God's Reminder and a Brief Update...

“Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” –Matthew 6:21

As I mentioned in the previous post, I was either going to write about exciting opportunities that have come my way for the Children’s Miracle Network and my platform (The Sibling Support Project), or about a few important reminders God showed me while being sick for two weeks.

The winner is….option two!

To briefly update everyone on what I have been up to: This past weekend was full of filming for my Miss America “America’s Choice” video. I have been blessed with incredible opportunities my whole life, and especially these past two months. This weekend was nothing short of a blessing! Thanks to two incredible people (Kellie Appel and Erin Haney, who work for Turner Broadcasting), I was able to have two producers, Bill and Jonathon, film my video. They both work for Turner Sports and have won multiple Emmys for their videos…again, it was indeed a blessing. I don’t want to give away too much, but the weekend included some driving, family time, an amazing surprise, and some laughter. 

I have been hard at work on my computer as well; sending e-mail after e-mail and scheduling some neat appearances. Details on this in my next blog. I will save the “exciting” things pertaining to my platform and CMNH for the next blog post as well. I am trying to keep my posts a little bit shorter than the first few!

Going back to Orlando for a minute: After hearing Laura Kaeppeler speak to the 2013 class of Miss America contestants, I knew even more that I want to be Miss America. She did not stand there for thirty minutes and tell us about the glamorous side of the title or the job. She also did not go on and on about how happy she was and how much she has enjoyed the year. However, she did let us know that she would do the whole process over again. She is happy enough, rested enough, and content enough to go back and do it all over. Laura explained how the job of Miss America is a selfless one, it’s a job where you don’t have much say in the decisions that are made (or even the clothes that you wear), and that you give so much every day, not always getting the same in return. But her speech by no means had a negative tone. She was simply stating the reality of the job, something each of us 53 young women needed to hear. For that, I thank her tremendously. I thank her because she reassured me that the whole year, all 365 days, were about service. I often say that my life is nothing about me, it is about Him and how He can use me to help others. Laura let me know that if I was blessed with the job of Miss America 2013, I would be blessed with 365 days to serve until I felt I couldn’t anymore, give until I had no more to give, and the opportunity to show love and compassion to thousands of strangers.

Now jumping to the week where I was home and sick, and had nothing else to do but think, God revealed some truths to me. It is quite easy to sit here and write, or even speak, about why I want to be Miss America. The not so easy part is making sure none of those reasons have anything to do with me or with anything superficial. It’s easy to tell God that I want to be Miss America if HE wants it for my life…if He can use the title to bring glory to Him. It’s not as easy making sure I go about each and every day living that plain truth. To sum it up, it is easy to know what I want, but it is hard to keep a God-filled perspective on this whole journey. People are placed around you to build you up, support you, and make sure that you are on the correct path. All too often I find myself getting caught up in the little details of life and looking for man’s approval. I find myself losing perspective of this thing called life. The simple answer always comes back to me. Whether it takes two weeks or two minutes, I always hear God reminding me, “Leighton, stop. Stop what you are doing; stop stressing out; and stop running. Be still and listen for My voice, My wants for your life. Remember what you have promised Me, and what I have promised you. It’s you for Me, and Me for you. So again, stop. Weigh the fruits of the spirit, and remind yourself what is important in MY eyes, not your own.” It’s this moment that always gets me, and I fall victim to it every time. But because of His never-ending love and sacrifice, I am able to let it all go and continue on with clear vision.

Bringing it back to Miss America: I do not want to be Miss America for me. I want it for Him. I want this job only if He wants it for my life. I want to be Miss America if God can use it to bring glory to Him. For the next four months (crazy, right!?) leading up to Miss America, I will be reminding myself of these realities: I work out and eat healthy so I can honor His temple through my body, I dance because He has given me the ability to do so, I educate myself on different issues because He wants us to be knowledgeable, I continue to make appearances as Miss Georgia because He has blessed me with this job, and I pray every day that He helps me keep perspective.

"Who we are is found in Our Character, not our appearance; Our choices, not our possessions; Our courage, not our comfort; Our compassion, not our successes."

 No title in my life will define who I am. How I lived my life here on earth will define all of me.

My advice for those reading this: Do not succumb to the pressures of everyday life and the constant feeling of failure that comes when only seeking approval from man. Instead, look only for God’s approval of you and your life. It will make your time here on earth so much more enjoyable.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” -1 Corinthians 9:24-25

-Love in Christ,

Leighton
*If you would like to support my journey to Miss America, please consider donating towards an ad in the Miss America program book! Looking for 50 people to donate $30+. Thank you, I truly appreciate it. https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=9MeuLAk7O_E1yTZEkLhPJKGOoAJaL8MhwSgHiDn6b7CWH4E5iDZlKAmh9eq&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8da6a0e86558d6153d7722c6eea13ecd7b

Miss America's Outstanding Teen

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

I am finally feeling better after 14 days of being sick! I started feeling sick during the last few days of modeling for Sherri Hill, and it only continued to get worse in Orlando at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. However, I AM SO PROUD OF JAMESON!!

 To recap the trip: I left on Tuesday with two of my local directors (also Jameson’s local directors) and my mom (who adores Jameson). I rode down with them the whole way and basically just slept. I contributed to a few of the conversations in my deep, raspy voice. ;-) We arrived to the hotel around 4:00pm on Tuesday and quickly got ready for the first night of preliminaries. Jameson was doing fitness that night. It was really enjoyable to briefly meet the 2013 Miss America class in the lobby of the theater. Everyone was so welcoming and excited to be there! We all sat together to watch the show, and it was indeed a show. Jameson looked great in her fitness routine. I am pretty sure anyone in the audience would have loved to be able to do push-ups like Jameson’s! It was such a relief to finally see Jameson at visitation after night one of preliminaries. It was so hard not being able to text and call her all week, let alone only being able to see her thirty minutes a night.

Wednesday mainly consisted of staying in bed and resting. I had nothing scheduled until 4:45pm, so I took full advantage of the down time! At 4:45pm, I went downstairs to my Artistry by Amway consultation. It was such a privilege to be there and to receive a great Artistry gift bag. I got their travel-sized skin-care system, blemish control cream, their famous light-up lip gloss, and a whole make-up set! Let me just say, my skin LOVES it all…especially the toner that came with the skin-care set. After we got surprise gifts, we had individual meetings, a mini photo-shoot, and some make-up application tips. Who has ever thought to use mascara as a finishing eyeliner?! Get a fine point brush, stick it in your mascara tube, and apply it to your lash line. It instantly makes your eyes pop. After my consultation, we headed to the theater for night two of preliminaries. Jameson had talent that night, and she left everyone speechless. She ended up tying with Miss Arkansas’s Outstanding Teen for the talent preliminary award. Needless to say, I was one happy “sister.” After the show, all of the Miss contestants had a meeting with the Miss America board. It really hit me that night: sitting in a room with 52 other beautiful, talented, and smart women listening to Art McMaster and Sam Haskell speak about the Miss America competition week was quite surreal. I think all of the women would say the same thing. There was a general thought of “is this real!?”

 

Thursday was a great day to spend time with my Miss America sisters and make a decision about my swimsuit choice. We had a welcome meeting in the morning and a sponsor meeting in the afternoon. Catalina, the first swimsuit sponsor for Miss America, is sponsoring swimsuits again! They had preview options available, and we were able to pick two options to send in. I am oh so excited about the two options I chose. Another fun fact: the exact swimsuits that the contestants will be wearing at Miss America will be available for purchase in Walmart next spring: pretty convenient. Thanks to the Miss Florida board and Regalia, the contestants were then treated to a delicious dinner at Maggianos Italian Resturant. The Thursday preliminary show was extra fun. All of the Miss contestants got to introduce themselves on stage, and while I loved it, my voice sounded about nine octaves lower than it normally does, combined with a lot of “raspy-ness.” I felt it necessary to explain to the audience that I was sick and I didn’t always sound like that- thank goodness. Jameson looked stunning in her evening gown. She was the epitome of grace, beauty, and pure joy!

 Friday was another busy but fun day. We started the morning off with an extremely informative meeting. Everything from production, to rules, to life as Miss America was covered. Laura Kaeppeler, the current Miss America, spoke to all of us. I will write more about her speech in another post; however, I could not help but sit there in awe listening to her. Not only at her ability to convey her thoughts, but also at the reality of the job she holds. She said everything I wanted to hear: especially the part about Miss America being a totally selfless year. We had a break after the meeting, and it was then off to Disney World. It was a night filled with laughter, bonding, pictures, good food, and screams (the screaming did not help my voice!).

Saturday morning started off with a really exciting interview and a great lunch with two people from the Miss Georgia board. The day went by so quickly…I think the anticipation of final night was helping the time pass! We headed to final night not knowing the outcome but already so proud of Jameson. She made the first cut for top 15, and then the top 8. Our excitement was becoming hard to contain! By the end of the night, Jameson was named 3^rd runner-up, and Miss South Carolina’s Outstanding Teen was named Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. Jameson walked away with roughly $7,500 in scholarship money, as well as a full ride scholarship to Troy University. I can honestly say I have never seen so many intelligent, talented, beautiful, and sincere teens all in one place. The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization is one I wish I had been a part of.

Leaving Orlando was bittersweet. I knew it would be awhile until I got to see Jameson again, but I also knew I would get some much needed rest to heal. I got home late Sunday night, and it took the whole next week to get better. I slept, read, slept, and read last week. I can finally say I am back to “me.” No more headache, fever, cough, etc. Thanks be to God! The week of rest was a hidden blessing. It made me slow down, evaluate a lot of things, and make sure I am in the right mindset before Miss America preparation really takes off. I am surprisingly thankful I was sick because the week spent resting was one I will wish I had in a few weeks from now. God also revealed Himself in some pretty significant ways and reminded me what it truly means to stop and take the time to hear His voice with an open mind and unguarded heart. More about this in my next post.

That’s it for now; although, I think I could write a novel with each post I write. My next post will either be about some amazing opportunities that have come my way with the Children’s Miracle Network and my platform, or about the things I learned during the week of being sick and resting. It will be a surprise…

-Love in Christ,

Leighton

Update, modeling, and more...

"He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved." Psalm 62:6

Life has been excellent, busy, fast moving, exciting... and did I mention busy?

As promised, I wanted to use this post to thank my sponsors; however, I first want to tell you all what I have been up to. First off, I was invited to attend the 2012 Miss Warner Robins pageant. It was so thrilling, yet somewhat odd, to be sitting in the audience watching a preliminary. I only competed in two locals during the two years I competed in Miss Georgia, and I only attended a few preliminaries where I wasn't competing. So to sit in the audience after having dinner with the judges was a bit surreal. The Executive Director of the Miss Warner Robins pageant, Marcy Waugh, treated me better than I ever could have imagined at my first paid appearance. The judges' dinner was delicious, the pageant was entertaining, and the stay at the hotel was relaxing. And I can’t forget to mention the yummy breakfast I was served! A few weeks later I went to the Miss Cobb County Pageant, where I got to attend the judges' dinner, introduce the mistress of ceremonies, and help with on-stage question. Sitting in the audience for this pageant was quite nerve wracking. I knew a lot of the contestants, and to know that only one girl would walk away with the title made for an interesting night of trying to sit still. My prayer was that each contestant would walk away having felt they did their absolute best. At the end of the night, the wonderful Maggie Bridges was crowned Miss Cobb County 2012.

In between the Miss Warner Robins pageant and the Miss Cobb County pageant, I was busy traveling, planning, and completing the grueling, yet exciting, task of Miss America paperwork! There are a lot of administrative things to get together, plus the re-writing and editing of the platform essay and resume. All of this to say, I owe Greg Blazer a HUGE "thank-you" for helping me with all the paperwork and forms.  There’s a good deal more to complete, in a shorter amount of time, compared to Miss Georgia.  I felt like a thousand pounds had been lifted off my shoulders the day it was all turned in. I also met with Thomas Barnette and his engineer to cut my new music - it's fabulous!! I am so excited about the new piece I will be dancing to. After Miss America's Outstanding Teen, I will be spending a lot of time in the studio choreographing, and then will meet with one of the 2012 Miss Georgia judges, Ivan Pulinkala, to get his input on my choreography. I will admit that pageant variations are much different than traditional classical ballet variations, each fun in their own way. I have no doubt in my mind Ivan will help "spiff it up” and help me combine technique and pageant style for Miss America. :-)

I later traveled to Jesup, Georgia for Jameson Kenerly's send-off to Miss America's Outstanding Teen. She has been an amazing sister queen, and I am still so thankful for the story we share (read my very first post for details). I am so excited to cheer her on in Orlando. I know she will make Georgia proud, and even more importantly, I know she will make God proud. She truly is an "outstanding teen."

This past week I was in Atlanta modeling for Sherri Hill at the Atlanta Apparel mart. Not only was it a great learning experience working with Lu Sierra, top model and runway expert, it was so much fun trying on Sherri Hill dresses all week. My feet pretty much hate me, but that is just too bad! Another perk of the week was my fabulous roommate.  Ali Rogers, Miss South Carolina 2012, and I got to spend a whole week getting to know each other. Let me be the first to say she is amazingly beautiful...and not just on the outside. Wow. I could not have asked for a better roommate and Miss America sister. During the week, I also started thinking of evening gown options for Miss America. Thanks to my wonderful sponsors (I am getting to them in this post!), I will have many gown options to choose from. I cannot wait until they start arriving at the stores for me to go pick up. I also was able to go ahead and design an interview option...which I think I am going to fall in love with!

As I am writing this post, my room is a disaster because I am in the middle of un-packing from the Mart and re-packing for Miss America's Outstanding Teen in Orlando. I leave at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, August 14.  I will stop by the Rosen Centre Hotel to freshen up, then quickly head to the theater to cheer on my Miss Georgia OT sister, Jameson Kenerly!!!!!! I cannot contain my excitement. I will of course write a blog post right after I get home from Orlando to update everyone on the week. It's sure to be a memorable experience.

Now to my sponsors.....

Thank you, thank you, thank you. From Kia Automotive and Lasting Impressions in Columbus, Georgia to Frills and Fancies in Statesboro, Ga, I am already being spoiled beyond belief.

My car is still driving like a dream and I have so enjoyed the blessing of getting my car washed when needed at Fourth Avenue Car wash.  Being able to tan when I need to at New Life Tanning and get my nails done at SoYoung Salon and Spa is also very much appreciated. I truly feel pampered everywhere I go!

Urban Body Fitness (Stephen Smith) is an incredible sponsor that I could not live without; truly. My body is missing him recently as I have not been able to see him as much as I normally do.

Keith Pittman at Lasting Impressions in Columbus has already been so generous with letting me borrow dresses for any occasion I might need one, and he also has let me keep a few that I have fallen in love with. Yay! For those who do not know, Keith is a HUGE reason as to why I even started competing in the Miss America Organization.

Scott Marchbanks at Frills and Fancies has also been beyond giving. He has literally stocked my closet FULL with daytime dresses, casual outfits, and loads of jewelry from his boutique, in addition to beautiful cocktail dresses and gowns from his dress store. Those who are close to me know this, but to those who do not, my selections have always been very limited in the past due to financial circumstances. Huge thanks to these two men for helping me always feel like "Miss Georgia."

I am happy to say Gregory Ellenburg is also a clothing sponsor! I was able to meet with him while modeling at the mart and am thrilled about our choices. I can't wait to share them with everyone :-)

Rivertown Dental is my official cosmetic dentistry sponsor for the year. I already had my consultation and am scheduled to go see them again at the end of August. The whole staff is so personable, and they always make me feel right at home. I am extremely grateful for their sponsorship as well.

Matt Boyd Photography is yet another amazing sponsor for Miss Georgia. I had my official photoshoot a few weeks after being crowned, and it was excellent! It was for sure a fun-filled day spent with some remarkable people. Pictures are below...

Julio Cesar's Salon and Spa in Atlanta is my hair care sponsor.  Oh my gosh, let me just say Julio is amazing!!! He has set me up with hair care to keep my hair healthy (a big necessity since I am using heat on it all the time), and he has already cut it twice for me. Corey, who works at the salon, also shapes my eyebrows whenever I stop in. Spending a day at Julio's always makes me feel rejuvenated and special.

Family Eye Care in Sandersville, Georgia has been so gracious with their services. They offer free eye care and eye wear for Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen. I have not been able to visit the store yet, but am scheduled to go in September. More details on my special visit here coming soon.

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

As always, this post is really long! With that being said, I will tell y'all about the last of my sponsors in the next post when I write about Orlando. Much love to you all...

-Love in Christ,

Leighton

Almost a month later...

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 2: 3-5

Has it really almost been four weeks? According to the calendar, yes. According to my level of excitement, not at all. One would think after four weeks have passed, the excitement of being Miss Georgia would settle down. Fortunately, this is not the case for me. I am still enjoying every minute, and am just as thankful tonight as I was on the Saturday night I became Miss Georgia 2012!

I have been busy, very busy. Anyone would tell you that I am an extreme "go-getter," and once I am given a bigger platform in life, I run full speed with it. With this post, I want to update everyone on the places I have gone, bring some clarity to my platform, give you some insight into what I will be doing this year and my preparation plans for Miss America. 

In the past four weeks I have driven 1,600 miles, gone through four or five full gas tanks (my KIA has a 17 gallon tank!), sent more e-mails than I can count, and the list goes on. Right after I won, I was able to attend a really interesting and insightful meeting at Turner Broadcasting, thanks to Kellie Appel from the Capital City board.  The seminar was titled Media Literacy: Unraveling the Power of Portrayal. Jennifer Pozner (Media critic, author, founder/executive director of Women in Media & News) was the keynote speaker.  It was fascinating and gave me much to consider as I represent our state.  I also had a fun afternoon tea at the St. Regis hotel in Atlanta with Amy and Erin Haney, Kellie Appel, and my mom. The event promoted the American Heart Association, so it was neat to be there and witness how they changed their menus to support such a great organization; I of course wore a red dress as well! I then had a board meeting in Columbus the week after Miss Georgia, before which I went to Bonefish Grill with my Miss Georgia Princess, Tori, Ella, and Anna Claire. Ella is a five year old girl who has Leukemia (whom I met through Tori), and Anna Claire is Ella’s nine year old sister. Bonefish Grill was a sponsor for all the Miss Georgia contestants during the week, so when I went there with my crown and banner on, they graciously gave me a free meal. It was such a nice surprise!! A few days later, I made a visit to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and spent some special time with Christopher, a little boy who has a brain tumor.  These past four weeks have been a lot about planning, and my schedule has already filled up for August. I am excited to be going to the Miss Warner Robins pageant on Saturday, then to Dairy Queen in Columbus next Thursday for Miracle Treat Day, a nationwide promotion to benefit the children being treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  All of my newly-crowned Miss America sisters will be participating in their states as well.  I can’t wait to meet them all when we spend a week together in August at the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando.

For those who do not know, my platform is the Sibling Support Project, a national program that strives “to increase the peer support and information opportunities for brothers and sisters of people with special needs and to increase parents' and providers' understanding of sibling issues.”  In just the past three months, the organization and its work have been featured in the New York Times; CNN; and NPR. The Sibling Support Project is important to me because the youngest of my older brothers suffers from a few different disabilities. Robin, 21 years old, is deaf and has cerebral palsy, brain damage, epilepsy, and OCD. We have always been extremely close growing up, and our relationship only strengthened when I moved back home from Houston, Texas. It was not only challenging living on my own at age 15, it was difficult living without Robin. He has unknowingly taught me lessons no one ever could have: unconditional love, patience, resilience, and the importance of laughter and humor. We often say in the Jordan house, "sometimes all you have is laughter to get you through!"

All of that aside, I have truly seen the need and want for sibling support. I am forever thankful that acceptance of special needs people has improved, and I want to help their siblings as well. Many people may not realize this, but the siblings will be the disabled person's lifelong friend, due to chronological aging... not the parents. We are the ones who often worry about how our disabled brother or sister will receive care and fit into our lives over the decades ahead. I have really valued my partnership with the Sibling Support Project, and I am so thrilled to expand my work with the organization. This past month I have already been in close contact with the head of the Georgia Sibling Support Project, and we are planning some great things: more ways to integrate my platform with the Miss America Organization, as well as with Children's Miracle Network. More details to come in a few weeks!! For now though, I will say I have been busy writing proposals, creating distribution lists, and making sure I stay on top of everything. I think you all will really like the opportunities that are becoming available. :-)

With the Children's Miracle Network, I am already so immersed in the organization, I am grateful to be able to do even more. My career path is to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner. This dream was quickly solidified when I met precious little Tori. (journeywithtori.blogspot.com) Instead of continuing on as a weekly college volunteer, I will now visit the hospitals throughout the state (including my regular visits to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta) as Miss Georgia. It was such a thrilling experience when I went two weeks ago. The children always appreciate and enjoy any "young" person who comes to play with them, but if you have a crown on and a sash that says "Miss Georgia," that excitement doubles! I have a visit planned to Columbus Regional Hospital next week, and another CHOA visit in the weeks following. My goal before Miss America is to visit all CMN hospitals in Georgia... preferably more than once. ;-)

Miss America preparation has begun... and I LOVE it. We have been discussing wardrobe, talent music and choreography, interview preparation, staying fit, paperwork, etc. It has already been fun discussing these things, and I look forward to seeing what we all decide. Luckily we have some time but I feel great participating in the process.

There are some great opportunities that have come about since I got this job. Some include going to schools around Georgia to speak with students who have a special needs sibling; working closely and collaborating with the director of the Sibling Support Project (even more so than I did before!); planning fundraisers for my platform and CMNH; and visiting CMNH quite often.  Now, I have a very unexpected, but extremely exciting opportunity. I have been invited by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) here in Atlanta to become involved with their Developmental Disabilities Branch. When I have my first visit in August, we will discuss the CDC’s work on developmental disabilities, both in Georgia and across the United States; meet trailblazers in the field of developmental disabilities; and go on a tour of the CDC. I could not be more thrilled about this significant new partnership to help raise awareness of developmental disabilities and the needs of children and families in Georgia.

The other thing I wanted to address in this blog was "me." I am somewhat new to pageants, and I feel that many people do not really know me. Because of this, here are some fun facts (some random, some serious):

- I love writing, obviously.

- I have amazing parents, two older brothers (21 and 23 years old), and two dogs.

- I am the only girl in my family (other than my mom, grandma, and aunt. No girl cousins!)

- I never thought I would compete in pageants, but am so thankful I was lead to do so.

- I did not have typical college plans because my ballet career was moving so quickly. However, God had different plans! After two major surgeries on my ankles, and three other injuries to my feet, I made a difficult and life-changing decision to step off the ballet route and pursue my childhood dream of becoming a nurse. Because we had not been saving for college, I attended Georgia Perimeter College for two years to save money. I was accepted and registered to begin my junior year at Georgia State University the week after Miss Georgia, but now that will be deferred for a year! I am SO thankful for the scholarship money I have won... that has lifted a heavy burden off both my shoulders and my parents’ shoulders. Thanks be to God!

- I drink a gallon of water or more a day, not joking.

- I am a "sugarholic."

- I believe my strengths are my compassion for others, responsibility, and the ability to connect with many different people. I love talking with others and building relationships... hints to why interview is my favorite part of competition!

- My weaknesses include a sense of perfectionism and insecurities that I struggled with as a teenager in the "ballet world."

- My lucky number is 379... actually, they are 3, 7, and 9, but for convenience, I just combined them :-)

- I will never leave the house without a pair of earrings on.

- While I love dressing up, fixing my hair, and doing my makeup, I like just as much to wear sweats, no makeup, and a ball cap.

- I am such a clean and organized person anywhere outside of my own bedroom at home. Even in my bedroom in Houston, I was a "clean freak," but in my bedroom in Georgia, that seems to change!

- I love football, and am getting into the whole baseball thing (go Braves!)

- I am fluent in sign language.

That’s the update for now! My next post will be all about my wonderful and generous sponsors that I have been blessed with this year.

-Love in Christ,

Leighton Jordan

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