The Neely Team

Dear Jordan,

Psalm 127:3, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.” You were a special gift from God, given to our home, to our family, for eight weeks this summer. Though we never got to meet you, you played a vital role in each of our lives. We are so grateful for you! But, as your name proclaims, our gracious Father called you over Jordan before us. You have gone on to glory, there to await us until His perfect timing when we will all be united forever. But during your life, the Lord used you to teach and remind us of many important truths.

Through you, we experienced yet again the indescribable joy of new life! We were delighted to find out that you were on the way. A new sibling, a new member of the Team, baby #11…

Through you, we realized just how uncomplaining and patient our darling mother is as she went through the early stages of pregnancy.

Because of you, we watched the Lord illuminate Mommy’s face with the glowing light that only a woman with child can wear.

We saw the beauty of letting God control the womb.

We were taught again to trust unconditionally in the loving, Sovereign hand of God in all circumstances.

We felt the pain of death and loss, but also felt the growth, grace, inexpressible joy, and deepened sense of God’s presence that always follows.

We understood just how blessed we are that we had never experienced miscarriage before.

We were further prepared for our futures as, Lord willing, fathers and mothers.

We tasted the sweetness of the friendship and love of other believers during a trial.

We were drawn closer together as a family, as a Team.

Our realm of ministry was broadened. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.” II Cor. 1:3-4

We were given yet another reason to look forward to Heaven with great anticipation!

Our hearts, our lives, our characters, our experiences, our trust in God… all were stretched and strengthened by your life. Though the pain is still felt, the results are of eternal significance, and for this, we, your siblings, are eternally grateful. We praise the Lord for your little life. Isaiah 43: 7, “For I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” Baby Jordan, you were created for the glory of God, and your life purpose has been fulfilled. Soli Deo Gloria!

We love you, Jordan!

Last Friday we had a major project day! Mom, Victoria, and Susanna worked on some of our fall sewing, Amanda and Titus tackled our ever-growing pile in the magazine basket, Jessi, Lauren, Bethany, Hannah, and I processed 5 1/2 bushels of apples, and Herman bounced between us and some jobs outside Dad had given him to do. God’s blessing on it all was evident… we had the best time of laughter, fun, and incredible production!

Then…

Well, before I tell you what it is, let me say that we have a steadily growing tradition in our house.

It is a ton of fun.

We all really like it.

It might sound a little unusual…

Here goes: After we make applesauce, we sleep outside!  Normally it is on the front porch, in freezing – or below – weather (I’m not kidding!), but we did our applesauce early so our sleep outside was delightfully cool, not frigid. After a day in the steamy kitchen working with hot apples in boiling water over blue-hot flame… I think you get the picture. We all feel ever-so-slightly warm!!!! So, a night in the wonderful fall outdoors is just perfect to cool us down and, of course, make great memories! This year, though, instead of using the front porch, we tried out our 12-man tent that we’ve had for three years and never used. What a blast!

So, the moral of the story is this:

Enjoy the projects you do together! Make them fun and memorable!

Laugh over little mistakes and bumps in the production – - everything will be fine.

Keep a positive outlook even when you’re tired. Help each other finish strong!

And… after you make applesauce, sleep outside!

We arrived home from Maryland in time for three days at home, and then we were off to Virginia for our cousin’s wedding. Marshall was the first “Conn Cousin” to be married – and out of 26 cousins, 24 were present for the special occasion! What a joy to be all together again!!

Rehearsal dinner:

Wedding!!!

After the wedding, the family met at Fuddruckers for dinner and more time together.

Just 2 1/2 weeks ago…

We were on our way to Maryland to witness the glorious union of our dear friends Joshua and Lisa!

Here are a few pictures to give you the story……

They’ll do a better job than words….