African-American gospel fans embrace white choir in national competition

"For nearly four hours Monday night, about 7,000 people, almost all of them African-American, made a joyful noise unto the Lord — singing along with gospel classics, cheering on their favorite choir and praising God.

They were attending the St. Louis regional finals for 'How Sweet the Sound: The Search for the Best Church Choir in America.'"

Click here for more of this melodious story.

Goats help planned rec center take a bite toward progress

"The decrepit mansion once served as home to the president of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, but two decades of brush has grown and, along with vandals, has made it uninhabitable.

Cue the goats."

Click here to read more.

Hospitals ramp up patient amenities

"Free wireless Internet service, live plants, reclining chairs, European showers, flat-screen TVs, and pleasant views more often describe plush hotel accommodations than sterile hospital rooms.

But more health care facilities are now offering those amenities, as patients demand comfort and privacy in addition to quality care, executives say."

For more on the hospital upgrades,click here.

Adagio for Souls: God's Gradual Work

"God has begun the gradual metallurgy of fall. Outside my window, down to the left, He’s refining one tree into pure gold.

It quivers ever so slightly each day as it moves from one degree of gilded glory to the next. Just beyond the edge of the dark green forest, I can see touches of copper and bronze. But the furnace of change heats so gradually, I cannot perceive exactly how the vista has altered from the day before. Like most things God does, it’s subdued, unhurried, and steady."

Click here to read more.

Pet blessings

"Every year, some churches in Chicago invite parishoners to bring their pets with them to Sunday services, where the furry creatures receive blessings from the pastor.

Here's a few images from a 'pet blessing' held Sunday by Grace Episcopal Church at Dearborn Station in the South Loop."

Click here to view the story and accompanying photo slideshow.

Former foster child in Chicago now a million-dollar scholar

"Derrius Quarles leans back in his seat and methodically analyzes Aristotle's theory of truth during freshman honors English class at Morehouse College.

He strides across campus in a navy blue tailored suit and a bold red sweater handing out business cards that boast 'Student/Entrepreneur/Leader.'

But behind the 19-year-old's dauntless appearance is a past that few on campus know."

For more on this amazing young man, click here.

Eat the Panda: Not Merely Another Animal

"Consider your average panda, the endangered, cute-as-a-button, roly-poly bear. Should mankind save the panda? Like everything else, that depends on your worldview."

Click here for more on Chuck Colson's opinion.