Happy New Year!!!!!!

Wishing everyone a Happy, Safe, and enjoyable New Year's eve and praying for you all to have a safe transition into 2011. Blessings and Love!!!!!!!!!!!

Woman in the Spotlight: Candice Cruz

This month’s woman is the spotlight I have grown so fond of. I love this sister in Christ. She is such an inspiration. I met her back in May 2010 and I know it wasn’t by chance we met. I believe it was the plan of God. I was struggling with some personal issues in life and while surfing facebook found myself on the “Broken But Not Defeated” page, which is where our paths crossed. She and I began to talk, and a bond was formed with this angel with inward wings. There was so much hope and positive reading on this page that I couldn’t stop returning to it, and ultimately sharing it with those on my friend list. I was overjoyed to see that some of them have gone over to read and be comforted by the encouraging words posted there.

The sweet sister that overseers this page is Candice Cruz..


Candice is a devoted Mother, Entrepreneur, Actress, and an extended hand to the Body of Christ. From a very young age she always had a heart for people. She use to give away every gift she was given as a child to friends who didn’t have. She never fit in with the crowd and was a loner. Not feeling a part of this world, at the age of seventeen she tried to take her life. Feeling like a complete failure and hopeless, she got in her car with a bottle of high proof rum with plans to drive into a brick wall along the highway. After consuming the strong drink and not getting intoxicated Candice knew that night that life was bigger than her problems. Tears flowed from her eyes until nothing was left. She gave her life to Christ that very night on the highway.

Candice always had a passion for the Arts. At the age of seven she would stand in front of the mirror and just purposely cry for no reason. But little did she know it was preparing her for a journey that she would face throughout her acting career. Being a woman of God in the entertainment world is no simple task. She thrives to set an example that God is with you wherever you go, and in all things we must stand for righteousness. She has turned down roles she felt compromised her beliefs and standards of being a woman of God. She stands on the word that says, “ we should never conform to the things of this world but be transformed by the word of God”. ..Romans 12:12

Her tenacity to be a mentor and friend to the friendless only continued to grow. Her love is unconditional and never wavers. She walks by Faith daily as she faces the storms and difficulties in her career and personal life. She believes standing on the word of God has bought her threw many disappointments but with God she rises above all of them. Candice works diligently to bring to life her organization “Hands of Hope“. The Organization is geared towards housing teenagers aged out of Foster Homes, and rehabilitating teenage prostitutes. She believes that anyone can change and with the light of Christ stand and be a living example to all that God can take what/who/ where you are in life and work his master plan created especially for you.


Enjoy and be encouraged as I share with you the woman to woman chat I had with Candice Cruz.


W2W: Candice, what a wonderful testimony you have. There are many “broken” people in the world all around us today, some that know God, and some that don’t. What special message of hope can you give the two?

Candice: Broken But Not Defeated was created in a time of her life when the hardest challenges in her marriage were faced. God has poured into her so faithfully. She felt it her duty to give back to a world that may be hurting and in need of encouragement and comfort that only the word of God can provide. Standing on her faith and still moving forward with her daily life she continues to press on. Her strength comes from sowing seeds of Hope into the lives of those searching. God is no respecter of persons, he can do it for her he will do it for you. She believes as sisters and brothers in Christ we should be lifting each other up daily. We go through the test for the testimony that can bring hope, restoration and encouragement to those who feel no hope exist.

In life we go through storms and trials that we feel will never end. You may be coming out of one or going in one. But the good news is God is close to the broken hearted. He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3. Be encouraged and of good faith. This too shall pass.

If I can put new hope within the heart of one who has lost hope, If I can help a brother or sister up some difficult long slope, that seems too steep for tired feet to go, If I can help them climb Into the light upon the hill's far crest, I shall begrudge no time or strength that I spend, for well I know how great may be their need. If I can help through any darkened hour, I shall be glad indeed.


W2W: How do you balance it all, Mother, Actress, Entrepreneur, and Messenger of hope?

Candice: The key word is "Balance". My family is far more important to me than any career I could ever have. I know what my priorities are and what’s important in getting things done without lacking in other areas. Time doesn't come I have to make time for each area of my life. Giving Hope to others is like breathing and walking. Its natural. I don't like to see people discouraged or hopeless because in God there is always hope.


W2W: Sister, you are truly a Faith walker. What are a few scriptures you draw strength, and hope from daily?

Candice: It's hard for me to pick my favorites the list would go on. The entire word of God is built on Faith and Hope and that truly comes by having a relationship with Christ. We can say the words and recite the scriptures but if it's not written in our hearts and built on a solid foundation a commune with the father then they are just words. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11: 6...Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10: 38...For we walk by faith, not by sight....2 Corinthians 5: 7

W2W: Christ always being First, who else is, or has been an inspiration to you, past or present and why?

Candice: My parents are a big inspiration to me. They are my solid foundation through good and bad they where always there to encourage me. Who I am today is because of them. However my Spiritual mom Pastor Karen Clark is an enormous influence in the Woman of God I am today. Mrs. Clark showed me and my family what it means to really love like Christ. As a teacher, a mom, a friend, a confidant my walk today in Christ is due to her unwavering diligence and uncompromising ways of truly SHOWING me as a LIVING example characters being a mighty woman of God. She always gives the truth whether or not I like the answers. She will never compromise the word of God. She has taught me how to be a better wife, mother, vessel, servant and she has stretched me beyond what I thought I was capable of. Her love, her teaching, her spiritual connection to me is for an eternity. Mrs. Clark has taught me how to pray effectively, and that can only happen when we earnestly pray the WORD of God.

W2W: What is one of the hardest challenges have you’ve faced in life and how did you make it through?

Candice: One of the hardest challenges I have ever faced was problems with in my marriage. Marriage is the biggest treats to the enemy. "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:20. If we give the devil a foot hold in to our lives and family he will stop at nothing to destroy it. But greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world. I have overcome it by the blood of the lamb and word of my testimony. Perfect love casts out all fear. We must learn to love each other as Christ loves us. Everyday wont smell like roses but everyday can be overcome with love and kindness towards one another.


W2W: What are some of the obstacles you have faced being a “Woman of God” in the entertainment business? I know it must bring many challenges to the table for you.

Candice: WOW. Where to start? There are many challenges. The entertainment business is a Beast. This business is not for the faint of heart. As a woman of God we really have to be grounded and spiritually built up. For many in this business and open door is an open door. For myself an open door doesn’t mean that particular job is for me. I’m not seeking the worlds approval only Gods. He who is last shall be first. There are jobs that I won’t do, many see my choice as foolish but at the end of the day my reward for standing with integrity is some much bigger than what was before me. I don’t feel I have to expose myself to have a successful career. It’s a world where people are rude, cut throat, malicious and every other unscrupulous trait you can think of. But just because I’m in that world doesn’t mean I have to conform to it or be someone I’m not to fit in. Life is the same for all of us, we face obstacles in whatever field where in. God is with us where ever we go. And we have to maintain the same Godly principles whatever the situation is. Temptation is a real need carried out in the wrong way.

W2W: What do you feel is one of your greatest accomplishments in life thus far?

Candice: Raising happy, healthy, prosperous young men of God my sons are an amazing accomplishment and witness to never give up on our children no matter how terrible the circumstances may seem. But my greatest accomplishment was when I let go of who I thought I was and allowed God to make me into who I am. With the ability to love those around me unconditionally has set my life up for greater accomplishments to come.

W2W: Who are some of your favorite gospel artists, and are there any particular songs out today that touch your spirit in a special way?


Candice: I love so many, Ce Ce Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, Shirley Caesar, Nicole C Mullen and the list goes on and on. My most inspirational songs are Yolanda Adams “It’s Gonna Be Nice” this song has helped me through some rough times in my life. Ce Ce Winans “Alabaster Box” always brings tears to my eyes and an outpouring praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Donnie McClurkin’s “ Create in Me a Clean Heart” builds my spirit and renews my mind.


W2W: How is the progression of your organization “Hands of Hope” ?

Candice: Hands of Hope is an organization geared to help and rehabilitate young women turned to a life of prostitution and teenagers who are aged out of foster care and various programs. Candice has opened her heart and home for a place of refuge those that needed a safe place and has continued to do so. Hands of Hope is in the early stages of development. A facility has been sought out to house at least 100 women and children. I have not seeked any donations as yet. Hands of Hope will become non-profit eventually. I am using my own personal finances to start the process. I am very excited about it and eagerly working towards signing with Vocational schools and various programs throughout the community. The website is now under construction and will be made available in the months to come.

W2W: How can we as your siblings in Christ be in prayer for you and your family?

Candice: The best prayer that anyone can pray for me and my family, is praying the WORD! It is the most effective and fervent prayer. Always pray the WORD and Will of God.

Woman 2Woman Lounge thanks Candice for giving of her time and sharing personal revelations from her heart with us. God Bless you my sister, stay sweet, be blessed and keep in touch.

You can visit and find out more about Candice and her ministry by clicking either title below:

Broken But Not Defeated

Candice Cruz

9 years later: We still remember....

Time to make a difference

Each person is alloted a portion of time, how much is only known by God. Tomorrow is not promised. Are you making good use of your time? Are you sitting idle or are you leaving your mark on the world? What will your legacy be? How will people remember you? Some live for self and the pleasures of this world, and some leave here having truly made a difference in the lives of others. There is so much work still left to do, so many people, so little time. Service is what God wants from us (to give), yes, even down to denying ourselves. Don't let precious time pass you by, make a difference, don't just walk by and ignore those in need, that person could easily be you. Our world is daily becoming more and more of a Godless society where people are all for self, driven by greed, attracted to status, and enticed by fleshly things. This is not the way God wants us to be or live our lives. He wants us to care about others. The root of many of today's problems is we got so much of us going on and not enough of God. Your wants should not outweigh what God wants, your needs should not be your main focus in life. Don't let time pass you by, make use of each day God allows you to live, use those gifts God has blessed you with, touch the lives of others, be a friend, be an encourager, pray for one another, be forgiving, be a listener, lend a helping hand, don't leave here being known as, it was all about you.

Love and Blessings,
Sherri Walker

Time alone with God

Don't let handling your business cause you to be to busy for Jesus.-- errands, the kids, sports events, deadlines, quotas, etc. can at times max out your day, but dont let your "to do" list compromise your time with the Lord. We dont want to give God less, we want to give him our best. The many tasks we face each day can burden and oppress, but precious time with God daily brings relief from stress. Time spent with the Lord allows him ample access to your spirit. Let him minister to you through his word and cover you with the warmth of his love. Just be still in a quiet place sometimes and just enjoy the presence of God.

Workman for Christ

If you have been saved you know you were bought with a price, saved to serve, you fit into God's plan of accomplishing his purpose here on earth. We must continue to do our part as the body of Christ and work diligently to see that HIS plan is fulfilled, united together as One...For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building..1 Corinthians 3:9

Saluting all Mothers

I know it's 6 more days till Mother's Day, but I wanted to shout out all the mothers early for all they do on a daily basis for their families. Moms work & love hard and it feels good to be appreciated and know that all that you've sacrificed and worked for over the years was not in vain. This is for all the moms, I salute you!

Happy Good Friday!!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise him all creatures here below. What a joyous day we have to reflect on how our Lord, and Savior, Jesus, worked out our Salvation at the cross thousands of years ago. Happy Good Friday!!!! Thank you Father for what you did then, and what you continue to do today. I love you!

Happy Palm Sunday

On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. Jesus when he found a young donkey sat thereon, as it is written, Fear not daughter of Sion, behold the King cometh sitting on a donkey's colt....John 12:12-15

Happy Woman's Day

March 8th is a major day of global celebration of women. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements.

Share with us your achievements. Email us @ momsworkingforthekingdom2@gmail.com

Woman in the Spotlight: Lora Roz

February/March 2010

This months woman in the spotlight is a Wife, Missionary, Author, and Professional Christian Web Designer who believes the Worldwide Web can be used as a tool to reach others for Christ. Her name is Lora Rozkowski, she and her husband Gary have a serious passion for outreach. Their mission is not only to get the word of God out via the internet but also to those who are underground and yearning for the truth in other countries where it might not be protocol to own a Bible and have access to the living Word of God. For some time now I have been trying to have a one on one interview with Mrs. Roz to share her story with you all her testimony, and praise God I am now able to do so. Read, Be Encouraged, and Enjoy!


W2W: Lora, I love your motto, "reaching our world for Jesus Christ on WWW, What inspired you to begin web designing?

Lora: Sherri, I was inspired to begin web design by just trying it out on some free-servers about 11 years ago. I seemed to have a knack for it and continued to learn how to develop websites. Creating websites made me realize that the Web was an avenue to assimilate information to thousands of people all at the same time. It was a way to outreach the message of the "Good News" of Jesus Christ to all the world.


W2W: Tell us a little bit about your two Christian Businesses.

Lora: Roz designz-- After learning and experimenting with web design I realized early on that Christian ministries, businesses and churches needed to get their message out into Cyberspace and I could help by being their vision enhancer. I am completely self-taught and learned web designz through mistakes, sweat and much prayer. Roz desiginz is a platform to be a Barnabas (encourager) to others to reach towards their destiny in Christ. http://rozdesignz.com

The Emerald Empire--My husband and I sell hand-selected Colombian emeralds as a part-time business. The LORD has just recently expanded our market into Hong Kong and we are thankful that God has opened this door for us. We had been praying for some time on what direction to take with the business and the LORD answered us. Our emerald business began over 15 years ago when we went on a missions trip to Bogota' Colombia to help with an orphanage there. We befriended a native Colombian that worked for the Embassy in Bogota' and spoke excellent English. He came to visit us in the states a year later while on his trip with the Gideon's to Miami Florida. He brought some emeralds with him and asked us if we ever sold them, and so The Emerald Empire was birthed. Here is our website for more information. http://theemeraldempire.com

W2W: It inspires me to see others with a heart that truly loves the Lord and live their life showing it. Lora please share with us your testimony of faith.
Lora: I grew up in Detroit Michigan's metropolitan area and lived there until I graduated High School in 1976.
My parents were devout Lutheran's at that time in my life and we (2 brothers and 1 sister) grew up with Christian values, teaching, and a stability I would soon realize in times of trouble I would cling to. I became very restless and eventually quite rebellious and left home to find out what life had to offer. I fell into the lifestyle of "sex, drugs and rock n' roll" which was a pit not easy to get out of. During times of my deepest anguish and loneliness I knew God was there. He comforted me with my own voice singing songs like `Somewhere Over the Rainbow', a kind word from a stranger, or even one time a Christian handed me a very small bible with just a knock at the door. Let me encourage you that whatever you are going through or where ever you have been God is there. EMMANUEL

I eventually came back to my parents home and found them born-again and speaking about Jesus Christ and their personal relationship with Him. My Me & Sapphire Mother recently told me that she was praying that her prodigal daughter would soon return home. The Lord spoke to her, and said "Put a place setting at the dinner table, I am bringing your daughter home." I thank God for a praying Mother and was soon restored to my family. Shortly after my return I met my husband Gary. We married within a year of our first meeting. We were wed in a Spirit-filled church although, we were not yet born-again and we still did not know about God's plan for our lives. Gary and I lived quite the party lifestyle for a few years after our wedding in 1981. Eventually we decided together that we needed to make a go at a better life for ourselves and moved to the Tampa Bay area in Florida.

I had felt the tugging of the Spirit of God on my heart for a couple of years and became filled with the Holy Spirit in 1988. I began reading the Bible in a whole new light. It was like a light had been turned on and the eyes of my understanding were now enlightened. There were allot of events that took place after my receiving the Spirit but...Like I had said the pit was difficult to get out of and we soon fell back to our old habits but...SUDDENLY THINGS CHANGED...Gary was busted with drug possession and had his (our) whole future pass before our eyes. He has his own testimony of how God brought him out of a life of no hope! Now life was about to change radically for both of us. One day in December of 1990 Gary asked me, "Lora would you like to make a New Year's resolution and go to church?" My heart leaped inside and I said, "YES, it's something I have wanted to do for a very long time"! Gary accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart within a few weeks and we gave our lives totally to Him that year of 1991. We have been radically saved and on fire for Jesus Christ ever since. I can see how God allowed those things to happen in my life just the way they did for a reason, to reach out to others that are hurting and going through similar circumstances and need Jesus.

W2W: In November 2009 you went on a missions trip to China, tell us about it.

Lora: Right now in 2010 as Americans we have an open door/window to smuggle Bibles into Communist China without any harsh penalties. (just a small fine and the Bibles returned upon exit) The underground Church is in desperate need of Bibles. There is something like 25,000 coming to Christ annually in China and to avoid the oppression of the government run Church they go underground to worship Jesus Christ freely. Families, teens, seniors are all welcome to join us on our next trip to Hong Kong/China this coming fall of 2010. The kingdom of God is growing rapidly in China and as a young Church they are in need of teachers as well as Bibles. We covet your prayers. Here is our website for CHINA: http://china.rozshome.com


W2W: Time passes so quickly, we are already into the second month of our new year. What are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2010?

Lora: God continues to challenge me to step into new things in 2010. I truly believe for all of us as Christians that God is calling us into a deeper intimate walk with Him. I pray that the LORD will use my life to inspire others to step out into the deep and trust the LORD with every step. My question of the LORD right now is: a song by Misty Edwards off her new album (1 One thing) and the words that run through my spirit are...How far will you let me go? How abandoned will you let me be? That is my goal for 2010 to jump off the cliff and know God is there to catch me!


W2W: What scriptures inspire you most in the bible and why?
Song of Solomon-- 3:16 - to know Him

Psalm 27:4 - to see beauty

Ezkiel. 16:1-14 - we are free from our past

Psalm 63 - we must be true worshipers

Jeremiah 29:11-14 - God has a plan, no need to worry

Jeremiah. 1:4-10 - called to speak the oracles of God

Colossians. 1:13-14 - the Blood of Jesus adopts us into the kingdom


W2W: Would you offer a few words of encouragement to other women in ministry.
Lora: Beloved, stay the course that God has for your life. Do not be in a rush because all things come in His timing, just be diligent and never give up. He is faithful. God has a plan and purpose for your life, you were called. Surround yourself with people that celebrate, help and encourage you to walk in your destiny. ENJOY the journey!


W2W: In closing, how can we your sisters be in prayer for you during the New Year?
A. revival fires to ignite in our community and the Tampa Bay area.

B. hearts burdened for the China mission field.

C. strength to move into unfamiliar territory (spiritually).

D. protection and undetection as Sigi & David move into Muslim territory to reach the lost.

E. Personally-- for direction on the Flag ministry that is in my heart.


W2W thanks Lora Rozkowski for sharing with us what God has been and continues to do in her life. If you are interested in any services Lora can provide for you contact her through her website at...Roz Designz

Words: They have the power to build or destroy...How do you use yours?

How do you use yours? Do you build up others with your speech or cut them down? Do you guard your tongue or could you care less whose feelings you hurt in the process of getting your point across. We need to be careful we aren't using our tongues to destroy the spirit of another. It's not always what you say, it's how you say it that makes all the difference in getting your point across effectively without bruising the spirit of another. Words can hurt and its sad many people fail to realize this. The Bible speaks in detail on how we should treat one another and that we should guard our tongues. Hurt feelings can cause one to want to act in a fleshly manner to get back at another, to make them feel the same pain that they have made us feel in their choice of words and the tone they use in expressing something us. I see more relationships break up because people do not know how to communicate or express themselves to another in the way in which God says we should speak. I find many people do not guard their tongues, they speak first and think last, but once you have said something to a person wrong its hard for them to forget and you surely cant take it back once you said it. The only thing you can do if your heart leads you to is apologize. Some apologize later because they feel remorseful for the damage they have caused with their tongues but many don't because they don't feel they have done anything wrong/ and or dont realize that they have been offensive, even worse some know and flat out could just care less. However, on the flip side of our inflicted pain we must find it in our heart to forgive them. Yes it can be hard especially if you have been publicly humiliated but no matter how difficult it may seem to do so we must because its what God says and wants us to do always remembering the He said we should be not just hearers of the word but DOERS.

The Bible says....Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you....Ephesians 4:32

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man....Colossians 4:6

Are you a burden bearer?

No matter how strong you think you may be, none of us are exempt to burn out, having are strength and emotions zapped to the point where you feel almost completely taped out.
Thank God from the strength that comes from the Lord. The Lord wants us to be there for one another and love one another. In his word he said we are to bear one another’s burdens and pray for each other. It is during burdenful times that we need one another more than ever. If you can be an ear, or a warrior of prayer on their behalf, I encourage you to do so. Your unselfish act of compassion can mean the world of difference in the life of that individual in need at the very moment of their near mental or physical breakdown. What you say or do through Christ Jesus can feed their spirits and give them the hope and encouragement that brings them spiritual revival.

Blessings, Sherri

God Loves You!

Social Media in Business

Social media is a wonderful way to market your business. It’s a great way to be yourself, learn from others, and meet new people. When you network you are there to help others. You learn about their business and what they offer and you refer others to them. When others network properly, they will do the same for you and your business. Referrals are great for business and they make you feel wonderful. When you refer people to the ones you’ve networked with, they will feel good about the relationship and will more than likely refer people to you.

There are so many social media groups you can join. One thing you don’t want to do is join too many. Joining too many groups can lead to stress. It can also defeat the purpose because you won’t have time to network properly. Joining a half dozen or so groups is about all you want. You want to be active so others remember who you are and what you do. That is crucial in growing your business through this type of marketing.

Here are a few of my favorite social media sites and what they are all about.

• Twitter

Twitter reminds me of Instant Messenger. The messages are posted immediately and you can direct messages to certain people. You can follow people so you can read and respond to their messages. You can also direct message people so the messages are sent directly to them and nobody else can read them.


Twitter is a great way to network with others and make friends. It’s also a great way to find clients or customers. You can ask for help and show others what you are doing. I love to brag about my boys on Twitter as well.

• Facebook

Facebook is a great social media place. It’s also very addictive. You can join groups that are of interest to you. You can visit the sites of your friends and sign their wall. It’s also a great place to network. You have the ability to post information about you, your business, and many other things. You can also find your friends on Facebook and stay in contact with them.

• Squidoo

Squidoo lenses are easy to create and great to share with others. You can create a lens on any topic you want and share it with others. To network with Squidoo, you can do a search for lenses that belong to your target market. Once you find them, you can sign the guestbooks that are attached to them. You can also mark them as your favorites and keep an eye on them and comment when they make changes.

You use Squidoo the same way as other social media sites. You build a trust and relationship with other lens creators and they will in turn build the same trust with you.

Social media is great for business and building networking relationships. Networking on the sites above is easy to do and it can be a lot of fun. Not only will you meet great people, you will also learn things and gain more traffic.

Check out more articles from Corrie's Corner at Woman2Woman Lounge.

Happy New Year 2010

Happy New Year from the Woman2Woman Lounge. This year we continue to be a place to network with other women in ministry and the business field. My goal is to provide a website filled with inspiring and encouraging reading through articles of interest, Books, and interviews that spotlight the purpose and achievements of the women we network with in business and ministry. Our purpose is to, connect, support, edify, witness, and strengthen women of God.

W2WL covers topics on family, marriage, relationships, and studies in the word of God. Our sister website Moms Working for the Kingdom was established also to unite, edify, and further motivate women in Christ. If you are a Christian Woman in ministry or business I encourage you to contact me and join our list of growing women in either of these fields. We also encourage the sharing of inspirational stories, business articles, and poetry. We are seeking submissions covering topics on marriage, family, relationships, and overcoming adversity. If you would like to share an article with us or you know a woman in Ministry or Business that you feel we should share her story with the world please email us @ momsworkingforthekingdom2@gmail.com