Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

Tell Your Story

September came and went in such a whirlwind that I didn’t have the time nor the inclination to write my blog. So I’m attempting to make amends by writing on the first day of the new month- October and who knows? I may write two entries instead of one!

Last Sunday,I had the opportunity to share some of my testimony at our church. In preparing for this, I needed to condense 39 years of walking with the Lord in approximately 10 minutes. No easy feat!

I came to know the Lord in 1980. I was 8 years old. Three years later, I received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of which was being able to speak in tongues. Then,in 1986 I went through the waters of baptism. I received my first Bible (NKJV of course) on my 12th birthday from my parents. I showed this to my church family as I was sharing. I explained my love of the scriptures I had from an early age and how I desired to live a life that glorified the Lord and was a good witness to others. I also confessed that along with these desires, self righteousness, pride and ungodly piety often found their home in my heart and that how the next 25 plus years of my life the Lord has refined me in such a way that I hoped I was closer to being like Jesus in displaying a level of humility, empathy and a non judgmental attitude I didn’t have in my teens and early 20’s.

I shared very briefly that I had endured two failed marriages, domestic violence and single parenting. I was able to attest to God’s unfailing love,His comfort, provision and miraculous intervention at specific times in my unfolding story. I was able to testify to the Lord’s sustaining power, His providence and His leading. I was able to share that the many and varied experiences in my life have brought me closer to Him and deeper in His Word along with founding a ministry and writing books for other single and step parent families. It was at this point I showed my 4 published books. These books are a part of my children’s stories.

I was able to weave a few of the many scriptures I had memorized over my Christian life while I shared some of my story.

I shared all this amidst many tears and my church family shed tears as they listened.

Two others- Eric and Jarrad also shared some of their story that day. It was a powerful time in the life of our young church. People were blessed, challenged and impacted by the power of our stories. Each of us were able to proclaim the words from Revelation 12:11,

” They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony..”

I write all this to say… tell YOUR story!

“A testimony is not just one event in your life that defines or answers all-it is a continuous journey with uncertain terrains, challenges and obstacles. These trials build us, making us stronger and leading us in a path of faith.” (M. Cavallo)

A testimony comes from the Latin and means ‘witness’. Simply put, our stories should bear witness to what God has done, who He is and how we’ve come to know this. Our story is not to show others how good we are or what we have done. Our story is to point others to Him. Our story needs to reveal His character and bring Him glory.

Have the courage to talk with others, to be honest and vulnerable in your sharing. You have no idea the impact your story will have upon others and perhaps help them in their life.

I wrote at the start that September was a whirlwind; very busy. But it was also a difficult month. Without divulging details, I thought I’d end this blog with a series of black and white images which has been popular recently on Facebook. People were posting black and white pictures without explanation of their day/month/life.

Here are a few of mine.. Blessings xx

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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