Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

Just a stone

Dealing with your Goliaths.

How often have you needed to get God’s perspective back into focus whenever you have come across setbacks in your life? Have there been times when you felt that you’ve experienced more road blocks than you believed is possible for one person to deal with? When you wonder if you are even on the right ‘track’ at all? And when most of your prayers seem to start with ‘Why Lord’? I have. Often. In fact, I’m in that season right now. A season where I feel who I am and what I do seem weak and insignificant. The longer I’ve known the Lord though, the less time I take to wallow in any self pity, doubt or worry. Instead I go quickly to Him, pour out my heart in prayer and quiet time and wait for Him to speak to me through His Word. As is God’s way, “He rewards those who diligently seek Him”(Hebrews 11:6-7) and it wasn’t long before the Lord was speaking to my heart. On this particular occasion, I happened to be going on one of my walks around our neighbourhood which is the main way I exercise. Feeling small and quite insignificant but determined to wait for the Lord’s voice, He was quick to remind me that David, when just a young boy, killed Goliath and defeated the entire Philistine army with just one stone. There was nothing special about that stone or any of the other four stones David collected to use in his sling that day. His victory was because God was with him. One of the lessons we can take from the David vs Goliath story is this: God uses what seems ordinary and creates something extraordinary from it. He used a young shepherd boy who was often overlooked by his own family to slay the giant Philistine. And this incredible scene played out in front of David’s older brothers who had mocked him for his courage, King Saul and the entire Israelite and Philistine armies who were both at a military stalemate.

I sensed the Lord say to me,”If I can show through My Word that just one stone from a young boy can kill a huge giant, shouldn’t this give you courage to believe that I can use any small offering you present to Me and create something great from it?”

The tears came. I was thankful to be wearing sunglasses and that not many people were out and about to see me walking and crying. Then, the Lord brought to mind other similar stories of the seemingly ordinary and insignificant; Moses’ staff, Gideon’s army who used lamps and horns to win the battle, Jericho’s wall that couldn’t stand up under the shouts of Joshua’s Israelites, mud and spit curing blindness and a child’s lunch of rolls and fish feeding a multitude. These are but a few examples in Scripture where “the Lord has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and He has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”(1 Cor. 1:27)

If God is in the business of using the small, young, weak, inexperienced, financially challenged, uneducated and unknown, He can certainly use all of us! Whatever offering you bring to Him, so long as it’s coupled with “clean hands and a pure heart”( Psalm 24:4), He can use it in ways too wonderful for you to comprehend. However you see yourself today, be encouraged with the knowledge that “He sees you, knows you and is acquainted with all your ways.” (Psalm 139)

I’m hopeful that, after reading this blog, your focus has shifted from your own feelings of self doubt and worry, to our most significant God, whose love for you and plan for your future is really all that matters.

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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