5 minutes with Susan
Tell us a little about you
I’m the author of two Christian living books: 10 Blessings of God You Won’t Want to Miss and 10 Things I Hate About God and How He Won Me Anyway. I’m the wife of a retired pastor, mother of three married children, and grandma to four. Since retiring as a librarian two years ago, I spend much of my week writing. Currently, I’m working on my next book, 10 Questions Jesus Asks (working title). I also write a monthly newsletter and post regularly to my blog/website (www.susanbarneswriter.com). I enjoy speaking to church groups. Just for fun, I run a book club for my local community and take pleasure in minding my grandchildren.
Do you have a favourite Bible passage? If so, what is it and why?
At the moment, my favourite Bible passage is Hebrews 11:6. ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.’ I love that God rewards those who seek him. God loves to bless, and receiving his blessings requires only that we continually seek him.
How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?
As well as my morning devotions, I have some favourite worship songs, and often I use the words to help me fix my thoughts on Jesus during the day, or as I fall asleep at night. My favourite song at the moment is ‘Gratitude’ by Brandon Lake.
What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?
I’d like them to know God rejoices when he sees his daughters eagerly stepping into every ministry opportunity that comes their way to serve him and his people.
What’s one thing that you love about your local church?
Sorry, I can’t restrict myself to one! I love that my church has a book shop and sees it as a ministry. I love that the leadership have a strong commitment to prayer. I love that my church wants to see young people experience God and intentionally creates opportunities for that to happen.
What did you learn about God during a time in your life that was hard?
During hard times, I’ve learnt I can approach God with complete honest and rely on him for his grace and enabling.
What are you passionate about?
Jesus and books! Books have always played an important part in my life. When I came to faith as a young teenager from a non-Christian home, I started reading Christian living books, and I have never stopped. Books changed my life because they showed me what a Christian life looks like in my culture. Likewise, I hope my books will do the same for others.
What do you enjoy doing when you rest?
I read, of course! I like word and number puzzles both in print and online, as I find the shift from writing to solving logic puzzles restful for my brain. I assume this activity engages a different part of my brain. I also go to my local swimming pool twice a week. I find exercising in water relaxing.
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