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I wanted to quickly wish all Mothers, a Blessed Mother's Day! I have lot's I'd love to say, but I HAVE A CHILD GETTING MARRIED TODAY!!!!! I'm a bit busy, so I will stop for the time being, but I wanted to give you a sweet picture of Chapman Mother's Day past....More Later....I love that you are all praying for us today!!!
P.S. The picture of the two kids dancing isn't Mother's Day....It's the kids that are getting married today! Yep, that's Caleb and Julia about 8 years ago!
Hugs,
Mary Beth
P.S. The picture of the two kids dancing isn't Mother's Day....It's the kids that are getting married today! Yep, that's Caleb and Julia about 8 years ago!
Hugs,
Mary Beth
Mary Beth,
This past year has been what I call a year of firsts. Going to the store and not buying certain things, not having her on her birthday, walking by her bed. I know those feelings when we came home the night of the big accident and stumbled over Thomas,our 3yr old grandon's toys. He and Christa were both taken that day and are in heaven. God has shown us that He is faithful and many came to Christ from their death.
You have all been in our prayers and we still pray that the Father puts His peace in all involved. Though we may ask why, God has a way in His perfect timing and it brings peace. God is as consistant as the tide, and his love cannot be contained by the ocean.
One day our eyes will close for the last time on earth and open in paradise. Until then we live and love and cherish the times we have together.
God Bless, Janet
Posted by: From Janet Barrett of Lubbock Texas | May 21, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Mary Beth and Steven, I've been thinking a lot of you two this week. I can't even imagine how hard this is for you. It is kinda funny though how God has such a sense of humor. I read the blog on lice. I can sympathize. I've been there more times than I can count. I believe God did keep you busy to get through this. Just like all of us who have lost someone dear to us...we have that Hope that one day we will see them again and what a reunion that will be. My prayers are with you and your family. In Christ, Lori Hutton
Posted by: Lori Hutton | May 21, 2009 at 08:21 AM
Our family is thinking about you and prayng for you today. In fact, when I woke up this morning, you guys were my first thought.
We have two Chinese children - one is 7 and the other 6. We saw you at our adoption agencies picnic (A Helping Hand) and my husband works for the microphone company that endorses Steven. Like you, we also have older biological children that are married and on their own. This event was way to close to home and we cried so many tears with you.
The weekend Maria went Home, we were camping. I was in the RV and I was crying, and Melody, who was 6 at the time, came into the RV and asked me what was wrong. After I told her what had happened to Maria, she patted my hand, and gave me that look that says "Mom, you really should know this" and she told me "don't worry, Mommy, Heaven is better then Disneyworld." And she skipped right out and when back to playing.
Such is the faith of a little child.
I know you wish Maria was here with you today. I wish it too. But at the saddest part of today, know she is rollar coasting with Jesus and you will see her again in God's good time.
All our love,
The Joyner Family
Posted by: Vicki Joyner | May 21, 2009 at 08:07 AM
Dear Chapman Family,
Shalom!
I heard Steven on the radio this week and was impacted by the story of Maria's death.
This whole thing has been in my heart and mind and I would just like to share a Scripture that came to my heart that symbolizes for me Maria's life.
John 12:24
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
It seems so clear that Maria's life was a seed that had to die so that other lives could live. Many chinese children will have life and family because of Maria.
Thousands of people across the country were healed in their relationship with God because of your testimony.
Your son Will was part of God's great plan and purpose. Why him? Because his life won't ever be the same again after that and God will raise him powerfully to fulfill the purposes God has created him for.
God allowed to be that way for a higher plan.
I believe that with all my heart!
You are a precious family. An inspiration!
I love you all even though I don't know you!
With love,
Soraya Behar
Posted by: Soraya Behar | May 20, 2009 at 08:08 PM
Love the photos,sweet!!!Thanks for sharing.
Love ya so much :)
May the Son reign down on you in this time.
Your friend,
Stephanie G
Charlotte,NC
Posted by: stephiegdalyrist | May 14, 2009 at 10:45 PM
Dear Mary Beth,
As I got up this morning, Maria popped into my head, not realizing that today was her birthday here on Earth. Today, for us Catholics, it is a Feast Day called, Our Lady of Fatima-when Mary, Jesus' Mother, appeared to 3 children in the town of Fatima, Portugal back in 1917. She appeared to them for several months thereafter, on the 13th of every month. Mary explained to the children how we must live so that we can gain eternal life in Heaven with Jesus.
As we sang an old Hymn called "Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above," the words to this hymn call Mary "Maria," and so Maria Sue came to my mind again.
From what I've learned about Maria Sue, I pictured her today, celebrating her birthday with her heavenly friends and having a great time. I also pictured her celebrating for the next 8 days until the celebration of her birth into eternal life with Jesus! Or perhaps, she may stretch the celebration to 9 days, and make it a Novena (a 9-day prayer!)I'm sure she has Jesus celebrating right along side her, because that's the way Maria would want it.
While you and the rest of your family miss her here on earth, I just know that Maria is doing great things up in Heaven, and that she prays for your heart to heal and the pain to subside. After all, she is God's little angel.
God Bless You,
June Vendetti
Posted by: June Vendetti | May 13, 2009 at 08:44 PM
MaryBeth and family,
I am praying for you as your sweet Maria's birthday comes on Wednesday. Thank you for sharing your heart and family with all of us. You are a precious Mom and wife. You are very MUCH LOVED.
Hugs,
Rebecca W.
SC
Posted by: Rebecca Whalen | May 12, 2009 at 09:33 PM
Please know that our family will have your family in our prayers tomorrow. Our daughter Lily was born on the same day as Maria. Lily was born in China and is in our forever family thanks to a grant from Show Hope. The life, love, laughter and music of the entire Chapman family continues to bless and inspire our family daily.
In Him,
Jeff and Brooke
Union, KY
Posted by: Jeff Breeze | May 12, 2009 at 08:19 PM
Saying a prayer for you and your family. Your daughter is smiling down on you.... Celebrating her birthday with Jesus!!!
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy Belanich | May 12, 2009 at 07:42 PM
Me again, Mary Beth:) SEE I knew I could not comment to your tweet in a 140 characters or less...and, I meant to say China was our daughters birth country, not their home, yet, China is home for many, many of God's precious children...
what I really wanted to say was just....THANK YOU!!! :)
Posted by: diane | May 12, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Nihaoma, Mary Beth:-)
I noticed your tweet and there was no way I could adequately word my thoughts of thankfulness in 140 characters or less!! Tonight you plan a mission trip, a journey to China, home of your beloved daughters, home of my beloved daughters, home to God's precious daughters and sons.
My heart is filled with thanksgiving to
God and your beautiful family for continuously mirroring Faith, Hope and Love. The greatest being Love. When in China, as you know, you will be surrounded by God's littlest and the Love you and your Team:) will minister will be so tremendous. Thank you for your sweet Mama's heart, thank you and your family for persevering through so much and still walking daily in Faith, Hope and Love. Many prayers for this meeting tonight and many prayers for the days to come.
May Christ's Peace be with you all tonight.
Posted by: diane | May 12, 2009 at 06:13 PM
Congrats to Caleb and Julia! How precious! Many prayers for the family in the days to come. May God carry all of you!
Posted by: Lindsay in MI | May 12, 2009 at 05:55 PM
MB,
I am so thankful for you. I am always blessed and encouraged by your words of hope and faith. I have prayed for your family often over the last year, and will certainly do so again tomorrow.
Happy Birthday Maria! Dance your heart out with Jesus and have a grand celebration!
Posted by: Kathi M. | May 12, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Mary Beth, I looked at the schedule for Steven's concerts, and I realized that you all are probably going to China around the same time and length that I am going to Africa (June 30th-July 25th)! :) God's calling for us all to spread His Gospel, and I am praying that you all do that very thing over in China this summer! What a wonderful eyewitness account for your girls to SEE what God is continuing to do over there for children who share their similar backgrounds!
Posted by: Jamie | May 12, 2009 at 05:19 PM
Praying for you, Steven, and the kids tomorrow as the angels will gather around Maria, watching her blow out 6 little candles on her birthday cake in Heaven. I'm also praying for Will's graduation party. I know that that in itself will bring back memories to May 21st and Caleb's party. Hard next few days, and I'm thinking that your absence could possibly be due to that as well. Praying hard for you guys!
Posted by: Kim | May 12, 2009 at 04:52 PM
My prayers are with you today and Wednesday. I know that is going to be a hard day. May God hold you tight in his arms.
Posted by: Lisa | May 12, 2009 at 04:21 PM
Happy Birthday tomorrow to one special angel! Praying for all those who miss you Maria!
Chinamom
Posted by: fan | May 12, 2009 at 03:56 PM
Hi Mary Beth,
Thinking of you as you remember and celebrate Maria's BD tomorrow.We too have a BD we celebrate remembering our little boy, (3 years old) who now lives with Jesus. Joel was born in 06, (Sept) like Maria. I know for me leading up to it was worse than the day of. God will give great grace!! Just thinking of you as I know the feelings and pain and tears. It has been two years (1/23/07) it is still very hard. Blessings and grace and peace be unto you tomorrow!!
Cindy
Posted by: cindy morris | May 12, 2009 at 03:14 PM
hey mb! my heart breaks for you guys as you go thru these next couple of weeks. i would take all you pain and grieve it for you if i could. your family has made God real to me in ways beyond what i could dream. there are no words i know that can say how i feel or do anything to make you feel better, but thank you for the walk you've walked. i am so sorry for your pain and i still cry for you. i will never forget this past year of watching you guys. i'm kind of rambling, but mostly i'm just trying to say thanks and i'll keep praying!
Posted by: erin | May 12, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Mary Beth,
I am praying for you. I know that tomorrow will be tough. Just hold on to Jesus.
Kim
Posted by: Kim | May 12, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Mary Beth and the Chapman Family, It's sometimes hard to enjoy the beautiful moments in life when other moments carry such pain... You are strong and inspirational as parents and siblings who have held onto your faith in the midst of a storm, enjoy the Blessings as they too come from above where Maria is surely helping pick them out!!!!!!
-Bonnie V. Mother of 8/4 adopted from China and all Blessings and held a little tighter!!
Posted by: Bonnie Voges | May 12, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Mary Beth....fun to see the twitter notes on this blog page :)
I signed up on Twitter quite some time ago, but "froze"
because I was afraid of having one more thing to
follow/keep updated (probably silly, but true!)
I am SO glad that you DO it & wanted to thank you for the
fun, special insights & the time you have spent sharing!!!
By the lake....so cool! I'm sure that setting helped in the
emotions and feelings of Gods peace & joy! What a blessing!
Karen W,
Prayers were with you & your family also! I think that
Mary Beth is probably comforted by hearing other mothers
understanding hearts. (I'm not in any way trying to "speak"
for MBC)
Sometimes that alone helps more than words can express, to know that someone really understands & others are making it though this earthly life & continue to listen to, look to and hold onto God.
You could do a blog, too. You sound like you could be helpful
to others & writing is healing.
Hugs from MN :)
Cindy K
Posted by: Cindy Koester,Byron,MN | May 12, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Karen W.
You have nothing to be sorry for.
I will be praying for you and your family.
We as Christians are to encourage one another, when one is hurting we all hurt.
I pray Ty and his beautiful wife will have
a Blessed life together.
Please don't be sorry for anything you didn't do anything wrong.
Christine,
I will pray the Lord will help you to be
more encouraging to others feelings and their losses also.
I saw nothing wrong with what Karen W said
or did. She was very encouraging and praying for the Chapman family.
I pray she will continue to post.
She lost her dear husband and her precious
son. As Christians we are to always encourage one another. Our Savior leads by
example and we are to be like him.
Posted by: Tori | May 11, 2009 at 11:24 PM
Hi Mary Beth. Thanks for sharing those precious memories of us. Love the one of you with the three girls. What sweet smiles!
Prayer for you throughout the day yesterday. Hope the wedding went well. Thought of your during church when our pastor shared on 10 mothers in the Bible and spoke of the mothers in Bethlehem, grieving the loss of their babies and how we have a God of comfort, even when we don't understand. Congrats to Caleb and Julia. I wish them a long and happy life together.
Posted by: Dana | May 11, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Love the pictures! Love the fact that the lovebirds are finally husband and wife. Blessings to you all!
Posted by: Debbie from Ohio | May 11, 2009 at 09:13 PM