Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

‘Sing a Song’ Devotional Series 5 & 6

Hello. I trust that at the reading of this blog, you are well. Hopefully you haver been following my blog over the past few months as I have been doing a simple devotional series surrounding the many scriptures used in my latest book- ‘Sing a Song to Single Mums’.

I am discovering that it is quite difficult to create video content in my home, where there seems to be many distractions, noises and other interruptions that are natural to a family environment. However, I have found a few minutes of quiet to record (albeit amateurishly) another two devotionals. While I am not one to enjoy recording myself, I’m hoping my audience can capture my love of His Word and desire to share this with others.

5. Hagar’s story

Watch video:

Read: Genesis Chapters 16-21

Hagar is the first recorded single mother in the scriptures. Her story has a number of learning points for us, but the element of her story that I am honing in on today is that her story shows a God who sees and hears us.

I receive regular emailed devotionals from the Israel Bible Institute. A while back, I read this devotional regarding Hagar. It is fitting to share here.

‘A girl who names the Lord

Hagar says, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” The translation makes an obvious attempt to present the original Hebrew sentence as comprehensible –if it is translated literally, it says, “I saw after the One (or, the back of the One) who sees me.” This “after” or “back” (acharai, אחרי) is omitted altogether in most English translations: the translators probably weren’t sure about the meaning of this word. Moses’ experience: However, later in the Bible we find another example of this same word. In a famous scene from Exodus 33, when Moses asks God to show him His glory, “the LORD said, ‘I will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see my back.’” The Torah uses almost the same word that Hagar used, acharai. I believe the very fact that Hagar used the same word that God used while speaking to Moses, is extremely meaningful. Judging by the fact that Moses was a great leader and extremely close to the Lord, we can understand how special this girl was in the Lord’s eyes.’

6. God’s Compassion

Read: Psalm 56

Watch video:

The origin of the word ‘compassion’ helps us grasp the true depth of the meaning. In Latin, ‘compati’ means to ‘suffer with’. Compassion means someone else’s pain and suffering becomes yours. God shows His compassion for us in that He takes our heartaches as His own.

Have a read of some scriptures talking of God’s compassion:

Isaiah 30:18
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you: therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice (more of God’s justice in another devotional). Blessed are all who wait for Him!

Isaiah 49:10
“They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.”

Isaiah 49:13
“Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth: burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His inflicted ones.”

Psalm 86:15
” But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

The scriptures also show how compassionate Jesus is. (But that topic is for another blog)

Blessings to you xx

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free Gift With Every Purchase

TESTIMONIALS

What people say?

My Two Houses was one of my favourite books as a younger person. It helped me understand how I was feeling about having two homes. I feel as though Karina’s books have simplified a confusing situation, in a way for all ages to understand.

Charlotte

There is affirmation and encouragement to single dads and mums through “Let’s shout out to single dads” and “Sing a song to single mums”, anchoring their value, peace and endurance in the Word of God.

Librarian

Clear, fun explanations in “My family bush” of hard to decipher terms like half-brother and half-sister, full brother or sister, step-parent and how they connect to the relationships within a family.  Relating that to Jesus’ own family could be a revelation to children that their own family structure is not so different after all, that families who love and care for each other are part of God’s plan, no matter how they are made up.

Librarian

One step at a time: a step family journal“ is an honest, humorous yet life and faith affirming read for those approaching and in middle years. The use of illustrations in the text make it appealing and engaging.

Librarian

Karina’s books are very helpful when you struggle to relate to a child of separated or divorced parents when you haven’t experienced this yourself. I have quietly read or given time for a child to read one of the books and then wait for their responses. I find Karina’s books extremely helpful in my ministry to children.

Chaplain

I am often in awe of God’s amazing timing! My morning began with feelings of despair over a family relationship that had broken down. I poured out my heart to the Lord, seeking His comfort and guidance. A short time later there was a knock on my door and the postie handed me a package. It was Karina’s book “Sing a Song to Single Mums”. As I read, I came across a page that spoke directly to my situation!

Even down to the illustration! My day ended with renewed hope in God’s promise that He works all things… good things and bad things… together, for the good of those who love Him. I am so thankful to Karina for writing such a beautiful book and for the Lord’s timing in delivering it into my hands precisely when I needed to read it!

Single Mum

Caught in the Middle is one of my favourite books because, whenever I read it, I feel close to God.

River

I read My Two Houses with my entire Year 5 class. They loved it! It began a wonderful conversation which allowed many students to be vulnerable enough to be open about their feelings and situations at home as well as to a better understanding of what some of their classmates go through with divorced parents.

Primary Teacher

I have used My Two Houses with a 13-year boy during one of my sessions with him. He loved that he could relate so well with the book, stating, “That’s just like me” and I could see a change in his demeanour and body language in his knowing that there are other kids out there, just like him.

School Counselor

As a nuclear family, we love that the books contain so much scripture in teaching our children God’s word.

Ces, Father of 5, Pastor

Karina’s books give children permission to have their feelings validated and provide comfort and healing to their souls.

Tania

When it comes to blending 2 families together or doing it by yourself there are a number of unique issues.  If you find yourself in a role as a single parent, stepparent or trying to help siblings navigate their new situation it can be very tough.   

We at Focus on the Family Australia, want to help relationships and families  be as healthy as they can be.  We know it is not an easy task unifying 2 families or doing it solo.  

We highly recommend Blended Not Shaken Ministries to help provide some tools to cultivate a loving, blended or single parent home to achieve a sense of unity in your new family. 

Brett Ryan, CEO Focus on the Family Australia