Stands Forever

" The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." Is. 40:8

A Final GC Blog...maybe

Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe. It was beautiful
Martin Luther said," Here I stand, I can do no other so help me God" I want to stand tall for Jesus more and more.
Eating some German goodies!

Eiffel Tower
In the middle of Paris
Great Controversy Tour Group 2007!!!
The Olio Club. To be apart of this you had to eat olive oil on your dessert. It was so much fun meeting fun new people!
Helping to lead song service on the bus. We learned many new scripture songs that Laurel wrote.

The Beauty of Italy

A beautful lookout in the Alps. We have been doing a lot of hiking. I will be posting some pictures of Casteluzzo which is a cliff where the Waldensians were thrown off of. Anyways, after reaching the top we were drenched in sweat, I mean completely... our clothes were soaked. I hope you get the idea, because I have never hiked like that before. My chaco sandals did great but today I have given them a rest.
Being in the Waldensian cave brought tears to my eyes as I thought about the trials they went through but even more the hardship that we will face closer to the close of time. We sang a few songs. One of those was "I have decided to follow Jesus". I recommitted my life to Jesus...I'm so blessed to be loved by Jesus and how much more that He gave His life to save me. My prayer is that I will give my life for Him, to follow though no one join me. Praise God for the strength He gives to live a life for Him and to grow in His grace.
The entrance to a Waldensian cave
Just getting a drink on the way up the hill. These "drinking fountains" seem to be everywhere.
The College of the Barbs. This is where many learned how to witness and also wrote out the Bible.
Ciena seems like a shopping town. Things were very expensive but the streets were beautiful where only bikes are allowed.
The Castle of Canossa where Henry IV stood outside in the snow.
The Adriatic Sea.
Big Mama Beach.
Traveling through the Alps
The Town Square in Ciena, Italy

I just want to say in closing that God is really blessing us on this tour. We are seeing and experiencing things everyday that will make the Bible come alive for the rest of our lives. As my mom and I prayed together in the cave, we also prayed for our family (my dad, Heidi, Christian and the baby). We prayed that we will all be faithful to God until the day when we see Jesus coming in the clouds. It's very possible that we will go through really tough times and be tested but the Bible talks about these trials as light compared to the glory and joy of seeing Jesus. Praise God for the plan of redemption and this plan can be realized now as we devote to living a life of victory through faith in Jesus.

Rome Rides Again

Appia Way. This is where Paul walked...this was a special opportunity.
Climbing to the top of St. Peter's Basilica.
This proves it. We were at the Vatican today!!
Pilate's Staircase. It was amazing and sad to see these people crawling slowly up these stairs (30). There was a huge list of indulgences that they recieved for doing this. I'm so grateful that forgiveness if free!
One of the many pagan symbols above an altar where people bow in penence. I believe that this is also a mansonic symbol.
It is believed that this Mary fixed on a holy door of one of the churches can make you fertile if you touch the foot of baby Jesus. Notice that the color has been rubbed off the foot, proving that people actually believe it.

First Days in Rome

A theater amongst the Roman ruins at Ostia Antica
Me riding in the "jump seat" of our tour bus.
Trevi Fountain. People here are out all hours of the night!
A group of us just got back from taking this walk around the city. Unfortunately none of us feel tired because of the jetlag.
Here we are in from front of the Roman Forum.

Oh the Joy!

Joelle's Bridal Shower
The way yummy food....


Delphiniums outside the window of the dental office.
A Pine Tree....(picture taken with a SD Canon 800 IS)

The Garden of Melanie

My little, but beautiful garden.

Cucumbers in the making!
Tomatoes.

Family

A great picture of my awesome parents and grandparents!
Over the weekend I was in Illinois for a wedding reception for two of my cousins. It was so much fun to celebrate together!
Singin' around the campfire...
One of my little cousins, Cheyenne!
My wonderful Grandpa and Grandma!!!!

Three Strands

On May 20, 2007 I had the priveledge of attending a very special wedding. I basically grew up with Chandra. We used to play barbies and also had this huge rock collection. I hope they experience many wonderful years together. Three strands are not easily broken as the Bible says and as Chandra's Dad reminded us all. Happiness is the Lord! Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Chandra Weber!
Brooke, Jenny and Lisa. Three of the ten beautiful bridesmaids.
Zander...the cutest little man! The flowers were gorgeous.
My long lost little brother Matt and I.
My Dad did a great job making sure everything moved along at the reception!