Internet

This morning my dad worked from home, and it was a crazy morning - he was on the phone a lot helping people fix problems. In the middle of one call with a lady, our internet died. From past experiences - when our internet dies, it won't come back on right away, it will stay down for hours. I knew that would make my dad have to drive into town (he can't work without internet) and it would be an unnecessary trip (plus gas is expensive :P ) So I just prayed and prayed that the internet would come back on soon... and in about 2 minutes IT DID!!! Halleluyah!!! (and thankfully, the internet company is coming to fix our internet - hopefully for good - this afternoon :D )

Shalom,
~India

Finally...!

I can't believe I forgot to post this earlier... But after studying since November of last year, I am FINALLY done with Western Civilization I!!!!!!!! :D

Believe me, this is a HUGE answer to prayer. I went in to test last week and God blessed me with the (passing!) score of 57 :) I am now halfway through my Sophomore year in college! So I'm excited. And ever so thankful to all you out there who helped me out, and encouraged and prayed for me. I thank God for you! You are such a blessing to me! :)

God Bless,

Essie

Come On!

Ok - here's a plug, people! JOIN us! Let me know if you want to be a contributor to this blog. :D

Also - note to current contributors, Essie suggested we tag "big" and "little" answered prayers when we blog.  I know all answered prayers are a blessing to us, but it'll help with organization. :)

Blessings!
~CJ

It's RAINING!!

:D :D
*is dancing with joy*
It's raining, praise God!  And it's a nice slow steady rain, that won't wash away all the good dirt and mulch we just distributed.

Here are some pictures! :)

Sorry it isn't that good quality... I don't know how to take pictures of rain :P .

Soli Deo Gloria!
~CJ

School

In China, you have those nasty entrance exams and processes for getting into Middle School and High School, the same way you get into college in the US.  It costs more, too.  And the good schools are just as hard, if not harder to get into.  Why? Because, you need "connections/ fame" and money to get into the good schools.

There's an excellent and prestigious middle school in the district my 12yo cousin lives in, that her parents supremely wished for her to attend. During the last few weeks of classes, a committee selected the top students for 2nd Railroad Middle School (I know, strange name).  She had good grades, good scores on entrance exams, etc. but not good enough to get into the school.  After a while, the committee went through again choosing more students to fill up open spots.  It's tough, like I mentioned.  My uncle and aunt don't have connections with officials, CEOs, and whatnot, and they're not filthy rich.  So, we all prayed that God would have mercy on my cousin and let her be among the students of the second "pool".   She and her mother are new Christians, and they've been taught that whatever we ask of God, He will answer.  They were told that, but they'd never seen it happen.

And guess what?  Several days ago, my Mom got an email (in the middle of the night) that Lili was accepted to 2nd Railroad Middle School! :D WHOOT!! and PRAISE GOD.  :D

God answers prayers! :)

I've got another post coming up about my cousin's family... that most of you probably know through Buzz :) .

Soli Deo Gloria
~CJ

School and Job Questions/Worries

If any of you are like me, you have occasional bouts of worry - worry about school, work, future, etc. I've been going through one of those recently - I still don't know exactly what God wants me to do after I complete my degree, and I'm having a hard time focusing on school (which is going very slowly right now because I'm in a sort of gap between tests and final classes). Needless to say, these items have figured prominently in my prayer life over the past few weeks! Funny how much more you seem to pray when life isn't going according to your plan (or if you have no plan) :-P

I really wasn't discerning any obvious answers. Until the last few days.

I got an email with answers (or at least next steps) to several of my education questions. I researched jobs and found some that are promising opportunities when I'm finished with my degree. But even more than that, I received a bit of the peace that passes understanding. It was like God was telling me, "I have a plan for you - just because you can't see it right now doesn't mean that it isn't there." It's a wonderful thing to be free of fear and worry, knowing that God is in control! And when He answers some of your questions - well, that's icing on the cake :-)

~Mac

And more rain . . .

Where I live, we have been experiencing a great drought. Very bad drought. It's unusual, and it has been detrimental- causing wildfires. Every morning at work, the staff and volunteers gather around to pray before starting the day. This time, I prayed for rain, that God would give us the rain we needed. Right after I finished praying, I went to my office and heard the downfall of rain! It was so exciting to see how quickly and timely God's answer to my prayer was, and not only me, but all the others who voiced prayer for rain. It may not have been much rain, but I am thankful God answered prayer!