Lost

Lost

By Jordyn Consignado, Class of 2016

Charlotte, North Carolina

Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.

He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22

            It was the summer of 2006 on the day after my birthday. My dad, my step mom, whom I call Ms. Anita, her three children, my 4-year-old younger brother, Logan, and I went to the Wild Waves Theme Park in Federal Way, Washington, for my 8th birthday.

            At the pirate-themed water park my dad and Ms. Anita were sitting on beach chairs while my siblings and I were splashing each other with the cold water. The water made us cold so we decided to leave and go to the hot tubs adjacent to the huge wave pools.

            It had been 15 minutes or so when my dad noticed that Logan, my brother, was missing. He told us to go look for him and meet back at the hot tubs if we found him. Immediately, I got out of the hot tub, along with my siblings, and searched for my little brother. I became very worried,  thinking of the terrible things that could happened. Eventually, I started to cry. I was crying and wandering around like a lost child. I felt as though I had searched the whole theme park for Logan! I decided to give up and sat on a bench near the park. I began to do something my parents and school had taught me my whole life -- pray. And that's exactly what I did. "Dear Jesus, please help me or someone to find my brother. Help him to be safe. Amen."

            As soon as I finished that prayer, I heard someone crying. I turned my head expecting to see an upset infant, but I was wrong. It was my baby brother in Ms. Anita's arms crying like a baby. I ran up to them, crying, and gave them a huge hug. At that moment, I realized God had answered my prayer.

            I was scared, worried, and anxious. But then I prayed to God and He answered my prayer. I have learned from this experience that when I am lost, I can call on Him to help me. He never lets me down.

I Am Here

I Am Here

By Shayna Garrison, Class of 2013

Fairview, North Carolina

Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls,

it will grind him to powder! Luke 20:18

            We  often think of brokenness as a condition we are left in after the world has had its way with us -- that we come to God broken, asking Him to put us back together. When we allow the world to break us, we come to God with a pile of pieces crumbled by human hands, asking the Master to reform them.  But if we allow God to break us, the pieces are formed by His hands, and He will reconstruct us in a pattern designed from the ground up.

            What does it mean to be truly broken? Why do we need to be broken at all? We are going to fall at some time or another. The question is when we fall, are we going to be on or under the stone? When we fall, do we want the Lord to be able to pick us up again, or will we be completely destroyed? When we fall, are we falling to our knees in reverence and worship, or are we falling from heights reached with our own avarice?

            Everyone will fall one day. Those who fall in humility will be broken on the stone and transformed into a man of honor. Those who erect themselves and reject the life of righteousness, their kingdoms will fall and become dust.

            Brokenness is being on the ground in front of the Lord--even when it starts getting a little uncomfortable. Being broken is having the heart of a sinner, looking toward heaven, and crying out, “I’m here!”  God says in Isaiah 1:18 “…though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (NKJV). Praising God is not about being perfect. He asks us to come to Him as we are, so that He can restore us to all that we are worth. I throw a challenge to all who choose to accept. Give God a chance to repair, restore, and replenish you.

Angel on a Jet Ski

Angel on a Jet Ski

Robin Clifford, Class of 2016

Spartanburg, South Carolina

Surely God is my Salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord,

the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense,

He has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

    

            I spent most of my summer at the lake. It was refreshing to splash around in the cool green water and not have to worry about school work. One particular sunny day, me and my brother were being pulled behind the boat on an inner tube. My dad and some friends were in the boat, and my brother and I were thrashing around in the roaring waters behind. We were having so much fun with nothing to worry about. Every once in a while, my brother or I would let go, and we would be left in the lake. The one still on the tube would scream and holler until the people in the boat swung back around to pick up the “lost one.” There were a lot of people out that day, so the water close to the house was crowded. In order to avoid crashing, we decided to go to the other side of the island that was empty of people. We spun in circles and zig zags, trying not to fall off. Somewhere in the crazy ride, my brother lost his grip. He slid into the water without me noticing. After several minutes I suddenly realized he was gone.

            With panic rushing through my veins, I screamed at my dad to turn around and find him. As he slowed the roar of the boat, I craned my neck in all directions to see my little brother floating on the waves. I looked as hard as I could, but I couldn't find him. I was shaking with worry as we drove around looking for him. No one was around to see him fall, so we didn’t know exactly where to look for him. Just when I thought my brother was gone for good, I heard the weak roar of a Jet Ski. I whipped around to see who was coming, and there was a man on a purple jet ski with my brother right behind him. My mom was crying as the man helped my brother into the boat. Thinking about it now, I don't remember seeing a Jet Ski like that ever on the lake before. I'm sure it was an angel that God sent to save my brother. Without that man on the purple Jet Ski, we could have lost him.

            I am so thankful that God protects every one of His children. I was reminded that day that when we place all of our trust in Him, there is no need for me to be afraid of anything.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found

By Abby King, Class of 2016

Charlotte, North Carolina

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:24

            When I was eight years old my family and I took a trip to Disney World. We had a blast, but unfortunately family vacations never last long enough.

            One of the last things we decided to do before we went home was to see one of the parades. We arrived on Main Street early that day to make sure we got a good spot, and we did. My sister Tori and I soon became restless and tired of waiting, as many six and eight year olds get.  So, we decided to go look in one of the stores. My dad and grandparents stayed at our parade spot while my mom, Tori, and I went into the nearest shop. We looked around for a while and we ended up finding a toy that we wanted. While we were checking out at the cash register I began to wander off, looking at some of the other items on display.

            Once my mom finished buying our toy,  my mom and sister began to walk back outside without even noticing I was not with them. After a few moments of looking around the store,  I turned around to realize Mom was not there anymore; she had disappeared and taken my sister with her, leaving me all alone. I was frantic and did not know what to do.  I was lost! My mom soon realized too that I was no longer with her and she was in a bigger panic than I was. She assumed I had probably left the store and could be anywhere in the park by then.

            Meanwhile a kind lady that worked at the store found me and decided we’d better call my mom. As the phone was ringing, I saw my mom running towards me, arms open wide welcoming me in. As I ran into her hug, I was so happy she had found me. I was very lucky to be found so quickly.

            When I remember this story, I am reminded that Jesus is always there waiting for us with outstretched arms. He will always welcome us in, even if we’ve strayed away.

Blessings in Obedience

Blessings in Obedience

By Joshua Cale, Class of 2013

Candler, North Carolina

If you listen obediently to the Voice of  God, your God, and heartily obey all his commandments that I command you today,  God , your God, will place you on high, high above all the nations of the world. All these

blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God. Deuteronomy 28:1,2

            I have lived my life believing that if you follow the path that God has set for us, He will give us a future. But this is really the first time I have seen and recognized this occurance in my own life. 

            During my years of school I didn't get the best grades in the world, but I managed to get by.  In high school, I struggled with and failed a couple of classes, and I had to take correspondence classes to make those classes up. It was challenging  to do that, but, I survived it, and I passed them. 

            As for SAT testing, I was not real concerned about it.  I did not spend time preparing at all.  Consequently, my test scores were not the best I could have gotten.

            If you had asked me a few months ago, with my grades and SAT scores, if  I was going to be able to get into any college, much less a decent one, I might have shrugged and said, “who knows?”  In fact, many people in my shoes would probably have even given up on attending a four-year college and hoped to attend a community college for a while.

            But I and my family prayed about it a lot.  I committed to live my life in such a way that was honoring, obeying, and glorifying God.  I claimed His promise to bless me.  I had to stand strong in my faith and trust that He would help me go where He wanted me to attend (despite my scores).  So, I applied to six colleges, and so far, I have been accepted by two of them.

            God is so good.  He has even given me choices!  I promise to honor Him by doing my absolute best and serving Him wherever I go.

Changing Lives

Changing Lives

By Kali Huskey, Class of 2014

Belton, South Carolina

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,

Christ died for us. Romans 5:8.

            Going to Nicaragua on a mission trip was truly amazing.  I was really nervous about preaching a Share Him campaign. I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out.

            My first night preaching I had about thirty people there.  I was really excited.  I had never preached to that many people before. Something else that was really exciting was that fifteen of the people at my meeting were children. When I saw all of the kids surrounding me, my heart was filled with peace and love. It amazed me that all of those kids came to listen to me preach.

            On my fourth night the kids really started to open up and talk to me. I could understand them for the most part, but I couldn’t really respond to them. (I don’t know Spanish very well.)  So when I would try to say something, they would laugh at me.

            My second week there, on one of the nights I talked about baptism, I made a call to anyone who wanted to be baptized.  Six people came forward.  Praise God!  It brought me to tears knowing that I -- no, not me, but God -- had touched that many peoples’ lives.  That little group continued to study and by the end of the series were ready to be baptized.

            The last Sabbath there we all piled into a cattle truck and headed to my friend Mazin’s preaching sight.  We were going to meet up with his group and all go down to the river for baptism. He had a good many that wanted to be baptized, as well. All six of the people that came up front to my call that night were baptized on that beautiful Sabbath.

            It is so amazing to see how God works in peoples’ lives.  It was very exciting to see them grow stronger in Him throughout each meeting.

            I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to go and preach the word of God to others.  It really touched my heart and helped me realize that no matter where we are, we are a missionary.  And each of us can do something to share God with others.

Journey with God

Journey with God  

By Drew Couser, Class of 2013

Candler, North Carolina

Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.  1 Thessalonians 5:24

            Have you ever questioned God’s existance?  I have.

            Throughout my childhood I questioned the existance of God. I grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist home. My dad worked for the Kentucky Conference as a pastor, so as you can tell, I had a Christian upbringing. Going to church every weekend became just a routine thing to me; it had no real meaning. I never really tried to pay attention to my dad’s sermons or focus on getting something from the service. My mind was always focused on different things.

            As the years passed I made the decision to stop going to church. Every aspect of church seemed pointless in my eyes. It was just a place to go and see friends. I started getting into trouble, developing bad habits, making bad decisions, and slacking in my school work. I was so wrapped up in all these distractions that I totally lost focus on God in my life and my purpose in God’s kingdom.

            However, I reached my breaking point! Everything finally hit me. It was mid summer going into my junior year at Mount Pisgah Academy. I became so sick of the way I was living my life: a life without purpose, without meaning, and a life without a future. So, I decided one weekend to attend a church in Asheville. I remember feeling nervous about plunging back into a church environment again. But something felt different that week.  After the service I remember feeling so spiritually “full.” I kept coming back and something in my mindset about church and God started to change in my head. Suddenly there seemed a need to read my Bible and pray. As I began to draw closer and closer to God I noticed that the desire to do the things of this world faded away.

            As I continue my walk with God, I am seeking to know Him more, and understand Him more. Applying God in my life was the best decision I have ever made. I struggle every day, but God is keeping me on the right path and pushing me to do more and be more for His name’s sake.

            So I urge you to keep pushing to seek God. He is always right there, just waiting on your invitation to be in your life completely. Seek Him!

The Little Things Matter

The Little Things Matter

By Marijean Reis, Class of 2013

Bishopville, South Carolina

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. Proverbs 10:12

            When I was in middle school, there was this one boy who rode the bus with me. He would always run home as soon as the bus dropped him off. Not knowing what he was running to or from, the other kids on the bus and I would laugh and make fun of him every day. One day, he missed school.  A week afterwards, he stopped running home after the bus dropped him off.  We were curious about his behavior.

            What the other kids and I did not know was that he ran home because he wanted to make sure his sister had not killed herself while he was gone at school each day.

            As you can imagine, this story did not end well.

            I learned that year not only to not judge anyone before knowing their story, but to not conform to what other people are doing.

            Be the “odd” one. Do not let people be a bad influence. Do well, because God puts people in our lives to test us, to see how we will treat them. It may not always be as serious as this, but even the little things matter.

Music to My Ears

Music to My Ears

By Megan Robertson, Class of 2015

Candler, North Carolina

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our Salvation.  Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. Psalm 95:1, 2

        I'm the type of person that can hear a song and start crying or get goosebumps just over the words. Music has always been a big deal to me, and I've loved it ever since I was little. I love listening to music, and I especially love singing! One of the definitions of music is: "The art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion."  Music brings out so many emotions in people. It can make a person sad, happy, mad, excited, inspired, and so much more! But for me, it is my way to connect to God and focus on Him. It is my favorite tool to use for worshipping and praising God.

        Just recently I got the opportunity to go to Prayer Conference at Camp Kulaqua. I had such a great time there and made so many memories and friends! The whole atmosphere and experience was amazing, but what really spoke to me was the music. Every day we had the privilege to enjoy and sing along with Southern Adventist University's praise team. They were amazing and picked the best variety of songs! Although I loved our speaker, Jackie James, I personally wished we could have just sung the whole time. I can't tell you how many times I got goosebumps when I heard that huge chapel ringing with music and praises to God! All the many harmonies and the fullness of all the voices joining together to worship spoke to me in ways I can't even explain!

            I believe that God has gifted me with the ability to sing, and after this experience, I am going to use my voice to glorify Him and Him only! Being in that environment helped me remember that God created us to worship and praise Him, and one of the ways we can do that is through song. If you are the type of person that loves music and is impacted by it, then I want to challenge you to try something new. Next time you have a devotion, start it out by listening to one of your favorite Christian songs, and just think about what it means to you and how it could apply to your life. Another thing you could try, would be to just spend some alone time with God listening and singing along to music. You never know what blessing you could get out of it.

                    "Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from Heaven to the soul."

Opening Doors

Opening Doors

By Manuel Onate, Class of 2014

Waynesboro, Virginia

“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

            WHY?! Why did I do such a stupid thing? I was sitting there in the office thinking of everything that was going on. What would I do if I got expelled?  What about my friends?  What would they think?  Where would I go to school?   What about my family?

            As I waited for administration to make their decision on my fate, I said potential good-byes to my friends.  But I hoped that my good-bye would not be permanent.  I prayed that things would work out for me to stay at that school.  However, when I spoke to the dean, I was dissappointed to hear that I would need to leave immediately and would not be allowed to return.  Now what?

            I decided that I wanted to attend Mount Pisgah Academy.  But my mom wanted me to stay home.  We argued about it for a couple of weeks, then she said that if the school would take me, I could go, but that she wouldn’t pay for it.  At least I had hope.

            I earnestly prayed and told God, “Lord, if you want me to go to MPA, please give me a sign and find a way to pay the school.”  When I was at the other school, my grandmother was paying the monthly payments, so after talking with her, she agreed to keep on helping me.  I still had to come up with the entrance fee.  I spoke with my aunt about it, but I didn’t think she would help.  But two days later, she told me that she would give me $200 and that she had contacted my other grandparents and that they had agreed to pay $1000. When she told me that, I was thanking the Lord in so many ways! I was so full of joy. God gave me more than what I asked for. God showed huge confidence in me, and I will not let Him down.

            Now I’m at Mount Pisgah Academy, and I love it here. Without God’s help this wouldn’t be possible.  But He opened doors for me and is drawing me ever closer to Him.

            Trust that His plans are for the best for you too, and have faith in His plan for your life.

At the Lowest

At the Lowest

By Christopher Bankes, Class of 2013

Asheville, North Carolina

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10.

            This past year has been rough. Rough like sandpaper. Somehow I have made it through a lot of testing endeavors, and I think there is a reason for it. I have deviated from what God may have wanted for me in a lot of ways, but it has taught me a lot. He finally gave me a real eye opener at the end of the summer when I woke up in the hospital one morning.

            I had overdosed the night before. I was so unhappy with myself and at such a seemingly low point in life, that I didn't even want to continue. I felt like I was at the point where there wasn't any going back to even try and return to normal life. I thought there was no where to turn. Thankfully, God proved me wrong. He kept me alive after that night, and He has helped me so much the past few months. He has showed me reasons to continue life, and shown me that I really do have potential.

            Last summer I was at the lowest point that I've ever felt. I thought I was alone in the world, but God has been there by my side through everything that has happened. Even after all of the mistakes I've made, and poor decisions and actions I've chosen, God still accepts me. He loves me, and His love is always growing stronger for me.

            Whenever hard times approach, just always rely on God and know that things will always get better. God has great plans for each and every one of us, and He will always be the one sticking by your side through difficult times. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10