Life is GOOD

Although I know that I am MORE than behind on my updates, I hope that this entry finds you welcoming in the Christmas season with the utmost cheer.  Life has been hectic to say the least, but OH SO GOOD. I want to give you an update on October and what Miss Alabama has been up to.

One of the first appearances I had in the month of October was the Southern Women's Show.  I was able to model in fashion shows on behalf of The Clothes Tree by Deborah, speak on behalf of Artistry by Amway, and visit with women, men, and children alike at the Artistry by Amway booth.  This was such a fulfilling experience in the fact that I got to share about myself, my platform, and the Miss America Organization as a whole.  There were many little girls there that I got to speak with about my journey through the pageant circuit and the lessons that I have learned throughout the years.  It was a blessing to be able to possibly influence the lives of these young girls.  The Southern Women's Show was a success and one that I was proud to be a part of. 

Another wonderful appearance was a speaking engagement at Troy University.  I was invited by a fellow Miss Alabama contestant and dear friend, KeLeigh Edwards, to speak to a Freshman Forum Leadership group.  The audience was comprised of high school students who were selected to attend this unique conference at Troy University.  It is always an honor and a privilege to speak to young people about their potential to be tomorrow's leader.  We had a tour of the campus following my speech, which was delightful.  Troy University is such a beautiful school and the staff and student body is equally as pleasant.

Throughout October I was able to emcee a couple of prelims as well.  Among them were Miss Samford and Miss UAB.  I had never been to either pageant, so it was a definite treat to be a part of both productions.  There is just something about a school pageant that gets everyone extremely excited to be a part of the show.  I love me some school spirit!!

Perhaps my favorite appearance from October was being able to speak at my home church, CrossPoint Church in Argo.  I was invited by my church family to share my testimony and my story with all three services on a Sunday morning.  Most importantly, I was able to talk about my sweet Momma who has shaped me into the Godly woman that I am today.  I know that I would not have been able to share my story, and my personal memories with the congregation had it not been for my Guardian Angel who was with me that day.  I am so honored to be a part of such a family of faith where "Just One More" is our mantra.  The Porter's would not be able to have made it this far without our CrossPoint family behind us.  It was an absolute blessing being able to share my heart with my church family.  I am blessed!

I also had the opportunity to be the special guest at the Decatur Rotary luncheon.  I was able to sit at the head table and visit with many of the Rotary members' daughters before, during, and after lunch.  It was a treat to be able to share a little bit about me to the Decatur Rotary Club and their large member base.  I am so delighted to see so many people willing to give their time, money, and effort to such groups as the Rotary Club.  Volunteerism is what makes the world go around, and I am proud to know that Alabamians not only understand that, but live it on a daily basis.

This just about sums up my adventures in October.  Although, a picture is worth a thousand words, I wish I could find the way to explain how precious each and every day as Miss Alabama is for me.  For me, it is about connecting with the people and trying to make as much of a difference as I possibly can. 

To quote William Shakespeare: "My crown is in my heart, not on my head; Not deck'd with diamonds and Indian stones, Not to be seen: my crown is called content; A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy"

I LOVE MY JOB, and I don't think I could ask for anything more.  Life is good, and most importantly GOD is GOOD. 

Until next time...

~Courtney
Isaiah 40:31

Life's Little Moments

Each and every day, I am reminded of the wonderful blessings and opportunities this job brings.  There is never a day wasted, and every single chance I get, I thank the good Lord for all he has given me.  September was yet another jam-packed month of events, fundraisers, pageants, and experiences.


At the beginning of the month, I was able to speak at the Jefferson County Board of Education Leadership Meeting.  This appearance meant more to me than I can ever explain.  As a daughter of an educator, I have always had the utmost respect for each and every individual who gives their time and service to any aspect of the educational process.  I was honored to be able to speak about my mother and her legacy that she left not only with her students at school, but her students at home as well.  It was an incredible opportunity to see some familiar faces of the people who have shaped me into the young woman that I am today.  I did not feel worthy to be able to talk to them about leadership, seeing that they mold the leaders of the future day-in and day-out.  It was a wonderful way to spend my September morning, and I am blessed to have been a part of such an event.

Immediately following this appearance, I jumped in the car and drove to Dothan, AL to spend the night with Walter and Melanie Hill.  Walter invited me to come along on the Wiregrass United Way 5 County Tour.  It was an absolute blast.  The crew of  9 of us or so rode in a party bus from location to location. We stopped at 5 different counties throughout the Wiregrass and met so many wonderful people along the way. I was able to speak briefly to each group about community service and my experiences while working with various organizations.  The theme of this year's campaign is "Think WE before ME" and the Wiregrass United Way helps with the funding of over 30 agencies and organizations in the area.  One of the stops just so happened to be the Ozark Boys and Girls Club, which was awarded the Best BGC in Alabama last year.  These wonderful people really embraced me and helped me see the wonderful work they do on a daily basis.  I was thoroughly impressed with the generosity and motivation of the citizens of the Wiregrass community.....Oh to have more people like that in the world.  Thanks so Walter and the whole United Way gang for showing me such a good time for a great cause.

The icing on the cake of this wonderful day was the chance to ride in a Horse and Carriage around downtown Dothan before coming back home to Birmingham.  Sam, our horse showed us a lovely tour of downtown Dothan.  Just a day on the job :-)

Children's Miracle Network holds a very dear place in the heart of all the lovely contestants of the Miss America Organization.  In Birmingham, 103.7 theQ, does an annual "Music & Miracles Radiothon" benefiting this wonderful organization.  I was able to come be a part of this event.  Miss Alabama contestants were sitting on the other end of the phones all day long hoping to take the next contribution for the Children's Hospital.  I am so honored to be able to speak on behalf of CMNH in Alabama.  I could not think of a better partner for the Miss America Organization than one that contributes to the health of the children of this country. Keith with 103.7 theQ invited me to speak a little bit about my involvement with CMNH and my Miss Alabama journey thus far.  The day was a success and we got some great funds for a wonderful cause.

There were 3 pageants I had the pleasure of emceeing in September;  Miss Smiths Station, Miss Wiregrass Area, and Miss Hamilton.  Being a former Miss Smiths Station, it was a treat to be able to go back and spend the day with the wonderful volunteers and committee members of the pageant.  It was also on the 10th anniversary of 9-11 so it was an extremely special program for everyone involved.  It is always nice to know that once you are a Miss Smiths Station, you are always a Miss Smiths Station.  I loved spending my Sunday afternoon in Lee County with my extended family.  Miss Wiregrass Area was another wonderful experience.  They really like to keep it in the family at Miss Wiregrass Area... the whole pageant is run by the members of the Janasky family.  They are such wonderful people and it is truly evident how much they care about this organization. The new Miss Wiregrass Area is truly in for a wonderful year filled with wonderful people.  Miss Hamilton was a unique experience in that all of the contestants had never been in a prelim before.  It was encouraging to see such new and fresh faces. They were all as sweet as they could be and truly represented themselves well.  The committee was so proud of each and every one of them.. It was an honor to be able to witness their first steps of their Miss Alabama journeys.  I strongly encourage them all to continue pursuing their dreams because good things will come of that. 

Alex Swader is on of our Miracle friends who has been a big inspiration to myself and all the he has come in contact with.  He is a tap dancing cancer survivor who puts on a the "Tapping Out Childhood Cancer Gala".   I met Alex way back when he was a young boy, and he was a force to be reckoned with then.  NOW, not much has changed.  He is a hard-fighting soldier who has a tremendous outlook on life and his infectious zeal is to be admired.  I was invited to dance for and mingle with the various participants on a Sunday afternoon at the Gabrella Manor.  The venue was incredible and the turnout was even better. I met so many people who have left such an impact on my daily life.  Alex invited many friends to entertain throughout the afternoon.  One little girl I met was Carley.  She had a rare cancer of the sinus cavity.  She is now in remission and is dancing her little heart out.  She danced to "She Is a Butterfly" by Martina McBride.  Her dad told me that a butterfly to a cancer survivor is a symbol of freedom and new life.  (Sidenote: My mom started calling me her little butterfly a couple of years ago at Miss Alabama because she said that I had blossomed.  She said the first couple of years I was preparing in my cocoon and now I was her beautiful butterfly).  You can imagine how much of a tear jerker Carley's performance was.  I am honored to have been a part of this event and will cherish this experience always. I LOVE MY JOB!

A special event at the end of September was the Linley Heflin Fashion Show. The Linley Heflin Fashion Show is an event to raise money solely to send young women to college, what a wonderful event to be a part of.  Luckily, I had the opportunity to spend some time with my Miss Alabama sisters Liz, Ashley, and Amie Beth at this event.  The clothes were breathtaking from Gus Mayer.  I don't think it is possible to ever be let down with any garment from Gus Mayer :-)  The last segment of the show was filled with dresses from Rene Ruiz, an incredible designer from Miami, FL.  He was such a joy to work with and a pleasure to get to know.  This afternoon was a blessing and a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the most incredible people Birmingham has to offer.  Have I mentioned that I LOVE MY JOB?

September was an experience all in itself.  I am humbled when I slow down to enjoy life's little moments.  Yes lfie is hectic most of the time, but the only way to get to the next day is to slow down, breathe, and enjoy life's little moments.  They are what make the world go 'round.

From the writings of Dale Carnegie: "Let's not get so busy or live so fast that we can't listen to the music of the meadow or the symphony that glorifies the forest.  Some things in the world are far more important than wealth; one of them is the ability to enjoy simple things."

Thank you, Lord for your many blessings and the opportunity to represent this incredible state.

There's more to come, so stay tuned.

~Courtney
Isaiah 40:31