300P - Personal Development

300 #'s indicate VC's for children.

NOTE: TEACHERS OF JUNIORS (4th through 6th grades)- You will find material for your students aged for (E) and (J) here. However, the materials aged for (J/JH) and (J/A), which includes much of the materials for your students, are listed in the Videocassettes/DVDs for Youth and Adult section. Please look in the topical index for (J/JH) and (J/A) to find them.

All MRC VC's are VHS unless otherwise noted. All visuals are Color Photo unless otherwise indicated.

-P- (Personal Development)

VCP-301 THE HATING MOVIE- (E); 15 min.; Phoenix, 1987.

Because of a misunderstanding, the friendship between Karen and Amy is threatened. When Amy decides to communicate directly with Karen, the misunderstanding is cleared up and the relationship restored.

VCP-303 WENDY AND THE WHINE- (K/Pri); 10 min.; Cartoon Animation; Family Films, 1987.

Wendy is a whiner, but with Grandma's advice she learns how annoying whining is and how she can overcome her problem with God's help.

VCP-306 THE KIDS OF DEGRASSI STREET SERIES- (Jr./Jr. Hi); 26 min. ea.; Beacon Films, 1984-86.

An award-winning series about children in an urban neighborhood who find themselves involved in typical situations and decisions which will give direction to their lives as adults.

.1 MARTIN HEARS THE MUSIC- Martin is embarrassed because of his hearing aid and Rachel is unhappy at being overweight. Through their working on the school show both learn concern for others and self-respect.

.2 GRIFF GETS A HAND- Griff is a recently-orphaned boy who lives with his older brother. When his friend Danny, the school crossing guard, suddenly dies, Griff is unable to cope with another loss. Through encouragement from his brother and friend, Lisa, he eventually realizes that people care for him.

.3 KAREN KEEPS HER WORD- Karen lets Pete down as a partner in a window-washing venture. When Pete falls off a ladder, Karen feels terrible. Later Karen tries to make amends by figuring out how to help Pete keep his business going. She also supports her friend Casey when she follows through on a commitment and makes an unpopular decision.

.4 LISA GETS THE PICTURE- lost and deleted

.5 JEFFERY FINDS A FRIEND- Jeffery makes a new friend but loses a bet when he takes time from his studies to help Griff, who is failing math.

.6 GRIFF MAKES A DATE- The budding friendship between Lisa and Griff is almost destroyed by Griff's treatment of the mentally handicapped school crossing guard. Lisa's reaction makes Griff aware of his thoughtlessness and he is mature enough to make amends to the guard and change his attitude.

.7 RACHEL RUNS FOR OFFICE- Rachel Hewitt and Billy Martin are opposing candidates in a school election. Billy runs on personality and dancing talent while Rachel sticks to the issues. When given some personal information about Billy, Rachel refuses to use it. The outcome of the voting makes winners out of all the participants.

.8 MARTIN MEETS THE PIRATES- Pete and Melanie are threatened and roughed up by a street gang. When Melanie tells her brother Martin about the Pirates, she discovers that he had been considering joining their gang. Instead, he and Melanie rally the neighborhood to scare off the Pirates.

.9 CATHERINE FINDS HER BALANCE- Catherine Peters' parents have been separated for some time in an unfriendly divorce. Because Catherine often feels caught in the middle she tells lies to discourage her parents from attending a gymnastics event. When neither parent comes to see her win an award, she realizes that honesty in communicating her feelings is the best way to balance her life.

.10 BENJAMIN WALKS THE DOG- Billy thinks his little brother, Benjy, is an embarrassing tag-along. When Billy and his friend get a job walking a dog, they turn it over to Benjy. After a misadventure with an experiment with smoking, a missing dog and brother, Billy comes to realize how important his little brother is to him.

.11 CONNIE MAKES A CATCH- Three of the DeGrassi youngsters try to change themselves to conform with what they think will bring them acceptance. It is Rachel's advice "Just be yourself" that finally proves to be the key to achieving their goals.

VCP-307 HARRY THE DIRTY DOG- (K/E); 18 min.; Guide; Barr Films.

Harry, a dog who does not want a bath, runs away from home. After many misadventures he returns home and decides that home is the best place to be.

VCP-309 THE CHOICE – FRIENDSHIP, DOUG HAS TO CHOOSE- (E/A); 21 min.; Phoenix Films, 1988.

Tells the story of a young boy's difficult choice between an old friend and a new friend. Shows examples of peer pressure, prejudice against the poor, and values decisions.

VCP-310 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS SHEILA THE GREAT –Handling Your Fears- (E/JH); 23 min.; Guide; Barr Films, 1989.

Based on Judy Blume's humorous book about a 10-year-old girl who learns to face up to her fears and overcome them. She also learns about friendship and telling the truth.

VCP-311 HUMAN RACE CLUB- (E), Color Photos/Cartoon; guides; Innervision Productions, 1989.

Each tape contains a teaching guide with summary and suggestions for classroom use. Each program includes a cast of animated, multi-cultural characters –the elementary-age members of the "Human Race Club". The narrator, Joy Wilt Berry, introduces each cartoon story and near the end draws the instructional message of the story.

.1 THE UNFORGETTABLE PEN PAL: A STORY ABOUT PREJUDICE & DISCRIMINATION- 25 min. A. J. and his new pen pal named Joey quickly become friends because of their avid interest in basketball. Because of a misunderstanding and A. J.'s expression of prejudice against the disabled, their friendship is destroyed.

.2 THE LETTER ON LIGHT-BLUE STATIONERY: A STORY ABOUT SELF-ESTEEM- 22 min. One member of the Human Race Club, Casey, expresses his sense of feeling like a nobody. Pamela reminds him of the uniqueness of every person by recounting the story of a classmate whose death taught them all how each person is special - "one-of-a-kind".

.3 THE LEAN MEAN MACHINE: A STORY ABOUT HANDLING EMOTIONS- 24 min. Maggie assumes that she will represent the Human Race Club in the hometown Go-Cart Derby, but her run-away emotions steer her on a collision course into trouble. Kids learn how to handle strong emotions and uncomfortable feelings.

.4 CASEY'S REVENGE- A STORY ABOUT FIGHTS BETWEEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS; 25 min. When Casey can't stop his sister Theresa from embarrassing him, he decides to "pay her back" during a special slide presentation at her birthday party. Video shows kids why revenge doesn't work and how everyone wins when brothers and sisters respect one another.

.5 A HIGH PRICE TO PAY- A STORY ABOUT EARNING MONEY; 25 min. When Teddy ribs Jeff about being rich, Jeff invites Teddy to spend the weekend to see how the "rich Cassidys" actually live. Teddy is surprised to learn that there is a price to be paid for everything. Kids learn valuable lessons about money and possessions.

.6 THE FAIR WEATHER FRIEND- A STORY ABOUT MAKING FRIENDS; 26 min. A. J. learns that friends should be chosen for who they are not for what they have.

VCP-312 THROUGH GRANDPA'S EYES: A STORY OF AWARENESS AND LOVE- (C/A); 20 min.; Guide; Barr, 1987.

Shows the loving relationship of a young boy and his blind grandfather as they spend the day together. Grandpa shares the insights of his years, his experience and his blindness with Johnny. Useful for themes of love, relationships, patience, individual gifts and handicapped.

VCP-313 McGEE AND ME SERIES- (E); 30 min. ea.; guides; Color Photos/Animation; Focus on the Family, l989.

Nicholas is an 11 year-old boy who has created an animated cartoon friend named McGee. Through many adventures they learn a series of scripturally-based values.

.1 THE BIG LIE- Nicholas and McGee discover that telling lies is not a convenient way to make friends.

.2 A STAR IN THE BREAKING- Nicholas and McGee learn the value of being humble and accepting the fact that some people are better than you are at certain things.

.3 THE NOT-SO-GREAT ESCAPE- Nicholas and McGee learn the value of obedience and wise decision-making.

.4 SKATE EXPECTATIONS- Nicholas and McGee learn the value of showing love and kindness to others. (Good Samaritan)

.5 TWISTER AND SHOUT- Nicholas and McGee learn to overcome loneliness and fear through trust in God.

.6 BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD- Nicholas and McGee learn that jealousy causes a lot of hurt, anger, and frustration - especially for the one who's jealous.

.7 DO THE BRIGHT THING- McGee leads us on an animated tour of Nick's head to explore how Nick makes decisions. Situations occur which require Nick to evaluate various factors in making choices.

.8 TAKE ME OUT OF THE BALL GAME- Nicholas and McGee - with the help of special guest Orel Hershiser - learn about the importance of keeping things in the right perspective and putting faith in God, not people.

.9 THE FIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS- Nicholas and McGee learn about God's love for people who are hard to love and the need for Christians to reach out to the unlovable.

VCP-313 THE NEW ADVENTURES OF McGEE AND ME SERIES- (J/JH); 1992+. Nicholas has become a teenager and his escapades are of special interest to juniors and junior high kids.

.10 IN THE NICK OF TIME- (40 min.) - After a thrilling mountain-climbing adventure in the High Sierras, Nick and his friends (aided, of course, by McGee) learn the meaning of courage and that God gives us courage when we ask.

.11 THE BLUNDER YEARS- (33 min.) - Nick tries to be "cool" by wearing hip shades, just the right shirt and an arrogant "attitude". In the process he sacrifices relationships with his family and friends. McGee gets a screaming red convertible. Nicholas makes some blunders but eventually discovers what is really important.

.12 BEAUTY AND THE LEAST- (43 min.) - Nicholas and his family learn about sharing, loving your neighbor, and being unselfish as they entertain Nicholas' pen pal from Romania. An unusual Thanksgiving holiday inspires a new understanding of Thanksgiving.

VCP-314 MADI- (E); 26 min.; guide; Barr, 1987.

Without using any dialogue, this touching film portrays the struggle of a young black boy (Madi) and a young German boy (Gerdt) to overcome barriers to their becoming friends. Outstanding film for reconciliation.

VCP-315 HENRY'S DECISION- (E); 26 min.; Guide; Phoenix/BFA, 1987.

Henry is a shy, awkward child who thinks of himself as a wimp. He is picked on by the class bullies. When a small, shy newcomer comes, Henry tries to gain acceptance by teasing him. Henry's true character and sense of values win out in the end.

VCP-318 YOUTH GUIDANCE VIDEO SERIES FOR ELEM. SCHOOL CHILDREN- (E);10 videos; 25 min. ea.; Guide; Live Wire Video Productions, 1990.

Combines comedy, drama, music, peer-education and role modeling. Each program features a compelling skit in which one of the characters must make a choice. Michael Pritchard, comedian and juvenile officer, facilitates a spontaneous, unrehearsed problem-solving session with kids.

.1 YOU CAN CHOOSE: BEING RESPONSIBLE- Irresponsible Rhonda wins the respect of her friends and self-esteem by making a responsible choice. Michael Pritchard leads a discussion with real kids about responsibility and Rhonda's choices.

.2 YOU CAN CHOOSE: COOPERATION- Moose decides to leave his school quartet because they want to sing a song in which he is not featured. After overhearing Michael Pritchard and real kids talk about the benefits of cooperation, he chooses to rejoin the quartet.

.3 YOU CAN CHOOSE: DEALING WITH FEELINGS- As Tuggy and his best friend, Moose, prepare to go on a camping trip, Tuggy begins to panic about being away from home. His failure to admit his feelings causes fighting and hurt feelings. After listening to Michael Pritchard and the kids, Tuggy chooses to confess his fears and the relationship is restored.

.4 YOU CAN CHOOSE: SAYING NO TO SMOKING!- Missy's best friend Rhonda, has just taken up smoking and wants her to do the same. After listening to the wise thoughts of Michael Pritchard and the kids, Missy makes the right choice and firmly, but gracefully, persuades Rhonda that smoking is a bad idea. Good for peer-pressure.

.5 DOING THE RIGHT THING- Rhonda and Fiona discover that doing what's right feels a lot better than doing what they can get away with. When they find a lost wallet on the playground, the girls struggle with the temptation to spend the money before concluding that it is not theirs to spend.

.6 DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT- Missie Mouse must learn to handle disappointments in a positive way. When her baseball team falls into last place, Missie almost gives up the sport before realizing that losing is not the same thing as being a loser.

.7 APPRECIATING YOURSELF- Tuggy Turtle learns that being himself is a lot better than pretending to be something he's not. Tuggy starts making up stories until his friends help him to recognize and appreciate his positive inner qualities.

.8 ASKING FOR HELP- Moose learns not to let pride or embarrassment get in the way of asking for help. After ruining a group science project, Moose finds that the only good way to cope with his "secret" reading problem is to get the help he needs to overcome it.

.9 BEING FRIENDS- Rhonda, Missie, and Fiona learn about the complex nature of friendship. When Missie is not invited to the "in" party, the three girls sort out some important issues about friendship and deal with what it means to be left out.

.10 RESOLVING CONFLICTS- Tuggy and Rhonda learn that there are ways to resolve disagreements without fighting. When a dispute between them puts their class art project in jeopardy, they learn to work out interpersonal conflicts in a peaceful and positive way.

VCP-319 VELVETEEN RABBIT- (Pre/E); 30 min.; Cartoon; Animated Investments, Inc., 1985.

Classic story of the Velveteen Rabbit who becomes real when he experiences the love of a little boy.

VCP-320 SELFISH SALLY- (Pre/Pri); 25 min.; Cartoon Animation; Guide; Family Films, 1991.

When Dad gives Sally a bunch of carnival tickets to share with her brother Andrew and her friends, Sally allows her greed to take over and she uses all the tickets for herself. Through her friends she learns that Jesus wants us to share our blessings. Good for friendship, sharing, and forgiveness.

VCP-322 FRIENDSHIP: THE GOOD TIMES...THE BAD TIMES- (J/JH); 24 min.-2 parts; Guide; Sunburst, 1990.

Part 1-Shows the pain of an outgrown friendship and some methods for finding new friends. Part 2-Presents 3 scenarios that exemplify some of the friendship problems that juniors and young teens may face. Topics covered are: peer pressure, loyalty, and responsibility. Includes discussion questions.

VCP-323 A VIEW FROM THE ZOO- (K/E); 3 videos, 2 15-min. stories ea.; Word, 1991.

A series of tales told by GARY RICHMOND, a former zoo keeper turned pastor, who uses real zoo experiences to teach values for children.

.1 HENRY AND THE GREAT FLOOD- From the story of the great flood and Henry the bear, zookeeper Gary Richmond, teaches the children to "hang in there" during times of trouble because God will be with them.

A SCARY NIGHT AT THE ZOO- After telling about a scary night at the zoo with an escaped chimpanzee, Gary reminds the children that home is the best place to be and that God has planned a heavenly home for us.

.2 MISS OTTER GOES TO THE MOVIES- Through a story of taming an otter at the zoo, Gary teaches the children about the verse in James that says we can tame animals but it is more difficult to tame the tongue.

THE PRODIGAL WOLF- Through the story of a tame young wolf who ran away and ended up in the zoo, Gary teaches that all things work together for good for those who love God.

.3 THE BACKYARD SAFARI- Using the story of a backyard safari for a black widow spider, Gary teaches the children the importance of obedience.

HOWARD THE HORRIBLE GETS EVEN- Through the story of Howard the horrible ostrich, Gary teaches the children the importance of loving the unlovable.

VCP-329 STORIES TO GROW ON SERIES- (Pre/E); 3 videos, 2 12 to 15-min. stories per tape; Schoolmasters, 1987.

Video series uses live action interspersed with cartoons as Ethel Barrett narrates the stories of personal development. Includes a Biblical truth at the end of each story.

.1 QUACKY AND WACKY- Learning you are special

Two little ducks that are hatched by a chicken, feel that they are "ugly chickens" until they are taken under the wing of a mother duck. Children learn that God thinks each one is special.

BUZZ BEE- Learning respect for authority

A worker bee becomes discontented when he has to take orders from the queen. When he and his cousins experiment with living without a queen they find that chaos results. Children learn that it is important to respect those in authority.

.2 ICE, WATER AND SNOW- Children see that being humble and not prideful is important for getting along.

CRACKERS- The horse who lost his temper

The horse learns that being stubborn and losing your temper can bring disastrous results. Children learn that Jesus makes us be more gentle and obedient.

.3 BLISTER THE LAMB- He learns the importance of obedience and of loving the Good Shepherd. Illustrates the Biblical parable of the Lost Sheep.

GREGORY THE GRUB- He thinks that there is more to life. He finally learns through the process of metamorphosis that there is a new and better life when he becomes a dragonfly.

VCP-331 THE LAST OUT- (E); 28 min.; Gospel Films, 1982.

Jose is in the 7th grade and loves to play baseball. He has been abandoned by his father, and his mother is too busy to take an interest in his activities. Wilbur is a hopeless ballplayer on Jose's team. Although Jose is disgusted with Wilbur's playing, he is envious of his mother's loyalty to him. The happy ending brings reconciliation as well as a surprise hit.

VCP-333 HAPPY BEING ME- (E); 11:19 min.; Guide; Brown/Roa, 1995.

This program uses stories from the Bible as examples of how Scriptures can teach us to believe in God and in ourselves when confronted with everyday situations that are hard on our self-esteem.

VCP-334 SECRET ADVENTURES SERIES- (E/JH); 30 min. ea.; Guides; includes cartoon animation; Broadman and Holman, 1993.

Drea Thomas is a typical teenager who faces all the usual struggles a 13-year old faces. She has a couple of unusual activities that make her stories exciting: (1) She keeps a diary by journalizing throughout the day on a small electronic recording device. (2) Because of her vivid imagination, she has created animated "secret adventures" into which she leads her baby-sitting regulars--Rebecca and Matt Long. These cartoon adventures are the context for the lesson Drea and the children learn in each episode.

.1 SPIN: TRUTH, TUBAS, AND GEORGE WASHINGTON- In this first adventure Drea learns the importance of telling the truth as she interacts with a rival in a school election campaign. In the animated adventure she and the children become fish who learn the value of honesty.

.2 SNAP: HOW TO ACT LIKE A RESPONSIBLE ALMOST ADULT- Drea's week-end turns into one wacky chase after another when she agrees to baby- sit Matt and Rebecca as well as Floyd, a sheep dog. After a series of misadventures, she learns about making choices and responsibility.

.3 SMASH: HOW TO SURVIVE JUNIOR HIGH BY REALLY TRYING- When budget cuts threaten their favorite school programs, 7th grader Drea Thomas and her friends agree to raise the money themselves. Video shows the value of teamwork.

.4 SHRUG: THE SELF-DOUBTING THOMAS- Drea Thomas has some experiences which cause her to doubt her own worth. Through a "secret adventure" she and her baby-sitting charges learn that each person has something he/she can do well.

.5 SNAG: I'M DREAMING OF A RIGHT CHRISTMAS- To avoid Christmas stress, Drea suggests that each member of the family give a present "from the heart" to one other person. As animated mice Drea, Matt, and Rebecca rediscover that Christmas is a matter of quality, not quantity.

.6 SLAM: FULL COURT PERSEVERANCE- Five-foot tall Drea Thomas thinks that making the basketball team is hopeless until a poster of basketball star A.C. Green reminds her that even the pros have challenges to overcome. Through the animated "secret adventure", Drea learns that it's heart, not height, that makes a winner.

.7 SPLIT: LOST AND FOUND- When Drea's father gets a job interview in California, she is excited about the L.A. interview trip. She becomes less excited when she thinks about what she would be leaving behind--her baby- sitting charges and her best friend. Through a secret adventure with some caterpillars, she learns that sometimes we have to leave our old life behind in order to go on to something better.

VCP-335 PREVENTING VIOLENCE WITH GROARK SERIES- (K/4th); 5 videos; 30 min. ea.; Guide; Live action & puppets; Livewire, 1996.

This series teaches young children valuable lessons that help them get along well, work out conflicts fairly and peacefully, and prevent violent behavior. The series is co-hosted by Groark--an affable childlike puppet dragon--and ventriloquist Randal McGee.

.1 GROARK LEARNS TO CONTROL ANGER- This program teaches children: (1) how anger can cause us to lose control of our behavior (2) how anger can lead to violence even when we don't intend it (3) how we can calm our anger and stay in control.

.2 GROARK LEARNS TO WORK OUT CONFLICTS- This program teaches children: (1) that conflicts between people are normal (2) how to prevent minor disagreements from escalating into serious fights (3) steps for working out conflicts fairly and peacefully.

.3 GROARK LEARNS TO LISTEN- This program teaches children: (1) how poor listening habits can cause serious trouble among people (2) why it is so important to be a good listener (3) how to be a good listener.

.4 GROARK LEARNS ABOUT BULLYING- This program teaches children: (1) to recognize different forms of bullying behavior (2) what's wrong with being a bully (3) why they should never participate in bullying behaviors.

.5 GROARK LEARNS ABOUT PREJUDICE- This program teaches children: (1) what prejudice is (2) what's wrong with being prejudiced (3) how to avoid being prejudiced (the benefits of being open to different kinds of people).

VCP-336 ADVENTURES FROM THE BOOK OF VIRTUES SERIES- (K/E); 5 videos; 30 min. ea.; Guide; Cartoon Animation; Porchlight Entertainment, 1997.

This video series is based on The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett. Each video presents 2 or more stories which portray the results of living out the virtue being emphasized. Anchoring the series are young Zach and Annie and a charming cast of animal characters, including Plato, a wise buffalo; Sock (Socrates), a wily bobcat; Ari (Aristotle), a prairie dog; and Aurora, a red-tailed hawk.

.1 RESPONSIBILITY- When Annie's mother presents her with a new bicycle to deliver cakes, she promises to be reliable with her gift. Instead, though, she wrecks it--along with the cakes--after impulsively accepting the challenge of a race. Plato points out the consequences of irresponsibility in Icarus and Daedalus (Greek); the significance of even small promises in King Alfred and the Cakes (English); and the shame of letting down a loved one in The Chest of Broken Glass (Greek).

.2 SELF-DISCIPLINE- When Zach's preoccupation with earning money spirals out of control, he is prompted to throw a furious tantrum at home. Plato and Aurora help Zack draw parallels between his own behavior and that of King Midas in The Golden Touch (Greek); and Genghis Khan in The King and His Hawk (Asian), who suffers terrible consequences after losing his temper. The penalties of impatience, depicted in The Magic Thread (French), leave Zach with an appreciation of the Ecclesiastes poem, "For Everything There is a Season."

.3 COURAGE- When Annie takes a tumble during a track race, she loses her confidence and lets her fear and embarrassment keep her from persevering. Her friends help to restore her spunk and bolster her determination by sharing heroic tales. Theseus, "taking the bull by the horns", in The Minotaur (Greek); Aesop's Brave Mice, the boldness of legendary archer William Tell (Swiss) and the inspirational poem, "If", help to convince Annie that the brave only become so through acts of courage.

.4 HONESTY- To escape blame for breaking his father's camera, Zach concocts a story--instead of telling the truth--prompting his friends at Plato's Peak to help him focus on the importance of honesty. Plato acquaints Zach with the story of The Frog Prince; George Washington and his famous cherry tree, and a poem about truth. The lesson is clinched when Zach hears the story of The Indian Cinderella.

.5 WORK- When a raging storm wrecks Plato's Peak, Sock the bobcat learns, "It's all in the attitude," as he grows to understand the value of a hard day's work. He reflects on How the Camel Got His Hump (English/Scandinavian); the message of cooperation in The Bundle of Sticks (Greek), and Tom's unusual work ethic in Tom Sawyer Gives Up the Brush (American).

.6 COMPASSION- Zach watches a dreadful fire destroying an immigrant family's home, and his indifference about getting involved slowly wanes as Plato recounts inspiring stories of compassion. The Good Samaritan, who renounces prejudice in favor of saving a life, the selflessness of a young girl in The Legend of the Big Dipper; a demonstration in compassion given and kindness returned in The Tale of Androcles and the Lion; and the poem, "The New Colossus"--all help Zach grasp the significance of reaching out to those in need.

.7 FRIENDSHIP- Annie realizes that friendship is about what you give, not what you have after a "fair weather friend" jilts her before a canoe trip. Plato helps Annie see that "A friend in need is a friend indeed" in The Tale of Waukewa's Eagle (Native American). She learns the importance of being open-minded when choosing friends in Why Frog and Snake Don't Play Together (African); that trust and loyalty make true comrades in Damon and Pythias (Greek); and to treasure New Friends and Old Friends (Poem).

.8 GENEROSITY- When Zach and Annie decide to deliver food to a homeless shelter, they get caught up in planning their rewards. Plato helps them develop the true spirit of giving in Rocking Horse Land (English), about a boy who learns the value of bringing joy to another; Old Mr. Rabbit's Thanksgiving Dinner (English), in which a rabbit's bounty gives wonderful meaning to the holiday; The Gift of the Magi (American), in which a couple's sacrificial gifts reflect their love; and in the poem Count That Day Lost which shows the purpose of a day well spent.

.9 FAITH- Annie's faith is put to the test after her friend dies unexpectedly, leaving her feeling alone and bewildered. Plato and the crew share stories of faith and perseverance like Daniel and the Lion's Den and Harriet Tubman, whose unyielding faith motivates her to lead numerous slaves to freedom. Annie finds comfort in the 23rd Psalm.

.10 HUMILITY- When Annie is elected class president, she lets her new-found power go to her head, prompting a lesson in leadership from Plato. Annie discovers appearance isn't everything in Hans Christian Anderson's The Emperor's New Clothes; an appreciation for the taste of "humble pie" in King Canute at the Seashore. The Greek story Phaeton shows that bad choices can hurt others. The video also includes The Serenity Prayer.

VCP-338 IRA SLEEPS OVER- (K/Pri); 17 min.; Phoenix, 1977.

When Ira is invited to sleep over at a friend's house, he must make a decision about taking his favorite teddy bear. After deciding not to take it, he finds his friend also has a teddy bear. Theme: not being afraid to be honest about ourselves with our friends.

VCP-339 TALES FROM BLEDLOW RIDGE- (J/Y); 3 videos; 58-60 min. ea.; Guide; Gospel Films, 1994-1996.

.1 THE INTRUDER- Kevin has been abandoned by his parents and sent to live with his aunt and uncle and their family. He feels like an intruder and his cousins do not welcome him into the family. After a series of adventures and misadventures, Kevin is finally accepted by his cousins. An excellent story for an acceptance or forgiveness theme.

.2 THE RESCUER- Rachel (14) with a passion for nature, recklessly draws Matt (10) and Cassie (9) into a dangerous adventure. This fast-paced, thoroughly exciting story, with its blend of classic adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a heartwarming discovery of the love and forgiveness of God captivates the viewer.

.3 THE OUTSIDER- Matt, an American, is a new boy in an English school. One person seems determined to keep Matt from joining a circle of friends. Matt and his one friend, Amy, stumble across a cantankerous old man who desperately needs their help, but rewards them with only insults and ingratitude. Matt's new relationship with the old man is mutually beneficial as the old man helps Matt learn to play soccer.

VCP-340 ANGEL WINGS Series- (K/Pri); stories, 35 min. ea.; Vision Video, 1999.

The "Angel Wings" are a trio of heavenly heroes sent on missions to help the kids of earth discover the right things. The only challenge is that the Angel Wings can't let the kids find out that they're angels!

.1 MISSION:101- The three heavenly heroes involve the children of earth in adventures which include learning to love your neighbor, returning good for evil, and solving your own problems before tackling everyone else's.

VCP-341 3-2-1 PENGUINS! TROUBLE ON PLANET WAIT-YOUR-TURN- (K/Pri); 30 min.; No Guide; Big Ideas, 2000.

This premier episode of Penguins teaches kids that patience is a virtue and that having to go first all the time only leads to trouble! The videos have Biblical lessons and values.

VCP-342 NO ONE CRIES THE WRONG WAY- (K/JH); 8 sessions, 87 min. ; Guide; Harcourt, 2001.

Father Joe Kempf helps children understand the goodness of God and the mystery of suffering and death.

Session 1 - I Am with You Always

Session 2 - Life from the Broken Pieces

Session 3 - What No One Can Take From Us

Session 4 - Give Her a Hug for Me

Session 5 - God Understands a Broken Heart

Session 6 - Light in Darkness

Session 7 - We Pray

Session 8 - Quiet Time with Jesus

VCP-343 HERMIE - A COMMON CATERPILLAR- (K/E) 40 min.; No Guide; Cartoon Animation: CBD, 2002.

Hermie and Wormie, two caterpillars who feel very ordinary, learn that they are special and loved by God. They experience a wonderful transformation inside and out and both learn the truth behind God's impeccable timing and purpose.

VCP-344 RIBBITS! - THE HERO OF HOPPERS LANDING (Pre/Pri (Ages 3 to 7); 22 min.; No guide; computer cartoon animation; CBD, 2002.

Tad, an anxious little tadpole, dreams of being the "Champ" at the annual frog-jumping contest. Tad is tired of being teased by Bully Frog, but he trains intensively for the contest, only to realize he's too small. Cottonmouth, the sneaky snake, plans a dreadful end for the contest. Someone must save the day. "Ribbits" teaches how to recognize truth.

VCP-345 GOOD SPORTS GANG- (E); No Guide; Gospel Direct, 2003.

National Football League Player Kurt Warner has developed a series called the "Good Sports Gang," which features a group of lovable cartoon characters who help their peers in many ways. The videos include kid-friendly melodies which keep toes tapping.

.1 ELLIOT THE INVINCIBLE: A STORY ABOUT FINDING ONE’S TALENT- 40 min. Elliot, the Invincible, is a story about finding one’s talent. The town Jocks have ousted a boy named Elliot from their zany new game, "Flebo," and saddled him with a cruel nickname, "Elliot the Unable." The super heroes in the story know that everyone has a talent, and they help Elliot discover that he really is a champ, not a chump!

VCP-346 LOVE THY NEIGHBOR with Lenny and Sid- (K/E); 30 min.; No guide; Animation; CBD, 2003.

Lenny, a shy day-dreaming rabbit, and Sid, a powerhouse of a mouse, meet for the first time. In this animated story, two totally different personalities find true friendship because of their differences and in spite of driving each other nuts. They find that God is the one thing they have in common.

VCP-347 THE RED BALLOON- (C/A); 34 min. No guide; Home Vision, 1956. (Gift)

This classic story taken from the book by Albert Glamorize, is the story of a lonely French boy and the amazingly loyal balloon that follows him everywhere. The film captures the essence of childhood wandering with gorgeous color photography and music.

VCP-348 BUZBY - THE MISBEHAVING BEE (HERMIE AND FRIENDS SERIES)- (K/E); 40 min. No Guide; Cartoon Animation; Tommy Nelson, 2005.

This video is about following the rules. Buzby has been kicked out of his hive and is on the move. Now Buzby, the Misbehaving Bee, is bringing his mischief to the garden. His unwillingness to follow the "Garden Golden Rules" has caused a major problem. A simple act of kindness changes Buzby's heart and teaches him that God's rules are made to keep everyone safe.

VCP-349 WEBSTER-THE SCAREDY SPIDER- (K/E); 40 min.; no guide; Cartoon Animation; Tommy Nelson, 2004.

This video is about being brave. The Garden Treaty of '85 says that no spiders are allowed in the garden. One's been spotted and it's got the entire garden up in arms. Little do they know that this scary spider is really a scaredy spider. His name is Webster and he's more afraid of the others than they are of him. In a humorous adventure, Hermie, Wormie, and Webster meet their fears face-to-face and learn that there's nothing to be afraid of when God is with you.

DVP-350 THANK YOU, GOD, FOR…BANANAS, BUBBLES, BUSY BODIES with Boz: the Green Bear - (Pre-K/K); 3 sessions, 12 min. ea. Guide; Computer Animation; Christian Book Distributors, 2006.

As they explore God’s world, BOZ, Drew and Gracie help preschoolers discover the joys of being active, eating healthy, and getting clean. The episodes are: A Busy Body Day!, Double Peppy Pizza! Scrubbly, Bubbly Clean!

DVP-351 TO SHARE OR NUT TO SHARE with Hermie - (K/E); 60 min.; Animation; Christian Book Distributors, 2006.

The garden has a shortage of nuts and it seems everyone in the Garden Talent Show and Tell needs a nut for his or her act. With only one nut left, friends turn into enemies as they all try to grab it. To remain friends and to save the show, the bugs must learn to share.