November has been a busy month in the life of Blended Not Shaken Ministries.
On Sunday 1st November, the Blended Women ministry team hosted a High Tea at Yatahlia Manor. The afternoon consisted of delicious food, lots of tea and ample fellowship in a gorgeous setting. The ladies, all of which are single parents were treated to a musical item of the song-‘Lifted Up’ which was written especially for the event by Kimmy Everett. It was very well received and all who heard the song were touched and heartened.
A copy of the song has been given to the ladies who requested it. Kimmy hopes to be able to upload the song to YouTube or Spotify in the near future.
Here are the lyrics to the original song:
Lifted Up- Kimmy Everett
God hears you
The prayer you cry at night
He hears you
Your plead for strength when things aren’t right
He knows just what you need
Before you even whisper the words
He knows
Every moment
That has brought you here
Was written and provided for
By the Lord God
Who holds you in His faithful arms
And everything you are
Is more than enough
When your eyes are lifted up
God sees you
Your day after day
He sees you
Trying to find your way
In the darkest night
Seek His endless light, it’s there for you to find
There’s nowhere you could go
That could hide you from His mercy and love
There’s no valley too deep
No mountain too high, if you search for Him
He will be right by your side
I asked Kimmy to write this song along the same theme as my latest book- ‘Sing a Song to Single Mums’.
A copy of the book was also gifted to each lady in attendance at the High Tea.
Here is some of the feedback from the day and the new book:
“Such an amazing afternoon Karina. Thanks again for making us all feel special.”
Single Mum
“Beautiful day, beautiful venue. Thanks for blessing us with the song and book.”
Single Mum
Your new book is beautifully written . It gives single mothers encouragement. This book reminds me of the many truths from the Bible that can often be forgotten. Thank you.”
Single Mum
“Love your work. Love the concept, presentation and message the words and illustrations convey.”
Lesley, (author, editor)
“Dear Karina..
I’ve finished reading your lovely book
(I couldn’t wait til bedtime)
It’s found a home in a special nook
A favourite spot of mine
I loved the scripts, the pics, the rhyme
Right through until the very end
I’ll loan it but will stress it’s mine
Because it’s from Karina, my friend.”
(From my dear friend in WA)
You can purchase copies of the book on my website. www.blendednotshaken.com.au/shop
There are other products that compliment the book. I have created sets of 3 prints, each in 5×7′ size for framing, and also 2 new cards. Available on the website shop.
I highlight these new products to emphasise that a part Blended not Shaken Ministries is to-
“Provide scriptural rich resources for single and step parent families.”
You can read the full Mission Statement here.
The High Tea event for Blended Women will be the last of it’s kind for the foreseeable future. It will also be the end of the monthly support groups in the 5 locations that have been available to single and step mums over the past 5 years. In the near future, I am hoping to make the most of social media and YouTube to upload video content to the Blended Women private Facebook group. Such videos will be of the devotional, scripture rich nature that was evident in our support groups. It will offer biblical encouragement and the occasional loving challenge to be the women the Lord requires us to be for Him, our families and ourselves.
Preparation is already underway to create a short Bible study surrounding the scriptures of ‘Sing a Song to Single Mums’ book and to create the videos. Stay tuned for further details.
Over the past 5 years, I have met many wonderful people, gained friendships and increased the reach of the ministry in the community. We’ve seen prayers answered and women grow in their faith. The single and step mums of the support groups will be missed but I believe the Lord will open other doors of ministry in the future and provide different ways Blended not Shaken can support single parents. I am continuing to write and publish books with a Single Dads picture book being planned for 2021 as well as the development of more resources for step families, schools and churches over the coming years.
I particularly would like to thank my husband Tony for releasing me from out of home paid work for the past 5 years so I was free to pursue full time ministry and for our 4 children who had many a Saturday without their mum around as she was ministering at a support group across the community. I also want to thank the Blended Women ministry team who supported me and the work of the ministry, facilitated the groups and pastorally cared for the ladies, all in a voluntary capacity, with families and responsibilities of their own..
“The Lord has been good to us and it is marvellous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:23)
Blessings,
Karina