https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2024/12/26/your-guide-to-finding-a-new-job-in-2025

It’s essential to begin crafting your job search plan by outlining clear goals and timelines for yourself. This not only aids in staying organized and focused, but also allows you to effectively measure progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.

By defining specific objectives—such as target industries, desired roles and networking opportunities—you can create a roadmap that guides your efforts and maximizes your chances of securing a fulfilling position.

Take the time to reflect on your skills, values and career goals. By identifying your unique selling points and recognizing areas for improvement, you can better position yourself in a competitive market.M

Additionally, conducting thorough research on the job market will provide valuable insights into industry trends and in-demand skills for the coming year. This analysis will help you pinpoint growing sectors and roles that align with your interests, enabling you to target opportunities that not only match your qualifications, but also resonate with your professional aspirations.

To increase your chances of landing a job in 2025, it is important to optimize your résumé and online profiles with relevant keywords that can effectively navigate screening systems powered by artificial intelligence.

Tailoring your résumé and cover letter for each application is equally important. By highlighting specific skills that align with the job description, you can demonstrate your suitability for the role. This not only increases your visibility to potential employers, but also showcases your attention to detail and commitment to presenting yourself as the ideal candidate for each opportunity.

It’s vital to align your efforts with employers that reflect your values while diversifying your search methods. This includes utilizing online job boards, leveraging social media for job postings and networking and cultivating professional relationships with recruitment agencies. Additionally, incorporating AI-powered job matching platforms can streamline your search by connecting you with opportunities that fit your skills and preferences.

Building and leveraging a robust professional network is crucial, as research indicates that up to 80% of jobs are filled through personal connections. Engaging in industry conferences, virtual networking events, job fairs and joining professional associations related to your field will expand your network and provide valuable insights into emerging trends.

To strengthen your presence in the job market, develop your personal brand by maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile and other professional social media accounts. Creating a portfolio that showcases your projects and achievements can further distinguish you from other candidates.

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, professionals must embrace a mindset of continuous learning to remain competitive and relevant. The key to career success lies in actively pursuing opportunities to expand your skill set and knowledge base. This can be achieved through engaging in online courses or bootcamps that offer targeted skill development, participating in industry webinars and workshops to stay abreast of the latest trends and familiarizing yourself with AI tools that are increasingly shaping the workplace.

The ability to articulate your professional value succinctly and compellingly is paramount. While you may have a clear understanding of your skills and experiences, translating this knowledge into a verbal presentation can be challenging.

The solution lies in crafting and perfecting an elevator pitch—a concise, well-rehearsed summary of your professional background that can be delivered in 30 seconds to a minute.

The interview process can be daunting, often filled with pressure to perform well under scrutiny. Engaging in role-play provides a safe environment to conduct a mock interview experience, allowing you to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and succinctly. Friends and mentors can offer insights into your body language, tone and overall presentation, helping you fine-tune your delivery. By honing this crucial skill, you can significantly enhance your chances of making a lasting impression in interviews and networking situations.

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Jack Kelly

When life feels rough, it is usually a result of an accumulation of circumstances or situations …… (a whole lot of isolated incidents bunched together). While you may have contributed to the situation, don’t disparage or undervalue yourself; deal with each problem-concern-situation individually. Do what you can, when you can, but don’t delay the inevitable by procrastination. Talk with someone trustworthy so you can speak and hear exactly what you are dealing with. (Things are often not as bad as we think). Write stuff down, journal…. Get it out of your head. 

Identify a Bible Verse, Mantra, or Affirmation and recite it for personal inspiration, motivation, and encouragement. 

(Philippians 4:13) “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

(Proverbs 3:5-6) I will Trust God with all (my) heart and not depend on my own abilities. In everything I do, I will Look to the Lord to guide me; He will make my paths straight.

Maya Angelou

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” 

Eat healthy, rest, sleep well, and exercise.

Practice Relaxation… (Breathe deeply, meditate, walk). Time is a great healer, “today is the first day of the rest of your life.” Look forward!

D

Managing personal finances can often feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies and tools, you can take control of your financial future. This blog post aims to provide a detailed overview of effective financial management techniques, covering budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and planning for retirement.

1. Understanding Your Financial Situation

Assess Your Current Financial Status

Start by reviewing your current financial situation closely. Gather documents such as bank statements, credit card statements, and bills. Create a list of your assets (what you own) and liabilities (what you owe).

Key Questions to Ask:

• What is your net worth? (Assets – Liabilities)
• What are your monthly income and expenses?
• Are there any outstanding debts that need attention?

Create a Financial Snapshot

A financial snapshot is a quick overview of your financial health. Use tools like spreadsheets or financial apps to track your income, expenses, and savings over a month.

1. Budgeting: The Foundation of Financial Management

Importance of a Budget

A budget is essential for managing your finances effectively. It helps you understand where your money goes and allows you to allocate funds towards savings and investments.

Creating a Budget

1. Track Your Income: Include all sources of income.
2. List Your Expenses: Categorize them into fixed (rent, utilities) and variable (entertainment, dining out).
3. Set Goals: Determine short-term and long-term financial goals.
4. Adjust as Needed: Revise your budget monthly to reflect changes in income or expenses.

Popular Budgeting Methods

• Zero-Based Budgeting: Allocate every dollar to expenses, savings, or debt repayment.
• 50/30/20 Rule: Allocate 50% to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment.
• Envelope System: Use cash for different categories, limiting spending to the amount in each envelope.
• Saving: Building Your Financial Safety Net

Establish an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is crucial for financial stability. Aim to save 3 to 6 months’ worth of living expenses to cover unexpected costs like medical emergencies or job loss.

Saving Strategies

• Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your savings account to make saving easier.
• Use High-Interest Savings Accounts: Look for accounts that offer higher interest rates to maximize your savings.
• Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Review your budget and identify areas where you can cut back.
• Investing: Growing Your Wealth

Understanding the Basics of Investing

Investing allows your money to grow over time, helping you achieve financial goals. Familiarize yourself with different types of investments, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs.

How to Start Investing

1. Educate Yourself: Read books, take courses, or follow financial news.
2. Determine Your Risk Tolerance: Understand how much risk you’re willing to take.
3. Create a Diversified Portfolio: Spread investments across different asset classes to minimize risk.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Investments

• Long-Term Investments: Stocks and real estate tend to grow over time.
• Short-Term Investments: Savings accounts or bonds that provide quicker returns but lower growth potential.
• Managing Debt: Strategies for Success

Understand Your Debt

List all debts, including credit cards, student loans, and personal loans. Note the interest rates and monthly payments for each.

Debt Repayment Strategies

• Snowball Method: Pay off the smallest debts first to build momentum.
• Avalanche Method: Focus on paying off high-interest debts first to save on interest payments.
• Consolidation: Consider consolidating high-interest debts into a lower-interest loan.

Avoiding New Debt

• Use cash or debit cards to avoid overspending.
• Establish a clear budget that accounts for all expenses.
• Retirement Planning: Securing Your Future

Start Early

The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more time your money has to grow due to compound interest.

Retirement Accounts

• 401(k): Offered by employers, often with matching contributions.
• IRA: Individual Retirement Accounts that provide tax advantages.
• Roth IRA: Allows tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

Calculate Your Retirement Needs

Estimate how much you will need to live comfortably in retirement. A common rule of thumb is to aim for 70-80% of your pre-retirement income.

1. Utilizing Financial Tools and Resources

Budgeting Apps

Consider using apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), or Personal Capital to help you track your finances and stay organized.

Financial Advisors

If managing finances feels overwhelming, consider consulting a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Financial Future

Mastering personal finance is a journey that requires patience, discipline, and knowledge. By following the steps outlined in this guide—assessing your financial situation, budgeting effectively, saving diligently, investing wisely, managing debt, and planning for retirement—you can achieve financial stability and peace of mind. Remember, the earlier you start, the more secure your financial future will be. Take charge today, and watch your financial dreams turn into reality!

We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces ^[b]perseverance;  and perseverance, ^[c]character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3

Sometimes, as women and mothers, we ask God for things, experiences, and a change in circumstances for our households, especially as it relates to our children. It seems even though we pray to God or lecture our children, we talk to teachers and counselors, and the things we seek still elude us. I’m talking about years of asking and seeking. Some mothers actually give up and just resign themselves to circumstances they feel are beyond their intervention. The circumstances are often beyond our direct control. If you feel in your spirit, your gut that God has shown you something about your child and your family, hold onto that vision forever. During this process we have to learn how to listen for God’s direction daily in the life of that child, even if that child is 40 years old. Listen daily for how to move in that circumstance. Develop the discipline to listen daily even though you may not hear daily. However, when the direction is given, follow that direction. You may see immediate results. You may not. Know that the seed is planted and is being cultivated for the time to blossom. Before the time of blossom, you may have various tribulations to go through with that child or circumstance, but never give up.

This is perseverance. It is a steady persistence in a course of action despite difficulties, despite obstacles and even in the face of discouragement. It is holding on to what you believe in your heart God has for you and your household, no matter what. You don’t have to tell anyone about it. You don’t have to beat your children or your husband over the head with it. You just seal it in your heart and share it with the Lord of the universe in prayer over time. Moses’ mother had to put him in a basket as an infant and let him drift upstream to the Pharoah’s daughter. Then, wait years to see him again after he was weaned. Sara was told she would have a baby and waited until she was 90 years old for the fulfillment of this promise. Ruth, a widow, persevered with her mother-in-law and received the blessing of being in the lineage of Jesus as the wife of Boaz. Mary, the mother of Jesus was told that her son yet to be born was conceived by the Spirit of God and would be the Messiah of who the prophets spoke. She had to be put away privately to not make a disgrace of her and Joseph’s family. These women had been given an experience that they had to hold on to regardless of what was happening in front of their eyes. Sara doubted and had her servant Haggai become a surrogate for the promise of God. We see the results of her intervention. 

Perseverance is about more than what we are praying for. It is about what God is doing in us as we wait. The experience of perseverance includes tribulation and is the very process that defines our character. Character is moral excellence. It is learning how to be right within and with excellence. Through tribulation, we learn how to walk without complaining, whining, and grumbling. We learn how to walk in grace. Perseverance is knowing right from wrong and doing what is right in excellence because you understand what will unfold was ordered, purposed, and conceived by the Holy Spirit. You understand the grace you walk in is the gift of God. You have learned that in the face of all that could have happened wrong, God was with you in his infinite Grace. And because of that grace, there is a hope that has been birthed within you. This hope will allow you to see what is not visible now. But it’s on its way. Maybe not even in our lifetimes but it will be.

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Romans 8:25

October 17,2024

Diane Rasbury

Moving into a new house can be challenging, exciting, and filled with possibilities because of the various decorating options. You can create and explore multiple design styles. During the move, you can decide what stays and what goes. Whatever you take, you incorporate old and new items once you are in the new place. You might wonder why you bought some items. However, you had a plan when you packed them.

Having recently moved and experienced the above. I took things out of the boxes and put them in the available spaces, such as cabinets, drawers, and closets. Later, I realized that the things I did not need were occupying space, and the things I needed were still in boxes. I knew I had wasted space.

This experience made me realize that we sometimes create wasted spaces in our minds because we hold onto things filled with stress, worry, rejection, and frustration. When we should embrace love, peace, joy, and contentment, the wasted space can harm our body, mind, and spirit. Those things can overtake our capacity to see clearly and find the peace necessary to assess how to work toward a healthy body and soul. Since we have so many life challenges, it is hard to find the time for prayer and meditation to seek answers from a God who can provide guidance.

The cares of life can assume so much space in our minds, and we cannot manage them alone. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” His guidance helps us have the peace we so desperately need to put things in the proper perspective.

The struggle is real. Sometimes, you can mentally and emotionally organize your thoughts, which leads to a productive life, or you need help uncluttering your mind to achieve the stability you need. You decide which path to take to eliminate the unproductive areas that are wasted spaces. The goal is to fill the wasted spaces with a healthy body, soul, and spirit. It can be accomplished! Do the work to fill the wasted spaces; remember, you are not alone because there is a village of people and resources waiting to help.

Last week was typical until I got to Friday around 4:00 p.m., and everything changed. I received a message telling me that someone I interacted with tested positive for COVID-19, and I should quarantine over the weekend and test on Monday.  Did I want to hear that? I had three thoughts regarding this: how do I tell my husband? Second, I must stay shut up in my room all weekend and cancel my plans. Third, I need to know if I will experience any symptoms and what type. Will I have a fever, chills, or loss of taste and smell? When I called my husband to tell him the news, there was silence on the phone, and then he said, I’ll pray for you before you come in the house, and anyone that knows my husband, that would be his response.

People experience COVID-19 symptoms differently. Some test positive and have no symptoms, others think it’s their allergies, some lose their taste and smell, and some have symptoms ranging from light to heavy. No matter what, everyone should adhere to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. 

Quarantining in your home can be difficult, especially if your home is not very big. During the weekend, it was a lot of work trying to stay 6 feet apart and sanitizing everything when that wasn’t the norm, but you must do what’s required to keep others safe.

After that long weekend, I decided to take the Covid test Tuesday morning.  My family was waiting to hear the news. Are you negative? When I arrived at the facility, I waited patiently for my turn to take the test. I knew I didn’t want to hear the dreaded words “It’s Positive.” The nurse comforted me when she said we start seeing signs immediately if they are positive, but I haven’t seen anything yet”. She said, wait around for 15 minutes, and I’ll bring the results out. She came out and gave me the results that showed negative. I said thank you, Lord. That was the best news ever!

I realized that the people who test positive must consider many factors. They can’t work, and they put other family members at risk. They must quarantine for 10-14 days. They must have a negative test result to resume activities. Being placed in this situation is mentally challenging because all the factors disrupt your life.

I recently heard a few stories that stood out to me. A one-year-old baby tested positive for COVID-19, and the mother tested negative; a few days later, the mother retested, and it was positive. A person worked in her new job for a few weeks, and a co-worker tested positive, and she and other workers tested positive. It put fear in her, and she quit the job. Another person tested positive with no symptoms, which can be frustrating because you have no evidence of sickness, yet you must quarantine.

When more people were vaccinated, the CDC said they didn’t have to wear masks. But who knew the Covid Delta Variant would take us by storm? Companies said you don’t have to wear a mask if you are vaccinated, and the unvaccinated must wear a mask. Within weeks, everything changed; the signs read now, “Vaccinated and unvaccinated, you must wear a mask.”

We cannot escape the possibility that Covid-19 can be a part of our life experience. We must use all the available resources to keep our families and us safe. Some will never comply with the established rules, and that’s fine for them. However, you must know what is best for you and stick to it because you and your loved one’s matter, not what others do in this season of COVID-19.