My Dear Sisters, how are you?? I think of you every single day and love sharing all sorts of family and ministry things with you. We had such a treat last week that I want to share with you. We haven’t really developed a framework here for interns at LPM but one of our board members asked us if we’d consider allowing a senior in high school that he esteemed highly to work here for a week as part of her senior credit. We had a hunch that the blessing would be ours but we weren’t ready for how quickly we’d fall head over heels in love with her. It was our plan from the beginning to give her a taste of every position in the ministry and sit her in every department so her experience would be full. To get a taste of what my department (comprised of AJ, CJ, Melissa and me) does, I asked her to both open Tuesday night Bible study with a 3-minute greeting and write a blog article on Friday that I’d post today. I told her she could write it on anything she wanted because by that time I knew I could trust her character and that she was quite the communicator. Such a gifted and darling young woman! Below you will find her greeting to you. You will be able to tell immediately that you guys are considered a big part of ministry around the halls of LPM!
Our dearest Paige, all of LPM is the better for having had you drop by for a week. You are an amazing young woman of God and the Spirit of Christ radiates from your face already. We miss you this morning! These doors are always open to you, Darling Child. Come by any time you need a dose of bad but clean jokes that we clearly think are hilarious. May Christ continue to give you supernatural understanding into the Scriptures…for they are not just words, as you know. They are your life. We LOVE you.
And now for Paige:
Hola Siestas (Okā¦I just had to say it)!
Iām Paige Warren, Living Proofās first official intern and a senior at Second Baptist School in sunny (and HOT, I might add) Houston, TX! This week has definitely been one of the MOST incredible weeks of my life, and Iād LOVE to tell you why!
It all began this past Christmas when I met Mrs. Moore at Second Baptist Churchās annual Kids Crazy Christmas Show (a mouthful, I know ā we just call it KCCS)! Iām a member of the JUMP Team, an acting, singing and dancing ministry for kids, which performed at the show, and to my complete bliss and surprise, I was able to meet Mrs. Moore and her cute grandbabies. Little did I know that just a few months later, Iād be petting her sweet puppy and laughing at jokes at the LPM lunch table! How truly blessed am I?
Now, I would absolutely LOVE to fill you in on ALL the excitement of my internship at LPM, but if I did, you might still be at your desk at dinnertime! So, hereās a look into a typical Monday at Living Proof!
On my first day of the internship, I arrived promptly at 8:30am, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed; ready to go for my first day. As I pulled into the property, I noticed that Living Proof Ministries is not housed in a normal, run-of-the-mill office building, but an adorably cozy and beautifully decorated home where scripture competes for every wall space, Pottery Barn furniture replaces generic work desks, and laughter fills the office space. Although the norm for a teen internship is extreme nervousness in the form of sweaty palms and a dry mouth, this was certainly not the case for me at LPM. Upon meeting the ladies, I couldnāt help but feel like I fit right in! So welcoming and loving, the staff made me feel as if they were my very best friendsā¦and trust me, ladies, their personalities can intensely mislead one about their REAL ages!
My first task? Stepping into the world of production with Evangeline. I was most surprised by the fact that LPM fulfills, packages, and ships all orders in-house. From Bible Studies to CDs & DVDs to Books, the LPM storage room has it all! The neatest part about the whole process is the fact that each order is HAND-packaged with care. They check, and double-checkā¦and check again! As part of their ministry, the LPM staff and volunteers, if they feel led, pray over certain packages for the Word of the Lord to edify that particular customer/donor as they seek to know Him more! As Beth entered the room to welcome and thank volunteers and staff, she gave me a surprising challenge: āPaige, dear, we donāt normally do this, butā¦would you like to do the announcements and speak at Bible Study Tuesday Night? Iāll give you 3 minutesā¦ā Wait, wait, wait. Could this REALLY be happening? A 17 year-old to speak at Houstonās First Baptist Bible Study: The Inheritance, packed with over 3,000 pairs of alert ears that are just waiting/dying to hear a good Word from Jesus?? āYouāve got to be kidding me!,ā I yelled to myself. I leaped for joy at the opportunity to bless that many women! The Lord, I knew, would take care of the wordsā¦All I had to do was have a willing heart to bless others!
As we (myself and the lovely volunteers) packaged and jammed out to some cool worship music, I noticed it was already time for lunch! āWait a secondā¦where did everyone go?,ā I anxiously uttered as I glanced at the clock. To my surprise, I found nine staff ladies sitting on the floor with fluffy blankets and Bibles in-toe. On Mondays, the LPM staff (minus Curtisā¦he is a guy, after all!) feeds on the Word of God together, growing, seeking and praying for each other to be encouraged in the Lord. They seek to be fed with spiritual food rather than physical food. āOf course!ā Gladly, I plopped down next to Beth (Side Note: Weāre not yet on first name basis, but itās kind of hard after youāve watched her passionately deliver a Word on Life Today or in Bible Study and constantly scream āYou go, Beth!ā at the TV). After a time of sweet prayer and study, it was time to head back to work answering phones with Kimberly! Now, although it sounds pretty easy, it was actually REALLY rigorous ā especially when multiple calls can flood like a simultaneous technological deluge! I have SERIOUS respect for receptionists now!
Before I knew it, the day was over! What an incredible start to an incredible week at LPM!!
The following 3 days, the Lord worked seriously in my life as I worked side-by-side with these darling ladies. Iāve learned a GREAT deal about the ministry, itās effectiveness, and EVERY facet of Living Proof that makes it Living Proof. However, I must admit that, although this internship has benefited me greatly through experience, the āonce-in-a-lifetimeā opportunity that makes it a āonce-in-a-lifetimeā experience is the blessing of fellowship. I cannot express to you in words worthy of writing the amount of joy, laughter, godly council, and Kingdom perspective Iāve encountered and been immersed in here! Viewing each aspect of the ministry has allowed my heart to burst with compassion for the lowly and excitement for the saved; laughter at crazy jokes and tears at the sincerity of their hearts. What makes Living Proof all that you perceive it to be is the fact that these ladies are REAL, live āLiving Proof.ā They love Jesus with their whole hearts and passionately yearn to seek Him more! Plus, they might just be the wackiest, craziest, make-you-want-to-sit-down-and-watch-their-sitcom kind of women! (Weāre still thinking of the nameā¦)
I consider myself blessed beyond measure by the Lord. His Joy is my Strengthā¦His Joy is their strength. Weāre not just co-workers for a week. This internship has made us sisters in the Kingdom for eternity!
Be blessed, siestas! If Heās working in a little 17 year-old internās life, I know Heās sure working in yours! Be blessed by the intense measure of His love for you!!! (Colossians 3:12) Hope to write to you again soon! (Maybe in the summerā¦you never know!)
Joyfully His,
Paige!
P.S.~ āWhat is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lordā¦!ā ā Philippians 3:8!
Nice to meet you, Paige! I’d love to know what you’d like to do after you graduate.
Is she up for adoption?? I have two of my own, but I’d make room! No wonder your singing her praises…after all, she’s singing HIS!
Thanks for sharing with us Paige – I hope we’ll be hearing more from you in the future and KEEP AT IT – pursue your Jesus with that 17-year-old enthusiasm, even when you’re well past that age!
Blessings on you,
Melinda
You were right…Paige is a wonderful communicator! I enjoyed her first blog post. š
It is great to meet you, Paige. Thanks for sharing your week with us. So exciting!
Praying for you…
Blessings!
Sheryl
Wow! She’s got a gift for writing! It sounds like God has some big plans in her future…
What an encouraging blog. Just what this middle-aged mom needed to hear this morning. Thank you, Paige, and its so nice to “meet” you.
Wow Paige what an amazing lifetime experience you had! Thanks so much for sharing with us what you experienced. I’m so excited for what God has in store for you in the years to come. You sound like you have an amazing destiny.
p.s. and your a great writer!
Paige, thanks for sharing with us! I’m sure God has great things in store for you. Trust in Him with all your heart and He will direct your paths! (Prov. 3:5-6)
Paige, thanks so much for blessing us on the blog today! I wish I could have had the chance to see you at the office last week. I’m so glad you had a great experience during your internship. I know all the girls fell in love with you!
Oh, Sweet Paige! It sounds like God has blessed your little socks off!!! And in turn, He’s blessed us through your words!
May God continue to richly bless your life as you prepare for graduation and beyond.
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
Awwww, how sweet is this. Paige, he has BIG things for you!!!! :o) So glad you were blessed by your time at LPM!! :o)
It just tickles me so to hear about the workings at Living Proof from this perspective. And Paige, I am not surprised that you felt so welcomed and at home. I love the idea that people pray over the materials being sent; that is so awesome!
Blessings to you Paige, and to all the ladies at LPM!
Adrienne
So glad to hear there are teens out there that are walking close to the Lord. Also that LPM is giving them a look inside at real women doing real work for Jesus.
Paige – I’m happy for you that you got to spend a week at LPM. I hope and pray your zill for the Lord spreads like wildfire out of control.
Becky/Brentwood
Thank you so much, Paige for sharing with us!
We know that GOD works in and through Beth and all of LPM because they are “real”…
That way, HE gets the glory everytimg and no one would dream of competing with that.
That’s why we love them and now are allowed to meet and love on you as well!
May GOD bless you with knowledge and wisdom and with HIS Holy Spirit’s annointing to proclaim a BIG GOD and a Savior, JESUS CHRIST, who makes it possible for us to love and know HIM.
Love and prayers,
Teri
Paige, thanks for sharing your week at LPM! It sounds like a real blessing for you and our Siestas (and Miesta!)in the office. Every time I’ve had the opportunity to talk to any of the ladies, they have been incredibly kind, helpful and so upbeat.
Keep us posted with your future plans! You’re a truly gifted communicator!
Prayers and blessings,
Bobbie
Thanks for sharing Paige!! It sounds like a great week- I enjoyed reading your first blog post!! Blessings on the rest of your senior year!
Good for you, Paige! Great job and I know they were so glad to have you! I hope and pray that my children grow up to have the knowledge and desire for Christ that you have! May you be blessed for your service!
Thanks for the willing heart to bless us….the Lord is surely pouring out his abundance through you…..A col3:12 and as much as Phil 3:8 as you can handle back atya’ Were you with the jump team when they performed at a tues night bible study a couple years ago…i just remember how great they were….Maybe someone at lpm would like to do an internship with them????? Thank You for the special picture of the inner workings of lpm…you do have a word-gift!!!! p.s. what’s for lunch today??????
Oh my!Bless that girl!
So pleased to meet you Paige and thank you for sharing your a snippet of your week w/ us. But what I am dying to know now is….What did you say in your 3 minutes @ Tuesday night Bible study?
Paige,
I love your name! My daughter's name is Paige too.
What an amazing, blessed experience you received! Thanks for sharing a little of it with us. I know many of us Siestas would have loved to have been in your shoes. š All that's missing from this delightful post is a picture of you!
Blessings & Love…
Thank you for the wonderful post, Paige. It was fun to hear a little more about what goes on at LPM. It sounds like you fit right in! Hope you have a terrific senior year.
Love, Karen in OC, California
So glad that you popped in on us Siestas to say hello! I was so blessed by your sweet descriptions of the Living Proof ladies š Too cool.
Blessings to you girl,
Kate š
What a sweetheart! Praying God’s blessings on your life, Paige.
Wonderful post. š
ROCK ON, PAIGE!
Glad you had such an amazing week! Not at all surprised, because HELLO, you hung out at LPM all week. Thanks for your post – you have quite an amazing ability to communicate!
As a mom raising 3 girls in this world of “it’s all about me,” you have NO IDEA how wonderful it is to know there are young ladies like yourself who have it all right. It’s not all about us. It’s all about HIM! I pray that I raise my daughters to love Him and seek Him above all else. Thanks for being that person that kids can look up to at your church.
Robyn, Birmingham, AL
Wow, all I can say is wow! What a beautiful and gifted young lady who is so filled the love of Jesus Christ that you can not help but be a part of her excitement. What a blessing to have her for a week, to bad it wasn’t longer. May the Lord continue to use her and bless her and keep her safe from the world that we live in.
Thank you for posting this blog, what a wonderful way to start a Monday morning in the snowy mountains for Sierra Valley, Ca
Amen Jesus!
Nice to meet you, Paige. Praise the Lord that you got the opportunity you did. May the experience of seeing Jesus fleshed out in those women change the way you view your future workplaces!
Paige- YOU ROCK!!
I had no clue of the LPM day-to-day approach to ministry…so cool.
You’ve blessed me, so let me share some amazing scripture that I’ve held on to for years in ministry, sweet sister:
“Be STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE, always abounding in the work of the Lord…knowing the work of the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor 15:58
This was not the end, just the beginning.
Press hard, run the race in HIS strength,
Susan
J’ville, Florida
I pray the LORD blesses her beyond measure. Go out there and be the light that you are Miss Paige! The world needs you desperately.
Thats my Girl!
Welcome, dear Paige! Thank you for taking time to introduce yourself.
I will be praying for you!
In His grip,
Mary
Loved your words, Paige. And might I add that you looked forever cute on Tuesday Night! Great job, praying for you Siesta!
what a wonderful girl. God Bless you Paige.
and to the Ladies, volunteers and staff at LPM who pray over packages that go out the door. Wow. I think my socks just got impressed right off my feet.
And Paige, I don’t blame you for calling her “Beth” I would too.
Deirdre
screamofcontinuousness
What a pleasure to hear from such a special young lady! I will be praying for you Paige as you continue on your journey!
Thank you for letting her share!
Much love!
Kristi B.
Paige,
It is so nice to meet you and thanks for share your week with the siesta’s. Girlfriend God is going to do (shoot already doing) amazing things with you, just hang on and enjoy the ride.
Paige,
Likely, you already know this, but it is burning on my heart to say it.
I believe you are a part of a generation of forerunners Paige. You are unique, your generation is unique and he is equipping you with profound gifts because He has immense callings on your life. Stay with it! There are contemporaries who are passionate like you and it is beautiful to see God raise you up! Blessings on your heart and all the intimacy God has for your future!
Check out IHOP.org for a great church that is steeped in the Word, bathed in prayer and embraces the power of the Holy Spirit.
Interceding for your generation!
Jina
Nice to meet you Paige. One problem though, no picture! Thankful you had this most wonderful adventure!
Love and Blessings, Debbie in Tennessee
Paige! You are so sweet to share a glimpse into a day in the life of LPM. So thankful for the next generation to equipped to lead and serve. May our God continue to pour out his blessing on you!
And thanks LPM for doing a Titus 2 thing (even in the workplace) Our country, our World, is desparate for it! Be blessed becuase you gave!
much love!
WOW!
The Journey Continues ~
“Joyfully His” ( Paige signed)
Joyfully OURS as a New Siesta!
Beth ~ You are truly “Carrying the Light of Christ Jesus” by opening up the ministry for young adults to see what LOVE is all about!!
How are those puppies of yours these days? Paige mentioned that she got to pet them when they were pups. I would love a photo of you with your grandbabies and pups in your lap! LOL
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
PS
I added several of my favorite books on my blog with a photo!! š
What a fabulous post Paige! It was a joy to hear your greeting last Tuesday night. Before Bible study started, my friend and I were saying how much we missed Jennifer’s greetings, so we had a big laugh with the Lord when you hopped up on stage and welcomed us!
I pray that the Lord will bless you as you go back to school and share your experience with your friends!
Brandy
Houston, TX
hey, anybody thinking what I’m thinking? how about a regular Monday siesta style feast on the word lunch date?
Deirdre
screamofcontinuousness
Paige, what an AWESOME experience for you, and a wonderful glimpse for us into the real life of Living Proof Ministry. It makes my heart yearn for that kind of fellowship, purpose and energy. May God bless you as you seek His face to do His will!
Hi Paige,
You were very impressive Tuesday night. Handled yourself like a pro. You were gracious, confident, relaxed, fun, glowed with the Spirit and not to leave out just dang darlin’. If you reflect the generations up and coming in warms my heart knowing we will be alright with leadership such as yours in the future guiding other young people on their pathway to the heavenly kingdom. Praise God for you young lady…..you ARE an Heiress. Hope to see you at future Bible Studies!
Much Love and many more blessings,
Christine Roskamp
Houston Siesta
That’s awesome, Paige, that you get to have such an incredible opportunity. I am sure you are up to the challenge. Its good to meet you!
I want to come intern there toooo!!! Somebody come steal me away from my job and let me work with such incredible women š
Dear Paige
Thank you for sharing your experiences at LPM and your love for the Lord (came blasting through!).
I have a 17 year old granddaughter who loves Jesus and desires with all her heart to serve Him. I was wondering if you would pray for her.
She is a p.k. and has really undergone persecution. She has not had Christian fellowship and support among her peers, because of Church problems. She has a great Christian family, Dad and Mom (strong believers and leaders)and 3 younger siblings, who have normal sibling squabbles, but who love Jesus together, have fun together and would do anything for each other.
She so desires a good Christian friend, who would walk through the struggles of this dark world, with the faith and light of the Lord. I believe, when I hear her heart, that God would use her to help other young women through, but right now there is a battle to capture her. She is holding strong, but desperately needs Christian support, outside the four walls of her home.
When I read your blog, it reminded me of something that my granddaughter would write, and I felt that you would somehow relate and be able to pray for her. Her name is Kayley.
Thank you Paige. I pray that God will continue to bless you, strengthen you in your own faith, and use you to encourage others.
from a grateful grandmother.
Paige, you are just darling and your sweet, innocent, fresh perspective shines through in your writing. Post a pic of yourself so we can see the precious face that goes with that even more precious heart. Love to you, little siesta…
wow! im amazed to see the heart of this 17 yr old. im ten years older than her, but she has left me inspired and encouraged. she made me fall more in love with Jesus!
Paige your heart is just beautiful and I know that you are one DARLING thing in love with Jesus!!!
We all love LPM and are so glad that you got to dig in deep with them!!!
So much love,
Fran
Paige, what a delight to meet you! I love your spunk and zest for the Lord’s work. The thought the Lord brought to mind was to whom much has been given, much will be required. I pray that you will in turn take this fantastic opportunity and allow the Lord to launch you forward into profound ministry for His glory!
Lisa @ http://www.extravagantgrace.net
What a little cutie! If my son didn’t already have an absolutely wonderful, Jesus-loving girlfriend, I would be looking you UP! (You and his girlfriend would LOVE each other, by the way Paige! You’re not heading to LSU by chance, are you?) What a wonderful word of testimony about the work of our sisters at LPM! God bless you!