Celebrating Victory

Woman To Woman

Encouraged in Heart

Up Close and Personal

Inquiring minds do want to know! It's so nice to meet a kindred spirit...let's talk.

Who Mentored You? I have so many people to thank, but especially individuals in my home church who came along side me and loved through my troubled teenage years. They loved me in spite of myself. An outrageous thank you--you are precious jewels in my treasure box.
Do you see a difference between mentoring and discipleship? As a Christian mentor, no. God has called me to come along side women with everyday issues, like myself, and teach them what the Word says about thier situation, and then show them how to apply those truths practically and spiritually. Mentoring for me has its foundation in the life of Christ...my first Mentor!
How did you get involved in mentoring? As a youth I experienced the life transforming impact of having many come along side me. I experienced first hand, love up close and personally. As a recipient, God has given me the same zeal to come along side others in a similar manner. Oh and one more component, stepping out in faith. We all need this to begin our journey into a mentoring relationship.
What is one of the greatest challenges of mentoring? Struggling with giving everything to the Lord and resting in the fact that ultimately only God can change a person's heart and life.
Are you currently mentoring women now? Yes, although the dynamics are in constant motion. About fifteen years ago much of the mentoring I did was more informal. Today, however, the Lord has placed a burden in my heart to be more intentional and relational, which requires His love and a servant's heart.
What books would you recommend for someone new desiring to mentor women? Of the questions asked, this is one that readily brings a smile to my heart for I get to highly recommend, "Becoming A Woman of Influence" by Carol Kent. I read this book with a friend about six years ago and it was life impacting.
What is the greatest hinderance to women mentoring other women? Women believing the enemy's lies that they are not capable or spiritual enough. God's Word says we can do all things through Christ...and mentoring is one of them. As women of God we need to stop believing the lies of the enemy and start moving forward in the blessings of mentorship.
What is the best thing about mentoring? There are so many blessing and benefits...oh and the gifts (smile), but the best gift I receive is seeing my own heart transformed and changed.
Can you recommend the best way to be a mentor (teacher) or mentee (student)? Absolutely! First, take your heartfelt need to the Lord and avail yourself to the Holy Spirit's leading. Look to your church pastor and/or women's ministry leader. Talk with them and listen to their counsel and guidance. Wait on the Lord and maintain a teachable heart and spirit. God will send that person your way.
When did you come to know the Lord? At the age of twelve in a youth group. If you do not know the Lord personally and intimately please see Celebrating New Life.
What's on the horizon for you this year? Thank you for asking. Let's see. In the midst of attempting to be a good role model and mentor, I am praying for balance as a wife, home school mom and ministry leader. Accomplishing this in love and with grace would be HUGE. Also on the horizon is finishing my book on mentoring, so pray that I get five or six book offers--okay at least one viable one. For the ministry, we are praying about hosting Bible studies and mentoring conferences for 2008. Who knows maybe we'll get to meet, wouldn't that be nice. And last but not least, delighting in the Lord, exercising consistently, eating less, spending quality time with my family and friends and if I'm not pushing it, settling into bed no later than 10:00. Now that would be great!