I have occasionally made a comment on GP that referred to my working life as a retailer. I was fortunate to be a "young retiree" having worked 120% of my life hours in nearly 30 years. I loved what I did but felt called to do more for the kingdom which was impossible without changing my budget and walking away from a great career. I have no regrets.God has added more meaning to my life.

The last 15+ years have been given to ministry and ministry projects. I pretty much consider myself a "professional volunteer" as I approach each challenge as if it was my paid position. I had a good understanding by being involved with pastors and missionaries that the church and ministries need people with various skills as volunteers.

However, to be honest, every once and a while I wondered "When am I ever going to feel retired?"  That question has been coming up more often in my life.

I have decided that I need to leave all my commitments if I am ever going to get my energy back where it needs to be. Therefore, as of this Friday I will no longer be posting Devotionals, Sermons, Spiritual well-being, Preparedness and Geopolitical articles on the GP site.

I also plan to "get fed" by being part of Bible study with homework and all the Christian friends and  fellowship that goes with it.

I also have interest in a local Christian homeless ministry and would like to learn more about them as I like their mission, budgeting process and successful Christian drug addiction program. I also feel I can get others to step up to volunteer, contribute to the food pantry and bedding needs as winter comes. The homeless could be any one of us or our family members today. Many are just regular people who have lost their job and house, but still want a decent life for their family. They are most open to the love of God.

Thinking about my GP experience, several GP viewers have commented on the unique feeling of community as we pray for needs, share comments and concerns.That is a 100% true statement. However, this site is not the only place one can experience a sense of special community.

If you do not have a church home, GP encourages you to become a part of an active caring Bible based church in your local area. Find one offering men's and women's Bible studies so you can learn, grow in your faith, support and pray for one another. If you are not sure which church to try check out their web site and drive around town and see where all the cars are parked Sunday mornings:)

Christian community and friends are the anchors of my life. Everyone has something to offer even if you are not sure about what you believe. A church focused on outreach will welcome you with open arms. If they do not, pray for the Lord to show you where you belong and where He wants you to serve.

I encourage you to find a mission project, a need in the community and meet it by more than just writing a check. Get involved. Care about others who are less fortunate. Let your heart strings get pulled. Share your life for Jesus with them and.... even if you do not feel comfortable talking about your faith, relax...it will come through your words and actions. Take your kids with you.... raise them with a heart for the less fortunate. Be a JOYFUL GIVER. Join a group on a mission trip in the US or to a foreign country or figure out a way to support the ones going. The needs are great! Seriously, the needs are out there and  hard to miss unless one has a blind eye.

As you share with others you will be so inspired and blessed you will wonder why you waited so long to show up and volunteer. I would guess many GP viewers are actively involved now with volunteering some place, why not share a post this week on GP to encourage others?

I challenge you all to go out in your world and be Jesus with skin on to someone who does not believe there is a God who loves them so much he sent his only Son to die for them and is the One who longs for a relationship with them for more than a week or a month.... for eternity! In Matthew 25:40 Jesus said " I tell you with certainty, if you have done it onto the least of these you have done it unto me". Imagine that!

We have covered many Biblical topics through our daily devotionals and the Spiritual Well-being articles. Go to the Our Perspective Tab and click on the category. Feel free to print or save your favorites to share with others or keep in your Bible. We have talked many times about our viewers making a personal decision for Christ to be Lord of their life.

I have often said for all of us that "GP cares more about your soul than your bank and brokerage accounts". If you have not made that decision this is the time.You cannot give away what you do not have yourself.

Feel free to copy/save any Preparedness postings as well.

Thank you viewers for giving us the opportunity to share our mission: to inform, equip and prepare.

I now challenge you to:

Claim the fact that God is more in your future than in your past. Go out into your world and be salt and light for Him!

Walking with the Master,

Nancy

---