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Landslide

Peach says:

First apologies, profusely, for being so late! Life is so very full right now! Jerry put out a fantastic group of sunrise photos! ‘Morning’s Glory’! We are both so glad to get some of the glorious beauty of the Lord into people’s hands, in order for people to appreciate the hand of God at work for us.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” — Psalm 19:1

So, how are y’all doing so far this year? We are running our race this year strong and steady, counting the literal work days and until Batman retires! And counting the months and weeks until each two grand babies are born!

Not gonna lie, having a hard time processing all the emotion of joy of this year and the work to make time for writing or making podcasts. But, my heart is so here every day, looking for opportunities. I am sure we all struggle with that juggling thing though.

What are you listening to lately? This year has brought some wonderful praise and worship music and just uplifting music in general. My sound track this year has included Dante Bowe and his album Circles. All. Of. It. What I loved about this album is he is a devout Christian artist writing and singing with so many in the current Praise and Worship circles, like a bee from one group to the next, cross pollinating from one part of the Body of Christ to the next, which I think is one aspect of the epitome of healthy Christian living. The kicker though for this project, in my mind, is it is a Christian singing his faith as it looks in his every day life, like we ought to live every day, not as a praise and worship project but just reflections on life, naturally reflecting his faith. Totally relatable to anyone, whether they care for Christian music or not. Every song has a reason to choose it. I think ‘Joyful’ and ‘Family Tree’ are great choice to give a listen.

The Maverick City, Elevation Worship project called ‘Old Church Basement’ is a whole experience!! There is no skip song at all, on this or any of the great albums I’m digging this year! Some faves? ‘Wait on You’, ‘Shall Not Want’, ‘Million Little Miracles’, ‘Come Again’, and ‘Build Your Church’. It just transports you.

And can I just say I am superrrrr late to the Crowder party???? The Crowder ‘Milk and Honey’ album is a whole entire planet of wonderful!! A Southern Rock girl to my core, this music feeds my soul because it magnifies Jesus AND gives me that bit of the South sound that makes my heart happy. Again, no skip songs! Listen to it all…twice or thrice!

Also, I forgive y’all for not telling me about ‘We The Kingdom’. Did I mention I’m a Southern Rock girl? Yes! These people are making music that just isn’t out there, Jesus and the Kingdom and sung in Southern! ♥️♥️♥️ My heart sings and my windows rattle as I’m driving down the road! ‘Don’t Tread on Me’! Kicks the devil in his teeth and EXALTS our Jesus!! All the while making my Southern roots tingle! ‘Take Me on a Ride’ is such a great picture of the adventure our faith walk is supposed to be. What a great witness and joyful song!

An extraordinary experience I had one Friday before work, back in early May, was impulsively purchasing an old album by Pastor Clint Brown, from about 12-15 years ago.

Background: The church I spent 20 years in, and raised our boys in, sang so much of his music! He visited a good number of times and preached with fire and he’s just a work horse for the Kingdom of God. Good man. Super anointed. Well, I had been missing Praise and Worship from my old days at Family Worship Center. Which inspired me to get ‘Fall Like Rain’ that fateful Morning.

WOW! It lifted my spirits so much. I had not realized how VERY MANY songs we did of his until that day! It blessed me beyond anything I could have imagined, because I knew literally every song, and it was such a wonderful, joyful experience to get to sing these songs at the top of my lungs, while also remembering Sunday after Sunday and Thursday after Thursday doing the same, and it took me back, in the best way, to service after service of knowing that the Holy Spirit had just done surgery in my heart before the preaching even had begun! Again, no skip songs, some of my faves being ‘Awesome God’, ‘I Can’t Get Enough’, ‘I Will’, ‘I’m Forgiven’, and ‘Fall Like Rain’. He’s from Louisiana. And it shows!! Fan-flippin-tastic!! Music is such an incredible gift of God.

What brought me here tonight though, was Batman discovered a YouTube channel by the sweetest, most fun young couple, it’s called ‘Rob Squad Reactions’ . Not only are their music choices SUPERB! But, their heart shows through every upbeat amazed reaction, as they discover old music that Batman and I just love because it’s music from the soundtrack of our lives as younguns. They are all about the joy of musical craftsmanship and it’s a lot of fun to watch them discover and/or just enjoy it with us. Like us, they see music as a unifying element that people across all groups can appreciate and take pleasure in. We all need more of this!

Tonight as we sat listening to Stevie Nicks signing ‘Landslide’, I actually was overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion that made my eyes tear, which is not a reaction I have to music hardly ever. So many thoughts about appreciation for Batman, and our life together. It was like a wave washed over me. Or maybe bubbled out of me is better expressed.

I met him 5 March 1982 with friends on the way to an Alabama concert in a neighboring city. Our journey amazes me. It’s not that we have a flashy story. Nope. We are not flashy people. But, we were kids. Born to people who were extremely working class. Salt of the earth people. Our parents were born to people born and raised during the Great Depression. They had some wisdom to live by. And we had things to learn beyond that. Like every generation does. Just very grateful how the Lord has helped us to learn and grow and GROW TOGETHER. What a gift.

I think listening to these old songs and the memories and joy and the tears and the MILES the Good Lord has brought us through just has really moved me tonight! So, I wanted to jump on here and talk about what the gift of music is doing in my life this summer!

I hope you will be inspired to catch a sunrise, and try out Rob Squad Reactions, and maybe Dante Bowe or Crowder and ‘Milk and Honey‘, or We the Kingdom.

So tell me, whatcha listening to lately?

“It is of the Lord’s MERCIES that WE ARE NOT CONSUMED, because his compassions fail not.

They are NEW every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23

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Hopeful

“Return to the stronghold [of security and prosperity], you prisoners of hope; even today do I declare that I will restore double your former prosperity to you.” — Zechariah 9:12.

Peach says:

Hi, old friend!! It’s been too long!! I think about writing here every day! We have imaginary conversations! I couldn’t settle for an imaginary one today!

How is life treating you lately? Drop me a note and I’ll pray for you like we have been friends for life!

It’s definitely a new season. We are looking forward to Jerry’s retirement. We are thinking of present and future endeavors. Still looking at campers, hoping and trusting we choose ‘the right one’! We are both writing more, but neither of us maybe writing quite as much as we want, but we are definitely more focused and making good progress at learning to adapt and juggle. Remember we have a new grandbaby on the way from the youngest son and his fiancé? Well, we found out that our oldest son and his wife are now also expecting! We just are amazed!! So, that’s number 6 and number 7 on the way!!

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” — Psalm 127:3

I’m kinda baby crazy right now!! 🥰👶🥰

In many ways everything is the same as last year, yet everything feels and seems different! We learned a lot. We have made decisions and taken actions a lot. Processes of time brought some things to completion, some things to fruition, and the Lord has just blessed us. I’m of a mindset we are never without His blessing once we give ourselves to Him, but some seasons are definitely sweeter than others, though all He WILL cause to work out to our good because we love Him and are called unto His purposes. All in His time.

Right now, I feel content in pursuing a path that helps us be ready for our future, while also working as much as I know how, to be useful in telling the good news of Who I know Him to be.

Also s’mores! Lol! I have discovered I really like s’mores! They make a great dessert! I’m just saying!

Been studying a bit for this next podcast, number 5. The number of GRACE! It’s about The Blessing of God on us His people, how important it is to Him for us to have it, know it, and understand it, walk in it. And what (or whom) He has blessed cannot be cursed.

I get hopeful every time I think of someone accidentally tripping across our podcast blog, or on Spotify or Stitcher, and learning, breathing in knowledge of the goodness of God, from a regular girl who isn’t an ‘influencer’ by today’s standards, but is an ambassador by His standards, just a Christ follower, a lover of family, and maybe s’mores! 🤣🤣 Somebody who runs to work, walks the dogs, gets groceries, cooks dinner, does laundry. Takes 4 insulin shots a day, and gets up and does it all again tomorrow, just like them! I’m hoping it will be enlightening and uplifting, shining a light from Him on their path!

I pray this next week, your hope is strengthened in all number of ways. That you will find courage to take at least a baby step forward every day! “Return you to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope!”

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Jump

Peach says:

“And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.” — 2 Kings 13:18

Batman and I tussled with another podcast and have it up on the Mustard on My Collar blog site, as well as Spotify and Stitcher. We are still waiting for approval from iTunes, but we are hoping soon to hear good news from them as well!

Before you go click, here are a few tidbits or food for thought, to get your wheels turning! 👇🏻👇🏻

Some definitions of ‘jump‘ (sooooooo manyyyyyy good ones, this is just a few! Feel free to peruse the link to the dictionary site! “:to move suddenly or involuntarily : START

c: to move energetically : HUSTLE
d: to start out or forward : BEGINusually used with offjump off to a big lead
e: to move over a position occupied by an opponent’s piece in a board game often thereby capturing the piece” — from Merriam Webster on line.
And a small excerpt from Van Halen’s ‘Jump’: “You say you don’t know
You won’t know until you begin, Might as well Jump”.

Here’s a link to “Jump” which I hope will be something that inspires and/encourages others to join me in taking the Lord, at His Word! His Wonderful, Marvelous, Word!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Y’all! Show some love to somebody today!! ❤️

Thank you for stopping by!! God bless!!

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Odds and Ends…and New Beginnings!

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23

Peach says:

How is everybody doing? We hope this new year finds you still hopeful and looking at things through the lens of God’s Grace and POWER. It’s what makes everything look BETTER, and brighter!

I see Batman spilled the beans on our latest endeavor! Because we really needed a new project!! 😂😂 But, seriously, I am so peaceful and hopeful, and sure that God is with us in this, that it gives me courage! We shall see! Like he and I often say, if even ONE person is helped, saved, encouraged or anyway uplifted, it is ALL worth it!

I try these later years in life to always be mindful when in contact with people to remember that it all MATTERS. Don’t categorize our interactions as important and non important, because sometimes what a soul needs comes suddenly AFTER a myriad of little things finally tips the basket. It’s how it was for me, and I think for many.

We’ve been each busy with jobs. Then there’s our side gig as you see up there 👆🏻

Then we have what I like to call the ‘Sugar Boogars!! We have two sons and our oldest and his wife have 5 kids!! Yep! They do know what causes that!! They just LOVE having a big family! And I love being a Mema!

The girls turned 4 this week and we celebrated last Saturday. The pictures above 1) that popped up in my IG memories. 2, 3) them sporting birthday presents!

Tomorrow we get a visit from our youngest son and his fiancé! They are happily expecting their first child! Our sixth grandchild!! We are over the moon excited!! Can’t wait for tomorrow!

And our oldest has a birthday on Valentine’s Day! He’s working this weekend, so we are celebrating that next Saturday!

Looks like February is the month for family and parties! Don’t worry! We are all very low key and careful and it’s only immediate family! 👌🏻🙏🏻

The podcast could not happen without Batman. There have been all sorts of technical issues and he has muscled his way through each and every one of them. I am so grateful for him, y’all have no idea.

We’ve only got the intro one up yet. But, much more in the works. Prayers appreciated. In the natural, I mean like the world does NOT appear to need another podcast. But, I believe in the supernatural! I believe in a God who decides what He thinks is necessary and works out the details for each soul as they need it. That doesn’t make our podcast special, it makes us available for Him to work through! That’s all I’m looking for! Right place, right time, right message, right soul(s) at any given time!

This happened on Christmas Eve!! It was such a happy, unexpected (but secretly hoped for) blessing! It’s part of our retirement plans. He’s researched for over two years the kind of camper we want to pull and the type of truck which would best suit it. Everything just came together for the best package deal (year end stuff and a heap of Grace) and now we are ready to narrow down our search for a camper!

We went to our first RV show yesterday! It was very cool and we are getting a lot closer to what we want!

There will be more RV shows this year!

I am hoping to be much more regular on here. It makes me happy and I think it’s important to work our gifts, however humble they are, and trust God to do good work IN us and THROUGH us. I often find myself thinking the life of Christians, is very much like a bee or butterfly, cross pollinating and bringing much needed joy wherever they go!

This made us giggle at lunch today, after the Range! We often like to grab a quick meal after (or between) class(es) at our favorite nearby chain restaurant. Just silliness, I tell ya!

Lastly, here’s one more of Sugar Boogars!! Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you will say Hi! And drop a note and we will come see you!

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Mustard on my Collar

Batman says:

Mornin y’all,

Today is a great day, we finally got Peach’s podcast started. That’s right, I’ve harped and nagged and muttered and mumbled and she finally recorded one, the introduction to a series where Peach hopes to make a community of God fearing people, feel welcome and possible learn some things in the Bible. The podcast is on Stitcher and Spotify and we are trying to get it on Apple podcasts also.

This is a very first recording and you can tell Peach is a bit hesitant, but as it progresses she settles down and speaks easy and without hesitation about a subject she’s passionate on. I did my best to edit the audio so you all don’t laugh at my effort (my youngest son is the audio engineer not me) I think she sounds perfect when she gets going.

This is a learning experience for us as much as a teaching experience, we hope some will listen as the podcasts are put up, and someone who needs it gets something from them. I know in my heart that as Peach does more they will flow and give off valuable insight into the Bible and Gods word.

We welcome comments, critical (not demeaning) as well as encouraging ones, as we want to learn and give the information in a manner that’s easy to listen to and follow.

Y’all take a listen if you get time, they are never really long and we will post them on a more regular basis as we get in a rhythm. The podcast series is called:

“Mustard on my Collar”

You have to listen and you will see why, enjoy 😬

There ya go Peach, cats outta the bag now”