Category Archives: Christian Living

Encouraging One Another (Guest Post)

Encouraging One Another

by Steph Beth Nickel

Most of us equate encouragement with positivity. But there is another side to true encouragement. Sometimes we need correction. At other times, we are the ones offering the correction. How can we do so in a way that encourages rather than disheartens the other person?

I’ve received this type of encouragement, have sought to give it, and have witnessed it as a third party as well.

Below are some pointers to keep in mind.

Correcting with Compassion

Recently I witnessed this form of correction in a way that brought tears to my eyes. The recipient of the needed correction humbly accepted it. In fact, they sought it. And the encouragement? Onlookers were instructed on how not to make the situation worse and how to offer compassion in the midst of everything. Personally, I’ve never seen this type of thing handled with such grace.

And while critiquing and editing my clients’ work cannot really be compared to how this situation was handled, there are applicable lessons for editors and writers alike.

So, whether you’re a professional editor, a critique partner, or a writer seeking input on your work, here are three things to keep in mind:

First, point out what the client or writer has done well. Do so sincerely and honestly. And if you’re looking for others to review your writing, find those who will point out the specifics of your work that not only need strengthening but also those that make them want to keep reading.
As writers, we do have to develop a thick skin of sorts. We must recognize that editors, critique partners, and our general readership won’t always see things as we do. Sometimes, they will offer edits and critiques that we find discouraging. We may become defensive or discouraged. When these corrections are offered with compassion, we may find it easier to revise our work. When the advice seems harsh, it is our responsibility to humbly accept the correction even so. (Thus, the need for a thick skin.)
Remember that some perceived weaknesses in another’s writing are subjective. When pointing out these things, we may want to phrase it more gently than when pointing out specifics that are actually mistakes (i.e., when a character’s physical traits change inexplicably or when the writer uses the incorrect homophone, etc.). Sometimes, I begin such a comment with “I would suggest…” And if we’re the writer, we must recognize that some comments are subjective—even if not worded as such. Humbly accepting correction is good but knowing when to stand our ground is also important.

Questions to Consider

Have you received correction that was offered with genuine compassion?

Does this type of correction encourage you to shore up the weaknesses in your writing? And if you haven’t received this type of correction, do you think it would make the revision process less discouraging?

How do you offer this kind of encouragement to others?

Are there ways you feel challenged to offer correction with more compassion?

Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

As an editor, Steph Beth Nickel has the honour of coming alongside writers to help them polish their work. As the coauthor of Paralympian Deb Willows’s memoirs, Steph has been blessed to work with this amazing woman. And as a future self-published author, with the Lord’s help, Steph has taken brave steps toward publication.

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.

Podcasts and More Podcasts (Guest Post)

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Podcasts and More Podcasts

Broadcast announcer-type microphone in front of multicoloured representation of soundwave bandwidth. — Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

by Steph Beth Nickel

Because I’m eclectically interested, I enjoy a wide variety of podcasts.

Among them…

Writing-Related

The Indie Author Magazine Podcast: Focused on topics of particular interest to self-published authors and those interest in self-publishing.

Writing at the Red House with Kathi Lipp: Kathi and her guests chat on a wide variety of topics of interest to writers.

The Quitcast with Becca Syme: Advice for writers from a Clifton Strengths expert. We’re not all the same—and that means there isn’t only one way to succeed as a writer.

Helping Writers Become Authors with K.M. Weiland: I now watch these episodes on YouTube, each with slides, making them like writers’ workshops.

The Dialogue Doctor with Jeff Elkins: Covering a wide variety of topics of interest to authors for various audiences.

Editing-Related

Your Next Draft with Alice Sudlow: Polishing your manuscript.

The Modern Editor with Tara Whitaker: Tips for the editor’s practical and personal life.

The Editing Podcast with Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle: Tips for editing both fiction and nonfiction, with an emphasis on the business side of editing.

Self-Care (It’s not about spas and getaways to the beach.)

The Next Right Thing with Emily P. Freeman: Insights on how to identify and do the next right thing “in faith, work, and life.”

The Lazy Genius with Kendra Adachi: Author of The Lazy Genius, The Lazy Genius Kitchen, and The Plan shares her unique perspective on how to “be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t”—and only we can decide what truly matters to us.

Grit ’n’ Grace with Cheri Gregory: Wisdom for Christian women who are Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs). Although this moniker doesn’t apply to me, I enjoy listening to this podcast. Developing empathy for those who don’t perceive the world as we do is such a good thing.

Do I agree with everything these podcasters (and others I listen to) stand for, with everything they say? No. But I do learn much from them.

Plus, I enjoy listening to podcasters and audiobook performers because they keep me, a work-from-home extravert, company.

What podcasts do you listen to and why?

Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.

Ever-Changing Seasons (Guest Post)

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Yellow crocuses blooming in the snow. — Image by M W from Pixabay

Ever-Changing Seasons

by Steph Beth Nickel

After what, for many, felt like a never-ending winter, spring is just around the corner. In our neck of the woods, the snow is almost gone. We’ve even experienced a rare winter thunderstorm.

In much of the world, we’ve gotten used to the ever-changing seasons. The first blooms poking through the last thin layer of snow. The increasing warmth of the sun—and the lake. The occasional red and orange leaf. The bitter wind and the dancing snowflakes. And around we go again.

The annual seasons are not the only ones we experience, however. (Of course, not all will necessarily apply.) The seasons of life include… Childhood. Youth. Young adulthood. Employment. Courtship and marriage. Parenthood. Middle age. Empty nest. Retirement. “The Golden Years.”

And throughout the seasons… Relationships of all descriptions. Times of health and illness. Changes of address, more for some than others. Travel, across town and/or across the globe. Education, both formal and that which comes with orbiting the sun year after year.

Of course, you could name several others and further expand on those listed about.

With each season come new joys and new challenges.

My hubby retired approximately 11 months ago, nine days after his 70^th birthday. Since then, we have slowly but surely been prepping the house to put on the market. Considering the fact that it’s well over a century old, it will take some time to get everything done.

Dave has always wanted to spend his retirement in a new location, experiencing new adventures. And considering three of our adult children (a son and his wife and our daughter) live two provinces over, that was my vote—despite the long, cold winters. <sigh>

And so, that’s what we’re working towards—we think. Only God knows for sure what His plans are for us.

If we remain here, we can relax and enjoy all the renos. Not to mention, the friends we’ve made over the last four decades.

If the new season of our lives includes a move west, we will experience yet more joys and challenges. Making new friends. Finding a new church. Discovering where God would have us serve. Not to mention selling the first home we ever purchased and buying a new one.

Making our way in a community where we will be, at first, virtually unknown isn’t something we’ve experienced in over 40 years. Talk about making first impressions. I wonder if I remember how to do that.

For now… The decluttering is liberating. The packing of at least temporarily unneeded items gives me a tremendous sense of accomplishment. (The pile of boxes in the loft is growing day by day.) And witnessing the renovations take shape is incredible.

Living in the Now with a view toward tomorrow can be a challenge no matter what season we’re in, but it’s something God calls us to throughout the spring, summer, fall, and winter of life.

Let’s embrace the beauty of our season and trust Him with all that are yet to come.

Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.

Wonder and Trust (December 26)

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Today is December 26, 2025, and I thought I’d share the day’s devotional from my book, Tenacity at Christmas: 31 Daily Devotions for December.

Book cover: Against a green background, a golden outline of a manger in a shelter. Text: Tenacity at Christmas: 31 Daily Devotions for December, by Janet Sketchley

All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.
Luke 2:18-19, NLT*

The shepherds saw wonders. Mary herself saw wonders! She held the Wonder of the world in her arms.

Do you think what she experienced in Bethlehem helped her keep hoping in the difficult days ahead? Surely it helped her worship this God who loved and chose her. She’d already seen Him provide, and she knew He wouldn’t abandon her and Joseph now.

Let’s be encouraged and inspired by Mary’s humble sense of obedience and trust. Let’s consciously keep in our hearts those precious times we’ve seen God touch our lives, and think about them often.

Maybe as we begin a new year it’s time to start (or re-start) a journal for gratitude or to track answered prayer. Or perhaps it’s time for a fresh commitment to keep watch for “God moments” in our days.

Precious, loving God, You are so kind in the ways You involve Yourself in my daily life. Whether it’s something major like Your call on Mary’s life or something as simple as helping me find a lost item, please help me recognize Your care. Help me keep these things in my own heart and think about them often, especially when the times of trouble come. May my spirit be kept in Your perfect peace because I know I can trust in You.

*Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Reviews: Red Moon Rising and Dirty Glory, by Pete Greig

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Red Moon Rising cover art. Image: blackk-silhouetted people facing a red sky with a red moon in the top right. A darker circle beneath with text about foreward, revision, update information.

Red Moon Rising and Dirty Glory, by Pete Greig (with Dave Roberts for Red Moon Rising)

Q: What happens when a group of Christians decide to pray 24-7 for a short time, maybe a month or two?

A: It starts a movement that’s still going strong 25+ years later.

Red Moon Rising: Rediscover the Power of Prayer chronicles the 24-7 Prayer movement’s first five years, and Dirty Glory: Go Where Your Best Prayers Take You covers the next five and beyond.

This is clearly a story of what God did—through obedient people, to be sure, but there’s no way a group of humans could build and sustain an international, interdenominational movement like this. Nor could humans arrange the more dramatic experiences these books relate.

Book cover image: folded hands drawn in black, raised in silhouette against a red moon against a blue background. Text: Dirty Glory, Go Where Your Best Prayers Take You. Pete Greig.

They began in prayer. Then they found themselves on mission in the strangest places, still praying but also serving and working for justice. This is an interdenominational movement that sees Christians from widely different backgrounds and denominational preferences serving and worshipping side by side for the glory of God. Looks like the Body of Christ to me.

If you want to be encouraged, even excited, in your faith, or if you’re just curious what this international 24-7 Prayer movement is all about, I highly recommend both of these books. Then, check out the 24-7 Prayer International website (or possible your country has one) for more details and resources.

The books read like novels, and if you have the chance to catch them in audiobook format the author’s energetic delivery adds to the impact. That’s what I did, but now I want to go back and read in print or digital so I can highlight the most impactful bits and also linger over some of the well-turned phrases.

The story doesn’t finish with the books. Have a listen to Pete Greig’s 25^th anniversary message in 2024. As it happens, I’m posting this review on September 5, 2025—the 26^th anniversary of 24-7 Prayer’s quiet beginnings.

Pete Greig’s biography on the 24-7 Prayer International website describes him as “a best-selling author, pastor and bewildered instigator of the 24-7 Prayer movement which has reached more than half the nations on earth.” For more about him, visit dirtyglory.org. For more about the 24-7 Prayer Movement or for prayer resources, visit 24-7prayer.com.

[Review copies from the public library via the Hoopla app.]

Happy New Year (Guest Post)

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Happy New Year

The word "September" in a pretty font, with coloured maple leaves above and a drawn fern frond below. — Image credit: Pixabay

by Steph Beth Nickel

No, it’s not January 1. Nor do I have school-aged children. However, I do view September as a New Year of sorts.

Truth be told, autumn is my favourite season. Cooler temperatures. Cozy sweaters. Cute boots.

A white mug with a frothy drink is held by someone whose sweater sleeves are pulled over their hands. In the background is an open book with scattered autumn leaves. — Image by Melk Hagelslag from Pixabay

But more importantly, at least in my neck of the woods, the trees show off the Creator’s . . . well, His creativity.

And the smells of autumn and the crunch of dry leaves underfoot . . .

Love. Love. Love.

Because kids are headed back to school and the summer routine is drawing to a close, plus because we have an entire third of the year left to accomplish our goals, it does feel like a new beginning.

So, Happy New Year.

What’s on my list of “New Year’s resolutions”?

Since my hubby retired at the end of March and we’re planning to move west next year, Lord willing, it’s time to seriously buckle down and declutter. This will make the renos to our century home much easier. (And there are a fair few needed before we put the house on the market.)

It’s also time to keep up with my editing projects. I’m so thankful they’ve been steady but not overwhelming this year.

And what about writing?

Well, I did spend several hours attending a free online writers’ summit last week. So, I am once again inspired to get back to my YA spec fic novel.

And my collections of devotionals on the gospel of John.

And, most importantly, Deb Willows’s second memoir. (We’re getting close to having it ready to fire off to the publisher.)

Like any good list of resolutions, developing healthier habits is also one of my priorities. Walking more, eating more veggies and fruit, and drinking more water are at the top of the list. I’d love to do more resistance training as well. But better not to take on too much at once. That’s how resolutions fizzle and fail.

So, how about you?

What are your New Year’s (aka fall and winter) goals?

Do you view September as a new beginning if not a new year?

If you could only achieve one of your goals before December 31, what would it be?

Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.

The 15-Minute Initiative (Guest Post)

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The 15-Minute Initiative

By Steph Beth Nickel

You may have heard me refer to my Procrastination List. Although you may not have yours on paper, you likely have tasks that you put off as long as possible, sometimes longer than you should. (If not, feel free to share your encouraging tips in the comments. Truly. One of those tips may help another reader.)

Earlier this year, I came up with a new way to approach the things on my PL. I call it The 15-Minute Initiative.

How does it work?

I take a look at my Procrastination List and determine which items have a deadline. Those I really should transfer to the Action Plan (aka my To-Do List) in my planner.

The next step . . .

Determine how many items I want to work on during any given week.

Ideally, I would like to work on one item each weekday, but in reality, setting a goal of doing so from 1-3 days per week is likely more realistic.

If I devote just 15 minutes to said project, I can check it off my list for the day. Thus, The 15-Minute Initiative.

So, just what’s on my Procrastination List?

Not necessarily in order of importance . . .

Getting back to the gym and/or working out regularly at home. (This is one of those things I should be doing at least three times per week.)
Working on revisions of the book I’m coauthoring.
Reviewing notes from my beta readers on my Bible study/devotional on the book of John and applying those ideas which I feel will make it a stronger, more helpful manuscript.
Completing the first draft of my YA spec fiction story.
Getting my tax records together for Q1 and Q2 of 2025. (It’s far easier to do this each quarter rather than waiting until March 2026. That’s the theory anyway. So far, this item has remained firmly tucked away on my Procrastination List.)
Reading skills development books, many of which I’ve had for years.
Preparing for our move west, including decluttering and packing away things we won’t need in the coming year.
Preparing for my “homegoing,” when God calls me home to heaven. (While I don’t expect this to happen anytime soon, I don’t want to leave my family in limbo re: subscriptions to cancel, computer passwords, location of important files—both physical and digital, etc., etc., etc.)

I’m sure I could think of other things if I put my mind to it, but you get the idea.

So, what about you? What would you put on your Procrastination List?

And just a reminder . . .

If you have tips that help you keep your list to a minimum (or non-existent), feel free to share in the comments.

A reminder to all of us . . .

While something might work extremely well for others, it doesn’t mean it will work for you—and that’s okay. Keep trying new ideas, find what works for you, and persevere until it’s no longer working. At that point, you can research other ideas and give them a try.

What will you spend your 15 minutes on today?

Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.

Motivation vs. Overwhelm (Guest Post)

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A person sits at a desk, head hidden behind a tall stack of books. The book on top is open, and the person is reaching for it. — Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay

Motivation vs. Overwhelm

by Steph Beth Nickel

Are your shelves bowing under the weight of unread skills development books?

Have you subscribed to a plethora of podcasts to develop as a writer?

Do you sign up for innumerable courses you never complete?

If so…

Welcome to the club!

This book comes highly recommended. If I read that book, I’ll have the motivation to complete my WIP. If I buy this bestseller, I’ll be sure to accomplish my writing goals.

Does this sound like you?

Yes?

Again, welcome to the club!

The same holds true for the podcasts I listen to and the courses I sign up for, whether it’s writing, getting back into a regular exercise routine, taking up a new hobby, trying new recipes, or developing my spiritual life.

While a new book, podcast, or course may inspire me for a short time, I must persevere. And follow-through? Well, that’s where I fall short. And motivation becomes overwhelm.

What can we do when this is the case?

Here are eight suggestions:

Gather all the books you want to read or re-read into one place.
Determine which are most relevant to your current season as a writer.
Set aside outdated volumes and those that aren’t currently applicable to your works-in-progress.
Read a chapter, or a portion of a chapter, each day. Apply what you’ve learned immediately if possible.
Repeat with each book you want to read.
Approach your podcasts the same way. Determine which are of benefit. (And yes, we all need to “chill” at times. Not all our books or podcasts have to be educational per se.)
Determine which courses you signed up for most recently. If they are relevant to what you are currently working on, go through the courses one at a time, setting aside time each week (or several times per week) based on available time.
Admit to yourself that not every book, podcast, and course is relevant to your current season. Some may even be outdated. Take a deep breath and be willing to delete / unsubscribe / give away what is no longer relevant.

When we can apply what we’re learning, we’ll likely remain motivated to persevere.

If we hold onto too many resources, they will simply weigh us down.

What’s something that you find overwhelming rather than motivating? Are you ready to let it go?

What’s something that you’re ready to begin or get back to? A book? A podcast? A course? Something else?

Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.

Review: How to Hear God: a simple guide for normal people, by Pete Greig

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How to Hear God: a simple guide for normal people, by Pete Greig (Zondervan Reflective, 2022)

Can humans today hear from the God of the Bible? Not necessarily audibly, but can we know what He’s saying to us? If you’re curious, I highly recommend this book as an excellent, inspiring resource.

You can tell from the subtitle that it’s not a dry theological work. Instead, it’s a refreshing, accessible, and practical look at various ways Christians can “hear” God (and how to discern A: is it God, and B: am I hearing clearly?).

The key Scriptural passage acting as a framework for the book is the two travellers on the Emmaus Road from Luke 24, where the risen Christ walks with them and teaches them. And the emphasis is on hearing as a natural part of a conversational relationship with God.

While acknowledging Jesus as the Living Word, the book also addresses hearing God’s external word through the Bible, prayer, and prophecy, and His internal word in our spirits, in dreams, and in community, creation, and culture.

Chapters include examples from the Bible, personal experience, quotations from other works on the subject, and mini bio features of Christians both contemporary and historical.

Pete Greig is an excellent speaker, and by narrating his own book in audio form he makes it feel like hearers are listening to him on a podcast or at a conference. Now I want to buy a print copy to study in more depth. The questions for individual and group discussion will be helpful, as will the recommendations for further reading.

The author is also one of the founders of the 24/7 Prayer movement, which brings us, among other resources, the Lectio365 app and the Inner Room prayer app. You can read his bio at dirtyglory.org or at 24-7prayer.com/team/pete-greig.

[Review copy from the public library—but it’s on my to-buy list!]

Much-Needed Rest (Guest Post)

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Much-Needed Rest

by Steph Beth Nickel

Last month, I shared some of my favourite podcasts and audiobook providers. But even the best of these can become little more than noise in this world of overstimulation. And coming out of the holiday season, rest—and quiet—may be exactly what you need.

Although quiet and rest are not the same, they are related. While being quiet doesn’t guarantee we will be at rest, it is difficult to truly rest and recharge without at least some periods of quiet. (Note: quietness isn’t necessarily the same as silence. For instance, you can go for a quiet walk surrounded by the sounds of nature.)

Dave Nickel at the Fairy Bridges in Ireland
Photo Credit: Steph Beth Nickel

Saundra Dalton Smith, MD, identifies seven types of rest each of us needs, many of which we give little to no thought. In her book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, the author examines the following types of rest: Physical Rest, Mental Rest, Emotional Rest, Spiritual Rest, Social Rest, Sensory Rest, and Creative Rest.

Depending on the audiobook I’m listening to or the podcast I have playing, I may be able to rest in one or more of these ways. However, there are times quiet is the best option. While I can fall asleep listening to a TV show, podcast, or audiobook (thank goodness for the snooze feature!), allowing myself to drift off without this type of auditory input can make for a more restful sleep.

Listening to anything that gets my mind racing is obviously not providing the mental or emotional rest I need. There are things that do, however. For example, I enjoy using Emily P. Freeman’s Quiet Collection and the One Minute Pause apps to wind down and “be present.”

While there are numerous auditory resources that help us develop our spiritual life, it’s important to enjoy the presence of the promised Comforter, the Holy Spirit, and listen to what He is teaching us through what we’ve read, heard, and experienced. It’s easier to do this if we regularly take time to be quiet.

And now we come to social rest. I can almost hear all the introverts out there cheering, but we extroverts may have a tough time with this one. I like listening to podcasts not only because of the subject matter but also because I enjoy the pseudo connection I’ve made with my favourite podcasters. I have to remind myself that I don’t always need someone to keep me company.

While sensory rest seems self-explanatory, we may need to remind ourselves of its importance, especially when we encounter resistance—external or internal.

And last, the author of Sacred Rest examines creative rest. She refers to a friend who rests by pulling out her art supplies and creating a painting. While the very thought of doing so may cause us anxiety, there is likely something creative each of us finds restful.

How about you? Do you enjoy sitting down at the piano and playing your favourite song? Grabbing your camera and going for a photo walk? Baking a batch of cookies? Art journalling? Writing a poem?

As we enter the new year, let’s commit to stepping back from the noise and embracing the rest we need.

How are you going to do so?

Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.