by Cassandra Woods

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
-Tolstoy

Which of us would dare wake up, dress up, and go out without ever looking in a mirror? Not many of us, I’m sure. For a long time mirrors have played an important role in our society. They come in all shapes and sizes, from compacts to the full-length types. They can be found in bathrooms, bedrooms, halls, and more. In pockets and purses, and hanging on doors. Yes, they’re everywhere.

We use them to evaluate our appearance, to test the need for a tuck here or a dab there. We want to present a good image.

But who is taking care of the inside, the heart? I am convinced that we must practice regular self-evaluation, in order to live out God’s purpose for our lives. After all, we’re told, the pure in heart shall see God. Read the rest of this entry »

Who’s calling the shots? That’s a term that generally refers to who’s in charge, or who’s making the decisions. The answer to the question has been known to cause corporations to tumble and relationships to dissolve.

I believe we are all born with an innate desire to be in control. We want to make our own decisions. “We know what’s best for us,” is the sentiment. I’ve seen it in boardrooms, political meetings, churches and schools. I’ve seen it in the eyes of a toddler determined to rebel.

Wherever there are people breathing, you are bound to find a few jockeying for the power to be in charge.

But what if you are a Christian, living your life for the Lord? Do you have the right to take charge of your own life? You certainly can choose to do so. Does serving God preclude our making choices for ourselves?

We are quick to agree that God is sovereign, but is he sovereign in your life? In your house? On your job?

The Bible is God’s word, the guide for your successful journey though life.

Who’s calling the shots for you?

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Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

A few weeks ago many of us celebrated Thanksgiving. It is a holiday that brings many family and friends together, to reflect on the blessings that our God has given to us.

It is also a great way to live everyday. When we arise we can be thankful for life.

Since God’s word tells us to be thankful in all circumstances, it must be possible, so let’s give it a shot.

What can you be thankful for? Give yourself 60 seconds. Take out a pen and some paper and as fast as you can, write down things you can be thankful for.

How’d you do? Did you run out of room on your paper? Good for you. Did you get stuck? It happens. Just try it again tomorrow and the next day. You may have to train yourself to look for the positives in your present circumstance. That’s okay and it’s worth it.

I believe an attitude of thankfulness does a lot for our overall well-being. Try it and see what you think.

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by Cassandra Woods

When economic indicators pointed toward a bleak future for the US economy, government leaders started thinking of ways to prevent a recession.

The result, in 2008 Christmas came early for some, as Americans pulled promised economic stimulus checks from their mailboxes.

Our government revealed a plan that would show the intended benefits, only if the recipients used the funds to make purchases, rather than tucking them away for a stormy day. This plan was an attempt to revive our declining economy, to wake it up, before it needed life support.

I believe something similar can easily happen in our own lives, if we don’t pay close attention to spiritual indicators. One day you could be all excited about God’s will and how you fit into his plan. Another day you could find yourself complacent, simply going through familiar motions or stressed and overwhelmed by the issues of daily life.

What you need is a good old-fashioned revival. As a child I remember guest ministers coming into churches and under tents for a few days, to get people to refocus on God and hear something that would spur them on in their Christian walk. Then off they’d go till next year.

There is another way.

Revival of the best kind is found in something you have access to on a daily basis. It is the ultimate life support. I’m speaking of the written words of God, the Bible.

The Word is alive and capable of getting you in check for any situation. (Heb. 4:12 NIV)

©2008 Cassandra Woods

About the Author:
Cassandra Woods is an inspirational writer and life coach, who has seen God’s Word become real in her own life. She finds great joy in sharing God’s love with other women and encouraging them to develop an intimate relationship with God. She is the wife of an awesome husband and the mother of four wonderful children.

by Cassandra Woods

The job market is quite competitive these days. There’s a large pool of potential employees, including new college graduates, displaced workers, and those who are simply seeking a better opportunity.

While salary and location may be two of the top reasons people accept jobs, another major reason is fringe benefits.

Many companies offer a benefits package to their employees. The package may include vacation and sick leave, tuition reimbursement, or a 401 K plan. Due to the high cost of medical treatment, an inadequate health insurance offer could be a deal-breaker for a prospective employee.
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