Friendships. EOT Article!

Each and every week I write these articles I am amazed at how quickly a week has already gone by. To be honest this article snuck up on me. I mentioned to my roommate “Oh goodness, I still need to write my article for this week.” Out of slight panic I asked her for suggestions. I had thought during the week of several topics including, peace and friendship. I was hoping her answer would lead me in some direction. She smiled and responded “Paige, you should write about friendship.”  I was sold and hear I am.

            Since arriving back at Jamestown College my friendships have grown tremendously. I am so thankful for my “family” at college; my great friends. I could go on and on about the wonderful friends and how they inspire and challenge me. However, I want you to think about your friendships. Who means the most to you?  Are some of the best friendships that you have in your family?  People and the relations we have are one of the most precious gifts in life. With a great friendships comes ups and down; how are you dealing with the downs? My hope is that the friendships you have in your life encourage you each and every day. I know mine surely have. I also want to challenge you to thank the people in your life who have challenged, and inspired you. Thank them for their friendship. It may be calling a friend who you haven't spoken with in quite some time. It’s never to late to get back in touch. Keep your friends and family close to your heart.
            I think winter finally has arrived. Be sure to stay warm. Don’t let your kids run out of the house without their hats and mittens. May the friendships you have warm your heart. My blessings to you throughout this week. 

EOT article. The crowing of Miss America!

Greetings Perham!

            What an exciting weekend it was for America last Saturday. For all of you who didn’t have the opportunity to catch Miss America Live on ABC I’ll fill you in. Wisconsin’s 23 year old, Laura Kaeppeler was crowned as the 91^st Miss America! 52 beautiful and talented young women competed for the title and I’m happy to say the Midwest was well represented. I’m thrilled to see the new perspectives and dynamics Laura will bring to our country during her year of service.

            With the recent crowning of Miss America I find it a perfect time to explain the journey that I myselft, as Miss Perham, am on. The Miss America Organization was created over 90 years ago for young women to earn scholarship money to pursue their education goals.  The journey to Miss America is a three-fold process. Each state has local programs in which young women between the ages of 17 and 24 compete. If she wins a local title she then competes at her state level. If she is crowned in her state she then competes for the title of Miss America.  This June I will continue my journey as I compete for the title of Miss Minnesota. If crowned, I will head to Las Vegas to compete for Miss America. The Miss Perham Scholarship Organization is a fabulous opportunity for young women who live in Perham to begin a journey to their dreams. I am forever thankful for the doors it has opened. My hope is that our community will continue to support the young women crowned as Miss Perham.

            May the warm weather continue to speed up the winter. Much love and many blessings from Jamestown, ND to my family and friends in Perham!

The Overwhelming Needs of Our World (EOT Article)

Hello Perham,

            Life is back to crazy-hectic, but still good, now that I’m back at school. However, it’s great to get into the swing of things again! I had such a fabulous time while I was home in Perham. So often we need to take a break every once in a while to keep our sanity. I can honestly say I recovered from the demands of first semester and am now in the midst of another. I know I’ve said it many times before, but time is flying faster than ever! I think the warm weather has definitely helped things moved along quite quickly. I am so thankful for the little snow we have had and the stunningly beautiful weather the start of January has brought.

            While I was home I caught up, visited, and saw many people. One conversation stands out in particular, one I had with a wonderful young woman from my church, who recently went to Africa on a medical mission. She shared many stories of her trip and how the people she encountered changed her appreciation for simple everyday life. After listening, my though for this weeks article came to mind. Often times the needs of our world can become overwhelming and almost seemingly impossible to fix. However, we all have a special talent, desire, love, or idea that we can take and run with. Not run away with, or run away to hide, but to run with our gifts towards contributing to the needs of our world. The task can be small, medium, or large. This outlook enlightened me to discover my small contribution to the needs of our world. I’m still discovering. Are you?

            As the week continues may you be inspired to find how you can contribute to the needs of our world, just as the young lady I shared coffee with. My hope is that you will. It’s a perfect time to find it, in the second week of 2012. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit my blog please do. You can at missperham2011.blogspot.com. Hear about the 600 children I spoke with about “It’s No Joke, Say NO to Smoke,” and more. Blessings my friends.

Much love, 

Paige  

Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser, Spending Time with 5th and 6th graders at PWMNS

Hello everyone!

My goodness it is 2012 and I am so excited to tell you about the way I've been kicking it off as Miss Perham.

Part of my job as Miss Perham is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Children's Miracle Network. The wonderful Pizza Ranch of Perham helped me with this very task on January 2nd! As customers came to eat at the Pizza Ranch on Monday evening, 25% of the sales went straight to the Children's Miracle Network. I'm excited to say I raised $320.00, with sales and tips for CMN. A deep thank you to everyone who came to spend the evening with me! I really appreciate your support.

This morning I was up at 7 am to prepare myself for a morning with 5th and 6th graders to chat about not smoking. I presented to each grade, about 100 at a time. They were a very fun group and I could tell they were excited to be back at school after Christmas break!

Going into schools and speaking with kids gets me so excited about my career. Being in front of children and seeing them engaged is so inspiring. I can't wait to be in a classroom someday. This Miss America Organization has given me so many tools to improve my talents, skills, and abilities. Not only has it opened doors, but given me the opportunity to serve my community that I love.

Good luck to Natalie Davis, our Miss Minnesota as she heads to the Miss America Pageant tomorrow morning. I'm excited to see what she has in store for us! Best wishes Natalie and Happy Birthday!

Much love,
Paige