Cheryl Barker's Blog, page 12
March 7, 2023
A Pearl from the Word to Make Your Heart Sing
Consider with me, if you will, a little pearl from the Word of God today. Since the Psalms are jam-packed with treasure, I didn’t have to look far to find a real gem.
Psalm 87:7 says, “As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.’”
I love both parts of this verse. Notice it doesn’t say “if they make music.” It says “as they make music.” Making music comes naturally to many of us—that’s how God made us. But I think believers also want to make music and sing because of the jo...
Turn Wedding Day Rain Into a Positive
Mother of the Bride, since spring weddings will soon be upon us, the chance of rain on wedding day becomes a real possibility. If the unthinkable happens on your sweet girl’s big day, MOB, what can you do to somehow turn it into a good memory?
One way to turn wedding day rain into a positive is to capitalize on some fun photo opportunities. As with snow during winter weddings, ask your photographer to get creative and snap some great photos featuring the rain in some way. If rain is in the fore...
February 21, 2023
A Prayer for Spiritual Battles
Anyone in the throes of spiritual battle? Take heart. You’re not alone. I’ve struggled—and continue to struggle at times.
I wrote the prayer below almost twenty-five years ago during such a time in my life. I pray it will remind us all today to cry out to the One who alone can empower us to stand:
“Dear Lord, it seems like spiritual battles have been coming at me right and left, and I am finding out just how real spiritual warfare is. The enemy is definitely trying to bring me down.
I’ve noticed...
Add Sparkle to the Bridal Garter
Mother of the Bride, would you like to add some sparkle to your darling daughter’s bridal garter? The traditional ribbons and lace are always feminine and pretty, but why not add another special touch? Why not add some jewels!
As you shop for or create a bridal garter for your sweet bride-to-be, be on the lookout for a small brooch or earring that will make the garter really shine. If you’re making the garter yourself or having it custom-made, you can get as creative as you’d like in your design...
February 7, 2023
God’s Mercy Meets Us in Our Desperate Need
“ . . . may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.”
Psalm 79:8 NIV
Have you been there before? That place of desperate need? I sure have.
I’ve been there when the need is my own, and I’ve been there when the need is a loved one’s. And if you’re like me, you feel a loved one’s desperate need almost as intensely as if it were your own.
The Psalmist—Asaph in the verse above—knew that place of desperate need, along with all Israel according to the context of the passage. A...
Wedding Day Photo: Moms Light Unity Candle Together
Mother of the Bride, will your new Mr. and Mrs. use a unity candle in their ceremony? If they’re still undecided, you might show them the photo above and see if they might catch the vision for something similar for their own wedding.
Having you, MOB, and the groom’s mother light your daughter’s and son’s respective candles while holding hands provides not only a sweet wedding ceremony photo, but it also sets the tone for the families to be united right along with the bride and groom. If you and ...
January 17, 2023
Feeding and Nurturing the Young
Have you ever spotted birds at work feeding their young? I have several times since I like to watch and photograph birds when I get a chance.
When we visited my parents one Memorial Weekend over a decade ago, I got to observe a particular bird’s parenting skills over and over. Mom and Dad lived in Missouri then and had a couple of birdhouses on their property. Bluebirds had built a nest in one. I hoped to share a picture of the daddy bird’s parenting prowess (he was easiest to spot because of hi...
Night Shoot Engagement Photos
Mother of the Bride, when your darling daughter and the love of her life start talking about engagement photos, they might want to consider a night shoot.
Lights always make for beautiful photos—whether city lights, candlelight, twinkling lights, stars, or sunset. Lights add a special touch of romance. And what better time for a touch of romance than for engagement photos?
If your happy couple would like to have some daytime shots as well, check with your photographer and see if he or she would ...
January 3, 2023
New Year’s Blessings For You, Mother of the Bride
As we begin a new year together, Mother of the Bride, may I pray these blessings from the Word of God over you? I want the very best for you this year as you prepare for one of the best days in the life of your family. So from me to you —
“‘The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.’” Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
“May the LORD answer you when you are in distress . . . May he give you the desire of your...
Theme Word 2023: Patience
The new year is here (2023!) so once again it’s time for me to choose a new theme word to help guide me through the year. Do you do something like this? Some people prefer selecting an anchor verse or word.
Focusing on an over-arching word—a quality, an attitude, or an action—can give me direction all year long and also helps me focus on more fully implementing that new word in my life. It’s a practice I highly recommend. I can honestly say it has benefited me time and again.
This year God direc...
