Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.

Whit: Oh hi there. Welcome to Odyssey. I'm J. Avery Whittaker, but most folks around here call me Whit. Why don't you get the whole family together and join us for another exciting Adventure in Odyssey?

George Barkley: Excuse me? Excuse me?

Miss King: Yes, what is it?

George Barkley: My name is George Barkley. I have an appointment with Mr. Conworth.

Miss King: Just a moment.

Mr. Conworth: Yes, Miss King. What is it?

Miss King: There's a Mr. Broccoli out here to see you.

George Barkley: That's Barkley.

Mr. Conworth: Yes, tell him I'll be right with him.

Miss King: Very good, sir. I beg your pardon?

George Barkley: My name is George Barkley. You said Broccoli. Oh, it really doesn't matter.

Miss King: Have a seat. Mr. Conworth will be with you in a moment.

George Barkley: Thanks. I guess I'm a little nervous. You see, I've been hoping for a promotion and raise, but I was still surprised by Mr. Conworth's call. Isn't it funny how you react when something you want actually happens? Anyway, I guess it doesn't really matter when he calls as long as I'm there to answer, right?

Miss King: Yes, Mr. Conworth. Send him in, Miss King. Very good, sir. You can go in now, Mr. Broccoli.

George Barkley: That's... never mind.

Jimmy Barkley: So, how much more money will Dad be getting, Mom?

Mary Barkley: Jimmy, what? That's not a very polite question to ask.

Jimmy Barkley: Oh. How much more money will father be getting, mother?

Mary Barkley: Well, I suppose it will be the appropriate amount for his promotion.

Jimmy Barkley: Oh come on, that's a cop-out.

Mary Barkley: It's the only answer I have, Jimmy. I don't know how much more he'll be making. Oh, don't use those. Set out the good glasses.

Donna Barkley: What kind of promotion is it, Mom?

Mary Barkley: Well, right now your dad is manager of quality control, and he wants to be director of quality control.

Donna Barkley: Does that mean he'll have more people working for him?

Mary Barkley: No, I don't think so.

Donna Barkley: But he'll get lots of executive perks, right?

Mary Barkley: I doubt it.

Donna Barkley: Will he at least get a bigger office?

Mary Barkley: Not to my knowledge.

Donna Barkley: Why does he want this promotion again?

Mary Barkley: Money, Donna. M-O-N-E-Y. It's not just money, it's also recognition. A promotion means that the company feels your services are valued and that you're a valued member of their team.

Donna Barkley: Where'd you hear that?

Mary Barkley: Your father told it to me last night.

Jimmy Barkley: So, what are you going to do with your share, Donna?

Donna Barkley: My share of what?

Jimmy Barkley: Dad's raise! It means a raise for the rest of us too. You know, increased allowances, more money for extra chores.

Donna Barkley: Can you believe this guy, Mom?

Jimmy Barkley: Oh right, like you haven't been thinking the same thing.

Donna Barkley: It never even entered my mind.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah, that's why I saw you throwing out a bunch of your clothes this afternoon.

Mary Barkley: Donna?

Donna Barkley: I wasn't throwing them out. I was sorting them out.

Jimmy Barkley: Into a trash bag!

Donna Barkley: To go to the orphanage. Okay, maybe I do want some new clothes. And since I'm going to get my learner's permit in a few months, it'd also be great to get a car.

Jimmy Barkley: A car! For someone who hasn't been thinking about it, you sure have it pretty thought out.

Donna Barkley: Well, how about you, Mom? You have any plans?

Mary Barkley: Well, I admit that having some extra money around is going to be nice. I mean, the kitchen needs remodeling and I'd like for us to go on a really nice vacation.

Donna Barkley: Where to?

Mary Barkley: Tahiti.

Donna Barkley: Tahiti!

Mary Barkley: Well, I can dream, can't I? What about you, Jimmy?

Donna Barkley: Yeah, you're the one who brought it up. What are you going to do with your share?

Jimmy Barkley: Well, I was going to say a new bike and a baseball glove, but now I've changed my mind. Oh, there's your dad now. Come on, shush! Line up! For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow. How much of a raise did you get?

Mary Barkley: Jimmy!

George Barkley: Thanks, everyone, but I wish you hadn't gone to so much trouble.

Mary Barkley: What trouble? It's just a little song.

Donna Barkley: Besides, you deserve it, Dad. How did it go today? Did you see Mr. Conworth?

George Barkley: Oh yeah.

Donna Barkley: So, what's your new title?

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah, and how big of a raise did you get?

Mary Barkley: Jimmy!

George Barkley: Not a very big one, I'm afraid. In fact, I didn't get a raise at all.

Mary Barkley: What?

Donna Barkley: Oh man. You didn't get the promotion?

George Barkley: No.

Jimmy Barkley: Well, didn't you get anything?

George Barkley: Yes. I got laid off. I don't have a job.

Guest (Male): Need even more Adventures in Odyssey? Peak behind the scenes with the official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast. When you tune in, you'll learn more about the actors behind your favorite characters.

Guest (Female): Hi, this is Katie Leigh, the voice of Connie.

Guest (Male): You'll hear how the writers come up with their ideas and how the sound designers create all those crazy sounds. You'll also get to hear the team answer questions from fans like you. Find the official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or better yet, visit AdventuresInOdyssey.com/podcast.

Donna Barkley: You got fired?

George Barkley: Not fired, laid off.

Donna Barkley: What's the difference?

George Barkley: Not much, I guess.

Mary Barkley: What happened, George?

George Barkley: Well, the company is closing the Odyssey plant and moving it to a place called Hope, Arkansas. Anyway, my job is being phased out. I guess they have plenty of managers in Hope.

Mary Barkley: Oh, George. I'm so sorry.

Donna Barkley: I can't believe you're taking this so calmly!

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah, don't you realize what this means?

Mary Barkley: Yes, we do, but there's no need to panic.

Donna Barkley: I think panic is very appropriate! We're going to be destitute!

Mary Barkley: We are not.

Donna Barkley: I've seen the evening news! People lose their jobs and never get them back. They end up taking in laundry and ironing, or begging in front of grocery stores. And I saw one report where some people were living on pigeons and squirrels in the park!

Jimmy Barkley: Really? Cool! I'll get my slingshot.

Mary Barkley: No, you won't. Now, that's enough. Donna, you're blowing everything way out of proportion. Things are not as bad as you're making them out to be. Now, I want you both to go in and get ready for supper. Go on now.

Donna Barkley: I can't believe this is happening. I don't know what we're going to do.

Mary Barkley: George, I know this is a shock right now, but it'll work out. We just need to regroup and think things through, okay? Come on, let's eat.

George Barkley: I hope you're right, Mary.

Donna Barkley: There we go, shirt number 200.

Mary Barkley: Mom, we're home.

Donna Barkley: Now, why are you kids home so early?

Jimmy Barkley: Oh, we got run off by the police again. You know, they don't like us begging at City Hall.

Donna Barkley: Well, how much did you get before they ran you off?

Jimmy Barkley: Between us, nearly five dollars.

Donna Barkley: Not bad! I just finished ironing 200 shirts.

Jimmy Barkley: At a nickel a piece, that's ten dollars.

Donna Barkley: Uh-huh. And as soon as I finish this load of the Wilson's laundry, we'll have another five dollars.

Jimmy Barkley: That's twenty dollars today! Pretty good haul, Mom.

Donna Barkley: Yeah, but that's got to go to pay off our bills.

Jimmy Barkley: You mean we can't buy food again?

Donna Barkley: Oh, I'm afraid not, sweetheart. Hey, but don't you worry. Your father's bringing home something.

George Barkley: Hey, where is everybody?

Donna Barkley: Out here, George!

Jimmy Barkley: Hey, Dad! How did the hunting go?

George Barkley: The pickings are mighty slim out in the park, but I did manage to bag this squirrel.

Jimmy Barkley: That looks more like a rat, Dad.

George Barkley: Squirrel, rat, it's meat, ain't it? Fire up the stew pot, Mary. We're going to eat tonight!

Mary Barkley: Oh George, no, we can't! No, we can't! George! George, wake up! Wake up, George!

George Barkley: Oh Mary.

Mary Barkley: You're having a nightmare.

George Barkley: Yeah.

Mary Barkley: What was it?

George Barkley: Remember when Donna said that we were going to be destitute? Well, I just dreamed it. You were taking in laundry, the kids were begging, and I was bringing home rats for supper.

Mary Barkley: It's over now, George. It was just a dream.

George Barkley: All right, just a dream. What's the matter? Oh Mary, ever since I finished college, I've had a job. This is the first time in my life I've ever been out of work. I don't know how to react or what to do.

Mary Barkley: George, you'll find another job.

George Barkley: But what if I can't? What if I can't provide for all of you anymore? What do we do then?

Mary Barkley: Oh honey, give me your hand.

George Barkley: My hand? Why?

Mary Barkley: Because we're going to do what we should have done when you first came home. We're going to pray.

George Barkley: Yeah, that's a good idea.

Mary Barkley: Lord God, you know our situation right now and we're all nervous about it. But we want to trust you. Help George to find another job, the one you want him to have. Protect us, provide for us, and just take care of us, Father, the way you've always taken care of us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

George Barkley: Amen.

Mary Barkley: Jimmy, Donna, hurry it up! Breakfast is almost ready.

Jimmy Barkley: Okay, Mom! Come on, Donna, give someone else a chance in there. I want to brush my hair.

Donna Barkley: Come in then, I'm almost done.

Jimmy Barkley: Wow, you look terrible.

Donna Barkley: Thank you very much.

Jimmy Barkley: No, seriously. Are you feeling okay?

Donna Barkley: I didn't sleep very well last night.

Jimmy Barkley: Hey, what have I been telling you about looking in the mirror before you go to bed?

Donna Barkley: Very funny. I couldn't stop thinking about Dad and his job.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah, I know what you mean.

Donna Barkley: You couldn't sleep either?

Jimmy Barkley: No, I could sleep. I just know what you mean.

Donna Barkley: What's going to happen to us, Jimmy?

Jimmy Barkley: Well, Dad will find another job, I guess.

Donna Barkley: Yeah, but what if it takes a really long time?

Jimmy Barkley: Well, Dad said he has a month's severance pay.

Donna Barkley: What if it takes longer than a month? What do we do then?

Jimmy Barkley: I don't know.

Donna Barkley: I wish we were bringing in our own money. Then it wouldn't matter if Dad was working or not.

Jimmy Barkley: Hmm, yeah. Hey, why don't we bring in our own money?

Donna Barkley: How?

Jimmy Barkley: The same way Dad does.

Donna Barkley: You mean get jobs?

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah!

Donna Barkley: I don't think I like the sound of this.

Jimmy Barkley: No, really. It'll be great! We'll get jobs, go to work, get yelled at by the boss, come home really grouchy, and complain about the rat race. Just like Dad.

Donna Barkley: Now I know I don't like the sound of this.

Jimmy Barkley: Look, Donna, if you don't want to have to depend on Dad for money, we don't have much of a choice, unless you know some long-lost rich relative or something.

Donna Barkley: In our family? Are you kidding?

Jimmy Barkley: Besides, instead of complaining, maybe we should be trying to help out, huh?

Donna Barkley: Yeah, I guess you're right. Okay, let's go tell Mom and Dad. So Jimmy and I thought that maybe we should try to get jobs.

Mary Barkley: That's very mature.

George Barkley: Yeah, mature.

Jimmy Barkley: We just want to help out in this crisis. In fact, as much as this pains me to say, I'm even willing to quit school in order to help out.

George Barkley: Well, I don't think we need to make that sacrifice just yet, Jimmy, but thanks for the offer.

Mary Barkley: I'm very proud of both of you.

Jimmy Barkley: Then we can do it?

George Barkley: Well, sure, why not?

Jimmy Barkley: We'll start looking after school.

Mary Barkley: As a matter of fact, I'm going to do the same thing myself.

Jimmy Barkley: You're going to go to work?

Mary Barkley: Don't sound so surprised. I've done it before, you know.

Jimmy Barkley: That was a long time ago, Mom. Are you sure you still remember how to do it?

Mary Barkley: I think it'll come back to me.

George Barkley: Now listen. I think it's great that you're all willing to do this. I just want you to be aware of what might happen. Don't be disappointed if you're not hired right away. You might have to look several places. The key to finding a job is persistence.

Mary Barkley: I'm sure we'll do fine.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah, look out job market, here come the Barkleys!

Guest (Male): Your resume looks really good, George, but I'm afraid we just don't need any more people right now.

George Barkley: I understand.

Guest (Male): We'll keep you in our files, though.

George Barkley: Thanks.

Mary Barkley: Guess what, everybody! I got a job today!

George Barkley: All right, way to go!

Mary Barkley: I was checking out the job board at City Hall when I ran into an old friend. She told me the head of City Parks was looking for a new recreation director, and I went in to talk to him and he gave me the job! I start tomorrow.

George Barkley: That's great! I'm so glad.

Guest (Male): The position involves a lot of computer technology, George. I'm afraid you just don't have that kind of experience.

George Barkley: You mean I'm under-qualified?

Guest (Male): Yes.

George Barkley: I'm a quick learner.

Guest (Male): Sorry.

Donna Barkley: Mom! Mom!

George Barkley: Your mom's at work, honey.

Donna Barkley: Oh, yeah. Well, you won't believe what happened! I just got a job!

George Barkley: That's great, Donna.

Donna Barkley: Yeah, you're now looking at a part-time stock clerk for Melman's Fashions, and it was the first place I applied to, too!

George Barkley: Really? Well, how about that?

George Barkley: So how about it, Dale?

Dale: Well, I want to help you out, George, but the Odyssey Times just isn't that big of a newspaper. I can't afford somebody with your experience.

George Barkley: You mean I'm over-qualified?

Dale: I'm afraid so.

Jimmy Barkley: Dad! Dad!

George Barkley: Hi, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barkley: You'll never guess what just happened.

George Barkley: You got a job.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah! How'd you know? I'm going to deliver papers for the Odyssey Times.

George Barkley: The Odyssey Times? Well, that's great, Jimmy. Just great.

Guest (Male): Parents, for almost 40 years, Adventures in Odyssey has been helping kids like yours form relationships with Christ. Now, the animated Adventures in Odyssey film, Journey into the Impossible, will reach a new generation of families. But we need your help to finish the film and launch it in theaters. Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar before May 1st. See the trailer and donate today at FocusOnTheFamily.com/impossible. That's FocusOnTheFamily.com/impossible.

Guest (Male): It's hard to trust a lot of entertainment these days, but you can always trust Adventures in Odyssey. Every episode is packed with biblical truth your kids will understand and hang on to. Join the Adventures in Odyssey Club today at AdventuresInOdyssey.com.

Guest (Male): Want to contact us about the episodes you're hearing? Visit our website at AdventuresInOdyssey.com or talk to someone at Focus on the Family. Call 1-800-A-FAMILY, with a parent's permission, of course. We always love hearing from you.

George Barkley: Morning, everybody.

Donna Barkley: Morning, honey.

George Barkley: Breakfast ready?

Mary Barkley: Oh, I'm sorry. I'm afraid it's going to have to be "help yourself" this morning, George. I didn't have time to fix anything.

George Barkley: Oh.

Donna Barkley: I can't believe we all got jobs this week, and all on the first try!

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah, I guess it kind of blows your theory about persistence out of the water, doesn't it, Dad?

George Barkley: Yeah, I guess it does. So what are you doing, Mary?

Mary Barkley: Well, I was just tallying up all of our salaries to see how we're making out.

George Barkley: Oh. Well, what's the bad news?

Mary Barkley: Actually, it's not that bad. Among the three of us, we're going to do all right.

George Barkley: Really?

Mary Barkley: Yeah! If we tighten our belts, we should be able to pay all our bills, no problem.

Jimmy Barkley: All right! The Barkley machine comes through again.

George Barkley: Well, sounds like you three have done pretty good for yourselves.

Mary Barkley: Yeah, we... well, we won't be making as much money as you made, or as you will make when you get another job, but...

George Barkley: Don't, Mary. Don't, darling. Don't downplay your accomplishments because of me. I mean, I'm glad you've all done so well. At least somebody in this family has. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment at the unemployment office. I'll see you tonight.

Jimmy Barkley: Did I just miss something?

Donna Barkley: Yeah, it sounded like Dad was upset that we're going to be okay.

Mary Barkley: Well, in a way, he was, sweetheart.

Donna Barkley: Huh?

Mary Barkley: Well, it's kind of hard to explain, but a job means more to your dad than just a place to earn money. It's a part of who he is. It gives him a sense of identity and self-worth. Without it, he feels like a nobody.

Donna Barkley: Poor Dad. I wish there was a way we could make him feel better.

Mary Barkley: You know, maybe there is.

Guest (Male): Next!

George Barkley: Yes, I was wondering if you could...

Guest (Male): Take this form, have a seat in those chairs over there, fill it out, then take it to window D. One of our counselors will call you. Next!

George Barkley: But I was wondering if I could...

Guest (Male): Sir, I said next.

George Barkley: Right. What a happy, friendly place. Excuse me, is this seat taken?

Guest (Male): Nah, knock yourself out.

George Barkley: Thanks. First time?

Guest (Male): Is it that obvious?

George Barkley: Yeah. First-timers always have this look about them, kind of like a deer that's caught in the headlights. Don't worry, you'll get used to the place.

George Barkley: I hope I won't have to. How long you been coming?

Guest (Male): Six months.

George Barkley: Six months!

Guest (Male): Yep.

George Barkley: You seem pretty relaxed about it.

Guest (Male): Well, I don't know about relaxed. I mean, I look for work every day, but the good Lord has taken care of me and my family so far.

George Barkley: Really?

Guest (Male): Sure! I mean, we don't always get what we want, but we get what we need, and sometimes just in the nick of time. Our daily bread, you know? Give us just what we need to live from day to day, Lord.

George Barkley: Isn't that kind of nerve-wracking?

Guest (Male): Well, it was at first, but I don't know, now it's kind of interesting.

George Barkley: Interesting?

Guest (Male): Yeah, you know, to see how God's going to do it. It's done wonders for our prayer life. We get down on our knees and we say, "Lord, you know what's going on. We just put everything in your hands." Then we just watch it how God works things out.

George Barkley: My wife and I have prayed that same prayer, but I just can't bring myself to feel the way you feel.

Guest (Male): Hey, wait a minute. Don't get me wrong. I mean, I hate being unemployed. I hate having to come down here. On the other hand, I think God we live in a country that helps people in our situation.

George Barkley: Our situation.

Guest (Male): You know, there's something else, too. You see, there's something incredible about being in a position where you're more dependent on God. You know what I'm talking about? It makes me realize how great he really is, how in control he is. And that's what gives me peace. And look, it's not something you can conjure up. God's got to do it.

George Barkley: You're saying what I always thought I believed.

Guest (Male): Well, sometimes it takes a humbling experience like this to prove it.

Guest (Male): Number 42! Number 42!

Guest (Male): Oh, that's my number. Listen, I hope things work out for you and your family.

George Barkley: Yeah, you too. Oh, hey!

Guest (Male): Yeah?

George Barkley: Thanks.

Guest (Male): No problem.

George Barkley: I'm home! Hey, anybody here?

Donna Barkley: Come in and have a seat, Mr. Barkley.

George Barkley: Mr. Barkley? Isn't that a little... what is this?

Jimmy Barkley: The offices of Barkley Co. Please sit, Mr. Barkley.

George Barkley: Okay. May I ask why I've been called here?

Mary Barkley: Well, we've been looking over your qualifications, resume, and such.

Jimmy Barkley: Yes, sir. While we feel that there is some room for, well, improvement in certain areas...

Donna Barkley: Mainly in the mowing the lawn department.

Mary Barkley: We nonetheless feel that you are perfect for the job.

George Barkley: I see. And what job was this again?

Mary Barkley: Managing director.

Jimmy Barkley: You see, we're a growing business concern and we have come to the conclusion that we don't have the skills to properly manage ourselves.

Donna Barkley: So we've decided to hire you to perform that task. Your duties will include balancing all accounts, monitoring quality control, and general administrative scheduling.

Mary Barkley: We hope you'll take the position, Mr. Barkley. We offer an outstanding benefits package.

George Barkley: Really? And what kind of benefits would those be?

Donna Barkley: Unconditional support from a family who loves you.

Jimmy Barkley: That and unlimited coffee breaks.

George Barkley: Hmm, are displays of affection included in that package?

Donna Barkley: Displays of affection?

George Barkley: Yeah, hugs, that sort of thing.

Mary Barkley: Well, I don't know, Jimmy. Do you think we should allow that? Okay, I believe we can manage that.

George Barkley: Well then, I don't see how I can refuse. I accept your offer, and I'd like to take advantage of some of those benefits immediately, if you don't mind.

Mary Barkley: I think we can accommodate you.

George Barkley: Then if you'll show me where the coffee pot is, I'll have...

Jimmy Barkley: Coffee! Oh, you thought I was asking about the hugs? Oh, get him!

Chris: Do not be anxious saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" Your heavenly Father knows you need all these things. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these shall be added to you. These words found in Matthew 6:31-33 are some of the most comforting Jesus ever spoke.

If your family is going through a rough time, read this scripture and remember, God loves and cares about you. Then write to me here in Odyssey. I just love hearing from you. The address is Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. In Canada, the address is Odyssey, Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3. Don't forget to ask about how you can get a copy of today's program, called Our Daily Bread.

The address once again is Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. Our Daily Bread was written and directed by Phil Lollar. Our production engineer was Bob Luttrell, and our executive producer, Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.

Chris: Hi, this is Chris.

Harlo: And this is Harlo.

Chris: We always love hearing what you think of our show.

Harlo: Yep. In fact, sometimes we might just walk up to you and ask, "So, what do you think of the show?"

Guest (Female): Well, we have really enjoyed Odyssey for many years. Oftentimes, we will spend family nights sitting around just listening to Odysseys and working a puzzle or whatever.

Guest (Male): It's part of our ritual. Saturday mornings, we make pancakes and we listen to Odyssey and we laugh about the stories.

Guest (Female): We've traveled with Odyssey and it's always been instead of "how many more miles, Mom?", it's "how many more Odyssey tapes, Mom or Dad, till we get there?".

Guest (Male): Love to have two or three Odysseys in the car all the time.

Guest (Male): And sometimes I've actually referred back to an Odyssey episode and said, "Well, how did... what did Whit say about that?" or "How was this situation handled, and do you think it was a good way to handle it?".

Guest (Female): The Underground Railroad. Many interesting discussions out of that one and just of what was the whole Civil War about? How would we react if we were in their shoes at that time? So many of those types of discussions have been generated.

Guest (Female): Well, my family's used Odyssey tapes and CDs so much the kids can quote them back to me.

Guest (Female): I really like Odyssey and I've memorized lots of the shows.

Guest (Female): And they're learning, even though they might not realize they're learning, great moral lessons and things that they can apply in their everyday life.

Guest (Male): Best radio drama ever made.

Guest (Male): We love Odyssey!

Chris: We appreciate your comments. Keep those cards and letters coming in!