Monday, December 29, 2008

The Ten Days of Feasting: Lining Up Christmas Morning


The early risers, waiting for everyone else to wake.


Watching and waiting while the upstairs people get everything in readiness.


The little kids--not so little anymore.


The suspense is building!

Something fun is going on upstairs!


The Serven Clan Official Line-up Picture [Editor's Note: It includes Peter, a.k.a. our star photographer].


Waiting with bated breath.


Spring loaded for action.


Finally! After long last, Dad calls us up the stairs!


And he's off!

The Ten Days of Feasting: Last Touches on the Tree

The crowning touch: the star.

Don't fall over! : )


"What a fun brother I have!"

Saturday, December 27, 2008

The Ten Days of Feasting: Christmas Eve


Singing praise to the Infant King.

Covenant Presbyterian Church had a Christmas Eve Service, so we made the drive.

Candlelight.

The Ten Days of Feasting: Birthday #1


A tea-tray from some brothers.

A cast-iron frying pan from some sisters.

Chef Andrew.

Presenting the carrot cake.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The Ten Days of Feasting


. . . are in full swing. Everyone is home. Happy days!

May the Lord bless your family as you celebrate His incarnation. 

John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Books of Choice

Can you guess why these books might have been most helpful to me today? It's Schaff's History of the Christian Church. Hint: It has something to do with this important announcement. Leave your guess in the comments. : )

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

History is Made

Friends for life. 

Once upon a time, Jon met Beth. They prayed and talked, and talked and prayed. 

"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths." 
Psalm 25:4

Dinner in St. Charles.

On December 12th, they enjoyed a special dinner in historic St. Charles, MO. Beth didn't suspect a thing. Strolling down Main Street, we came upon a little garden and a perfectly situated bench. 

The Perfect Spot.

Jonathan James Ten Dolle asked Elizabeth Grace Serven to be his wife!!!! 
She said yes!!!!
He slipped a beautiful diamond ring on her finger. What new unspeakable joy!

Jon's letter to Dad and Mom.

Reading a letter in honor of Dad and Mom's 29th wedding anniversary, just two days after our engagement. The wisdom and beauty of the deep committed love of many years has been an inspiration to the beginnings of love.

Rejoicing in the Lords amazing providence! 

"But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in our hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."
Colossians 3:14-15

Friday, December 12, 2008

Our Blog is Not Dead

Busy season of the year: Christmas Caroling Party with friends.

Despite reasons to believe to the contrary, our blog has not bit the dust. Busy times surround the Serven Clan home this season of the year and this season of life. Thanks for your kind patience despite our lack of posting! 

Helping in more ways than one. 

The finished product.

Subliminal messages late one night.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Thanksgiving at the Serven Clan

Napkins extraordinaire a la' Sarah.

Birds eye view.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

2008 Art of Manliness



Our friend Matt Chancey is a finalist for the Art of Manliness Man of the Year. Vote for Matt! : ) 

His wife Jennie, writes: 
"He’d never sing his own praises, but, as his wife, I never tire of doing so. My husband can read G.A. Henty’s historical fiction aloud to our children at the dinner table and fix the brakes on a 1964 Ford pickup. He can deliver food and medical aid to a refugee camp on the border of Darfur and stand up in church the next week to tell about it. He can write a terse letter to the editor and compose beautiful poems to his wife. He plays piano masterfully by ear and sings with a wonderful baritone. His many facets shine in every situation, and he has never met a stranger. Because of his genuine manliness, our sons have a role model they can look up to on a daily basis, and our daughters have a hero for every bedtime story. Most of all, I have a husband I greatly admire, respect, and love passionately. He will always be my Man of the Year."