Giving Each Other God’s Love
By: Emma
In a world that feels divided and rushed, we should take a moment to slow down, come together, and remember that love affects both the ones who give and the ones who receive. Starting today, try to make someone smile, because giving isn’t just about presents being passed. Giving someone kindness or warmth can affect them even more deeply.
It doesn’t have to be something huge, like giving someone their dream pet or car, but small kind deeds that add up. For example, holding the door for someone, complimenting somebody’s outfit or hairstyle, or simply remembering to say thank you and please. As Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse shows that love doesn’t come from expensive gifts, but ones from the heart. It can guide us to try our best and do the right thing, not because we’re forced to, but because we build each other up with these small gestures.
Through giving, we are able to smile freely and feel grateful for what we have accomplished. Instead of sharing negativity and complaints, we should share encouragement. God made us to thrive on love, not arguments and sorrow.
Another part of giving love that not many people talk about is forgiveness. Everybody makes mistakes sometimes, and that’s okay. Letting go and forgiving others is a sign of healing and growth. You may not notice it at first, but forgiving is a powerful way of giving the love that God has always wanted us to share. By loving others as God loves us, we help make the world a kinder and more meaningful place. ♥️
Reflection Letter
Kyra
A whirlwind of excitement surged through me as I arrived at the school. Here I was, equipped and ready for middle school. 6th grade was going to be a piece of cake. The only concern might be the new schedule or the introduction of detentions, but really, other than that, I had mended all of my friendships and made them even stronger. There was no doubt in my mind, I was so prepared for this school year.
The first week was fine. In fact, I was on cloud nine. There were no struggles, basically no homework, and no detentions! However, September hit me like a freight train. I had realised that amidst all my confidence, my friendships had changed. Not in a bad way, nor in a good way. To put it simply, they had just changed. Following that, it felt like I was on a rollercoaster of unexpected events. First, the homework was a lot more than in elementary school. Usually, we would only have 1-2 pieces of homework and no homework on Fridays. In middle school, on the other hand, you would have more than 4 pieces of homework every single day. Afterwards, I had started to put the pieces together and try to figure out what had happened in my friendships. Had it been that I was too stuck-up or boring, or had it been that I was less or more mature? Thoughts filled my head, and I didn’t know what to do. To distract myself from the storm of emotions surging through my mind, I signed up for tons of activities. October was the month of figuring out who I was. I signed up for so many activities that I felt as if I might burn out. Then the month of the most important events and opportunities to prove myself came. November. I had my choir end-of-the-year performance, the Alice in Wonderland play, my TTSMUN conference, my Bonfire performance, and a concert. So, I worked hard. I kept pushing to prove myself and be better. To be frank, no matter how happy I was, I felt an empty hole in my heart. Now, looking back, I know I’ve grown despite everything that didn’t go according to plan. How do I know? Well, I stopped focusing on what others thought of me and started to give myself a little more credit and focus more on God and how He saw me: He saw me by who I was on the inside and not only the big things I did, but also the little things. He valued what was from the heart and not whether I fit in or whether people liked me. When I started focusing on Him, somehow my friendships fixed themselves, homework felt lighter and easier (even though it was the exact same load), and I felt happier. I realised that like a glowstick I needed to be broken (or go through hardships) to glow. Ending off this 2025 year, I know that I don’t need to seek who I am from others, but rather, seek who I am from God and His word.
Things to Do Over Christmas Break
By: Kyra
It’s that time of the year again! So, I’ll follow this list of activities! Once you read this, you’ll be twice as ready to start Christmas break with a bucket load of things to do.
Gifts are one of the most memorable parts of Christmas. We all know that during this time of the year it’s time to take our wallets out and shop! Are you wondering what you should get for family and friends? Are you planning on procrastinating buying presents until Christmas Eve? Instead of doing that, you should get all shopping done early. No stress, no “just buying whatever I see”, but rather, meaningful gifts that will surely impact the person you are buying it for. So take out your wallet and start heading to the mall. It’s Christmas shopping time! After you’ve finished buying the gift, you can write “Merry Christmas” and wrap it up and send it.
We’ve been talking about gifts but really, the best gift of all is Jesus Christ. Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day! So this Christmas, engage in some caroling, go to church, and pray. You can spread the gospel and remind people that Christmas isn’t just about snow or presents, but instead, it’s about the Son of God who came down to Earth to take away our sins.
Christmas is also a time to spend with loved ones. You can turn on some beloved Christmas movies, such as Home Alone, The Christmas Chronicles, The Grinch, and Elf. This can help you bond with friends and family while enjoying the bundle of holiday cheer these shows bring you. Not only can you watch movies, but you can also eat! I am sure we all love to eat. Mix up some hot cocoa with marshmallows, some milk and cookies (for Santa, of course), and log cake!
The most wonderful time of the year has come! So let’s enjoy, celebrate, and remember the real reason for the season—Jesus! Merry Christmas!
ORANGE PEELS
CAMILA (G9)
I used to want someone to love me as tenderly and sweetly as the taste of an orange once you bit into it.
Let me ask them for one to eat, hand it to me on a little platter,
Those sour little strands usually attached to an orange meticulously peeled off, every single one I have never done that for myself before. Maybe that said something about me,
That I thought the luxury of eating an orange free of those little white strands was a leisure I did not deserve to experience.
Have I ever before loved myself as tenderly and sweetly as I want to be by someone else?
I wanted to bite into an orange whole, to trust that the eruption of taste in my mouth would be nothing but utter bliss,
The result of a person's love and dedication to me of all the people in the world
I wanted someone to love me the way I could never have loved myself I thought, perhaps it would suit me more to find a person who would teach me how to remove those tiny strands myself,
Their hands on top of mine and their fingers directing me to each tiny little white strand so I could remove it on my own
With only their careful and steady guidance
But now, I have realized I would be more suited to a person who would teach me to love the taste of an orange, regardless of its bitterness
To revel in the tanginess of its juice and the deliciousness of its pulp, to delight in its peculiar aftertaste as I bite into it without a second thought
Appreciating its imperfections, cherishing the taste of something untouched by my excessive little criticisms
Perhaps all I have ever wanted is a person to teach me to love myself the way I have always meant to be loved.
How ICS grows in Faith
By Junho
ICS is a Christian community. Even though some people might not be Christian, we still study the Bible as one of our subjects. Studying the Bible can help us grow in faith and relationship with God. We can learn the Bible through a lot of fun ways like skits,making posters,games,and more!
“I have grown and learnt so much about the Bible over the years and it has been a great year for me in this school. ICS is a fun and a lively way to learn about the Bible. I have learned so many new things about the Bible. Everyone is encouraging and kind.” - Josiah
Encouraging Growth and Positivity
By Emma
We all have not-so-nice things that we can improve on all the time! Which is why I am writing to YOU to possibly change or improve at least one thing this year! It could be consistently trying to have a good attitude when approaching new topics or simply remembering to do homework! In addition to this, we are all growing and learning new things at the same time!
I believe growing up is hard, but it doesn’t mean we are alone and have to be afraid. Other people struggle with similar problems, it’s a common thing for many people. However, it is essential to stay positive and support each other’s growth, while keeping clear goals ahead of you. An example of a goal is to get rid of a bad habit. For example, replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
Another important thing to keep in mind are the people and places that you surround yourself with. Staying near uplifting experiences and people around you can be beneficial to your health as studies have shown that the people around you affect you the most. Changing a fixed mindset to a growth mindset can be helpful. Instead of saying: “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet” The power of yet is a key example. Words like this can help you grow.Maybe you have thought about one thing you want to change already!
Finally, changing habits and lifestyles are great, but it doesn’t come immediately. Remember to be kind and have self respect. Always be nice to yourself!
