It would have been easiest to choose a greatest hits album. But the direction of contemporary Christian music changed dramatically with this best-selling album by a brave, talented, young (at-the-time) woman who enhanced the faith experience of millions with songs such as "Sing Your Praise To The Lord" (written by Rich Mullins).

Again, so many choices that it really is a challenge to narrow the list down to even three or four favorite albums. But this one is most special. I remember telling a friend, "For the first time in my life, I have heard an album where I love every single song." "When You Are A Soldier" has soothed my heart frequently through the years. And the title song resonates regularly.

When I was in Florida every February and March to report on spring training with the St. Louis Cardinals, I would walk out into the warm sunshine every morning, climb into my rental car and play this album. Most significantly, I started my day with "I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever."

All right, I am caving by putting a greatest hits album on the list. Frankly, I could listen to Mac Powell sing anything. But the live versions here of "God of Wonders" and "Cry Out To Jesus" make this collection stand out.

The debut solo album of one of the greatest pure male voices of ANY genre. "In Christ Alone" is deservedly a classic enhanced even more by the story of Frank Reich and the Buffalo Bills. (Don't know the story? E-mail me.) I really enjoy his second album as well -- "Hope," from 1993.

I know, I know, the list simply isn't long enough to include many of the most successful and memorable. No Twila Paris. No Ray Boltz. No Natalie Grant. But in my Favorite Dozen, I have to include this one from Chris Tomlin. Most noteworthy, for me, are "How Great Is The Lord" and "Your Grace Is Enough."