Let’s start out by telling our readers a little about you. (Current ministry context, family, joys in life, etc.)

At the young age of 20, I recently just passed my first year of marriage with my husband, Daniel. We recently moved into a small town in Nova Scotia, not far from where we both grew up. I am training to be a Certified Biblical Counselor through ACBC. Along with that, I work for two busy moms from my church by babysitting and helping out with housework. Daniel and I have a passion for youth ministry, so we volunteer as youth leaders at two local youth groups and both teach Sunday School classes.

One of my joys in life is writing, whether it is fictional, non-fiction Christian living, or counseling articles for my blog.

What are you reading right now?

Right now I am reading The Gospel’s Power and Message by Paul Washer, Sanctification by David Powilison, and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.

What are some books you regularly re-read and why?

I don’t often reread books, but I do regularly review my notes. Trusting God by Jerry Bridges and When People Are Big, and God Is Small by Ed Welch are two books I find myself flipping through my notes to remind myself of what I learned. In my struggle with anxiety, these two books have brought me back to thinking biblically through my struggle rather than giving into the deceitful lies of my heart.

What biographies or autobiographies have you read recently?

I have not read many biographies or autobiographies yet, though I hope to read more in the future.

Speaking of biographies and such, is there any particular one that has influenced you a great deal in your faith?

Though it’s not really an autobiography, Jesus Freaks by DC Talk and Voice of the Martyrs was an impactful book in my life as it reminded me how fortunate I am to live in a free country where I am not heavily persecuted for my faith. This book is usually the one that comes to mind when I am tempted to complain about silly things such as the internet not working as fast as I would like.

If you were sitting down with a fellow believer and they asked for your top five book recommendations on Christian living, what would they be?

• Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul Tripp (to learn how to minister to others).
• Trusting God by Jerry Bridges (to learn to trust God in the inevitable suffering).
• Do More Better by Tim Challies (to establish godly time-management principles).
• When People Are Big, and God is Small by Ed Welch (because we all have a bit of fear of man in us).
• Knowing God by J.I. Packer (to teach us to be in awe of God).

What books have molded how you to serve and lead others in the gospel? 

Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands is definitely the most impactful book I have read on serving and leading others in the gospel. Though the emphasis is more on counseling others, I still believe it is a valuable book to any Christian since we are called exhort, encourage, and carry the burdens of our fellow brothers and sisters.

More for leading non-believers in the gospel, The Gospel’s Power, and Message is continually challenging me on how I present the gospel to others and on my comprehension of the power of the gospel.

Finally, let’s conclude with this question. What are you learning about life and daily following Jesus? 

I am learning that time management and how I use my time matter more than I had believed. As a Christian, I desire to glorify God in all that I do, and that includes how I manage my time. I am learning how to wisely choose which activities and ministries are the better use of my short time on earth, and that will best serve the church. Which also means less time scrolling through Facebook and more time studying God’s Word, teaching the Word, and living the Word.

Sometimes this means putting aside the stack of books I have to read and doing laundry, so my husband has clean clothes to wear to work. Other times it means waking up early on Sunday to further prep for my Sunday School class. My life is but a vapor, and I want to spend it living out the gospel in the duties God has called me to.

Matthew Adams( Contributor )

Matthew D. Adams serves as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, PCA in Dillon, SC. He graduated from Erskine Theological Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina with a Masters of Divinity. He lives in a small town by the name of Hamer, SC and is married to Beth.