Kimberly and the Great Walla-Guppy
Kimberly, her dad, and her pet dog Brownie were off to the lake today. Her father had promised to take her fishing, and the long-awaited day had finally arrived.
On the way there, they sang songs — even Brownie joined in, barking and yelping doggy words that only he knew. What a beautiful day it was! Not a cloud in the sky, the air was cool and fresh, and the sun sparkled on the lake as they drove by. After an hour or so of driving, they finally arrived.
“Yeahh! We’re here!” shouted Kimberly. Brownie barked and wagged his tail as they walked toward Dad’s boat. Gus — that was her father’s name — checked the motor, the gas, and all his equipment. Everything was fine. Time to go fishing!
Kimberly enjoyed helping her dad steer the boat, as she had done many times before. They bounced up and down on the choppy water, and each time the boat landed, it sprayed water in their faces. Kimberly and her dad laughed, but Brownie didn’t find it quite as funny; he crouched at Dad’s feet, trying to stay dry.
After half an hour of boating, they reached their favorite fishing spot. Kimberly, full of excitement, wasted no time baiting her hook and casting her line into the water, just as she had done many times before. “Come on, fishies,” she whispered. It pleased Gus to see his little girl so happy. Brownie took his position at the back of the boat, ready to bark at anything that might come out of the lake.
Ten minutes passed — nothing. Twenty minutes, thirty — still nothing. An hour went by, and Kimberly’s smile began to fade.
“Cheer up, Pumpkin,” Gus said. “It’ll come.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Kimberly sighed. “But I think the fishies are sleeping today.”
She was about to ask if they could go home when suddenly her fishing rod bent sharply. “FISH! FISH!” she screamed. Kimberly, who was no stranger to fishing, knew exactly what to do. She yanked the rod and began to reel, then gave some slack, then reeled again. The fish fought hard, and for five long minutes Kimberly battled the lake monster with all her might.
“Kim, do you need help?” asked Gus.
“No, Daddy, I can han—Uugh—I can handle it!” she grunted.
“Are you sure?”
“I got it, Daddy!”
Her face beamed with determination, while Brownie barked and wagged his tail excitedly. Kimberly grew tired, but she pressed on, fighting with all the strength she had.
Just then, Mr. World — who was always up to mischief — happened to be flying by. Seeing the commotion below, he decided to swoop down and take a look.
“God, please tell this fishie to stop fighting me!” grunted Kimberly. A short time later, she finally managed to reel in the mighty fish.
“Whoooaa!” shouted Gus as he slipped a net under the catch to make sure it didn’t get away. Together they pulled it into the boat. The fish flopped and flapped, while Kimberly and Gus hugged and cheered and Brownie barked and danced. What excitement! Kimberly had caught a Walla-Guppy — and what a Walla-Guppy it was!
People in nearby boats came closer to see. “What did they catch?” they wondered aloud.
“I DON’T BELIEVE IT! Is that what I think it is?” shouted one man.
“But... but... they only grow to twelve pounds!” said another.
“Is that a Walla-Guppy?” asked a third.
“It is!” Gus replied proudly. “And by the Lord’s grace, this little lady caught it!”
“HOORAY! HOORAY! HOORAY!” cheered the crowd. Kimberly couldn’t stop smiling; Brownie kept barking and dancing. “IT’S A RECORD BREAKER!” someone shouted. “SHE CAUGHT A RECORD BREAKER!”
“What a day,” said Gus, tears in his eyes. “Thank God for today, and for what He’s allowed my little girl to do.”
When they got back to shore, the news had already spread. People from all around crowded the dock to see the amazing fish. The local news was there, too — “Record-Breaking Catch by Pint-Sized Princess!” The largest Walla-Guppy ever caught before weighed 17.5 pounds. Kimberly’s catch? A whopping 34 pounds — nearly double the record!
That evening, the Miller home was filled with laughter, joy, and the delicious smells of dinner. Family and friends gathered to celebrate. Sharon (Kimberly’s mom), Grandma Anette, and Aunt Daphne had prepared a feast — and of course, the fish was the main course. Papa said a heartfelt prayer, thanking the Lord for His blessings, and then everyone dug in. Brownie fell asleep on his back afterward, too full to even roll over.
The next day, as Kimberly and her mom walked down Main Street, the excitement was still in the air. “That’s her! That’s the girl!” shouted a man, pointing. “Hey, that’s Kimberly Miller!” called another as cameras flashed. The local paper showed Kimberly, her dad, and Brownie on the front page. People asked for autographs, high-fives, and pictures. In the little town of Walla Walla, Kimberly Miller had become famous.
That night, before bed, Kimberly prayed and thanked God for all He had given her.
The Whisper of Mr. World
Monday arrived. At school, Mrs. Huckelsworth asked Kimberly to stand, and her classmates burst into cheers and applause. Kimberly blushed as everyone clapped. Their homework that day was to write what they wanted to be known for.
That evening, Kimberly sat at her desk, trying to think — but all she could think about was fishing. “What if I caught a fish that weighed a hundred pounds... or maybe five hundred... or even five thousand!” she grinned to herself.
“You can do it,” whispered Mr. World.
“I can do it,” Kimberly thought.
“The power is within you,” he added slyly.
And so, Mr. World began to speak into her thoughts — words that sounded sweet to her flesh.
“Hey, Kimmie,” he said, “I was there when you caught that fish. My, my, are you strong!”
“I am strong!” Kimberly smiled.
“Yes, ma’am, and smart too. Not everyone has your kind of power. You’re a fishing genius!”
Kimberly beamed.
“Listen to me, Kimberly,” Mr. World said softly, leaning close. “Never let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. The power comes from you. Look within — that’s where it is. Now say it... Where does your power come from?”
“Me?” Kimberly answered uncertainly.
“Louder! Where does it come from?”
“Meee! I’ve got the power!”
“Say it again!”
“I’VE GOT THE POWER! I’VE GOT THE POWER!” shouted Kimberly, as Mr. World grinned mischievously behind her.
That night, Kimberly forgot to pray. She went to bed thinking only of herself and her next great catch.
Trouble at Monster Fish Pond
All week, Kimberly could think of nothing but fishing. Her dad promised to take her again next Saturday, but the wait felt unbearable.
“Please, Daddy, can we go today?” she begged.
“Pumpkin,” Gus said kindly, “I love fishing too, but I have work to do today. If the Lord wills, we’ll go next Saturday.”
Kimberly sighed. “Okay, Dad.”
But Mr. World was watching. “Pssst,” he whispered, “cheer up. I’ll take you fishing. I know exactly where the monster fish are!”
Kimberly hesitated. “But... I should ask my mom and dad.”
“Why would you do that?” Mr. World smirked. “You know they’ll say no. Come on, we’ll be back before they even know you’re gone.”
And so, Kimberly followed him.
The further they walked, the gloomier the path became. The bushes grew thick and thorny. Soon they came to a dirty, muddy pond.
“Is this the fishing spot?” she asked doubtfully.
“Oh no,” said Mr. World, “we have to cross this one first. The monster pond is on the other side. Grab that vine and swing across.”
“Are you sure?” she asked nervously.
“Come on, Kimmie — what do you say?”
“I’ve got the power!” she shouted.
She swung on the vine — and SNAP! Down she went into the mud. Shaken and wet, she climbed out, but Mr. World only laughed.
“Don’t worry about that,” he said. “People fall all the time. Come on, let’s keep going.”
Finally, they reached the so-called Monster Fish Pond, but it was just a big, murky swamp. Kimberly tried fishing but caught only an old boot, a stick, and a bicycle tire.
“Come on,” said Mr. World, “I know an even better spot!”
They went deeper into the thicket. Kimberly scratched her arm on thorns, stumbled into a nest of angry wasps, and, while running from them, fell into thick mud that held her fast.
“Help me!” she cried. But Mr. World just laughed and vanished into the bushes.
Kimberly sobbed. “Where’s the power Mr. World said I had? I have no power... no power at all.”
Then she whispered, “God, I can’t help myself. Please help me.”
A soft breeze began to blow. Kimberly lifted her head and saw a vine swaying closer and closer. The breeze grew stronger until the vine was just within reach. Kimberly grabbed hold and pulled with all her might — and by God’s grace, she was free.
She ran all the way home, Mr. World drifting lazily above, smirking. But Kimberly didn’t look at him. He had lied, and he had left her in trouble. He was no friend at all.
When she reached her house, her parents were in shock.
“What in the world—? Kimberly! What happened to you? Where were you? Are you hurt?”
Before she could answer, they rushed her inside, cleaned her up, and listened as she told them everything — about Mr. World, about what he’d said, and how he had tricked her.
After her bath and a change of clothes, Gus and Sharon sat her down.
Gus and Sharon sat quietly for a moment, looking at their daughter with both love and sorrow in their eyes. Kimberly hung her head low, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. She knew she had done wrong.
Gus took a deep breath and spoke softly, “Pumpkin, do you understand why Mom and I were so worried?”
Kimberly nodded, her eyes filling with tears. “I’m sorry, Daddy. Mr. World told me I could do anything I wanted, that I didn’t need to tell you and Mom where I was going. I thought... I thought I had the power.”
Gus and Sharon exchanged glances. Sharon reached for Kimberly’s hand. “Oh, sweetheart,” she said gently, “you do have power — but not the kind Mr. World told you about. The only real power comes from God. Without Him, we can do nothing. But when we trust in Him, He gives us strength to do what is right.”
Kimberly sniffled. “Mr. World lied to me, didn’t he?”
“Yes, he did,” said Gus, his tone firm but kind. “That’s what he does, Kimberly. He wants people to trust in themselves instead of in God. He wants us to think we don’t need anyone’s help, not even the Lord’s. But that kind of thinking leads to trouble — just like it did today.”
Tears streamed down Kimberly’s cheeks. “I should’ve listened, Daddy. I should’ve asked first.”
Gus wrapped his arms around her. “I’m just thankful the Lord kept you safe and brought you back home. Remember, pumpkin, whenever you start to hear that little voice telling you to go your own way, stop and pray. Ask God to help you know what’s right.”
That night, before bed, Kimberly knelt beside her bed once more — something she hadn’t done since that fishing trip. “Dear Lord,” she prayed softly, “I’m sorry for not listening. Thank You for saving me, and for Mom and Dad. Please help me listen to You and not to Mr. World again. Amen.”
Sunday Morning
The sun shone brightly as the Millers arrived at church. Everyone greeted Kimberly with warm smiles and kind words, but this time, she didn’t blush or grin from ear to ear. She was thankful, but her heart was quieter now.
During the children’s lesson, Pastor Charles spoke about pride and humility. “Boys and girls,” he said, “there’s a kind of thinking that tells us we can do anything on our own. But the Bible says, ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Real strength comes when we trust in the Lord and not in ourselves.”
Kimberly listened closely, her hands folded neatly on her lap. Every word felt like it was meant just for her. She thought of Mr. World, of how proud she had felt shouting, ‘I’ve got the power!’ and she whispered to herself, “I don’t have the power — God does.”
When the service ended, Kimberly felt peace in her heart again. She hugged her parents and smiled up at her dad. “Daddy,” she said softly, “next time we go fishing, can we pray before we start?”
Gus smiled and nodded, his eyes misty. “You bet we can, pumpkin. That’s the best way to fish — with God leading the way.”
And as they walked home together, Brownie trotting happily beside them, Kimberly knew one thing for sure: the greatest catch of her life wasn’t the Walla-guppy — it was learning to trust in the Lord.
___________________________
Davey’s Changing Heart
There was a time when little Davey Williams was bright-eyed and curious about the things of God. In Sunday school he was an attentive student, eager to answer questions and always asking many of his own about God and the Bible. Little Davey had, in his heart, a great desire to be a good boy and was careful not to do anything that might displease God. But that was then.
Today, instead of loving the Word of God, Davey sleeps in church.
Yesterday he celebrated his fourteenth birthday, and it seems that the older he gets, the less he feels he needs the instruction of his parents—or the Word of God.
“Davey, please make your bed!”
“Davey, please get to school on time!”
“Davey, please come home on time!”
“Davey, please do your chores!”
These were the daily requests of Edwin and Brenda, Davey’s parents. His response was always, “Yes, Mom. Yes, Dad.” Yet seldom did he actually do what he was told.
Where he once respected the requests of his parents, he now ignored them. Where he once possessed a healthy fear of God, he now had none. Davey was displaying a most stubborn heart.
It was Saturday evening.
“Davey, please get your clothes ready for church tomorrow!” said Brenda sternly. She had told him that three hours ago, yet he still had not done it. It took some stern talking from his father before he finally got up to do it.
“And after you’re finished ironing your clothes,” said Edwin, “don’t forget to say your prayers and go to bed so you can be well rested for church tomorrow.”
“Yes, Dad,” answered Davey.
About half a mile away from the Williams’ house lived the Fullers. John Fuller, who was friends with Davey and attended the same church, was busy helping his mother with evening chores—washing the dishes, taking out the trash, and even ironing his little sister’s dress for church. John did these things not because he was told to, but because he desired to please his mother. He was in bed by 9:30.
Angela, who lived a few houses down from the Fullers, was fast asleep by 9:00. She too was in Davey and John’s Sunday school class.
Manuel, another classmate who lived nearby, helped his family with the household chores after supper. Then he retired to his room to read the Word of God and was sound asleep by 9:30.
These children listened to their parents and did what they knew was right. But not Davey. He waited until his parents were asleep so he could stay up late snacking, watching television, and playing games.
Sunday morning came. During the service, Pastor Charles usually asked the church to turn to the Scriptures and read along. The congregation did so—but not Davey. He turned only if he felt like it, and even then, he seldom finished the reading.
When Pastor Charles asked the church to turn in their hymnals and sing praises to God, the congregation joyfully obeyed—but not Davey. He would rather sing the music of the world.
A heart that was once soft and desiring the things of God had now grown cold and hardened. It was a heart that did not wish to be told what to do. A heart that found it difficult to admit and repent of wrongdoing. A heart that could not be humbled to receive wise instruction.
When it came to things that interested Davey, he would suddenly come alive—but when it came to the things of God, he showed very little interest.
On some Sundays, Davey would try to rest his head on his mother’s shoulder.
“Sit up, Davey,” said Brenda. “Pay attention!”
“Mom, I am listening,” he’d reply. “I’m just resting my head.”
But before long, Davey would be fast asleep again, much to Edwin and Brenda’s disappointment.
They tried all they could to train up their son in the right way—talking to him, teaching him the Word of God, even scolding him at times—but it all seemed to be of no avail. Davey slept in church.
John
Davey was not the only one who ever slept in church. John, his close friend, did so occasionally as well. He was not always obedient to his parents, nor did he always treasure the Word of God. In many ways, John did the same things Davey did.
But there was one major difference between them. Whenever John became aware of his wrongdoing, he was given the grace to be broken in heart. When the Word of God exposed his sinfulness, he humbled himself before it. John sought the Lord earnestly in prayer, asking Him to change those things in his heart that were not pleasing to God.
John was given a repentant heart. Davey was not.
Davey thought to himself, I’m getting older—surely I don’t have to listen to anyone anymore. He did not understand God’s word on this matter. For it matters not how old a person gets; they ought never to lose the teachable heart of a child.
Reflection
The story of Davey and John reminds us that the difference between a cold heart and a humble one is not in knowledge, but in submission. Davey knew about God—he had been taught well—but his heart grew proud and resistant. John, on the other hand, allowed the Word of God to correct him, even when it hurt.
God desires not perfect children, but repentant ones. A tender heart—quick to confess, quick to turn back, and quick to obey—is precious in His sight. The danger is when we grow older and begin to think we no longer need to listen. Pride whispers, “I know enough,” but humility prays, “Lord, teach me still.”
May we never lose the softness of heart that listens to God’s voice. For the moment we stop listening, our hearts begin to drift. And like Davey, we may find ourselves sleeping through the very words that could have awakened our souls.