Focus on the Family offers “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” contest
Last night, my daughter asked me about the “Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” the next feature film in the “Chronicles of Narnia” movie series.
Then I received word today of a new contest related to the upcoming movie. 
So I guess it’s time to see what updates are available about the latest ”Narnia” film and the new contest.
“Voyage of the Dawn Treader” is set to premiere Dec. 10 in theaters nationwide. If you are interested in viewing one of the official movie trailers, click here: “Voyage trailer” and scroll down once you click on the link.
Now about the contest. To participate in Focus on the Family’s “Focus on Christmas” contest, tell in 200 words or less who is your favorite “Narnia” character and why you would like to go to the ”Voyage of the Dawn Treader” London movie premiere.
One winner will receive a trip for two to the London premiere.
For more information about the contest, visit “Focus on Christmas.”
The “Narnia” films are based on the beloved children’s fiction book series by author and Christian apologist C.S. Lewis. Incidentally, there’s still a lot of discussion on the Internet about the merits of Walden Media making all seven of the books in the series into movies. Some folks argue that all of them may not translate well on the big screen while others are saying it will be a dream come true if all the books are made into film so they can have a complete movie set.
Also, here’s something else. The Internet Movie Database has a special link devoted to “Voyage.” Get connected to it here: “Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Welcome to the Jesus Shore, Snooki
What’s the difference between the “Jesus Shore” and the “Jersey Shore”?
Lots, say the members of Move the Earth ministry.
The Associated Press reports that the ministry recently held a free concert promoting “PTL” or praise the Lord near the place where the cast of MTV’s hit show “Jersey Shore” enjoy “GTL,” or the gym, tan and laundry lifestyle.
The AP reported that Move the Earth ministry organized a “Jesus Shore” event Monday on the Seaside Heights, N.J., boardwalk as an alternative to the “fighting and fornicating” organizers say the reality TV show celebrates.
The Rev. Anthony Storino, pastor of Abundant Grace Church, told the Associated Press that they are not against the MTV show, but want to show that there is another side to the Jersey shore.
The concert featured Christian bands and a Christian-themed tattoo contest. Vendors also sold Christian books and T-shirts.
(AP Photo: Members of the popular MTV show “Jersey Shore” pose for a photograph.)
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Aug. 3 Today’s Prayer
Tuesday, Aug. 3
O Lord, may we learn to appreciate the internal beauty that is within each of us. Amen.
Ted Haggard has formed a new church
Evangelist Ted Haggard has started a new ministry, St. James Church, in Colorado Springs, Colo., the Religion News Service reports today.
The first service is set for June 20 and the Haggard’s barn will be the likely site. Haggard told a reporter that he expects a couple dozen people to attend.
Haggard made headline in 2006 when he became the center of a gay sex scandal. At that time, he resigned as senior pastor of New Life Church, a Colorado Springs, Colo., megachurch he founded and he also stepped down as president of the National Association of Evangelicals.
May 6 Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, let us show sincere dedication to our families, friends and jobs. Amen.
May 5 Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, we offer praises to You for You alone are perfect and worthy. Amen.
May 4 Today’s Prayer
Lord, let us be positive examples of Your mercy and love to all those we meet. Amen. 
Alliance Defense Fund sends Natl Day of Prayer letters
The Internet and blogosphere is abuzz with commentary and news about the National Day of Prayer and a federal judge who recently ruled that it is unconstitutional.
Here’s some of the latest news:
The Alliance Defense Fund has sent leters to mayers across the country telling them that it is OK to observe the National Day of Prayer on May 6.
In a news release, leaders of the fund said they wanted to inform the city leaders that a federal judge’s decision striking down the National Day of Prayer statute as unconstitutional does not impedes their observance of the designated day.
An initial letter was sent by the Alliance Defense Fund to mayors on April 1, urging them to observe and participate in the May 6 event and resist demands from National Day of Pray opponents to discontinue honoring the day.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Seeing Creator’s touch: An Earth Day contest
Dr. Charley 
Gordon (pictured), Texas brain surgeon, scientist, and author of the new book “In Plain Sight” has issued an Earth Day challenge to “Find Where He Signed.”
Earth Day is April 22.
In his book, “In Plain Sight, “ Gordon uses photos and essays to helps readers develop eyes to recognize scientific miracles of creation.
It seems that he’s asking others to see if they can do the same. Winners of his contest will be announced on May 19 on the website InPlainSightTheBook.com.
Entries may be individual or group/class and are judged for originality, ingenuity, presentation, and explanation. You can find more details on the website. All ages (particularly in teams) are urged to compete.
A signature is defined as evidence in nature of clear intelligence, humor, beauty, natural laws, or unlikely but obvious match-ups. Gordon’s book gives 40 examples, including:
1. Match-up: Galaxies and hurricanes, seen from above, show the same coil.
2. Humor: 1) The cerebellum, the fist-sized structure at the brain’s base, in a salad bar, would be mistaken for cauliflower. 2) Chickens.
3. Beauty: A magnificent sunset or a full-circle rainbow has been known to stop traffic. Why is that? Why do humans brake for beauty?
4. Natural principles: The Golden Ratio, the swirl in shells and roses, shows up also in galaxies and grains of sand. Coincidence?
5. Clear intelligence: Unlike every other substance, water’s solid form (ice) is lighter than its coldest liquid form. Except for this, oceans would be frozen solid, killing all life.
Deadline for challenge entries is May 10.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
April 20 Today’s Prayer
Prepare our hearts, dear Lord, for what You have in store for us. Amen.
