Our Life Together Vol. 3 Nr. 20 May 20, 1975

The theme of this issue is joy. Ken's article presents a real truth; happiness is not an end, but a byproduct. One of our speakers at the 2009 Holy Spirit Conference, J.P. Moreland, emphasized this truth. His book on the subject, "The Lost Virtue of Happiness," is an excellent resource on this. While I agree with Ken's thesis, I don't share his negative feelings on entertainment. I was raised to appreciate entertainment. My mother and grandmother both took me to movies from my earliest age. I went to my first live musical (Oklahoma) in LA at the age of 10. We regularly went to the theater and concerts throughout my childhood and youth. I was trained on the violin and voice for the purpose of entertainment. In college I was a member of just about every performance group possible. I was also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the music professional and honorary fraternity. I am just mentioning this to show that my background left me with a different perspective on entertainment.

Ken was consistent in his belief. Westby house had no television. Many of the young people would occasionally go to movies, but this was relatively infrequent. When we began to be featured on the nightly news because of our strife with the city, Ken did allow us to have a TV, but only for the purpose of watching the news together. Later we also started having weekly movie nights. One of our members, Gordon MacDonald had access to movies and a projector. Having disagreed with Ken, I will also agree somewhat. When we are consumed with the need to be entertained, we miss out on the simple pleasures of just being together and talking. I enjoyed the days of no TV at Westby.

Barbara Valentine wrote a nice article. I have to admit that my biggest memory of here comes from several years later. At the courthouse in Chula Vista there is one line for anyone needing to pay a fine; thus everyone from felon to parking ticket is in one line. I (honest, this is true) was paying for a parking ticket. The line was long. A voice would come over the loud speaker, "Next please." Finally I made it to the head of the line and the voice said, "Next in line. Pastor Hensgen, what are you doing in this line?" That's when I found out that Barbara was that voice. I was a little embarrassed, but we had a good laugh together.

One last comment, I liked the joyful art. It must also be said that we did have fun in community. Ken himself had a good sense of humor.