This week we have the opportunity to get so know another one of our new mentor moms, Sharon W! If you have any questions for our Mentor Moms, jot them down - you will have an opportunity to ask our mentor moms your questions in October!
Tell us a little about yourself:
I'm originally from Arkansas, and have only lived in Colorado about 8 years. Following a 32 career with the VA Healthcare System, I retired in 2011. I now work occasionally as a Consultant for a small financial/retirement planning company. My husband Jeff and I are active members of Foothills Bible Church. We have two dogs: Maggie, a bull mastiff; and Noble, a boxer. We enjoy traveling, as well as hiking, camping, fishing, and visiting our cabin in the Arkansas Ozark Mountains.
How many children (and grandchildren) do you have?
I'm originally from Arkansas, and have only lived in Colorado about 8 years. Following a 32 career with the VA Healthcare System, I retired in 2011. I now work occasionally as a Consultant for a small financial/retirement planning company. My husband Jeff and I are active members of Foothills Bible Church. We have two dogs: Maggie, a bull mastiff; and Noble, a boxer. We enjoy traveling, as well as hiking, camping, fishing, and visiting our cabin in the Arkansas Ozark Mountains.
How many children (and grandchildren) do you have?
I have 2 children, son and daughter:
Jared (29 y/o) and Erin (32 y/o)
Both are married but as yet, I have no grandchildren. However, I do have 3 very special (and spoiled) 'Granddogs'.
Jared and his wife Lori live in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Erin and husband Michael have been married a little over a year, a job transfer for Michael brought them to Littleton in April. Grateful for this unexpected blessing, even though they're here for what we feel is, unfortunately, a relatively brief season.
How did you originally get involved with MOPS? How long have you been a Mentor Mom?
This year will be my first experience serving in a Mentor Mom role. Through my involvement in other FBC ministries, I've become friends with a few amazing MOPS women, and have come to understand and appreciate the immeasurable blessing, vital relationships, and life impact of MOPS! When I was asked the previous two years about serving as a Mentor Mom, I thought my "plate was too full" to add something this important. With other commitments, I hesitated, fearing I might not do it justice. However, after being approached again this year, and after much thought and prayer, I'm convinced of God's calling to serve and share in this amazing ministry! Having been a career mentor (and of course, a Mom), praying the two will now come together, for His glory! 
What was the hardest thing and what is the best thing you remember about the pre-school stage with your own kids? Any encouragement for those of us who are still in this stage?
The challenges (physical, mental and emotional) of being a 'working Mom' (that is, a having a demanding career outside the home) were most definitely the hardest. Having the only grandchildren in either of our families, we too often kept a crazy pace as we desperately attempted to accommodate time with grandparents. Type A gal that I was (and still tend to be), it was hard (impossible) to "do it all" and do it well - and thus too often, a recipe for stress!
One of the very best memories I have about the pre-school stage is how my children's infectious sense of awe and wonder transformed ordinary life into exciting adventures. Birthdays and holidays became magical! And though we left milk and cookies out for Santa, and could hardly stand it until our kids awoke Christmas morning to presents underneath the tree, their precious little hearts knew the real reason for the season was Jesus! Some of my greatest Christmas treasures are ornaments they made during Sunday School so many years ago!
Encouragement? First and foremost (and as difficult as it is), "Be Still and Know that He is God" through a regular quiet time and Bible study. It's absolutely essential to put on the full armor of God each and every day (Ephesians 6:10-18) through time spent in God's Word. Then, take care of yourself - physically, through a healthy lifestyle; emotionally, through mutually encouraging friendships with other MOPS; mentally, through continuous learning. Protect precious family time and relish simple pleasures, and celebrate life! Some days may seem eternally long, but in truth, the years literally fly by - much too fast.
What is your goal as a mentor mom, or what is the main encouragement you hope to offer to MOPS moms?
From my perspective, I think it's important to just be available - to listen, to share experiences (what worked and what didn't), to encourage, to be a 'friend' - and most importantly, to glorify God as we grow together in living out His divine purpose and high calling for us as women and mothers!
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate Caramel (Turtle) and Sea Salt Caramel.
One of the very best memories I have about the pre-school stage is how my children's infectious sense of awe and wonder transformed ordinary life into exciting adventures. Birthdays and holidays became magical! And though we left milk and cookies out for Santa, and could hardly stand it until our kids awoke Christmas morning to presents underneath the tree, their precious little hearts knew the real reason for the season was Jesus! Some of my greatest Christmas treasures are ornaments they made during Sunday School so many years ago!
Encouragement? First and foremost (and as difficult as it is), "Be Still and Know that He is God" through a regular quiet time and Bible study. It's absolutely essential to put on the full armor of God each and every day (Ephesians 6:10-18) through time spent in God's Word. Then, take care of yourself - physically, through a healthy lifestyle; emotionally, through mutually encouraging friendships with other MOPS; mentally, through continuous learning. Protect precious family time and relish simple pleasures, and celebrate life! Some days may seem eternally long, but in truth, the years literally fly by - much too fast.
What is your goal as a mentor mom, or what is the main encouragement you hope to offer to MOPS moms?
From my perspective, I think it's important to just be available - to listen, to share experiences (what worked and what didn't), to encourage, to be a 'friend' - and most importantly, to glorify God as we grow together in living out His divine purpose and high calling for us as women and mothers!
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate Caramel (Turtle) and Sea Salt Caramel.
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