A conversation with Video Blog Joy FM winner, Matthew Elam
A conversation with Video Blog Joy FM winner, Matthew Elam
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A conversation with Video Blog Joy FM winner, Matthew Elam
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Just wanted you to know that I have been listening to your music all day while I home school my children. Your awesome, what a legacy you are leaving! Love the video blogs! Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Candy Cane | May 01, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Cool. What would you say to SCC in a "one on one"? Great idea. I'd probably want to pull out my guitar and say, "Now how do you play [fill in the blank]?" I'd have to talk adoption too through and show you pics of my two beautiful adopted girls from Russia.
Posted by: kevinc | May 02, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Wow, good question! I think I would just be in awe of meeting him I would not know what to say. I am sure I could come up with something, if and when that ever happens. Maybe I would just talk about the things we have in common, children, love for the Lord and how awesome his music is.
Posted by: God Follower | May 02, 2008 at 07:46 PM
I was very blessed to meet SCC in Nov. in Pittsburgh. My daughter and I won meet and greet passes and were lucky enough to have a great conversation with him and his manager, Dave Trask. By the way Steven... my daughter says you gave her more inspiration to follow her dream of the recording arts... pro-tools has become her best friend lately! We were definitely blessed to meet the master at amazing music! Hope to be at Moraine State Park in June!
Posted by: Charlotte Jones | May 11, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Praying for you and your sweet family... as I've just learned of the tragedy that has occurred. May God grant you grace and peace beyond all comprehension.
A Sister-in-Christ,
Suzanne
Posted by: HSB Suzanne | May 21, 2008 at 08:01 PM
I too heard and am praying for your family.
Posted by: Elaine | May 21, 2008 at 08:32 PM
im so devastated for u my heart breaks for your family i worked with your precious mom at ky oaks mall in the late 80s early 90s i did your moms hair for your first dove awards she was there for me thru a really bad divorce she kept me on the right track GOD i know what a comfort she is to u i love her and i love u too i miss judy tell her hi and send my love from kentucky GOD is LOVE AND IS LOVE HIS MERCY IS EVER PRESENT IN TIME OF TROUBLE AND SORROW HE SENT ME TO PRAY AND TO BE HERE AS A SISTER IN CHRIST MY NIECES NAMED HOPE AND SHE IS OUR HOPE SHE AND MY SISTER BOTH HAVE BRAIN PROBLEMS MY SISTER IN 2005 HAD A RARE BRAIN TUMOR REMOVED AND HOPE WE FOUND HAS A BRAIN CYST IN THE SAME PLACE THEY BOTH HAVE DIFFERENT TYPE SEIZURES ITS BEEN HARD BUT GOD IS SO MERCIFUL HOPE GRADUATES THIS FRIDAY PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM I KNOW GODS GRACE AND HIS HOPE TAKE CARE AND ALL MY LOVE AND PRAYS GOD BLESS U LOVE KIMBERLEE SCOTT MURPHY
Posted by: kimberlee scott murphy | May 21, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Sending showers of prayers for you, Mary Beth, and the entire Chapman family in this tragic time! I'm just sitting here in shock!
Posted by: Kelly | May 21, 2008 at 09:39 PM
My heart is breaking for you and your family - I am so very sorry. Our prayers are with you all. We love you.
Posted by: Rebecca Hill | May 21, 2008 at 09:45 PM
I cannot imagine what you and your family are going through. Please know that a little family of 8 from Kansas will be praying for you all as you go through the valley of the shadow.
If I could make your burden lighter, I would.
Blessings...
Posted by: Dawn | May 21, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I am in shock. You and your family have been such an inspiration to me. I'm just staring at the screen, not knowing what to say.
I'm praying for you with all my heart.
With love,
Dave
Posted by: Dave | May 21, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Mr. Chapman, as I sit and type to you I'm listening to the song, "My Reedemer is Faithful and True" that you so masterfully penned. My family and I pray that that faithfullness you wrote and sang about in 1987 surrounds and embraces you and your family. I pray that you feel our Lord's hands lifting you up and hugging you tightly. Know that there are one set of footprints in the sand during these days. We love you.
Posted by: Sam | May 22, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Brother Chapman,
While we could never possibly understand the pain you all must be feeling, please know that we are standing with you, as surely as your songs have spoken to all of us, even though we have not met face to face.
Please allow yourself, your bride, and your children time to grieve. God gives us tears for a reason. He even showed us how to use them at Lazarus' tomb. There will be the temptation to "show us how a Christian man handles" such an event. We don't need you to do that -- just be. God will grant healing and peace in time, but it make take a long while for that to soak into your soul.
Please also reassure your son that Jesus loves him dearly, and that we all stand with him as well. Again, we could not possibly understand what he is feeling, but we stand beside him, as surely as if we were physically present.
Posted by: Al | May 22, 2008 at 04:44 AM
Chapman Family-
The Bible says in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have over come the world." The Bible also says in 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17 "For the Lord himelf shall descend from heaven with a shout, with a voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
Sometimes tradedy happens in our lives it is unavoidable and you may never understand why your little babe was taken from you, but know that God is a good God and that in the end there will be no more suffering for you and your family. I pray that God gives you peace and grace to help you in your tribulation. Rest in His arms.
Praying for you~
God follower
Posted by: God Follower | May 22, 2008 at 05:51 AM
When I heard the news last night my heart just broke for ya'll. God knew this day would come and even though we may not understand His plan, be comforted to know He has one. As David said "he cannot come to me, but I can go to him" of his son that died. As much as ya'll loved her, God loves her even more and she is now seeing what we can only imagine. My heart and prayer go out to your son also. I can't imagine what he's going through in all of this. Just know a lot of people are lifting you and your precious family up to the Throne at this time. Thank you for sharing your family with all of us and for your beautiful talent with music that God gave you. May He walk with all of you through this hurting time. HUGS to all of you.
Posted by: Bobbie Connolly | May 22, 2008 at 06:05 AM
My prayers are with your entire family. May God give you the strength to make it through. We love you all.
Posted by: Jessica | May 22, 2008 at 06:11 AM
Hello Steven, MaryBeth, and the rest of the Chapman family. I know this is going to be a tender subject for a while, but I heard about your daughter/sister on the news today. I just wanted to tell you that I am praying for each one of you. I have praised the Lord for your faithfulness to Him over the years and admired you as a family. Now the Lord has allowed the water to get deeper and the waves to be higher, and I am praying for the Lord to draw you close and together unto Himself and remind you that He is your Rock who will not be shaken. I am praying that satan will not be able to get any foothold in your hearts through this, but that the Lord will flood your hearts with encouragement and the truth of His Word. As your sister in Christ I can honestly say that I love you and will be faithful to pray for you. Our Lord is good! Praise the Lord!
Posted by: Rebecca Westcomb | May 22, 2008 at 06:40 AM
Dear Chapman Family,
I am so sorry about the loss of your precious daughter. May God continue to bless your family in this tragic time.
Thank you for the comfort of your songs.
Praying for you all, especially your son.
Posted by: Lori Best | May 22, 2008 at 08:04 AM
I am so sorry about the loss of your precious daughter, may the peace of the Lord that surpasses understanding be with you at this time and always.
Posted by: grace | May 22, 2008 at 08:57 AM
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you…
~ Isaiah 43:2, NLT
Posted by: shannon | May 22, 2008 at 10:00 AM
I can't begin to know what your family is going through. Only Mary the mother of Jesus and God our father can begin to relate, and He alone can give you and yours that comfort to get through it. My prayers are with your family during this time. She was a beautiful little angel. My love and prayers.
Posted by: Jackie Morris | May 22, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Folks,
I'm sorry to say I know exactly how you are feeling today, as I lost a young daughter myself. Please know that God will sustain you through this time as I suspect you are already learning.
My prayers are with you and your beautiful family during this time and always, and I thank you for the good you've brought to the world as well as the joy you've spread through your music.
God Bless you....
Matt
Posted by: Matt | May 22, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Father : You are our Father and we look to you for our hope and our strength and our peace. This family belongs to you and you take such good care of your people. Place them under the shadow of your wing right now, where they are hid in you as you bring healing into their hearts. Thank you..In Jesus's name.. Selah know we in Canada are lifting you all up before the throne of God.
Posted by: Linda Nordick | May 22, 2008 at 11:24 AM
My heart is rent.
Posted by: Albert | May 22, 2008 at 11:34 AM
To all of the Chapman family our hearts and prayers will be with you. Only God knows and can see the bigger picture of such a tragedy and why such a thing is allowed to happen. My prayer is that you will find peace in knowing he is in control and will help you through this difficult time. I pray your memories of such a beautiful little girl will help you through this time of grieving. God is so much bigger than all the bad things that can happen in this world and someday you will see Maria again!
Posted by: Brian & Teres Andrews | May 22, 2008 at 12:05 PM
To the Chapman family. We are praying for you and your loss. My heart goes out to the brother also. What a terrible thing to happen for him also. May you all find peace in the Lord
Posted by: Gina | May 22, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Dear Precious Chapman Family- The country grieves with you over the loss of Maria. All of the Christian community is uniting to lift your entire family up to God for comfort and healing. When you are feeling the lowest, know that God is with each and everyone of you. May God be glorified through this tragic event and may He be with you always. Maria did not die in vain.
Posted by: Debra | May 22, 2008 at 04:02 PM
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We saw you just recently in Naples, Florida at the missions gathering at First Baptist Church and your music so touched us. God will touch and carry you thru this time. We love you all.
Gail & Steve
Posted by: Gail | May 22, 2008 at 04:26 PM
To the chapman Family. Your music brings so much joy to my family and to hear the news of this really make my sad. I know God has a plan for you and I can not even know what you all are going through but just know that a lot of people are praying for you..God Bless
Posted by: Jerry McKneely | May 22, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Dear Chapman Family,
Since we are all part of the Christian family (and one body), it hurts to hear of your recent tradegy...so we are grieving with you. May that extended Christian love comfort you in the days ahead and may our Father God grant you His peace that surpasses all understanding! With love, The Weavers from Houston
Posted by: Becky Weaver | May 22, 2008 at 06:41 PM
May God be with you, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Mirna Navarro | May 22, 2008 at 06:41 PM
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter Maria. It is so hard to understand God's plan during a time like this. Thank you for all the blessings you have brought to so many peoples' lives. May God's blessing bring you peace, understanding and hold you strong in your faith.
Posted by: Troy Huber | May 22, 2008 at 06:58 PM
My prayers have been with you all day. The loss of a child is the deepest sorrow anyone can experience. Please know that you, and your entire family, especially your son, are being lifted to God's hands and held by all our prayers. May the peace that passes all understanding be with you all.
Posted by: Amanda McBride | May 22, 2008 at 07:44 PM
I have not slept well this night -- constantly waking and immediately thinking of the grief you must all be experiencing and remembering what it felt like when unthinkable crisis hit my four Russian adopted daughters and me 23 months ago.
Last night as I was thinking about you all and praying for God's comfort for EACH of you, I listened to the All Things New CD. I recalled how on May 2, 2008, "Believe Me Now" deeply touched me in the context of my grieving and loss. I have been singing/praying that for EACH of you throughout the night... "...never have, never will I abandon you...and the God that I have ALWAYS been I will FOREVER be...for I am WITH you, I am FOR you...so believe Me now!... I am the God that NEVER wastes a single hurt that you endure...and ALL my promises are SURE...so BELIVE ME NOW!"
May each of you, Steven, Mary Beth, Emily, Caleb, Will Franklin, Shaoey and Stevey Joy KNOW and experience the peace of God that SURPASSES all understanding! Much love to you in Jesus...who holds joyful little Maria as she waits for you/us to join her with Him!!
Posted by: Suzanne Sands in Alaska | May 23, 2008 at 06:20 AM
I'm confident that your faith will get you through these times. Grief is strong...but God is so much stronger. Lean on Him - when you feel Him close and when you don't. God be with you. Thank you for your witness and music all these years. I pray that you will continue when the time is right if that is God's will for you and your family. God can use this, even though it may seem unreal, to His glory.
We lost my father pretty suddenly this past summer. It's horrible, and he was way too young to go through the things he did. But I know I will see him again !! And you will see Maria again! God bless you and your family.
Jesus, you be lifted high.
Posted by: Michelle from Greentown, IN | May 23, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Isaiah 26:3
I will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast.
Keep your mind steadily focused on Him...He brings peace - and ONLY HE brings peace.
Posted by: Michelle from Greentown, IN | May 23, 2008 at 07:06 AM
Just wanted to let you know that I weep with you as you weep. I am asking Jesus to hold you as you cry and comfort each one of you. I do not pretend to understand what you must be going thru! Only thing that I know is that our Redeemer lives...so I can face tomorrow.....can face even today! May you find God's grace sufficient in your weakness!
Posted by: Heather from Sarasota, FL | May 23, 2008 at 07:14 AM
My prayers are with you and your family. I am at lost for words.
May God be with you and bring you comfort in this time of need.
Posted by: Jami from Chesterfield, SC | May 23, 2008 at 07:44 AM
Dearest Chapman Family,
My heart is breaking for you and I honestly don't know what to say that could possibly bring you encouragement during this time except that Maria must have been a very special girl for God to have wanted her at His side. And as sad as I am for you, I know you'll get through this by sheltering beneath the wings of our Mighty God! The burden on my heart is also for your son. Wrap him in the love of your family and help him grieve. Tradgedies are always the worst for those left behind, especially when the heart worries over blame and guilt. He will need so much reassurance of your love for him. And I send my love through Christ Jesus to you all, and my prayers!
Posted by: Tammy | May 23, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Hi Chapmans: I have been an admirer of yours since I saw you on 100 Huntley Street a way back in Canada. I can not tell you how sadd I am about your preciuos little one who has slipped into Jesus' loving arms. We are praying for you all and especially for Will, we know he must be having such a difficult time. May Christ's love envelope you all and may HE BE YOUR STRENGTH AND REST as you mourn your loss and celebrate His life given thru this dear one, on loan to your family until He called her home, that blessed you all so much with.
I lost my dear nephew at 11 days old almost 20 years ago and the words of wisdom from my dad at the time were "he had a full life, it was just 11 days long whereas some are much longer."
love in His rest.
Anita Berglund
Thunder Bay, ontario
Canada
Posted by: Anita Berglund | May 23, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Dear Chapman family:
My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. What a terrible thing to happen to such a sweet little girl. I hope your son has the strength to cope. I cannot imagine how he must feel. I cannot imagine how your family must feel. My father was murdered last year by one of my brothers, and we are, of course, still dealing with that. I attended your concert in DesMoines, IA, last October, and I very much enjoy your music. I am so sorry for your loss, but I know that your family has a deep faith in God and that He will see you through this terrible emotional time. I know you are a true believer because of the type of music you create. Again, please know that there are many many people out here grieving with your family.
Posted by: Janet Wilcox | May 23, 2008 at 04:04 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you all,but when the day comes when you see your precious Maria again what an awsome day that will be! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love your friend in Kentucky, Marian
Posted by: Marian Ferguson | May 24, 2008 at 09:41 AM
sorry for your loss. I am praying for you all and for your son.
Posted by: cyntia | May 25, 2008 at 02:07 PM
hey,
i've always loved your music...
and i am really upset about your daughter...
i mean, my friend told me that yesterday while we were in youth group... and i cried...
it was strange... as if my own sister had been taken away...
i just want you to know that my prayers are with you, as are those of my youth group..
feel free to write me...
In Him:
Jordan
Posted by: Jordan | May 26, 2008 at 07:35 AM
We have been praying for The LORD Jesus Christ to heal and comfort you and your beloved family.
Upon reading about the funeral, it is obvious that you are in great need of Bible study. Please find time to do this for you are leading souls astray in such a spiritist manner of calling the funeral ground "Holy ground", etc. This is not Scriptural and it is abomination.
We love you.
Sincerely in The LORD and ONLY Savior Jesus Christ,
Stephen and Bonita Ann Richie
Living Hope In Jesus
www.livinghopeinjesus.com
Posted by: Stephen and Bonita Ann Richie | May 26, 2008 at 10:13 AM
As I read the post above mine, from Stephen and Bonita Ritchie, my heart sank. It makes me wonder how they could possibly say they "love you" when they are condemning how you chose to mourn your daughter on holy ground, with your bare feet, and your knowledge of the scriptures. Have they no compassion for you in your grief? Your knowledge of the Bible is without question when we all listen to your music, Stephen.
I am so so sorry for the heartbreak your family has gone through, and from what I have read, your family said goodbye to Maria with a beautiful memorial service, and it was a testimony of Christ's love for the world. Your entire family's love for your angel was so clear-I can see from her photos that you gave her such indescribable joy in her short life on earth. Please don't listen to the ignorance of those who tell you otherwise. Prayers and love to your family.
Posted by: Katy | May 26, 2008 at 03:36 PM
My Dear Brother in Christ,I feel for you and your complete family, for losing a dear daughter,We have experienced this too,2-21-07 an 16 year old darling, Steve allow The Father to embrace you he loves you dearly He will carry you through, we are lifting you before the throne of grace and mercy..I usually have to cry when I listen to your song cindarella,only God knows your next powerful song,hug your son real good for me,you will see her again, but not yet.
Friends never pass judgement on hurting people you DO NOT KNOW just how painful it is!!!
Posted by: Robert | May 26, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Mr. Chapman, As one who has struggled with health issues all my life, I know the doubt that can set in in times like hits, and I just want to say Don't let the old Devil win- Angels are on the edges of their seats watching the battle firsthand- just waiting to sing praises to God as you and your family triumph. Satan thought He could win a skirmish, but God knew the Devil would not succeed because He knows you thoroughly. Even in the darkest of hours, our light must shine because greater is He that is in us than is He who is in the world. He gave you a precious gift in Maria, and God will continue His gift in His own mysterious ways. Even now, the amount of people, both saved and unsaved who searching for answers in light of your tragic situation is testament to this fact, as hard as it may be. I'll never be able to reach as many people as you and your family can, but still I know that through my own situation, God does have a plan, and that has kept me going when I've been too exhausted and weak to do so on my own.
Words fail at times like hits, but one thing I've learned is that God never fails- no matter how bleak the outlook may seem. We look through the smoked glass and see only dimly, but one day will view creation through the clearest of eyes, seeing as God does all the victories that are presently hid from us.
Posted by: CottShop | May 27, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Steven~
This was the first blog I could find of yours that I could leave a comment. I know I have commented again and again on all the blogs on this site, but Maria's death has hit me hard. I just feel compelled to tell you that we are not forgetting you. It has been a week---but we are still here. You and your entire family are being lifted in prayer by someone every moment of the day.
I know you will probably not ever read this, but we love you and your family. Your music actually helped saved my life. I hope to be able to tell you about how you have been a part of saving me. Until then--know we are praying...still...without ceasing.
In Christ's Love~
Kristen Vander-Plas (for the whole family)
Posted by: The Vander-Plas Family - Lubbock, Texas | May 28, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Thanks for all you have done in the Christian community and throughout the world for so many years. It is so easy to feel like I know you even though I don't personally. I hope and pray that God shows you now that we are here to give back to you and to love and pray for your family in the best way we can. It instructs us in the Bible to pray without ceasing, and God has definitely been allowing me to do that as He continues to constantly put your family on my heart. Thank you so so much for being an example even in grief and loss - I know God is going to do amazing things through this terrible tragedy that are way beyond our understanding. This verse that I have also posted on Caleb's and Jim's blogs is a favorite of mine and one I have constantly come back to during this time of tears and prayers...
"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you WILL PERFORM it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Thank you for all you've done and all you will continue to do through God's grace and strength in your life - and we will keep praying fervently in FL...
Posted by: Christy | May 28, 2008 at 11:58 AM
I have long been a big fan of your music. It has touched my heart many times. Your beautiful family has also blessed the world by showing just what a loving Christian family really is. I can only imagine the heartache & pain y'all are going thru right now. There are no words I can say to really help, so I just pray for you all to the only One who can bring strength & comfort & healing to your hearts. May God hold you all close in His loving arms & bless you in wonderful ways. Keeping you all often in my prayers, Cindy from Ohio
Posted by: cindy wheatley | May 29, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Hello Steven
I don't know you but your music has been an inspiration to me for many years. Anyway, you and your family have been on my heart this entire week and I am praying for you and thinking of you all so much. I have a five year old little girl and I can't imagine, is all I can say. I just pray for strength for all of you to get through this as best you can with the Lord's help. You are all such a beautiful family, used my God in so many ways. Your children are all so precious and beautiful too and I am praying constantly for your poor dear son that he will also get through this and heal. I am just reminded at this time how great God's love is that when we hurt the most he is there for us to lean on and He picks us up and carries us when we can't take another step. I will continue to pray for you all and just know how precious you are to Him and how much your ministry has meant to so many.
God bless you and keep you
Mischellene Ball
Posted by: Mischellene Ball | June 02, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Hi Steven, I just want to express how sorry I am for your family's loss. I grew up with your music and am grateful for your gift to inspire. As a fellow-adoptee, I want to say thank you for providing a loving home and lives unimaginable to Maria and your other daughters. I have what I have today because of my parents's love and generosity. Parents like you have such big hearts... don't stop.
Posted by: Li-Ann | June 03, 2008 at 06:19 AM
Dear Mr. Chapman,
Since my family and I first heard about the accident, you and your family have been in our prayers. For some glorious purpose God has called you and especially your son to a different kind of suffering than most people experience. My prayer is that day by day as you mourn that divine purpose will be revealed to you and your family.
God's peace,
Becky
Posted by: Becky | June 03, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Mr Chapman,
i am most thankful for your ministry. Just got tickets for your concert in early August at the Biltmore in Asheville, NC. I can't wait to be there; i know it will be a night worth remembering!!!
Blessings to you and your family!
ceci
Posted by: The Chapman family (all of you) | June 07, 2008 at 12:53 PM
PS i wish the greatest of blessings and divine healing to you and every member of your family. Take courage in the fact that you WILL be reunited one day! And in the meantime know she's in such a beautiful place. (i guess she could be dancing with my Grandma right now. They could be dancing overhead as we speak. My Grandma took Dance when attending an all girls school in Gainesville Georgia many, many moons ago.) Perhaps they're turning cartwheels on the streets paved with gold. I hope when i go to heaven i get to share a mansion with you and your family. i like to think about all the people i'd like to share my mansion with one day. i hope it's a big one. And i hope my dog, Lad of Donnegal, otherwise known as "Donnie" will get to live in my mansion as well. Hard to say, I guess, but i'm hopin'.
I do wish you (each one of you) a HOLY HUG from the Father of LIGHTS. I pray HE embraces each one of you. i didn't mean to sound cavalier about looking forward to your concert when you are still working through your own loss. If you have to cancel your concert i understand but i hope i might get the chance to get to one sometime.
i wish you were going to be on one of the Alaskan cruises. In fact, I wish you and some of my other favorite bands (Third Day, Casting Crowns, Nicole C. Mullins, Nicole Nordeman and maybe some cool secular bands from the past - 70's folks) would all get together on some awesome cruise. Oh and how 'bout Sheila Walsh, Josh McDowell - all my favorites. And that old band that did that song, "Love is the Answer" - oldie (probably older than you). But don't make it some crazy single (hook up) cruise. Ooooh! i just hate that! UGH!
Anyway, i do deeply admire and appreciate your contributions and your heart for God and HIS children. I'm very thankful that your in this world as i'm sure are so many others. AND i'm sure your wife is every bit as special as you are, and your kids too for that matter.
Have a wonderful weekend and take heart in knowing that you are loved by many. And many (including, especially me) are very grateful for your heart of ministry and worship AND for the fine example you set as a man of God and as a man who is true to his wife and family and loves children the way that you do. Blessings!
Sincerely,
cecilia hamill
Posted by: The Chapman family (all of you) | June 07, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Psalm 3:3-5
But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
The song from these verses was sung at my church today, and I thought of you and your family. I pray that the Lord is lifting your heads day by day. I pray that He is sustaining you all with His infinite peace.
Posted by: Amy | June 08, 2008 at 05:49 PM
I have been a fan of yours for many years. I adopted my oldest daughter from China before your first adoption and thought it was so cool when I learned of Shoay's adoption. Your family is so precious and has been laid on my heart to lift up in prayer and I am doing so diligently. God is working a mighty plan here and your family will find peace again and God will be glorified. Thank you for the wonderful Christian father you are.
Love in Christ,
Chinamom
P.S. My youngest jewel from China LOVES Cinderella and begged for the CD and of course got it. :)
Posted by: fan | June 11, 2008 at 10:07 AM
I just wanted to thank you for your inspiration to me. I know that this is a tough time for you and your family, but I also know that your faith will see you through. I wanted to send a brief note that might help you realize in a tough time how much you inspire people. I was writing a drama for a youth event that we are working on about 12 kids who mysteriously wake up in a room with a note from God that tells them they must determine who they are to get out. God worked on me for 2 years to write this and when I finally did, it was much different than I expected. I got almost to the end of writing it and could not figure out what the answer was to the question "who are you?". I did what I always do, went looking for answers in the bible, and prayed and still no clear answer. Then I turned to music. I found the answer in the song God Follower. We are doing the play in August and performing the song as an answer to all youth's question, who am I really. I also struggled very much with how to describe our weaknesses in truly following God’s plan for our lives. I found the answer to that in the song Broken. I am not sure how it will turn out but I wanted to thank you for your commitment to God's work. See ya soon in my headphones.
Posted by: Bob | June 12, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Steven,
You have been on our hearts today. Of course, you have every single day, but today we know is challenging. We are hurting for you and praying for God's gentle hands to hold you up and for His peace to surround you. What a blessing for Maria to have had such an amazing father here on this earth and now to get to be in the presence of the one that made it possible!
I have this weird ability to find 4-leaf clovers. I was involved in 4-H as a youth and I always said that the talent was only good for impressing small children and 4-H members. I'll never look at another one without saying a prayer for your family.
We love you and your family! We are anxious to see you at the Biltmore!
God bless you today and all your tomorrows.
Posted by: Clay, Tanya, Corinna, Matthew, Carmen, and Harry | June 15, 2008 at 04:31 PM
It's not a Bible verse but it is profound and quite appropriate.
"Tomorrow the sun will rise."
Tom Hanks, from the movie " Castaway"
Steven, I met you in Cincinnati when I worked with Brennen Dean of
Heartfelt Productions many years ago. I am praying for your family, with special emphasis on your Son; that God will heal his heart.
God Bless
Bob
Posted by: Thekidsdad | June 22, 2008 at 10:09 PM