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
Amalia Smith
Lumberton Tx
3 John 4. N.I.V.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Darlyn Knapp – Singer,Louisiana – “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30 (NIV)
Fay, Springfield, Mo
Ephesians 6:13 NIV
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
“And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we await eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” -Romans 8:23, ESV
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:2 NLT
Lynn from Lucas Ks. “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. ” Micah 7:7 NIV
Lauren Gross, Pineville, LA
“bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you must also do.”
Colossians 3:13 NKJV
Allyson
League City TX
Psalm 118:24 NJB
“On this day the LORD has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Martie Carter, Belton, TX
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all of your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Julie Brock, Myrtle, MS The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 (NIV)
Hailey Boone, Wilmington, NC.This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20 NASB
Brandi Hunter, Memphis, TN.
Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6 NASB
Ashley G.
Royal Oak, MI
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 NASB
Memphis, Tn
“Psalm16 v5 & v6” The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places ; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor 5:7
Charlotte Stedman, Austintown,Ohio
“No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper!” Isaiah 54:17 NAS
Marilyn, Piedmont, OK
“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30 (NIV)
Sharon Gaudet, Rochester, NH: Isaiah 63:7(NASB): “I shall make mention of the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He has granted them according to a His compassion and according to the abundance of His lovingkindnesses.”
Michelle, Alberta, Canada
“No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.”
Deut 30:14 NIV
Lori Leija, Austin, TX
He must become greater; i must become less. John 3:30 NIV
In addition to all this take up your shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Eph. 6 :16&17
Mary Thomas
Lexington, KY
“Ears to hear and eyes to see — both are gifts from the Lord.” -Prov 20:12 NLT
Karen from Fort Dodge IA. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV.
Teresa Cianciotto, Dickinson, TX “Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.” Ps 86:6 ESV
Gabby Cianciotto, Dickinson, TX “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone.” 2 Tim 2:24 NIV
Addy Cianciotto, Dickinson, TX “and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did].” Phil 3:10 AMP (part b)
Marian Garcia. Springfield, MO
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Col 3:12 ESV
Robin, Leo, IN Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV
Alisha Hoschton, Ga
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Kathy, Los Gatos, CA. Isaiah 45:22-23 (NIV) “Turn to me and be saved,
 all you ends of the earth; 
for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity 
a word that will not be revoked:
 Before me every knee will bow;
 by me every tongue will swear.”
Deena from Amarillo, Texas
“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” 1 John 4:10 NLT
Donna Lange, Mobile, Alabama,
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”
Colossians 1:13 KJV
Bianca Shaw, Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada,
NKJV- Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Gail Tyler,TX
The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!
Revelation 11:15b NKJV
Beaumont, Texas
“You are my God, I give you thanks;
my God, I offer you praise.
Give thanks to the Lord, who is good,
whose love endures forever.”
Ps. 118:28-29 NAB
Kari Turner
Charlottesville, VA
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
â€â€Zephaniah‬ â€3:17‬ â€ESV‬‬
Trudy Smith, Baton Rouge, LA I am the way, the Truth, the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Kayley Hibbert — Quincy, IL
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12 NIV
Abby Smith in Troy, OH
“If there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,” ~Philippians 2:1 (NASB)
Annette Baal, Stouffville ON Canada
Jude 20
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
NKJV
October 19, 2015
Martha Leone
2 Peter 1:19
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed,
Which you do well to heed as a light that
as a light that shines in a dark place, until
a dark place, until the day dawns and the
morning star rises in your hearts.
Julianne August, Orangeville, ON
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17 NIV
Emily Bowden, Augusta, GA
“May the god of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Britt Felix, Tucson, AZ
Romans 12:11-12 NIV
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Deonne Collins – Hallsville TX – Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 KJV
Melissa Emma, Scarborough, Maine: “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.” Psalm 45:1 ESV
Gail, Atascadero, CA
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Sherry
Oklahoma
“Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!”
Ps. 103:20 ESV
I and my Father are one. John 10:30
Jenni, Elk Grove, CA, “You crown the year with a bountiful harvest, even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Ps. 65:11 (NLT)