MEREDITH ANDREWS - THE INVITATION

Artist – Meredith Andrews

Album – The Invitation

Label – Word Records

Street Date – April 29, 2008

Album Length – 11 tracks. 45 Minutes, 9 Seconds.

Genre – Praise and Worship/Pop

IPod Pick – New Song We Sing


The first time I saw Meredith Andrews live (on TV) was on Praise the lord via TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) with Donnie McClurkin, Paul Baloche and Michael W. Smith. After I saw perform a number of worship songs live, I was left with an impression that day that this lady knows the lord intimately and earnestly desires him. She does not fail to deliver songs that reflect a thirst for the almighty God on her latest effort.

With very contemporary pop tunes that do not water down the power behind the lyrics, Meredith conveys truths about God’s love and dwelling in his presence to listeners. The albums starts off with a mellow worship tune ‘You invite me’ that talks about approaching God’s throne of mercy with boldness and how God is eagerly expecting with arms open wide no matter where we’ve been.

‘Lift up your head’ follows in the same vein with a similar theme but musically more rocky. ‘ You’re not alone’ is that song infused with enough power to wipe away tears of pain. The piano driven ballad would draw you in with its sincere lyrics. ‘Treasure’ musically sounds like something Bjork would place on an album of hers, but the words of the song is an acknowledgement of Christ as the only eternal treasure. ‘Show me what it means’ paces up the album with a fast rocky feel. ‘New song we sing’ is a power pop worship tune with an anthem feel.

“I never want to write songs just to write songs” says Meredith.” I always want them to be about conveying the heart of God to people, whether they are people who walk with the Lord or people who don’t walk with the Lord. I think the best way to do that is to do it through His word. I always want my songs to be infused with the word of God because if it’s my words, it’s null and void. What do I have to say to people that is going to change their lives? Nothing! But if it comes from the Lord, it’s that’s what’s going to change them.” Keeping to her words, this young woman of God does not deliver anything less. Want worship that would draw into God’s presence still not brushing aside good tunes? Meredith Andrews’ ‘The Invitation’ album is a sure invitation that would welcome you into His courts of mercy.

TED DEKKER - BONEMAN'S DAUGHTERS

Author- Ted Dekker

Title- Boneman’s Daughters

Genre- Fiction/ Thriller

Publisher- Center Street (Hachette Book Group)

Street date- 14 April, 2009


Really I’m beginning to think Ted Dekker needs to slow down in his writing and give his fans more books in the styling and quality of the likes of ‘Blink’ and ‘A man called blessed’ . I was so excited about the release of ‘Boneman’s daughters’. I couldn’t wait to get it till I got it and started reading it. My dilemma started when I heard that Ted wouldn’t be publishing this one from Thomas Nelson. I don’t mean to be a critic or unappreciative. Ted Dekker is a skilled and innovative writer. He has a way of bringing the truth to life via fiction. The problem I had with ‘Boneman’s daughters’ was the inconsistency of the story and lack of character depths (even the main characters). Still, even with this ruffles, the novel has a powerful and profound theme, a father’s love for a child, which Ted uses to depict our heavenly father’s love for us.

The book starts s off with Intelligence officer, Ryan Evans captured by terrorist in a desert somewhere in the Middle East. Ryan is asked to make a decision between the survival of his family and the survival of various children who are to suffer death by breaking of bones. The novel takes a sharp turn with Ryan’s arrival in the United States some weeks later seeking the approval of his ‘neglected’ wife and daughter. A serial killer known for breaking bones of teenage girls without shedding blood also comes back on the scene at the same time of Ryan’s arrival.

For edge of the seat suspense, ‘Boneman’s Daughters’ got it. Let also bear in mind that this is Dekker’s first work from this particular publishing company (Center Street). Though Dekker could have delivered more on this project, long time fans and also new ones would be thrilled to read one of Ted’s latest addition to his expanding library of writings. Ted’s latest work might not read like what we are use to, but one truth shines through the whole novel, and that is ‘God loves us with an unconditional love that goes way beyond our sin’ and that does it.

ANGELA HUNT - MAGDALENE

Author- Angela Hunt

Title- Magdalene

Genre- Fiction/ Historical.

Publisher- Tyndale

Street date- March 21, 2006.



The woman from whom seven demons where cast out, One of the Supporter and financier of the three year earthly ministry of Jesus, One of the first to witness the risen Christ. That’s the Mary Magdalene you and I may have discovered from turning the pages of scriptures. But in ‘Magdalene’, Veteran Author Angela Hunt paints an astonishing yet realistic and believable Mary with words that would keep you turning till the last page. Home maker and trader of fine fabrics, Wife of Yaakov and mother of Binyamin, Native of a small town by the sea called Magdala. Meet the Mary we always knew. Meet the Mary we thought we knew. Meet the Mary we never knew.

What wows me about ‘Magdalene’ is the unique plot and uncommon style with which it is written. The book starts off with Miryam of Magdala facing a trial in Rome. She begins the story by telling the court how she got there. A listener and Roman centurion named Atticus present is intrigued by Mary’s story and finds the story drawing him in only to discover that he is a pivotal part of the story.
Another strong point of this novel is the depiction of biblical characters as the real persons whom they are. People with emotions, with family issues, some even faced rejection from loved ones and still how some chose to stay authentic to the call of God upon their lives. Through the pages of ‘Magdalene’ you would discover that the difference between the biblical times and now is little next to no difference (lets neglect the fact that Apples and Blackberries are more than just mere fruits in the age we live in now).

The research carried out before this novel was bore is so evident. Hunt takes us on clear ride through the streets of Palestine in the times of Jesus and she does a good job. The lessons to be learnt are numerous and the major theme of the novel which is forgiveness is so relevant even to a world where the world power isn’t held by the Romans. ‘Magdalene’ would open up a window in your soul with the words of Yeshua flowing in like a cool breeze like you never heard before. An ancient character with so much controversy, with so many stories, some derogatory, some heroic. Angela Hunt not neglecting valid facts of history and biblical truths helps us see this woman of time past but still with modern relevance in a new light and you would be glad you did.