Final Days as Miss Cobb County 2012

As I reflect back on my past year as Miss Cobb County 2012, I am amazed by all the wonderful experiences I have had, the lifelong relationships I have formed, and the many ways I have matured as an individual.  I am so thankful for the wonderful people in my life who have made this journey as Miss Cobb County an absolute dream come true.  I can remember sitting in the audience watching Miss Cobb 2010 be crowned and saying to my mom, “Even if I never win Miss Georgia, I want more than anything to be Miss Cobb County.”  Remembering that moment still gives me chills. 

The entire Cobb Board, especially my directors Gene and Charles, have supported me every step of the way.  From the moment I won they began asking, “What can we do to help you? We will do our best to make it happen.”  And they did.  They took care of every detail--from having my dream dress rush-ordered to making sure I had access to anything I needed to prepare for Miss Georgia.  I have never felt so loved and encouraged. 

When I think about all I have been blessed with this year—a $10,500 scholarship, the opportunity to meet Bobby Cox, making Top Ten at Miss Georgia where I had the wardrobe of my dreams, and list could continue for pages—I am so humbled and grateful for all I have been given.  It is definitely bitter sweet going into this last week as Miss Cobb County because it marks the end of a journey for me.  I began competing in pageants my senior year in high school.  Now going into my senior year of college, I see how far I have come in four years.  I am daily humbled by God’s grace, but to me there is nothing more humbling than looking back into the past and fully understanding how God used certain experiences and people in my life to bring me to the moment I am in right now. 

Four years ago I was a 17 year-old girl who had no idea where she was going to college, had  never competed in a pageant, and had absolutely no idea how her life was about to change over the next few years.  Today, I am a 21 year-old young woman who has held a state title, a national title, and had the opportunity to compete at Miss Georgia—twice.  I have earned over $25,000 to help pay for school, visited places like New York, the Virgin Islands, and Philadelphia, and had many more experiences that a price tag could never justify.  I don’t tell you all this to say, “Hey look what I have done.”  I tell you all of this to show you how God has worked in my life and provided me with opportunities I never expected, never dreamed possible. He has used my experiences in “pageant-land” to bring me closer to Him.  More than anything, He has taught me He is the only thing that can bring me joy.  No title, no amount of money, no beautiful evening gown, no award even comes close to the satisfaction I find in knowing I get to spend eternity in heaven because Jesus Christ is my Savior.  That has been a lesson I have learned over the last 4 years, and it has not been easy. 

So many times I thought “If I win this pageant/this award, then I will have accomplished something.”  Selfishly, I have thought, “I know God has given me the talents to accomplish my dreams, and if I don’t win it is because I didn’t work hard enough.”  I could not have been more wrong.  This past year at Miss Georgia, I went into the competition with a different mindset than ever before.  I entered the week feeling as I usually do.  I was prepared and confident in my abilities, knowing I put in the necessary preparation and had dozens of people who were cheering me on. But what made this week different was my end goal.  It was my continuous prayer that even if I did not win the title, God would be glorified through my actions that week.  I prayed constantly He would work through me to be an encouragement to other contestants and a light for Him in what can be such a dark place.

I performed that week to the best of my ability and still get butterflies when I think about my name being called out for Top Ten.  When I didn’t make Top Five, yes I was disappointed, but that is normal.  It is the same for anything in life.  When you work hard for something and invest a lot of time and energy into it and don’t get it; yes, you are going to be disappointed.  But this year greater than my disappointment was a confidence—a confidence that only comes from the Father—that I am being called to something outside of pageants.  There are no words that would adequately describe the amount of gratitude I have for the Lord providing me with all the opportunities I have had these last four years.  I firmly believe He is going to use me wherever I am to bring glory to His name, but I also feel very strongly that He has another plan for my life.  

As I write this, I cannot help but smile thinking about returning to Ole Miss, a place that has become home to me, and beginning my senior year.  I have been blessed with the most amazing friends and ministry opportunities at Ole Miss and absolutely cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for this next year. 

I want to end by simply saying, “Thank you.”  Thank you to every person who has coached me, sent me cards or flowers or gifts, loved me, encouraged me, prayed for me, driven to see me compete, or watched from their computer screen.  To the countless people who have planted seeds of hope and encouragement along the way, to the people who left an impression on my heart and probably have no idea—I extend a sincere thank you to you all.  I am looking forward to the future and what God has in store for me next!

To Him be the glory, now and forever.

With Love and Gratitude,

Stephanie Burkholder

Miss Cobb County 2012

If you want to continue following my journey check out my new blog @ stephburkholder.blogspot.com

Wow! The last 5 weeks at home have flown by.  I cannot believe in less than 72 hours I will be moving  into the dorms at Columbus State University to start rehearsals for the week.  Last night I had my "Send Off Party" where I showed all my wardrobe for the week and performed my talent.  I cannot wait to showcase all of this on the stage in Columbus next week.

Here are a few pictures from last night:

At the reception before we showed our wardrobe and talent...
my brother was looking forward to "eating my face"

All the girls before the program started.
Best of luck to you all next week.
 Love each of you!

Meet Kaleigh, our sweet Miss Cobb princess.  She made my night later when she came up to me after the program and said, "You looked like Miss America when you danced."  Precious.

Me and My pageant mom :)

I was also able to attend the Miss Alabama pageant last weekend.  Nothing better to get you excited about competing than watching another young woman be crowned to represent her state and know she is headed to Vegas!  I had a great time eating dinner at the Village Tavern with Amelia, Miss Cobb County's Outstanding Teen as well as members of the Cobb board. 

Outside Village Tavern before Miss Alabama

I will be arriving in Columbus on Saturday.  Sunday through Tuesday will be filled with rehearsals all day long!  Wednesday-Friday we have rehearsals in the morning/afternoon and competition at night.  Saturday night, June 23rd, top ten are announced and will re-compete in swimsuit, evening gown, and talent. My order of competition is listed below.  If you would like to send letters, please use the address below.  

Tuesday: Interview at 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Evening Gown and Onstage question

Thursday: Swimsuit

Friday: Talent

Saturday: Top Ten Re-compete!!

Thank you in advance for all the love and encouragement.  I am so humbled to be in community with so many amazing people who are so supportive!  God has blessed me with the best family, friends, and board members--better than I could have ever imagined.  I feel fully prepared for every phase of competition and am looking forward to see what God has in store for me!

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11

My mailing address for the week:

Miss Cobb County

Stephanie Burkholder

1004 Broadway

Columbus, Georgia 31901

Are you taking it back?

This is going to be short and sweet, but I just saw a new promotional video produced by Under Armour about women across the country "taking back beauty" from the media, magazines, and every other source that constantly tells us we are not beautiful in our own skin.  Check out this video about women who are taking it back http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDXhHLmq5lc

Every woman is created differently and perfectly.  Every woman is beautiful.  How will you take back your beauty?

It is getting closer...50 days until move-in to Columbus

I cannot believe that Miss Georgia week is already so close.  My reign as Miss Cobb has gone by so quickly.  As I wrap up my last semester as a junior at Ole Miss, I cannot help but reflect on all the memories and experiences I have had since August.  It has been a year full of a lot of difficult challenges and obstacles to overcome, but the Lord has used those trials to show me He is  faithful and has an amazing plan for me!  I have one more week of school--then it is finals and home for some intense Miss GA prep.

This semester has been very busy at school.  I am a member of the Columns Society at Ole Miss which basically is a group of 24 upperclassmen who are ambassadors to the Chancellor.  We who serve as the student "face" for Ole Miss.  This semester I have had the opportunity to serve at numerous outreach events including More than A Meal, the UM Gospel Choir Concert, and receptions at the Chancellor's House.  We will also help at the Memorial Service this week honoring students and faculty who have passed away this past year as well as assist with Commencement the following week.  I have enjoyed serving the university and getting to spend time with many leaders on campus.

This semester I was also inducted into Mortar Board, ODK Honors Society, and Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society.  I have also begun working on my Honors College Senior Thesis.  I will be researching and defending the importance of creativity in schools' curriculum.  I am excited to begin my research this summer by interviewing teachers at schools in Georgia.  In addition, this week I received the Lamar Scholarship from the School of Education which will help cover costs for the summer class I have to take.  I was nervous about finding funds for the class, but the Lord definitely provided!  Overall, it has been a successful year academically, but the way I have progressed in my spiritual life is what I am most grateful for.

As I have shared before, I have been doing my best at school to prepare specifically for Miss GA by meeting with my choreographer in Jackson, taking dance lesson multiple times a week, getting up for early morning workouts, and keeping up with the news via CNN on twitter.  A few weeks ago I mailed in my talent music, Resume, Platform Essay, Contract, and Scholarship Applications.  Although all of these things help me minimize my "Miss GA Prep checklist" there is something much more important that has been preparing me for Miss GA--Jesus! And that is what I want to focus on today.

As many of you may know, I competed in the Miss GA Pageant last summer for the first time.  It was one of the most exhausting, challenging, exciting, emotional, and rewarding weeks of my life.  However, last year I made one very big mistake.  I directed all my focus on winning the title of Miss Georgia.  I invested all my worth and my hope in the title, and when I didn't do as well as I expected, frankly, I was devastated. This past year it has been absolutely amazing to see how the Lord has been working in my life to show me that HE is the thing I need to seek. He is the one I need to run to, cling to, put my trust and hope in.  And he has faithfully shown time and time again when I am trusting in Him, He will lead me to the people, places, and spheres of influence that bring the most glory to his name.

There are a few examples of this I want to share with you.  First, I have had the opportunity to be the chaplain for my sorority this semester.  This has by far been the most fulfilling leadership role I have ever had.  Leading Bible study and ministering to many of the freshman girls are some of the best parts of my week.  I find an inexplicable joy watching them grow closer to the Lord and knowing He is using me to help in that process. Knowing that God wants to use someone like me who has so many struggles and imperfections is so humbling!

There are countless examples from this past year of how God has guided me through stressful situations.  I won't go into great detail, but I do want to share what I have learned.  I attend a campus ministry, Cru, every week and was asked to give my testimony, or story or my relationship with the Lord, one night.  Standing up in front of hundreds of other students and sharing with them how God has blessed me with so much, I truly realized the greatness of His love.  He loves all who believe in Him so much!  The grace He shows me daily encourages me to share this amazing love with every one I meet whether through words or action.

I am looking forward to Miss GA week more than ever! Not just because I am excited to compete for the crown, but because I know the Lord has the ability to use me in so many ways that week to share His love with the other contestants.  I know from last year the week is stressful and exhausting, but knowing that I have the strength of the Lord to rely on is all the comfort I need.

All for His glory,
Stephanie

“Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor. 12: 7-10

March Madness

Me, Copeland, and Amelia at the "Animal Queendom"
Party Saturday night at Forum

Wow! March has been a crazy month filled with a lot of wonderful experiences.  I cannot believe we are only three months away from Miss Georgia.  The first weekend in March I attended Miss Georgia Orientation which got me really excited about the competition in June.  It was a little surreal to be back at Forum for the second time.  I look back on where I was a year ago and am amazed at how much I have matured.  I know God has given me certain abilities and talents that He is using right now to bring glory to Him.  I can see now how my Miss GA experience last year has helped me grow so much stronger in my faith and cannot wait to see what God is going to do this year!  I am in the exact same competition group and same number as last year, so I feel even more comfortable knowing exactly what to expect during competition week.

The semester is winding down, but last week was really exciting for me! Over Spring Break I went to Italy for 10 days with Cru, formerly Campus Crusade for Christ, and had the opportunity to talk to college students in Rome about their culture and faith.  Building relationships with students from a different culture and learning more about what they believe was an eye-opening experience.  I know that in whatever area of influence I am in, whether I am a student, a teacher, or Miss Georgia, God is going to bless me with so many opportunities to be a light for Him.  I am so thankful for all the wonderful people in my life who have helped me realize that putting God first is the most important thing.  No matter the outcome in June, win or lose,  I know it is all a part of God's plan which is perfect.

The beautiful Isle of Capri

Coliseum in Rome!

I have been doing a lot to prepare for Miss Georgia while at school.  I am dancing four days a week and meet with my choreographer in Jackson once a month as well.  It has been a challenging yet rewarding experience preparing this year.  I am SO excited to showcase all the work I have been putting into talent on the Miss Georgia stage in June!

Thank you for all the words of encouragement and prayers along this journey.  I cannot wait to see what the next few months have in store!
-Stephanie


"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 

A Red Carpet Affair

This past weekend was filled with a lot of appearances and even more wonderful memories.  On Friday, I had the honor of escorting athletes into the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games.  There is a tradition in Georgia that reigning titleholders in the state volunteer to serve the athletes at this event.  This was the fourth Winter Olympics I have attended and each time I make more precious memories.  I had the opportunity to talk with a few of the athletes, sign autographs for them, and even dance at the party after the formal ceremonies.  It is truly a humbling experience to see so many people so positive about life and excited just to be able to compete  in the Olympics.  This event always makes me thankful for the most important things in life--family, friends, and a positive attitude.  To find out more information about the GA Special Olympics Program visit their website at http://www.specialolympicsga.org/.

Signing Autographs for Athletes after Opening Ceremonies

I also had the honor of presenting Awards at the Walton Chorus Fashion Show this past weekend.  This event was special for me because it was held at my high school on the stage where my "pageant journey" began.  My brother is in the Walton Chorus, so it was fun to be able to share the experience with him.

My brother and I at the Walton Fashion Show, "A Red Carpet Affair"

New Year, New Adventures

With the Governor, Nathan Deal, and the First lady at the 2012 Wild Hog Supper

This year has already been full of excitement.  My first appearance of the New Year was the Wild Hog Event at Underground Atlanta.  I was able to meet Georgia "celebrities" such as the Governor, Nathan Deal, and his wife.  I also had the opportunity to meet Casey Cagle the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia.  I saw him the week before at Passion Conference in ATL, a Christian Conference.  I had a chance to talk to him about the conference and the 3 million dollars college students raised during that week to help fight slavery worldwide. The Wild Hog event was a lot of fun and kicks off the legislature every year in the state of Georgia!

Last week, I had the opportunity to judge the Sope Creek Spelling Bee.  While I was there, I also read to a second grade class. The link below is a video the class posted of my visit to their class! 

http://sopecreeklibrary.typepad.com/defoor/

I have been very busy with preparations for Miss Georgia as well.  We have been dress shopping, rehearsing talent, and planning for the next few months.  I am so excited for June and looking forward to continuing to prepare over the next few months.  

Before I head back to school this weekend, I will be volunteering at the Special Olympics on Friday and helping Emcee the Walton High School Chorus Fashion Show.  I have enjoyed my time at home and am excited about what this next semester at school has in store for me.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31: 8-9