Our sense of worthiness and joy in life variously reflects our involvement in the vocational and social groups in which we find ourselves. In these exchanges, you can observe the minds of my parents as they reacted to the pre-WWII moral freedom of their colleagues and the youths they led.
(8/30 12) Enough said concerning mountains. I have thought a great deal about a discussion we had one Friday evening concerning movies and their merits and whether or not there were any that we might attend. Now my opinion is worth less than two cents (some authority said this of the average opinion) and I am so imperfect and slow to accept His grace that I could not give advice. . . . Your knowledge is more complete than mine, so it is not necessary to say that Satan is very subtle and sometimes in a weak moment we are taken unawares. . . . Since you attend church regularly and profess to be a Christian they will naturally think that it is perfectly right to frequent such places. Nearly each one of us has some of these young friends who read the gospel thru us. . . . I believe that this is the best reason for not attending even good shows until the movie industry is cleaned up more than at present.
(9/14 17) Two of the teachers who are rooming at Jefferis with Helen and I, went to the theatre this evening. I am so thankful they didn’t ask me to go along. Three of us lady teachers do not play bridge. We were all invited to a dinner and card party but we asked to be excused from playing cards. . . . This year I am teaching all four years of high school English. Mr. Thorson asked me which I preferred English II or Latin I. I told him English so that is how it turned out. Then this evening I found out that I am to have charge of the Boys and Girls Glee Clubs and the Mixed Chorus. Mr. Thorson is so very kind to me because now I won’t have to keep on practicing after four and at night. Eight of the teachers are educated in music so he is dividing up the practicing. Some have charge of trios; others of quartets; and still others, of solos. Now I will have more time to keep up my practice on voice, piano and flute. I surely appreciate it. There aren’t very many superintendents as thoughtful and kind as he.
(9/22 19) If you will pardon me for mentioning it again, I shall write a few words concerning shows and other so called amusements. Perhaps I am too serious and let my mind dwell on it too much. It is not of myself that I am thinking for I know I do not care for them even if it were not a religious principle. My S. S. [Sunday school] class is a group of boys between 14 & 18 yrs. of age and this question, naturally comes up quite often. It does not seem right to me, to tell them that these things are all wrong and then not offer them something else, which would be better to do. . . . (I wonder how Paul took care of this. I believe in prayer.) but surely there are many worthwhile things to do . . . such as hiking, nature study and many other things.
(10/3 21) I need to be reminded of the waste of time, money, and sin of seeing movies. I have seen Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain since I have been to Washburn. I believe that picture was all right. The teachers seem to think most any picture is okay. Walter, it isn’t always easy to refuse but one certainly feels at peace after refusing. So many have asked me if I dance. When I answer in the negative they usually add why don’t you; do you think it sin or just can’t you. It seems the only pleasure some folks enjoy is on the dance floor, in the theatre, or at the card table. I, too, have often wondered how Paul solved the pleasure problem. I think it fine that you are helping your Sunday School to find enjoyment in different ways.
(11/20 62) Walter, I am so happy about getting the chance to practice on the accompaniment to Handel’s oratorio, “The Messiah.” The community chorus of Washburn renders this oratorio each Christmas. I am to play the accompaniment. The two glee clubs are to sing in the chorus.
(11/27 71) At League tonight the question of school proms came up.…Walter, I can’t understand why people can’t be interested in other things than cards, dances, and movies. There are so many things that I would enjoy doing, if I only had the leisure time in which to do them.
(12/5/80) Margaret you mention the discussion concerning proms and other so called social activities. My knowledge is very limited and I do not want to pretend to know a great deal, altho that is one of the chief of my sins. Even so; it seems to me, that the Devil is indeed a great power, and a most subtle enemy. To me it seems, he has two very great weapons; which are within our bodies. The weapons of sloth and lust. To truly know Gods will indeed takes much time, in study of His Word and in prayer. Both are important and go hand in hand. Then too, there is much lust in all of us, lust of pride, lust of money, of security and lust for the gilded happiness offered by the devil. The continual round of parties, dances, and clubs and theaters. We are ever going, but where?…Why I write to you these things I do not know, but there are not many with whom I can discuss these problems. I thank you for your patient and considerate understanding friendship. Please pray for me. I am convinced that if God will have me at all, it will be on my knees in humble submission to His will.
(12/12 98) The Eng. III class are giving debates this week. They were told to make a list of questions and from the list choose any four. One of the questions which they chose is Resolved: that our high school sponsor a yearly prom. Two of the boys came to me and said they couldn’t think of a single way in which a prom would be beneficial. I hope God will speak to them while they are debating so that He can take full control.
(12/16 102) The Eng. III class are just about thru with debates. … The pupils seem to enjoy the work. Each time certain pupils are given different parts to play as: one acts as superintendent, three, as judges, two as time keepers, one as teller, six as debaters, and the remaining pupils as the audience. The prom question had as its judges’ decision 2-1 in favor of the affirmative that a prom should be sponsored by the class. I was sorry about the outcome but the negative side seemed so weak in their arguments.
(1/7 113) I am tired tonight, because I went to a business meeting at church last nite and since I got very little sleep, the two nites I was on the bus and train I am very sleepy. It was 11:30 before we got home from the business meeting. By the way I have another reason for coming for you as soon as possible, I was elected S. S. Supt. Last nite and I need some help to pick out songs.…I gave up writing last night, for I could no longer keep awake. I just returned from my place, where I have been looking after a few things. I had two invitations to go skating since I came home, one last night and one a week from Sunday. Although my back is improving I am not taking any more chances of taking a fall until I am entirely well. [Dad often attributed his later back problems to a fall he took that Christmas when another skier slid over the toes of his skis.] If I go at all I will tend the fire and cook the coffee.
(1/11) Since you are Sunday School superintendent, are you teaching your boys as previously? I would be very glad to help you pick out songs. I have no Sunday School song book otherwise I could help right now.
(1/16 126) You mentioned that you came home with a cold, well, so did I. John said I gave you my cold. I’m sorry.…I have told Helen of our engagement. Right away she said she had better get her sewing machine to sing away. She wants to sew the wedding dress. I don’t plan to tell anyone else until they see the ring but I get so happy about it all so it might run over and then they’ll find out.…How are you feeling after your fall? I wish it hadn’t have happened. I wonder how the picture will turn out. John planned to snap us just as you were to leave but then you know what a rush there was so he hurriedly put away the camera.…I hope that you enjoyed being Sunday S. Superintendent this morning but I am just wondering about your class of boys. Who has them?…Now may God bless and keep you ever as His own and may I never be a stumbling block for you in your work in His Kingdom.
(1/16 129) I am going to teach my S. S. Class, even though I am supt. I plan to get an asst. to take care of the opening and closing order of the S. S.. This will give me time to teach my class which I do not want to drop. Margaret pray that I may be used to guide these young men aright; even to Jesus the dearest friend we will ever have. Pray also; that pride and vanity may not get a hold on me, but that all may be done for His sake and in His name.
(1/19 135) The President’s Ball is soon here. Some students wanted to sell me a ticket; I refused. Helen asked me later if I had been asked. I answered, “Yes.” but said that I refused. She told me that I didn’t need to get a ticket but just donate the money. I asked her how much. She said, “twenty-five cents.” I haven’t given any and do not plan to.… The other evening I was invited to a party sponsored by the Kill Kare Klub. The girls wouldn’t let me go because of my cough. Afterwards, I learned that the time at the party had been spent on sewing cotton snowballs for the President’s ball. Oh, I was so thankful that I hadn’t gone. They[,] the decorating committee, are making 1050 snowballs for the occasion. Tonight a group is busy working on them. Wouldn’t it be wiser if they used their time in a better manner to help the helpless paralytics? What do you think?
(1/22 139) Now about some questions in your last letter. Why not; if we wish to help paralytics, dig down in our pockets and help them, then go to bed at 8 o’clock at night, instead of from 1 to 6 in the morning, so that we will be fitted to earn more for them and God, to whom they belong?
(1/26 153) Dear Margaret: “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Ps. 46:10. Last Monday, I went with father and mother to Greeley, to see my banker, because I had a note coming due within a few days. I was also getting pretty low in cash and thought I could borrow a few dollars for a while, until I sold the cattle or some potatoes. The banker promised to renew the note for a time, but I could tell by his manner that it would be useless to ask for any more money, before I had paid up what I already owe. I came away feeling quite blue and it took nearly all day to dispel the feeling. When I got home I got in my car and drove up to my place to sort potatoes. It is very quiet there, so I could and did have a good talk, with God. I came home feeling much better and today the gloom was displaced by good cheer. . . . Then tonight, as I walked home … it was very quiet and I beheld the most beautiful sunset. It was then that the first part of this verse above, came to me. I could readily see God’s handiwork around me and I know he was near looking after his own. Even as it says in the verse you sent. [“And Jehovah, he it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31: 8.]
(1/30 159) My dear Walter, “Speak, Jehovah; for They servant heareth” I Sam. 3:9 “Hitherto hath Jehovah helped us” I Sam. 7:12. Thanks for the letter I received yesterday. I feel sorry that you are low on funds. Don’t worry about buying the ring now. I prefer not having one that would be charged. If God wills that you get a good price for your cattle, He will give it to you. I know what it means to have to live on very little, but, someway, it all turns out well.…Helen said she would never marry a Norwegian farmer because they always make the womenfolk do the chores. I told her I could hardly believe it. Well, she said that’s because I knew so little about farm life. She said her father was English so that was the reason the womenfolk at her home didn’t have to do the chores while the men were sitting around reading and smoking. I told her that you said that you didn’t believe a woman should do the chores. She said she supposed then that Swedes were different from Norwegians.…I am glad that Mr. Heard has not left yet. I hate to think of your staying all alone during these cold months. I hope that your back will be strong now. May God bless and keep you ever His. Yours in Christian love, Margaret
(2/2) The cattle Market has taken a heavy drop again but I am going to leave it all in the hands of God. (176) You may tell Helen, If you wish that I have 3 sisters, neither of which has ever milked a cow or done any other kind of chores except as they wanted to. If, you ever do; it will be because you want to or want to be with me. I plan to help you as much as possible especially evenings, so that we will be through at the same time.…I also plan to arrange my work, so that I will not be so taken up as not to have time to share your plans or work around the house. I think husband and wife should share each other’s plans as well as their means, sorrows and joys. That is why I shall not do any more or buy any more than is necessary for the house. Then when you are here we can discuss and make plans together. Perhaps you do not know a great deal about farm life, but it seemed last summer that you were interested in things concerning it. (In fact that is one of the reasons I liked you. That and your interest in all things. Also your love of nature.) It will not take you long to learn, and I plan to share my problems with you from the beginning.
