In April Loretta and I watched a 2006 movie titled “The Ultimate Gift,” based on Jim Stovall’s novel so titled starring Abigail Breslen, Ali Hillis, Drew Fuller, Bill Cobb, Lee Merriwether, and James Garner in his final live action film appearance before his death in 2014.
Last evening two close friends and I viewed it together and once more, I was greatly enamored with its message. Reading its reviews today though gave me a nagging chill, as I must assume I’m quite out of my league in predicting what constitutes a professionally done and a worthy inspirational flick. That being said, there are times you must trust what you’ve known and credentialed in your heart for years experientially, even when some friends & family, etc., are momentarily convinced that their sources, are the new norm and worthy of your acceptance.
I still like the film, even if the ratings are low, and a ponzi scheme may have been involved, as “Its sincerity, optimism, and its tight and often compelling screenplay, sparkling dialogue and ‘first-rate’ production values,” flies in the face of Rotten Tomatoes, who gave it an approval rating of 33% based on 60 reviews, or a 5.20 /10.0.
I was also enamored with Carl’s message yesterday such that I posted it detailing the three major invitations Jesus offers us at the Starting Gates of Life and beyond: First Decision, which gate; followed by which Direction we choose to travel, that ultimately, determines our final Destination.
May I make a suggestion? I think “The Ultimate Gift” movie is an excellent follow-up and conversation starter for these three scenarios: 1.) for the seeker approaching the Starting Gates, or 2.) for the struggling soul under conviction as they are being propelled down on the broad road as if in a stampede, or 3.) for those on the narrow road approaching their final destination having checked the Decision and Direction boxes with authenticity, even joy, but now with the Celestial City Destination in view, you’re experiencing a fall chill in the air, and you’re at a loss to risk engaging conversation, for what would others make of your questions, concerns.
So, as I say frequently, when we are in the third scenario, and quite apt to just sit there, soak, and eventually sour, I suggest you first consider professional empowered focused Christian counseling. Why, because if you’re thrived thus far on your journey, you know the basics, you are established, your close friends have shared so many exquisite bonding encounters with you, etc., so that now, I suggest this seeing a professional is merely helping you gain a new perspective, by helping you noticing the clues about you much as Andy Andrews does in his book “The Noticer,” when actually this fictitious Mr. Jones is the undercover professional focused Christian counselor, in that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others, for whatever reason, simply miss, and he even points this out frequently to those with whom he therapeutically dialogues.
Now, if telling you to seek out a counselor offended you, just chill and read the book, or watch the movie, “The Ultimate Gift.” I also highly recommend reading two other books if you’re in the third trimester of approaching the Celestial City and are already experiencing a chill in your spirit pending your transitional delivery: 1.) “Going ‘Till You’re Gone” by Berlin OH. Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) prolific author, Gary Miller, and 2.) John Burke’s two most recent books, “Imagine Heaven” and “Imagine the God of Heaven. Three very different books but so uniquely spiritually anointed to minister to those of you struggling in scenario three as you prepare for eternity.
I’ll not bore you again but I credit my remarkable recovery after my 9/18/18 accident and instant unplanned retirement, such that within 12 months I stupidly racking up a $100,000 in debt; to first of all developing a daily routine including writing this blog, now over 400 posts (actually, I’m told writing is excellent therapy improving one’s mental health!), reading & reflecting on Utmost, reading & reflecting on dailylightdevotional.com, reading & reflecting on One Year Bible, Loretta’s major love and research, and John Burke’s Imagine Heaven book.
This post this Labor Day evening, 52 years after we buried my mother, Stella Mae Gingerich Erb, Labor Day 1972, 2 PM, came out of last night’s movies ferment. I almost forgot to include the 12 valuable life lessons the movie illustrates and follows on the screen after the credits. Profound. I didn’t even know there was Fox Faith production entity.
The Ultimate Gift based on a novel by Jim Stovall
The movie highlights the twelve gifts of Life:
1.) Work: “when you enjoy work like you just did, you can do anything.”
2.) Money:
3. Friend: “I plan to know Jason for the rest of my life.”
4.) Learning: “Do you truly know how to learn?”
5.) Problems: “You don’t begin to live until you’ve lost everything, heck, I’ve lost everything 3 or 4 times, it is the perfect place to start.”
6.) Family:
7.) Laughter:
8.) Dreams: Your need to be free to dream… “Actually, I don’t know if I can dream. I do know I can help others fulfill their dreams though.”
9.) Giving: “I do have to give away some money away….”
10.) Gratitude: “apparently, someone came by and paid my back rent, was it you? Thank you.”
11.) A Day
12.) Love: I love you Son. Good-by
Sometimes I think that this movie ought to be a requirement prior HS graduation, sorta like I now realize I should have taken some Home EC cooking classes. Same principle in operation.
Leading actors/actresses
Emily Rose – Abigail Breslen, Alexia – Ali Hilis, Jason Stevens – Drew Fuller, Theophilus Hamilton – Bill Cobbs, Miss Hastings – Lee Merriwether
Music:
“My Mom Says I’m Cool.” Arlen, RAE MUSIC
Dodge City Rockers
“Crazy” written by Willie Nelson, performed by Patsy Cline
“Gotta Serve Somebody.” written & performed by Bob Dylan
“Simple Gifts.” Shaker Hymn adapted and arranged by Aaron Copland
“The Thrill Is Gone.” written by Rick Darnell & Roy Hawkins performed by BB King
“The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” written by G. F. Handel performed by the LA Guitar Quartet
“Caramba” performed by Tierra Caliente
“Arrullo” performed by La Voz De Ninos Dios
“On Fire” written by Jon Foreman and Daniel Victor, performed by Switchfoot
“Breathe Me” performed by Dan Carey & Sia Furler
“Something Changed” written & performed by Sara Groves
“Legacy” written by Kelly Morrison & performed by Ed Goggin