We just got back from an incredible Barclay Clan retreat.  We tried  to “unplug”! We left behind TV and FB but still held fully charged cellphones, 1 I-Pad, 1 Kindle, and 3 I-pods, but perhaps the most interesting electronic aid was enjoyed by the children; a full-screen fireplace they viewed on the IPad while going to sleep in their bunks! lol

We navigated across the plains and hills of rural Kansas to Pomona Lake.  Our vans were more heavily laden than Santa’s sleigh with sleeping bags, telescope, pumpkins for carving, fishing poles, pillows, food, bassinets, play n packs, toys, balls, etc.  There was no room in the inn- umm- minivan.

Our theme was Ecc. 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in His time” or another version says, “He makes every season beautiful in His time.”

[Tweet “The #Creator and #Author of #time, chooses to undo the ugly & make ALL things #beautiful.”]

Jeff and I shared our heart about the many seasons He’s been so faithful to walk us through. We wanted to give “aged” perspective to our young adult children. To hear the truth: No matter what season they’re going into and coming out of, God will make all things beautiful.  Maybe not beautiful the way the world defines beauty, but something glorious and eternal will be birthed in our lives that will reflect His glory. I shared the scripture, “Our times are in His hands.” Psalm 31:15  This verse triggered trust deeply in my heart.

Everything comes to me, to you, passing through His loving hands- everything.  If we believe that- we can rejoice in His goodness and grace in every season!

[Tweet “Faith grows as we learn our God is a good #Father whose #love is for us!”]

And so it went.  Interspersed between fun activities, food, and time sitting around the fire pit, one by one, we began to share their hearts.  I listened to our children as they shared what God is doing in their lives, my heart was full of precious wonder as I looked at these God seeking “adults” who once were gathered as children around our kitchen table doing “color” devotions. There were precious times of prayer as each one asked for prayer in difficult and challenging areas.

Saturday, we gathered around the fire pit after a hearty breakfast.

A voice as soft as the flutter of a butterfly wing…. “I have something to share.”

Shyly, Finley looked around the circle.  We all murmured our encouragement!  “Tell us Finley!”

She slowly stood and picked up a clay pigeon.  Intent, she looked at it and said, “Pretend this is our lives.  If we don’t have Jesus in our lives, when tough times come, this is what happens.” She let loose of the clay and it shattered to pieces as it hit the concrete pad.

Then she picked up another clay pigeon and looked at us with a big smile .      “But if we have Jesus in our life, this is what happens!”  Then she carefully set the clay pigeon down.  “It may fall but He won’t let us break.”

WOW!  This from a six year old who just an hour before had asked, “How do I know God is talking to me?  I want to hear Him speak in my life.”

[Tweet “God is #speaking- ask Him to help you hear His heart. #GodCalling”]

Well, Finley- God is speaking to you- loud and clear!   May He enable all of us to “hear” with the heart and simplicity of a child!

 Surprising Treasure: And the voice was not in the wind or the thunder- but He is heard in a still, small voice!