"As Long As It Takes" Merideth Andrews~ A Music Review by Michelle Pell

In her second album (the first being "You Invite In"), Meredith sings about longing to hear God's voice, offering up everything to her Savior. Her songs have a pleasant mixture of worshipful lyrics and a pop sound. She reminds me a lot of Kari Jobe and Francesca Battistelli so if you enjoy listening to them, this is another lady to add to your list.

Meredith says, "These songs are very personal and my prayer for you is that these songs would reflect the truth of God's Word and draw the listener closer to Himself."

My hope is that as you listen to listen album it will remind you to wait on His will As Long As It Takes.

1. Never Move On

I interpreted this song as talking about the moment Meredith accepted Jesus. A beautiful song about a beautiful thing.

2. Only To Be Yours

A song of offering, she's giving all she's got for God's use.

3. Can Anybody Hear Me

In a time in her life when she's really struggling with hearing God's voice, she relies on her faith to get her through every trial.

4. As Long As It Takes

Waiting on the Lord can sometimes be very difficult, but when you put your complete trust in Him, He will carry you through.

5. Come Home

Singing to a lost friend, she expresses that no matter what they have done they will always be welcome back home.

6. All Will Fade Away

Even though the world right now feels like it's really wicked, we don't need to worry because soon, as Meredith reminds us, every thing will fade away when Jesus returns

7. What It Means To Love

God has shown us the true meaning of love, as expressed in this song.

8. Live Through Me

A pleading cry to Jesus to speak His words and to breathe His breath.

9. My Soul Sings

A song of wonder to the Man who redeemed her.

10. In Your Arms

Meredith reminds us that whenever the fears of the world get to much to handle, we can run to Jesus and he will hold us in His arms forever.

11. How Great Is The Love

The amazement at the love of Christ really comes out in this song.

Your True Valentine~ An Inner Beauty Article by Renee Arnold

With Valentines Day in the air you may be excited because you have a special someone in your life to share it with or you may be depressed because all your friends seem to have boyfriends and you don't. Either way you need to know that your relationship status doesn't determine your beauty. You may not feel beautiful but you definitely are in God's eyes. You are his princess and he wants you to know that.

  Feeling like you're unloved can make you feel miserable. Just know that God doesn't look at how many Valentine's Day's you were without dates, he doesn't measure you by the world's standards. The world may say that you need a boy in your life to be happy but you know that all you really need is God. 

  It is dangerous to base your worth on if you have a boyfriend or not because that's not what God intended for you. He wants you to lean on him for support and not relay on anyone else for your happiness.

So this Valentine's Day, remember that you are special even if you spend it single!

From Your Little Girl~ A Poem by Lea Sadler

The day of dread has come around
where the old might be forgotten and the new is unknown
where heart pounding worry is fully abound
and what might be reaped is what you’ve sown.

I betrayed your trust and defied your help
but you always forgave when you heard my pleas
Even through our screaming I could, no doubt, tell
that your love would always come with ease.

For the eighteen years of tragedies, trials, and troubles
there were kisses to calm what gave me a whirl
When I leave, I can see that your heart will severely crumble
But don't worry, Mommy, I'm still your little girl.

You always understood what life was putting me through
and never second guessed my made-up choices
When I say, "I love you," know it's the grateful truth
and yours is one I will always choose out of many voices.

We didn't always get along, and our battles silenced us both
but I knew you would listen to the things I kept personal
and you walked me through to the end of my growth
but don't worry, Daddy, I'm still your little girl.

So as an adult, here's what I will first say:
I'm grown up and moving on to a scary world
and you know you can trust me to do better than ok
but don't worry, Mommy and Daddy, I'll always be your little girl.

The Kid That Stinks~ A Spiritual Article by Emily Ciszewski

You know how I’m talking about right? The one who loves to come over and sit down right beside you? Who’s breathe and clothes reek, and who’s teeth are yellowed over? Who everyone picks on and no one misses when they’re not there?
Yeah. I’m sure you know just who I’m talking about. It’s kinda hard to forget them.

If someone asked me, “Em, how do you treat that kid? Are you kind? Do you listen? Do you care what happens to him/her?”
If I was being a fake I’d say - “Oh yeah - we’re tight! We’re best buds!”
But to be honest I’d tell you this; “Well….we’re not exactly best friends….I hardly ever speak to him/her….it’s hard…because of the smell…..and no one else talks to him/her….”

I know - I might sound like a hypocrite, right? But that’s the truth. And I want to always be truthful with you. I’ve strived to be.
Now - maybe you have the same problem as I do - a pride issue. A deep, deep, deep pride issue! And maybe you don’t. Maybe you’re the kind of person who should be writing this…..but let me tell you , my goal this month is to be so open armed - to the kid that stinks to the girl coated in perfume. But sometimes, that is so hard. Especially over the smell.

1^st Corinthians 13:4 says this; “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” Wow. That verse just kind of hit’s the nail on the head for me. It is not PROUD. Pride. We can’t even see it yet it’s so nosy!
I have known a lot of kids that just need love. They might stink, they might where the same clothes often, they might curse in Church - but deep down, they just need love. Often times, I’m just too prideful to show it…to love them they way the yearn for. But look at my Jesus, he loved with such great love - even the beggars were his friends. We all know that some beggars stink. Jesus loved the people who stunk.

So I should too.

When he walks up to me, to say hello, to chat, for some companionship - I want to smile and ignore the outside looks. Talk to him, ask about his week. Be a bud. When she wants a hug - and she’s still wearing the same clothes she was yesterday - I’ll hug her and give her some love.
But I can’t just love without some heart surgery. Jesus has been working on this heart of mine, sometimes it hurts - but so do the hearts of those kids who don’t understand why they aren’t loved.
They can’t understand why the kids at CHURCH even reject them. They hear “God is love.” They hope to find that in his house. And from his followers. Let’s show them they are so loved. That we care. Going up to them and telling them the gospel and then walking away doesn’t count. We need to love. Talk to them. Listen to them. Hug them. Invite them to parties. Yes. Even our parties. Because, when you truly care about your friends you have them over. You want them to have fun with you.
And I can’t do it just because I feel bad for them. In the beginning that might be why, but later on - I’m sure I’ll see a bigger reason to hang with that person. Everyone has some God given qualities. Everyone can be fun and anyone can surprise you.
That is a real challenge for me. That’s hard. That is a bigger challenge then just praying for them.
I hope I don’t come across as preaching at you. I’m preaching at myself - when I present something to you like this, it’s really a challenge for me. It helps for others to see my commitment.


So, next time I head to the movies, you just might see me sitting with them. Maybe we can make a party out of it. You want to bring the popcorn?