Reflections on 2021

Written by Tanya

"O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together," Ps. 34:3

   As I have reflected over this past year, I am in awe of God's faithfulness, care, and provisions yet again. Yes, our Lord is always the same yesterday, today, and forever; but, I continue to stand amazed as I see His hand and love in personal ways.

   Back in February, the Lord birthed a long-time vision to begin music recordings for our family. It has been our heart's desire for many years now, and in the Lord's beautiful timing, He saw fit to let the process truly take off this year. It has been a huge project as my precious husband, Ron, has invested and been the mastermind behind engineering it all. Our livingroom has turned into a portable music studio, and we have all grown accustomed to the words being sent throughout the house, "Going hot!" All becomes quiet--even down to the little ones, as those who are recording proceed and others turn to quiet projects. Recording has been our family's primary focus all year, and, as of this last month, we just finished the recordings for our third and fourth CD's, which are now in the major editing process. So please keep us in prayer as we continue in the phases of editing, mastering, and packaging for release and sale.

   We also have been very blessed to travel quite a bit this year. In February, some of us went to a wonderful preaching conference, in San Diego, and was reminded of God's faithfulness through the Covid shutdowns. "...The testimonies of the Lord are sure making wise the simple..." (Ps. 19:7). Hearing others speak of the Lord's goodness builds our faith for the trying times that we face.

   In April, we had some of our family visit for two weeks, during the time of celebrating and focusing on the Resurrection. Our family was blessed to present the Gospel message through song in a local church on the Good Friday leading up to the celebration of Christ's resurrection. God blessed this time greatly. (Check out an article I wrote earlier this year on how we like to celebrate Resurrection Sunday: resurrection-time-to-celebrate.html)

   In May, Anna and I were blessed to go to a wonderful ladies retreat, in Tennessee with some dear friends. It was an encouraging time of refreshment in body, soul, and spirit. Through that time, the Lord connected us with the host church family; and later, on another cross-country trip, He provided for us to go back, allowing us to enjoy sweet fellowship and be a part of one of their services, before heading to Nashville for another church-related conference. 

   During the summer, our family was dispersed quite a bit. 

  Anna devoted the summer to being with my parents, helping them through some surgeries and health issues. She has been a big help and encouragement to them, as they have been the same for her. She has a servant's heart to do whatever is needed, while still carrying on her virtual music studio, and has written her first book entitled, "My Lover, My God" (a beautiful book especially for single women learning to look to God for all things and waiting on Him). We hope this book will be released for purchase by February, as it is in the finalization process right now--thanks to Grandpa (Gene) Linzey who is a fantastic book publisher. Anna came home in November to be with us for the rest of the year, before heading back out to rejoin my parents. Of course, music and recording were a huge part of her return trip home.

   Elisabeth and her family are in Oklahoma and are busily and diligently raising their family.

   Josiah is in Oklahoma, studying missions at Heartland Baptist Bible College, and is working in the aviation world. God provided for him to get his commercial flying certification this summer. He is also on the board of "Affection Above Avation" (a Christian aviation and missions ministry). He is greatly involved in the ministry at Southwest Baptist Church as well. He was able to come home for Christmas which has been such a blessing to our family. He has been able to join in on the finalizing of many of our recording projects this past week and we have had precious family time.

   After the family enjoyed some very refreshing and encouraging visits in Oklahoma, on our trip in June, Laura was able to have an extended time there to spend with some friends. Laura, Joanna, and Joshua are all part of our local volunteer fire department and have received their EMR certification. They are planning on getting their EMT certification in this new year. Caleb is also getting to be a volunteer now.

   Christina has played her heart and fingers out on the piano we got earlier this year for the purpose of CD making. She has been a huge and foundational part of our recordings! Good job, Christina!!

   Charity has been amazing as she has stepped into big shoes at our church with secretarial assistant financial duties. She is definitely our PR person and does a great job at not letting us be "isolated" too long here in these mountains. She helps to keep us connected with all our dear friends and we are thankful. She loves to bake cookies (during stress-moments), so we have enjoyed quite a few cookies during some nights of recording. (We don't mind!) Charity has been doing a good job teaching first grade to Amanda, helping her learn to read and grow academically. 

   Joshua spent his summer fighting fires, including the Dixi fire, and saved up to get his IFR (Instrument Flight Rating) certification. After being in Nebraska for two months for training and intense study, he achieved his goal and was able to come home in December!

   The rest of our family are growing up fast and have been blessed with many opportunities to learn in their schooling and household/farm chores. Sheep, chickens, and other pets have helped to develop skills and interests around here even more. Caleb and Joseph have become the "men on the farm" as many of the others are so busy now. 

   Joanna has accomplished most of her "bookwork" in school this past year, and plans to top this 12th grade year off with her EMT certification. If the Lord wills, she will be graduating from high school, in May, as a certified EMT.

   Caleb has really taken on the sheep ranching, and has stepped in with multiple births and sheep issues. He is doing fantastic with it all! He is one of the main men in the church with his videoing and sound skills. Joseph has become a frequently-called-upon song leader and is doing a great job. He is also growing quite well in his musical skills on the violin and piano. Sarah and Carolyn are stepping into the young lady arena well and are growing in their kitchen and homemaking skills. Their violin playing is also a great addition to the instrumental section.

   Laura does an amazing job teaching and working with Daniel, Abigail, and Priscilla. They are a busy group with painting, play dough, school, outside adventures, and more. Daniel loves to play church, being the preacher and song-leader. He is actively talking about Jesus and baptism. Amanda is doing well in her school and is advancing in all areas, of course this includes the her violin. She, along with many of the other children, has participated in the orchestral side of life, as God has provided through the family's music ministry. They are still under Anna's amazing tutorial and teaching, and it is sounding beautiful! Abby, particularly, is very attentive to detail and loves to join whoever will let her help bake in the kitchen (especially anything dealing with dough--our up and coming baker)!  Priscilla is the joy and sparkle of life. God knew that we all needed her to keep us young and active! It is hard to believe our baby is almost four!

   Ron and I are growing in love with the Lord and with each other daily! We have weathered some storms and winds throughout the journey, and have seen our faithful God calm it all. Ron and I were blessed to travel to Oklahoma, Alaska, Lake Tahoe, and take several other trips together. It was good and needful. 

   We have also enjoyed spending time with both sets of grandparents--visiting them throughout this past year on various trips, and each set visiting us in our home. We treasure each day with them!   

God is so good and gracious, and we are learning how to show His love to each other and to those around us more and more. We are so blessed and thankful to the Lord. We are very excited to see how the Lord wants to reveal Himself to us in this new year and where He may lead us. May He be magnified!!!












Comments

  1. I enjoyed this family update so much! It is such an encouragement to hear these testimonies of how the Lord continues to shine His light through your sweet family. I will continue to listen for updates about the upcoming CDs. Praying for you guys as you continue the recording and editing process.

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  2. QUE HERMOSA PUBLICACION TANYA, ME ALEGRA VOLVER A VERLOS TODOS JUNTOS EN SU BLOG, CUAN BENDECIDOS SON¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ DIOS ES TAN FIEL, DIA A DIA NOS MUESTRA SU FIDELIDAD, SUS CUIDADOS, SU PROVIDENCIA. TU HERMOSA FAMILIA SI QUE HA CRECIDO, ME ENCANTAN SUS ROSTROS Y SUS LINDAS SONRISAS, Y COMO ALABAN A DIOS. DESEO QUE ESTE 2022, DIOS SIGA DERRAMANDO BENDICIONES SOBRE TODOS USTEDES, QUE HABRA NUEVOS CAMINOS PARA SU MINISTERIO, QUE LOS PROSPERE EN TODO. BENDICIONES Y ABRAZO A LA DISTANCIA DESDE BUENOS AIRES. Y PUBLIQUEN MAS SEGUIDO JAJAJA.

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