Then God opened her eyes...

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1-3

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January 18th

​​A year ago today, I woke up and knew instantly that something was not right. I had slept through the night for the first time in many months of the pregnancy and knew that meant Aiden hadn’t been moving around, keeping me awake. I can still feel that exact same feeling of panic in the pit of my stomach today. The feeling of disbelief when an hour later we were at the hospital and the nurse was trying to locate a heartbeat but had no such luck. This day will forever be a dark day for Brad and I. 

As we went home to prepare for my hospital stay, I remember just laying in bed in Brad’s arms crying, praying and waiting for the inevitable moment we would return to the hospital. We returned that night where they began the process of inducing me. It was the longest 24 hours of my life that ended in the delivery of our sweet, but lifeless, baby boy. 

With the anniversary of Aiden's birth upon us, I find it fitting that God placed a particular bible study in my hands at the perfect time. I have begun Lisa Harper's study of Job. In the book of Job, we are introduced to an upright man who God allows Satan to attack by taking everything important from him. Yet, Job remains faithful to God in midst of his pain. This story is illustrative of God's sovereignty and faithfulness during times of suffering. In the first video session, Lisa Harper introduces a woman who delivered stillborn twins and I instantly knew God has placed this study in my life for a reason. I don't think that this is a study I could have done a year ago but I can see that God's healing process is one with no time limits.

As Aiden’s birthday rolls around tomorrow, I’m so thankful and blessed to have such supportive friends and family. The texts, phone calls, and gifts that I’ve received have been a wonderful memory of the fact that Aiden was here and that we will get to see him again some day, and for the rest of eternity. Though the pain will remain until God calls me home, I’m comforted that with it I’ve experienced a glimpse of motherhood and a love that surpasses the feeling of that pain.  

If you’re interested in checking out this Lifeway Online Bible Study, click here. 

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Weep with me Lord will You weep with me? I don't need answers, all I need Is to know that You care for me Hear my plea Are You even listening? Lord I will wrestle with Your heart But I won't let You go You know I believe Help my unbelief (and) Yet I will praise You Yet I will sing of Your name Here in the shadows I'll light up an offering of praise What was true in the light Is still true in the dark You're good and You're kind And You care for this heart Lord I believe (that) You weep with me Part the seas Lord make a way for me Here in the midst of my lament I have faith, yes I still believe That You love me Your plans are to prosper me You're working everything for good Even when I can't see. (it) You know I believe Help my unbelief Yet I will praise You Yet I will sing of Your name Here in the shadows I'll lift up an offering of praise What was true in the light Is still true in the dark You're good and You're kind And You care for this heart Lord I believe (that) You weep with me (Oh I believe that You care) (Oh I love You Lord) (You hear the cries of the oppressed and the broken hearted) (Yeah Lord) Turn my lament into a love song (Transform me) (and) Turn my lament into an anthem (Oh I need You now, I need You now) Turn my lament into a love song (Oh raise it up, raise it up) Turn my lament into an anthem (Oh yeah) (and) Yet I will praise You Yet I will sing of Your name (and right) Here in the shadows I'll light up an offering of praise What was true in the light Is still true in the dark (that) You're good and You're kind And You care for this heart (oh) Lord I believe (that) You weep with me

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Aiden James Simpson

Last night I delivered our first born, a son. Today, I will leave the hospital with not my son in my arms, but instead a purple box with what few keepsakes we have from the short time we got to be with him. We are beyond devastated and never ever imagined this would be something we would be dealing with. Aiden passed away sometime Wednesday night, while still in my womb. We know he is safe with our Father God, in heaven and we find peace in that.

We cry not for Aiden, there is not anywhere else we would want him to be but dancing with our Heavenly Father in a place he will never have to experience pain, sadness, & hurting but will only be familiar with joy and agape love. We do, however, cry for the inability to raise our child, make memories with him & hold him and kiss him. For those of you that see us often, please do not feel like you cannot talk to us about our sweet boy. He is very much loved and though we never got to see him smile or comfort his cries, he will forever be our son.

Our prayer: Thank you, Lord, for taking our boy into your arms the moment he passed. I pray that you would bring us comfort and peace as Brad and I mourn this loss. We look to the promises in your word for strength and turn often to our own promise to continue to support each other as husband and wife. Our faith is in you and we trust you completely. Aiden was always yours but thank you for sharing him with us even if for just a moment.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬

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Photography outing in downtown Fort Worth & at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

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Photography outing in downtown Fort Worth & at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

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Photography outing in downtown Fort Worth & at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

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Photography Outing at the Dallas Arboretum with the Fort Worth Camera Club

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Photography Outing at the Dallas Arboretum with the Fort Worth Camera Club

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Maggie and a jar of pickles. Lol

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Library for the Dead Sea Scrolls (Taken with instagram)

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"If we would all properly exercise our gifts, there would be no lack of resources in the church."

Since having become a Christian, I have heard of the importance of spiritual gifts on numerous occasions at church. I knew that an individual's spiritual gift is something that should be utilized, however, I never really thought of these gifts as a contributing factor to the function of the body of Christ. 

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in various forms."

                    1 Peter 4:10

These spiritual gifts that we have received by God's grace, were meant to equip each individual member of the body of Christ with the internal resources to further God's kingdom.

"Now to each one the manifestation of the spirit is given for the common good."

                    1 Corinthians 12:7

Each and every one of us have at least one spiritual gift that was determined just for us. We each make up a part of the body of Christ that has a specific function. 1 Corinthians 12 illustrates this perfectly by comparing the body of Christ, to the human body. If all we had were arms, we would not have all the parts to make up a complete human body. There are numerous body parts, each with specific functions for a purpose. Unified, we make up a well-functioning body. Where one part is misusing their spiritual gifts, the overall function of the body is hindered. Therefore, it is important that we do not waste our talents. We cannot assume that someone else will pick up the slack for us, because that person may not have the talents that we individually possess to serve as effectively in that way.

It is neat to think that our spiritual gifts not only work together to bring non-believers to Christ, but they work together to build up other members of the church.

"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong- that is, ,that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each others faith."

                 Romans 1:11-12

Paul wrote this to the believers in Rome. He desired to be ministered to BY them, as well as to minister TO them. That is the amazing thing about this perfectly designed structure of the body of Christ. Nobody knows everything. The process of spiritual maturity is never over until Christ returns. In the meantime, we are all here to encourage and serve each other to bring glory to God. We can learn so much from each other.

If you are not quite sure what gift you have been blessed with. Don't stress. A good way to figure out in what way you serve most effectively, is to actually get out there and get plugged in. Try serving in different ways, such as, working with the homeless, working with students, serving behind the scenes doing administrative work, etc. The possibilities are endless. You may discover something you are truly passionate about along the way. Ask yourself:

"What is it that stirs me to the point of being motivated to do something about it?"

                       -Shirley Arnold

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I'm so glad I was able to surprise my mom with this birthday gift! She just received it in the mail today!

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James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations, greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever faced with trials of many kinds. Because, you know, it is the testing of your faith that develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that we may become mature and complete, no lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives graciously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt. For those who doubt are like a wave in the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

James 1:1-11

Memorizing verses is tough for me, but I've taken Beth Moore's challenge to memorize the book of James as we go through her study, "Mercy Triumphs." Loving it all so far, but even more, I'm loving that I get to go through this study and experience this fellowship time with not only my roommates, but some wonderful women from FBC Lubbock. :-)

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"When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get."

        -Matthew 6:5

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Faith without Works VS. Works without Faith

"We are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law." —Romans 3:28

While it is true that our good deeds can never earn us salvation, faith in God leads to want to obey God. When you have received Christ, you receive his Spirit. From that moment forward, the Spirit is working inside you, molding you into something/someone new.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” —Philippians 1:6

"Paul speaks against those who try to be saved by deeds instead of faith; James speaks against those who confuse mere intellectual assent with true faith. Even demons know who Jesus is, but they don't obey him. A true faith involves a commitment of your whole self to God." (From the Life Application Study Bible Devotion)

"Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." —James 2:18

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Perseverance. (Taken with instagram)