Paws & Tales

Gooz: Hey everyone, Gooz here for Paws & Tales. I think it’s time for you to become famous, and I have just the plan to get you rolling. Pop over to pawsandtales.org and download one of the radio scripts we have there. Record yourself on your parent's phone reading it like you’re a real actor.

We have several scripts for you to choose from. Then, just have your parents go to pawsandtales.org and head on into the clubhouse and upload it there. We’ll use some of them inside an actual episode. Record it serious or record it silly; we’re going to love it either way. Get your radio script at pawsandtales.org and let’s start your new career as a radio announcer to the world.

Insight for Living: Welcome to the world of Paws & Tales. Wild Mountain can be a pretty dangerous place. Stay on the trails and stick with me. There’s adventure to be had there too. Come on, CJ, jump! It’s too far! It wasn't too far for me. Insight for Living is proud to present Paws & Tales.

Howdy, and welcome to Wildwood. It’s been a long day for CJ and Stacy, what with school, ball games, and finally, the collecting of some of the finest pollywogs you ever did see. Now you’d think it was the perfect time to stop and tell a good story or do a little daydreaming, but not these two.

Stacy: CJ, that can’t be right. 70 times seven? That’s impossible.

CJ: That’s the whole point, Stacy. We should forgive people as many times as it takes. 70 times seven is just a big number that means forever. We should keep forgiving over and over.

Stacy: Where does Papa Chuck come up with this stuff?

CJ: That would be the Bible.

Stacy: Don’t you think that’s awfully hard to do? Forgive somebody over and over and over?

CJ: I don’t see why. If you can forgive them once, why can’t you do it again? Besides, if you made a mistake, wouldn't you want someone to forgive you?

Stacy: Yes.

CJ: So?

Stacy: If I punched you... ouch! Oh, I’m sorry. Did that hurt? Forgive me, CJ?

CJ: Okay.

Stacy: Thanks. Ouch! What’s the matter with you?

Stacy: Sorry, guess I slipped. Forgive me again?

CJ: Very funny.

Stacy: I’m serious. Would you forgive me for punching you in the arm?

CJ: Well, yeah, just don’t do it again.

Stacy: Okay. But if I do, you’ll forgive me, right?

CJ: I guess so, but you might have to start forgiving me too.

Stacy: For what?

CJ: Something like that!

Stacy: Ouch! Papa Chuck’s going to have to do this lesson again.

Guest (Male): Did the girlie hurt little CJ?

CJ: Hugh.

Guest (Male): I always knew Stacy was the man of your group.

CJ: What do you want, McLaw?

Hugh McLaw: I have a proposition for you, but I’m willing to wait until you finish your little punching match. Back off, cat breath! Now it’s insults. Just for that, I may not give you the chance to see the fastest soapbox derby car in the country.

Stacy: Soapbox derby car? Let me guess, yours, right?

Hugh McLaw: You’re not as dumb as you look, Brown. So how about it? You ready to see this year’s derby winner?

CJ: Forget it, McLaw. Not interested.

Hugh McLaw: I wasn't talking to you.

CJ: Stacy’s not interested either.

Hugh McLaw: What are you, her spokesman? Have it your way, Stacy. Tell this clown you’re not interested. Stacy?

Stacy: Actually...

Hugh McLaw: I knew it!

CJ: You can’t be serious.

Hugh McLaw: Right this way, Stace.

Stacy: Hugh, just give me a second.

Hugh McLaw: Sure. I’ll tell you what; I’ll be over at the store getting a soda pop. When you’re done with little CJ, you can come and get me.

CJ: Stacy, are you crazy?

Stacy: This will give me a chance to check out the competition.

CJ: You’ve won the derby the past three years without checking out the competition.

Stacy: I’m just going to look at his soapbox racer. Maybe I can get him to let me drive it.

CJ: Stacy!

Stacy: What? What is the big deal?

CJ: Hugh, that’s what! You can’t trust him.

Stacy: Just what do you think he’s going to do?

CJ: I don’t know. That’s what has me worried.

Stacy: CJ.

CJ: You can’t go. I won’t let you.

Stacy: Can’t? Let me? Look, CJ Brown, you’re not my boss. I’ll do what I want. I’m not afraid of Hugh. I can take care of myself.

Insight for Living: CJ had a bad feeling about this.

Hugh McLaw: So, Stacy, you ready to see the fastest soapbox derby car ever?

Stacy: Yeah, yeah, enough of your big talk.

Hugh McLaw: Ta-da!

Stacy: Whoa, not bad. What color you going to paint it?

Hugh McLaw: This car is so fast, the paint will peel right off.

Stacy: Whatever.

Hugh McLaw: So what do you say? You want to try her out?

Stacy: Maybe.

Hugh McLaw: Maybe? You’re about to come out of your skin to drive it. Hunker Hill is waiting.

Stacy: Well, I would, but we’re not supposed to.

Hugh McLaw: It ain't illegal.

Stacy: Officer Hunt said no more racing on Hunker Hill.

Hugh McLaw: It’s the best place to see how fast this baby can go. Unless you’re afraid?

Stacy: I’m not afraid.

Hugh McLaw: Right. You’ll go down a little soapbox derby hill, but when it comes to real driving, you can’t handle it.

Stacy: I can handle it.

Hugh McLaw: You want everybody to think that’s true, but deep down, you know it ain't. Deep down, you know you’re just not as good as a guy.

Stacy: Okay, Mr. Trash-Talking Furball. I’m just as good as any boy.

Hugh McLaw: Prove it. If you’ve got the nerve.

Stacy: Helmet, please.

Hugh McLaw: No helmet.

Stacy: Only a dummy would do this without a helmet.

Hugh McLaw: What could happen?

Stacy: All right, step aside.

Insight for Living: Stacy climbed in the seat of that soapbox car and Hugh gave her a big push. She raced down Hunker Hill at top speed. At the bottom of the hill, CJ walked out of the general store just in time to see Stacy crash.

Araya: Hi, I’m Araya Sunshine from North Carolina. You know what I like to listen to the most? Paws & Tales, of course. There is more Paws & Tales coming right up.

Guest (Male): So Dave, noticed anything really new and really, really nice?

Insight for Living: Dave, is that the new Christmas Wag Bag?

Guest (Male): Yes, as a matter of fact, it is. A fashionable drawstring backpack filled with a Paws & Tales t-shirt, a ball cap, a very special pen made from a tree branch, and one of our activity coloring books.

Insight for Living: All of that can be under your tree for Christmas.

Guest (Male): Just jump over to pawsandtales.org and get one for your Christmas Paws & Tales fan.

Papa Chuck: CJ. Gooz.

Gooz: Oh, Papa Chuck.

Papa Chuck: It’s all right, Gooz. CJ, how is she?

CJ: We don’t know yet. Doc Lowe is still in with her. Her folks are in there too.

Papa Chuck: How did this happen?

CJ: Hugh McLaw, that’s how. He made her ride down Hunker Hill in a soapbox car.

Papa Chuck: He made her? That doesn't sound like Stacy.

CJ: All right, tricked her then. The result’s the same. I saw her flying down the hill out of control, bounce off that telephone pole, and smash into a picket fence. By the time I got to her, she was bleeding and not moving. I thought she was...

Gooz: CJ!

CJ: When I looked up the hill, I saw Hugh laughing his head off.

Gooz: Oh, he’s so bad.

Doc Lowe: Papa Chuck.

Papa Chuck: Hey, Doc.

CJ: Is Stacy all right?

Gooz: Is she going to make it? If you need me to donate a kidney or a nostril or something... oh.

Papa Chuck: How is she, Doc?

Doc Lowe: She has a broken arm and lots of scrapes and bruises, but she’s also still unconscious. She wasn't wearing a helmet. When will you kids learn? There’s a knot on her head that feels like a baseball. That’s our main worry. The next 24 hours will be critical.

Papa Chuck: Can we see her?

Doc Lowe: You can, but no kids, I’m afraid. Sorry, guys.

Papa Chuck: You two stay here. Her folks are still with her. She needs rest, so don’t stay too long. I won’t. Thanks, Doc.

CJ: Come on, Gooz.

Gooz: Papa Chuck said to stay.

CJ: I said come on.

Gooz: Where are we going?

CJ: To find Hugh.

Gooz: Are you sure that’s such a good idea, CJ?

CJ: Gooz, Stacy could have been killed. No one gets away with trying to hurt my best friend. Not even Hugh McLaw.

Gooz: What are you going to do?

CJ: I’m going to make sure Hugh feels some pain for a change.

Gooz: Hugh McLaw, right? Big, strong, mean as a hornet. That guy?

CJ: I’ve made up my mind.

Gooz: Well, change it. He’s bigger, tougher, and meaner than you. Oh, and did I mention bigger?

CJ: I’m tired of Hugh pushing us around. It’s time someone stood up to him. Ah! Hello there, Hugh McLaw. McLaw!

Hugh McLaw: CJ? Hey, how’s Stacy?

CJ: What are you doing here, huh? Come to finish the job?

Hugh McLaw: What are you talking about?

CJ: You know what. You tricked Stacy into riding in your car because you knew she’d get hurt.

Hugh McLaw: Hey, little bear cub, if I wanted to hurt your friend, I’d just punch her in the nose.

CJ: You knew you couldn't beat her in the derby fair and square, so you took her out before the race.

Hugh McLaw: Back off, CJ.

CJ: I’m not going to back off. I’m tired of backing off. You’re nothing but a bully, a cheat, and a coward, McLaw. This time, you’re backing away.

Hugh McLaw: I didn't come for you, big mouth. Get out of my way.

CJ: No!

Insight for Living: All right, all right, that’s enough. Break it up. That’s enough.

Hugh McLaw: Hey, he started it.

CJ: You started it when you moved here.

Insight for Living: CJ, enough. Hugh, I think it’s best if you leave.

Hugh McLaw: Hey, I got as much right to be here as anybody.

Insight for Living: Yes, you do, but right now, it’d be better if you left.

Hugh McLaw: Fine. I don’t need this.

CJ: No one needs you, McLaw. CJ, why’d you stop me?

Gooz: Well, you were getting whipped like an egg for one.

Insight for Living: CJ, relax. Your anger is going to get you into some real trouble. You’re going to have to forgive him.

CJ: Some people don’t deserve forgiveness.

Gooz: Papa Chuck.

Papa Chuck: Go with him, Gooz. He’s not thinking clearly.

Gooz: Yes, sir.

Papa Chuck: Lord Jesus, help CJ understand your ways. Protect him and give him a spirit of forgiveness.

Insight for Living: There weren't any more fights between CJ and Hugh that day. But CJ did call an emergency meeting of the club at the fortress to fill them in on the situation, after a fashion.

CJ: Hugh has shown his true colors this time. He’s not content to just bully us anymore. Now he’s trying to pick us off one by one.

Gooz: No!

CJ: You heard me right. He tried to kill Stacy in his soapbox car. When that didn't work, he came to the hospital to finish the job. Fortunately, I was there to stop him.

Gooz: Oh, brother. CJ, you were like a bug on Hugh’s windshield. Actually, Papa Chuck stopped him.

CJ: Gooz! It’s the truth! We have to work together to stop Hugh. Gooz, hand out the papers.

Gooz: Right.

CJ: As you’ll see, I’ve put us in pairs. We need to stand guard at the hospital day and night until Stacy gets out of there. Ned and Marsha, you’re on the first watch. We have to protect Stacy and each other. Got it?

Guest (Male): Okay. You got it, CJ.

CJ: All right, get going. Gooz, you come with me.

Gooz: Where are we going?

CJ: To hunt up a little evidence.

Insight for Living: CJ and Gooz made their way to the bottom of Hunker Hill. And there, by the picket fence, was a pile of boards and wheels that used to be Hugh’s soapbox derby car.

Gooz: I don’t get it, CJ. What kind of evidence?

CJ: Evidence to put Hugh away.

Gooz: Ah. I don’t get it. We can’t beat up Hugh.

CJ: I think we proved that. Gooz, so we’ll do it legally.

Gooz: Oh. I don’t get it.

CJ: Look, if anyone knows how to handle a derby car going down a steep hill, it’s Stacy.

Gooz: That’s for sure.

CJ: So it doesn't make sense that she could go out of control and crash. Unless something was wrong with the car. Something like this.

Gooz: Oh my goodness.

CJ: Gooz, go get Officer Hunt. Whoa, I’m going to go get Officer Hunt. Yeah, evidence to put Hugh McLaw away for good.

Zion: Hi, I’m Zion from Brant, Ontario. Don’t go away; there’s more Paws & Tales coming right up.

Gooz: Do you know what’s the biggest problem?

Insight for Living: I guess I don’t.

Gooz: What to wear! I get so excited about going to school that I don’t plan stuff out very well. I wore my shirt on backwards last week, don’t you know?

Insight for Living: Here is one of our newly made Paws & Tales t-shirts. It has the Paws & Tales logo on the front, so you’ll never be confused and wear it backwards.

Gooz: It would be so great if people could just go onto pawsandtales.org and order one. Gooz, I think you’re a genius.

That evening, Papa Chuck was quietly reading in his favorite chair when... who would be coming... Papa Chuck?

Papa Chuck: Hugh.

Hugh McLaw: Can we talk?

Papa Chuck: Sure, come in. What’s this all about?

Hugh McLaw: I just wanted to know how Stacy’s doing.

Papa Chuck: Well, not great. She still hasn't woken up.

Hugh McLaw: Oh, man.

Papa Chuck: Is that all, Hugh?

Hugh McLaw: No. This wasn't supposed to happen. I thought she could handle the car, but maybe get a little scared, but not hurt.

Papa Chuck: CJ said the car wasn't safe.

Hugh McLaw: It was safe. I promise, Papa Chuck. I made a rattletrap car last year, but this time, I was careful. I promise.

Papa Chuck: CJ also said you were laughing at Stacy.

Hugh McLaw: Not when I saw she was really hurt. At first, I thought she was faking. I didn't want her to get hurt. I’m sorry.

Papa Chuck: It’s not me you need to apologize to.

Hugh McLaw: I want to tell Stacy, but every time I get near her, the club’s all over me. I just want to tell her I’m sorry.

Papa Chuck: I can help you do that. Let’s go down there together.

CJ: He is here, Officer Hunt. Grab him!

Officer Hunt: Now just hold on a minute, CJ.

CJ: Gooz saw you coming in here, McLaw. You’re not going to get away this time.

Papa Chuck: CJ, that’s enough. What’s going on here, Hunt?

Officer Hunt: Seems there was a problem with Hugh’s soapbox car.

Hugh McLaw: Like what?

Officer Hunt: This. A piece of wire. Big deal. It’s the brake line from your car, Hugh. And it’s been cut.

Hugh McLaw: What?

CJ: Where are your wise cracks now, huh?

Hugh McLaw: Hey, I didn't do it. Maybe it snapped during the crash.

Officer Hunt: Not likely. This is heavy-gauge wire.

CJ: You cut it, Hugh. You tried to kill Stacy.

Hugh McLaw: No! No, I didn't!

Officer Hunt: I’m afraid you’re going to have to come with me, Hugh.

Hugh McLaw: But I didn't do it! Honest, I didn't! I didn't do it!

CJ: You’re in such big trouble, pal, and you’re going to stay in it for a long time.

Papa Chuck: CJ. Hugh McLaw is going down. Oh, CJ.

Insight for Living: Well, the next day, the rest of the club was celebrating with CJ when they heard the news about Hugh. And then they had even more reason to celebrate when they heard that Stacy was awake and doing well. After her folks had hugged and kissed her the better part of the morning, Papa Chuck and CJ went in to see her.

Stacy: I can’t believe I was so dumb. No helmet. No taking it slow to figure it out.

CJ: Don’t blame yourself, Stace.

Stacy: Doc Lowe said I’m doing good. Might still be able to compete in the derby.

Papa Chuck: Stacy, I think it’s safe to say you’ll be sitting this one out. The important thing is for you to get better.

Stacy: So, I guess Hugh’s car is a mess?

CJ: Not only out of the race, he’s out of circulation.

Stacy: What?

CJ: Hugh’s in big trouble. Could get kicked out of school.

Stacy: Why?

CJ: He cut the brake line on his car before you got in it. That’s why you crashed.

Stacy: Oh no.

CJ: He won’t be cutting any more brake lines. He might not even be able to play outside. Isn't that great?

Stacy: Oh no. Stacy, you all right? You want me to get Doc Lowe?

Stacy: No.

CJ: You look sick.

Stacy: I am. But not from the crash.

CJ: What’s wrong?

Stacy: He didn't cut the brake line.

CJ: Stacy, I saw it. So did Officer Hunt. And he told me...

Stacy: He didn't cut the brake line. I crashed on purpose.

CJ: What? You?

Stacy: On the way down the hill, I could tell halfway down that Hugh’s car was faster than mine. A lot faster. I thought I could control it enough to crash it without getting hurt. I forgot how steep the bottom half of the hill is.

Papa Chuck: Stacy, what were you thinking?

Stacy: Well, Hugh kept bragging, and then he said I was afraid. It got to me. And besides, I wanted to win. Or at least keep Hugh from winning. I got what I deserved. But Hugh is innocent.

Papa Chuck: What am I going to do with you? Stacy, good grief. After all the talks we’ve had about forgiveness.

CJ: We know about forgiveness.

Papa Chuck: Well, maybe it’s time you do something about forgiveness.

CJ: What do you mean? Like what?

Papa Chuck: Yesterday, when you jumped on Hugh, he was on his way here to apologize to Stacy.

CJ: No way.

Papa Chuck: He told me last night before you decided to turn him over to Officer Hunt.

CJ: Oh no. We got to fix this. We can fix this, can’t we, Papa Chuck?

Papa Chuck: I don’t know if there’s a way to fix this, Stacy, but I do know a lot of it needs to start and soon. You need to ask God to forgive you. You need to forgive Hugh, and then you need to ask his forgiveness. We will. We will. Where are you going? To get Hugh off the hook.

Insight for Living: CJ and Stacy did pray a lot while Papa Chuck raced down to the jail to free Hugh. The young cougar didn't say much when Papa Chuck told him everything that had happened. In fact, before he ran off, he said just one thing.

Hugh McLaw: Oh, they’re going to be so sorry.

Insight for Living: A couple of days later, there was a knock at Hugh’s door.

CJ: Hey, Hugh.

Hugh McLaw: I can’t believe it. You better get out of here, CJ.

CJ: I will, but first I need to ask you something.

Hugh McLaw: What?

CJ: I need to ask for you to forgive me.

Stacy: Me too, Hugh.

Hugh McLaw: Stacy?

Stacy: There’s no excuse for what I did. I’m so sorry.

CJ: We know you’d be well within your rights not to forgive us, but...

Stacy: But we’re asking you to anyway. Hugh, please forgive us?

Hugh McLaw: You guys think that just saying sorry makes everything all right. Well, it don’t.

CJ: We kind of figured you’d feel that way. That’s why we brought a gift for you.

Hugh McLaw: Gift? What gift?

CJ: It’s out here. Look.

Hugh McLaw: Your soapbox car?

Stacy: Winner of the last three derbies. It’s not as fast as your car was, but it’ll beat any of the other cars. And it’s yours.

Hugh McLaw: Well, what are you driving?

Stacy: Nothing. I’m not going to be in the race.

CJ: Neither of us are.

Hugh McLaw: Why are you really doing this?

CJ: To show you how sorry we are.

Stacy: And to ask your forgiveness. Well, have a nice race.

Hugh McLaw: Wait a minute.

Stacy: Yeah?

Hugh McLaw: I’m not going to forgive you. But I could use your help in the race. If that’s okay, I mean.

Stacy: Okay. I think we could do that.

Insight for Living: The derby that year was the best one the town had ever had. And though Hugh never said he forgave CJ and Stacy, he also never got back at them either. At least, not for wrecking his car and getting him in so much trouble. I think winning the race may have helped his attitude some.

As for CJ and Stacy, they did feel bad about not being in the race, but they both learned a valuable lesson about the importance of forgiving and being forgiven. And that kind of learning is better than winning a soapbox derby any day of the week.

There's something you can give someone that doesn't cost a thing. It's better than a pot of gold or any diamond ring. It's not in any store or any catalog, it's true. But you can give it every day because God gave it to you. Forgiveness, forgiveness, oh each and every day you live it's such a blessed thing to give. Forgiveness, though sometimes hard to do, since God's forgiven us, we can forgive each other too. Forgiveness, gotta give a lot. That's what you should do. Forgiveness, give it all you got. Yes, it's up to you.

Well, it's easy enough to talk about or sing it in a song, but quite a different story when someone has done you wrong. So when you've been mistreated for what seems the hundredth time, remember all God's mercies, then in your heart you'll find forgiveness, forgiveness. Oh, each and every day you live it's such a blessed thing to give. Forgiveness, though sometimes hard to do, since God's forgiven us, we can forgive each other too.

So when someone has hurt you don't get angry, don't get bitter. When you feel like getting even, take a moment to consider that we all make mistakes, some in word and some in deed. So don't forget the times ahead when you yourself will need forgiveness, forgiveness. Oh, each and every day you live it's such a blessed thing to give. Forgiveness, it's the way to start anew. Since God's forgiven us, then we should be the ones who always give forgiveness, forgiveness. Well, that might sound repetitive, but that's the way you've got to give forgiveness. It's the way to start anew. Since God's forgiven us, we can forgive each other too. Since God's forgiven us.

There's something you can give someone that doesn't cost a thing.

To order a copy of today's program, "The Hullabaloo at Hunker Hill," just log on to pawsandtales.org. "The Hullabaloo at Hunker Hill" was written by Jeff White and directed by David Carl. Our script supervisor was Phil Lawlor. The song, "Forgiveness," was written by Sandy Howell and Nick Brown. Music was by Tim Hosman, and our sound designer was Jerry Swafford. Paws & Tales is an Insight for Living production.