Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

Fear and Worry vs God

Image taken from the book CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE. Illustration by Lauren Downton.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to carry fears and worries much more than I should. I fear that my children will grow up and reject the Lord. I fear that they will die before I do. I worry that I haven’t been the best mum. I worry too much about finances. The list goes on…

But God very clearly outlines in His word that we must not worry. In Psalm 37, the psalmist states the worry actually does us harm. God reminds us time and time again that He will look after us and our families; that He will supply all our needs; that He will never leave us or forsake us. In fact, His word says plainly- Those who trust in the Lord will not lack any good thing”. (Psalm 34:10b)

We serve a God who can be trusted. That same God who is all powerful, all wise and all loving is also our Heavenly Father. Nothing escapes His attention or takes Him by surprise. Nothing is too difficult for Him to handle, to save, to heal, to restore. Not even the biggest worry you have or greatest fear you might imagine is any match for Him.

We read Jesus’ words about worry. He says,

“Do not worry about your life,what you will eat, drink,nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds, they neither sow nor reap, nor gather .. yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature.?…Therefore, DO NOT WORRY (emphasis mine)..For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things..”

( Matthew 6:25-34).

As the scripture in the image above says.. we need to LEAVE ALL OUR WORRIES WITH HIM. Other translations use the word “CAST” all you cares upon Him. As a fisherman casts out his line, he throws that line far away from him and towards where he hopes the fish are. Jesus is asking us to throw to Him our worries and our fears. (We must try not to take those same worries and fears back again). Then we are to “hope in God”. The Bible encourages us that placing our hope in God will never disappoint us, as HE will never disappoint us.

Let’s pray together..

Dear Lord,

I choose to give you all my fears and worries now (list them each by name). Thank you for reminding me in your Word that you are mighty to save, loving in healing, powerful to deliver, gracious and merciful with my faults and weaknesses. Thank you that I am of more value than many sparrows. Thank you that you have a plan and a purpose for me, my children , my family and our future. Give me the strength to leave all me cares with you remembering that you care for me. Thank you for the reassuring knowledge that you know all things and that our future is secure and glorious.

In Jesus’ name.. Amen

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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