All I Want for Christmas is...

I try not to ask for too much over the holidays, but this year I want to ask my friends and family for something special. 

This year while you are celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus with your loved ones, please say a prayer for those who are celebrating the holiday without one of theirs. I have multiple people who have lost someone this past year, and this will be their first Christmas without a family member or a friend. My heart aches for all of the families, and they deserve our prayers and to know they have our support.

Please say a prayer for peace, strength, and happiness for each of them, and then be sure to thank God for another opportunity to say Merry Christmas and I love you to your loved ones.

I wish each of you a Merry Christmas. May your holiday be filled with joy. Whether we have a close relationship, are relatives, just plain acquaintances, etc.; know you are loved.

Merry Christmas, friend.

Logan McCormick
Miss North Texas 2014

Duck… Duck… Truths.

Happy Friday, friends!

I promised myself I would not put my opinion out in the open, but I was informed I was not a Christian since my view was different from the person who told me this.

Miss Texas 2001, Stacy James Mayo shared this bit on her page today and I agree:
"People who have beliefs and state them on whatever side you are on, have to be tolerant of the other side's rights and believes, because if you don't then you are defeating the whole purpose of what free speech actually is. You actually just then become sort of a hypocrite really. I read that GQ article and surprised Phil even agreed to do it. The writer cusses all through it and takes the Lord's name in vain..and I personally am offended to that. But here were are again with the free speech thing...guess he has a right to do that. I'm not going to buy the magazine, and that's my right. In the end, I am a huge fan of DD and love that they represent the LOVE of Jesus Christ, that family comes first and that they do stick together...which is what they are doing now. I hate that once again it's a "Christian" versus the 'Gay community"....To categorize both of those in that one description is silly. Not all Christians are the same and not all "gay" people are the same. It's stereotypes that always hurt us."

I was born and raised in a home where verses were memorized, crosses were hung, we said our prayers, we learned to love everyone, and if my momma heard "JC!" in vain, I was in big trouble.

It's sad that because my view is different than that of other fellow Christians I'm accused of wanting to rewrite His word to adapt to the modern life or I'm a hell-goer because of my beliefs. 

Wrong.

I believe the Word is truth and His teaching will always be.

I choose to honor my God in what I've been taught, and while doing it with a loving, accepting heart for my brothers and sisters who sin in all different forms, but who are we to block this sin and not the rest of them?

Why do we not shun the NFL? Why do we not shun Hollywood? Adultery? Backstabbing? Anger? Pre-marital sex? Immodest women? Jealousy? Cursing? Arguing? Gambling? Drinking to excess? Using drugs? Tattoos? Cutting your hair? 

What's unfortunate is the people of today ignore all the other sins that believers and nonbelievers do daily as the norm, but homosexuality gets brought up and those who stand for equality get called unChristian-like and tolerable. It's not tolerance, it's acceptance which is also Bible written.

Being tolerant that someone else has a different stance than you is crucial. You don't have to agree with that person, but you have to accept that minds are unique and not all will stand on the same side on every issue. You can stand firm in your faith and beliefs, but you have to understand that someone out there does think differently.

 And, who is Phil Robertson anyway to cause all this ruckus and riot? Are people sincerely surprised that an older, southern man doesn't believe in marriage equality? What earth were you put on? If he were have to responded with "Anyone who smokes a doobie is going straight to Hell!" people would have responded with this much outrage? No. No they would not have. But, then again, that probably wasn't the best analogy because those people are sitting on a cloud eating the munch box from Jack in the Box.

Back to topic: You cannot judge someone for their poison of choice (whether it even be a choice or not!). It's not your job. You were not placed on this earth to do that. God will do that for all of us, and on that day He will do His job of that with stern perfection. 

I respect all those who stand up for God and His Word. I respect all those who accept everyone in their hearts.

But, I refuse to be told I am not a Christian for believing two people in love regardless of gender should be allowed to marry. It all goes back to sin of choice whether it have been a choice or not. It's not tolerance. It's accepting thy neighbor and loving them the same.

Closed minds need to come with closed mouths. Open minds should learn to shut them around closed minds. Accept the differing interpretations and beliefs, and stay firm in what you were taught and have faith in. 

There is a difference in preaching and forcing.

Preach the truth, but do not force someone to believe in your stance. There will always be someone who disagrees regardless of truths. Be an advocate not a judge.

I'm using my first amendment, but we all need to learn to use it wisely.

Happy Holidays,
Logan McCormick

Miss North Texas 2014

Chicken and noodles and cheese… OH MY!

Good evening, y'all. Welcome back.

This particular past Sunday was bittersweet. I had a really great time at the Miss Fort Worth Scholarship Org Christmas Party at Baseball Diamonds at Texas Rangers Ballpark, however, I was unable to attend a memorial service for one of Miss Texas' own: Bruce Wallace.

For those of you who do not know Bruce Wallace (which many of you reading this do since you are a competitor or involved in the organization), he was involved with the Miss Texas Organization for 30 years. He was a mentor and an overall great friend. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, and he planned events at VA Hospitals. You could always count on Bruce to make you feel like a million bucks even when you were not feeling worth a dollar. He is someone I will continue to have so much respect and gratitude for. I'll miss his sweet comments on my Facebook posts and whenever I saw him in person. May his soul live in peace with our Holy Father. You will be missed here in the physical world. <3

Bruce Wallace and Miss Texas 2013, Ivana Hall.

Saturday evening I had the opportunity to go to Hulen Mall in Fort Worth to work with Toys for Tots. Miss Fort Worth, Destiny Velez, got to stand outside of the Sears Automotive and wave and wish people driving by a Merry Christmas. I'm not sure the exact total raised for the weekend-long fundraiser, but I'll be sure to let y'all know the amount as soon as I hear! It was such a blessing to see people pay their respects to the marines and army men and women. It was freezing, but it was hard to complain when you know the cause. I wish I could have devoted more time this year to Toys for Tots, but next year I'm coming back full force!

Miss Forth Worth, Destiny Velez, and Miss North Texas 2014, Logan McCormick taking a quick break to pose with a marine while working with the Toys for Tots at Hulen Mall in Fort Worth, Texas.

Miss North Texas 2014, Logan McCormick; Miss Forth Worth 2014, Destiny Velez; and Miss North Texas' Outstanding Teen 2014, Meagan Hullett posing with marines at the end of the event on Saturday, December 15, 2013.

Now everyone knows that us McCormick's LOVE food. We are not biased. For the Miss Fort Worth/Miss North Texas Christmas Party at Baseball Diamonds last night, I made cheesy chicken spaghetti! I made two tin containers of it and came home with NOTHING. I was asked for the recipe by multiple people, so I wanted to share it with you as well! Keep in mind, this recipe made two tin containers full (which that was just so they wouldn't be too heavy, they could have easily fit into one) and could easily feed 12-15 people.

"Oh my GOSH! What is your recipe?" Cheesy Chicken Sketti:

Ingredients:
4-5 chicken boneless, skinless chicken breast
Chicken Broth 
*(this is optional. I used this to boil the chicken in, so if you do use this, get enough to fully cover the chicken breasts when boiling!)
32 oz of spaghetti noodles (I almost used the whole box. All but a handful is left.)
1.5 cans of cream of mushroom
1.5 cans of cream of chicken
1.5 cans of fiesta nacho cheese soup
1 small block of velveta cheese (*I used market pantry mild cheddar! And only used 1/2 the block!)
1 can mild rotel with green chiles (drained)
1 can original rotel with green chiles (drained)

Instructions:
1. Boil your chicken in your choice of liquid. I used chicken broth. If you have never boiled chicken before, follow the link below. Yesterday was the first time I have ever boiled chicken and it may be my go to method from now on! Once the chicken is cooked and no longer pink, move to a large bowl and shred.
http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/handling-meat/how-to-boil-chicken/
2. Boil noodles until done and then move to bowl with chicken.
3. Mix together Cream of Chicken, Cream of Mushroom, Fiesta Nacho Cheese, Rotel, and Velveeta over medium heat in a sauce pan until cheeses are melted and mix together smoothly. Should be very creamy!
4. Once all cheeses are melted together, mix the sauce in with the noodles and chicken.
5. CONGRATULATIONS! You've just made Lolo's "Oh my GOSH! What is your recipe?" Cheesy Chicken Sketti.

*Additional notes, although this recipe doesn't call for oven use, I put mine in the oven on 200F for about 5 minutes and then let it sit in there for about 10-15 on warm while I glued my false eyelashes on and put on my make up. I'm telling you y'all, it's so good that Miss Shelli (my director) almost paid me to take the leftovers home. Try it! You and your family and friends will love you forever. Just remember to give your girl some credit! :)

I felt so grateful to be a titleholder last night. I went home with a leopard print onesie, a leopard print purse, and many Christmas ornaments and a gorgeous scarf from Destiny. So thankful for my MFWSO family.

Today was my last final at school, and although I'm thankful for it be over I am more ready for it to start up again. I had a revelation in the middle of this semester about what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be. I found myself and what I feel like I've been called upon to do. With that being said, if you are a senior in high school or just beginning college, please focus on your studies and take school seriously. Your education is a major factor in your life and future, and you need to give it your all. I've realized it later than necessary, but I'm coming back full force. :)

Time to cuddle up with my puppies and drink some coffee before bed. (Don't worry, it's decaf. If it was regular I'd be running a half marathon.)… Maybe I need to do that. Hello, cardio being done for the rest of the 2013 year!

I hope you each have a Merry Christmas if I don't talk to you before then. May God watch over each of you who will be traveling, and may you each have a wonderful time celebrating the birth of our gracious Father. Never ever forget what Christmas Day is all about!

In Him, 
Logan McCormick

Miss North Texas 2014

HELLO FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND FOLLOWERS! (I feel like followers is a little more appropriate than fans! I'm not the new Jennifer Lawrence… yet! :P)

For those of you who are my friend on Facebook, CONGRATULATIONS! I finally got a blog! (Kaitlyn and Alyssa, this is for you!) 

As most of you know, I, "Contestant #8", was crowned Miss North Texas 2014 on November 10, 2013 by former Miss North Texas 2013 and the current Miss Texas 2013, Ivana Hall. It was completely unexpected, but super exciting! I am so thankful and humbled to be the new reigning Miss North Texas. The Bates' family has been a dream to work with, and I am so thrilled I've gotten the opportunity to serve as their titleholder. I have adored Faith since I began competing in pageants at age 16, and I couldn't imagine a more supportive family and board to work with!

The Miss Fort Worth Organization. Left to Right: Miss Fort Worth's Outstanding Teen, Kendall Nelms; Miss Forth Worth 2014, Destiny Velez, Executive Directors: Dan, Faith, and Shelli Bates; Miss North Texas 2014, Logan McCormick; and Miss North Texas' Outstanding Teen 2014, Meagan Hullett.

So far during this first month of my service, I have gotten the opportunity to attend the Tarrant Chamber Awards Gala, ride in the Fort Worth Parade of Lights, and due to what we are calling in the DFW area the "Ice-Pocolypse", my other appearances have gotten postponed, but I cannot wait to attend them! This morning I got the chance to be interviewed and appear on an episode for Jim Austin TV. Jim Austin was one of the judges on the panel at the Miss Forth Worth/Miss North Texas pageant, and he is a very kind man! You should definitely check out his website and register to receive his newsletter! JimAustinOnline.com!

Today at 4:00PM I will be at the Hulen Mall in Fort Worth for Toys for Tots! If you have a spare minute or so out of your day, you should come and see Miss Fort Worth 2014, Destiny Velez, and I!

I can't wait to update y'all on all of my events, appearances, and journey as I work to compete for the title of Miss Texas 2014 in July!

Welcome to my blog! Keep checking in for laughs, information about my journey, and did I mention laughs?

I'll see y'all soon!

Happy Holidays!
Logan McCormick
Miss North Texas 2014