About Me

Hi, I'm Sharon, the host of the Around the Table Blog and the author of the book, Around the Table.

I'm first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ. I had the enormous privilege of growing up in a Christian home where I learned about Jesus from before I can remember.

I'm the wife of Jim, who lavishes love on me, since 1982. Jim grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK) in South Africa and it was his parents who suggested he consider dating me--so we have an African arranged marriage!

I'm the mother of four wonderful kids--all nearly "grown"--and the grandmother of one beautiful little girl. Since I started writing this blog, we've become empty nesters. Thankfully our daughters are in town, one at her own place and one in a local college dorm (thanks to scholarships!)

Four generations--
with my parents, our four children, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter

Jim and I became missionaries to Peru in 1984 and moved to Colombia in 1992. We loved our lives and ministries there, where all our kids were born. But God saw fit to move us on to a different ministry in the states--something we never wanted or expected. 

Now we minister with ECS Ministries. Jim's official title is "International Coordinator". He educates, challenges, and inspires people around the world to use the ECS Bible study courses that are already in 110 countries in 150+ languages!

He travels about one quarter of the time right now and sometimes I get to join him to meet and stay with interesting people, learning from them and sharing with them what we've learned from others about this ministry.

Visiting Africa

My main "ministry" and "career" has been my family and teaching others what a Christian family looks like. Believe me, I didn't teach because I did it perfectly! I taught because I knew what to do and tried to do it and others wanted to know what God says about it. 

I've always said that the biggest ministry anyone has is that of being an example. So I've tried to live what I teach and teach what I live and be transparent when the two don't match.

We have family meals every chance we get--
everyday some of the family is together at the table;
some days there are lots of us

So when I talk about family mealtimes and the important values we can teach our children when we make that a priority, I'll tell you stories of our lives. I hope you enjoy what I share in this blog. I'd like to hear your stories as well. I'm sure you have many good ideas that I'd love to share with the others who find inspiration here.

If you'd like to write a guest post please check out my guidelines and then email me at the email below.

If you'd like to write to me feel free to send me an email at:

aroundthetableblog(at)gmail(dot)com.