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.