At the 125th of Ellendale we had a class reunion for the class of 1963.
Here are some details that I think are worthwhile thinking about:
There were 33 of us that graduated from EHS.
25 showed up in Ellendale for the Reunion.
- All 33 of us are still alive.
- All of us are between 61-63 years old.
- The longest married is 42 years.
- Most of us are married to our first wives or husbands.
- The average of those married to first spouse is 38 years.
- Over half are retired.
- 20% are cancer survivors.
- 30% still live within 100 miles of Ellendale.
- 60% went into education (teaching or administration)
- None farm today although most of us grew up on farms.
- Many have been high achievers in their chosen field.
- Only two became business owners. Me and one other.
- They for the most part became successful parents raising kids better than themselves. (It's true for me for sure)
A successful reunion. We came from good stock but we went away. I'm sure there are sociological meanings in all of the statistics above but I'm not sure what they are. Too close to the forest to see trees.
By the way Karma, we went by the Grotluschen Farm on our way from Oakes to Aberdeen to attend Church at Rod Hall's Church (he's the associate pastor), Aberdeen Christian Fellowship.
The Grotluschen Farm looks very nice. Well kept. Needs Prairie Plants.
Church was great. That Church does a great job. Nice folks. Good worship. Excellent preaching. If I lived in Aberdeen it's where I would go to Church. Rich Keller who hales from Ellendale goes there. Helen who leads worship is from Ellendale. At one time Rod was the Pastor at a Church in Oakes ND. That's how I got to know him 28 years ago. It's all tied together.
Just a side note. Hillsong United seems to now be the single source for the canon of worship music in the Church. That's a good thing. If Hillsong never existed we'd have nothing to sing in most churches today. It seems like a worthy thing that this isn't some American group. We needed to get outside ourselves.
8 comments:
The statistics are what they are because of the spiritual background of most of those who were in your class. Boys and girls raised in a two-parent religous family will always wind up with those statistics 44 years after high school. Praise God for that. . . H.
Yea, and you'd get the crap kicked outta ya by 'em if you didn't do what they said, too....times are different (and not better either).
What a bunch of backward thinking by these comments. Times are different and they ARE better. Parenting is based on respect these days and is neither the power play that often resulted in rebellion of the 50s nor the anything goes reversal of the 70s. Children are taught by example and given reasons and choices and by and large they are great kids. Go to any high school after school clubs and talk to some real kids and look for good things, nto the few trouble makers that make the news. And it has nothing to do with how religious the family is as ethics and morals can very well be taught outside of a religious context. Being good because God is watching or based on some future judgement or to follow 10 rules does not ethics and morality make. Learning to respect other people and treat them as you would be treated because we share a world and learning to treat the environment well because it is our home are far more effective than any religious based system. And it may come as a shock to you, but most kids in single parent homes or even homes with . . . gasp . . two parents of the same gender . . . turn out well. You all need to take a look at some statistics and meet some real families and some real kids and give up you silly ideas of cause and effect.
Spare the rod, spoil the child.
Which book do we use for a guide?
The Holy Bible or man's books??
The word 'Respect' is sadly lacking in today's world! Just ask your teachers!!
I found this on a website and would like your thoughts. -
"TRAIN up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Prov.xxii,6. Much is said in the Bible, respecting the duty of parents to their children. But it would seem, by the manner in which this duty is neglected by most of parents, that they do not understand what the Bible teaches on this subject.
I have often been pained to see how this important duty is neglected, even by those who profess to be keeping all the commandments of God. I have earnestly desired of late, that something might be said, or written on this subject; something that would stir up parents to look at these things, and to feel the responsibility that rests upon them, to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Eph.vi,4. I fear but few parents, realize how far they have departed from the word of God in this respect. Perhaps but few are aware how much is said in the Bible on this subject. I will here quote a few passages of Scripture which are to the point. "He that spareth his rod, hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." Prov.xiii,24. "Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying." Prov.xix,18. - "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." Prov.xxii,15. - "Withhold not correction from the child; for if thou beat him with the rod he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell." Prov.xxiii,13,14. "The rod and reproof giveth wisdom; but a child left to himself, bringeth his mother to shame. Correct thy son and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul." - Prov.xxix,15,17.
It seems to me, that in the passages I have quoted, the duty of parents to their children, is clearly and plainly pointed out. It seems, from the word of God, that the rod is to be used (and that not sparingly) in the government, and correction of children, in bringing them into perfect subjection to their parents. But how seldom is the rod seen and much more seldom used by the professed people of God at this day. Many seem to think that they are serving God, doing those things that are pleasing in his sight, while in a measure, if not wholly, they are neglecting to govern their children, and bring them to yield that obedience to their parents, that the word of God requires. But this is a mistaken idea and a snare of Satan into which the whole world, with few exceptions, have fallen, in these "perilous times." But my prayer is, that God would deliver his people out of this snare, and give them to see and understand their whole duty to their children.
I understand this subject like this; that parents stand in the place of God to their children, until they become old enough to know and serve God for themselves. And that parents are required to see that their children yield the same obedience and submission to their will, that parents yield to God. And if this duty is performed by parents, then they can claim in faith and confidence the blessing of God upon their children. But if this duty is neglected by parents, it seems to me certain that God will hold them responsible, and the blood of their children will be required at their hands.
It is the height of folly in parents to suppose that their children can be saved while living in willful disobedience to their parents, and being possessed of a spirit and temper that is ungovernable, wicked, and devilish. As well might parents expect to be saved while possessing the spirit of Satan, and living in disobedience to the commandments of God. But this is not so. No one with an understanding of the Bible, can expect to be saved without yielding perfect obedience to God, and partaking of his Holy Spirit. For this cause our heavenly Father has to chasten and scourge us, (and many times sorely,) and bring us under strict discipline, in order to humble us and subdue our stubborn wills and unholy tempers, and bring us where we can yield a sweet and humble submission to his holy will. This is the way that God deals with his children, and that too, because he loves them, and that they may be partakers of his holiness.
Many parents in these days, instead of causing their children to submit unto their will and judgment, submit to the will of their children, and in many instances, become complete slaves to them. This is not right. It is reversing God's order. And if continued, will certainly ruin their children, if not parents also. It is mockery for parents to pray for God to bless and save their children, while they themselves are neglecting their duty to them.
I feel an interest in the welfare of the children, and am glad they are to have a paper for themselves; but, still, for the children to be really benefited, I think "the axe must be laid at the root of the tree;" that is, the work must begin at home. Parents must do their duty, before God can consistently work for their children.
Dear brethren and sisters, you that are parents of children, I beg of you, as you love your children, and desire their salvation, that you wake up to this important duty of governing your children, and subdue their wills and unholy temper, and bring them where God can work for them. Unless you do, you will certainly see your children cut down in the time of trouble. Oh! what anguish it will cause parents, to witness the "plagues" poured out upon their children, and realize that it is because they have neglected their duty to them.
'the rodf' which i take you to mean physical punishment, teaches not respect but fear and set up a cycle where that fear is used for power that the child lacks. read any modern childrearing book on this. but i bet you'd rather cling to your old fashioned notions than learn. have you BEEN in a school? kids are no more less respectful to teachers than they have ever been, but since they have been respected as well as being taught TO respect, they have discussions with their teachers and participate more in the process of education. i am not sure why you advocate such cruelty in child rearing, but it does not work any better. the people who are in their 30s and 40s raised in the permissive backlash turned out as well adjusted and moral as those raised in more oppressive eras. but instead of hating school where the big kids bullied them, they liked school. for every 'bad' thing you can cite about 'sparing the rod', i can cite 20 or a hundred good, but i doubt you'd change you antique views anyway.
for actual research on the subject, including a survey of 88 studies, which finds serious negative effects, read articles at www.nospank.net
jayjay
The attitudes and lack of respect children show to teachers and others today...is proof your ways are not working. Open your eyes. Since when do you know more than God? A spanking never hurt anyone.
I am glad I have the fear pf God within me. I know the truth. You obviously do not. But then, you go to man's word, not God's. I fear God. You should too.
"The attitudes and lack of respect children show to teachers and others today..."
There is no more lack of respect now than there ever was. Look at pioneer accounts of the terrible pranks school kids played on their school teachers. Back in the spanking at the woodshed days. You are operating from a world of fallacy. Have you ever actally READ the research on spanking? Do you care that it has been scientifically proven that kids who are spanked act up more than kids who aren't? My God wants kids treated kindly and not beaten. It may surprise you to learn there are actually some Christian groups that beleive that Jesus himself preached kindness and gentleness. You quote only what you want to promote your brand of cruelty but it does not work and it is not right.
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