| Remind your child that all good gifts come from God above. From natural and spiritual giftedness to our material possessions, help them understand that God has a purpose for everything He has entrusted to us. Then listen to the story of Saul with your child for an example of someone who was given a great opportunity and chose to use it poorly. Visit www.pawsandtales.org to download your free Tools for Parents guide for each episode.
September 1—The Gift—God Has Given Us Gifts
Hugh and his gang are caught committing a crime, and C.J. alerts Officer Hunt. Now Hugh wants revenge! In his weakest moment, C.J. discovers he has a gift that could only have come from God.
>>Download teaching tools for this episode!
Director’s Notes Teasers:
Headline: “Gift or Curse?”
Have you ever received a gift that later became something of a curse? Many people play the lottery hoping a big win will provide them financial security and happiness. But various studies over the years show that unplanned windfalls can bring other complications and winners typically experience no greater happiness than they had before their wins. Conversely, perhaps you have known someone whose disabilities or setbacks have become a true gift to the person or to those who know him or her. This week David Carl explains how God can turn the unexpected things into wonderful gifts.
September 8—The Dedication—Being a Good Steward
“The Fortress” is finally completed, but The Club can’t agree on what to use it for! Surprised by an uninvited “guest,” The Club must work together to discover the fortress’s true purpose.
>>Download teaching tools for this episode!
Director’s Notes Teasers:
Headline: “Hands Off My Stuff!”
Do you have a garage full of stuff you seldom use anymore? Most of us do. And yet, if someone were to come by while your garage door was open and help himself to some of that stuff, we’d pitch a fit, wouldn’t we? What if God wanted something you didn’t want to give up? David Carl explains why it is essential that we have the proper focus on what is truly ours and how God intends for us to use it.
September 15—Eye of the Tiger—Do Everything for the Lord
Marsha goes head to head with spelling bee champ, Tiffany Rockler. When Tiffany shows her true colors, Marsha must decide if the championship is worth winning at any cost. It’s a real D-I-L-E-M-M-A!
>>Download teaching tools for this episode!
Director’s Notes Teasers:
Headline: “Outwit, Outlast, Sellout?”
So-called “reality television” has become a cultural phenomenon. Networks pump out seemingly endless variations on the same basic formula: game shows on steroids interrupted by soap operas. In the end they all ask the same questions, “How far would you go to win something? Would you be ruthless? Would you lie? Would you cheat?” The questions are compelling, which explains the huge ratings these shows generate. In this week’s Director’s Notes, David Carl discusses the importance of properly defining the goal of a game—and it’s not winning.
September 22—The Story of Saul, Part 1—Responding to God’s Call
“We want a king like the other nations!” The nation of Israel turns its back on God’s leadership and calls for a king to be chosen from among them. But following God’s direction, the prophet Samuel makes an unlikely choice—a man whose last job was rounding up wild donkeys!
>>Download teaching tools for this episode!
Director’s Notes Teasers:
Headline: “Answering the Call”
David Carl writes, “When we are called by God to a task, the proper question is not, ‘Am I capable?’ but ‘Am I willing?’ You are not ready; I guarantee it! God wants you to be overwhelmed; He wants to change you into something entirely different than you are now.” Read about what happens when we answer God’s call in this week’s Director’s Notes.
September 29—The Story of Saul, Part 2—Learning to Step Up to the Challenge
A reluctant king rises to the challenge of leading a nation. King Saul’s humility and obedience brings his people back to worshiping God. But as the Philistine armies prepare to attack, the king’s faith is put to the ultimate test.
>>Download teaching tools for this episode!
Director’s Notes Teasers:
Headline: “A Humbling Thought”
David Carl writes, “It is curious how we tend to be afraid and humble and open to suggestion at the beginning, but then after some success, when God steps in and does the improbable or even the impossible, we begin to scoop up the credit by armloads for ourselves. This tendency alone should be proof of the darkness of the heart of man. . . . The problem with us Christians . . . is that we think of ourselves entirely too much in every way!” Humility is making God the center of our thoughts and our goals and our hopes. Read about the poison of pride in this week’s Director’s Notes.
| 
