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
Cindy-Richmond,Texas 1Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Cece, Gilbert, AZ
Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25 (ESV)
Lisa Zink
Chickasha, OK
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
â€â€1 Peter‬ â€5:8‬ â€NIV
Carrie Smart, Liberty, TX
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Take on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11(NIV)
Valerie
Clinton, Me
“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.” Philippians 1:9 (NLT)
Eleanor
Memphis, Tn
Psalm 119:10
With my whole heart I seek you, let me now wander from your commandments.
Kristen, Indianapolis, IN
1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever
New Braunfels, TX
NASB
Thus has the Lord of hosts said, dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion, each to his brother. And do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor, and do not devise evil in your hearts to each other. Zech 7:9-10
For some reason I can’t add my verses in the app anymore.
Julie Wagner, Nederland,TX
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
Karen Laughlin, Deweyville, TX
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.
(Proverbs 19:20, NIV)
Sherry from Perry, Georgia
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for
teaching, for reproof, for corrections, and for training
in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16 ESV
From Kathy Emeigh in Bethlehem PA
John 3:16 and I V
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
That whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands.
Psalm 119:21 NIV
Bethany Sullivan from Converse, IN
Psalm 27:11-14
Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a level path because of my foes.
Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have
Risen against me, and such as breathe out violence.
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of
The LORD in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes wait for the LORD.
Autumn, Glasgow, KY
“The Lord is near to all who all on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him, He also hears their cry and saves them.”
Psalm 145:18-19
Suzy Adams, “As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. John 15:9
Brenda Zabriskie
Lindon, Utah
PSALM 107:1
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love
endures forever!!
Know this, my beloved brothers:
Let every person be quick to hear,
slow to speak, slow to anger;
For the anger of man
does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20
Judy Huntsville e Psalm 55:22 Cast all your cares on The Lord and He will sustain you … He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22
Carol Marshall – Gilbert, AZ
Psalms 23:4 ESV
Even 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.
Charlotte
Philadelphia MS
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
John 15:15
ESV
Shelley
Nashville, TN
Fight the good fight for the faith.
1 Timothy 6:12
Janeth O’Dell, Neoga, IL,
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14. NIV
1 Timothy 1:16
For this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
for which I am an ambassador in chains that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak Ephesians 6:20 ESV
Kristine from Welland, On
Revelation 3:8 (VOICE)
“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I have done this because you have limited strength, yet you have obeyed My word and have not denied My name.”
Carolyn Webb, Grand Prairie, Texas. Those who live according to the flesh have their mind set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5 NIV
Karin
Medina, MN
” If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:7&8
NIV
Tarsha, St Pete.,FL
1 Corin 13:4 (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast,it is not proud.
Sherree; Lilburn, GA
“Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:10-11
NAS
Jeri Jacobs, Hemet, CA
Pray continually,
1Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
Malinda Guider, Chattanooga, TN-“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9-NLT.
Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take courage and wait for the Lord.
Ann
Mandeville, La
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;
He will never leave you or forsake you.
Do not be afraid: Do not be discouraged.
Becca Canfield, Nacogdoches TX
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 NIV
Dee – Jacksonville, FL
James 1:22 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
to bring rain on a land where no man is,
on the desert where there is no man. Job 38:26 ESV
Roswell GA Psalm 19:7 AMP The law of the LORD is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul; The statutes of the LORD are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.
Katie – Dallas, TX – “What I’m doing you don’t understand now, but afterward you will know.” John 13:7
Sally, from Sturgis, MI
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)
Cynthia Barks, Missouri
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him
Ephesians 1:17 ESV
Gina Fernandez, Wilson, NC
I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that
cost me nothing.
2 Samuel 24:24
Mandy, Raymond,MS
“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. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.”
Colossians 1:16,17 NIV
Nancy Redkey, IN
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3. NIV
Maureen, St. Clair Shores, MI. “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.” (Galatians 6:4a Msg.)
Christina in Decatur, TX
… For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
1 Corinthians 2:10 ESV
WheatRidge, Colorado
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the Lord
and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you
the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust him and
he will do this.
Psalm 37:3-5
Nancy Morford – Deuteronomy 31:6 NAS
Be strong and courageous,
do not be afraid or tremble at them,
for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you.
He will not fail you or forsake you.
J Fitch
Ann Arbor, MI
He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets,
Therefore do not associate with a gossip.
Proverbs 20:19 (NASB)
Mary Jane, Troy KS
“Let us love one another, for love comes from God.”
1 John 4:7 NIV