The Vine by Oasis Vine

From the Editors Fun Fact: all three Vine editors have cross country and track experience. And we are all too familiar with the post-practice pains of sore muscles, tight and tense, full of lactic acid because of all the anaerobic activity going around. Soreness sucks. It makes doing simple things aggravating and painful, makes walking hurt, running torture. It builds up and seems to never go away. Eventually, our muscles become more accustomed to the stress, our lungs more efficient in taking oxygen. We adjust to the added exercise, and learn new stretches to keep us from getting dangerously sore. And suddenly, running is no longer impossible, but within reason. I’m not exactly sure what point I want to emphasize, but I feel that this is the time of the year when we get distracted. When we forget or are just too lazy to warm up and stretch. When we forget about the lactic acid. And then there’s spiritual lactic acid. I think it starts with small steps, like neglecting devotionals, ignoring God, sinning without working to avoid it. Simple carelessness just creeping in. And before you know it, you’re injured, you’re benched, you’re no longer contributing to the team. You’re no longer contributing as a part of God’s body. Spiritual muscles weakened, waning away, as lethargy settles in. As apathy settles in. And you feel as though some aspect of your universe has been dislocated, but have no clue where to start. Because all the cement you plastered upon the walls you built before God has already dried and hardened. Maybe like your heart has hardened. Don’t let that lactic acid build up. Work out your spiritual muscles. Use the words of God defensively—if you don’t use it, you lose it. Use them in this world, which cannot be viewed as home. Let’s all encourage each other to stay focused, guys. I know I need it.

- Kelly Yu 2

From the Editors The Analysis of Mark 11: In this specific chapter, Jesus curses a fig tree because he was hungry but it didn’t have fruit at the time. When I read this, I was like, “what the…?” —since the fig tree didn’t produce in the specific season, Jesus had said something like “may no one ever eat from you again.” I literally laughed when I read that, and even though I’m reluctant to admit it, I thought that Jesus was being very arrogant or conceited in a manner just because he didn’t get his figs. After reading on to verse 23 though, Jesus goes back to the fig tree that has already withered. Using the tree as an illustration, He shows the power of someone who has unshakeable faith. So this is the preceding context of the following Bible verse:

“Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” — Mark 11:23 This reminds me of the song “What Faith Can Do,” specifically the line that goes “I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains…” Believe it or not, I hadn’t read enough of the Bible to realize that the verse to this song related to a specific Bible verse that actually states that enough faith can do anything. Or actually, I knew it in my mind but didn’t really understand how literal and real it was. Truly we all have faith less than a mustard seed; for if we had the equivalent, Jesus says that we can move the mountains. How much of this amazing, overwhelming power that Jesus has given to his followers. We must soar in faith; praise the Lord for miracles and extraordinary things to live up to.

- Melody Zhang

From the Editors After three very interesting years of high school, it’s a miracle that I finally made it to senior year. (Case in point: God is a miraculous God!) I guess it really did come a lot quicker than I thought it would, and I can honestly say that for all the crazy changes that have happened in my life, I am ultimately grateful. For one, I don’t sleep at random hours of the morning anymore like I did freshman year; I’m a good girl that now sleeps at 10:30 p.m. not a.m. like the people who sleep in class…ahem. I mean of course I’ve lost a great deal of brain cells over the years, probably due to my perfect driving skills and never near accidents, and that is why I am not as stressed over school but also just a little less intelligent although none of that really matters. Did you know my English teacher told my parents at conferences that my essays are well-written? (Nbd.) Clearly there is something wrong with that statement. Anyway. You know in all my seventeen years of being raised and practically growing up in the church, I’ve never been filled with so much hope. I ran through my own hell (literally you can sign up for it every August in Hell, Michigan if you do I’ll stop being lazy and run the 10 mile with you) and somehow, somewhere, made it back to the light. But never would I have made it thus far without the infinite grace of God. I’ve heard it all my life: by the grace of God this, He has saved us that; but to embrace it is something altogether different. Faith for me has ceased to be an inanimate entity but an expression of joy out of the overflow of God’s love, believing and trusting that through all things He is our cornerstone. To look back upon the last few years of my life, in all its crippling, selfish blindness, how can I not be grateful for the humbling experiences I have gone through if only to begin a new race (yay running) of a lifetime? I am pressing onward towards the goal to which Christ has called us heavenward. Certainly it has been a struggle. It is hard to live a lifestyle that is glorifying to God every moment of our day; sometimes it’s even hard to trust in Him but His yoke is easy and His burden light. And the promise of one day staying in His presence, where we belong, is far more than worth it. I praise God for what He is doing in Oasis. Look around you; this is our time. He is making all things new. No more hiding, no more fear. I am not ashamed. I cannot express the simplicity of my little epiphany. I think we all struggle with something that in some way hinders or distracts us from God. I certainly have a weighty list of things. But you know what? God is stronger than our sins, in whatever form they come in. For me, just facing my weaknesses instead of running away has been healing. Love has overcome. There is love binding us together, new classes forming a new generation of people on fire for God. Love, so that all men would know who we serve. You will find healing here. You will find joy. You will find God; He is waiting with arms wide open. You just have to run out in one big leap of faith. His love will catch you and bring you home.

- Sharon Shen

Something Beautiful “If people were to describe you in one word, what would it be?” Brent asked us at our leadership meeting earlier this month, and it stumped me. I honestly don’t know? Because I feel like I’m fake. Not always. But more than I’d care to admit, especially at school. The weight of this world pushes me down and I’m afraid— afraid of what people will think of me, afraid that if I don’t set up this perfect image of myself, then people won’t like me as much. That people only like me because of one thing, and if I don’t fit their image of being that one thing, they won’t accept me (the real me). And I lose myself in all these images. Who am I? Where do I draw the line, between where I’m real and where I’m not? Sometimes I can’t distinguish anymore; the line’s been blurred, crossed out, erased. But God takes one look at me, at all my flaws and mistakes, and says, it’s okay. Because I’ve been forgiven, covered by the blood of Christ. Because He loved me enough to send His son, to give me a choice; sola fide, faith alone, that I’m saved, that I’m loved. Now, it’s not just my love to keep, because He pours His love in me, overflowing, and I can’t help but want to love others, to be what Christ was to me. I am a poor physical substitute for the greatness of God, but at least I can try. To love, as I have been loved. To reach out, when others don’t, and to not be afraid of what others think. Because, in the end, it doesn’t really matter what others think, when all I need is God. Romans 5:5 says “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” There’s nothing to lose—not anymore. Because I am loved. Because I have been given what I do not deserve; and because I don’t have to fear, because hope will not put me to shame. And as I look at the words fading from my wrists, I am reminded that though these words are gone, His love is not. Not ever.

- Esther Yan

Freshmen Spotlight Amelia Tian

School: Troy High Favorite cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Hobby: Tennis and acting Right now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m listening to: Right now on the spot, I'm listening to the news about a surrogate grandma (no I'm not joking. It's pretty freaky :D). But I like Katy Perry and Carrie Underwood. Morning or night person: virtually nocturnal Biggest Fear: Failing a class (I know, I'm Asian) and blood If I were a crayon, I would be: blue Siblings: One seven year old brother What makes me happy: Preppy music OR getting straight A's (again, I am Asian) Coffee or Hot chocolate: BOTH with extra cream and caramel Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: Double...but it's an odd question. Does the fact that I double my laces make me extra thorough and prudent or something??? (Yes- Love, the editors) Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: Juice out of my ears because my ears are pretty much used to liquid in them after swim practice every night for two months #1 on my bucket list: Play music at Carnegie Hall OR shake hands with Gary Oldman Secretly I want to grow up and become: A movie star/actress This year, I want Oasis to: not only bring me closer to God but to be a great opportunity to meet new people/friends.

Alex Zhang School: Troy High Favorite cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios Hobby: playing sports, trombone, watching movies Right now I'm listening to: nothing Morning or night person: night Biggest fear: homework If I were a crayon, I would be: an electric blue crayon Siblings: older sister, 25, Yilin Zhang What makes me happy: sports, reading, video games Coffee or Hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: juice coming out of my ears #1 on my bucket list: to meet Usain Bolt Secretly I want to grow up and become: a pro athlete This year, I want to contribute to Oasis.

Freshmen Spotlight Andrew Yuan School: Troy High Favorite cereal: any rip off brand cereal Hobby: watching movies Right now I'm listening to: Thunger-Nuttin but Stringz Morning or night person: night Biggest fear: homework If I were a crayon, I would be: a crayon Siblings: older sister, Wendy, 23 years old What makes me happy: everything Coffee or Hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: juice as long as it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t orange juice #1 on my bucket list: grow a beard Secretly I want to grow up and become: grow a beard This year, I want Oasis to be: meaningful

Danielle Metivier School: IA Central Favorite cereal: they are all equally gross Hobby: sports Right now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m listening to: Stereo Hearts Morning or night person: night Biggest Fear: losing/being out of control If I were a crayon, I would be: scarlet Siblings: none What makes me happy: my friends! And God! Coffee or Hot chocolate: Neither; coffee is bitter and hot chocolate is usually a gross powder mixture dissolved in warm water. Ick Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: single Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: Definitely butterflies out of the mouth. Because if you had juice coming out of your ears wouldn't that mean your brain was leaking? Butterflies out of the mouth would mean you were nervous and now you're getting rid of them. #1 on my bucket list: to go on a culinary vacation Secretly I want to grow up and become: a cardio surgeon This year, I hope Oasis will be supportive and close!

Freshmen Spotlight Danni Yang

School: Troy High Favorite cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Hobby: reading and photography Right now I’m listening to: Yiruma—If I Could See You Again Morning or night person: night! Biggest Fear: heights. If I were a crayon, I would be: WHITE ‘cause no one uses white Siblings: none What makes me happy: hanging out with friends, dancing Coffee or hot chocolate: both! Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: single Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: butterflies out of my mouth #1 on my bucket list: traveling the world Secretly I want to grow up and become: A movie star! This year, I want Oasis to be: fun and personal

Krystal Qin School: Troy High :) Favorite cereal: Frosted Flakes? Hobby: music, dance Right now I’m listening to: Adam Levine❤ Morning or night person: it depends, but I’m usually a night person Biggest Fear: losing my friends or my family If I were a crayon, I would be: I wouldn’t want to be a crayon in the first place Siblings: Daniel and Jason ❤ What makes me happy: when others smile and are happy. I like happy people. Makes me happy(: AND HUGS! Coffee or hot chocolate: Hot chocolate. Coffee is too bitter! Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double knot, just to make sure my shoe doesn't fly off while I'm walking (it’s happened before). Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: Juice coming out of my ears. Having bugs coming out of my mouth for eternity is not a pleasant thought, or feeling. #1 on my bucket list: travel the world (Not) Secretly I want to grow up and become: someone who is faithful and dedicated to God This year, I want Oasis to be: meaningful and inspiring.

Freshmen Spotlight Jenny Shang School: Troy High Favorite cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios Hobby: playing tennis Right now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m listening to: the wind blowing Morning or night person: night Biggest Fear: squishing bugs If I were a crayon, I would be: a bright colored crayon Siblings: one sister named Alice What makes me happy: happy and healthy family and friends Coffee or hot chocolate: Hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double knot Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: Juice coming out of my ears. #1 on my bucket list: make a difference Secretly I want to grow up and become: an agriculturist This year, I want Oasis to be: fun :)

Min Lim School: Troy High Favorite cereal: honey smacks Hobby: singing Right now I'm listening to: flute playing Morning or night person: NIGHT Biggest fear: future If I were a crayon, I would be: GOLDDD Sibling: Kevin Lim What makes me happy: good grades Coffee or hot chocolate: coffee Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: uh... juice. ew. #1 on my bucket list: getting through with life with God Secretly I want to grow up and become: a vet This year, I want Oasis to be: welcoming.

Freshmen Spotlight Ingrid Fan School: Troy High Favorite cereal: cookie crisps Hobby: movie marathons Right now I'm listening to: Ed Sheeran Morning or night person: night Biggest fear: being forever alone. If I were a crayon, I would be: lilac Siblings: Justin Fannnn What makes me happy: food, food, and friends Coffee or hot chocolate: the latter Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double

Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: juice, unless its apple. never be thirsty again. #1 on my bucket list: visit the maldives Secretly I want to grow up and become: young again. This year, I want Oasis to be: an amazing experience

Jing LI School: Troy High Favorite cereal: all Hobby: random stuff on the computer Right now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m listening to: nothing Morning or night person: morning If I were a crayon, I would be: yellow... Biggest fear: the dark Siblings: younger brother What makes me happy: people Coffee or hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you single knot or double knot your shoelaces: double Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: I would have juice coming out of my ears #1 on my bucket list: be a pro athlete Secretly I want to grow up and become: famous This year, I want Oasis to: grow.

Freshmen Spotlight David Wu School: Troy High Favorite cereal: Cheerios Hobby: going on the computer and watching movies Right now I'm listening to: nothing Morning or night person: night Biggest fear: not getting enough sleep If I were a crayon, I would be: yellow Siblings: none What makes me happy: hanging out with friends, sports, video games Coffee or hot chocolate: the latter Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: single Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: I would rather have juice coming out of my ears #1 on my bucket list: visit Europe Secretly I want to grow up and become: the CEO of Apple, Inc. This year, I wish to learn and contribute to Oasis

Cathy Yan School: IA Macomb Favorite cereal: Cheerios Hobby: listening to music and watching dramas Right now I'm listening to: nothing... Morning or night person: night Biggest fear: spiders If I were a crayon, I would be: blue Siblings: sister and a brother What makes me happy: hanging out with my friends Coffee or hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double knot Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: ummm... juice coming out of my ears #1 on my bucket list: get As and not fail... Secretly I want to grow up and become: famous This year, I want Oasis to be: where people can learn new things and have fun

Freshmen Spotlight Christopher Chen School: Troy High Favorite cereal: Frosted Mini Wheats Hobby: biking, reading, viola Right now I'm listening to: Schubert Morning or night person: night Biggest fear: long and meaningless homework assignments If I were a crayon, I would be: blue Siblings: Allen Chen What makes me happy: my friends Coffee or hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double knot Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: none of the above, thank you. #1 on my bucket list: Travel to the Pacific Ocean Secretly I want to grow up and become: happy This year, I want Oasis to be: meaningful and exciting

Joanne Du School: Rochester Adams Favorite cereal: Frosted Flakes Hobby: watching Ohio State beat Michigan Right now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m listening to: Taylor Swift Morning or night person: night Biggest fear: bugs If I were a crayon, I would be: light green Siblings: Teddy What makes me happy: friends Coffee or hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: butterflies out of my mouth #1 on my bucket list: cliff diving Secretly I want to grow up and become: a detective This year, I want Oasis to be: a great experience(: 12

Freshmen Spotlight Gina Kim School: Jeannette Junior High Favorite cereal: I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really like cereal Hobby: taking pictures on instagram Right now I'm listening to: nothing Morning or night person: both Biggest fear: heights If I were a crayon, i would be: purple or lime green Siblings: younger brother (Justin Kim) and younger sister (Joan Kim) What makes me happy: friends, family, general things Coffee or hot chocolate: coffee Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double knot Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: juice coming out of my ears #1 on my bucket list: getting all A's Secretly I want to grow up and become: I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know yet This year, I want Oasis to be: meaningful, outreaching, eye opening, fun, a good experience

Benjamin Xu School: Troy High Favorite cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Hobby: tennis, movies, video games, spending money, friends Right now I'm listening to: Maroon 5 Morning or night person: night Biggest Fear: drowning and water If I were a crayon, I would be: tangerine Siblings: Rebecca Xu What makes me happy: friends, food, dance central Coffee or hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: single Would you rather have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies coming out of your mouth: juice coming out of my ears #1 on my bucket list: learn how to drive Secretly I want to grow up and become: idk This year, I want Oasis to be: fun, enlightening

Freshmen Spotlight Michelle Gu School: Troy High Favorite cereal: Cheerios Hobby: running Right now I'm listening to: nothing Morning or night person: both Biggest fear: bees If I were a crayon, i would be: green Siblings: brother in 6th grade, James Gu What makes me happy: running with friends Coffee or hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double knot Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: juice coming out of my ears #1 on my bucket list: travel to the Caribbean Secretly I want to grow up and: see everything positively This year, I want to be more involved in Oasis.

James Chang School: Troy High Favorite cereal: don't eat cereal Hobby: violin, piano, running, listening to music, watching anime and reading manga Right now I'm listening to: Bleach saddest songs Morning or night person: night Biggest fear: the unknown If I were a crayon, I would be: red Siblings: Haoming Chang, 30 years old, Eileen Chang, 27 years old What makes me happy: sad music Coffee or hot chocolate: coffee Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: butterflies out of my mouth #1 on my bucket list: become first chair in orchestra Secretly I want to grow up and become: a musician This year, I want Oasis to be: interesting

Freshmen Spotlight Hannah Wong School: Seaholm Favorite cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios Hobby: longboarding Right now I'm listening to: Taylor Swift Morning or night person: Night Biggest fear: Heights. If I were a crayon, I would be: forest green Siblings: Toby and Rachael Wong What makes me happy: good movies and comic books Coffee or hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: single Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: butterflies out of my mouth #1 on my bucket list: meet Tom Hiddleston (Loki from the Avengers) Secretly I want to grow up and become: a psychologist. This year, I want Oasis to be: PURE AWESOME

Winston Zhang School: Troy High Favorite cereal: Frosted Flakes Hobby: reading, reading, and more reading! Right now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m listening to: nothing Morning or night person: morning Biggest fear: boredom and heights If I were a crayon, I would be: orange Siblings: Justin Zhang, 7th grade What makes me happy: reading, fun stuff, and family Coffee or hot chocolate: I like hot chocolate better Do you single knot or double knot your shoelaces: I always double knot Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: juice coming out of my ears #1 on my bucket list: do something good Secretly I want to grow up and become: either a videogame tester or a professional reader This year I want Oasis to be: very fun.

Freshmen Spotlight School: Troy High

Lucy Li

Favorite cereal: I don't really eat cereal Hobby: going on the computer Right now I'm listening to: nothing Morning or night person: night Biggest fear: bugs If I were a crayon, I would be: periwinkle Siblings: older brother, Ke Li What makes me happy: friends and family Coffee or hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double knot Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: juice coming out of my ears #1 on my bucket list: get into a good college Secretly I want to grow up and become: rich (: This year, I want Oasis to: help me grow closer to God

Shanon Shen School: Rochester Adams Favorite cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Hobby: singing, dancing, shopping Right now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m listening to: The Script Morning or night person: night Biggest fear: anything that happens in detective shows.. like being kidnapped or murdered... If I were a crayon, I would be: white, gray, or black Siblings: Richie my brother(: What makes me happy: music and listening to rain hitting the roof Coffee or hot chocolate: something cold- like frozen hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: single Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: juice... I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like butterflies #1 on my bucket list: exchanging all my clothes for sweats and t-shirts Secretly I want to grow up and become: a Pokemon trainer...lol or anything artsy This year, I want Oasis to be: meaningful 16

Freshmen Spotlight Peter Ko School: Troy High Favorite cereal: Captain Crunch Hobby: watching Youtube (: Right now I'm listening to: Super Mario Galaxy Two Soundtracks Morning or night person: kind of both Biggest fear: bugs/spiders If I were a crayon, I would be: black Siblings: one brother, one sister What makes me happy: computer Coffee or hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: double Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: butterflies out of my mouth #1 on my bucket list: get a microphone for webcam Secretly I want to grow up and become: engineer This year, I want Oasis to be: more awesome

Daniel Yan School: Athens Favorite cereal: Frosted Flakes Hobby: playing games Right now I'm listening to: nothing Morning or night person: afternoon Biggest fear: falling through a 4th or higher story window If I were a crayon, I would be: pink Siblings: Esther What makes me happy: videogames Coffee or hot chocolate: hot chocolate Do you double knot or single knot your shoelaces: 1.5 Would you rather always have juice coming out of your ears or butterflies out of your mouth: juice out of the ears #1 on my bucket list: I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know Secretly I want to grow up and become: a pro gamer This year, I want Oasis to be: a family

They Say

She says: "Just be Friends." But I say: You know God won't just be your friend, right? No matter how much you leave him, he'll always be like that one ex-boyfriend who'll still be loving you and chasing after you, no matter what (excuse the comparison). Don't give up on him by untying the red string on your finger; it connects you two together. You are upset at him and cannot bear to believe hope. But hunny, it ain't his fault. He'll always be running "life" with or without favor. He loves you, and you still love him. Even when God is gone from your sight, he'll still always be right by your side, every, single, time. He gave you a red balloon to see you smile. And you know what? You've carried it ever since. You think you two are just going to "be friends", and nothing more, but sweetie, it's always going to be something more. Maybe you forgot how you two ended up loving each other, but the love is still there. Love is love, and He is God. There will never be anything less. *"Just be Friends" is a song. My picture was inspired from it.

-Katie Zhong 18

Breathe The world is a wall of distractions. Homework takes precedence over sleep, procrastination never ceases to enter through our cracks of concentration, the internet brings a plethora of useful and worthless information, and friends either build up or break down. Weekdays are when we hold our breath, working fast and furious before we lose consciousness in order to prove our worth to ourselves. Weekends are the release of air, a short moment of break, relieving the tension in our physical and mental muscles. This cycle continues on until it becomes habitual, and to many, it seems very ideal. Were not weekdays made to do work in and weekends made to allow some relaxation in? Hopefully you realized the missing part of the circle. During the stringent weekdays, our focus is on studies, tests, quizzes, assignments, projects, and things that have a clear due date. During the weekends, we tend to drift away and watch videos, play games, do things that are fun for us. Within this world we create for ourselves, we forget God. It’s not just the reality that many are not involved with God beyond church, but also that we have even created a tight schedule within church itself. Worship follows with a sermon and more worship tying it together with small groups and ending with announcements and food. How can we possibly fit the omnipotent presence of God within that timeframe? It takes a lot of time and dedication to learn about God. The Bible is the only source of truth, and it is also true that you can read it over and over again and always find something new. It tells us how to live our lives and paints Jesus as our role model. There are a lot of things we can learn and strive to live for in the Bible, but that is only if we actually choose to search for those hidden treasures. Breathe in. Pause. Breathe out. Pause. Breathe in. Pause. Breathe out. Make them short enough so you don’t die. Between the moments you work and the moments you play, try to add those special moments with God in. Oh, and I have this question I have yet to answer for myself: “Why do we only give ‘moments’ to God when Christ already gave ‘eternity’ to us?”

-Peter Sun

Sufferings We were called to suffer, because God told us to. “God called you to endure suffering because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you could follow in His footsteps.” —1 Peter 2:21 According to the dictionary definition, suffer means to sustain injury, disadvantage, or loss. When we suffer, it reflects our pain, whether physical or mental or emotional or spiritual. It hurts, and it seems to never end. Christ suffered and died for us on a wooden cross for every single one of us. I’ve seen lots of people and heard stories of others suffering at the hands of someone else, and it’s frightening how they’re hurt. But I’m more fortunate than others, because I know that even if the world is falling apart, piece by piece, I can keep going, because God is in complete and total control. He gives us most of our sufferings – not to destroy us, but to help purify us, and build our endurance and character. They will end when God is done using it to shape our lives. So we shouldn’t be afraid of suffering, because we know that suffering for doing good is better than doing wrong (1 Peter 3:17). And we should keep in mind that God has a greater intention for all of these afflictions as it builds up our perseverance and faith in Him. So take heart, brothers and sisters, because we know that our sufferings will only make us stronger.

-Michelle Shen 20

Heart of Worship

Oasis Worship Team,

As a praise team, it is your duty to serve the church with your talents and gifts that God, our Lord, has placed unto you. It means that God placed you with each other for a reason. That reason may be unclear, but all I ask is one thing of you all. Be alive. Alive in the sense that you are standing on stage singing to the Lord. Alive in the sense that you are singing for the Lord. And, ultimately, alive in the sense knowing that you are serving the Creator of this world. So, when you’re on stage, sing your hearts out, play until you cannot feel your fingers, and raise your voice until all of the Earth can hear it. I know it may be hard for you to sing or play with passion after a treacherous week of school, but leave those toils outside of church. Come in with a smile and worship the Lord with no regrets. Sing like you mean it. Play like you mean it. Worship like you mean it. I love you all.

-Anonymous

I can't remember when I started caring about worship. I remember thinking how pointless it was to stand to sing songs and how those songs were so peculiar— thank you for your blood? Really? Looking back, however, I realize now that I needed to start lazy and selfish and immature in my faith to be able to grow— to be able to look back and think "oh, I can't believe I didn't value worship, and the heartfelt praise for God, which is now the best part of my week." Attending different churches, worship has been different at each place, but the goal is the same: to bring glory to God and to recognize the amazing works He has done, is doing, and will do for us. During stressful moments in the week, I take refuge in knowing that I'll be able to worship with my brothers and sisters on Saturday (and/or Sunday), altogether praising him with one voice: jumping, singing, and whole-heartedly exalting our God.

-Anonymous

Trust As we get older, we go through obstacles that start building trust barriers. By the time we’re in our upper years of high school, most of us have forgotten how to even confide in the people around us. We only keep a few friends close and shut everyone else out. But the thing is, the more we shut people out, the more it adds to the pile of burdens we place on our own shoulders. God didn’t make us to live in a world full of people just so we could keep to ourselves all the time. He gave us the ability to talk so that we could open up our hearts to others and trust them with our troubles. He also gave us the ability to pray to Him so that we could trust in Him as well. He’s there for us when help is needed; especially when we don’t know it’s necessary. So open up, and go back to the days of innocence when we could tell friends and God our predicaments. If the ones you tell judge you on what you told them, forget them. Haters are gonna hate. So live young, wild and free… but without all the weed. (:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God; trust also in me.” —John 14:1

-Hannah Lau 22

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