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
Sue-Elise Flowers, Burkesville, KY – James 1:6 (NIV) But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Emma Mierta Davison, MI Proverbs 3:25-26 You will not be afraid of sudden disaster, or when distruction overtakes the wicked; for the Lord will be the source of your confidence, and He will guard your foot from being caught in a trap. NET
Becky Jo
Chesterfield MI
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Psalm 34:8 NLT
What a beautiful post! Thanks Karina!
Adrienne
Jasper, TN
Continuing on in 2 Corinthians 4….
“So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” 2 Cor 4:12 NIV
Malorie Elrod, Sharpsburg Ga- I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. (â€Romans‬ â€16‬:â€19-20‬ NIV)
Barb * Burleson TX * Psalm 13:5 NIV * “But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.”
Meredith B
Collierville TN
“Today in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the LORD!”
Luke 2:11 Life application Bible NRSV
Nancy Dal Pian, Port Charlotte, FL
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.
Hallelujah!
Mary, Atlanta- I know that my redeemer lives,and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
Job 19:25 (NIV)
Eph. 6:13-14
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day and having done everything, stand firm. Stand firm, therefore having girded your loins with truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness
Sue Middeldorf – Troy, Michigan – “The Lord bless you and keep you.” Numbers 6:24 (NIV)
Christy, Cape Girardeau, MO. We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5b (NIV)
Leslie Young
Wisner, La.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5 NIV
Kristi B.
Houston, TX
Psalm 143:8 NIV
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” ~John 14:27 NLT
Stephanie Bankhead, Amarillo, TX
(continuation of Psalm 139)
“Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
â€â€Psalms‬ â€139:24‬ †NLT
Cheri Cochran from Frisco,TX
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, wich God has promised to those who love him.”
Janet S.
Bemus Point, NY
Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
And in French:
Malachie 3:10 (SG21)
Apportez toutes les dimes a la maison du tresor afin qu’il y ait de la nourriture dans ma maison, dit l’Eternel, le maĂ®tre de l’univers, et vous verrez si je n’ouvre pas pour vous les fenetres du ciel, si je ne deverse pas sur vous la benediction en abondance.
3)And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
4)and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
5)and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5 (NASB)
Tammy, Deer Park, WA
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. (NIV)
Amanda Gozur, Albuquerque, NM
“O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” Jeremiah‬ â€32:17‬ â€(NLT‬‬)
Kay from Deer Park TX
Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV
12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Sue-Elise Flowers, Burkesville, KY – this post is for October 1, 2015 – I posted on 10/1/15, but I do not see my comment on that day, so I am reposting this for 10/1/15 – Isaiah 30:21 – NIV – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.””
Judy~ Simi Valley, CA
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint Jer 31:25 NIV
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; Ephesians 6:16 ESV
Irene, White Pigeon MI -He will help the poor when they cry outand will save the needy when no one else will help. Psalm 72:12 NCV
Julie
Coppell, TX
The Lord bless you and keep you. Numbers 6:24 NIV
Linda
Peoria, Arizona
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts of God.”
Colossians 3:16 NIV
Phoebe Cunningham, Tucson, AZ
“even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” Ephesians 1:4 ESV
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa
and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Romans 5:4 ESV
Beverly, Midlothian VA
Ephesians 4:31, 32 ESV
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Leanna Reynolds, Southlake, TX. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. NIV Psalms 119:105
Kim Lee, Faison, NC: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Theresa, Glendale Az, “For I am the Lord. I do not change…” Malachi 3:6 NKJV
Ruth Kitchener, ON
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:4-6 (NIV)
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
Psalm 143:8 NIV 1984
Kitty, from Bend, Oregon
Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ John 7:38
Kimberly Kleimann, Chico CA
The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. Psalm 103:6 KJV
Sheri Matsumoto
Merced, CA
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:1 (NIV)
Barbara from WI
20. your foes who conspire plot against you are exalted in vain.
(psalm 139:20. NAB)
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:29-30 NIV
Cindy Barger
Houston, Texas
Margie Snyder, Groveland FL
Karina! What a blessing to see you here and to get to share your insights into Isaiah!
Daniel 4: 2,3 (NIV)
It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.
How great are his signs,
how mighty his wonders!
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
his dominion endures from generation to generation.
Beth Belflower
Caddo Mills, Texas
Genesis 1:20
And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds[a] fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” ESV
Psalm 119:4 (ESV)
You have commanded that Your precepts be DILIGENTLY kept.” (fully obeyed)NIV
Psalm 119:4 (ESV)
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Kim Freeman Fort Worth Texas Hebrews 10:19-20 NASB
Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
by a new and living way which he inaugurated for us through the veil, that is his flesh
Mary Joy, Dayton, OH.
“Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.””
â€â€Hosea‬ â€6:3‬†(ESV‬‬).
Jedonne, Nashville, TN
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV)
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV
a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
I tend to come back with a harsh word & it’s a habit I need to work on…
Debra from Baraboo, Wisconsin
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” ESV