The Serven Clan

John Calvin on His Conversion

2009-07-10T16:41:00.003-05:00

Alive by God's Grace.

"When I was as yet a very little boy, my father had destined me for the study of theology. But afterwards when he considered that the legal profession commonly raised those who followed it to wealth this prospect induced him suddenly to change his purpose.

Thus it came to pass, that I was withdrawn from the study of philosophy, and was put to the study of law. To this pursuit I endeavored faithfully to apply myself in obedience to the will of my father; but God, by the secret guidance of his providence, at length gave a different direction to my course.

And first, since I was too obstinately devoted to the superstitions of Popery to be easily extricated from so profound an abyss of mire, God by a sudden conversion subdued and brought my mind to a teachable frame, which was more hardened in such matters than might have been expected from one at my early period of life.

Having thus received some taste and knowledge of true godliness I was immediately inflamed with so intense a desire to make progress therein, that although I did not altogether leave off other studies, I yet pursued them with less ardor. . ."

Commentary on the Psalms, Volume 1, by John Calvin.

Niagra Falls

2009-07-10T12:05:00.001-05:00

Well . . . I guess our guessing game was pretty obvious. : ) Thanks for all the correct guessers! More pictures to follow.

Photo(s) of the Week: Water

2009-07-08T08:48:00.002-05:00

River.

Though the composition of these photos are not profound, we were very excited to learn about the time value (a.k.a. 'tv') setting on our camera, and change the shutter speed to give more 'flow' to these water shots.

Rapids.

If you have a guess as to where in the world the Serven Clan might have captured these images, leave a comment with your guess. : )

Over the edge.

Reformation 500: Vision for Sudan

2009-07-07T08:17:00.002-05:00

In God's providence, we were delighted to meet William Levi, a refugee and missionary to the Sudan.

Hearing about Mr. Levi's story of escape and ministry.

Reformation 500: The Great Debate

2009-07-06T07:37:00.007-05:00

John Calvin in action, looking strangely familiar.

Darwin, the moderator, and Calvin.

The winner of the hunt before he was the winner with Calvin: giving the next to last secret password and getting the last clue.

A Reformation maiden with Pastor Calvin and his wife Idelette.

Pastor Calvin and the man behind the vision for the great debate.

Reformation 500: Idelette

2009-07-02T07:33:00.002-05:00

Storytelling. Make sure to come say hello if you are at the R500!

Photo of the Week: Joely

2009-06-27T09:27:00.004-05:00

Joely Boy. Photo courtesy of Rebecca. See last week's photo here.

Reformation 500: Last Minute Reading

2009-06-25T07:44:00.002-05:00

An excellent engaging family read aloud.

Newest Jonathan Park Available for Download!!

2009-06-22T22:03:00.003-05:00

A little bird told us, that at long last, Jonathan Park Volume VI is ready for download through Behemoth.com!!! Click on the link to listen to snippets from the new release, or download your own copy of The Journey Never Taken.

Jonathan Park has become a staple in our home, most often played while the children are drying dishes, or on long car rides. Everyone loves listening to it, both young and old.

The children have learned more science through both the stories of Jonathan Park and the Creation Response Team, plus Moody Science Videos. This is saying something, because Servens don't tend to be very science minded.

A new generation of Servens is afoot, thanks to Jonathan Park!

Click here to learn more about The Journey Never Taken.

Reformation 500: Stuck . . . so working on something else

2009-06-20T16:35:00.004-05:00

Elizabeth Seymour wearing a French Hood.

This seamstress is stuck. The sleeves I'd been working on just aren't making sense. I don't really have a pattern . . . just some little drawings from a book.

So, while I'm pondering the sleeves, I thought I would work on the French Hood. So far, so good! Currently finishing up sewing millinery wire to the buckram form.

Reformation 500: Sewing and More Research

2009-06-19T14:36:00.004-05:00

My ruff won't look exactly like this, but I'll use the same principle in it's construction.

Currently joining together the boned lining and fashion fabric for the bodice. But first, I need to decide how I will to make . . .

Now, back to the sewing machine!

A Several Day Birthday

2009-06-19T09:37:00.010-05:00

The birthday boy opening his first (surprise) packages.

Ben recently celebrated his 19th birthday! His birthday celebration spanned several days with multiple surprises from friends and family alike. Everyone loves Ben.

Trying to guess what it could be.

The Bringe family put together a wonderful surprise gift and dropped it by one day out of the blue.

An authentic Colonial Costume!!

The full effect. : ) Reformation 500 here we come!!

On Ben's actual date of birth, all-8-Servens-who-were-home greatly enjoyed the movie Up!! Yes, several of us even cried. A beautiful picture of faithfulness in marriage through all seasons of life, plus the importance of making a difference, a true view of adventure, discipleship, and investing your life in other people. Click here for some great reviews by Issac Botkin.

Later that day, some more special little friends surprised Ben.

Hey!! Look who is here!

The Houghtons and Hamanns. : )

Special little buddies from church.

Master Griller cooking his own birthday dinner.

Grilled to perfection.

Flaming high.

Sitting around after dinner telling 'Ben stories'.

A special frog made by a special young person.

Peter calls to say happy birthday!

Texas Sheet Cake and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream on the Special Red Plate.

Mom and Lydia breaking out the old guitar and the new-to-Lydia-yet-old-violin.

Jon and Beth call late at night and sing one last Happy Birthday over the phone.

Photo of the Week: Flute

2009-06-17T08:49:00.003-05:00

Flute.

Introducing a new series of posts simply titled, "Photo of the Week". Usually these will be Sarah's photos, unless it's otherwise noted. You never know, perhaps other Serven Clan members will be inspired in their pursuit of artistic abilities. : )

Unofficial first photo in Photo of the Week series .

Reformation 500: The Costumes Continue

2009-06-16T08:49:00.006-05:00

Cutting out the smock.

As this is our last week available to complete costumes for the Reformation 500, fingers are flying round this Missouri house. Here are a few pictures from the latest sewing projects.

Hooray! My trusty sewing machine, which had a melt down pre-wedding, is back up and working!!! : )

Pressing bias tape--this was a new nifty way to keep it the correct width and much easier!!

Eight yards for the skirt with 3 lines of hand basting round the top to make the cartridge pleats.

Sarah gets in on the act: adjusting a hoop skirt to proper 'farthingale' dimensions. Notice the creative use of a lamp. : )

A loving brother marks his sisters hem. On his birthday, none the less!

West-Coast Christian Worldview Conference

2009-06-15T09:20:00.013-05:00

www.wcwc.ws, July 27-August 1, 2009.

Last year, I had the privilege of attending a helpful conference in California: The West-Coast Christian Worldview Conference. This worldview conference is designed specifically for encouraging youth who may be familiar with the fruit of a Christian heritage, but who want to grow in understanding of why it is important to guard and nurture this trust from the Lord.

Unlike most conferences where you have limited interaction with the speakers, this conference is worlds apart. Each day you'll be able to hear multiple hours of engaging lectures from Pastor Morecraft, Cris Ortiz, Gary De Mar, and others, and then pull up a chair and join in meal time discussions.

Fellowship activities with the speakers and students include those both mental and physical in nature: sports, English Country dancing, fellowship, singing, book tables, games, small groups, and a talent night.

Spend the week with Pastor Morecraft!

See some other photos from last year's conference.

Glimpses of Wisconsin

2009-06-12T08:54:00.007-05:00

Jon and Beth's house through the landscaping.

Welcoming the goats to their new home.

Bottle feeding for the first time.

Beth's beloved goats.

Showing honeymoon pictures.

The old chicken house; now the new goat barn.

Ben serving Jon and Beth by doing the dirty work. :)

In the chicken barn, Joel and Andrew found a box of wonderful toy tractors!

The back of the house: in progress and looking great!!

Father daughter moment.

Happy goats.

Planting a few flowers.

Serving breakfast off the bar.

Unpacking lovely and kind gifts from friends.

A very open floor-plan--perfect for hospitality!

Sitting with Beth.

Reformation 500: Costuming Tools

2009-06-11T22:23:00.003-05:00

2 1/2 items complete for the Idelette Costume.

Tonight's tools of choice:

Packing tape.
Aluminum foil.
Trader Joes Grocery paper bag.
Measuring tape.
Pen.
And of course, fabric, ribbon, thread, and sewing machine.

Reformation 500: Costuming

2009-06-09T11:40:00.004-05:00

My character for the Reformation 500: Idelette de Bure.

I was very honored to be asked to portray the wife of John Calvin, Idelette de Bure, at the upcoming Reformation 500 Celebration.

After several weeks of reading and research, construction of the costume is starting! I have only 2 weeks to complete the costume. Ahh. : ) Nothing like a little deadline to keep things exciting.

Today's Helpful Website: Constructing an Elizabethan Smock with a very handy Custom Pattern Generator. To prepare, I'm washing the white 100% hanky weight linen in very hot water, so as to shrink it up properly.

You might also find it fun to come in costume to the Reformation 500! Check out Vision Forum's costuming website to start your research.

Live From Missouri, Round #2

2009-06-09T09:54:00.001-05:00

Tune in today to the Reformation Study Lecture to hear our Dad speak on Calvin's Relationships.

Happy Birthday Lydia!

2009-06-08T22:15:00.001-05:00

Lyddy in her Austrian wool sweater from Jon and Beth.

Dad Lectures on John Calvin via Live Broadcast

2009-06-05T16:12:00.003-05:00

Our Dad knows a TON of stories about John Calvin. :)

Sound Check.

Lecture Notes for the live broadcast Reformation Online Study Course.

Technical Assistance from Ben and Company.

A few of the John Calvin books atop the official John Calvin Bookshelf.

Live From Missouri

2009-06-04T09:13:00.002-05:00

On the Air.

Tune in for our Dad's presentation on John Calvin today, June 4th at 10CT, and also June 9th at 10CT.

Cuteness

2009-06-03T19:10:00.001-05:00

Sisters.

Little Tait Update

2009-05-28T13:13:00.001-05:00

Praise the Lord!!!

Layers of Contrast

2009-05-28T12:50:00.006-05:00

A box of china, a piece of plywood, two dog crates with goats inside, a sleeping bag, a celtic harp, and a wedding dress laid atop it all! : ) Taking another load to Jon and Beth's new home.