Greetings from Marti Pieper in hotter-than-we’d-like-it Seneca, South Carolina! I’m so blessed today to introduce (or reintroduce) you to my sweet friend Becky Harling, who lives in much cooler climes but seems to spend time in all sorts of places!
Welcome, Becky, to the CAN blog! Could you please tell us about your book, The Extraordinary Power of Praise?
Anxiety, fear, and depression are all on the rise. Like many of us, the psalmists struggled with anxiety, but they learned how to pour out their hearts before the Lord authentically, and then they shifted their focus to praising Him for His Almighty character.
So timely! Why did you write this book?
Many wrestle with anxiety. Certainly that was true for me. I didn’t need guilt for struggling with anxiety. I needed a plan. My plan became: Turn my panic into praise.
I love it. What is the primary focus of your book?
Teaching women how to follow the example of the psalmists and turn their panic into praise.
And how has God used the message of your book in your own life?
Learning how to praise God intentionally changed my life. I wrestled with far less anxiety and discovered far more joy.
I think we’d all live to sign on for that. What themes do you return to again and again in your writing?
The themes I return to again and again are anxiety, praise, listening, and relationships.
And I do see how all those play out in your various books! How has being a writer impacted your relationship with Christ?
I believe there is no greater faith journey for me than my writing journey. So often I realize I have nothing unless the Spirit of the living God fills me and flows out of me with His creativity.
Amen! What would be your ideal writing place? And . . . what’s your actual writing place like?
I love writing in my office looking out the window at the beautiful Colorado Sky and mountains.
I’m pretty sure the ideal is the actual in your case! What ministries are you involved in, and why?
I am directing women’s ministries at my church, and I am in the process of launching a Mom podcast called, “The Connected Mom Podcast” through the Saddleback Church Network. I’m super excited to encourage Moms to connect more deeply with God, other Moms, and their kids through this podcast. I also do quite a bit of speaking and coaching. At my core, I’m a Bible teacher!
That sounds wonderful on so many levels. What do you read for pleasure? What are you reading right now?
Novels. Right now I am reading Cynthia Ruchti’s novel, When The Morning Glory Blooms. It’s wonderful and I highly recommend it!
I do too! Now, everyone struggles with time management in our 24/7 world. How do you stay disciplined and meet your deadlines?
I have a set pattern in the morning. I worship, do my Bible reading, journal and prayer time. I exercise, and then I get into my writing. I find if I write in the morning, I get far more done. Then in the afternoon, I try to be with people because I’m more extroverted than introverted. People appointments restore my energy.
Sounds like a wonderful pattern. What are your hobbies or activities or passions outside of writing?
I love hiking with my husband, shopping with my girls, and playing with my grandkids.
Sweet. Now, please tell us about your next project.
My next project releases in 2023 and is called: Our Father: A Six-Week Study of The Lord’s Prayer. Beyond teaching us how to pray, Jesus offers us six life-changing invitations in the Our Father prayer. If we accept these invitations, our lives will be transformed.
That sounds amazing! Thank you for taking time to share with our readers today, Becky. You’re always a blessing!
To learn more about Becky Harling, check out Becky’s website and Becky’s blog.
For His glory,
Marti Pieper
