Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

“God will perfect that which concerns me”. Psalm 138

The title of this blog reflects such a confidence in the psalmist and although only 7 words long, this favourite verse of mine is packed with meaning and assurance.

Firstly, it is GOD alone that will perfect that which concerns me. Not my faith or lack thereof; not my performance nor my inner reserves of anything godly but HIM. This knowledge that I allow to permeate my soul and transform my mind of my all capable God who knows all things and holds all things in the palm of His hand and is the ONLY One who will perfect, complete, bring to fulfillment all that concerns me, invokes in me a deep assurance indeed. Not only that, but this profound knowledge of God’s absolute sovereignty coupled with nothing of me, brings deep release to my spirit.

Secondly, the WILL is a promise. We do not read ‘maybe’ or ‘perhaps’ or ‘hopefully’ but WILL! Any ‘wills’ in scripture signify God’s promises to me and builds my hope and faith.

Thirdly, the Kings James version word choice of ‘PERFECT’ is well chosen. The NIV uses the verb ‘vindicate’, the NLV states ‘work out’ and the ESV says ‘fulfill’. Other translations include such words as ‘accomplish’, ‘complete’, ‘avenge’, or’do everything for’ but my preferred NKJV ‘perfect’ is truly the best descriptive verb for my high achieving, slightly perfectionist bend. 🙂 But isn’t the word PERFECT the best way God accomplishes everything? The Word says that “He makes all things well.” When He created the world it was “good”, human creation was “very good” and in our mothers womb, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God will more than just vindicate my cause, fulfill His promises, complete me for every good work, avenge me from my enemies, and allow me to work out my own salvation but WILL PERFECT everything that concerns me as well. What a loving Father we have! What a God we serve and worship!

But…What concerns me? The photo that accompanies this blog should give a fair indication. Each of my children are a deep concern of mine. I am concerned for their spiritual well being, their physical safety, the friends they choose, the spouse they may marry, whether they will choose God’s will for their lives and so on. Our blended family, my marriage to Tony and what the Lord has planned in our future, my extended family, the book ministry, the ministry’s support groups and every precious person and their families in them, my service to our children’s Christian school board are some of what concerns me. But whatever concerns me, concerned Him first and more so. How reassuring!

Lastly, this precious verse reveals that the same God who flung stars into space and with a word spoke the world and everything in it into being, is wanting me to know that as He cared personally for the psalmist, He also cares for me. His Word says “He is intimately acquainted with all my ways”, the “very hairs of my head are all numbered” and He even “knows my thoughts from afar”. How comforting! How beautiful! This bring me deep peace. For those reading this blog, I hope and pray its contents have been a blessing to you and have increased your own faith, built up your hope and given you deeper peace and assurance in your heart.

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3 Responses

  1. I truly loved reading this. I was running back and forth praising God and glorifying him for his awesomeness and love for us. Thank you for sharing this.

    Reply

    1. Hello Alex. Thank you for your encouraging feedback. May the Lord richly bless you.

      Reply

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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