A new journey...

“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.” –Jeremiah 29:11

The verse above is one that has guided my life since I had to make the grueling decision almost three years ago whether to continue my ballet career. It has brought me to where I am today, and it determines my mindset in all that I venture out to accomplish. Since I won my preliminary title (Miss Capital City) back in October, this verse has kept everything in perspective. It has reminded me time and time again God knows my future…He holds my future in His precious hands. How peaceful it is to know and accept that promise; how satisfying it is to see His plans line up with my dreams. He is such a God of detail and faithfulness, sovereignty and love.

Only did I dream, but never did I think, that my amazing sister queen Jameson, who came into my life in October, would continue to be with me throughout my state reign. We have both worked incredibly hard since winning our preliminary, have had a lot of fun (too much fun almost!), and have grown so close as sisters in Christ. To be on this journey to nationals together is a blessing I have yet to comprehend. Again,

God is so good.

The Capital City board has helped me in more ways than I could ever express. Their love, support, wisdom, knowledge, and experience truly helped my dream of becoming Miss Georgia turn into reality. They took the time to understand me, my faith, and my dream. Most importantly, they believed in me. It was always about what I wanted and needed, never about them.

Here is a slight recap of Saturday, June 23 (the parts I can remember!)…

I left the farewell luncheon so tired and in desperate need of a nap, but very thankful I got to see my princess, Tori; my mom; and my board. When I got back to my dorm room, my intentions of napping were quickly erased as I began to pack up my room. My thought process was “it sure will be easy to get up and load the car to go home Sunday morning! And if by chance I win, this will be easier for my parents.” I wasn’t packing because I expected to win, I was packing so I could wake up and get going, but still with the hope that maybe, just maybe, I would be packing to make it easier on my parents. We left the dorms to go to dinner at Chili’s, and then off to the theater. I had such a sense of peace all day. Not

once did I have nerves or anxiety. I almost think it was because I was so tired from the week and didn't have the energy to get all hyped up. Or it was simply because I knew that God has already chosen the winner. I knew that I had worked my hardest, did my best, and it would either be me or it wouldn't - and whatever the outcome, I was going to be okay.

As I was getting ready in my dressing room, I kept finding myself praying - praying that God shine through me; praying that He be with each and every one of the contestants; and praying that He work through the judges to pick the girl who He needed to use this year for the job. Opening number started and ended, the teens’ opening number started and ended, and then it was time for the announcement of Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen 2012. As much as I wanted it to be and thought it could be Jameson, I completely lost it when it was indeed her. You would have thought I just won! I could not have been

more proud of such an incredible and deserving person. But I knew I had to quickly gather myself together for the announcement of top 10 Miss. I definitely did not succeed at composing myself, and as the curtain went up, there I stood with blood shot eyes and on the verge of more “happy tears.” As my name was called 6th, I knew I needed to calm down the excitement about Jameson and focus on doing my best.

The night flew by…I hardly remember it. The only thing I remember is feeling so calm all night, and I knew that I did the best I could. Top five was announced, and then it was time for the announcement of Miss Georgia. I stood on stage holding hands with Carly Mathis (1st runner up) and Briana Jewett (2nd runner up), and just thanking God for where I had already made it. I knew that no matter the outcome, I had improved from last year and I would get much needed scholarship money to help with school. 4th runner up was called, and then 3rd and 2nd runner up. There I was standing as one of the last two. It still had not sunk in yet. The fact that I made it to the top two, that I had a 50% chance of being Miss Georgia,

and that my life was going to be different whether I won or not all seemed too good to be true. While standing there, I was trying to keep Carly calm. I remember telling her that Stephen (our trainer) would be so proud. I kept staring at the emcees waiting for them to let us know who it would be! Finally, Georgia Cotton was announced as 1st runner up, and there I stood a complete mess. The roles were now reversed! Carly was the one having to tell me to calm down. I knew it was me, but at the same time I couldn't believe it was me (confusing I know!). I could barely stand up. Carly was so gracious and so kind. I could not have been happier to have been standing there with her!

After the show, pictures were quickly taken, interviews were done, and it was time to get in the limo with Jameson. Those who know me well know that I am NOT a limo type person. It was a huge deal to have someone fix up my makeup after winning (thank you, Meredith!!), let alone ride in a limo to the breakfast. I am surely not used to any of that! It was very much a blessing. The breakfast was enjoyable to say the least. I got the keys to my new KIA thanks to Ed Braun; got to hug Kirsten Haglund and speak with her for a quick minute; found out Tori was being sponsored to be a princess at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen; and I got to thank those who helped me get to where I am. We then walked across the street to change into some comfy clothes. Boy was I taken aback by the Marriott’s Presidential Suite! I

knew Miss Georgia got to sleep in a suite at the Marriott the night she won, but never did I envision a two story suite and a huge bathroom equipped with marble countertops! It was yet another blessing that I was sure to soak up. Meeting the judges at 2:00 a.m. was so very fun, as was staying up until 4:00 a.m. looking through my phone that had exploded within a matter of minutes after I was named Miss Georgia 2012. It was all beginning to sink in, and I could not stop thanking my heavenly Father for this incredible opportunity.

My alarm was set for 8:30 a.m., but my body decided it was ready to go at 7:00 a.m.! That’s right, three hours of sleep. The contract signing went smoothly! I was reminded again of how blessed I was and am to be Miss Capital City, and how great of a year it will be with the Miss Georgia Board. That night I had a live TV interview with WRBL and a filmed interview with WTVM. Monday morning I got up early, got ready, and headed to KIA to get my new car. I was told at the breakfast that I would get a 2013 loaded KIA Optima, but I was not really sure what this entailed. I was quickly taken aback Monday morning when Ed Braun showed me my new car! I have been driving a 2004 VW beetle with 106,000 miles on it

and in need of a lot of work. When I sat in my new car for the first time observing the double sun roof, GPS, reverse camera, etc., I wasn't sure what to do! It seemed to be too nice of a car for me - I surely didn't deserve something this nice. However, Ed was more than gracious and reassured me that it was okay for me to take it. I am still in awe every time I drive it!

That afternoon I had another interview with WRBL; a phone interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution about what patriotism means to me; and another interview on the Dee Armstrong show. With each interview, I was getting more and more comfortable and the feeling of being Miss Georgia was beginning to really sink in. Monday night I got to go see my precious princess Tori and was greeted with a cute sign out in their front yard. She was anxious to hear about everything! For those who have not had the pleasure of meeting Tori or reading about her, please go to my other blog. If you don’t have much time, read the very two first entries to get to know her better. http://www.journeywithtori.blogspot.com/

Since I have been home I have been able to get back into the gym, somewhat unpack, organize my life for the next year, defer my enrollment to Georgia State University, plan some meetings/appearances, and come up with a game plan for my year of service as Miss Georgia 2012! Although the Miss Georgia aspect of it all is setting it, the fact that I will be at Miss America in six months is still such a far fetched dream that I have yet to realize is coming true. I am waiting for the day that it hits me!

This blog post is now very long…for those who have read the whole thing, thank you!! They won’t all be this long, I promise - maybe ;-)

Though many bible verses and sayings will help me through this year, the one I am reminding myself each day is the one that defines my purpose throughout this year for special needs individuals, siblings of those with special needs, children battling illnesses, and all others I meet:

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” – Colossians 2:2-3

My next post will have more detailed information on my platform, involvement with CMN, and mission as Miss Georgia.

-Love in Christ,

Leighton Jordan

Miss Georgia 2012