Polly, Author at The Ultimate Gift

December 5, 2015

Advent: The Candle of Hope

It is my intention to write a post for each week of Advent. Whether that comes to pass or not remains to be seen, but that is my desire. Life often gets in the way of my good intentions, especially this time of year, perhaps only because I allow it. In addition to the usual daily responsibilities, there are decorations to be displayed, gifts to be bought and wrapped, cards to be sent, cookies to be baked, etc., but let’s not forget the whole point of Christmas—celebrating Jesus’ birth and its significance all these years later. Of all the items on my “to do” list, I can’t imagine any are more important than sharing the Good News.

We kicked off the Advent season at church last Sunday by lighting the candle of hope so I’ve been giving much thought to that word this week. Who can’t use a hefty helping of hope? The state of our world gets more depressing by the day as we wake up to news of yet another senseless act of violence or tragedy beyond our comprehension, all part of living in a sin-stained world. This is in addition to the more personal heartaches that touch each of us individually. As Pastor Chris frequently says, “Everybody’s dealing with something.” Your something may include grief, unemployment, a broken relationship, poor health, a big decision, or any number of other things that create turmoil in our lives. One thing is sure—we could all use a fresh infusion of hope as we deal with our somethings.

One of my favorite activities during Advent is to sing in my church’s annual Christmas cantata. It’s coming up next weekend. I think this is my 14th one and each year we participants, and sometimes even our audience, seem to say, “This is the best one yet!” They’ve all touched my heart in their own unique way. Oftentimes there is one song that especially gets to me. One that, if I think about the message, I’ll lose it. When singing, it’s best not to think too much. This year my tearjerker is titled “Unto Us.” We are ALL broken and in need of a Savior. God knew that from the beginning and put His plan of redemption into motion on that very first Christmas. The prophet Isaiah spoke of this event long before it ever came to pass.

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

I created and named this website a few years ago with the intention of letting my readers know that Jesus, our Messiah, is the Ultimate Gift. Unto you. Unto me. Unto us. He. Was. Given. May that good news fill you with hope in the middle of your something!

November 14, 2015

Rock Solid

There has been no shortage of upheaval and excitement since my last post. Yes, I know that was a LONG time ago. I’ll use that as my excuse for not writing in so long as well as my reason for writing now. People who are near and dear to my heart have experienced some incredible highs and unfathomable lows in the past five months. Minus the details, here is a sampling (in no particular order): a life-threatening diagnosis, a new home, loss of job, birth, death of a loved one, a new job, illness, marriage, cancer treatment, an engagement, chronic pain, a change of career, a golden wedding anniversary, injury, vacations, an empty nest, milestone birthdays, surgery, sending a first child to college, a life-altering diagnosis, accidents, baptism, and relocation. That’s a LOT of ups and downs within my circle of influence. And I highly doubt that list is complete! Emotions run especially deep leading up to, during, and following a life-changing event. Sometimes these events occur without any warning. Sometimes life doesn’t follow our script. What do you do when it feels like the rug has been pulled right out from under you? Somehow you must regain your footing and find stability.

Feelings change with the wind, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NLT) As Christians, He is the solid rock on which we stand, our firm foundation, our cornerstone.

“Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.” Isaiah 28:16 NLT

Feeling a bit wobbly today? I know just the One who can help. Believe it. Believe Him.

“When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm.” Psalms 75:3 NLT

“But now, (insert your name), listen to the LORD who created you. (Insert your name), the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.” Isaiah 43:1-4 NLT (personalized by/for you)

You are safe in His care. Savor the peace that comes from living in His presence. God bless you.

June 18, 2015

Endurance

This nine-letter word has taken up residence in my mind of late so it appears the Holy Spirit has something to say to me about it. Just maybe there will be a message for you too as you continue reading.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2-4 NLT)

It seems this passage, or at least part of it, keeps cropping up in my daily reading lately. When I get to the fourth verse (last sentence), I sometimes break out in song to the tune of the popular song from Disney’s Frozen. (And you thought you were the only one who couldn’t get that song out of your head…not so!)

Let’s back up to the first of those three verses for a moment. Generally that’s the verse that causes me to stumble. When trouble finds us, which is a fairly common occurrence, we are to be joyful. Say what?? I can’t say that my first response to trouble even closely resembles joy. Nor my second or third for that matter. It is helpful to read the next two verses in order to see the bigger picture. Those two verses provide the explanation behind that somewhat odd suggestion in Verse 2.

I came across these words from Philip Yancey this morning when I tripped over this Scripture passage yet again:

“’Rejoicing in suffering’ does not mean Christians should act happy about tragedy and pain when they feel like crying. Such a view distorts honesty and true expression of feelings. Christianity is not phony. The Bible’s spotlight is on the end result, the use God can make of suffering in our lives. Before He can produce that result, however, He first needs our commitment of trust in Him, and the process of giving Him that commitment can be described as rejoicing.”

Has trouble come your way? Are you ready to put your trust in Him? The end result is heavenly!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

As my capacity for physical endurance seems to be diminishing, I find comfort in knowing that a different kind of endurance is emerging.

Let it grow, Let it grow….(sing it)!

April 25, 2015

The Technology Challenge

“It’s only as smart as the person using it!” As a math teacher, I have uttered those words to my students on more than one occasion. There have been times when I have gotten downright frustrated by my students’ dependence on calculators. Often, any math sense they have is tossed out the window when they have a calculator in their hands. They just assume the calculator is displaying the correct answer without giving it a second thought. But what if they unknowingly hit the wrong key? Addition produces a different answer than subtraction. 94 is not the same as 49. Calculators are wonderful tools and certainly save us time; however, the beholder still has to supply the brainpower! And so it is with smartphones. What a great tool to have at our disposal, but if we’re not careful, we can easily lose our sense and become dependent on that too.

Based on my morning, I think I might be guilty! I have the Bible App downloaded on my phone and tablet and it is generally the first app I open in the morning. I am currently working through two different reading plans. The daily devotion/reading in the one plan was quite thought-provoking this morning. The gist of it was, “What if we consulted with God as often as we “consulted” our cell phones?” How many times do you check your phone/electronic device each day for emails, texts, the score of the game, the weather, social media, etc.? That’s what I thought. I DO have company! I am not saying it’s bad, but we can certainly end up with misplaced priorities if we are not careful.

After reading that devotion this morning, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I challenged myself to go to the Bible App, read His Word, and say a prayer each time I felt compelled to check my phone/tablet for whatever reason. Well, let’s just say I feel very closely connected to the Father at the moment! So far I have been looking at verses that I’ve highlighted, bookmarked or created an image of in recent days. By rising to the challenge I have greatly increased my daily communication with God and the challenge is only 5 hours old!

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Hebrews 4:12 NLT)

Sustaining this challenge will lead to transformation, but will also require a conscious effort on my part. By getting into His Word, His Word will get into me. The same is true for you. Care to join me in this challenge? I’d love the company. Pardon me for cutting this short, but I must go check my phone to see what messages my friend Jesus has for me!

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)