Sept. 30 Today’s Prayer
Friday, Sept. 30 
Protect us as we travel through unfamiliar territory and help us return safely home. Amen.
Sept. 29 Today’s Prayer
Lord, forgive us when we go against Your word even as we try to do Your works. Amen. 
“Unbroken” connections
Last month, I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Louie Zamperini, 94, the World War II POW and Olympic athlete, when he visited Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid. We posed for this photo together in the Rev. Wade Burleson’s office, where I conducted the interview.
Before the interview, I got a copy of “Unbroken,” the book chronicling Zamperini’s amazing life but I wasn’t able to finish it before his visit.
I’m finishing it up now and I have been amazed at how many people have read the book or are in the middle of reading it. Everywhere I go, people are talking about the book. When I have it with me, which I frequently do, someone stops me to say that they have read it and it is a great book.
It is a best-seller by Laura Hillenbrand who earned accolades from Zamperini about how well she captured his story, which includes the account of how he came to give his life to the Lord.
Anyway, it just blows my mind about the many ways the book has served as a connecting point for me and so many people.
I guess that’s what good books are supposed to do.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Incidentally, I don’t believe in happenstance. I believe that many of our encounters are divinely orchestrated. Another way to look at it is seeing each encounter through a spiritual lense. It is in that context that I say that I was so touched by Mr. Zamperini and what he had to say about his faith journey. There were lots of spiritual lessons gleaned from that interview.
Rockin’ Rosh Hashana and a Tweet New Year
Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year begins at sundown today.
I love music and I stumbled upon a holiday-themed music video that has gone viral. This “Rosh Hashana Rock Anthem” is cute and engaging so have a look.
Also, here is an interesting tidbit about Rosh Hashana for the social media fans out there. The Jewish New Year kicks off a season called the High Holy Days. This is the 10 days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
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A Tweet New Year
The first contemporary online synagogue, OurJewishCommunity.org, is tweeting the High Holiday services — Roshanah Sept. 28029 and Yom Kippur Oct. 7-8.
Hundreds of tweets will be sent out from the Twitter accounts of the online congregregation (@JewsOnline) and one of its rabbis, Laura Baum (@rabbi) during the evening and morning services. The tweets are to come from the liturgy that is used during the services, which also may be downloaded as a PDF.
“We’re rabbis who actually encourage people to talk during our sermons,” Baum said in a news release. “We want those attending our services online to chat with each other using social media. It’s great to see people engaging in conversation with each other.”
For more information, visit www.OurJewishCommunity.org.
Sept. 28 Today’s Prayer
Help us, Lord, to forgive our enemies, leave the past behind and embrace a new day. Amen. 
Behind the scenes of “Courageous”
“Courageous,” the new feature film from Sherwood Pictures, is set to premiere on Sept. 30.
Lots of Oklahoma churches have indicated they will support the film when it hits the big screen.
A cable channel is offering a behind-the-scenes look of the movie’s filming tonight. “The Making of Courageous” premieres on the Gospel Music Channel, also known as GMC, at 7 p.m. tonight. A bonus showing is set to air at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25.
The faith-inspired movie tells the story of of four law enforcement officers as they are challenged to be better fathers.
“The Making of Courageous” shows how 1,500 volunteers worked with a professional crew to create the movie
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Sept. 23 Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, bless and guide those who are responsible for the health of others. Amen. 
“Passion” tour heading to Oklahoma
Oklahoma fans of the popular “Passion” worship conferences should plan on visiting Stillwater next month for a treat.
LIfeChurch.tv’s Stillwater campus at 1917 N Country Club Road will be the site of the Passion University Tour stop at 8 p.m. Oct. 4. 
The event will feature worship leaders Charlie Hall (pictured) and Kristian Stanfill, plus a video message by “Passion” founder Louie Giglio (pictured below).
The university tour is part of a 12-campus tour prepping for “Passion 2012″ set for the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on Jan. 2-5. The 2012 event in Atlanta is expected to draw more than 35,000 university-aged adults.
The event is Stillwater aims to bring together students at Oklahoma State University, including those involved with several campus ministries. 
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Sept. 20 Today’s Prayer
O Lord lift all agitation from our hearts so Your light will shine in our minds. Amen.
Sept. 19 Today’s Prayer
Monday, Sept. 19
Help us understand that miracles would not be miracles if all our wishes were granted. Amen. 
