Daniel & Kathryn’s Website!

It is with great joy that I invite you to visit Daniel & Kathryn’s new website! It’s been a blessing to watch my little sister wait for the Lord’s perfect timing, seek His very best, communicate with this incredible young man, and then say “YES!” when the big question was asked.

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Can’t wait to see how the Lord will use this dynamic team to advance His kingdom. I’m a blessed big sister!

Psalm 31:19 – “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!”

Little Specks of Pollen

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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.

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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

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2016 NC Family Encouragement Weekend

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!

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Meal time!

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Children’s Hour!

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Sessions!

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Discipleship playtime!

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Music!

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Clean up!

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

More Photos! | D&K

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1

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“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3

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“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works… The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” Psalm 145

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“The king’s daughter is all glorious within…” Psalm 45:13

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“…the LORD direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5

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“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35

Encouragement from Susannah Spurgeon

How beautiful when the LORD uses the words – written or spoken – of other believers to give insight to our journey through this life! Several months ago, I came across this brief exhortation late one evening, and it blessed and encouraged me immensely.

“…Cheer up your heart, poor, timid child of God. You may not be able to see your way on earth, but turn your eyes to heaven, and gaze long and lovingly there. You do not need to see the path down below, because He has said He will guide you, and you know the darkness and light are both alike to Him. Put your hand in His and trust Him, for ‘by His light you shall walk through darkness.’”

Susannah Spurgeon

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Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye… Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. Psalm 32