“How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand...” Psalm 139: 17-18 Sometimes, when you think you need something small, God reminds you that you already possess something bigger. I stood on the pier taking in the view. It was sunny and the waves at Pensacola Beach folded into ribbons of translucent greens and blues. Shallow waters beckoned even the timid to step into its liquid delight.

There are moments in our church service when everyone else seems to fade away, and it’s just me and Jesus. It feels like I'm standing face to face with Him—feeling both broken and full at the same time. The Power of Worship This often happens when our worship leader, Sam Swaim, begins to sing “Mercy.” The song starts slowly, softly, and thoughtfully, with its story-telling lyrics sweeping across the room. When I listen, it becomes an experience that transcends the ordinary. I

I was not the valedictorian of my high school graduating class. When I received my diploma 50 years ago, I was an average student with perfect attendance - I knew how to show up. You might wonder what a 1976 Tate graduate could have in common with you. Well, once upon a time, I was you; anticipating life and the freedom of adulthood. In school, I was assigned books to help me understand the world, prepare for my future, and dream big.

I had an eye on the clock. Reverend Franklin Graham had asked Christians to pray for our nation at noon, and I wanted to take part. As the minutes ticked down, I began humming a tune I had not heard in years, while recalling an incredible moment of worship at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Fl. Backed by the church choir, the pastor’s wife, Liz Traylor, stood on stage and sang, ‘Statement of Faith.’ The song’s arrangement, lyrics and recitation build to a triumphant