The Neely Team

Jesus is coming to earth again–
What if it were today?
Coming in power and love to reign–
What if it were today?
Coming to claim His chosen Bride,
All the redeemed and purified,
Over this whole earth scattered wide–
What if it were today?

Chorus
Glory, glory! Joy to my heart ’twill bring;
Glory, glory! When we shall crown Him King.
Glory, glory! Haste to prepare the way;
Glory, glory! Jesus will come someday.

Satan’s dominion will then be o’er–
O that it were today!
Sorrow and sighing shall be no more–
O that it were today!
Then shall the dead in Christ arise,
Caught up to meet Him in the skies;
When shall these glories meet our eyes?
What if it were today?

Faithful and true would He find us here
If He should come today?
Watching in gladness and not in fear,
If He should come today?
Signs of His coming multiply,
Morning light breaks in eastern sky;
Watch, for the time is drawing nigh–
What if it were today?

“Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8

“…thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee… to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in His ways, and to fear him. For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land…. A land wherin…thou shalt not lack any thing in it…. When thou has eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee…

Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God…” –excerpts from Deuteronomy 8

At the edge of the promised land, the children of Israel were given a charge: a charge to not forget. Not to forget Jehovah, His workings on their behalf, and His commands for their lives in the Promised Land.

Many of you have probably already read a post from three years ago, A Legacy, A Trial, A Harp, and the Sovereignty of God. Well, today I would like to offer a brief sequel, specifically centered on “a harp.”

Following years of harp lessons and prayers, the Lord graciously provided a lovely pedal harp for me. This harp has been a special gift, opening up doors of opportunity for learning that have been barred in the past. But far more importantly, this harp has become a reminder of God’s everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) and never-failing mercy (Psalm 86:5).

As written so beautifully in Psalm 103, “…who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies… the LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy…He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east if from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust…the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him…bless the LORD, O my soul.”

Each day, the mercies of the LORD are new (Lamentations 3:22-23). How has He demonstrated this to you? And how do you plan to remember His gracious acts? “That the generation to come might know them, even the children that should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:” –Psalm 78:6-7

So with thankfulness to the LORD and my family, I have named this blessing in my life Merci Morgen. Merci is French for “Thank you;” Morgen is German for “Morning.” I am filled with gratitude to the LORD for His mercies; they are new every morning.

I want to remember, and not forget.

May you, also, be blessed as you call to remembrance the faithful loving-kindness of our God!

We are currently selling our Lyon & Healy Prelude lever harp, which we purchased through the Atlanta Harp Center in late 2013. It has been lovingly cared for and enjoyed. We are now selling it because of a recent upgrade. There are some “wear and tear” marks on the column and base. Levers are in excellent working condition. This harp has a vivid, clear, and warm tone, easily comparable to the L&H Chicago pedal harps.
Preludes are wonderful for gigs, studio use, and students. They are able to handle pedal tension gut strings, and feature pedal harp spacing, making them an excellent option for those who would like to progress to a pedal harp. Includes a tuning key and dust cover. We are asking $4500.

Feel free to contact us with additional questions.

Also, we are selling our Lyon & Healy Troubadour III, age unknown. The soundboard and levers were replaced in 2015. The rest of the harp is in like-new condition, and is structurally sound. This harp has a beautiful lever harp tone – clear, vibrant, and it carries well. It would make an excellent student instrument or gig harp. We are asking $3000.

Feel free to contact us with additional questions.

Just in time for Christmas! Aubrey Elliott and Victoria Neely have finished a second book for solo harp, this time focusing on the birth of the Savior. Pre-order Promise Fulfilled today, and use coupon code PromisesShipped2016 to receive free shipping checkout on all orders of books and music!

Titles include: O Come, Little Children, Once in Royal David’s City, See in Yonder Manger Low, Joy to the World, and more!

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!

This past weekend, while browsing through our family-favorite calendar, I was immensely blessed by one of the hymns that I saw. At first, it simply reminded me of a young choir we heard sing it once, stirring up memories of their gorgeous harmony and heart-felt expression.

But as it kept coming to mind throughout the day, I had to look it up to complete the fragments that kept ending abruptly in my brain.

It was then that I fully realized what the LORD had for me in this lovely old hymn. Among many other things, it struck me that the message communicated through the lyrics make this song very appropriate for the week of Christmas, especially having very recently walked through the passing of a dear member of our extended family. Faced again with the reality of death, the nearness of eternity, and the urgency of living each moment for the glory of our King… we are all seeing this Christmas season from a slightly different perspective. And in a society where the true meaning of the season has been belittled until, in many places, it is non-existent, this song contains much-needed truth.

Take the World, but Give Me Jesus
Fanny J. Crosby

Take the world, but give me Jesus, all it’s joys are but a name;
But His love abideth ever, through eternal years the same.
Oh, the height and depth of mercy! Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption, pledge of endless life above.

Take the world, but give me Jesus, sweetest comfort of my soul;
With my Savior watching o’er me, I can sing while billows roll.
Oh, the height and depth of mercy! Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption, pledge of endless life above.

Take the world, but give me Jesus, let me view His constant smile;
Then throughout my pilgrim journey light will cheer me all the while.
Oh, the height and depth of mercy! Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption, pledge of endless life above.

Take the world, but give me Jesus, in His cross my trust shall be;
Till, with clearer, brighter vision, face to face my LORD I see.
Oh, the height and depth of mercy! Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption, pledge of endless life above.

What a JOY to be gathered with dear family to celebrate the coming of our Savior to this world. What a blessing to be able to express love to others through giving. What a treasure to be able to enjoy the sights and smells of the season. Christmas is such a beautiful time of the year, and each special moment is truly a gift of God to be enjoyed to the fullest.

But within the depths of our hearts, “take the world, but give me Jesus…” should be our cry. Emmanuel – God with us – was manifest that we might know the height and depth of His mercy, the length and breadth of His love, the fullness of His redemption, the promise of life above…

This Christmas season, may our hearts respond to this abundant, fathomless GIFT by asking for more… of Him.

How beautiful to see the LORD bring songs in perfect timing with what the seasons through which we are passing hold for us. What mercy, what grace, what comfort!

Though I have known them for most of my life, the lyrics below have been a fresh source of encouragement and strength in recent days. I pray they will be a blessing to you as well.

Wait on the LORD
Joe Zichterman

Tho’ the pathway before you uncertain may be,
Trust the LORD no good thing to withhold back from thee.
He is perfect in wisdom and faithful to bless.
Trust His Word; in His time He will give you His best.

They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings as eagles.
They shall run and not grow weary; they’ll walk and not faint.
Wait, I say, wait on the LORD.

Be not weary in waiting, for love suffers long;
If you faint not, you’ll reap when the harvest is come.
Run with patience the race as you rest on His Word,
For your testing will teach you to wait on the LORD.

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me… when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me… he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness. Micah 7:7-9

The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:24-26

…thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. Isaiah 49:23

“Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God…”

Deuteronomy 8: 11-14a

There is a sweet elderly friend of our family who is known for perpetually having a song in his heart. You know – one of those delightful people that just exude cheerful music no matter what time of day or night it is or what is being encountered. Well, this man (we call him “Grandpa”) has a reputation far and wide for humming, singing, playing the harmonica in duo with his dear little wife, making up new words to match old tunes, or simply listening to music – constantly. “Grandpa” has been a part of lives ever since I can remember, and he is one of those that we can all say has had a tremendous influence on our walks with the LORD. One evening years ago, we sat together around our table enjoying a meal, and as always, throughout the course of the repast many topics came and went in the discussion. Even though eating together was a very common occurrence, this particular dinner stands out in my mind because of a specific challenge Grandpa gave to us young people. In essence, he exhorted us to be intentional about storing up a treasury of the rich, quality, Scripturally-sound songs and hymns that godly men and women have written, while we were young. Having entered the stage where memory is not always as clear as in earlier years, he shared the testimony that, while many things have faded from his mind, it is the songs of the faith that have remained with him, continuing to bring fresh stores of comfort and strength on his journey heavenward.

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Throughout this year, the LORD has brought specific songs to my attention with beautifully perfect timing. Earlier this spring, one of my dear sisters spontaneously designed something which included the hymn, Jesus, Lover of My Soul. Without her even realizing it, it was just what I needed at that time. Shortly after that, another dear sister pulled an old recording from our closet and put it in, directing my attention to a lovely song titled, Fear Not, I am With You. This song spoke volumes to me, as it is an almost word-for-word musical rendition of one of my favorite verses – Isaiah 41:10. Another time God used a violin student’s assignment to remind me of All the Way My Savior Leads Me; a later one was Abide with Me.

It was not until recently, though, that the LORD opened my eyes and revealed what He has been doing. As the experiences of life have deepened, and trials, joys, tests, decisions, victories, and struggles have come and gone, it has seemed that with each new dimension, He has had a new song for me.

“Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8

Through the writings of many saints throughout history, the Psalms, and other passages of Scripture, God has given us a musical wealth of encouragement and blessing. He has been demonstrating to me, that, as we are faithful to learn them, He mercifully brings them back to our remembrance right when we need them most. His songs come to us “in the night” – times of darkness, doubt, decision, disappointment, and discouragement – and illuminate the shadows. How graciously kind He is!

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A few weeks ago, I was blessedly reminded of yet another song by yet another dear sister. We’ve known this song for years, but in a passing conversation, she mentioned it; and oh! how much it has meant during this season of my life.

Bow the Knee
M. Harland & C. Machen

There are moments on our journey, following the Lord,
When God illumines every step we take.
There are times when circumstances make perfect sense to us,
As we try to understand each move He makes.
[But] when the path grows dim and our questions have no answers – turn to Him.

Bow the knee; trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see.
Bow the knee; lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One Who holds eternity.
And when you don’t understand the purpose of His plan,
In the presence of your King, bow the knee.

There are days when clouds surround us, and the rain begins to fall;
The cold and lonely winds won’t cease to blow.
And there seems to be no reason for the suffering we feel;
We are tempted to believe God does not know.
When the storms arise, don’t forget we live by faith and not by sight.

Bow the knee; trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see.
Bow the knee; lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One Who holds eternity.
And when you don’t understand the purpose of His plan,
In the presence of your King, bow the knee.

So this week, this month, this year… through whatever night you may be passing, may His song be with you.

Just as all of our travels were commencing for the month of June, we were blessed to attend the graduation celebration for some dear friends and music students, Kris Jr. & Sheri. Praise the LORD for these two vibrant young people, who consistently demonstrate what it means to live wholeheartedly for the glory of our Creator, to seek first His Kingdom, to reject the lies our culture offers, and instead to embrace of the calling of Christ, despite the cost. Watching these two grow and mature throughout the past several years has been a delight, and we look forward to seeing the beautiful plans the LORD has in store for them in the days ahead.

Congratulations, Kris & Sheri! May the LORD abundantly bless you!

May He “grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.” Eph. 3:16-21