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 

Wrapping up 2011

The holidays have been a busy time for me and my family, but I have enjoyed every moment.  Before Cobb County Schools let out for Christmas, I had the opportunity to read to many classes at Sope Creek Elementary School.  I had so much fun reading to kids from all different grades and many, especially the little ones, thought I was a real princess. One of my most memorable moments was in a third grade classroom.  The teacher allowed time for a Q & A session which can always get interesting with children!  The students wanted to know how I earned my crown, where I went to school, and the always popular "How does the crown stay on your head?"  One little girl asked me, "Are you rich?" Well, you really do have to be ready for anything. I simply replied, "No, not rich.  But I definitely am blessed to have all the things I need."  I enjoyed talking to the older kids about the values of the Miss America Organization and my responsibilities as Miss Cobb County 2012. 

Reading to a third grade class

Last night, I attended the Send-off party for Miss Georgia, Michaela Lackey at the Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square.  She leaves for Miss America this week!  It was a red carpet event--the theme "Old Hollywood Glam."  She shared her wardrobe and even answered a few practice questions.  Be sure to tune in on January 14th on ABC to watch her compete for the coveted Miss America title! Best wishes to out beautiful and gracious Miss Georgia.

Posing on the Red Carpet before the Event

Our best "Hollywood Glam" poses

This week I am headed to downtown Atlanta all week for  a Christian Conference, Passion.  More than 30,000 people will be gathering in the GA Dome to hear artists such as Hillsong United and Chris Tomlin perform, and listen to speakers Beth Moore, Louie Giglio and more.  I am excited to see what God has in store for me this week!  It will be a fun, busy week, and when I return next weekend I will be headed to Rome, GA to give up my Miss Rome title.  

Happy New Year to you all! May God bless you and your family this new year.  Always be thankful for what you have been given, faithful in following your dreams, and steadfast in your commitment to service.

In Christ,

Stephanie

I challenge you this new year to make the resolution to make a dream come true.  Stop doubting yourself and your abilities.  Have the courage to make that dream a reality.  In every adventure, God will find a way to help you bring the glory to Him. 

"Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done." Matthew 21: 21 

Home for the Holidays!

I returned from school at Ole Miss this week and am looking forward to spending a few weeks at home visiting with family and friends for the holidays. This was a very busy semester at school, but successful nonetheless.  Just a few highlights from the semester are shown in pictures below:

As a member of the Columns Society at Ole Miss, I serve as an ambassador for the University and volunteer at numerous campus events.  This semester my favorite assignments included the Donor Dinner at the Chancellor's House and working in the Chancellor's Box at the Ole Miss v. LSU football game. 

I represented my sorority, Phi Mu, in the annual Parade of Beauties pageant  sponsored by Student Programming Board.  I placed in the Top 10 of 80 contestants. 

This picture was taken on Bid Day in October.  I am an active member of Phi Mu, serving as Philanthropy Chairman (January 2011-2012) and Chaplain.  This semester we raised $30,000 for our national philanthropy, Children's Miracle Network, by hosting a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament and raffle in November.

Since I have been home, I have already had the opportunity to make a few appearances.  This past Thursday, I volunteered at the "Home for the Holidays" dinner, benefiting Pebblebrooke High School, hosted by the Jennie T. Anderson theater.  Friday night,  I was able to enjoy the Home for the Holidays performance at the theater featuring students from Pebblebrooke, Dance Stop Studios and even our current Miss Georgia, Michaela Lackey.

On our tour of the RCA, Mr. Clark, climbed on top of the lockers and told us more about the school and the great energy and  enthusiasm he has for teaching.  The pictures behind him on the wall of the school are the fifth grade students at the RCA.  Every year the new class gets their picture put on the wall to make the students feel more at home. 

I also had the opportunity this past week to visit the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. My former teacher, Mrs. Kimberly Bearden, is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of this amazing school.  My mom and I had the privilege of touring the school and observing teachers in action.  We sat in on one of Mr. Ron Clark’s math classes in the morning.  His teaching styles are nothing short of phenomenal.  He holds his students to very high expectations, but treats them with respect and teaches them with enthusiasm.  The kids were engaged the entire lesson, many times breaking out into song and dance during the lesson.  

One of Mr. Clark’s methods of teaching is to have children learn songs and dance moves to go along with the words to help them remember things such as Order of Operations when solving a math equation.  The passion the children have for learning and the teachers have to inspire the students is something every person should have the opportunity to witness.  I feel so blessed to call Mrs. Bearden a former teacher and a mentor.  She truly has inspired me and countless other young people to reach our full potential.  

The slide!

Two of my favorite women, Mrs. Bearden (left) and my mom (right)

The Ron Clark Academy is unlike any other school, and the teachers and students alike are changing the world.  For more information or to learn more about the school visit www.ronclarkacademy.com.