Cheryl Barker's Blog, page 3

Not Immune to the Enemy’s Schemes

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*I wrote this post over a decade ago and am so grateful I’m not struggling in this particular area as much as I did then. But that doesn’t mean I’m not still susceptible to doubt at times. You too? Maybe this post will help some of us struggling today with any trap set by the enemy of our souls. May it be so, Lord!

After all these years of knowing and walking with God, you’d think I’d be immune. Immune to moments of doubt. Immune to thoughts that slither their way ...

Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Act as Sign Bearer

Mother of the Bride, today I have a super cute idea for your darling daughter’s wedding ceremony. Don’t waste a minute suggesting this idea and showing her the above photo. Cuteness this sweet deserves immediate attention, right?

Just before the bride comes down the aisle, why not have the flower girl and ring bearer help announce her entry? They won’t have to say a word. They can simply walk in together while the ring bearer wears a sign proclaiming “Here Comes the Bride”.

The ring bearer is th...

Allowing Need to Birth Bravery

I remember one late February several years ago when I noticed our neighborhood cardinals needed an ice storm to bring out their bravery. I usually see them feeding only on the ground under my backyard feeder, but since ice covered the fallen birdseed that winter day, they were forced to take drastic action. They had to brave the feeder’s little ledges.

Cardinals have trouble balancing on such tiny ledges. It’s easier and safer for them to scavenge for food that drifts to the ground while smaller...

A Classic Bridal Veil: The Corded Veil

Mother of the Bride, if your daughter has already found the gown of her Big Day dreams, now is the time to start considering veils. Some brides prefer not wearing a veil at all, but if your bride-to-be is not in that group, you’ll want to help her carefully consider what would look best with her particular gown.

An elegant and classic choice that looks good with numerous bridal gowns is the corded veil. The simple cord adorning the edge of the veil, whether single or double-tiered, works especia...

Learning and Growing: Developing An Eye

One winter morning over a decade ago, I discovered something exciting. I was doing it! I was developing an eye for taking better photos!

How could I tell? Certain hallmark signs were there. I’d been spotting good light or noticing great vantage points. I’d been focusing on color but noticing backgrounds and striving for centered shots. I was giving attention to detail. (Notice the morning light and winter trees behind the icicles in the shot I took above that day? I didn’t even realize how cool ...

Cake Table Decor: Bride’s and Bridesmaids Bouquets

Mother of the Bride, have you and your darling daughter discussed décor for the cake tables yet? Remember, you will have two tables or areas to decorate—the main cake table and the table for the groom’s cake as well. Yes, the cakes will be decorative in themselves, but something more is really needed to add color and beauty to the white tablecloths you’ll more than likely use.

One smart and gorgeous solution is to use the bride’s and the bridesmaids’ bouquets to add beautiful accents to the cake...

The Thaw God Brings

“He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.
He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?
He sends his word and melts them;
he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.”  Psalm 147:16-18 NIV

Our God is able to melt an icy, frozen earth. Can he not also melt a stone cold heart? Yes, God can bring the thaw.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26...

Bridal Portrait: A Stairway Shot

Mother of the Bride, bridal portrait photos will definitely be among some of the most beautiful photos ever taken of your daughter. A little planning before the photo session will reap a great reward so start a list of possible shots you’d love to see the photographer capture of your sweet girl.

Be sure to add a stairway shot to your list. Of course, capturing this shot will depend on the location of the photo shoot, but if there is a stairway anywhere on the premises or nearby, ask the photogra...

Beauty and True Colors: Blue Jays and More

Blue jays are beautiful birds at first glance. Their gorgeous colors and distinctive markings catch my eye every time.

But if I watch them long enough, I see their true colors—and they’re not very pretty. I’ve found that blue jays are bullies.

Yes, these aerial playground ruffians do their best to intimidate other birds who dare to share their neighborhood. I’ve witnessed some of their bully behavior first-hand but have also read what Wikipedia has to say about them.

Blue jays swoop in and try t...

Wedding Planning: Two Cake-Knife and Server Sets

Mother of the Bride, add this to your “to-do” list: Find two cake-knife and server sets. That’s right, you’ll need nice sets for both the main cake table and the groom’s cake table. It’s easy to forget about needing a set for the groom’s cake so put it on your list now and save yourself from a last minute cake-serving crisis. Heaven knows you want to avoid as many last minute glitches as possible, right?

I would suggest borrowing both sets or perhaps buying one beautiful set as a shower gift and...