advice huh~

hmmm. in any case, talk is easier than walk. so whatever i advise, i admit(and i usually don't) that i don't do any of these much....

about your studies.... everythin will turn out fine~ don't worry TOO much. studies aren't everything, altho parents make them out to be the sole thing in our lives. i know managing time is horrid, so just DON't! just go with the flow, and make it a point to just study at ANY time of the day. it can get real boring(i know that too well), but make it a point la.

to deal with your parents, study when they can SEE you the most(how evil... i shouldn't be teaching these stuffs), that way they'll think you are studying alot more. hahaz. then they'll begin to trust you - which means you get a little bit more freedom.

but of course, you have to study seriously. quality, not quantity. wahaha.

i reaaaaally think that God doesn't really blame you. he knows how much time you're HAVE to spend(cos of the pressurizing and all) on your studies.

but do set time for him. a little time is better than no time. or talk to him while you are studying, tell him your troubles. just talk normally. i suppose it'll become natural and easier after awhile. praying doesn't have to be dear god........ blabla. it can be less formal, but of course with utmost respect.

being prepared for worship is...... just quieting yourselves down i guess. in church choir, we often start with a prayer, then the WL will share something from the bible, share something about their week, something to get everyone pay attention to what you want them to do, something to lead them slowly into worship.

an advice though - DO NOT force anyone into doing ANYTHING they do not like. worship is personal - tell them that, and that if they really think sitting down is the way they want to worship, then suit them. we can't judge whether that is right ornot. last year's church camp, douglas laid down on the floor face down during worship. but that's what he felt he wanted to do. it wasn't wrong, and i strongly believe he felt God's presence. make them realize worship is personal. their not doing it for you, or anyone in cell. they are doing it for God. if they want to take it lightly, they have to account to God, not their friends.

not putting God first in everything.... hmmm. its not easy i suppose. really not. pray, ask him for his guidance. i dunno how to answer this one at all. wahaha

oh, and your painful braces? look on the bright side. at least you'll have STRAIGHT TEETH AFTER ALL THE PAIN! isn't that such a cool thought? i mean, i like want straight teeth, but i cant get BRACES! its evil. wahaha~

hope i've helped out. i seriously am blabbing on and on here.... im not very good with advice... haha~

BeANbaG