Category Archives: Christian Living

The Benefits of Taking Small Steps (Guest Post)

The Benefits of Taking Small Steps

by Steph Beth Nickel

But I want it done yesterday!

Longsuffering is an outdated word that we’ve replaced with patience, but the former is so much more effective.

We might tell our child to be patient until everyone finishes their meal before asking for dessert, but we wouldn’t think of this as longsuffering—at least not as adults. Our child might disagree, however.

There are many things we may want: to lose 10 pounds (or more), to develop healthier habits, to complete the renovations to our home, to zero out our inbox, to finish our manuscript(s)…

And if you’re anything like me, your inner voice may be repeating the opening statement above, even though we might rarely confess our impatience aloud.

While I’m sure we’ve all heard it countless times before, the encouragement to do the next right thing, to take the next small step toward achieving our goal, is sage advice.

If I want to lose weight (and I do), I must eat better and move more. The pounds may not melt off, but I will see progress. Borderline cholesterol and blood sugar levels are my primary motivators rather than the scale, but I have to admit seeing numbers I haven’t seen in years is an encouragement. It also helps that I like healthy food and exercise. Setting achievable, sustainable daily goals is far more likely to get me to my ultimate goal than depriving myself of all my favourite treats and wearing myself out with too strenuous a workout.

It looks as if my husband and I will be moving in 2027. So, we very much want to complete the renovations to our 100+-year-old house as soon as possible. Doing at least a little every day will get it done.

Zeroing out my inbox? Not gonna happen, but I can check it daily to make sure I don’t miss anything important, follow-up by responding to starred emails weekly, unsubscribe from newsletters I’m not reading, etc. (By the way, kudos to everyone who has less than 100 emails in their inbox!)

And those manuscripts I mentioned… I have set a goal of choosing 30 of my devotionals on the Gospel of John by the end of October and readying them for publication by the end of the year. My goal for my YA manuscript is to have the current draft completed by the end of the year at the latest. And the last goal for 2026 is to complete the revisions to Paralympian Deb Willows’s second memoir and resubmit it to the publisher.

I will not achieve the goals in the paragraph above unless I break them down into steps that can be completed in short order. This week I will work on Deb’s book at least three times. I will complete and post another chapter of Rule and Reign, my YA novel. I will choose the first 5-10 devotionals to include in the book.

We must be patient with ourselves as we work toward our goals. And sometimes, pressing on will feel like suffering long (or longsuffering), but as we learn to celebrate each step forward, no matter how small, we will see the end goal getting closer and will set a good example for others.

How about you? What small step can you take today toward achieving one of your goals?

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.

Book Recommendations by Steph Beth Nickel (Guest Post)

A stack of hardcover books, with the top book lying open and a pair of glasses on top. — Image by Hermann Traub from Pixabay

Book Recommendations by Steph Beth Nickel

In my last guest post, I spoke about getting older.

Below are a few of the books I recommend for those of us “of a certain age” and others as well.

[Note: All book links point to Goodreads.]

Health and Fitness

Independence for Life by Will Harlow: An excellent step-by-step guide to improve mobility, strength, balance, and bone density, as well as focus on lessening chronic pain.

Biblical View of Aging

Dust to Dust by Jen Wilkin: An insightful look at what the Scriptures say about growing older.

Building a Legacy of Faith by Chris Syme: An examination of what we can leave behind that will truly bless others.

No Matter What Your Age

The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman: A look at how to determine the next step to take, no matter how small.

The Next Right Thing Journal by Emily P. Freeman: A guided journal to help you determine what’s next.

Free of Me by Sharon Hodde Miller: A challenging yet encouraging examination of how to be less self-focused with countless honest examples from the author’s life.

The Cost of Control by Sharon Hodde Miller: A book whose subtitle says it all: Why We Crave It, The Anxiety Over It, and The Real Power God Promises.

The Plan by Kendra Adachi: A guide by the author of The Lazy Genius Way and host of the podcast The Lazy Genius. The tagline: How to be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t.

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.

Growing Older (Guest Post)

Image by 🌸♡💙♡🌸 Julita 🌸♡💙♡🌸 from Pixabay

Growing Older

by Steph Beth Nickel

I have reached the age that the Canadian government classifies as “a senior.”

Why did this trip me up for the briefest of moments? Is it because I subscribe to the apparent worldview that “you can’t be young, thin, or rich enough”? I don’t.

Is it solely because I want to “finish well” and leave a God-honouring legacy? While that’s a big part of it, it wouldn’t be honest to say that was the only reason.

I truly love this stage of life. I have more time with my hubby now that he’s retired. He left his “temporary job” after more that forty years, nine days after his 70^th birthday. We are completing several long-needed renovations to our century home and will take some time to enjoy it before moving west to be close to family, Lord willing. Because of God’s grace, I have family and friends who love me and enjoy spending time with me. The list could go on and on.

Still, there are so many perspectives on aging, and I want to set a good example for others, whether they are in their fall or winter years or still in the spring or summer of their lives. But it’s a matter of finding the balance between assumptions, reality, and eternal matters.

Do we have to accept the fact that our health is going to rapidly decline?

While it’s unlikely that we will have the physical acumen that we had in our 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s, it isn’t inevitable that there’s nothing we can do about it. Eating well, staying active, getting adequate rest, continuing to learn new things, and participating in a supportive social community go a long way in maintaining our physical, emotional, and intellectual health.

Do we have to buy into the anti-aging industry?

What a loaded term, anti-aging! Even the term makes aging the enemy. Whether or not you agree with the premise, Dove was onto something when they brought out their line of “pro-aging” products. I don’t know enough about the company to know if it was truly anything more than a marketing approach. Still, if we viewed aging with a positive attitude and encouraged others to do the same, I believe we would make a more positive impact on those around us—whether our nighttime routine includes 30 minutes of skincare or less than five minutes.

Do we have to resign ourselves to being confounded by technology?

It’s true that technology is constantly changing, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn enough to at least be “in the loop.” There are plenty of seniors who successfully use cell phones and computers. There are even several who do so “like a boss.” And when it comes to the things we want to learn about tech, what better way than to ask a young person to show us the ropes? We just may learn something new, and they may learn how to effectively distill what they seem to know instinctively and patiently share it with another person.

Do we have to cringe when others refer to us as old and assume they mean this as a negative?

This is the crux of the matter for many of us. Their attitude toward aging, whether actual or merely something we assume, doesn’t have to shape ours. If we embrace the positives of getting older (and there are many), we may be influential in changing another’s perspective—and maybe even our own. And while it may stir up anxiety, resentment, or some other unpleasant emotion when someone makes a joke about Boomers, we can deliberately refocus and give thanks that because we’re still drawing breath, we still have purpose.

Do we have only two options: buy into the negative press about getting older or become resentful and rebellious?

We may vacillate between the two, but there are other options. Here are just a few of them: 1) we can keep a thankfulness journal specifically about the things we enjoy about aging, 2) we can get involved in a social group in whatever capacity corresponds with our interests and abilities, and/or 3) we can choose one healthy habit to pursue (it may be more achievable than we imagined).

And my new government-assigned category? Well, I have received my first OAS and CPP cheques. So, there’s that. <grin>

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 Importance of Accountability (guest post)

Image shows an open laptop and a smart phone and pen resting on a closed hardback journal. — Image by Free stock photos from www.rupixen.com from Pixabay

The Importance of Accountability

by Steph Beth Nickel

There are likely things we do without someone deliberately holding us accountable, tasks for which self-motivation is sufficient. But there could be others that keep getting put off until “tomorrow.” Your lists are almost certainly different than mine, but let’s talk about how accountability can keep us moving forward.

Here are some things that have been working for me:

Exercise

While I have a variety of dumbbells laid out where I can see them and aim to use them at least three times per week, I haven’t gotten into the habit of doing so. Most days, I do a bodyweight routine for my legs. But walking regularly? That only happens because a friend and I walk twice a month, and my hubby almost always invites me to join him when he’s going for a walk. Even though he has been retired for over a year, he still hits his 8000-step goal six days most weeks. Although I don’t have his stamina, I do say yes more often than I used to when he asks me to go for a walk.

YouVersion Bible Studies

Like many Christians, I have a “quiet time” each day, but the same friend I walk with and I have been doing YV studies online for quite some time now. Recently, my daughter has joined us. There are definitely benefits to studying on our own, but doing so with others can be an encouragement to them and to us. Plus, we can gain a new perspective when others share what they’re learning, things we may not have considered, things that didn’t stand out to us.

Writing

I began my YA novel a million years ago—or so it seems. When I committed to putting a chapter up on Substack each week, I was set for quite a while. I had written over 30 chapters. But guess what. I have now added all those chapters and must hunker down and write more. While I’ve only committed to adding a new chapter every other week, it keeps me at my computer. No more making excuses, saying, “I’ll get back to writing when I’ve completed this, that, or the other thing.” So, while the masses aren’t flocking to subscribe, those who have done so—especially those who Like the posts—unintentionally keep me accountable and motivated. Years ago, I wrote a poem called “Writing for the One,” meaning, if only one person was encouraged by what I wrote, that was enough reason for me to keep putting pen to paper and fingers to keyboard.

Will I keep exercising? That’s the plan. I want to stay as active as possible as long as possible. And I wouldn’t mind developing a little muscle tone as well.

Will I keep doing YouVersion studies? As long as Deb and Sarah would like to, I’m all in.

And writing? Will 2027 be the year I self-publish my novel and my Bible study / devotional on the book of John? Possibly. And if not, I will keep posting to Substack. I may even do a little more promo.

How has accountability kept you moving forward?

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.

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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.