Monica Marie Jones is our Woman in the Spotlight

This months woman in the spotlight is an author whose published works include The Ups and Downs of Being Round and Taste My Soul. She is also a contributing author in Chicken Soup for the Girls Soul, New Directions for Youth Development and several publications and youth development training materials for the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation. She has worked as a columnist and freelance writer for the Michigan Front Page Newspaper and does consulting, editing and content development for businesses and non-profit organizations. She is also a member of the Motown Writer's Network, Business Women Attaining Millionaire Mindsets (B.A.M.M), Elysian Business Group, and Fully Figured Out.

Her name is Monica Marie Jones. In November 2008 we featured Monica's Book, The Ups and Downs of Being Round. Over forty-six percent of the women in the world today deal with weight struggles. We were compelled to feature her book which deals with issues women face concerning their weight.

In addition to being an accomplished writer Mis Jones is also a professional dancer, dance teacher, and aerobics instructor. She has danced with Gospel recording artists including several venues around the United States with Dorinda Clark-Cole and a three-city tour in Japan with Kierra 'Ki-Ki' Sheard. She also works with the Spirit of the Moment Praise Dance Ministry. We had the pleasure of interviewing Monica and getting to know more about this multi hat wearing author.



W2W: What inspired you to write?

Monica: I have always kept a journal to process my emotions. As I got older I began adding poetry to my journal entries. One day I decided to share my poetry with some friends and I was amazed at how it evoked emotions in them. Shortly thereafter I began writing The Ups and Downs of Being Round. In the midst of writing it, I sent an excerpt from it (That just happened to be a true story) to Chicken Soup for the Girls Soul. After having their staff, and then girls around the world review the story they decided to publish it and they sent me a letter saying, "Congratulations! You are an author!" From that point on I felt that it was confirmed that I had a gift that was meant to be shared with the world.


W2W: I felt compelled to showcase your book The Ups and Downs of being Round on our website because so many women struggle with weight problems, what do you hope readers will learn and take with them after reading it?

Monica: It is my hope that readers will learn that weight loss, or any other external factor for that matter, does not guarantee happiness. You can only find true joy within which is a direct connection to our relationship with God. We must love ourselves if for no other reason than the fact that we are HIS children.

I also include a guide in the back that teaches people how to lose weight by changing their lifestyle as opposed to dieting. It is the plan that I created, after much research, and used to lose 65 pounds and over 50 inches.


W2W: Who are your favorite authors, and why do they inspire you?

Monica: My favorite author is Jacqueline Thomas. She inspires me because she writes inspirational fiction but it deals with the real issues that we face everyday. I believe her writing style is an extremely effective means of ministry because when you read it you don't feel bad for not being perfect. Her writing speaks to you instead of preaching at you.


W2W: What is your advice to an aspiring novelists?

Never stop. I use this mantra in everything that I do. Even if it is the smallest thing, continue to do something toward reaching your goals every single day. So to all of the aspiring novelists I say this:

1. Write everyday, whether it is a journal entry, a blog, or a scene in your book, just write.
2. Do your research, read books about the craft of writing, and read books that are the same genre of the book that you plan to write.
3. Immerse yourself in the literary world. By this I mean, network with other authors, join listservs, subscribe to newsletters, attend conferences. If you can't afford the conference fees do like I did for years and volunteer :)

W2W: Are there any new projects your working on? Will there be another book?

Monica: I already have a poetry book called Taste My Soul and an Urban Contemporary fiction book called FLOSS published. Currently I am working on another installment of the FLOSS series called SWAG, the sequel to The Ups and Downs of Being Round, which is called, The Flip Side of Fat, and the Child and Teen versions of the Ups and Downs of Being Round.


W2W: You are also involved with the Spirit of the Moment Praise Dance Ministry. Tell us a little about your involvement in this beautiful ministry.

Monica: I have danced with the Spirit of the Moment Praise Dance Ministry for a little over a year. Currently I have taken a leave so that I can focus on my writing and my Breakthrough Book Tour, but I am still a member. I just help behind the scenes when I can. You can see pictures and video of my involvement at http://www.spiritofthemoment.com


W2W: Monica what are your three favorite scripture verses and why?

Monica: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 This is one of my favorite scriptures, particularly verse 12 because is reminds me of what many have forgotten about the ministry of marriage. Throughout the verses leading up to 12 it talks about how two are better than one...but at the end of verse 12 it says that a three-fold chord is not easily broken. To me that represents how when we add God into the equation and keep Him there, then we have strength beyond measure.

Philippians 4:13 - This is my favorite because whenever I doubt myself or my ability I simply repeat this scripture over and over to myself. "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me."

Luke 12:48 - I feel like God constantly whispers this to me in so many ways. "To Whom much is given, much is required." When you have been given the gift to minster to others whether it be though writing, speaking, being a good listener, or dancing...you have a great responsibility. You are given so much because it is meant for you to share, not to keep it all to yourself.


W2W: Do you have any final thoughts to share with us?

Monica: I just want to say that I have stepped out on faith and left my job to write full time :) So I am a living testimony that it is possible to follow your dreams and pursue your purpose and your passion and still prosper. I not only write to entertain, but to inspire, educate, motivate and add value to the lives of others.

We thank Monica Marie Jones for this inspiring interview. If you would like to learn more about her or her books, please visit her website at http://www.monicamariejones.com or email her at monica@monicamariejones.com


Sherri Walker
Woman2Woman Lounge, Editor & Founder of
Moms Working for the Kingdom

Simplify the Season: Celebrate the Savior

Thanksgiving is now past tense for 2008, Christmas is near. People are scrambling to shop, craft, and deck the halls. Advertising is at an all time high in order to draw people into the stores ergo boosting sales.

Sometimes you turn on the news and there is such madness going on, some events even tragic. Some become so frantic around the Holidays. Thanksgiving is based around being thankful for what we have which in fact we should have this attitude daily. Christmas is based around giving and Love which is what God showed us when He sent his son to die on the cross so that we could live. The word of God says that He showed his love toward us that while we were yet sinners Christ (His Son Jesus) died for us. It also says God so loved the "world" that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. He sent his Son in the world not to condemn but that the world through "Him (Jesus)" might be saved.

Yes, there is a big question mark as to the actual birth date of our Savior and many will say that the 25th of December is not it. Whatever the date may be I am just thankful that He was indeed made flesh and dwelt among us. Christians know that Christ's existence did not begin the day he was born of the Virgin Mary and we are just glad that a day has been set aside in the world to observe the fact that he did truly come. No matter what pagan practices may have been played out centuries ago surrounding this date Christians do not reflect on these practices, we reflect on Jesus and he is at the heart of our celebration. We joy in the fact that our Savior came into the world in bodily form to save his people. Although Christians decorate their homes for the pure pleasure of the beauty of the season, Jesus is who we worship, not the brightly colored decorations, the tree, nor the Nativity scenes.

If our focus was kept on this fact the Holidays could be carried out smoother with less chaos and confusion. There is nothing wrong with giving in the name of love and in the spirit of the season but we shouldn't become stressed out or consumed with competing to out buy or out give another. When we give in the name of love it is not suppose to be of the demands of another's request necessarily. We give what we can, then it doesn't becomes a burden of meeting a quota or a specific request of another. There is nothing wrong with trying to find out what another likes and acting upon information found to please them even more, if we are in the position to do so but if we are not we can just give what is within our allowance. You don't always have to give a expensive store bought gift to show someone you care, you can give them the gift of more of your time, love, and understanding. Sometimes the simply things mean more than you think. Just reflect on the great gift the Father in Heaven gave us, it wasn't a gift bought in the store, wrapped in pretty paper with a bow on it costing hundreds of dollars.

He gave us a "Love" gift, his Son, which to many is PRICELESS. Let's teach our children and grandchildren the true reflection of the 25th of December, they will grow up to appreciate receiving gifts that much more, whatever the gift may be. They will in turn pass on this legacy to generations to come after them. I know you may think its hard because of what they as kids may see going on around them but its not, this is why the word of God says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is older he will not depart from it." It begins with us. Simplify the Holiday, celebrate the Savior.

Peace and Joy this Holiday and always,
Sherri

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