Imperfection is Beautiful

Hey, everyone,
So, I just got my microbiology exam back about an hour ago, and I have to admit that I did awful on it. The fist thing that popped into my mind was "How did this happen?" I studied for days, hours for this test, and I got nothing to show for it. As a college student, you are constantly fighting silent battles. Someone always does better than you, someone is always smarter than you are. But, in the midst of all this internal hatred for myself for doing poorly, I heard God say to me: "Sarah, you are not perfect. Nobody is." These are words I'm sure we've all heard before, but it got me thinking. I'm human; God's right, I am imperfect. But, you know what? That's beautiful. Being imperfect is what makes us all unique. It's God's way of telling us that we're all human, and that we do make mistakes. So, next time you are in the same scenario that I was just in, remember that God loves you no matter your failures. It's part of the beautiful imperfections that make up who you are.
Love, 
Sarah Allison 

Beautiful

Hey, friends :)
As we venture into the school/work week, I wanted to share with all of you a song one of my roommates introduced me to a few days ago. It's called "Beautiful" by Jim Brickman featuring Wayne Brady. (Yes, the Wayne Brady from Whose Line is it Anyway :) It's beautiful, incredible, and sends a gorgeous message: that everyone is beautiful. "But I've never seen anything as beautiful as you."
You are all beautiful; don't let anybody tell you otherwise.
Have a great week!
Love,
Sarah Allison
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS9GH8XX3Ew

Jeremiah 29:11

Hi, guys.

So, it's going to be another late night. Part of the joys of being a college student, right? While I'm taking a break from studying, I figured I might as well blog for a little while. I will admit that at the moment, I'm as stressed as can be. My mind is always going through so many questions. How come this exam has to be worth half our grade? Why do we only get 2 weeks to write a 10 page paper? Why does this lab have to be 3 hours long? But, in the midst of all these questions, I pray to God for guidance; that everything will turn out okay. Listening to Him always helps me. Most of the time, He tells me to read Jeremiah 29:11. So, of course, I go get my bible and open it up to the verse. It says: 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future." 

This verse always helps me to push through the times we find most inconvenient, and I know it will help you, too. 

Love, Sarah Allison

Wonders of Fall

Hey, guys!
It's a very chilly Saturday morning here in Moorhead; only 53 degrees, in fact! Oddly enough, I am perfectly fine with this weather. My favorite season in fall, and this weather proves that fall is finally here :)
Fall is a great time to experience:
1. Beautiful leaves in many different colors

2. Pumpkin scented candles!
3. sitting outside with a blanket and enjoying a warm cup of hot cocoa
4. pumpkin spiced lattes! (Anybody excited for this as much as I am?) :)

There is so much more to LOVE about fall, including all the things God has blessed us with. I thank God every day for the beautiful creations He made, and all the beautiful people He put on this Earth.
Have a great weekend, and enjoy the wonders of fall!
Love, Sarah Allison

Blessings

Good evening, my fellow blog-followers,

I just have a short story to share with all of you. I could not sleep last night; my mind was spinning and spinning with all of the blessings that have happened to me in the past week. It was spinning so much that early this morning, I just broke down and cried. I cried not of sadness, but of joy. I have grown so much closer to God in the past week, I think, than I have in my whole lifetime. Between going to church on 9/11 to singing to our Lord through The Remedy to participating in my dorm's bible study, I am just so overwhelmed at how blessed I am. Last night, as I was sobbing, I realized that life, right now in this moment, is pretty close to perfect. I continue to thank the Lord each and every day how ridiculously blessed I am. I knew there was a reason I chose to go to Concordia: It was You, God, who decided that. It is You, God, who gave me my love for children. It is You, God, who led me to live my life the way I am. You made me; I am me because of You. During bible study tonight, we talked about this: 

"God sent the one who would rescue and restore us. His name was Jesus. The unique Son of God became one of us. He spoke truth, modeled love, dispensed grace, granted forgiveness, and offered life in all of its fullness." 

He is my ultimate role model, and I could not love without His guidance. I cannot wait what else He has in store for me this year. I am blessed, and so are you. 

Love, Sarah Allison

United by God

Hey, everyone, and happy Tuesday.

Last night, I got to experience something truly miraculous here at Concordia. I went to The Remedy, which is a student led and a student planned worship service. I didin't know what to expect because it was my first time going to it; I cannot believe I didn't go last year! I cried, I laughed, I prayed, and I lifted my arms up to the Lord our God; for I know that he is our one and only Savior. We read through some scripture that read: 

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as a shield." Psalm 511-12

The book of Psalm is my favorite book in the Bible, and this verse is one of my favorites. I am so thankful that The Remedy is here to renew me and make me whole again. Praise God and all his glories!

Love, 

Sarah Allison