Happy Wednesday everbody! 36 DAYS and counting!!! I'm just finishing up my last few schools on my Miss Kansas Speaks tour, and although I'm excited about being totally focused on MA for these last few days, I'll admit, I'll really miss the kids. Last week I spoke at the Dodge City elementary schools and they were a blast! I even got dogpiled by a kindergarten class! I was down on one knee talking with a little boy and suddenly, another little guy ran over and gave me a great big hug. That was the cue for the rest of the class, and before I knew it I was on the ground in a "dogpile of hugs!" It was great! I spoke yesterday at Independence High School, and today I'm headed to Norwich schools. I'll only have two left: Chetopa and Andover.

You should also go take a look at www.missamerica.cmt.com. All of our interviews and home town footage are up and you can get to know each of the contestants a little better. There's also a chance to vote in the "best smile contest" . . . . I mean, I'm not using this as a tool to try to get you to go and vote for me or anything . . . unless . . . you want to. ( just kidding : ) Also don't forget to order your signed copy of "Oh What I'd do Without You" before Christmas! They make a great stocking stuffer : )

This week we took a break from our "Cover to Cover" study, but I got to visit and speak at a really neat church this past weekend. I went to The Benton Church in Benton Kansas and it was such a blessing. I was reminded that the true "present" of Christmas, is the presence of Christ on earth, and our own presence with our loved ones. In Sunday school I was reminded of the real importance of personal testimony. Your testimony is one of your greatest tools in life. People will always be able to disagree with your logic, theology and even basic doctrine, but they can't disagree with a personal testimony - how you live your life everyday, and how God has changed you life. So, know your personal testimony, say it, walk it, live it.

Have a great week and catch you next week : )

-Michelle

Hello again : ) I hope everyone had a good weekend. This past week has been full - surprise, I know - but a lot of fun. Time is ticking away until Miss America, and I am spending all my free time in preparation. This past week I visited Fredonia, Altoona, Neodesha, Alma, Humboldt and Medicine Lodge Schools, and also, the Homewood Suites Grand Opening, the first Kansas Children's Serivce League Red Stocking Breakfast in Garden City, the Peabody Christmas Parade, a Greene Vision Group Photo Shoot, and the Towanda Lions Club Christmas Dinner. All of the events were wonderful and thank you to the many people who coordinated me coming to all of them.

This next week is full, but with much opportunity. I will be setting up some meetings with some possible BIG spoosors, so pray for me if you think about it. In our Bible study, "From Cover to Cover," we studied a little bit more about the history of the Bible. If you've never spent any time studying that- do. It's amazing how much controversy surrounds this one book , and how many people gave their lives so that they could read just a little bit of it. It's so interesting to me that not so long ago, people would die to have a copy of the Scriptures, and now the average American family has at least two full copies, and we don't value them as much as we should. Go and read a little of the history behind your Bible, and it might mean a little more to you the next time you pick it up.

Have a good week guys, and don't forget - BUY A BOOK! There's going to be a pretty good sale coming up soon, so keep your eyes open for it and get one before Christmas while we still have copies in stock. They make great Christmas presents!!

Talk to you next week!
-Michelle