Refreshing

Some random thoughts of mine:
Since we have been in Oklahoma we have noticed some differences when compared to other places we have lived.  One big difference is church and religion.  There are churches EVERYWHERE!  I would say there are easily more churches here than in Salt Lake.  Every single street you drive down you will find some random church building.  Some are just small and simple, and some are huge mega-church buildings.  And the people here aren't hesitant about talking about God or church. 
I went with some other mom friends here, to an Oklahoma City program where they try to get parents taught about the importance of being your kids' teacher while they are home with you; how learning starts at home. So here I was at this government program class at a public high school, with an elementary school teacher, and she talks about how this activity would be perfect for church when your kids are sitting next to you to keep them entertained, and everybody heartily agrees.  Then she talks about how your kids have probably learned these songs at church, and everybody acknowledges yes.
Then we watch the local news and they give a story about something horrible happening to a family and at the end of the report they say, "and our prayers go out to" so-and-so family.  Then Sunday morning weather on the news they say "you will probably want a coat on your way to Sunday service this morning." 
It is just refreshing to hear about God and church spoken about without fear of offending people. People here just respect religion.  It's just refreshing.