Category Archives: Spiritual Life

Things To Expect Your Freshman Year

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Starting college is a very exciting time though it can be nerve-wracking not knowing what to expect, especially during such unprecedented times. While everyone’s college experience will be different, we’re here with a few things you can almost certainly expect. 

You’ll Make Friends Quickly

Even shy people make friends in college, even remotely! From SA activities to your classes, it won’t be hard to meet new people and make friends. Don’t be afraid to talk to people, especially during orientation. Everyone is just as nervous as you are. 

You’ll Have Flexibility 

College gives you freedom. You get to choose your classes (to an extent), when to eat, when to nap, when to have fun, and so on. Having more freedom is great but be sure to use good judgment! 

You Will Get Lost (once you’re on campus)

It’s a big campus so getting a little turned around is completely expected. We’ve all been there! If you need help finding your way to class, just ask! If you happen to find yourself lost with no one around, pull up the campus map!

Classes Might Get Hard 

College isn’t easy and you’re definitely going to have some tough classes. But there’s no need to get discouraged! PUC offers tons of resources from study groups to private tutoring! 

You’ll Figure Things Out

You’re bound to have questions as you start this new journey. Maybe you don’t know what major to declare or you’re trying to decide when if you can handle a campus job. The great thing about PUC is, you have tons of people and resources to help you figure things out, so use them! Check-in with your friends, your RA, or your advisor for some great advice. 

Remote learning isn’t ideal for anyone. We would much rather have you all on campus, hanging out and having a blast but your safety is the most important thing. Remember, we’re all in this together. Your first year of college goes by really fast so take chances, try new things, and make as many memories as you can. Have fun and stay positive!

Note: Be sure you carefully read your communications from Student Life and regularly check the Fall Campus Plan webpage to stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 safety precautions PUC will be enforcing.

Surviving A Deep Hole 

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By: Tammy McGuire, Ph.D., Professor of Communication

This is probably an old-person’s reference, but I’m wondering if you have ever read or heard of Corrie ten Boom’s book (also a movie), “The Hiding Place”? It’s the story of a Dutch family who hid Jews in their home during the Holocaust; the family was later arrested and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp. Just Google Corrie ten Boom’s name and prepare to be inspired.

I read “The Hiding Place” when I was in college, and there is a very sad part of the story (no spoilers here) where Corrie ten Boom shares a quote from her sister Betsie that has always stuck with me – in part because for many years I really didn’t understand just what it meant. The line is this: “There is no hole so deep that God is not deeper.”

Today, however, I believe I understand the beauty, hope, and depth of that line much better. For example, I see its meaning reflected in the beautiful poetry of Psalm 139: 9, 10 (read the whole Psalm for more inspiration):

“If I take the wings of the morning,

Or dwell in the uttermost part of the sea,

Even there your hand will guide me, 

Your right hand will hold me.”

There is no joy too great where God is not with us. There is no sorrow too deep where God is not with us. We cannot descend to any depth where He will abandon us. This beautiful truth is woven throughout the Bible. As Paul puts it in Romans 8:38-39:

“For I am persuaded, that neither death nor life … nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God …”

We have gone and are going through difficult, painful, and even wrenching times. Many are facing sorrows and bereavements and anxieties whose depths may seem bottomless.  Amidst all this, the truth remains unchanged: There is no hole so deep that God is not deeper. There is no darkness that can extinguish His love. There is no place we can go where He is not willing and able to walk with us.

May this thought bring us comfort on our journeys.

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Faces of PUC: Audrey Uyemura 

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Audrey Uyemura is a senior from Loma Linda majoring in early childhood education. She’s also pre-occupational therapy. Despite an obviously busy schedule,  Audrey was kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions! 

What is your dream job? 

I want to be an occupational therapist. It is similar to physical therapy, but it focuses more on helping people learn or re-learn to do daily tasks. More specifically I want to work with children in the school system. 

How does that compare to what you wanted to be when you were young? 

When I was younger, I wanted to be a chef. I still love cooking, but as I got older I felt like it was more of a hobby. It was more fun for me to cook as a way to relax rather than a job. 

 What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers family? 

The best thing about being a part of the Pioneers family is the sense of community we have on campus. PUC has some of the best people and anywhere you walk on campus, you will always see a friendly face. 

Where is your favorite place in the world? 

Probably Hawaii. I just love the sun, beach, and humidity. A lot of people don’t like humidity, but I love it.  

What show are you bingeing these days? 

Well, it’s not really a show, but I’m a huge Star Wars nerd and love re-watching those movies, so I am currently making my way through those again. 

What is something you’re passionate about? 

I am passionate about working with children, especially those with special needs or disabilities. This is what really drew me to occupational therapy in the first place because I saw how these children’s lives were changing for the better with this help. Something about being around them is so inspiring to me. 

Recommend a place to go in the Bay Area on a weekend 

Honestly, I find myself going to Santa Rosa a lot. Being in Angwin on the hill, I feel like Santa Rosa is one of the closest places you can go to that feels like more of a typical city.  

 

Keep The Faith 

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By Ally Romanes 

It’s no secret that we have been going through a strange time. Everyone has been dealing with this situation differently and for myself, it has been quite difficult. From school and work transitioning online, being home and unable to see many loved ones, and being able to travel, it’s been a rough transition. What I try to remember is there are better days ahead and I just need to keep the faith. 

Sometimes it’s hard to have faith and believe there are better days ahead. We are going through a tough time, but it is during these times we must stay close to God and have faith in Him. As we are living through the craziness of the world right now, we must not doubt God has better days prepared for us. 

It may seem like a long time before life feels “normal” again, but without God our days won’t be brighter. With Him, all things are possible. Hebrews 12:2 tells us He is the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Keep looking to Him for strength and remember to place your faith in Him. 

 

Stay Still and Trust 

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By: David Arriaza

When I was still in high school, I had a history teacher who taught me a very important lesson. We were getting ready to take a midterm exam the whole class had been dreading for weeks, and we were all quite stressed and unhappy. Before administering the exam, the teacher stood in front of the class and said, “don’t worry, in the great ocean that is your life this test is just a small drop of water”. This statement changed my perspective and I’ve been able to rely on it ever since. 

Even though current times might be confusing or hard to get used to, it’s important to remember God is on our side and when you put things in perspective, problems start to look a lot smaller. Sometimes, stressing and worrying is only detrimental to your health and well-being, and only leads to more anxiety. This might be a good time to remember and take to heart the words God said to the Israelites when He said, “you need only to be still”.  

“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:13-14 

 

Take God’s Direction 

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By: Dylan Gray

What’s up, everyone! I’d like to share a couple of verses with you that I came across this week while doing some of my devotions. In Philippians 4:11, Paul says, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Growing up I was always looking forward to the future and college where life would be perceivably better. When I got to college, I looked at my life in the future again. I couldn’t wait to be independent and work after I graduated. It seemed so nice in my imaginary future and I couldn’t wait to get there. 

There was a common theme that surrounded my outlook in both of those periods of my life; that was the discontentment that I was feeling about my present state. I was missing a purpose. I looked to the future where I thought I would find it, but all it did was make me even more unsatisfied with my current state. I wasn’t taking my situation and working it for God’s glory. I was stuck on myself and my insecurities. I was thinking, “I don’t like where I am so I’ll just make a plan to leave.” I would think about how much I disliked where I was and I refused to change my perspective on life. 

That’s not how the Bible conveys the life of somebody who has Christ in their hearts. In Philippians 4:12, Paul says, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to have an abundance. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need.” That sounds like a man who lives as if there is no tomorrow. He takes every moment and every situation, whether he likes it or not, and is not phased by what is happening around him. It doesn’t matter what’s happening around you. What matters is what is happening inside you. Paul latched on to that secret and he kept it inside him.

That secret is in Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Paul had a relationship with Jesus so strong that no matter what happened he would not move from the rock that he planted himself on. He tells us about this faith and assurance  he has in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, (39) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I don’t know about you, but I would sure like to have that type of relationship. God is with us no matter where we are and right now things are hard. We are stuck at home. We can’t go and experience things the way we used to, but we can still be content. As I was comparing our situations to Paul’s, I realized he did most of his ministry while he was in prison or on house arrest. Under quarantine, if you will. This made me realize even though we are all spread apart we still have three things: a community that we are a part of (PUC Students, Faculty and Staff), Jesus by our side every step that we take in the new challenge we are facing, and the plan that God has for us even if we can’t see it. We just have to have the mindset that lets God lead us and provides that contentment that is available to everyone. 

As we continue, I want to challenge all of us to let God take us where we need to be, not just where we want to be. Along that journey, hold on to the promise that you can do all things with Christ who gives you strength. As you go don’t worry because “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

 

Healing in Hope

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This week’s devotional thought comes to us from PUC’s SA RVP, Noah Ofisa.

“And let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to a household of faith” -Galatians 6:9,10 

Today, we are facing one of the most stressful times. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, there were already diseases and deaths sweeping across our nation and the world. Now there is panic running rampant across the world. According to the news, there have been thousands of deaths in Italy, Spain, China, and the U.S. since the beginning of the spread of this “CoronaVirus” so far. So how does this affect us as Christians today? How should we respond when dealing with things such as social distancing in this time? 

Jesus says He is the light of the world (John 8:12). But He also calls us the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). As God’s beloved chosen people, we have one of the greatest opportunities to share the everlasting hope of Jesus Christ (John 3:16). We must continue to speak life and hope to those around us. We must encourage people that there is an eternal home beyond this perishing world where death, disease, and sadness are pervasive. His word declares He “will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Moreover, Paul encourages God’s beloved to not grow weary in well doing because we shall reap if we faint not. This is our call to continue to bring comfort and healing especially to those in our homes and even through social media. One powerful thing that is happening now is that God’s people across the world are uniting in prayer for healing and His kingdom. May God’s love continue to be shared in this crucial time and may His peace and promises comfort you today.

Here is my prayer today: 

Father, thank you for your infinite love and mercy upon us. Thank you for your eternal promises that lift our eyes above the storms we face here on Earth. Thank you for your presence with those across the world that are in need of your healing hands. We ask for an outpouring of your Holy Spirit. Help us Lord to continue to bring healing and comfort to our families and loved ones. Help us to continue to share your message of hope wherever we are. Lead us, God, in your love for the kingdom. We love you, Jesus!

In Jesus Name, Amen. 

 

Shelter-In-Place Weekend Activities

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By: Ally Romanes

Hey everyone, it’s Ally! I, like you, suddenly find myself at home spending a lot of time sitting around. School is online, my go-to-entertainment (sports games) aren’t on, and I’m not being able to hang out with friends in person. We are living in ‘unprecedented times’ as we keep hearing, where we are literally being begged to stay indoors. Have you been trying to figure out how to pass time or how to stay occupied during self-isolation? Here are some things you can do to make your weekends more interesting at home.

Facetime Friends & Family 

Check-up on your friends and family to make sure they’re doing well. Seeing the faces of those we love can make it seem like we’re right there with each other. So thankful for technology!

Complete A Puzzle 

What could be more time-consuming than working on a puzzle? The more pieces, the better!

Catch-Up On Movies & Shows

Thankfully we have streaming sites to get us through. All those long movies or shows you said you’d watch later, well later is now. Spend your weekends checking off movies and shows from your list.

Need ideas on what to watch? Look-up movies and shows that have won awards or ask your friends for recommendations.

Throw A Netflix Party 

Have a Netflix Party with your friends. Since you can’t be together in the dorm or your friend’s homes, Netflix Party lets everyone synchronize the movie or show you’re watching. Tell your friends, set a time, and enjoy a Netflix Party!

Self-Care

You not only need to check-in on your friends and family, but you also need to check-in on yourself. Treat yourself by indulging in dessert or having a spa night. Of course, both can include watching a show or movie.

Get Fresh Air 

We are all aware we shouldn’t be going out, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting some fresh air. It’s perfectly ok to take a walk, run, or bike ride around your neighborhood. Don’t coop yourself inside all day. Go outside and get some fresh air.

Play Board Games 

Dig out your board games from the back of the closet and relive your childhood. Want to play games with your family and friends from afar? Download the app Houseparty where you can play games with whoever you want, no matter how far.

Finally Read That Book 

If you have a book you’ve been meaning to read but never got the chance too, now is the time. Stop avoiding that book. Dust it off and start reading!

Clean & Organize

This may not be fun for some, but it’s a task many procrastinate on. Go through your clothes and other things, and get rid of what you don’t need or want. Doing some cleaning will help you stay productive and will also help you get rid of stuff. You got this!

Learn A New Skill 

Ever wanted to learn how to cook or draw? Google some recipes and see what you can with the ingredients you have at home. YouTube drawing tutorials to learn the skill of sketching and drawing. What better time to learn a new skill than now.

Bake Those Goods 

Pass the time while getting messy in the kitchen as you make cookies, brownies, or even a cake. The work will be worth it once your baked goods are done and you can enjoy your dessert!

Do At-Home Workouts 

You may not have all the equipment you need to work out, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting a workout in. Common household items like a gallon of water or a backpack full of books can help you with your workout.

If you need at-home workout ideas, go to Google. There are endless articles and videos online.

Have A Zoom Party 

Do you or your friends have birthdays coming up? Bring your snacks and have a Zoom party with your friends.

Update Your Resume or Portfolio

It may not be the best time to find a job, but it shouldn’t stop you from updating your resume. You’ll be saving yourself time for when you actually need to apply for a job.

Go Through Your Photos 

Do you have hundreds, maybe even thousands of photos on your phone? Go through them and see which photos you want to keep. I’m sure you have some old screenshots you don’t need anymore that are just taking up space on your phone.

Make A List of Post-Isolation Activities

On the first day of self-isolation, I already started making a list of places I wanted to go once I could. I wrote down restaurants I couldn’t wait to indulge in again, the places I missed going too, and replanned the trips I was supposed to take this year.

Nap 

After a week of school and work, you deserve to nap on the weekends. Spend your weekend relaxing in bed to recharge for a new day.

It may be hard staying home all day, every day, but hopefully, some of these ideas will keep you occupied.

 

A Day In The Life of A Remote-Learner: Lewis Govea 

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“I’m Lewis Govea, a voice/pre-pharmacy major and Student Association social vice president. This makes me the authority on absolutely nothing during this quarantine! I was asked to share my experience with remote learning and so far, this is what I have come to realize: life is literally whatever you want it to be. Something I’ve noticed is that I consistently eat breakfast, but the other two meals can happen quite literally at any time or not at all. Riveting, right?

But seriously, I believe the biggest challenge of this shelter-at-home order is staying organized. Eat when? Whenever I’m hungry. When is class? I don’t remember. When is this due? Gotta check canvas for the umpteenth time. Exercise? Nah.

It’s not easy being an online student doing virtual school, but the best thing we can all do for ourselves is to figure out what works for each of us as an individual. For me, that means scheduling out each day so I can figure out what I have to do for the day instead of binge-watching YouTube. What can I say? I try.

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7:00 a.m. – Start my day by my baby niece barging into my room and waking me up.

8:00 a.m. – Eat breakfast

9:00 a.m. – Watch a morning lecture, History of Western Art with Carstens. It’s a pre-recorded lecture but I try to keep up with regular class times.

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Pretty big break for homework. Maybe an asynchronous class meeting here or there.

1:00 p.m. – I always have a virtual meeting at this time, but it differs day-to-day.

2:00 p.m. – Same thing here, but these classes are more discussion-based.

3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – I try to be productive and go through each class and pick out what’s due next. Not much of a routine here, but I hope to stay on top of everything. My biggest fear is missing something just because I didn’t see it. 

 

 

Rejoice In The Lord Always

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Stephen Staff graduated from PUC with a degree in communication in 2010. He went on to receive his masters in student life and development in 2018 and is now the boy’s dean and athletics director at Dakota Adventist Academy. Stephen loves PUC and was happy to share a devotional thought with all of his fellow Pioneers.

These are troubling times. We have people getting sick at alarming rates. Countries are closing borders, people are being asked not to leave their homes, and schools are closing. You might be feeling anxious or worried about this. You may know a person that has been directly affected by this, or you might be affected in some way. So what should we do? Do we worry and give in to fear and make sure we have enough toilet paper to last through the apocalypse? In times like this, we need a firm foundation to stand on.

In the book of Daniel Chapter six, we find Daniel in an interesting situation. He has been taken as a captive when Babylon conquered Jerusalem. He served under two different kings, and both saw the power of God through Daniel. Then the Medes and Persians conquered the Babylonians, and Daniel was serving under a new king. This king liked Daniel, but the other officials did not. So they conspired against Daniel. They had the king sign a declaration if anyone made a petition or prayed to anyone other than the king they should be thrown into the lions den. Daniel heard about this declaration, and continued to pray to God just as he had before the declaration. The other officials brought this before the king, and the king was distraught. He followed through with the law and before he sealed it shut he told Daniel he hoped God would protect him from the lions. The king spent a restless night anxiously waiting to find out what had happened to Daniel. When they checked on him in the morning, Daniel was unharmed.

No matter what challenge we are facing, we can have faith that God is always going to be there with us. He is always faithful. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Just like Daniel in the lions den, we have faith we can trust this to God and know  He will deliver us.