Focus on the Family

Jim Daly: Welcome to Focus on the Family's weekend broadcast. We hope the following program will challenge you and encourage you in your faith journey.

Jimmy Barclay: Everyone knows it's all in fun.

Eugene Meltsner: Fun?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, I mean, this isn't hurting anybody.

Mr. Whittaker: Not hurting anyone?

Jimmy Barclay: No, people have to learn to laugh at themselves, and if they can't take a joke, well, forget 'em.

Mr. Whittaker: I can't believe my ears. Well, sometimes the joke goes too far, doesn't it? It hurts more than it helps.

John Fuller: Today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we're featuring another episode of our super popular Adventures in Odyssey radio drama, which offers life lessons and faith insights for children and many adult listeners as well. Thanks for joining us. I'm John Fuller.

Jim Daly: I love Adventures in Odyssey. It's one of the best programs we do here at Focus on the Family, and it's having a huge impact on families. In fact, our research shows that an average of 9,000 children make a salvation decision for Christ every year because of Odyssey. I can't think of a better endorsement than that.

One reason why we're talking about Adventures in Odyssey right now is because we have a new animated film in the works called *Journey into the Impossible*. This fall, we plan to introduce millions of new families to the world of Odyssey and ultimately share the Good News message of the Gospel through the movie.

John Fuller: We need your help, frankly. We want you to help us spread the word on this project, both in the funding and promotion of it. So we invite you to learn more about how you can do that and how you can support *Journey into the Impossible* and Adventures in Odyssey at focusonthefamily.com/weekend. But right now, we want you to experience an Adventures in Odyssey episode for yourself with today's episode called "A Tongue of Fire."

Jimmy Barclay: Hello, Odyssey! This is Jimmy Barclay and the Jimmy Barclay Show on KYDS Kids Radio. Here at Whit’s End asking the question: if a duck flies, why is it chicken?

Caller: Hello, Jimmy!

Jimmy Barclay: Yes, you're on the air.

Caller: I just wanted to say that I think your show's great.

Jimmy Barclay: Is that G-R-A-T-E great or G-R-E-A-T great? Let me guess. You're a news teacher, right? I know what kind of people listen to this show: the kind who are a couple of tacos short of a fiesta platter. What does your father do?

Caller: He's a door-to-door salesman.

Jimmy Barclay: Really? Does he sell, like, doors? Because that would make him a door-to-door door salesman. Getting customers would be real easy because all he has to do is walk up to a house, knock, and if he doesn't hear anything, then he knows he's made a sale. You all have a couple of hens left out in the yard.

Caller: We went to Washington.

Jimmy Barclay: Really? Why?

Caller: For vacation. We were tourists.

Jimmy Barclay: Tourists? You mean people who travel thousands of miles to take pictures of themselves standing beside their cars? You're the kind of people who take an IQ test and forget to write your names. And you're my type of people. Join the ranks of Jimmy-ites. Listen to the Jimmy Barclay Show on KYDS Kids Radio. Well, that's my demonstration tape. What did you think, guys?

Eugene Meltsner: I feel the technical quality is superb.

Jimmy Barclay: You ought to, Eugene. You produced it.

Eugene Meltsner: Really? Well, that was a very nice job, Eugene.

Mr. Whittaker: Thank you, Mr. Whittaker. But as I've mentioned before, there is an aspect that still mystifies me.

Eugene Meltsner: And what's that, Eugene?

Mr. Whittaker: Why do people want to call in just to be teased?

Jimmy Barclay: Because it's entertaining. They're being noticed. All those callers can now say they were teased on my show. It's a sign of popularity, a status symbol.

Mr. Whittaker: Ah, you understand now, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Not at all.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, I thought the tape was very amusing, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barclay: Amusing?

Mr. Whittaker: Well, pretty funny. I do have a bit of concern, though.

Jimmy Barclay: What do you mean, concern?

Mr. Whittaker: Well, I think sometimes you get a little close to the edge. Your banter comes off awfully close to being insults. You've got to be careful what you say, Jimmy. You could hurt somebody's feelings. You understand?

Jimmy Barclay: Sure, Mr. Whittaker. I understand. Well, I better go.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, where are you going?

Jimmy Barclay: Oh, didn't I tell you? The reason I had the tape made is because I've got an appointment with Cryin' Bryan Dern.

Eugene Meltsner: Who?

Jimmy Barclay: The most popular talk jock at Odyssey 105 radio. He's going to give me an evaluation of my program.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, well, that sounds exciting. Let us know how it turns out.

Jimmy Barclay: I will. See you later.

Mr. Whittaker: Bye, Jimmy. Goodbye. Very enterprising young man.

Eugene Meltsner: He certainly is. Oh, speaking of enterprising, Eugene, I have an errand I need you to run for me.

Mr. Whittaker: My bicycle and myself are at your disposal.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, you won't be able to use your bike for this one. I need you to go to the Riley farm.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, the Riley farm?

Eugene Meltsner: Yep. Tom has some watermelons for us. You can't carry them on your bike. You'll have to drive.

Mr. Whittaker: Drive?

Eugene Meltsner: Uh-huh. You know how to get out there, don't you?

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, yes, sir.

Eugene Meltsner: Good. Well, here are the keys to the truck. Tom's expecting you. Well, what's the matter?

Mr. Whittaker: Mr. Whittaker, I'm afraid I cannot comply with your request.

Eugene Meltsner: You mean you won't do it?

Mr. Whittaker: No, sir. I mean I can't do it. At least not legally.

Eugene Meltsner: Legally? Eugene, what are you talking about?

Mr. Whittaker: Well, this is rather embarrassing to admit, Mr. Whittaker, but I don't have a driver's license.

Eugene Meltsner: You don't have a driver's license?

Mr. Whittaker: Please, Mr. Whittaker, lower your vocal amplification. This is not information I wish to share with the world at large.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, well, I'm sorry, Eugene. But you know, this is quite a surprise. I mean, you are in college, after all.

Eugene Meltsner: Which is one of the reasons why I lack a license. My studies have always been so demanding. I simply haven't had the time to pursue many of the areas of daily convenience. Bicycling is also far more environmentally and physically advantageous, you know. Cars may cause a lot of pollution, but they're also something of a necessity these days.

Mr. Whittaker: Evidently.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, you should consider getting your license. Doesn't take long, and you'd be helping me out.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, what's involved?

Eugene Meltsner: There's a brief written exam and a road test. There's really nothing to it. Should be a breeze for you.

Mr. Whittaker: Very well, then. I shall pursue it. May I take the rest of the afternoon to do so?

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, well, I guess I can send Connie out to Tom's when she comes in. Sure, Eugene. Go get 'em.

Mr. Whittaker: Thank you, Mr. Whittaker.

Jimmy Barclay: That's it, Mr. Dern. What do you think?

Bryan Dern: Well, wow.

Jimmy Barclay: It's all right. You can be brutal with me. Don't spare me because I'm young. I can take it.

Bryan Dern: Oh, I don't think you're going to have to take anything. I liked it.

Jimmy Barclay: You did?

Bryan Dern: Yeah. On the whole, I thought it was pretty good. But...

Jimmy Barclay: But what?

Bryan Dern: Well, there are a few technical problems. You know, the mic placement? You should try to put it so you're sort of talking past it instead of right into it.

Jimmy Barclay: Past it. Okay. What else?

Bryan Dern: Well, you might also want to take it easy on the effects. People want to hear you, not a bunch of crazy sounds.

Jimmy Barclay: Take it easy on crazy sounds. Yeah.

Bryan Dern: And...

Jimmy Barclay: And what?

Bryan Dern: Well, in my opinion, your main problem is you're a little too conservative in places, you know?

Jimmy Barclay: Conservative?

Bryan Dern: Yeah. I mean, you're funny, but well, you don't move in for the kill often enough.

Jimmy Barclay: Move in for the kill. What do you mean?

Bryan Dern: Well, for instance, that spelling thing you did with "great" and "grate." Did you do anything more after that?

Jimmy Barclay: Well, no, that was pretty much the end.

Bryan Dern: Well, see? You should have kept going. Start ranting and raving about the lack of quality education and teachers in the public schools. And that thing about Washington—a perfect opportunity to rip those bozos apart. People love it when you go crazy. What you got here are great beginnings, but you got to follow through.

Jimmy Barclay: Oh, what else?

Bryan Dern: I can't give away all my secrets.

Jimmy Barclay: Oh, please. I want to learn. Just one more. Please.

Bryan Dern: Well, all right. I'll give you a surefire laugh getter. Whenever you can, record people without them knowing it.

Jimmy Barclay: I tried that, but I really didn't get anything all that good.

Bryan Dern: No, no, no. You don't stop there. After you record them, you cut the tape into clips, like you did on your demo. Now that way, by asking the right questions, you can make them say whatever you want them to say.

Jimmy Barclay: Oh.

Bryan Dern: What's the matter?

Jimmy Barclay: Well, I was just thinking that when you do that, won't people be insulted?

Bryan Dern: Insulted? You see those bags over in the corner?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah.

Bryan Dern: That's mail from listeners I've insulted. They love it. That's why we're on the air.

Jimmy Barclay: Wow. But don't you get any bad mail?

Bryan Dern: Yeah, from one or two people who are really uptight or who have no sense of humor. But I never worry about them. For one thing, there aren't many of them, thank goodness. And for another thing, we're only kidding around, right?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah. Yeah, right.

Bryan Dern: Sure we are. This is all in fun, you know? I mean, if they can't take a joke, forget 'em.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, forget 'em. That's great, Mr. Dern. Thanks.

Bryan Dern: Glad to be of service, Jimmy. I think you've got the makings of a first-rate broadcaster if you keep practicing.

Jimmy Barclay: Really? Wow! Would it be okay if I played you my new and improved demo once I make it, that is?

Bryan Dern: Absolutely. You come in anytime.

Jimmy Barclay: Great! Well, I guess I better go. Thanks again.

Bryan Dern: You're welcome. And hey, keep those ears tuned.

Jimmy Barclay: Right. Bye.

Bryan Dern: Bye. So much for public relations.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, hi there, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barclay: Hi, Mr. Whittaker.

Mr. Whittaker: See you got your tape deck with you again.

Jimmy Barclay: Yep.

Mr. Whittaker: You do realize it's running, don't you?

Jimmy Barclay: Oh, yeah. You never can tell when a good soundbite will come up.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, that's true, but you may spend a fortune in batteries waiting for one.

Jimmy Barclay: Hmm. I never thought of that. Maybe I better turn it off.

Mr. Whittaker: Good idea. So, how'd your meeting go yesterday?

Jimmy Barclay: Fantastic. Mr. Dern liked my tape. He said I have the makings of a first-rate broadcaster. I've just got to keep on practicing.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, that's wonderful, Jimmy. Congratulations.

Jimmy Barclay: He even gave me some ideas on how to make my show better and funnier.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, did one of them include running your tape player all the time?

Jimmy Barclay: No, that was my own innovation. I'm going to use his ideas, though.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, I can't wait to hear them.

Jimmy Barclay: You will. He also gave me some suggestions on how to improve the technical quality of the recording.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, that was nice of him.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah. So I need to talk to Eugene. Do you know where he is? Well...

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker! Mr. Whittaker! Mr. Whittaker! Oh, hello. Jimmy, would you pardon me for just one moment, please? Mr. Whittaker, might I have a moment or two of your time?

Mr. Whittaker: Eugene, I think Jimmy has something he wants to talk to you about.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, I'm sorry, young Barclay. Could it wait until I've talked with Mr. Whittaker? I have something rather, rather urgent to discuss with him.

Mr. Whittaker: Urgent?

Jimmy Barclay: Urgent?

Eugene Meltsner: Urgent. Urgent.

Jimmy Barclay: Uh, sure, Eugene. Go right ahead.

Mr. Whittaker: All right. Come on in the kitchen, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Thank you. If you'll excuse us, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barclay: No, no problem. Looks like a good opportunity to use the surefire laugh getter. Well, little tape, it's time to go to work.

Eugene Meltsner: It's absolutely incredible, Mr. Whittaker. Unbelievable. I cannot believe that this thing occurred.

Mr. Whittaker: No, no, no. Just calm down and tell me what the problem is.

Eugene Meltsner: I have no driver's license.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, didn't you take the test?

Eugene Meltsner: Of course I took the test.

Mr. Whittaker: So, what happened?

Eugene Meltsner: I failed it. I flunked it!

John Fuller: This Focus on the Family broadcast will continue in just a moment.

Jim Daly: Whatever you're facing, hope is within reach. At Focus on the Family, our caring Christian counselors will listen, pray with you, and provide helpful resources. Call now to receive your free confidential consult at 1-800-A-FAMILY.

John Fuller: This is John Fuller, and Father's Day is a time to honor those men who lead their families with courage. On the new seasonal podcast from Focus on the Family, *Legacy of Courage*, we uplift dads with real stories sharing humor, tender moments, and lessons that'll stay with you. Hearing from first-time dads to adoptive dads to seasoned pros, you'll be reminded about the power of a father rooted in God's strength and why showing up matters. You'll find it at celebratingfathers.com.

Guest (Male): Hey parents, Parent here. If you're searching for biblical and practical tips for your kid's specific age, you know, with all that extra time you have, well, you can stop. Focus on the Family has weekly age-and-stage emails that bring the tips to you. Each week, I get an email for my son that I can read on my phone and put directly into practice. No more sifting through junk on the internet. I can focus my time on being intentional. It's easy. Visit mykidsage.com, add your kid's age, and get to parenting better. That's mykidsage.com.

Today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we're reviewing one of the many Adventures in Odyssey radio dramas that we have for children. And we're learning about secrets and how dangerous gossip can be. Visit our website to learn more about this wonderful radio drama, the Adventures in Odyssey Club, where you can access all of the episodes and our new Odyssey film project coming out this fall. The details are at focusonthefamily.com/weekend. And now, the conclusion of our children's radio drama on today's Focus on the Family with Jim Daly.

Jimmy Barclay: Another thing: why do they call it a boxing ring when it's square? Questions for you to ponder while we take a break. This is the Jimmy Barclay Show here on KYDS Kids Radio.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, Jimmy certainly sounds like he's in top form today.

Mr. Whittaker: Indeed, Mr. Whittaker. Everyone appears to be enjoying him greatly.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, I have to admit I was kind of concerned when he went to see that Dern fellow.

Mr. Whittaker: I beg your pardon?

Eugene Meltsner: You know, Cryin' Bryan Dern. Remember?

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, oh, yes, yes, yes. Well, understandable. From what I gather, he doesn't exactly have a pristine reputation.

Eugene Meltsner: No, but it seems he's helped Jimmy. Just goes to show you that you shouldn't judge people.

Mr. Whittaker: No, sir. Speaking of rendering assistance to those in need, I'd like to thank you for supporting me yesterday during my crisis.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, you're welcome, Eugene. Like I said, I really don't think it's anything to get upset about. It's, well, it's happened to a lot of people.

Mr. Whittaker: But not to me. Not ever. That's why it was such a shock. Anyway, I want you to know that I appreciate your confidentiality.

Eugene Meltsner: Think nothing of it. Well, it seems we are in need of some fresh glasses. I shall retrieve them posthaste.

Mr. Whittaker: Thank you, Eugene. Oh, and you better bring some spoons out while you're at it.

Eugene Meltsner: As you wish.

Jimmy Barclay: We're back! This is Jimmy Barclay and the Jimmy Barclay Show here on KYDS Kids Radio. And today, I'm starting a brand-new feature. It's called "Secret, Secret, I've Got a Secret." And to kick off our first edition, our microphones caught up with one of the most popular persons here at Whit’s End, that main tower of brainpower, Eugene Meltsner. So tell us, Eugene, what is your secret?

Eugene Meltsner Recording: I have no driver's license.

Jimmy Barclay: What? Oh, Jimmy, you have no license, and you're in college? I'm sure we're all wondering the same thing as Mr. Whittaker.

Mr. Whittaker Recording: Didn't you take the test?

Jimmy Barclay: Well, Eugene, how about it?

Eugene Meltsner Recording: Of course I took the test.

Jimmy Barclay: So, what happened? Yeah?

Eugene Meltsner Recording: I flunked it!

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker, what is going on?

Mr. Whittaker: I don't know, but I can tell you what's going off. And right now. Excuse me.

Jimmy Barclay: Shocking, shocking, shocking. Absolutely shocking. You know, it's amazing the things you hear when you... oh, hey, it looks like we have a guest. Mr. John Avery... hey!

Mr. Whittaker: Due to circumstances beyond his control, the rest of the Jimmy Barclay Show will not be heard today.

Jimmy Barclay: Not be heard? You're turning me off? But Mr. Whittaker...

Mr. Whittaker: I can't believe it. I just can't believe it.

Jimmy Barclay: But Mr. Whittaker...

Mr. Whittaker: I can't believe that you would do such a thing, especially after I expressly told you to be careful about what you say. Do you remember me telling you that? Do you?

Jimmy Barclay: Yes.

Mr. Whittaker: Then why'd you go ahead with this?

Jimmy Barclay: I was trying to entertain people.

Mr. Whittaker: What you were doing is not entertainment.

Jimmy Barclay: Sure it is. People were laughing, weren't they? Well, that's all I'm trying to do is make people laugh.

Mr. Whittaker: Just because people laugh at something does not automatically make it entertaining. Besides, that kind of laughter isn't desired at Whit’s End.

Jimmy Barclay: But everyone knows it's all in fun. Fun! Yeah, I mean, this isn't hurting anybody.

Mr. Whittaker: Not hurting anyone?

Jimmy Barclay: No, people have to learn to laugh at themselves, and if they can't take a joke, well, forget 'em. I can't believe my ears. Did you learn this nonsense from Bryan Dern?

Jimmy Barclay: Well, yeah.

Mr. Whittaker: Figures. Let me tell you something, Jimmy. Dern is 100 percent dead wrong. Flippant remarks and jokes of this sort do hurt people, badly. Eugene was very upset about what you did.

Jimmy Barclay: But I'm just fooling around.

Mr. Whittaker: Not on this station, you're not. As of now, you are off the air.

Jimmy Barclay: But Mr. Whittaker...

Mr. Whittaker: I'm sorry, Jimmy, but you've proven you can't be trusted. This radio station is here to build people up, not tear them down. Until you can learn to do that, you're off.

Jimmy Barclay: I'm off. I've got the most popular show on the station, and I'm off. People really can't take a joke.

Charlie: Hey, Jimmy!

Jimmy Barclay: Oh, hi, Charlie.

Charlie: Hey man, listen. You're on the radio.

Jimmy Barclay: You mean I was on the radio. My show just got canceled.

Charlie: I'm not talking about your show. I'm talking about the Cryin' Bryan Dern show.

Jimmy Barclay: What?

Bryan Dern Recording: So anyway, this local kid, Jimmy Barclay is his name, he comes into my office with this so-called demo tape. And he says he wants me to evaluate it for him. Well, I thought it would be a good idea to record this whole conversation.

Jimmy Barclay: What?

Bryan Dern Recording: So I say, "Are you sure you want me to do this?" And this is what he says. "Oh, please, don't spare me because I'm young. I can take it. Please." Now I'm beginning to think this kid is a couple of tacos short of a fiesta platter, you know? So I tell him, "Okay, this tape is a joke, right? A complete and total joke." Then I say, "You want me to go on?" And I kid you not, this is what he says. "It's all right. You can be brutal with me."

So now I'm thinking that this kid really does have a few hens left out in the yard, you know what I'm saying? I mean, he's the type of guy who takes an IQ test and forgets to write his name. But I tell him, "All right, you really shouldn't give up your paper route." Well, he looks at me for a second, and I say, "You want more?" And I kid you not, this is what he says. "Just one more. Move in for the kill."

Can you believe that? So I told him flat out, you just don't have what it takes, kid. Your voice isn't very good, your jokes are stale, and you have no timing. So Jimmy pal, if you're listening, I'm doing you a favor. I mean, it's better that you find out now from me that you have no talent than for you to keep trying year after year and never make it, you know? I mean, sure you may be humiliated now, but trust me, one of these days you'll thank me.

Charlie: Wow, did you really say all those things, Jimmy? Jimmy?

Jimmy Barclay: No talent. Great. Just great.

Eugene Meltsner: Salutations, Master Barclay. Partaking of the park's natural beauty?

Jimmy Barclay: Something like that.

Eugene Meltsner: Young Charlie came into Whit’s End and told us of your experience. Mr. Whittaker suggested that I find you to talk. Look, if you want to yell at me, Eugene, go ahead. I deserve it.

Mr. Whittaker: Actually, Mr. Whittaker had something different in mind. He felt that I would be uniquely qualified to comfort you seeing as how I recently suffered through a similar experience.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, but I caused your similar experience.

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed you did. And it gave me no small amount of embarrassment, I might add.

Jimmy Barclay: I didn't mean for it to, Eugene. I'm sorry. I just, I just wanted to make them laugh. That's all. I guess there's a fat chance of that now.

Eugene Meltsner: Why?

Jimmy Barclay: Didn't Charlie tell you what Dern said? I have no talent. Besides, I've been pulled off the air.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I believe that if you show Mr. Whittaker you can be responsible, he'll put you back on the air. And for what it's worth, I think Mr. Dern is wrong.

Jimmy Barclay: You do?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, you have talent, Jimmy. It's raw, rather immature, certainly untamed, occasionally unprincipled, but definitely there.

Jimmy Barclay: Thanks, Eugene, I guess. But do you really think Mr. Whittaker will give me another chance?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, we could make another demo tape and find out.

Jimmy Barclay: Could we? I mean, you'd do that for me?

Eugene Meltsner: On one condition.

Jimmy Barclay: What?

Eugene Meltsner: This time, keep me behind the microphone.

Jimmy Barclay: You got it, Eugene.

Jimmy Barclay Recording: And so he turns to me and says, "Never wrestle with the pig. You both just get dirty and the pig likes it." Well, this is Jimmy Barclay on KYDS Kids Radio here at Whit’s End. I'll be back, I just gotta go get some lunch.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, it's about time you came out. Mr. Dern.

Bryan Dern: Oh, yeah. What can I do for you, old timer?

Mr. Whittaker: My name is John Whittaker. I'm a friend to Jimmy Barclay.

Bryan Dern: Who?

Mr. Whittaker: The youngster you made fun of on your program a couple of days ago.

Bryan Dern: Ah, oh yeah, that kid. Well, look, if you want to rake me over the coals or scream at me, let's get it over with. I got a lot of things to do.

Mr. Whittaker: I didn't come here to scream or rake you over the coals. I came to thank you.

Bryan Dern: You came to thank me? For what?

Mr. Whittaker: For teaching a young man a very important lesson.

Bryan Dern: Now, what do you mean, Jimmy?

Mr. Whittaker: That's right. You see, a couple of days ago, he really wanted to be like you, Mr. Dern. But by doing no more than being yourself, you made him realize what a horrible prospect that really is. And for that, you have my undying gratitude. Good day, Mr. Dern.

John Fuller: This is Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, and in case you're wondering, we've just presented an episode of Adventures in Odyssey, our very popular radio drama for kids and families.

Jim Daly: You know, John, Odyssey is such a wonderful series that combines adventures and fun stories and faith lessons all based on God's Word. And you may not know it, but we have more than a thousand episodes and that library is growing all the time. It's one of the best things we do here at Focus on the Family, and I want to encourage you to check it out.

John Fuller: You and your children can listen to these dramas on the radio, of course, or purchase them from the website. And we have our Adventures in Odyssey Club where, for a small monthly fee, your family can access the entire library of episodes and special members-only content.

Jim Daly: Here's the really big news: this fall, we're releasing a new animated movie called *Journey into the Impossible*. This is a prequel or origin story about the young Mr. Whittaker, or Whit as we call him, that features lots of action and mystery and fun for the whole family. Visit our website to get that sneak peek.

And here's why we're doing this: we're hoping the movie will help us reach seven million more children and their families with the Good News of Jesus Christ. That is a huge goal, but it is doable, and we're inviting you to help us reach it. I can't think of another program other than Adventures in Odyssey that can actually get us there.

John Fuller: Donate generously as you can to Focus on the Family Canada today. Help us get this movie out and make a monthly pledge if you can, or a one-time gift, whatever you can afford. Our number is 800-A-FAMILY, or donate and find details about Adventures in Odyssey and watch that sneak peek of *Journey into the Impossible* at focusonthefamily.com/weekend.

Thanks for listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. I'm John Fuller, inviting you back as we once again help you and your family thrive in Christ.

John Fuller: You're listening to Focus on the Family's weekend broadcast. We'll take a quick break here and then return with another faith-building program for your family. Stay tuned.

Guest (Female): Is your marriage struggling? Communication breaking down, trust fading, conflict that never seems to resolve? Well, there's still hope. Hope Restored marriage intensives by Focus on the Family helps couples step away from daily life and focus fully on rebuilding their relationship. And right now, through the Marriage Investment Initiative, Hope Restored is investing $1,000 toward marriage intensives. Visit hoperestored.com/invest.

Beth Runckle: I think it's important for people to realize that our freedom is not free. There are sacrifices made by their families. So I really want to speak to that spouse that is left at home, either man or woman. I think they often feel unseen and unrecognized. They're desperate for adult conversation and just someone to know that they care.

John Fuller: Beth Runckle is our guest today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. Thanks for joining us. I'm John Fuller.

Jim Daly: John, military life can be incredibly challenging for families. We've had a number of guests on from time to time, and they've talked about that and they've written some great resources. We want to touch this again today. I mean, when we get to deployments—I was not in the military, my brother Mike was in the Navy and did that four-year stint and he'd be out at sea for six months. We'd say goodbye in Long Beach and then he'd be out in the Pacific for six months and come home and we'd all go down to the pier to greet him. He wasn't married at the time, and I think that served him well, but there are many, many married people in the military, and we want to honor you by talking about how to overcome some of these challenges so that you can do it in a God-honoring way, serve the country which is amazing and we thank you for that service, and then to keep your family together as you do it.

John Fuller: And Beth Runckle is a military spouse. Her husband served in the Air Force for 25 years. Beth has experienced all the realities you were just touching on, Jim: the deployments, the moves, and seasons of being a solo parent. And she's captured her insights and experience in a great little book called *Another Move, God: 30 Encouragements to Embrace Your Life as a Military Wife*.

Jim Daly: Beth, welcome to Focus on the Family. It's good to have you.

Beth Runckle: Thanks, it's an honor to be on here and especially to speak encouragement to our military families who we know go through a lot of challenges.

Jim Daly: Oh, they do. You think of the past 20 years. I mean, there's been a lot of stress on military families, and that's why we want to talk about it today. So first of all, thank you and your husband for that service. He was a pilot, correct?

Beth Runckle: Correct.

Jim Daly: In the Air Force?

Beth Runckle: Yes.

Jim Daly: Okay, good. And he's out now. You did 25 years and how are you guys right now? You made it!

Beth Runckle: Well, it's been quite a journey. I didn't really like the military in the beginning. I was not a fan. We moved three times our first year of marriage, and then we showed up to my husband's operational base and he deployed to the Middle East.

Jim Daly: So you were overcoming things pretty early. I mean, it wasn't like you had a honeymoon, a military honeymoon.

Beth Runckle: No. And honestly, I think God, for His sovereignty in not allowing me to know what I was signing up for. My husband really hadn't told me much what to expect. He had changed careers and become a pilot while we were engaged. So life really changed. He wasn't being deceitful on purpose, but things changed and he didn't really know what to expect either. But I believe I wouldn't have wanted to have married him if I would have known what kind of control I would be giving up over my life. And my husband's a great man, I'm super happily married, but God knew that I couldn't know what I was getting into.

Jim Daly: You would have said no.

Beth Runckle: I think so.

Jim Daly: That's what I'm hearing you say. I mean, some people are going, "Wow, that's refreshingly honest." But it is quite amazing. And so those early years, painting that picture, you know, you talked about the first year of all that movement, plus this—if I could say it this way, correct me if I'm wrong—but this underlying resentment that you're feeling. How did that not trickle into your relationship?

Beth Runckle: Well, absolutely it did trickle into our relationship.

Jim Daly: What did that look like, just bitterness? Like, "Oh, you're gone again. Okay, bye."

Beth Runckle: Yeah. It was bitterness mainly towards the military, just all the inconveniences they were causing in our lives, you know, vacations canceled, trips canceled. We don't live near family. We keep moving. I had been very career-oriented, and this was obviously hard to, you know, stay in a career moving three times. Anytime there was a hurricane, he would bravely fly away in the fighter jet and leave me to deal with no electricity and flooding.

Jim Daly: Wow, that's intense. That's not typically what the man of the house does, but he has to protect the million-dollar aircraft.

Beth Runckle: Yeah, I get it. Yeah. My Toyota isn't quite worth that, but you know. Yeah, but I also wasn't a believer. So I had a very worldly perspective and what about me? What about what I want to do? What about my goals?

Jim Daly: Well, that's important to know. Thank you, because I was thinking somebody's got to be pushing me to ask the question: well, you guys signed up for this, like, why didn't you know this would be what you lived with?

Beth Runckle: Well, I don't know that a military spouse ever really knows what they signed up for, to be honest. The military member did. And part of what caused my trajectory on this to change was that initially I thought it's just your job and my job and why do I have to live in your shadow and why does it all have to be what the military says?

Jim Daly: Fair question, but I think I got a military answer for you.

Beth Runckle: Which is, yeah, that's what you signed up for. Well, and my husband actually looked at me—I said pretty much that same comment to him one time and he looked at me, he put his hands up and he said, "I don't know what you want me to do, I'm in the military." But what I didn't understand that God taught me through getting saved and then sanctifying me is that when a man or woman serves in uniform, it is a calling, not really unlike a clergy calling. It's something that they feel is a special duty or obligation that they have to perform. And so when I began to see that, then knowing the sovereignty of God and that I'm married to this man which I didn't know what I was getting into but God knew.

Jim Daly: Beth, let me interrupt because, man, this applies beyond the military what you're saying. Cultural implications here, being a Christian married woman and that need to be in your man's corner and what that does to you as one flesh, being made in His image male and female, the two becoming one flesh. You are together in this. And so much today, and you said your career-mindedness and how much you kicked against the goads here when you got in the military, speak to that need though for complementary approaches that a wife has a role, a husband has a role in the design God has given us. And it's not subjugation. I mean, we, you know, we're talking about partnership in life together and sometimes that requires you to sacrifice and sometimes him to sacrifice, but what—hit that.

Beth Runckle: Yeah. Well, first of all, I think I had to see that God had a calling on my life also to support my man in the military. I didn't carry the weapons, which is really good because that would be dangerous for everyone. I didn't wear the uniform, but I had a call to reach people in the military with the message of Jesus Christ. But also to cheerlead him.

And we began to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the troops that my husband supported and their families. And there's brokenness in the military just like there is in the rest of the world. But the military cares for the families a little bit more than the civilian world. And so what a blessing for us that God took us out of our selfish nature and said, "I'm going to call you to serve these people in my name."

And originally, I didn't want to be a supportive command spouse. I wanted to do my own thing. But then God changed my perspective and said, "This is a calling for your whole family." My kids drove around in the car with me for hours every week delivering meals to people in need. My kids helped me clean people's houses when they had surgery, and they helped me unpack a lot of boxes for people. But what a blessing that we had to see that it's not about us.

But I do think women, we are our husband's main cheerleader. And that doesn't mean that we can't have things that we do, but we have to cheerlead them, support them. And I think that we get the biblical role of submission wrong. It's not being a doormat. Of course not. But I think it's expressing opinions and giving input but not aggressively dominating our husbands. It's balance between those two. And I was a blessing to my husband as he served his nation and to the people in our midst.

And I got to host Bible studies with women sitting on the floor of my base house, host marriage groups with my husband, open my home to people. And it was a season. You know, I'm doing really cool things now and my husband, who was a colonel in the Air Force, is helping keep our house clean.

Jim Daly: That's great. The time has come, my man. But let me ask you this because you reference it, I want to capture it. You had a before Christ in the military, you had a confession of faith in Christ, and then being a Christian in the military. Just quickly describe that. How long were you in the military? How did you come to faith in Christ? Was your husband in that situation with you? Describe it. I think there was an older mentoring couple that helped you, right?

Beth Runckle: Yes. So we moved three times, then he deployed. He would deploy four times during the two and a half years that we lived there. Marriage was hard because he wasn't home very much, and when he was, honestly, I wasn't very easy to be around. Our marriage was hard primarily because of me. You know, I didn't realize how disrespectful that came across to him to hate this thing that he loves, that's a lifelong dream that's a calling.

So while he was deployed, I really just found myself lonely, longing, and I turned to what had been a childhood comfort for me. I had been raised in a loving church-going home, but I never really understood a personal relationship with Jesus. And at this church, I met some neighbors. They were my parents' age. They found out my husband was deployed and just took me under their wing, let me sit with them, would invite me over, invite me to their Bible study. And I realized in them that they had something that I didn't have, which was a thriving relationship with Jesus.

At the same time, my husband was deployed living in tents. And on deployment, you are either flying, doing your mission, working out, eating. And he spent the rest of that time in the chapel tent asking the chaplain questions, learning. So we were on these parallel journeys. He had not been raised regularly going to church. They'd gone some. We were on these parallel journeys and it wasn't until we moved again that God saw fit to intersect our journeys. And it was in a Bible study on the book of Genesis, which is what my book is on, where we really finally understood the plan of salvation and surrendered our lives to Jesus.

Jim Daly: There is that difference. And I, you know, if you haven't recognized that difference, man, we want you to get in touch with us because we'll explain that to you. There is something about a commitment to Christ that's different than socially committing to Christ. It's different.

Beth Runckle: Yeah, you can go to church your whole life and not know Jesus because there is great freedom in following Him. Especially for the military life. The only thing that you are certain of is uncertainty in the military life, but God remains control. He is steady. He is sure-fast. He knows everything. I love to say He outranks even the generals.

I have a story of when my husband was deployed in the Middle East and he—I was watching the news, and I knew he was up in the air in the no-fly zone over Northern and Southern Iraq. I don't remember which one it was at the time. But the news was covering that the anti-aircraft missiles were so prevalent that day that there was really no visibility. So the things that they send out to jam those to keep them from being able to hit the aircraft, there was just too many for them to effectively jam them all. And so it was a minefield.

And you know, I'm watching the news and they're telling me this, and I'm freaking out because I know my husband's up in the air somewhere. And I'm brimming with anxiety, and I'm just learning about the Lord. And I had, you know, been taught Philippians 4:6 and 7. And I'm like, "Hey, let me try to do this," which tells us: do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer with thanksgiving, present your request to the Lord, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guide your hearts and minds in the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord.

And so I did what it said to do. I turned off the news, I got off social media, I went and I got my Bible. And it was telling me thanksgiving. And I'm like, what can I be thankful for? How has God been faithful in my life? And honestly, I was struggling. I just have anxiety. So God says, "Go to my Word." And I'm new to the Bible at this point.

But I come across the story of Exodus and God's like, "Remember what I did? I parted the Red Sea. I made water stand up and I defeated the Pharaoh and all their chariots and all their army. Do you think I can't take care of this Iraqi anti-aircraft missiles?" But I have come to learn God is amazing. He is telling us what to do in our brain, in our body.

There is now scientific evidence that tells us gratitude and anxiety and fear, they cannot coexist in our brain. If we turn on gratitude, it is going to push out those anxious thoughts. And I like to teach people why we have to do this and I like the analogy of a bathtub. Most people have to put their kid in the bathtub at some point.

Jim Daly: Hopefully.

Beth Runckle: Hopefully! You know, and when you put your kid in the bathtub, you notice the water level come up. And that's the physics law of displacement that tells us we cannot be full of two things at the same time. So the same is true with our brain. We can't just tell ourselves not to be anxious. We have to push it out.

Jim Daly: Fill it with something.

Beth Runckle: And we fill it with thanksgiving, with faith, with truth from God's Word. But then science is telling us that is how we get rid of the anxious thoughts. It's with gratitude, remembering that God has been faithful before, so He can be trusted to be faithful right now. And we just can't feed that anxiety. You know, you can't have the news constantly on. You can't be checking because honestly, that doesn't do anything. You can't control what they're doing across the ocean, but God can and He's on His throne and He is watching over. And I love Psalm 46 which, you know, says: God makes wars cease. He protects from our enemies' weapons.

John Fuller: This Focus on the Family broadcast will continue in just a moment.

Guest (Female): Marriage is a journey with lots of ups and downs, so navigate all the twists and turns with *Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage*, a podcast from Focus on the Family. I'm Erin Smalley and I co-host the podcast with my husband, Dr. Greg Smalley. Each episode will help you tackle problems you may be facing or just help make your relationship even sweeter. Listen to *Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage* and other podcasts from Focus on the Family at focusonthefamily.com/podcast.

John Fuller: This is Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, and today our guest is Beth Runckle, and we're covering some of the content that she captured in her excellent devotional called *Another Move, God: 30 Encouragements to Embrace Your Life as a Military Wife*. Get a copy of the book from us here when you stop by focusonthefamily.com/weekend.

Jim Daly: Beth, let me ask you—you do use a fascinating analogy about laser-guided or precision-guided missiles. You know, again, there's so much allegory or metaphor in the Scripture about military engagement, spiritual warfare is just one. But talk about that idea of precision-guided weapons and how prayer becomes like that.

Beth Runckle: The US military is so superior because of the awesome training, but also the technological advancements of our weapons. And all of our branches of military now are rolling out laser-guided weapon systems that they are using that give incredible accuracy. Now everybody when they join the military, whether they're Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, Army, Navy, they all are taught in basic training how to use a weapon. Most of them it's the M4 assault rifle.

But our special forces, when they go out, they are not taking that traditional firearm by itself to go do their operation. If they use an M4, they're going to smack on a night vision scope and a laser-guided system. The laser-guided system gives them incredible accuracy. My husband used to fly the F-117 Stealth Fighter. And they dropped bombs. And they flew very high because they had to be stealthy.

So he would do his operations at 10,000 feet above the target. He would drop that laser on a particular window on a particular floor of a large building. Wherever that laser, one pane of that window, wherever it was pointed, the weapon would hit, every single time.

Jim Daly: Amazing accuracy.

Beth Runckle: Amazing accuracy. Prayer, that is our precision-guided laser weapon that we can use, but we have to pick it up. We can't leave it on the ground. Just like our troops would never leave their M4 on the ground to go to battle, we have to go to battle with that weapon. Only we are calling the greatest marksman to ever exist to go to battle for us. He is available, but we have to pray. And that is a much more powerful weapon than even our US forces have.

Jim Daly: Yeah, I mean, and one is spiritual, one is material, obviously, but I mean, that's a great analogy because it motivates you to think about how to pray and how to be specific. I'm going to turn a little bit of a corner here because most people, like I said, my own family's experience was my one brother out of five kids served in the military. That's probably pretty common in the US. You might have one of your siblings that went, maybe your dad or your grandfather was in the military. The point being, fewer of us go into the military than don't. And so in that context, those of us that haven't been in the military, what are things we can do to honor them and to encourage them? We see them in public and, of course, if you go get a cup of coffee, I try to buy the guys that are there something or a restaurant tab I might pick up from time to time if four guys are sitting around the table and they're always so very kind and very willing to allow us to do that. It's good. But what else can we do?

Beth Runckle: Well, I think that the person in uniform does get some recognition, but often the family doesn't as much. You know, they don't have that billboard. Right. I think that it's important for people to realize that our freedom is not free. There are sacrifices made by their families. So I really want to speak to that spouse that is left at home, either man or woman. I think they often feel unseen and unrecognized. They're desperate for adult conversation and just someone to know that they care.

It can be a pathway to the Gospel, I believe, by showing them care, by reaching out to them. You can let them sit with you at church. You don't know how lonely it is to sit by yourself. Most people at church, they're couples. And when your spouse isn't there, it's you feel very lonely. Offer to bring them a meal. Offer to watch their kids so they get a break.

Jim Daly: That's a good one.

Beth Runckle: Yeah. Offer a playdate because honestly, that might even be better for some people because they are desperate for adult conversation. Ask if they're comfortable you could offer a hug because they haven't had adult touch. And then practical things, especially over the holidays, help them do some of the things that you need to do to feel like it's a normal Christmas holiday. For example, help put up their tree or their Christmas lights. You know, some people, that might be really hard. And not having that makes their emptiness or their absence that much more prevalent. So you can offer to do that.

And I also think the weekends are the hardest parts because people tend to hang out with their family on the weekend. But if your significant other isn't there, you feel the loneliness. So you could just invite them, "Hey, we're having a game night" or "Come have a meal with us." You don't have to not be with your family. Invite them to be a part of yours.

Jim Daly: It feels so much like adopt a family. Adopt a military family, right? And it's a good thing. And man, churches should do that. I hadn't thought of that, but if you're a pastor, man, why not encourage your folks to do that? Especially if you're near a base, a military base where hopefully that'd be encouraged.

I think right now, you know, I've had the privilege of visiting the Pentagon and meeting some of the key leaders there and I'm really encouraged how open they are about faith initiatives and faith things. And man, do we not need faith orientation in the military? These are people that are going to lay their lives down and may not come back and do we not want to encourage them in something spiritual and true, Christianity?

So I'm encouraged. And I'm hoping, Beth, that I'd like to pursue this and I'm going to do that with those contacts to see if we can get your book in there and get it to more military families and we'll do that as a gift, hopefully. That's the plan right now. But thank you so much for being with us.

Beth Runckle: Thank you, it's been great to be here and just thanks for giving a voice to the military families.

Jim Daly: Yeah, it's so good. Thanks again. And for all the service of your husband and your family. Are your kids doing well?

Beth Runckle: Our kids are doing great. Military life does not come without challenges for military kids. Our kids moved nine and 10 times in their school years. But yeah, they're doing great. They both have recently graduated from Liberty University, and our daughter is a Christian music artist and doing really well and really has a great ministry to Gen Z talking about the freedom found in Christ.

Jim Daly: That's so good. Well, your other child, the son?

Beth Runckle: Our son is married, and our son is adopted. We struggled with infertility. That's a part of our journey. He's married and happy living in Dallas. And we have lots of other spiritual children that we get to do life with through the ministry we do.

Jim Daly: I'm sure. Well, that leadership that you and your husband provided in the military was so good. Thank you for that. And let me turn to the listener. Focus on the Family is here for you, and if this is touching a need in your heart, if you're in the military, get in touch with us. We want to help you get a copy of this and, you know, we'll send it to you, just let us know you're there and we'll trust others will cover the cost of that.

If you can make a gift to Focus on the Family, we'll say thank you by sending a copy of Beth's book, *Another Move, God: 30 Encouragements to Embrace Your Life as a Military Wife*, and perhaps you can pass that on to a friend in the military, a family member, or maybe you want to keep it and read up. The application is broader than just military. These are attitudes of people under stress. That's probably just about each and every one of us.

You know, and when you give to Focus on the Family, there is fruit. And sometimes we hold back, we should share more often, but I want to give you an idea. Lexi, who was touched by the ministry and what she wrote and said to us. She said, "Thank you for the many encouraging programs and resources you provide. After my husband returned from a deployment to Afghanistan with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury, the past two years have been incredibly difficult for our family as we navigate marriage, parenting, and healing. Recently, one of your episodes reminded me that my identity is not defined by these struggles, but by who I am in Christ."

John Fuller: Man, that is awesome. What a terrible thing to go through, but I'm so glad that we could reach out and help.

Jim Daly: Yeah, and unfortunately those are the byproducts of war. And you know, these are just the prices that our military members give to protect our freedom. So you can provide much-needed support for folks like Lexi by doing your ministry through Focus on the Family. Be the person supplying that ministry through the conduit of Focus. Donate today and get your copy of *Another Move, God* when you call 800-A-FAMILY or online at focusonthefamily.com/weekend. And on behalf of the entire team, thanks for listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. I'm John Fuller, inviting you back as we once again help you and your family thrive in Christ.

Guest (Male): I feel like I blinked and now my newborn can walk and talk. Kids change so fast, don't they? It can be hard to keep up with each new phase. That's why I love Focus on the Family's age-and-stage newsletter. Each week, I get an email with resources curated by experts. They're full of biblically and clinically based tips tailored to your child, no matter what age they are. You can sign up today at mykidsage.com. That's mykidsage.com.