FROM SPIRITUAL WANDERER: Rodney Curtis often makes readers laugh out loud, but today he writes about the turbulent waves tossing and turning so many of us. His words may be the shot in the arm you need right now. Flow along with him?

FriendshipAndFaith: Our weekly series of stories about cross-cultural friendship takes us to India! You’ll love this story by Shahina Begg, describing how—as a young woman—she dared to circle the world to make new friends within her own family.

EXPLORE HEAVEN: Meet Newsweek magazine religion editor Lisa Miller as we talk about Americans’ growing belief in heaven—and explore our widely different visions of that afterlife.

GREAT FOR SMALL GROUPS: We’ve got news about two books guaranteed to spark spirited discussion. Part 1: Excerpt of Philip Gulley’s “If the Church Were Christian.” Part 2: Excerpt of Philip Jenkins’ “Jesus Wars.” Part 3: Gulley interview. Part 4: Jenkins interview.

FAITH AND AGING: What is “America’s Best Theologian” trying to say!?! Does he hate the Sunshine State? In Part 3 of our interviews with Stanley Hauerwas, he talks about the importance of keeping our wises friends within our communities.

PRAYER FOR OUR NATURAL WORLD: Poet and preacher Ken Sehested from Ashville, North Carolina, offers this special prayer, “Poisoned Sea; Impoverished Soul,” for anyone who cares about our oil-stained waters.

A HOPEFUL CHORUS of “good news” echoes across religious and ethnic communities in southeast Michigan with the launch of a new online magazine and book, “Friendship and Faith.” Read the news about the book launch.