Mega History Conference

Addendum--An Official Report from the Mega History Conference

Many people visibly jar at the thought of spending both their precious time and hard earned money on attending a five day history conference. To them, history is merely an uninteresting collection of dates and dead people. Yet to the people of God who understand that culture is religion externalized, history becomes one of the most vital areas of study.

In history, we see the result of men's faith presuppositions on the lives of other men. From the Mayans with their human sacrifice to the social engineers of our day, each age has sought to create a sovereign after their own image. History, in large measure, is the tale of man's long war against God. Yet superimposed over this seemingly dark picture God has revealed himself to his elect. And His remnant is still moving forward waging war with darkness, proclaiming the liberty of the gospel.

This then is why we study history, because it teaches us to hope. To hope and to live, knowing that God governs the affairs of men and "At the last He will stand upon the earth and after my skin has been thus destroyed yet in my flesh I shall see God".

This conference contained the three key features which made it great, captivating stories, application for today and a clear recognition of the hand of God in the lives of men. The goal of the conference was to give an overview of world history. It did this and more. Since you were able to see large sections of history at one time, it was easier to recognize the overall flow of history. Also very importantly, the lectures did not stay in rarefiedfied air of academic inquiry but delved to the level of the personal and allowed the attendees to gaze into the lives of princes and peasants alike.

I gained a better realization that History is really the story of men who's lives intersected and how they worked together to change the world around them. The world in the future as in the past will be ruled by dedicated minorities who are sold out to their sovereign. May we be that dedicated minority.

- Nathan

Several weeks ago found Mom, Nathan, Beth, Peter and Sarah attending the History of the World Mega Conference in Virginia. They ran into lots of fun people, heard lots of fascinating stories, but more importantly are seeking to apply what they learned from the conference to their lives today.

We would love to put up more pictures . . . but surprise, surprise, still having trouble with our picture uploading. Hey--at least we got a few photos up! We'll just have to remember the beach escapade with the Zes ladies and Ms. Good Human, the car cram with the Erbers, the "Blog Owners Unite" dinner with the Girottis and Friedrichs, the way Brian made us roll in the aisles, and of course the sweet conversations with all of you.


On the way to Virginia, we stopped over night at the home of the Howards. As always, they were incredibly gracious and hospitable.




Some of the crowd--900 to 1000 strong.


Blue blazers anonymous.


Valenti family.


Chatting with Mrs. Erber.


Talking with Mr. Ford.



One of the highlights was meeting President John Tyler's grandson. That's right. John Tyler, the 10th president of the United State of America. Talk about a once in a life-time opportunity. We loved hearing stories from this fascinating man.



The President's grandson.


The house was quite interesting. They added on one particular long room just so the lady of the house could hold Virginia Reels.


Master Bickle and Valenti examining a sea creature.


And of course, it would not be a visit with Peter without his bi-monthly hotel haircut. We can't wait for his return from the internship in TN this coming Saturday!!

Calling all Californians

We thought this was fun. : )

Back to the Basics

"Thou shalt have no other gods before Me."

Exodus 20:3

What are the duties required in the first commandment?

The duties required in the first commandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly, by thinking, meditating, remembering, highly esteeming, honoring, adoring, choosing, loving, desiring, fearing of him; believing him; trusting, hoping, delighting, rejoicing in him; being zealous for him; calling upon him, giving all praise and thanks, and yielding all obedience and submission to him with the whole man; being careful in all things to please him, and sorrowful when in any thing he is offended; and walking humbly with him.

What are the sins forbidden in the first commandment?

The sins forbidden in the first commandment, are, Atheism, in denying or not having a God; Idolatry, in having or worshiping any more gods than one, or any with or instead of the true God; the not having and avouching him for God, and our God; the omission or neglect of anything due to him, required in this commandment; ignorance, forgetfulness, misapprehensions, false opinions, unworthy and wicked thoughts of him; bold and curious searching into his secrets; all profaneness, hatred of God; self-love, self-seeking, and all other inordinate and immoderate setting of our mind, will or affections upon other things, and taking them off from him in whole or in part; vain credulity, unbelief, heresy, misbelief, distrust, despair, incorrigibleness, and insensibleness under judgements, hardness of heart, pride, presumption, carnal security, tempting of God; using unlawful means, and trusting in unlawful means; carnal delights and joys; corrupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal; lukewarmness and deadness in the things of God; estranging ourselves, and apostatizing from God; praying, or giving any religious worship, to saints, angels, or any other creatures; all compacts and consulting with the devil, and hearkening to his suggestions; making men the lords of our faith and conscience; slighting and despising God and his commands; resisting and grieving of his Spirit, discontent and impatience at his dispensations, charging him foolishly for the evils he inflicts on us; and ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have, or can do, to fortune, idols, ourselves, or any other creature.

Questions 104 and 105 from the Larger Catechism in the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Prairie Muffin Practicum

The girl's room. Notice anything unusual?


The real reason that I was not afraid to stay at home.

Last week it was just me and 3 little kids holding down the fort. Dad and Nathan had armed me literally and figuratively for anything that might come our way. Right before Nathan left, he gave me a refresher course on shotgun shooting, showing me how to shoot from the hip, pump the action just right to give that ominous "ka-chink" you can hear through a bolted door, and ran me through numerous scenarios so I would be able to react quickly and confidently.

Though I felt ready for anything, I am much relieved that the Lord protected us from having to use the weaponry for our defense. We are very glad that our family is starting to return from their trips round the country, coming back to our dear home.

Upon further reflection, perhaps it would be a good idea to take some lessons from these girls. What do you think?

Miscellany on the Family Meal Table

The Center of Your Home

If you were to take a poll of the members of your household as to what location in your house is the "center", what would they say? It does not need to be the physical, geographical center--but rather, the nucleus of the home. It is the place where everything happens; the place where people hang out; the place where important conversations are had; the place where laughter rolls and tears are shed; the place where life exudes. Where is that place in your home?

For some families, the center of fun is round the TV; for others, it's the computer. Some families hardly ever gather together in one place at one time, rather they pass each other in the halls early in the morning and late in the evening. "Home" is merely a place to crash at night before heading off to individual interests the next day. Other families have a center--it is very well defined, but no one ever dares have fun. Whether it is the parlour where you assemble for stuffy family meetings or round a formal dining room table, no real life happens there, just a show of family solidarity.

For a growing number of families round the world, the family meal table is becoming one of the most important vehicles that binds their families hearts together. It's a place where a free exchange of ideas happen; where instruction, loving correction, and telling stories dominate; and even the occasional "falling-off-a-chair-because-you-are-laughing-too-hard" phenomena prevails.

The family meal table is a place where you develop your family culture. What makes your family your family? What are the things you are passionate about? What burdens do you have for the growth of Christ's kingdom?

The nature of the meal table necessitates a spirit of radical authenticity. Your family can't put on a facade night after night about enjoying eating a meal together. But if this is a new idea for you, you can grow and purpose together that "your wife [will be] like a fruitful vine and you children [will] sit as olive plants round your table".

The Picture at Our House

We Serven children have been so blessed of the Lord to have parents who deeply value the family meal table. Are there ever fend-for-yourself meals at the Serven home? Sure. Especially as we have grown older. But the vast majority of our meals are together.

Even if the boys have jobs away from the house or we have a meal when not everyone is present, those who are home still gather together just like normal. We eat, rest, talk, sometimes singing a hymn and reading scripture. My dad strives to lead us in worship every day, my sister Elizabeth lovingly shops, plans, and cooks our meals, I grow a few things in the garden, and everyone cleans and helps get things on the table.

The table is a place where we come together in a spirit of serving. Dad will often lovingly clear our places, the boys will chop things for the salad, make the dressing or set things out on the table. It is not as if the kitchen is only the woman's domain and nary a man may cross over the threshold. Of course this will look different in every house-hold, but this is how it has worked for us. We try to encourage a serving heart, not give people excuses for laziness. The family meal table is a place where we work, talk, and build the culture of the Serven Clan together.

Almost all topics of conversation are fair game for discussion--we use the phrase "discretion is the better part of valor" every once in a while. : ) But for the most part, issues are batted back and forth in friendly debate and with loving communication. Sometimes the little kids will tell Dad what they learned in their lessons that day or we will hear of the newest development on a job, a project or book.

Practical Considerations

You don't have to wait until you have 10 people to sit round your table or older children to carry on a conversation. Start now. You will have to make an effort at first to set aside the time to prepare and gather together, but the dividends are great.

Coming to a table with stacks of mail decorating the eating surface, mismatched plates set haphazardly round and a dinner in a box can give a less than appetizing atmosphere to the family meal table. Take the time to clean off the table fresh and set the plates straight (even if they don't match--ours don't : ) If you are feeling creative, grab some candles or send one of the little people out to pick a quick bouquet of wild flowers. Put lots of colorful vegetables in your salad, arrange your meat prettily on the platter with a garnish on the side and put a cloth napkin in a basket for the rolls. "Delicious, Nutritious, and Yummy" is our standard that we shoot for in meal preparation. If it is healthy but wretched looking or gourmet tasting but makes you sick--it won't work. Presentation, nutrition and taste are all important factors in meal preparation. My dear great-grandmother would never let a carton of milk disgrace her table. Rather, she poured the right amount into a glass pitcher, put the condiments into fresh bowls and set it all neatly on the table cloth. I think we all have something to learn from her womanly example.

Hospitality is a fun extension of the family meal table. You are sharing the joy your family has together with others you know: people from church, neighbors, work, town or home-school circles, and travelers from near and far. What a honor and privilege it is to give others a glimpse into the culture that the Lord is creating in your family's lives.

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If the idea of the family meal table is new to you, you might enjoy other pictures of the concept on a teaching/documentary film we recently watched: The Family Meal Table. Nancy Campbell speaks in her charming, whimsical and always passionate style. Also there are three vignettes of different families in the film--they give a beautiful picture of the diversity of family cultures with the common theme of the family meal table.

Meanwhile, Back on the Farm . . .

This week has been blessedly and wonderfully simple. Several of our clan members are scattered round the country and the rest of us are enjoying a quiet and joyful week at home.

One of our tasks is to keep the garden going. We water once a day (if it has not rained hard) and harvest lettuce, cucumbers, potatoes, basil and cilantro. We are anxiously awaiting the ripening of the heirloom peppers, melons, and tomatoes given to us from a family we know in Iowa. Hopefully only a few more weeks.


Vertical Growers: Moon and Stars Watermelon, Lemon Cucumbers, Armenian Cucumbers, and Cantaloupe

We put all our melon and cucumber vines up on cattle paneling so as to keep the bugs and moisture away from the fruit. So far, so good. Some of the panels fell over in a heavy rain storm, so I put them resting on the panel across from it--like a "tepee"--and wired them together. It is hard to pick in between the vines, but at least they are steady.

The plants in the left foreground are sweet potatoes. We have never grown sweet potatoes before but are excited for our first effort. In the midst of the Koenig's move, they found some seed sweet potatoes from their extended family's farm . . . they were headed for the compost heap, but we reclaimed a box to try growing in our garden!


Black-Eyed Susans

The Bringe family at our church was so sweet to call us up one steamy afternoon. They were wondering if they could bring some native Missouri wildflower transplants from their yard and plant them in our yard! We were not going to say no to their generous offer! We have been enjoying the Black-eyed Susans (pictured above), Purple Cone Flower, Daisy, Tick Seed and a beautiful yet un-named wildflower (I'll try to get a picture and see if anyone is familiar with it). Mr. Bringe and the boys planted them near the entrance to our woods--it makes for quite a picturesque view as you look at the flowers across the field.

I have more pictures of the garden and property, but these will have to suffice for now. : ) Yet once more, the photo uploading techniques are not cooperating. At least it does not hamper writing! I'm off to finish making dinner . . .

Rebecca

The Love of God

". . . [God's love] is, rather, a spontaneous determination of God's whole being in an attitude of benevolence and benefaction, and attitude freely chosen and firmly fixed. There are no inconstancies or vicissitudes in the love of the almightily God who is spirit. His love is "strong as death . . . many waters cannot quench it" (Song, 8:6f.). Nothing can separate from it those whom it has once embraced (Rom. 8:35-9).

"God's love is stern, for it expresses holiness in the lover and seeks holiness for the beloved. Scripture does not allow us to suppose that because God is love we may look to Him to confer happiness on people who will not seek holiness, or to shield His loved ones from trouble when He knows that they need trouble to further their sanctification.

"God's love is an exercise of His goodness towards individual sinners whereby, having identified Himself with their welfare, He has given His Son to be their Savior, and now brings them to know and enjoy Him in a covenant relation."

Excerpt from Knowing God, by J. I. Packer.

Frozen Fun - Sarah Joy

A few weeks ago Nana and Grandpa stayed with us. Nana had been to St. Louis before but Grandpa had not. So we took them to the Arch. It was very warm outside so Mom decided that we should go to Ted Drewes. We were all in favor of that!



Ted Drewes is an ice cream and " concrete" store. A concrete is a kind of
frozen custard. The concrete is so hard they usually serve it to you upside
down!


Lydia, Andrew, and I trying out each others. I got lime.


Joel enjoying his concrete.


Parting shot.

Perspective

"So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12