The Neely Team

It’s spring time. The mountains are bursting out in new, vibrant color; blossoms are on the trees; flowers are making their appearance around the yard. With all the beauty of spring also comes pollen. In some areas of the country, cars will turn a greenish-hue as the little particles gather on them. Our porch was getting this way, and needed a good sweeping. With each brush of the broom a little cloud of pollen rose and vanished. I couldn’t help but think about the effects the pollen might have on me if I wasn’t careful….sneezing, watery eyes, and other undesirable reactions. It’s so small – just little bits of pollen. But if in the wrong place it can be very irritating.

I thought about how inconvenient and unwanted pollen-provoked allergies can be. Miserable, at times. But, more repulsive than pollen in my eyes is sin in the eyes of the just, holy God. To me, it might seem but a small sin, but to God, it is sin. Sin that is repulsive. Sin that made the Father turn His back on His Son. Sin that sent Jesus to the cross.

Makes my heart cry: “…Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:12b-14

How do you summarize a weekend such as the NC FEW was? It’s hard. The Lord was merciful in the way He allowed each detail to play out (especially since some of us were very preoccupied with other things that had happened that week…). Sweet fellowship with other believers, motivating messages, encouraging testimonies, invigorating play time, delectable food, award winning smiles, uplifting prayer time, unity of hearts… the Lord truly blessed. Each year, we Neelys ask ourselves, “Why do we host the conference?” Every year the answer is the same: “Because we need the encouragement!” And every year, the result is the same…we are encouraged. Praise be to the Lord, Who is the Source of our encouragement.

Fellowship!

Meal time!

Children’s Hour!

Sessions!

Discipleship playtime!

Music!

Clean up!

May we each continue to look to the Lord for guidance and joy as we strive to stay the course by His grace!