Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

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Mindfulness vs Renewal

Debunking the wellbeing phenomenon Mindfulness or Wellbeing are two words that are being brandied around so much nowadays, I thought it was time to write a blog post about it. There is SO much out there and I don’t wish to write more of the same, but I think it is important that Christians have […]

Happy vs Holy

“Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 144:15 We are constantly hearing phrases like, ‘Do what makes you happy’, ‘God just wants you to be happy’, ‘As long as you are happy, that’s all that matters’ and so on. But I don’t […]

My will vs His

Thoughts on doing God’s will Doing God’s will, God’s way can be a battle for many Christians. Personally speaking, I struggle at times to do His will in a way that glorifies Him and totally surrender my will in delightful acceptance. See the blog post: Duty Vs Delight Duty vs Delight – Blended Not Shaken […]

Settler vs Pilgrim

Thoughts on being a pilgrim in attitude and action. “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a […]

Let’s take a closer look at…SING A SONG TO SINGLE MUMS

SING A SONG TO SINGLE MUMS is a sweet rhyming book paying tribute to single mothers everywhere by encouraging their parenting with scripture which affirms that God sees and hears them, He has a plan and they are never forgotten. This book is dedicated to all the single mums that were a part of the […]

Let’s take a closer look at…ONE STEP AT A TIME

One Step At A Time– a step family journal is a collection of stories in a graphic novel format written for step families. Each chapter is dedicated to one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. There is a true story in each chapter, written from either mine (the step mum) or Tyson’s (my step […]

Let’s take a closer look at… MY FAMILY BUSH

This book is a lot of fun! I think it makes you smile when reading it. Based on our own blended family story and our youngest child, Nathaniel’s life in particular, MY FAMILY BUSH helps to bring meaning to the concepts of ‘full’, ‘half’ and ‘step’ as they apply to blended family relationships whilst highlighting […]

Let’s take a closer look at… CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

Like My Two Houses, Caught in the Middle was written as a response to what my daughter, Felicity was saying as a result of having divorced parents at a young age. Although the book was originally intended for 8-12 year olds, children of all ages have come to appreciate the book’s contents and gain help […]

Let’s take a closer look at… MY TWO HOUSES

My Two Houses is the first book I wrote for the children of Christian families affected by divorce. It is, in essence, my son, Jeremiah’s story. When he was three and four, I began to write in a journal the things that he would tell me about his struggles with having separated parents, of the […]

When your plans change

No one sets out in life to become a single parent if their desire was to marry, have children and grow a healthy and happy family. When a Christian finds themselves a single parent after a marriage breakdown, navigating your new ‘normal’ takes a lot of adjustment. True Christians who become single parents desire to […]

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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