Kyle Pierpont's Blog

A new site...

Uncle Kevin was so kind as to set up a new site for me. He does an awesome job. This now officially ends my blogspot, hello to my own domain! www.kylepierpont.com

High Places

Saturday is a great day. I look forward to Saturday’s, especially in the fall. The leaves on the trees start to turn to their varying shades of orange, gold, and red. The air is brisk. The apples ripen. The bagel I share with my beautiful wife fills my stomach and coffee warms the hands and innards. Another reason I love fall Saturday’s, the Scarlet ‘n’ Grey take the field, the shining helmets, the marching band (best in the land), the fans, the Horseshoe. For as long as I can remember, every Saturday in the months of September through November, with few exceptions, has included Buckeye football. Within twenty-four hours of my birth I was watching the Buckeyes beat Purdue 45-33. It’s in my blood. For most of my youth myself, Dad and my brothers would listen to 1460 WBNS out of Columbus, Ohio. It was a special occasion when the “Bucks” would be televised nationally. We would watch it and eat pretzel rods and drink Squirt. This Saturday was one of those days. I was alone. I’d had a long week. I woke early on Saturday and worked hard just so I could earn a few hours off to watch the Buckeyes take on the Northwestern Wildcats. I was excited. At 3:30pm I got my ice cold cream soda and some pretzels and sunk into the couch ready for kick-off. I turned the channel to ABC and it was a fuzzy picture. I adjusted the bunny ears and it still didn’t come in clear. I finally had to accept that the picture was not going to be clear. Disappointed I sat back down on the couch and watched a great first half. It got worse. As the first half came to a close the final second brought complete snow the screen. I couldn’t believe it. I jumped up and adjusted the bunny ears some more. Nothing helped. That was it. The rest of the day there was no ABC to be watched. I was almost angry. Then I realized this was wasn’t about watching the game. I believe God had a lesson for me, a high place check. As I sat on the couch in disbelief I thought of the verse in the gospels. “…Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength…” The Lord knows when we do not love Him like that. He knows when we have high places in our life. Do I have Ohio State football held at a higher value than Christ? Football is a good thing and I will always enjoy it, but it isn’t the Good Thing. Kyle Pierpont Granger, IN

Geese on Main Street

I was reminded of God’s complete control this morning. My drive to work is mostly on a five lane road. It leads through a gauntlet of eateries and stores of all kinds. You could sustain life on what you pass by on my way to work and many do. It is always busy. Cars are going well over the posted forty-five miles per hour speed limit and changing lanes and pulling into the suicide lane. It’s a whir of activity at all times of the day. This morning was no different. As I passed Panera bread I noticed the cars ahead of me were braking. It was not just a normal braking pattern. The cars were stopping on both sides of the road. There was no traffic light on this stretch of road. I was confused as to the reason for stopping. As I waited I saw ahead that a line of Geese were making their way across the road. They needed to get to the other side and decided to take their right-of-way. I watched the Geese waddle across the five lane road. I looked at all the frustrated, busy commuters waiting impatiently. I laughed to myself and enjoyed the moment. I remembered the old hymn by Civilla Martin (1869-1948). Why should I feel discouraged, Why should the shadows come,Why should my heart be lonely and long for Heav'n and home,When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me,His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. I sing because I'm happy,I sing because I'm free,For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. I’m pretty sure that goes for Geese too. I also remember Jesus’ words from Matthew. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father?” God is in control, of geese and even of traffic on Main Street at seven in the morning. Kyle Pierpont November 1, 2006 Granger, IN

it's in the little things...

My birthday is in a few days. Birthdays used to be what I looked forward to the most beside Christmas. I would wish and hope for things that I wanted just like all kids do. I have found that my feelings have changed in recent years. I still look forward to my birthday, but not with the same kiddish enthusiasm. Now, my idea of a good birthday is a few cups of strong coffee from my favorite roaster, some homemade apple crisp, my favorite sweatshirt, and people I love around me, especially my beautiful wife. I don't need a bunch of stuff. I have found that I am happiest with the little things in my life. I agree with Paul. "...for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content" Philippians 4:11 Kyle

from distant lands...

Life has been a bit busy these days. I remember a time when I was younger that I wished I was busier, that day has arrived. The Lord is so good! He has put me and Elizabeth in a great ministry opportunity. Me and Bob Morton (right gaurd for Notre Dame #76) are youth interns for the next eight months at Grace Church in Granger, Indiana. I am learning so much every day. I am excited to see what the Lord has in mind the next eight months. Here is the product of a little reminisence I had the other day. Inspiration from my Amish friend It was a cool fall day, I was no older than ten. Dad and I drove the beautiful five or six miles through the Kokosing Valley to our friends, the Yoder’s. The Yoder’s were an Amish family, clean, orderly, very nice, and Christians. Their home was a warm farmhouse on a knoll under massive oaks. They had a large productive garden and they were surrounded by the rolling hills of Eastern Knox County. The Yoder’s were Amish of the order that allowed electricity and tractors. They had horses, sheep, chickens, a few cats, a dog and about fifty milk cows. But they didn’t have cars. We had a mini-van. We would barter rides to town for fresh milk, fresh milk straight from the cow via the stainless steel tank. No preservatives, no pasteurization, no homogenization, just fresh, cold milk. It was on one of these trips for milk that I was inspired. After small talk and filling our gallon pitcher we made our way out of the milk parlor. As we walked to the van my Dad noticed something. It was Brian, who was my age, and he was prepping a power washer for use. I remember Dad walked over to Brian and asked him what he was up to. Brian in his Pennsylvania Dutch accent said, “I am vashing da barn”. I could tell Dad was impressed. He asked if his Dad had told him to wash the barn. He said, “No, it just needs to be done”. I noticed Dad was even more impressed. Dad saw and took the opportunity to point out the example of what initiative looked like. As we drove away I leaned forward in my seat with the cold milk between my knees and watched Brian start the power washer. I was inspired to take initiative. That afternoon I searched for something I could do without Dad telling me. I finally found it. I was going to clean the gutters. I pulled on an old pair of jeans, one of my favorite flannels, and my well worn John Deere cap. I dragged the aluminum step ladder close to the front porch and made my accent to initiative. I remember two things when I think of this time. The ladder not being tall enough and proving wrong the sticker that stated “This is not a step”. And I remember the satisfaction of Dad coming outside and catching me taking initiative. He was happy. I was happy. I had been inspired by my Amish friend. I pray the Lord chooses to bless me with a son. If He does I hope I will see the opportunities to inspire him to take initiative. Kyle Pierpont Granger, Indiana October 23, 2006

My own profesional photo grapher

My mom took some photo's of Elizabeth and me. It was a beautiful evening, perfect for pictures. I am such a blessed man to have a wife as beautiful as mine - inside and out.

Back in the land of the living

The Lord is doing very exciting things in our life right now. It's been a great summer. Elizabeth and I have spent the summer in ministry at Camp Barakel. After camp we spent a few days on North Manitou Island off the coast of Leland, Michigan. It was a wonderful time. Here are a few pictures.

Before we left for the island on the Fishtown Dock