At The Well

Over At the Well, which is hosted by Laurie, the discussion questions for today are:

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN MENTORED BY SOMEONE?
WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A CHRISTIAN MENTOR?
HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT TO PURSUE A GODLY MENTORING RELATIONSHIP?

I have not personally been mentored face to face with someone. But, I have learned much from women by watching and listening. Women seem to watch one another and take notice of things about each other. They notice things like shoes, purses, hair cuts. They also notice how they talk about their husbands, how they talk to their children, how they talk about each other. Women listen to other women talk and pick up things they say and catch attitudes they reflect.

God's Word tells us that what is inside our heart is what comes out in our actions, words and attitudes. The things that come out sometimes are not even noticed by our own selves, but people are always watching us. Fruit of the Spirit can crop up in line at the grocery store, under stress at work, dealing with difficult people etc. So, it is very important how we carry ourselves in all ways and at all times. As we discussed At the Well last week, how important it is to have a daily devotional time, where God can fill us and we can in turn overflow to others. We can't impart, what we don't possess.

Some characteristics that personally appeal to me are a love for God and His Word, a powerful prayer life, joy, peace and kindness that extends from the inside out. I like to see women who are organized and efficient in their tasks. Women who carry themselves with integrity, faithfulness and a humble, serving spirit.

Some of who I would consider mentors by reading their books and being encouraged by are Elizabeth George, Anne Ortlund, Beth Moore, Elizabeth Elliot, Stormie O'Martan and Nancy Leigh DeMoss. In one of their books, someone mentioned directly asking someone who appeals to you and that you could learn from. Ask if they could spend even a day with you, talking and sharing some of the things which help them be what they are. I also receive encouragement from several bloggers. Meeting weekly or monthly with a mentor would be ideal, but time restraints may hinder that. Blogs can be read at your convenience, books also are on your time. Watching and learning are great tools and evaluating the actions that appeal to you with God's Word is a great tool to be continually learning and growing.