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  • December 3, 2018
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Christ in Christmas- Part 2

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Keeping CHRIST in Christmas- Part 2

How to keep Christ in Christmas this holiday season

By Ashlee

This holiday season, I have been blessed to have a child in my home. This child, “Austin” is a kind child and age typical. Much like many children his age, he can rattle off a long list of what he wants for Christmas. This list is a cumbersome list and there are many expensive ticket items on his list. He does not expect to get all the items listed on his list but shared them all in hopes of covering his basis. When I asked what he was going to do for others for Christmas, there was a long pause. I remember having that same pause in my life, thinking about what presents am I going to buy for others, rather than what I was going to do for others this Christmas.

In my home, Austin and I discovered something very special, an elf (yes, the one that sits on a shelf). Now, there are many opinions out there about incorporating the elf into Christmas and it is fine that everyone has their own perspective. This is mine…

The elf sharing the season with us is Alabaster Snowball. Alabaster is a special elf that Santa sent to teach Austin something special, about God. The child sharing my home with me this holiday season has two parents and grandparents that all know Jesus and have, in their own way, sought to teach Austin about Jesus. Through life circumstances, the traditional lessons of Sunday school are not available to him. Up until recently, he did not even prayer. While his parents are good parents, their lack of emphasis on Christ happened. Removing blame, the time is now to pour over Austin the message of God’s love and His amazing grace. Alabaster is helping us do this.

“I ask you though if someone is not a Christian and do not know the story of Christ, would you meet them where they are and teach them in a way that they understand? “

See, Alabaster was not sent to “tattle” on Austin to Santa. Austin is not “threatened” with statements like, “If you aren’t good, Santa won’t come.” Rather, Alabaster teaches Austin about the Jesse tree. Each time Alabaster visits, he teaches Austin about a character in the bible. Alabaster first brought Austin the story of Adam and Eve. Austin learned for the first time about creation. Then, Austin made a sand art ornament (which Alabaster also brought) to go with the theme of creation. Then, Alabaster brought the “The Creation” video by Super Book. Austin was elated! He felt so special and began asking questions about God, about creation, and his comments were priceless when watching the show. For example, before Lucifer was cast out of heaven, he tried to convince Michael the Archangel to join him. Michael said something to the effect that he was on God’s side and Austin said, “yeah me too! I’m on God side!” What a powerful moment to hear how he too chose God.

This upcoming season, Alabaster has many things planned. Each visit he will bring an ornament for Austin to put on the Christmas tree that correlates to the Jesse Tree lesson. In addition, there are many times when Alabaster will bring an activity for Austin to do. These activities are for Austin to think about others. For example, Alabaster will bring cookies for Austin to make for the local firefighters. Alabaster will encourage Austin to attend a Compassion International event in which Austin will get to see how children in disadvantaged countries live. Alabaster is encouraging Austin to read the bible and to pray. While Alabaster may be an elf from Santa, Alabaster is teaching Austin the true meaning of Christmas.

In my home this season, a secular tradition is being used to teach something as wonderful as the lineage of Christ. Austin is so excited and even called to see if the Alabaster came to the house again. He was excited to share with his family about Alabaster and began talking about the video too, talking about creation and its fall. That is an amazing gift to watch a child share about what he learned about God. In our world, Christians tend to avoid secular tradition and focus on Christ for Christmas. This is so incredibly valuable! I ask you though if someone is not a Christian and do not know the story of Christ, would you meet them where they are and teach them in a way that they understand? Alabaster is doing this for Austin and myself this Christmas. How might you help others learn about Christ and understand the true meaning of Christmas?

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  • November 27, 2018
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Christ in Christmas- Part 1

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Keeping CHRIST in Christmas- Part 1

How to keep Christ in Christmas this holiday season

By Allie Scruggs

It is that time of the year, where the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season has begun. Between the advertisements of the newest toys and latest hot ticket item, when do we have time to advertise for Christ? Between planning Christmas dinner and the daily errands that need to be run, how do we keep Christ at the center of Christmas?

I bounce back and forth with this idea throughout the year as I am picking out new gifts for my children. Do they even understand the point of Christmas and all the purpose that this day holds? One thing my family started about two years ago was an advent calendar that is printed and placed on the refrigerator with a bible verse for each day.  Each night starting on December 1st up until the night of Christmas Eve our family reads a bible verse leading up to the birth of Christ and discuss it as a family. This is something short and sweet that brings the family together without completely intervening with our nightly bed routine.

This is something that out family does on the smaller scale that is a daily reminder of the meaning of Christmas.  Keeping Christ at the heart of it all does not need to be something big and extravagant. All the advertisements and the social pressure of doing the big Christmas makes it feel like everything with the holidays need to be over the top, the truth is, the 10 to 15 minutes that we spend slowing down with our children and doing the advent calendar becomes their favorite part of their routine during the holidays. The kids yearn for that quality time with their parents.  Which had me thinking how easy it to forget the value of time is?

What if this season, we stopped rushing around delivering presents and delivered time? Have you ever had a conversation with someone but not been fully present? Someone was confiding in you but you were engaged in your phone, multi-tasking, or planning what you needed to do later? Imagine if you fully devoted yourself to that person and were completely present with them.  We have come to this belief as a society that giving presents is a sign of love. But the bible says “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) What if this year, we gave people a little more time, our undivided time, where we were engaged and non- judgmental, where we patient and gentle with our words. Imagine for the next year, how different your life would be if every person you came in contact with treated you with this kind of love and compassion? Is that not the best most inspiring way to keep Christ in Christmas? When you love others the way that God loves you, you are giving the most perfect gift.

“Keeping Christ at the heart of it all does not need to be something big and extravagant. “

 Your time is valuable and it can change an entire day. Have you ever held the door for someone and they did not say thank you and you immediately, thought “are you kidding me? I took the TIME to hold the door and they didn’t even appreciate it.”  It is because your TIME is valuable.  Next time, instead of going through that thought process, I want you to remember this bible verse “(Luke 6:32-42) “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. .”

This year, I challenge you to give your time to those who do not always appreciate it.  Hold the door for the angry man; you do not know his battles. Use kind and gentle words to the lady who called your job upset, you do not know her trials.  Celebrate your coworker’s new promotion, even if you felt like it was supposed to be yours because you don’t know the mountains they have climbed. Show them God’s love by loving them the way God loves you. This is how we advertise for Christ with us all year.

Remember, yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift and that’s why we call it a present. 

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  • November 6, 2018
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Meet Ashlee

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Meet Our Fearless Organizer

Meet Ashlee

Who is Ashlee in a nutshell?

I am a nut, that’s about the shell of it all. Just kidding. Coming from our family, we each have our special traits and characteristics and mine would be volunteering, arts and crafts, and organization. These have all played a special role in my life, as I worked to obtain my first master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, followed by my second one and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. School has played a major role in my life and made a lot of decision for me. Now, I am learning to make my own decisions, through my connection with God. For me, my life has also taken a major turn as I learn to live differently, taking care of my body, mind, and spirit in new ways and I am constantly growing in these areas.

Describe what makes you fearless.

God is what makes me fearless because without His love and support, I live in constant fear. I have felt fearful since a very young age. Many times, it has paralyzed my decision-making abilities and limited my growth. I learned throughout my life that if I wanted to live, I had to acknowledge my fear and do it anyways. The irony of this is that many times the word that is used to describe me is “brave.” That is about complete opposite of what I felt. For me, God gave me Isaiah 41:10 as a constant reminder not to fear and that God will strengthen and help me. I don’t make me fearless, God does.

Where do you stand with Christ as of right now and were do you see your relationship with Him headed?

I have always known Jesus existed. I knew it from a very young age and never doubted it. What I did not know is how much He loved me and how much He wanted a relationship with me. Over the past five years, I went from reading devotionals to truly studying His Word. I began to discover all the promises He had for me and then I struggled with believing those were true. I am learning how to let go and surrender to God, acknowledging that He alone is God and beginning the journey to discover what that means. Jesus is my savior and I have never doubted that, but now, Jesus and I are becoming more than casual friends and am I excited for the journey that lies before me.

What is one of your favorite Childhood memories?

My favorite childhood memories are the ones where my sisters and I are playing together. Whether it was Barbies, detectives, kick the can, or sports, there was always a lot of playing and creativity among us.

What makes your bond with your sisters and mom unique?

I was probably the most difficult to get along with. I was very strong headed and definitively believed I had the right way. Candice and I butted heads more than anyone, well maybe my mom and me. I was the type of child who was either very sweet or very angry. There was not a whole lot of in between. God knew who He wanted me to be and I believe that my sisters and mom have shaped so much of who I am. We are the type of family who talks on a regular basis, we are there for one another whether that person wants us to be or not, we have always been a team. I think that the bond we had was tested repeatedly (most likely because I tested their patience) and we grew stronger through it. Now, my sisters and my mom aren’t just “family” they are also my best friends, my prayer warriors, my cheerleaders, my encouragers, my brainstorming team, my biggest fans. The reverse is true for me with them.

  • October 29, 2018
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Meet Autumn!

Category : Uncategorized

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                                                                                         Meet The Fearless 5 Mover

Dr. Autumn Hanson

Dr. Autumn Hanson

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Who is Autumn in a nutshell?

Hi, I am Autumn. I am a wife to my high school sweetheart, a mother to two 2 spunky girls and a lover of travel and adventure! When I am not working as a physical therapist or Pilates instructor, you will find me with my family! We have created a culture of movement, seeking new experiences and continued growth through learning in my family which I really enjoy! An evening walk and a great family conversation, cooking and listening to a podcast, sitting down to read while my girls are doing the same, or road trip to camp somewhere new…I love it all!

In 2018, I committed to reading the Bible in its entirety. Though this was not for the first time I have done this in my life, it was the first time I persevered until I reaped the benefits of it. Almost immediately, I noticed a difference in my relationship with Christ. When I made time to connect with the Lord, I became confident in His will for my life. I found clarity in my passion, purpose, and direction that I was sure did not exist prior to this experience. This time with God gave me a boldness to pursue God-sized dreams.

I am thankful for the internal drive I have to “try, try again” because, I could have said “I tried to connect with God through His Word and it didn’t work out”, but then I would have not heard His calling.

Where do you stand with Christ as of right now and where do you see your relationship with Him headed?

In 2018, I committed to reading the Bible in its entirety. Though this was not for the first time I have done this in my life, it was the first time I persevered until I reaped the benefits of devouring God’s written word. Almost immediately, I noticed a difference in my relationship with Christ. When I continued to make time to connect with the Lord, I began to look forward to it and increasingly more confident in His will for my life. I found clarity in my passion, purpose, and direction that I was sure did not exist prior to this experience. This time with God gave me a boldness to pursue God-sized dreams.

I am thankful for the internal drive I have to “try, try again” because, I could have said “I tried to connect with God through His Word and it didn’t work out”, but then I would have not heard.

The timing of my personal quest to seek God is of sovereign design. Preparing my heart in His word, while my family did the same, allowed us to collectively say ‘YES’ to starting a non-profit called The Fearless 5 to connect people to each other and God on a deeper level! God’s timing is good.

Since starting The Fearless 5, Inc. and dreaming up and planning the Fearless Woman conference, we have created more avenues to connect with God through our family. With a written and proclaimed mission statement like the one we have for The Fearless 5, all of us feel closer to God and each other in more areas of our life. This adventure has been fruitful.

Describe what makes you fearless?

I think it is important to start this question of by explaining that I am not fearless in the traditional sense many may think of. I have the same fears that most all wife and mother’s do. “Do I work too much? Should I work more? Am I patient enough with my kids? I fear the loss of a child, my husband or family member or close friend with my whole body. I am fearful of making mistakes or hurting someone I love. The fearlessness that we are referencing the name of our corporation or the title of our conference “Fearless Woman” is actually a fearlessness to follow Christ’s will for our life. To say ‘yes’ to God-sized dreams is daunting, yet exhilarating. It can be easy to say no immediately upon seeing ‘daunting’, but if you keep reading the sentence above and God’s word, you get to the word ‘exhilarating’! If you remember from the questions “Who is Autumn in a nutshell?”, you’ll remember I live for adventure! God is teaching me that if I say ‘yes’ to a God-led life, my life will be fulfilling and adventurous!

I remind myself of the life he has promised His children when I become fearful and hesitate to say ‘yes’.

What is one of your favorite childhood memories?

I can think of many grand memories growing up, but I think becoming a parent has solidified that the most meaningful memories include the way they made me feel, no matter the experience. I appreciate the one-on-one time I received from my parents when working on class projects. I appreciate the way the raised us to develop independently of each other, rather than collectively. I appreciate their braveness in trusting me and my character. I appreciate my family introducing me to travel and then allowing me to pursue it when able. Being a part of a family that encouraged me to listen to my heart sums up all of my favorite childhood memories and a gift I hope to pass on to my girls because I believe it leads to a fulfilling, engaging life.

What makes your bond with your sisters and mom unique?

When we were growing up, it was very obvious how different we each were. I can imagine that as a parent, trying to plan activities we would all enjoy might have been very difficult. We listened to different music, dressed differently, and had different interests than the others. Now, instead of looking at our superficial differences, I am astounded at our different internal strengths that we each contribute to The Fearless 5. Growing up, I wished we were more similar. However, now I can see God’s purpose in giving us vastly different personalities and traits. Our differences are what makes The Fearless 5 so successful.

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How Do We Define “Fearless”

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What is the definition of “fearless” according to The Fearless 5?

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” — I John 4:18

“Fearless,” according to The Fearless 5 is “finding perfect love in Christ.” We aim to replace our earthly fears with Heaven’s perfect love, so that we may live abundantly as Jesus says in John 10:10.

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God reminds us that we can live a fearless life in Him because He sent His one and only son to die for us on the cross so that our sins are completely forgiven; they no longer demand punishment.

To obtain this perfect love and strive for a fearless heart, we must seek the Lord. Our vision for The Fearless 5 requires us to seek God so that we can “fearlessly answer His call to instill hope globally while being His hands and feet on this Earth spreading His life-changing message, “God is love” (John 15:13).

Everywhere you turn people are hurting, and they are faced with more reasons to hurt and fear on a daily basis. The Fearless 5 wants to show people where they can find love, a perfect love, amongst a world that is hurting. We want to deliver God’s message of love to those people who are hurting through a deepening connection with their mind, body, and spirit while promoting a societal shift that will empower, encourage, and equip people to live a life that they were created to.

By celebrating “God is love,” we can overcome the hurt in the world; by shifting the focus from the differences among his people to the truth, “love always wins”. As The Fearless 5, we want to do our part to exemplify that with God’s perfect love, “love always wins”.

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