As of yesterday, it has been two weeks since I’ve been a part of what they lovingly call “The Village”. In other words, I’ve been at Living Proof Ministries for an entire two weeks. I am certain that if I had a penny for every time I’ve heard the words “The Village”, whether referring to the LPM staff, or in the phrase “It takes a village!”, I’d be one wealthy girl.
But if I’ve learned one thing these past two weeks, I’ve learned that it certainly does take a village. And that The Village is very easy to love. I may not be wealthy in pennies, but I am certainly wealthy in sisters.
I jumped into what I like to refer to as sanguine land.
I myself am quite the sanguine, but have noticed the past two weeks that I’ve really toned it down a bit. I have been a top notch observer, just taking everything in moment by moment. Quite honestly, the other night I sat down to journal and I couldn’t think of one thing to write down. Not because I have a lack of words or thoughts, but because I didn’t know where to start.
Even as I started this post, I uploaded pictures then decided I had nothing to say. Thankfully, I regained consciousness and came back to this post shortly after my loss of words and this is what you’ve got. What is it I’ve got, you ask? A list of observations from a week of working with the village.
1. This may disappoint, but my first observation? The phones never stop ringing. Ever. LPM is a hopping ministry. Praise God!
2. These ladies are hilarious.
3. They know how to pray. And they do it often.
4. A lot of laughter is heard all day long.
5. LPM knows how to eat. Let’s be honest, we like food around here. The workday pretty much revolves around lunch. I’m a-okay with that because I consider myself a food junkie. It might not be that endearing, but it’s true.
6. There is nothing you do alone at LPM. It really does take a village. For instance, it took four of us to connect my computer to another screen so I’d be double screening it. I don’t know the technical term for that since I’m not technical, but let me tell you, it is a blessing.
7. You won’t get to work or leave work without getting approximately ten hugs.
8. Personal? What is that? The village needs to know all personal matters. But at least you know they’ll keep it to themselves. At least that’s what I’m told.
9. Skype is a must. As is email. As is HeyTell. As is text messaging. Communication is flourishing.
10. They love Jesus. For real. I want to love Jesus more because of them.
11. With their forces combined, along with the prophetic dream Amanda had, I’m sure I’ll be married in six months. Except I’m totally kidding. Maybe.
12. You know your boss is legit when she sends you a picture text message of the yogurt you’d been discussing earlier. She wanted you to make sure you knew exactly what it was so you wouldn’t have to go on a wild goose chase. I’m thankful.
13. I need to get used to eating a bigger breakfast on Monday mornings. Instead of the workday revolving around lunch that day (see #5), it revolves around Bible study and prayer. We skip lunch and feast on the Word of God. He is good, y’all. And He does satisfy. Needless to say, however, I go home with quite the appetite.
14. The UPS man could probably drive to LPM with his eyes closed. From my office I see him pull up everyday and I watch in amazement at all the boxes he brings in. LPM might just be his second home.
15. We may or may not meet frequently at the reception area on the second floor for the most interesting conversations you’ve ever heard. And by interesting, I mean we discuss what we had for breakfast. It’s pretty epic, y’all. I have heard, but have yet to experience the 3:00 stretches. I’ll let y’all know how that goes.
In all seriousness, I’ve been there a week and I can say I sincerely love it already. I’m still slowly taking everything in, but really enjoying learning the ropes and getting to know everyone there. Yes, I’m tired and adjusting to a new job and bed time, but I feel beyond blessed to get to serve alongside these incredible ladies.
Here are some pictures from my first week.
My old boss JJ and his wife Anna sent me flowers my first day of work at the office. It was so sweet and they were beautiful. Thank you so much, JJ and Anna! It meant so much to me.
I have literally taken zero pictures with my real camera, but here are some of my office that I took with my phone. I share an office with Jenn, our Tuesday Night Bible study coordinator, but she is a mama of three youngins’, so you can imagine that her office hours are more flexible and different than mine. We’ve only shared the office for two hours! The desk on the left is hers. I can take zero credit for how adorable this office is. Everything was already done, I just simply moved in.
This is the view looking out to the balcony. Not too shabby, eh?
Just a cute corner of the office. Don’t you love those pillows? At 3:00 everyday I’m tempted to take a nap.
This is my side/desk of the office. So far, I love it.
This is what the double screen looks like. It has been such a tremendous help when you stare at a computer all day long!
We hosted our volunteers at the ministry for the simulcast. It was really fun getting to know them and also getting to be with my co-workers soaking up God’s Word. We had the best time! I am so glad I went. And boy did I get a Word! Amen.
Beth came up to work one day when she planned on not actually being there. That day she worked at the front desk with Kimberly and although we may not have gotten a ton of work done, we sure had a lot of fun. And yes, Beth is wearing a tiara. This is women’s ministry after all. We may or may not have a few of those around here.
Here is Kimberly, Sabrina and Susan. They are known as the three stooges. We meet at this very countertop for conversations throughout the day.
I got to experience my first LPM birthday celebration yesterday and it did not disappoint. I had heard they were quite the big deal and I have to say, LPM knows how to celebrate. Of all people, we got to celebrate sweet Nancy in the middle. We love her!
In case you were wondering, yes, I still pinch myself every morning. I don’t deserve to work here with these incredible ladies, but believe me when I tell you I thank the Lord (very often) for this sweet gift.
And that, sweet Siestas, is my first list of observations. I am sure there are plenty more to come. I can tell I’m going to really love it here.
What fun! And “Hey, Nancy.” (We had a wonderful talk on the phone one day and she was such an encouragment to me! You are adorable — well, in fact you all are!)
Lindsee Lou,
So, so , happy to be drinking my coffee this morning all the way over in North Georgia to pop this open and find out you are working at LPM. What an amazing, exciting time girl. I so have loved our times we have seen each other and cannot wait to see you at the SSMT in January. Praying God’s amazing blessings on you as you start this chapter in your life!! You are such an exception to the rule girl. . your walk and witness encourages even this mama of 11!!!!
Love you girl,
Wendy
Hi Wendy! I was just wondering if you’d be at SSMT this year. It will be SO fun to see you and hug your neck! I can’t wait!
That is so awesome, Wendy, that you have eleven children!! I am the middle child of eleven children myself. There are 6 girls and 5 boys in my family. I love all of my siblings so very much! I pray blessings upon all of you!
That was an awesome post. Fun seeing those offices??? That did not look like a typical work place at all. What a blessing to have work like that you are the envy of us all!
I am hoping and praying that sometime in the years I have left that I could come to LPM a week and just volunteer. Dunno if that is even possible but I would just love to come and meet you all. It is a long trip though from the prairies of ND but maybe some day I will have the money and the okay to do just that. Could you take someone like me if I ever managed to save up the money to do it?? I would just like to help in a mailroom or something and go to the Tues eve Bible study and just hang around with other Jesus lovers for a week. It would be a mountain top expereince, Best wishes to you in this new endevour and I know we will here lots from you and the villiage.
Lindsee-
So fun to see inside LPM and read your reflections! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Heather from Lewiston
I love hearing about life at LPM! Congrats! I know you are a great asset to the ministry! Oh, I love love love your office. 🙂
Welcome to Siestaville Lindsee!!! Pleasure to have you.
I loved your post because I could “feel” what it is like to work at LPM.
I absolutely love that Beth has on a tiarra in the picture…..I just wanna hug her!
Welcome Sister and God Bless!
Congratulations, Lindsee, on your new job at LPM! Thanks for taking time to post all the pics and give us an insider’s look at your new digs and co-workers. Love hearing about all the activity there, to the glory of God!
Lindsee, I am so jealous even if I am old enough to be all of you girl’s mother (probably including Beth)You are going to fit right in I’m sure. Loved your list and your darlin’ sense of humor!
Okay, now I want to work there, too! How fun!
Lindsee, how exciting for you to be part of an incredible ministry team doing awesome things for God and women all over the world. I lift prayers of thanksgiving for all of you! And, I simply must know where you found those adorable buttons hanging on the wall over your desk – precious!
Thanks Lindsee…….I feel like I’ve been there! Keep the play by play coming! Love it.
I love to hear from people when they first start a job! Weird?!? Thank you for sharing. Keep us updated on the getting married…..or not. Somethings are meant to be personal.
Lindsey,
Thank you for sharing your first days at LPM. What a blessing.
As for your computer setup, you now have an extended desktop. You notebook screen plus an additional monitor!
Yours in Christ
Phyllis
I love your office space! How fun, and I have those same green folder-holders, or whatever their official term is. Love the green and black – my kinda place – I’m sure you are having the most fun!
Thanks so much, Lindsee, for sharing your heart and thoughts with us!! Loved the points and pics!!! Praying each day affords you sweet blessings and gifts from Jesus as you journey with The Village. Here’s my Sept. 15th Memory Verse again, which seems to apply this morning to your post: “For we have all received from his fullness one gracious gift after another.” John 1:16 The NET Bible
Love,
Paulette
Hey Lindsee,
So happy for you and your new opportunity. You are so blessed to be working in that type of atmosphere. How awesome it is to be hugged as you are arriving to work and when you leave, I can feel the love all the way over here on the East Coast 🙂
Oh, Lindsee, I loved this ‘visit’ so very much! Thank you for drawing us in and inviting us in to experience your new diggs : ). It does take a village, yes!
Please tell Kimberly and Nancy hello for me. Like so many others, I have loved and laughed with them through the phone… no, really! All of you women are as darlin’n as I imagined!
xo, rene
Well, now we all want to work at Living Proof Ministries! Wait – maybe we can be satelite offices. I must go get me some people for my Village! And decorating ideas… hmmm. 😉
Seriously, love the office! It looks and sounds like a very fun place to work!
Blessings!
Gail
I love the “village” !! Blessings today=)
Hi Lindsee!
What glorious fun! I have to tell you that I love love love #10- one of my FAVORITE, most cherished thing in the world is girls who love Jesus so much that it keeps encouraging me to love Him like nothing else. Those are the best women to do life with!
I am excited for how that will keep spilling out onto all of us! Bless you girl!
Chrissy
Thank you Lindsee! What a fabulous insight!
Loved to hear all the goings on … God is GOOD!
Sounds like we all want to join up and work with you all there in the Village 🙂
If it’s this good in the first weeks, I can’t imagine how good it gets in the years to come! Praise God!
Lindsee-
Thanks so much for sharing!! It looks like a wonderful place to work…I am so happy for you!
God Bless
SO happy you are enjoying your work at LPM! God has done, and will continue to do, great things through your life! 🙂
Welcome Lindsee-
Thanks for much for sharing your observations plus pics. I am so happy that you are enjoying your first week and experiencing wonder, love, support and a whole lot of Jesus. It looks like an absolutely beautiful place to work where a ton of ministry, prayer, laughter & food happens.
My kind of place!
God Bless
Miss Lindsee Welcome and thank you for joining the Village. Looking forward to hearing what God does in your life and the lives of others through this. May God bless you and blow your socks off with what He teaches you! May you see Him work in the people who’s lives you touch each day!! And by all means HAVE FUN!!!!!
It looks like you had a wonderful fun first day!!!
Hi Lindsee,
Thank you so much for sharing. I could feel the love just looking at those pictures!
Embrace and enjoy,
Karen
Thanks so much for sharing Lindsee. I love it! 🙂
Hey Lindsee!! I read constantly but have never posted. So here’s my first one and it’s not terribly Godly, but I need to know if you can find someone who knows the name of the paint color on your office walls! I love it and want to paint my dining room that color!
Okay, back to more important things… 🙂
Oh Lindsee, I’ve been in full time ministry for 16 years and boy does my office NOT look like that. We do have a lot of fun but I work with mostly men. There’s nothing remotely as pretty as that office. I think I would plain out thrive in that work environment.
My favorite thing you said was…
I want to love Jesus more because of them.
Perfect. We should all pursue such community!
God Bless, I am so delighted to witness your ministry and contribution to the ministry at LPM- You are remarkable dear one in the Body of Christ- Blessings and love!
Lindsee,
Wow! I want to work there. And I covet your office because it’s so cute. Yes, I covet it, I admit.
As for #11 on your list – have them pray for me. I’m 45, want a husband but have never had a boyfriend or even a decent kiss. Yes, it’s getting old. Add me to your prayer list please!!
And enjoy your job!!!!!
Oh – I really enjoyed this post! My observations:
1. Oh Yeah! Something form LPM
2. Beth has a new job? But LPM… surely she would have said something…
3. Point #11 – she’s already married…getting married again? I’m confused…
4. Old boss…huh? The confusion is growing…
5. Very cute office, I would expect nothing less from the amazing women at LPM
6. As I read the comments…OH MY STARS! Lindsee wrote this post, not Beth.
Well, now I must re-read and I’m sure it will all make sense!
7. Sweet girl, your writing sounds a lot like Mama Beth, what an awesome gift (for you both). That’s why I was confused. I was so excited to get something good in my email, I missed the line that said who wrote it.
8. Congratulations! You will be blessed as I am certain we will be blessed by you.
Hugs! Nina
Double screens are the BEST!! I have the same set up and oh how I wish I’d had a few sisters helping me find my way when I put it all together!
Lindsee!! You are precious and God is doing so much through you! Enjoy this adventure – and thanks so much for taking us along with you!! Can’t wait to see more…and I think I’ve used my allotment of exclamation points for the entire week.
God has big plans for you Lindsee. Enjoy the journey!!
Thanks for the post.
Is the UPS man cute? Just sayin’. 🙂 Maybe that wedding dream will be a reality! lol Seriously, the office is adorable. Have fun! When job and ministry comes together, it’s just a beautiful thing. Blessings!
Lindsee – what a great post! I feel as if I’ve had a tour 🙂 You know what I loved? That I could physically SEE the love in the way Beth, Sabrina, Nancy, Susan, Kimberly and you are all touchy-huggy-lovey in the pictures. Leaning in your heads, arms around each other, hands on top on each others’ hands… Those things come about from years of praying for and knowing and loving one another.
There is a closeness, a bond – even in Siestaville, and it is JESUS! Hallelujah and Thanks Be to Our God (my new favorite song from Travis’s new C.D.)!
G.J.
P.S. I also loved #11. Can I get a witness in the house from the bridesmaids? 🙂
Lindsee, the way you describe it there is exactly the way I’d imagine Living Proof Ministries to be like…
Hi Lindsee,
What a fabulous post. I enjoyed walking along with you.
I can see you watching and learning….everything.
Yeah for the double monitor. Yes, what a difference it makes.
I’m going to thank Jesus for blessing you with this gift.
For us who work right-in-the-middle of Babylon where it is daily (minute by minute) a Spiritual FIERCE battle – it’s a simple pleasure to walk with you and feel the love.
…love Jesus more! Me too.
My Pastor played this song last week, it just popped into my head:
Chorus
shine
make ´em wonder what you´ve got
make ´em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let´em see good works, and then
let ´em glorify the Lord
…you are not going to be bored, but tired and the best part:
let ´em glorify the Lord!!!!!!
Have a fabulous weekend.
🙂
Kierstan
Portland, Oregon
Fun update!
How amazing! I can’t imagine a better place to work! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Dear Lindsee,
I can’t tell you how excited I am to hear you have been accepted into the LPM village! Yesterday, I typed out several paragraphs to you and being the resident village idiot, I hit some hot keys–please don’t ask me which ones–and lost the whole thing. Things like that never happened when I had my laptop that ran entirely off of 3.5 floppies with no hard drive.
But in a nutshell, I can tell without doubt that my life is radically different because a couple of young women over 35 years ago invested in me and a bunch of other gals for the sake of the Gospel. I know God is going to use you directly in the lives of women, but also as you seek to duplicate yourself and others follow your example and reach out to young women.
Looking forward to hearing what God is doing through and around you as He takes you on this new journey!
Thanks Lindsee! I love your office space & love the Living Proof building. My friends and I were blessed to see it (outside) when we were there in January ’09 for the Scripture Memorization Event. And…Nancy happened to come out & she visited with us and took a few pictures with us. She’s SO sweet!
Kimberly is very special to me. She listened and prayed with me a couple of years ago on the phone as I cried & poured out a special prayer request to her. I have kept in touch & shared special pictures (that pertained to my request after a huge praise God blessed us with). I want to meet Kimberly when I come in Jan. ’12!
I know you’re a huge blessing to the LPM too, Lindsee! I’m very happy for you!!
Love,
Valerie
I’m sure it is awesome to go to work there everyday. I am a little jealous. I work at a church so I am the only woman in the office. I love what I do, but I miss being around the ladies.
Thank you for such a fun peak into your days at work. I think it speaks to your own joy and delight in your job those things that make your heart sing – double computer screens, spontaneous conversations with coworkers, celebrating people, prayer and being in community. Enjoy!
Lindsee,
I know they are enjoying having you there, too. I get to re-live all the funny LPM moments when my mom tells me all the hysterical and fun stories. Ask my mom (Susan) about the time she heard her name over the intercom at Stein Mart a few years ago! 🙂
How fun to get to hear about LPM fron Lindsee’s perspective. Sounds like an awesome place to work and inspiring too. Blessings!
I loved reading your story and getting a tour around the office. Sounds like you’re going to be very blessed working there. It looks so homey there and The Worship and LOVE and LAUGHTER is so essential for a good life!!! What a blessed place to work!!!
My pastor is also getting sponsored by Lifeway, His name is J.D. Greear at the Summit Church.. he just wrote the study called Gospel and Lifeway came to our Church to tape the study. FUN!! Just sayin’… Both Beth and JD have been the top number one people that have helped me understand the Gospel and Jesus. JD and BEth both make me laugh out loud with that kind of belly laugh that is hard to come by.
I love her heart and her love for people and women. You are so very blessed to work there!!! Can’t wait to hear more stories from you :))
I want to know if they are hiring–I am willing to relocate. You are so blessed. I will continue to pray for Living Proof Ministries. You sistas don’t know how much you have done for this fellow traveler. My life has changed so much since doing Believing God. Have a great day.
Thanks for sharing!
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