DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED

In life, we all need to understand that it is important not to take anything for granted : your friends, loved ones, family, studies, job, and even your own life.
Human beings have a curious capacity to take things for granted. The most exquisite diamond loses its lustre with familiarity. The most compatible intimate becomes boring as time goes by. Even God’s beautiful miracles like the daily sunrise and sunset fail to astonish most human beings because they have become a routine! Repetition and time - dull our sense of wonder and thus we all took everything for granted. When a thing becomes familiar to us, the mystery we have projected onto it is lost. We see it without the overlay of our imaginings. For instance, how many of us really notice each breath we breath in or we just took for granted we are still breathing and kicking?
I know, we can't live our life taking note of every single thing everyday though, but every now and again, we need to examine this wonderful world, those around us, those who love us and we should reciprocate their love or deeds no matter how small or big it might be. We don’t need to buy flowers, presents or any monetary valued things to appreciate them. Just words of appreciation or a smile, which are of no monetary value, is sufficient to tell them that you care and appreciate them. Money can’t buy happiness – so they say. You all might disagree with me on this but it is also said that "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" << Matthew16:26 >>Personally I must admit that I am neither perfect nor excused for taking things for granted in my life. I have been a culprit of this weakness one too many times. And it is a hard thing to come to terms with, no matter how much I have tried. But being human and human err, we have to continue trying no matter how difficult the task is. We have to keep reminding ourselves each time and appreciate our loved ones – show our love for them, thank them for loving us, find time to be with them in time of happiness and sorrows, value their sacrifices for us. Don’t take things for granted!
Seldom have we appreciate or notice little deeds of love that others have for us and we usually let these little things passed as if nothing happens. A simple un-noticeable love of a mother is when she prepared food on the table or washed your clothing or even swept your room. Now ask ourselves honestly, have any of us, just at least once, ever said “mom, thank you for the wonderful meal” or “mom, thank you for washing my cloths”. Or maybe when a child helps to wash the family car. Have the parents ever said “Thank you son/girl for washing the car”? We only seem to noticed big and glaring deeds around us or those deeds that have great impact on our lives especially monetary deeds – such as when we get gifts, Christmas or birthday presents or maybe ‘ang-pau’. We will be laughing and saying ‘thank you’. How selfish have we been! We took everything for granted.
I wish people will realize that there is no harm in telling someone you care, each and every day, thanking them for even the little un-noticeable love but there is more harm than imaginable in doing the exact opposite. There isn't a time you will regret letting someone know that you appreciate them – no matter who they are to you – but there will always be a time you will regret holding your tongue when all you wanted was to let them know you cared but was too late. But then as the saying goes “The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others, how much they love them while they're alive."

Our life in this wonderful world is so short and life is very fragile. Each and every one of us, somehow or rather, will have to answer the call of our Creator. We don’t know when, how or where that call might be. It’s all a matter of time and it’s all in the hand of our Creator. Only He and He alone knows. "Before someone's tomorrow has been taken away, cherish those you love, appreciate them today. For tomorrow may be too late."


Sincerely yours with love always,

One Day (John Rowles)

I close my eyes and I see you now

The way once in a while

You smile, a tender smile for me

But now this smile has gone

I'm alone and I lie here on my own

Just wishing for the memories that

I have known

* One day I must find you again, my love

One day guess I'll hang on till then, my love

May be tomorrow, there'll be an end

To all this sorrow

I'll find my way, one day *

And with this hand, I would touch your face

And when you used to cry

In these two arms, you'd lie with me

But now I have to face

Empty years, all the worries, all the fears

With a broken heart, let's trying to stop the tears

Sincerely yours with love always,

Am I Ready To “Go Home”?

There is something very special about country living and my heart has always remained in a little kampong called Tandui, Membakut even though most of my adult life has been spent in the city of Kota Kinabalu. Kampong Tandui is the birth place of my parents, grandparents and I.

We kept hearing promises that "Every Mothers' Son" would be returned home. Is this another idiom or is it a prophecy.

I spent the last 4 days with my parents, who have returned to their countryside life after living in the city for almost 3 decade and I've found total peace by being there and enjoying the simple things in life. I've heard many of our family histories from my dad and understand what life was like then. They have worked together as a community to survive and they were not fussy on materialistic things as in city life. Like the saying goes. it didn't matter what cloth they wore, so long as it keep them warm and covered.

I have learned and fallen in love with the simplicity of countryside life, the wonderful scenes and most of all, the memories of my childhood while living there with my grandparent. In my life I only came to know my mom's mom as my other grandparents have passed away while my parents are still very young. My father was an orphan, left to fend for himself at a very young age of 10 years old. Thinking of that, I'm glad that my children and I, still have parents and grandparents to guide and to love. As I have always said "Before someone's tomorrow has been taken away, cherish those you love, appreciate them today. For tomorrow may be too late."

After spend sometimes in the countryside recently, I am now seriously thinking of spending the rest of my life in the place where I was born. Back to where I came from in this world. Am I ready to “go home”? There will definitely quite a difference in lifestyles but changes need to start somewhere, somehow or it will never happen.

Sincerely yours with love always,

Someday

Someday someone might come into your life and love you the way you've always wanted.

If your someday was yesterday, learn.

If your someday is tomorrow, hope.

If your someday is today, cherish.

Warmest Regards,

Hoping For A Better Tomorrow

As I look back at all that I have being through the years and believe me, it takes guts to share a part of my life with anyone that might stumble on this blog. The way I look at it, we are all mirrors of each other. Some of you might have live this already, some of you are glad that haven’t live this at all, or perhaps like me… some of you may wonder what is next... I only hope that you understand, despite all the bad things we go through life, we have to keep on living…because not everything is bad, there are moments of joy worth living for...Years of lessons, trials, tears, self-discovery, physical losses and letting go of what no longer worked in our life. Sometimes we have to forgive the events that happen in our lives, as well as forgive ourselves for the feelings and actions we put through those events.I know it’s not over….for there might be more days, months or years of challenges, survivals, triumphs and more to let go of what is not enhancing our soul...but for sure I know, with hope and prayers, that it will be a lot better than the past and that alone, keeps me going......Hoping for a better tomorrow!

Warmest Regards,

Illusions of Sadness

I often wonder when I am sad or upset, "why this is happening to me” . Well, I don`t have an answer for this question, but everyone has gone through what I am feeling at one point or another, so my consolation could be the fact that I am not the only one that feel sad.

Many people make illusions out of sadness. When I stay alone at home and think of my life and of what has made me sad, illusions start to appear. Hope is the last thing that goes away, the hope will always stay with me even in the most bad situations. Illusions of Sadness keep me still wanting something or still fighting for what I wish for. Just a wish that may never become reality, a wish remain a wish!

Sadness is somehow related to the consequence of life, that happened beyond our control and life is full of challenges and surprises either good or bad . Life is nothing without loving someone, without knowing the intense feeling of love so, Illusions of Sadness are often a way of staying calm when you suffer.

Warmest Regards,

Don't Shed A Tear, When I'm Gone

Don't cry for me, don't shed a tear

I am home, no pain, no fear

Perhaps you feel that I've gone too soon

God makes no mistakes; my time on earth was through

Grieve for a moment and then move on

My life was full,

I love you all

Remember me with fondness and glee

My soul is at rest, my spirit is free

So please, don't cry for me

Let's celebrate

A life well lived

A man well loved by some

A spirit set free

A legacy of love

Warmest Regards,

Dreams

As I lay down myself to bed, somewhere, between the whisper of my heartbeat, and the roar of the oncoming night, is something that takes me to places I can't ever get back to on my own. I don't always have the desire to go to these places... or anywhere else for that matter, but it’s just beyond my control. Unlike most dreams that end up nowhere, in the middle of the night, halfway through something else, unfinished, there is one that wraps me in a warm embrace, and puts me in a place so still I can feel the echo of its presence long after I wake. Like a compass, always there to lead me to safe harbor, my spirit guides me through this dream. I know dreams are just the game of the mind as we sleep but to a certain point it does give us the joy and happiness though temporary. I like it there, always have. Most remember only the end of that vision, shaken to the point of consciousness. Often wishing that the dreams would not end but as usual disappointment awaits my awakening. I don’t have words in any language to describe the moment of awakening, it’s just the feeling deep inside of me as I roll back to continue my sleep.

Warmest Regards,

In Life, Nothing Lasts Forever

In life, we wish for the best, but hope for the worst. So in the end, we are not oblivious to the outcome. Either way, we should be contented with the way it turned out. Happy if it goes our way and content when it does not. Life is too short for us to be satisfied with our lives; you can always do better, always move on up.

If you can dream it, you can make it a reality. Pain is just a factor of our existence; with it can cause a person to weep; without it, we will never know how much one individual means to us.With life, comes great responsibility. The paths we choose can impact many lives. So treat people how you want to be treated and love as much as possible. In this life, nothing lasts forever. In a split second, a person’s life can be forever changed, either by a mistake or a "I know my way home" kind of anger. Worst a person you cared most may not be around forever.

We are allowed one life and one life only. Life is meant for us to live, not to be constricted by fear. That is why I say “Live life to the fullest in every way possible, because we all die in the end. Live life now so you can look back and be happy.”

Most see life as you are born, you live, and you die. But it is not that simple. Within peace, there is hate. Within love, there is pain. Within happiness, there is suffering. People spend their whole life wondering what life could be, when they could be living life on what it can be. You never can get back the time you have lost; but do not regret lost time, because in the time you pity yourself, you could be out doing something with your life.

Live every day a little bit like it is your last; life is just too short. Life can be a beautiful thing but it too can be so hurting especially when everyone you love and let into your heart, goes and breaks it. Ultimately it is the beholder of the heart that suffer.... so follow your heart and mind, just like the sea water that flows freely with the current.

Warmest Regards,

Life's Anticipation

Life is short as I have always said and be prepared for any uncertainty in life. We don’t know what will happen to us, to our loved ones or those around us. Anything can happen from the time you are reading this post. For life is very fragile and we as an earth creature called human beings, have to accept the fact that one day we will go back to where we came from.... our Creator! We can’t hide nor can we reject the call when the time has come for us to say “adios” to the world of which I believe is just a stage for us to act and fulfil the purpose of us being born. Each and every one of us is born into this world with a purpose and it is our obligation to fulfil those obligations.



My aged parents have anticipated the final journey of their life in this world and they have started to build their final earthly “home”. My sisters and I have bought for them a place at Nirvana Memorial Zone L =D J12 for their final resting place in future.

Visited the place with my parents today to see the progress of the renovation done on the lot and it was 80% completed. My father had once said that he wanted to see how his final resting place looks like before his time comes.

As I have said, we can’t hide nor reject the call by our Creator. We have to anticipate that call and it is Life’s Anticipation of every living creature that was created by Him.

Warmest Regards,

On My Blessed Day

As I celebrate my birthday alone today at this hour 12.50am, I am trying to recall what my life was like for the past years that I've spent in this world. I believe that my life is like a large puzzles that are comprised of many parts and all of those parts are important in order to see the fullness of what GOD has meant for my life. When I look back over my life there are so many parts of my puzzle that were full of happiness and also hurtful. I have no complaint on all those happiness puzzles that was fitted into my life except to thank God for them.

The only hurt that I am truly sorry of is my disobedience to the Lord and in my lack of awareness of who He truly was and who He was to me...to my life. Yes, I must admit that I am a Christian but am I a good Christian, a faithfully one? Or am I just the seasonal Christian who only rejoiced during Christmas day?

On this blessed day that God has given me another year of life, I really need to do a soul searching on who am I. I have before me good and evil, life or death, blessing and curses. Which of these puzzles have I chosen to filled my life all those years? I guess I have been holding on to old negative behaviors, stinking thinking and painful situations....things that the Lord has said to let go of because I believe what He has for me is so incredible that words can not describe it. It's time now for me to choose what the LORD has for me not what the world has for me.

To my family...thank you for all those wonderful years!

Warmest Regards,

Foot Prints In The Sand

I have always admired this poem ever since I came across it 23 years ago. Too beautiful for any words to describe.

Warmest Regards,

Fear?

A few days ago, I had a very mild heart problem (or was it a heart attack/stroke, I don't know what medical jargon I should be using) early in the morning at about 3.30am while I was in bed all alone. And lately, I've had this "death" thoughts lingering in my mind and the risk of sounding painfully morbid, I can't shake this feeling that I might die soon. Why do I think this? I know these thoughts aren't from GOD. and I certainly hope it's not true, anyway. I'd love to be around to watch my children succeed in life and be proud of them. And maybe even to curdle and watch my grandchildren grow up.

I've been doing some fairly deep soul-searching to try and get to the bottom of all my worries in life especially that concern my aging parents, children, financial et cetera in my brain. A new one, this "death" thing looming over me, seems to be added to my already burdened brain.

Why do I have this feeling of uncertainty? Is it fear? What am I afraid of? Was it because I saw those sick and some helpless people yesterday when I sent my sister-in-law Winnie to the hospital? I'm still trying to figure that one out but for now, I must continually give myself and my thoughts to GOD and trust that HE has a plan for my life.

Warmest Regards,

Words Are Beautiful

Word is of great power in which I truly believe or rather advocate for it actually. I believe that relationships and day to day interactions with one another are largely affected and influenced by the words we speak. But most importantly, I believe in saying what you mean and only that.
I didn't have a firm grasp on this subject, when I was younger but now I prided myself on being outspoken... about almost everything from life to the current issue that will concern my future generation. Especially so if it concern my present family now. I might become infamous but at times one have to be open with words so as not to make matter worst. For if no words are spoken then things might be too late for redemption. My life had taught me that being keeping quite or giving in was actually a disaster. We have to be brave to speak to protect your own family.

There are times I might have offended and annoyed people when I put my words so critically, sarcastically or offending. However this is more of a tragic as the words I said weren't the same things I was feeling. My heart would want to say and meant to say nice dissent and polite words, but words that came out would say something differently. But I'm sure most people picked up on my heart words mostly, right? Wrong!

But can you blame me totally about being too straight forward? Whether I am right or wrong but I feel at times one need to be as such BUT however it all depends on the environment and to the people that we speak to. There are people that are nice and gentle and to these people soft and friendly words will work. But some that are ruthless, thickheaded and for most arrogant, then these kinds need words of the opposite.

So generally, there's nothing wrong with the words that we speak but rather it is to whom, where and the situation that we are in that is more important.

Warmest Regards,

Those Were The Days

While strolling through the Photobucket, I came across this picture of mine which I uploaded ages ago and of which I have totally forgotten about. I don't even remember having an account with Photobucket. While trying to create one just now, it rejected my email address as I have already an account with them. So when I sign-in I found this old photo of mine when I was only 14 years old, taken with my parents. Just look at the edges of the photo...turned yellowish already.

My parents at that time looks young and strong. How time flies so fast. At times when we happened to come across this kind of photo, as I did, only then we realised where we are in our lives right now. Soon we will be in their shoes. How I miss those years where there's not so many things to worry about nor much of responsibility to carry on my shoulder. I was just a happy-go-lucky guy with not so many friends back hometown. I was at that time studying in Kulim, Kedah under the sponsorship of YayasanSabah and so it is understandable that most of my friends are there. Now I have practically lost contact with them. If only those years, handphones were available as now, I would probably be still in contact with them. But too bad my generation at that time was just way too far from such amenities. Even house telephones are deemed to be exclusive at that time. Public telephone booths can hardly be seen around town. So it does tell us just how important these are in this world, that of course, if they are wisely used.

Anyway, THOSE WERE THE DAYS!

Warmest Regards,

Lessons I learned!

As I reflect upon my journey in life, I recall the numerous times when as a child I did not even know which path my life would take. Nor did I question, “who am I”? It all seems so long ago, it is but a distant memory; at 48 now,a few years to come I'll qualify as a senior citizen.

To my family, our paths will be separated one day since the bond that kept the family together will be crossed over, journeying onwards in the karmic cycle of life, hopefully towards realizing Nirvana. Meanwhile, when all the trials and tribulations in life proved to be too heavy, may He carry us.

Now as I myself draw nearer my journey’s end, I realize that pain & suffering in life is the wellspring from which come forth fortitude,self-control, and patience. Long-suffering & Patience is the fruit born of all the tribulations life has to offer.

Holiness is not prayer, or attending church or going to temples, etc.

Holiness is self-emptying, the acceptance of the good and the bad that life has to offer; a constant dying to self. That itself is the foundation of our faith. The simple acceptance of what life has to offer, taking each day as it comes.

My parents, my wife, my children and my sisters may not be perfect, but it is there in that particular garden of life, God has planted me – with the command, "bloom where you are planted’.

I firmly believe, I would not be what I am today, if the conditions had been different. I am responsible for my own life and for the direction it takes.

Who among us has not sinned? Who among us is perfect?

Once upon a time, my parents were young too.They suffered trying to put food on the table, providing for 4 children. It was not the easiest of task, and I admire them for the courage they showed in the face of adversity.

Life sometimes doles out huge crosses and we may even fall under its weight. It is in not giving up, and finding something to smile about, to be happy about that I admire most in them . It is the example they have given me, and a very good example if I might say so "To err is human, to forgive is Divine".

Warmest Regards,

Life Goes On, No Matter What

The last couple of weeks I’ve had some moments to ponder about my life. I want to start this by saying that I’m not blaming anyone or anything…..life happens and things go wrong….and that’s just how it is. I think that for some years now I have had some very deep wounds that I had not been able to over come. I guess that I kept pushing them down and the scab would get scratched off from time to time. Enough that it always kept the wound a little open, bleeding a little, and maybe even infected.
Life goes on with the pain still lingering with it. No matter how much I tried to ignore the pain but it will somehow be felt when you are alone and reflect the past memories.

Everytime when we look back by turning back the pages of our life, we can be a little bit sentimental and moody. Sometimes we wish that we can turn back the clock and start all over again but then again, that, we can only wish and dream of, for it will never happen. Not now, not ever.

Regrets? No lah no regrets with what I've gone through with life but maybe if I have the chance of turning back, I would change the good life I had to a better life. Time is catching up, real fast in deed, so before the time is up, to my children and future generation may I say this to all of you...journey your life with care and make no terrible mistake along the way. Mistakes do occur in our lives but keep away mistakes that will make you regret the whole of your life.

Warmest Regards,

Welcome To UTP

After registering

Hadryan testing and choosing his outing shirt

Hadryan registering

In front of the Registration Hall

Hadryan, Hollison, Moshey

Hadryan's 1st day at University Technology Petronas. Among his friends from MRSM are Moshey, Hollison and Aaron. In fact there are 7 of them that were accepted to pursue their studies at UTP but I'm not sure the other three.

Hadryan managed to get a room together with Hollison. Quite a big room for two.

UTP is located in Tronoh,Perak which is about 40 minutes drive from Ipoh. Quite a secluded area but fast progressing by the look of it. We had a hard time looking for the university but not as bad as when we were searching for the Fair Park Hotel last night. We have to drive all round Ipoh for almost 2 hours searching for the hotel.

We reached Ipoh at about 7.30 pm it was almost dark and to search in the dark was one thing, not knowing the whereabout is another thing.

Quite a number of new students registered for the January intake, which Hadryan said about 300.

Warmest Regards,

Everything Happens For A Reason

There are lots of beautiful things around us. It's just a matter of how we see it and whether we're able to realize it.

In life, of course there are always some ups and downs.

However, I believe, that even in the most difficult situation, there's always a beautiful thing.. As wise people say, "Everything happens for a reason".

Warmest Regards,