The true test of giving is not in the giving itself. The true test lies in what you're giving for and what u expect in return. These motivations are very crucial; crucial to the integrity of giving itself.

PENANG: Police have remanded the mother of Shearwey Ooi Ying Ying to help in the investigation into the death of the three-year-old girl whose charred remains were scattered in three different locations... (The Star Online)

Well, if you are currently in Malaysia, you would have to be "a frog living under a coconut shell" to not know this news.

To my many friends across the nation,

After reading such news, could you sincerely from the depths of your heart say that there is no absolute truth?  Maybe your mind, your thought, your logic can still come out with such a deduction. But what about your conscience?
Maybe you can bring God into non-existence with your mind. But what about your feelings? Emotions? Have you reduced it to mere neurons communicating with your brain and hormones?

Most crimes in the world are committed by men. Most of whom have separated themselves from their conscience.

_________________________________________

A reflection for those who call themselves Christians.
Do not put blame for such atrocities on a single individual. Neither on a group of them.
We all have a part in the formation of this very imperfect world.

Therefore, let us humbly pursue wisdom (the fear of God) so that life on earth will find meaning. Let our convictions be girded in love.

"Young people have experienced so much so soon that has promised to deliver the ultimate, and it has let them down. That, has radically left an emptiness in their lives"

A Day With Altered Frequency

I spent last Friday with a band from KL - Altered Frequency. I'm sure some of you know of them. Was helping them setup for a concert at church, was there since morning till late in the afternoon. Sound check took quite a while, but it was fun getting to know the band.
On the far right is Agnel, their Drummer, Andy (lead vocals) who happens to also be the youth pastor for ACTS church. Kysern, guitarist - he plays really well, and owns some great unique effect pedals (namely blue boy overdrive - a fav. of mine). Lastly is David Gary, bassist and soundman. Getting to know them was interesting, music has always had a place in my heart and watching this people was inspiring.

____________________________________________

Reflection on the life of a pastor 

What is it to be a pastor?
It is to be a a teacher, who teaches at a level of a servant, washing the student's feet.
To be listener, hearing the cries of his sheep
To be a spiritual father, correcting when there is a need.
To be an encourager, believing in people.
To a sacrifice, so that others may receive the Joy of knowing Christ

Pastor Cowan, you've really been my pastor. Thanks.

For those of you who do not know. Pastor Cowan took over the youth ministry (fireBRANDS) in 2005, at the end of my term in the youth committee. The 2 years in the youth group has made a tremendous impact on many individual lifes. He was the man who coined the term "Irresistible influence".
Pastor Cowan has always been my model of a man who lives by faith and grace of God.  It is sad he has to leave us, but for the sake of his health and for the sake of God's eternal plan, I am glad.

I'm obsess with pursuing only the best.
Problem is, I don't exactly have the best attitude or the best character or the best skills.
So, what do I do then?
Settle for less?

What do ya think? Comment.