Tag: encourage

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choices evil exploited Faith focus Jesus life styles peace

See That Ye Be Not Troubled

I love the rain on the flowers!!

Peach here:

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” — Matthew 24:6-8 KJV

I recently wrote that nowadays the world seems on fire and I just can’t watch it burn. I believe in being informed. But, it’s also important not to be misinformed and it’s also important not to fall in the trap of getting emotionally worked up and either angry, fixated or hopeless. I mean that’s what the donkey and the elephant want. It’s what the ‘news’ media and social media want. But, it’s not what I want. It’s not what Jesus wants for us either.

I was raised to pay close attention to society, religion and politics. For many good reasons. however, that was long before the 24/7 instant news-tainment was a thing, much less a hand held device to keep it coming constantly, right?! I have to turn my phone face down at night or the flashing ‘urgent’ notifications wake us up at night! Lol.

I started pulling back from the news November 2018. But, at the turn of this year I felt the Lord encourage me to keep my eyes on Him, so that I don’t get distracted from what’s most important. For me, too much news crowds out what, for me, is most important to my assignment. (I believe we all have assignments, more on this another day!)

I stay informed. But, I keep it short. And I move on. The verse He put on my heart, I come back to over and over, it’s a commonly quoted verse on social media, because it’s bulletproof! — “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” — Isaiah 26:3. Says it all for me. And it’s so true!

I particularly like in the Matthew 24 verse above, that He tells us ‘See that ye be not troubled’. It means we have a choice in whether we get upset or not. By His grace we can relearn how to respond to the news. I have to try to not be shoved, mentally, into the quick reaction the media is hoping for, (and the political parties as well). I’m learning response is measured and I control it. Reaction is volatile and it controls me. That’s not going to work. It’s not what we are made for. Self control is my favorite fruit of the spirit. Now, I’ve come a long way in this regard, but of course, I still have far to go! It’s ok though! I’m learning and the Holy Spirit is a great teacher.

Here’s another fool proof verse for keeping our focus so that we are most effective at being salt and light wherever we are and whatever we do! — “ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK on these things.” — Philippians 4:8

For me, my goal is to not dull my shine, not waste my salt. Train my mind to respond, mentally to what I learn, pray and move on, not react and get emotionally worked up, which leads to (in my case) unhelpful attitudes, and words. It’s tricky. Because I do believe there’s a lot of evil in this world. And evil can cause a reaction for obvious reasons. But, in the darkness light shines the brightest! We have His light if He lives in our hearts, so I’m going to respond. In faith. And move on.

I’m learning. Like Robert Frost said ‘And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.’

This might be the start (or might not, we will see!) of a Tuesdays are for Thinking series!

I hope your day is filled with His peace and thoughts of virtuous, lovely and ‘good report’ things!

Love, Peach

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Life Talk thoughts

Bleh

Batman here:

Howdy folks, quick update from around the batcave…been sick with Covid and now a sinus infection, will be back to posting blogs soon I hope, good lord willing and the creek don’t rise… till then y’all be nice to one another, it’s a small thing that makes someone’s day.

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thank you

Thank You

Batman says:

Just a short post to say thank you to those who have liked and commented on my posts “The Bevan” I’m by no means a “writer” but I thought it would be fun to try and your encouragement helps, the story will go on, even I’m not sure what’s happening with all the side stories so hang in there and enjoy the ride if you like , and thank you all and have a blessed day!

“Thanks Peach for keeping me at it”

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anxiety danger Faith Fear focus grace Hope Life outdoors peace rain The Word Word

The Answer

“4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.” — Psalm 34:4-5

Peach says:

Hey, Everybody! I pray you are sleeping well as I type this! I know I’m fixing to!

Fell asleep and woke up…that’s never my best. Sometimes I’m too happy to sleep and my mind races…sometimes, the enemy of my soul wants to rush in and whisper things to imagine and worry about. Tonight I talk back with the Word. God’s Word is always the answer, and more effective if we speak it, pray it, declare it. Doesn’t necessarily mean you feel better instantly…but…you CAN know beyond what you feel…and your feelings WILL catch up. I think our culture talks about ‘anxiety’ too much. Gives it too much power. Not because it’s not a real thing. But, because it IS a real thing. Anxiety is a fact. Everybody deals with it. Its everywhere. It’s like humidity or clouds…it’s there…but, so is the breeze, so is the sunshine and the moonlight, and the morning dew and rain from time to time. 🤷‍♀️ it’s not everything. It’s not the boss. We have a Protector, if we will keep our eyes on Him, He will keep us in His perfect peace.

My closing Word to go to sleep with

—“47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.” — Luke 6:47-48.

That’s never sounded as good as it does tonight. I hope this encourages someone.🙏🏻♥️

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children country music Faith family food grandchildren Gratitude Life Marriage parents remembrence sugar boogars teaching thankful trials

Remembrance

“And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the Lord.” — Exodus 10:2.

Peach says:

Hey, Everybody! How’s things goin’?

It’s goin’ good here!

I think I mentioned our youngest is getting married and they have a precious baby on the way! We couldn’t be more excited for them! 🤗

Our oldest and his wife are now also expecting. We just can’t wait to meet the new baby! 🥰

I’ve noticed something, I’ve turned into that parent who is telling stories to the younger generation that explain some things we went through and illustrate the faithfulness of God. I have never minded my parents doing it, nor when I was a youngun’ did I ever mind hearing my Granddad’s stories either.

But, it has not been my nature to tell those stories, put us in the spotlight so to speak.

But, all of a sudden I have realized it’s a blessing to them to know the things we overcame and God brought us through, in spite of ourselves, it can give them both a point of reference and encouragement that they too can make it. And further, since the Father helped us two when we were young and dumb, He’s ‘no respecter of persons’ and what He did for us, He’ll do for them!

Every get together I find myself working old stories, nobody’s ever heard, right into the conversation. Unashamedly. I keep it light and lively, but it’s good things I want them to know. It’s part of their roots and heritage and where they come from, too!

It will also help them recognize their stories as they’re happening so they can tell their children, too!

When we are young, life is such a mystery in so many ways, and we are sort of wobbling along, doing the best we can. Over the years are a lot of missteps and mistakes. I truly think the things I learned from my parents allllll of my life about their life, was helpful to me to keep my equilibrium!

I am hopeful to do the same for ours, though maybe I wish I had started sooner. I will have to trust in the Lord that He has gone before us and ordered our steps.

The picture above is a FANTASTIC potato salad recipe, that I got from my best friend, (without whom I probably would not have gotten saved). And she got it from a dear lady who she not only grew up with and grew up in church with, but was her mother in law for many years, and still family! Because family never ends! It may change but it never ends.

Mrs ‘P”s Potato Salad has won people and their taste buds over for years and years, through many special occasions! She will live on and stories of her family’s goodness to us, (and that includes my best friend) will be told in my family for years to come, Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise!

“Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord [the only Lord].

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might.

And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then]

You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.” — Deuteronomy 6:4-7

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bible children grace grandchildren Gratitude Life Music Mustard on my Collar parents podcasts writing

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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bible Faith Life Mustard on my Collar podcasts

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 : BEGIN—usually 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!!

Categories
bible faith Life Mustard Mustard on my Collar podcasts thankful Uncategorized writing

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”

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bible Faith Gratitude Life thankful Uncategorized

Psalm 34:8

“Oh taste and see, that the Lord is good: blessed is the man the trusteth in Him.” — Psalm 34:8

Couldn’t sleep a few nights ago, and this verse came to mind! Eventually, had to loook it up and study it!

Some key words:

🎯Taste: to taste, perceive

🎯See: to see, discern, consider, behold, enjoy, joyfully, look one upon another, regard, to mark, view, observe, TO FACE (this makes me think how often in my studies I realize that’s how He wants us to know Him, face to face!)

🎯Good: good, beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, favor, joyfully, merry, kindly, gracious, most, pleasure, pleaseth, prosperity, sweet, wealth, favored, good in every way, sensual goodness,(as in tangible), intellect goodness, moral goodness, having benefits, welfare, prosperity, bounty. Basically, if it’s any kind of good? It’s found in Him and His Goodness!!! ALL the things good!! 🤗👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

🎯 Blessed: this one is pretty amazing— blessed, happiness. From a root word meaning to go straight, to advance, to be led, to go, to make progress, to set right, to be made HAPPY!

🎯Man: valiant man or WARRIOR, strong man, to be strong or valiant, to be mighty.

🎯Trusteth: to trust, to be careless (as in having no care!) to confide in, have hope in, take refuge in!

Way better things to be thinking about, as compared to the things we often see around us on social media and especially, the news.

As we ‘Taste’ and ‘See’ (know Him face to face) that the Lord is GOOD in every way, we are BLESSED —we advance, go straight, are MADE HAPPY, make progress and are set right! We are not only Happy and advancing, we are STRONG, VALIANT, WARRIORS! (A Happy Warrior! Love it!) we are made blessed when we trust in Him, making Him our refuge, having no cares!

I hope this blessed somebody!! 😍🤗🙏🏻

Categories
Faith family focus health Life life styles

Stores

Batman Says:

Click and “poof” whatever you want is delivered to your home, you don’t ever have to leave again. Some call it convenient, I call it the slow death of “Stores”.

Remember going to the store? It was a trip, a journey where you met people, said hello and actually conversed. It was a time away from the house, sometimes it wasn’t convenient to have to go, others it was just fun. I remember during the summers when I was young (again, none ya business when that was) we would sometimes ride our bicycles the 5 miles down our barren county road to the wooden country store in the middle of the ‘tater’ fields just to get a NeHi soda and sometimes even candy. We sometimes played the worn out pinball machine, sat in the shade and talked to the “old guys” that hung around and we just had fun. Then we rode back home down that lonesome road.

As we got older the trips were made in trucks and we somehow didn’t have time to sit around and talk. And the trips to the “store” became less important. We found more “important” things to do I suppose. Shame, I kinda miss it now that I’m “growed up” supposedly.

I think somewhere along the way from childhood to adulthood we lose a special part of ourselves that if we kept, we would never not want to always see, hear, and visit places and things, and “stores”. Now with modern tech, it’s all too simple to become a hermit and just have anything you wish, dropped outside your front door. I, for one think it’s sad, I’m not saying I don’t use these options here and there, I’m saying we should never stop totally, taking the trip to the store. Giving up the chance to see an old friend, or make a new one, is not worth missing just for convenience.

Take it from Batman, you’re never too old to make new friends and renew old friendships, chances are better for both if you’re out and about as opposed to being a hermit.

“No Peach this does not mean I go to town every time you do”