It was fantastic to have the luxury of some time to rest after returning from Orlando, where we had such a busy week! It was fun to work on my apartment and practice more of my dance. Guess what else happened this week … my birthday! I was so thankful to spend my birthday with people that I love! I had dinner with Josh, my family, and a group of college friends! My friend Lauren said it best “Friends are such a blessing!”
Monday night, I attended the grand opening of the Carlisle Civic Center and appreciation ceremony for Senator Bobby Glover, my Paw Paw! He has served in public office for 48 years, and I am grateful for his example of service! Arkansas and Lonoke counties have named an overpass and highway after him!
After I spoke at the appreciation dinner, Mayor Ray Glover presented me with the golden key of the city! He said, “Did they teach you about genes at college? Well, let me tell you how a gene pool works. Your great grandparents, grandparents, dad, aunt, and uncle all came from Carlisle. That means you get your good looks and talents from Carlisle! That’s why you got a key to the city!” Haha! He was a comedian all night long!
I looked forward all week to speaking in Hot Springs at Balboa Baptist Church and sharing my testimony! I told about my experience mentoring disadvantaged youth and pregnant teenagers through the Promise House. Balboa Baptist Church was a very engaging crowd, who blessed me with their encouragement and fellowship! Thank you for inviting me!
I enjoy so much being an advocate for my generation and always encourage second chances. In a church setting, I can relate this message to the grace given by God through His son Jesus. My God is the God of second chances! I pray that I get invited to many more churches and that He may be glorified in my message.
On Sunday afternoon, I met with the Miss Arkansas Board to discuss goals for my year. They offered an incredible amount of encouragement and guidance. Arkansas is blessed to have board members who give an immense amount of their time and service to our organization. As a contestant, I never realized all the effort required to make the opportunities and scholarships possible! Working with the board, I will strive to make our organization even stronger for future Miss Arkansas titleholders and contestants!
I read the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan this week. It presented the very challenging message - to love selflessly. I desire to become more intentional with the people that I meet this year. I want to pray for the organizations that I work with and to keep in contact with the people I have met. I recognize the influence of the Miss Arkansas crown and hope to use any opportunity to maximize its impact!
This upcoming week, I’m excited to be meeting with many sponsors and old friends. I will get to visit Arkadelphia, Stuttgart, and Jonesboro. I also hope to surprise my “little sister” and my Miss Arkansas princess by showing up for lunch at their respective schools! I am thrilled to watch my schedule filling up for September and October. Every day, I am reminded that it is an absolute privilege to be Miss Arkansas!
0 comments:
Leave a Comment