Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

November News

Sing A Song To Single Mums

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.

Lifted Up (song) by Kimmy Everett

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.

Scriptures used in this book

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..

Rachel, Louise, Joanna (pictured) Sonja (moved to Qld) and Jacinta (unable to attend when photo was taken).

“The Lord has been good to us and it is marvellous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:23)

Blessings,
Karina

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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