Lawrene Della Simpson

Lawrene Della Simpson is a vivacious woman of faith whose gentleness is evident to all!  She was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.  Lawrene was only 5 years old when her mother Irene suddenly died. She and her dad then moved in with his mom, her precious grandmother Della. Lawrene emphasized the great value of watching her grandma read the bible every day.  She also noted that God somehow multiplied the cash that her widowed grandma stuffed into her bible! "Her limited widow's income just seemed to stretch. There was always enough money for special treats!" Soon Lawrene will be celebrating 34 years of marriage to Vern.  In her words "Feeling responsible to care for my grandmother, I did not move out of her house until I was 27 years young!  Living on my own,  I kinda kept Jesus a secret with my friends, and for a time I chose to not attend church as I ignored any tugs of the Holy Spirit. I can say that even though I walked away from God, He never left me".  In 1983 Lawrene moved to Minnesota and took a job as a clerk for the railroad. Because of her awesome skills, she retired in 2009 as a Manager.   In 1984 she graduated from the Metropolitan State University, in St Paul and she met a wonderful Navy man named Vern. When Vern recognized her value, he proposed and she was thrilled to say YES!   As a newly married couple, Vern and his bride lived in the world, but Lawrene felt an emptiness.  As she was taken in and raised with such love by her grandma Della, Lawrene yearned for a family of her own. She decided to find a church in which she might raise a few kids. Vern and Lawrene agreed to adopt kids from South Korea. They chose their daughter Kimberlyn in 1989 when she was just seven months old. Then they chose Joseph in 1992 when he was only 3 years old.  "Being Asian and living in America as adopted kids brought on a few abuses." Her daughter endured a horrific attack which took a great amount of obedience on Lawrene's part to forgive the abuser! This incredible Woman of Value absolutely sparkled as she remembered returning to Korea to hopefully locate the biological families of her two kids. She was concerned "on their behalf" for them to know their roots.  With her eyes dripping tears, in her words, "My greatest achievement has been that both of my kids know who Jesus is!"  She is affectionately called Mama "D" by those who know her.

Lawrene personally gave her life to Jesus at the tender, sweet age of nine. She was baptized at the Brookfield Baptist Church in Illinois while living with her beloved Grandma Della. She has experienced life without God, and she trusts that her kids will come to appreciate the difference, in their own way, in their own time.   When asked about a trial that Jesus carried her through, Lawrene courageously admitted that in 1999 she was invited to a BSF study of the book of Matthew while living in Minnesota. God touched her broken heart and she wept as she studied the ways of God in marriage. While living in Minnesota, Lawrene was faithful to her BSF group for 16 years. During her first study of Matthew, she was separated from her husband for 3 weeks. As a result of reading the Bible, and some Christian counseling, God restored their marriage. There certainly is VICTORY in JESUS - Amen and Hallelujah!!!  Another recent time when Lawrene held tightly to the Author and Protector of her soul, was shortly after she retired in 2009.  As she presented her prayers to the Mercy seat, with much thanksgiving for the miraculous healing

power in the name of Jesus,  God comforted the Simpson family as Vern fought and received a healing from his Cancer. On the lighter side, Lawrene beams a big smile as she is a huge Chicago and Cubs Fan! "I love Lake Michigan, the museums, the food and natural beauty of Chicago. I also love old timey hymns! Lyrics often move me to tears!"  Lawrene joins a flock of snowbirds annually as she lands at Lake Chapala. She returns to Chicago gleefully to reunite with family and to enjoy a Chicago Dog, a Kolache, Pork and dumplings, Sauerkraut, Red cabbage, and of course Italian Pizza.  Lawrene documented her trip to Israel in October 2019. Click this link:  Mama D's Adventure Blog  When Lawrene emerged from her precious baptism in the Jordan, she sparkled with tears

flowing. She was entirely overcome by the Holy Spirit. Lawrene overflows with the love of God, and all of us at Lakeside are deeply touched by her faith, and renewed by her delightful laughter. Twenty three Christians from Lakeside travelled together to Israel, and on March 8, 2019 twenty six Christians gathered together to bless Lawrene and Vern as they relocate back to Minnesota to be near their new grandchild. One of many verses that continues to minister to Lawrene is "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:4-7 - This praying woman was honored on International Woman's Day with a special blessing from Priscilla, Joy, Dan, Randy, Marlyn, Eddie, Betty, Linda, Ken, Donna, Ray, Mia, Terry, ChaCha, Mindy, Bill, Chuck, Zoe, Mike, Barb, John, Cathy, Frances, Luis, Deena. 

Deena from Dallas

Deena Murdock has lived at Lakeside since 2010 and she has been very active in various community activities.  She lived and worked in Dallas as a substitute teacher at Trinity Christian School.  Deena grew up on a farm and was an avid horse riding Texas lady who also loves fishing, and snorkeling.  She is inspired by the beauty of nature and she brings that inspiration into the colorful creations of her jewelry design. Deena is a beloved great grandma affectionately called Dee Dee or Grandmother.  She was busy leading bible studies in Texas and since living at Lakeside, she has shared her lovely voice in the choir for years and currently attends The Lord's Church in San Antonio.  Deena is a vibrant, victorious woman who has defeated cancer.  She has been widowed and now lives as an active, blessed by God divorcee since 2011.  Her bunko enthusiasm is also shared by many women who are uplifted by her joyful personality.  Deena is incredibly proud of her precious

children and grands. Her son Kyle is a pastor, a pilot and a geologist in Tennessee, and her daughter Tiffany lives in Dallas as a wonderfully busy mother of two children. Deena has presented her jewelry at several special events and she invites you to visit her home based design center and perhaps bring a piece that needs repair, or simply privately browse her vast number of rare jewelry designs.  Her studio is located in Riberas near Mom's Cafe.  Give her a call, visit her studio and bring that special outfit that needs a little bling. Call Deena for a personal appointment at 376-106-0842