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posted by Esther on 11/9/11

What an action-packed, energetic weekend it was! There is something encouraging about being surrounded with enthusiastic smiles for a whole weekend! We praise the Lord that it worked out for the Johnson family to be able to come and visit and we hope it works out again sometime. Thank you for coming, Johnson team!

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posted by Esther on 10/27/11

Earlier this month everyone pitched in to make it possible to have a family booth at the Apple Butter Festival. This year we added cookies and West Virginia Fruit and Berry jellies in addition to the honey, candles, calendars and artwork sales. Just for fun, we put up a little table for anyone interested in origami and had a blast making jumping frogs and all sorts of cute little animals.We are grateful for how the Lord blessed it and opened the doors for a potential business opportunity and for some great conversations.

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posted by Esther on 10/10/11

We were so privileged to be able to pitch in and assist with the wedding preparations of our dear friends Joshua Wilkes and Lisa Butler, and to witness their joyful union on September 17. Here are some of our pictures from the event.

For more pictures, check out the Wilkes’, and Neelys’ websites!

“And with Thy blessing let the house of Thy servant be blessed forever” (2 Samuel 7:29).

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posted by Esther on 09/23/11

I am so grateful for the opportunity God has given me to vote! I always wish I had more time to look into each candidates voting records and beliefs. That is why I was so excited last night when Daniel informed me that the Republican Presidential Debate was about to begin! Here’s six things that really caught my attention:

1. Part of the debate was questions from normal citizens! What an encouragement that the Republican Party considers what it’s people think and take time to answer their questions!

2. When they were each given 30 sec to answer a question like “How would you get America back on track?” Santorum, Gingrich and Romney had very general answers. I liked how the others knew what they were going to do and could state some clear steps of action. Johnson – Balance the budget and implement fair tax that will create jobs. Paul – Free markets because people create jobs not government. Perry – Repeal Obama Care, lower corporate and local tax rates and make America energy independent. Bachmann – Repeal Obama care. Cain – 999 tax plan. Hutsman – Tax and health care reforms. It just says a lot that they would know how to sum it up right there on the spot.

3. Everyone (except Perry didn’t really say anything) agrees education is not something the federal government should be so involved in! Santorum even stated it has been the parents responsibility to educate their children, not the government, from the beginning! Gingrich even favorably mentioned home schooling as an option! Paul, Bachmann and Cain also seemed passionate about getting federal government out of school.

4. Santorum seemed strong on giving our troops all the support they need while Hutsman was more eager to just get our troops home.

5. Ron Paul had a good caution about how a fence to keep immigrants out could also be used to keep Americans in. I just loved it when he said moral character of the people will solve problems better than laws could. Wow. Amen!

6. Perry seemed the least supportive of Israel and Cain seemed like the strongest supporter of Israel though they didn’t all get to talk on that one much.

The conclusion for me is Perry and Romney are out of it. Being a women, I wouldn’t want Bachmann to have to endure the stress of such great a leadership position unless there were no righteous men to take the stand. I admire her for her willingness to go through that for her country if need be. Lord willing, a righteous man will be able to do it for her. I’m kind of liking Ron Paul right now.

I’d love to hear what your thoughts were! Especially if I misunderstood something or took it out of context! Praise the Lord for the chance to live in America, publically talk about such things, and vote! Let us not take for granted the privilege of being able to have a say in politics and let us use it while we still can!

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posted by Esther on 08/29/11

We had no idea what the Lord had in store for the weekend as we rounded the bend and the Wilkes little farm house came into view. Not 15 min. later the Neely Team rounded the same bend and our three families were joyfully united once again. United with a purpose – To encourage families who are seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. 

Despite the challenges of limited time, lack of sleep, and attacks on the health of key members of the team, this purpose was accomplished in the strength of the Lord.

I was personally encouraged to seek the Lord with my whole heart and keep my focus throughout the day on Him instead of my to-do list. Our family was motivated to pursue home businesses, amazed as we watched God answer prayer, encouraged when we heard about spiritual needs being met, encouraged by seeing and visiting so many like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ, encouraged to keep studying for the Bible Bee, and inspired as we saw and experienced energetic team work!

You can’t beat a weekend like that! Praise the Lord for so many families who are willing to embrace Biblical principles and live with a purpose!

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