Two Weeks at a Glance

I have been so busy these past two weeks leading up to Miss Minnesota!

After completing a rough finals week, I was off to Hudson, WI for an overnight camping adventure. I am one of five Miss Minnesota gals to participate in an awards program called the Duke of Edinburgh. Duke of Edinburgh is a self-development program in which participants engage in a variety of categories to develop life-skills. This program was just brought to Minnesota, so all five of us are working towards our Bronze medal (after that, we will work for silver and gold). A part of the Bronze medal includes an "Adventurous Journey", and for our journey we stayed at Camp St. Croix on the St. Croix river and participated in service projects and cooked meals. It was a fantastic weekend, and next week I will recieve my Bronze medal at one of the preliminary nights of competition.

Upon returning home, I unpacked my car to settle in for the summer. It feels great to be back home, but it has been crazy busy with appearances and final preparations.

The Sunday before Memorial Day, I was at Cragun's Resort and participated in their annual Military Appreciation Day. My sisters queens and I, along with Miss Minnesota 2013 Rebecca Yeh, participated in the parade and had a chance to speak onstage. I've attended this event for the past three years and every year, I leave feeling empowered and grateful for the service men and women who sacrificed so much for our beautiful country. It was a fantastic day and I was thankful to be a part of it.

Last week, I was up early to speak to the Sunrise Rotary in Baxter about Alzheimer's and my story. I was asked to speak to this group by a member who happened to read my story in Her Voice magazine. The man that asked me to speak has been touched by Alzheimer's as his sister struggles with the late stages in a local nursing home. It's people like this man who continue to inspire me and remind me why Alzheimer's education is so important.

The same day, I spoke to the Noon Sertoma in Brainerd about the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer's in Brainerd this coming September. I spoke with Brenda Beard, who runs the MN-ND Alzheimer's Association's Duluth Office. Brenda has always been a huge supporter of mine and I was so excited to be able to speak along side her for the first time about one of my favorite events of the year!

I am very honored to announce that I have been chosen as a Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life finalist! Only five finalist were chosen for this prestigious award and I am blessed to be one of them. Tracie tragically passed away nineteen years ago, but her memory as been kept live by her incredible family. I've had the privilege of getting to know the McBride family these past couple of years and have been continually inspired by their faith and compassion. They are an incredible family! I'm very happy that I get to participate in a program that keeps Tracie's memory alive. On Saturday I will participate in an interview and present a ten minute presentation to a panel of judges. From there, a winner and first runner up will be announce on one of the preliminary nights of competition next week. I'm honored and blessed just to be a finalist.

Finally, last Saturday was my send-off party to Miss Minnesota 2014. We had a fantastic turnout in which they had the chance to see my wardrobe, talent, and interview skills. I was beyond happy at how many people came to support me and my sister queen, Lauren. I am surrounded by such incredible people! If you are following me on Facebook, you see that I post a "thank you" photo everyday of people who have helped and supported me on this crazy journey. I had no idea the plan God had for my life when He placed the Miss Brainerd Lakes crown on my head. He certainly knew what He was doing though and I'm so grateful for all of the doors that have opened these past nine months.

Thanks to all of you for the support! Only 3 days until Miss Minnesota check-in!!
With love,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013

Cragun's Memorial Day celebration with Irma Cragun!

Sunrise Rotary

Noon Sertoma

Lauren and I at our sendoff!

Bev, my Miss Brainerd Lakes sister! Bev ws Miss Brainerd Lakes 1954 :)

Our incredible director, Cyndi!

Why I Continue To Write Blogs

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

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

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

Miss Minnesota 2013, Rebecca Yeh

My wonderful team!

Miss Minnesota Orientation and the 2014 Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant!

What a crazy and memorable weekend this has been! I'm still trying to recover from the weekend's festivities.

The two weeks leading up to this past weekend were extremely busy putting final touches on my talent and paperwork. I was so relieve to finally turn all my paperwork in on Saturday!

Saturday started at 9AM with check-in and turning in paperwork. Though the day was long, it was very informative. We learned more about what Miss Minnesota week will entail, how the judging process works, received our opening number dresses, and picked roommates and contestant order. I am contestant #13 (lucky #13 that is!) out of 25, which means I will perform my talent and onstage question on Wednesday night of prelims and I will do swimsuit and evening gown on Thursday night of prelims. Though I really had no preference where I wanted to be in the line up, I'm very happy with place #13. My roommate for the week will be Miss North Star, Kailee Ogden! I am so excited for the week we will have together and I'm blessed to have such an awesome roommate! I know we will have so much fun.

After orientation, we had some down time to get ready for the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant. As I was getting ready, it occurred to me that something seemed off. I realized that this was the first time I had EVER watched a MMOT pageant in my entire life. For the five years I've been competing, I've always been one of the Teens onstage. Now it was my turn to sit in the audience and enjoy the program that gave me my start. Though it was strange, I greatly enjoyed watching the show and became even more proud to say that I'm a former MMOT. The Teens onstage that night were phenomenal. I couldn't believe how intense the competition was and how great the girls were! This program is just incredible, and the changes that occur in these young women's lives are indescribable. I know because I'm a living testament to what this program does!

My two little sister queens did such a fabulous job! I'm beyond proud of both Lauren and Molly on their flawless performances Saturday night. Molly was consistent onstage and could not have done anything better! Lauren knocked peoples socks off with her talent and one the Teens in Action award for her platform work. I'm lucky to have them another 4 months :)

Congratulations are an order to the new Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, Lauren Algyer! She had such a beautiful and consistent performance, and I know she will represent Minnesota in her own unique way. I'm proud to welcome her into the MMOT sisterhood.

Also, congratulations to the now former MMOT, Corrina Swiggum. There is no one better I could have crowned that could have been able to handle this past year better that her. I'm so lucky to call her my friend! The future is bright for Corrina and I know we will be seeing her onstage again soon enough :)

Yesterday, I found out that I've been selected as a Shift leader here at Bethel University! It is a huge honor to be chosen, as the application process was long and hard, but I can't wait for God to use me in a new way! Shift is a ministry program for incoming freshman on campus. It is designed to help grow first year students into the image of God and be a constant form of support for them as they find their way through college. Thanks to all who prayed for me during the application process! I had been feeling God calling me to serve and felt Shift was the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I would appreciate more prayers as I begin the training process and ultimately meet the young women I will be leading next August.

Your Sister in Christ,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013

My sister queen, Lauren (Miss Central Lakes) and I!

My beautiful roomie for Miss MN week, Kailee!

Molly, Miss Brainerd Lakes' Outstanding Teen!

The day before...

It's the day before orientation and the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2014 pageant and I couldn't be more excited! This week has certainly been a taxing one, but I'm feeling more than prepared for what tomorrow might bring. I'm completely trusting that it's in the Lord's hands.

There have been so many people that have help to bring me to where I am today. First and foremost, my parents. They have been my rock these past couple of months and there would have been no way any of this would have been possible. My director, Cyndi. She has been such a blessing and is so willing to help and give advice. I can't imagine this experience with her. Will, who continues to be so incredibly supportive and eager to help me in my endeavors. Mk and Renee, what's a pageant without these two? I'm not even sure. They have been there for me through it all - when I won Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012 and my year that followed, in Orlando to support me at Miss America's Outstanding Teen, and as I (surprisingly) won Miss Brainerd Lakes. Stacie, I can come to you with anything and you always have a solution. Thank you for being such a positive influence in my life! Kathryn and Andy - there have been good weeks and there have been bad weeks. Regardless, I leave your house feeling better and better about my performance in June! I'm so grateful to have you two in my life.

I'm sending positive vibes and love to the 14 contestants who will be competing for MMOT 2014 tomorrow! But especially to my two litter sister queens Lauren and Molly (both nominated for Teens in Action, by the way!). I'm so proud to be your big sister queen! We have made so many memories these past 7 months and I can't wait to see what each of your future holds. God plan will be fulfilled tomorrow!

Much love,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013

Thought it would be time to post my official headshot for Miss Minnesota 2014!

IHOP National Pancake Day

Last week, I had the opportunity to volunteer for National Pancake Day at IHOP on Minneapolis off Stinson Blvd. It was definitely a different experience making an appearance in Minneapolis as Miss Brainerd Lakes, but fun none the less! It was so great to hear the stories of people who have traveled to Brainerd and to hear them say how wonderful that area is. I was so honored to be able to represent my beautiful community!

My friends from college came for pancakes! So blessed to have them supporting me :)

The manager, Christophe! If you ever have the chance to meet, go for it! He's such a fun-loving guy.

I met an incredible little girl, Cassidy, who suffers from a seizure disorder in which she has had since birth. Because of that, she has spent many hours at Gillette. Cassidy is a true fighter, and has been a reminder for me of what's important in life. I'm not sure she realized how much of an impact she had on my life in the short hour I had known her, but it's children like her who make you put your life in perspective.

I also have had the opportunity to attend my little sister queen's sendoff party to Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2014! Both Molly and Lauren have been great representatives and I cannot wait to cheer them on at the pageant in just 2.5 weeks. I can't believe that it's already that time of year. I wanted to say a huge congratulations to Corrina Swiggum, Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2013, on such a fantastic year. I could not imagine crowning anyone else! You have represented our state beautifully and have kept the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen legacy alive and burning. Thanks for everything you have done :)

Always,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013