Spring Days

Over the last month or so, I've been spending a lot of time on the computer (designing CD covers, updating websites, transferring files back and forth from the replication service, etc.). 

Not being a genuine computer person--though I must admit, I enjoy the creative process--it has been a delight to run outside every once in a while, and get some fresh spring air. 

My herb and flower garden is in the foreground.

Beth is the master gardener this year. She was so sweet to slice out a plot for me to piddle around in and call my own. 

I completed planting seeds last week: cosmos, foxglove, kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate, hollyhock, borage, forget-me-not, echinacea, baby's breath, arugula, and probably something else I'm forgetting! 

In addition, Beth and Mom passed on several plants already going strong: oregano, parsley, dill, marjoram, thyme, cat-nip, and cilantro. A few other miscellaneous flowers also found their way tucked into my garden soil thanks to the Reins ladies! 

Digging my hands in the good, clean dirt has been a wonderful respite from typing and mouse-clicks. : ) 

Peas in the family garden.

Tulips around the trees.

One day last week, as the birds were singing riotously and the warm air blew gently through the open windows, it was unbearable to stay indoors another minute. I went out for 15 minutes and got a quick spring-time fix: lying on the grass, snapping photos of tulips.  Ahhhh. What a life. : ) 

Most computer people don't get to run on the fresh mown grass for their office breaks. The joys of spring time as a daughter in my father's house!

The Second Mayflower

Now available from Genevan Foundation!

We hold a great trust. Our spiritual forefathers on the first Mayflower were committed Christians, willing to follow God to the ends of the earth. Giving testimony to the power of Almighty God, they established a nation, birthed in liberty, seeking to bring glory to the Lord. Four hundred years later though, things look a little different.

The fruit of today's culture discourages many Christians. The effects of a nation not living "under God", will only continue to grow as people run away from truth of Scripture. But God, just as throughout all of history, still preserves a remnant. The time is ripe for a Second Mayflower.

Jesus Christ is working in the hearts and lives of His people. He is not yet finished with us. There is work to be done for the Kingdom of Heaven. Read Kevin Swanson's, The Second Mayflower: Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the Lord, to gain insight to where the Lord may call us, our children, and our grandchildren over the years to come.

May we rise to the call of the second Mayflower, fighting the good fight; always remembering, that though the battle rages on, the war indeed is won. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Click here to learn more.

"The Greatest Living Expositor in America"*

Thursday night . . . and what have we here!?

Last week we were privileged to hear Pastor John MacArthur, a faithful preacher of God's Word.

My father was profoundly influenced by MacArthur's preaching style, content, and vision of shepherding. Early in my dad's ministry, he spent a year under his preaching, at the same time attending Talbot Seminary in the Los Angeles area, where MacArthur was then a professor.


People, people, people.

Though all we Servens have heard Pastor MacArthur preach before (we attend whenever we are visiting Southern California), my parents especially wanted us to hear him preach this particular sermon during his visit to St. Louis.


Standing around.

Providentially, my mother and several Serven Clan siblings had worshiped at Grace Community back in December of 2005. The particular Sunday they were there, Pastor MacArthur preached on the prodigal son, from Luke 15:11-32.


Shadows.

The Lord was pleased to use this series of sermons to encourage his children of His love, at the same time convicting them of their self righteousness.


Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church.

Since 2005, Pastor MacArthur has had many requests that the sermon series would be made into a book. A Tale of Two Sons was the result. Now MacArthur, in addition to his regular pastoral duties, where he has continued to serve at the same church for 40 years, has been traveling and preaching this message in many cities.



Waiting patiently.

It is difficult to describe this sermon and the impact of this portion of God's word applied. You will have to listen to the sermon, read the book, or at least read a summary article here.


Almost made it to the door, after an hour outdoors.

To know the absolute joy of our Savior upon our redemption!

Christ takes the dishonor upon himself; using the analogy in the parable, essentially "hiking up his robes" and joyfully running to meet us, the rebellious son who is coming home to work for his "salvation".

The father, a respected Jewish nobleman (Jesus) runs through the village (making everyone stare at his shameful behavior), clothing us in his best robes; that is, covering our sins by His clothes of righteousness.

The older brother, smug in his own good works, is so self righteous he can't love the father or the brother. You'll have to read the book to hear the end of the story--which really happened 2000 years ago.


The view from inside: 1,867 people strong. Yes, the balcony and overflow room were full too!


Bott Radio, a family endeavor, sponsored MacArthur to come to St. Louis.


Song-leader and author, Robert Wolgumuth.


Proclaimed: The Joy of God in His Children.


Preached: The Richness of God's Grace.


Made known: The Deepness of God's Love.


The organ that our friends get to practice every week! Now, wouldn't that be a fun treat? : )

* Quote source: Pastor Marcus J. Serven. : )

Calvin on Grace

"All the righteousness of the pious rests on God's grace."

Calvin's Institutes, Book II, Chapter 5, Section v. 

Cultural Impact

And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
Photo courtesy of Shorpy.com

Impacting our culture for Christ is a daunting task. It can only be accomplished as the Lord changes people's hearts, drawing them to Himself. Recently, several items have come to our attention, in which we thought you all might be interested. Each bit of news listed below gives encouraging signs that God Almighty is at work in the hearts of His people--across the nation and around the world.

1. Live in Alabama? Consider voting for Matt Chancey, running on the Republican ticket for Public Service Commission President. This Biblical thinking, Christ honoring, family loving, economically conservative, fiscally responsible man is applying Genesis 1:28 to the field of environment. Fascinating. Worthy of your consideration if you live in Alabama. Worthy of your support even if you don't. Visit his website here.

2. Live on the West-Coast? Even if you don't reside in sunny California, your late high school and college age youth may enjoy attending the West-Coast Christian Worldview Conference. I was blessed to attend the conference several years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the speakers and fellowship with the students. This conference is more like a cross between a camp and a conference--and with the best of both worlds. How many conferences do you get to share lunch with Pastor Joe Morecraft, or chat late into the night with Mark Rushdoony? Gary Demar, John Eidsmoe, and Pastor Benjamin Miller will also be speaking this year. July 28-August 2, 2008. Find out more here.

3. Live in North America? Last night our family had a chance to view Ben Stein's new movie, Expelled. This thought provoking film raises many questions in the minds of the viewers. We were particularly amazed at his connections between Evolution, Darwinism, Planned Parenthood, Nazism and Hitler, and the death of Biblical morality. Though probably not for your youngest viewers (read a really helpful review here--we had our little ones step out for a few minutes), this film is a amazing tool to make the average person think deeply about the implications of Evolution. Playing in a theater near you.

Watson on Prayer

Our prayers are made according to God's will. 

Photo courtesy of Google Images.

"Christ's prayer takes away the sins of our prayers. 

"As a child, says Ambrose, that is willing to present his father with a posy, goes into the garden, and there gathers some flowers and some weeds together, but coming to his mother, she picks out the weeds and binds the flowers, and so it is presented to the father: 

"Thus when we have put up our prayers, Christ comes, and picks away the weeds, the sin of our prayer, and presents nothing but flowers to His Father, which are a sweet-smelling savour."

All Things for Good, by Thomas Watson, Chapter 1, page 23.

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:26-28

English Muffins, Anyone?

Homemade Goodness.

My sister Beth just tried a fun new recipe from some friends. We enjoyed the delicious results of her labors at yesterday's breakfast.

English Muffins
Makes 10-12 Muffins

Bake 325* on Electric Fry Pan or Electric Pancake Griddle or on medium heat range top

Tip: An electric fry pan preheated to 325* will give a more controlled, even temperature. If not available, bake on a griddle or fry pan over medium heat.

1. Combine in mixing bowl; let stand for 10 minutes until yeast begins to bubble up:
1 3/4 cups luke warm water (100-115*--warm to wrist)
3 Tablespoons honey
2 Tablespoons active dry yeast
2 Tablespoons olive oil or melted
unsalted butter
2 teaspoons salt

2. Blend in wheat flour. Knead about 8 minutes (by hand or electric dough kneader); blend in oat flour and knead 2 minutes longer:
3 2/3 cups whole wheat or spelt flour (may require a little more)
1/2 cups oat flour (rolled oats may be ground quite fine in blender)

3. Cover bowl with towel and let rise in warm place until double, about 45 minutes.

4. Knead dough into a ball with hands, pat out on lightly floured pastry sheet to about 1/2" thick.
5. Cut Muffins with floured rim of glass (about 3 1/2" diameter).

6. Place muffins on cookie sheet; let stand 15 minutes.

7. Bake muffins on electric griddle, 10 minutes on each side until golden brown, turning once.

8. To serve, split muffins in half by piercing around the sides with a fork; toast lightly.


Up close and personal.

Watson on God's Providences

"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28

"All things work together for good. This expression 'work together' refers to medicine. Several poisonous ingredients put together, being tempered by the skill of the apothecary, make a sovereign medicine, and work together for the good of the patient. So all God's providences, being divinely tempered and sanctified, work together for the best to the saints. He who loves God and is called according to His purpose, may rest assured that every thing in the world shall be for his good. . . . All the various dealings of God with His children do by a special providence turn to their good. 'All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant' (Psalm 25:10). If every path has mercy in it, then it works for good."

A Note of Thanks . . . to Mrs. Turley for recommending me to read All Things For Good by Thomas Watson. I borrowed a copy from The Family Vision Library and started reading it this morning. : )

Reading Circle

At the Family Vision Library.

Loving our Husbands

" . . . and so teach the younger women to love their husbands . . . "
Titus 2:4

"Well, that surely doesn't apply to me", I mused, plunging another dirty dish into the sink and giving it a vigorous scrub.

Washing dishes is one of my favorite thinking times. Today was no different. Sometimes the after-meal-crew will laugh, joke, and snap towels at one another. Other times we have deep conversations or friendly debates. Still other times, the kitchen will quietly clear out while the dish-washer builds up a supply of dishes ready to be put away. This was what had happened today.

I rinsed off the dish, shook the excess water droplets from it, and balanced it atop the growing pile of things to be dried.

"How was I to love my husband, when I wasn't even married, let alone courting? This part of scripture just doesn't apply to me." Suddenly, the Lord brought to mind another passage, 1 Corinthians 13, on which I had recently heard a sermon:

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends"

"Love is patient. Love is patient . . . so . . ." I thought, absent mindedly scrubbing a stubborn pan, "I'm not just to wait around, be "content", and do nothing. I can show true love to my husband this very day, by being patient for him.

"In essence, saying to him: It's all right, my husband, that you aren't here today. I know you are working hard to prepare things for the future and that you are seeking to follow the Lord's direction for your life. I have plenty of things the Lord has called me to do today, for His glory and my good."

I smiled as I submerged the last dish in soapy water. I don't have to be passively waiting, doing nothing, frustrated by how I can't "make" anything happen. I can be doing something towards God's calling of marriage.

I can love God and my husband today; by being patient, working hard where the Lord has called me in my family and church, and trusting the Lord's perfect timing for all my days.

I can actively love my husband, even though, as the Scots would say, "I dinna ken who he is." : )

"She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."
Proverbs 31: 12

Purposes of Pruning

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser . . . Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." John 15: 1-2b

My dad, Marcus Serven, preached a very comforting sermon on John 15 this last Lord's Day. He spoke of how God "prunes every branch that bears fruit". That is, every child of His that bears fruit He prunes.

All Christians, by virtue of their changed nature, bear fruit by His Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23) Fruit-bearing is part of His plan for our growth.

The other aspect bringing the maturity of a tree, is pruning. This is the part of our growth with which we grow discouraged. But it is part of His growing plan for his "orchard trees".

Often we see pruning as uncomfortable and unwanted. As any good orchardman knows though, pruning is a vital part of the productive fruit bearing in a tree's harvest.

During a portion of the sermon, Dad spoke of God's purposes of pruning. The point of pruning is so we are unencumbered with the things in our lives that are not productive.

In gardener's lingo, you are to remove, "dead, diseased and crossed wood". God uses his "clippers" and "saw" in our life for his purposes, to remove things that He deems are not helpful, so we will bear more fruit.

He disguises His pruning work as trials and challenges in our life. Trials are not vain things. They are for a purpose. Through His pruning, we grow into a tree that reflects His work in each part of our life. We bring honor to His "husbanding" by growing in the way that He purposes.

Purposes of God's Pruning/Trials/Tribulations:

1. Training for a greater purpose.

2. Correction of a weakness, downfall, or sinful heart in our life.

3. Preventing something that is harmful from happening in our life.

4. Punishment where we reap what we have sown.

As a wise "husbandman", God is busy strengthening His people through trials and pruning.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 15: 1-11

Moms, Girls, and Babies

Keen, Logan, Grady, Chancey, Vaughn and Serven ladies and one young gentleman resting in the wedding after-glow.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Grady.

Ramblings on Stewardship

Last November, the Lord really convicted me about being a better steward of my life.

His applications of the truth of stewardship have been quite varied. From working on memorizing scripture, to time management, from goal setting, to financial applications, from computer stewardship, to trying to be faithful in reading and studying, and even learning to be a good steward of the relationships with which I've been entrusted, the Lord has not left any areas untouched with conviction!

As I've been learning to govern my days for his glory, the Lord has abundantly blessed and sent many practical ideas from far and wide.

Though they might seem like small things, some of these ideas have been a real life saver for me. The last 4 or 5 months have transformed my "Tyranny of the Urgent Mindset" to a heart of "Learning to Steward My Time for God's Glory". I certainly don't have it all figured out, but it has been such a joy to learn about stewardship. The Lord has brought much peace and rest to my days, too.

My dear organized Aunt Julie gave me a wonderful idea I thought you might be interested in--a Things to Remember Notebook. It is a 3 ring binder with dividers for various sections of your life/activities/interests. It will be totally unique as each person using it. [Editor's Note: Keep reading for a more thorough description of the notebook. . . . but, now for a little rambling].

For years and years (at least 27 to my knowledge), my dad has faithfully kept a day planner. We can literally look back on a particular day 15 years ago and see what my dad planned, what he accomplished, who he called on the phone, who he wrote, etc.

I've tried his plan over the years but have not been as steady as I should be. Over the last few months, the Lord has given me much help to implement my Dad's plan.

Remember the old saying? 

"Wash on Monday,
Iron on Tuesday,
Mend on Wednesday,
Churn on Thursday,
Clean on Friday,
Bake on Saturday,
Rest on Sunday."

Following the encouragement of Large Family Logistics, which I had read years ago, I modified the old adage and made my own "rhyme" . . . except that doesn't exactly, uh, rhyme. : )

"Rest on Sunday,
Laundry and Website Upkeep on Monday,
Order Fulfillment on Tuesday,
Piano Lessons on Wednesday,
Accounting on Thursday,
Database and Customer Service on Friday,
Cleaning on Saturday"

After following this weekly routine for several months, there has been so much peace! Now, when an order comes in, I don't have to stress about getting it out that day. It can wait till Tuesday. And if the Serven Clan happens to go on a trip and it upsets the routine [Editor's Note: No!!! Say it isn't true! What!? The Serven Clan--traveling?!!], then I just move that task to the following week on the appointed day. 

I use my day planner each morning to map out the day, working on the emphasis for the day in the morning (e.g. Finances on Thursday), then doing other projects in the afternoon. I keep my day planner small, so as to fit in my purse and help me not try to plan too much for the day. 

However, as much as the day planner works well, I still had a problem. Pieces of paper with lists of miscellaneous things would float about my room. Snippets of ideas would be scribbled out then get lost in the shuffle. Details of importance would be misplaced by the wayside and lost until it was too late. My brain would get so confused trying to remember everything!!

[Editor's Note: And now--finally--she gets to the main point . . .] So now that my Aunt Julie enlightened me with her idea, I can keep things organized in my very own Things to Remember Notebook! : )

Mine has a section for goals for the month and year, birthday dates and ideas, a running list of errands to do, hand work projects I want to make, menus and meal plans, books I want to read, landscaping and gardening ideas, half written articles, and projects that I'm working on (recent projects have included the Men's Advance Hospitality and our newest CD recordings).

This notebook and accompanying day planner have been a real blessing. I know that sounds strange, but it's true! Governing my time through these tools has immensely helped in the organization of my life. I don't have to try and remember all the little bits of everything, let alone try to find where I misplaced it! I am a detail person, but can get easily overwhelmed if I don't have things written down. : ) Now, all my ideas can have a place to belong.

I would love to hear your tips on organization and stewardship . . . like, meal planning, scheduling, Bible reading, budgeting, time management, computer management, etc. Please share your thoughts in the comments!

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31

"The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps."
Proverbs 16:9

"And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Matthew 25:20-21

Calvin on Man's Spiritual Blindness

" . . . But we are drunk with the false opinion of our own insight and are thus extremely reluctant to admit that it [Editor: our insight] is utterly blind and stupid in divine matters . . . Flesh is not capable of such lofty wisdom as to conceive God and what is God's, unless it be illumined by the Spirit of God."

Excerpt from Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. Book II. Chapter II. Section 19.

"And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 16:17

" . . . which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Colossians 2:2b-3

Vacationing

Canoeing.

Rowing.

Docking.

Boffer-ing.

Walking.

Posing.

Teaching. [Crochet, that is.]

Reading. [Notice the new crochet-er.]

Sleeping.

Parenting.

Grinning.

Photography-ing.

Camera-ing.

Previewing. [Pictures of the day's events.]

Sharing. [A well written story by little Miss McDonald.]

Encouraging.

Liberty Day-ing.

Soldiering.

Lecturing.

Beaming.

Jamming.

Listening. [To the Lautenschlager's music.]

Celebrating.

Meeting.

Debating. [Friendly of course!]

Waiting. [For lunch.]

Juggling. [Two people, none the less!]

Knitting.

Acting.

Marching.

Militia-ing.

Chatting.

Dancing. [The Virginia Reel.]

Pastoring.

Storytelling. [God's work around the world]

Conversing. [Turks and Americans]

Witnessing. [Amazing long story of God's providence. God was mightily working.]

Playing.

Honoring. [Our new friends, the Austrian missionaries]

Foosball-ing.

Hunting. [Eggs, that is.]

Clucking.

Cackling.

Contrasting. [Goose and chicken eggs.]


Frying. [Double Yoke Goose Egg in foreground.]


Bread-making. [Italian artisan bread lessons.]

Feeding.

Climbing.


Proving. [That I made it to the top of the 80 ft. silo.]

Crossing. [Tour of a small town cheese factory.]

Yummy.

Observing.


Giggleing.


Walking.


Pausing.


Chilly.


Sandy.


Climbing.

Back from our Weekend Adventures

The Serven Clan at Lake Michigan.