Winter's a Comin'

Ta-Ching!

Today, September 27, 2005, at 1:29 p.m. the Serven Clan welcomed it's 20,000th visitor.

Thanks for your patronage. We hope you leave our site encouraged. : )

In honor of this auspicious occasion, we will let you in on a little secret . . . we are working on having a real site--www.servenclan.com. We'll let you know when it is up.

History in the Making

Pastor Cordz, Pastor Poorman, Pastor Serven, Pastor Dewey, Pastor Wightman (left to right)

Yesterday was a historic even in the life of Covenant Family Church of Troy, Missouri. Pastor Cordz, Pastor Serven and Pastor Wightman were installed as pastors of this local body of believers. Pastor Greg Poorman of Ohio and Pastor Mark Dewey of Michigan were present to administer the vows to the men and to the congregation.

We stand in awe of the Lord's hand as we consider how He has brought us together in less than a years time.


Wightman, Cordz and Serven Families (left to right)

Homemade Entertainment

"Uh . . . What did you say?"

Southern Adventures: Part 2

The best parts of a conference include elements of education and hospitality. This was again evident as we fellowshiped with families from around the country in Atlanta, Georgia.

Topics at the conference were centered around applying God's Law Word to every aspect of life. The works of R. J. Rushdoony were rejoiced in while discussion of new applications of the Scriptures to our lives were considered.

One point that was hammered upon, is that it is not enough to "Read Rushdoony". You must apply God's word to your life and DO something about it. Lackadaisical immobility will not bring about full flowered evidences of a Christian Reconstructionist ethic.

It was exciting to see the Lord's hand all over country. People are being faithful. Yes, they are "reading" but then it is coming forth in the blessed "doing" of the Scriptures. Orthopraxy and orthodoxy were well represented by the people at this conference.



The Zes family helped write and publish a book on Covenants when they saw a lack in this area. The girls faithfully walked alongside their father and mother being the hands of support for Dan Ford, just as Aaron was to Moses.

It was wonderful to see Pastor Wagner, his family and several members of his church (Thanks for the apricots!!). These fellow Californians have tirelessly worked years, as they steadfastly withstand the onslaught of sodomy. Pastor Wagner remarked, "That is part of the price of living in the glorious state of California". How true. We are so thankful for their faithfulness and pray for God's continuing mercy on our (old) home state.



It is exciting seeing the men that God is raising up to serve in the coming generations. Many callings were represented at the conference--and each man is growing in faithfulness to serve the Lord on "his part of the wall". From left to right: film-maker, law, business and judiciary spheres.

Many thanks to the Wulf family as they graciously housed our family of eleven. Mr. and Mrs. Wulf have been very involved in the founding of a Crisis Pregnancy Center (or Pregnancy Support Center) in the Atlanta area. Their passion for the unborn was evident by the fruit of their adopting four children of their own, plus the discipleship they exhibit for many pregnant young ladies in Georgia. Long phone calls are a part of their day as they nurture these girls and encourage them to choose a biblical view of life.



We were so pleased to meet the Smith, Morton and Davis ladies of Georgia. Their fathers and brothers have taken many trips over the last few weeks down into hurricane country, bringing much relief to the people of Mississippi and Louisiana. The girls truly have supported their families effort of mercy by not only preparing, purchasing and organizing the items to go to another state, but by lovingly serving their families while the menfolk are away.

Mr. Phillips brought attention to the groundbreaking work being done in the healthcare replacement industry by Samaritan Ministries and the Evans family of Illinois who were attending the conference. Personally, we have been and will continue to be blessed by this unusual group of Christians who are committed to caring for each others needs financially.


The arts is such a crucial area of cultural dominion. We were blessed to hear sisters Judy Rogers and Becky Morecraft sing a capella.

Some youngsters also gifted us musically at the conference--twin 16 year old young ladies played some beautiful strains on violin, while their younger brothers gave an offering of flute and organ. I was quite surprised at the level of accomplishment when I asked the organist his age and he responded "12 years old".


Conference attendees

We particularly enjoyed a glorious sermon delivered by Joe Morecraft on the Lord's Day. Pastor Morecraft spoke from Amos, pointing out the heavy responsibility shouldered by ministers of the word as they proclaim it forth in truth. The point was made that one of God's judgment on our land is the lack of biblical pastors. There not only are not people who want to sit under the preaching of the Word, but there are hardly any pastors preaching God's Law Word.

This point was driven home as we met the Painter family. For the past 3 years they have been endeavoring to start a reformed work in the Knoxville area. The Painters have not yet seen the fruit of the sowing, but continue to work tirelessly, trusting God for the results. Every other week, they make the 7 hour trek down to Atlanta to sit under the preaching of the Scripture.

Pastor Morecraft made an excellent point when he proclaimed in his thick Southern accent, that you can not move anywhere without first finding a church committed to God's Word. The admonishment was directed towards fathers who might be transferred in a job, young adults who are considering higher education, and generally as a warning to all. "You will loose your faith", he exclaimed.

This message is one that we have been such far blessed to avoid. As our father is a pastor, where ever we go, we are under the preaching of the Word. However, countless times we have witnessed the sad story of families that move away without a covenant community to be associated with. This matter of a biblical church is not an optional thing. It is your life. The fate of countless generations rest upon your obedience.



Home education is making a huge impact on our culture. Those in the TR crowd (Truly Reformed) often are not up on the exciting progress being made in these ventures for God's glory.

What fun to watch Chris Ortiz, director of communications at the Chalcedon Foundation, stand in amazement at the DeLadurantery girls book purchases. Mr. Ortiz could not fathom why someone "of the female nature" would read a huge tome of Rushdoony. When Amber replied that it was her parents who have inspired her to plunge into these areas of cultural dominion, Mr. Ortiz exclaimed "You are the second young lady who has given that answer!"

Through the rest of the weekend, Mr. Ortiz continued to verbalize his new thoughts as he saw the connection between reformed thinking and the outworkings of it in the home-education movement.

Greetings were also given by Col. Moore and the Exodus Mandate, an organization "Promoting private home schooling of children and the importance of Christian education." He joyfully recounted stories from the beginnings of home schooling to home-educated students from all over the country.


Speakers (left to right): Martin Selbrade, Mark Rushdoony,
Doug Phillips, Gary DeMar. Not pictured: Joe Morecraft.

The messages of the speakers was one of victory. Trusting as we do in the sovereign work of the Lord, we cannot but help to joyfully rest in His plan for our nation, church and family. This does not mean that we sit back and rest on our laurels--not that we have any of which to speak!

The question of the hour is still, "By what standard?" We must see every part of life as belonging to God--because it does! Every square inch of this world is under His control. Every aspect of life has direct application from the pages and principles of Scripture.

As sons and daughter of the King it is our job to proclaim to the inhabitants of the land the victory has been won! Secondly, we are to make manifest the reign of Jesus Christ as we walk alongside our children, faithfully seeking to reconstruct our culture to a distinctively Christian worldview.

"For Christ's Crown and Covenant!" The heart cry of the covenanters rings true today as we press on in the strength of the Lord trusting Him to bless the work of our hands for his glory.

Southern Adventures: Part 1

This last week we took a short trip into the southern states. Our destination was Atlanta, but we had a few adventures on the way there in Nashville.


Resting on the drive to Nashville.

Hmmm . . . .

We arrived in the Nashville area just in time for a lovely dinner with the Carpenters. Dad was scheduled to lead an informal mini-seminar that evening for the members of Covenant Family Fellowship at the C's home.

After dinner and right before people were about to arrive, all the big people were sitting around the table discussing the plans for the evening. The younger kids were all out doors playing tag on the lovely grounds surrounding the Carpenters home.

While we were in the middle making plans, the door opened and one of the children came in. "Uh, Nathan, Peter needs you to come out . . . . right away. Ben got hurt". That was a bad sign. : )

Nathan sprinted outdoors followed by Rebecca, Beth, Mom and Dad. The prognosis was not good--Ben had slipped on the moist evening grass and caught himself squarely on his arm breaking both bones of his right arm completely.

By the time we ran for water, retrieved a sort of scarf to keep the arm in place and carried Ben fire-man style to the car, people were arriving for the seminar. A quick decision was made and Dad, Mom and Mr. Carpenter headed off to the hospital emergency room.

That left a void in the speaker for the evening . . . but Nathan was very gracious to fill in for Dad. We also taught the congregation several psalms. What an exciting night! We sure did not expect this to be a part of God's plan, but obviously, His predestinating work was evident in our lives.


Ben home from his adventures at the hospital. His arm is doing well now.

Ben's arm before the setting.

Talking over the events of the day. Notice the "We Love You Ben" sign in the background. : )

Happy conversations at midnight.

Off to Atlanta

We will be away from the computer for the next couple days . . . our destination? The 40th Anniversary Conference of the Chalcedon Foundation. First we travel down to Nashville where we will be visiting with Covenant Family Fellowship (Hi Vaughns and Carpenters!). Then after a few days in TN it's off to the conference in Atlanta, Georgia. We are looking forward to see old friends and meeting new ones. Pictures and a report to follow.

"History has never been dominated by majorities,

but only by dedicated minorities

who stand unconditionally on their faith."

R. J. Rushdoony

Art Museum

Off we go to the Saint Louis Art Museum! Our objective for the afternoon was to visit the special exhibit, "Nature and the Nation" containing works by artists Frederic Edwin Church, John Denison Crocker, George Henry Durrie, Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand, and others.


St. Louis guarding the entrance.

We very much enjoyed the museum. As per the museum rules, we did not take any pictures inside. But you can see a few of our favorite paintings by clicking here, here and here.

Another highlight of the museum was the armory exhibit complete with guns, shields, crossbows, and whole suits of armor all the way back to the 1400's.


I think I understand the fountains better than some of that modern art.


Hey now!! Don't fall in!


A picnic on the grounds rounded up our visit into high culture.

Then . . . off we went on a wild ride to visit Ted Drewes: a one of a kind St. Louis experience. You will have to try the "concrete" next time you are in St. Louis. It's vanilla custard blended with your choice of toppings. The trademark of Ted Drewes is that you can hold the dish upside down--the custard is so stiff, it won't come out. : )

The Simple Things in Life

Aren't you impressed!? Our van is inside our garage!

The Pitter Patter of Little Feet

Great article posted by the Berkompas family on the true blessings of children.

Mission Katrina: Update 2

Just talked with the V family this afternoon . . . after a week of blessed fellowship removed from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, it's back to the battle. There is work to be done and plenty of it.

With the electricity coming on city by city, the food supply lines slowly getting up and running, people returning from evacuation and the looters settling down, the common theme that we have heard from our friends in the south is the need for muscle power. There are so many, many trees that have fallen, tons of roofs to fix, and lots of areas for dominion.

Please continue in prayer for all the efforts in the southern states. Check out Doug's Blog, Erber's Etc and HSLDA for several works in progress.

First Missouri Psalm Sing

The Psalm Sing is always a wonderful opportunity to sing praises to the Lord and share fellowship with other believers.


Pre-Psalm Sing Festivities


Any time you can fit in a good book is fine with the Servens.


Arm Wrestling Contest


Go! Go! Go!


Time to Sing


120 people squeezed into our basement for the Psalm Singing. First we go over the parts, then break up into sections scattered around the house, then it's back together again in the basement to complete the "choir practice". Of course, our time was not complete without a story--this time about George Whitfield.


Tenors of all ages.


Singing.


Now, Wasn't that Fun?


A smiling young lady.


Sarah prepares for the Ice Cream Sundaes.


Shannon and Beth served us all Ice Cream.


Hey! Look what I found!


Lots of property to explore and play upon.

Mission Katrina: Update 1

It is with gratefulness in our hearts to the Lord that we hear the news of the safe locating of the dear V family. A team of home-schooling men and friends of ours found them in the midst of all the craziness of the southern states.

Please pray for the V's as they quickly pack up their valuables and travel with their resuce team out of the unsafe area--today . . . Lord willing, all before the borders are closed.

Please continue to pray for the safety of the saints, and for God's comfort to those who have lost their loved ones.

God is our sovereign King.

Blogging 101: Tip #47

At the request of some of our friends who wish to remain incognito no longer, we thought you might enjoy these instructions.

Sincerely,
The Serven Clan

P. S. To all our Californian friends, now you won't have an excuse to not say "hello".

P. S. S. To all our computer savvy friends, please do not take this post as an insult.



Tip #47--How to Leave a Comment

1. Read through all instructions before attempting anything.

2. Highlight and print instructions.

3. Locate the link at the lower right hand portion of the post which says: "O Comments" or "1 Comments", etc. depending on how many there are.

4. Double Click on "__ Comments".

5. A new page with the blog post will come up. You have now entered into the 2nd layer of blogging--only accessible to those with true discernable skills. You can read all the comments or just scroll down to the very, very end right away.

6. Double click on "Post a Comment".

6. Another page will appear with a white background. Hold your breath. You have now entered into the 3rd level of the blogosphere and are about to become an active member of the blogging community.

7. On the top right hand section of the page is a white box with the words "Leave Your Comment" emblazoned over the top. Type in the box "I am leaving my very first comment!!!" and if you want, sign your name (more later).

8. Immediately below the white box it says "Choose Your Identity". You have a couple options . . .



Option A: MOST COMPLICATED
For those of you who desire to start your own blog someday, this is a great option.

First, notice where it asks, "No Blogger account? Sign up here". Click on the link "Sign up here".

This will take you to a new window that states "Create an Account". Fill in the boxes--(i.e. User name: John Doe, Enter a Password: ReformedandReforming, Display Name: John of the Doe Clan, E-mail address: johndoe@internetisp.com, and read and accept the terms by checking the box). Click "continue". The window may tell you, especially if you have a User Name like "John Doe", that that user id is not available. Pick something else a little more unusual if yours is taken.

Once you get that accepted, the window will change and ask you a title for your blog. You can be creative or plain, and you can always change it later. Then you will need a blog address--we like one that is easily remembered. : ) Lastly type in the distorted letters (it is so they know you are a person not a computer trying to spam them) and click "Continue".

Now is the fun part--you get to choose a template! You can further personalize them once you learn how to use html--but that is another lesson for another day. Once you have selected a look for your blog, click "Continue". And your blog has been created!! Now you can start the adventure of running you own blog . . . but, to get back to leaving comments.

Return to www.servenclan.blogspot.com Go through steps 3-8 again. Now when it says "Choose Identity", click on "Blogger". Now, type in your User Name and Password, and viola! Your Display Name and comment are registered.

Whew. That was some work. If this seems too complicated, look at the other options.

Option B: MOST FUN
Click on "Other". You can now type in any name you want (your real name, your pen name, your "this is what I feel like today" name, etc.) If you have a website, you are welcome to put that in, but it is optional.

Option C: EASIEST
Click "Anonymous". Yep. It's that easy. It is nice though to sign your name up in the comment box so we know who it was who just left their first comment. : )

9. Ok, this is the very, very, very last step. Hooray!! Click on "Publish Your Comment".

Congratulations!! You are now an official member of the blogging world!!!!

Mission Katrina

Please be in prayer for our dear friends in the south as they face the hard providence of God with the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina.