One year ago today I walked into a house-turned-office for my first day at Living Proof Ministries, and my, what a year it’s been! (Fun side-note: Within an hour on the job, I filmed this video. On my very first day of work. I was terrified and can now laugh hysterically at my professional head nodding.) This year has easily been one of the most exciting, fun, challenging and neat years of my life. I’ve grown in ways I would have never imagined, been challenged to increase my faith and believe God, and on top of all that, made a handful of new best friends. What you may not know is that not only did I enter into a new job, after 26 years of attending, serving and working at a church I was raised in, I became a member at a new church as well. So, to say it’s been a new year and a new season is a vast understatement. But I wouldn’t trade this year for anything in the world.
There is no way I could let this day pass without sharing what I’ve learned about this ministry in just one year. Though I’m only going to share three things that stick out to me, what you need to know is that this list is the bare minimum.
L is for the Lavishness of LPM
I may hear the word “village” around here a lot, since we do refer to ourselves as The Village, but more so than that, I hear the word lavishness. I don’t know a word that describes LPM more accurately. Not only does the Lord lavish His love on us, but His lavishness towards us means that we can generously give to others. Living Proof gives more than anyone I know. And I mean that in every sense of the word. They give of their time, their love, their resources, their energy, their wisdom, and especially their prayers. You can’t walk through the doors of LPM and walk out without receiving a blessing, which is their goal. They do it with intentionality and grace. And lest you think for one second they do it to make a name for themselves, think again, it is all to make God’s name great, because He is the one that so lavishly and generously loves and gives to us.
P is for Prayer Warriors
My very first day of work happened to be on a Tuesday, the day after Labor Day. On any other given Tuesday, you would find us scurrying out the door at noon to head to lunch, however, on this particular day, since they had missed their typical Monday prayer time during lunch, they dove into prayer time on Tuesday instead. I think you know where I’m going with this. Instead of eating out on my first day of work, I prayed with my new found co-workers. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared and intimidated out of my ever-loving mind, and sometimes I still am. What in the world had I gotten myself into? I was sitting in the red room with 10 other ladies I barely knew and they were praying their heads off. If I can say one thing about these ladies, it’s that they’ve taught me how to pray. And not just pray, but pray with boldness, belief and for heaven’s sake, a little bit, or a lot of faith. Are my prayers eloquent? Heck no. Do I soak in every word they say and pray? You bet I do. I’ve witnessed miracles because of their mighty prayers. One thing I know to be true, you want these ladies praying for you.
M is for Mothering and Mentoring
September 6th, 2011 I gained 14 mothers and 14 mentors. Please note, I have a wonderful mother who I love dearly that lives 20 minutes from me and we talk often, but this was a no brainer given the territory I stepped into. I am the youngest on staff and each of them could be my mother. I say that in the most endearing, respectful way. The way the care about the little details of my life, the way they scratch my back, they way they send texts because they can’t bare to wait until the next day to hear about a certain this or that, are all things any mother would do. Do I hate it? No. In fact, I consider myself ridiculously spoiled in the spiritual realm. I’ve been known to confess during prayer time just how unique my situation is. What 27-year-old girl gets to be surrounded by this much wisdom? Does it mean we sit and chat over coffee on a daily or weekly basis? Well, not really. Unless you take into consideration our lunch hour, but what I mean by mentoring is I get to watch (and watch I do) the way these godly women handle their husbands, their children, their times alone with the Lord, their reaction to all manner of circumstances and so on and so forth. I get a front row seat to their daily, personal lives, and not one of them has left me disappointed. Are they perfect? Far from it. But they’re real. They’re authentic. I want to be like that.
The Lord has extended His faithfulness to me in more ways than I can count. I will boast in the Lord alone, because He alone did this.
Working alongside these women is one of the greatest privileges of my life. It’s life giving and water to my soul nearly every day. Not one day goes by without receiving encouragement, truth, wisdom and you better believe it, laughter. When I leave, I feel like I’ve been near God. Not to mention, we can talk for hours without gossiping, a miracle for 14 ladies if you ask me. Thank you, Jesus.
I don’t want to fool you into believing that life here is perfect. We’re human, flawed, we are all but a vapor, dust, bereft, and deeply in need of Jesus, without Him, every minute of our work here is in vain. However, it is my greatest desire to honor God and this ministry by celebrating God’s faithfulness to us.
Thank you, LPM, for accepting me from the minute I walked through those front doors. I feel like I’ve been here for ten years. And I hope I’m here for ten more, God-willing.
Thank you, Lord, for planting me here for such a time as this and doing greater than I could ever ask or imagine. You alone are to be praised. You are what LPM is made of.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
Oh, how EVERY woman should have a similar experience in their life. In this digital world, your connected-ness is a blessing. There was a time in my life when I craved godly women in my life. God answered my prayers in ways I couldn’t have imagined. For those of you reading Lindsee’s post and find yourself a wee bit coveting ;o) the relationships at LPM, send up prayer and see WHO God has in store.
Thank you for your suggestion….I am in need of christian women fellowship…moved to a new area three yrs ago…I’m going to ask God this evening…
What was I waiting for…thanks again..
Patti San Rafael…Calif.
Patti – I NEVER read the comments here, and I have NEVER commented either…. but I live in your town and understand that this town in particular is a hard place to find christian women fellowship. Email me and I may be able to help you get connected…. [email protected]
God LOVES a connected community and so DO I! I’m praying right now that the two of you connect AND have a lasting sista relationship with other godly women.
You are so blessed! I can only hope to be working in a job I’m passionate about with coworkers whom I love and respect by the time I’m 27 (which is just 2 years away)! Such a sweet e-mail and tribute to your mentors:)
I LOVE this post! I’m also 27 and pray daily about my job. I badly want to work with Godly men and women who lift up one another. You’re right – I want the LPM ladies praying for me! How do I get on that prayer list?!?!
Congrats on a wonderful year at LPM! We reap the rewards of this amazing organization!!
Girl, you’re always welcome to post on our prayer board. They are prayed over every day! Blessings to you! https://www.lproof.org/Interact/PrayerSupport/default.aspx
Oh sweet Lindsee…I am just so thrilled for you! I am thrilled for those precious women of LPM to also know you and grow from YOU! Yes, you!! What an all around gift for everyone. I just sit here and grin as I type this out. Thank you for writing so beautifully what you have learned and what this year has meant to you.
I pray God continue to bless your sweet socks off this next year and continue to pour Himself out to you and everyone at LPM.
I think the world of you!
Fran
Thanks, Lindsee, for the fun, meaningful post! Also, thanks for your Taco in a Ring (is that it’s name?) recipe you linked to on the last post. I’ve got the hamburger cooked up and the refrig rolls ready to go for dinner tonight!
Have a blessed day! YOU are a blessing to Siestaville! So glad you’re here!
Lindsee, so exciting to see what God has taught you in this last year and how he is using you! You are a wonderful blessing to so many and it is beautiful to see how God is glorified through you.
Looking forward to having you join me at the beach one day!
Love you,
Karen
WOW!!! Thanks for sharing this! So blessed this mother’s heart!
Happy 1st year anniversary! Sounds like it’s been an awesome year. Being an older woman (47) I know that the women at LPM feel blessed to have you in their lives. We love our young ladies!
What sweet commentary. Thank you Lindsee. God has blessed you in a marvelous way. Best of all you are aware of the blessing you have there. May God continue to bless ALL of you at LPM.
What lavish blessings, indeed! Your gratitude glorifies God. May He keep you always so appreciative of the grace he pours into your life. Happy 1 year!
Thanks for sharing your gratitude to the Lord. We just need to take everything to the Lord and he will give us more then we ever ask for. Glory to God. Love how it works, we are mentored and at the same time we can mentor too! It’s two fold. God is good!
What a testimony and I can just imagine the blessings you receive each day. LPM is not just an awesome ministry to millions, but LPM has made us all family. You fit!!! You are the bomb! (can someone 68 say that?). You are an extension of Beth and the team to us. Thanks for sharing with us as often as you do and keeping us connected. God bless you as you continue to do His will.
Time flies when you are having fun….congrats on one year!
My Mom makes this same “ring” only she puts chopped ham and broccoli and cheese in it.
I think I will try making the taco ring – sounds great!
I didn’t realize it had been an entire year. Congrats! Keep writing and keeping us in our village.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Lindsee! your post had me in tears! I am so thankful to serve with you! you bring a wealth and then some – We love you a crazy ton!
Happy 1 year! 🙂
Lindsee, I just assumed you had been around for years. (Even though you look like a young girl yourself). I just started participating in the blog the last few months, and I have loved Beth for YEARS! Bought all the books, helped our church with the simulcast, (having our last meeting tonight for this years event), but just never got on the site for some goofy reason! I love being a “siesta”, and congrats on your anniversary! The Lord placed you in the right spot for you to grow spiritually, but oh, what joy you bring to all of us! Love to read your messages, you makes me smile.
Thank you for your service to the Lord and for being a blessing to others. God bless you. Happy 1st Year!
Dear Lindsee,
Happy Anniversary! I am so happy for you to be surrounded by such wonderfully blessed women who love the LORD with all of their heart! But make no mistake, Dear One, they are blessed to be around your zeal, enthusiasm, love for God and His people, and your youth! You bring alot to the table and that is why the Lord handpicked you for this very important assignment! After meeting you a few times, seeing you as you lead worship at BCF, reading your posts, and seeing your heart, I think the LORD made the PERFECT choice in you!!!! Bravo, Jesus!!! Blessings, Lindsee!!!
Thank you, Lindsee, for your words so beautifully expressed. I am tempted to say “I envy you”. But I am very thankful that the Lord has put women like this in my life as well…Godly, encouraging, rich in love and wisdom-giving. (though I am envious that you get to work with these kind of ladies day in and day out). And thank you for sharing with us all on this blog – you’ve been a blessing. We’re so glad you are part of LPM.
– Michelle in Maine
Dear Heavens, Lindsee, you are full of wisdom!
Happy one year and thank you for sharing this amazing testimony. I.love.it.
I’m looking foward to seeing that video of yours. Please keep on LPM ministries. You are making a difference in Jesus’ Name.
Hugs and prayers,
Ganise
Oh did I tear up! Gosh God is so good, isn’t he? I have such excitement for you! Sounds like the perfect job. Thanks Lindsee for ALL you do!!
This so made my heart smile! I’m doing a bible study on the book of Ruth…and us young girls and the mother figure in our lives are so blessed if we’d tap into each other…Blessings to you! Love LPM!
I too am so blessed by the older women who have come around me and helped shape me. We are such blessed ladies! Congratulations on your one year! I have been so blessed by your honesty here in Siestaville. 🙂
Hannah
Lindsee,
You sound like the most mature 27 year old woman I have encountered. God bless you for giving to us all for a year now…and longer. I have been blessed beyond measure for the past 3 years and you have been part of that. Your blog articles are fun, fresh and honest. Thank you for your service to our great and living God! I can only imagine the smile on Jesus’s face!
: )
Lindsee
You have been a blessing to the ministry . Many blessings !!
Congrats on your new job….you have been a faithful woman (girl) and now your promotion is overtaking you…Blessings..!
Beth Moore everyday…What a Blessing…
Praising Jesus for the place He has you in and how he is using you for His glory! WOuld you mind sharing what your passion for the young people is and do you have a mission statement for that ministry?
Thank you!
Happy anniversary Lindsee! Funny enough, the first post I read on the blog was your first post! I appreciate your enthusiasm and your honesty. I can’t imagine what the blog would be without you! Keep up the good work!!
This is my first time commenting here….actually the first time reading the LPM blog! I am a missionary in Mexico, the mother of 18 incredible children and absolutely crazy about Jesus Christ and His Word! I have been so blessed by Beth and her ministry and am looking forward to, Lord willing, participating in the upcoming simulcast…as an individual, in my living room…trying to convince my husband to keep the kids at bay to create my own ‘mini-retreat’ that day! God bless and thanks for the encouragement! Dios les bendiga!
I am so excited for you! May The Lord continue to pour His blessings on you as you embark in this new journey for Him!
Congratulations on your anniversary and thank you for your faithfulness to His call!
I was touched by your thoughts regarding the “village” and the power of their prayers. I want to ask, better yet to beg the “village” to stand in the gap for me and my family. My 2 years old is fighting cancer (stage 4 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma). Although our hearts hurt more than words can say we find it an honor that the Lord is finding us worthy to go through this trial. We believe and trust in God’s promises and we know that “He who promised is faithful”. We know that He will heal her but the road to complete healing is so hard. We need all the prayer warriors to intercede for us and just like you said “not just pray, but pray with boldness, belief and for heaven’s sake, a little bit, or a lot of faith.”
Also I would like Beth to know that I have been one of her blog “stalkers” for many years and the Lord has blessed me through her more than words can express and more than she will ever know. I just purchased and started James on my own and so far I feel like the Lord is speaking directly to me through every word of the study. I just glanced through the later chapters and I can say that I am soooo looking forward “to the rain”!! Please pray with me and for me!
Lidia, we are honored to pray for you and your family. Passing this along. Thank you for letting us know about this. Believing God on your behalf for complete healing in Jesus name. Much love to you, sister.
Thank you! I have a personal facebook page (Lidia Adkins) where a post regular updates but if you ever have any questions please let me know. This coming week is particulary challenging. As I type this we are admitted for 2 days. She begins a very aggressive round of chemo. Thank you for interceding for us.
Lidia, Just saw you post and am compelled to let you know you and your family are in my prayers also. We have a group of prayer warriors at FBC in Hot Springs, AR and I will add you all to that list as well. That two year old is so precious to God and He will sustain you. Breaks my heart for you but I do know God is good….all the time!
Thank you Wilma! If you want to friend me on face book I have regular updates and more details in there. Lidia Adkins is my page. Please feel free to share with as many believers as possible. Thank you again!
I know the value of working in a Christian environment. Yours is that on steroids. Thank you for sharing this.
The part of your post that particularly jumped out at me was this: “The Lord has extended His faithfulness to me in more ways than I can count. I will boast in the Lord alone, because He alone did this.”
Amen and amen.
Thank you, Lindsee! Your post was an out flow of His energy and joy! God is NOT stagnant!!!! What a sweet gift you are to all of us!
What a cutie you are Lindsee. I watched your introductory video and smiled through the whole thing! Congratulations on your one year anniversary – how privileged you are to be in such an awesome place of ministry.
Congratulations on one year at LPM, Lindsee! You are a blessing to this community and to the ministry. Deborah mentioned that His energy and joy flow out of you…I couldn’t have said it better myself. Also love “hearing” you on Twitter.
May God richly bless you as you move into your second year at LPM. And may God richly bless all of your (our) LPM sisters.
Would it be possibe to have the author’s name on the LPM email that we receive?
Hi Jannelle! For some reason the RSS feed that goes out doesn’t have the author’s name on it. The easiest thing to do is to click on the blog link and the the name of the author for that particular post is directly under the title. I hope that helps!
Thank you for blessing us, Lindsee!
Wow, Lindsee,
I can hardly believe it’s been a year. It seems like just yesterday when Beth was asking us on this blog to pray about the decision to hire a person and then we found out who you were.
I haven’t been in close contact with the ministry as I once was do to some illnesses and family things, but I do remember Beth’s vision to reach younger ladies and she seems to be doing just that… Lord bless your efforts to reach the next generation…
🙂
Dear Lindsee,
Happy 1st Anniversary! There’s nothing like a work environment where you are blessed and a blessing to others. May year two be ten times better than year one!! Can you even imagine??
Blessings and Hugs…
Lindsee, I can’t believe it’s been a year!! Congrats to you and don’t be shy…share that wisdom you are receiving with your fellow sisters. 😉
This is GREAT! I’ve only caught up with LPM a few months ago and didn’t know where Lindsee fit into the mix. I always wished that I had a mentor for Christ while in MS/HS. Now I 1) have been blessed with wonderful wise women (which has only recently changed because my husband is in the Army and we’ve moved from Alabama to El Paso, TX) and 2) I try to be the mentor that so many young girls need and are without. Thank you Beth & Lindsee & all of the LPM village for answering God’s call for your life!
Thank you so much for sharing with us! There is nothing I would love more than for my girls to be surrounded by mentor/mothers everyday at work! Praise God!
We love you so much and are so thankful for the role you fill at LPM. The LPM ministry has changed my life and taught so many women to love Jesus and His Word. May God continue to bless LPM and may He bless you over the next years there!
Rejoicing with you, dear Sister, Happy 1st anniversary!
With much love and gratitude for the ministry of LPM,
Patti Hayes
what a beautiful & INSPIRING tribute! praise the Lord for these blessings & how they touch countless lives. i am inspired to instigate more prayer among the staff in our church office. thank you & bless!
Lindsee,
You are such a blessing to this ministry and I have greatly enjoyed reading all your posts and getting to know you this past year! I love your heart for young girls and your transparent love for Jesus. I have started mentoring a group of 11th grade girls through my christian school where I teach, and hope that Jesus lavishes his love and favor on me as I seek to make a difference in their lives for Him. Unforunately, just because it’s a school tagged “christian” that’s not always the case when it comes to these precious teenager who are trying to figure out who they are and where they’re going in life. Any resources or ideas are welcome, if you have time : ) Thank you for serving us in Siestaville!
Fantastic. All the way around. Just fantastic. So happy for you, for this ministry and God’s work in all areas. Happy Anniversary Lindsee!!
Congratulations on your new job! You continue to encourage me (along with others I’m sure) through your everyday life. Thank you. May our precious Lord continue to bless you, your team and your ministry.
Happy Anniversary Lindsee!!!
You are such a blessing to Seiestaville!!
As the mama of two teen daughters, Lindsee, I am tickled that you are at LPM specializing with the youth and being the media assistant. Those two just go together like PB&J to me – I have to ask my teens to help me with most things related to media! It’s been a pleasure to get to know you. My favorite so far was hearing about your Bible study with the young ladies. May the LORD continue to pour out HIS abundant favor on you.
Lindsee, I am so so happy for you. You really are incredibly blessed to have such fellowship every day of the work week. He has given you a rare gift in the form of the Village:) Blessings to you today Lindsee.