Choose a Life

Choose a Life

By Carlos Maldonado, Class of 2013

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

They shall be My people, and I will be their God,

for they shall return to Me with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24:7b

            The screams of the crowd battled with the music coming from the stage, creating a beautiful mess of noise. However none of the shouts were for the band. Both the crowd and the band were praising the God of all Kings. I was also in the crowd--singing my heart out for the God who loved me.

            When I got home from that "Jesus high" I went right back to my sinful routine, as if nothing had changed. I was never aware of the huge contradiction between my life in a really spiritual place, and my everyday life. That is, until recently.

            I had gone to a seminar that highlighted some big points in my life that I needed to change. I made a commitment to do what God wanted me to do, to stop these sins. But as always, a week or two passed by and I was back in the same routine. But something was different this time. I actually saw that my commitment and my actions were not lining up. Then, one by one, all of my other failures came to mind.

            I was tired of living that double life. I understood that God accepts us while we are sinful if we are willing to change, but I did not think that I wanted to change. I had that double life because I enjoyed both the sin and the time with God. I could not have both though, and I had to choose just one life. I knew that God would help me change and become wholly His if I chose Him. I also knew that choosing the sin would end in many bad consequences and ultimately nonexistence. I made the right choice.

            Unfortunately, I am still not there; my life is not completely God-filled. Day by day I still need to, with God's help, resist temptation. It is a struggle, but I am determined to return to God with all of my heart, not a single part of it looking for sin.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Scooter Mayhem

Scooter Mayhem

By Ryan Davis, Class of 2013

                    Manassas, Virginia                   

        

       Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. Psalms 19:12-13

            On a sunny summer day in Taiwain, where my family lived as missionaries, I asked my father if I could go on a scooter ride with some friends. He agreed to let me go if he and my brother could also come along. My parents and I had a bad feeling about this trip, but we just pushed our feelings aside and decided that we needed some fresh air.  So, with my brother on the back of my scooter, we set off to have a good time. Once we got on the road we stopped to get some gas. As we were pulling out of the gas station my dad turned to me and said, "Be careful, keep your distance, and be aware of your surroundings." Now I, being the confident teen that I am, just rolled my eyes and told him that I already knew how to drive.

            About a mile down the road I came to an abrupt stop in front of a red light and then CRASH! Suddenly, I was skidding on the ground. I remember picking myself up off the ground, then seeing the mangled motorbike and a crowd of on-lookers checking on us.

            What had happened was that my friend on the scooter behind me didn't keep his distance and ended up running into me at about 30-40 kilometers per hour. Once he crashed into me, my brother flew over my head, pushing me into the scooter. Then I fell on the pavement half sliding/half rolling in and out of the path of an oncoming car.  I was stunned at how deadly the accident could have been. Only by God's grace did my brother and I come out of that crash with only a few scratches and bruises.

            Our text says that we sin without knowing it. Pretty pathetic isn't it? We have grown so accustom to sinning that we don't even think about what we’re doing! To stop, we need to give our hearts to God and trust that he will help us through it. We need to have a willing heart to stop sinning. When my dad told me to be careful, I ignored his warnings. I wasn't willing to accept the fact that I could mess up. I didn't think that I was going to crash. It's the same with sin. We don't think that we will sin. But we do. We need to have a willing heart to accept our faults and ask God to help us through it. I hope that you will have a willing heart to accept that you can mess up and believe that God will help you get through it in the future. Through God, all things are possible.

Showing God's Character

Showing God’s Character

By Luke Vaughan, Class of 2014

Candler, North Carolina

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. Matthew 5:16

            During the last two summers, I have had the privilege of working with the Mount Pisgah Academy Recruiting Team. I knew this was the job I wanted because I love my school and wanted others to know about it. I want to share God’s love with everyone. And I was able to share a lot with the people around me. What I didn’t expect is how much they would share with me.

            In the summer we spend most of our time helping out with Vacation Bible Schools (VBS). I had never worked with little kids before, so I did not know what to expect. But by the end of the first summer, I learned that I really enjoy working with them. After all, I was little not too long ago.

            The first week, we went to Kernersville, North Carolina. When we arrived, the church members greeted us warmly. They made us a delicious meal and were very friendly to all of us. It felt great to be treated with such kindness. I could tell they all had Jesus in their hearts. Right away, I loved Kernersville.

            I was assigned to be the leader of a group of very energetic kids. I wondered if I would be up to the task. I struggled for a bit, but after a while my inner child really came out and I had a blast with them! They were all hilarious! I saw Jesus through them just as I did with everyone else.

            At the end of the week, I looked back on it and realized how much fun it had been. I felt something warm and calming inside me. I knew this was Jesus working in my life. I grew a lot closer to God after this experience – all because of the church’s kindness to me! Their love for the Lord had spread to me.

            Jesus is amazing. When He comes in and possesses someone’s heart, He not only changes that person, but He changes the people surrounding them. I pray every day that Jesus will come into my heart. I want to shine out His light to others, just like those awesome church members showed His light to me!

             

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Don’t Sweat

the Small Stuff

By Kayla Pelle, Class of 2014

York, South Carolina

Let the King be enthralled by your beauty; honor Him, for He is your Lord. Psalm 45:11

            I find myself constantly worrying about a lot of different things that might have happened during the day, or about something that is to come. I find myself doing this more and more when I’m not willing to just let the burdens go. I will never understand why I hold on to such worthless things. No problem in the world is too big for God, and I know that He can heal me and break every chain. Doesn’t it seem so crazy that we are always forgetting that? Forgetting the only thing that can heal us from the inside out, and that’s His unending love for us--His uncomprehending and perfect love.

            I’ve always been a people pleaser. I have a bad case of OPA, which stands for “other people’s assessments.” I’m always worried about what everyone else thinks of me. If one person is not happy with me it can completely change how I am feeling that day. THAT is PITIFUL! I started to realize that I’m never going to make everyone happy with me, so trying to please everyone will not bring me peace or joy. It will only make me worry more, and cause me to be upset with myself. Shouldn’t God be the only one we should be worried about pleasing? Was I really trying to help other people, or was it just for the satisfaction and security of myself? I know that it was only for me.

            But I’ve eventually learned that I don’t need to please other people. Not everyone has to be happy with me, because I’m not perfect. When I focus on what God thinks of me and find my confidence and strength in Christ, then I won’t feel the need to please others. I will stop worrying about other people’s assessments of me. I will then begin to only think about the promise God gave me, which is if I’m relying on Him, and putting my trust in Him, everything will fall in to place. I don’t need to worry about other people’s opinions of me because the only important thing to me is to be happy with myself, the girl that God has created me to be.

            His word tells me that I am ENTHRALLING, and that the King is enthralled by my beauty. How reassuring to know that the Maker and Creator of the universe says that I’m wonderful! He knows me and every mistake I’ve made, and will make, and He STILL wants me. When I remind myself of this I know that I want to honor Him, and put my full trust and faith in Him because He is my Lord.         

Accident on Sugar Mountain

Accident on Sugar Mountain

By Ben Pelto, Class of 2013

Candler, North Carolina

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

            Skiing used to be one of my favorite sports, and I enjoyed doing it. I am sure that if I could still ski, I would love it. I cannot though. The reason for this goes back to the school winterfest day during my freshman year.

            There I was, riding on the ski lift on my way up to the Upper Flying Mile with two of my friends. It had been at least seven years since I had last gone skiing, so I was a little rusty. We had been skiing all morning on the easier runs, and my friends decided they wanted to go try something more challenging. Since it had been so long since I had last skied, I probably should have said no. But I am a teenage guy, and did not want to make it look like I was chickening out. So I went anyway.

            When we got up to the run, we decided one of my friends would go first, and then I would go, with our other friend behind me. So we went. It could not have been ten seconds from the time that we started, that my friend skied into a huge ice patch. He made it through it and tried to yell over his shoulder to warn me, but it was too late. I hit the ice at full speed. I felt my skis slip out from under me, and I started to roll. I felt my right ski come off, but not my left. I felt it stick into the ground, and twist my knee. I felt something in my knee pop.

            I finally rolled to a stopped and sat clutching my knee. I looked around and saw, not twenty feet away, a medic. He came over to me and asked if I was going to be able to ski down the mountain. I said no, so he called in a sled, and I got a nice ride down to the first aid facility.

            I found out that I had torn my Anterior Cruciate Ligament, ACL for short. I had to have surgery, and go through about four months of physical therapy. Since then, it tore again, and I have to have another surgery at some point in the future.

            I do not know why I have gone through this, but I know God has a reason. God always has a reason for everything He does or allows to happen. We do not always know what it is at the time, but we need to trust Him.  He slowed me down...and now I’m listening for His next instructions.

The People You Don't Want to See

The People You Don't

Want to See

By Austin von Henner, Class of 2013

Candler, North Carolina

You will always have the poor among you,

but you will not always have Me. John 12:8

            Hobos, oh how I wish to never be around them. Little did I ever imagine that I would go to the hub central of homeless people at large!

            A few years ago Mount Pisgah Academy decided that all students needed to be involved in a mission trip.  We were presented with many options of various distances and costs.  I didn’t choose to go to Mexico.  I certainly didn't want to go on the African choice because homeless Americans live like kings compared to them. So naturally, I chose to go to Portland, Oregon, where we would learn about and help the homeless.

            I didn't have a whole lot of my friends going on this journey. In fact, I was very bored the whole trip. I also didn't get any sleep, because I was next to one of the most "interesting" seniors who talked nonstop across the country.  As a result, I was miserable and didn’t arrive with the best attitude. 

            We eventually made it to the house where we would be staying for the duration of the trip. The house was very old, and the bathrooms were unspeakably horrific. Someone even clogged the toilet upstairs and it flooded all the way downstairs. So the house didn't exactly smell like a patch of wild flowers.

            We woke up early and had a pretty good breakfast. However, it didn't change my opinion of the trip unfortunately. In fact, as part of the “homeless experience” we had to go around everywhere with a trash bag after sleeping in another old building with no beds to feel "one" with the "homeless." We were given only one dollar to use for our lunch.

            After a day of “being homeless” we helped the homeless. The first time I went out of my way to give money to a homeless person I was very disappointed, because the man took the money and didn't even say thank you. As a result, I really didn't want to be in Portland any longer.

            On our final day there, as we met under a big bridge, I was put on hot chocolate duty for the meal. During that time, I was thanked multiple times and had genuine conversations that will never leave me. It made the whole trip change over a matter of hours for me. I'm sure it also did for the rest of the people, as well.

            God can make anything good if we will let Him work through us.  I’m so glad He is patient with us.  Go ahead and count your blessings.  I’m sure you will see where He has helped you be a better person.

God is With You

God is With You

By Dennis Culpepper III, Class of 2014

Raleigh, North Carolina

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

            God has been with me and protected me through many trials. He was there when I was scared, lonely, and even lost.

            When I was twelve years old, I went to Pilot Mountain with my Pathfinder group. We were going on our traditional backpacking trip. My friend Joel and I were getting irritated with the girls having to stop every fifteen minutes, so we thought that we could just keep going and not stop. As twelve year olds, we, of course, were experts -- and were very stubborn. 

            Our leaders had told us to stay on the white trail.  We could clearly see the white dots sprayed onto the trees so hikers could identify the trail and we confidently got ahead of the group.

            We eventually realized that we had gotten too far ahead of the group.  We couldn’t hear or see anyone else.  We didn’t even see any white dots on the trees.  We had apparently missed a fork in the trail and now were completely lost.

            Instantly, we knew we needed to pray, so we knelt and asked God for help.  We prayed that God would bring us comfort and for someone to find us.

            After the prayer, we had the feeling that we needed to turn around and re-trace our steps. Within twenty yards of back-tracking on the path, we saw one of our leaders looking for us. I was so happy! God truly answers prayers!

            If you are ever feeling under pressure, or nervous, or scared, remember God is with you. Turn to God and pray.  Have faith that He will comfort you and give you courage!

He Works in Mysterious Ways

He Works in

Mysterious Ways

By Julio Mateo, Class of 2014

Charlotte, North Carolina

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “they are plans for good not evil, to give you a future and hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

            On September 31, 2012, I found myself sitting in my deans’ office with my roommate right beside me. Our dean began to question us about what he found in our room and why it was in there.  We told him the whole truth about what we were doing and why he found what he did in our room. After questioning us he phoned the principal and told him what had happened with me and my roommate. Before long, the principal was in the office with us telling me and my roommate to pack our stuff and phone our parents to come get us. I called my dad and informed him of the unpleasant news.

            With my bags packed, and me sitting in my dad’s truck, it finally hit me: I had just been kicked out of academy. The feeling of finality hit me.  At that moment I wish I could have gone back in time and redone those events. I could barely sleep that night thinking of the mistake I had made.

            So my parents and I applied to Mount Pisgah Academy.  Under strict conditions, they let me in. 

            I can now say that my coming to MPA has been a huge blessing for me and I love it here. I feel more of a family environment than I have ever felt in any other school. The staff here are so friendly and have accepted me like any other student (without a cloud over my head). I truly feel like God has blessed me in giving me the opportunity to come to MPA and let me grow more spiritually in Him. God has blessed and saved me.

            I can’t say that I’m glad I made the mistake at the other school -- I regret that.  But I can honestly say that God has worked things out for the best.  I needed to be here at Mount Pisgah Academy.  This is home.

            Sometimes life seems hard and when it does, you just have to keep reminding yourself that God has a bigger plan for you and sometimes “bad” things will just lead to better ones.

The Silent Dog

The Silent Dog

By Joshua Gonzalez, Class of 2014

Charlotte, North Carolina

Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God. John 8:47

            Once there was a man who owned a dog. He and the dog were the absolute best of friends. Every day the man came home from work, the dog would greet him with loud, enthusiastic barks and would proceed to pounce on his owner. The man loved his dog dearly and always spent his time at work in a reverie, daydreaming about the moment he’d be able to go home and kick back with his canine friend.

            One day came, though, when the man’s job required him to leave on a business trip. The man, thinking of his dog, asked a friend to take care of his pet until he returned. The man was reluctant to leave his dog behind but he reconciled himself in knowing that his pooch was in good hands.

The days passed slowly for the man as he yearned to return to his dog. He could hardly contain himself at the thought of his hound saluting him with his happy barks and growls.

            Then his trip was over and the man could finally go to his friend’s house to pick up his dog. He knocked on the door and his friend opened the door. When the man’s dog came to welcome him, the man noticed something was wrong. His pet was silent. He had not received the usual noisy barks that were the norm. He asked his friend why his dog was so quiet and the friend replied,” You can thank me later for training your dog. He was so loud the neighbors complained, so I decided to whack him with a newspaper every time he barked. Needless to say, he’s pretty quiet now.”

            This is what many of us do to God. We get annoyed by His “barking” and tell Him to be quiet and go away. When He tries to show His love to us, we ignore Him although He only has our best interest at heart.

            In short, do not shun His loving voice, because, eventually, you may no longer hear it. Remember to keep your ears open for God and keep this little verse on your mind to remember this lesson.

Here I Am Again

Here I Am Again

By Shyenne Butler, Class of 2013

Atlanta, Georgia

It is better to dwell in the wilderness,

than with a contentious and an angry woman. Proverbs 21: 19

Here I am

Back where I began

It all started, from one little sin

So here I am… again 

I don’t know what happened

I had the victory earlier, but Satan tested me and I fell

Now I sit here, feeling all locked up, as if I’m in a jail cell

I hurt the people I love, while trying to seek revenge

Now I feel like a door, with no hinge

At first when it all happened, there was that demon’s voice

It told me that if I sat there and let someone walk all over my pride, I would be making an unwise choice

My heart was thumping, bumping, and pumping, while pounding hard against my chest

I then released all of the words that cut like knives, and made sure I did my best

At that moment I failed my test

Another scene

Now I’m on my knees trying to undo what I did

God lovingly let me know once you’ve said something; you can’t replace it with a lid

Well now I know, I am sure

I learned something the hard way, I should’ve learned before

Yeah, the other person could have helped some

This isn’t about their faults though, it’s about mine

With that being said, I need to stop trying to paint my own pictures,

And let God do the whole design

God's Sermon

God’s Sermon

By Hayley Mathews, Class of 2014

Asheville, North Carolina

I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

            I was going through the lunch line when Lura McCraw came up to me and asked, “Can you preach for Junior Sabbath?” Usually I would’ve hesitated and politely declined, but for some reason I agreed. I had never spoken in front of a large crowd and had never even been to one of my class Sabbath services! I asked Lura why she had chosen me and she replied, “I feel like you would make a good sermon.” She must’ve had a lot of faith in me, which made things scarier.

            I began forming my sermon. I got some advice from Pastor Brackett which helped me tremendously. My sermon was about worldly influences, focusing on music. I even had a personal testimony. With all the researching I did, my eyes were opened more and more. It was definitely a difficult process. Some nights I was sick with nervousness and others I was filled with excitement. Junior Sabbath came just a few days later. I couldn’t stop shaking from excitement! While sitting up on the platform, waiting for my turn, the only thing that was going through my mind was the Bible verse Philippians 4:13.

            I finally gave my sermon and felt like everything had gone perfectly. I didn’t mess up and people seemed to listen and like it. It was one of the best days of my school year.

            Through that experience I learned that God really does help us communicate His will.  It could be something small or something big, to Him it doesn’t matter what the challenge is. I feel like God used that experience to not only open my eyes but to also grow closer to Him. Sometimes it’s good to step out of our comfort zone. If I never had done that I never would have known how much I enjoy public speaking. I know that God pushed me out of my comfort zone because I know I never would have volunteered for that on my own.

            God is so good!

Mistake Forgiven

Mistake Forgiven

By Josue Mercado, Class of 2014

Hickory, Lincolnton

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you

wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

            Mistakes are easy to make and hard to forget. Following our desires is not always a good thing, and can get us in trouble.

            This happened to me.  One piece of me told the other half of me to do a wrong thing.  I tried so hard to stop but I let myself do it anyway.  On a mall trip I took something that didn’t belong to me. Getting in trouble that day was not fun.  I had to face the authorities, who could have sent me to jail, and I was humiliated.

            I prayed so hard to God for forgiveness and love because I felt so alone. After a prayer I did feel more calm and relaxed.  I knew that God fixed my remorseful heart and replaced it with a new one.   But I was still afraid of facing my parents.  I know they love me but I was ashamed.

            At school I was told to pack my bags for a suspension.  That was hard...I hoped I could re-gain everyone’s trust.  I was sent home the next day and had to face my parents.  It was really hard and scary because I didn’t know what they were going to say.  When I got home and opened the door where my mom was sitting, I teared up and fell to my knees and asked her for forgiveness.  She said, “I have already forgiven you.  No matter what, I will always love you and forgive you because you’re my boy.” Hearing those words made me so happy.  I’ve never felt so loved before.

            After my suspension I needed to go back to school, but I wasn’t ready to go back. I was torn.  I love my school, but I didn’t know how I could face everyone.  Would they look at me differently?  Would they talk about me? Would my friends stick with me?  But my mom encouraged me to return and told me that my true friends would stick with me.

            Returning to MPA was a blessing -- it is a second home for me with family that I love.  I was able to even preach a Share Him campaign in Spanish on our Nicaragua mission trip.  I feel so very blessed.

            I have made a heart-change this year.  I want God to lead in everything I do.  Just like my parents, He loves me no matter what I do.  But I want to do right to please Him, because He first loved me.  Praise the Lord for forgiveness.

Above the Devil's Influence

Above the Devil’s

Influence 

By Daniel J. Varela, Class of 2016

Linden, North Carolina

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like

a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

           

            "Mom, look what I brought home from the library!" I said, thrilled.

            "Twilight, really DJ? What have I told you about reading those types of books? You're opening a door for the Devil," she said.

            "No I'm not! I'm just reading interesting books, and besides what could go wrong?"

            "Do whatever you think is right DJ. But your Dad and I have taught you better."

            "I know, but I just wanted to read the book everyone's been talking about." I said as I swiftly walked to my room. I went straight to my wooden, bunk-bed, to get some sleep for the next school day. As I was slowly but steadily drifting sleep, I felt negative energy in the room, and it was making me feel really uncomfortable and vulnerable. I knew it was watching me sleep. But I didn't think much of it until I had a dream that made me aware of what I had brought in the room.

            In my dream I woke up needing to use the bathroom. As I walked to the bathroom, I felt a very demonic presence. I abruptly turned to go to the living room where I felt secure and safe. Then all of a sudden something pulled me with a grip of steel to the bathroom. I immediately knew it was demons trying to forcefully bring me to the bathroom. So with all my might, I tried to get away by attacking them. As I was franticly looking for help I saw my mother and sister seated on the rocky fireplace, staring at me with a blank, unemotional look on their faces, with the Holy Bible on their laps.

            "Mom why aren't you helping me!?" I asked desperately

            "It's the book, DJ. The book, the book, the book,"said my Mom.

            I woke up in a cold sweat, and prayed vigorously about what had just happened. The next day I returned the book. I then realized that the things that we read, watch, and listen to, can make us vulnerable. To this day I've been careful about the things I watch, read, and listen to and God is blessing me with sweet sleep.

Gifts of God

Gifts of God

By Sarah Preciado, Class of 2014

West Union, South Carolina

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another,

as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10

            I began playing the piano when I was six years old, and from the very beginning I hated playing in front of people. When I was younger, I would run and hide when told to play for visiting relatives, and sulk for days if my mom told me she had signed me up to play for church the next Sabbath.  As I grew older and continued to progress through my lesson books, playing the piano became one of my very favorite things to do, but I still wouldn’t perform, at least not without some very good threatening.

            When my mom signed me up for piano auditions at MPA’s academy days my eighth grade year, I really didn’t understand what exactly I was trying out for. I found out soon enough when I was told afterwards that I’d been hired to be the choir pianist the following school year. The idea sounded fine to me… until it came time for it to become a reality. That first Monday of choir practice I finally realized what I had signed up for. My worst nightmare had become my occupation. Finally, however, I was forced to get out of my comfort zone and use my talent for something other than my own entertainment, and after a while, I found that it wasn’t bad at all!

            When I look back now, I wish that I had let go of my inhibitions much sooner. I wasted precious years that I could have spent using my talent for God and other people. I thought to myself that there were others who could do a much better job at playing than I could, so what was the point? I would probably just make a fool of myself anyway. That is a terrible way to think! When God gives us a talent – whether it be for music, teaching, helping those in need, or even something unexpected, like baking or gardening – His purpose is not that we alone should be benefited and blessed by our gift, but rather that everyone around us should be as well. Every gift has a purpose, and, though it may be easier for some than for others, we are all called to use those gifts for the glory of God.