Little Lower than Angels

Little Lower Than Angels

By David Feist, Class of 2014

Kernersville, North Carolina

For Thou hast made man a little lower than the angels, and hast

crowned him with glory and honour. Psalm 8:5

            Have you ever felt really down on yourself? Felt depressed, tired, and worthless? Think that there is no purpose to life and that you are so insignificant that even God has abandoned you? I felt this way frequently when I was around the age of twelve years old. I felt that I was nothing more than another animal roaming this earth and that I would never contribute anything of worth to this planet, let alone in the eyes of a perfect deity, to whom "even your greatest works are as filthy rags." How could I embrace life feeling so insignificant and filthy? Many dark thoughts began to come to my mind, making me feel even less like a significant human, and more like just another beast that roams on all fours. I kept asking God for answers to questions that are impossible to explain.

            "If you love your children so much, why have we come this far?" I screamed into the air. "Why is it that there is so much pain under your ‘loving’ reign? Why do you allow people to suffer so much? Is there no justice under the sky?"

            This kind of attitude towards God stayed with me for the next few years.  But as I grew older I began to see and understand more.  I see now that not everything is that painful. Not everyone suffers. And though God may often seem silent, He works in very strange ways to find an outcome that suits His plan. The fact that you are on this beautiful earth means that you are a part of His plan -- that you are significant for something or someone. You might never be the new Einstein and you may never make your way into the history books. But, to someone close to you, your life can make all the difference in theirs.

            We are special in God's eyes.  We were created not only a little below angels, but in His own divine image! How then, can we feel as though we are not special and worth something to Him? God has taken so much care in creating us. 

            When I think of the troubles of this world, I think about what my dad used to always tell me, "Son, don't sweat the little stuff, and trust me, its ALL little stuff."

Barrels Are Evil

Barrels Are Evil

By Jared Cove, Class of 2014

Ottowa, Ontario (Canada)

They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord,

cut them off. Psalm 118:11

            Those who know me can be sure of one thing: I love video games.  There is one thing I can always count on in my favorite game: barrels.  In fact, no matter what game it is, there will almost always be barrels. They come in different shapes and sizes, some industrial, some old-fashioned. Often, they hide items which are pivotal to progressing the game. They do not attack, but even so their position is unquestionably hostile. The way I play, there is not one barrel undestroyed in an area I have cleared.

            Barrels are silent. It is as though they are just waiting to laugh at the character’s struggle. Sometimes, the especially diabolical barrels, hide traps such as bees or darts. The ambitious barrels will even explode and force a “game over.” The average barrel will only hide things from the character, such as coins or keys, or the occasional apple or carrot. Many times I have missed vital keys and other help because I did not destroy all the barrels.

            Barrels in video games are like our troubles. Often they surround us, holding the keys to unlocking life to the fullest, their color making them difficult to see. Just like barrels though, when they are overcome, they can yield tremendous results, their contents expediting your escape from hardships.  Never be afraid to take on the “barrels” or troubles in your life, remember God will always be with you. Even if they bring temporary pain, know that there is a greater reward at the end of the “game” which more than makes up for the hardships endured in the meantime.

Shelter In the Storm

Shelter In The Storm

By Jessica Purple, Class of 2014

Candler, North Carolina

For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling;

He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle

and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5

            When I was about six years old, I lived in Michigan.  During the summer my entire family went to camp meeting on Great Lakes Adventist Academy’s campus. Although my least favorite part was the meetings, playing outside with my friends was my favorite.  One day, I decided to skip the meetings altogether. I knew my mom would be upset, but I wasn't thinking about it. I just wanted to be outside having fun.

            My friend and I stayed out all day and we decided to go back to our rooms when we thought it was getting dark. We saw the sky slowly turn grey and purple and noticed there was no one to be found. We checked the time and it wasn't even close to sundown. We got scared and parted ways.

            I searched but I couldn't find anyone.  The place looked abandoned.  I didn't know what to do.  Then, seemingly out of nowhere, my mom swept me up and took me downstairs. There, I learned that we were having a tornado watch and everyone was taking cover.

            It turned out that the tornado went entirely around the camp ground and never hurt anything or anyone around campus. The feeling of God’s protection surrounded me.

            I am thankful for that experience because I learned that no matter what people are thinking at the moment, God is thinking of us every moment.

Strength to Overcome

Strength to Overcome

By Allie Bermudez, Class of 2014

Advance, North Carolina

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

           

            The sound of an alarm clock brought me from my sleep into a new day. Tired and worn from days past, I felt overwhelmed and doubtful. But I got up and read out of God’s Word. I still didn’t trust completely. Then I got on my knees and prayed, telling God that I needed Him. I asked Him to give me words to speak and to give me strength. An impression came to my mind to open my Bible to a place that I had marked with a sticky note. So I opened it to the page marked. As I was scanning through the page, I came upon Philippians 4:13. I sat in awe just reading those assuring words.

            Every day, trials come for me to endure. I can become so frustrated by something to the point where tears fall. The enemy throws every temptation he can to discourage any connection with God. There is a struggle every moment for my salvation. If I am not focused on God, on the path to Him, I can easily fall down the steep slopes of sin. But I can’t do anything without being connected to Him. (See John 15:4-5) That is why I take the  time to spend with my Savior every day. I know He has perfect plans for me. All I have to do is trust that He will carry me through anything and everything. I know He has already started a good work in me. (See Philippians 1:6) He has changed me to be His girl. He is molding and making something new of me, especially when I pray. He has and is giving me opportunities to show His amazing love. He is expanding my knowledge and understanding to share, for His kingdom to come.

            I am willing to put Him first day by day, because He put me first. I accept His promises to be true because I have seen them fulfilled in my life. I am confident to obey and honor the One who took my place. I realize that anything I accomplish is done through my Maker. He is the strength in whom I depend. Whatever challenge it may be, I will overcome all through Christ who overcame.

Path to Heaven

Path to Heaven

By Lisa Cho, Class of 2014

Seoul, South Korea

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to

prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

            As a child, I grew up believing in Buddhism because my whole family was Buddhist. I had to go to a Buddhist temple every weekend with my grandparents. Every time I asked my grandmother about God, she always told me that God is not true and the bible is just a perfect story that one smart guy made up. So every time I would see people who go to church, I thought they were crazy and just wasting their time.  Also, I wouldn’t hang around with people who read a bible or talked about God in front of me.

            When I was in middle school, my friends told me to go to church on Sunday with them, convincing me by telling me that there were a lot of cute guys in that church. Since I never saw any cute guys in the Buddhist temple, I went to Sunday church for the first time. I didn’t know anything about God and had no clue what a Christian church looked like. At first, it seemed weird and boring, but after several months of attending and getting to know more about God, I started to wonder if God really did exist. My cousin told me that I was crazy going to church every weekend, but I felt something was really leading me to go to church.

            After several years, I heard about Mount Pisgah Academy and made a hard decision to leave South Korea and move all the way to North Carolina to attend there. When I first came to Pisgah, I was shocked and surprised. I have never seen a school like this! Everyone was a true Christian believer and prayed to God everywhere they went. The one thing I was most shocked about was that there were a lot of differences between the Sunday churches and Seventh-day Adventist church. I have been studying at Pisgah about two years and I have learned a lot about God. I have also learned about kindness, friendship, and peacefulness. Mount Pisgah has done a lot for me and has given me a new life. Whenever I think back about how I became a Christian after being a non-Christian, I feel God helped me find the right path to heaven.

Through it All

Through it All

By Kali Huskey, Class of 2014

Belton, South Carolina

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful.  He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out

so you can endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

           

            I was just like any normal ten year old.  I loved to play outside with the neighborhood kids and I loved jumping on the trampoline.  I loved being a kid. But I was going through something a ten year old should never have to go through; knowing I was going to lose my mom to cancer.

            I was extremely close to my mom. When I found out that she had cancer it hit me pretty hard because I knew that she was probably not going to make it. I never thought I would ever lose someone so close to me. She passed away May 23, 2007. That was a rough part of my life. But I was thankful because I still had my dad in my life.  I had been closer to my mom than my dad but after she passed away, he stepped in and played “Mr.Mom.”

            Unfortunately, he started having horrible headaches. Because the headaches persisted, he went to see a doctor. The doctor informed him that he had several brain tumors. He went to the hospital, and started radiation. The doctors didn’t expect him to leave the hospital. He didn’t let the cancer get the best of him, though; he fought that battle every day. He had his good days and his bad days, but he put a smile on for me.  He hated me seeing him hurt.

            He went into remission for a little while, but then the cancer came back, only this time worse. It had spread even more. I lost my dad on May 2, 2010.

            I realized that this wasn’t something I could just undo, but that this was something I had to work through. I’m so thankful that I have a sister and a brother-in-law that adopted me. They have taken me in as one of their own and have raised me to be the young woman I am today. And through all of this, I knew that God was on my side. He took care of me and helped me through every struggle. In every tragedy I’ve faced, I was not alone, knowing that God has helped me through it all.

His Yoke is Easy and His Burden is Light

His Yoke is Easy and

His Burden is Light

By Andrea Sequera, Class of 2014

Columbia, South Carolina

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.       Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For

My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

            When the first semester of my junior year came around, I was not prepared for how hard it was going to be. My sophomore year had been great, and even though I knew that junior year was going to be tough, I was not ready. Between my classes, extracurricular activities, and being an RA (resident assistant to the dean), stress started to pile on. I would put myself down when I did not reach my own expectations. To top it off, my spiritual life was not doing so great.  A friend then introduced me to a devotional called Jesus Calling. It was amazing! This devotional is really cool because it is written in first person, as if Jesus were talking to me.  Bible verses are included at the end of each devotional. This book helped me to see Jesus in a more intimate way. From then on I started to learn to give my troubles more fully to Jesus and to depend on the promises of His word. I felt peace in my heart knowing that I was not alone. Jesus knew the stress that I felt and He wanted to take my burden and give me His, because His burden is light.

            Jesus desperately wants to tell us how much He cares about the burdens in our lives through His promises. His promises give hope, relief, encouragement, and love. He knows what weighs us down better than anyone else. He is more than willing to help us. In fact, that is exactly why we have stressful times. He knew that one day, we would read those promises and take comfort in them. So, do not hesitate any longer; claim His promises!

My Own Little Angel

My Own Little Angel

By Viviana Hernandez, Class of 2014

Burlington, North Carolina

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the

mountains be carried into the midst of the sea… Psalms 46:1, 2

            My youngest sister, Tracy Tonya, is diagnosed with Rett syndrome and autism. She was diagnosed at eight months old. She started showing signs of autism when she was two years old and Rett syndrome when she was six. Rett Syndrome isn’t as well-known as autism. It is caused by genes mixing up, and it’s more prominent in females. As a result, her mind is set at age one and under. She can't talk, eat, communicate, or do anything on her own. Tracy is afraid of loud noises and gets anxious or nervous easily. She also has seizures once in a while. However, as my sister grows, the doctors said fewer seizures will occur. One day though, she even had thirty seizures. We have her on medication and take very good care of her. At eight or nine years of age, we also found out she had diabetes. So, we have to keep an eye on her at all times.

            My family and I have been through a tough time. We've suffered just as much as Tracy has. At first, my father didn't want to accept what the doctors said. We, especially my parents, felt like we had been let down. I would always try my best to help my parents out with whatever they needed, but day-to-day living was always overwhelming. Everyone and everything was pushed away, including God. For me, it was like God never existed, I felt like it was His entire fault. I just didn't care anymore. Finally, one day we just had to accept the fact that she was going to be like that forever. To say “forever” hurts, because I've always prayed, wished, and hoped that a miracle would happen. If she were to say at least one word, I would feel so happy and content. But I'm not going to lose hope!

            At the beginning of my sophomore year, I was invited to go to Mount Pisgah Academy. My outlook on our lives has really changed. I realized that not only does God exist, but that my baby sister is loved by Him too.  When Jesus returns, He will make her whole -- and we will be able to talk and laugh together.  Until then, she will be my little angel sister.  And God will be by our sides throughout our trials.  And now I can truly say, I'm blessed to have her as my sister.

God's Blessing

God’s Blessing

By Tiara James, Class of 2014

Greenville, North Carolina

Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10

            I had just finished up my freshmen year at Mount Pisgah Academy. I was so excited to be heading home for the summer. I was thrilled to be able to see all of my family, especially my grandma. My grandma and I have a great friendship. She is my best friend and has always been there for me when I need her advice. My grandma knows all the right things to say when I need her help.

            At home, around July, my grandma announced that she had cancer. At that time, I refused to believe it.  Not her! When I came to terms that she indeed had cancer, all I could think was, “Why?” I felt so hurt that she could be diagnosed with cancer. Soon it came down to that time to head back to school. Now I really didn’t want to return.  I wanted to stay close to her.  But everyone convinced me to go back to MPA, so I did.

            I was so excited to see my friends, but at the same time I missed my grandma and wanted to be with her. I struggled with my grades and started pushing my friends away. But they still stuck by my side and helped me through those hard times. Every time my grandmother would go in to surgery, they would always be by my side praying along with me. I am dearly grateful for them.

            As the school year was coming to an end, my grandmother was doing better. On a Wednesday night, I got a phone call from my mother saying that my grandmother had earlier gone in for a doctor’s appointment and that she was cancer free! I got down on my knees and thanked the Lord for all that He had done for my grandma.

            I am thankful for all the friends that I have made here. I am thankful for their support and encouragement. I am thankful that I can count on God for everything. I am so blessed to go to a school where I know God is here. And I am especially thankful for the blessing that God bestowed upon my grandma.

God Blesses

God Blesses

By Bo Shelton, Class of 2013

Sanford, North Carolina

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,

You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? Psalm 71:19

            Staring out of the foggy window of the airplane, I pondered briefly to myself what Africa would look like. From its arid deserts to the many green, vivacious rain forests, I knew it had to be something out of the ordinary. This was going to be the opportunity of a lifetime!

            During the Spring of 2010, I, along with many others from Mount Pisgah Academy, went to Kenya on a mission trip to Africa for two weeks. When we arrived at the airport in Nairobi, my interest in the trip took off like a rocket. As we embarked on a six hour journey across the exotic landscape to the camp, I pressed my nose up against the window taking in everything that I had once seen in a picture come to life.

            Once we got to our site, the activities included helping build a doctor's house and working with the children at the local schoolhouse. I was chosen to assist working on the doctor’s house and mixed concrete for the foundation. Aside from concrete being my best friend, I met a local boy named Raphael who I worked along with, and we became friends instantly. Going to town to pick up concrete, he'd tell me of the native culture and how he was a Seventh-day Adventist like most locals in the area. He would also tell me of the dangers of disease and wild animals that harmed locals. I quickly found out how different the people of Kenya lived compared to people in the United States. Children of all ages had to walk miles with the danger of a merciless terrain to receive an education and go to church. Food was limited and some would go hungry. Medical assistance and supplies were scarce to those who were weak and ill. Despite all the negative things taking place, the locals were happy unlike most people in America who are surrounded with endless luxuries we often take for granted.

            At that point, I realized the real reason why I had gone to Kenya. This grand experience has taught me how much I am blessed and has given  me an opportunity to express Jesus' love for humanity by creating somebody a home just as Jesus has in my heart. I have found life's greatest joy -- giving to others just as Jesus gave of Himself so that we too may live with the King of Kings.

The Survivor

The Survivor

By Andrew Milliner, Class of 2014

Tampa, Florida 

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

            Back about two years ago, my sister Emily decided to go as a student missionary to an island in the South Pacific. She spent ten months on the island of Ebeye teaching 3rd grade. Ebeye was about a mile long and only a few hundred yards wide. There were about 15,000 people living there.  Crazy, right!?

            One day when she was walking to school she saw a kitten lying on the side of the road; she thought it was dead. Later that day, on her way home from school she saw some kids kicking that same kitten. One thing you should know is that the people on Ebeye don't respect animals like we do in America. To her surprise, the kitten was still alive. She wasn't angry at the kids, but she was just upset that anyone would treat a poor kitten that way. She could not stand that kind of behavior towards animals so she picked up the kitten and took it home. By the time she rescued the kitten the kids had kicked sand in its eyes, and caused it to be blind. She took the kitten home and nursed him back to health.

            After her 10 month missionary trip was over, she brought the little kitty home to Florida. The kitty made a long journey from Ebeye to Hawaii, then to New York, and finally home to Florida.  It arrived home a few days after Emily did.

            While at home he learned how to do normal cat things, like use a litter box and not bite people.   Later he was neutered and actually had his eyes removed. (His eyes were constantly getting infected so the vet suggested they be removed. During the surgery, his eye balls and the muscles around his eyes were removed. Now he just looks like he is sleeping all the time.) Despite his lack of vision he can find his way around surprisingly well. He is now a loved member of our family (even though my dad is allergic.)

            My sister Emily was just trying to do something nice for a poor little kitten, but I know that God saw what she did, and it was like she rescued and nursed God Himself back to health. Doing something great for someone else does not have to be a huge deal. All God asks of us is that we reach out and see to the needs of the people and creatures around us. No matter how small the deed, God knows what you have done for Him. So next time you see someone in need don’t hesitate to lend a hand, because whatever you do for one of the least of these, you do for God.

My Experience in God

My Experience in God

By Ryan Cho, 

Class of 2014

Seoul,Korea 

And they say, “How doth God know?

And is there knowledge in the most High?” Psalm 73:11

            When I was five years old, my family was walking along the lake’s edge at a local park.  I liked watching the ducks swim, and went close to the edge of the lake so that I could give them some snacks.

            Unfortunately, I lost my balance and fell into the lake. I did not know how to swim at all and thought that I would surely die. Underwater, I saw a bluish and bright sphere squirming in the lake. It looked so beautiful and I tried to kick and follow it.  Just as I would reach it, it would move beyond me.  Eventually, I burst out of the water. I saw my family crying on the shore.

            My parents say that I fainted as soon as I came out of the lake and I was taken to the hospital right away. Doctors said that it was a miracle that I survived since I was underwater for a few minutes. I believe that God   saved me and gave me a chance to live on and honor Him.

            I know that not every story has a happy ending though.  Recently, my uncle passed away and my grandfather had a stroke. I went to the funeral during the winter break and cried sorrowfully. The fact that my uncle did not believe in God gave me worries about him. I wish that he would be raised when the Lord comes again. Also, I wish that my grandfather would fully recover from the stroke that he has had. I do not want another person to leave me behind. I have loved my family and siblings with all my heart and I have experienced the first near-person death in my life. It was horrible and sad.

            When bad things happen, it is easy to question God.  Even the Psalmist did.  Psalm 73:11 says “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?” The answer is, yes He does!  But often His knowledge is beyond our comprehension.  Even when I didn’t know Him (when I was a child), He knew me and came to save me to show a miracle to the people around me.  And I know He is by my grandfather’s bedside.

            I am so glad that I learned about God when I came to the United States. This knowledge has given me a profound feeling that this Lord is the Savior. Whether in good times or in bad, I will always honor God, my Lord.

His Name, Mighty to Save

His Name, Mighty to Save

By Andrew Johnson, Class of 2013

Johnson City, Tennessee

Be my strong habitation, to which I may continually resort: You have given  the commandment to save me; for You are my rock and my fortress. 

Psalm 71:3

            I was in 5th or 6th grade in a private Christian school when something strange happened to me. The teacher had asked me to read a passage from the Bible to complete an assignment. The passage was from the book of Psalms. I wanted to follow directions immediately because I enjoyed reading the Bible more than anything else, but today I could not. I typically would read the Bible because God impressed me to do so every day.  But today I just didn’t feel like it.

            I did not understand why I had bad feelings, it was confusing why I could not follow directions; school was usually wonderful. The teacher continued asking me to read the Bible, several times, but something kept me from touching the Word; I know now that it was the devil. The teacher did not understand why I was having a bad day. She could see the frustration in my face, assuming the most likely reason, he must be tired.  But when she asked me about it, I just couldn’t explain my feelings.

            The teacher said she would give me some time to read on my own at my desk, but instead I went to the farthest window in the classroom.  I needed a change of scenery. As I peered through the glass I wished the emotional pain would go away. I wanted to be unnoticed, and go far from the other students to pray without fear. While standing in front of the window, I searched for the words to pray, but what words would be pleasing to the Lord, I asked myself; I was speechless. Realizing that I could just share my heart with the Lord, I started to cry, and I knew His name was mighty to save. So, I whispered, "Jesus."  That’s when I realized that His name is the most beautiful word -- no other words were needed right then.

            An unprecedented feeling of peace took away the pain. I had never before experienced such peace...God's power (which can destroy the devil’s influence over me).  I thanked God while containing the excitement of my joyous heart, because I didn’t want anyone to notice I had been crying. His name is beautiful, His name is mighty to save. Cry to Him in your time of need.

Speak Life

Speak Life

By Sarah Stollenmaier, Class of 2014

Candler, North Carolina

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,

but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs,

that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

                Words matter. God made the entire world with just words. He made the sun, the moon, the stars, the land, the ocean, and all the living creatures with just His words! Isn't that amazing?

            Because we were made in God's image, we have the power to create with our words too. We have the power to create life or death. No, not literally speaking, but haven't you ever had something mean said to you that killed you inside? On the other hand, haven't you ever had anything nice said to you that just really encouraged you and made you feel like there was life springing up inside of you? Kind words uplift and encourage and mean words tear down and destroy. Words matter.

            During my freshman year of high-school I went to a school (not MPA) that wasn't very accepting of new-comers. They would always tell me how much they didn't want me there. They made fun of me all the time for things like being a vegetarian or being "too mature." They also told me how much they hated me and just wished that I would go away. They really did kill me inside that year.

            When I left that school I came to Mount Pisgah Academy. Because I had been so hurt the year before though, I was very hyper-sensitive. For every sarcastic, mean word that was said to me I would retaliate. The words that people said made me so angry sometimes that I would even take it out on those who were undeserving of my strong defences. Slowly but surely though, God was working on my heart. I realize that saying mean words to other people, whether it was in retaliation or not, only continues the cycle of hatred. Imagine if I had never said anything mean back to anyone. There would probably be over 1,000 mean words that would never have been spoken. Imagine if all of us could take back every rude, horrible thing we've ever said and change them into words of life. The earth would be such a happy place!

            Well why not start now? If we all want to be like Christ, which I believe we do, we need to make a conscious effort to speak words of life. It's not going to be easy. But God will help us and we’ll all be happier because of it.

The Woman Who Loved to Sing

The Woman

Who Loved to Sing

By Peter Siviglia, Class of 2014

Harrisburg, North Carolina

The Lord is my strength and song; and He has become my salvation;

He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and

I will exalt Him. Exodus 15:2

            Last year, I got the chance to tour with the Mount Pisgah Academy drama team. Our destination: Charlotte, North Carolina, a twenty minute drive from my home! I was so excited to tour so close to home! We performed at ACA (Adventist Christian Academy) and had a wonderful time with their students.  That Sabbath we attend the Sharon SDA Church and hosted Sabbath School there. 

            After lunch we were invited to go to a nursing home and sing with the residents and interact with them for an hour or so. Once our group got there, we were partnered up with a resident.

            My partner was a lady named Rose, and from what I could understand (the poor lady didn’t have teeth) her parents were from Zimbabwe and her father was a pastor. I thought to myself "Wow, how cool is that?" But then she started chanting something, and began to stand up. The next thing I know, she's clapping and singing, and everyone is joining in on it! This woman loved to sing, not just any song, but songs about God.

            This experience has shown me that I should not be afraid of what others think of me when I sing praises about God. And Rose, she was a prime example of that, regardless of her age. Every day I wonder, "Why can't I be like that?" Music is a powerful way to a person's heart, and I think we should never miss an opportunity to spread God's amazing love through music!