Beautiful

I'm not sure if anyone ever reads these little blurbs about my life, but I just HAD to let this story of grace, mercy, excitement, joy, and thankfulness overflow onto my blog. :)

I have been thinking a lot about the one precious life that has been granted to me by God and the simple fact that I don't want to waste it. 

I want ALL of my thoughts, decisions, plans, and actions that I make to honor and glorify my King and perfect Creator!

Thanks to everyone for your sweet birthday wishes and messages to me.

You don't understand how much your kind words mean to me. 

I feel so loved by so many people. 

I am so unworthy of this. 

I'm not perfect and I don't have a "perfect" life. Actually, there's nothing good in me. 

In fact I am a mess.

A complete mess. 

  But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved me, even when I was dead in my trespasses, made me alive together with Christ—by grace I have been saved—and raised up with him and seated with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward me in Christ Jesus. For by grace I have been saved through faith. And this is NOT  of my own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that I may not boast. For I am his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that I should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:4-10)

WOW! Such a beautiful thing! 

It's so hard to grasp God's love, kindness, mercy, and favor on my life to bring Him glory. 

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)

God's full intention was for His creation to bring praise to Him. 

We rebelled and have worshiped everything but Him; separating us from Him. 

His heart is reconcile us to Himself and he has given us the ministry of reconciliation (making the gospel known) through His Son Jesus so that we may have LIFE. 

Listen to this song: 

I am so amazed that before I was conceived in my mother's womb HE KNEW exactly who 

Lauren Brooke Simpson 

would be and what my life would look like and how He would draw me to himself and redeem my broken life.

It is for this reason that I don't want to waste the one life that has been given to me. 

I want others to experience the magnitude and intimate love of our Great King!

That's what I want my WHOLE life to consist of and what I want to be known for. 

I am nothing and this blog post is not about me, but rather about an incredible Savior, Redeemer, Lover, Sustainer, and Creator. 

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

With a heart of thankfulness and amazement my heart cries out Psalm 139 to my perfect Creator:

O LORD, you have searched me and known me!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

you discern my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down

and are acquainted with all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,

and the light about me be night,”

even the darkness is not dark to you;

the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you.

For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

If I would count them, they are more than the sand.

I awake, and I am still with you.

Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!

O men of blood, depart from me!

They speak against you with malicious intent;

your enemies take your name in vain.

Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?

And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?

I hate them with complete hatred;

I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting!

Thank you for loving me, creating me, hearing me, saving me, healing me, and redeeming me. 

My Jesus I love Thee; I know Thou art mine. 

In You I am LOVED, SECURED, and ACCEPTED. I have LIFE. 

I am NEVER alone. 

I have an eternal inheritance as your adopted child. 

I have comfort, peace, and strength. 

In YOU I am SATISFIED. 

I am protected. 

I am FREE. 

I lack nothing. I am complete.  

I am made in the image of You. 

I am held in EVERLASTING arms. 

I have been chosen and set apart. 

I am a crown of royal beauty. 

I have DIRECT access to You!

I am a NEW CREATION. 

Boldness and Confidence are mine through You. 

I am not my own. I belong to You!

Thank you for an amazing twenty-one years.

Praise to You King Jesus for this little life.  

I love you. 

Love your Daughter, 

Lauren 

Fall Favorites

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."
-Elizabeth Lawrence

Fall is by FAR my favorite season for several reasons...

1. October is my Birthday Month!

I enjoy celebrating birthdays more than anyone else that I know!! There's just something so special about the day that you were born! I spend ALL of October celebrating October 30th! 
Unfortunately, my friends and family are not big fans of this "birthday month" idea. 

2. Colors of the Leaves

There's nothing like watching the colors of the leaves change;

 It is evident that there is something new and refreshing right around the corner.  

3. The Leaves on the Ground

Jumping in leave piles brings joy to my little soul!

4.Pumpkin Coffee

 In general,  Coffee Shops are one of my favorite hangout spots; 

during autumn I find it extremely refreshing to grab a good book or study Scripture in a cozy coffee shop with a pumpkin coffee or latte in hand. 

5. Hiking Trails

 I enjoy taking walks on trails during the fall; the ability to hear the crunch of the leaves with every step I take and the fact that God has blessed me with the ability to see His beautiful creation fills my heart with thankfulness. 

6. Pumpkin Pickin'

Whether it's with family or friends, I always look forward to this time of the year when we all load up and head to our local pumpkin patch. 

 I always look for the punkin that is the biggest, roundest,& orangest!

7. Pumpkin Carving

I enjoy getting creative and carving a pumpkin! This year I think I might try to paint a design on mine.

 8. The Scent of Fall

The brisk air outdoors makes it a pleasure to come indoors to different fall aromas such as homemade apple pie, pumpkin spice, firewood, candy apples, autumn potpourri, etc.

9. BONFIRES

Bonfires no matter how big or small are always a great way to get the gang together for s'more s'mores! 

10. Arts & Crafts

 Arts and Crafts are my "go to" and knitting just happens to be one of my favorite things to do. You will most likely see me actively trying to pursue this activity during the cooler months. 

11. Apples-to-Apples 

Apple Cider and Apple Pie are also another top favorite! 

My grandma makes an amazing apple pie that will melt in mouth!

 If my family and I get the chance we usually stop at one of the produce stands in the mountains and stock up on apples and apple cider for the fall and winter months.

12. Camping 

I'm not a big fan of the buggies but I will allow them to be my friend for a night or two out in the middle of nowhere when it comes to pitchin' a tent! 

13. College Football

Ok, ok, ok... so UNCC doesn't have a football team YET, but I long for the day 08-31-13 when they hit the turf for our first game! My roomie, Holli, is obsessed with football! I have learned a lot more than I ever knew was possible by living with her! Let's just say when Clemson plays...I GET PUMPED! As far as NFL is concerned... GO Panthers & Bronco's! Just sayin'....

14. Scarves 

There's nothing like a little fall fashion! 

Scarves add a great accent to any outfit and serve the second purpose of keeping oneself warm and bundled up on those cold mornings walking to class. 

15. Fall Decor

Last, but definitely not least, one of my favorite things about fall is the fabulous decor! 

With just a touch of a few neutral tones any home (even a dorm room) can experience its own "harvest time" feel. I enjoy getting creative and using different elements from the outdoors to create table pieces or door wreathes such as Indian corn, acorns, mini pumpkins, leaves, or pine cones. 

Precious Treasure

I've been thinking a lot lately about life in general and my motivation for walking with the Lord day in and day out.

It is such a PRIVILEGE to be a daughter of the King and I take my position as His daughter for granted so many times. Many days I have a "deserving" mentality rather than my right position of a "privileged" mentality.

At the end of the day, Christ is my TREASURE and that's what I want my life to be known for.  I want others to see that I  lived a life with Christ as my ULTIMATE treasure. Therefore, other's were able to treasure Christ too because of His love and His desire to be in communion with them.

Here are some lyrics to one of my favorite songs:

Treasure by Desperation Band
Your breath is like rain
Your word it sustains me
I've come to this place
With intentions of finding You
Your truth is a lamp
Your wisdom my light
I'm seeking Your face
With intentions of finding You
I would run for a thousand years
If I knew every step would be getting me closer
I'd swim to the ocean floor
For my Lord is the treasure
My Lord is the treasure
Holy holy
Holy is the Lord


I pray that as I walk to class, go to church, go home, or enter a hospital that the world would see that it is Christ who sustains me and gives me life. 

Back to the QC

As I head back to UNCC for my final year of college, I am reminded of God's faithfulness and how He has radically changed my life during these past few years on that campus. There is absolutely NO ONE like our God and there is still so much to be done in the city of Charlotte, NC.  Praying that God will be glorified and magnified this year at UNCC and for the rest of my life. HE IS WORTHY!

Pinwheel Flower Arrangement

What you need: 

-Pinwheels of different sizes (see "How To Make Pinwheels")

-Kebab sticks (cut to different lengths)

-green paint

-floral foam

-flower pot (painted your preferred color) 

-fabric (to cover floral foam in pot) 

Instructions:

1. Paint Kebab sticks green

2. Hot glue Pinwheels to Kebab sticks

3. Place floral foam in flower pot

4. Cover foam with fabric

5. Stick Kebab/Pinwheels in foam to create a custom arrangement!

Pinwheels

These fun Pinwheels are super easy to make and are great for decorating, embellishing cards, or making a floral arrangement. 

What you need: 

-Scrapbook paper

-Buttons

-Hot glue gun/sticks

How to: 

1. Cut scrap book paper in equal strips. (for a medium sized pinwheel try 1" wide by 12" long) The smaller the width the smaller the pinwheel, the larger the width the larger the pinwheel. 

2. Fold each strip like an Accordion

3. Connect the strips by tacking each end with hot glue creating a circle

4. Gather the middle to bring pinwheel together

5. Tack the middle with hot glue

6. Hot glue on a button 

7. Continue to keep it gathered at the middle until glue is dry

8. You have a pinwheel! 

Decorated Button Jar

I hand-crafted this cute jar to hold my button collection. 

All you need is a hot glue gun and some yarn!

Feel free to make one to hold whatever! 

Roomie Love

Meet my NEW Roommate!

MORGAN McDOW

Morgan, Amy, and Me at a CO End-of -Year Cookout!

Feelin' Crafty!

So, the past few days I've been feeling extra crafty!

Last week...

I created these simple wooden monograms that will be hung on the door of 818!

Yesterday I spent the day with my Grandma, learning a couple of her yummiest recipes and sewing our little hearts out. 

This was our final result...

Then today...

I've had this in mind for a while, but just now got the materials. 

All I needed was a piece of fabric, 8x10 picture frame, foam board, push pins, and buttons. 

Psalm 77

Meditating on this Today:

1 I cry aloud to God,
 aloud to God, and he will hear me.
2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
 in the night my hand is stretched out
without wearying;
3 When I remember God, I moan;
when I meditate, my spirit faints.

4 You hold my eyelids open;
I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
5 I consider the days of old,
the years long ago.
6 I said, "Let me remember my song in the night;
let me meditate in my heart."
7 "Will the Lord spurn forever,
and never again be favorable?
8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased?
Are his promises at an end for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he in anger shut up his compassion?"

10 Then I said, "I will appeal to this,
to the years of the right hand of the
Most High."

11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
15 You with your arm redeemed your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph.
16 When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
indeed the deep trembled.
17 The clouds poured out water;
the skies gave forth thunder;
your arrows flashed on every side.
18 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lighted up the world;
the earth trembled and shook .
19 Your ways was through the sea,
your path through the great waters;
yet your footprints were unseen.
20 You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Until ALL Hear

Hi Friends, 

It has been a while. I know. I first want to apologize for not getting back to you guys before now. I had a friend once tell me... "better late than never". So, here it is! 

  I arrived back in America on July 4th and let's just say it took me several days to get adjusted back to the time here! Jet lag is a misssserable result of the fall! While I was in Washington, DC I took the family to one of my favorite restaurants in SA called Nando's (which conveniently has a location in DC) afterwards we went to watch the fireworks on Capitol Hill. I was exhausted but made my self stay up until 12:30, so that I would  sleep the whole night through making it easier to get adjusted to the time difference. Well, that failed. I woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 3 am. My dad finally woke up at 6am and we snuck out of the room and went on a daddy-daughter date for a cup of coffee together. :) 

Anyways, the purpose of this post is to try and encompass all that the Lord taught me during my time in Africa and try to put into words how He is continuing to use my time there to shape my future goals, plans, and dreams.

1. I have been challenged to live my life in a way that truly reflects that this world is not my home. Just like I was a foreigner in South Africa, Scripture tells us that as believers we are strangers and aliens on this earth (1 Chronicles 29:15) and that our citizenship is not here but rather in heaven where Christ is King (Phil 3:20). 

My time here on earth is temporary and I don't want to waste it trying to build a kingdom here on earth with things that won't last. I want my life to be used for eternal purposes. Being a daughter of the King, I have security in Christ and through Him I inherited an eternal home that lasts forever. Because of this truth I am free in Christ to make radical decisions and live a life radically abandoned for the sake of Christ and making Him known among the nations.  

2. I have really seen with my own eyes how God desires to use "average" people for His purposes, specifically to the nations. I guess I assumed that missionaries were "super-spiritual" people who had it "all together". Don't misunderstand me. Yes, there were and are some amazing super godly missionaries out there, but the truth is they are no different than myself. They are sinners saved by God's grace! God's plan (Matthew 28:18-20) is to use redeemed people for His purposes of making His name known among ALL the nations. 

3. Not only did I learn a lot by doing ministry, but I got a lot out of the community and the people that I lived with during my 8 weeks in Africa.  We weren't a perfect family, but I learned what it looks like to have Christ at the center of a home, how to love others who are different than myself, to give grace, and live an open life of repentance. "Close-knit" doesn't even come close to describing our family. 

4. I feel the urgency for the gospel to forth more than ever before! I don't ever want that urgency to leave my heart, even as I am here in the states. It's different when you are in another country with a team and that's your purpose for going, but it's a lot harder alone in America with comfort all around. As I sit I home I want to experience that same urgency, if not more! (That's dangerous!)

5. God has stretched me in more ways that I planned or even imagined. Through the hard times and being squeezed I was able to get more and more of Christ. It was worth it. 

6. I'm excited for this next year as I get "mobilized" as the Campus Outreach term goes. I want to commit my life to being about God and His mission. How that will manifest itself...we shall see! :) 

7. All in all, the ability to GO and be SENT to the nations is much more tangible after having been on a short-term trip.

8.  So, UNTIL ALL HEAR "I'm going (to the nations) until I'm called to stay (in America)." <-- I said it. HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE. I mean it. 

Daughter of the King, 

Lauren