"ARE CHILD BEAUTY PAGEANTS HARMFUL OR HELPFUL TO PARTICIPANTS?"

There are a lot of questions out there now about Pageants and child pageants of today. Questions like, “Do child beauty pageants have a negative effect on the participants or Are pageants abusive to the participants and Do they sexualize the participants? Another one I’ve heard; are child beauty pageants harmful to participant? There is a yes and no answer to these questions.

Children are one of the most valued gifts from God. Parents are entrusted to protect and take care of them. As children, they are not able to make decisions so their parents are the ones to step up and make good decisions for their well being and future. They are to make sure the children can grow in an environment that is safe and full of extra curriculum activities that they love, have fun and can grow.

I am a parent but I can say I am not a perfect parent but my main goal was to protect, nurture, love and care for my children with Gods’ help through many prayers. My children were involved in many activities in which they asked to participate. In all their request most came with a resounding ,yes. They played the sax, clarinet but stuck with the piano. They were involved in dance, cheerleader, modeling, basketball, football and yes, pageants.

My second daughter wanted to participate when she was 8 years old. My husband and I decided that she was too young and that she needed to wait. Every day, month and year we got asked that same question…can I be in pageants? At 10 years old we decided to let her participate. We started our research to finding a reputable pageant that would not exploit our daughter. We were successful, we found two at the time and let her enter. She won the first and was crowned Miss American Beauty, came in 1st runner up at the Miss America Pre-Teen Coed, entered the same pageant the following year and won and crowned Miss Arizona Pre-Teen. She represented Arizona at the National Competition, and placed 3rd runner up. Then it was over, she told me she did not want to do it any more so she stopped even though she was a natural.
The experience for her was fabulous. She met so many friends, experienced different states, gained a wealth of knowledge of how to carry herself with poise, dignity and confidence. She soared and was so excited at each venue. I’m not going to lie to you but I really enjoyed myself too.

The terrible thing about it she did meet a number of girls that she felt sorry for because they did not want to be there, they were being forced by a parent or both to participate. That is one thing she would express. I too noticed it and did not like it and even tried to talk to a parent about it, who in turn thought I was trying to sabotage her daughter. This was a reputable pageant I hated to think about the ones that would exploit the participants. There are bad pageants out there that do not have any boundaries and condone their participants to looking like 25 year olds with sexy out fits without any age appropriateness in mind. That’s where the parents come in and need to protect the children from such things and already have boundaries and appropriateness in mind to say no or yes to any activity.

Their are plenty of good pageants that are not all about the money and have your child’s well being in mind. Pageants that can teach them values, confidence, discipline, integrity and grace instead of who could be the biggest brat with the worst attitude. I don’t want you to think I am beating up on pageants and the parents but there are other venues us parents have to make sure our children are not being exploited. Take a look at dance studios, cheerleaders, football, basketball and other extra curricular activities our children are involved in. Each one of the activities that I mentioned a parent can force their child to participate in just to fulfill their own desires, fantasies and lost chances.

Pageants are good…so are homecoming queen’s and kings, cheerleaders, football, basketball, tennis, dance, karate and I can go on and on. This list can also be bad if a parent does not take the stance that they are going to do the best they know how to protect, nurture, and make good decisions for their child.

"INNER BEAUTY, THE WINNERS' EDGE"

This condensed quick course handbook is basically prepared to inform and assist contestants and their parents about various faucets involved in pageantry competitions. I also share this information from a positive biblical perspective capitalizing on the lessons, values and virtues that are in the book of proverbs. I share tips, suggestions and skills that would improve your participation in any pageant and even touching every aspect of your life. The most important fact this handbook will share is that every girl is God’s Princess, that every girl is unique, hold special assets from God, and God has wonderfully and magnificently made them and that He knows they are beautiful is reinforced on each and every page.

As a former pageant mom, I searched high and low for a book, magazine or any
information giving a first time pageant mom an idea of what to expect and what was
expected from my daughter. I found nothing and had to wing it and just use my God given instincts and the love for my daughter to guide me. The lack of information for first time pageant moms inspired me to create this handbook that would give basic ideas of some of the categories that may be involved in pageant competition. The goal of this handbook would be to help the first time pageant mom not feel so much like a fish out of water and for them to have some idea what to expect, what to expect for their daughter and some idea how to prepare for their special big day.

The information enclosed in this handbook can be beneficial to your daughters in pageant competition and all their endeavors in life as a beginning to become the very best they can be. It can guide them into discovering and knowing themselves, supplying them with the tools necessary to prepare for any beauty pageant or formal gathering. The handbook can help them to remember to reflect their Inner Beauty from the inside out and from head to toe acknowledging that their true image and beauty is found in Christ Jesus in thought and in their actions.

Everything you learn on pageant week can help you to become a more confident
successful individual in whatever you do for the rest of your life!! Set out to realize your ambitions. There is no limit to what you can accomplish! Learning who you are means understanding where your true strengths and talents lie. Just as beautiful orange blossoms grow with warmth, watering and brilliant light from the sun; so do beautiful princesses with love, patience and encouragement from affectionate and loving parents and friends. You can do anything you think you can do with enough will and determination.

There are never losers in a pageant competition, only winners. You determine what Level of winner you are by your attitude. Contestants entering pageants has already proven that they Believe in themselves and they are winners because it takes a winner to take that first step and decide to become a contestant. Pageants can be magical where dreams come true, they also can be fun and exciting. It is a personal experience that brings a chance to meet new friends, to grow, to be creative and even more positive aspects leading to a potential career. It can give you a chance to develop your own potential in areas of interests such as singing, dancing, musical instruments acting and more. Pageants can bring out the best in you also such as supporting you to fully develop your voice, problem solve, and realizing
your full potential. It is a tool to use to promote a positive difference in girls lives such as dignity, integrity, character and responsibility. Pageants are also a way of building a child’s positive self-image, self-respect, becoming independent, discovering strength and further enhancing their expression in life.

Be prepared for your Pageant because “Dreams Do Come True!” When you enter a
pageant, you must be prepared to win and fulfill all of the commitments of the title, once you are crowned. Persistent people are successful people; quitters never win and winners never quit!! A winner will lose a competition and pick herself up, dust herself off and start all over again and that is her choice. A winner knows also that she is not defined by the fact that she wins or loses a competition or any other venue that there is a so called winner or a loser. Doing your very best, knowing that you have done your best and accepting your very best makes you
a winner. If you are not crowned, that does not mean you are not a winner and it does not mean you are a failure nor defines you. If the contestant remembers anything, the most important point this handbook wants to convey to all the princesses in the world, is that you are not defined by any wins, losses, success or failures. You are defined by your Creator who describes in His word who you really are and what He thinks of you.
Winners are very hard workers, and it has nothing to do with being lucky but by the destiny that God has for you which is His very best for you.

Most people fail numerous of times before they finally succeed and become successful. Believe in your DREAM and do not expect too much too soon from yourself, just be a sponge and learn everything you can and keep a good attitude. The great power of Believing in God and what His destiny is for you will bring out the true beauty within you. Develop your God given personal goals, talents and achievements and it can accomplish a great deal with persistence. Believe you are there and you are halfway already!

Are you ready to accept the challenge to change; a possibility to become better in every way? If you and your future are ready to be filled with new promises, new adventures and greater happiness, there is nothing that can stop you. This handbook can give a quick and easy strategy of an all you need to know introduction to pageant competition with a Christian’s perspective. Whether beginner or experienced this step by step approach can inspire you and prevent you from feeling intimidated. The skills and techniques enclosed in this handbook can improve your chances of succeeding in your pageant of choice to victory.

Do you want an edge in your next pageant competition? This course will give it to you! Learn and develop confidence, God-esteem, manners, personality, grace and how to answer pageant interview questions. By the time, you finish this handbook you will have some idea how to walk, talk, sit, and appear confident, poised, and much more to give you that little extra edge in Pageant Competitions.

This pageant handbook is the closest thing to a pageant coach and it cost a lot less too. It is absolutely essential for anyone who wants to know how to sensibly prepare and participate in pageant competition to get assistance somewhere. I encourage you to use this handbook as a guide and gain some confidence in your journey in the pageantry world. Pageant competitions are a part of the American culture as Football, Basketball and Homecoming Queens. They all teach the participants teamwork, integrity, character, discipline, perseverance, excellence and determination. When you make the decision to enter a pageant competition remember this handbook “Inner Beauty, The Winners' Edge". It's Pageant competition at its best with a Christian’s Perspective, for that little gift from heaven, an edge over the competition.

"YES! WALK BY FAITH....NOT BY SIGHT!"

If I walked by sight….I would be frustrated, depressed, frightened, confused and all the other adjectives that would describe a person without faith.
Walk with me down memory lane for a moment. I remember when I could go shopping when I pleased and buy just about anything that I wanted. I remember when I could travel anywhere reasonable that my timeshare would allow. I remember when I would pay all my bills and have plenty left over. I also remember when my business thrived with more than enough. A walk down memory lane puts a smile on my face remembering how things were.
Walking by faith then wasn't very hard. Now, it is a bit of a stretch for me but something I am privileged to. In fact, walking by faith was like riding a bike or skating, you never forget how to do it even if you haven’t exercised it for a while. Your faith in God is just as strong, but that muscle of faith seems to get smaller if not used even in the years of plenty.
Today, I’m not shopping as much, traveling as much, bills are due and it is a struggle to make sure they get paid by the end of the month, and my business has slowed down a bit. Waking up in the morning still puts a smile on my face. Knowing God and how his blessings gives me a sense of peace and joy no matter where I am in life up or down I know with all my heart He loves me.
When we walk by Faith and not by Sight, no matter where we are in life struggles or blessings we are self assured that God loves us. Whatever we are going through He knows about it and it is a purpose for everything. This is where our Trust comes in and we continue to walk by faith believing in His word the Bible.
Because “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15
Are you depressed, frustrated or confused today? Are you going through a trail that seems to have no end? If so, Trust in the almighty God with all your heart and truly believe that He loves you and will make a difference in your life.
Please feel free to share any experience you had with others to encourage and uplift them.

"HERE'S TO NEW BEGINNINGS, NO FEAR!"

There are always new beginnings in our lives from the new beginning of a life of a new baby into the world to a prosperous or not so prosperous active and productive adulthood. There are new beginnings that open up the doors to tremendous dreams, passions and desires in our lives. Some beginnings will inevitably effect us positively, then there are some that will definitely do the opposite. There are also some that will never be realized into reality because of fear.
There are beginnings in our lives to start anew or to restart either one is just as important and challenging. It is definitely a challenge and can cause great anxiety, stress and fear. The unexplored, unknown or just being uncomfortable usually brings on the fear, that huge knot in your stomach that makes you feel really ill. Believe me, I know the feeling very well myself and has had new beginnings and restarts, that brought on that same awful feeling in my stomach.
Fear …..I like to say I refer to it as, False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear if allowed, can intimidate, dominate or paralyze you and will choke all your dreams, passions and desires right out of you. It will kidnap your potential and leave you wondering “What if” and what ifs are debilitating and will not only sap your dreams but your vigor for life as well.
New beginnings can be starting college, getting married, becoming a parent, moving into a new home or area, relationships, new job or career, starting a business, or becoming serious about your writing dreams like me.
Beginnings that are restarted would include relationships, picking up your old dreams where you left off, passions and desires again, careers or starting or finishing a well deserved book. I have conquered that impostor, fear, no matter what last name he uses, fear of rejection, fear of success, fear of failure, or any others, and yes I have had those challenges as well with my writing dreams. What ever it is you can begin again and complete it. One thing is very important, whatever your dreams, passions, or desires are, guard them well, or it can be stolen from you with ridicule and doubt, and that scoffer could be you.
There are always going to be new starts, restarts, dreams, passions and desires in this life and “oh” don’t forget complacency. Fear is an annihilator that will impede your life progress. In this life you will continue to grow, evolve and change, some faster than others, but you will have the opportunity to make that choice or just stay the same. Life is funny sometimes though and even when you want to stay the same is it impossible because life is progressive.
When given the blessings of having dreams, passions, or desires, stand strong and don’t let fear have his way with you, instead, slap him in the face, let go and go for it. God is a God of dreams, passions and desires and he has no respect of persons and will hand them out without any reservations, we just need to grasp it, believe that we can and do it.
Because “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 NIV
What fears in your life almost stopped you from reaching your dreams, passions or desires?
By sharing your stories with others you may help someone else overcome their fears and be victorious.

"MY 2012 JOURNEY BEGINS......

This is a journey I am starting which marks the beginning of a new me. I say beginning because I am focusing on being better in 2012 in the areas of business, family time and most importantly spiritually and in health. I will be going on a 90 day journey of eating well, exercising and getting spiritually fit. I welcome you on this journey with me building up the inner man as well as the outer. Yesterday I started the journey and today I decided to share my progress and goals with. Hoping it will inspire you to take advantage of new beginnings. Since after Thanksgiving I wanted to start taking my health serious, then came Christmas with all of its sweets and the get together with family. Don't forget New Years...It was fabulous throwing snowballs ,sledding, building a snowman and nibbling on Neimus Marcus cookies. Playing in the snow and don't forget about all the left over goodies from Christmas and a trip away from home to a wonderful resort; all the goodies, food and must I say more... Don't get me wrong I am not complaining but we have to really conscience around the holidays because good times, joy, happiness and good will is had around allot of good sweets and food. I want to take care of this temple God gave me. On this journey to the true me I am taking my best friend also, Jesus, to lean on in the tough times and you are welcome,like I said, to come along with me to reach the destiny of a new and healthy future. If you have any suggestions feel free to post.

"REALLY GETTING STARTED!"

I’d like to start by saying Good Day! Today has been a very busy yet productive day for me, juggling my Real Estate Business, preparing for a “First Time Home buyers Seminar”, completing three books I have started, getting my blog up and running, entertaining company and all the other incidentals that comes with being a home maker. In essence, to day has been a pretty good day, I was able to accomplish all tasks, well maybe not all, I still have three books that I am working on completing.
I am most proud of finally activating and making posts to my blog, Inner Beauty, that will assist me in sharing my books and writings to the world, it is truly a great taste of sweetness. I decided to create this blog, or more accurately, my daughter encouraged me to create this blog to get exposure for the books that are coming. This is where you will hear about my books, my progress to complete them and me sharing stories and you too if you like.
Thank you for taking the time to read Inner Beauty!