Deborah Dudley is our October Woman in the Spotlight

October 1, 2008

This months woman in the spotlight is a Kingdom Builder. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a minister of the Gospel. She is a mother to many that God has seen fit to bring into her life who bless her in ways, she quotes, too numerous to name. Her name is Deborah Dudley and she is the Founder and Hostess of the TV Ministry Gospel Gems Inc. Deborah uses her ministry to reach others minus the walls of a church building. God uses her to encourage, motivate, inspire, and stir up the gift that is in His people. She is truly a mom working for the Kingdom. We are happy to spotlight Mrs. Dudley and her ministry in this interview.




W2W: Deborah, thank you for granting us this interview. Please share with our readers a little bit about yourself.

Deborah: God Bless and thank you for this opportunity. I am so honored, to have been asked. First and foremost I am a child of God, I love him with my whole heart ,soul and body. I am a wife, mother of four, grandmother of four, sister, friend to all in need, encourager, motivator, and love to inspire everybody with words of wisdom and knowledge that comes from God. I am a Hostess and Founder of a television ministry called Gospel Gems which has aired since May of 2000. God is good!!! I co-Pastor along with my husband, Pastor Alphonso E.Dudley,Sr. I wouldn't trade this life for anything. I love God and His people!!!!!!!

W2W: When did you first sense a call into ministry and how did you go about pursuing?

Deborah: I knew that God was calling me into ministry, He was constantly speaking to me, but I continued to pray, prepare before going forth as I knew that God had some special things that He desired to deposit into my spirit before going on the battlefield. I continue to work along side of my husband,study,fast and had an hear for everything that God was saying. I not only listened intently to God's voice, I heard him as well. This is a sure calling.


W2W: Describe the focus of your ministry.

Deborah: The focus of the work that the Lord has called me to, is to stir up the gift that often times is lying dormant in the hearts and souls of men and women. Many of times people need confidence not in themselves ,but in God, to know that he is faithful and able to carry them through. We need to know without a doubt that God is calling us to an abundant life, that is full of victory, not defeat ! To often we walk around in defeat not knowing that Jesus died that we might walk a more excellent walk. If we would only believe the word of God, many times we quote the scripture, but we live far beneath them.

W2W: What words of encouragement do you offer to other women who are answering God’s call to ministry?

Deborah: First of all be sure of your calling. After you are convinced that the Lord is calling ,take some time to devote yourself totally to God. If you are married talk to your spouse about the new direction, God is calling you to. Do not fail to talk with your Pastor, as he or she will give you further counseling. Let God lead you as you want to make sure that your steps are being completely ordered by God, we are all individuals, it is alright to admire, but never copy another. Just be the best you that you can be for God. I want to add this, if you are considering marriage, please make sure that your future husband can handle your gift. Some men are intimidated by a strong women, and you will later resent him if he tries to silence or lessen the gift that you are carrying. Be sure to pray carefully about this.

W2W: Deborah, how do you balance Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Minister of the Gospel?

Deborah: I have always been a helpmate to my husband which was very important. With that being said, I always knew that was more purpose for my life than being a wife and mother, although I considered these to be very important roles, I had to learn to balance my life. I always had some time for my husband and children, but always knew in order to function properly, I had to find a way to have some "me "time. Of course we both cherish our grandbabies. My husband has been and continues to be supportive of what God is calling me to too. This is called teamwork. Being the mother of four children, I had to wait to do some things until they were older, I was always active in the church, but I made time for their daily needs, we never want to look back and wish we had been more attentive to the needs of our children. Women we must always remember that when we have children, we will never have the time that our sisters have, who have not yet married or have children. There is good news, our children will not always be babies, whatever God have destined for your life when we are led by the Spirit it will always work out, all things work for the good of them that love God and are called according to His purpose!


W2W: Any advice for those struggling with making change in their lives who feel like they are bound by the enemy but seek to be delivered by God?

Deborah: Know first that God loves you, and that he has already made a way of escape for you. Secondly make sure that your life is lined up with the word and that you are doing all that you know to do. The third point is this, learn the true value of patiently waiting on God ,this too will pass. God will destroy all yokes. My favorite quote is this,” Blossom Where You Are", wherever you are in life God already knows, and He is there. You don't have until the battle is over shout now. Call those things that aren't as though they already are.


W2W: In closing dear sister will you leave us with a Bible verse or two that God has placed on your heart?

Deborah: Jeremiah 29-11 states this- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end. Therefore it doesn't matter what anybody else think about it, God has the final say and He is still in charge of our lives!!!!!!!!

Let's look at Philippians 1-6--Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. So wherever you are in life or what is going on, you’re going to make it, God is more than able. Study the word of God daily ,for this is where our strength comes from. As we study them we are empowered to walk in total victory.


The Woman2Woman Lounge sincerely thanks Deborah Dudley for giving us this interview. You can read more about her ministry @ http://goespelgems.org

Sherri Walker
Woman2Woman Lounge, Editor & Founder of
http://www.freewebs.com/momsworkingforthekingdom

Nancy Twigg is our woman in the Spotlight for September

This months woman in the spotlight has a true passion for seeing women set free from the clutter that keeps them from being the women God intended them to be. For over a decade, she has been a student of simplicity—learning to declutter her own life and helping others to do the same. Through her speaking and writing, she fulfils her dream of inspiring women to give God the best they have to offer. She is the the Editor of Counting the Cost, a newsletter and website dedicated to simple and abundant living. Her Name is Nancy Twigg. Nancy is no stranger to Woman2Woman she has been submitting attention grabbing articles to us for the past few months. She is also the author of three books, From Clutter to Clarity: Simplifying Life from the Inside Out; Celebrate Simply: Your Guide to Simpler, More Meaningful Holidays and Special Occasions; and A Month of Mites: 31 Devotionals on Simple Christian Living.

Nancy says she and her family enjoy the simple pleasures in life like, ice cream cones, picnics, and Saturday morning yard sales. A perfect day for Nancy includes quiet time with a cup of tea, an early morning jog, an afternoon nap, and at least one piece of chocolate before bed. Again, we welcome Nancy to our team, it is a blessing to showcase her column here at the Woman2Woman Lounge were she will continue to be an encouragement and an inspiration and further reach other women through all that she writes.

W2W: Welcome Nancy, and thank you for granting us this interview. Please share with us a little bit about yourself.

Nancy: This shouldn’t take long, because I am actually a pretty simple person. J I am an author, speaker, freelance writer, helper to my husband in his business, and a home schooling mom. Although these pursuits keep me busy, my goal is to embrace simplicity in all areas of my life. I love exercising, bargain shopping, and soaking in a hot bath. My idea of a perfect day includes quiet time with a cup of tea, an early morning jog, an afternoon nap, and at least one piece of chocolate before bed. I live with my husband Michael and daughter Lydia Grace in Knoxville, Tennessee.


W2W: What has been your motivation and inspiration all these years to write and publicly speak to women?

Nancy: I have a passion for seeing women set free from clutter that keeps them from being the women God intended them to be. From over a decade, I have been a student of simplicity—learning to declutter my own life and helping others to do the same. Through my speaking and writing, God allows me to fulfill my dream of inspiring women to give God the best they have to offer.


W2W: With the holidays just around the corner it brings to mind your first book, Celebrate Simply. Will you share with us a little bit about your book and how the information you provided can help us simplify things in the coming season.

Nancy: Celebrate Simply is basically a guide to making holidays and special occasions what you really want them to be: low-cost, low-stress yet highly meaningful and memorable. The book is packed with ideas and inspiration to help you create holiday celebrations that leave you overjoyed, instead of overworked and overwhelmed.

W2W: With three books to your credit, the other two being, From Clutter to Clarity and A Month of Mites: 31 Devotionals on Simple Christian Living. Can we expect another book from you soon?

Nancy: I’ve been asking God the same question myself recently. J For the past several years, I thought God’s plan for me was to continue devoting my time and energy to my writing and speaking ministry. I actually began work on a devotional book for young mothers, but it seems God is leading me in an entirely different direction in my life. I am not sure where this new direction will lead, but I am excited about the possibilities.


W2W: In our daily walk with God trials and tribulations will come but thanks be to him we have Jesus to lean upon. Which scriptures do you draw strength from during times such as these?

Nancy: One of my favorites is II Corinthians 2:14: But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. I love that word “always”! Even when we can’t see the final outcome or we don’t feel victorious at the moment, we can trust that He always leads us in triumph. Not only is He leading us to victory, but He uses our lives—with all their challenges and hardships—to spread the sweet fragrance of His love to others.

Another favorite is Isaiah 49:15: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” This verse holds special meaning because my years of breastfeeding Lydia are very special memories for me. This verse reminds me that as much as I love Lydia, God loves me even more. And just as I could never forget Lydia or ignore her needs, God will never forget me or forsake me during my time of need.


W2W: What can we be in prayer about for you for in 2008?

Nancy: It looks as though God is calling me into ordained ministry. That most likely would include going to seminary. The thought of trying to juggle the demands of school along with all the other demands of my life is scary. Please pray that God will show me the way to be faithful to all the areas of responsibility to which He has called me.


W2W: In closing, do you have any final thoughts to share with our readers?

Nancy: My motto (and for my ministry) in life is “K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple, Sister!” When things get crazy, this mantra helps me to tune out the static and stay focused on what’s most important.

The Woman2Woman Lounge sincerely thanks Nancy Twigg for giving us this interview. You can read more about her, order her books, and read her newsletters @ http://www.countingthecost.com/index1.htm


Sherri Walker
Woman2Woman Lounge, Editor & Founder of
http://www.momsworkingforthekingdom.blogspot.com

Stop Acting Like a Christian, Just Be One

Stop Acting Like a Christian, Just Be One

By Christine Caine

This book encourages us to stop playing church and start being the Church. It shows how allowing God to change us from within gives us freedom to stop trying to act like a Christian and to just actively be a Christian. Christians are to walk daily with Christ. Our Christlike behavior should not be flipped on and off like a light switch in our home yet this is the behavior seen in many Christians. On Sunday we put on our church clothes and church faces and act somewhat differently than we do the other six days of the week. Acting like a Christian is not what it means to be a Christian. A Christian is a follower of Christ. Christians love God and others; even those who persecute them. They treat others with kindness and generosity. They are not self righteous individuals and know that no amount of good deeds, righteous living, or activities could ever please God apart from faith in Jesus Christ. Christians acknowledge and submit to Christ's authority, they live by the word of God, not just on Sundays but everyday of their lives.This book will encourage you to spend time with the Lord, listening to God’s voice and being obedient to His calling.

You can find this book @ http://amazon.com

Happy One Year Anniversary W2WL

On August 29th we celebrate our ONE year anniversary. It has been a pleasure and pure joy in sharing all that we have with our readers this past year. The interviews, the articles, the poems, the books of the month, and inspirational readings were all an honor to bring to you. To God be the glory for the past year. We thank all our readers for their support, and all the women who took time out of their schedules and lives to share a piece of themselves with us for the encouraging and the inspiration of another. God bless you all, your businesses, ministries, and your families. We also thank all those who submitted inspirational readings to us and articles and poems. A special thank you to everyone who has sent us well wishes and congrats via email and myspace. We truly appreciate it.

As the Woman2 Woman Lounge continues to grow over the next year we encourage you to continue to visit and read through all the articles posted bi-weekly and our monthly woman in the spotlight interviews and book reviews. We would love for you to share our website link with your family and friends.

We would also love to hear from you. Please leave us some feedback in our readers comments section or send us your comments @ woman2woman Lounge

Nancy Twigg joins our Writing Team

Nancy has a passion for seeing women set free from clutter that keeps them from being the women God intended them to be. From over a decade, she has been a student of simplicity—learning to declutter her own life and helping others to do the same. Through her speaking and writing, Nancy fulfils her dream of inspiring women to give God the best they have to offer.

Nancy is the editor of Counting the Cost, a newsletter and website dedicated to simple and abundant living. She is also the author of three books, From Clutter to Clarity: Simplifying Life from the Inside Out; Celebrate Simply: Your Guide to Simpler, More Meaningful Holidays and Special Occasions; and A Month of Mites: 31 Devotionals on Simple Christian Living. Come check out her column "Nancy's Clarity Corner" @ woman2woman Lounge

Latrina L. Johnson is our woman in the Spotlight

This months woman in the spotlight is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana who now resides in now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been described as one of the most prolific speakers of all times. She speaks with passion, compassion, authority and simplicity. Moving people into their greatness is her purpose and speaking is her platform. Her name is Latrina L. Johnson and she is CEO of S.A.M (Speaking Above Mediocrity), LLC and Author of Change your Life By Changing Your Mind.

Latrina is the author of Change your life by Changing you mind. She wants to give to you the tools to make your dreams a reality. God has qualified her to be a culprit to significantly enhance your life. She believes success first starts in your mind and not to let your greatest thought cause you to be an underachiever. I recently had the
pleasure of interviewing this dynamic motivational speaker and am happy to be able to share a little about her with you.

W2W: Latrina you are a well sought after Motivational Speaker. What tools do you share with others during your speaking engagements that you feel will help them be successful at seeing positive change in their lives?

Latrina: First have a positive attitude believing you can have the desires of your heart. Every manifested action is first a thought in your mind. Channel your mind on positivity and productivity.

Second Immediately eliminate all negative persons in your life. Negative people speak negative words and actions into your life aborting your dreams. Don't allow assassins to be in your circle of friends.

Third Appreciate every moment that you're alive. This is a unique gift from God allowing you the opportunity to create a life filled with success and joy. Have a sense of gratitude.


W2W: Do you have any words of advice to share with women who may have been given a vision from God, yet have not had the privilege of seeing it fulfilled in their lives?

Latrina: "Write the vision make it plain, though it tarry it will surely come" FIGHT! Don't ever give up on the vision God has given you. Keep trying. All successful people fail before they become a success. Failure is the opportunity to perfect your vision. It will happen if you continue to press forward despite your trials. Life happens to us all. It's how you handle life occurrences that will determine a life of defeat or one of victory.


W2W: When I read your story it made me think of a phrase I often hear, "what satan meant for evil, God can use for good. Such in your case when your life took a surprising turn on July 27, 2006 when you came face to face with a gunman while at work who forced you into a secluded room. God spared your life for a reason, will you share with our readers how that traumatic experience changed your life.

Latrina: I live each day as if it is my last, because it just might be. I love sooo much deeper, faster and I forgive all offenses. To have your life literally weighed in the balance is truly life altering. I give of myself liberally. I live life with a sense of urgency to get "it" done. My time on this earth will expire and I want to make sure I lived. I do not want to go to my grave with my gifts, talents and anointing still buried deep inside me.


W2W: You are author of the book "Changing your Life by Changing your Mind", tell us a little bit about it.

Latrina: This is an awesome book! This book will uproot thoughts of degradation, complacency, laziness, fear and doubt then replace them with thoughts of upward mobility, optimism, urgency, relentlessness, strategies, purpose and determination. This book will teach you the power of your thoughts! Most importantly this book will teach you how to discover your purpose and how to manifest it.


W2W: Latrina what’s next on your agenda? Do you have more books coming out?

Latrina: Right now I am mentoring/ coaching individuals as well as groups on how to have a fulfilling life based on spiritual principles. Also I have studied 4 couples over 25 years learning what it takes to make a marriage successful. Each couple has been married for at least 30 years allowing me the privilege with great insight to coach others on how to maintain a wonderful and happy marriage.

I am also working on my next book that will teach how to make a marriage last and the importance of marriage.


W2W: What would you say to young women today who feels called into ministry?

Latrina: Allow God's manifested glory to be revealed through you, it is your reasonable duty. If it wasn't for God, you wouldn't be here.


W2W: In closing what can we be in prayer for your for Latrina?

Latrina: Pray that I always walk in obedience according to God's word.

Woman2Woman Lounge would like to sincerely thank Latrina L. Johnson for granting us this interview. You can read more about her or to order her book visit: http://www.freewebs.com/latrinaljohnson


Sherri Walker, Editor
Woman2Woman Lounge, & co-Founder of
Moms Working for Kingdom
http://momsworkingforthekingdom.org

Book of the Month: Expressions of the Heart

Expressions of the Heart
Expressions of the Heart is unique blend of poetry portraying real life situations . This book is guaranteed to make you laugh, think, and maybe even cry. The book consist of 22 poems, each with a prologue and an illustration.

Biography
JoAnn Green-Hodges, a lifetime resident of Philadelphia, PA has
been writing poetry for over a decade. She believes her ability to
communicate through writing is a gift from God. Her strong
Christian values are displayed throughout her writings. She is a
devoted mother and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
She especially loves the moments with her three granddaughters:
Naomi, Seleena and Jayla.

visit www.woman2womanlounge.info for more information.