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
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