Ever wanted to know why Avalon chose to record a specific song? Well, here you'll be able to find out! Thank you to Sparrow Records and Avalon who allowed us to give you this information.
Songs are in chronological order of album release date starting with the most recent release.

FROM "STAND"


"The Other Side"
When we first started planning this record the theme was "Joy in the morning Psalm 30:5" We first heard this song and Jody and I volunteered to help write to portray the theme. My favorite line in the song is " Now I'm dancing through the night, knowing things will be alright because of You I'll make it to the other side"

"Love Won't Leave You"
I believe that when we are in the darkest of places in life one of the most important things is to know we are not alone. The first time I heard this song I was loving the melody and "liking" what it was saying....... until I heard the last line in the chorus. "God is love and love won't leave you." I remember being in the room with the rest of Avalon and throwing my pen down on the table and saying "I love it." We do have a God that has promised to NEVER leave. He has never left me and, wherever you go, He will always be with you too. I believe it.

"Orphans of God"
No matter where I go or who I meet, I find we as human beings are all the same. We all want to be loved and accepted no matter what. Only God, our father is truly capable of that kind of love all the time. What comfort we can find in knowing that we are all His children no matter where we come from or what we've done.

"Slowly"
I didn't write this song but it could have been written about my life. Being raised in church and giving my heart to Christ at an early age is one of the biggest blessings in my life. It is also something that can make one so "used to" the things of God that you can take them for granted. So many times I have allowed my heart to become calloused to the moving of God's spirit. Willfully making my own way instead of taking His. I am glad to say that every time I have let this happen I have a God who has broken down the walls and made my heart one of flesh again and not one of stone. I pray that if, as you read this, your heart is stony you will ask God to break up the rocky parts and fall in love with Jesus all over again.

"We Will Stand"
This song was first done over twenty years ago and the message is just as true today as it was then. If we ever needed one another, the time is now. We will accomplish much more for the kingdom of God when we join hands and put our differences aside. Thanks to Russ and Tori Taff for sharing this wonderful anthem with us. We hope it calls all of us to action.

"I Survive"
We can face so many trials in this life but the best part is looking back and realizing that WITH God we survived. Our trials come so we can comfort others in their trials now. 2nd Corinthians 1:4. God is our true strength and only refuge, Psalm 91:2. Share your story and encourage someone else.

"When The Time Comes"
This is a beautiful song that I'm privileged to sing lead on. It's about finally coming to a place of readiness to receive from God.....giving up control. I think it's easy to fool ourselves sometime and think we've completely given everything over the Christ, when actually, we are still holding on to everything we have, trying to do things our own way. God knows our hearts and just how much we've given over to Him. The songs says "there's no more pretending, all charades are done." We don't have to play games with God. He knows it all anyway. (Janna)

"Joy and Sorrow"
I love this song. For me it is a modern day hymn reminding us of the hope we all have in the cross of Christ. That place where we learn to surrender, learn to believe, find rest, strength, restoration, learn to let go, cry our hearts out, wrapping up all our emotions, both good and bad, and meet with our Savior, Jesus.

FROM "THE CREED" :
"All" Written by Ian Eskelin and Brian White
The song “All” was one of the last songs we recorded for this album. It’s a reflection on the message of surrender. There are so many times as Christians that we still try to keep parts of our lives because we think we can do a better job controlling it or maybe we’re not happy with some things God has or hasn’t done. But God wants every single part of our lives. Giving over our life to God isn’t just a one-time commitment, it’s a daily surrender of our hurts,our dreams, disappointments, desires, relationships, job, career—everything, minute by minute, hour by hour, that constant surrender. It’s one of my favorites on the record. —Janna

"You Were There" Written by Ben Glover
When we heard the demo, we were in tears. The second verse, especially, where it talks about Abraham sacrificing Isaac, the lyric says, ‘just in time He brought a lamb.’ And I thought, ‘Isn’t that our lives!” Everyday we keep walking in faith; even when we don’t understand what He is doing. And at the last second, He always comes through. That’s the whole basis of Christianity, and that’s the most difficult thing for us to do. …I look back at the past 9 years Avalon has been together, and it’s so blatantly obvious that God has been there every step of the way…”You Were There” is very vertical and worshipful. We didn’t intend for this to be a worship record, per se, but it did develop that way on its own. —Jody

"Far Away From Here" Written by Jason Barton, Howie Dorough and Dan Muckala
This song is just talking about the hope of heaven. Paradise. When we were listening to it around the conference table, we said, ‘You know we talk about heaven, we dream about it, but do we really believe it’s real?’ And the answer was ‘Yes, we believe it is real. There really is a place where there is no sorrow and sadness and fear. We have hope of glory! It’s a song of hope and truth, and we felt it would be a real encouragement. —Greg

"Abundantly" Written by Joe Beck, Janna Long, Sam Mizell and Brian White
Ephesians 3:20 explains to us that Christ is “able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” This ballad is a musical picture of life in Christ, where “amazing is so ordinary, and mercy overflows,” where peace exists despite the chaos in the world. – Janna

"I Wanna Be With You" Written by Will Owsley, Dillon O'Brian and Keith Thomas
“I Wanna Be With You” is simply a really cool, artistic way of saying we want to be intimate with Christ. I think sometimes we Christians only want to know Him from a distance because the closer we get to Him, the more of ourselves we have to lay down. We want His blessing, and we want Him to do this and do that, but really we should love Him because He first loved us. We should want to know Him intimately because of who He is. This is a love song to Christ, and the bottom-line message is: ‘I want to know Christ. I want Him to be a part of my life, and I want to be grafted into Him.’ It’s the most rock ‘n’ roll song on the album. —Greg

"Overjoyed" Written by Kevan Cyka and Stephanie Lewis
Jody actually came to the table with the idea of us remaking this song. I had done it on my solo record, and we needed a more up-tempo song. “Overjoyed” has a lot of energy, and it was fun to sing as a group. There’s not a huge spiritual message here; it’s just about finding joy in the presence of the Lord, joy that lasts regardless of our circumstances. It’s a simple message, but an important one. —Janna

"The Creed" Written by Matt Huesmann, Chris Davis, Cindy Morgan and Michael Passons
“The Creed” is basically proclaiming what the Bible has been saying for thousands of years. Way before we ever came and long after we’re gone. “WE believe that God is our Father, that Jesus Christ is his Son, living and breathing in me…” This message is bigger than Avalon. This message is for all time, about a God who was, who is and who is to come. And at the end of a concert, when Jody shares with the audience that asking Jesus to come into your life is the most important decision we can make, to see people raising their hands, asking for prayer, that’s why we do this. Night after night, seeing people moved by God. are not just lyrics to another song. That’s what we believe, and we have doubts like everybody else, but we see the proof of it every night after night. —Greg

"I Bring It To You" Written by Phil Barnhart, Kevin Paige and Bob Regtan
This is a beautiful song about how all the hurts, the broken dreams, if we bring them to Him, He’ll turn them into gold. When we’re tested, He refines us into something beautiful. That’s the heart of this song. —Melissa

"Good Way" Written by Damon Riley, Melissa Green, Janna Long and Cindy Morgan
This song is an answer to prayer. Literally. Several years ago, I wrote in my prayer journal that one day, I’d love to meet and write a song with Cindy Morgan, who is one of my all-time favorite writers. During one of the writer’s retreats that we hosted in preparation for this album, that’s exactly what happened. “Good Way,” is a funky, groove-infused song about what it means to follow Jesus. It was the song that I got to collaborate on with Cindy Morgan! ---Melissa

Renew Me Written by Bernie Herms and Stephanie Lewis
I actually sang on the demo, and I knew immediately that we’d need to put it on the album. We’ve all been at a point in our lives where we’ve felt dead within, and it’s very difficult to keep moving when we feel that way. This song just communicates the truth that God can renew us and give us new life again. He’s the source of life. The message of the song resonated strongly in each one of us. —Jody
FROM "TESTIFY TO LOVE - THE VERY BEST OF AVALON" :

“New Day”
It is truly a "New Day" for Avalon. We have gone through so much as a family-----8 years and we're still going strong. I believe this song is a true reflection of where we are as a group. God has been so faithful to us and I am excited about our future. We are also evolving musically, hoping to constantly give our fans the very best of our talents. We desire to continue making great music while being a consistent witness for Christ. That's what we've always been about and will continue to be. – Janna

“Give It Up”
This was Avalon’s first song. “Give It Up” is a song that underlines the essence of the Christian life....to trust the Lord and give Him all the things we find so hard to relinquish control of. - Michael

“Testify To Love”
This song has become our mission statement...to live Jesus Christ and not just sing of Him.
-Michael

“Everything To Me”
We are so privileged to have a personal God. Yet one of our biggest challenges spiritually is to let Him be Lord of all of our lives. Let us not just talk about Him, let us show the world He is our Everything! It’s a very poignant song, very direct. And that’s the kind of song I like to sing. – Melissa

“Knockin' On Heaven's Door”
I remember when I first heard this song. Avalon was pushing the envelope with their fresh, new music. Now it is the classic Avalon sound! -Melissa

“Adonai”
I think this is my favorite song. Some songs you just love to sing because of the way they feel and because the message is incredible. This song is very universal. Who hasn’t at some time felt like they were overwhelmed by circumstances, completely beaten down – even thinking that God’s so big you’re not important to Him. But this song says that the exact opposite is true. He’s Adonai, King of Kings, but no matter what, you are still significant to Him and He still cares about you. When you sing a song like that, you can look right into the audience’s faces and see that they get it. –Jody

“Take You At Your Word”
Some say talk is cheap, but it really depends on who’s talking. As we live, we learn that God’s Word is more true than we first realized. -Michael

“Always Have, Always Will”
Who hasn’t wrestled with “the prodigal son” in all of us? A great Grant Cunningham song about God’s love and the power it has to draw us back to him again and again.
-Michael

“Can’t Live A Day”
"Can't Live A Day" is perhaps my favorite song to sing with Avalon. It is such an honest declaration unto God of how much I need Him in my life. There have been moments I have felt I couldn't go on and this song has reminded me God is my true reason for existing. Many things in life can make us happy for the moment but the love and peace Christ brings is the only lasting happiness in life. God has used the message of this song to change someone from wanting to end their life to feeling like they have something to live for again. It's truly a blessing for me to hear these stories of how God uses a simple song to save someone. - Janna

“Pray”
Thank God that we can come to Him daily for anything and everything in life. What a privilege that He longs to meet with us daily. -Melissa

“In Not Of”
I can remember the first time we heard this song. This message blew us all away. It represented what we felt our ministry was all about. To be in this world, to live and work everyday next to people who may not believe in Christ and be an example of Christ’s love to them. The great commission, Mark 16:15 says, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." “In Not Of” is a challenge for us to love the world as Christ does. One of the lines in the chorus of the song says, "We are not like the world, but we can love them." The final line of the song then says, "Wait a minute, if we say we love them, why are we not in it?" If we truly love as Christ loved we must step outside of our comfort zones and reach the lost on their level. We cannot wait for them to come to ours. -Jody

“The Glory”
“The Glory” was one of those "no brainer" songs for us. The first time we heard it we knew we had to record it. The message was so straightforward and powerful. Isaiah 53:5 says, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed." He paid the ultimate price so that we might be free. It's the very reason we make records, travel all over the world and sing just about every night. So that people will know about the price Christ paid, about the Glory of the blood of Jesus Christ and the freedom and forgiveness that is found in that blood. -Jody

“Wonder Why”
This song is all about being a living testimony for God. The Bible has said we'd be known by our love for one another, and that's what the world needs to see. When the love of Christ is shown, people see a difference, and they want to know what that difference is. –Janna

“I Don’t Wanna Go”
The first time I heard "I Don't Want to Go," I was blown away. It was a simple piano/vocal demo tape and yet I was so moved. Following God's will isn't always easy and yet I have found it's the only way I can live and be at peace. God doesn't always call us to comfortable places but when we obey and follow Him, there is nothing like the rest that comes with that. –Janna

“Don't Save It All”
I can remember having a Christmas record song meeting one day in Southern California. Brown Bannister (producer), Grant Cunningham (executive producer) and the four of us sat around a couch and shared our Christmas memories with each other as well as tried to decide what songs we felt should go on the record. We all listened to this song and knew immediately that it was one that should go on Joy. Since that time, Brown has lost both of his parents, Michael and I both lost our fathers and Grant Cunningham passed away in 2002. Nothing can prepare anyone for that kind of loss. It's never easy. But, the love that all of those people shared with us lives on in us after they've gone. That's what "Don't Save It All" is talking about - making the most of every opportunity to let your friends and family know how much you love them. We are not promised tomorrow. Don't wait for some special occasion or holiday to say "I Love You;" say it in some way everyday. Leave a legacy of love for those closest to you to treasure forever. -Jody

FROM JANNA LONG'S SOLO ALBUM, "JANNA" :

"Greater Is He"
I loved the song the first time I heard because it was very different from anything I'd done before. A black gospel group recorded the demo so I got a vision of what the song could be musically. The chorus of this song says, "There’s not a mountain standing in your way that won’t fall or crumble, when you pray in faith there’s not a valley you can’t walk through." The song is inspired by a Bible verse that says the same thing. I found myself needing to hear those words and wondered how many other people needed to hear them, too?

"Think About That"
I chose this song because of the scripture it paraphrases that says "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever can be admired, if there is anything good in this world, just think about that." That struck a chord with me because I can have a tendency to find the negative in things, unlike my husband who finds the positive in everything. Greg is good about spurring me on to find the good in situations. This song hit me like a ton of bricks.

"Somebody Loves You"
This was the first song I picked for my record. It is the universal scenario of someone in a bad place in life. The song says, "Somebody sees, somebody knows, somebody sits high and looks low, somebody’s watching." That says to me that he is mighty but loves each of us on an individual basis.

"More"
This is one of those songs that is a cry, a admission about needing God in your life more than anything. As a believer, the longer you live, the more you realize you need God on a number of levels.

"Nothing is Impossible"
This is the last song I found. I thought the hook was great. I liked the song initially, but it has ended up being one of my favorites. It is a song of encouragement and it was another one of the songs with lyrics I needed personally to hear. I broke my ankle during the recording of this record. I have never had anything in my life happen that made me so dependent on other people and I have found God speaking to me in ways I might not have heard, including with this song.

"Call"
This was the second song I chose. It is based on the verse in the Bible that says, "Call on the Lord and ye shall be saved." The word ‘saved’ can take on so many meanings. He saves us from things everyday.

"Overjoyed"
This is a very uplifting song. It’s a great concert song because it doesn’t go deep theologically, but it’s a fun love song to God.

"What Would I Do?"
What would I do without God? This song is a reminder of that essential question. I don’t know how people get through life without God. It’s the one thing that sets believers apart. What kind of person would I be without God? Life would have no meaning. This song has a very special place in my heart because it’s one I co-wrote with Grant Cunningham, my friend and the executive producer of my record, who passed away in the middle of the project. It was so hard to pick this song up after he died, but I am so glad I did. I have extra pride for this song because I do not consider myself a songwriter, but I had a hand in the evolution of this song.

"Superman"
Okay, this is not a Christian song at all. Superman in this song is not Jesus or my husband or anyone specific. While this song doesn’t have this big theological theme, I do think it touches on a Christian principle by saying that some people end up settling for someone who isn’t right for them and they shouldn’t settle. My husband Greg sang on this song with me, so I definitely have him in mind when I sing it. Greg is the one God meant for me. He respects me as a woman and fellow child of God. God gave me His very best for me in Greg because I let Him make the choice.

"In Christ Alone"
People always ask me if there is one song I wish I had written, and this is the one. The verse says "I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hand, but those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand." This song is very much about giving the glory back to God. It is only for that reason any of us have anything good -- because of the Lord.
FROM JODY MCBRAYER'S SOLO ALBUM, "THIS IS WHO I AM" :

"This is Who I Am"
Growing up in the church, it’s easy to just believe and not really know why you believe. In the past few years I have had a "crisis of belief." I’ve been challenged to question how and why I believe what I do. The outcome for me was simple. God is alive. He loves us more than we could ever fathom, and the Gospel is the only way to truly change your life. His message is simple. That’s why I chose this song as the theme of my record. I want the world to know who He is.

"It Ain’t Over Yet"
I believe that God constantly pursues us. He allows us to stray off His path only to teach how much easier life is when we walk with Him. I know this first hand. There was a period in my life where I knew I was out of God’s perfect will for my life. Through that difficult time, I learned one of the most valuable lessons: you can’t run from God’s will for your life. "It Ain’t Over Yet" was a song that I chose because it reminded me of how God constantly pursued me, even when I tried to avoid His calling in my life. He was always there. That still, small voice whispered in my ear each time I made a bad call of or stupid decision. He never left my side.

"Take a Step (1 2 3)"
The Gospel is so simple. Unfortunately, I fear that misrepresentation has made it appear difficult and almost unreachable to the new believer. I can imagine that, to some, it would feel more like an initiation into a fraternity or sorority rather than a life changing experience with God. I believe that it’s as simple now as it was two thousand years ago. The Bible says, "If we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts we WILL be saved..." No secret hand shake, no club dues, no church membership required - just the desire to know Christ and love Him with all our hearts. I believe that any difficulty involved in receiving the Gospel, Jesus took care of on the cross. He designed it to be simple. "Take a Step (1,2,3)" follows the journey of two friends. One is a believer who doesn’t want to confuse or pressure his friend into a relationship with Christ. The other is a non-believer who isn’t quite sure about giving his heart over. The message of this song, just like the message of Christ is extremely simple. It’s up to us as believers to communicate this message with love and patience so that the world will understand and believe.

"Never Alone"
This song is significant in several ways to me. First, it’s a representation of the time I spent struggling to figure out God’s will for my life and how, in those times I felt so alone. I don’t know what made me feel that way because I knew, somewhere deep in my heart, that God was always there. Thankfully, I came to realize that I wasn’t alone. In that moment of realization, I felt like I could fly. I felt like there were no limits to what God and I could do together. There is an obvious Latin feel on this record and especially on this song. My mother’s family is Spanish. I had the privilege of growing up in a very ethnic environment and my Latin heritage is something I’m very proud of. I wanted to express that part of my history and heritage on this song.

"Love Can Break Your Fall"
There are few things that hurt like a broken heart. I can remember having mine stomped on a few times when I was a kid. Mom would always say, "No one has ever died from a broken heart." That was a relief for me, through at the time, I felt like I was going to die.
"Love Can Break Your Fall" is a song that I felt was relevant for all of us. We’ve all been hurt and had to struggle through the end of a relationship. What seems like one of the most difficult times in our lives can actually become a pivotal moment of spiritual growth. God can use these failed relationship to not only teach us lessons for the future but also to help us understand how much we must love Him before anyone else in our lives. I was thinking of my brother, Richard, when I was recording this song.

"I Never Knew"
There was a point about 10 years ago when I just got it. It was like a light turned on in my head as well as in my heart and I saw, for the first time, what has been right before my eyes my whole life - the unconditional love of God. I guess I always knew in the back of my heart and mind that God loved me but it wasn’t until I came to a point of complete trust in Him that I began to really feel that love.
I can remember the night so vividly, it’s like it was yesterday. I was on my face before the Lord in a hotel room in Laguna Beach, California, crying out to God for answers. It was then that I realized I had never truly committed my life to Christ. Without hesitation I prayed and asked Him to come in to my life. I knew right then that I could no NOTHING apart from Him. I wish I could say that when I got up from that floor that a rainbow appeared in the sky and doves flew into my window, but that’s not what happened. However, I did no longer feel alone. I knew then, no matter what, I would serve the Lord wherever He wished. For me, this song is a representation of what I realized that day in California when, after 23 years of hearing the Gospel, it finally broke through and saved me. Lord, you are my everything.

"There For Me"
We all have them - people who have stood by us through the wonderful times and the most horrible moments of our lives. We have people that know every awful thing about us and yet still love us no matter what. I’m blessed with so many of those people in my life. I have to say that when I sang this son in the studio, I was thinking of so many different people - my wife, my family, friends, my father, but most of all, my Lord. He has been all of that and so much more for me. Through every moment of my life, when even the closest of people aren’t there, He has been. I think many people spend much of their lives searching for this kind of unconditional love. Some never find it, yet it’s the easier search to fulfill. There are limits to human love yet the love that we find in Christ ahs no limit. It’s readily available to all who seek it. Although I was thinking of my earthy loved ones while recording this song, it’s my desire that people will think of God and His unfailing love when they hear it.

"Unspeakable Joy"
1 Thessalonians 5:16 says, "Be joyful always..."
A pastor once said, "Don't let anyone or anything steal your joy!" That's easier said than done. Life is crazy and more often than not we are frustrated, confused and mad at our circumstances. Someone may have said something about you or someone you love. The car won't start. You're having a bad hair day. Anything can easily steal our joy and keep us from living in the abundance that Christ intended for us. The joy that we should have as believers doesn't come from man. The joy that we have is found in knowing Christ and it comes with the peace we have that this world and all its headaches are temporary. It's the peace that passes all understanding. If this song sounds a bit "in your face," that was what we intended for it. I want to fly in the face of discouragement. I want to break the spirit of defeat and frustration that can bring us all down. Roll down your car windows, crank up the radio, sing it at the top of your lungs for the whole world to hear and don't let anything or anyone steal the joy that Christ has for your life.

"The Only Thing That Matters"
I had a layover at the St. Louis Airport not long ago. As I sat at the gate waiting for the plane to arrive, I witnessed something amazing. A group began to gather at the gate and decorate the area with streamers and banners, welcoming home their 60-year-old father. He was a pilot for the airline I was flying and it was his final flight before retirement. The excitement filled the area and you knew that this was a man that was deeply loved and respected. The plane landed, and, as is customary for the captain, he was the last one to disembark. The crowd erupted with joy at the sight of him. Flashes from cameras sparked and many of his fellow employees began singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Through all the excitement, I caught a glimpse of something that I know will live in my memory for the rest of my life. As the pilot entered the terminal, his grandson ran to him and jumped into his arms. He was then met by the rest of his family. They all stood for a moment holding each other, weeping. Then, forgetting about where he was or who was watching, with his family in his arms he began to cry out to God. Through his tears he thanked the Lord for 35 years of safety. He thanked Him for his family and for the love that they have for one another. He thanked Him for being the Lord of their lives and for providing for their every need. As I watched this take place I was moved beyond words. Then I began to think about all of the amazing things that God has blessed me with: a wonderful wife, a family that loves me, a home, safety. I was convicted about priorities, how I've been guilty of letting other things occupy the time in my life that should belong to God. He is the author and finisher of our faith. The Bible says, "...We live and move and have our being." Every wonderful thing we experience is because He allows it. I believe that is what the captain and his family realized. Before any celebration, before any human accolades or awards, they paused to give thanks to the One who was and is truly responsible for their earthly happiness. In that pivotal moment in his life, the captain realized that he is where he is because of grace. In my years of existence, I am learning that the things of this world are temporary, God is eternal, and human happiness is afforded to us because of a God who loves us more that we could ever imagine. How we've loved and served Him is truly the only thing that matters.

FROM "IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT"

Take You At Your Word
Lately, it seems that the word of man is useless. I'm thankful it's still "in GOD we trust." (Jody)

In Not Of
Our purpose is to shine the light of our Savior to those who don't know Him and to never allow that light to be dimmed by the world. If we see the lost through the eyes of Christ, we can love them into His kingdom. (Cherie)

In a Different Light
As we journey through God's perfect will we can't always see what lies ahead, but we can hold on to the promise that He holds the treasures for those who obey His call (Cherie)

Can't Live a Day
"There are people who live without love, people who live having given up on dreams and people who live in the consequences of bad choices. The one thing that separates Christians from those who don't have Christ is that, regardless of what we have or don't have in our lives, we have hope. No matter how bad things get, we have that hope of knowing Jesus and knowing that everything may not turn out the way we planned, but ultimately, He has a bigger plan for our lives. Our hope is not in our circumstances because those will change. Our happiness and our peace are found in the Lord. Without Him, life would be meaningless. A day without Jesus Christ is one I would never want to experience. Life is truly worth living because of Him. (Janna)

Always Have, Always Will
This song describes me perfectly, and I'm very thankful that it describes God as well. (Michael)

I'm Speechless
I was going through a really hard time in my life. I was so bad off I felt like God had just forgotten about me. At my lowest point, I called my mom, and she said, "Cherie, you need to go to church." So that's what I did. There was an evangelist speaking, and as I walked in the doors, he said, "Is there a Cherie here?" Now, I had never met this man, but he began to say things to me that only I know. It was the most unbelievable experience of my life. And when I read the words of this song, my first response was, "I've got to do this song. This really best represents how I feel." Especially the second verse where it says, "I tried to write this song/ I've searched my heart for phrases/but they only catch a glimpse of all you are_" I had tried to write about that experience, to convey the tangibility that I felt between me and God for the first time in so long, and this song just said it all. From the healing of my wounded heart to the restoration of my broken life, I am in such awe of God's tangible existence that He simply leaves me "speechless." (Cherie)

If My People Pray
God has promised if we seek Him with one heart, we will find Him. My prayer for us as a church, nation and world is that we return to Him while He may be found. (Janna)

Only For the Weak
I have found that God loves to work through the apparent inadequacies of this world - for it is in them His true power is seen most vividly. (Michael)

Let Your Love
Where have you been looking for love? It is right before your eyes. (Jody)

Hide My Soul
Whether in time of trial or time of peace, it's the only place to hide. (Jody)

First Love
The honesty of these words really drew me in. This song is a challenge to me to pursue God more fervently. (Michael)

FROM "A MAZE OF GRACE"

Testify to Love
Our anthem: In all we do, testify that all we are, all we have and all that is, is because of God. I found that chorus to be the only thing to come to mind while taking in the water, wind and wonders of His creation on the lake last weekend. When you think about it, everything that happens is from God and something to testify about. (Nikki)

A World Away
This song is such a demonstration of what a transformation God can make in our lives. I'm many times reminded of a very close family member. Today he is "worlds away" from where he was before Christ came into his life. What a difference that relationship has made! (Nikki)

A Maze of Grace
In reflection on my own journey through this labyrinth of life, I've realized that I have come this far only because God's grace has rescued me from the many dangers, toils and snares. (Michael)

Knockin' on Heaven's Door
The longer I live, the more I understand the importance of constant prayer. And in this understanding, I've realized how much God years for our honesty; He craves candidness and not just flowery words. It is in doing this that my relationship with Him has deepened. (Michael)

Adonai
It amazes me to think that the same God who created the entire universe cares for you and me in such an intimate way. The one who needs no one, constantly pursues us all. (Jody)

Speed of Light
When we ask God to change our lives, He doesn't wait until we're ready. He comes in fast. Then he begins to change us from the inside out. (Jody)

The Move
There's a fire beginning to burn within God's people - the flame of revival. Time is short. Let's fan the flame and make it blaze. (Jody)

Reason Enough
Nothing we did could ever repay Christ for the sacrifice He made. If His death isn't enough to make is give our all, what more could He do? (Janna)

Forgive + Forget
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12 (NIV) We must try to give external forgiveness the way Christ does. Only then can we let past grievances go and continue to love one another the way we're called to. (Janna)

Dreams I Dream For You
Someday, I hope to completely let go of the reigns of my so-called destiny and allow God the opportunity to blow my mind. (Michael)