The Fast 5 (#001) 💙 {free preview}
The Fast 5 (#001) 💙 {free preview}
this 1st edition free to all + Happy Christmas + a few favorite things
This piece is AI-free. These words are my creation without the mechanics of non-human artificial intelligence.
Hello, friend!
Today this first edition of The Fast 5 newsletter is going out to all subscribers (going forward—paid subscribers only).
If you are anything like me, you may hear yourself saying, “This year has flown by!” or “Where did the year go?” Maybe comments like these are simply me showing my age. What I know is that 2023 seems to have flown by at the speed of light.
On the one hand, I am not okay with this—neither me showing my age nor the years flying by. But I’m reminded that God, our Maker and Creator, controls all things. Even the passing of the years is in His hands, and He does all things well.
Happy Christmas!
In a recent newsletter, I shared that I pray for the country of Myanmar (formerly Burma). The people there are forever in my heart. The Lord has allowed me to visit their country often for ministry. I’ve formed close relationships with many native pastors and Christian leaders there.
Happy Christmas is a customary holiday greeting in Myanmar. I’m not sure where the phrase comes from, though it may be a carryover from the days of British rule there. Whatever the case, I’ve adopted their holiday greeting as my own. So…
Happy Christmas to you and yours!
And now, onto a few of my favorite things…
The Fast 5 🕔
Eleven Great “Family” Films — If you find the holiday season a time of increased family movie nights (even if family means it’s you all alone in your pj’s) check out this list from Tsh Oxenreider. She does a kind service sharing warnings about movie scenes that may be inappropriate for some family members. I’m looking forward to snuggling in this winter to re-watch my favorites on her list, as well as catch a few I haven’t seen before.
31 Simple, Yet Meaningful Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas — ✍🏼
This blog post by Women of Noble Character presents ways we can focus more on making Christmas about Jesus. This list of 31 ways has something for everyone. I found a few ideas on the list that I’ve practiced over the years—like using Christmas instead of Xmas! Also found some new things I want to put into practice this holiday season.
FAVORITE BOOK — 📖 Looking for a new devotional for yourself or to give as a gift? I recently finished Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge, and highly recommend this book. The fifty-two (52) chapters are short, and each can be completed in a day. These lessons will inspire your prayer time and so much more. “In this book, I’m taking the risk of sharing some of the most intimate, cherished truths the Lord has given me—in the hope that your personal prayer life will be strengthened and inspired.” - Bob Sorge
EASY MEAL — 🍲 I like to serve this Slow Cooker Ham when we have a crowd to feed. It only has two (2) ingredients: the ham and a box of brown sugar, so you can’t mess it up. (Add crushed pineapple if you want, but some of my family dislike pineapple.) No slicing is required because this ham is fall-off-the-bone tender. I like to put a liner in the slow cooker for easier cleanup. (If you’ve been around a while, you may have seen me share this recipe before. No apologies because it’s that good, and deserves a repeat performance.)
MUSIC I LOVE — ♭ ♯ This Christmas song takes me back to my church choir days. Notice it says “Raw Rehearsal” but you sure couldn’t tell it by the way they’re singing!
Currently Reading 📚
This book—Longing for Home: A Proper Romance—is the first in a 7-book series from one of my favorite authors, Sarah M. Eden. Historical fiction is my go-to when reading for relaxation. I’ve completed several other series by Sarah, and this one has exceeded my expectations so far.
Quotable 💭
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
— James 1.17 (ESV)
Quick Links 🔗
Centered on Peace This Christmas From Christmas 2022, but still needed!
The King of Christmas—He Came for You, for Me, for the World From Christmas 2021, and it remains true.
Get In the Word for these reasons and more! Why we need the Bible in our lives.
Talk soon,