Tomorrow I'm performing a solo in church. I'm so looking forward to it. The song is called "The Old Rugged Cross." I'll send an autographed recording to anyone who requests it. :)

To me, the song is a declaration that we, as believers in Jesus Christ, are willing to be united to Him in His death and accept the suffering that comes from being His followers. In the song I say that the cross is the emblem of suffering and shame and that I will cling to the old rugged cross. So as Christians we take up our cross and follow Christ. Actually facing any trial is something that we count as a joy - suffering in the name of Christ is a rare privledge. But the focus really isn't about our suffering. We glory in the cross because of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, God says that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. This is why a sacrifice was offered every year for the cleansing of sins. But Jesus Christ is referred to as the Lamb of God and when He offered Himself, he paid the debt for all sins for all time. In Christ the fullness of the Godhead dwelt and his death and resurrection is the reason why I would say that I will cling to the cross.

If you know the song, it goes on to say that I exchange the cross someday for a crown. That refers to the promise and hope of eternal life. The wages of sin is death, eternal death in hell. But to know Jesus is to know eternal life. For a Christian to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. My aunt died just last month. I don't think there was any woman besides my mother I was closer to. I miss her a lot, but I'm so full of joy because I know that she's in a place where there is no more tears or pain.

Well, I said I'd talk about my faith at some point. I guess I just did. I hope my voice doesn't crack tomorrow.

Cherio, Michelle

PostScript: I know you read this and had a comment. (Go ahead and send it to me.) Oh and hey, take a look at this website. http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/grace_to_you/ This pastor really has been a blessing to me. I'd be sooo honored and happy if you'd listen to him. Cherio!