Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

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 While I want to do His will and glorify His name in my life, the self-life, as Andrew Murray puts it, is still strong in me, even 43 years into my walk with the Lord. This blog is a few of my thoughts and some songs that encourage me to do His will above my own.

God sent us His Son

Simply speaking, we need only to look to Christ as our ultimate example and role model. One of the most moving passages of scripture is where we see Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, wrestling in prayer with His Father. He knows full well what is coming yet in his human-ness, asks if the cup can be taken from Him. Nevertheless, knowing the will of His Father and that there is no other way, and continuing His attitude and actions only in line with His Father, He utters those heart wrenching, extraordinary words,

“Yet, not My will but Yours be done.”

We are to assume that same posture as Jesus. While it’s easy to say, “Well, that was easy for Jesus as He is God and He is perfect,” that attitude is probably a poor excuse and I’d like to suggest some reasons that might help us “to have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.” (See Philippians 2)

God created us so knows what’s best

Jeremiah 18 and Isaiah 45 outline the concept of the potter and the clay with God being the Potter and we as the clay in His hands.

“Woe to the one who argues with his Maker. Does clay say to the one forming it: What are you making? or He has no hands?” Isaiah 45:9

Why would we question what God has determined for us or doubt He has our best interests at heart? He tells us, also through the prophet Isaiah,

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts nor are your ways My ways” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. ” Isaiah 55:8-9

God asks us to trust Him

God is faithful. He is trustworthy, and He proves this over and over again. We can also rely on His Word “which endures forever” and is full of hopeful promises we can stand on. If we say we love God, we will seek to obey Him in word and in deed.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all you ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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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