With today’s job market being what it is (somewhat non-existent), we need every possible hint to help us land the perfect position.  While God promises to reward the faithful, it’s awfully difficult to make your resume jump from the stack if you’ve not bothered to submit one.  Here are the six essentials for the professional job search.

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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I enjoy studying remarkable women of the Bible. What wonderful stories of women—sometimes virtuous, sometimes just plain evil—yet all of them can provide lessons to strengthen our spiritual lives.

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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Perhaps you are thinking of visiting a foreign country. Or perhaps you’ll be staying for an extended, if short term, period. You need to prepare yourself that circumstances and cultures may be quite different from those you are accustomed to in the good ole USA.

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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Looking for something to satisfy that poetry “jones” that’s been hounding you this summer?  From serious to cryptic to down-right singable, here are (portions of) 10 works that are a must for the hot summer day.

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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Studying abroad—it’s something that everyone should take advantage of if the opportunity presents itself.  God blessed me with two wonderful opportunities to establish my home-away-from-home on the Iberian Peninsula, in a little country called Spain.  The first time was for a month in the summer of 2002, with a program coordinated by my university.  I didn’t get my fill, so I figured out a way to get back, this time for a whole semester (four months).  No, I wasn’t there just for fun; I got some Spanish credits toward my major in the process!

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it's nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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This week, instead of answering a letter, I decided to do an “Essentials” column.  I have a few all-time favorite books that I can’t resist sharing with you all.

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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As most of my friends can attest, I’m a huge sports fan.  However, when you are labeled as such, people tend to believe you’re interested in all sports.  While I believe competition on most levels is healthy, there are some sports out there that you should avoid at all costs.

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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Books are banned in America, particularly from public school libraries, for a number of reasons.  The books on this list have been banned at one point in time or another, beginning in the 1970s by at least one library or organization.  Believe it or not, some of these were banned for a single offensive word or phrase.  However, these are essential books for reading to broaden your education and take a glimpse at works that often support reality and uncover truth.

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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Mountain Bike
With all the debate these days about the best diet available, people seem to forget that exercise is the best way to lose weight. I used to try jogging around the neighborhood, but quickly found out that, unless I’m chasing some type of ball, running is boring. Then I remembered how much fun I used to have riding a bike when I was a kid. That’s when I decided to get into mountain biking. It provides a good workout, along with allowing me to enjoy the outdoors. And for the adventure-seeking types, you can definitely get an adrenaline rush if you find the right trail. Take a look on the Internet (www.mtbreview.com) and you will probably find a trail near you. Warning: if you plan on riding trails, go ahead and spend a few hundred dollars on a decent bike or you might get stuck six miles down a trail with no pedals. I bought a Trek bike and have been satisfied with it.

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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Much has been made of the pressure society places on women, but you can’t ignore the expectations put on men.  We must be effective, assertive leaders, while at the same time getting in touch with our sensitive side.  We have to make wise financial choices, be able to knowledgeably discuss politics and world events, while at the same time maintain our six-pack and be able to bench-press our weight.  If you feel overwhelmed by this plethora of demands, join the crowd.  Before you go crying in your root beer, grab one of these books and increase your knowledge.