http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/8622587/ Sat, 29 Apr 2006 15:10:53 PDT




http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/8573427/ Mon, 24 Apr 2006 17:10:55 PDT

Hes going through a rough time in his life right now and really needs the encouragement and prayer of his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

thank you.

+God Bless+

*If you have any prayer requests just note me*

Stefanie

In Christ:

Brothers

http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/8453835/ Wed, 12 Apr 2006 22:12:46 PDT (from awhile ago, haha) and *cough* I now have to spill some of my personal blahness. Oh I am thrilled!

lol ~ jk

I think these are fun fun.

So... first *shoeshine159's:

6 Random things about yourself:

1. I have a distinct way of eating teddy grahams. First, I eat their ears, then the arms and legs. Then I eat it's head and then the body.

o.o i just realized how absolutly random that was. oh well, moving on...

2. I love wearing toe socks, specially rainbow colored ones ^-^

3. I have a Jesus fish on my car

4. I cant sing in the shower, i've tried, and I don't know why, I just cant.

5. My iris is made up of about 5 different colors.

6 I have played the piano for 6 years and disliked almost every minute of it. But I was fairly good unlike Dani and Andrew, lol. I got 3rd place in a competition once.

And now ~ServantofJesus's:

Four jobs I’ve had:
1. Taking care of lil kids at my ex's house. They had a liscence and everything for child care, so thats pretty cool.
2. Painter's assistant working on a 57 Chevy with my friend Kendal
3. Arby's (fast food place)
4. Self-employed portriat commisions (current)

Four movies I can watch over and over:
1. Any movie from the Lord of the Rings trilogy
2. Any from the Dunes saga
3. Any from the Star Wars saga
4. and...Totoro!!! hehe

Four places I’ve lived:
1. USA
2. Michigan
3. My house
4. in my room \m/ w00t cakes! (im sure Justin appreciates that, lol)

Four TV shows I love:
1. Almost any anime on Cartoon Network on Saturday night
2. Whose Line is it Anyway?
3. MXC Most Extreme Elimination Challenge!!! Nothing quite like that insane Japanese humor
4. Whatever sport my dad is watching, mostly the Detroit Pistons (basketball)

Four places I’ve vacationed:
1. Germany
2. LasVegas
3. Florida
4. South Carolina
5. Chicago
6. Tennesee
7. Ohio
8. Arizona
9. Canada
10. Austria

ok, i know 4, but i love going places ^.^

Four of my favorite dishes:
1. Instant ramen. at 4 am. whilst doing art. unbeatable.
2. Saganaki (flaming cheese) OPA!
3. Terryaki Chicken at like a sweet Mongolian restaraunt
4. and yes, the double cheese burger (that now has the nutrition facts on it by the way - 1160 sodium? that is disgusting) but hey, it tastes good.

Four sites I visit daily:
1. DeviantArt -dur
2. ThruTheBibleRadio ~ [link]
3. BibleGateway.com
4. meh mailbox

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Heaven.
2. church (doing a church activity anywhere ^-^) I don't know why Gareth put [seriously] lol.
3. Off to college living in a city by myself, oh adventure! haha
4. No place like home ~

-------

And I tag...

http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/8368268/ Tue, 04 Apr 2006 20:52:00 PDT <

----------

The reason that I was mainly gone was because of time constraints and distractions in my life. I've been struggling with things lately, and thanks to prayer I was able to keep on. I just recently broke it off with my boyfriend because of issues of faith (that I'll get deeper into at another time). And i was amazed today by how the Lord healed my heart so quickly!

Today the reoccuring theme had to have been Matthew 7:15-20; wolves in sheep's clothing. Satan is extremly deceptive and is an expert in knowing how to make us stumble and fall. Whether its ourselves leading us into sin or others leading us down the wrong path. It is up to us as Christians to be wary and test everything to be sure if it is benificial or destructive in our walk with God. For me I realized that this relationship did more harm than good for me and the Lord.

The single life is really a blessing from God because it states in 1 Corinthians 7 that when we are separate we devote ourselves only to God and its hard when there is another person there. I know of alot of Christians who struggle in dating relationships because of their deprioritizing of God, and I had the same problem. If I do find someone it will be someone who builds me up and encourages me in Christ, someone who is a spiritual leader.

Not saying that its bad to date and all, but some people are at a point in their life when maybe they are too young, they have college to finish, a job to establish and a relationship with God to build up first and then look to find a godly person. That would be me ^.^

I started reading "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris today. My sister is doing a bible study on one of his books about purity which im told is really deep, lol. One of the things I read in there was about 'why go shopping if your not gunna buy?' haha, it was a good point though. I just think that my relationship to God is more important at this point of my life than a guy. I know God has someone special for me in the future, and if not, then heck, thats awesome too. Whatever His will is.

And that is the most difficult part, trusting God by going out on a limb, not to see if you can fall, but doing it as an act of faith based on truth. My heart wanted me to stay in the relationship and see if I could wait out the storm, but my spirit was directing me to focus back on my life and God. And I ignored God for a long time wanting to pursue something that I knew would go nowhere. Its when you start listening to the spirit and obeying Him that you know that you are trusting God in your life.

I heard a sermon today on the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23, John 15:16) and reckognizing them manifest in our lives when we live the life God calls us to. He blesses us because He loves us. And if that is not encouraging to you, I dont know what would be ^-^ I think that is one of the most spiritualy uplifting things, to see the fruits of the spirit manifest in our lives. I know that whatever situation I'm in, the peace that God holds in my life is unexplainable, when the world gets out of control there is some uncharacteristic aspect of me that keeps it all together. And thats God.

I can still hear Brian's voice in my head, "seeing is believing." But you know what? We have faith, and God does not leave us to fend for ourselves, time and time again He works amazingly in our lives. And that is one of the mysteries of God that I don't think I'd be able to explain. How he speaks through his Word to our hearts and fills us with hope, even in the darkest times.

+God Bless+

*If you have any prayer requests just note me*

Stefanie

In Christ:

Brothers

http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7991056/ Fri, 24 Feb 2006 14:53:42 PST

One of the big things that happened is that *christians finally uploaded my testamony onto their account. Shweet, I've been waiting for months, but thats okay because I know how hard it is to keep up with everything on an account. Which brings me to another point, you all probably know how dead ~d1fferent is so I think I might have to pass it onto someone who is willing to put in the time and dedication into keeping it up. I kinda was a little too ambitious and didn't realize the responsibility of having a Christian group. So, I also need to deal with that.

As for people on here, I'm sorry to all whose comments I haven't had a speedy reply to yet, it will be done! And I would like to publically apologize to for not getting back to you sooner >< we can bicker all you want when I am able to get on longer haha.

So thats all the DA stuff...now on to the good part...

~*~*~

God has really been bugging me lately, which is a good thing. I think He's been trying to get me out of this mindless daze of everyday lukewarm stuff that hasen't been centered on Him. So its kinda like Him saying to me, "Hey, you know I'm still up here right?" I call them God pokes

Last weekend I went on a retreat with my youth group to up north Michigan; 4 feet of snow, not kidding!

And it was so great to intimatly fellowship with them because I've only really known their names and not who they are in Christ. So that was extremly encouraging to pray for people and have people praying for me everynight and to be surrounded by them all. Because they are so...enthused for God. It really is great to see Him working in not only my life, but in their lives as well.

We studied the stories of Hezekiah and Josiah and their fathers in 2 Kings. The lesson God taught me while reading was that; good things and bad things that get in the way of God things should be destroyed. If you read the story of Josiah thats exactly what he did. He went around like a madman burning and destroying all of the idols and alters and high places and even sacrificed the priests on bones. Now, not saying I'm gonna go around and burning pentagrams, marylin manson cds, destroying MTV and CNN and sacrificing the pope. I do think that I need to get rid of things in my life that get in the way of God.

On Sunday night Patrick (the youth leader) gave a lesson on how separated we are from God and how even if we become a child of God how easily it is to fall farther away from Him. He said that there are 3 types of people here; non-believers, believers who are struggling, and believers who are on fire for God. So he dedicated a half hour to praying and talking to others about where we are in our walk with God. One of the college students started strumming his guitar and the lights dimmed. I heard girls crying and people praying and praising God. I knew where I stood with God and I prayed so earnistly and personally to Him that I cried for that whole half hour.

I had my friends come next to me and gave me hugs and encouraged me. I told them that I've missed talking to Him like this. I visualized every event that I prayed about and all the people who I prayed for. Afterwards my friends came over and the band began to play and we sang "Marvelous Light".


Into marvelous light I'm running,
Out of darkness, out of shame.
By the cross you are the truth,
You are the life, you are the way

My dead heart now is beating,
My deepest stains now clean.
Your breath fills up my lungs.
Now I'm free. now I'm free!

Lift my hands and spin around,
See the light that i have... ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7662416/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7662416/ Fri, 20 Jan 2006 23:10:58 PST
Everyday I usually catch a radio sermon in my car that I like to hear on occasion. Its a nice break from the heavy thrashing metal that usually rocks my tiny lil magenta Pontiac Sunfire. So I caught a little sermon by Joyce Meyers on the fight against sin. Its was about Romans 6, and being moved in the Spirit, I stopped my car and read from my little Bible I carry around with me in my black messanger bag.

It seems that now that the fire has died down it is becomming a struggle to even pick up my Bible because my flesh doesn't want me to, but my Spirit does. These are the constant battles that we fight everyday. I used to hear or read some verses and think about them the whole day. But now it seems like I forget after the first hour and go about doing other things that I want to do. I don't ask myself anymore, "God what do you want me to do today?" I plan my day myself, based on how I feel that day, not on obedience to God.

And then I feel horrible that night and ask myself 'why?' And God answers, 'because the ruler of the air is trying to lead you away from Me.' Satan tempts everybody everyday, but it is up to us as Christians whether or not to follow our desires or the desires of God. He wants us to love Him but we choose instead to ignore Him. And as a result, we feel the consequence because we are only made complete by loving God.

The Bible says that God is love and the only way to love God back is to have God in our hearts in the first place. 1 John 4. I cant love anyone unless I love God first. But what is happening in my life is that I'm putting people before God. And you cant find love in sinful people like ourselves. So what ends up happening is that another struggle occurs; you try to please others. Our main priority as Christians is to first and foremost please God. When others and ourselves get in the way, we ultimatly suffer in the end. We were designed to worship and glorfy Him.

But yet we go off to fulfill what we want, what other people want and then think about God when its too late. I hate that line of thinking and I'm trying to change it. You see right now I am at the turning point of my life, I am 17 going on 18 and these opportunities and doors are opening all over for me to take advantage of and pursue. But I'm becomming overwhelmed by life because I'm not trusting God to direct my life. I'm becoming afraid because I'm trying to lead my life and I know that if it falls in my hands I'm going to screw it all up. And thats just how it is.

So I'm going to trust God more in my life and first ask Him to help guide me, because I know I have no clue where I'm going. He is the light in the darkness illuminating our path.

+God Bless+

*If you have any prayer requests just note me*

Stefanie

~l337haxs *systemofastef

In Christ:

Brothers

~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7573820/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7573820/ Wed, 11 Jan 2006 12:56:31 PST I won! I can hardly believe it!!! *squee*

I entered 8 peices for the Michigan Scholastics Regional Art Competition and they were all judged and sorted out this week. I dropped off my portfolio on Friday and I have been so anxious to see how I did. Well, my art teacher had me take off today so that I could help him with the artwork at the competition. They were judging Sculpture, Jewelry and Computer Art. I was finished organizing the Sculptures and the judge for the Computer Art just came in. I asked if he wanted me to help him judge.

I immediatly saw my 2 peices that I entered sitting at the end of the table, there were 63 other pieces as well. What would happen is if he tapped it I had to highlight the back which meant that it was a goner. We walked over them through 4 rounds till there was about 20 peices left, one of mine was out, but the other was in the last 20. He had me read the descriptions on the back of each and when I finally got to mine I was freaking out, seriously.

I read the description on the back of mine and he told me to hold it up because he said the glare on the ascetape was bad. I swear to you I was shaking so I said, "Black and violet self portrait done at College for Creative Studies on Photoshop CS2." "That'll stay." Thank God.

So we were down to 13 and he had to award 4 top awards. He picked 3 peices and had to get one more. I was praying so hard that I thought that I was actually going to scream my prayers out loud. He picked mine for the 4th one!!! I was like, 'holy crap'!

He gave mine a Silver Key, I was dissapointed that it didn't get Gold but still, it was exciting. So afterwards I asked, "Are you finished judging them all?" He responded, "Yes I am." So I pointed and said, "Do you know that this one is mine?" He said, "Yeah, I knew, I could see the resemblance." I smiled.

So the judges were assmbling all the Gold Keys to award Visions (the highest awards) and my art teacher comes over and whispers to me, "Look at all the peices." I go, "What?" and glanced right to left. "Cold, no your getting colder...hot, hotter - there you go!"

And I see:



Hahaha, its Dani! So I almost screamed and passed out. Later I found that 3 Gold Keys were awarded out of 117 in the Pen and Ink division. And mine was the top one so I was like 1 out of 117 >< oh how good it feels, you have no idea.

And I looked through the Silver Keys and I found another one of my peices in there, it was my first assignment. It was an acrylic typography peice; "H.A.I.R" And i saw my digital self portrait in there as well;



So overall I had 1 Gold Key and 2 Silver Keys;
Daniel: 3 (gold) out of 117 in Pen and Ink
H.A.I.R: 4 (silver) out of 137 in Acrylic
Self Portrait: 2 (silver) out of 63 in Computer Art

And I think my portfolio of 8 went on to Nationals in New York.

All I have to say is: Praise Be to God!!!!!! haha He is awesome.



In Christ:

Brothers

... ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7512073/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7512073/ Wed, 04 Jan 2006 20:17:51 PST
I've found that I've had to re-dedicate myself over and over again. But you know what? That just shows that the Spirit is doing its job by convicting me. Conviction usually doesn't seem like a good thing, but it really is. It is just another sign of God's love for us, whenever we stumble or sin, we are able to see and understand so that we can learn from that and repent. The world has trouble understanding the workings and goings on because they interperate it with their own opinions, but when you have the Spirit of God guiding you, you are able to see so much clearer.

"...he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ..." ~Ephesians 1:7-10

[link] I would highly encourage you guys to do the Bible in a year thing because it is one of the ways that we can show obediance to Christ. Promising to set aside time everyday to study and understand Him more and more. It just takes dedication and I know that we all have problems with procrastination or not wanting to pursue somethings because of the possible weight that it might cause on our already burdened lifes. But aren't we supposed to give our burdens to God? We are supposed to come to Him in joy and enthusiasm.

I remember when I first started tithing; I was so excited that I was able to give back to God and obey Him, I loved praying and asking Him to do great things with the gifts I've given Him. And sometimes we stray from that line of thinking and then it becomes a heartless ritual. It shouldn't be! He wants us to rejoyce when we call out to Him because He knows that we'll be able to trust Him. And thats the truth. We can trust God with absolutly anything. Doesn't that put your mind at ease? It should, our hope is in Him ^.^

Anywho, wow, I didn't initially mean to sound like a super happy Christian person, but I guess God wanted it to come out that way, oh well, haha.

Love you all

"Those who are readiest to trust God without other evidence than His Word always receive the greatest number of visible evidences of His love."

~C. G. Trumbull

SermonAudio.com - [link]

+God Bless+

*If you have any prayer requests just note me*

Stefanie

~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7422722/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7422722/ Mon, 26 Dec 2005 12:55:13 PST
I have come to this conclution after living with the acknowledgment of my sin for the past year; ever since my salvation. It is that our tears are more precious and valuable than every drop of rain that has fallen to Earth since Creation. That is the difference between Christianity and Humanism. The world finds no gain in anything unless its a personal, self-fullfilling, materialistic pleasure.

Is all the water in the Atlantic Ocean worth more than a young girl's tears after her mother's death? Or that of a grandfather when he learns that his son has died in war? Or a wife who realizes that she is worth less than alcohol and other woman to her own husband?

What about God's tears that He cried when His own people failed to acknowledge Him? Can that possibly be more precious than all the stars in the sky?

I think so.

It means so much to God when we cry out to Him. When we realize that we are so in dispair in this world and ultimatly need Him to be close to us. To love and comfort us in our time of sadness.

"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." ~ Revelation 7:17

+God Bless+

*If you have any prayer requests just note me*

Stefanie



http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7346380/ Sun, 18 Dec 2005 14:31:01 PST for quite sometime and have not kept it up and running like I should have.

Alot has been going on lately since Christmas is comming up and I have to get settled with my college placement, art competitions and what not. I am a horrible procrastinator and am making up for alot of things I should have got done before.

To be completly honest, sin has been getting in my way of God recently. I am not in the Word as much and I've become a bit more off as of late. Its been a year since my salvation and I think I'm slowly being tempted more and more because my fire for the Lord is slowly dying. I cant say I completly understand why I'm not as passionate as I was before, all I know is that I need to try alot harder.

I know most of you probably have been on fire for God, maybe still are. All I want to know is how did you deal with the decline? Its getting harder for me to pray and acknowledge God, it seems like Satan is trying to distract me with the things of this world. Its so frustrating.

Anywho, prayers are appreciated

is a new Christian account here on DA.

"This site will be for shedding light to those Christians which are struggling with some kind of inner-turmoil. This will be a club where Christians can post their thoughts and feelings on what they are struggling with."

Prayer request for churches in india: [link]

Awesome sites for hearing the word of God:
LivingWaters.com [link]
SermonAudio.com [link]

+God Bless+

*If you have any prayer requests just note me*

Stefanie


http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7282990/ Sun, 11 Dec 2005 13:22:48 PST
"A lot of people celebrate various religious holidays... we're trying to be inclusive."

"Sometimes the secularizing impulse goes to laughable extremes, as when the elementary school play is titled "How the Grinch Stole the Holidays" or when red poinsettias (but not white ones) are banned from city hall. Sometimes it springs from clanging ignorance, as with the New York City policy that prohibited the display of Christian nativity scenes on public school grounds, while expressly allowing such "secular holiday symbol decorations" as Jewish menorahs and the Muslim star and crescent. And some of it is fueled by anti-Christian bigotry or sheer misanthropic bile."
If Christmas trees are holiday trees then Menorahs are just candle holders.

[link]

Clanging ignorance. I love that. And it is, I mean, when the majority of the population acknowledges Christmas as a truely Christian tradition, why neutralize it based on the minority that celebrate other things around this time? Yule, Hannukkah, Kwanzaa; take away Christmas and hardly anyone would reckognize this time of year at all.

Being sensitive and tolerant and inclusive. What great excuses. If we use our brain the right way we can fairly judge the path that this will lead to. If our society becomes even more tolerant, it will be mass chaos. Tolerate everybody's choices and sins, don't offend them and be politically correct, please.

When I did my Christmas shopping I was wondering if anyone thought beyond the materialistic sense and into the deeper meaning. I assumed not since observing people's behavior; you know when your out anywhere body language really gives it away. Some people I saw were just outright rude. In downtown Detroit there was a security video of people lined outside of a Best Buy or something, the doors opened, and people were getting trampled and needed hospitalization. That is absolutly disgusting.

Can anyone just take a minute out of their 24 hour day to stop and think about these things? What are we doing in this world? We are destroying ourselves, what God gave us we are tearing apart and defiling. Its getting difficult for the world to even acknowledge God. We loose sight of the Him and only care for what we want. Selfishness and greed.

Its more than ourselves, God gave us all that we have. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When a small child asks "What is the meaning of Christmas?" What are we going to tell them? Something about family, happiness, and presents? No, its about God loving us so much that He came into this world for us.

If you want to give a great Christmas present, give your all to God.

+God Bless+

*If you have any prayer requests just note me*

Stefanie

http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7194517/ Thu, 01 Dec 2005 12:58:53 PST

I sat down in the lounge area by the coffee shop, picked up a few digital art magazines and began skimming. There were a group of about five women in the corner talking assertively on issues that caught my attention. They brought up religion and psychology, talking about the DaVinci Code and various other things. I started to finish up a sketch in my book while tuning into what they were saying.

My first impression was that they were Christian, but as they got more and more into conversation they said things that contradicted that assumption. They used phrases like "we are limitless beings and can tap into so much power..." "the Goddess does..." "...a time of fertility and..." "we should surround ourselves with positivity..." I could only catch a few sentences everyonce in awhile, but formed my assesment fairly quick. They mentioned something about the High Priestess and I knew then who there were.

The Spirit immediatly sent those little "God signals" that you get when He wants you to get off your butt and do something. So I put my magazines back and walked over to them. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help over-hearing your conversation. Do you mind if I listen in, I used to be a Witch for 6 years."

"Of course," said one of the women enthusiastically, "pull up a seat." Convineintly there was only one more lounge chair left and I joined their circle. They told me they weren't Wiccan, but a mix of New Age and different things. "Basically we try to find our own spirituality." I could tell they were very open, and actually quite kind people. One lady noticed my drawing pad and asked if she could look through. That went over big with them.

They resumed conversation and one of them took out a pendulum. Immediatly knowing what its for I passed it on to the woman next to me when the other woman was done using it. (Its a divination tool used to measure energy or "answer" questions.) Then the leader took out goddess cards (not tarot cards, these were slightly different) and she asked me if I wanted a reading. I said no 2 times when asked again, so she proceded to do a reading for herself.

I began to feel very spiritually pulled. A feeling of calm swept over me and the cards looked very attractive. I knew then that Satan was doing that to try and lure me back. It was pretty intense. But I prayed silently to God and resisted.

They started talking about religion again and they asked what I was, so I gave them my testamony. Afterwards, one of them asked why I decided to become Christian. I elaborated and she told me that she grew up Catholic and that really turned her off. That is seeming to be an extremly common story among people.

I am on their mailing list, I'm not sure I'll attend though. I guess they meet up often. It is interesting that I can't seem to go anywhere without meeting people and having God eventually being brought up in the conversation. I really don't belive in coincidences. God does bring situations into our lives that do affect us and other people's lives. He does have a plan, I'm just so thankful that I'm a part of it, because I really shouldn't be. I should be dead and in Hell. And that is what keeps my thoughts rattling on everyday.

+God Bless+

*If you have any prayer requests just note me*

Stefanie

~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7136275/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7136275/ Thu, 24 Nov 2005 20:49:21 PST

The food was sooooo good. We went to a place that had chocolate fountains!!!!! omg. Chocolate mousse in a cup I was ready to die at that very moment. Like, 'Lord, take me, I have just experienced the best thing possible on this earth.' haha. I think the sleep sedatives in the turkey are kicking in >< ah.

So just to inject some meaning back into this holiday (which is being over-commercialized as expected) I'll inspire you all with some facts and quotes that make Thanksgiving a holiday. Thats right kids, its not a Hallmark-induced holiday *shock and awe*

Thanksgiving began as a holy day, created by a community of God-fearing Puritans sincere in their desire to set aside one day each year especially to thank the Lord for His many blessings. The day they chose, coming after the harvest at a time of year when farm work was light, fit the natural rhythm of rural life. It was officially proclaimed as a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln on October 3, 1863:

"No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy... I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday in November next as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent father who dwelleth in heaven."

(Special note that I quite admire Chuck Missler for saying: )
"Let's also pray that He might restore the religious freedom that those early Pilgrims cherished so dearly - and that the current enforced paganism that has invaded our land be curtailed. This country is now becoming what the Pilgrims had risked their very lives to flee from."

How sickeningly true.

We all are familiar with the atheistic liberals running around screaming, "Church and State are separate!" like chickens (or turkeys) with their heads cut off. Well, to be quite blunt, thats a load of bull. And heres why:

1620 - The Mayflower Compact, a covenant written by the Pilgrims before they got off the ship read:

"In the presence of God, Amen. We...do by these presents solemnly and mutually in ye presence of God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves into a civil body politic."

The Great Law of Pennsylvania Colony said:

"Whereas the glory of Almighty God and this good of mankind is the reason and the end of government and therefore government itself is a vernerable ordinace of God..."

1772 - Samuel Adams:

"Their rights to freedom being the gift of God Almighty...The rights of the colonists as Christians may be best understood by reading and carefully studying the institutes of the great Law Giver which are to be found clearly written and promulgated in the New Testament."

Thomas Jefferson, on his memorial:

"God who gave us life, gave us liberty."
"Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed conviction that the liberties are the gift of God?"

1776 - The Declaration of Independence says:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are institued among men..."

1) Thus, there is such thing as truth (not "relative values")
2) Men's rights come from God, their Creator (not "evolution")
3) Government exists to protect these God-given rights.

This is the very essence of Americanism

Christianity is the root of this country. With the holidays comming up I can clearly see that people are completly ignorant of that fact. This isn't a time of giving thanks to God, or celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a time of selfishness and greed, of corporate capitalism and finance. Of complete and utter ignorance. That is America. And I challenge you to prove me wrong.

Give thanks to God, not to ourselves.

+God Bless+

*If you have any prayer requests just note me*http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7100941/ Sun, 20 Nov 2005 22:05:23 PST
~*~

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. - Acts 19:18-19

I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.

Blessed is the man who makes
the LORD his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
You have multiplied, O LORD my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.

- Psalm 40:1-5

(I might add some more later when I have the time)

I love you all

+God Bless+

Stefanie





Im trading my sorrows, Im trading my shame,
Im laying them down for the joy of the Lord.

Im trading my sickness, Im trading my pain,
Im laying them down for the joy of the Lord.

We sing Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes Ye... ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7080410/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7080410/ Fri, 18 Nov 2005 12:34:04 PST Check out the new article on on Absolutism and Relativism [link]


Why do we spin when were in love?

Its fun, as long as you don’t stop too fast, then you get nauseous ^-^
I played DDR with my lil sis this week. You should see her, she rips up that pad man. Standard mode? Augh. I’m still on beginner >< lol
Went to another party on Sunday night. Listened to 90’s music and played Atari’s Wheel of Fortune. Pixilated Vanna looked lovelier than ever

I’m so happy, finally I’m becoming more involved with other Christians and being social. I guess its okay to be a lil anti-social the first year of salvation for growth purposes. But eventually I had to’ve got involved. Sometimes they can be a bit worldly, if you know what I mean, but its all good

Today in science we were testing substances for acidity. pH levels and such. Our rain water’s pH level is about a 6 (neutral-ish) 1 is the most and 12 is basic. One of the questions was what if the pH level of rain was more acidic? Obviously plants and animals wouldn’t be able to make it and we’d die. Just makes you appreciate some more examples of fine-tuning in design. Although we did have to use the text books with evolution in em. *throws book* Imagine, the water we use today is 6 million years old yeah right. Its just a coincidence that our soil naturally purifies the water and the water cycle just happens to work the right way and oh yeah, the glaciers just happen to keep the right amount of water frozen. And we just happen to show up to school to learn this. Blah ><

Speaking of rain, I don’t know how many people have kept tabs on the weather in the US lately. I live in Michigan and 2 days ago it was pouring rain and we had tornado watches (it’s the middle of November!) the storm went all the way down to Texas. I am not kidding you. The next day it snowed T.T What the heck? This has been the record year for hurricanes. 9 out of 11 set records. The tsunami in the west, the increase of earthquakes world wide, especially in the Middle East, and our hurricanes. Plus, how hard do you think it would be right now for disease to break out?

There talking more about the technology of tagging and coding. Our dog is implanted with a chip. How long will it take for us? Privacy is going to become a serious issue. It seems like a good idea. You don’t have to worry about identity theft, or keeping track of your medical records or credit cards. Seems convenient, eh?

Just something to think on. We have brains, wouldn’t hurt to use them every once in awhile.

Anywho, I’m currently tweaking my testimony for finalization. Written out its about 7 pages (front and back). It’ll be up hopefully before my next journal entry. w00t.

Luv you all

+God Bless+

*If you have any prayer requests just note me*

Stefanie

http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7027217/ Sat, 12 Nov 2005 12:55:14 PST Its was so awesome, I'm still pretty fatigued. I developed many more Christian friends and I am so thankful for that because most of my friends are not Christian.

We sang praise until our voices broke, I tell you. I would also like to share with you an observation that I have. Most of the Christian youth have absolutly beautiful singing voices, especially the girls. I don't know what it is. If its just the fact that they've sang in church every Sunday or God blessing them with that gift. Or both. I have a decent singing voice, but I obviously didn't sing praise to God when I was a Witch. And I noticed that my voice is better now than before I was saved, which is just an oddity that I wanted to mention.

The lesson was on how vital it is to be in the Word to grow Spiritually. I have to admit that as of late my walk with God has been faltering because I haven't been dedicating my time to Him. And it hurts me that I'm making excuses for myself. Something the speaker said struck a chord with in me, "The thing that is worse than doing nothing, is convincing yourself that you are doing something." That just made all the sense in the world to me.

We studied the parable of the seeds and soil in Matthew 13. He said that weeds grow when we do not care for the land. Doing nothing results in no growth. The reason people stop growing Spiritually is because they stop working at it. We naturally want to sin, so all we have to do in our lives to sin is do nothing.

And in James 1 it illustrates the battle of sin and what we need to do to overcome it. We will never overcome sin by reading the Bible. We must take action by doing what it says. The problem is that we know we need to change but doing nothing about it.

You can't have sin in your life and expect to grow over that. We have to face sin. We are called to work for our Lord. If your serious about growing you have got to do God's will. It takes time, and work to commit ourselves to God.

3 Major Problematic Views of the Bible:

-We view the Bible like it is entertainment
(Do not view the Bible like it is entertainment "This is boring." - no, your life depends on this. This is life or death.)

-We view the Bible as an insufficient answer to our problems
(God doesn't always solve them in the way we want, consider the totality of our lives)

-We view the Bible as a homework assignment
(Don't do out of obligation, do out of love, passion, yearning for God.)

Read these verses:
Psalm 119: 22 (Bitterness), 28 (Sorrow), 36 (Focusing), 45 (Freedom), 69 (Gossip), 100 (Wisdom), 105 (Will), 113 (Hypocrits), 116 (Hope in life), 133 (Freedom from sin), 172 (Worship), 176 (Restoration)

I really need to follow up in my studies with God because to be quite blunt, my passion is dying and I know that sounds so wierd to people because this whole year I've been on fire, like, woah watch out for Stef lol. But its true and I have to come to terms with that, and to be honest DA is becomming a big problem in my walk with God too.

It is great to fellowship and talk with other believers on here and get feedback from my work, but God comes first and I want to work harder to make it work with God than to be on here for hours at a time. I could be praying. So, i'll try to do that instead.

+God Bless+

Stefanie

http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/7002901/ Wed, 09 Nov 2005 18:23:36 PST I still don't know why God gave guys the ability to be complete jerks tho. >< w/e.

Anywho, my DA prints came yesterday and they are absolutly lovely. Couldn't have asked for a higher quality print. Thank you so much DA ^-^

These are the two:

I've found out that if things go smooth I'll be going to Macomb Community College and then transfer to Kendal college of art and design. (Second best to College for Creative Studies here in Michigan). If I can afford it by the end of that period I might transfer to CCS. Hopefully I'll be recieving a Masters in Illustration by that time. 6 years of college. w00t.

Going to an all-nighter with my other church; Cornerstone on Friday to Saturday. Were going to be washing each other's feet >< hahahahaha. Oh us crazy Christians, what will we think of next? And yes, I do go to 2 churchs because my other church; Bethany has a horrid youth group.

As for my testamony, all I have to do is write out the part of me falling off the cliff in Arizona, and then I'll be done. I also have 4+ illustrations in the works right now which is why my account has been collecting some dust lately. And I've been busy with misc emo stuff as well ><

And please pray for my friend Brian, I am seeing God work stronger and stronger in his life. But...i don't know, I'm worried about him. I really care about him. I just wish that he would be more open to what I have to say about God. So if you can, just pray for his salvation.

I just want to say that you all have been really awesome lately, it really means alot to me that you have put the extra effort into telling me how I've helped you. I really love the feedback.

Thank you so much you guys. Just let me know if you need anything at all ^-^

+God Bless+

Stefanie



~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6982079/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6982079/ Mon, 07 Nov 2005 14:55:21 PST
IT IS HARD TO BE CHRISTIAN.

The world has NO IDEA how difficult it is. We have to get into people's lives and work for God. That is a dirty job. It really is. I am a hypocrit, I'll admit that flat out because I don't watch everything I say. And if someone watches every single word that comes out of their mouth, well, hats off to them. But normally people aren't...lemme see...perfect. Now theres a shocker. A revalation even

Not.

But, we do have requirements to measure up to. We have to live it, act it, think it, do it. Dont just friekin say it. BACK YOURSELF UP. Because otherwise, other Christians are going to have to explain it, and we get fed up. I get so fed up with it. There is no excuse. If you live in complete sin, and don't want to change your lifestyle for the Creator of the Universe, then don't say your Christian, cuz your not. Your religion is you. Forget it. Seriously.

And if you constantly barrage non-Christians with how they should live 'like this' or 'that'... taking Jesus words, look into the mirror and check yourself. Because most of the time your trying to tell them what you need to work on the most. And you know what? We push them farther away by doing these things. Thats right, they are appauled by our actions and words towards them. And they have every right to be disinclined towards Christianity if we are not representing it in the right light.

We are supposed to shine the LIGHT OF GOD on the darkness of this world. Not dim ourselves out and participate in the things that we know non-Christians are trying to find freedom from: Sin. We are supposed to show them by HOW WE LIVE that there is hope and when they inquire, we speak with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, not by trying to sound smart, or trying to force a view. We are called to tell the truth, not tell them what we think. Because most of the time what we think is majorly flawed unless you really have the Spirit governing your thoughts to a point.

Because thats when problems happen, when we try mixing our naturally sinful selves with God. We get adversary from God by being dishonest with others. I know on many occations when I will clash on the Spirit with many issues. I want control, I want to take over. I don't wan't to do what God wants sometimes. But I don't care about what I want. OBEY. Its hard to obey God, because sometimes we don't want to do it, or we don't think were up to the challenge. Thats the stupidest excuse because we have God living IN US. He gives us the strength to overcome anything, and will not give us more than we can bear. Praise God for that man. Praise Him.

Go out and Praise Him for being so friekin awesome. Do it. Go right now and tell him how wonderful He is. And how you haven't appreciated Him enough, ask Him to forgive you.

I don't know about you, but I'm gone. Cya.

+God Bless+

Stefanie

I *shoeshine159

Skillfully tested, rhythmically possessed with rhymes
And when it was time, Jah gave me the mic after he blessed it
He said share the loving, prepare them for the Second Coming
Beware of the false prophets, because they got my people bugg'n
Put on the full armor, cause you know these fools they're gonna wanna
Talk behind your back, but stay away from the drama
You know that I'm gonna keep you safe inside the palm of my hand
Cause you the man and that's word to your mama
So give it to 'em, it's themselves that they're fool'n
Gotta head of the game too quick, what they lack is ol' school'n
You know who's who, whether or not I'm talking to your crew
It's up to you to keep it true, nuff respect due.

In Christ:

Broth... ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6936036/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6936036/ Wed, 02 Nov 2005 13:51:38 PST

My own personal firewall Yay ^.^

Autumn has been just so inspirational for me lately. The colors are just magnificent. Driving down my street is like falling into another realm. Leaves litter the sidewalks and lawns as the wind blows them into bushes or across the road. Ah. What an awesome time of year.

Its also very important to listend to some awesome music that fits the scenery. I've been driven to Bush, Nirvana and A Perfect Circle lately. Good solid mellow rock

~*~
I have to update this later - road trip! Destination: Nowhere
~*~

Rawr! Bak ^.^ fun fun happy happy. My dad gave me his credit card to fill up meh gas tank so I drove all the way to the end of 18 mile road wif meh doggy and Metallica (the Black Album) O.o oh good times, good times.

My life has been pretty insane lately, for a lack of a better discription. I think my brain is starting to ooze out of meh head >< Gah! I am SO sorry all of you lovely people on here, for not giving you more art to look at. I am procrastinating, but that has to come to an end! My art teacher gave me a huge canvas board to freestyle on, so I have to come up with some ideas...

Lately my friend Brian has been inquiring more about Christianity. I gave him a tract last week about accepting Jesus Christ. No feedback yet, but hopefully the Spirit will beat em up ^-^ lol. Keeps asking about Creation mostly and sometimes death and justifying himself. Interesting one, that boi. Keeps asking the same questions over and over, ah well. Tis fun.
Please pray for him if he come to mind, the more prayers the better!

Finally, I see an extreme need for my testamony to be told this month. People aren't quite getting me. So hopefully I can get my words out to the public. Then maybe people will finally understand. Hopefully ><

Thank you all! I wuv you muchly!!!!

+God Bless+

Stefanie

I *shoeshine159

*And don't forget to check out *llatrejull's urgent prayer request here: [link] *

And check out *shoeshine159's recent deviation:
http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6916793/ Mon, 31 Oct 2005 14:02:22 PST

Today my church is having the community come in and trick or treat and do fun stuff in church. I'm doing face painting with my mentor and Bible teacher Greg. My mom is doing the cotten candy machine, lol, and my sis is gonna be a greeter. Today is going to be so fun! I think I'm gonna wear my kimono and be some obviously American Japanese person, lol.

I told my mom, "You know what would be the scariest thing to be? A Christian" lol. Forget Freddy and Jason, just watch out for those crazy people dressing up as Christians


~*~
I went to College for Creative Studies yesterday for National Portfolio Day and the colleges I visited gave me phenominal reviews. I was so happy that inbetween visiting the colleges I went outside to sit on the grass and cry because I was so overwhelmed. Some of the colleges that were there: CCS (obviously), Kendal, Chicago Institute of the Arts, MCAD - Mineapolis, The Art Institute of Cleveland and more. Finally all of my hard work this year has paid off and I'm at the level that I need to be at. All I need to do now is keep up my dedication.

+God Bless+

Stefanie

~*~

~*~

In Christ:

Brothers



Sisters ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6875395/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6875395/ Wed, 26 Oct 2005 17:05:51 PDT
5,000 PAGEVEIWS!!!


Its been just about a year since I've been here on DA ^-^ I wanna thank all of you guys for your interest in my artwork, I truely appreciate all of your devotion

And, finally, I have been tagged! This thing has been spreading like fire everywhere. blah,
20 things about me:

1. My guilty pleasure is chocolate ice cream (or root beer floats) and anime at 1 in the morning.

2. I have 5 peircings and really want my eyebrow peirced. But I can't stand lip or tongue peircings >< yuck.

3. I have the memory of a goldfish (30 seconds, btw, lol)

4. I always wake up 15 minutes before school starts >< bad bad habit.

5. I cant stand country music, rap or emo.

6. I have a Jesus fish on my car And everytime I see another car with a Jesus fish I punch the air and yell "Jes... ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6852093/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6852093/ Mon, 24 Oct 2005 05:51:38 PDT
Been really happy ^-^

Ok, anywho um, last Saturday my church had a free yard sale. Everything was free! And we had tons of stuff on all the tables in our gym. 600+ people from the community showed up. We had a great turn out. I was working at the evangilism table. We were handing out Bibles and tracts. Asking for prayer requests and praying with people in a room for those who wanted to be prayed for. As a result, 5 people got saved! Praise God! That is awesome.

It was the first time that I've actually prayed with someone who I didn't know. So it was kinda scary, but I know God was listening so I just pray that He continues to work in their lives So happy!

We had no more Bibles left >< so cool ><

~*~
I'll update this later cuz I got classes now >< so, buh bye!
~*~

*picks up from where I left off* ^-^

Today was a "found" day. lol, I say that because I always tend to lose things >< So I found my sketch book that I lost last week. I was so upset because it had really important stuff in there like my portraits of my friends, my sketch for dani's bday and some of our txts to each other (and yes, I do write them all down, haha). And I also found my Jesus fish mood ring! yay ^^ lol

I really have to get it together this week cuz the Portfolio Day for CCS is this Sunday!!! like, omg. I would really love your imput on which I should include in my portfolio from this site (if you don't mind).

Anywho, I've been a huge jerk to God lately. I really need to follow up on my promises to Him. I haven't been getting into the Word as much and its having major side affects on my life. Just goes to show how much we need Him in our lives. So tommarrow I'll probably just dedicate that day to me and God and get away from everybody and do some studying and worship. I've done it before and it is really alot of fun. Because sometimes were so caught up in our own lives that we just need to slow down and give Him our time.

Stefanie

I *shoeshine159



So she said what's the problem baby
What's the problem I don't know
Well maybe I'm in love (love)
Think about it every time
I think about it
Can't stop thinking 'bout it

How much longer will it take to cure this
Just to cure it cause I can't ignore it if it's love (love)
Makes me wanna turn around and face me but I don't know nothing
'bout love

Come on, come on
Turn a little faster
Come on, come on
The world will follow after
Come on, come on
Cause everybody's after love

So I said I'm a snowball running
Running down into the spring that's coming all this love
Melting under blue skies
Belting out sunlight
Shimmering love

Well baby I surrender
To the strawberry ice cream
Never ever end of all this love
Well I didn't mean to do it
But there's no escaping your love

These lines of lightning
Mean we're never alone,
Never alone, no, no

Come on, Come on
Move a little closer
Come on, Come on
I want to hear you whisper
Come on, Come on
Settle down inside my love

Come on, come on
Jump a little higher
Come on, come on
If you feel a little lighter
Come on, come on
We were once
Upon a time in love

We're accidentally in love
Accidentally in love

Accidentally

I'm In Love, I'm in Love,
I'm in Love, I'm in Love,
I'm in Love, I'm in Love

Come on, come on
Spin a little tighter
Come on, come on
And the world's a little brighter
Come on, come on
Just get yourself inside her

Love ...I'm in love ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6813699/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6813699/ Wed, 19 Oct 2005 20:44:04 PDT
And when I think that my patience is at its end I somehow find more. Where the heck do I find it? In God of course. Duh. But when you've been abused and beaten so many times in the past...and have to deal with the same old people over again and hear the same things happening that you had to deal with when you weren't saved it just...I don't know how I can even face these people sometimes.

I know its God giving me strengh, I know it has nothing to do with my own character because I'm not one to boldly go up to the homeless guy that always sleeps in the restaurant I work at and ask him if hes interested in going to church while I'm sweeping the floors. That is NOT me. I don't just go up to people, or draw people in. For some reason people always come up to me and God is always in the conversation. I don't give my testamony to others with confidence. That is not who I am.

Thats God.

You know how many times in the past month I've had to give my testamony? Guess. Between 10-20. 5 this weekend alone. It would seem hard and embarasing even, but its not. Only because He gives me the strength to remember and to just work. Theres a spiritual level that touches people that I cant even comprehend when I see the expression on their faces. And they ask and ask and ask. Questions questions questions.

Always. Never ending flow of repeating it over and over. And I love it. I absolutly love every moment of being with people. I love reaching them. I love how God uses me. I love to see how He works in others and how He works in me. I love it.

People aren't interested in us. They don't give a crap about us. But, they do care about God. I can see the curiosity in their eyes. I can feel it. And when you have God inside of you people know it, they can sense His presence and they are drawn in. It is truely amazing. Just like a light in the darkness. It illuminates their sin and they are struck in amazement and wonder why? Why why why?

Because.

I just got back from my old Wiccan friend's house. I haven't seen her in awhile and to be honest, like everything, I didn't want to go. Thats my sin. I don't want to do it. But I do, because I know that God is greater than sin. So I go. That is how it always is. I just go because we need to ignore our natural wants and do God's work. It does not matter what we want. I don't care what I want. I dont want what I want. Even though I do. That was Paul' big struggle in [link]

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." ~ Romans 7:15-18

Only God can override our sinful nature and use us to do His will. Good work is not the result of our own doing, but the work of the Lord.

+Praise God+

Stefanie

I ~shoeshine159

Could you whisper in my ear
The things you wanna feel?
I'll give you anything
To feel it comin'

Do you wake up on your own
And wonder where you are?
You live with all your faults

I wanna wake up where you are
I won't say anything at all
So why don't you slide

And I'll do anything you ever
Dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothing that fall
May put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
May do you wanna get married
Or run away?

And I'll do anything you ever
Dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothing that fall
May put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
May do you wanna get married
Or run away...

Slide ~ Goo Goo Dolls ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6769748/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6769748/ Fri, 14 Oct 2005 20:18:22 PDT



Ah, sometimes I amuse myself too much. Well today I went to the bookstore and drew some fun anatomy stuffs, yay. And I just spontaneously bought Origins Of Species. I would say its the worst spent $6.95 plus tax, but technically thats not true.

Because honestly, how many people in my generation really know and care to defend what they are being fed and believe in science classes? I've never heard a group of girls in my high school say something to this extent, "Like, I know! He is so cute! You should totally ask him! *giggle* *giggle* Want to go to the mall after school today? I just saw this gorgeous dress to die for, and I wanted to, like, totally pick up Darwin's Origins Of Speicies too."

Yeah, no.

Just not happenin guys. Besides, we need to hear the other side. Just because were Creationists doesn't mean we shut out evolution like they do creation. And we have to be prepared to battle it using their own contradictory beliefs against them. So yeah, its the 1999 printed edition. I know that when I read it I'll really have a strong urge to throw some gas on the grill, light a match and toss that sucker on there, but I'll have to contain my excitement. For now.

And another interesting thing I thought I'd mention is that we are able to process everything around us without getting "overloaded". Which was a pretty interesting statement brought up by J.P Moreland. You know how your computer takes so long to turn on, run, download graphics and stuff (and it takes every patient atom of your being to not shoot it)? Plus, it can only focus on one application at a time. We however can see and take in so much.

I realized this while driving home down the freeway in my stupid cute lil Sunfire car that is literally about to have a heart attack and die. The processing power of our minds is so complex, for example; I have to watch all the cars around me, check my mirrors constantly, read my gauges and mph, read street signs, watch for upcomming lights, process the totally hardcore music blaring through my speakers and think of how the heck I'm going to get the money to fly down to New Zealand and totally glomp the crud outta ~shoeshine159.

Plus, I have to use my judgement, reason, and common sense to manuver and find the fastest way home without crashing into the nearest tree or fast food restaraunt. Especially since I'm prone to being distracted by shiney pretty things

Haha. Oh well, I'm going to the cider mill tomarrow. mmm....apple cider and donuts >< It seems like this will be the most eventful Halloween ever. I'm going down to Cedar Point and they have it all 'themed out' and what not. There is nothing better than riding the Millenium Force in complete darkness praying that death shall not overtake you. It'll be fun tho. And I'll be facepainting at my church too. Fun fun.

Blah.

+God Bless+

Stefanie

I ~shoeshine159

I love kiwis yesh I do, I love kiwis how about you?

In Christ:

Brothers

http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6743022/ Tue, 11 Oct 2005 19:55:01 PDT "Hear ye hear ye! Listen to ye wise words systemofastef hath spoken thus!"
(Haha, I need a good opening.)

~~~
Light is the most amazing phenomena. It is beautiful and wonderful. It was Einstein's obsession of light that lead him to the equation E=mc2. (Notice how he finds the equation, it is not his equation. Nor is truth any man's possesion.)

The speed of light is the speed limit of the galaxy. Light travels at approximatly 186,000 miles per second. Nothing is faster. And if one were to actually reach the speed of light, light somehow would still be faster. Although you would think that if you went the same speed you would see it 'eye to eye'.

And in fact, if you were trying to go that speed, time itself would slow down. Mass would take effect due to energy.

All of this amazes me. I am shocked, because I never was taught about all the intricasies of what light really is. It is magnetic. And energy, all the way into the smallest atom is so incredably complex. All the neutrons and protons and fission and everything...I haven't experienced this excitement while I was learning in science class. Because no one cares to explain to us how actually amazing this truly is.

If nothing matters, and this life is all there is, why bother to discover all of these wonderfully beautiful things?!? If it supposidly will lead to the same answer: Nothing. You wanna know why? Because there is something out there that makes us care, that makes us search, that makes us contemplate who we are.

I, and many others already know what it is. Or for that matter who it is. You see, learning, after accepting that God is in fact a reality, is so much more interesting and meaningful. It explains the unexplainable. It takes away our own faults and makes us realize the logic. Reality.

"God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good... ~ Genesis 1:3

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. ~ Psalm 119:130

In him was life, and that life was the light of men. ~ John 1:4

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life... ~ John 14:6

Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light. ~ John 12:36

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. ~ Revelation 21:23

What I want to know out of the pure curiosity of my heart is this, 'Why did Jesus refer to himself as the light (John 1:4 and John 14:6)? Is he man's actual light that we can always see? When God spoke, "let there be light" was that Jesus? Or is 'light' just symbolically used?' I love asking questions

But yeah, alot of the evidence presented in this movie/tv program definatly fits the White Hole Cosmology theory. Yet, at the end they stated the Big Bang as a fact. All of this beautiful evidence clearly stated, and at the end we are givin 'Oh, and this obviously fits with the Big Bang, and hey, were not even going to bother explaining why either!' I hate that. I hate ignorance on top of truth. I hate it, I absolutly despise it. With a burning passion, by the way.

I do believe though, that light is directly connected to God. So just trying to contemplate all the complexites that we have learned about light just kinda humbles me.

Actually, lol, I caught a tear fallin while I was watching this, haha. I am such a dork ><

+God Bless+

Stefanie

I ~shoeshine159

~*~
The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. ~ Psalm 118:27
~*~

In Christ:

Brothers

~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6706600/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6706600/ Fri, 07 Oct 2005 18:35:25 PDT "Those of us who are atheists, and believe that everything evolved from natural forces, nearly universally maintain that theists and supernaturalists have a very weak case for their belief, weaker even than the case for Bigfoot, Nessie or Santa Claus. Thus, our disbelief is not an act of faith, and therefore, not non-rational as are those of theists and Christian apologists. However, if Christian apologists insist on claiming that their version of Christianity and the rejections of their views are equally acts of faith, I will insist that the apologists have a non-rational faith, while their opponents have a rational faith. Though I think it would be less dishonest and less misleading to admit that atheists and naturalists do not base their beliefs on faith in any sense close to that of religious faith."
[link]

"One cannot deny the facts. If things were different then things would be different. But they aren't different, so what is the point of this argument? The sun will be unable to support life on this planet some day. It is already unable to support life on several other planets. What does this fact prove about design? Nothing. The axis of the earth has been different and will be different again. Someday this planet will be uninhabitable. What does that prove about design, intelligent or otherwise? Nothing. We can't deny that if millions of factors did not occur, we wouldn't be here. So what? Many of these factors did not exist in the past and will not exist in the future on this planet. There was a time when there was no life on this planet and there will be a time when no life exists here in the future. There was a time when this planet did not exist and there will be a time in the future when it will not exist. What does that prove about design? Nothing. There are countless planets that exist which do not have the conditions necessary for life. What do they prove about design? Nothing."
[link]

"One might argue that the odds are a billion billion to one that all these circumstances just happened to coincide that makes life on earth possible. But since we're here, the odds are 100% that it can happen."

Sounds a bit like:
"Agnosticism is a legitimate religious belief. We do not know because we cannot know. The ultimate truth about the existence of a Supreme Being is unknowable. Recognizing this, we can free ourselves from a fruitless search and, indeed, no longer care about answering the question."
[link]

--

This is how they refute our claims of design. By saying 'you know, so what if everything is perfectly balanced for us to be here? Were here so, big deal. I really don't care.' And seriously, that is all it comes down to. They don't care. They cant intellegently refute our claims because they are so much more logical and (excuse the term) intellegent than evolution that they just give up and say, "Who really cares about it all anyways?"

What is funny is that they did not give one solid bit of proof to back up their claims at all. They listed most of our prominent "fine-tuning" examples and go on to say that "One cannot deny the facts." Then, um, why the heck are you denying them?!? I'm sorry I just need to get this out because I am sick and tired of containing my excitement on this issue.

We know about the complexity of micro organisms, we know about the intense processes of life, we know about the conditions of our environment, of our chemical make-up, of irreducible complex systems, of our mind and conciousness, we know the statistics, ok? Discovering more evidence won't make us stupider, it will show more intracasies. It will shed more light on the darkness and illuminate the beauty of design.

I think it is hard for them since they've held onto this belief system for so long now, that its hard for them to let go. And, as always, when the light is shed upon darkness it convicts many people and shows them what truly is.

And for the sake of being fair, creation is still a theory, yes. But holds alot of water. Modern scientific evidence just totally ripped evolution a new one and killed it. So far we'll either deny creation, teach it, or create another theory that tops it.

I feel like I keep repeating myself over and over again. And I know that some of you probably feel the same way. Keep having to explain this over and over again to different people. I enjoy it, but at the same time I wish steps were taken to make this a bit more mainstream. So at least others could be slightly aware that ID is a valid theory instead of just some 'religious nonsense'. But no one goes out of their way to study wh... ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6690457/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6690457/ Wed, 05 Oct 2005 20:30:28 PDT
*dork* Gah, oh well. I've been very busy lately organizing, scanning, drawing, writing...>< Maybe I should pick a more sensable career? Nah.

If this is what God wants me to do then I'll pull through somehow. Although I could just cop out and become a secritary or manager somewhere, but that would kill me. Yay.

I'll soon be uploading: Portrait studies from my class, Finished inked storyboards, a skull , a charcoal still life, some wierd abstract portrait thing, and hopefully another car. (I love how random the things I do are, lol)

Almost done with my book CfC, then onto CfF, then onto AiG...then...LoL O.o I am seriously drawing a blank, I want to write something inspiring and uplifting for the Christian community, but alas, my braincells are not functioning right now.

So, sorry to disappoint you, but I am completly brain dead

Much Love (and confusion ),

Stefanie

Thing that makes you see
Vital organ that pumps blood
~shoeshine159

now put 'em in a sentence
^-^

--
Well, at least I found an endearing quote:

"My dear Jesus, my Savior, is so deeply written in my heart, that I feel confident, that if my heart were to be cut open and chopped to pieces, the name of Jesus would be found written on every piece."

Ignatious
A student under John
Devoured by wild animals in Rome
111 AD
--

In Christ:

Brothers



Sisters

~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6663083/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6663083/ Sun, 02 Oct 2005 19:39:39 PDT "Adoption the Loving Option"
"Jesus Loves and Forgives"
"Abortion Kills Children"
"Life - the unaliable right"
"Abortion Hurts Women"

Today was the national ProLife day. So after church I met a bunch of my friends on the corner of 15 mile (yes like 8 Mile the movie - we have it all the way up to 36 mile, maybe more...?) and Gratiot. There were 250 or more other people there and we lined both sides of the street. It was a huge street sorta highway-ish. And we got ALOT of feed back.

Alot of people driving down the road screamed amazingly obscene things, and gestures that go along with those lovely words. And alot waved, gave the thumbs-up and honked. lol, me and my friend Amanda talked most of the time and whenever someone did something bad we smiled at em and held our signs up over our head really high. Haha! I love that girl.

Alot of people kept re-passing by. Its amazing how interesting and different everybody is. It was so much fun and there was so many of us everywhere, I was like, God! This is so cool! And at the end a car came by yeilding signs that said, "Keep Abortion Legal!" "My Body Is Not Property!" And of course looking back at em they had an anti-Bush decal and such on their car.

I wanted to make a sign that said, "Were You Aborted?!?" Seriously. They want to kill their own children, but when it comes to their lives, no, they want to live. Quite ironic, eh?

Oh well, I just pray that we affected many people by doing that. I wish it would have gone on longer, it only lasted 2 hours

So anywho, youth group was after that and was great fun ^-^ as usual. Sang some awesome songs like, "Shine, Jesus, Shine" and "Wonderful Cross" an "I'll Fly Away". I am actually comfortable lifting my hands up now. lol, what a feat. pish.

Oh and I want you all to pray for ~shoeshine159 he got into a really bad accident on Sunday. He is hurt pretty bad and thank God he'll be alright, but just pray that God would ease the pain for him. Cuz we all love him hehe.

--------
Now for fun stuff!!!!!

Heaven's Top Eleven Dumbest Named Youth Groups:

11. Bible Behemoths
10. D.O.R.K.S - Disciples Of A Righteous King
9. Fun In Christ - Fired Up Now
8. Flatline Student Ministry
7. FUNGUS: Molded Like Christ
6. Fortress Youth "YWAP" - Youth With A Purpose
5. F.I.E.S.T.A Crew - Fully Instructioning and Empowering Saved Tanacious Ambassadors
4. F.O.S.E.M - Friends Of Santas Elves Ministry
3. Fire Dome - Teen Ministry "Setting Teens on Fire"
2. D.U.N.G - Deliberatly Uncreatively Named Group
1. F.L.U.S.H - Faith Leading Us Serving Him


My personal favorites are 5, 3, and 2. Especially 2. Hahahaha!!! My group is named Oasis, so I don't have to worry about bein on that list, lol.

Top Ten Reasons Heaven Is Going To Be A Blast!!!

10. We get a new body.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:4
9. We will live in a custom built home.
~ John 14:1-3
~Hebrews 11:10
8. We will see and speak with loved ones.
~1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
7. We will talk with Bible Characters
(same verse as above)
6. We will no longer experience darkness.
~Revalation 21:23
5. We will live in a pure world.
(same verse as above)
4. There will be "No-Mores"
~Revalation 7:16-17
3.
2.
1.

We usually have all of these radical views of Heaven. Like harps and clouds and angels and candy (O.o) and what not up there. So its interesting to see what the Scriptures say about what Heaven is going to be like. And I'm sure what God tells us isn't even close to everything that we will experience there, because our minds dont have the ability to fathom how wonderful it will be

I want to go to Heaven so bad >< we haven't got to the top 3 yet, but I'll update it next week for ya ^-^



... ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6643141/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6643141/ Fri, 30 Sep 2005 14:20:10 PDT [link]

This is an excellent example of how we mislead ourselves to find satisfaction in our own supposed 'revelations.' More or less like talking yourself into self-logic. It would seem, on the surface, pretty well thought through. Although the underlying deception of it screams blatently out to our Spirit (or at least it should - if not, I would question).

This guy is one of my favorite artists, amazingly talented. I would have agreed with him on this in years past because of my old religion of Paganism. But once you accept the Spirit you can instantaniously fell the temptations and sins in the world around you. Especially through studying the Word and keeping close to God.

Watch out for persuasive deception. Its everywhere. Jesus even said, "Watch out that you are not deceived" - Luke 21:8. So guard your heart and thoughts from ill attempts to decieve and spiritually attack you. ~ Speaking of which have any of you had a spiritual attack?

I know they are pretty intense. I've had my fair share, especially since I'm sure that Satan wasen't too thrilled that I found the light, lol. Most of the time they're just little shocks of paranoia. But one time it was so bad that I began shaking and I heard a high pitched screaming in my ears and felt like someone was touching me. It gets pretty scary sometimes, even emotionally. But as soon as I pray to God it disapates. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. - 2 Timothy 4:18

We are not just some atheist's definition of materialism. We are extremly intricate. And subject to all sorts of things, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual, we are intuned to them all.

+God Bless+

Stefanie

In Christ:

Brothers



Sisters

http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6625302/ Wed, 28 Sep 2005 12:50:48 PDT I just want to say that I love you guys. I just feel so happy and loved on this site thanx to all of you amazingly wonderful people.

The Bible says that we should build eachother up, and I am feeling it. I just want to build you guys up by dedicating this journal to you all. I wish I could do more for you. I wish all of the Christians on DA could meet up one day and have a huge fellowship party!!!!! That would rock hardcore.



Thank you all so much for your kind words and thoughts to me, and I promise to be more loving to you guys, cuz you all deserve it.

Your Sister in Christ,

Stefanie

In Christ:

Brothers



Sisters



~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6593284/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6593284/ Sat, 24 Sep 2005 20:06:36 PDT I saw a jousting competition, a real life chess game (people dressed up as chess pieces), a fight between the three musketters and pirates, lol, many random comedic shows, and some extremly awesome music.

Personally my all time favorite alternate world music would have to be Irish/Scottish/Celtic. Something just instantly harmonizes with me. I'm German, so its not in my blood.

But anywho, it was fun, so, yay. lol

~*~

Afterwards we had our small group study, the study was on Love. I tell ya, it is pretty intense when you get to thinking about it. I feel always so caught up in all the technological, scientific, hard facts of Christianity. Its hard to just break into the subject of Love.

This is mainly for my Christian friends to consider and take to heart and spirit with you. I hope some of it impacts your life, and makes you thing deeper about your relationship with the Lord. It is also for those who are not Christian and want to know what True Love is and means.

If I don't live a life of love:

1. Nothing I say will matter.
1 Corinthians 13:1

2. Nothing I know will matter.
1 Corinthians 13:2

3. Nothing I believe will matter.
1 Corinthians 13:2(b)

4. Nothing I give will matter.
1 Corinthians 13:3

5. Nothing I accomplish will matter.
1 Corinthians 13:3(b)

What is Love?

Love is God.
1 John 4:8
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1. Love is a command.
John 13:34

2. Love is a choice (not a feeling!).
1 Corinthians 14:1

3. Love is a conduct.
1 John 3:18

4. Love is a commitment.
1 John 4:16

"...we must choose to love, not who to love."

Can I see some heads nodding? Okay, good. So I'll give you an exerpt from my journal in Rick Warren's book, Better Together: What on earth are we here for?

9/20/05 - Day 1
The thing that strikes me the most is to know that the only way to love is to love God and have his Love. ...nowadays society claims that 'love is a feeling'. But we know that feelings change everyday, making their "love" ever-changing. But true love never changes, it remains faithful forever. Love is a commitment to the one you decide to love. In this case, God has chosen to love us, He is commited to us. Since I have chosen to love God back I want to show Him my love by following His Word. And He says to love others as well and that is what I want to do and what He wants me to do.

+God Bless+

Stefanie






http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6567059/ Wed, 21 Sep 2005 19:24:48 PDT This is just like a transition journal or something

=^.^=

-------------------

Bwhahahahaaha! Transition over!

So, more witnessing, more art, more DA, more God, more toe socks! Hahahaha!

But yeah, so happens that my employer who wants the storyboards constantly keeps postponing my work. Ticks me off because there is a deadline and that is how much more I'm going to have to work after we get stuff straightened up. Man, I tell ya, art jobs can get extremely irritating.

And interestingly enough those two guys at my art class actually approached me and started babbling on about random stuff wracking their brains to find something to refute my claims earlier. We are really good friends (and, sadly, I'm extremly attracted to one of them which sucks, cuz I'm not supposed to). And then he goes something like, "well, the Bible was re-written and I don't believe in Hell, I believe that we are in Hell right now..." And he just faded off somewhere, came back and said, "I don't want to talk about this stuff anymore!"



Funny thing tho, I pointed out that he was the one who brought it up and started talking to me about it. I am totally not approaching them about it, and yet, they keep approaching me asking me things and questioning stuff. I'm like, laughing on the inside ah, sweet conviction.

~*~

Anywho, College for Creative Studies has their national portfolio day at the campus Oct. 31. I just need to organize my portfolio and update my work. I got invited by CCS, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and I'm sure many other art colleges who keep sending me stuff in the mail are going to be there as well. They can also give you Scholarships on the spot if they instantaniously like your stuff. So I'm hoping that happens That would rock hardcore.



+God Bless+


Stefanie

*systemofastef ~shoeshine159

Thank you for the Subscription and everything DA STAFF!!!!!
Groups that rock

Friends that rock (below) ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6541458/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6541458/ Sun, 18 Sep 2005 22:10:15 PDT
Rant 1: Church pride and jealosy
Rant 2: I'm not accepted by the World or Christians

Rant 1
Let me start out by stating that a church body is supposed to strive for unity. We should not divide ourselves. And it is especially relevant to stay strong through rough times like we are seeing today. One of the illustrations depicts a sheep straying from the flock. It gets devoured by wolves.

What really set me off today is that I found out that our church is being divided on an extremely petty issue founded on pride and jealosy. The Christian Worldview class that I attend every Sunday is being shut down by my church. You wanna know why?

Because other Sunday school teachers are complaining about how "their students" are attending this class instead of theirs. Basically, they don't want "their students" to attend a class that they are interested in, but in the class that the teacher wants them to be in, which is obviously, theirs.

Ah, HELLO???? Ever heard of the fact that we have a God-given FREE WILL??? I can go to whichever class I want to. All I know is that the youth pastor of our church is angry that me, along with 3 others teenagers are not attending his disfunctional, unorganized class.

I am upset beyond my wildest imagination because the teacher of this class happens to be an extremely close friend and mentor to me. So I took it personally and wrote a note to the Deacons and the cracked CE Board who is going to be canceling the class in December.

After church today I cried so hard that I couldn't even turn the ignition on in my car. So I just sat there contemplating the future of Christianity in this country. If Christians can't be Christians than non-christians sure as heck cant become Christians.

Rant 2
Ok, I go to Oasis tonight, the youth group at my other church. The songs were okay, the lesson was on Heaven, so that was good. And I found out afterwards that there is a Senior party going down at the youth leader's house. So I thought, cool, I'm going.

I go there and talk to a girl who goes to my school, big deal. Then we gather round in a circle, exact equal guys and girls, which was an interesting observation I made at the time. We talked about the youth group and what we want to do after high school and so on.

Youth leader expanded on my response that I would be sharing my testamony soon and all that good stuff. And people were really interested and I thought, cool. Because I've never really talked to these people before. Anywho, the discussion ends as the leader defines Senioritis for us. Okay.

So every one disbands and socializes. I am absolutly struck with the sick reality that woah, no one strikes up a comment or conversation with me. I sit in the living room watching them all talk to each other in like, slow motion or something. So, feeling rather useless I tell the youth leader I'm leaving and go. And on the way out some guy goes, "Your leaving already?" Well hot crap I am.

Cuz wow, I guess all we just talked about being Seniors, getting to know one another, and bringing each other up in the faith just flew right out the window. I've never actually been accepted other than a good testamony.

Oh crap wow, I am such a useful God-given tool to everyone in school, in church here on DA and on the internet, in my family and so on. Holy crap! I'm that girl who was a WITCH and was SAVED BY GOD! Oh my! She witnesses and knows so much about hot Christian issues and knows what she is talking about! Lets treat her like were friekin window shopping, stop, look, and go on our merry way.

Don't stop to say 'hi' or 'may the Lord Bless you' or talk to me about how I'm doing. Just hear my story, what I'm doing for people constantly without reckognition, smile, and move on! Cuz God knows, I might just have feelings like someone who believed in God their whole life too!

And I finally realize with sharp clarity that I have absolutly no true friends (physically here with me). And being a true Christian, that is sad. It is good that I am basically relying on God for every emotional support I need, but its not enough. Jesus even said its not enough, we need friends and the church by our side to help us fight the darkness, not each other.

So, sadly, I am a sheep trying to get close to the flock, yet they ignore me, leaving me alone to fight the wolves myself. What a loving generation this is.

And Praise be to God for my good friend ~shoeshine159 who sent me a great e-mail tonight. That cheered me up almost enough to heal my wounds today. (... ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6521538/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6521538/ Fri, 16 Sep 2005 15:42:12 PDT

Art stuff has been thumbs up lately. I am finally drawing out the storyboards for the movie. I have the first page done and will post it up soon. The best compliment I got when I asked what style it looks like was Justin who said, "modern realistic". I absolutly am in love with that term now.

Because the storyboards don't look like storyboards, it looks like I am doing a comic book, because it is more detailed than it should be. Oh well, it is fun to do, otherwise I wouldn't be putting in the extra time.

As for faith, I can conclusively say now that all of my Commercial Art class knows that I'm Christian. Which is a good and bad thing. Bad: many avoid me, strange looks, no one will critique my art...and the like. Good: Witnessing opportunity. And guess what? I got it!

Me and three other guys (they never seem to be girls) were discussing random stuff. And they brought up their beliefs for the obvious reason that they could tell me about them, I guess, just to see what I would say. Except I believe that since me and the teacher are the only ones with the Spirit, we shed light on the obvious darkness that takes place in that classroom. And people notice that and feel convicted. Which is how two of them spoke to me like.

They began with Evolution (big surprise) and I told them of the evidence for Creation and refuted their assumptions on the subject. One of them brought up the Cro-Magnom man, or w/e. I told him I don't know about that. Which is absolutly okay to do when witnessing to others, because we dont know everything, and it is better to say 'i dont know' than to mislead them with unconclusive proof.

Anywho, we took a walk around the woods outside of the building and the two of them walked alongside of me with a constant barrage of questions. I told them plainly that the only way to get into Heaven is to believe that Jesus died on the cross to save us from sin and accept Him. They just could not get a handle on that.

They kept stating how they are "good people". And that is unfair that they will go to Hell. I told them that we are all bad people and that morality is a set standard and does not change based on feelings, because feelings constantly change. So one minute you can think murder is okay, then the next your chopping up your best friend.

Humans did not create morality. And when I asked to explain to me how they are good people they could not answer me at all.

We left on a good note, and I could sense that they would think about it in the days to come. And when everybody left and I went out to my car I prayed for them.

I love witnessing so much! I can actually look people in the eye now, before, I could never look at someone for the majority of the conversation. God gives us confidence in Him and His Word.

Shweeeeeeet

+God Bless+

Stefanie



Thank you for the Subscription and everything DA STAFF!!!!!
Groups that rock
http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6488975/ Mon, 12 Sep 2005 19:37:44 PDT
I feel like I'm becoming more involved in the DA community. Pretty sweet stuff. Just wish I had more (decent) art to contribute, lol! I'm ecstatic that the group is gaining some noteriety lately. Just have to keep the interest going, basically my job as an Administrator. Its getting difficult though.

I went to my youth group for the first time in 3 months, all of the hardness in my heart faded away. It was so encouraging to see people my age into God. The discussion was on the fact that Jesus is our peace. That he gives us rest from the burdens of life. What a great feeling. To know that God is right there to go through life beside us. Its amazing.

And the worship was great. The band was so loud and electrifying, you could really feel the Spirit. For one of the first times I could finally lay back and hang out with people and not worry about a swear word comming up. lol, Seriously, not many people can hold an intellectual conversation at my school.

Anyways, God Bless my new and old friends on DA And all the families and people affected by 9/11, as well as victims of Hurricane Katrina, and all others suffering in the world...hopefully they'll find the true peace that takes away their pain one day.

Stefanie

Thank you for the Subscription and everything DA STAFF!!!!!
Groups that rock

Friends that rock (below) ]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6470336/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6470336/ Sat, 10 Sep 2005 18:35:25 PDT
I then read Neiamiah and went into a lil room and sang some Psalms to Jesus. It was extremely heartening for me. And I'm thankful that our God is so incredably wonderful and loving. Even when we stumble or fall, he is right there to catch us and show us that there will be better days to come. A hope, a future with him for eternity.

Hallelujah!

-~*~-

Later on that evening I went to Family Christian bookstore, put in an application and listened to some pretty heavy music. Found a pretty awesome new band named "Living Sacrifice" lil growely, but that is okay ^-^

Anywho, I overheard these two guys talking quite passionatly about God and I decided to introduce myself and see what I might be able to contribute to the converstion. Turns out, I contributed a whole lot by the end.

One was Lutheran, the other Catholic. I'm non-denominatinal (just so you know). And they were talking about how things like homosexuality, abortion, feminists, the media, portray our lives as being unholy and is really creating an immoral society. I gave my 2 cents, cuz I haven't had an actual real-life conversation with 'other' Christians in...never? or at least not for a long time.

So the way they were talking, seemed like they were both born again and extremely filled with Holy Spirit (I think they were packin it in, man, lol). Until the Catholic starts branching off on our Biblical discussion to tell us about The Church. Oh boy.

You know, I hear what the Catholics believe on TV, radio, internet, other sources. But never from a real-life straight faced person. So it peaked my interest. He went on to say things like you need to be baptized in order for salvation, need works (true, but works comes later, not in order to be saved), communion, Bishops, Popes...so forth, and pray to Mary. So, seeing the red flag (me and the Lutheran guy both) the Lutheran went to find a Bible.

The Catholic said that the New Testament was written 300 years after Jesus (???) and that it is not 'reliable'. And that The Church wrote it. (aka Popes and such). Which is contradictory because he just stated that the Popes are essentially 'not reliable' sources. He even admitted that The Church's Popes were sinful and such.

He also stated he believed in Purgatory, the fact that Jesus is the 2nd Adam, Mary is the 2nd Eve (I almost died), and that some saints are 'bigger' or 'greater' than others. For example, a Bishop has more athority than the congregation, which I guess "earns him a higher rank in Heaven". That the Priest can forgive our sins, that communion is the "actual body and blood of Jesus".

The Lutheran left in the middle of the list and I was stuck listening to the rest. I refuted him on almost every issue and most of his statements were due to my asking, because the answer-seeker that I am, I wanted to know as much as I could.

In the middle of all this, it occured to me that he was trying to convert me. I was like, oh no you don't! So I caught him on some embarassing topics. Like, "So, you believe that Jesus is the 'King of kings and Lord of lords' right? If that is the case than do you believe that Mary is the Queen of queens?" He agreed and I was shocked at how mislead some people could possibly be.

Actually in our discussion of The Church vs Christianity, a girl working on stocking the books was right behind him when I asked, "So, what does The Catholic Church say about other Christians? Do they get into Heaven?" My gaze immediatly focused on the girl's expression, she had this huge grin on her face that signaled to me that she knew exactly what was going on. My Spirit connected to hers and I knew what she was feeling. I wanted to giggle ^-^

He said, well, "they will be judged on their works", and that "The Catholic Church is the fulfilled church." I couldn't get an exact answer out of him. I kept asking question upon question, he didn't seem to get the fact that believing in Jesus gives us eternal life and that doctrine and formalities have nothing to do with anything. He also had a problem with the fact that the Bible is "God's Word" and challenged me to find where it says so. John 1, and Jesus, God, was before Mary.

Jesus is the only sinless one, the Bible states nowhere that Mary is sinless or that Peter was a pope! He also was big into Revalation, but for some reason didn't believe in the Rapture, or the Tribulation, or the Millenium Kingdom. Facinating. ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6449968/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6449968/ Thu, 08 Sep 2005 12:20:27 PDT
Well the thing is, his atmosphere wasen't realistic. Read this:

~~~

I asked the next logical question: "What happens if you replay the experiment using an accurate atmosphere?"
"I'll tell you this: you do not get amino acids, that's for sure," he replied. "Some textbooks fudge by saying, well, even if you use a realistic atmosphere, you still get organic molecules, as if that solves the problem."

Actually, that sounded promising. "Organic molecules?" I said. "I'm not a biochemist, but couldn't those be precursors to life?"

Wells recoiled. "That's what they sound like, but do you know what they are? Formaldehyde! Cyanide!" he declared, his voice rising for emphasis. "They may be organic molecules, but in my lab at Berkeley you couldn't even have a capped bottle of formaldehyde in the room, because the stuff is so toxic. You open the bottle and it fries proteins all over the place, just from the fumes. It kills embryos. The idea that using a realisic atmosphere gets you the first step in the origin of life is just laughable.

"Now, it's true that a good organic chemist can turn formaldehyde and cyanide into biological molecules. But to suggest that formaldehyde and cyanide give you the right substrate for the origin of life," he said, breaking into a chuckle, "Well, it's just a joke."

He let the point sink in before delivering the clincher. "Do you know what you get?" he asked. "Embalming fluid!"

~~~

Page 38, Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel

Hahahaha!!!! Maybe we evolved from embalming fluid? eh? hahaha!!!


Stefanie (currently in a seizure on the floor from laughing)

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~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6418332/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6418332/ Sun, 04 Sep 2005 22:57:19 PDT
Yes, life is good.

Heaven must be amazing.

~*~

Labor day weekend was a blast. Cabin on the lake. Bonfires at night (smores, yum!). Surrounded by unknown relatives, who are the best company. Billions of stars at night. (Saw a shooting star ^_^ made a wish.) Fireworks. Swimming. 5 dogs. BBQ ribs. (almost BBQ dogs ^^ lol.)

I'm getting to that awful age where, wherever I go I want to have someone to share my time with. It didn't help that most of my relatives were all married and young. So I'm sittin there by the fire, and across from my bench there are two of them snuggling. And I stare at the empty space next to me. Ah! lol, stupid fact of life things.

Anywho, no art for you! Because I'm busy. And I know I always say that, but its true. And there's no denying the truth. So there!

+God Bless+

Stefanie


~There's a mosh pit going on inside my head~


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http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6389514/ Thu, 01 Sep 2005 16:07:13 PDT Jesus Freaks
[link]

What is a Jesus Freak?

The term was actually first used in the sixties at the time of a new revival called the Jesus Movement. Characterized by intricating the love of God into art, music, poetry, and open expression. It merged rock and roll with the Gospel message, a wave we're still riding today known as contemporary Christian Music. It infused the Church with the arts. It shook up conventional worship. And, due to its "in your face" approach, it had a backlash. Mostly it is used now to call over-zealous young people "Jesus Freaks".

The book by dc Talk is full of amazing stories of Christians who get persecuted and Martyred everyday. In 1998 close to 156,000 Christians were Martyred, and in 1999 they expected it to be close to 164,000. It is 2005 and more people are dying now more than ever for the love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

Love?

There is no act that shows more love than to die for someone. Jesus said it Himself, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) And that is what a Martyr is, one who lays his life down for Jesus, just like He did for us on the cross.

That is True Love.

What?

Would you give up your life for something you believe in? No other belief/religion has even a close number to those Martyred for Christ. You want to know why? Because they are not confident in what they believe. They don't know the Truth of what happens after they die.

We know exactly what will take place. We know we will have eternal life with God. And we are willing to die for that. Because we know the Truth and the Love of God. And we do not fear death.

I am a Jesus Freak. And I would die for God. Would you?



"My dear Jesus, my Savior,
is so deeply written in my heart, that I feel confident, that if my heart were to be cut open and chopped to pieces, the name of Jesus would be found written on every piece."

-Ignatius
A student under John
Devoured by wild animals in Rome
111 AD

]]> ~systemofastef http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6361970/ http://systemofastef.deviantart.com/journal/6361970/ Mon, 29 Aug 2005 17:05:21 PDT

Turns out, that hurricane Katerina (or w/e) is the reason that our gas prices will be going up 20 - 30 cents tonight. No wonder all the gas stations are packed. I should fill up my tank but I'm sick of paying so much money although...donationtions are always appreciated lol!!! jk

Anywho, just came back from upstate Michigan. Were going back up north to some lovely cottages on Friday. We'll be staying with my dad's relatives, so that should be a fun weekend vacation ^-^

Schools tomarrow *dies* And senior pictures *dies again* And my lil sis is going to school with me *dies a third time*
...how many times can you die in one day??? lol

Oh, and thank you all so much for the "Congrats" 's I really appreciate it Sorry that I can't reply but I've been busy lately. As soon as I get my schedual all smoothed out I'll have more time for you guys and more time to finally do some art.

Gotta go walk meh puppeh then were gonna be playin euchre (me and dad are gonna kick some butt ^-^) Bwhaha!

+God Bless+

Stefanie

Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
And ever...


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