Adventures in Odyssey

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

John Avery Whittaker: Hi there. I'm John Avery Whittaker, but you can call me Whit. My friends and I are about to set off for a time of wonder and excitement. Want to come along? We'd love to have you join us for today's adventure in Odyssey.

Erica: Splat, splat, splat. Ew, yuck, what'd you do? Sounds like you're in pretty serious shape. Maybe I have lockjaw. Erica, stop fooling around and get ready for school. Again?

Anyway, I'm in life science, and we're watching this really boring movie about the life cycle of the darder snail. Suddenly, Bobby Rantahoff starts shooting spitwads at the projector. It was totally disgusting because he used napkins, which really soak up the spit.

Bobby: Oh, gross.

Erica: So I'm sitting right next to the projector when I hear this splat, splat, splat against the reel and Bobby laughing behind me. But I figure I can live with it as long as I don't get hit with anything. Then, just as the main darder is about to kick the bucket, wham! He pings me with a huge spitwad right under my left ear.

Bobby: Ew, yuck. What'd you do?

Erica: I did what any self-respecting red-blooded girl would have done. I beaned him with my life science book. This doesn't exactly go unnoticed by Mr. Pearl, so he turns off the projector and says that if we can't enjoy the privilege of a movie, we can all just do bookwork, which makes me real popular with the class. Then Mr. Pearl assigns Bobby and me an extra report on the darder snail, due tomorrow.

Bobby: So I guess you'll be busy tonight, huh?

Erica: No, I did it in study hall.

Bobby: It's finished?

Erica: Sure, I put it on Mr. Pearl's desk before I left.

Bobby: Then why are you complaining?

Erica: Haven't you been listening? I got into trouble for something that wasn't my fault.

Bobby: Sounds rough.

Erica: No rougher than my life in general.

Bobby: What's so bad about your life in general?

Erica: Are you kidding? I wouldn't wish my life on Bobby Rantahoff's dog.

Bobby: I don't see that your life is any worse than mine.

Erica: My life is far worse than yours. For one thing, you don't have a bratty little sister who constantly annoys you and gets away with murder.

Bobby: No, but I have a bratty older brother who uses me as a target in his rubber band wars.

Erica: No comparison. Also, my mom piles tons of chores on me before I leave for school and tons of chores on me when I get home.

Bobby: Bratty sister, overbearing mom. Throw in a handsome prince and you could be Cinderella.

Erica: Very funny. You also don't have a best friend who makes fun of you.

Bobby: I'm not making fun of you. It's just that lately, you've become really depressing. Nothing good ever happens to you anymore, only bad things.

Erica: I'm just calling them the way I see them.

Bobby: Well, if that's the way you see them, you need glasses.

Erica: Oh, that reminds me. I have to go to the eye doctor for a checkup soon. I probably will need glasses.

Bobby: See what I mean? You automatically think the worst.

Erica: Hey, life is hard. I'm just trying to face reality.

Bobby: Look, I know life can be hard sometimes, but I just don't think your life is as bad as you're making it out to be.

Erica: No, it's probably worse.

Bobby: I give up. You going to Whit's End?

Erica: Yeah, if I don't get hit by a car on the way. You going?

Bobby: No, I've got to get home. Well, be careful and don't take any rides from strangers.

Erica: Right. See you tomorrow.

Bobby: Oh, and Erica?

Erica: Yeah?

Bobby: Try being happy once in a while. You might like it.

Erica: Living in a dream world.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, hi Erica.

Erica: Hi, Mr. Whittaker.

John Avery Whittaker: Uh oh, you don't sound too good. What's wrong?

Erica: Oh, I just haven't had a very good day, or week, or month, or year. In fact, my whole life has been pretty rotten.

John Avery Whittaker: Sounds like you're in pretty serious shape.

Erica: That's me all right.

John Avery Whittaker: You want to tell me about it?

Erica: I would, but my mouth is kind of tired. Maybe I have lockjaw.

John Avery Whittaker: I don't think so.

Erica: The way this day is going, I wouldn't be a bit surprised. Why does life have to be so tough?

John Avery Whittaker: Now, that is a question philosophers have wrestled with down through the ages. My personal belief is it's because Adam and Eve disobeyed God.

Erica: Yeah, and we've had nothing but trouble ever since. They really blew it for everybody, didn't they?

John Avery Whittaker: Yes, they did. But I think it's best to remember what James said. "Count it all joy."

Erica: Count it all joy?

John Avery Whittaker: That's right. Uh oh, it sounds like I'm going to have to start doing it right now. Excuse me, Erica. Connie, are you all right?

Erica: Count it all joy? Wait a minute. James who?

Jenny: Is this stool taken?

Erica: Yeah, Jenny, I'm on it. But the one next to me isn't.

Jenny: Thanks, Erica.

Erica: How'd you know it was me?

Jenny: Your voice is pretty distinct. Is Mr. Whittaker around?

Erica: He's back in the kitchen. I think Connie broke some dishes back there.

Jenny: Oh, that's what the crash was. I can get him for you.

Erica: No, I'm just waiting for my mom to pick me up.

Jenny: Oh.

Erica: Jenny, can I ask you something?

Jenny: Sure.

Erica: You seem to be a pretty happy person most of the time, even though you're, you know, blind.

Jenny: Yeah, I guess I am.

Erica: How do you do it?

Jenny: Do what?

Erica: How do you stay happy?

Jenny: Well, I guess part of it has to do with my personality. But mostly, I think of what the Bible says. Count it all joy.

Erica: That's what Mr. Whittaker said. Only he thought somebody named James said it.

Jenny: He did. The Apostle James in the Bible.

Erica: Oh, yeah, I knew that. But I don't get it. What does count it all joy mean?

Jenny: It's the beginning of a verse. The whole thing goes, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you are faced with trials and temptations, for the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2-4. It's my favorite scripture.

Erica: I still don't get it.

Jenny: Well, let's put it this way. Do you ever talk to God about your troubles?

Erica: Sure.

Jenny: Then in a way, those troubles are actually bringing you closer to God, right?

Erica: Yeah.

Jenny: And being closer to God is a good thing, isn't it?

Erica: Of course.

Jenny: So you can be joyful about those troubles because they're bringing you closer to God. Understand?

Erica: Oh, yeah. So you can be happy about being blind.

Jenny: Because I know it's just bringing me closer to God.

Erica: But I still don't understand how you do it. I mean, do you quote that verse every time you have a problem?

Jenny: Sort of. Whenever things get rough, I try to remember what the verse says. Then I repeat only the first part to myself. Count it all joy. That usually does it. Pretty soon I feel a lot better. Oh, is that my mom?

Erica: Brown station wagon?

Jenny: That's her. I've got to get going.

Erica: Don't forget your cane.

Jenny: Thanks. And remember, count it all joy.

Erica: Got it. See ya. Bye. Count it all joy, huh? Well, it's worth a try.

Guest (Male): Hey, you over there. Come check out this super cool secret club. Well, it's not really a secret. Actually, I'm trying to tell everybody about it because it's so amazing. It's the Adventures in Odyssey Club.

You'll get access to over 1,000 episodes, some of them are even club exclusives. You'll also get behind-the-scenes content and devotionals and games and a free subscription to Focus on the Family's Clubhouse Magazine and... sorry, I'll slow down now. I just get so excited talking about the Adventures in Odyssey Club. Head over to adventuresinodyssey.com.

Haley: Still in bed. Perfect. Erica, oh, Erica. Are you still asleep? It's time to get up. Would you like some music to help you? Okay.

Erica: Haley, what are you doing?

Haley: You said you wanted some music.

Mother: Erica, turn down that radio.

Haley: Yes, ma'am. You know, you really shouldn't keep your radio up that loud.

Erica: I didn't turn it up that loud and you know it. Get out of my room, Haley.

Haley: I was just trying to make sure you're not late for school. What a grouch.

Erica: I'll grouch you, you little...

Haley: Boy, first grouchy and now clumsy. Is this what middle school does to you?

Mother: What is all the banging around up there?

Haley: That was Erica, mom. She tried to jump out of bed, but she fell on her face.

Mother: Erica, stop fooling around and get ready for school.

Haley: You heard her. See you downstairs.

Erica: Count it all joy. Count it all joy. Count it all joy.

Good morning, Mother.

Mother: Whoa, you're awfully cheery this morning.

Haley: Yeah, usually all we get is a grunt.

Erica: You know, sometimes you're very amusing, Haley.

Mother: And sometimes you're very strange, Erica. Actually, Erica, I'm kind of surprised too. After all the ruckus earlier, I expected a pretty sour mood from you.

Erica: Not this morning. Can I help fix breakfast?

Mother: Now I'm really surprised. Are you feeling all right?

Haley: Maybe when she fell out of bed she hit her face harder than we thought.

Erica: I'm feeling fine, Mother. I'm just trying to be happy.

Mother: Well, you can't help fix breakfast, but you can help eat it. Have a seat.

Erica: Okay. Mother, have you seen my red sweater?

Mother: Oh, I meant to tell you. Haley wore it yesterday and got it all muddy.

Erica: What?

Haley: Still think I'm amusing?

Mother: Haley!

Erica: But the only sweater I have left is the green one, and it makes me look like a giant pear.

Mother: I'm sorry, sweetheart. I haven't had time to clean the other one. Besides, I seem to remember that you used her favorite dress to clean your bicycle chain last week, didn't you?

Erica: Yes, you're right. I did. Okay, I'll wear the green one.

Mother: Good. Now listen, I've got to get going, but there's something I need you to do before you go to school.

Erica: I know, put the dishes in the dishwasher and take out the garbage.

Mother: Well, yes, but I also need you to clean up the bathroom.

Erica: What? But that's Haley's job, isn't it?

Mother: I'm dropping Haley off early this morning. I've got a part in the school play and our first meeting is before classes start.

Erica: I see. So not only do I have to do Haley's chores while she's out having fun, I also have to walk to school on top of it.

Mother: That about sums it up.

Erica: Oh. Count it all joy.

Mother: There aren't that many dishes and you don't have to scour the bathroom, just straighten it up a bit. You'll have plenty of time if you don't dawdle.

Haley: Are you kidding? That's what she does best.

Mother: Haley, that is enough. Go get in the car.

Haley: Yes, ma'am.

Mother: Erica, honey, I know it's rough, but that's just how things worked out today. Be sure and lock up when you leave, okay?

Erica: I will. Bye.

Mother: Bye.

Erica: Count it all joy. Count it all joy. Count it all joy.

Mr. Pearl: All right, don't forget to read chapters 15 and 16 in your life science books tomorrow. Erica.

Erica: Yes, sir?

Mr. Pearl: Can I see you for a moment?

Erica: What is it, Mr. Pearl?

Mr. Pearl: Don't you have something for me?

Erica: Have something for you?

Mr. Pearl: Yes, your report.

Erica: My report?

Mr. Pearl: On the darder snail.

Erica: Darder snail?

Mr. Pearl: Please stop repeating everything I say. Do you have your report or not?

Erica: No, sir. You have it.

Mr. Pearl: I have it?

Erica: I handed it in already.

Mr. Pearl: Now you've got me doing it. Just when did you hand in this alleged report?

Erica: Yesterday afternoon.

Mr. Pearl: But I only gave you the assignment yesterday morning.

Erica: I know. I did it in study hall and handed it in.

Mr. Pearl: I don't recall getting any report yesterday afternoon.

Erica: You weren't here.

Mr. Pearl: Well, if I wasn't here, then how could you have given it to me?

Erica: I didn't give it to you. I left it on your desk before I went home yesterday.

Mr. Pearl: There was nothing on my desk when I came in this morning.

Erica: There wasn't? But I put it right there.

Mr. Pearl: Well, I'm sorry, I didn't get it.

Erica: I did the report, Mr. Pearl. I promise.

Mr. Pearl: Well, I believe you, Erica, but I still need to see it. I'm afraid you're going to have to do it again.

Erica: Again?

Mr. Pearl: Either that or take a failing grade.

Erica: Another report it is, sir. And thank you for the second chance.

Mr. Pearl: Are you being sarcastic?

Erica: No, sir.

Mr. Pearl: Oh. Well, then you're welcome. And this time, if I'm not here, put it in my desk drawer so it doesn't disappear.

Erica: Yes, sir. Thanks once again. Count it all joy. Count it all joy. Count it all joy.

Coach: Wait, Erica. You know the rules, five laps.

Erica: But Coach, I was talking with Mr. Pearl.

Coach: Then where's your hall pass?

Erica: Oh, I didn't get one.

Coach: Rules are rules, five laps.

Erica: Yes, sir. Count it all joy.

Guest (Male): Wow, look at the mess in this table. You're going to have to clean it up before you go out to recess.

Erica: But this isn't my mess.

Guest (Male): Well, you're the only one here, so get busy.

Erica: Count it all joy.

Guest (Female): Where'd you get that sweater, Erica? It makes you look like a giant pear.

Erica: Count it all joy. Count it all joy.

Cam: Can you believe it, Erica? He picked me to recite the Gettysburg Address in front of the whole school. I'm going to choke. I know it.

Erica: Don't let it get you down.

Cam: That's the best you could do? You know I hate getting up in front of people, and I'm terrible at memorizing. You're great at both. You've got to help me. What should I do?

Erica: Don't worry, be happy.

Cam: How can I be happy when I have to try it out in front of the class tomorrow?

Erica: Well, tomorrow is another day.

Cam: What's the matter with you? Why are you acting so weird?

Erica: I am trying to be full of happiness.

Cam: You sound more like you're full of hot air. Now will you cut it out? I've got a real problem here.

Erica: Problems are merely challenges designed to make you a better person.

Cam: Erica, will you stop acting like a goon and help me?

Erica: I am not acting like a goon. I'm trying to encourage you.

Cam: I don't need encouragement. I need help. Can't you get that through your thick skull?

Erica: My thick skull? I'm not the one with the thick skull. You are. Your head's so thick sometimes I think it's made out of concrete.

Cam: Erica!

Erica: I know how to memorize and recite. I also know how to do fractions, conjugate verbs, and write book reports, three other things you're no good at. Of course, you might have a remote chance of doing all these things if you'd just open up your ears and listen once in a while. Boy, that felt good.

Cam: So that's how it is, huh, Erica?

Erica: Oh, Cam, I didn't mean...

Cam: I come to you for help and you give me insults? Fine. Some friend you turned out to be.

Erica: Cam, wait. Cam! Oh, no.

Guest (Male): It's hard to trust a lot of entertainment these days, especially when you want your kids to learn Christian values. Even shows that seem good at first could end up teaching them all the wrong things. But you can always trust Adventures in Odyssey.

For over 35 years, Adventures in Odyssey audio dramas have been teaching kids biblical truth through fun, heartwarming stories. Many kids have even come to Christ because of the show. And with an Adventures in Odyssey Club membership, you can get even more episodes that will keep them on the right path.

Play an episode in the car, before bed, or any other time you just need a moment to breathe. You can rest easy knowing every story is teaching them to be more like Christ. To find out how you can join the Adventures in Odyssey Club today, go to adventuresinodyssey.com. That's adventuresinodyssey.com.

Bob: Can't get enough Adventures in Odyssey?

Jesse: Then go behind the scenes with the official Adventures in Odyssey podcast.

Bob: I'm Bob, producer of the Adventures in Odyssey Club.

Jesse: And I'm Jesse, editor of Focus on the Family's Clubhouse Magazine.

Bob: We're the podcast hosts, and we're excited to show you all the fun behind your favorite episodes.

Jesse: When you tune in, you'll learn more about the actors behind your favorite characters.

Connie: Hi, this is Katie Leigh, the voice of Connie. Welcome to the official Adventures in Odyssey podcast.

Bob: You'll hear how the writers come up with their ideas and how the sound designers create all those amazing effects. Just watch out for spoilers.

Jesse: You'll also get the opportunity to ask questions of your own. The team answers questions from fans like you.

Guest (Male): How often are the writers' meetings, and how many albums do you plan ahead?

Bob: There's a bunch more stuff we haven't even mentioned.

Jesse: So what are you waiting for? Peek behind the curtain by listening to the official Adventures in Odyssey podcast. Find it wherever you get your podcasts, or better yet, visit adventuresinodyssey.com/podcast.

Bob: See you soon.

John Avery Whittaker: Hi, Erica.

Erica: Hi, Mr. Whittaker.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, didn't we play this scene yesterday? You still sound depressed.

Erica: I am.

John Avery Whittaker: I thought you had the answer to that problem.

Erica: So did I. It was an answer you and Jenny Roberts gave me, only it doesn't work.

John Avery Whittaker: Well, what did we tell you?

Erica: To count it all joy. What a joke.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, it's not a joke, Erica.

Erica: Tell that to Cam.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, what happened?

Erica: I've had nothing but one problem after another all day long, and every time one came up, I did just like Jenny said. I told myself, count it all joy. But instead of joy, all I felt was more and more frustrated until finally, just a few minutes ago, I blew up at Cam.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, no.

Erica: Yeah. That count it all joy stuff may work for you and Jenny, Mr. Whittaker, but it sure doesn't work for me.

John Avery Whittaker: Erica, it works for you. You've just got to understand what's working. You see...

Jenny: This isn't funny, you guys. You better quit it.

Erica: What is that?

John Avery Whittaker: Sounds like somebody's pretty upset. It's coming from the library. Excuse me, Erica.

Erica: Oh, no. The last time I didn't get a full explanation. This time I'm coming with you.

Jenny: Give it back! This isn't funny, you guys. You better quit it.

Erica: It's Jenny.

Jenny: Whoever's doing this better cut it out, and I mean it right now. Give it back.

John Avery Whittaker: Jenny, Jenny, calm down.

Jenny: Mr. Whittaker?

John Avery Whittaker: Yes, yes, it's me. Now, I want you to calm down and tell me what's the matter.

Jenny: You've got a practical joker here. That's what's the matter. Somebody stole my cane.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, I don't think anybody would do that.

Jenny: Oh, yeah, real funny. Let's pick on the blind girl.

John Avery Whittaker: Jenny, where did you have it last?

Jenny: At the desk. Oh, here it is. It just slipped behind a bookcase. Here you go, Jenny.

Jenny: Thank you.

John Avery Whittaker: Are you all right?

Jenny: Yeah. I'm sorry, whoever's listening. I guess I've just had a bad day.

Erica: You have bad days?

Jenny: Of course I do. Everybody does. Can I have a glass of water, Mr. Whittaker?

John Avery Whittaker: Sure you can. Let me help you over to the counter.

Jenny: Thanks, but I need to do it myself. Is it this way?

John Avery Whittaker: Yes. Just holler for Connie when you get there.

Jenny: Okay. Thank you.

Erica: Well, I guess that just proves it.

John Avery Whittaker: You guess what proves what?

Erica: That count it all joy stuff doesn't work for anybody. I mean, Jenny is supposed to always be happy even though she has all these problems. Well, she sure didn't look happy to me.

John Avery Whittaker: Where did you get the idea that Jenny is always happy?

Erica: From Jenny. She said yesterday that she can be happy about being blind because it brings her closer to Jesus, just like the verse in James says.

John Avery Whittaker: Hold on. Did she say she could be happy or joyful?

Erica: What's the difference?

John Avery Whittaker: A big one. Erica, joy has nothing to do with feeling happy. It doesn't mean we walk around with smiles plastered on our faces and pretend like nothing ever bothers us.

Erica: It doesn't?

John Avery Whittaker: No, the joy we have as Christians is rooted in Jesus and what he did for us on the cross. You see, he conquered death and sin. They have no hold on us anymore. That's why, even though we feel bad or hurt or angry or depressed, we can still be joyful.

Erica: Then it's okay to feel all those things? I mean, angry and hurt and all that?

John Avery Whittaker: Of course it is. You're only human. What's not okay is letting those feelings take over your life. You need to deal with them and put them behind you. And the best way to do that is to remember that you were made for something better. Serving the Lord. That's what count it all joy really means.

Erica: Hi, Cam.

Cam: What do you want?

Erica: To apologize. I'm sorry I acted like such a dope and said all those bad things.

Cam: Well, I'm sorry too. I guess I got a little carried away.

Erica: You still want my help with the Gettysburg Address?

Cam: Not if you're going to put on a plastic smile and tell me that today is the first day of the rest of my life.

Erica: I'm not.

Cam: Does that mean Miss Depression is back?

Erica: No, she's not either. Look, I'm not going to be always happy or always depressed anymore. From now on, I'm just going to be joyful.

Chris: I think Erica understands the difference between joy and happiness a little better now. It isn't an easy thing to do, you know, being joyful even when you're not happy. But like Whit said, true joy doesn't depend on our circumstances, but on being right with God. As it says in Nehemiah 8:10, "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

Well, that's all we have for today. I do hope you'll write to me soon, though, to tell me about the joy in your life or even just to say hello. 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 Count It All Joy. The address once again is Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. Count It All Joy 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.