Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

Our God

Psalm 18 was written by David, who spoke this song of thanksgiving on the day that the Lord delivered him from Saul and his enemies, contains a very clear message.

The message is particularly important to remember during the Corona Virus crisis and I believe the crux of the message is found in verse 31..

“For who is God,except the Lord ? And who is a rock except our God?”

Quite simply, rocks symbolise strength and stability. Our God epitomises ultimate strength. Our God is utterly stable and reliable. Nothing or no-one compares to Him. With the world in total disarray, people have quickly realised that those things they relied upon including their work/career, money/stockmarket/superannuation, daily routines, familiarity and the like is likened to standing on sinking sand. All this and more can be taken away in an instant. Nothing can be relied upon except the Lord. By placing your confidence in God alone will literally be likened to standing on a firm rock while surrounded by rising, stormy waters.

As well as describing the Lord as our Rock and Strength, there are over 10 other names or descriptors David penned in Psalm 18, some of which are worth mentioning, albeit briefly now.

Fortress

Afortress is a military stronghold or heavily fortified building where one is safe and protected from their enemies. We are heavily guarded on all sides by the Lord and shielded from mortal harm. Such knowledge should give us great comfort.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer: My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My saviour.”

2 Sam. 22:2-3

Deliverer

Not only is God able to protect us, He is able to rescue us from harm and danger. In fact, He is the only one who can do so. Jehovah Nissi means ‘our deliverer’ and is one of God’s many names. Each name of God describes a facet of His character.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust..” Psalm 18:2

Shield

A shieldis a device that is used as protection against an enemy’s blows. This point is preciously poignant. A shield, by virtue of it’s use, takes the blows meant for something/someone else. Just think about this for a moment. God uses Himself as your shield! What selfless love, what sacrifice! This symbolises a beautiful picture indeed! Take hope in the knowledge that the Lord is your shield.

“O God, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the days of battle.” Psalm 140:7

Horn (of my Salvation)

In ancient battle times, the horn was used to push, scatter and destroy the enemy in order to save from harm. It was also seen as another symbol of strength. The horn is a symbol reflecting the Lord’s multifaceted powers. God has and will conquer every opposition – in the physical and the spiritual. Our Lord Jesus conquered sin and death at the cross and every power and principality in the heavenly realms. In the New Testament, Jesus is the horn of our salvation. The very name Jesus means- The Lord IS salvation. So, however strong our spiritual (or physical) foe- the horn of our salvation is stronger still.

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because He looked upon us and wrought redemption to His people and raised up unto us a horn of salvation.” Luke 1:68

Support

In order to gain the context of this descriptor of God as our Support, the preceding 3 verses need to be read and highlighted as well. David was writing how desperate his circumstances were. He was alone, vulnerable, hated, overwhelmed and weak from the constant pursuit of his adversaries. Like many of the Psalms, we read of a realistic and often raw picture of emotions laid bare. The psalmists reveal they were ordinary people, who were as flawed as the rest of us and not immune from trials and tribulations. But David is able to say at the conclusion of his list of troubles…

“BUT the Lord was my support..” Psalm 18:18b

Can you confidently say the same?

Psalm 18 also describes the might and awesomeness of our God as seen through His creation and the justice and mercy of God as outlined in the contrast between His dealings with the faithful and the wicked. As you read the psalm from start to finish, David is overflowing with thanksgiving.

Psalm 18 has been described by commentators as a royal song of thanksgiving and victory.

Herein lies the challenge for every believer and one I’d encourage my readers to embrace, particularly during the Corona Virus pandemic. Live in a state of thankfulness due to the knowledge you possess and personal testimony you hold of your Lord God- His character and attributes. And celebrate in advance the victory that is already ours due to the finished work of Jesus.

Blessings…

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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