Accolades aside, Arends is known for songs and books that stir the soul, and a warm, engaging style that leave her audiences feeling like they’ve found a new best friend.

"I don’t write songs and books as much as I get ambushed by them," Arends confesses. "And I write primarily about God because he is what captivates my imagination. The idea that we can know the Creator of the Universe, and that he knows us … I simply can’t think of any more fascinating subject matter."

Arends graduated from Trinity Western University in Langley, BC with a degree in psychology and English. She lives in Surrey, BC with her husband Mark, nine-year-old son Ben, and six-year-old daughter Bethany