Becky Harling

Our granddaughter Selah just celebrated her sixth birthday. During Selah’s party, her friends and family affirmed her. Her brother said she was “sweet, fun and precious.” Her cousins mentioned “kind” and “funny,” and others mentioned “compassionate, patient, creative, joyful and passionate.” As I was listening to Selah’s party guests, I watched her face and how

This past week, I noticed we had some new neighbors move in on our little cul-de-sac. I realized quickly that the family was from India, based on their dress. Filled with excitement, I went over to meet them and introduce myself. Later that day, I was on a walk with my little granddaughter, Selah, and

Waiting is not my forte. Can you relate? Over the last few years I’ve been asking God to uproot a sense of hurry in my spirit and replace that with patience. Here’s the thing: When you ask God something like that, He provides plenty of opportunities to strengthen your patience muscles—long lines in security, long

Come on. Admit it! We’ve all shouted this phrase at God at one time or another, right? I’ve just finished Bob Goff’s new book Everybody, Always. It’s fabulous! One of the most profound comments in the book caught my attention, and I’ve been mulling it over in my mind. Goff writes, “I don’t want what’s

Psalm 18 has been one of my favorites for years. When I come to this psalm in my daily Bible reading, I love to slow down and take a few days to just luxuriate in the richness of the promises tucked all throughout the psalm. Honestly, it’s a great psalm to use in your personal

In Psalm 8, David writes, ““For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor” (Ps. 8:5). As I was reading and reflecting on Psalm 8 this week, that word “honor” caught my attention and left me intrigued. With further study, “honor” is from the Hebrew word,

I’ve been meditating on Colossians 3:1-4 lately. It’s one of my favorites. In it, Paul instructs us to set our hearts and minds on Christ. In fact, Paul goes on to say that Christ is our life. What does that look like? As I’ve been meditating on that passage, I’ve grappled with what it looks

Whether they are toddlers, teens or adults, your kids need prayer. You may not have kids, but you might have nieces, nephews or friends’ kids who desperately need prayer. Or you might have “spiritual children” you have mentored. Are you willing to take time to cover them in prayer? One of the best practices you

I learned a long time ago the value of a good self-management meeting, especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed or fearful. The only attendee (other than God) at my self-management meeting is me. In our times, there are lots of reasons to feel overwhelmed and fearful. We’ve had our fair share of natural disasters. We see

The story told in Mark about the friends bringing the paralyzed man to Jesus for healing is one of my favorites (Mark 2:1-12). In case you’re unfamiliar, some friends heard that Jesus was in town speaking in Capernaum. Rumors spoke of miraculous healings and happenings surrounding every event where Jesus was present. So the friends

I wonder if you’ve ever had an ah-ha moment with God and then wondered, Did that really happen? Or maybe God has done a miraculous work of healing in your life, and after a while you doubted, “Did God heal that hurt in my life?” Often after God does a mighty work in our lives,

Recently, I was reading the story found in Matthew’s Gospel where the disciples leave Jesus to go ahead of Him across the Sea of Galilee (Matt. 14:22-33). The disciples head out across the dark lake while Jesus retreats for some time alone in prayer with His Father. Later that night, when the boat was a

There are moments in my Christian walk when I feel intensely close to Jesus. I feel head over heels in love with Him. Then there are moments when I feel dry, as though He’s distant—or maybe I’m the one who’s distant. I often pray, Lord, let me fall more deeply in love with you. I’m

One thing I love about the teaching of Jesus is His use of metaphors and stories. In John 10, Jesus states that He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:10), and He compares us to sheep. As I’ve been thinking about sheep, I discovered some random facts about them that help me understand why Jesus used

As I write this, Steve and I are finishing up a visit in California. We’re staying with some dear friends. Throughout their beautiful home, there are figures of lambs they’ve put out in preparation for Easter. Last night, as I sat by the fireplace, I glanced up at the lamb on the mantle and remembered