In a recent conversation someone suggested that people are not so different today than in years past, but rather it is our culture that has changed. I’m confident a case can be made in agreement as well as against such a statement, but since it is speculative by nature no clear answer exists.

In this “I’m ok, you’re ok, technological, media influenced instant gratification world of relativism” how could we dare compare today’s youth to that of the 1920’s, 40’s or 50’s? Are we evolving into better versions of our parents and grandparents?

Since evolution takes tens of thousands of years and most changes are minor it’s safe to say we are evolving. And usually we excel or at least make progress in what we deem important. So if we feel making lots of money is important we will more than likely be amass wealth. If we feel happiness is most important we will learn to be content in all things, if we believe our character to be most important our yes will mean yes and our no will mean no, because we know anything beyond that comes from the evil one.

Everyone is uniquely raised; being either the youngest, oldest or only child. Each of us have different parents, different religious upbringing, different methods of learning, different strengths and different goals, dreams and agendas, to name a few. Although we are similar in many ways we are equally different.

We know individual wealth is on the rise, most children go beyond the limitations of their parents, athletic records are continually broken, and higher education is available for everyone. We also know many of us are being destroyed by addictions, be it drugs, sex, pornography, gambling, shopping, alcohol, and eating. In a country that claims freedom many are slaves to their addictions and many more are enslaved to welfare.

Perhaps war is what kept our previous generations focused on something more important than self which in a roundabout way united us as a people. It would be a pity to ignore our increased intelligence and instead walk the path of destruction. Could the wisdom of the bible offer us a unified and better path?

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Tonight, at 7:30 p.m. the Sauerkraut German Band performs at the fountain square. In the event of inclement weather the performance will be moved to St. Denis’ basement. Next week entertainment will be Chaz Mechenbier and Hangtime.

Fireworks at dusk: Friday, June 30 at Ansonia behind Moody’s Auto Service and Ft. Loramie in the park, Saturday, July 1st at the Darke County Fairgrounds, and at Goodrich Park in Winchester, Tuesday, July 4 at New Madison.

Happy birthday America, Roberta Condon, Orville Borchers, Jr., Jennifer Woodruff, Linda May, Gay Howard, Dave Barga, Ronda Mangen, Melanie Huffman, Madelyn Borchers, Doug Reed, Matt Cusick, Melanie Rimmer, Toni Riegle, Pat Monnin, David McClure, Jamie McGlinch, Makena Hoying, Larry Brown, Becky Klipstine, Richard Gigandet, Robin Middendorf, Larry

Simmons, Joan Magoto, Tammy Drees, Natalie Cebulko, Dan Drees, Jeanette Marshall, Renee Subler, Edna Batty, Deb Wirrig, Steve Henry, Jeanne Miller, Lisa Mangen, Doug Reed, Sheila Magoto, Ruth Neargarder, Ed Collins, Margo Gavit, Samantha Jay and Tom Guillozet. Anniversary wishes to Ginger and Randy Magoto (1), Mindy and Matt Knapke (3), Heidi and Taylor DeMange (4), Betty and Joe Mescher (4), Christy and Denny Hunt (11), Marie and Brent Carity (12), Tiffany and Jeremy Fine (16), Heidi and Eric Epperly (17), Marianne and Shawn Unger (17), Brandi and Clay Spencer (23), Kristina and Michael Stout (23), Kelly and Brian Dapore, Homer and Kathy Gehret (34), Deb and Dan Brown (40), Susette and Larry Kruckeberg (41), Becky and John Klipstine (49). Retirement wishes to Diane Kunk.

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Karen Schultz (knee replacement), Judy York, Zachary Browder, Bill Luthman, Amanda Danheim, Theresa Borgerding, Theresa Buteau, Chris Apple, Miriam Harman, Jack Monnin, Mary Batty, Norma Magoto, Anne Schmitz, Donna and Terry Black, Connie Ecabert, Wanda and Joe Bailey, Betty Kremer, Dan Roseberry, Denny Grilliot, Beverly Brown, Linda Kendinger, Harold Langston, Sr., Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Ruth Haft, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Mary Barga, Anabelle Subler, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Cyril Frantz, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Samantha Smith, Brian Voisard, and all those not mentioned by name who are recuperating, ailing, suffering, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers and their caregivers.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Mary Bruns (69), Neil Stemley (78), Jeanette Sargeant (86) and also remembering the lives of Ann Reed, Betty (Hemmelgarn) Jutte, Mark Dotson Edward Mumaw, Stephanie Applegate, Elmer Stuck, Tom Henry, Steve Subler, Stew Prakel, Robert Smith, Geary Fraley, Rhys Bowman, Dorothy Hiler, Myrl Wilson, Leo Barga, Nelson Barga, Paul Bey, Elizabeth Robinson, Dale Snedecker, Gary Simon, Ann Bergman and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing.

“Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live well as think.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I will have the moral courage to make my actions consistent with my knowledge of right and wrong.” ~Unknown

“To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” ~Theodore Roosevelt