"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
I don't think we can ever fully realize the importance and worth of a Godly mother. Their prayerful influence is an immeasurable force that follows us all the days of our lives, and the spiritual teaching and love for God they instill in us from a young age is worth more than all the money in the world could buy. Though motherhood can seem like a thankless role that is under-appreciated, it is truly the highest and most noble of callings in a woman's life.
We first met the sweet mother I am interviewing today last summer while attending the Karen Peck & New River Homecoming. She is gentle and down-to-earth and has been so kind and gracious each time we have interacted with her. The imprint she has made on her children's and grandchildren's lives can be felt each time they minister through song as Karen Peck & New River. When we saw her again in November, I felt such a desire to get to know her better and felt the Lord leading me to ask her for an interview. She so graciously agreed, and it was such a dear blessing each time I talked with her on the phone during this process. She is such a motherly, Godly person, and I hope you enjoy getting to know her a little better, as you read her inspiring Inner Views.
The
of
Sue Peck Music
Sue: I am Sue Peck Music. I was born in Clayton, GA on September 23, 1933. My father was James Wilson Tench, and my mother was Myrtie Loue Freeman Tench. When I was 2 yrs. old, the family moved to Gainesville, Georgia where my father owned a barber shop. My mother was a well known seamstress and home maker. I had 5 sisters and 2 brothers. I came from a musical family. I played the piano for the church at the early age of 13. I walked to have piano lessons. Homer Morris was the pastor of my church. (Athens Road Baptist Church.) The church paid for my piano lessons.
While in high school, I was a star basketball player at Airline High School in Gainesville, GA. During this time is where I met Robert Ezra Peck. We were married on November 3, 1951 and eventually had three daughters: Sandra, Susan, and Karen.
Their dad was a very talented singer and Sunday school teacher. Many times in church, I would play the piano while my daughters sang. Years later, it was a very sad time when Ezra passed away at 59 years old, but we took comfort in knowing that he was in Heaven with the Lord. Several months later I had the privilege of meeting a Southern Gospel Promoter, Bill Music, from Mansfield, Ohio We eventually were married. We currently live in Georgia during the winter and spring. In the summer and fall, we live in Ohio.
Cheryl: What are a few of your favorite memories from the days when your children were young?
Sue: Vacations, picnics, camping, singing their favorite songs.
Sue: I played the piano while the girls would sing. All three of my daughters are very talented.
Cheryl: How did you feel when you realized God was calling your children into full-time ministry?
Sue: I was very thrilled that they had surrendered to the call to reach people for Christ.
Cheryl: As a mother, what has been the hardest thing for you to surrender and consecrate to God?
Sue: The hardest thing was when my children grew up and left home. However, I realized it was a part of life.
Cheryl: How did you instill such a deep, genuine love and respect for God in the hearts of your children?
Sue: I always tried to set a good example. I’ve always loved the Lord.
Cheryl: What advice would you give to parents who desire to see their children develop into adults who are willing to lay down their lives in service to God?
Sue: Teach them Godly values and always know that with the Lord’s help, you can accomplish anything.
Cheryl: What are some of the ways you currently support the ministry of Karen Peck & New River?
Sue: First of all, I pray for them and most of all I pray for the anointing. My husband, Bill, and I try to help out at the product table at the concerts.
Cheryl: What do you most enjoy doing?
Sue: We’ve always had a lot of laughter in our family. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Bill. I love cooking for my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Their favorites are macaroni and cheese, turkey and dressing, and peanut butter cake. It does my heart good to watch them enjoying my food and leaving those memories.
Cheryl: What is your favorite song?
Sue: "Finish Well"
Cheryl: If Jesus were to appear on earth in a physical form, and you had the opportunity to sit and talk with Him, what would you most like to ask Him?
Sue: Why would anybody reject you, when you’ve done so much for us?
Cheryl: Describe one of the hardest things you have gone through. How did your faith in God sustain you during that time? What were some of the ways the Lord comforted you the most?
Sue: When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had so many people tell me that they were praying. I could feel those prayers. The Lord carried me through with His strength and His love.
Cheryl: What is one of the most pressing needs among God's people in these last days of time? What can we do to make a positive difference and fill those needs?
Sue: First, to come together and pray for our nation and pray for our families to be saved. It’s important that we all live a good Christian life and spread His love and joy.
Cheryl: How can we pray for you?
Sue: Pray that I can study the Bible more, and that my mind and body will stay healthy.
Bill & Sue Peck Music
Cheryl: How did you first hear about Jesus?
Sue: My parents took me to church as a child. When I became a teenager, I began to love reading the Bible.
Cheryl: At what age, did you become a Christian?
Sue: After I was married, I realized that I had never really been saved. I accepted Christ when I was 19 years old at Pleasant Union Baptist Church.
Cheryl: Who has been your strongest spiritual influence throughout life?
Sue: My Dad.
Cheryl: Can you tell us about a special prayer warrior who has faithfully prayed for you?
Sue: My Aunt Estell Tench.
Cheryl: Looking back, what do you identify as being one of the happiest seasons in your life, so far?
Sue: My parents took me to church as a child. When I became a teenager, I began to love reading the Bible.
Cheryl: At what age, did you become a Christian?
Sue: After I was married, I realized that I had never really been saved. I accepted Christ when I was 19 years old at Pleasant Union Baptist Church.
Cheryl: Who has been your strongest spiritual influence throughout life?
Sue: My Dad.
Cheryl: Can you tell us about a special prayer warrior who has faithfully prayed for you?
Sue: My Aunt Estell Tench.
Cheryl: Looking back, what do you identify as being one of the happiest seasons in your life, so far?
Sue: When all three of my daughters were born.
Cheryl: Can you please share something special about each one of your children?
Cheryl: Can you please share something special about each one of your children?
Sue: Sandra is loyal and caring. Susan is dependable and kind. Karen is reliable and loving. All 3 have become wonderful wives, mothers, and my greatest accomplishments. I’m a proud mom.
Karen, Susan, & Sandra
Sue: Vacations, picnics, camping, singing their favorite songs.
Cheryl: When did music become an integral part of your family's home life?
Sue: I played the piano while the girls would sing. All three of my daughters are very talented.
Cheryl: How did you feel when you realized God was calling your children into full-time ministry?
Sue: I was very thrilled that they had surrendered to the call to reach people for Christ.
Sandra, Karen, Sue, & Susan
Sue: The hardest thing was when my children grew up and left home. However, I realized it was a part of life.
Sue: I always tried to set a good example. I’ve always loved the Lord.
Cheryl: What advice would you give to parents who desire to see their children develop into adults who are willing to lay down their lives in service to God?
Sue: Teach them Godly values and always know that with the Lord’s help, you can accomplish anything.
Cheryl: What are some of the ways you currently support the ministry of Karen Peck & New River?
Sue: First of all, I pray for them and most of all I pray for the anointing. My husband, Bill, and I try to help out at the product table at the concerts.
Cheryl: What do you most enjoy doing?
Sue: We’ve always had a lot of laughter in our family. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Bill. I love cooking for my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Their favorites are macaroni and cheese, turkey and dressing, and peanut butter cake. It does my heart good to watch them enjoying my food and leaving those memories.
Sue: "Finish Well"
Cheryl: If Jesus were to appear on earth in a physical form, and you had the opportunity to sit and talk with Him, what would you most like to ask Him?
Sue: Why would anybody reject you, when you’ve done so much for us?
Cheryl: Describe one of the hardest things you have gone through. How did your faith in God sustain you during that time? What were some of the ways the Lord comforted you the most?
Sue: When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had so many people tell me that they were praying. I could feel those prayers. The Lord carried me through with His strength and His love.
Cheryl: What is one of the most pressing needs among God's people in these last days of time? What can we do to make a positive difference and fill those needs?
Sue: First, to come together and pray for our nation and pray for our families to be saved. It’s important that we all live a good Christian life and spread His love and joy.
Cheryl: How can we pray for you?
Sue: Pray that I can study the Bible more, and that my mind and body will stay healthy.
Thank you ever so much for taking the time to share your heart with us, Sue! You are such a blessing and example to us all!
Dear readers, please keep Sue, Bill, & Karen Peck & New River in your prayers as they continue to serve and encourage the body of Christ.
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What a beautiful story and testimony! I loved the pictures of her and her husband with their three daughters all dressed up for church. I grew up near Mansfield, OH so I'm very familiar with that area. So wonderful how God brought her second husband to her. Very encouraging to see the lovely family she has raised. Thank you Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, that's neat that you grew up near there! Thank you so much for your sweet visit and kind words, my friend. God bless you!
DeleteWhat a delightful post! Thank you Sue & thank you Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful to look back over our lives & see God's hand upon us & our loved ones.
You're both most welcome to join me in a cuppa,
Bless you both,
Jennifer
Thank you so much, Jennifer! God bless you, too!
DeleteWhat a beautiful lady with a precious testimony.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see her daughters living for the Lord as well and serving Him with their lives.
That was a beautiful song, thank you for sharing it with us.
God bless you Cheryl~
Thank you for your visit, Debbie! I want to also thank you for the beautiful card and bookmark! It really brightened my day. God bless you, too!
DeleteAn absolutely amazing and Christ-filled woman, Cheryl! Thank you for sharing her inspiring story with us.
ReplyDeleteEaster Blessings!
Thank you so much for reading, Martha! I trust your Easter was very blessed!
DeleteWhat a beautiful testimony that you've shared with us about Sue. I enjoyed reading about her life and seeing the pictures. She seems like a wonderful, Godly woman.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter blessings to you! 💒
So thankful for your visit, Kitty! I hope you had a wonderful Easter filled with God's blessings!
DeleteWhat a precious and sweet interview! You can see her love for Jesus and her family shining through! Have a most blessed Easter sweet friend. He is Risen!
ReplyDeleteYes, praise God, He is risen! Oh, how thankful I am for Jesus and the hope we have because He conquered death and hell. I hope you had a wonderful Easter, my friend!
DeleteLove the testimony. Such a precious story and the pictures just makes me smile. Love what she said too about cooking for her family. Melted my old heart. Hugs and blessings dear Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Thank you so much for your sweet visit and kind words, Cindy. I hope your Easter was wonderful, my friend!
DeleteWhat an inspiring interview! I love the faith of this lovely woman and am so glad you shared about her life. I have never heard of Karen Peck and loved that song. I will definitely be adding her to my playlist! Such a beautiful voice! I hope you had a wonderful Easter, my friend. He is Risen!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings - Julie
I surely did have a wonderful Easter, and I hope you did, too, sweet friend. So happy to see your sweet comment! May the Lord bless you!
DeleteOh Cheryl, This was sure another good one..I have always loved Karen and New river.I have seen them in person a few times and enjoyed every minute..Thanks for that Motherly touch to a family..NOTHING is better in this old world than a Godly Mother..I Know because I was blessed with one also..Hope you 3 had a Blessed Easter..Mine was good..A prayer need I have..My arms both of them are in a lot of pain I can hardly work..Some think it maybe my heart but I know I need your all prayers..Love Loads,Elaine
ReplyDeleteI am thankful you had a nice Easter. Ours was very blessed, also. I am so sorry to hear that you are having pain in your arms and will surely be praying for you. Much love back to you, my friend!
DeleteI remember the first time I heard Karen Peck singing, Four Days Late. Love the song and the message in it. When we are in a trial and it seems to have no end I think of the words to the song. My oldest was four when I got saved they do not know as anything but saved. I pray this testimony of how much a mother can help their children by leaving behind a Godly testimony will be mine. Thanks for all the work you put into your post, it's worth every second to those of us who read it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your sweet visit and kind words, dear sister. Your comments always mean so much to me, and I am so grateful for you and your Godly example. May the dear Lord bless you always!
DeleteThe ways of God are past finding out dear Cheryl. A blessing to hear a testimony of faithful service to the king of kings. A family obviously surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ's will in their lives.
ReplyDeletePtaise Him!
My darling mum and dad didn't know the Lord till late life.. mercifully I was instrumental in it. He however brought me to Himself and to know Him deeply by the things in my life. At SU Beach mission led to Lord at 12.
Never doubt the faith of a child as God can mightily work in them down through the years.
Praise Him.
Trials continue.. but they're purifying.
Thanks for being a blessing Cheryl. Prayer hugs Shaz in Oz.x
I am so thankful your dear parents found the Lord, and even though it was late in life, it is such a comfort to know they are now with Jesus. Thank you for sharing your testimony with us. I appreciate your encouragement, my friend. God bless you!
DeleteTestimonies like this are so encouraging! Thank you for giving us a glimpse into the real life and heart of this faithful woman of God.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit and kind comment, Jana! God bless you!
DeleteThank you, Cheryl, for sharing the gift of Sue's life. That generation of believers are dear treasures to us, truly gifts from God!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, Michele. God bless you!
DeleteThis is a lovely interview! I always enjoy hearing of people who have walked with God for a long time and their testimonies of his faithfulness through the ups and downs of life.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by and reading, Lesley. God bless you!
DeleteSuch a beautiful dear woman! Thank you for sharing her testimony of faith, truly it is wonderful to hear her story, and how she raised her daughters to follow Christ as well! Such an inspiration she is, and what a lovely smile she has, just shining with the light of Christ! Another amazing testimony to the goodness of the Lord! May the blessings of the Lord be with you sweet friend, always such a joy and encouragement to read your Inner Views!!! Blessings and hugs :)
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful you enjoy the Inner Views, and your constant encouragement, support, and kind words are so appreciated, my friend! God bless you!
DeleteWhat a beautiful sister in Christ, back then and even more so now. Thanks for allowing us to meet Mrs Sue.
ReplyDeleteAnd, thank you ever so much for reading and leaving such kind words, Lisa! God bless you!
DeleteWhat a great name she has, and what a beautiful woman. I love her story and imagine "Miss Sue" dolling out her wisdom along with peanut butter cake. A true Titus 2 woman. Thank you for introducing us to Mrs. Music and her lovely family. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your sweet comment, my friend! I am so thankful you are online and blogging again. I have missed you. I can't wait to see your house once you get moved in and finished. God bless you!
DeleteHi Cheryl, Just a note here to see if you are ok..My love and prayers have been following you..Been awhile since an update here and I was worried about you and yours..Love Loads,Elaine
ReplyDeleteHi, sweet friend, It is so kind of you to care and check on us. Sending much love back to you today and many hugs!
Delete