The Fast 5 (#012) 💙

hosting + gift guide + bonus links

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Hello, friends!

Thanksgiving is here and Christmas is coming soon. Don’t miss the gift guide I’m sharing below!

Currently, I am in the throes of prepping to host around 40 family members for Thanksgiving dinner! Thankfully, I’m not doing this alone—and also not at my house. Shout-out to the women in my life who are helping to pull this gathering off. You know who you are.

Speaking of hosting, I know many who read this are preparing to do the same, so let me encourage you in this Thanksgiving season.

The 23rd Psalm depicts the Lord as Shepherd, a theme throughout the chapter. He leads, restores, and comforts as only God can do.

In verse 5, the psalmist then describes the scene of a table, as if gathered at a feast that the Lord Himself has prepared. I am so thankful that the Host of heaven welcomes us right into His presence. Daily, he pours out blessing upon blessing, as we feast on His word—goodness and unfailing love, all the days of our lives (vv.6).

This Thanksgiving, whether you are the one hosting or that person showing up with a package of rolls in-hand—remember, we are all recipients of God’s great goodness and love.

He invites us to come and eat from His table—to rest, be restored, and find comfort.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23.6

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In this edition of The Fast 5, I’m sharing links for holiday gift-giving. Primarily, these items may appeal to women, though a few would work for the guys, as well.

In the Fast 5 list, you’ll find items for the readers and Bible study warriors on your list. These would make great gifts for others or for yourself, and that’s okay, too.

Paid subscribers can scroll down to find BONUS LINKS for products I have especially loved over the past year or so.

The following are NOT affiliate links.

The Fast 5 🕔

1. Tree Bookshelf — 📖 This bookshelf is in my reading corner in our bedroom. It’s so cute, and holds a lot of books! I have the white 9-tier bookshelf, but it also comes in a 5-tier shelf and in other colors. Might be a good gift for the serious reader on your list.

2. NIV Thinline Large Print Bible — In recent years, I’ve had to upgrade my favorite Bible translations to large print. (We must do what we must.) This is a beautiful Bible (see link for picture). You may find a better price at your local bookstore or on other websites. Makes a lovely gift for the girl or woman on your list.

3. ESV Large Print Value Thinline — Here’s another large print Bible in the English Standard Version translation. It’s considered a ‘value’ option and has a low price point. To my copy, I added some cute Bible tabs. It was a gift to me, and even has my name engraved on the cover.

4. Paper Sunday Planner — I’m on my 3rd Paper Sunday Planner. Why I love it? I order mine personalized, so each month begins with a Scripture, such as: “Peace I leave with you, Karlene…” The lay-flat design easily sits open on my desk (I always order the spiral binder). You order this 12-month planner to start at any time of the year. And you choose from over 70 cover options (some appropriate for men).

5. Dwell Audio Bible App — This is one of my favorite Bible tools! I use it to listen to Scripture in various scenarios—walking, traveling, gearing down to sleep, or to simply calm my spirit. Why use Dwell over other Bible audio apps? The narraters’ voices are exceptional, and they have unique reading plans, like: ‘40 Days with David’, ‘40 Days with Paul’, and ‘Letters from Prison’. Use this link to give the gift of Dwell this holiday season.