A Content Boy

Communicating Joyous Womanhood

As a mother, you possess the gift of profoundly influencing your precious daughter's view of the womanly art of home making.

Being a woman is more than slaving over the stove, drowning in a sink of dishes or cleaning up after those dear though messy children. You are to exude a fragrance of love, excitement, nurture and sacrifice. Yet, often unknowingly your actions and words communicate a negative idea of being a woman. Simply by changing the way your communicate about who God made you to be, can revolutionize your daughter's view of biblical womanhood.

Communicating your joy to your daughter can happen in many different ways. You could spend time over a cup of tea, talk and work alongside each other, read a book aloud together, take all your daughters for a "girl's walk" down a country road, encourage her with praise, give you daughter vision inspiring tools and books, teach your daughter a lifelong skill . . . and there are too many other great ideas to write down.

For you who don't have daughters at home, you are not exempt! As members of the greater covenant community, you have the special gift of influencing the young women in your church, community and extended family (including those sweet grand-daughters). You may never know how the Lord will use your simple testimony of joy and contentment to inspire others to godly girlhood.

Paint a true picture of what you believe. Take joy in where God has placed you for the work of ministry--and communicate your joy to your daughter as you walk along the way.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving.

The word says it all. We give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings he has bestowed on us. We give thanks to the Lord for the trials he brings. We are to give thanks in all times and all places. But at this time of the year, we especially remember His providence in our own lives and the lives of those who have gone before us.

This year we spent Thanksgiving with Pastor Cordz and his family. Although we greatly missed Nathan, what a joy filled time it was. Here are some pictures of the day's festivities.


The Cordz's home grown 37 lb bird--it just barely fit into the oven!


Carving the Turkey.


Our bountiful feast.


Both fathers had prepared for a time of reading the scriptures and telling the stories of yore. From ancient history to family history to history in the making, our conversations were from the perspective of seeing God's hand affecting every aspect of life. Here is Dad reading to us about Squanto.


More stories.


We brought various instruments for our "after dinner entertainment". Though some songs were silly (Bleezer's Ice Cream Store), others were sweet (Judy Rogers). : )

What a blessed day to spend with our dear friends and co-laborers in Missouri.

Storytime with Dad

Happy Thanksgiving!

Often around the Serven family table, our dad will tease us by offering a story. Of course we can't stand it until he contents us with a tale from history. Many of you have heard Dad's famous stories, right in your own house.

Well . . . we can't be in everyone's home for Thanksgiving. But here's the next best thing. A story from Dad you can read during your own celebration! This one is called Squanto: A Special Instrument of God.

The Lord's Blessings on you and yours,
The Serven Children

P. S. Peter was especially intrigued to hear the bit about Squanto and the loose board. You will have to read the article to see this fun glimpse into history. : )

By Night When Others Soundly Slept

By night when others soundly slept
And hath at once both ease and Rest,
My waking eyes were open kept
And so to lie I found it best.

I sought him whom my Soul did Love,
With tears I sought him earnestly.
He bow'd his ear down from Above.
In vain I did not seek or cry.

My hungry Soul he fill'd with Good;
He in his Bottle put my tears,
My smarting wounds washt in his blood,
And banisht thence my Doubts and fears.

What to my Saviour shall I give
Who freely hath done this for me?
I'll serve him here whilst I shall live
And Love him to Eternity.

by Anne Bradstreet (b. 1612, d. 1672)

Spotlight: League of Grateful Sons

"This is our last opportunity to say thank you . . ."

This phrase typifies the spirit of the documentary The League of Grateful Sons. Produced by Vision Forum Ministries and premiered at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, this film was a landmark project in Christian Independent film-making. The League of Grateful Sons is a moving 74 minute documentary, put together by veteran film-makers and home educated families from around the world.

The League of Grateful Sons travels back in time to the stories of heroism that surround the battle of Iwo Jima. Many tales have been hidden as grandfathers across America were loath to tell these tales of tragedy. But though they are hard things to recall, to hear the stories of God's Hand of protection and providence gives the next generation hope and inspiration to fight to good fight--today. It inspires us grandchildren to courage and bravery in the everyday trials of life when we know what our fathers have gone through for our sake.

This documentary visits with several men, including Col. Bill Henderson and Bill Brown (both men present at the premiere screening). The film captures stories of their childhood, time in Iwo, memories of their father, and reflections on their life. The League of Grateful Sons also speaks of "Johnny Boy" Butler and the legacy he was left from his father: the letters Mr. Butler wrote to his son, while traveling across the Pacific.

The League of Grateful Sons is truly a journey of honor. You will hear the stories of fatherhood in the midst of trial. You will hear the tales of faith in the midst of hardship. You will be encouraged to document the stories from your own warriors of honor. And you will praise the Lord--for His mercies are new every morning.

Scenes from San Antonio's Premiere Screening


We were honored to have Col Henderson, Lt. Brown, Scott, Kelly and David Brown, and Producers Doug Phillips and Geoff Botkin with us for the screening.


Two good men . . .


These soldiers are ready for action!

Purchase The League of Grateful Sons on DVD from Vision Forum for $18.00.

Partings

Well . . . tomorrow we finally say goodbye to the Cousins. These past two weeks have been full of many adventures. We will miss them dreadfully.

Spotlight: A Journey Home

All across America, fathers want to come home.

Many think they never can. Work is demanding, expectations are high, there is just too much at stake. But A Journey Home breathes life, hope, and vision giving a picture of one family's journey home.

A Journey Home is the story of Tommy Waller and his family. It was quite a transition from a fast paced, 80 hour work week to living in the middle of nowheresville Tennessee without electricity and running water, regaining the hearts of his eleven children. The Lord used their family to have a huge impact on the people of the little town of Liepers Fork. The Wallers unconsciously built relationships with all types and social status of people, by running a vegetable stand, serving others, and just being a family. The Lord is now taking them halfway around the world--to do a work amongst the people of Israel.

While we would not wholeheartedly embrace the theology espoused by the Wallers, their vision of family discipleship is commendable. The words of Mr. and Mrs. Waller, Brayden, the eldest son in the family, and each of the grandparents are so encouraging as our generation seeks to learn to honor the servant leadership of our fathers.

This film does not claim to have "the" answer. This film paints a picture of one family's journey. It shows the impact a faithful father can have as his wife and children joyfully follow his direction; happy in the place God has them.

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One of the most exciting things about the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival is not only seeing the picture of fathers coming home in the subjects of the films, but also in the lives of the directors, producers, cast and crew. Each person at the festival had a story of God's faithfulness to their family.


The Winners of the 2005 SAICFF included home educated students and parents.


Ken Carpenter, Doug Phillips and Judge Tom Parker: Fellow visionaries.


Elizabeth, Rebecca, Mr. Carpenter, Nathan: soundtrack.

We were privileged to be able to help on this project (a very tiny, miniscule amount) with a couple of shots for the movie (Peter) and a song for the soundtrack (Rebecca, Nathan and Beth). When you purchase A Journey Home, make sure to watch the bonus feature "The Making of Encouragement" for a fun little picture into life at the Servens. : )


Peter, Mr. Carpenter and Cole: assistance in production and post.


TJ Draper, Mr. Carpenter, Joel and Graham Fisher: production shots, editing, general post production.

A Journey Home, the winner of the Jubilee Award for Best Documentary at the 2005 SAICFF, is available on DVD at www.franklinspringsfamilymedia.com for $15.00

Spotlight: So Much More

The Botkin and Serven Families

What a delight to get to know the Botkin family of New Zealand a little better while we were in San Antonio. This visionary yet down-to-earth family seeks to strategically advance Christ's Kingdom though many different practical projects for His glory. In addition to their family endeavors, Mr. Botkin often has ideas for specific children of his to accomplish. So Much More was one of these such projects, lovingly and courageously written by his daughters.

So Much More, a 350 page hardbound book written by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin, is a comprehensive, biblical treatise on biblical daughter-hood. Most books written to Christian girls will talk of courtship and college. Not that those are not important subjects . . . but So Much More delves to a deeper level.

The book expands those topics with a biblical perspective plus it covers the full gamut of issues that should be near to the heart of every young woman: submission, the battle against feminism, the influence of Marxism, encouraging brothers, the cautions of having a unbiblical view of "ministry" outside the home, higher
education, exemplifying a "protected women" through thoughts and actions, biblical marriage preparation and growing in the highest vocation a woman can have: as her husbands helper, the mistress of a functional home and the trainer of children.

While some books are encased in flowery language, So Much More is written with a straightforward logical question and answer format. Scriptural references are peppered throughout as well as extensive footnotes and two appendixes (Appendix A: Advice to Fathers: An interview with Geoffrey Botkin by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin, and Appendix B: The Nature of Militant Feminism). Throughout the book are scattered interviews with 14 girls from around the world who share different lessons God has been teaching them.

This is the type of book you will recommend to everyone on your list. As I read through it on the drive home from Texas, I found myself thinking of person after person who would be so blessed by gleaning from it's pages. So Much More: The Remarkable Influence of Visionary Daughters of the Kingdom of God lights a fire of excitement, hope and purpose as young women seek to follow the Lord's instruction with delight, living their lives for His glory.

Purchase So Much More from Vision Forum for $18.00 .

"A real woman is a woman who recognizes that she has been exquisitely and perfectly created by a loving God for a unique purpose.

"Out of genuine gratitude, awe and a desire to please her Maker, a real woman joyfully embraces her femininity and submits every aspect of her identity--the attitudes and affections of her heart and mind, her appearance, her manners, her speech, her ambitions and her beliefs--to God's original and unique design for her as a woman."

Excerpt from So Much More, written by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin, published by Vision Forum, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas.

Editors Note: Keep a watch out for Anna Sophia and Elizabeth's upcoming website!!

Autumn at the Arch

To give a real time update inbetween posts about the SAICFF . . . We have been so enjoying a visit from our dearest cousins this week. Everyday adventures have been many, intermixed with much sweet fellowship.

Wow. This thing is high.

Cousins

A walk in the park

Taking pictures with the cousins

Fun with leaves

". . . To the Film Academy . . ."

"Those who cast the vision,

sing the songs,

and mount the army,

will define the culture."

The arts are the most dangerous area of cultural transformation. You are painting a picture of reality (Biblical or not) on the screen for millions to see. They are being literally "discipled" by you the film-maker. The responsibility for truthful, wise and beautiful film-making is sobering.

But it is a joy at the same time. You have the opportunity to paint that picture of reality for millions to see. They will be discipled by you. And they will inculcate a biblical vision for their life. God can use this powerful medium to change their hearts towards Him and His glorious and beautiful Word.


Mr. Botkin and Isaac team teaching

From lighting to production logistics, cinematography to presuppositional thought, historical perspectives on Hollywood to CGI animations, copyright considerations to scriptwriting analysis, a huge variety of film-making topics were covered at the Film Academy in San Antonio. As the limitation of 3 days was upon us, of course you could never delve as deeply into a topic as you wanted, but a good overview was given on many subjects.


Since our hotel was only 3 or 4 blocks away, we tried to get our morning exercise walking through the streets of San Antonio.

Many people have wondered if I (RS) am interested in film-making. Yes . . . and no. I will never be a director or producer. However, I do have a strong interest in the whole realm of biblical aesthetics, writing, business, and music. The primary reason for my attendance at the academy was to serve as a "helper/personal assistant" to my brother Peter. His interest in film-making is at a much deeper level than I. It was a privilege to accompany him and discuss all the things we were learning together. Peter was a great encouragement to me as he took very good care of me through the whole time, led the Carpenter children through the wild streets of San Antonio, made some good connections with other film makers and was a great friend and protector. I hope in turn I was able to help him in a small way. We have put our heads together with many varied ideas of film-making and hope to continue in this vein in the future. No feature length films yet though! Give us maybe 7-10 years. : )

What a joy to have Peyton in for some of the sessions at the Academy. This visionary daughter finds joy in serving her father and mother in a million ways. What a blessing she is!



One of the over arching things we came away with, is that film-making takes a team. It takes a community of like minded practical visionaries who want to work together for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. You can not do it all your self.

Many wonderful contacts were made at the Academy. The Bollingers are a brother and sister team who have been involved in establishing their own video production business in MO. We had a wonderful lunch with them comparing many practical notes as well as seeing how God has amazingly brought us all on this path of film-making for His glory.

David Rassmussen painted a fascinating picture of an adventure cinematographer. Some people were tempted to set aside all their other film-making specialties to just become a cinematographer who travels all over the world! Mt. Everest, K2 and many other exotic locations make up the bread and butter of Mr. Rassmussen's business. Peter and I had fun introducing Mr. Rassmussen and 2 of his young sons to our family later in the week as we shared a lunch later in the week. What a wealth of stories he has!!

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Editorial Note

I could go on and on sharing all the practical and theological lessons that were invested in us by each of the speakers. But, reality is that this post has taken me 5 days already to get together (apologies Mr. Jesch) and we are enjoying our next batch of company (our cousins from CA). So, blogging is taking a back burner.

If time allows, I would love to write more on the practical tips given to us by Geoff Botkin and Isaac Botkin on Scriptwriting, Ken Carpenter on Production Logistics, and Anthony Billers on Copyrights and Permissions. But for now, the next post completed probably in more than a few days will be on the Festival itself.

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To celebrate the completion of the Academy and anticipate the beginning of the Festival, some of the speakers got together. What a privilege for us to tag along . . . how often do you get to sit around and request a song of Charlie Zahm? : )


Mrs Carpenter and new baby enjoying the music


Charlie Zahm--America's premiere balladeer

Ladies from around the world enjoying fellowship

"We're Goin' to San Antonio . . ."

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse.

It seems as if everyone in the blogospheric world has been to San Antonio recently. Here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. But I guess that is what you would expect with a crowd of 1200. And at least Gracie has asked for pictures. So, please humor me with our spin on San Antonio, the Film Academy, Film Festival and general reflections from the trip.

Peter and I arrived down in the Nashville area a couple days before departure to help the Carpenters prepare for the trek to Texas. Packing bags, reading stories, bouncing babies, sewing three 6 gored skirts with zippers and no pattern in one day (a record for me : ), and running errands were the tasks at hand.


Our day of departure!!



Many homeschool families have a similar modus operandi when traveling. The Carpenters and the Servens were no different. Sleeping, talking, singing, hunting for interesting license plates, funny drawing contests, and even composing a theme song for our journey. For all those that are curious, the song is a 3 part round:

Cantus Firmus:
San Antonio, Antonio, Antonio, Antonio (repeat through the first and second verses)

Melody:
We're goin' to San Antonio,
We're goin' to San Antonio,
To see our films on the big huge screen
At the S-A-I-C-F-F!
We're goin' to San Antonio,
We're goin' to San Antonio,
To see our films on the big huge screen,
San Antonio here we come!

Descant:
We're goin' to Texas now,
We're goin' to Texas now,
With our heads held high
We reach for the sky
At the Film Festival!
We're goin' to Texas now,
We're goin' to Texas now,
To see our films on the big huge screen,
San Antonio, here we come!


Practicing our Dutch Blitz skills in the hotel.


Playing with the babies.



One morning on the drive down, we had fun having a genuine Texas breakfast at Hubbards, west of Texarkana with the Gatlins a dear older couple and friend of the C's.



After 14 hours of driving spread over a couple of days, we arrived in San Antonio, ready for what the Lord would have for us. All us kids had some adventures traipsing around downtown SA waiting for the Film Academy to begin (3 in strollers and several hand-holders). [Cole: Ahem, ahem. I'm still waiting for you to send those pictures. : )]

One surprise awaited us at the hotel where we were staying--the lobby was gleefully festooned with the aura of death. Pictures of death literally were dripping off the walls, sitting on the tables and staring at us from chairs scattered about. It was horrible. A good reminder of the verse that "Those who hate God, love death." What a joy and relief it was to see just a few days later as the courageous Mr. T. requested first the hotel management, then the branch management and finally the national administrative management over the entire chain, to remove all the "decorations". It looked like a new hotel. Talk about inverted aesthetics!

Home Again!!

Andrew Torres, Andrew and Joel, and Franky and Joe--Texas buddies. : )