Something to Chew On

"The beauty of a thing consists in the symmetry, harmony, and agreeableness of all the parts. Now what is meekness but the soul's agreement with itself? It is the joint concurrence of all the affections to the universal peace and quiet of the soul, everyone regularly acting in its own place and order, and so contributing to the common good.

"Next to the beauty of holiness, which is the soul's agreement with God, is the beauty of meekness, which is the soul's agreement with itself. Behold how good and how pleasant a thing it is for the powers of the soul to dwell in unity, the reason knowing how to rule the affections, at the same time, knowing how to obey."

Matthew Henry
The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit

Back in a While

"We're off to see the Peter, the wonderful Peter of . . . Nashville?!"

Not for long.

"But, I Can't Sing!" - Rebecca

The Pedersen Family joins us in a sing round the piano

I just completed a quick read of Understanding Music and Worship in the Local Church by Vernon Whaley. Though I would not agree with the author's practical applications of the role of music in the church, his overview of music history, from Jubal to Michael W. Smith, was fascinating. He traced the major shifts in hymnology to the Great Awakening, with the fruit of the Camp-Meeting Gospel Hymns (think Fanny Crosby) being Contemporary Christian Music. Steve Wilkins makes many of the same references and ties-in this same phenomena in his lecture series, America's First 350 Years. This sequence of historical hymnology contained in Understanding Music and Worship is worth the price of the book.


Alto and Soprano sections singing at the Wightman Home

Mr. Whaley also supports the idea that every person can and should sing. Now all you reluctant singers--we are not talking that every person must sing opera. But we are talking about faithful, joyful and skillful singing. We are commanded many, many times in scripture to sing to the Lord (e.g. Ps. 96, 150, Col 3:16, etc). Your lack of musical expertise is not an excuse. Singing is a skill not a talent.

From my own experiences of conducting choirs for almost a decade, this hypothesis that "everyone can sing" was confirmed. In almost every choir there were people who by all definitions just "couldn't sing". Tone deaf, singing loudly off-key, physically damaged vocal chords, young children who could not keep a pitch--all these things were experienced. With all these situations though, each person who "couldn't sing" was purposefully working on overcoming that lack. With just that little bit of work and perseverance all these temporary obstacles of poor singing were overcome.

It is like riding a bike. "But I can't ride a bike!" someone might say. And they might be very true. But if they never have tried it, of course they can't ride a bike. You must practice and keep trying and one day--viola! You'll have it and you will never forget how.

Most people think they can't sing because long, long ago, someone told them to, "Sing a little quieter Johnny!" Subsequently that child grew up thinking he couldn't sing--and he never sought to remedy the situation. However if the person merely exerted the smallest consistent effort, he would be amazed at the progress.


Tenors practicing at the Wightman's Home

Need some easy ideas for learning to sing?

1. Listen

• Stand next to someone in church who can sing and listen to them, trying to match the pitches.
• Cup your hand over your ear and mouth making a "telephone" so you can hear yourself better.
• Listen to quality recordings of songs you often sing in your church congregation.

2. Practice

• Practice singing everywhere--at church, in family worship, while mowing the lawn, washing dishes, etc.
• If you have access to a piano or a person, have them sing/play a note for you. Try to match the same note back to them. Once you can easily match the pitch, try to copy 2 notes in a row. Then 3, 4, etc. until you can sing a whole line of music back to them.
• Be consistent--Set a time goal to really work on singing for a week, month or longer.

3. Tell Others

• Tell others you trust that you are working on this project.
• Talk to other people you know who do sing for tips and tricks.
• Take advantage of ever opportunity to talk about and work on singing--informally around the campfire, when you have people in your home, in a choir, at a church Psalm or Hymn sing.

Our family has had the privilege of teaching several groups of people to sing the Psalms in 4 part harmony. Before we begin, invariably several people will say "Now I have to warn you, I can't even sing--let alone sing 4 part harmony!!" Again and again people are amazed at how easy it is when you actually put your mind to it.

Don't believe anyone who says they "just can't sing". Anyone can sing. Yes, it takes some people longer than others to learn. But the rewards, having a voice of unfettered praise to the Lord, are incomprehensible.

There. Now I'm off my soap box.

Singing Psalms in California

Now, Take a Look at That . . .

It's real live blue sky!

Too Many Paint Fumes

You may be wondering at the shortage of recent posts. Our apologies, but we have been busy. Here is a quick update:


1. Peter and the camera are still down in Tennessee working on his submission for the Film Festival.


2. Elizabeth and Rebecca are pleased to report that by sunset tonight, there will officially be nine down, six to go. That is, nine rooms of the house painted and 6 more to paint. This most recent project of spreading color in the Living Room walls has been quite daunting. In fact, some people in our home were literally having nightmares about the process. Moreover, this room is worth a bad dream or two—especially the two-story-vaulted-ceiling-stairwell-with-eight-windows.

We came up with numerous contraptions for the task: standing by the balcony upstairs with a pole, duck taped to another pole, duck taped to a paintbrush, cutting in the ceiling 10 feet away. That worked great for most of the stairwell . . . except for one 6-foot section. That unpainted section, so innocent in nature, gnawed away at us for a time until we faced the inevitable. We would have to use the ladder.

Nathan was the official “spotter” as Elizabeth shimmied up a 16 foot ladder. At the wobbly tippy-top, she reached up as far as she could go and cut in the last section of the stairwell. She was sweating bullets the whole time. I am very thankful for her courage and dexterity, as I would have had a nervous breakdown. : )


3. We named our refrigerators. *Gulp.* I am not sure that I should really tell you this as it might lead you to consider turning us in. “But officer, it was really a good idea!” Regardless of future consequences, I will take the chance of sharing potential incriminating evidence. It may be that it will provide for your enjoyment of reading pleasure. Hey, you never know. Perhaps this will give a helpful organizational tip that you might employ in your own home someday.

In our California house, we had three refrigerator/freezer appliances. Being in a large family necessitates this, so, over the years we were very happy to receive them. They were lovingly referred to by their location and size (eg “Would you please put this in the big outside freezer?” etc.).

But now that we are in MO and a new house, we’ve found that our system of in the little freezer that used to be in the garage but is now in the laundry room?"

So—now for the solution! In a flash of brilliance, we dubbed our fridges:
“Andy”: The large reliable one always found in the kitchen.
“Barney”: The short quirky one from whom you never know what to expect.
“Gomer”: The big lug that you want to keep in the garage.

Click here for more information.

Politics Make Strange Bedfellows

There have been lots of stories floating around about John Roberts. Some people love him and some people hate him.

We do not pretend to be experts on the political scene, but we have appreciated reading Matt Chancey and Howard Phillips. Both of those men purpose to think through issues from a biblical worldview and have some very good, surprising and enlightening articles regarding Mr. Roberts.

What do you think? Should John Roberts serve as a US Supreme Court Justice? Why or why not? Please leave your thoughts along with your vote.

20 Minute Warning - Elizabeth

Peter is off again...After Peter and I returned from Nashville last week it was quickly determined that a second trip was definitely needed. The main goal of our first trip was to keep an eye on the Carpenter clan while Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary. While they were away we busied ourselves by making a short film. Thus the need for second trip to complete this great epic.

So with just 20 minutes warning Peter is frantically running around the house preparing for another productive and fun-filled week at the Carpenters. He actually asked me to update the blog (this is quite amazing since I am his non blogging sister :).

Peter will be working on his first film project with his co-director Cole Carpenter. We are all eagerly awaiting the final product.


The Sweet Carpenter Children plus a few Servens


Aspiring Directors

Patristic Globe-trotting

"The world is a book,
and those who do not travel,
read only a page."

Augustine (354-430 A. D.)

Click here to purchase Just Visiting by George and Karen Grant.

Workday at Mrs. Milans

A couple weeks ago the men met out at Mrs. Milan's for a work day.


Weedwacking.


Digging trenches.


Craft service.


This is looking good.

Erbers Etc.

We had the fun blessing of connecting with the Erbers as they traveled through Missouri. This delightful family faithfully serves the home-school community in their state, putting together resources to encourage families in discipling their children.


Parents talking.


Kids playing.


And traveling across the country all the way from Santa Barbara, California--hand delivered, homegrown avacados and lemons!

Sermon: A Stolen Blessing

"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."
Proverbs 28:13

You have all heard the adage, "Cheaters never prosper!" This is so very true, as most adults can testify by their own experience. How is it that those who seek to hide their sin are found out? The Lord promises that there shall come a day when all of our sins shall be fully known, and that day is the Judgement Day (Matthew 12: 36-37 and 25: 31-32; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

But even prior to that day, our efforts at concealing our sinful activities will fail. Our sins will be found out becuase of the law of consequenses (Psalm 32:3-5; Matthew 12:33-35; Romans 6:12; Galatians 6:7-8). Once discovered we will have to bear the consequences of our sin and hopefully this will lead to our repentance.

In Jacob's case, it is clear that our sovereign Lord was at work even in the midst of his sin. This does not in any way justify Jacob's duplicity. But it does show us that the Lord does accomplish his ends through Jacob's wrongful deed (Genesis 21:12; Romans 9:6-13).

This truth should give us a profound sense of awe when we consider the Lord's sovereign will. Moreover, it should cause us to tremble when we remember the Lord will make all things known (Phillipians 2:12-13).

Therefore, let us confess our sins and repent of our wicked ways knowing that the Lord gives mercy to His people.

1. Preparation (vs. 1-4)

2. Conspiracy (vs. 5-17)

3. Deception (vs. 18-19)

4. Discovery (vs. 30-41)

5. Escape (vs. 42-46)

Pastor Marcus Serven
August 7, 2005
Genesis 27
Covenant Family Church

California Memories

This is for you Mrs. G. : )

Showing Honor - Marcus

“Love one another with brotherly affection.
Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Romans 12:10

About five weeks ago I made a quick trip back to California to visit my family. The purpose of my journey was to show honor to my younger brother, Carl Henry Block.

Many of you may already know that Carl and I are nine years apart, and although we do not share the same last name---since we are officially “step brothers”---we are brothers in every sense of the word and value our relationship.

Carl graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1985 and has now served as a commissioned officer in the Air Force for nearly twenty years. Just recently, he was promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to the rank of full Colonel (or, “Bird Colonel”, since the insignia on the shoulder board is an eagle). This is a significant achievement and is one that makes me very proud of his perseverance and professional accomplishments.

Many of our family members were able to participate in the “pinning-on” ceremony at Travis Air Force Base. A highlight for all was witnessing Henry Block, Carl’s father and my stepfather, issue the oath of office.

As I think about my “little brother” it is easy for me to recall the memorable events of our life: cross-country driving trips, family camp-outs, birthday parties, special holidays, school graduations, marriage ceremonies, and the births of our numerous children. Being nine years older I had the privilege and responsibility of being Carl’s friend and defender---in short, I endeavored to function as a “big brother” should.

I would be untruthful if I gave the impression that we never had any conflict between us. Yes, occasionally there was strife, but the two of us always made-up with each other and moved on. Over time we have come to value the widely divergent personalities, interests, and gifts that we each have.

Yet, there is one possession that we have in common, besides our family background, and that is our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am so very grateful to have a brother who is also a brother in the Lord.

The Bible tells us that, “A friend loves at all times, but a brother is born for adversity.” (see Proverbs 17:17). I take that to mean that we may be blessed with many friends throughout our life who are helpful, but in a time of great need we will ordinarily get the most help from our brothers, or other family members. As they always say, “Blood is thicker than water”. I have personally experienced the truth of this maxim many times over, and it is my firm resolution to be a help to my own brother in times of adversity.

Pease pray for my brother Carl and his family’s welfare as they serve overseas in the military forces of our country.

Sermon: Promise and Deliverance

"Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham's sake."
Genesis 26:24

We see in this chapter the twin themes of promise and deliverance. These gracious actions of God weave themselves back and forth throughout Isaac's life and reflect the personal care of the Lord.

One specific promise related to Isaac concerns his own family line. "Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham's sake" (Genesis 26:24). Isaac, this child of the covenant, grows up. His father is now dead, and he alone is the living patriarch over his family. Is the God of his father also his own God? Is Isaac willing to trust God in the midst of several difficult trails--famine, scandal, conflict?

Would you be willing to trust in the midst of trials like these? Through all of these tough times the Lord wonderfully delivers him and preserves his family. As God's covenant people, let us trust God through our own trials--He will not fail us.

1. Promise (vs. 1-5)

• I will be with you
• I will bless you
• I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham
• I will multiply your offspring
• I will give your offspring all these lands
• I will bless all the nations of the earth through your offspring

2. Deliverance (vs. 6-33)

• In the midst of famine
• In the midst of scandal
• In the midst of conflict

3. Hardship (vs. 34-35)

• Esau's two Hittite wives
• Bitterness

Pastor Marcus Serven
July 31, 2005
Genesis 26:1-35
Covenant Family Church

Fiesta Time

Sunday brought a feast as we celebrated the adoption of two Guatemalan babies to the H family in our church. It was a joyous yet tearful time as we watch God's hand direct our lives.


Our greeting committee.


The three amigos.


Fun with babies.


Hit that Pinata!!


Watching and waiting for the pinata to break.


Conversations.

Continuing with the Spanish theme, a chile-pepper eating contest was in order.


Do you really think I should eat this?*


Oh wow. That one is hot.*


Notice the milk.*


This one definitely takes the cake. *

*These pictures specially authorized as a "bloggable moments" by Nathan. Send all hate mail to him.

Fun with the Fraziers

A highlight for us this past week was the blessed visit we had with the Frazier family. Conversational topics revolved around economics, politics, medical ethics and just plain old fun stories. Of course, the day was not complete without the obligatory and satisfactory round of Dutch Blitz. The Fraziers have been so encouraging to us over the years--we treasure their friendship. Thanks so much for your generous hospitality!!