I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the Florida Strawberry Festival’s 2016 queen, Haley Riley. Haley would almost certainly feel more comfortable with the title of ambassador instead of queen. This young lady is full of humility, graciousness, and sincerity with her words. We laughed, and just call me Barbara Walters, but even became emotional during our conversation. I am in love with the queen/ambassador that will be representing my hometown’s festival, and I am quite certain that you will as well.
However…today is just a little teaser from our time together.
When I read this morning’s scripture, Haley and her enthusiasm for her future leapt into my mind.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
After getting to know Haley and her strong faith and family unit, I requested some fun facts about herself. This tidbit of information is actually quite impressive when you dig a little deeper.
A few years ago Haley broke her knee cap while unloading a pig. Yes, you heard that correctly, unloading a pig. The ground was muddy and her knee decided not to cooperate…it broke. Through this unfortunate event she met Dr. Q. Doctor “Q” was quite the inspiration to and for Haley. Because of his compassion for his patients, and passion for his occupation, Haley is excited about her future. She will be following in his footsteps and pursuing a degree to be a pediatric anesthesiologist. The two are still in communication with one another, and Haley will have the opportunity to shadow him in the near future.
Here’s is what was so insightful for me about this “fun fact”:

• Haley is a wise young lady. She can already recognize that incidents that occur in our lives happen for a reason. Haley is able to look back on gallivanting in the mud with a pig and breaking her knee, and appreciate it because she was able to see a glimpse of her future.
• This young lady could be “wallowing” in the fact that she has a large scar on her knee, but she has chosen to view that scar as a reminder of the passion a doctor displayed to her and has encouraged her capture this same desire for helping others in their time of need.
• Haley is able to understand the value and wealth of knowledge in others to be useful for her. For example, while she was having difficulty in a chemistry class, she was speaking with Dr. Q about her shadowing opportunity, then realize, “Hey, he can totally help me with my chemistry!” So she seized the moment and asked him for help with her studies.

I feel confident that this precious young woman will succeed in whatever she does. Not only because of her passion and determination, but mainly because she is a “God girl” and prays about everything!
Haley, God is listening to you when you pray. Continue seeking the Lord with ALL you heart. He’s got great plans for you!
Stay tuned for the full interview with Haley, and even a bonus with a dear family member to follow.
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
Please click here to subscribe so you won’t miss a journal entry. THANK YOU!!!
Don’t forget to share your photos of sunrises and sunsets on social media and use the hashtag #soakinguptheson.
Follow me on Instagram @stephanie_shuff