stanpavkovich

This weekend is Mother’s Day. It is a time set aside to honor and show appreciation to the person that brought us into the world, nurtured us and cared for us – our mothers.

So often whether you are a mother or not, we forget how our lives can impact not only people currently around us, but also can impact future generations. One such person is Naomi, a mother whose story is found in the Old Testament; a story that is often overlooked.

Her family had to move to a foreign country because of a terrible famine. And while they were there, her sons married. But in time, her husband and sons died and she decided it was time to return to her home in Bethlehem.

Here is the cool thing… she was so dedicated to God, that her daughter-in-law, Ruth decided she wanted that life for herself as well. Ruth was so impressed by the dedication of Naomi’s life to God, she told Naomi, “Your people shall be my people and your God shall be my God.” From that day forward Ruth turned her back on the old life she used to live and embraced a new life she found in God.

Because of Naomi’s influence, Ruth influenced her family, and Ruth’s love for God was so powerful that her great grandson became one of the most influential men of the Old Testament – David, King of Israel.

Ultimately, Ruth is one of the few women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
All this took place because one woman, Naomi… built her life around her dedication to God.

Often we’re simply focused on the influence that we have right here and right now on our children, grandchildren, etc. But the life of a man or woman who give themselves totally to God can have a ripple that will impact generations to come.

This past week I gave the challenge to our Church to rise up and be Jesus to a forgotten group of children in our community…. those who are lost in the foster care system. The results were amazing… I am so proud of our church – you can see the service on our website.

I shared a story I came across about Bennett’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church a small African American Church…. in Possum Trot, Texas…. Who did nothing short of a miracle when they responded to the need in their community. Watch this clip and be inspired to do something great for God.

Be Blessed,
Stan

This week I wanted to share with you a video that I came across. It’s a perfect illustration of a life radically transformed by having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Please click on this link to view the video http://www.youtube.com/illbehonest

Be Blessed,

Stan

It was one of the very first to show a blended family. What’s interesting is that it really wasn’t all that huge a hit back when it came out in the early 70′s. It only lasted 5 years and did not receive great ratings. But it became very popular from the 80′s on. There were several Brady reunions and a Brady Bunch movie was made in 1995(with new actors because the 70′s versions were too old) The movie was such a hit that a Brady sequel was made in 1996 and another one entitled: The Brady Bunch in the White House in 2002.

Why is it more popular now than went it first came out? Sherwood Schwartz, the creator of The Brady Bunch, answered it this way. “My idea for the sitcom was to show a blended family but there just weren’t that many in the early 70′s. But starting in the 80′s remarriage became the “norm” and so seeing a blended family with all it’s challenges made the “Brady’s” a hit! My idea was just a little before it’s time.”

He’s right. The make-up of the American family has changed dramatically into today’s society. One of the change agents is the high divorce rate. The overall divorce rate still is around 50%. However, remarriages now make up 46% of all weddings in America and the divorce rate among remarriages, is around 60%. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin predicted that those who remarry a second or third time will have a divorce rate of closer to 70%. A huge part of this problem for those who remarry is the incredible challenges that face step-families.

So, as we continue our series on how to “Fireproof” our relationships – This weekend an expert in the field, Robbie Goss will address the challenges of a modern family. If you are dealing with a step-family situation or you know someone who is, dial into this message. Robbie Goss who is a family therapist provides practical, realistic solutions to the issues that face step-families.