in losing i found life,
in gaining i lose.
yet when i reconsider,
the grotesquely beautiful truth remains.
I am His and in HIM aolne
am i me with reference to the cross.
In the suffering of my Savior, i am saved,
That's all there is to know.


Home » Archives » January 2009

Just as I am

January 17, 2009

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love,
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

- Words: Charlotte Elliott, 1835
- Music: William B. Bradbury, 1839

Miss Charlotte Elliott was visiting some friends in the West End of London, and there met the eminent minister, Cesar Malan. While seated at supper, the minister said he hoped that she was a Christian. She took offense at this, and replied that she would rather not discuss that question. Dr. Malan said that he was sorry if he had offended her, that he always liked to speak a word for his Master, and that he hoped that the young lady would some day become a worker for Christ.
When they met again at the home of a mutual friend, three weeks later, Miss Elliott told the minister that ever since he had spoken to her she had been trying to find her Saviour, and that she now wished him to tell her how to come to Christ.
“Just come to him as you are,” Dr. Malan said. This she did, and went happily away. Shortly afterward she wrote this hymn.
About these words, her brother said:
“In the course of a long ministry, I hope I have been permitted to see some of the fruit of my labor, but I feel that far more has been done by a single hymn of my sister’s.”

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Cheers to Yana and Wishlist for 2009

January 1, 2009

My friend,

I miss you and I’m praying that i’ll come by and visit again soon.

Remember when we first sat together in Geology 2.  I so clearly recall that afternoon, it was instant friendship. You became my teammate in BC 100 and classmate in Journ 132.  You introduced me to some of your PAGTA peers and we’ve spend quite a big deal of academic time together. You and me, Marian and Chaulles–we were hardly separated during productions.  And it was such a fun time.  My memories include sleepless nights editing BC 130 Prod in Campo Sioco, dinner and pre-selection of pictures in Chowking Lower Session Rd and fieldwork partner in Ilocos fieldtrip for Geo 2. You were also there when i needed a company in the lobby or someone to talk to after classes.  You were always there.

Do you recall when we first met after you came back from the South East Asian Tour.  You were surprised to see me gain weight yet you’re so welcoming.  We hugged and chatted for hours, to our relief that we can have more time to spare than before.  So you told me the whole story, beggining the tirade of your admission adventure until the end of the once-in-a-lifetime tour.  The selection process that you had to passed through and how you, well, efforlessly hurdled the challenge.  You were so humble to share that one of the members of the panel commented “you are not intelligent but so witty and young and full of fresh ideas.” Sure you are an asset to these bunch of aristocrats.  So goes the story of your becoming a diplomat.  And more.

The pictures that you showed to me during my previous home visit documents your triumphs and tragedies.  You have won far more victories by just having your family around to give unconditional love and support.  You were not even afraid when faced with that time that you have to prepare for the danger of the operation. To put simply, that was sheer bravery. Even most astounding was the speed of your recovery after checking out at St Luke’s Hospital.  You were a survivor.

Yet amidst this, I have not truly known your struggles.  We were mostly preoccupied with the new and exciting when we engage in conversations.  Seldom or never at all (i’m not sure) have we crossed the topic to talk about your heart problem.  You were not one who is apt to think or talk about such things.  I often wonder where do you pull out all the energy.  So your’e not one bit of the candidate for my future friend-who-experience-the-heart illness- list.

I’m not sure how I got the news but when I heard (from Ate Mariel Bayangos and after Aileen confirmed) what happened,with regard to the serious hospitalization and Doctor’s fau pax, heaven’s sake, why am I shocked? But of course, I cannot do anything but pray.  I wasn’t even able to visit you in the hospital.

  Not just yet.  But I am looking forward to the promise.  Remember your Mom and Dad’s promise that I’d better come back so I can witness the gold pouring.  Oh, the thought thrills me with excitement.  Remember my promise to come back and visit again.  Remember!

When I come back, you must never forget that you,too, promised to get well.

And that will be my wishlist for your this new year, to be back (like nothing happened) and for me to come back and visit soon.  Congratulations for the healthy recovery!!

 

P.S. I received your text message on July 2008 about recent developments (I never doubted) but I wasn’t able to reply. I’ll try to call you when I’m not too busy in the office.

 

Best regards,

Valerie Blue D. Claveria

 

 

 

 

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