Take the Plunge into the New Year

Hey, guys.

2011 has almost come to and end...wow! Where did the time go? As we approach the year 2012, most of us probably look back at all the memories that have been made and all of the events that have happened. I usually take the time to think back on the year and think of one word to describe the year. The word I thought of this year is the word 'blessed.' I have been blessed with my family, I have been blessed with a job which I love, I have been blessed enough to get accepted into the nursing program at Concordia, and I have been blessed with the life in which I live. I know my life isn't perfect, and there are definently missing pieces, but I have to say that I am content with my life right now. God has plans for me, and I will trust in Him to let His plans fall into piece in 2012 and beyond. 

My New Years resolution is to take more risks. Going out of my comfort zone has always been an issue for me. I love the safety and security of knowing what I am doing at all times. But, I've realized this past year, that isn't how the real world functions. In order to move forward into my life, I need to take risks. As I have found out this year, sometimes taking risks will result in consequences that may not be in your favor. That's okay, though. That's how it works. In 2012, I will take the plunge. I will take risks. Be confident, be bold, be you. Trust in Him. I know you can do it, too. 

Happy New Year! 

Love, Sarah Allison

CHRISTmas

Hey, friends!

I just have a quick story to tell you that pretty much made my day. At work, we do this activity called Bible Time, where all of the classrooms come together for a half hour to learn and sing songs about Jesus. The theme today was what Jesus has to do with Christmas, and one of the questions was "What do presents have to do with Jesus?" A 4-year old raised his hand immediately and said "Because Jesus was our first present." I was amazed not only at his answer, but the fact that he has the meaning of Christmas spot on. Jesus is the reason why we celebrate Christmas. The 4-year old was right; Jesus was our first gift. We give gifts to honor what Jesus brought to this world, as well as to remember his sacrifice for us. Because of Jesus, we are free of all sin. Remember the Christmas story in the Bible? That bright star in the sky above the stable? 

That's there to remind us why we are so in love with Jesus Christ, and why He loves us back just as much. This is why Christmas is my favorite holiday :) 

Keep the Christ in CHRISTmas forever. Merry Christmas!

Love, Sarah Allison 

Weekend recap

Phew...what a crazy weekend! I will admit that I am FINALLY on break and loving being home! I can't believe that CHRISTmas is only a week away!!
On Saturday, my family and I spent all day (literally) making our annual Christmas cookies! It was a lot of work, but SO worth it in the end :)
                                                We had to frost ALL of these...plus more :)

Then, I got to worship at my home church on Sunday which was WONDERFUL! On Sunday night I went over to my sister's and brother-in-laws place for a dinner party! We played Yahtzee and talked about wedding plans...:) It's getting SO close now. 4 months away!
I hope your weekend was just as great! Remember that He is the reason for the Season.
Merry Christmas!
Love, Sarah Allison

Motivation

Dear college students, or whoever needs it,

Here is some motivation to help you get through finals :) You can do it! I believe in you. 

1. "For I know the plans I have for you," declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

2.       Lift Me Up by the Afters

Have a great, stressless week of finals. Study hard, and do your best! 

Love, Sarah Allison

A Mother's Prayer

May God grant you peace in the midst of  a storm.
May God give you strength even when you're forlorn.
May you answer the door when Jesus comes knocking.  
May wisdom guide you when your mouth is talking.
May discretion protect you and keep you pure.
May you never stumble or fall for allure.                
May your heart  remain humble to the very end.
May a brightness in truth be what you defend.
May the world not ensnare or change who you are.
May the light that is within you shine like the stars.
May angels surround your body, spirit mind.
May favor in peace be yours to find.
May rejection and pain never reach you.
May your spirit grow bold for what you're called to.
As you rest in God's care, I will rest too;
knowing that Jesus is watching over you.
Amen.

Love, Sarah Allison

This will Make you Smile :)

Hi, friends.
You know those certain things or events in your life that just make you smile until you cry, and that make you forget about all the things you have to do? Well, I just discovered one of those things. It's a Youtube video, actually. But it's not the video itself; it's the content in it that is so beautiful. This little girl, named Kaitlyn Ashley Maher, is 4 years old, and a few years ago, she auditioned for America's Got Talent. I'm always sentimental about children, but believe me, this will make anyone and everyone smile really, really big. It will probably make your heart melt, too. (Yes, even you manly men...) You'll see what I mean :) Children really are the greatest.

Love, Sarah Allison

1000 Gifts: A Challenge

Hey, friends!

Thanksgiving is almost here! How crazy is that? I am looking forward to going home and cherishing the time I get to spend with my family! Family is the greatest :) Because Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and reflecting on everything you are thankful for in this world, I have something that I thought I would share with you. The student speaker at The Remedy yesterday, which is a student-led time of worship at Concordia, talked all about thankfulness. And during her talk, she had mentioned this idea called 1000 Gifts. She is challenging herself to write down 1000 things she is thankful for. These things can be anything and everything you are thankful for and there is no time limit. She is just simply listing 1000 things. 

Give Thanks unto the Lord, for He is good.

After hearing this, God put this idea in my heart and I am now challenging myself to compose a list of 1000 things I am thankful for. I pose this task to you as well! I challenge you to make a list of 1000 things you are most thankful for. Can you do it?! Have a blessed Thanksgiving and always remember to give thanks in all you do!

Love, Sarah Allison