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
The Lord redeems the soul of His servants; And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned . Psalm 34:22. NAS
(The Lord says): “I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.” Isaiah 44:22, NLT
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 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. James 1:5,6. ESV
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and place of safety. Psalms 18:2 NLT
Malorie Elrod, Sharpsburg GA- 17 Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. (â€Proverbs‬ â€17‬:â€17‬ MSG)
Carol Rice Deer Park, Texas
since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments… II Corinthians 10:4 HCSB
Romans 15:13 ERV
I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in Him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lamentations 3:22 (ESV)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.
Wendy Houston, Rocklin CA
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
â€â€John‬ â€15:16‬ â€NIV‬‬
Gabriella Houston, Rocklin CA
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
â€â€John‬ â€15:16‬ â€NIV‬‬
Amy Cobb, Murfreesboro, TN. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” â€Colossians‬ â€3:16‬ â€ESV‬‬
Gina Demangos San Diego California
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is in the spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Susie, Harrisburg, PA
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
~ Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Linda Proffitt – Louisville, KY
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.
Psalm 125:2 ESV
Jana Stroud, Houston TX
Rise up; this matter is in your hands…we are behind you, so take courage and take action…Ezra 10:4 (NIV)
Claire Veronie, Bryan, TX
“To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the Lord.” Psalm 116:17 NASB
Gwyn Cummings, Rowlett, TX
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:10
Sara Meredith
Morton IL
First of all, I want to say, I can’t believe I have kept this up for almost a whole year. I just want to praise God for giving me perseverence.
“Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” Psalm 107:1
I just have to comment… I am compelled to. I am sitting in my purple chair where I come to meet my God. And to quiet my heart and soul as I always do when I begin this quiet time with our Lord today I’m reading through the verses that my siestas have chosen for November 1.
And Sara, I came upon your entry – Where you said you can’t believe you’ve maintained this for almost a whole year now! And you so encouraged me! I have to admit I have all my verses chosen… And some days they’re memorized and some days they fly out of my mind! But you are totally right! It is true – it is through God and his grace that we have persevered together! What joy and what strength! Thank you for your comment! It Encouraged me today more than you can know.
Have a blessed day my friend , my siesta…
Onward and upward-
and thank you for making my view from the purple chair so very special today…
Isaiah 55:6
Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.
NLT
Dana, San Angelo, Texas
“The Lord is close to everyone who call out to him sincerely.” Psalms 145: 18 (NIV).
Carolyn, Terrace BC Canada
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great 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.
Linda Johnson, High Point, NC Psalm 119:9 NIV
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
Rose Coulter. Orange, Texas
“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. ”
Matthew 18:5. NIV
Karen, Las Vegas, NV
“For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Yet God with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he free us from the penalties of our sins.” Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT
Sacramento,CA
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary,
and bless the Lord.
Psalm 134:2 NIV
Lindsay Loper, Chattanooga, TN
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4, NIV
Paula, Atlanta Tx
“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart”.
1 Samuel 16:7b NKJV
Jerrie Reynolds – Longview, TX
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Psalm 90:11 (NIV)
Sherry Page
Elizabeth, CO
Psalms 86: 11 NIV
Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will
Walk in Your truth; give me an undivided
heart, that I may fear Your name.
Sharon, Little Rock. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10
Your righteousness is everlasting. Psalm 119:142
Justine Crawford, Las Vegas, NV
Psalm 145:18 (NIV)
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Teresa, Orange City. Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NET)
Marie Franse, Albuquerque, NM: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. (NIV) John 3:36
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”
â€â€Psalm‬ â€145:18-19‬ â€NIV‬‬
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 NIV
Cindy Barger
Houston, Texas
Christy Billingsley, Hattiesburg, MS
Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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 6:10-12 NIV
Manassas, Va
Psalm 57:1 NIV
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Suzanne Kragt
Eden Prairie, MN
Daniel 2:22 NIV
He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
Patricia from Richmond:
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
ESV Psalm 20:7
Sandy E.; Kansas City, Missouri; “And my God will meet your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV
Tracy
Lake St. Louis,Missouri
You have made known to me the paths of life;
You will fill me with joy in your presence.
Acts 2:28 NIV
Charlotte Heisel, Modesto, CA
Psalms 91:13 (NLT)
You will trample upon lions and cobras;
You will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
Leslie Brown, Denver, CO
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV)
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Diane- Chesapeake, VA
“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
James 1:3 (NLT)
Charlotte Nix, Jacksonville, Florida. “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.” Hebrews 12:2 KJ
Sheri H. -OR
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105 KJV
JCanon- New Braunfels, TX-
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
â€â€Ephesians‬ â€4:15‬ â€NIV‬‬
November 1, 2015
Shelly and Sienna Colorado Springs, CO
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31;8 NIV