Have you seen the movie Juno?

Last week my wife and I saw the movie "Juno."  Based on the screen play by Diablo Cody, this is a delightful and refreshing movie. It tells the story of a teenage girl, named Juno, who got pregnant and decided not to get an abortion but have the child and let a young couple adopt the child.

Filled with quirky, yet very realistic comments made by Juno about her pregnancy, I found the film provides new insights into the world of teens as they discover their sexuality and the meaning or lack of meaning in relationships.

On her way into the abortion clinic, Juno runs into an acquaintance who is protesting outside the clinic. "It has fingernails!" she exclaims to Juno. Juno goes into the clinic for a brief moment and then rushes out with her mind made up to have the baby.

In a rather surprising and unique angle, her boyfriend is in the picture the whole way. He doesn't disappear from the scene as is most often the case in our world. Juno loves him and after she gives birth, they are together.

Since not everything in life goes the way we might expect, I am always confident that our faith in Christ gives us the strength and courage to meet those unexpected twists and turns of life.

-Pastor Durk

Travel Channel Reflections

During the course of any given week I try to carve out a little time to watch the travel channels. I love going on tours around the world with the hosts of these programs. From Egypt to France to Chine to Argentina and more the programs bring you along to see the people, sites, and historical landmarks of these lands.

The Christian religion has travelled around our world many times over with still more places to go with the gospel. I am always in awe of God's great love and power that has gone out to the world through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The next time you travel or watch a travel channel imagine all those touched by the love of God in Christ and all those who are still waiting to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

Blessed and inspiring travels to all of you!

Ashes to Ashes

Last night I walked into my son's basketball practice with the cross of ashes still fresh on my forehead from our Ash Wednesday service at church. Embarrassed, he ran up to me and said, "Dad, get that thing off your forehead!!" To alleviate his being uncomfortable I turned and wiped it off.

Even though the cross of ashes is wiped off, the cross of Christ still remains on my forehead. On the day I was baptized the pastor made the sign of the cross of me and said, "You've been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever."

This cross identifies me as God's child. What identifies you? What marks you for the world and the world to come?

Blessings,
Pastor Durk