Cheryl Barker's Blog, page 23

Change Your Outlook: Focus on Pros Instead of Cons

Have you noticed how almost every situation or circumstance in life contains both pros and cons? Sometimes when we’re battling with the cons, it can be difficult to see the pros, but it’s always possible if we try. If nothing else, we can see how the negative situation can help us grow in some way—patience, perseverance, forgiveness, trust in God, etc.

I had to put this principle to work several years ago concerning our neighborhood. If I wasn’t careful, I let a couple of cons—and I don’t mean c...

Wedding Eve Gift from Bride to Mother-in-Law

Mother of the Bride, you and your daughter both have new in-law roles you’ll soon be taking on. As you become mother-in-law to the man who has captured her heart, she’ll become daughter-in-law to the first woman who held his. Both are very special roles that deserve attention.

One way your daughter can nurture the new relationship she’s developing with her groom’s mom is to give her a special gift on the eve of the big day. She may already have thought of it, but if not, why don’t you make the s...

Wedding Photography: Candid Shots of the Guests

Wedding photography is not complete, Mother of the Bride, without some great candid shots of the guests. All brides, grooms, and their families want to remember who joined their wedding day celebration. Asking the photographer to capture photos of the guests as they naturally interact with one another is the perfect way to do it.

The photo above is a super sweet shot of Rob and Kaden, our neice’s husband and son (now a recent high school graduate!), and the one below shows a loving moment betwee...

The Wonders at Home

Several years ago, not more than a half-mile outside of town, unexpected movement not far off the roadway captured our attention. In a split second, Don and I both saw it—a fawn leaping through an overgrown field. No momma in sight, just the baby. Our first wildlife spotting of the trip.

Here we were headed to Colorado to surround ourselves with the beauty of the mountains and to see the wonders of God’s creation when we saw a little miracle bounding through a field not five minutes from home. W...

Finding Wonders at Home

Several years ago, not more than a half-mile outside of town, unexpected movement not far off the roadway captured our attention. In a split second, Don and I both saw it—a fawn leaping through an overgrown field. No momma in sight, just the baby. Our first wildlife spotting of the trip.

Here we were headed to Colorado to surround ourselves with the beauty of the mountains and to see the wonders of God’s creation when we saw a little miracle bounding through a field not five minutes from home. W...

“Love” Acrostic: 2020 Theme Word Refresher

Over half the year is gone so it’s past time to give more thought to my 2020 theme word love. For me, the creative exercise of writing acrostics is an excellent way to go deeper in my consideration of my theme words each year. Doing so helps me think of different aspects of the word.

As I remind myself of and reflect on love, I pray you are blessed and inspired to grow in love as well. And not only that, but if you chose a theme word of your own this year, maybe reading this post today will ins...

Guest Blogger Elece Hollis: Mother of the Bride Blues

When my daughter Rachel announced she was planning her wedding for August, I knew immediately that I was in big trouble, where in the world would I find a mother-of-the-bride maternity dress? One glance at the garments displayed in the woman-with-child department of the nearest clothing store was all I needed to convince me of the futility of my search. They just don’t make ‘em, you know?

Still, I had to find something suitable. I was forty-three and would turn forty-four before the baby arrived...

Blogging Break Plus Wedding Planning Help For You

Mother of the Bride, I’m taking a blogging break during July but first let me leave you with some help. Below you’ll find a variety of ideas and links that will be sure to help you and your sweet girl with your wedding planning.

So here you go—hope you find tons of ideas that will really help!

Four Resources Especially For You

Look through the list of Favorite Posts  on the sidebar  and click the links to the ones that spark your interest. (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of th...

Blogging Break For Me, Blessings For You

Hey friends, I’ll be taking a summer blogging break during July but will be back in the blogging saddle again on Tuesday Aug. 4th. I hope that God blesses you in all kinds of wonderful ways in the meantime.

In fact, I’d like to pray a few blessings over you straight from the Word of God. Even though we may be absent from one another at times, our God never leaves us. He is never absent. Luxuriate in his blessing today, friends!

Blessings from the Word of God (NIV):

“May God be gracious to us and...

Us: The Little Word That Changes Everything

“…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Hebrews 12:1 NIV

“Us.” One tiny word—two little letters—with giant impact.

Who is to throw off everything that hinders? Us. Who is to run with perseverance? Us. Who is the race marked out for? Us. Not me. Not you. Us. We don’t have to run the race alone.

Just think of how that one little word changes everything. We can have support. We can have camarader...