Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

G.R.A.C.E.

Over the past month, I seem to have been inundated with the theme of GRACE throughout some of my devotional readings, songs heard, and books read. I thought that I would share a few of the treasures gained this month with my readers.

The most accurate description of grace I know best is that it is ‘Unmerited favour’. We have done nothing to deserve God’s saving grace in our lives. And we need to do nothing to sustain His sufficient grace for our present as well as for our future. This fact is indeed very freeing yet it certainly continues to humble me. No matter how often I get it wrong, waver in my faith, grow weak in prayer and devotion and dabble in idolatrous worship- His beautiful grace remains. His grace moves within me and around me, sustaining my every moment. I think it’s imperative for true Christians to stop and think often about these truths:

1. The most precious gift He’s given us– His saving grace.

2.The gift that keeps on giving- His sustaining grace.

This month I read the book “Newton and Polly” by Jody Hedlund. It was both deeply moving and highly enjoyable. The author drew on historical evidence as well taking some poetic license to re create the love story of John Newton and Polly Catlett.

Newton’s moment of reaching out to God to save him came while on board a ship caught in a terrible storm. Yet, he could later testify to the fact that God had indeed saved his life many times before. While studying the scriptures during the long months at sea, the Lord opened his eyes to see the man he truly was- a wretched sinner in need of saving. When his moment of salvation came, ‘his fears were relieved’ and a peace over took him, despite the fact that the ship and it’s crew were still in dire straits and unsure of whether they would survive the storm.

One of the most encouraging aspects to this book was discovering that his mother, who had died when he was a young boy, was a devout Christian who had, from the beginning of his life, taught Newton about the Lord and to memorize scripture. There were many times throughout the book where Newton remembered his mother’s godly upbringing of him, along with scriptures he had been encouraged to learn as a young child.

For those of us who are parents, it’s important to remember that the teaching and training of our children in their early years is not in vain; but the effort of which will come to fruition sometime in their future. Whenever you are feeling discouraged, remember this story.

“Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious to you.” (Isaiah 30:18)

I’ve written and spoken often of ‘waiting on the Lord’. God often delays in answering us. There are many examples in the scriptures of this (the story of Jacob, of Joseph, of the Syrophenician woman, of the apostle Paul). Paul asked three times for the removal of his “thorn in the flesh”. Yet God chose not to take it but instead reminded him that “My grace is sufficient for you.”

“They go from strength to strength.” ( Psalm 84:7)

There is no denying the unenviable fact that this life can be really difficult at times. I couldn’t possibly imagine a life without the Lord and therefore void of His grace. The beautiful reality for true Christians is that we can call upon Him and ask for fresh supplies of grace every day. The scriptures are clear that “His mercies are new every morning” (Lam. 3). The Lord was clear that we ‘will have trouble’ in this life. But as Spurgeon penned

‘You will never find a bundle of affliction which does not have sufficient grace bound up in the midst of it.’

Herein lies the next reminder:

3. The Gift that surpasses all gifts-His sufficient grace.

‘A man may have too much money or too much honour, but he cannot have too much grace.’ C.H. Spurgeon

His amazing gift of saving, sustaining, all sufficient grace can be wrapped in the person of Jesus- our indescribable gift!

Happy Christmas to 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