Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

What are you wearing?

I had a dream a while ago where I saw three different Christian people each wearing a different piece of clothing and representing 3 groups of thought.The first person was in a straight jacket, the second was dressed in a sparkly sequinned blazer and the third was wearing a simple white robe. I could immediately see where the Lord was taking me in this dream. He reminded me that there are 3 types of Christians today. One group are remaining in the straight jacket of guilt and condemnation because of their past and present sins. They haven’t yet grasped the truth of God’s word which tells us plainly; “There is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of Life has MADE ME FREE from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2) The straight jacket they CHOOSE to wear is rendering them ineffective in embracing the freedom that they already have through Jesus. They cannot forgive themselves and cannot understand why God would forgive them. They do not feel worthy to do anything for the Lord or seek the abundant life He promises.

The second group of Christians are parading around proud as peacocks in their sparkly white blazers. These are the ones who are are quick to say they are the cream of the crop, the ones who have seemed to have made all the right decisions in their lives up until this point, free from any adversity (yet), boasting in the blessings of God through right living but often are the same group who shun those Christians doing it tough or struggling in sin. This group act as though the Lord Himself is privileged to have them on His team while turning a blind or apathetic eye to their weaker brethren. “There is a kind who is pure in their own eyes, yet is not washed from his filthiness.” (Proverbs 30:12)

I am saddened to admit that I have worn both- the straight jacket and the sparkly blazer. Interestingly, the sparkly white blazer was worn right up until my first marriage breakdown and subsequent divorce. Thankfully, I haven’t worn this number too many times in my life since.

When my second marriage failed miserably along with the result of becoming a single parent, I chose to wear the straight jacket once more and throw away my white sequinned ‘look at me’ one. One failed marriage as a Christian was terrible enough; but two? There were times I prayed for the Lord to take me home. I couldn’t live with the failure, the guilt and shame. And that is what I placed upon myself (forget about how others treated me).

Let’s talk now about the third group; ones who choose to wear the simple white robe. These Christians make the daily and conscience decision to view themselves how the Father now sees them. “I will rejoice in the Lord..for He has clothed me in the garments of salvation, He has wrapped me in robes of righteousness.” (Isaiah 61:10)

“It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” (Revelation 19:8)

This group humbly remember that there is nothing that they have or have not done to achieve the wearing of Christ’s robe of righteousness apart from to ACCEPT it. Then they live their lives in such a way as to be kind and compassionate to everyone and say ‘But by the Grace of God go I”. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”(James 4:6)

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”(Luke 14:11)

(If you ever choose to wear the straight jacket of condemnation or the sparkly blazer of self righteousness, you must repent and ask the Lord to reveal to you ( sometimes more than once) the garment you should see yourself wearing- the Robe of Christ.

Without Christ, we are nothing but with Him, we have everything.

So…what are you wearing today?

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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