The Neely Team

After far too long without time for one-on-one fellowship, we were delighted to have the Wikman family at our house for Memorial Day! What a blessing to spend time together again — the sweetness of the bond we share in Christ with other believers is truly a foretaste of the glory that awaits us in Heaven.

Games… Corn Toss, especially, was one of the weekend favorites.

A sweet time singing hymns and reading the Word together on the porch.

Other moments… including trampoline time with the moms!

We love you, Wilkman family, and praise the LORD for your friendship. Looking forward to the next visit!

This post could be named several things. “You know not what a day may bring forth.” “Trusting God… on the side of the road.” “Smoking tire on way to baby shower.” But, “Tire Depot – Grayson, GA” seems the best. Why? Because the Lord really blessed us through this business.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being lost (well, thankfully we weren’t completely lost) with a smoking van tire, 123 miles from home. Yet the hand of the Lord was so beautifully seen in each mile of the journey. Knowing the presence of God in the midst of a perplexing situation is truly beautiful. We laughed. We almost wanted to cry. We stood in amazement. We made phone calls (lots of them).

The Lord’s plan is always perfect…

…even when you don’t know the extent of the car problems you’re having on your way to speak at a friends baby shower, traffic is terrible, it’s 104 degrees outside, and the shower is supposed to start in 30 minutes and you’re at least 20 minutes from your destination.

Ah, but it’s then that you know you’re helpless. And get ready — because it will be then that you’ll see the power and love of God in fresh, exciting ways.

To make a long story short…

We had a brake problem. The smell was typical of brakes: strong and distinct. We formulated “plan B” so we could arrive at the baby shower (almost) in time. Several mechanically minded friends checked out the situation, and so the next morning, we got back on the road, knowing that, based on the diagnosis given by our friends, the problem may arise again, but hoping that it wouldn’t. A few miles later, that distinct smell was back. We called Dad (who stayed home on this trip to work) and he said, “Find the nearest garage that will work on brakes.” It happened that we were at the intersection with Tire Depot. We pulled in, and the service we received was top notch. The kindness shown to us by the owners and employees of this family-owned tire business put us at ease. They gave us a shady parking spot, prompt, courteous service, told us to go to the air-conditioned office (it was 100 degrees outside…. at least it was cooler than the day before) while we waited for the part to arrive (which only took 20 minutes), and within the hour we were back on the road, driving a van that was running beautifully… better than it has in a long time.

So, to all of you blog followers in the Atlanta area, we highly recommend Tire Depot.

And to those of you who seem to be “broken down” on the journey of life, take comfort! The Lord is nigh them that are of a broken heart, and His strength is most clearly seen when we feel utterly helpless. Cling to His precious promises, and behold the works of the Lord! He doeth all things well.

——————————————————————

Here are a few pictures from the shower. What a delightful evening! Such a  joy it is to celebrate the anticipated arrival of new life: a precious soul to nurture and to teach the boundless love of God.

June has begun, and with it an intense season of busyness for the Team! (One of our dear littles gave us a good giggle when, on the evening of May 31st, she calmly told us all to “get ready, because in a few hours we [were] entering the month of no sleep.”) The month of May, though, was also quite packed… hence the prolonged blog silence. But over the next several weeks, we will do our best to stay up to date with you all.

A few weeks ago we were thrilled and delighted to take a trip to VA to host a bridal shower for our dear “sister” Jennifer. The LORD blessed the day immensely – such a sweet, precious gathering of ladies to fellowship and share the joy of what He has done in bringing Derrick & Jenny together.

A few games brought quite a riot of laughter and smiles…

Dear, sweet sisters-in-law shared from their hearts to the lovely bride-to-be…

Precious fellowship… lots of hugs… tears… smiles…

While the bridal shower was taking place, the men gathered outside for a time of target shooting, fellowship, exhortation, and encouragement. The poor gentlemen… things suddenly changed for their afternoon activities when the dark, gathering clouds burst open and the rain poured down! Everyone kept a cheerful outlook on the unexpected situation, though, and simply moved to the porch (declaring as they did so that they, the men, had had the REAL shower… literally).

Additional shots…

We are so, SO happy for you both, Derrick & Jenny, and praise the LORD for the beautiful, wondrous work He has wrought in bringing you together. In the years ahead, may He use you – as one in Him – to point many others to Himself, for His own glory.

We love you dearly.