Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

Standing on God’s Promises – Part 1

For the true Christian, the Bible is a great and precious source of hope. By faith, a Christian believes that the scriptures are God’s own words to us and are imperative to our walk on this earth before our Lord returns or takes us home. I have been committing scripture to memory since coming to the Lord at eight years of age. Now, almost 39 years later, I have seen that by studying the scriptures, storing His words in my mind and allowing them to seep into my heart, I am far more equipped for what this world throws my way and able to walk by faith with more certainty and less fear.

The scriptures contain over 4,700 promises from God! That equates to ALOT of promises and should be enough to show us the extent to which the Lord loves His people but also the importance of reading the Word often to find for ourselves these treasures within.

For those who know me well and read these blogs, you would know the avid reader I am. At the moment, one of the books I am reading is Max Lucado’s latest (40th !!) book titled

‘Unshakable Hope’- Building our lives on the Promises of God. It is a great reminder of the fact that indeed, God has granted us many promises, all of which are to be claimed as our very own.When we choose to stand on the promises that God has given us, our hope rises, our faith strengthens and our love for Him deepens which all work to increase our victory over the enemy of our souls and the troubles that Jesus Himself promised we would encounter in our lives.

We can trust in the scriptures because we have chosen to trust in the God who wrote the words in the scriptures. Our God cannot lie (Heb. 6:18). He is unchanging (James 1:17). He is faithful-always (Heb. 10:23). He is completely capable (Rom. 4:21). So, His promises are true and dependable simply because He is!

Over the next few months, I am going to dedicate my blog posts to this theme of God’s promises and today, I’d like to start by sharing with you some of my most favourite ones and a little back story as to why.

ROMANS 8: 1-2

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

When my first marriage failed after one year and with no hope of reconciliation, my family and I were essentially excommunicated from our church of over 15 years and I was told I would never be used of the Lord again, would never be able to re- marry and would, to quote the pastors words.. ‘be unwelcome to serve in any church, living a life of singleness until I died.’ I was told I had now become a terrible role model to others and if other women got wind of the fact my marriage had failed and I had left, some may be tempted to do the same. In effect, I had been given a life sentence of condemnation.The healing of such treatment took many years and even when my second marriage also failed, being far worse than the first and completely unsafe for my two young children and I to stay in, again, after a number of years of sound and biblical Christian counselling, I needed to and was able to stand on this precious promise from God. I learned that, coupled with other promises like “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) and “Who the Son sets free is free indeed” (John 8:36), I wasn’t a lost cause; that divorce is not the unforgivable sin and that the Lord still hadn’t finished with me yet and still desired to use me in His Kingdom work.

ISAIAH 26:3

“You will keep those in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because they trust in You.”

While I stood on the promises from God as outlined above, the day to day trials, pressures and worries of my time as a single mum, dealings with the Family Law Court and on going child contacts arrangements and then later as a blended family, I could not and cannot have too much peace from the Lord. The circumstances surrounding these early and uncertain days were greatly embalmed by the great and precious promises of God that relate to His peace- a peace that surpasses human understanding (Phil. 4:7) and a peace that is not the kind the world offers. (John 14:27)

ISAIAH 54:13

“All your children shall be taught of the Lord and great will be the peace of your children.”

Not only did I need God’s peace for myself but I was desperate for my young (now teenage) children to experience His on- going peace for themselves. I hang onto this promise like I would a lifeline overhanging a massive cliff. I like to remind the Lord Himself of this promise when I pray for my children. Because of our situation, they cannot be with me all of the time; they need time with their other parent. With this often comes conflicting parenting styles, beliefs and values.This can be confusing for children. Therefore, this promise is particularly poignant – I pray that the Lord Himself, through the Holy Spirit, will teach my children His ways however He chooses; regardless of our situation.

ISAIAH 54:17

“No weapon formed against us shall prosper and every tongue which rises against you in judgement,You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their righteousness is from me declares the Lord.”

In light of the above promises that I have already touched on, I think the fact that this is one of my favourites is self explanatory. However, it is worth noting that in this one verse there are, in essence 4 promises for us.NO weapon formed against us ( His people) WILL prosper. EVERY tongue of judgment against us we CAN condemn. This is OUR Heritage as servants of the Lord. Our righteousness is from LORD.

I trust that this blog has been encouraging to read. I hope you can search the scriptures for yourselves and be able to stand on His promises for you. 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