Finishing Touches

Cleaning the inside.

Spiffing the outside.


Stained decks.


Completing details--columns for porch.


Pictures for marketing--well, not this one!


Up for Sale!

Piqued Curiosity

"My country is entitled to my allegiance. My government has to earn it."

-John Eidsmoe

All week long, my brother Nathan been getting text message reports from a buddy attending the Witherspoon conference. Sometimes he'll share an interesting quote with the rest of the family, giving us something to chew on. 

Though I've heard many stories about John Eidsmoe, listened to a few recorded lectures, and even seen him in person at Jamestown, I've never actually met him. I'm looking forward to learning from Mr. Eidsmoe at the upcoming West-coast Christian Worldview Conference (affectionately known as WCWC)--hope to see you there!

Everyday Delights

Harps of all shapes and styles.

The Psalms are full of God's steadfast love. As I've been reading through them, it has surprised me how almost every single Psalm assures God's people of his mercy, kindness, and faithful steadfast love. "Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!" Psalm 117.

In contemplating the Lord's goodness and endeavoring to rest in it, it has been good for me to see the tangible ways my Heavenly Father shows his love to me each and every day. The Lord knows exactly what will bring a special joy to us. "For he knows our frame and remembers that we are but dust." Psalm 103:14.

Sometimes, we know exactly why the thing given from God is so precious to us. Other times it can be amorphous; hard to define. And sometimes, though we know precisely why it brings such joy, it is a joy between the Lord and us. "The heart knows it's own bitterness and a stranger can not feel it's joy." Proverbs 14:10.

A recent delight of mine has been learning to play the harp. My sister Beth has been very sweet to let me practice on her Celtic Harp. For the past several months, I've been slowly working through the "Learn-to-play-the-Celtic-harp-book" and am on lesson 8 or 9. : ) Most likely, I'll never be a harp virtuoso, but that is just fine by me.

Playing the harp is a joy for many reasons. I won't go into them all here . . . suffice to say, I've wanted to play since I was quite a little girl, and never thought I would be able. The Lord knew my heart desired it; He made a way when I thought it impossible.

There are special joys that the Lord brings in all our lives. Care to share? You can simply leave a comment with the delightful thing that the Lord has brought into your day; or expand your comment and tell the story of why it rejoices your heart.

Just One More Chapter, Please!

Currently reading The King's Arrow by Doulas Bond.

Gardening Day

Peas are growing.

Today was a beautiful day.

With a comfortable overcast sky and a few spring rain drops sprinkling down on us, we worked out of doors during the late morning, through the afternoon, and till it was dark.

This past week, a dear friend of ours had brought us a bunch of cuttings, divisions and starts from her garden (lilac, climbing rose, iris, echinacea, hyssop, lambs ear, Siberian iris, peppers, and tomatoes). We also had ordered a few fruit trees and things from Stark Brothers with another friend (cherry, peach, apple, asparagus, and blackberries). So, today was the planting day of choice for all those new acquisitions.


The Official Garden Grass Pile Sign.

Our very kind neighbors bring their grass clippings over so we can mulch our gardening endeavors. Andrew made a special sign this last week.


A newly planted young Pin Oak.

Last year, a friend from church had given us probably 20-30 baby trees last year (red bud, pin oak, dog wood). We got most of them planted, but heeled the rest in the garden over the winter. Since our mower decided to eat a few (A-hem!), I planted a few more trees today.


Salad greens.

Almost every night this past week has included our own greens in the salad. Tonight's greens were exclusively from the garden--lettuce (red, green), Swiss chard, arugula, cilantro, radishes . . . plus a grated carrot and some broccoli from the store. : )


Rebecca's herb and flower garden (foreground) and Beth's veggie garden (background).

Things are getting fuller in my little garden. All the seeds are up, plus tons of volunteer cosmos and borage.

I moved a bunch of things around, trying to "organize" the garden a little, but there are still new cosmos coming up! Even though it is one of my favorite flowers, I've had to start treating it like a weed and casting it aside if it comes up in a non-purposeful spot. Talk about the Lord's abundance! And I was worried that I wouldn't have any (Sarah had mistakenly planted all the seeds in her garden). The Lord sure has a sense of humor. : )


Entrance to Sarah's flower garden.

Sarah has quite the bumper sunflower crop going! Her hollyhocks are quite lovely too, plus nasturtiums, morning glories, and sweet peas.

When the rain got a little too strong for my gardening sensibilities, I came inside and curled up on the sofa with The Garden Home: my newest favorite book from the public library. I love learning about design (home interiors, home exteriors, floor plans, graphic, garden, clothing, etc). With my trusty pencil, I scratched out some new ideas for our landscaping plan. Do note, P. Allen Smith is not a Christian author; however, "weeding" through the chaff, there are some fascinating applications to a biblical aesthetic.

Also--Hooray!!! We found a list of native Missouri plants that do well in the shade! We had been stuck on our front yard and not been able to find anything that "fit" well. Now we have a ton of options.

Still More Buzz

Jennifer McBride of Noble Womanhood and Old-Paths

"I have long thought that one of the most beautiful sounds in the world is that of a family singing together; especially when they are praising the Lord. My husband and I dearly love music and one of our goals is to have our family be able to sing harmony together. However, neither one of us has the musical training necessary to put this into practice. I can limp along in harmony by ear, but would like to see my children actually KNOW how to sing harmony.

"Thankfully, the Serven Family has provided a wonderful tool and solution for families in just such a situation . . ." 

Augustine on Loving God

Our perspective.

"Love so follows knowledge that no one can love God perfectly who does not first fully know His goodness. While we wander upon the earth, 'we see in a mirror dimly'. Therefore, it follows that our love is imperfect."

-Augustine

Quoted in Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book II, Chapter VII, Section 5. 

The Smallness of God's Big World

God's big world is a small place. It is constantly amazing how His people are all around the globe.

Austria.

Several days ago I e-mailed with a new Austrian friend. Her family faithfully lives out the gospel to their neighbors and co-workers, most social Muslims. 

Mexico.

We had a visit from a missionary to rural Mexico this weekend. He teaches at Juan Calvino Seminaro in Mexico City, then journeys up to the mountains working with the Tarascan people who call themselves "The Manifesters of God's Grace". 

China.

I heard from a friend who is a missionary in China. Praise God--she was just engaged to a godly young man who is a missionary in India! They are coming home to the states for a while and prayerfully considering where the Lord will call them next. 

Australia.

A girl from the Land of Down Under e-mailed a few weeks ago about being a daughter at home. She is seeking to honor God by serving Him where He's placed her. 

England.

New contacts from sweet families in England, New Zealand, and Australia pop up every few weeks--dear families who want to train their children to love Christ. 

Voice of the Martyrs wonderfully ministers to families around the globe who are seeking to love Jesus through suffering for His names sake. It has been very rich to receive their newsletter, praying for God's people around the world. 

What a privilege to serve the King of Kings, knowing that this earth is indeed "our Father's world". May He continue to grow his saints in maturity and grace as they are scattered around the earth. 

Campout

We'll leave the light on for you.


The evenings accommodations--chilly but refreshing.


Dawn over the garden.


The Morning Watchcats.


A quick flip flop errand.


Back to the tents.


Morning Chocolate.


Smiles all around.


Guard Dog Katie.


All quiet.

More Buzz

BethTN of Vaughnshire Farm
"This weekend the most requested… the only requested CD… our children asked to listen to was Nations Praise and Glory, Laud and Honor. They put the Psalm book and a couple of Hymnals in the truck so they could follow along with the CD and it was wonderful hearing their little voices singing to the Lord."

Kelly and Andrea of Ah the Life
"Many people place four-part harmony singing somewhere right up there between rocket science and brain surgery, but let us assure you, it's not. Yes, regular people like...well...US...can do it. "Yeah, yeah", you're thinking. "I know that line..." But wait...have you heard??? Genevan Song is back with two all new recordings!"

Cuteness

"Miss Rebecca, can you take my picture too?"

Buzz

People are talking about our newest CDs, Glory, Laud and Honor and Nations Praise! Check out these reviews:

Kim C of Life in a Shoe
"The delightful Serven family of the Genevan Foundation has released 2 new CDs! We have used and enjoyed their first 2 albums on learning to sing the Psalms in 4 part harmony; now there is a 3rd Psalm CD and - get this - a 4th CD with hymns!"

Jennie Chancey of Ladies Against Feminism
"While these CDs have been created to very high standards, I was refreshed to hear very normal, ordinary voices joined together in song. The singers are definitely talented and enjoyable to listen to, but they do not come across as paid musicians of operatic standing. This makes singing along and learning parts even less intimidating."

Jasmine Bauchum of Incoherent Ramblings
"I highly recommend these CDs to any family to enrich their time of worship! . . . This CD will give even the most reluctant singers confidence and practice in worshipping through song as a group!"


Girotti Family of Mountain Musings
"I have lamented before on this blog about the lack of quality music that conforms to the principles in God's Word. I am especially pleased, therefore, to see what the Lord is doing through GenevanSong. Not only do these CDs exemplify godly, joyful singing, they also invite families and churches to do likewise."

Check back later today for links to other reviews!

Packaging Pre-orders.


Shipping and handling helpers Ben and Andrew.


And they are off!

Sweet Times

Enjoying the last days of the First Annual Serven Family Reunion. Blogging to resume next week. Have a blessed Lord's Day.

Folks, We Have a Winner!!!!

Breaking out in song.

Our family has been amazed at the numerous and creative guesses our loyal blog readers have submitted over the past few days. We've been giving the Clan updates at meal times; your wonderful suggestions have been the source of many a smile around the Serven Clan home.

We are pleased and proud to announce, that we finally have a winner!!! Congratulations to the Case family for guessing correctly . . . [Drum roll please] . . . "The First Annual Serven Family Reunion".

[And the crowd goes wild!!]

We told you it wasn't that creative!! : )

For years now, we have been saying things like, "This is the last family vacation we are going to be able to have!!" But year after year, we keep having our "Last Family Vacation". This year however, Mom made a switch in her vocabulary, and I thought it worthy of note. "The First Annual Serven Family Reunion", presuming upon the Lord's goodness, will grow and continue for many years.

Case family, contact us here with your 1 free CD choice, and we'll drop it in the mail to you!

Since all of you worked so very hard to figure out this quiz, we thought we would give our Serven Clan Blog Fan Club a special prize. If you contact us with your e-mail address, we will send you a special link where you can teach your family the parts for "Crown Him with Many Crowns", featured on our hymn CD, Glory, Laud, and Honor.

Important Update--2:45 p.m.: At lunch today, as we sat around discussing our recent contest and prize, we decided to post the special prize link here, so you could readily access and learn "Crown Him With Many Crowns". No need to send us your e-mail address, just click here and start singing!

Only a Few More Days

This is a really big clue.

We've been enjoying the last few weeks spent with our brother Peter. What a precious time it has been. And you still haven't guessed our special name for the time!

To recap, here are the rules and previous clues. Make your guess before the contest closes!

Official Rules:
Knowing that the Serven Clan likes to give things special names, can you guess what we have dubbed the next few weeks? If you win, you can choose any CD that we sell for your prize. No limit to the amount of guesses per household--first one to guess correctly wins. : ) Contest closes when Peter goes home (May 18th). If no one has guessed correctly by then, we will put the closest guesses in a hat and draw a winner.

Official Clues:
1. It isn't too creative.
2. It's forward thinking.
3. It has the words "Serven Family" in it.
4. "Forward thinking" is a reference to the term of hope.
5. "The years to come".

Bonus Clues:
1. "____ ____ Serven Family _____"
2. The Rugloski Family, Bryan Family, and Dreamer, are really, really close.

Botanical Gardens

Welcome to the Botanical Gardens.


Azaleas.


Photographer Peter. (Many thanks to Sarah and Lydia for pictures for this post.)


Pansies.


Tulips.


Trains in the Children's Garden.


Redbud.


The Serven Clan enjoying God's creation.

Violin Recital

Lydia poses with her teacher, Mrs. Yeh.

Morphed Post

We're upping the stakes. Make your guesses here.

And yes; we're still having fun with Peter. : )

Cacophony

Practice Makes Perfect.

All over the St. Louis Metro, children are practicing: piano, violin, voice, piano, cello, flute, piano, poetry recitations, choral singing, fife, piano, recorder, penny whistle, piano, harp, jaw harp, and more piano. : ) Our Spring Musical Recital is almost here! We are excited to see what each of the children will be sharing with us.

Update: Last minute additions to the instrument list include guitar, fiddle, and jug. : )

Building Memories

Family Time.

Congratulations, Reins and Bryan familes, you have it right! Peter is home, safe and sound!! Now, on to the next contest.

Knowing that the Serven Clan likes to give things special names, can you guess what we have dubbed the next few weeks?

Leave a comment with your ideas.

Happy Times

The next two weeks are very special. Can you guess why? : )