I’m so excited to get you started on your own treasure hunt!

My name is Cindy and God has made me into a treasure hunter. He is showing me hidden riches in the most unlikely places.

It’s taken me by surprise to me to find such beauty and wealth in some of the darkest, most difficult experiences in life; but that’s exactly why I want to share with you- that you might find the unfathomable riches He has for you as you walk this life  “Between the Trees”.

I don’t remember a time I didn’t love God, but when I was eight I understood my need for a Savior and asked Jesus Christ to come into my life. I married the love of my life, Jeff, when I was twenty-one. This year we celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary. Our life together has been a journey of surprising treasures.

Jeff has pastored for over 27 years and I have grown so much by serving the Lord with him as a pastor’s wife. I consider my “job” to glorify the Lord in all I do and be primarily a H.E.N.S.- Home Executive Nurturing Specialist- or what is commonly known as a HOMEmaker.

I have also taught high school choir, and have been blessed to offer child care throughout many of my years at home. I get my feathers ruffled if someone messes with one of my “chicks” and I absolutely love being the facilitator of a large family.

I’ve been zany enough to have all home births, and home educate all of our children until junior high and/or high school. I am still home schooling Bethany (5th grade) and I’m blessed to have my 9 grandchildren, Finley, Cohen, Mari, Sophie, Silas, Mataya, 2 in heaven and one on the way in May.

Empty nest??? What’s that? I pray there will always be lots of fun and learning in the Barclay house and that every generation falls head over heels in love with Jesus!

I love reading, writing, blogging, home schooling, playing the piano, praise and worship, and I’m trying to learn to love exercising! 🙂  One of my dreams is to write hi/lo books for young people with disabilities that have a strong character core with lots of fun and adventure! Also, it’d be really awesome if I could find enough time to write a novel- I’ve got one brewin’ but…..percolating a good cup of coffee takes time!

One of my greatest battles since the death of our daughter in 1985, has been overcoming depression and fear of what the future might hold! BUT GOD! Those are two of my favorite words. God is so faithful! He loves us just the way we are but loves us too much to let us stay that way! He is always transforming and molding us into what He created us to be.

I am living proof that God’s Word is effectual,

His love is transforming

and powerful,

and God takes our weaknesses and brokenness-

using them for His glory to encourage others.

My current challenges are:

1. praying to find my place of service as it seems my

life responsibilities are constantly changing….

2. trying to find God’s balance in life- especially in the area of “self” care 🙂

Like everyone, we’ve had our share of trials and test.

We’ve experienced sickness, the death of Jeff’s father and my mother, losing the battle of cancer with our 2 year old daughter,

one son miraculously spared when a car hit him,

a daughter being born with special needs, the death of my birth mother, financial adversity, and more than you’d want to know!

But I’m here to tell you Jesus has not only been with us-

He has helped us triumph over this fallen world and everything that goes with it.

He has been teaching us to find the hidden

treasure-

the glory that is permeating even the most

challenging, gut-wrenching

times in life.

It has been my greatest surprise that He doesn’t just get us “through” life but actually takes “ALL” things and works them for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28)

Introducing Jeff- my wonderful partner, beloved, and best friend! Jeff may have his doctorate in ministry but he constantly entertains us with some of his bloopers. Super Glue and Ant Traps, just to name a few. We all want him to watch movies with us because he laughs out loud. He’s fun, a hard worker, and the most excellent husband and father. I’ll let him tell you about his interests.

On July 23, 2000, the Barclays received a gift they never knew they needed. A mysterious treasure that came into this world 17 years ( TO THE EXACT DATE! ) after her older sister, Kristin Faith, had been born.

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