Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;
you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.
Psalm 127
Children of the womb- children of the heart- or children by adoption- Children are God’s GENEROUS LEGACY to us!
We just finished our Barclay Annual Family Retreat. The whole time I was flat out humbled by the magnitude of our wealth.
Only in God’s amazing economy, can imperfect parents raise imperfect children and reap a rich spiritual reward!
No matter what the economy or future world events bring, nothing and no one can steal the eternal blessings Christ has rewarded us!
As our children have gotten older and began starting their own families, Jeff and I realized we needed to adjust and find innovative, creative ways to stay connected and continue to build a spiritual heritage for all the generations to come.
We set aside a weekend a year- not for a vacation- but for a retreat.
This year, I happened to find a wonderful cabiny house on Truman lake that slept up to 24 people! which was great since there were 18 of us!
We divided the responsibility of the meals, packed enough stuff for 2 weeks- not just 2 days- and retreated 2 hours away from home to enjoy each other – uninterrupted. (well, pretty much- 😉 )
Our theme this year was From Glory to Glory. (II Corinthians 3:18- NLT 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image; from Glory to Glory!”
The main idea being that when we are His children, we never not in His glory- presence. (I know that’s a double negative but I really wanted to make that point 🙂 ) And better than that- He is constantly moving us from Glory to Glory!
Here’s a sample of what our weekend looked like 🙂
Scorpions in MISSOURI????
Sarah had yummy sugar cookies made with the Barclay code/shield on them- the motto? Action or Death!
Fishing, campfires, worship, dancing, acting silly, eating, Bible reading, children sharing Bible stories, wrestling, times of prayer together, throwing rocks at a cottonmouth snake who was eating our perch on a stringer- Shudder! , skipping rocks, Cohen finding a scorpion in the bathroom- ewww!- passing the guitar around- celebrating Jonny, Jeff, and Keith’s birthdays, naps, hikes, silly games, bocci, but my favorite part was the time when we gathered and each person shared what God was teaching them. Can you say PURE TREASURE? My biggest regret is that I didn’t transcribe what everyone said. Basically, I basked in the confirmation that our children and grandchildren LOVE God and are seeking Him!!!
It just doesn’t get any better than this.
My encouragement to you today is this:
It’s never too late to build a spiritual heritage! It’s never too late to begin sowing God’s Word in lives so you will reap a harvest beyond your imagination.
Find your own special way to pass on your faith
to your children and children’s children!
New Living Translation Psalm 78:4
We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders.
Surprising Treasure: Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house- we labor in vain.
I know we’re not supposed to be envious, but this is something I can’t experience right now… we are believing for several of our children to turn from the ways of the world and return to the Lord. When we get together, it breaks my heart, and though I put on a brave smile, I cry in silence… It’s only in times of quiet solitude before the Lord that I break down and cry out loud. Like now. You are so blessed, Cindy. Sooo blessed!! ♥
Hugs to you sweet Mid- I almost didn’t post this because of that very reason. But I believe God wants to give us a vision for our families- our children and their children- I KNOW that when we keep sowing a spiritual seed- WE WILL reap a spiritual reward! “How long” will not matter on the day the Father turns the hearts of all our children to Him!- I’ll be praying with you that as you and your sweet hubby- lift up the Name of Jesus- His grace- His love- Jesus promised He would draw all men to Himself! Praying for your rich reward and that God will give you the desires of your heart! (and His heart too <3) hugs sweet sister!
Aut Agrie-Aut Morie. Family motto = “To do or to die.”
Concerning LEGACY: I want my life to be found in God’s description of Abraham in Genesis 18:19- “For I know him, that he will command his children after him…” (KJV)
This is my heart and goal in being a daddy and poppi!
Cindy – how wonderfully delightful! You’ve given me ideas for our next family retreat(s), though incomplete, usually, due to the great numbers involved :). Tell everyone to come prepared with a “password,” whether a Scripture verse and what it means to the individual, or an update, as you do, sharing what the Lord is doing in our heart as we walk with Him. I will share this link with my brother, who likes to host get-togethers at his place on the north shore of Lake Superior. Although many family circles have broken areas, I’m so glad that the Lord sets the lonely in families. He has the wayward child surrounded with others standing with Him in the gap to make up the hedge in prayer. So He makes all things new. Halleluia!
God is the One who makes every family unique <3 Every year- we plan a lot of fun but purposeful times too- but mainly- we want to share it on the kid level and encourage- encourage - encourage! I like picking a theme- and I love your idea of coming with a password- one year we did a hike treasure hunt- that led us on a steep walk and climbed a big hill where there was a cross and had communion. anything can be so special- especially when there's no interruptions or social media! hugs sweet sister- One day- we'll be at the same family reunion! Halleluia!
Oh. How. Fun! Thank you for sharing your family retreat with us!!! Great idea~~
Love to you and yours.
thanks Julie- it was beyond fun! makes me wonder why we don’t plan more “unplugged”, intentional moments throughout the year… 🙂 hugs to you and yours!
Cindy, I have really enjoyed reading your blogs over the past couple of weeks when I first came across your site. A couple of weeks ago I wrote a blog about my Dad who just finished walking across America. He walked to bring Jesus back to the homes in America. All 25 of our family flew to New York to walk with him on the final day. So I wrote a blog titled, “Leaving or Living A Legacy.” I am so proud to be the son of a Dad who is “living” a legacy that was given to us by God our Father, Jesus Christ.
Grace and Peace to you and your family. Also thank you for sharing your family’s experience.
Jared
WOW! Jared- that is so amazing! What a testament to your Dad- and whole family!!!! I’m convinced- families and relationships are key! God’s glory shines through and like Psalm 127 says- who can stand against them? Blessings Jared- I’m going to read your blog right now! thanks for taking the time to comment! 🙂