Adventures in Odyssey

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

Connie: Wanted to see me, Whit?

Whit: Connie, yes I did. We need to talk about what's coming up.

Connie: What? No, not you too!

Whit: I'm sorry.

Connie: It's everywhere I've been today! Did you all coordinate or something? What are you talking about?

Whit: What are you talking about? Well, I'm talking about my Chicago trip. I'm going to be away for a couple of days and I need you to manage the place while I'm gone. I told you about this.

Connie: Oh, yeah. Right.

Whit: Connie, are you okay?

Connie: Yeah, I'm sorry. It's just been a strange day.

Whit: Strange how?

Connie: Well, you know about all the events of the past few months with Jules and everything.

Whit: Yeah, of course.

Connie: It's been kind of a roller coaster. Up and down, and up and down, and up and down...

Whit: I'm familiar with roller coasters and that describes life with Jules pretty well.

Connie: But even with all the Jules stuff, or maybe despite it, the rest of my life has settled into a sort of nice routine.

Whit: Really?

Connie: Yeah. I mean, okay, so here's what a normal day has been like for me. Hey Jules! Come on Jules, rise and shine!

Jules: No...

Connie: Up and at 'em. You're going to be late for school.

Jules: No...

Connie: I am so glad we've had this little chat, but you still need to get up. Come on, let's go!

Jules: All right, all right. See? This is me getting up.

Connie: Don't lie back down!

Jules: I'm not. See? This is me getting up.

Connie: You know, someone who's old enough to drive should be able to get herself to school on time.

Jules: I know, I know.

Connie: Yeah, well, sooner or later you're going to need to do this on your own.

Jules: But then I'd miss all this wonderful sister bonding time.

Connie: Jules!

Jules: I'm up! I'm up! I'm up!

Connie: And we pray, Lord, that You'll help us reflect on what we've learned from Your Word in our study this morning. In Your Son's name, amen. All right, see you next week, ladies.

Mrs. Randolph: Oh, Connie! Connie dear!

Connie: Yes, Mrs. Randolph?

Mrs. Randolph: Oh, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate these weekly gatherings of ours. I'm sure a lot of planning and effort goes into it. And I get such insight and teaching and revelation here. I learn so much I didn't know.

Connie: Really?

Mrs. Randolph: Oh yes! Why, today Alma Stump gave me great insight on canning prunes and Florence McKenney finally revealed her secret formula for curing bunions.

Connie: I hope you also learned something from the Bible.

Mrs. Randolph: Well, of course I did, dear. Now I know where the book of Nahum is. Right between Micah and Habakkuk. Slippery little rascal. Been hiding from me all these years. But no more, no more. All because of your teaching, honey.

Connie: Well, I do what I can. Thanks, Mrs. Randolph.

Mrs. Randolph: Oh, you're so welcome, dear. Well, got to run! My bunion is screaming and I have lamb chops to baste. Remember, "The Lord is good, like a stronghold in times of trouble, and He knows those who trust in Him."

Connie: Wait, that's from Nahum! How about that?

Mrs. Randolph: Ta-ta!

Lincoln: Look, all I'm saying is Captain W is the best one.

Sully: And all I'm saying is that's crazy. The EM is the best card and the best character in the whole series.

Connie: Okay, can I stop you guys for a second? Look, I appreciate how much you love this Amazing Journey series and the trading cards from it. But you know, you have Wooton's Comic Book Cavalcade, the show right after this one, to talk about that. Candid Conversations with Connie is not about comics. Let's talk about other stuff.

Lincoln: Like what?

Connie: Okay, how about... oh, I know! Something you're thankful for. Sully?

Sully: Okay. Oh, I'm really thankful that technology has made it so easy to put your favorite characters on small cards.

Lincoln: And I'm thankful that the quality of cardboard is strong enough to print stuff on that will be handled by a lot of people.

Connie: Come on, you guys! You mean to tell me that you can't think of anything else to talk about than trading cards and stuff related to trading cards? Lincoln? Sully?

Lincoln: Sorry.

Sully: I got nothing.

Connie: Well, okay, I have only one thing to say about that then: forget about the greatest, which card is the rarest?

Sully: Oh, that's easy. DJ Writer.

Lincoln: Yeah, he's so rare they haven't even made a card of him yet.

Whit: Well, I heard that conversation. You sounded like you were having fun toward the end.

Connie: Yeah, I was. I've learned by now that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Whit: Well, that all sounds like a wonderful day.

Connie: It is. It totally is. I love my life and I'm blessed to have it. Like I said, it's a nice routine.

Whit: But that changed today?

Connie: Yeah.

Whit: What happened?

Connie: Well, it started off the same as usual. Jules! Come on Jules, rise and— Jules? She's not here! Her bed doesn't even look like it's been slept in. Where is she? She better answer.

Jules: Hey Connie.

Connie: Where are you?

Jules: Walking into school.

Connie: What do you mean, school?

Jules: Odyssey High School? Where else would I be?

Connie: In bed!

Jules: Yeah, I'm sorry. I guess I should have let you know.

Connie: Know what?

Jules: I've been thinking about what you've been telling me lately about anyone old enough to drive is old enough to get herself to school on time. And I decided, well, you're right.

Connie: Connie? Are you okay? Connie, are you there? Sorry, I dropped the phone. Did you just say I'm right?

Jules: Yeah, I did. You shouldn't have to wake me up every morning. That's on me. I can't expect you to watch after me forever. You need to get on with your own life.

Mrs. Randolph: Oh, another lovely Bible study, Connie. I do have a question, though.

Connie: What's that, Mrs. Randolph?

Mrs. Randolph: Are you ever going to get married?

Connie: What?

Mrs. Randolph: You're such a lovely girl. You're so smart and capable. But let's face it, dear, you're not getting any younger.

Connie: Excuse me?

Mrs. Randolph: I mean, do you really want to keep dishing out ice cream in that soda shop for the rest of your life?

Connie: You know, Whit's End is more than just a soda shop. I like to think I'm helping kids there too, having an influence on them.

Mrs. Randolph: Oh, and I'm sure you do, dear, as far as it goes. But you really should be thinking about moving forward, finding a husband, settling down, starting a family, building a life. There's no greater influence a child can have than its mama. Well, that's the most important thing you can do.

Connie: I do agree motherhood is very important.

Mrs. Randolph: Good! Now, if you're having trouble finding a suitable young man, I can introduce you to my nephew. It'll certainly get him out of his mother's basement.

Connie: Oh, thanks, Mrs. Randolph. I'm sure I can find someone on my own.

Mrs. Randolph: Well, if you say so, dear. Just think about it, okay?

Connie: Oh, I will.

Sully: Last night's Amazing Journey episode was epic! Really made you think.

Lincoln: I didn't see it. What happened?

Sully: CK Girl was thinking about her time with everyone on the journey and was wondering if she should leave and go on a journey of her own.

Lincoln: Whoa!

Sully: Yeah, she told Captain W, "There's a great big beautiful universe out there, and maybe I need to go see it."

Lincoln: So, did she go?

Sully: We don't know. They ended the episode before she decided. And the episodes only come out once a month. That's like forever!

Connie: Well, what do you think? Should she stay or go?

Lincoln: Oh, she should definitely go! She'll have brand new adventures. Besides, you can't just hang around one place forever.

Sully: Yeah, I mean, I'd hate to see her go, but if she's done all she can on this journey, maybe she does need to move on.

Lincoln: Connie, you still there?

Connie: Huh? Oh, yeah. Sounds like an amazing episode all right, one that does really make you think. You see, Whit? Jules said I need to get on with my life. Mrs. Randolph said I should think about moving forward. And the kids talked about one of their favorite characters moving on. I know it sounds crazy, but I think God's trying to give me a message here.

Whit: Well, that doesn't sound crazy at all.

Connie: Really?

Whit: You know I don't believe in coincidences, Connie. God gets our attention in lots of ways: Scripture, advice, dreams, even our friends and family. Actually, it's only natural that this should be on your mind. You're at a crossroads in your life.

Connie: What do you mean?

Whit: Think about it. You've dealt with Jules' crises for so long, and now she's finally a believer and wants to take responsibility for herself. One of your main goals is complete. It's only natural for you to be concerned about what's next. Mrs. Randolph and the kids are just confirmation.

Connie: Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever felt like God was moving you in a different direction?

Whit: Many times.

Connie: What did you do?

Whit: Well, when a theme seems to be running through my life, I've found that the best thing I can do is pay attention.

Connie: Right.

Whit: Now listen, I can get Jason to manage Whit's End while I'm gone if you want some time to deal with this.

Connie: No, no, I'm happy to do it. I need a little normalcy right now.

Whit: Trust in God, Connie. He'll reveal your future in His good and perfect time. Ladies, I am off to Chicago. Connie's in charge, and she's going over some paperwork in my office.

Connie: Well, have a good trip and really don't worry about a thing, Mr. Whittaker.

Jules: Thank you, Jules. I'm not worried. I know the place is in good hands. Renee, Mr. Whittaker's leaving.

Renee: I heard. Safe travels, Mr. Whittaker.

Whit: Well, thank you, Renee. See you both in a few days.

Jules: Okay, bye. Everything all right, Renee?

Renee: Aye. Why?

Jules: There just seemed to be a little tension between you and Mr. Whittaker.

Renee: Oh?

Jules: Yeah, in fact, you've been a little... well, moody lately.

Renee: I guess I have been at that. Oh, I'm sorry, Jules. I've just had a lot on my mind of late. You, for instance.

Jules: Me? You were thinking about me.

Renee: Of course. And why not? After all, you were in a car crash.

Jules: Oh, right. But you don't have to worry. I'm fine. Better than ever, in fact.

Renee: Darcy said something similar after her accident. Can you unpack that a bit?

Jules: Well, for me, my physical injuries are almost healed. But more than that, I've had an even greater healing inside. I became a Christian.

Renee: Aye. The traumatic conversion.

Jules: The what?

Renee: Psychologically speaking, fear that comes from a traumatic experience often leads to religious devotion. You had a terrible car crash. It scared you, so you turned to Jesus.

Jules: Well, there's more to it than that. It wasn't just the car accident. I mean, as I look back on it, I realize that I always needed Jesus.

Renee: Why? Why did you always need Jesus?

Jules: Because everybody needs Jesus.

Renee: Hmm. That's what Mr. Whittaker says.

Jules: Because it's true. I was headed in the wrong direction. I realized I'm a sinner in need of a Savior.

Renee: Interesting. And that's truly how you see yourself? A sinner in need of a Savior?

Jules: Yeah. It's what we all are. I know I can't save myself and I want to go to heaven.

Renee: Vitam aeternam.

Jules: I'm sorry?

Renee: It's Latin for life everlasting. The conclusion of the Apostle's Creed: Credo in vitam aeternam. I believe in life everlasting.

Jules: Wow, you know Latin. That's impressive.

Renee: Well, blame Mr. Whittaker. So, hold on, that's the real reason you became a Christian? You want to live forever?

Jules: It's certainly one of the big ones. I mean, doesn't everyone want that? Don't you?

Renee: I don't know. More precisely, I don't know what that means. Scientifically, I don't even see how it could be possible.

Jules: Oh, that's right. You're an atheist.

Renee: Nah, wouldn't say that exactly. An atheist holds that there is no such thing as God or eternal life. They don't exist. Like I said, I'm more in the "don't know" camp. I don't know if they exist.

Jules: Oh, then you're... what's the word? Agnostic.

Renee: I hate that word.

Jules: Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to insult you. Although I don't get why agnostic is an insult.

Renee: Blame Latin again, and Greek. Agnostic is the Greek form of a Latin term that means ignorant. I don't like to be thought of as ignorant about anything.

Jules: Renee, I promise you, no one at Whit's End or in Odyssey sees you that way.

Renee: Aw, thanks, lass, but the truth is, this is the real center of my thoughts and my mood.

Jules: What do you mean?

Renee: The thing that really chafes me is that agnostic fits. I am ignorant about this. An ignorant ignoramus. You and seemingly everyone else in Odyssey possess a knowledge that I don't possess, and I don't know if I ever will.

Jules: But it's not about knowledge. I mean, that's definitely important, just not as important as faith.

Renee: That's another word toward which I have a very strong aversion. I don't do faith very well. I prefer certainty. If only there was a way to know for sure, or at least be surer than I am now.

Jules: Yeah, that would be nice. You know, with all his wonderful creations and inventions that let you experience so much of the Christian life so vividly, I'm surprised Mr. Whittaker never made a program to let you experience what's supposed to be the greatest part of it.

Renee: What comes next?

Jules: Wait! I think he did.

Renee: What's that? How's that?

Jules: I remember both Connie and Eugene talked about an Imagination Station program that Mr. Whittaker created that shows you what heaven's like.

Renee: You're serious?

Jules: I am. Why have I not heard about it? In a place like this, it would be the most popular Imagination Station adventure of all.

Renee: Well, I didn't listen to Connie and Eugene long enough to find out, but I got a really strong feeling that the program didn't turn out the way Mr. Whittaker wanted it to, so he got rid of it.

Renee: He erased it?

Jules: I don't know. Maybe.

Renee: I can't believe that. I've experienced all his Imagination Station adventures and they've been superb. I've never come across anything like a heaven program in Mabel's database, though.

Jules: He must have kept a record of it somewhere. I mean, I don't think he would have completely got rid of something that big.

Renee: Right. And I think I may know where: the secret room files. More paper files. Oh, he wouldn't have written it on paper. Hang on, what do we have here? A case of microfloppies and minidiscs. Life After Death program. Oh, sounds like heaven to me. Now, I don't think there's a disc drive here at Whit's End, but I know there's one at the college. I can load these into the portable Imagination Station in my lab in the morning. Life after death, here I come!

Jules: Hey, I'm off to school. Connie?

Connie: Hmm? Oh, right. You need anything?

Jules: No, I'm all good. See you later at Whit's End?

Connie: Yeah, sure.

Jules: Are you okay?

Connie: Yeah, I'm just a little preoccupied.

Jules: Well, you know it's Tuesday. Whit's End doesn't open until noon.

Connie: I know.

Jules: And Renee's supposed to open up, right? What, you want the afternoon off?

Connie: Oh, no, nothing like that. I was just thinking that maybe you should take a drive somewhere. Get away for the morning. Maybe someplace out in the country. That always helps me think.

Renee: Hmm. I might just do that.

Jules: Good! So I'll see you at Whit's End after school, okay?

Connie: See ya. Drive to the country, huh? Hmm. I think I know just the place.

Renee: Okay, right. Final upload complete. Oh! Okay. Well, it appears everything's ready. Let's see if this thing works.

Voice: Hi, and welcome to the Imagination Station! To begin your adventure, just push the red button.

Renee: Here we go.

Voice: Greetings, Renee, and welcome. I'm your host. My name is Leonid.

Connie: Oh, this place is so peaceful. Wow, the trees have really grown. I definitely need to come here more often. Who's that? Hey, excuse me! Sir!

Guest (Male): Oh, hello!

Connie: What are you doing?

Guest (Male): Admiring the view and the apples. They're coming along nicely.

Connie: Yeah, sorry, but you're trespassing. This is my land.

Guest (Male): Indeed. It's an acre of the Riley-Clemens farm that Tom Riley willed to you when he died.

Connie: How do you know that?

Guest (Male): Well, it's all right. Don't be afraid. I'm a friend.

Connie: You shouldn't be here.

Guest (Male): Oh, I'm quite certain that I should, actually. I'm right where I need to be.

Connie: What? Why? Who are you?

Malakai: My name is Malakai. I'm an angel. It's very good to see you again, Connie.

Connie: You're an angel?

Malakai: I am. Sent from the Great I Am I am.

Connie: Very funny.

Malakai: While I do enjoy a good laugh, I assure you I'm completely serious at the moment.

Connie: I'm sorry, but I don't believe you.

Malakai: Just like the last time.

Connie: We've met before?

Malakai: Indeed we have.

Connie: Okay, then why don't I remember you? I mean, if I met an angel, I'm pretty sure I would remember it.

Malakai: Are you certain you don't?

Connie: Yeah, I think I... Wait a minute. It's a little fuzzy, but I do kind of remember that suit. It's really nice.

Malakai: Thank you.

Connie: But if we really did meet before, why don't I remember any other details about it?

Malakai: Because you're not meant to remember our past meetings, just like you won't remember this one when I'm gone.

Connie: Okay, this is really weird. I mean, how do I know you're not a criminal? Or instead of an angel, a demon?

Malakai: What does Scripture tell you to do?

Connie: Test the spirits.

Malakai: Very good. How?

Connie: First John 4:2 and 3: "Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God."

Malakai: Correct. I am the angel Malakai sent to you by and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who has come in the flesh and now sits at the right hand of God the Father.

Connie: Okay. Definitely not a demon.

Malakai: And as for the criminal part, well, you'll just have to trust that I'm not.

Connie: Why should I do that?

Malakai: Would a criminal wear a suit like this? That's a joke.

Connie: Oh.

Malakai: To start, I know of the conflict you've been feeling of late. Now that your sister is also a daughter of the King, you're torn between the steady everydayness of the present and the unknown paths of the future.

Connie: Then all that stuff with Jules and Mrs. Randolph and the kids, that was a message?

Malakai: What do you think?

Connie: Knew it. I knew it!

Malakai: I was sent as an answer to your prayer.

Connie: What prayer?

Malakai: About what's to come.

Connie: But I haven't even prayed about this yet. That's why I came out here.

Malakai: Your heavenly Father knows what you need even before you ask Him, Connie. He knows what you need because He knows your heart.

Connie: Of course. Duh. So, what do I need?

Malakai: In a word, adventure.

Connie: Huh?

Malakai: Are you coming?

Connie: Okay!

Malakai: Get ready for your adventure!

Connie: So, where are we going?

Chris: James 1:5 says, "If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously." God's wisdom is the best way to tell good from evil and to know what voices to listen to, including a man claiming to be an angel.

And what about Renee? That Life After Death program is the one that put Whit into a coma and terrified Eugene. And isn't Leonid the atheist philosopher who tried to convince Olivia to abandon her faith? Renee has no idea what she's getting into.

One thing's for sure: Connie and Renee will both need all the wisdom they can get when our story continues. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. Face the Future was written and directed by Phil Lollar, with sound design by Luke Know and Zach Snyder, and music by John Campbell. Our executive producer was Dave Arnold.

Our cast included Philip Glassboro, Chris Anthony Lansdowne, Katie Leigh, Dashal McGaha Schletter, Shona Rodman, Mike Shapiro, Andre Stojka, Caitlyn Thorburn, and Archer Vatano. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.