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
Sugar Land, TX Isaiah 43:19 NIV
See I an doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! Psalm 105:4 NKJV
Jenny, Shelby Township, MI
When you walk through the waters I will be with you. And when you pass through rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior…
Isaiah 43:2-3a NIV
Sara Wheeler, Alexandria, AL
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Proverbs 30:5
NIV
Paula, OKC, OK: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 NIV
I have to be about my Father’s business.
Luke 2:49
Laura from Gilbert Arizona: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23. NIV
“Finally, brothers and sisters,whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”
Phil 4:8
NIV
Barbara Severns, Eagle, Idaho
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.
I Corinthians 10:13 NASB
Deborah Bell, Bridgeton, New Jersey
“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
John 9:5 KJV
Dianne, Maineville, Ohio
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self –
control. Galatians 5:22-23a ESV
Jana Stroud, Houston TX
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)
Stacie in Collins, MS
“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.”
â€â€Psalms‬ â€18:30‬ â€NKJV‬‬
Michelle from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 ESV
Gay
Round Rock, Tx
“For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
Psalm 91:11
Elizabeth Miller, Cullman,AL
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. NIV
Linda Dameron
Cape Canaveral, FL
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7
ESV
Elizabeth Miller, Cullman, AL
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4 NIV
Kim in st. Charles Illinois
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2 kjv
Sharon, Little Rock Thessalonians 5:16-19 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.
Midlothian Tx
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105 NIV
Charmaine, Miami, FL — “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NKJV
Kandis Nucla, CO
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Traci McNally, Evansdale, Iowa
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12 NIV
Vicksburg, MS
For the Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Psalms 84:11
NIV
Dena Bibb, Stockton, CA “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Karen, Trenton, OH
“In Him we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.”
â€â€Ephesians‬ â€3:12‬ â€HCSB‬‬
Judy Pauley, Norfolk, Va.
Psalms 147:19
He has revealed His word to Jacob,
His laws and decrees to Isreal.
Ephesians 6: 10 -11 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength to His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” NAS
Janet Poore, Paola, KS
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.” 2 Cor. 10:3 NIV
Karen, Sturgis, MI, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breast plate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:14&15
Laura in Bedford, TX
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
Kathy Rowland
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Krista H Winchester, VA
Isaiah 55:11 HCSB
so My word that comes from My mouth
will not return to Me empty,
but it will accomplish what I please
and will prosper in what I send it to do.
Valerie , Ontario (Mansfield), Ohio
“But if you will listen, I say to you, love your enemies and do something wonderful for them in return for their hatred.” Luke 6:27. The Passion Translation (tPt).
Reposting since my comment hasn’t shown up within 24 hours after I posted it. Want to make sure it gets counted! 🙂
Andrea Cox, Howe, TX
2 Corinthians 4:13 NIV
It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak,
Linda Nelson – Shreveport, LA
“Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, Keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
Colossians 3:1-2
Cara Reyes
Dickinson Texas
“As for God, his way is perfect: The word of Jehovah is tried; He is a shield unto all them that take refuge in him.”
â€â€Psalm‬ â€18:30‬ â€ASV‬‬
Kelly Mabe Brashear, TX
In God (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust;
I will not fear.
What can flesh do to me?
Psalm 56:4
NKJV
Sherree Lilburn,GA
“Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”
â€â€Psalms‬ â€141:2‬ â€NKJV‬‬
Linda Hammett from Wake Forest, NC says,
“All of a person’s ways seem pure to them,but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
(Proverbs 16:2, NIV)
Jennifer Edwards Alabama
Zep 3:17 NIV
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Kim, Gaithersburg MD
Create in me a pure heart, O Lord, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10, NIV)
Rebecca M., Clifton, NJ. “I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.” Psalm 16:7, ESV
Plano, Tx. For he will command his angels concerning you To guard you in all your ways
Ps 91:11 NIV
Jennifer, Chattanooga, TN;
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.
Psalm 119:18 NIV
Sharon Mills
Henderson, Nv
Ps. 33: 16-18 NIV “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.”
Misty Sanders, North Charleston, SC
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.”
â€â€Psalms‬ â€16:8‬ â€NLT‬‬
Sharon
Lawton Okla
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NKJ
Terri, Orange TX
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 NKJV