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 (Ok…I just had to say it)!
I’m Paige Warren, Living Proof’s 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 I’d LOVE to tell you why!
It all began this past Christmas when I met Mrs. Moore at Second Baptist Church’s annual Kids Crazy Christmas Show (a mouthful, I know – we just call it KCCS)! I’m 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, I’d 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, here’s 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 couldn’t help but feel like I fit right in! So welcoming and loving, the staff made me feel as if they were my very best friends…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-check…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: “Paige, dear, we don’t normally do this, but…would you like to do the announcements and speak at Bible Study Tuesday Night? I’ll give you 3 minutes…” Wait, wait, wait. Could this REALLY be happening? A 17 year-old to speak at Houston’s 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?? “You’ve got to be kidding me!,” 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 words…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! “Wait a second…where did everyone go?,” 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 Curtis…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. “Of course!” Gladly, I plopped down next to Beth (Side Note: We’re not yet on first name basis, but it’s kind of hard after you’ve watched her passionately deliver a Word on Life Today or in Bible Study and constantly scream “You go, Beth!” 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 – 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. I’ve learned a GREAT deal about the ministry, it’s 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 “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity that makes it a “once-in-a-lifetime” 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 I’ve 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 “Living Proof.” 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! (We’re still thinking of the name…)
I consider myself blessed beyond measure by the Lord. His Joy is my Strength…His Joy is their strength. We’re not just co-workers for a week. This internship has made us sisters in the Kingdom for eternity!
Be blessed, siestas! If He’s working in a little 17 year-old intern’s life, I know He’s 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 summer…you never know!)
Joyfully His,
Paige!
P.S.~ “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…!” – Philippians 3:8!
I can’t help but notice that Paige is close to the age that Beth Moore was when she first heard the call of God on her life in to fulltime ministry. Hmmm….sounds like God has something in the works here for Paige’s future, ya think??!!!!
oh how lovely!
Does she have a blog of her own?
Paige,
It was so much fun to meet you!! It was awesome to be there while you, very successfully, kept your emotions in check when Beth asked you to pray over Tues. night Bible study! I was more than happy to do a Happy Dance for you so you could keep your composure (they don’t expect that out of me anymore).
I thought about you today, knowing you are off in California for another incredible week. Please keep us informed of you final college destination! I can’t wait to hear what God has in store for you!
Oh Paige- the Lord has great things in store for you! And I can tell you are highly favored just by your being put in this particular precious internship. What a blessing indeed! Thank you for letting us all know how wonderful it was for you.
You probably have no idea right now what a blessing it was for those at LPM to get to experience the Lord with you – but you will, one day years from now when you work with high school seniors yourself!
Sweet Paige,
Oh what a heart for our God you have!The Joy that He has Blessed you with is just bouncing off the walls of my heart! May He always Bless you on your journeys with Him where ever He may lead you!
Thank you and LPM for all they do to help us Siesta’s in our walk with our God!I love them all!
And as Beth would say Paige….you are in for the wildest ride of your life! You go sweet one!
(sorry if you get this twice, its acting funny)
Paige,
I truly enjoyed reading your recap of your week at LPM. You have a gift of writing it seems. And I feel sure you were as much of a blessing to them as they were to you!
God bless,
Marilyn
What a great post, Paige!!
I do hope we will be hearing more from you in the future.
I thought….”the only thing missing was a picture so we can put a face with the name.” Maybe next time.
This blessed me so much. It’s wonderful to see a teenager so genuine and so on fire for the Lord.
God bless you as you complete your senior year and as you begin to make plans for your future.
Valerie in Oklahoma
Paige, it such a blessing to hear your love and passion for the Lord. I’m excited about the great things that He has in store for you! May your love for Him continue to grow and flourish as you trust in Him on life’s journey.
Blessings
Anne
So nice to meet such a wonderful young lady! Keep it up, Paige! Keep living for Christ! 🙂
Wecome Siesta Paige! What an awesome blog. I am so glad you had the chance to do such awesome tasks with the best people EVER…we siesta’s adore them all too!
I pray this is just the beginning of special encounters for you!
Much love,
Kate
She sounds precious, and I love her name! My 6 month old daughter’s name is Reese Paige Warren 🙂
Paige – I love your name. 🙂 How great to hear about your week at LPM. Also, I love that the girls at LPM offered their time and talents to you. As a teacher, I think internships are such a win-win relationship. You will take this learning experience with you wherever God assigns you. Write it all down so you can always keep it. This experience will encourage in future assignments. Happy summer!
Whoa this girl has the gift of “blogging”. For a 17 year old she has alot of spiritual wisdom. Keep it up, we need young people like you for our future! Blessings!
Welcome Paige! I look forward to hearing about your experiences at LPM and with Jesus. After hearing from you and meeting my high school E-mentee last Friday, I am excited about the ladies who you will be our future mothers, sisters and leaders in Christ.
Namaste,
Mary Ann,
Woodbury, MN
Wow! What an awesome sounding young lady!
CONGRATULATIONS, Paige. You just lived the dream on the top of my list! God bless you in all of your future service to Him and others.
ann
Bedford, VA
Thank you for sharing Paige with us. She is a blessing from God. She seems much older than her years. God has big plans for her and I am sure she will honor him with amazing work and praise.
What a blessing God has poured out on you – savor it and hold it in your heart. God isn’t finished with that one yet!
Paige you made me laugh and want to sit right there on the floor with my pillow and Bible. Thanks for an inside look and thanks for the example of your obedience when God asked you to open the bible study.
He cherishes you!
Kim
Oh, that week sounds so exciting! I’m not 17 yrs old anymore, but I would LOVE to be an intern there! Sounds like so much JOY! I have a question I’d love for someone to answer – for our ladies ministry (and for life in general) – on Mondays, when you all feast on the Word – is there a plan, or does what you read happen randomly? Is there a weekly reading plan, or series, or does the spirit lead that? Thanks!!!
Wow Paige, I am in complete adoration of you! Wish i was doing that at your age. God has put you on a special path, God Speed and God Bless!
Dear Paige,
Thank you for giving a us a glimpse into the LPM office and your experience of it! Praise the Lord for the many rich blessings that have been poured out from the hands of all those who work at LPM!
Many graces be yours as you finish up your senior year!
Peace,
Sister Lynn
Paige,
What an amazing experience for you and thank you for sharing it with us!
God has great things in store for you!!!!
Love ya!
Welcome Paige!
aybe this is too much of a request.. but Beth.. could we please hear from Paige about her 3 minutes at the Tuesday Night Bible Study? Oh My this was so exciting and a blessing to read.. Paige, Girl you just got it.. and I hope you don’t ever let HIM go!
DJ Hartman
Paige,
Wow! What a passion for God’s truth you portray! Thank you for sharing your week with us and especially for sharing your passion for God’s work. My daughter has the same fervor for God and his people; perhaps you two will cross paths one day and be speaking God’s truths to women acroos the USA.
God bless your life always with His redeeming love and presence.
Hey, Paige…. uh, I have this gorgeous 19 year old son…
(Paige) picture please? I went to a second baptist church in cedartown,Ga our motto was “serving a God that is second to none” 🙂
Sweet Paige
Oh what a heart you have for our God! His Joy is just all over you and therefore all over us! May He Bless your journey where ever He may lead you!What a Blessing from God that He would place you into the sweet hands of our dearest Beth and all the wonderful gals at LPM!
I understand how you can feel so at home there,I am literally thousands of miles away, and I get the same feeling right here in my own living room as I do her Bible Studies!! Beth’s teachings have helped me to understand that I can just bask in the LOVE of my Sweet Savior, Jesus Christ! I just love all of you.
And as Beth would say Paige:
You are in for the wildest ride of your life! Go sweet one!
Cheering you on from Alaska!
How darling you are, sweet one. And what a gift you are to your generation!
What a wonderful introduction of Paige! I have a feeling that we shall be hearing more from this young lady! I agree with some of the other posts… so where was her pic??? Go Paige .. Go!
Paige,
Thank you for sharing your amazing chance of a lifetime week!
I was trully blessed reading your post!
Love and Blessings,
Michelle in VT
Paige, you are a senior in HIGH SCHOOL!?!? NO WAY! I was so impressed with your intro to study last week. I NEVER would have guessed you a senior! What a future lies before you! (Sorry for all of the exclamtion points. I’m pretty excited – can ya tell?)
Blessings upon you and your life!!
Paige… you are just PRECIOUS! : )
Paige,
It’s always so wonderful and such an incredible encouragement to hear from young sistahs in Christ.
Your post was very refreshing. You are just adorable.
Maybe some day I’ll get to see you in Jump. We go to Second (West Campus) and my Michael LOVES JUMP! It is so awesome. I used to be in dance for a long time and some times I wish I could just jump up on the stage and get down.
I’m sure you watched the “Changed Lives” video for New Members Sunday. I loved every single testimony on there and have watched the video several times since. Testimonies are my favorites from humans. I have to say that little girl at the beginning warmed my heart to no end when she said something like “I went to the big people’s service and then my mom told me to go to Jump, so I did.” Something like that, but it was sooo cute.
God bless you as you continue your journey. I’m sure we will hear more from you in the future!
You have already figured out one of the most important lessons in life: TO ALWAYS REMAIN TEACHABLE!!!
Very Sincerely,
Barbara Shrewsbury Katy,TX
Truly you are blessed sweet one….Hey we need to see a pic of our young siesta!!!
Well Paige that was impressive 🙂 you truly have a gift! I am horrible at writing!!!! I hope that our sweet Jesus continues to bless you and give you these incredible opportunities that you will never forget. He is looking out for you! Have fun girl 🙂
Kelly Jo
Albany Kentucky
I have to make one more comment. I can’t brag on such a sweet thing without bragging about my own girl. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity because it touched me so much.
Briefly, someone had mentioned me giving my testimony (deliverance from alcoholism), although they did not know my testimony. They were just searching for people. I hate to get up in front of peers, it terrifies me. High School students-no problem, peers-another story. When I’m asked to do it, I do because I’m being obedient to God and after delivering me from hell on earth, the least I can do is tell others.
I’ve only done this a few times and believe me, they were pitiful deliveries. I’m the girl that used to shake at my desk when asked to read aloud in class. Anyhow, my children were always off in chidren’s church. Now, my daughter sits with us and my son goes to Jump.
He does not really remember the past because he was so young, but my daughter remembers everything. She knows how much I changed after accepting Christ.She remembers the terrible times. She just turned teen on me and I was concerned about how it might embarrass her now.
Believe me, I’ve been judged over and over for being “the mother that used to drink like a fish.” It does not bother me, but I do not want to harm my children and I know God will work it out. So, I asked my sweet daughter if it would bother her if I gave my testimony. I told her I completely understood if it did. She is a teen and I know she does not deserve to have her friends do the mom judgment thing. Also, I hated those years and I can really empathize with embarrassment.
She looked at me like something must be wrong with me and said “What is embarrassing about being delivered?” She said it with the authentic confidence and I believe she’s even proud of me. Those few words spoke volumes to me. That girl is in Christ. She meant it and for the first time after she spoke, I was speechless with my hand to my heart. Turned out, I was not asked to give a personal testimony. Just knowing that she was “way cool” with it, well, I just can’t explain it.
This generation is our future and it just gives me so much joy to hear from someone like Paige. Man, sometimes I think this generation puts ours to shame with their boldness.
Barbara S. Katy, TX
Well, that was just wonderful!
Paige, you stay strong in the Lord. Your life will never be more fun, more full or more blessed than when you walk with HIM!
Hugs to you, siesta!
Melana in Wyoming
Awww Paige! What an awesome week you had!! Thank you for sharing your experience, what a priceless opportunity given to you! It sounds like you fit in perfectly! Can I come hang with y’all for a week? Lol 🙂
Pretty Please? Sounds like too much fun!
PICTURE??? Where is a photo of Paige? May God bless her beautiful young life to His glory.
Okay, as if I didn’t already think she was stinkin’ precious after Tuesday night, I think she’s even more precious now!
Paige, I just need to know, sister, where in the world you got those darling boots you were wearing Tuesday? I have to admit I was coveting them. You are a doll!
Keep seeking after Him, girl, and keep encouraging those around you. I absolutely love me some high school girls, even though I’m not that far removed.
Blessings!
Lindsee
You go girl!!!!!
Are you kidding me? What a doll, and so mature for a young gal! Your zeal for the Lord and enthusiasm is such an encouragement. You will surely go far in this world…
May God bless you!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience.
Paige, as your Student Pastor I am very proud of you and excited to see what God is doing in and through your life!
Hello, Paige. What an awesome experience…
Wishing the LPM staff and siestas a Happy Purim. I just finished the Queen Esther bible study on the first day of Purim and I am was so happy that I got to spend one more day celebrating the life of Queen Esther. Thanks for yet another inspiring study.
Miss Paige, I am blessed to “meet” you! I can tell by your post that your precious heart was blessed by your internship at LPM!:) Your heart is His, I can tell that:) Keep holding on tight to Him, Paige, He really is your life. I pray that the Lord uses you to bless other’s lives for His glory and that you would abide in His Word for the rest of your days. Keep that fiery passion for Him and childlike faith!
Love in Him, blessing, and ((HUGS)) to you young Paige:)
katiegfromtennessee
I remember being an intern during college…and a few years later HAVING an intern! It was so neat to “pass on” the blessing and help train someone.
I don’t have an office anymore, but just today God game me the opportunity to “train” a younger mom with encouraging words.
Paige! What an incredible experience, I know you’ll treasure it forever. Thanks for sharing it with us. Sounds like you have your heart and mind set on things above, praise the LORD!
How I wish I could exchange places with you Paige….It so warm my heart to read your experiences at LPM…and also that the staff pray over the materials being sent. I look forward to the monthly gift….and really appreciate receiving them all the way from USA to Penang Malaysia. God bless you all at LPM