Your Story Hour

(Theme Music)

Aunt Nikki: Hey everybody, come on. Your story hour's on. Welcome to Your Story Hour. I'm Aunt Nikki.

Uncle Jon: And I'm Uncle Jon, and we're here to bring you today's inspiring story. We're so glad that you decided to join us today for another exciting story, aren't we, Aunt Nikki?

Aunt Nikki: That's right, Uncle Jon. We love bringing all you girls and boys stories from around the world and throughout history.

Uncle Jon: Just what kind of story do we have today, Aunt Nikki? Is it about history, missionaries, animals?

Aunt Nikki: Well, Uncle Jon, it's actually a combination of two types of stories.

Uncle Jon: A two-for-one deal, huh?

Aunt Nikki: That's right.

Uncle Jon: What types of stories are part of today's combo special?

Aunt Nikki: Today's story is true to life about a little girl who always wanted a...

Uncle Jon: Let me guess. She wanted a pet.

Aunt Nikki: How right you are, Uncle Jon.

Uncle Jon: Well then, I'll keep on guessing. Did she want a cat?

Aunt Nikki: No, this isn't a story about a cat.

Uncle Jon: What about a pony?

Aunt Nikki: Very good, Uncle Jon. Yes, in the story, we're going to a ranch where we'll meet a special little girl who wants her very own horse.

We'll also get to hear a story from a long time ago when a very poor little girl was saving up for her own horse. In fact, why don't we go ahead and get started?

Uncle Jon: Sounds good to me. What is the story called?

Aunt Nikki: I call it "The $14 Horse."

It was the start of another busy day at the Red Belly Ranch. Even though it was the weekend, ranch hands and wranglers were hard at work feeding and grooming the horses.

The Red Belly Ranch was started by Mrs. A. Its sprawling grounds were used as an animal rescue as well as a refuge for foster kids and young people whose home lives were less than ideal. They were welcome anytime to come and learn about animals and gardening and spend time in the fresh country air.

Kids who spent time at the ranch pitched in to help with the chores. On this particular day, Mrs. A was just getting ready to prepare a big ranch-style breakfast.

Mrs. A: There, a nice pot of grits is on the stove. Now I'd better start peeling the potatoes for hash browns.

Nancy: Good morning, Mrs. A.

Mrs. A: Morning, Nancy. Looks like you've just come from the chicken coop.

Nancy: Yep.

Mrs. A: How's my egg-laying ladies doing this morning?

Nancy: They're doing great. I found ten eggs.

Mrs. A: Perfect. We can use them to make some batter. Why don't you wash your hands? You can be my master pancake chef.

Aunt Nikki: All of the kids who came to the Red Belly Ranch over the years had earned a special place in Mrs. A's heart, but Nancy was perhaps one of her favorites. Nancy lived with her mother in a tiny apartment in town. Her mother was always working to provide for the two of them and was thrilled for Nancy to spend time over at the ranch. For her part, Nancy was thrilled to work alongside Mrs. A.

Nancy: How does this pancake look?

Mrs. A: Perfectly golden. Now, just two dozen more to go.

Nancy: Mrs. A?

Mrs. A: What's up, Nancy?

Nancy: I was just wondering if you have any extra chores you need to have done around the ranch.

Mrs. A: You don't have enough on your plate already with school? You want to spend all your free time glued to my side?

Nancy: I want to find a way to earn some money.

Mrs. A: I think we could find something around here you could do. I have been meaning to clean out the attic in the barn and...

Nancy: I'll help you. I could come after school every day.

Mrs. A: Whoa there, hold your horses, missy. We've got to settle on some terms first.

Nancy: Terms?

Mrs. A: I'd be happy to have you come by after school on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Nancy: Okay. You don't have to pay me much. Maybe just two or three dollars per hour.

Mrs. A: Well, that's a very generous offer, Nancy, but I'll let you in on a little secret. I value your time, and I think it's worth more than just a couple dollars. How does five dollars an hour sound to you?

Nancy: Wow, really? Thank you, Mrs. A.

Mrs. A: Of course. Now, care to tell me what it is that you're saving up for? Maybe a Christmas present or a birthday surprise for your mama?

Nancy: Nope, not this time. This time, I'm saving up for me.

Mrs. A: Oh, I see. Well, we ladies do have to treat ourselves sometimes, don't we?

Nancy: Yes, ma'am. I want to get a horse.

Mrs. A: Wow, that's a big investment. Not only do you have to buy the horse, but you've got to pay for his food, vet bills, and a place to stay. I know your mama wouldn't take too kindly to having a horse stabled in her living room.

Nancy: No.

Mrs. A: I remember getting my first horse. I was... I wonder who that could be. I'm coming. I'm coming. Who is it? Hold your horses, Nancy. I don't know yet.

Hello? Yes. Yes, this is the Red Belly Ranch. I see. Oh, dear. Yes, of course. Bring her over. We'll get a stall ready immediately. Yep. Bye-bye.

Nancy: What's wrong?

Mrs. A: That was Mac Nelson, one of the other ranchers in the area. His guys just came across some abused horses, and one is in pretty bad shape. So they're bringing her here.

Nancy: Oh, no.

Mrs. A: Yeah, we've got to get a stall ready for the horse. Come on, Nancy. You can help me.

Aunt Nikki: Breakfast plans were put on hold as Mrs. A and Nancy raced outside and quickly began getting things ready for the rescue horse.

Mrs. A: Nancy, can you hand me that big sack of bedding over there?

Nancy: Here you go.

Mrs. A: Thanks. Now, let's just spread it around. Make sure all of the floor is covered in a deep layer so the horse will have a soft place to lay.

Aunt Nikki: After the stall was ready, Mrs. A called Doc, the local vet, who assured her that he would come immediately. Then Mrs. A and Nancy enlisted the help of some of the other wranglers and kids to clear the barn entrance so there would be plenty of space to work with the new arrival. Just as the last barrel was rolled out of the way, Doc's beat-up car came barreling down the driveway, followed by Mac's truck and trailer.

Mrs. A: All right, Mac, tell me what we're working with here.

Mac: She's a young mare. The place where my guys found her, she was just kept in a tiny pen all day. No grass out there and almost no food, so she's severely underweight and malnourished.

Mrs. A: Let's take a look. Look at that deep gash across her chest. It goes all the way down her right foreleg.

Mac: My boys guessed that she tried to jump out of her pen. Whoa, whoa, careful there.

Mrs. A: Okay, girl, come on. Come on, girl. Oh, you poor thing. Your leg looks like it's infected, too. Donnie and Jay, come over here and give Mac a hand.

Donnie: You got it.

Mac: All right, boys, we're going to try to get her out. Just remember, she's in a lot of pain and terrified, so let's be careful. We don't want anybody getting hurt today.

Donnie: No, sir.

Mac: Donnie, stand here on the right of the trailer, and Jay, you take the left. You two are going to help keep her from bolting. Ready when you are, boss.

Mrs. A: All right, now get in the trailer. It's all right, girl. You're safe now. Take a couple steps for me. That's a good girl. A little more. Almost there.

Now, easy. Careful, Donnie. Watch out for her hoofs. That was close. Come on, girl. Let's get you going towards the barn.

Nancy: Oh, poor thing. She's shaking so much she can hardly walk.

Mrs. A: We're not going to hurt you.

Nancy: Oh, Mrs. A, she looks so scared.

Mrs. A: Why don't you come over here and try to calm her down a bit? I've seen you with the horses. You're a natural.

Nancy: Okay, I'll try.

Mrs. A: Remember, approach her from the side. Horses can't really see directly in front of them, and you don't want to scare her by appearing out of nowhere.

Nancy: Like this?

Mrs. A: Just like that. Yeah, keep coming. Come on, slowly. Look at her eyes.

Nancy: She's watching me.

Mrs. A: I think she likes you. At least she's not scared of you. Here, hold on to the lead rope along with me. Let's get her into the barn.

Nancy: I know it hurts. You can do it. Come on. That's a girl. Easy does it.

Aunt Nikki: It wasn't long before the mare was settled down in her stall, and Doc went to work.

Doc: I know it stings, but this iodine is going to make you better. I promise. Now let's wrap your leg to keep the wound nice and clean.

Mrs. A: What's the verdict, Doc?

Doc: That mare is going to need lots of care. Somebody needs to make sure she's eating and that her wound is cleaned and the dressing is changed regularly.

Nancy: Can I help with that, Mrs. A?

Mrs. A: Sure thing.

Aunt Nikki: After Doc left, Mrs. A and Nancy hurried to serve a very late breakfast to everyone on the ranch. Then they settled down on a couple of hay bales in the stall next to the injured mare.

Mrs. A: I think she's getting used to our presence.

Nancy: Mrs. A, how long do you think it'll take her to get well?

Mrs. A: It will probably take a while. From the looks of her, she's been through a lot.

Nancy: Yeah. Hey, since we're just sitting here, can you tell me about your first horse now? You started telling me earlier right before you got the phone call.

Mrs. A: That's right. I had always wanted a horse. The problem was that we lived in the city, which made owning a horse of my own seem pretty impossible.

Francis: Mom?

Mom: Yes, Francis?

Francis: Do you think I'll ever be able to get a horse someday?

Mom: I don't know, honey.

Robert: Where would you keep a horse? Tied to the couch in the living room? Or in our bedroom? There's maybe enough room for half of its body between our bunk beds.

Mom: Boys, don't make fun of your sister's dreams.

Robert: Yes, Mom.

Dad: Your brothers do have a point though, Francis. Your mom and I are doing everything we can to feed you growing kids.

Mom: And by the grace of God, we're getting by.

Dad: But there's no way we could feed a horse, too.

Mrs. A: But then, one day, we moved to the country.

Robert: Woohoo! What a big backyard!

Mom: I know. Isn't it wonderful?

Francis: It's big enough for a horse.

Mom: Now, Francis.

Francis: Mom, please! I promise it wouldn't bother you. I would do all the work. You and Dad wouldn't have to do anything.

Mom: It's not about the time or the space. I know this pasture is big enough to house a horse and for it to have plenty to graze year-round. But honey, we can't afford one.

Francis: But...

Mom: We're barely making ends meet with me back in school and five, soon to be six, mouths to feed. A horse just isn't possible right now.

Francis: What if I earn all of the money by myself?

Mom: Well, I guess you could start saving up money for a horse.

Dale: Mom, Dale's torturing me!

Gilbert: I am not!

Mom: Boys, can't you learn to get along?

Francis: Jesus can give me a horse. I know he can. Dear Jesus, I want a horse so much. Please help me to get enough money to buy one. Amen.

Mrs. A: Every single night, I prayed for a horse, certain that God was going to answer my prayer. Then one morning at breakfast...

Robert: Hey, Dale, did you eat all the cereal again? I wanted some of that.

Dale: There's another box right here.

Dad: Praise the Lord, there's plenty to go around. How'd you sleep, my girl?

Francis: I slept great.

Dad: I'm glad, Robert, but I was asking your sister.

Francis: I'm with Robert. Last night was great. I had the coolest dream.

Mom: Oh, what was it about?

Francis: I dreamt that I woke up and went to the window to see the sunrise, and there was a herd of horses. They were grazing right outside my bedroom. They were big and beautiful, and it didn't feel like a dream at all. I think it must have been a sign from God.

Dad: The Lord does work in mysterious ways.

Robert: Wait, what if those horses were real?

Francis: The ones in my dream?

Robert: Yeah, what if it wasn't a dream?

Francis: It did seem very real. I'm going to go check.

Robert: Me, too. Wow, look! There's hoofprints all over.

Gilbert: It must have been real horses.

Francis: I can't believe it! Jesus sent horses to my window!

Uncle Jon: Hi, boys and girls, it's Uncle Jon again.

Aunt Nikki: And Aunt Nikki. We're so glad you've joined us today for our exciting adventure. We'll get back to "The $14 Horse" soon, but now we wanted to take just a moment to tell you something really important.

Uncle Jon: Yes, we do. Did you know that there's more to stories than just fun?

Aunt Nikki: They can actually help us learn how to trust God, to be brave when we're afraid, and to stand strong for what's right, even when standing strong isn't the easiest thing to do. Every story we share has a lesson tucked inside. Sometimes it's about courage, sometimes it's about honesty or kindness or forgiveness.

Sometimes the lesson is easy to see, and other times it's hidden in the middle of all the action. And when we take the time to really listen to the lessons tucked inside the stories, they can inspire us to make good choices in our own lives.

Uncle Jon: That's right. Think about it. Maybe the story is about a boy or girl who chooses to tell the truth, even when it's easier to lie.

Aunt Nikki: Or someone who shows kindness to a person that other people bully or ignore.

Uncle Jon: Or maybe it's about a hero who keeps on going even when things get real hard. Each of these scenarios gives us a glimpse of the choices that God wants us to make. Choices about being honest and kind and doing the right thing, no matter what.

Uncle Jon: And the good news is that even when life gets hard, God will always be by your side, guiding you day by day because he loves you very much.

Aunt Nikki: Aunt Nikki and Uncle Jon love you, too. That's why we're so passionate about sharing stories with you.

Uncle Jon: And if you like stories as much as we do, you can always check out our website at yourstoryhour.org. Our shop has hundreds of Bible stories, accounts of historical heroes, and modern miracles and adventure stories.

Aunt Nikki: And now it's time to get back to today's story. When we left off, Francis was praying to Jesus, asking for a very special pet. Let's find out what happens next in the story we call "The $14 Horse."

Nancy: Wow, Mrs. A, that's amazing.

Mrs. A: I know. I never did figure out where those horses came from, and I've always thought they were a little gift from God. From that point on, I started babysitting and working every odd job I could find to earn money for a horse.

Guest (Female): Francis, can you babysit Michael on Tuesday after school? I had something come up after work, and I won't be home until later.

Francis: I'd love to. Thanks so much for giving me a chance.

Guest (Male): I hurt my back, and I can't do any yard work this week. Francis, can you come over and rake my leaves?

Francis: Absolutely!

Francis: Here's your groceries, Mr. Morgan.

Guest (Male): Thank you, my dear. Here's some money for your trouble.

Francis: 10, 11, and 25, 30, 50 cents. I've earned $11.50.

Mrs. A: After a couple of months of hard work, I had saved $14.50.

Nancy: Only $14? That's all?

Mrs. A: Well, you have to remember that money went a lot farther when I was a kid. Even so, sometimes I felt like I would never get a horse. But I kept praying and working and praying and working. And then one day...

Francis: Mom, Dad, everybody, come quick!

Dad: What's the emergency?

Mom: Something wrong?

Francis: No, no, nothing's wrong. Everything's amazing!

Dale: Why are you so happy? You better have a good reason for tearing us away from our game.

Robert: You're just mad because you were about to sink my last ship.

Francis: I do have a good reason. Look at this!

Dad: The Buck County Humane Society Livestock Auction to be held on September 27th. Animals include horses.

Francis: See, horses! This could be my destiny.

Mom: Oh, I don't know, sweetheart. I know you've been working very hard to save up money, but...

Dale: Your money jar is still mostly empty.

Robert: Yeah, don't horses cost a lot of money?

Francis: I know they do, but can't we at least go and check it out?

Mom: I guess it wouldn't hurt to take a look. Right, Gilbert?

Gilbert: Starts in the evening. We should be home from work. I don't see why not.

Francis: Yay! I'm going to get a horse!

Dad: If the Lord can bring water from a rock in the wilderness, perhaps he can provide you with a $14 horse.

Mrs. A: I couldn't wait for the auction. I was so excited to meet the horse that I just knew God was preparing for me. Every day, I counted down. Eight days, five days, two days. Finally, the day of the auction arrived. I grabbed my mason jar that held my precious earnings, and then my brothers, parents, and I walked down the road to the local Humane Society, which happened to be only a mile from our house.

Dad: Okay, kids, stay close to your mother and me.

Dale: Hey, Dad, can we go look at the dogs?

Robert: Yeah, I want to get a dog.

Dad: Hold on, boys. We're going to look at the horses first. Remember, we came here for Francis.

Dale: Okay, Dad.

Francis: Look over there! Do you see the horses' heads poking up over that fence?

Gilbert: Oh, yeah. And they're on a mission now.

Francis: They're all so beautiful. Which one do you think is yours?

Mom: What about that red one? Look at him running around.

Dale: Or what about that big tall white one?

Dad: What do you think, Francis?

Francis: I don't know. The golden-colored one over there seems very sweet. Oh, look, she's going over to see her friend. Oh, no, she just bit that other horse!

Mom: Okay, perhaps she's not so sweet after all.

Dad: What about that horse over there?

Francis: Which one?

Dad: The little brown one way over there in the corner. He looks so lonely all by himself, but he doesn't appear to have any physical ailments. And the white star in his forehead gives him personality.

Robert: That one? But he's so scrawny-looking.

Dale: Yeah, you should get a big strong horse.

Francis: No, Dad's right. He's perfect.

Dale: What? He's just a little horse.

Francis: And nobody else will even think about bidding on him. I might actually be able to get him for only $14.

Mrs. A: In my heart of hearts, I knew that the little bay horse with the star on his face was the one God had picked out for me. When it was time for the auction to begin, my family made our way over to the big auction platform.

Nancy: Do you have to get a card?

Mrs. A: Ah, good question. Now, if you go to an auction today, you'll have to get a bidding card.

Nancy: And then you raise it whenever you want to make a bid?

Mrs. A: Exactly. When the auctioneer sees your card in the air, he'll know you're bidding on the horse. But in the small town auction we were at, people made their bids known by hollering at the auctioneer. So there I was, all ready to bid on my horse, but I had to wait until the auctioneer got to the horses.

Auctioneer: We'll start the auction off with pigs. Who wants to bid on a fine Yorkshire pig? This American pig could be a great addition to your barnyard. Angus cow sold to the man in the black cowboy hat. Who wants to start the bidding for this boisterous donkey?

Mrs. A: It felt like forever until it was time for the horses, but finally, I saw a horse led into the arena.

Mom: Wow, there aren't very many people left. I would have thought there'd be more folks interested in the horses, but there can't be more than eight or ten families here.

Auctioneer: Bitters get ready. Up first, we have this big white gelding. He's almost 17 hands high and would be a good horse to have around the farm. We're going to go ahead and start the bidding at $75. Do I hear 75? 75. 80. 80. Do I hear 80? 80.

Up next, we have this black mare. She's a real looker. $250. I've got 35 going once, going twice. 45. Sold for $45.

Dale: Francis, that's your horse.

Francis: Not yet, but he will be.

Dad: Lord willing.

Auctioneer: Finally, we've got this little bay with a white star on his face. The horse is a young green horse, but he's got potential. As you can see, he was weaned too young, he's an itsy-bitsy thing, and will always be small. But if you're looking for a good-tempered horse, he's the one for you. Do I hear any offers?

Francis: Five dollars!

Auctioneer: Five dollars from the girl in the red shirt.

Guest (Female): Seven!

Auctioneer: Seven dollars from the girl in the back.

Francis: Eight!

Auctioneer: Eight dollars to the red shirt.

Guest (Female): Ten dollars!

Francis: 11!

Auctioneer: Sounds like we've got a bit of a competition here today, folks. We're at 11 dollars. 11 dollars going once.

Guest (Female): 12!

Francis: 13!

Guest (Female): 14!

Francis: 14 dollars and 50 cents!

Dad: But Francis, that's all you have.

Francis: I know. Shh.

Auctioneer: 14 dollars and 50 cents going once. 14.50 going twice and sold for 14 dollars and 50 cents!

Mrs. A: I'd won my very own horse by a margin of only 50 cents. Excitedly, I dragged the rest of my family with me to collect the horse.

Guest (Male): Congratulations on your new horse.

Francis: Thanks.

Guest (Male): Do you have your tack ready so you can saddle him and take him home?

Francis: Uh...

Guest (Male): You don't even have a rope to lead him?

Francis: Well...

Robert: Here, Francis, you can use my belt.

Guest (Male): Certainly untraditional, but it'll work. Here you go, sir.

Francis: Can I lead him, Dad?

Dad: You'd better let me do it while we're beside the road, honey. I wouldn't want him to get spooked and for you to get hurt.

Francis: Okay, Dad.

Mom: He seems to be doing really well.

Francis: That's because God knew he was the right horse for me.

Dale: What are you going to call him, Fran?

Francis: I don't know.

Dale: I think you should call him Spot.

Robert: Spot? That's a dog's name. What about Star? He's got that star on his forehead.

Gilbert: Or you could call him Lucerito. That means morning star in Spanish.

Francis: Lucerito. I love it!

Mrs. A: I had never ridden a horse before, and Lucerito hadn't been ridden either, so we learned how to ride together. In a way, we grew up together.

Nancy: Oh, how long did you have Lucerito?

Mrs. A: Only for a few years. When we moved again, I had to sell him.

Nancy: Oh, no.

Mrs. A: Well, it's surprising how things work out. When we sold him, the very same girl who was bidding against me at the auction bought him from me. So in the end, we both got Lucerito.

Nancy: Mrs. A, what if we name this mare Lucerito, too?

Mrs. A: I think that sounds like a great idea. Oh, look, Lucerito likes her name.

Nancy: Do you think that maybe Lucerito could be my horse? I'll work hard to pay her off. I'll even keep working for you to pay for her upkeep.

Mrs. A: Rehabilitating a rescue horse will be a real long process.

Nancy: I can do it, Mrs. A. I know I can.

Mrs. A: I'm sure you'll work hard to earn your Lucerito, just like I did for mine. You have a deal, Nancy.

Nancy: Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Mrs. A: Oh, you're welcome. You know, Nancy, the Lord loves to give us good gifts, and I believe this mare just might be his special gift to you.

Nancy: God's gift to me.

Mrs. A: You know, one of my favorite Bible verses says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." God already knew that you desire a horse, and he worked everything out.

Nancy: I really like God's gifts.

Uncle Jon: Wow, Aunt Nikki, I loved hearing how God answered when Francis prayed for a horse and then later used her to help Nancy.

Aunt Nikki: Uncle Jon, isn't it amazing how God can use even small acts of kindness to touch other people and be part of his big plan?

Uncle Jon: Yes, it is. And you know, when Mrs. A was talking to Nancy about God loving to give good gifts, it reminded me of another Bible verse.

Aunt Nikki: Oh?

Uncle Jon: Yes. James chapter 1 verse 17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

Aunt Nikki: What a wonderful God we serve. God gives us so many blessings, even when we least expect them.

Uncle Jon: And he uses us, too. God can take something small that we do, like helping a friend or showing kindness, and turn it into something amazing.

Aunt Nikki: Boys and girls, remember, God has a plan for your life and loves you.

Uncle Jon: And Aunt Nikki and I love you, too. So keep listening, keep learning, and keep looking out for the ways God works in your world. Goodbye.