I was thinking about blogs and the purpose they serve and thought I might as well collect my thoughts in a blog (what better way, right?).
I have always been a fan of blogs. Even when I'm not competing, I keep a blog updated simply because it becomes a mean of expressing myself in a healthy way. I never expect people to read them, but am grateful to those that do!
With every title I've held, I've kept up a blog to keep my faithful supporters updated, but also so I can look back and reminisce on the year that I had.
I also think there is a negative stereotype of pageants in general. It has been my goal to write my blogs in hopes of changing the thinking of those people that think pageantry exploits women. They don't. I hope that people read my blog and see how empowering pageants are, especially the Miss America Organization. I hope that people see how much I've grown with the program and how much I've learned in the 5 years I've been competing. Even if my blog changes the view of only one person on pageants, then my blog has served its purpose.
It's your own opinion on what purpose blogs serve and if they are even relevant. I seem to average 75-150 views on each blog I post, which gives me reason to believe that people are in fact reading my blogs and are interested in what I have to say but also that they are relevant.
So thanks to those of you that read my blog! You inspire me to keep writing them. Look for another blog later this week to hear how my Miss Minnesota prep has been going and the busy two weeks I have left before I check in for Miss Minnesota week.
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
Gretchen Ennis Photography
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Worry
Sometimes I have no idea where God is taking my life.
I'm not sure I've ever felt so much stress and confusion in my entire life at the things God is throwing at my life, and I'll admit that it's been taking a toll on me.
Many of you know that I've been busily preparing for Miss Minnesota 2014 for the past eight and a half months while volunteering over ten hours a week as Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013. Preparation has consisted of weekly piano lessons, nutritionist appointments, mock interviews twice a month, and mental training as I prepare for the week of Miss Minnesota. There have been many long car rides and sleepless nights, but ultimately I know that my hard work is going to pay off in the end regardless of what happens in June when a new Miss Minnesota is crowned. I've greatly enjoyed this new and exciting journey in my life and I know that God is preparing for me something greater.
Along with my Miss Brainerd Lakes duties, I've somehow managed to (almost!) complete my first year of college at Bethel University. Next week is the start of finals week then I will be officially moving back home for the summer. Next year, I will have Junior standing and will be on board to finishing school in two years with my degree in Accounting and Finance and a minor in Leadership. While I'm excited at the plan God has laid out for my life, the Accounting field is hard and will only get harder as I begin to take more upper-level Accounting classes.
But what many don't know about are the things happening behind the scenes. I've watched my father's health decline even more as he struggles with Alzheimer's disease and heart complications. My mom has single-handedly become his sole caregiver while also maintaining our home and working as much as possible. She is such a blessing.
God has decided that I can add a few more things to my plate as I prepare to say farewell to my boyfriend for the summer as he moves to Texas for a great job opportunity. Along with that, he will be leaving in October for Fort Sill in Oklahoma for 17 weeks to complete basic training for the Army National Guard. He felt God calling him to serve and I am so proud of him for this. But it certainly doesn't make life any easier as I realize how little I will be able to see him.
Life has brought me down the past two days. I was trying to trust the plan God had for everything, but was getting so caught up in my stress and worry. I called my mom tonight in tears asking why all of this was getting shoved on my plate. Though she couldn't answer my question, the best advice she gave me was to open my Bible and just read.
The minute I got off the phone I opened my Bible to Matthew 6:33 and 34 which reads as follows:
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
There was no way I opened to this passage by coincidence. God knew exactly what I needed to hear and it has brought me great peace.
So the purpose of this blog to remind you that God has a plan for everything. You may not believe it right now, but eventually you will see that things work out in His favor. He cares for you. He loves you more in a moment than anyone could in a lifetime. That is so important to remember especially in times of great stress when you don't always feel his presence.
I don't know every little thing that goes on in each of your lives, but I do know that earthly things can never quench our thirst. Jesus is the only one and I hope that you can find Him in times of great trial.
Your Sister in Christ,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
I'm not sure I've ever felt so much stress and confusion in my entire life at the things God is throwing at my life, and I'll admit that it's been taking a toll on me.
Many of you know that I've been busily preparing for Miss Minnesota 2014 for the past eight and a half months while volunteering over ten hours a week as Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013. Preparation has consisted of weekly piano lessons, nutritionist appointments, mock interviews twice a month, and mental training as I prepare for the week of Miss Minnesota. There have been many long car rides and sleepless nights, but ultimately I know that my hard work is going to pay off in the end regardless of what happens in June when a new Miss Minnesota is crowned. I've greatly enjoyed this new and exciting journey in my life and I know that God is preparing for me something greater.
Along with my Miss Brainerd Lakes duties, I've somehow managed to (almost!) complete my first year of college at Bethel University. Next week is the start of finals week then I will be officially moving back home for the summer. Next year, I will have Junior standing and will be on board to finishing school in two years with my degree in Accounting and Finance and a minor in Leadership. While I'm excited at the plan God has laid out for my life, the Accounting field is hard and will only get harder as I begin to take more upper-level Accounting classes.
But what many don't know about are the things happening behind the scenes. I've watched my father's health decline even more as he struggles with Alzheimer's disease and heart complications. My mom has single-handedly become his sole caregiver while also maintaining our home and working as much as possible. She is such a blessing.
God has decided that I can add a few more things to my plate as I prepare to say farewell to my boyfriend for the summer as he moves to Texas for a great job opportunity. Along with that, he will be leaving in October for Fort Sill in Oklahoma for 17 weeks to complete basic training for the Army National Guard. He felt God calling him to serve and I am so proud of him for this. But it certainly doesn't make life any easier as I realize how little I will be able to see him.
Life has brought me down the past two days. I was trying to trust the plan God had for everything, but was getting so caught up in my stress and worry. I called my mom tonight in tears asking why all of this was getting shoved on my plate. Though she couldn't answer my question, the best advice she gave me was to open my Bible and just read.
The minute I got off the phone I opened my Bible to Matthew 6:33 and 34 which reads as follows:
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
There was no way I opened to this passage by coincidence. God knew exactly what I needed to hear and it has brought me great peace.
So the purpose of this blog to remind you that God has a plan for everything. You may not believe it right now, but eventually you will see that things work out in His favor. He cares for you. He loves you more in a moment than anyone could in a lifetime. That is so important to remember especially in times of great stress when you don't always feel his presence.
I don't know every little thing that goes on in each of your lives, but I do know that earthly things can never quench our thirst. Jesus is the only one and I hope that you can find Him in times of great trial.
Your Sister in Christ,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
67th Annual Governor's Fishing Opener
What a fantastic weekend it has been! I was honored to be a guest at the 67th annual Governor's Fishing Opener in my hometown of Nisswa, MN. I had been looking forward to this event since I was crowned and it was honored to represent my fantastic community at such a special event.
The day started early with my Statistics class, then I raced down to Brainerd to have lunch with the new Minnesota-North Dakota Alzheimer's Association CEO, Sue Spalding and from the Duluth Alzheimer's Association office, Brenda Beard. Sue Spalding in new to the Alzheimer's Association so this was the first time I had ever met her and it was great to sit down with her and talk about what I've been doing with the cause and where she see's the Alzheimer's Association going in the next few years.
After lunch, I raced home only to leave again to be a guest at the Governor's Fishing Opener in my little hometown of Nisswa. I have always loved my community events and this was no exception! Nisswa is a strong knit community that puts on the best community events of any other small town I've been to. It was predicted that over 5,000 would come out to this event and I'm certain the number was close to that. Nisswa was very busy regardless of the cold weather.
The night started with a speech from Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon. This was the official kickoff to the event! Soon after, I participated in the Fish Fillet contest with my sister queen, Molly. I had done with same event two years ago at the Governor's Fishing Opener in Waconia, MN (where I was born) as Mss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012 but that was the first time I had ever touched ad filleted fish so it didn't go too well. This time, I was ready to win and brought my game face! I was on a team with a chef from Grand View Lodge and a fishing guide. I'm proud to say that my team won the contest based on how fast we finished and the quality of the fillet!
The rest of the weekend was time for rest and relaxation as I prepare for the final two weeks of school I have left. I have been so busy preparing for Miss Minnesota that it was nice to take some time for myself to refresh and refocus on the goal ahead of me.
Until next time,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
The day started early with my Statistics class, then I raced down to Brainerd to have lunch with the new Minnesota-North Dakota Alzheimer's Association CEO, Sue Spalding and from the Duluth Alzheimer's Association office, Brenda Beard. Sue Spalding in new to the Alzheimer's Association so this was the first time I had ever met her and it was great to sit down with her and talk about what I've been doing with the cause and where she see's the Alzheimer's Association going in the next few years.
After lunch, I raced home only to leave again to be a guest at the Governor's Fishing Opener in my little hometown of Nisswa. I have always loved my community events and this was no exception! Nisswa is a strong knit community that puts on the best community events of any other small town I've been to. It was predicted that over 5,000 would come out to this event and I'm certain the number was close to that. Nisswa was very busy regardless of the cold weather.
The night started with a speech from Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon. This was the official kickoff to the event! Soon after, I participated in the Fish Fillet contest with my sister queen, Molly. I had done with same event two years ago at the Governor's Fishing Opener in Waconia, MN (where I was born) as Mss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012 but that was the first time I had ever touched ad filleted fish so it didn't go too well. This time, I was ready to win and brought my game face! I was on a team with a chef from Grand View Lodge and a fishing guide. I'm proud to say that my team won the contest based on how fast we finished and the quality of the fillet!
The rest of the weekend was time for rest and relaxation as I prepare for the final two weeks of school I have left. I have been so busy preparing for Miss Minnesota that it was nice to take some time for myself to refresh and refocus on the goal ahead of me.
Until next time,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
Miss Minnesota 2013, Rebecca Yeh
My wonderful team!
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