After a year of training for the Miss California's Outstanding Teen pageant, I can finally relax. It is over. (Insert tear here!)
The pageant experience looks like this:
Friday: Arrive in Fresno
Sat.: Contestant/Parent Meeting, rehearsals, BBQ
Sun.: Interviews, rehearsals
Mon.: Rehearsals
Tues.: FIRST DAY OF PRELIM COMP!
Wed.: SECOND DAY OF PRELIM COMP!
Thur.: THIRD DAY OF PRELIM COMP!
Fri.: TEEN FINALS!
Sat.: Miss Finals
As you can see it is a jammed packed week. Then after that my mom took us on a road-trip!!! I have never been on a road trip this fun....we played Christmas music at one point!!!
Last year at the pageant, I walked away with not a single award. Everyone kept telling me, "You should have been in the top ten." I just kept telling myself, "God has something better in store for me. Believe it."
On Feb. 6th, when I won the Miss Hollywood Pageant, I figured out the better in the situation. God was humbling me for this years adventure. He gave me one of the best committees, a new attitude, and the ability of not being cocky (or desperate).
This year, I walked away winning prelim talent, evening gown, and onstage question. I also placed 3rd runner-up to Miss California's Outstanding Teen 2011!
This was just another time God came thru to prove He is better than all of this.
When I was at the pageant I found my favorite bible verse.
John 20:27
Stop doubting and believe.
I remind myself of that quote every morning, every afternoon, and every evening.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Off I go!
The Miss America Organization has become a HUGE part of my life. I have been watching the Miss America pageant for the longest time and I went to watch my first local pageant when I was 13. I always knew I wanted to compete but I knew I couldn't until God made it available to me.
This prayer was written by our wonderful Miss America, Teresa Scanlan!
My sister is in her second year competing in the MAO. The "Miss" level is ages 17-24. I am in my second year as well, but in the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization! The teen program is open to girls ages 13-17.
First you compete at a local community pageant. If you win that, you join all of the other title holders across your state and compete for the state title. The winner of that then goes onto the famous Miss America Pageant! (The same goes for the teen pageant...it is just a separate competition!)
Rachel and I are so blessed to be going to Miss California and Miss California's Outstanding Teen pageant for the second year! WE LEAVE TOMORROW!!!!
The pageant takes place in Fresno, California (middle of CA) for 8 days.
Below is my schedule for competition....
Sunday night: 8 minute private interview with the judges
Tuesday night: Evening Gown Pre-lim
Wednesday night: Talent Pre-lim
Thursday night: Fitness Pre-lim
Friday night: FINALS FOR TEENS! (The top 10 will be announced and then they re-compete for the title of MCOT!)
I am not nervous going into this year's competition because I know God has already decided how I am going to do.
However, I continue to ask for your prayers for safe travels, wonderful interview, and to shine God's light on stage. (ALSO PRAY FOR RACHEL!)
This prayer was written by our wonderful Miss America, Teresa Scanlan!
"Dear God, please help me to be a diligent servant not only today but from here on out. Give me the strength and wisdom to accurately handle your word of truth and the diligence and perseverance necessary to be a worker who is not ashamed. I wish to be a shining light for you, a glowing example of who you are, and a grain of salt in a tasteless world. Whether or not this is achieved through a position, crown, title, or job, please place me exactly where you need me to be an effective ambassador for you. I am clay in your hands, your humble servant, willing to do whatever you wish for me in your perfect plan. I love you so much and thank you for blessing me so tremendously and bestowing such outstanding opportunity on me. My greatest wish is to exemplify your love through my words and actions in order to bring others to you."
Monday, June 13, 2011
You Can't Keep That
My sister once told me, "You never own anything in this life. God gives it to you but you are only a tenant of it. It will soon be gone."
How do you treat your clothes? Do you throw them on the floor? Do you get them dirty and treat them like dirt?
What about your yard; Do you let weeds grow? Do you mow your lawn? Do you water your flowers?
What about time; Do you WISH you could have done something today but instead you were on facebook?
We waste so many things every single day. God gave you that shirt as a gift. He can easily not give you another one. Or what about that yard? You have been blessed to have a yard. A lot of people live on dirt in other countries and wish they could have a yard. But most importantly, time. Are you miserable with what you are doing? Your job?
Think about it this way.... once a minute goes by... you never get it back.
Ephesians 5:15-16
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Understand that your days are numbered. Are you living them how you know God wants you to?
How do you treat your clothes? Do you throw them on the floor? Do you get them dirty and treat them like dirt?
What about your yard; Do you let weeds grow? Do you mow your lawn? Do you water your flowers?
What about time; Do you WISH you could have done something today but instead you were on facebook?
We waste so many things every single day. God gave you that shirt as a gift. He can easily not give you another one. Or what about that yard? You have been blessed to have a yard. A lot of people live on dirt in other countries and wish they could have a yard. But most importantly, time. Are you miserable with what you are doing? Your job?
Think about it this way.... once a minute goes by... you never get it back.
Ephesians 5:15-16
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Understand that your days are numbered. Are you living them how you know God wants you to?
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Happy or Dreadful?
A lot of people say they aren't a "morning person." I understand that no one likes to wake up early...but you should be happy that you wake up.
This week I was honored to visit the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, as Miss Hollywood's Outstanding Teen. I visited many different wings of the hospital, including the cancer wing.
There was one little boy who looked to be about 4 that was being treated. Then the tour guide showed us his mom who couldn't even sit in the same room as her son because of his illness. He was playing with toys and appeared to be so happy.
Think back to this morning...Were you happy when you woke up? Did you think "PRAISE GOD! I HAVE ANOTHER DAY TO LIVE!"? Or did you say "UGH, IT IS MORNING. ANOTHER DAY TO WORK."?
I bet I know what that little boy in the hospital room thought...
"I am so happy I am alive for one more day."
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
-----Proverbs 15:13 (New International Version)
Before you complain about having another busy day, think about that boy in the hospital. Be happy that you have even woken up and are able to do the things God has blessed you with. Don't spit in his face!
This week I was honored to visit the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, as Miss Hollywood's Outstanding Teen. I visited many different wings of the hospital, including the cancer wing.
There was one little boy who looked to be about 4 that was being treated. Then the tour guide showed us his mom who couldn't even sit in the same room as her son because of his illness. He was playing with toys and appeared to be so happy.
Think back to this morning...Were you happy when you woke up? Did you think "PRAISE GOD! I HAVE ANOTHER DAY TO LIVE!"? Or did you say "UGH, IT IS MORNING. ANOTHER DAY TO WORK."?
I bet I know what that little boy in the hospital room thought...
"I am so happy I am alive for one more day."
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
-----Proverbs 15:13 (New International Version)
Before you complain about having another busy day, think about that boy in the hospital. Be happy that you have even woken up and are able to do the things God has blessed you with. Don't spit in his face!
Friday, June 10, 2011
"NO"
The word "No" has so many different meanings.
I have heard it in many different settings, but I hear it everyday. It may be in a conversation with my mom, sister, or even friends. However, those simple "No's" don't mean that much to me.
Being apart of the entertainment industry, is kind of a depressing situation. They say you hear 9 "No's" before you hear 1 "YES!" That statement is very true.
A lot of times, producers tell you "no" for the silliest things. Here are a few reasons I have heard:
1. Wrong color hair
2. Wrong color eyes
3. Too short
4. Too young (looking)
5. Too big of chest
6. Hair is too short
Those are just a few that I hear all the time.
I have trained myself to brush those things off my shoulder and move on. You know you can't go back and change their mind, so what is the point of being upset about it any more? However, sometimes I get to the point where I simply ask God, when am I going to hear "YES?"
What's wrong with me?
Am I supposed to be acting?
I really needed this job, in order to make my agents happy.
SHOULD I GO HOME?
I used to find myself asking God those questions EVERY SINGLE DAY...
Until I finally heard Him yell at me... "GET SATAN OUT OF YOUR HEAD! WOULD YOU REALLY THINK I WOULD MOVE YOU OUT TO CALIFORNIA, IF THERE WASN'T A PURPOSE FOR YOU TO BE OUT HERE?!"
Matthew 18:20 reads:
"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."
We all have to trust that God has a purpose for every move He makes us take. Even though I keep hearing "No", I know that it is because God didn't want me to have that job. He knows what I love to do and He will put that to good use, because I trust in Him...You should too.
I have heard it in many different settings, but I hear it everyday. It may be in a conversation with my mom, sister, or even friends. However, those simple "No's" don't mean that much to me.
Being apart of the entertainment industry, is kind of a depressing situation. They say you hear 9 "No's" before you hear 1 "YES!" That statement is very true.
A lot of times, producers tell you "no" for the silliest things. Here are a few reasons I have heard:
1. Wrong color hair
2. Wrong color eyes
3. Too short
4. Too young (looking)
5. Too big of chest
6. Hair is too short
Those are just a few that I hear all the time.
I have trained myself to brush those things off my shoulder and move on. You know you can't go back and change their mind, so what is the point of being upset about it any more? However, sometimes I get to the point where I simply ask God, when am I going to hear "YES?"
What's wrong with me?
Am I supposed to be acting?
I really needed this job, in order to make my agents happy.
SHOULD I GO HOME?
I used to find myself asking God those questions EVERY SINGLE DAY...
Until I finally heard Him yell at me... "GET SATAN OUT OF YOUR HEAD! WOULD YOU REALLY THINK I WOULD MOVE YOU OUT TO CALIFORNIA, IF THERE WASN'T A PURPOSE FOR YOU TO BE OUT HERE?!"
Matthew 18:20 reads:
"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."
We all have to trust that God has a purpose for every move He makes us take. Even though I keep hearing "No", I know that it is because God didn't want me to have that job. He knows what I love to do and He will put that to good use, because I trust in Him...You should too.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
True Friends
Being a teenager takes life to a whole new level. Wether it be in relationships, schooling, family, or sports...our teenage years are a struggle.
Since I don't go to a normal high-school, I have a hard time finding friends. I attend 4 acting classes a week at the same place. All of us that take the class are like a family. However, we go to class to learn good techniques and become better at our craft. We aren't there to socialize and make friends.
I remember a few times, after class, I would come home and be crying to my mom about how I wasn't included in something. I thought something was wrong with me. Questions started running through my head; Why wasn't I apart of that? Do they not like me, my personality? What can I change about myself to fit in with them?
It was that last question that really hit me. So, I began to change. I thought that I would be happier if I had friends...even if they didn't accept me for who I REALLY was. I started to hide my personality (because I thought it was annoying), I acted more grown up, I even changed my wardrobe a little bit.
These "friends" accepted me and started sharing these stories about parties they went to, sneaking out of their houses, and lying to their parents. When I started hearing these things, those questions started coming back through my head; What is she talking about? Why am I here? WHO HAVE I BECOME?
I once again came home and took my anger out on my mom and sister. I went upstairs and just went to bed, thinking it would all go away.
It didn't go away because of sleep.
It went away because of God.
The next morning I read my bible and the verse that hit home was "1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
I listened to God's guidance...
I was told to still hang out with these people, as the real me.
When I hang out with them, don't give into their sin, but turn there sin around into glory.
I still talk with these people and shine God's light on them. I have seen a change in many of them. However, the best part is that they accept the TRUE me.
Now that I have let my personality come back out, I have a few best friends....and I know that with them, family, and God... that is all I need.
Since I don't go to a normal high-school, I have a hard time finding friends. I attend 4 acting classes a week at the same place. All of us that take the class are like a family. However, we go to class to learn good techniques and become better at our craft. We aren't there to socialize and make friends.
I remember a few times, after class, I would come home and be crying to my mom about how I wasn't included in something. I thought something was wrong with me. Questions started running through my head; Why wasn't I apart of that? Do they not like me, my personality? What can I change about myself to fit in with them?
It was that last question that really hit me. So, I began to change. I thought that I would be happier if I had friends...even if they didn't accept me for who I REALLY was. I started to hide my personality (because I thought it was annoying), I acted more grown up, I even changed my wardrobe a little bit.
These "friends" accepted me and started sharing these stories about parties they went to, sneaking out of their houses, and lying to their parents. When I started hearing these things, those questions started coming back through my head; What is she talking about? Why am I here? WHO HAVE I BECOME?
I once again came home and took my anger out on my mom and sister. I went upstairs and just went to bed, thinking it would all go away.
It didn't go away because of sleep.
It went away because of God.
The next morning I read my bible and the verse that hit home was "1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
I listened to God's guidance...
I was told to still hang out with these people, as the real me.
When I hang out with them, don't give into their sin, but turn there sin around into glory.
I still talk with these people and shine God's light on them. I have seen a change in many of them. However, the best part is that they accept the TRUE me.
Now that I have let my personality come back out, I have a few best friends....and I know that with them, family, and God... that is all I need.
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