And the Culprits Are . . .

. . . Benjamin and Andrew!

Congratulations, Mrs. Bringe! You have won the guess for the Serven Clan's mischievous members. : ) Let me know which free CD you would like. And thanks to everyone else for your clever suggestions. 

Guess Again!

Dearest Guessers, 

Because none of you have yet guessed correctly, we are extending the deadline to Tuesday, at 5:00 p.m. Important Clue: Peter wasn't in New Mexico when we held our boat race. : ) Everyone is entitled to another free guess--new guessers are welcome too. We have a free CD to give away . . . so, leave a comment!

The Serven Clan

Trip 2008: On the Lake

Grins all around.

Several times, while enjoying our week at the Renewing the Family Camp, we ventured out on the lake. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats where the crafts of choice. I'd never tried a kayak before. It was pretty fun, but wet! Of course, once we all got the basic hang of it, we had a race across the water. Everything was going along fine, all three boats being neck and neck. That is, until someone snuck up from behind, paddled right around into the path of our race course, and kept the leading boat from winning! All in good fun, I'm sure. 

Can you guess which of the Serven Clan would have dared to do that dastardly deed? There were two persons total. If you guess the correct combination of people then we'll enter your name in a hat, and the winner of the drawing can choose their favorite CD from Genevan Foundation. One entry per person, please. Note, these pictures are from a different day of being on the lake. So any of the Serven Clan members could have been the culprit. Contest ends on Monday, September 29th. Leave your guesses in the comments.

Kayaking across the lake.

Smiles.

Mom and the little boys try their hand at a canoe.

Zoom in for the classic expressions. : ) 

Burroughs on The One Thing Necessary

"[Christ] teaches [a Christian] to understand what is the one thing that is necessary, which he never understood before. 

"You know what he said to Martha: 'O Martha, thou cumberest thyself about many things, but there is one thing necessary.' 

"Before, the soul sought after this and that, but now it says, I see that it is not necessary for me to be rich, but it is necessary for me to make my peace with God; it is not necessary that I should live a pleasurable life in this world, but it is absolutely necessary that I should have pardon of my sin; it is not necessary that I should have honour and preferment, but it is necessary that I should have God as my portion, and have my part in Jesus Christ, it is necessary that my soul should be saved in the day of Jesus Christ. 

"The other things are pretty fine indeed, and I should be glad if God would give me them, a fine house, and income, and clothes, and advancement for my wife and children: these are comfortable things, but they are not the necessary things; I may have these and yet perish forever, but the other is absolutely necessary. 

"No matter how poor I am, I may have what is absolutely necessary: thus Christ instructs the soul." 

Excerpt from The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs.

Trip 2008: Family Olympics

Egg Relay. 

We had a blast with this game! As our competitors would attest, we analyzed this particular relay to the nth degree. 

"Ok guys! Here's the scoop. Hold the egg with the round side sitting on the spoon bowl, not the pointy side. Keep low to the ground, running with a gliding motion. Hold your hand close to the bowl of the spoon; not on the handle. And remember, keep a 45 degree angle with your arm, the spoon, and the egg--at all times! Ok, break. You can do it! GO TEAM!!!"

We were surprised that we actually beat everyone out in this event, especially certain families who were the ones to beat [Editor's Note: You know who you are!!]. We were delighted to even receive "gold" medals to commemorate the occasion. 

But . . . um . . . we, ah, didn't place in any of the other sports. I guess it goes to show the depth of our sporting skill. Some people are good at volleyball, soccer, kickball, boating, baseball, ultimate Frisbee . . . and others of us are adept at, um, egg races. : )

Van Groningen on Joy

"Joy is rooted in the absolute assurance that we are secure in the love of God under his providential reign; this means having at all times, that sure knowledge that there is a great future for us because we are in Christ."

Excerpt from The Covenant Family by Dr. and Mrs. Gerard Van Groningen. 

Trip 2008: Sunrise Hike

Early morning darkness.

One morning at the Renewing the Family Camp, a group of us decided to wake early and hike to the top of a nearby hill to watch the sunrise. The hike was only a short distance, perhaps 1 mile round trip, but we really enjoyed it. 

Once we got to the crest of the hill, we read some passages of scripture, and sang psalms and hymns. It was glorious. Singing four part harmony while waiting for the sunrise, worshiping God early in the morning--can't get much better than that. : ) 

We ended up having to wait a while for the sun to peak over the mountains, but it was worth it. Very beautiful portion of God's creation.   

Sitting in the dark. 

Singing Psalms. 

A little more light. 

God's word surrounded by His works. 

A faint glow in the east.

More readings.

The sun is finally starting to break through!

The sun peeks over the top of the mountains.

Heading back down the hill.

The sun-rose.

Trip 2008: Family Camp

Talking after a session.

The Renewing the Family Camp was a wonderful refreshment. We were greatly challenged by the speaking times (once or twice a day), encouraged by the fellowship, and had a delightful time with all the activities (pictures to follow). If your family is looking for a blessed outing, consider attending the Family Camp in 2009!

Before each session began, we demonstrated parts for various hymns and psalms.

Everyone did a fabulous job learning the parts. Here are the tenors practicing.

It was such an encouragement to meet Nana and Papa Rust, and their 24 grandchildren (from 4 children). Only 3 parts of the family were able to attend, but all members of their family have a love for the Lord and a deep sense of calling to disciple their children. It was so wonderful to meet a family in the next season of life.

Pastor Swanson spoke on personal and corporate worship.

Dad speaking on God ministering to us through worship.

An absolutely hilarious skit about home-school families, perfection, and comparison. People were laughing, crying, and rolling in the aisles.

Chatting with new friends.

We so enjoyed getting to know the Bobb family!

"You see, the CDs work like this . . ."

Happy customers at the Genevan Foundation table.

Question and Answers.

Mom and Mrs. Swanson.

Our abode for the week.

Talking late into the night.

Trip 2008: Time with the Haydens

The Crew for the Weekend.

The first destination on Trip 2008 was the home of the gracious Hayden family. We were delighted to spend the weekend with this kind family, visiting, singing, working, worshiping together--plus we were able to attend the Christian Family Entrepreneurship Seminar! 

The guys: Right down to the business of catching up.

The younger guys: Right down to the business of playing.

Creative angles with the camera, by Sarah.

Wade Myers gave several solid, biblicaly based, practical lectures on how christian families should be involved in entrepreneurship. Very helpful in considering future endeavors. We took lots of notes. : ) Photo credits: Caleb Hayden. Click here for a full report on the seminar.

The crowd at 300 strong. Photo credits--Caleb Hayden.

Rebecca running the Genevan Foundation table.

Jesse and Crystal Paine were panelists during one of the sessions.

It was fascinating talking with Mr. Pittenger.

Saturday evening, we enjoyed an informal hymn-sing around the piano.

Capturing memories.

The Serven, Bryant, and Hayden ladies pose for a photograph.

Visiting around .

Playing after dark. 

The ubiquitous tree fort.

The three sweet S's. : )

We enjoyed getting to know Crystal Paine a little bit better during the weekend.

Visiting around the family meal table, Sunday evening.

Awww. What a sweet picture . . .

Hmm. I think I see a pattern here. Porch swings equal potential silliness!

Can You Guess Where We Were?

Leave a comment with your answer. : )

Trip 2008: Heading Out

Break from car-time.

One month ago, yesterday, our family left for a four week long adventure. Our destinations included KS, NM, CO, and CA. Over the next while we'll be posting pictures from our trip [Editor's Note: Time constraints are unsure at this point, but we'll try to get caught up as quickly as possible! : )]. 

When ever we stop for gasoline, we Servens will pile out of our 15 passenger van and stretch our legs a bit. Some like to run or walk laps, while others throw around a ball or Frisbee. 

Balancing act.

Frisbees.

What have we here?

Catch the ball?

Reading a random plaque.

Home, Sweet Home

Posts to follow . . . once we get resettled! 

Homeward Bound

Visiting Grandma Macfarlane in Arizona. 

After a wonderful visit in California, we've pointed our 15 passenger van towards Missouri and we are homeward bound!! : ) 

Too Cute

Sarah enjoyed holding this dapper young man while on California's Central Coast : ) 

Pyramid

Cousin Time.