also, remember our resolutions behind the white board at level 3. Please strive and commit yourself to your resolutions. What do you want to do to please God in this new year? What bad habits are you going to kick? If you can't remeber them already, please... just go take a peek. :)

Next, the Paul/ Barnabas Board a.k.a Board O Encouragement, has been collecting dust inside the store. Someone please bring that up to level 4, and fully utilize it to encourage one another, or just to brighten someone's day with a note/ candy/ everything nice.

Let us become better children of God in this new year ahead! and yes, we can go night cycling once the older guys can make it. :)

I've had sooo much fun with you guys! (Anna, your christmas present is still with me!)

YF magazine page...

2008-11-15T22:34:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

please submit your testimonies to me. RYAN. CHONG SHING. BETHANIE. DOMINIC. GILLIAN LEE.

We still need Gillian Chua's photograph! :)

15 Nov YF

2008-11-15T22:31:00.001-08:00

SUICIDE? photos

2008-09-22T08:38:00.001-07:00

SUICIDE: END OF THE ROAD?

2008-09-16T01:41:00.001-07:00

SUICIDE: END OF THE ROAD?

Come join us as we explore why people commit suicide, how we can prevent it, and why you should never end your own life!

Herald BP Church. Level 3 Sanctuary.

3:30pm – 5:15pm

Bring your bible, Writing materials, Craft materials (scissors, glue etc)

Hope to see all of you there! I will be preparing materials so please RSVP in the tag board to let me know you are coming! J

So far, people who have responded are Dominic, Gabriel, Bethanie, Gillian.

Doomsday cult 160808

2008-08-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

Cramming for God's word?

First, lay out the bible in front of you.

Gather in groups.

Close your eyes and meditate.

Pray.

Change your position if you get drowsy.

Ask you friend if you do not understand.

You friend may ignore you, but don't give up!

Continue to meditate, and He will give you understanding.

Victory at last!

Doomsday Cult

2008-08-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

Study on the Doomsday Cult.

Learn about one of the most destructive, religious cults

through a series of activities, bible study and games.

Join us on Saturday 16 August 2008

4 pm at Level 3 Chapel.

Bring your Bible, Writing materials

* No shorts and slippers allowed on a formal YF activity*

An information and study booklet prepared by Herald YF will be
given to all participants.
Participants are encouraged to do their own research and study
on the Cult before coming for the lesson. Please take a B.A.T.H. before the
lesson. ( Bring a thought from home!)

Photos@ MacRitchie!!!

2008-08-10T04:48:00.000-07:00

Group Shot at Venus Drive Carpark

Anna's Group

Dominic's group

Gabriel's group

Ryan and Chong Shing

Church Magazine- YF page!

2008-08-05T01:41:00.001-07:00

Hi guys,
we are currently working on the church magazine.
Everyone will need to have an individual shot wearing green/black clothing and plain background.

Please submit your photos, or arrange for a date to shoot with Dominic, our official photographer.
thanks!!!

Photo Hunt@ MacRitchie

2008-08-05T01:23:00.000-07:00

Tree Top Trail- Photo Hunt@ MacRitchie

When? This Saturday 9th August 2008
Time? 8.30am
Where? Entrance near Island Country Club. (Venus Drive Carpark)
i don't know where that is as well. LOL.

Please bring ...
Track Shoes/ Sandals, Sunblock, Shades, Poncho, Water bottle, Hat/ Cap, Digital Camera

Contact...
Fiona 98006083
Dominic 92372916

11 km of nature trail, photo snapping, games, and immersion in God's creation.

Ben & Jerry's after YF 19 July 08

2008-07-25T03:13:00.000-07:00

After YF last saturday, the whole bunch of us went for dinner at Popeye's at Singapore Flyer. Hee, the crowd was there rehearsing for the national day parade. But, we braved the crowd, the drizzle and had dinner there!

Later on, we went for ice cream at Ben&Jerry's. and we all know why Gab has a stomachache after that... tsk tsk, asked for it.

Since Ryan was all skin and bones, we figured he needed some feeding... Trust us, he is glued to his PSP.

I apologize for my lousy camera phone! But still, pictures are pictures. Memories are kept forever right? Pictures fade...

As promised, here are the pictures, but i doubt you can use them for the church magazine! Hee.

Phil & Pris Wedding

2008-07-14T04:43:00.000-07:00

3 Semester 2008 Programme Leaflet Out!!!

2008-07-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Visitors, welcome to the Youth group's webpage! The 3rd semester programme leaflet is out now! Do get yours from your friends who currently attend the youth group. In there you will find all the activites and programmes we have lined up for you! Hoep to see you soon!

Faith Factor

2008-06-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

1. Song Session- Bethanie
Prayer, and songs, musician- Jodi.

2. Introduction to Faith Factor- Bethanie & Ryan (Jodi to help)
Tags, games, activities, lesson, separation into 2 groups.

3. Faith Game- Ryan (Bethanie & Jodi to help)
Start with asking for a volunteer to test his/her faith. Have 2-4 people stand around the volunteer and have the volunteer close his/her eyes and lean in to the arms of the people around him/her. Have the catchers push the volunteer around to each others arms. Also have the catchers delay pushing the person for the increased scare affect. Play until all who want to have a turn get to be caught.

Make sure the volunteer asks the person giving him a push which number he is going to count up to before he pushes him down. And, make sure one of the volunteer gets tricked twice in the game.

4. Faith Lesson- Jodi (Ryan to help with tags, questions and quizzes along the way, determined by jodi)
Every participant is blind folded in this section. There will be 20 tags all around the room. Participants are given 30 seconds to remember where they are and will be blind folded throughout the whole devotion. There are a total of 4 major sub topics, and a question will be asked in relation to the sub topic and at the end of the topic. The first one to complete a task determined by Jodi gets to answer the question. If the answer is correct, the person gets to walk around the room and collect as many tags as possible in 1 minute. If wrong, the next person gets to answer. The successful candidate who got the tags are now out of the game. The objective is to learn about what God tells us about faith, and to score points for the team.

My Prayer Is: That faith IS a factor for you! James 1:1-12
God is testing our faith in the following 3 ways:
1) Trials (vs. 2-4)

1. Temptations of Satan to sin- Afflictions/Persecutions for the sake of the gospel

2. Perseverance –to stick with your task or trial during difficulties
3. Maturity – Turn to Matt. 5:48 –(be perfect)

2) Dependency (vs. 5-8)

1. Note: without finding fault = Need to be in a right relationship

2. God rewards righteousness
1.Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you”
2.I John 5:14,15 “And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us”
3.Both of these verses confirm verse 6 in that you must ask Him and believe (faith factor)

If you you’re doubting than don’t be expecting anything, then again if you doubt, you probably won’t be expecting anything

4.Double-minded – picture a person with two heads. Two brains arguing with each other
Double –minded = unstableness

3) Circumstances (vs. 9-11)
Humbleness always honored in the Bible

1. Taking pride in your high position? Yes, because James 4:6, says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”
2. The rich should take pride in their low position
3 . A rich person needs to be in a state of gratefulness. He also needs his dependency to be on God. The problem is that riches often complicate this and cause people to become prideful and we know that the Lord opposes that.

These are comfort words to those of us who aren’t rich, but also sobering words to those that have money.

What will help when we are tested in our, “Trials,” “Dependency,” and “Circumstances”?
1.Persevere – to stick with your task or trial during difficulties

If you stand the test = rewards – eternal life, crowns that we will end up laying at Jesus’s feet because when we see Him we will understand that He alone is worthy!

2.For those who love Him- This is a motivating factor
a. God loved the world
b. We love Him because he first loved us says I John 4:19

Let me ask you the question? Is FAITH a factor for you?

Share the GOSPEL! Call for a response! The ABC’s of Salvation:
A:dmit: Realize that you’re a sinner! Rom. 3:23, Rom. 6:23,
B:elieve: Repent (change your mind) Rom. 10:9
C:hoose: Matt. 28:20 – obey Christ and the Word

5. Trust and Prayer in Youth Group-
Jodi (Bethanie to help with candles and Ryan to help with lights)

Begin by presenting the following scenario. You have come to youth group and are facing a difficult situation and need someone to talk to whom you can trust. Ask youth to raise their hand if there is one person in youth group (not counting adults) whom you feel comfortable talking to. Then ask how many have two, three or four people they can so trust. Take time to discuss what makes people trustworthy. In our group the following were the most common characteristics mentioned: being a good listener, not being judgmental and having had a positive trusting experience in the past.

Refer to the game’ faith game’ When did they begin to lose trust? Most of our youth maintained trust through the first error but the second time they were tricked, they reported a loss of trust which increased if there were subsequent errors.

Read Proverbs 3:5. Discuss how difficult it is to trust in the Lord with all your heart and not to depend on your own understanding of things.

Now take time to ask youth to share one thing that they would like to see changed. The change reported could be about themselves, the youth group, their families, their school or the world. Point out that sharing such important things requires a trust in each other. As youth share their thoughts, take time to briefly discuss the requests made then record them.

Ask youth to sit "Indian style" in a circle. Have some small candles available that can be held, one for each youth. Read the requests for change that have been recorded. Now advise youth that we will pray for these as follows. A youth leader will light a candle and pray referencing at least several of the recorded requests for change. Once the leader has completed his or her prayer, youth are invited to light a candle of their own and pray. The list of things to be changed is made available for those who need it. After a couple of candles have been lit extinguish the lights in the room.

When we did this one of our youth asked, "Do you mean pray out loud?" and I replied "Yes, that is what trust is all about". Though only an eighth grader, he was willing to participate. When all youth, who wish to participate, have prayed, the youth leader should say a concluding prayer and then ask youth to see how their candles have brightened the room. Advise that our prayers bring light and hope to people. Extinguish the candles one by one noting the contribution each youth's candle made to overcoming the darkness of the room.

6. Things needed for activities
Blindfolds, bibles, stationary, faith factor tags, candles. Lighter, paper and pens, guitar, song books.

Church Camp photos!

2008-06-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

Changi Beach BBQ and Stayover

2008-06-01T01:57:00.001-07:00

Full set of photos available at http://groups.google.com/group/herald-yf/files

31st May Stayover at Changi Beach!

2008-05-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

What's happening?!

In case you haven't know, after all the HOO HAA and publicity we are having a

Stayover at Changi Beach!!

Not just that but lotsa BBQ food, games, sharing, devotion prayer and just a great time of bonding!

Come down! Join Us!

30th May 5:00pm in church

31st May before lunch

-Things you must bring-
BIBLE
TORCH LIGHT
WATERBOTTLE
TENT (IF YOU HAVE ONE)
GROUND SHEET (OPT)
FACE TOWEL
CHANGE OF CLOTHES
JACKET
UMBRELLA/ RAINCOAT
STATIONARIES
SGD $10 FOR BBQ FOOD (TO GABRIEL)
MONEY FOR SATURDAY'S BREAKFAST AND LUNCH.
FARECARD/ MONEY TO GET HOME FROM CHANGI JETTY BUS
TERMINAL
DESIRE TO WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP

-Things to be brought by ICs-
needed for games
song sheet/ song book
guitar
Tents ( so far we have 3 tents, for about 9 to 10 people,
guys, sorry! gotta sleep outside, bring a thicker jacket!)
ground sheet
water tumbler
food (will be delievered)
disposable utensils and wares ( by church)
BBQ permit and/or tent permits
bibles/devotion notes/paper for activity
Please let me know if i have missed out something.
Looking forward to meeting all of you on Friday!
P.S. Patricia will be with you from start to end. jodi fiona,
dom, gab joining on friday night 7pm.
The rest should be in church at 5pm! Don't be late!

Important no.s to note.

Patricia- 9760779zero

Fiona- 9800608three

Jodi- 8268428five

Dominic- 9237291six

Programme- Pastor, Patricia, Ee Meng, Roland, Dominic

Games and Publicity- Bethanie

Worship- Harry, Anna

Devotion- Irving, Dominic

Food and Logistics- Gabriel, Harry

JON Voyage!

2008-05-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

Farewell at Steven's place.

We had a great time with Steven, Deborah, Jonathan and Timothy.

This is perhaps the last time in the next 3 years.

They will be leaving us for an appointment in Burnei.

We threw a surprise party for Jon, and boy he was so touched. :)

Everyone went one round to send their well wishes to Jon.

It was heart warming to me personally.

Maybe i don't know the the YF well enough yet, it was really good to hear the them, especially the boys say such nice and sweet things to Jon! What a fuzzy feeling. :)

Dominic, Irving also prayed for the food and family.

The food prepared by youths and parents was a feast!

Thank God for the ministry of Steven and family.

We can only rest in the assurance that God will take care of them while they are away from us.

Always keep them in your prayers, for strength, protection and faithfulness, especially jonathan and timothy in their new school.

God bless you and watch over you Jon!

We will look forward to seeing a taller, darker, more handsome, smarter Jon as you promised! See ya next year! Do write back to us! you can just send an email to geodyi.email@blogspot.com and the blog site will post it for all of us to see. Take good care Bro!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-08T02:55:00.000-07:00

BEING A MOTHER

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman
out to dinner and a movie.
She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and
would Love to spend some time with you.'

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my Mother, who
has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my
three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.
'What's wrong, are you well?' she asked. My mother is the type of
woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is
a sign of bad news.

'I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,' I
responded 'just the two of us.' She thought about it for a moment,
and then said, 'I would like that very much.'

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit
nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed
to be nervous about our date. She waited at the door with her coat
on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had
worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a
face that was as radiant as an angel's.

'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they
were impressed,' she said, as she got into the car. 'They can't wait
to hear about our meeting.'

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and
cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.

After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read
large print. Half-way through the entrees, I lifted my eyes and saw
Mother sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her
lips.

'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she
said. 'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I
responded. During the dinner , we had an agreeable conversation
nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each
other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we
arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again,
but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.

'How was your dinner date?' asked my wife when I got home. 'Very
nice, much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It
happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for
her. Sometime later, I received an envelope with a copy of a
restaurant receipt from the same place Mother and I had dined. An
attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that
I could be there; but, nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for
you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night
meant for me.'

'I love you, son'

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I
love YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve.
Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the
time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till some
'other' time.

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after
you've had a baby... somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother,
'normal' is history.

Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the
first... somebody doesn't have two or more children.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labour and
delivery....somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the
first day of kindergarten... or on a plane headed for military 'boot
camp.'

Somebody said a Mother can stop worrying after her child gets
married... somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or
daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.

Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves
home... somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to
tell her... somebody isn't a mother.

Pass this along to all the GREAT 'mothers' in your life and to
everyone who ever had a mother.

This isn't just about being a mother; it's about appreciating the
people in your lives while you have them... no matter who that person
is!

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes...your destiny.

'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some
kind of battle'.

THE YOUNG PERSON'S GUIDE TO THE CHORUS

2008-04-26T23:18:00.000-07:00

THE YOUNG PERSON'S GUIDE TO THE CHORUS

In any chorus, there are four voice parts: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.Sometimes these are divided into first and second within each part, prompting endless jokes about first and second basses. There are also various other parts such as baritone, countertenor, contralto, mezzo soprano, etc., but these are mostly used by people who are either soloists, or belong to some excessively hotshot classical a cappella group (this applies especially to countertenors), or are trying to make excuses for not really fitting into any of the regular voice parts, so we will ignore them for now. Each voice part sings in a different range, and each one has a very different personality. You may ask, "Why should singing different notes make people act differently?", and indeed this is a mysterious question and has not been adequately studied, especially since scientists who study musicians tend to be musicians themselves and have all the peculiar complexes that go with being tenors, french horn players, timpanists, or whatever. However, this is beside the point; the fact remains that the four voice parts can be easily distinguished, and I will now explain how.

THE SOPRANOS are the ones who sing the highest, and because of this they think they rule the world. They have longer hair, fancier jewellery, and swishier skirts than anyone else, and they consider themselves insulted if they are not allowed to go at least to a high F in every movement of any given piece. When they reach the high notes, they hold them for at least half a note as long as the composer and/or conductor requires, and then complain that their throats are killing them and that the composer and conductor are sadists. Sopranos have varied attitudes toward the other sections of the chorus, though they consider all of them inferior. Altos are to sopranos rather like second violins to first violins - nice to harmonise with, but not really necessary. All sopranos have a secret feeling that the altos could drop out and the piece would sound essentially the same, and they don't understand why anybody would sing in that range in the first place - it's so boring. Tenors, on the other hand, can be very nice to have around; besides their flirtation possibilities (it is a well-known fact that sopranos never flirt with basses), sopranos like to sing duets with tenors because all the tenors are doing is working very hard to sing in a low-to-medium soprano range, while the sopranos are up there in the stratosphere showing off. To sopranos, basses are the scum of the earth - they sing too loud, are useless to tune because they're down in that low, low range - and there has to be something wrong with anyone who sings in the Bass clef, anyway.

THE ALTOS are the salt of the earth - in their opinion, at least. Altos are unassuming people, who would wear jeans to concerts if they were allowed to. Altos are in a unique position in the chorus in that they are unable to complain about having to sing either very high or very low, and they know that all the other sections think their parts are pitifully easy. But the altos know otherwise. They know that while the sopranos are screeching way on a high A, they are being forced to sing elaborate passages full of sharps and flats and tricks of rhythm, and nobody is noticing because the sopranos are singing too loud (and the basses usually are too). Altos get a deep,secret pleasure out of conspiring together to tune the sopranos flat. Altos have an innate distrust of tenors, because the tenors sing in almost the same range and think they sound better. They like the basses, and enjoy singing duets with them - the basses just sound like a rumble anyway, and it's the only time the altos can really be heard. Altos' other complaint is that there are always too many of them and so they never get to sing really loud.

THE TENORS are spoiled. That's all there is to it. For one thing, there are never enough of them, and choir directors would rather sell their souls than let a halfway decent tenor quit, while they're always ready to unload a few altos at half price. And then, for some reason, the few tenors are always really good - it's one of those annoying facts of life. So it's no wonder that tenors always get swollen heads - after all, who else can make sopranos swoon? The one thing that can make tenors insecure is the accusation (usually by the basses) that anyone singing that high couldn't possibly be a real man. In their usual perverse fashion, the tenors never acknowledge this, but just complain louder about the composer being a sadist and making them sing so high. Tenors have a love-hate relationship with the conductor, too, because the conductor is always telling them to sing louder because there are so few of them. No conductor in recorded history has ever asked for less tenor in a forte passage. Tenors feel threatened in some way by all the other sections - the sopranos because they can hit those incredibly high notes; the altos because they have no trouble singing the notes the tenors kill themselves for; and the basses because, although they (basses) can't sing anything above an E, they sing it loud enough to drown the tenors out. Of course, the tenors would rather die than admit any of this. It is a little-known fact that tenors move their eyebrows more than anyone else while singing.

THE BASSES sing the lowest of anybody. This basically explains everything. They are stolid, dependable people, a nd have more facial hair than anybody else. The basses feel perpetually unappreciated, but they have a deep conviction that they are actually the most important part (a view endorsed by musicologists, but certainly not by sopranos or tenors), despite the fact that they have the most boring part of anybody and often sing the same note (or in endless fifths) for an entire page. They compensate for this by singing as loudly as they can get away with - most basses are tuba players at heart. Basses are the only section that can regularly complain about how low their part is, and they make horrible faces when trying to hit very low notes. Basses are charitable people, but their charity does not extend so far as tenors, whom they consider effete poseurs. Basses hate tuning the tenors more than almost anything else. Basses like altos - except when they have duets and the altos get the good part. As for the sopranos, they are simply in an alternate universe which the basses don't understand at all. They can't imagine why anybody would ever want to sing that high and sound that bad when they make mistakes. When a bass makes a mistake, the other three parts will cover him, and he can continue on his merry way, knowing that sometime, somehow, he will end.

Top Ten Reasons for Being a Soprano

1. The rest of the choir exists just to make you look good

2. You can entertain your friends by breaking their wine glasses

3. Can you name an opera where an alto got the man?

4. When sopranos want to sing in the shower, they know the tune.

5. It's not like you are ever going to sing the alto part by accident.

6. Great costumes - like the hat with the horns on it.

7. How many world famous altos can you name?

8. When the fat lady sings, she's usually singing soprano.

9. When you get tired of singing the tune, you can sing the descant.

10. You can sing along with Michael Jackson.

Top Ten Reasons for Being an Alto

1. You get really good at singing E flat.

2. You get to sing the same note for 12 consecutive measures.

3. You don't really need to warm up to sing 12 consecutive bars of E-flat.

4. If the choir really stinks, it's unlikely the altos will be blamed.

5. You have lots of time to chat during soprano solos.

6. You get to pretend that you are better than the sopranos, because everybody knows that women only sing soprano so they don't have to learn to read music.

7. You can sometimes find part time work singing tenor.

8. Altos get all the great intervals.

9. When the sopranos are holding some outrageously high note at the end of a song, the altos always get the last words.

10. When the altos miss a note, nobody gets hurt.

Top Ten Reasons for Being a Tenor

1. Tenors get high - without drugs.

2. Name a musical where the bass got the girl.

3. You can show the sopranos how it SHOULD be sung.

4. Did you ever hear of anyone paying $1000 for a ticket to see 'The three Basses?'

5. Who needs brains when you've got resonance?

6. Tenors never have to waste time looking through the self-improvement section of the bookstore.

7. You get to sing along with John Denver singing "Aye Calypso."

8. When you get really good at falsetto, you can make tons of money doing voice-overs for cartoon characters.

9. Gregorian chant was practically invented for tenors. Nobody invented a genre for basses.

10. You can entertain your friends by impersonating Julia Child.

Top Ten Reasons for Being a Bass

1. You don't have to tighten your shorts to reach your note.

2. You don't have to worry about a woman stealing your job.

3. Or a preadolescent boy stealing your job.

4. Action heroes are always basses. That is - if they ever sang, they would sing bass.

5. You get great memorable lyrics like dm, dm, dm, dm.

6. If the singing job doesn't work out, there's always broadcasting.

7. You never need to learn to read the treble clef.

8. If you get a cold, so what?

9. For fun, you can sing at the bottom of your range and fool people into thinking there's an earthquake.

10. If you belch while you're singing, the audience just thinks it is part of the score.

2008-04-26T23:16:00.001-07:00

Dear All,

did you know... to save all time publishing and editing blog post, you can just type an email to this address to post.

geodyi.email@blogger.com

Just like what i just did!

Email addresses

2008-04-26T23:14:00.001-07:00

Anyone has harry and irving's email address???

Reverend Fun

2008-04-25T04:17:00.001-07:00

Response to YF Meeting 19 April 08

2008-04-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

This post is written for all who see this, to be encouraged in our walk with the Lord. And especially for the Youth committee, that's newly appointed. I just wanted to share with you what the early church has gone through. May we be encouraged, in knowing that our Lord has handpicked every single on of you to be leaders.

Dominic- chairperson. Do not be daunted by the ardous task ahead. God will not tempt you beyond what you can bear. Know that he will send you help for his work.

Bethanie- Vice-Chairperson. It's is indeed a joy to see you serving the Lord whole heartedly despite having entered into a new phase of life in polytechnic. Conitnue to do God's work fervently and support dominic with his role

Anna, Gabriel, Irving and Harry- Carry your portfolios well. and use your talents which God has given you to serve Him and his people.

I hope the following verses will spur you on in this journey.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Romans10:23-25

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1 Timothy 4:12-16

Youth Fellowship 19.04.08

2008-04-19T04:54:00.001-07:00

Today's YF topic is on Putting Down roots in God.

Bethanie led us in song session today.It was different because she had included prayer, bible reading in the song session.She also took time to put the lyrics into a song sheet! We also found the songs chosen were appropriate, and has a contemporary catchy tunes. and thus have decided to purchase the song books at a very mnimal price.

We studied the passages from the bible to find out why the early churches met up regularly. Each had to take up the role of a gentile historian living in the olden times and recording why the church met, what they did and how often they met.

Every individual shared their thoughts and we summarise and closed the bible study session.

B.A.T.H. is something that was introduced to them today. Bring A Thought Home. Each of them has to take a B.A.T.H at the end of every lesson, share what is the one thought they want to bring home and remember it in action. This is an opportunity to let every single person speak up in the session.

We also had a short 5 to 10 min discussion on general matters of the YF. the YFers felt we should have more outdoor activties and lighter bible studies. It is also good to tackle topics that more related to them at this point of their lives. It was good to hear the opinions so that we can further slant the activities to suit the YF's needs.

After staying back to learn some news songs, a few of us went over to the coffee shop next door for some tao huey zhui and you tiao. It was scrumptious! but really oily though. we are really looking forward to church camp! :)

With Christ

2008-04-06T00:45:00.000-07:00

A song to share in response to 5th April's YF deovtion.

With Christ- Hillsongs.

So many things I realize that I can live without.
So many things that I despise and still I live them out
There’s so many reasons in my brokenness it seemed
To lose my life and better servant be my keep.

I’ve been crucified with Christ and I no longer live
Jesus forever lives in me

So many words that never say the way I really feel
So many ways to live a life to make ‘I love you’ real
There’s so many times I know I’ll choose to die to me
To magnify the one who died to make me free

I’ve been crucified with Christ and I no longer live
Jesus forever lives in me

You may listen to this song at IMEEM found on the side tab of this page.

A Typical Youth Fellowship- (5th April 08)

2008-04-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

This week's YF devotion tackled the issue of Peer Pressure.

Harry led us in song session today.

We have all agreed to lead worship sessions with much flow and necessary elements such as prayer and mini devotions. Thanks Harry, i'm sure our hearts were all pointed towards God during that short 10 mins.

The session kicked off with a round of 'sketching and capturing textures and surfaces found in the room.

The piece of paper with all the scratch marks represents us, as christians, and the impressions are those left by our peers. They can leave nice or ugly ones. But with he help of God, and constant dependance on Him, it is possible to strike off bad influences.

We discussed about various worldy infuences and the ways we can counter such.

Some examples were that of smoking, drinking etc.

Parents, ever wondered what happens in Youth Fellowship?

Activities commonly seen at youth fellowship.

The youth fellowship activity itself

Music and Praise

Intellectual Engagements

Intense Concentration

And... so much love and laughter...

Sunrise Service

2008-04-04T23:17:00.000-07:00

Guess Who was there on Easter Morning?

Random Pictures taken during Sunrise Service on Easter Morning.

Easter Mime Presentation

2008-03-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

Project Glo, the first mime presentation put up by Herald Youths.
This mime is titled "Who Am I"
The youths tell the world their identity in Chirst through this song and mime.

It has been a great time, personally, working with each and every single one of them.
Knowing their character, strengths and flaws.
Of course, also letting them know how irritating and demanding i can get.

Afterall, serving God requires 100% focus and excellence!
yes, i keep stressing that.

It's been almost half a year knowing these youths, my life has been greatly blessed, see how God has blessed us in slight increase in numbers, and manifold spiritual growth.

It is my prayer and am sure many of yours as well, that the youths grow strong and bold in the Lord! Not to be afraid to step up and take leadership roles, and on stage performance, and use all their youth, strength and valor, which older people lack, to fill that place in church.

Good job guys! All glory and honor to God, for helping and guiding us through the pratices.
May our worship be a sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.

Project Glo

Mimers

(For full set of photographs, please go to http://groups.google.com/group/heraldyf/files

Who Am I? by Casting Crowns

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth, Would care to know my nameWould care to feel my hurt. Who am I, that the Bright and Morning StarWould choose to light the way. For my ever wandering heart.

Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin, Would look on me with love and watch me rise again. Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea, Would call out through the rain, And calm the storm in me.

Not because of who I am, But because of what You've done. Not because of what I've done, But because of who You are.

I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still You hear me when I'm calling. Lord, You catch me when I'm falling, And You've told me who I am. I am Yours, I am Yours.

Welcome!!!

2008-03-23T05:38:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Herald Youth Fellowship's Official Blog!
You may use this place for communications, sharing of pictures, interesting videos and anything that brings glory and honor to our Lord!