Well, here I sit, in the computer lab underneath Martin, the Math building at Clemson. I am not ready for fall break to be over. I had to say goodbye for the first time to my new nephew Bauer. Man, that was incredibly tough. I know I will see him at Christmas, but I already miss how it feels to cradle him. To watch him sleep. To laugh with my bro-in-law Tim at how Bauer hiccups so loud, just like his mom. Wow, that seemed a little more sentimental than I am used to. But then, I have never had a nephew before. The kid is awesome to say the least. He rarely cries, and is easily comforted. Plus, he is a blast to hold. When he is awake he will just stare at you, and he is as strong as an ox. He could lift his body weight off my chest and reposition himself on the second or third day of life, and can move his head around, albeit clumsily. All in all, I loved the trip.
I decided to leave Clemson a little early, since Kayce was in labor. If you read the previous post, you will get more details on the travelling itself, and my first few days in AZ. On Saturday, Bauer came home for the first time, and mom and baby have not yet left. The whole family, minus Kourtney, who was in SC this whole time.
Here is a complete sidetrack from my previous paragraph, but definitely worth the update. Kourtney actually had appendicitis over the weekend. When Mom and I were both in Arizona, Kourtney started to have stomach problems and was throwing up. On Friday she called with stomach problems. We got a call from her roomate late Friday night saying Kourtney was on her way to the emergency room, and Saturday she had an appendectomy. What made the whole situation worse was that she turned 25 on Saturday. Mom and I had felt bad about not being there for her birthday, and the appendectomy definitely made that feeling worse. So, she spent her birthday at the hospital with some friends. It was a huge blessing though to see several of our friends really step up, and help Kourt through the process.
Anyways, back to the trip. We spent the weekend and Monday at home. We watched movies, played video games, held Bauer. All in all it was an incredible vacation, and though I miss the kid a lot, I am definitely ready to start school again. If for no other reason than to get to Christmas break so I can see him again.
In transition, I had a very interesting talke Monday morning with my Mom. She is reading through "Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges. If you have read the book great. If not, I'm told its excellent. My Dad really loved it, and anything he was into is definitely worth a read. Anyways, she and I had a discussion because I was struggling to understand the books title. I had thought of holiness as a state. Because we are the set apart elect of God, we are holy, regardless of how we act. While this is true, there is another aspect of holiness. The reference used was I Peter 1:15-16. "but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" It is important to make the distinction between being holy, and allowing the changing work of Christ in the life a Christian to allow your actions to better reflect your holiness in Christ. I desire should be to attain to Godly holiness in deed, but we are still guaranteed being in a state of holiness because of the cross. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
In Christ,
Kyle VanDeusen
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Bauer Mark Smith
As many of you know, I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time. My oldest sister was due with our first grandkid/nephew next Tuesday October 13th. She started having contraction Tuesday night,. My original plan was to fly out Friday night or Saturday morning to go to AZ. After she started having contractions, I moved my plans up to Thursday morning. This required me to drive to Birmingham Wednesday night. So, after school yesterday, I drove five hours to Birmingham, AL. There I stayed with one of my good friends overnight. He was kind enough to offer me a place to stay for the night, and a trip to the airport the next morning. I flew out of Birmingham airport at seven-thirty. Made a connection in Dallas. Flew from there to Austin. Made another connection at Austin. Flew from there to El Paso. I stayed on the plane in El Paso, and was finally able to land in Phoenix at 1:30 local time. 8 hours after I left Birmingham. It was a long day. However, since I was flying standby, it cost me absolutely nothing. My Uncle works for Southwest, and was able to get me free tickets. He is awesome like that. Kayce during all this was having a baby. She started into major contractions later Wednesday night. I was discussing this with my friend and his wife in Birmingham, and his wife, who is a recent mother as well, brought up an excellent verse that encouraged her when she was in labor, Hebrews 12:2. "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. " (ESV) She was likening labor to the cross that mothers must face, but the joy set before them, the future life with their child, made the pain of the birth completely and utterly worth accomplishing. Finally, late Wednesday night after several excruciating contractions, Kayce was given an epidural and caught a few hours sleep. She was finally was able to deliver Bauer at around 12:10 a.m. AZ time. Both mom and baby, and everyone else involved(grandmas, great-grandmas, etc.) were completely exhausted. I heard of all of this Thursday morning around the time I was leaving Birmingham airport.
Even after a full day of traveling, which encompassed four flights through five cities and eight hours of travel, the length and exhaustion of the trip was completely worth it. When I got to the hospital, I got to meet Bauer Mark Smith, my new nephew for the first time. He is amazingly awesome. He doesn't cry, and he is one of the best looking less than day year olds ever. Most kids look like aliens that first twenty four hours. While I am slightly biased, I definitely don't see that in him. He is nice, and cute, and normal looking. It was so cool holding him for the first time. The Lord is truly incredible. Here is this brand new life, with his own personality, and looks. (He is a pleasant mixture of mom and dad, with tims face and mouth, but Kayce's eyes) Here is this brand new human being, who is alive because of the power of Christ on the cross. He is a child of the covenant, and the first member of a brand new generation. Words can't describe how cool that is. My prayer is that he will Anyways, it is late in SC, which means I am tired. It's only 8:30 here. I am going to try and stay up till 10 local time to make a quicker adjustment to the time zone here. Thank you again Jesus for your gift of grace and mercy, and how you allow things like child birth to be so trying. "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5 (ESV) This verse is a focus on the positive aspects of suffering, and applies very specifically to what Christian women experience in child birth. I can not imagine that pain you ladies must suffer for such and incredible result, but the resulting endurance, character, and hope are well worth the experience. I can't wait to see Bauer's influence on this world, and how the suffering him mother underwent, increases her already abundant supply of the afore mentioned characteristics. I am exhausted, so I will wish you all a good night.
In Christ,
Kyle
Even after a full day of traveling, which encompassed four flights through five cities and eight hours of travel, the length and exhaustion of the trip was completely worth it. When I got to the hospital, I got to meet Bauer Mark Smith, my new nephew for the first time. He is amazingly awesome. He doesn't cry, and he is one of the best looking less than day year olds ever. Most kids look like aliens that first twenty four hours. While I am slightly biased, I definitely don't see that in him. He is nice, and cute, and normal looking. It was so cool holding him for the first time. The Lord is truly incredible. Here is this brand new life, with his own personality, and looks. (He is a pleasant mixture of mom and dad, with tims face and mouth, but Kayce's eyes) Here is this brand new human being, who is alive because of the power of Christ on the cross. He is a child of the covenant, and the first member of a brand new generation. Words can't describe how cool that is. My prayer is that he will Anyways, it is late in SC, which means I am tired. It's only 8:30 here. I am going to try and stay up till 10 local time to make a quicker adjustment to the time zone here. Thank you again Jesus for your gift of grace and mercy, and how you allow things like child birth to be so trying. "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5 (ESV) This verse is a focus on the positive aspects of suffering, and applies very specifically to what Christian women experience in child birth. I can not imagine that pain you ladies must suffer for such and incredible result, but the resulting endurance, character, and hope are well worth the experience. I can't wait to see Bauer's influence on this world, and how the suffering him mother underwent, increases her already abundant supply of the afore mentioned characteristics. I am exhausted, so I will wish you all a good night.
In Christ,
Kyle
Monday, October 5, 2009
A beautiful Monday night
Well, I figure if I think positive about this day, it makes it better. After God chose to let it occur, which means it is for my good. It was cold and rainy the entire day. On a night during which I normally lead a bible study, I sit here blogging. My roomate was unfortunate enough to come down with a stomach virus, and has been sick and nauseous all day. This being the case, it didn't seem wise to expose all of the study participants to the virus. So instead here I sit, watching "The Great Mouse Detective" with the roomies. What a great movie. Disney doesn't make 'em as good as they used to. Well, maybe as good, but very different. I will say, what Pixar does with some of their movies is just ridiculous, but nothing replaces the classics.
This week should be much better than today was in either event. Kayce has entered pre-labor, with Bauer, my first nephew. She was originally due Oct. 13th, but in true first child fashion, things happened a little early. She is currently having irregular contractions, and it could still be a day or too before the fun begins. I am planning on leaving thursday morning early, and should be holding my new nephew before the weekend, Lord willing. Needless to say I can't wait.
The weekend was excellent as well. I drove home Friday night. Got in at around ten, and hung out with my best friend Steve till the next day. At about 11 we went to help my sister Kourtney move out of her old house. She and one of her good friends are living at my moms house for a month or so until they can find a new place to stay. Mom will likely be in Arizona with Kayce for quite awhile, to make sure things go smoothly with the baby. Mom has really been looking forward to this for quite awhile now, so she is really excited.
Church yesterday was also excellent. Had a great time of worship. They Korean church joined us, and sang several songs. I am always amazed at how fluid most languages are, and how fluid English isn't. Spanish, French, Korean, Portuguese, they all roll off your tongue, but English, and German, seem very choppy. Anyways, back to church. The message by Dr. Sinclair was very good. He spoke on Psalm 67. Had lunch afterwards at Moes. Anyways, thats the update for now. Its getting late, and I still have a little to do, so I will end it here. Have a wonderful night.
In Christ,
Kyle
This week should be much better than today was in either event. Kayce has entered pre-labor, with Bauer, my first nephew. She was originally due Oct. 13th, but in true first child fashion, things happened a little early. She is currently having irregular contractions, and it could still be a day or too before the fun begins. I am planning on leaving thursday morning early, and should be holding my new nephew before the weekend, Lord willing. Needless to say I can't wait.
The weekend was excellent as well. I drove home Friday night. Got in at around ten, and hung out with my best friend Steve till the next day. At about 11 we went to help my sister Kourtney move out of her old house. She and one of her good friends are living at my moms house for a month or so until they can find a new place to stay. Mom will likely be in Arizona with Kayce for quite awhile, to make sure things go smoothly with the baby. Mom has really been looking forward to this for quite awhile now, so she is really excited.
Church yesterday was also excellent. Had a great time of worship. They Korean church joined us, and sang several songs. I am always amazed at how fluid most languages are, and how fluid English isn't. Spanish, French, Korean, Portuguese, they all roll off your tongue, but English, and German, seem very choppy. Anyways, back to church. The message by Dr. Sinclair was very good. He spoke on Psalm 67. Had lunch afterwards at Moes. Anyways, thats the update for now. Its getting late, and I still have a little to do, so I will end it here. Have a wonderful night.
In Christ,
Kyle
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Guys Night!
Sitting here blogging after going downtown for drinks with friends. Tried a Gin and Sour for the first time. Wasn't bad at all. Now am sitting here, trying to compose my thoughts. I have a group of Guys that are involved in RUF over every Thursday night for "Guys Night." We have fellowship, and talk about practical ways that we can help each other as Christian guys in a warring world to practically allow Christ to live out His life in us. We have food, provided by my roommates and I, followed by some great fellowship time, and some discussion. The Lord has really been using it to challenge me, and I think the guys get a lot out of it. We had probably our best night for both attendance and subject. Talked on a lot of great stuff, and finished with some great prayer time. I look forward to next Thursday.
Yeah onto something else, I am going home this weekend. My sister is moving out of her current house into a new one, and needs some help. Should be fun, and I will definitely enjoy seeing people again. I also have to pick up my plane ticket for next week. Am flying out over Fall break, to hopefully catch the birth of my first and only nephew in AZ. I can't describe how much I am looking forward to that. Hopefully he will hold off until I get there, but we will see what the Lord has in mind. My prayer is that he will be as close to Christ throughout his life as his parents are, and grandmother is. II Timothy 1:5 really comes to mind. Paul believed Timothy to have a great faith, much like the one found in his mother Eunice and Grandmother Lois. I believe Bauer will come to a place of great faith, directly because of his mother Kayce Smith, and grandmother Deborah VanDeusen. His association to these women of God notwithstanding, I have every confidence in him as a child of the covenant. These thoughts make me very excited to see how he will influence the world as he grows and matures in Christ, and I can't wait to go along for the ride.
Anyways, got an early class tomorrow, and a long drive home tomorrow night so I am hitting the sack.
In Christ,
Kyle
Yeah onto something else, I am going home this weekend. My sister is moving out of her current house into a new one, and needs some help. Should be fun, and I will definitely enjoy seeing people again. I also have to pick up my plane ticket for next week. Am flying out over Fall break, to hopefully catch the birth of my first and only nephew in AZ. I can't describe how much I am looking forward to that. Hopefully he will hold off until I get there, but we will see what the Lord has in mind. My prayer is that he will be as close to Christ throughout his life as his parents are, and grandmother is. II Timothy 1:5 really comes to mind. Paul believed Timothy to have a great faith, much like the one found in his mother Eunice and Grandmother Lois. I believe Bauer will come to a place of great faith, directly because of his mother Kayce Smith, and grandmother Deborah VanDeusen. His association to these women of God notwithstanding, I have every confidence in him as a child of the covenant. These thoughts make me very excited to see how he will influence the world as he grows and matures in Christ, and I can't wait to go along for the ride.
Anyways, got an early class tomorrow, and a long drive home tomorrow night so I am hitting the sack.
In Christ,
Kyle
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
My Initial thoughts, which caused me to create this blog.
How can I help but be overjoyed in everything. I have been given LIFE from Jesus. He died for me to have life. That life includes everything I am; All that I do, and undertake. Every breath I breathe, every step I take, every time I eat, or pray, or watch a movie, or sleep, I do solely because He died for me, and rescued me from sin. Every happy or sad moment in my life is a gift He gave to me on the cross. He knew of all my future experiences, good and evil, and chose me despite myself, not because of myself.
He is my propitiation, my rescuer, the only true lover of my soul, and the sole reason for being. He deserves glory in EVERY action I take, and every word I speak, from the smallest thought, to the biggest life changing event. He has earned that glory, and me giving it to him is only fair. He has earned those wages, unlike the gift of grace I received. (Romans 4:4-5)
His glory is the only possible outcome of my life because it is in fact his life. Anything less is a waste, and I will have none of it. God help me to think of your glory in everything that I do, from the smallest to the largest. I Corinthians 10:31 has a new found meaning for me. I have finally started to grasp that when Paul said “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” he wasn’t using some type of figurative language. He was specifically laying out our mandate, and Christ’s deserved wage for His death on the cross. Though I knew this in my head, I don't know that I truly started to understand it in my heart until very recently.
As John Piper so eloquently puts it, "Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain."
Kyle
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