From the Inside Out

To kick off our holiday weekend, Gary and I rushed up to Denison to catch the Truth Tabernacle version of our Saturday Night Life show at 7 pm. A few friends from our drama group also joined us for the event. We had a “deja vu” feeling watching our sketches being performed, but we had a good time.

Afterwards, we grabbed a late dinner at a Chili’s somewhere between Denison and Sherman. Over chips, queso and food, we discussed the show and past/present drama projects. We also had a little fun snapping shots on our cell phones.

Enjoy the pics, and have a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend!

Chillin’ with Chad and Amy

Derrick explaining the virtues of Facebook

Anna and Chad

The new mobile version of picture in picture

Photography through straws — fascinating!

GMAC Insurance recently released the results of its 2009 National Drivers Test, and the findings are disconcerting. I often wonder how much people remember about the basic rules of driving when I’m on the road. It baffles me sometimes how poorly people drive and how often they blatantly ignore the rules.

The GMAC test measures basic knowledge of driving laws, and GMAC found that roughly 41 million licensed drivers in America would not pass a written drivers test exam if taken today. That’s pathetic — and somewhat frightening! The results showed that most people had trouble with “questions about yellow lights and safe following distances.” No wonder we have so many “fender benders” and red light runners.

The test also showed that New Yorkers were the worst drivers, followed by New Jersey (last year’s loser) and Hawaii. Texas had average rankings coming in at number 24 out of the 50 states. Drivers in Ohio and Wisconsin are reportedly the best drivers — number 1 and 2 respectively.

I found it interesting that the age of drivers had an impact on test scores. Drivers over the age of 35 were more likely to pass the test. Younger drivers — 18 to 24 — had the highest failure rates. I’m not sure what that means. Are today’s driver’s ed programs ineffective, or do younger drivers simply have a “devil-may-care” attitude about driving?

I’m in favor being required to prove your knowledge of driving laws before your license is renewed. Think about it. Concealed Handgun Owners are required to renew their licenses every four years and must pass a written exam proving their proficiency. However, individuals who drive a 2-ton weapon called a car (which kills more people every year than handguns) only have to pass one proficiency test in their lifetime — unless they move to a new state. Does that seem wise to you? It doesn’t to me.

Our roads might be safer if everyone regularly updated their knowledge of driving laws. It might remind us that driving is a privilege, not a right. We shouldn’t take driving for granted. Serious consequences can occur when people drive irresponsibly.

So, how much do you remember about those driving laws? Can you pass the test? GMAC has one online at www.nationaldriverstest.com. If you’re curious, take it and see how you rank. I’m happy to report that I passed, but I do fit into that 35+ category so I guess it’s to be expected — haha! When you’re finished with the test, you can play a defensive driving game where you have to avoid elderly people, deer and aliens in the roadway. Have fun!

Oh yeah…after the week I’ve had, I really need to get some of this stuff. Check it out.

If that’s what Nutri-grain does for you, I’m buying some tomorrow! It’s the miracle cure for a bad week, or month, or whatever.

Okay, since I’m in a video sharing mood tonight, how about another one? This one comes from You Tube and it’s titled the “funniest commercial ever.” Watch and judge for yourself:

Our last church service at 2021 E. Park Blvd. will be held on Sunday, May 31 at 10:00 am. Abundant Life Church (ALC) is planning many exciting activities for that special day:

• Anthony and Mickey Mangun will be attending (Mickey will be playing the organ and singing with the choir)
• A special baptism ceremony will be conducted
• Pentecost Sunday and the move to the new building will be celebrated
• Fond memories of the building before the remodeling will be brought back (i.e. stained glass, old pulpit, round globe lights, etc)
• Finally, we’ll be having an ALC choir reunion and will be singing some “old school” favorites from ALC’s past!

When ALC switched to two Sunday morning services, they went with a smaller “worship team” to enable choir members to serve in the Sunday School department (and other volunteer ministries required to support two services). This has been a successful model, but sometimes you miss having a full choir on the platform. There’s nothing that compares. I love having all of those people up there with us worshipping their hearts out and praising God. It’s so cool!

We had our second practice tonight, and we’re starting to get back in the groove of things. The group sounded amazing. We’re singing many favorites from past years and a few recent favorites too. It’s going to be a fantastic worship experience, and I can’t wait! We’re singing one of my personal “old school” favorites — No Greater Love by the CLC Youth Choir. That song always touches me. The words are simple, but true. It’s a great reminder of how much He loves us and the sacrifice He made to show us the depth of His love. It’s…ah-mazing!

Anyway, if you are a member of ALC, don’t miss it! If you are a former member, don’t miss it! If you aren’t a member, but are interested in joining us, put it on your calendar and don’t miss it — Sunday, May 31 at 10 am.

I know Jesus can appear anywhere, at any time and in any form, but the “Jesus sightings” are getting out of control. Seriously, do you think he chooses to reveal himself on a rock, in wood paneling, a tree, planter, fish stick, mug, pumpkin, spoon, grilled cheese sandwich, window, telephone pole, cat, cloud, frying pan, sink, moth, sonogram, french fry, or turtle shell?

C’mon…really?

What are these people smoking? Is it an attempt to get 15 minutes of fame, or are they crazy? What’s even more disconcerting are all of the people who come out to see it or take pictures. Some are emotionally moved by the experience — crying and saying it’s Jesus talking to them or giving them a sign.

Now, if someone finds deep meaning by seeing Jesus in a frying pan, who am I to judge? God does work in mysterious ways; however, I am, and will always be, skeptical.

I groan each time I hear about one of these “sightings” because I don’t think God creates images of himself on rocks, screen doors or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Why, oh why, do the news stations continue to cover these crazy stories? It’s beyond me. I just don’t get it.

The latest claim is from a North Texas family who says they discovered Jesus in a bag of 99-cent Cheetos. Dan Bell and his wife have lost their minds and claim that a two-inch tall figurine with extended arms is “Cheesus.” They aren’t the first family to make this claim, and they probably won’t be the last. Another family found “Cheesus” last year too.

So, what do you think: is it Cheesus or just plain Cheesy?