Hey Siestas!!! I barely have words to express how much of an honor it is for me to share with y’all. I absolutely adore Mama Beth and the community that she has cultivated here on the interwebs!
My name is Karina Allen. I am 35 and from New Orleans, LA but have lived in Baton Rouge since 1998. Much of my time here is spent at the gym, babysitting or at my local church, Healing Place. I am involved in a myriad of ministries and outreaches. I am on the worship team, a leader for High School girls, active in our women’s ministry, nursery registration team volunteer, a part of young adult ministry, and a teacher for our kids’ dance ministry. I also help with our inner city outreaches and to bring awareness to human trafficking through Trafficking Hope Inc. I taught preschool for about 10 years but I knew that that wasn’t the call of God on my life. I am a freelance writer and editor. I’m a contributor for Incourage as well as a few other sites. I am working on my certification to be a Life Coach. I long to speak, hope, truth, life, encouragement and purpose into the souls of women. My dream is for each woman to fully walk out their identity in Christ in the specific calling that He has for each of their lives.
“…and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” Isaiah 61:3 NIV
Really, the whole of Isaiah 61 is incredible! It is all about the Spirit of the Sovereign Lord and what His anointing empowers us to have and to be. I don’t know about you, but most days I don’t feel empowered. I feel a bit defeated by life, others and even myself. But that is not God’s will for my life or for yours. His desire is for His Spirit to come alive in us, to overflow and impact those around us.
Recently, I was at my friend Elizabeth’s house working on some writing projects. She has this gorgeous black and white photo hanging of an oak tree from New Orleans’ City Park. And verse 3 of Isaiah 61 was beautifully written underneath it. My gaze repeatedly returned to that photo and that verse much of the night. It’s as though the Lord was trying to get my attention. I knew that this needed to be a verse that I committed to memory and needed to become embedded within my very marrow.
1.) God wants to trade the pain we acquire from this world with His good and perfect gifts. Before sin entered the world, mourning and despair were never even a concern. The world has been bombarded with evil and suffering. People cause harm and bad things happen. But God wants us to know that even in the midst of tragedy, we can experience His peace, comfort and even joy.
2.) Through the trading process, God’s dream is for us to become oaks of righteousness. Now, this may not seem like something we would want to be described as, but it should be. Oak trees are remarkable! They are strong, tough and extremely resilient. They have roots that reach down deep into the earth. When we exchange our hurt with the Lord’s goodness, this is the outcome. We dig deep into His Word and discover His promises for us. We stand firm on that foundation and the storms of life are unable to shake us. We allow Him to be the lifter of our heads and fill us with His hope. We become confident that He will work all things together for good to those of us that love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
3.) As we grow to be oaks of righteousness, we turn into a display of the Lord’s splendor. On display for all to see…that is an intimidating thought. Don’t let it be. People watch us. They watch how we live and what we say if we profess Christ. They watch how we respond in both good and bad seasons. That’s okay. As we are conformed to the image of Christ, others take notice and eventually desire to know why our lives are different. That is often how the Father draws hearts to Himself.
My Sister…
Beauty, joy and praise await you.
Deep roots are calling out to you.
His splendor is ready to be displayed through you.
For His Name and His Renown,
Karina Allen
Nancy
Barboursville WV
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. 1Peter 5:6 NLT
Willa, Rock Springs, WY
A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
Margo, Burlington ON
…and to provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. Isaiah 61:3
Lora Colorado Springs
Romans 12:21 ESV Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Susan Toney
Raymond, MS
Let all that I am praise the Lord; May I never forget the good things He does for me!!
Psalm 103:2
Adria A. Jackson TN
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees.
Psalm 119:71 (NIV)
Shan Copeland, Salina, KS
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Mayetta Curtis, Springfield, MO
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:3 NIV
San Diego, CA
Love doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything.
1 Corinthians 13:6 MSG
Geri, Deer Park, TX
Colossians 2:6 ESV
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, – Colossians 2:6
Donna, Bakersfield, CA
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.”
Colossians 2:9-10 (NIV)
Tracey Boynton Kingsburg, CA
The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” Numbers 11:23 NIV
Sandra Larranaga Bowe. San Jon NM
Everything happening to me …….only serves to make Christ more accurately known
Regardless of whether I live or die.they didn’t shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! Alive I am Christ,s messenger; dead I am his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose!
Phil 1:19-21 TM
Kearney NE
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
2 Corinthians 4:7
This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.
Isaiah 66:2b NIV
Carla, Pierre, SD
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. . . Isaiah 61:1 NIV
Morgan, Arlington, VA
“Discretion will protect you and understanding will guard you. wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from the men whose words are perverse.” (NIV) Proverbs 2:11-12
Leslie, Cedar Grove, NC
Karina I am joining you with Isaiah 61:3 (can’t get it out of my mind since reading your post)
And provide for those who grieve in Zion-
To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes
The oil of joy instead of mourning
And a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Brenda K. Orlow, Jordan, MN
Psalm 94:19 NLT
“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”
Tracy Chapman
Andice, TX
Psalm 42:4 NIV
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise Him,
my Savior and my God.”
Sallie Russ, Greenwood, SC
“The grass withers, the flower fades,But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 NASB
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:6 NKJ
Emily, Topeka, Kansas
“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”
1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NIV)
Michelle Rodriguez, Beavercreek, Ohio
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” Colossians 3:21 NIV
christina moore, Plano, Texas~
(Continuing on in the effort to learn Isaiah 40 by heart…)
“Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,
nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.”
(Isaiah 40:16 ESV)
Kathy Land, Shattuck, OK
Psalm 145:19 (NIV) “He fulfills the desires of those who fear him, he hears their cry and saves them.”
Melody S.
Forest City, IA
But when you pray, go in to your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6 ESV
Carol Hartley Montgomery, Al
Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Pam Mayer from Apple Valley, MN: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NIV
Lynn, Lake Villa, IL
Ephesians 2:20 NLT
Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself.
Elmwood, Tennessee
“I am now giving you the choice between life and death, between God’s blessing and God’s curse, and I call heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Choose life.” Deuteronomy 30:19 (GNT)
Tracy
Lake St. Louis, Missouri
Psalm 119:105. ESV
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
Sandra, Rock Hill, SC
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
Suzanne Kragt
Eden Prairie, MN
Daniel2:21 NIV
He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Beth Lewis, Story City, Iowa
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7, NKJ
Suzanne
Tenaha, TX
Isaiah 56:8 NIV’84
For my thoughts are not yr thoughts,
Neither are yr ways my ways, declares the LORD.
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. NIV
Pat Wagar, Jekyll Island, GA 10-16-15
“Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him.” Psalm 105:4 NLT
Candice from Wallingford, PA
“Submit yourselves then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7 NIV
Downtown Tonya Brown from Watauga, Tx:
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 NIV
Carla, Coweta. “I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27 NLT
Tina Shelton, Richmond, TX
It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV
Lisa from Rootstown, Ohio. Psalm 139:3. NIV. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Vonda Schwarz, Bertrand, NE “Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, Who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?” Psalm 113:5-6 NIV
Kimyetta H. Jonesboro, GA
Psalm 51:2-3
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Brentwood, TN
We were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.
1 Thessalonians 2:2 (HCSB)
Brenda McGurk, Medina, Ohio
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”
â€â€Psalm‬ â€18:30‬ â€NIV‬‬
Jacquie Engbrecht, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3
Karin
Medina, MN
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
Revelation 2:7 NIV
Izora Browning. Midland, Texas.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8 NIV.