The Neely Team

We returned on Monday with Matthew & Amanda from our journey to south GA, and following their departure on Tuesday, we spent a busy two days catching up on home things and then turned around and headed back to south GA on Thursday. This time, it was for our annual hunting trip on property near Grandmama and Uncle Fudge’s house. Uncle Bill and Aunt Peggy always meet us there, making this visit one of the highlights of our year.

Though the hunting was not terribly successful (maybe next year?!), the relationships built, the time to sit near and talk with and learn from these dear, godly older people – the four mentioned above and Aunt Myrtle, and the opportunity to minister in a church on Sunday made the trip a sweet and memorable one.

We all returned immensely blessed by the time with these wise, older believers. As Dad is always encouraging us, take the time to sit down and learn from those who have walked the path of life ahead of you. Ask them questions. Learn about their lives and what the Lord has taught them through the years. Hear stories of answered prayers and divine interventions on their behalf. Seek out their wisdom and advice. They are a valuable resource of truth that the Lord has placed right in your path – what kind of steward will you be of this blessing?

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1

Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth…We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done… That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born… That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. Psalm 78:1,4,6,7

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom…Let thy work appear unto they servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90: 12, 16-17

What a tremendous joy it was to be with Matthew & Amanda the week after Christmas! The Lord brought them safely down to us just before the ice and snow set in – a reminder of His mercy and goodness in our lives.Though the weekend had an unexpected turn and we ended up traveling to south GA for a funeral, the Lord blessed us with safety and a precious time together. 

Friday morning, while we were waiting for details regarding our trip south to finalize, the guys left to go move a heavy piece of equipment with which the Lord recently blessed us. We ladies then gathered in Mom’s room for a sweet “girl time” together. Laughter, stories, and just sweet fellowship made the morning hours fly by. May we all learn to cherish moments like this to their fullest.

We love you, our dear, dear siblings, and look forward with great anticipation to the next time!

“O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth forever. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 117

Sweet fellowship with dear family and friends is always a tremendous highlight of our Christmas season. What could be more delightful than to be circled around a game on the living room floor, or relaxing at the kitchen counter sharing testimonies of the Lord’s recent workings, or racing through the dark, frosty yard at lightning speed, or gathered around the table enjoying a steaming bowl of soup and homemade rolls?

This Christmas season the Lord blessed our home with three specific times filled with such fellowship.

The first was a visit from our cousin Austin and friend, Anna, for a short but incredibly sweet project time together.

We love you both and look forward to another visit – – and hopefully a little longer one – – very soon.

The second took place the day after Christmas, when Mom’s sister and her family came to spend a few days with us. What a joyous time the Lord gave us together! To our great disappointment, at the end of the visit, we discovered that only one snapshot photo had been taken, but since Jessica and Kathryn were able to do a family photo session for them, we will include a few of those pictures. What a photogenic family!

We love you, Merck family, and are so grateful to the Lord for our relationship with you! We look forward to our next time together!

Finally, less than two hours after the Merck van pulled out of our driveway, and following an excited hustle of bed changing, floor cleaning, and counter clearing, the Barnes family arrived! Their annual visit on or around New Year’s is something we always anticipate.

Jigsaw puzzles, Dutch Blitz, shooting, walking to the swinging bridge, but most importantly, fellowship about things of the Lord, filled the moments and caused the time to fly. Hearing the detailed testimony of how God has worked in bringing two special young people together filled our hearts with encouragement, reminding us all that the ways of the Lord are truly wondrous.

On Sunday, the Lord gave us the opportunity to minister in music in two different local churches. Having them present as “stage crew” and, of course, as smiling supporters, blessed us immensely.

Thank you, Barnes family! May the Lord continue to strengthen and guide you as we begin another year. May Christ be your focus, your aim, your desire.