Biking/Driving/Back in Dilz Reflections
Anything But Running right now...

Good Investments
I'm seeing what a great investment a ping pong table is! it's totally worth it! thinking about it? take out a loan, it's fine! You can't beat the sheer enjoyment and fellowship. :P

1 Corinthians 13 through 1 Timothy 2:15 came out of my Bible today. I love an old rugged Bible. It makes it feel as ancient as it really is... a captivation of exciting, thrillful, chill-inducing, mystery!

Good One: Fix your eyes on what is unseen, for what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

I think I should be in Rwanda today.
Their 5 day forecast in Kigali is sunny sunny sunny!!
Pray for the Messiah Missions Team...
Lord, grant your favor there.

Thanks to God~for family visits. Brian & Corrie, and baby, their on the Top~Ten favorite people! There's no ordered list. Did you know that MySpace members actually rate their friends! How mean, and almost cruel! That, I beleive is absurb! The beautiful people in my life are all equally wonderful people, and in fact, totalled, probably exceed the established number. (I know tons of cool people.) ...point: I shall not conform to such rating practices. My top tens~you're all tens in my book!

...haven't quite come around to myspace yet. still skeptical.

question of the day: am i worthy contributor to society? uuuhhh...

Question #2: How should one, who upholds values of integrity, righteousness, and purity, respond to....this-
A couple who wants to live together before they are married? What do you say? There was a time when i would have said, no way! don't do it! for reasons such as purity. Then, there was a time, perhaps four years ago when I would have said, why do we have to be so judgmental? And now, the question re-enters my mind, stirred by random discussion. Should I consider this to be acceptable? I only considered it for financial alleviation, really. But is that a good enough excuse?

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, My Rock, and My Redeemer.

I'm tryin' out something new...
I didn't want to do it....
But I felt like I owed to 'em...

http://www.myspace.com/candichez

This is my MySpace site. Wow, isn't it crazy these days how one's voice can be heard all over the world, all across the web... Just what can be done on your home computer, and just how much time one can spend doing these things... I don't consider myself to be a TOTAL loser but i DO have a myspace, a blogspot, and a facebook... wowzers. Do I have a life? I'm trying to figure that out currently! But before I figure anything out I have to write a paper for school. YES, school, in the summer. It's annoying, tell me about. I'm creating a program for churches on how to communicate to youth, girls between the ages of 12-14, on sexuality. IT's a Monster project.

Don't you think the church is a little childish about the subject? I think so. There's not too much open-ness going on. And what an important ASPECT of existence. Kids can't be learnin' their stuff from the streets and their friends. no nooo nooooo. So the church should step up, and stop acting like it's suuuuch a big deal. It's all in how you approach it. I mean it is a big deal... but no need to get squeamish and squirmish.

What's my beef again? Why do I have such a negative opinion of how the church handles this? My youth group was fine about it. Maybe it's that those who do not prescribe to Christian Theology view Christians as extreme prudes and condemning of their actions so they EXAGgeATE what the church promotes (painting a ridiculous picture) in order to make themselves feel better? And somehow I retained that opinion as my own by accident? mmmmm. Though there are those out there who are ridiculous, of course. Is CVC ridiculous? Pastor Fred was open with me when we discussed the issue. And the man always seems to slip in that fact that women need to dress modestly!... he could be talking about anything from the Wall of Jericho to The Rapture, and someHOW he fits it in! If you read this PF, know that I respect you and that I do agree. Is this A HUGE problem in the church? It's definitely something to talk to teenage girls about...

OPENneess, openness, is what I looooOOoOOG foooorr....

The Noblest Pleasure of All...
Is the Joy of Understanding.
These are the words of a great man...

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.. Phillip 4:8~ These are the words of Paul, an apostle of Christ, and martyr for the faith.

Nehemiah 8:10 The Joy of the Lord is your Strength.

Leonardo daVinci said this thing about the noblest pleasure and the joy of understanding. Unfortunately, however, there are so many things that we will be unable to comprehend on this earth. So yes it's sooooo exciting each time God reveals another piece of the puzzle!!! But complete understanding? You better be deridin joy elsewhere, like uh, The Lord... otherwise you'll be lost... He is not a God of Confustion though...yeehaaaa...
~Grateful for His Grace

love is a many splendored thing.... it lifts us up where we belong... and then humility comes along... and guess what. you are nothing, maggot. ha. :P

A little stroll for the soul
A little hussle in that bustle
and a little muscle in that shell... :] wink wink.

Through the fog and the smog
Then here perusin' on the blog
These thoughts I will then log...

Grasping to remember
Untangle and dismember
The mess of last september...

That month, it was exciting
The experience, inviting,
Yet, withinner pieces fighting...

The battle so unworthy
Too timely to deserve thee
This lesson it will serve we...

September will dismember
And soon again remember
The exciting fighting invite...
Of smog-ged log-ged blog.

what does that meeeean?

I might get to meet Mr. T next week!!
I pity the fool!!!

AVOIDING PAIN

"Techniques" to avoid pain. Distractions, business, hobbies, obsessions...that's how you know you're not relying on God... they're anything one engages in order to not deal with the issue.

God lets you feel pain. He allows your heart to hurt... Sometimes we believe that God is not intervening or showing that He cares about our daily afflictions... but when we are honest about reality, sorrow isn't an ungodly response... He allows this thing called the process of healing. This, of course, does not imply a speedy experience... sucks, huh?

So because it's a sucky feeling, most of us turn right to our distractions before we allow ourselves to apperceive very much pain... it doesn't work in the long run anyway though... avoiding pain is pretty much ineffective. A useless effort! So, if you want an effective escape mechanism, go to God.

Wisdom for today, guidance for tomorrow.

How Did That Go?

Prophetic Dreams. Prophetic Messages... prayers...insight. God speaks to us in so many ways, through each other, creation, the wind... that's my favorite.
The wind is so cool...
The Prophetic. The Mysteries of God. "And your family will spread about like seed blown in the wind."
It was a little more eloquent, I can't remember the exact wording, but that was the "prophetic word" my parents received once. I'm not sure if momma chez was entirely pleased. Her children would be far far away from her as in Louisiana, New York and Jersey? Ma, maybe you'll make it to Ghana, your seed might pick up the greatest velocity!

yeah yeah. Some people think that it's pretty weird. out there. but how can you not believe that God does things out of the ordinary? Outside of the box? That's what I'm banking on! Ordinary is NO fun! =P
So now I'm here in Jersey... i wish i could say, "lovin' it!" ThAT I was 100% sure it was where I was supposed to be... I have a job, you know. decent paying for a graduate in HDFS. money is certainly not everything though. There is really nothing that would stop me from being here actually! I love hanging out with the Maska's, all of Kristy's friends are now friends I can call my own... aawe...
I honestly don't feel more at home anywhere else!
But there's this underlying uncertainty... Is it just doubt, or fear that is to be expected? Well~I have been given not a spirit of fear! But of Power, SD, and LoooOoOoVE. For how long is it that I have been blown in this direction?
What a great area! Philly! The Beach! Cheap Veges! A Job! Excited Settlers Participants! What more can one ask for?!
All I'm getting is... be patient O Daughter. >>>siiiigh.

Be Patient.

OuT oF SORts...

dear Lord help me... i guess this is how many college graduates feel. Out of sorts!

Silliness

When I was a silly sophmore in high school, I always had a silly crush on some upper classman. Dave Renard was my long lasting high school crush. He's married now to an awesome Ohioinian annnd they appear to be very happy. Awesome!

Nicole Heiges, she was always pulling for me. The 3 of us watched Green Mile together. Who in their right mind could focus on the movie?? Not I said the silly girl! I still don't know what happened. I remember the big guy exploding into pieces, that was pretty sweet. ...But I was just a lowly underclassman! Darn to being born to late! I will say it was a random occassion to see him after 4 years at Hershey Park.

So anyway, my date was in the restroom while i was at the food court eating strawberries and chocolate, when all of a sudden I heard the sound, "Candi!" coming from my right side. Knowing that I could see anyone from my 20 years of existence in the area, I wasn't surprised, but I couldn't make out the voice and I searched, scanned around me and what do you know, at the table right beside me was Dave Renard... his wife... and family! No way! I really enjoyed talking and hearing what was up with them the past few years! Although, how could he get married to a woman he never took to Farmer's Fair? That is like a rule! Pickle citizen etiquette! And you call yourself a native Dillsburgian! Whatev! Seriously, you know its official when you hold hands at the Farmer's Fair Parade. That's where it all happened for my bro-Brian and Corrie. Aaaawwwe. :] And that was when we knew it was all over for Bri!

High school crushes. High school hormones. Hey, my hormones were more in check then most of the teenagers around me. How did that happen? ...Devotion to purity, and the understanding that getting to close to the pretty fire at the wrong time, will incinerate ya bones! I do beleive that I learned a lot in Youth Group, Life Center Ministries. Many of my friends tell me now that they think the church is a little weird. And I will vauch that its unique and at times questionable, but I just know I learned soo much about God, spirituality, God's Word, and people in general within that church body. If I recall correctly I remember listening to at least 5 "talks" on sexuality. The first one was when I was in 7th grade. I was like, do I really need to be here for this? Maybe I shouldn't be here for this.. but I was too curious, I hadda! Brian Leach did a superb job on relaying the message that Wednesday before Valentine's Day. He said, "Sex is a beautiful gift!" and looked another married fellow, raised his eye brows and chuckled. It wasn't really a chuckle, it was more like laughing smile, insinuating intense gratification. So, of course, the mouths of me and my friends dropped about 6inches! ...He made talking about it interesting and fun/funny. Educators: just insert some humor and your good to go! ha. I can't wait to talk to my kids about sex. What an awkward subject for children to converse with their parents!
:] :} :]

The depths of a man's heart is like deep waters...It's Graduation Sunday at Cumberland Valley Church. I wish I could be there. To the Church:

Wow, what to say, there are many of you with this letter before your eyes who have known me since I was three feet shorter and maybe a few inches narrower! As the years have passed we have all grown, the community, friendships, our families, your children, you, and the church body.

Growth is quite the beautiful process! How lovely it is to watch, to admire. What a gift it is to be apart of the life and development of a child! Being the youngest, and far away from relatives, I really honestly have few children in my life to watch grow...

The first to come to my mind are the Miller babies living across the street from my former home. When I babysat them last week I was overwhelmed with awe and wonder at their growth. Dave and Julie, you two are awesome people and wonderful parents. I am amazed at your diligence, your energy (though I am sure you do not always feel so energized), and your faith! Parents with small children always amaze me with their selfless patience. I only hope to be so generous with such a compassion and gentleness.

As for me, God has transformed me in many ways. He has renewed and strengthened my faith, my understanding of grace, and my desire to know him (time and time again). He has refeshed my vision and broadened my perspective.

I trust that where he is taking me now, New Jersey, is where i will continue to grow in knowlegde and understanding of his Mercy and Love. ~What I will be doing is working with a counseling agency, sharing the love of Christ and facilitating growth and maturity in the lives of America's youth and families. My vision is broad, but howwever I can effectively serve God, I pray that He would do his will for my life. Thank You CVC for supporting me, praying for me, and allowing me to be apart of your lives. May God Bless You for loyalty to the ministry and love for Christ. Mom and Dad, I love you more than life itself. :] It will surely take an eternity for me to repay you your faithfulness.

Safe and Sound
in the arms of our Creator...

HA! Praise the Lord for SHEER HONESTY!

I love it! I love it! I love it! I'm just keepin' it real with Momma Maska, Kace, and Kristy... I wasn't sure about New Jersey at first, but i do believe that this will be a very awesome experience. God knows best, huh? A to-the Men. :) My prayer is that I would be aware/open to what He has to teach me... and I am very open to Momma Maska Wisdom...ha.

Shall We Dance?

I think that every guy should definitely take the time to watch this movie...bring something else along dudes, because it's a little slow! ...Richard Gere amazingly plays a 40-year-old lawyer/husband/father who is sick of the ordinary routine. work, home, dinner, kids on the cell phone, nagging wife...he's not happy. So Rich decides he needs to spice it up -join some dance lessons and take a dive into the DeeeeP end, the wild side! Something unique and different...passionate. He and J-Lo almost get hot and heavy on the dance floor, but Richy keeps it clean, it doesn't reeeeaaallly cross the line, knowing that he still is in love with his rigid and nonrisky wife...ha, he just wants to be happy, poor guy
there are some good scenes.
What a freeing expression of oneself! How fascinating!
I guess its a girly movie but MEN... don't be afraid to explore the softer side!

My HEART Longs For A Comment!!! yes my heart does yearn for a response, i was trying to ignore this desire from within and tell myself, you know it's not entirely necessary... BUt I'm really only lying to myself... why can't more of my friends have the blog!!?! Kev gets me all into the blog and then, great! I'm the only one! it's REALLY NOT catching on!!!!

...............It's fine? Plead the fifth? It's allowed, I suppose.
I did just recently experience an awkwardly hilarious/sketchy moment...mmm.
ah, 22 I say... ah to be 15 once again, naaaah... ...ah at the craziness of the youth of our day! wow, that's quite the elderly comment.
I'll always and forever feel 20, no doubt, buuut, kids these days!

Once again awed by the complex, incomprehendible, beautifully ordained...
~Trust in the Lord with alllllllll your heart and lean not
on your own understanding.

brokenness. willingness.. to recognize and accept we are nothing. nothing without His Grace.

Opportunity of a Lifetime!

Why is it that your insecurities consume you at the most inopportune times?!? It's almost paralyzing! Like, the opportunity called....liiiiiife. HA. what a great opportunity we have while we're on this earth, eh? We better not waste time being paralyzed...I know I have at times, so what to do in those situations? I suppose it must be different for everyone. Some people take 10 deep breaths and call it a night. Well, I'm sure as heck not callin' it a night. :P Hey, I guess that's why the self-help section in the bookstore is so giGAANTuous! But really people, the statistics show that someone who doesn't go to counseling recovers at the same rate or FASTER than the person who goes... what does that say about the profession I am about to enter?? ...well there are plenty of BAD counselors I suppose...
YO KEV! sorry to hear about work and the internet... i guess I won't be reading too many random blogs @chezman86.blogspot... you know the fam gets disappointed! It's okay, no pressure.
I've heard that I'm "pretty out there" on this blog. "Just laying it out." says Kev. :]
You know, sometimes you have to just lay it out on the line! Be honest with ourselves and those around us, eh? Cuz, what's the point of life if you have to lie, cover things up or be phony? There's no use in putting on a face and acting, some theatrics...I think I've done that for a substantial portion of my life. Forget That!! You gotta use that opportunity that the Lord has given you… mmm!
USE THAT OPPORTUNITY!!!

I really think the decline of the family is the worst thing that can happen to society. The individualist nature. these times promote. is going to drive society... into the GREASE PIT! You know how the car cannot function unless all of its parts (at least the most crucial ones) are working? weeeLL, a peeerson cannot operate and live a full and satisfied life without those around them annnnd the close relationships in which one/they/we can experience a free exchange of energy and love!! Ahhh the frree exchange.

The Things That Make you Go HMMmm?...
and then the things that you make you go ahhh.

The things that make me go hmmm...
I haven't surrounded myself with too many friends who are "hMMmm"-kind-of-people lately, but i did spend the day with some friends from high school that never cease to CraCk me uP with their shinanigans! JessiB, (although she's married now, will reside in everyone's heart as JessiB. Jess Slug? no. ~no one is willing to make the switch) she'll make you go: "hMMmm?" It was her wedding ceremony that the priest had to refocus her during her vows, ha.

...Bri was the kind of kid that would made you go- hMMmm? ~ it amused him. He loved to make me laugh, anyone really. It was laughter, however, that never had enough force to make it through the voice box, but your whole body spazes out and your eyes start tearin' up all over the place. Now that's a good AB workout!
...Mr. Sprinkle, 8th grade history, obsessed with trains, weird guy. I'd love to see some of my friends' reaction to this man, they'd be past the- HMMmm? stAGE.
Geeeeeeez, I'm having trouble thinking of HMMmm? moments! Going all the way back to JR High!?

Oh, I know, last week, I watched like 10 minutes of Millionare, and the question was something to the effect, "Which city IS NOT on the mainland of Europe?" Dublin, Madrid, Warsaw, or Lisbon? This woman, looked about in her 40's, was clueless. So she decides to use her 50/50... now it's down to Dublin or Madrid, and THEN she uses an audience poll for the two choices.... Well, of course, the audience is overwhelmingly taken by one and a there are few who just want to see her lose.... With uncertainty she says, "well, I'm an Irish girl sooo I'm going to go wth Dublin as my final answer." Du du duuuubLIn! WOW! She's Irish and she had to use her 50/50 ANNNNnndD an audience poll?!!? I'd like to know what kind of test they make you take before you go on that show!! And what kind of an Irish woman is she! All's I had to say was whoooooa. Maybe she misunderstood the question, i dunno. Both Alicia and I were sliiiightly outraged.

And then the Ahhhh moments.
I do believe that one of the best things in the world isssssss bike riding at night. It was one of those moments... I was overtaken with the feeling of danger and excitment, that at any moment anything could jump out you and heaven-knows what could happen. so you're on guard for... come whatever may...
The "Ahhh moment" officially occurred, however, with the sweet aroma of honey suckle, aaaaHhhhh. Praise the Lord for honey suckles. childhood memories maybe, i dunno it does something to the hippocampus.