GEL CANDLE-MAKING WORKSHOP

What a chirpy Saturday morning and the kids were all ready for some fun time at the Gel candle-making with their mums!


We had the luxury of gathering at Jenny's condo at The Florida for the workshop, in the comfort of the air-conditioned function room, away from the heat and humidity!

SHHHH.... KIDS AT WORK, DO NOT DISTURB!

Sharon (in black top), was our instructor for the day!

Step 1 - the melting of the gel for the candles ...

Step 2 onwards - you will need to be at the workshop to learn...

so those who have missed all the fun, join us for the next session!

Not to worry, we are not getting tipsy from gel, just admiring each others' work of art! Cheers!

Just look at the smiles on everyone's face, it simply speaks of our enjoyment and fellowship!

A thing of beauty is a joy forever!

It only takes a spark... to get the candle glowing!


All's well that ends well! Right after our workshop, what's better than to tuck in to a table full of food - sushi, pies, paus, coney dogs with desserts like mini white chocolate and raspberry muffins, jellies, egg tarts, and freshly-made tutti-frutti salad! Nothing beats good food coupled with great fellowship!

"FIREPROOF" - The Movie

For those of us who are always buzzing around and hardly have the chance to sit through a movie, less to say a good one, "FIREPROOF" comes highly recommended.

From the same directors of "Facing the Giants" (another excellent movie), Alex & Stephen Kendrick, have done it again! Both movies are box-office success.

This film tackles the core of a culture issue in today's world - marriages on the brink of divorce.

The storyline unfolds with Capt. Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron), the captain of a team of firefighters. Managing fires and crisis at work is what he does on a daily basis, however, he doesn't realize the danger that his own marriage is facing. Caleb goes to his father for some advice, seeking a shortcut to fix his marriage. Slowly, in the process, he discovers that there is no shortcut to a marriage except to love. From that, Caleb learnt about true love, and his spiritual journey with God grew.

This is a good movie to watch with your spouse and understand the meaning of unconditional love, self-sacrifice and be reminded of our marriage vows! ENJOY!

POST-EXAMS ACTIVITIES - POND STUDY

The mid-year exams have ended ... a learning journey begins!

The lower secondary classes went to the Singapore Science Center for a lesson on "Pond study".
PSG was involved in "chaperoning" these students, and while learning, we had fun.

Below are some photos (1st to 3rd) showing how the students gather their specimens.
Thereafter, (photos 4th to 6th), they brought the specimens back to the lab where they examine through 2 kinds of microscopes.

It's what we classify as "hands-on learning through fun!"

These photos were taken by Celia (a PSG member), who accompanied the students to the Science Center on 29 May 2009. Thanks Celia for sharing with us ... these photos were certainly bringing back memories of "longkang" fishing!

Wildflowers by Kitty Chappell

Lord, help me to grow as the wildflowers grow

be it a meadow or a crack in cement.

Despite the terrain, be it good or bad,

let me know I am there by intent.

Instead of my sadly complaining within

regarding life's rough terrain,

May my face, too, look upward to You

Through seasons of drought and rain.

Help me to bloom as the wildflowers bloom,

regardless of where I am placed;

wherever the spot You plant me,

Lord,let the air there be sweet with Your grace.

Someday a tired pilgrim may stop to rest

from carrying his heavy load

And thank my Creator for placing me there

to brighten that spot in life's road.

GOD'S COFFEE

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some
expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:

"If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.

What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live.

Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee!

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."


Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Gel Candle-making Workshop

We are organizing a Gel candle-making workshop in June.
Interested parents, please register by email to presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com

Details of Workshop:

Date: 6 June 2009 (Sat)
Time: 9.30am to 12pm
Place: To be confirmed
Fees: $28/- inclusive of materials

Join us and learn a skill, you may just discover a new hobby... and make a few friends!

HAVE YOU GIVE YOUR LOVED ONES A HUG TODAY?

It's wonderous what a hug can do.

A hug can cheer you when you're blue.

A hug can say, "I love you so,"

Or, "Gee, I hate to see you go."

A hug is, "Welcome back again."

And, "Great to see you! Where've you been?"

A hug can soothe a small childs pain,

and bring a rainbow after rain.

The hug! There's just no doubt about it-

we scarcely could survive without it!

A hug delights and warms and charms.

It must be why God gave us arms.

A hug can break the language barrier,

and make your travels so much merrier.

No need to fret about your store of 'em,

the more you give, the more there's more of 'em.

So stretch those arms without delay

and give someone a hug today!

A Mother's Day Prayer....

God our Heavenly Father, we pray:

for new mothers, coming to terms with new responsibility ;

for expectant mothers, wondering and waiting;

for those who are tired, stressed or depressed;

for those who struggle to balance the tasks of work and family;

for those who are unable to feed their children due to poverty;

for those whose children have physical, mental or emotional disabilities;

for those who have children they do not want;

for those who raise children on their own;

for those who have lost a child;

for those who care for the children of others;

for those whose children have left home; and

for those whose desire to be a mother has not been fulfilled.

Bless all mothers, that their love may be deep and tender,

and that they may lead their children to know and do what is good,

living not for themselves alone, but for God and for others.

Amen.

IN HONOR OF ALL THE MOTHERS IN THE WORLD ...

A mother’s world is filled with many responsibilities and concerns, so God offers you encouragement through the promises He has made…

When you are concerned about your family’s future…
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the lord, plans for welfare [peace] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

When you need wisdom…
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

When you are worried…
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

When you need assurance…
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24

When you can’t make ends meet…
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

When you’ve had a rough day…
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

When you face difficult problems…
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

When you want your husband to follow the Lord…
Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 1 Peter 3:1-2

When there are family tensions…
Put on then… compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14

When God doesn’t seem real to you…
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD. Jeremiah 29:13-14

When you wonder if God loves you…
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
When you need forgiveness…
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

When no one seems to understand you…
O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. Psalms 139:1-2

When you feel like giving up…
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9

H A P P Y M O T H E R S ' D A Y 2 0 0 9!

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

History of Mother's Day: Anna Jarvis

Anna Jarvis is recognised as the Founder of Mothers Day in US. Though Anna Jarvis never married and never had kids, she is also known as the Mother of Mothers Day, an apt title for the lady who worked hard to bestow honor on all mothers.

Anna Jarvis got the inspiration of celebrating Mothers Day from her own mother Mrs Anna Marie Reeves Jarvis in her childhood. An activist and social worker, Mrs Jarvis used to express her desire that someday someone must honor all mothers, living and dead, and pay tribute to the contributions made by them.

A loving daughter, Anna never forgot her mothers word and when her mother died in 1905, she resolved to fulfill her mothers desire of having a mothers day. Growing negligent attitude of adult Americans towards their mothers and a desire to honor her mothers soared her ambitions.

To begin with Anna, send Carnations in the church service in Grafton, West Virginia to honor her mother. Carnations were her mothers favorite flower and Anna felt that they symbolised a mothers pure love. Later Anna along with her supporters wrote letters to people in positions of power lobbying for the official declaration of Mothers Day holiday. The hard work paid off. By 1911, Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state in the Union and on May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

ROCKS & SAND ...

PARENTS ... YOU MAY WANT TO TRY THIS EXPERIMENT WITH YOUR CHILDREN.


A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in
front of him. When class began, wordlessly he picked up a large
empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, rocks
about 2" in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them
into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course,
rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The students laughed. The professor picked up a box of sand and
poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

"Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this is
your life. The rocks are the important things - your family, your
partner, your health, your children - anything that is so important
to you that if it were lost, you would be nearly destroyed.

"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your
house, your car.

"The sand is everything else. The small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the
pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend
all your energy and time on the small stuff, you will never have
room for the things that are important to you.

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your
partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean
the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.

"Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set
your priorities. The rest is just sand."

Living Beyond the Grind of Fear - by Ps. Jordan (AMK Presbyterian Church)

THANK YOU PASTOR JORDAN FOR SHARING YOUR WISDOM AT THIS WEEK'S CHAPEL SERVICE.

I'VE LEARNED THAT ....

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back

I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.

I've learned that you can get by on charm for about 15 minutes. After that, you'd better know something.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do.

I've learned that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it.

I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.

I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I've learned that it's a lot easier to react than it is to think.

I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place. (Amen to that!)

I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I've learned that learning to forgive takes practice.

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.

I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned that I'm getting more and more like my grandma, and I'm kinda happy about it.

I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned that you should never tell a child her dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if she believed it

I've learned that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend someone is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned that sometimes when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose sides even when I don't want to.

I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.

I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I've learned that if you don't want to forget something, stick it in your underwear drawer.

I've learned that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I've learned that the clothes I like best are the ones with the most holes in them.

I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I've learned that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I've learned that there are many ways of falling and staying in love.

I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves, get farther in life.

I've learned that many things can be powered by the mind, the trick is self-control.

I've learned that no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar, you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.

I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I've learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.

I've learned that the paradigm we live in is not all that is offered to us.

I've learned that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.

I've learned that although the word "love" can have many different meaning, it loses value when overly used.

I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.

THE SHOE BOX

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years.

They had shared everything. They had talked about everything.

They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little
old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had
cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but
one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said
she would not recover.

In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took
down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside.

She agreed that it was time that he should know what was
in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted
dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.

He asked her about the contents. 'When we were to be
married,' she said, ' my grandmother told me the secret of a happy
marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry
with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.'

The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back
tears.

Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry
with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost
burst with happiness. 'Honey,' he said, 'that explains the doll,
but what about all of this money?

Where did it come from?'
'Oh,' she said, 'that's the money I made from selling the dolls.'

- contributed by Mr. Ang Lee San

* Truly a twist towards the end of the story makes us laugh a little and learn a lot!

THANK YOU ... From the bottom of our hearts!

A BASKET-FUL OF THANKS ....

to the parents who have contributed towards the PSG Fruit Basket Program!

This healthy and meaningful program has brought us a step further on the appreciation of one another as a school community!

Kudos to our very own Mrs. Jenny Chin, PSG Secretary, who has done a remarkable job of conveying to the parents on how the Fruit Basket program works!

Keep your contributions coming ... and if you need to

find our more on how this program works,

Jenny will fill you in.

Just drop her an email at presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com

CHAPEL PROCRASTINATION by Pastor Srimal

This week's sharing from Pastor Srimal is so appropriate since examinations are just round the corner. Leaning on to His Way, we should continue to guide our child / children to start planning and stay focused.

As parents, let us be gentle reminders rather than nags.

As Christian parents, lead our child / children in God's way and reinforced His teachings with simple messages like those in the video. Don't forget to pray for the students at PHS who are preparing for their mid-year exams and prelims.

Have a blessed weekend with the family!

ASSISI HOSPICE Charity Fun Day 2009

A fund-raising event will be conducted by the Assisi Hospice in aid of their hospice.

It will be held as follows:

On: 2 May 2009 (Saturday)
At: SJI International (490, Thomson Road)
From: 8.30am

It will be a day of Food, Fruits, Sales & Great Fun!
In fact, a GREAT DAY OF FUN FOR THE FAMILY

Why not join in the fun and help raise funds?

Tickets can be purchased at Assisi Hospice OR on the day itself at the ticket booths!

Photos from our Quilling workshop...

Photos of our "accomplishments"

April 18, 2009 - 9.30am - WOW! Room
Weather: Extremely bright and sunny
Mood: Eager and excited

We had Elicia and Alvin (along with their youngest 9-year old daughter - Dora), Cris, Rose, Wendy, Laura (our patient instructor) and myself (Agnes).

Missing all the fun (for a good reason) were: Sheena (hope you are feeling better!), Jacinta and Jenny! It was a fun-filled workshop, especially with our very enthusiastic Dora - quick-to-learn and creative! We are contemplating to have another workshop in the very near future for those who have missed it!

Today's Clean Laugh: LENGTHY DISCOURSE

A visiting minister was very long-winded. Worse, every time he would make a good point during his sermon and a member of the congregation responded with "Amen" or "That's right, preacher" he would get wound up even more and launch into another lengthy discourse.

Finally, the host pastor started responding to every few sentences with "Amen, Pharaoh!" The guest minister wasn't sure what that meant, but after several more "Amen, Pharaohs" he finally concluded his very lengthy sermon.

After the service concluded and the congregation had left, the visiting minister turned to his host and asked, "What exactly did you mean when you said "Amen, Pharaoh?"

His host replied, "I was telling you to let my people go!"

*The above joke was shared by Mrs. Rose Tan - THANK YOU!

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY

International Friendship Day is a day dedicated to the understanding of Singapore's relations with neighbouring countries and beyond. It aims to sensitise our children towards the geo-political realities inherent in Singapore, as well as nurture in our students the spirit of friendship and collaboration among different people.

This year's International Friendship Day falls on 17 April, Friday and the theme is 

"Getting to know ASEAN".

The students of Presbyterian High School, along with the teachers and staff will be celebrating in school and the program starts at 11.45am.

Parents are invited to join in this celebration. You are encouraged to put on your national costume and join in the fun!

Getting to know ASEAN .... 

Q:Which are the 10 countries that are members of the ASEAN Organisation?

Ans: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam

Q: What do we know about the ASEAN flag?

Ans: The ASEAN Flag officially represents the Association of Southeast Asian Nations . The present flag of ASEAN was adopted in November 1993. The ASEAN Flag comprises of a blue background on which there is the emblem of ten paddy or rice stalks set in the middle of a red circle. The red circle is bordered by a white outline. The paddy stalks are yellow in color. The ten stalks on the ASEAN Flag represent each of the ten members of this organization. The colors blue, yellow, red and white, all have their own significance. Blue symbolizes peace and stability. Red stands for courage. White represents purity while yellow shows prosperity.

Q: How to do say "Good morning" in the languages spoken by the 10 ASEAN members?

Ans:  

In Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei -- Selamat Pagi

In Philippines (Tagalog) -- Magandang umaga po

In Thailand (Thai) -- Sawatdi torn chao

In Cambodia -- Arun suor sdei

In Laos -- Sabaidee

In Myanmar (Burmese) --  Mingalab

In Vietnam - Xin cao

....... how would you say it in Singapore?

TAMAN NEGARA TRIP - MAY 2009

CALLING ALL PARENTS !!

Taman Negara is one of the world's oldest rainforest. The abundance and diversity of nature is phenomenal in Taman Negara, one of the world's most complex and rich ecosystems.

If you are parents with a child in Secondary 3, please note that our students will be visiting Taman Negara from 26th to 30th May 2009 on a study trip.

The Parent Support Group strongly recommends parents to join their child for this trip, not only to explore Mother Nature, but it's a great opportunity to bond with your child. Learn and discover together with your child at Taman Negara!

Parents who are interested, please drop us an email with your contact tel # or mobile #, and state the subject matter and the class / name of your child.

Thank you!

HE IS RISEN!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is proof that He has conquered death and has thrown open the door of everlasting life.

Because of Christ’s death on the cross, we can know the joy of God’s forgiveness for our sins. And through His resurrection we can have the assurance of everlasting life. The living Savior promises: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

After the dark hours on the cross when Christ was judged by God for our sins, His body was placed in a new tomb. His enemies set up a guard and sealed the tomb with a Roman seal so that His body would not be stolen.

Three days later, on resurrection morning, an angel declared the triumphant news to His followers: “I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen” (Matthew 28:5-6).

Jesus Christ arose from the dead! The Savior who was “made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” was accepted by His Heavenly Father. The “Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world” had fulfilled the work of God for our redemption.

Because of Christ’s resurrection you can receive God’s salvation: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).

You can be assured that Jesus Christ is living for you. The living Savior “is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth” (Hebrews 7:25).

Because Jesus Christ lives in Heaven today, those who trust Him for salvation will one day be with Him. He promises: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

Easter Reflections - by Helen Steiner Rice

With OUR EYES we see
The beauty of Easter
as the earth awakens once more...
With OUR EARS we hear
The birds sing sweetly
to tell us Spring again is here...
With OUR HANDS we pick
the golden daffodils
and the fragrant hyacinths...
But only with OUR HEARTS
can we feel the MIRACLE of GOD'S LOVE
which redeems all men...
And only with OUR SOUL
can we make our 'pilgrimage to God'
and inherit His Easter Gift of ETERNAL LIFE.

THE COLORS OF EASTER

Easter colors wheel is a real comprehensive one and encompasses innumerable colors. Most of the people are unaware about the Easter color philosophy. In fact, all the colors of Easter have their own unique significance. If one is indicative of brightness, the other represents the darkness of our sins. If all this sounds interesting, then read further to know about the significance of Easter colours.

1 - RED: this color is associated with the blood that Jesus Christ had shed for mankind. Thus the color red is a symbol of love and sacrifice for goodness of humanity.

2 - WHITE: this Easter color signifies purity and grace.

3 - GREEN: the color green brings ray of hope. Green is the color of grass.

4 - PURPLE: Easter color purple is indicative of royalty. It is said that the color purple brings wealth.

5 - YELLOW: it is the color that is related to the brightness of sun. It’s a color that brings joy and happiness.

6 - BLACK: it is the color that indicates the evil side. To put it other words, we can say black signifies darkness.

7 - ORANGE: it is the color that represents hope. It is associated with the dawn of day.

8 - PINK: Easter colour pink indicates fresh beginning.

PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels

FRIDAY (GOOD FRIDAY) THROUGH EASTER

On Friday, Jesus voluntarily submitted to be nailed to a cross.

The Bible says at noon the skies got dark. There was an earthquake. The temple veil was torn. People suddenly realized that when Jesus cried out, "It is finished," and then died, he was no ordinary man.

Jesus was taken from the cross, prepared for burial, and put in a tomb.

Thankfully, the story doesn't end there. But what follows next—Saturday—is most difficult of all, because it's the day between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise. Jesus had predicted he'd be crucified, and that he'd rise from the dead. He was dead all right. But would he come back?

On Sunday, Jesus burst forth from the tomb exactly as he'd predicted. The guards at the tomb saw him, went back to tell the officials, "He's alive!" and were paid to keep quiet about it.
Jesus appeared to more than 500 people—cynics as well as believers—before he ascended into heaven. There was no question about whether or not Jesus was resurrected.

With his resurrection, Jesus proved he is the Son of God. And by what he did during his last week alive, but most importantly, on Easter Sunday, your life—and your eternity—can be changed forever.

The Passion Week article is taken from a message "7 Days to Live" by Bill Hybels:
Bill Hybels is senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois.

PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels

THURSDAY (Maundy Thursday)

This day, Jesus took a normal Passover meal and changed it forever. All the arrangements had been made, but then the foot-washer didn't show up! The disciples came to dinner with dusty feet, and stood around asking who messed up the arrangements. It never dawned on them that maybe one of them could humble himself to do that for anybody else.

Jesus came, took off his robe, put a towel over his arm, filled a basin with water, then knelt down and started washing the disciples' feet. They couldn't believe it! The Son of God, the Savior of the world—and he had the humility to wash their feet.

In today's words, here's the lesson: True fulfillment never comes from a life of self-gratification. The way to the top in God's economy is through serving. It's finding God's mission for your life and engaging in it. It's finding people you can humbly serve in daily, down-to-earth ways. And when you find God's purpose for your life and pursue it in a spirit of humility and servanthood, your heart spills over with love and gratefulness.

Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, and when he was done, he said, "Now, you go out and live this way."

PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels

Wednesday

Most scholars believe this was a day of solitude for Jesus. He was doing the most important thing he could—getting alone with God. As he quieted himself, he heard the still small whisper of his Father say, "You're on a mission, and it's going to be difficult, but I'm asking you to endure. I'll be with you."

Some would call it a wasted day. Others would say it was a day that gave Jesus strength to do what he needed to do.

We live in a culture that no longer values solitude. We go from one meeting to the next, one deadline to the next, one activity to the next. Too often we fail to quiet ourselves enough to hear what God would say to us—if only we were listening

PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels

Tuesday

Jesus taught from early morning till late at night. When the sun went down on Tuesday, his earthly teaching was done.

As dusk approached, Jesus taught the parable of the talents. In those final moments before his teaching ministry came to an end, he told his listeners, in essence, "You have one life. That's it. Some of you have all kinds of gifts and abilities; some of you have less. But don't squander the one and only life God's given you; do something noble and great with it."

How poignant it is that as Jesus talked about this, he knew his life was almost over.

Jesus also spoke about the day of reckoning. But Jesus referred to the day when all moral accounts will be settled. He taught that when that day comes, either people will pay for their evil by being separated from God forever, or they'll be rewarded for having accepted Jesus' payment on the cross for the evil they committed. It's either the self-payment plan or the Christ-payment plan—no other option. Jesus urged his listeners to follow his plan.

Whose are you following?

PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels

MONDAY

On this day, Jesus did something that shocked people. Known for his love, gentleness, and humility, Jesus came into the temple, saw all the little arcades set up for commercial business, and cleaned house. He overturned the merchants' tables and kicked them out of the temple. People had never seen this side of Jesus before.

Why did Jesus act with such passion? Because he saw worship at the temple in Jerusalem going awry. Jesus knew he had to straighten out the situation before he died, was resurrected, and returned to heaven. The message of his transforming power was going to be left in the hands of worshiping communities. Jesus couldn't afford to have any church get distracted and caught up in questionable activities. They alone would possess the message that would change the world.

Jesus sent a signal:

Don't get sidetracked. Stay on target. Stay on the mission of spreading God's love.

PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels

SUNDAY (Palm Sunday)

On Palm Sunday—six days before Jesus' death—people lined the streets, waving palms as he entered Jerusalem. It was the first-century equivalent of our ticker-tape parades for heroes down the streets of New York City.

Jesus' popularity was at an all-time high; his teaching had astonishing power. Jesus had changed people's hearts and healed them physically. He'd even recently brought someone back from the dead! By far, Jesus was one of the most popular people in the entire Middle East.

But everyone who lined the streets had a different reason for waving those palms. Some were political activists; they'd heard Jesus had supernatural power, and they wanted him to use it to free Israel from Roman rule. Others had loved ones who were sick or dying. They waved branches, hoping for physical healing. Some were onlookers merely looking for something to do, while others were genuine followers who wished Jesus would establish himself as an earthly king. Jesus was the only one in the parade who knew why he was going to Jerusalem—to die.

He had a mission, while everyone else had an agenda.

A couple of weeks ago, I spent some time between flights looking at books on spirituality in the airport bookstore. I discovered things haven't really changed in two thousand years. People are still trying to push their agendas for what the power of God can do. What about you?

PASSION WEEK - 7 Days to Live - by Bill Hybels

What can we learn from Jesus' last week on earth?

What if you knew you had only one week to live?

What actions, what priorities, would be captured?

Passion Week—the last week of Jesus' life, before he faced a criminal's execution on a cross—was an extraordinary week. Jesus knew he was going to die in seven days. He knew it would be an excruciatingly painful death. But there's much we can learn from what Jesus taught and from how he acted in the week preceding Easter Sunday.

The last week of Jesus' life will be featured in this blog based on a day-to-day basis.

SATURDAY

The weekend before his death, Jesus stayed at the home of three of his closest friends in the small town of Bethany, about two miles outside Jerusalem. These people weren't among his 12 disciples; they were personal friends—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus chose to spend his last days of freedom with them.
Throughout Jesus' teaching ministry, he emphasizes the importance of community. Jesus continually told all who would listen, "You were created for community with God and others. You were created with a yearning to know and be known, to love and be loved, to serve and be served, to celebrate and be celebrated."
Have you found this kind of community in your life? It's more than good relationships with your family. You need an inner circle of friends who are fellow believers—just as Jesus had—with whom you can be honest, with whom you can "do life" together.

TEENAGE PEER PRESSURE

Teenage peer pressure is a very serious problem that affects teenagers and many parents are lost and helpless when they are faced with this issue. A peer is someone almost the same age who shares similar values and interests. Peers often spend time together doing common activities and having fun together. When a teenager feels that he must do the same things as his peers in order to fit in, he/she is under peer pressure. This is a time where the teenager starts becoming rebellious and has a higher possibility of picking up bad habits such as smoking and drinking.

Positive Peer Pressure
Positive peer pressure causes teenagers to engage in meaningful and healthy activities with friends such as studying together, doing projects, playing games and going for barbecues and picnics.

Negative Peer Pressure
Negative Peer Pressure causes teenagers to engage in unhealthy and sometimes illegal activities that would only cause harm to himself/herself or other people. Examples of these activities are smoking, drinking, taking of drugs, spending money excessively and pre-marital sex.

Reasons Why Teenagers Listen More To Their Friends Than To Parents

Forming An Identity Of Their Own
During the growing up process, a teenager needs to form his own identity. He takes his friends' view and opinions into consideration and tries them out. He starts to form his own ideas of life, learns to make decisions and responsibility for the choices and actions done.

Emotional Support In Peer Groups
As a teenager is learning to live a life that is independent of his parents, there are times where he/she will face the feeling of being lonely which can be rather frightening at times. Therefore, it is natural to seek out people who are experiencing the same things for emotional support.

Building A Strong Foundation To Resist Negative Peer Pressure

• To prevent teenagers from falling negative peer pressure, there are a few important things that have to be done.
• Instilling the right values from young would allow the child to be able to know what is right and wrong.
• Building up your child's self esteem and having a trusting relationship with him/her would enable both parent and child to be closer.
• Training your child to make decisions and solve his own problems and to take responsibility and account for his/her actions is essential in character building. Creating opportunities and teaching your child how to handle friends would help him widen his social circle and at the same time equip him with interaction skills. It is also important to help your child develop a sense of purpose in life so that he/she knows what he wants and would work to achieving it.

Solutions If Teenager Refuses To Heed Advice

Most of the time teenagers would not heed the advice of their parents during that phase of their lives. Parents can try to discuss with the teenager about the friend that they mix with in a good manner. If the teenager agrees that he is under negative pressure and whished to do something about it, it is important to teach him/her decision-making skills and how to resist the pressure. If he disagrees that he is under negative peer pressure, continue to talk to him/her and ask him to share why he/she thinks they are not under negative peer pressure. If the teenager insists on having his way, let him/she know the consequences and hold them accountable for their actions.

Special Maundy Thursday Service @ PHS

Presbyterian High School is having our Maundy Thursday service on 9th April (Thu), 12.40pm, School's Chapel.

Worship session will be led by Mr. Lim Yan Hock (Principal) and message will be shared by Rev. Wee.

All parents, are invited to join us for this Service.

THE SEASON OF LENT

Lent is a forty-day season of preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.

The season begins on Ash Wednesday, when pastors mark the foreheads of Christians with ashes as a reminder that we are created from dust and to dust we shall return.

During Lent we follow Jesus from his adult ministry through his suffering during Holy Week to his crucifixion and death on Good Friday. And we read the Psalms that foretold what happened during that week.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, also called the Sunday of the Passion, and continues through Holy Thursday (when Holy Communion was instituted at the Last Supper) and Good Friday, when Jesus was tried, crucified, and buried.

Because the Last Supper was celebrated during the Feast of the Passover, which is calculated on the phases of the moon, Easter is called a movable feast. Lent is scheduled backwards from Easter. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon after the spring equinox.

The forty days of fasting and penitence during Lent do not include Sundays. Christians always celebrate Sunday as the day Jesus rose from the dead, so it is never a day of fasting.

Many Northern Europeans celebrate the day before Ash Wednesday, mardi gras (French for Fat Tuesday, also called Shrove Tuesday), by eating up everything good in the house that medieval Christians believed was inappropriate to eat during Lent (eggs, butter, cream, meat).

This celebration has expanded into all sorts of festivals all over the world, although most modern Christians do eat some - or all - of those foods during Lent.

Lent is a time of stripping down to essentials, as each Christian focuses on his or her individual relationship with God. It is a time when Christians remember our baptisms, when Jesus washed away our sins, giving us newness of life to celebrate in the triumph of Palm Sunday and the glory of Easter. Many early Christians were baptized on Easter Sunday, so Lent became a special time of study and prayer in preparation for their baptisms. Later the entire congregation joined in the study and prayer as they looked forward to the anniversary of their baptisms on Easter.

Because Lent is a time of letting go of the bondage of sin, it is also a time of celebrating the freedom from the bondage of slavery. At the Feast of the Passover, all Jews give thanks for their freedom from the captivity of the Egyptians.
And Christians give thanks for the freedom of all slaves in every culture everywhere.

HOT or COLD ... But LUKEWARM??

ARE WE

HOT or COLD...

or LUKEWARM?

I had a very 'refreshing' sermon last Sunday whereby the pastor shared on the topic of being a Hot, Cold or Lukewarm Christian.

Sermon was based on Revelations 3:14-22 (*)



What's being 'lukewarm"?

-Were we once 'hot' but has gradually and progressively gone cold?
-Are we in that 'comfort zone' of lukewarm that we are sitting on the fence and lacking fervor?

Take a moment ... ask ourselves:

• What has happened to the passion and zeal?
• What's our spiritual 'temperature' at this point in life?
• What are our priorities in life?
• Have we, as believers, gone 'cold' and complacent?

There is no better time than NOW, to re-think and take actions of our lives....


What is your preference - Hot, Cold or Lukewarm?

REFERENCE: (*)
Revelation 3:14-22 (New International Version)
To the Church in Laodicea 14"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."