After listening to her new worship CD Brighter Day, I wanted to know more about the heart that drives Annie Sander's powerful voice. So over a cup of coffee, she shared thoughts about her music, her children, her role as a mom, and a few very real challenges that people in church work face. Annie even agreed to provide a free song download for Today's Children's Ministry readers.

TCM: The song "Brighter Day" paints a picture of a future fresh with hope and joy. What's the story behind this song?

Annie: When I started to work on "Brighter Day," I initially intended to write a song about my own faith journey. When I finished, though, I realized "Brighter Day" delivers a broader message about the hope we find in God's grace. Here's my thinking: It wasn't until I came to know Christ that I finally understood I was free from carrying the weight of life's burdens, stresses and strains on my small shoulders. I realized I could let go of the tight grip I had on life my way and trust God with every ...