**Most of this blog is for girls only! Any boys, please only read the posts linked to in the "For Boys" page on the sidebar. Thank you.**

Friday 30 December 2011

"Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns

Hello, hope you all had a great Christ-mas and will have a happy New Year!
This is a song that I loved from the first time I heard it - it's so relevant to so many situations. And it is to me now, as we're moving house in two weeks. Anyway, feel free to print it up if you wish.
(Purple - Verse. Red - Bridge-of-sorts. Blue - Chorus.)

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say, Amen and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands
And praise the God who gives and takes away
And I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands
For You are who You are no matter where I am
And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry, You raised me up again
But my strength is almost gone
How can I carry on if I can't find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"
And as You mercy falls I raise my hands
And praise the God who gives and takes away
And I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands
For You are who You are no matter where I am
And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
And I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands
For You are who You are no matter where I am
And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Cassie xoxoxo

P.S. If you don't give me any suggestions, in a month or so I will have to stop writing posts and this blog will be more like a web-site!

Sunday 18 December 2011

Book review - "Before You Meet Prince Charming."





This is an amazing book that has got me on fire for purity and following God wholeheartedly. I heartily recommend it, it’s so worth any extra money you may have to pay.


Author: Sarah Mally
Publisher: Tomorrow’s Forefathers, Inc.
Subject: Purity, following God wholeheartedly, being a radiant light for Him
Age category: 12– 18, but can be read by anyone who is single (but not under 10 is recommended). (Or married and wants to give someone else advice, for that matter.)
My rating: 4 and a half stars

"Before You Meet Prince Charming”is a wonderful book, intended not for those who have already made mistakes, but for those who want to be free from them. Sarah gives advice on: desiring the very best marriage, guarding you heart, romantic dreams, waiting well, having a life purpose bigger than marriage, being reserved for one, delighting in God, how parents can help you on this journey, and other subjects. I found this really helpful in thinking about purity and the right perspective of singleness and marriage. Chock-a-block full of Bible verses and great views on: turning to the Lord for fulfilment, guarding hearts and minds and being a bright light in this generation, and others. Apparently it is available at QBD and Koorong (will have to be ordered to Toowoomba)."






Cassie xoxoxo






P.S. Do you have anything you want me to post about? Please tell me in a comment!

Sunday 4 December 2011

"Lead Me To The Cross" Lyrics

Sorry for not posting last week! I was very busy and didn't give it a serious moment's thought.
Anyway, here are the lyrics to an amazing song called "Lead me to the Cross" by the Newsboys.





Savior I come, quiet my soul,
Remember

Redemption's hill,

Where Your blood was spilled

For my ransom





(Bridge)

Everything I once held dear

I count it all as lost





(Chorus)

Lead me to the cross,

Where Your love poured out.

Bring me to my knees

Lord, I lay me down.

Rid me of myself

I belong to You,

Oh, lead me,

Lead me to the cross.





You were as I, tempted and trialed;

Human.

The Word became flesh

Bore my sin and death

Now you're risen





Everything I once held dear

I count it all as lost.





Lead me to the cross

Where Your love poured out.

Bring me to my knees

Lord I lay me down.

Rid me of myself

I belong to You

Oh, lead me

Lead me to the cross.


To your heart

To your heart

Lead me to your heart

To your heart



Lead me to the cross

Where Your love poured out.
Bring me to my knees
Lord, I lay me down.
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Oh, lead me,
Lead me to the cross






Wow, what great words! I encourage you to meditate on them.

Cassie xoxoxo

P.S. I saw this great question/quote on a friend's fridge (have no idea who wrote it):
"What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?" Yikes! It really makes you think, and adds light to the Bible verse "Never stop praying. In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess. 5:17-18. A mix of the NIV and NLV versions)




Thursday 24 November 2011

Award!

I have been awarded a "Stylish Blogger Award!" Thanks Lauren at http://jilla-laurensstory.blogspot.com/ for awarding me. Now, the original idea was to post 7 things about you, but as this blog is not about me, I'm going to post 7 things I believe about purity and following God. So here we go:



  1. I believe it is silly to have a crush. (Please read my page "my thoughts specifically on crushes" to learn more.)



  2. I believe that modesty is essential to acting like a follower of the Most High. (Please read my answer to the question on modesty in my page "Q and A - Purity etc" to learn more on how to be modest.)


  3. I believe that Christians should listen to songs with helpful, meaningful lyrics most of the time. Of course, it's OK sometimes just to vent with random (but not secular) music if you wish. Beware of secular songs, especially those that glorify SELF - with lyrics like "I can do what I want," "I can do it because I like it/how it feels," "It's MY life," and those with greed hidden in the lyrics - stuff like "give me more," "I want it all," "I want the world" etc.


  4. I believe that you should carefully monitor what and how much TV and adds you watch. Most of the time shows and adds have secularness (that's not a word!) very carefully hidden in them. Avoid them. Also, be careful how much you watch - think of it these ways: "Is there anything I can be doing that is more constructive?" (esp. to serve God) and "If God were standing visibly by my side (which He is, just not visibly) would I keep watching this?" If the answer is 'yes' to the first one or 'no' to the second ACT!!!!!! Actually CHANGE what you're doing.


  5. I believe in not slighting another even in a silly joke that you 'just know won't hurt anybody.' I'm sure you know what I mean. Again, ask yourself "If God were standing visibly by my side (which He is, just not visibly) would I say this?" Also, I believe that gossip, even the tiniest bit!, is ugly and SHOULD NOT BE SAID by an follower of the Truth.


  6. I believe that the Christian life is meant to be lived in joy, happiness and FUN, as well as service to God. In no way is life and as Christian meant to be drab and boring - in fact, when you have a clear conscience and an open life, life can be even more fun!

  7. Lastly, I believe that FOLLOWING GOD IS THE GREATEST ADVENTURE ANYONE CAN EVER HAVE!!!!!

So, there you have it! 7 points on purity and following God! Share around!



Cassie xoxoxoxo





























Wednesday 16 November 2011

New Page!

I have created a new page. It's called 'Q and A - Purity etc'. I wanted to call it 'Q and A - Purity, Beauty and Spirituality', but it doesn't fit on the tab bar.
Anyway, enjoy it. Please feel free to ask a question in a comment. I will post it on the Q and A page, unless you ask me not too. If you do ask me not to, the question will be removed from the comment before publishing. I will try to reply in an email if you don't want the question to be published.


Cassie xoxoxo

P.S. Continue spreading the word!

Wednesday 9 November 2011

My Poem Thingies

Hi all, again! A while ago I had an inspiration for two poem thingies. I'm usually not very good at random poems or songs, so this must have been God. I'd love to share them with you. What do you think?


Lord, forgive me for the times

Were I've rebuked instead of encouraging.

Where I've hurt instead on healing.
Where I've growled instead of laughing.
Where I've complained instead of praising.
Where I've closed my eyes instead of serving

Where I've lounged instead of working.

Where I've despaired instead of praying.

Where I've judged instead of learning.

Where I've self-promoted instead of You-promoting.
Where I've made others my slave instead of slaving.
Where I've shrugged it off instead of caring.

Where I've not seen instead of delighting.
Where I've stopped instead of doing.


Lord, I am sorry; please change me.



HOW A GODLY GUY WILL NOTICE A GODLY GIRL


He will notice her eyes - not because they are caked with ghoulish mascara and eye-liner and have a seductive and haughty gaze; but because they instead sparkle with life and joy, seemingly fed from a fire deep within them.


He will notice her lips - not because they are 'kissable' or pouty and painted a red so vivid it drowns out everything else in the room; but because instead of the beautiful words that leave them.


He will notice her hair - not because it is bleached blond or dyed unnatural colours,* or cut in a jagged, unruly, 'modern' style;** but because instead the life and radiance that is within her wells up, explodes out the roots and simmers along every strand.*** Her hair displays her freedom in Christ.


He will notice her face in general - not because it is plastered with flaky foundation and has either a bored and sulky or seductive and flirtatious look on it; but because instead it is radiant, free, dazzlingly joyful, gently soft and kind, full of love and true beauty that only the Master Designer and Lover can give.


He will notice her figure - not because of the super form-fitting or skimpy clothes which clad it, nor because it has been starved or somehow forced into unnatural thinness; but because instead it is modestly clothed and carried with dignity and poise; with gracefulness, and protected carefully


He will notice her - not because of her, but because of Christ.



* I'm not trying to say that it's not OK to colour or highlight hair; this example is of that crazy, sassy, I'm-making-a-rebellious-statement kind of colouring that teens these days have. It's also perfectly fine to go crazy with colouring for a special occasion, such a a party or 'Dye Your Hair for Hospice Care' day.


** Again, it's OK to have a funky hair-cut, so long as it's not the 'statement-making' cut like above.


*** This is figuratively speaking; I don't think hair can shine like that, through that way.


Cassie xoxoxo












Thursday 3 November 2011

Lyrics to "Nothing Without You"


Wow, I absolutely *love* these lyrics! So much in fact, that I've printed them up to stick on my wall. I thought I'd share them with you. (I've added the image.)




Nothing without You
By Bebo Norman

Take these hands and lift them up


For I have not the strength to praise You near enough

For I have nothing

I have nothing without You



Take my voice and pour it out

And let it sing the songs of mercy I have found

For I have nothing

I have nothing without You


And all my soul needs

Is all Your love to cover me

So all the world will see
That I have nothing without You

So take my body and build it up
May it be broken as an offering of love


For I have nothing

I have nothing without You

And all my soul needs

Is all Your love to cover me

So all the world will see

That I have nothing,

But I love You


With all my heart

With all my soul

With all my mind

With all the strength that I can find

Take my time here on this earth


And let it glorify all that You are worth

For I am nothing

I am nothing without You




I especially love the last verse, don't you? It's what I really, REALLY want.


What about you guys? What are some of your fave songs?


Cassie






Wednesday 26 October 2011

Serving; a.k.a "I love God" and "I love You, God"



Serving - are you groaning already? Christian teachers (in youth, Sunday School, church, seminars etc) will tell you to serve. But did you realise that you can't just serve? You need to "work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." (Colossians 3:23) Read on.







Serving - "I love God"

When you serve WHOLEHEARTEDLY you speak with your actions; your actions tell people "I am willing to serve because I love God and follow His example." Believe me, people WILL notice you when you serve. They think " wow, she freely gives her time and effort to help others. I wouldn't do that. What's different?" You will make an impact on them. Who knows, maybe your actions will eventually lead someone to Christ! So, serving shows people you love God.



Serving - "I love You, God"


When you serve WHOLEHEARTEDLY you tell God "I love You." You are saying "Lord, I know You died for me and others. I want to follow that example and serve You and the people around me. I love You and so love these people like You love them."

Jesus asked Peter “Do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. (John 21:16, emphasis mine)


Paraphrased: "If you really love me then you will serve My people."
The Apostle John also said "This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands." (1 John 5:2-3a) Hey, guess what one of God's commandments is - "Love your neighbour as yourself" (which means serving them). So... if you show your love for God by serving others.



So, what can you do to serve? Guess what? I'm not going to tell you. I'm sure you can come up with many ideas. But here's the challenge: ACTUALLY SERVE! It's so easy to go "yeah, yeah, I'll serve" but not do anything about it. Take the challenge. Practice serving. It took me a bit to get better at and in more of a habit of serving others (I say 'more of a habit' because I still need to work on it). Hmm, can you see Mum or Dad doing the dishes or making dinner? Cleaning up? Collapsing in a heap (or about to)? (Hint, hint, nudge, nudge. :P)





Cassie xoxoxo


Monday 17 October 2011

"Calvary Love" by Amy Charmichael




Hello again! Just to let you know, I will post once per week, no more.

Here is a wonderful poem that I wanted to post. Feel free to print it up or copy it.








If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I find myself taking lapses for granted, "Oh, that's what they always do," "Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that," then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected" if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where there is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I am soft to myself and slide comfortably into self-pity and self-sympathy; If I do not by the grace of God practice fortitude, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself," then I know nothing of Calvary love.If, the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold, I do not shut the door, and keep that door shut, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I take offense easily, if I am content to continue in a cool unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I feel injured when another lays to my charge things that I know not, forgetting that my sinless Savior trod this path to the end, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I feel bitter toward those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If the praise of others elates me and their blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I crave hungrily to be used to show the way of liberty to a soul in bondage, instead of caring only that it be delivered; if I nurse my disappointment when I fail, instead of asking that to another the word of release may be given, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I do not forget about such a trifle as personal success, so that it never crosses my mind, or if it does, is never given room there; if the cup of flattery tastes sweet to me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If in the fellowship of service I seek to attach a friend to myself, so that others are caused to feel unwanted; if my friendships do not draw others deeper in, but are ungenerous (to myself, for myself), then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I refuse to allow one who is dear to me to suffer for the sake of Christ, if I do not see such suffering as the greatest honor that can be offered to any follower of the Crucified, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I slip into the place that can be filled by Christ alone, making myself the first necessity to a soul instead of leading it to fasten upon Him, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I wonder why something trying is allowed, and press for prayer that it may be removed; if I cannot be trusted with any disappointment, and cannot go on in peace under any mystery, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.



That which I know not, teach Thou me, O Lord, my God.






Wow. She is so right.




Wednesday 12 October 2011



Hello all! Welcome to my blog, "Purely His" (the 'His' being Jesus).





The purpose of this blog is to share with teen and preteen girls my thoughts and feelings on purity and living for Jesus. I have come on an incredible journey, because 'a wrong turn has brought me to the right place.' This has happened through God's amazing providence and Him knowing what lies ahead.



One message I want to get across to you now is I AM NOT PERFECT! It may sound like I'm pretty 'up myself and down others' (although I'll try to make it not sound like it) but this is totally false. I wish only to encourage you, and I acknowledge that I still need a heap of work.


So, jump onto the pages in the tabs section and read what I have to say! Hope you like it!



Your sister in Christ,


Cassie xo



P.S. All bad comments will be viewed by my parents!


P.P.S This blog is a minestry, so PLEASE tell others about it. It's public, searchable on Google etc.