Speaker 1
What a joy it is to meet creative people. Dave. Carl is one of those people, and I mean this.
Dave, as I look you in the eye today, we have you to thank for creating the scripts for our Paws and Tales ministry. Over the years, you've written the stories and you put them together in such a beautiful way with all the characters in it that people I know sit on the edge of their seat listening to them from one day to the next.
So catch us up for those that may not know what Paws and Tales refers to, and then give us a little bit of an insight that you have regarding this ministry.
Speaker 2
I'd be thrilled to Pause and Tales was born from your storytelling as a young adult. I'm sitting listening to your sermons and your storytelling, and I think of Pause and Tales as an extension of your storytelling. This is a fictional world with talking animals, and we are using this story to sneak in biblical truths. The key message is that God is just crazy in love with His children, and you can't hear that too much. We try to express it in a thousand different ways as we created Pause and Tales, which has been around for a long, long time. We have four new episodes this last year, and we have new projects in the works.
We receive letters, and I have one in front of me now that I'd like to read to you. This just gives me pause. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all for your ministry. I have five children, and we've been listening to your podcast for years, since my oldest, almost 12, was little. We love it and wait for the new episodes with great anticipation. My fifth child was born last year; she will be one at the end of this month. She had a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome.
You can imagine our amazement when we listened to the new episode yesterday. I was driving with them all, and as the story was building, I knew something was going to be different with the baby. I did not expect it to be exactly what our family has experienced. We were all overcome with emotion. It was good and healing in a way that I can't quite explain. I know it's all God. As we listened to the rest of the story, we were just in awe that it parallels ours so perfectly. Everything that was said, the way the church responded, all of it.
We were so blessed to have had this loving welcome for our baby girl, who is also very healthy and normal in all of the ways any other baby would be. We felt like someone knew us personally and made this episode just for us. I told the kids that if they ever doubt God is real, I want them to remember this day. Because God told the creators of Paws and Tales to make an episode just for them. That is how we feel, and we praise God for how He has worked through you all.
Please pass this on to all who had a hand in making these new episodes happen; to God be the glory. Also, is there an address my kids could write to? I think they'd like to say something in their own words. Thank you so much.
A family from North Dakota.
Speaker 1
When you first read that to me, Dave, some time ago, my eyes filled with tears as I thought about the remarkable fact that you created that story knowing nothing of this family. And now they are hearing it and it feels like it was written, as they put it, just for them.
That's the way God's word is. It's not true for just generality or the open public. It's truth for you. And believe me, it's truth for me. Always relevant, always real, always on target.
Thank you for your wonderful support of our ministry. As you give financially, we're able to continue touching lives that reach people who will realize the truth is just for them.
Speaker 3
Welcome to the world of Paws and tales. Wild Mountain can be a pretty dangerous place. Stay on the trails and stick with me. There's adventures to be had there too.
Speaker 4
Come on, cj. Jump. It's too far.
Speaker 5
It wasn't too far for me.
Speaker 3
Insight for Living is proud to present Paws and Tales. Howdy and welcome to Wildwood, a small.
Speaker 6
Town in the midst of some pretty big changes.
Speaker 3
An exciting and sometimes frightening thing. Change is funny how the same situation.
Speaker 6
Can be a source of fear to.
Speaker 3
One person and the cause of celebration for another.
Speaker 5
Dear Diary, big changes are coming and I hate it. Things were really, really good and now everything's ruined. It all started at church a couple of weeks. Pastor Flint was announcing plans for Wildwood Community Church's 50th anniversary.
Speaker 3
The Lord has blessed us with 50 years together as a congregation and 48 of those years in this very building. Well, 50 years we've been here reaching out and teaching the Gospel of Christ to Wildwood.
I'd say that it is time for a celebration. And I hope that all of you plan to join me in that celebration next month.
We will need volunteers for planning.
Speaker 4
Event since before you were born.
Speaker 3
How you can help out in your own way.
Speaker 4
I shut the door. Willie, you get over here. Mom, I'll get him. Willie, you have got to stop slamming that door.
Speaker 3
That's the fort beads. It's giving way. Everyone needs to leave now. Okay, let's move quickly but carefully. Oh, here, Mr. Scle, let me help.
Speaker 6
Stacy, go with your mother. I'll be right behind you. I need to help Mr. Shuffle.
Speaker 3
Everybody out. Where's Chuck? Oh, I'm here.
Speaker 1
Oh.
Speaker 3
What does it look like in there? Not good. The main beam is cracked almost clear through. There's also some damage in the north wall. It's not safe in there.
Can we fix it? I don't know. Right now I'm not even sure what caused it.
God's got something planned for us. Let's all be prayerful that we are wise enough to see what it is.
Speaker 5
Mom, were you scared?
Speaker 4
No.
Speaker 3
Terrified.
Speaker 4
How are you?
Speaker 5
Okay. What's gonna happen in the church?
Speaker 3
I don't know, sweetheart.
Speaker 4
I just can't imagine being anywhere else on Sunday mornings.
Speaker 3
Well, considering all that's happened this morning, I'll see if we can meet in the old library Wednesday night. Then we can put our heads together and figure out what our next move should be.
Start with a hymn. Turn to page. I guess we don't have any hymnals out here, do we?
Let's sing. It is well with my soul. We all know that one.
Speaker 5
That was bad enough, but it was only the beginning. The next day at school, Goose and I were talking about what had happened at church.
Speaker 4
Oh, I know. I still can't believe it. I thought my mom was gonna start crying. Then really, he kept trying to get back inside the church. Oh, little sisters are so much easier than little brothers.
Speaker 5
This is the only church I've known for all my life.
Speaker 4
Yeah, but think how neat it will be if they build a new one. Bigger rooms that stay warm in the winter.
Speaker 5
I like the cold. It keeps you awake.
Speaker 4
There might even be new church pews that actually have cushions on them.
Speaker 5
The old ones have never bothered me.
Speaker 4
Isn't there anything about a new church building that makes you even a little bit excited?
Speaker 5
Nothing. Nothing needs to change. Nothing.
Speaker 4
Okay.
Speaker 5
I heard Mr. Porter say that the church building had been eaten to bits by termites.
Speaker 4
I heard it was water damage. That the whole place is being held together by nothing but mush.
Speaker 5
They can't tear down the church, can they?
Speaker 4
Well, I don't know. Oh, hey, speaking of mush, I forgot to tell you. Mom says it's okay for you to come to dinner tonight.
Speaker 5
We're having mush.
Speaker 4
Why would you ask that? So can you come?
Speaker 5
I think so. I'll ask my folks. What are we having for dinner?
Speaker 4
Well, it's not mush. I'll be right back.
Speaker 5
Where are you going?
Speaker 4
To tell my mom something.
Speaker 5
To not fix mush for dinner.
Speaker 4
Exactly. See you in a bit.
Speaker 7
Okay. Good morning, everybody. Let's get things started. I wanted to start the day by sharing some very exciting news.
As you all know, our little town of Wildwood is not so little as it once was. We have nearly doubled the number of students in this class since the fall.
Well, the school board met over the weekend and has decided that something needs to be done. This town is only going to continue to grow. So the school board has decided to split up this classroom and hire a second teacher.
Speaker 5
No, Ms. Harbor, we don't want to be split up.
Speaker 7
Now let me explain. Each one of you deserves one-on-one time with me. And I just can't do that with the numbers we're expecting.
With the addition of a new teacher, we'll be able to have more in-depth studies, special projects, and field trips that will be age and grade appropriate.
I even have a promise from the school board that funds will be available for special electives and maybe a large aquarium.
Speaker 4
An aquarium is good.
Speaker 7
I want all of you to be able to participate in some of the decisions we have to make. What I'd like for you to do now is to get out a sheet of paper and write down any ideas that you may have for this change in our school.
You might have an idea for a special elective class like candle making. Candle making is a great idea, Goose. Some of you might have ideas for field trips. I'd like to hear about those as well.
I will be reading over each one and I'll share them with the school board when we meet again at the end of the week. All right, now get to work everyone.
Speaker 4
Isn't this exciting, Stacy? Real trips to aquariums and candle baking.
Speaker 5
It's not exciting at all. It's awful. I don't want a new teacher. I want to keep Ms. Harbour. I don't care if we ever go on a field trip. I just want things the way they were.
You're not going to believe this. There's even more. When I got home from school that afternoon, I told mom and dad all about what Ms. Harbour had told us about splitting up the school. Goose had to talk me out of writing.
I have a great idea. Let's not split up the school.
Speaker 6
I don't know, Stacy. It sounds kind of exciting to me.
Speaker 5
Dad, I don't want to lose Ms. Harper. She's the best teacher in the world. She's Barely ever cross and she. Don't you remember the magnifying glass that she gave me?
Speaker 6
Of course I do. She is a great teacher. But maybe the new teacher will be just as good. Or maybe even better.
Speaker 5
That's impossible.
Speaker 4
Stacy, it's not certain that Ms. Harper won't be your teacher anymore. I think you should just wait and.
Speaker 3
See what's in store.
Speaker 4
You just might be surprised.
Speaker 5
I don't think I like this surprise. I like our class the way it is.
Speaker 3
Should we tell her?
Speaker 6
Speaking of surprises, Stace, your mom and I have one for you.
Speaker 5
You too. I don't know if I can handle this.
Speaker 3
We think you'll like this one.
Speaker 5
Well, unless it's a pony, I'd rather not have any changes right now.
Speaker 6
Close.
Speaker 4
Oh, honey, she's never going to guess.
Speaker 3
Just tell her.
Speaker 1
Okay.
Speaker 6
Stacy. Our family is going to welcome a new member. A special blessing. A gift from God.
Speaker 5
It's not a pony, is it?
Speaker 3
For goodness sake.
Speaker 4
Dear Stacy, I'm gonna have a baby. Do you know what's the biggest problem?
Speaker 2
I guess I don't what to wear.
Speaker 4
I get so excited about going to school that I don't plan stuff out very well. I wore my shirt on backwards last week, don't you know?
Speaker 2
Here is one of our newly made pausintails T shirts. It has the paws and tails logo on the front so you'll never be confused and wear it backwards.
Speaker 4
It would be so great if people could just go on to pauseandtails.org and.
Speaker 2
Order goose, I think you're a genius.
Speaker 5
A baby. I wanted to scream, but I didn't want to make my folks feel bad. They were so excited and I told them that I was happy. This is a disaster. No more camping. You can't camp with a baby. No more late night talking and eating ice bath with my mom. The baby's making her tired now and it's not even born. Nothing will ever be the same. Not at home, not at school, and not at church.
At church, there was a Wednesday night meeting to discuss the church building. Dad took me along because mom wasn't feeling well.
Speaker 3
Calm down, everyone. Calm down. We need to listen to all sides of this. Go ahead, Papa Chuck. I love that church building as much as any of you.
Speaker 2
Then why do you want to tear it down?
Speaker 3
A support beam. The only thing that keeps the roof up. It's almost hollow from termites and water damage. I can't believe it's held up this long.
It would cost so much to try to repair that. We could build a whole new, better, and bigger church for about the same amount of money.
Speaker 2
That's what you say. I think we need a second opinion.
Speaker 4
All right. That's right.
Speaker 5
I agree.
Speaker 3
We've tried to shore it up, but even going in there has taken your life into your hands. Now, you're not the only one who knows about these things. I say a group of us should go in and make our own assessment.
Speaker 6
Before any decisions are made.
Speaker 3
If too many people go in there and start banging around, well, if you went in there and pounded on that north wall with your fist, you'd probably bring the whole place down.
My father helped build that church with his own hands. We can't just throw away something so.
Speaker 4
Close to our hearts.
Speaker 3
That's right. Hold on there. Let's keep a level head about this and listen to every suggestion. That's what we're here for.
Speaker 2
But he wants to tear down our church.
Speaker 3
Now, hold on, everyone. Jake, the town is almost doubled in size this year. The old building only holds about 75, and we pretty much fill it up every Sunday.
Speaker 2
Our church has been around for 48 years. I will not stand here and let you turn it into firewood.
Speaker 3
Now, hold on. Hold on, everyone. Let's just cool off here. First of all, we are the church, not some building. Second, I think we need to pray about this instead of starting up a wrestling match.
Speaker 2
I think God wants us to fix it.
Speaker 3
We haven't the money to paint the old building, let alone fix it or build another one. What I do know is that God has a plan for all of this. He knew that beam was no good. He's not surprised or worried.
When God causes change, it's because change is needed. Maybe, just maybe, change is needed here. Now let's pray that we can see what God wants for us and quit trying to get God to do what we want.
Are there any more questions?
Speaker 2
Where are we meeting on Sunday?
Speaker 3
We'll meet on the field back of the church. We'll have a tent big enough to cover us all. We'll need some help moving some pews. And if that's not possible, we'll need lots of chairs. Is that it? All right, then. Let's close in a word of prayer.
Speaker 5
So, dad?
Speaker 6
Yeah, hon?
Speaker 5
What do you think about the church? Folks were pretty upset.
Speaker 6
Yes, they were. It's a tough thing when change comes.
Speaker 5
What do you want?
Speaker 6
I'd love to save the old building. Me, too, but I don't think we'll be able to.
Speaker 5
Why?
Speaker 6
When Moses was leading the Israelites to the Promised Land, at one point, pretty early on, they ran out of water.
Now God had just done all these miracles for them, but they were afraid because they were out in the desert with no water.
Some of them wanted to go back to Egypt and be slaves with plenty of water instead of being free and following God with no water.
Speaker 5
Really?
Speaker 6
Uh huh. The future is uncertain to us. God knows what's coming and he often changes things. It's better to follow God into the unknown than to go back. That's just slavery.
Speaker 5
So what about the water?
Speaker 6
God made water flow out of a rock more than they could drink.
Speaker 5
Whoa.
Speaker 4
Yep.
Speaker 6
I just love that about God. I think Pastor Fl. Glenda's right. We need to not fight for or against the building. We need to look to God and follow. We need to pray and pray hard.
Speaker 5
I'll pray too.
Speaker 6
That's my girl. So what do you want? A little sister or a little brother?
Speaker 5
Thanks for inviting me over for dinner, Mrs. Gondwistler.
Speaker 4
You're more than welcome, Stacy. How's your mother feeling? Please hand me that, Pam.
Speaker 5
She's tired, but she's fine.
Speaker 4
A new baby. How exciting. How exciting. Safe. Your folks gonna make a baby room?
Speaker 5
Nope. It's gonna be in my room.
Speaker 4
Oh, that's bad. Goose. Don't scare her like that. It's not that much trouble.
Stop making those faces, Willy, and move out of the way, dear. I want dinner now. I am hungry like a wolf. Dinner will be ready in about 40 minutes, little mister. Go sit over there and you can watch.
I'm not trying to scare her. I'm just saying that with a new baby around, there won't be a lot of peace and quiet.
No peace and quiet, Willie?
Speaker 5
I guess not. I haven't thought about it that much.
Speaker 4
Babies cry a lot. Cry a lot. Mom, make him stop, Willie. Oh, but Stacy, when you first hold that baby, it will be all worth it. I've held six of them, so I know.
Willie, get your fingers out of that. When I first held Willie, he spit up on me.
Mommy, Ricky took my doll and shaved her head. Look.
Oh, Ricky. Goose. Watch that pot doesn't boil over.
Ricky, what should we do? What do you mean? What do you mean?
Speaker 5
Your sister's crying. What should we do?
Speaker 4
She cries all the time. She'll sob after a while. She cries all the time.
Stop it, Willie. Stop it, Willie. Mom, stop. Francie, honey, go draw until dinner is done. Willie, you need to keep quiet or leave the kitchen.
I want to stay, Mommy. Then keep quiet, honey. I love you, Mommy.
Oh, brother. Mommy. Loves you, too, Willie.
Oh, goodness, the bread. Goose, get me the hot pads. I hope it's not burned. Here come hot pads.
Speaker 5
It looks good to me, Mrs. Congosler.
Speaker 4
Not too bad. Goose, will you watch the potatoes while I go into the garden to get some greens? Sure, Mom.
Speaker 5
How do you handle it all, Goose?
Speaker 4
All what? All what?
Speaker 5
Everything. I mean, there's so much going on.
Speaker 4
Where's Mommy? Where's Mommy? Well, she's in the garden. In the garden? What were you saying, Stacy? What were you saying, Stacy? Stop it, Willie. Stop it, Willie.
Speaker 5
Never mind.
Speaker 4
Spoil it over, Willie. Be quiet. Pop. Spoiling over, Pop. Boiling over. Hot. Spoiling over.
Speaker 5
By the end of dinner, Francie had cried four more times. Tina choked on her pickle. And Willie quietly copied every single thing that Goose said. Brothers and sisters, my life is ruined forever. Period.
Speaker 2
Hey, parents. Dave, Carl here. You can now log on to pawsandtails.org Stacy and download a coloring shade of Stacy for your kids to color in.
You can tape it over that unsightly blank space on your refrigerator. A quick and easy way to keep your child's imagination busy and active.
That's pawsandtails.org Stacy. Check back often for other characters to come.
Speaker 5
Dear Diary,
Another week has passed. I've done a lot of praying, like I told my dad I would. And you won't believe everything that's happened both at school and church.
First, school on Wednesday. Ms. Harvard told us that next year our school will be divided into two new classes: Kindergarten through third grade and fourth grade through sixth.
Speaker 7
And I will be taking the fourth through sixth graders. Now, I want you all to know that I will miss you younger students very much. But I will still be seeing you every day.
And in just a couple of years, you will graduate into my class. That means that I will get each and every one of you. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
I also wanted you to know that I took your ideas to the school board. And several of them are under consideration and might be approved for funding. You all did great.
Speaker 5
I'll be in fourth grade next year, so I'll still have Ms. Harbor. And it won't have to be around all those little kids anymore. Both of those are good things. So maybe change isn't so bad in this case.
But that was nothing compared to what happened at church this morning. First of all, there were a lot of new people at the temporary tent.
Speaker 4
Good morning, Stacy.
Speaker 5
Good morning, Mrs. Gan. Gooseler. Morning, Goose. My books are on their way in. Is there room for everybody?
Speaker 4
Yes, Stacy. There's plenty of room.
It's cold, Mommy. Let's go into the wheelchair.
This tent is not our church.
No, Willie, you need to stay right here.
I want to sit with dad.
All right. Goose.
Ricky, Tina, let Willie by.
Stacy, do you know who those people are over there?
Speaker 5
They look familiar, but I don't think I've seen them at church before.
Speaker 4
I think this is exciting.
Speaker 5
Doesn't quite seem like church without the organ music.
Speaker 4
There are lots of people here today. A lot of new people. Hope. These your folks?
Speaker 6
We need some help setting up more chairs. Can I borrow your daddy for a few minutes, goose?
Speaker 4
Sure thing, Mr. Klemmer. Willie, save Dad's seat.
Speaker 3
Bye, Daddy. Good morning and welcome to Wildwood Community Church. I'm Pastor Flint and I can't tell you how wonderful it is to see all of you here this morning.
If you haven't found a seat yet, please be patient. We've sent out for some more benches and such and they should be here soon. What a wonderful problem to have.
While we're waiting for more seats, Norma Hill will be playing a couple of hymns on her violin. You're welcome to sing along.
Speaker 4
Goose.
Speaker 7
Where's Willie?
Speaker 4
I don't see him. Tell Ricky to look under the chairs. He's not under the chairs either if he's eating crackers from the communion table again. Goose, ask Tina to ask your father if he's seen Willie.
Speaker 5
Goose, look.
Speaker 4
Willie's running towards the church building. What? Stop him. He's inside. Willie.
Speaker 5
Everyone rushed from the tent. Old church was just a pile of lumber. Goose got there first and without even thinking, she scrambled under the pile and disappeared.
Speaker 4
Don't worry, Willie. I'll be right there. Goose, don't. Goose. My babies. Please, someone help. My babies.
Speaker 3
We need to lift this wall. Spread out along there.
Speaker 4
I just want my children back in my arms.
Speaker 3
Okay, on the count of three. One, two, three. Yes.
Speaker 4
Jesus loves me. Yes.
Speaker 5
Goose had found Willie and she just rocked him in her arms.
Speaker 3
Just one more. Get out now.
Speaker 4
Willie. Goose. Thank the Lord you're both alright.
Speaker 5
Dear Diary, I feel pretty bad about the way I've been acting for the last couple of weeks. I guess my life isn't over after all. It's just turning out a lot different than I expected. Oh, yeah.
Speaker 4
I forgot.
Speaker 5
There is something that I still need to do. Mom? Dad?
Speaker 3
Yes, Daisy.
Speaker 5
I know that I haven't said much about the new baby. I just wanted you both to know that I'm okay with it.
Speaker 3
You're okay with the baby?
Speaker 5
No, I'm. I'm excited. It'll be fun to be a big sister like Goose.
Speaker 3
That's very sweet of you, honey.
Speaker 5
Guess God wants to change things.
Speaker 6
Looks like he does.
Speaker 4
Just when life seems perfect and everything's all set. You've got it all together. Well, as good as it can get. It seems like in a flash, right out of the blue, something comes along and pulls the rug from under you, and you're left sitting in the dirt. Sometimes change can really strain your brain until it hurts.
But change, change, it's something you can count on. Change, change. You just can't wiggle out on. But there's one thing I can name that will always stay the same. Whatever kind of changes we go through, it's God's great love for me.
So when your parents tell you you're moving who knows where? Or you just went for a haircut and they cut off all your hair. And then you go to school and your teacher is brand new. Things are different, different, different. And it's driving you cuckoo.
So when you're thrown into a tiz, don't let yourself get dizzy. Just remember this: Change, change. As everyone goes through it. Change. There's really nothing to it.
Cause there's one thing I can name that will always stay the same. Whatever kind of changes we go through, it's God's great love for me and you. Sometimes change is nice, like ice cream for dinner. Sometimes change is not so nice, like spinach for dessert.
Speaker 7
Yuck.
Speaker 4
Life changes like the seasons. Like summer, fall, and winter. So when you're going into shock, Jesus is your solid rock. When your life's a traffic jam, you can trust God's perfect plan. I'm sure glad he's with me. Cause here we go again.
Change, change, it's something you can count on. Change, change, you just can't wiggle out on. But there's one thing I can name that will always stay the same. Whatever kind of changes we go through, it's God's great love for me.
And change, change. If everyone goes through it, change, change. There's really nothing to it. Cause there's one thing I can name that will always stay the same. Whatever kind of changes.
Speaker 3
To order a copy of today's program, the plans I have just log on to pawsandtails.org the plans I have was written by Amy Robertson and directed by David Carl. Our script supervisor was Phil Lawlor. The song Change was written by Sandy.
Speaker 6
Howell and Joanna Carlson. Music was by John Campbell.
Speaker 3
And our sound designer was Eric Basil. Paws and Tales is an insight for Living production. Next week on an all new Paws and Tales.
Speaker 7
Each one of you will make a project. Why, Wildwood is a wonderful place to live. The best from each grade level will go on permanent display.
Speaker 2
My player is on permanent display.
Speaker 4
You will all see that I'm not just any old.
Speaker 5
It's Ned.
Speaker 4
He's out of control.
Speaker 6
Be sure to join us for another.
Speaker 3
Episode of Paws and Tales.
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