Where you go I'll go, Where you stay, I'll stay.

If you have not read the story of Ruth and Naomi...please read. It is a beautiful story of friendship and a perfect glimpse into how God wants us to have intentional and authentic friends.

This song was written for authentic friendship-the story of Ruth and Naomi! It's beautiful.

"Orpah didn't want to leave Naomi but Naomi told her not to worry, she would be fine. So Orpah left to go back to her family. But no matter what Naomi said to Ruth, Ruth would not leave. "Don't ask me to leave. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your friends will be my friends and your God will be my God."

So Ruth and Naomi returned to Bethlehem together. It was a good thing Ruth went with Naomi because Bethlehem was very far away and Naomi couldn't have traveled all that way by herself. Notice that Ruth never complains but is a good friend to Naomi. She wasn't expecting anything in return, she just wanted to help.

When they got there Ruth decided that she should do some kind of work. It was harvest time, so she worked in the fields following behind the harvesters and picked up any barley that they had dropped.

The owner of the field came by to greet the harvesters and noticed Ruth in the field. He asked one of the harvesters who she was. "She came back from Moab with Naomi, that's all I know." Lucky for Ruth the owner of the field was Boaz, he was a kind man who believed in God. He had also been related to Elimelech (Naomi's husband that died).

Boaz went to go talk to Ruth, he said to her, "Don't go work in any other field but stay here with the other servant girls. I will make sure you are safe and whenever you are thirsty go and get a drink from the water jars." When Ruth heard this she bowed down to Boaz and asked, "Why are you being so nice to me, I'm not even from here."

Boaz replied, "I know what you've done for Naomi, you left your family and moved to a place you've never been. May the Lord reward you for your kindness."

Ruth thanked Boaz and continued with her work in the hot sun. Boaz even ordered his workers to drop extra barley so Ruth could have more for herself.

Ruth took all the barley home and shared what she had with Naomi. And eventually Ruth married Boaz and everyone was very happy!

Being a good friend takes a long time to learn. A good friend is loyal, which means you keep your promises and sometimes when you don't feel like being a friend; you are anyway. Sometimes our friends aren't perfect and they make mistakes but we make mistakes too, and we don't want our friends to leave us when that happens.

God gives us friends when we need them, and we should treat them like a gift from God. Just like in the story, Naomi could have insisted the women come with her, but she unselfish and wanted them to be free to go home to be with their families. And Ruth had such a good attitude and wanted to help, she moved away from everyone she knew and went to work to help Naomi. She didn't tell everyone what a good friend she was, she knew that she should be a friend like God wanted her to be.

Friends are one of my favorite gifts God blesses us with!

Authentic friends spend time with you, laugh with you, and help you feel the deepest joys in your life. They are vulnerable with you, will lay with you in your brokenness, but most of all, through their friendship, lead you to fall more in love with Jesus.


He knew which ones I needed. Good one, God. ;)

You are loved.

Thankful that someone did.

After God's heart.

When you ask little kids what they want to be when they grow up, they usually say some kind of occupation. Usually the answers are a doctor, a teacher, a rock star, a police officer, etc. Never do they say, "I want to be a servant", "I want to be kind", "I want to be patient", "I want to be enough", "I want to be just like Jesus."

I wish kids were taught what will really matter when they grow up.

This led me to think about myself.

Who I strive to be.
I know who I am now.
But I also know who I want to be.

We are gifts. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10) I think we all desire to be the kind of woman that is worth having.

I want to be a woman who lives my life on my knees.
A woman who prays more than she talks.
A woman who thanks Jesus every hour, every minute, every second, for things she may not have tomorrow.
A woman who becomes more of a "yes" kind of girl, like Mary, each day.
A woman who prays like David prayed.
A woman who fears the Lord.
A woman who asks Jesus what He wants me to look like. I am his Bride.
A woman who submits to the authority of her earthly father.
A woman who has a servant's heart.
A woman full of grace and joy.
A woman who is patient and kind.
A woman who grasps the fact that "I am enough."
A Proverbs 31 woman.
A woman who is more concerned with these words from Jesus: "Talk to me and let me tell you how much I love you" than any kind of compliment.

I want to be able to say: "That's who I AM."
I want these things to define Neely.

From now on. Forever. And ever. Amen. :)

Pray. Pray. PRAY.

Hi friends. :) As many of you may know, one of my very best friends is Caroline Yelverton. She is from Jackson, TN and we have been friends since the second grade. Her mom, Kim, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just two weeks ago. We made a prayer group on Facebook, but I thought this is just another way we can get more sweet prayers for her. I ask that you specifically pray for strength, faith, patience, and trust. Caroline called me today and asked, "Neely, are you scared? Do you think we will be okay?" God is bigger than we can imagine and this was all in His perfect plan for this sweet family. Even though this is not easy, for anyone, lets pray that God is ultimately GLORIFIED through all of this.

Cancer is NOT bigger than our God. Caroline: "God DOES give us what we can't handle. In hopes that we will fall to our knees and say, "God, I cannot do this alone. We need YOU." I know we will be okay, we may fall apart in pieces, but I know that our pieces can be put back together because we have such a great support system of friends and family. We are not in this alone."

Bless you friends! Thank you for praying. Below is information directly from Caroline about the cancer, and a little note from her. In the mean time, pray pray pray.

In Him, Neely

From Caroline: Hi friends! Hope everything is well with you - near and far. So, here's the news...About a week ago, we found out that our mom has adenocarcinoma of the pancreas- a fancy way to say pancreatic cancer. This cancer is advanced but common. However, there is no cure - as with so many other types of cancers. A tumor was found in her pancreas through a C-T scan and revealed that it is intertwined with some of her blood vessels surrounding the pancreas as well as in some of the tissue.

We were confused by this at first since the typical person who gets this type of cancer is usually a 70 year old, overweight, smoking male. Well, obviously, she is none of those things but nevertheless, cancer found her anyway. The family is doing well - as well as I would imagine anyone would take this news. Mom is not in any pain. As of right now, she and my Dad are meeting with different doctors to see which one "fits just right." We are considering M.D. Anderson in Houston, Tx and also some local doctors in Jackson. After they choose a doctor, she will begin chemo-radiation treatments. Sometimes, after treatment the tumors shrink enough to be operated on...but for now, it is inoperable. Anyway, I am sending this message in hopes that you will be compelled to pray pray pray! Pray for my mom, for the doctors, and for our family during this scary time. I believe in the power of prayer and I believe that God will bless us through this trying time.

Already, my family has been shown so much kindness and love and support from countless friends and family. For now, we are continuing life as normal. Franklin is still in 9th grade at South Gibson High and Maggie is in Murfreesboro, Tn at the Paul Mitchell Institute. I am at Murray during the week and will be at home for most of the weekends hereafter. Dad is very lucky to have a job that allows him to work at home so he is able to help Mom with anything she may need - he is such a wonderful husband and father. She is in absolutely no pain whatsoever and is very happy and at peace with everything that is happening. So here it is...I'm enlisting a prayer brigade so to speak. I ask that you please pray for our Mom, our family, our friends and I as we embark on this journey. It will not be easy- and it will probably become more difficult- but with God's help, we can get through anything. Love love love love love to you all. P.S. I'd be glad to answer any questions, etc you might have. My cellphone number is 731-616-3645 P.P.S. I'd advise you not to "google" this cancer as it is very "statistic oriented" and is extremely disheartening. Our Mom asks that we tell everyone, "WE COVET YOUR PRAYERS.""

Stay in the car, Jesus.

I had a rough morning-probably because I haven't even had any kind of quiet time today yet. And my days always go weird when I don't. I was parking my car and getting my backpack and it was wayyyyyyy tooo heavy. My backpack weighs 25 lbs.--yes I weighed it. That is nearly 1/4th of my weight. So, I started to take things out. To rid my backpack of unnecessary things I wouldn't need today. I looked at all my books and realized that I needed all of them-so I was just gonna have to suck it up. But then I saw my "Jesus Calling" Devotional book (which is never in my backpack, just so happened to be there from when I went to the park)and literally said outloud, "This can stay in here."

"Yo Jesus, part of you and what you want me to hear can just stay in the car, hope you don't get too hot."

What the heck.

That's the first book I should have held onto with both hands, considering my morning! God knew I would need it this morning! So I tucked it back into my backpack-it will just have to be extra heavy today. :)

Worship Me by living close to me.

This was my original design for man, into whom I breathed my very breath of Life.

This is my desire for you: that you stay NEAR Me as you walk along your life-path.

Each day is an important part of that journey.

Although you many feel as if you are going nowhere in the world, your spiritual journey is another matter altogether,

taking you along steep, treacherous paths of adventure.

That is why walking in the light of my presence is essential to keep you from stumbling.

By staying close to Me, you present yourself as a living sacrifice.

And here's the part that spoke to me.

EVEN THE MOST ROUTINE PART OF YOUR DAY CAN BE A SPIRITUAL ACT OF WORSHIP, HOLY AND PLEASING TO ME.

I was doing my routine thing. Putting on my backpack, about to head to class. I feel as if God was saying, "Take this book with you. Even though you feel as if your backpack cannot carry any more weight. Take it and read it. And that will please me."

Thanks, God. :)

God's story for YOU.

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is, will you be My child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Father
Almighty God

Praying for OTHERS.

God has really put loving others well on my heart TODAY. Better than I have been. I sometimes get SO caught up with school and extra activities that I forget to sit down and pray for my friends. They are human, too! They need prayers. They need to be backed by prayer. God gave me them to be my prayer warriors, partners in our faith, and this LIFE!

We are walking this life. Together.

Towards ONE goal. Jesus Christ.

And if praying for each other can bring us closer to Him...What am I waiting for!!?

How could I have FORGOTTEN to pray for the people that walk with me towards His Heavenly Kingdom? It hit me like a set of bricks.

Monday is such a good day for a set of bricks to come and pelt your heart. I am thankful they did, though. Thanking God for those bricks! Every one of my friends has welcomed me with open arms to pray for them. And some have even asked, How can I pray for YOU, Neely?

That is like a breath of fresh air. How relieving it is to know that people are praying for me!

Good Lord above. Why have I not been praying DAILY for the girls that I live with DAILY? The girls I share my LIFE with? Who I trust, love, and CRY with?

The people on my Young Life team at Carter High School DAILY? The kids at Carter High School DAILY? My parents DAILY? My brothers DAILY? My roommates parents' DAILY?

I am kicking myself right now, but very thankful I have finally woken up. Praying for people in my life this week is number ONE on my list of things to do. Who cares about homework.

I just encourage you all today to stop what you are doing and ask the people that you walk this life with-How you can possibly pray for them?

If I can pray for you in any way, let me know. It would be a blessing to pray for your heart.

Love you ALL.

Neely