Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

His Jewels

” I shall make them My jewels.” Malachi 3:17

Last week I read this gem of a verse during one of my devotional times and immediately I knew my next blog entry would be on this topic. The word ‘jewel’ in this passage translates to ‘special treasure’. What a beautiful picture of how the Lord God views those who are His children! A thought that came to mind when meditating on this verse is that His jewels would not be the cheap, costume jewelry kind but the genuine version; expensive, precious and rare.

Isaiah 49:16 tells us- “See, I have engraved you on the palms on My hands.”

1 John 3:1 says- “See what great love the Father lavishes on us that we should be called children of God.”

Jeremiah 31:3 says- “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love.Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.”

I have a few pieces of genuine jewellery in my possession. I keep them in a special box designed for jewellery. It resembles a miniature wooden cupboard with a glass door and 3 drawers with ornate carvings and fancy little handles. It was a gift from friends on my 40th birthday. Just as we keep our jewels in a safe place, so God keeps us safe from harm.

Psalm 91:1 says –“He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

Psalm 121- This whole psalm reminds us of God’s safe protection.

When our jewelry is not tucked away in our safe places, it’s worn. We like certain pieces to be on display at certain times and on special occasions.

Zephaniah 3:17 says that “He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Psalm 17:8 says we are “the apple of His eye.”

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 that “You are the light of the world.A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Jewels shine best when they are placed in the best setting.

When creating jewelry, jewelers determine what setting would work best to bring out the stones brilliance,colour, clarity and cut.

As with us, we function best in a setting that pleases God, living lives that show our God-given abilities and talents and when walking in obedience to His ways as outlined in the scriptures.

Yet, no genuine jewel escapes the refining process. Different gems require many and varied treatments to transform them from their raw and often dirty state, to when the customer views them in a shop window, cleaned (with bleach or in the smelter) and cut into the desired shape of its designer.

We too, are being refined and transformed by God, our Creator,into the image of Jesus.

Zechariah 13:9 tells us-“…I will refine them as silver is refined,and I will try them as gold is tried and they shall call on My name and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, The Lord is my God.”

Malachi 3:2-4 says- ” Who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s soap. He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings of righteousness.”

If each of us could learn to see ourselves in this light, as God’s jewels, I believe it would revolutionize our worlds. Our thought patterns about ourselves that are prone to negativity and carnality would be replaced with “whatever is true,noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, praiseworthy ( Phil. 4:8). We would think twice before being tempted to engage in ungodly conversations, relationships, past times or habits. And the way we view others and subsequently relate to them would also improve. We would truly live godly lives that reflect His glory within us and desire to be light in our world- testifying of God’s ongoing work of sanctification within us.

And don’t be worried if you never own a piece of decent jewelry this side of heaven. The Bible tells God has used gold like we use pavers for walking on, precious stones as we use concrete for foundations and pearls as we use steel in gates! Blessings

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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