*If you would like a collection of 30 devotions written by Kerry, Steven Curtis Chapman, and others, you can order “Seeds of Change” from Shaohannah’s Hope at cost. Perfect for group study. Order here >
*Listen to Kerry’s speech at the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit III. Listen here >
July 02, 2009
The Lord Directs Our Steps
"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for a man to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23
When Scott and I moved back to my hometown, after my having been living elsewhere for the past 19 years, I found myself a little nervous about what it would be like. A few of my peers growing up were living in town, but not really any of the girls that I had been very close to in my youth.
But I believe that the Spirit of God really prompted me to ask for the Lord to lead and guide Scott and me to those people with whom He desired us to be in relationship. Human striving and control is just far too exhausting. I can remember several times praying, "Lord, I want to be friends with whomever you want me to be friends with." I was very aware that all relationships require long-suffering because we humans can be so very difficult, so I knew I wanted to be long-suffering in those relationships that God had ordained and not also ones that my flesh had sought to be in - talk about exhausting.
So, I am writing this blog to testify to the faithfulness of God towards me so far!! I could never have met such wonderful amazing people in such a short time if the Spirit of God were not leading our steps! There is absolutely no way!!
On Sunday evenings Scott and I are now attending a couple's Bible Study on Grace-Based parenting and we are truly blown away by the caliber and virtuousness of the people whom God has brought to this group. They are kind, fun, and gracious. Then, on Wednesday mornings, I am part of a group of women who are doing a mommy and children's book club going through the book "Little Pilgrim's Progress". We actually had our first one at my house yesterday and 25 children and their mommies came; and we had an absolutely wonderful time. First we had the kids make their footprint on sheets of paper marked between the scriptures, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galations 5:25 and the Jeremiah scripture mentioned above. Then we took some time to gather in a group on the floor and talk about the book and what we were going to be learning about the King in the heavenly city and the book's main character, "Little Christian". The kids were amazing - so attentive and sweet. Finally, we closed with a blessed time of worship, led by a Megan Oldfield, who is actually one of the women who will be starting to homeschool her children next year.
So, Lord, thanks! Really - thanks for being so kind towards me and bringing these wonderful people into my life.
Prayer Requests: For my sister-in-law Beth who just suffered the loss of her mother, Hope. For continued healing for Scott. For the Show Hope team led by the Chapmans currently in China to celebrate the opening of Maria's Big House of Hope. For the Lord's protection and great grace! For peace to return to Honduras (the show hope trip was cancelled due to the political and social unrest in the country.)
June 28, 2009
Our Suffering - His Suffering
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 2 Cor. 1:5
Growing up, whenever I would hear about the sufferings of Christ, my mind would go to Christ's personal suffering on the cross and the trials and beatings which led up to His actual death.
I knew it was important that I understand His sufferings as much as possible; as a result, I would do all I could to imagine what that might have been like for him going to the cross. I suppose the main goal was to understand what a profound sacrifice He made so I could be forgiven and that it would bring about a gratitude which compelled me to further obedience.
Although I had heard many sermons throughout the years about how we are partakers in Christ's sufferings, I seemed to keep His sufferings and my sufferings quite separate. I suppose I got as far as the realization that He knows our pain (because His was greater) and that I can somehow take comfort in that. I suppose I also got as far as the fact that since the Bible says we will all suffer for Christ's sake, I knew I had to experience a level of rejection from the world because of my faith. And that this was good in a heavenly sense.
But today, as I knelt in church, listening to the pastor read of the names of those who are sick with cancer or have just experienced the death of their own loved ones or are suffering in other terrible ways, I realized that these very specific human sufferings are Christ's sufferings. These people, whose names were being called, are members of His very own body. And then tears began to flow from my eyes without ceasing as the Lord reminded me that my sufferings are His sufferings too!
A few days ago, My friend, Jen and I went to visit our precious sister in the Lord, Laura, whose newborn son is still in NICU. (please pray for baby Charley). While we were there, I met Laura's father-in-law who is a dear brother in the Lord. We got talking about suffering and how difficult the choice can be to rejoice in even these difficult things. He said,"Several years back I had an accident with my table saw and cut off all these fingers on my one hand."....and He lifted his hand to show me the scars on the fingers which had been sown back on and the the stump where the hand could not be repaired. He then went on to tell me a story about how God used this tragic incident to bless his own son...He explained how the series of events which began to unfold at the hospital eventually led to his own son's future career.
And you know, that man's hand has flashed in my mind several times since the Lord reminded me again of his suffering body - who is US. When we walk away from God and choose not to be a part of Him, it is as if Christ's own digits are being cut away from his hand. When we become broken, He is broken with us and for us. When my children are hurt and bleeding, it as if my own heart is hurt and bleeding. I really believe that God feels this way for us His children.
We are His broken body....broken for a broken world, being poured out for the sake of others just as He was poured out for our sakes.
In church today, My Savior ministered a very comforting thing to my very weary heart. Jesus hurts with me because I am a part of Him.
Lord Jesus,
You know my deepest desires and my most earnest requests and I believe that you hear my prayers. I know it is right to ask for your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. So, I do, I ask for your will. And with that request I also humbly ask for your mercy for my family and those whom you have entrusted to me. Have mercy on your people Lord. Heal your people Lord - Heal us! In Jesus Name, Amen
June 26, 2009
Orphans Deserve Better Campaign
Dear Friends, The Christian Alliance for Orphans is launching the “Orphans Deserve Better” campaign today. Although directly confronting Warner Bros upcoming horror movie, Orphan, the intent is not to “bash” Hollywood, but to rouse greater awareness and engagement in meeting the needs of orphans. I’d greatly appreciate your help as part of this effort—signing the petition, perhaps posting a story, and sharing the website. May we be known as a people who do indeed “defend the cause of the fatherless” in ways both large and small. Jedd Medefind (President, Christian Alliance for Orphans) Please visit the following website to see how you can join us in defending the fatherless:
June 22, 2009
The Church Has Auto-Immune Disease
"No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Christ cares for his body, which is the church." Ephesians 5:29
Honestly, I do not even know where to start with this blog. It has been weeks since I have shared anything about my life or the things God has been teaching me. The reason for this is because my family has encountered another dark and unexpected valley. And quite honestly, Scott and I have been doing all we knew possible in Christ to survive this trial with our souls still intact and at peace in Him.
Three weeks ago my husband, Scott, fell ill. A few days late,r he began losing feeling in his arms, legs, and feet; he developed a terrible headache, and one eye began to droop and the other stayed dilated. We began seeing various doctors and having all sorts of tests performed. Brain Tumor, Stroke, and Aneurysm were ruled out after numerous tests in the first few days, praise the Lord. However, before we left the ER we were given a flippant comment by one of the interns that it looks like he has multiple sclerosis. He continued telling us how these auto-immune diseases are on the rise and that this is a hot spot in the nation for MS.
You know, it saddens me that it takes suffering for me to really plead in prayer....to really go before the Throne of Grace and implore God's mercy for those whom I love! I wanted to tell the Lord that this was not good for us, but I knew such a thing would, at some level, be dishonest. How could I say such a thing seeing as now I found myself in His presence crying out for help which I am sure is very good for us.
Tears - so many tears! Prayers....uncessing prayers! The Words of Holy Scripture my only comfort!
And on a practical level....we began eating only fruits and vegetables...juiced, raw, and stir-fried.
At one point the doctors said it might be the bulging disc they found in his neck through his MRI, but that soon was ruled out seeing as his symptoms seemed to be affecting his nervous system with numbness and tingling showing up all over his body. It started becoming more and more clear from all that we were learning that this was some sort of auto-immune problem attacking his nerve pathways.
I asked Scott one morning during our devotional time together what he was thinking about all this; and what he said in response will stay with me for a very long time. He said, "I just believe everything is going to be O.K." I then asked him, "What does O.K. mean to you?"
He responded, "You know, I almost started down the "Why me? path," but before I could go there, I thought, "Why NOT me?"
He continued, "Honestly, whether it is a bulging disc, MS or something altogether different, I know that I have been trained for this as a soldier....a soldier in Christ."
"Uggh," I thought. "In this case I so wish we could go to boot camp and then never see combat!"
In prayer I began asking the Lord, "Why?" I wasn't really asking why me or why Scott, but rather, "why so many auto-immune diseases, what could possibly be the reason our bodies are attacking themselves...and among believers?" I know our bodies are your temple and are meant to work certain ways and I also know that we are living in this broken world and that it is all a part of this brokenness. I confessed how I know we do not take care of our bodies as we should - by allowing so much that is unhealthy to enter, but why would members of our own bodies attack itself?"
I have often told women in Bible Studies to really dive deep into the God's biblical analogies, particularly the analogy of our physical bodies being a picture of our spiritual body of christ. And during this trial, when I found myself asking God the question, "Why would a christian's body attack itself? One of the analogous messages hit me like a ton of bricks: Auto-immune diseases are an incredible physical picture of what goes on all the time in the greater body of Christ - His Church. Instead of attacking only what is truly harmful to us, foreign invaders and the diseases from a sick world, we are a people who have a foolish tendency to turn on ourselves (members of our own body) and begin to fight each other. We are so overburdened and weak (for so many reasons) that we can no longer distinguish between our own members and outside invaders.
Perhaps it is because we, like a body with a weak immune system, have allowed so many unhealthy things into our lives and called them good, living so much like the world, that we are hard pressed to distinguish between the invaders of this world and those who are part of ourselves. Wives and husband's married under God are one flesh, and yet so often are found attacking each other. The things we say and do to one another is causing great harm to ourselves. We often blame our christian brothers and sisters for things that we ourselves are unable to deal with in ourselves. Instead of addressing our pride and lack of humility when we have been offended, we attack the instruments of our own bodies that God has used to reveal it. Instead of recognizing that we have allowed so much of the darkness of this world into our lives and seeking to weed out these things which are tearing us down, we instead cut out the light so we need not "see" it. We foolishly say in our hearts, "I don't need you. You have offended me, you have hurt me, I am getting rid of you from my life" But what we fail to realize is that these might be some of the most critical members of our own bodies that we need for proper functioning in this life - for the fulfillment of our destinies. What a mess are we making of our relationships with our spouses, neighbors, and christian family in the meantime. Too often, when we are in pain and overwhelmed, we begin to randomly attack those who are members of our own body rather than the foreign invaders. We know we are hurting, but instead of taking a look at what has made us so broken, asking God for guidance in healing, we begin to attack our own and cause ourselves even more harm!
When we finally saw the neurologist, two weeks after the onset of these symptoms, Scott was diagnosed with Guillian Barre Syndrome.
And, as it turns out, in Scott's case his immune system had become so weak from stress, exhaustion from travel and poor diet that when he came in contact with a virus his body was ill-equipped to fight properly and as a result it began attacking his own peripheral nervous system.
I am very happy to report that, by God's grace, Scott has been recovering extremely well. Although we do not deserve the kind of mercy that God has shown to us in this trial, I am also pleased to report that this syndrome is unlikely to reoccur in the future, at least in the physical sense.
As it relates to the spiritual sense, let's just say Scott and I are even more congnisent than before about the importance of not fighting with carnal weapons against members of our own body. We have been reminded that it is necessary that we keep our spiritual defenses strong through prayer, study of the Word, and continued repentance of our own self-love, and a continued choosing to making allowances for others faults and be more quick to forgive. We must stop being so easily offended by our own and learn to fight more diligently using spiritual weapons to battle the real enemy of our souls. We are members of One Body in Christ and we must stop harming ourselves by harming one another!
Thank you Lord Jesus for being with us and for us each step of the way. Thank you for healing Scottie!! I am also really grateful to see in such a vivid way how important it is to you that we, who are Your Holy Body, stop attacking ourselves (and one another) and harming your name as a result. You desire unity and now I do all the more!
June 14, 2009
He is Mighty to Save
"The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love; He will joy over thee with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
God's mercy is new every morning in hearts that seek Him. We can pray no better prayer than to entreat His mercy on those we love. Prayer allows us to participate in the joy of His goodness. Our belief and prayers do make a difference, for He made a place for them in His plan.
Let us go now to our day with the full assurance that our prayer has been heard, and that His mercy is renewed.
These were God's encouraging words to the Hasenbalg family today. I pray they encourage you in your own difficulties. This is an adapted message taken from the devotional Echoes of Eternity.
June 10, 2009
"Lord, We Need A Little Help"
"I lift my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip -
He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you -
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm -
He will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore." Psalm 121
"We are never nearer to God than when our hearts are overwhelmed with sorrow and uncertainty. We cannot fathom or understand this reality yet. But as God's children will can choose to accept it. God's Spirit is given, not simply to give us times of joy and brightness, but to guide and lead us through the dark places.
May we be of good cheer and not let any clouds keep us from embracing His blessings today, however they may come. It is good to be open to those people who reach us to us - making every effort to show our appreciation for them - for the Lord's sake. As surely as He is God, He will be with us. We can count on it and build on it. He has promised us that He is always with us - ALWAY! "
(excerpt adapted from Hal Helms Echoes of Eternity Devotional)
June 02, 2009
Wisdom of a Seven-Year-Old
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4:6-7
Cole's favorite homeschool subject is Bible. And because of Cole's inquisitive nature, it also is my favorite to teach. Well, actually I am not sure I am the one doing the teaching. I learn more from God through Cole while trying to answer his questions than I ever thought possible.
A few days ago, I was explaining to Cole that the Word teaches us how God made man, in His own imagine, from the dust of the earth, and then He breathed life into him.
Cole responded by asking a series of interesting questions. First, He asked, "So, what you are saying is that my life was put inside my body by God's breath, right?"
"Yes," I answered.
Next he asked, "So that means when I die, my life will leave this body and go to heaven with God, Right?"
'Yes, that's right also, Cole."
Then he said, "I sure hope my next body in heaven isn't made out of dirt like this one. You don't think God will make our next bodies in heaven out of dirt do you Mom?"
"Never thought about that before Cole, but I hope you're right. Perhaps our next bodies will be made out of something much better than dust."
(HHMMM?)
"There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another."
ICorinthians. 15:40
________________________________________
We had our last Esther Bible study at my house tonight. What a great ten weeks we, 12 women, had together, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ - learning to be less fearful, insecure and controlling women, and to trust the love and plan of God for us more.
Anyhow, just as study was ending, my children came running in the house (having spent the evening with their Nanna Marks.) Maya ran straight for the left-over treats from study while Cole began walking around greeting all the ladies; he's very interested in people. Soon after he came up to me and Tamara (one of the lovely women from the study) and said, "Excuse me Mom but I have a question to ask you."
What is it Son?" I answered.
"Mom, I wanted to know if it is better to go back to the past or to look to the future?"
"Here we go," I thought. The words, "Think Kerry think!," kept crossing my mind.
"What exactly are you talking about, Cole?" I finally asked out-loud.
"Well, I am just wondering if you think I should worry about what I have lost in the past or if I should keep moving forward and forget about it?"
"Remember, I lost my favorite toy, Stripey?" He said in order to clarify for me.
"Well, Cole, I think that you should mostly focus on what is ahead, but it doesn't hurt to pray about what you've lost from the past...putting it in God's hands and maybe God will bring it back around again or help you not to be so sad. The Bible does tell us to ask God in prayer about such things, and that God, who knows where everything is, will help us get through the loss or to find it again. So, if it is important that you have it again, God will see to it that you do. If not, then you will be fine without it in the future.
Not really sure if my words were making sense to him, or even to me really, therefore, I decided to get his perspective on the matter. I asked the question back to him, "Cole, what do YOU think you should do?"
He answered, "Well, I have heard a couple of people say before that you should not look back in the past but that you should keep moving forward. So, I think that is what I should do. But it is hard sometimes because I miss him (Stripey, that is). But I think I should maybe be somewhere in the middle...like not way ahead and not in the past!"
He then held up his hand and said, "Mom, if this is the future here (and pointed to his wrist), and that is the past (pointing to his fingers tips), then I think I should be right here in the middle, (pointing to his palm)!" "You understand mom?"
"Yes, I understand and I agree with you. I think that is what's called the present (the now)." I responded.
"Cole, you are right, we are to live in the moment - right now - trusting God about the things lost in the past, using the power God gives you through prayer, and not worry about the future without Stripey." I said.
Later that night, Cole brought the whole thing up again. He said that he decided it would be ok if sometimes he thought about Stripey and that even if he gets a little sad he shouldn't stay back there in the past too long or he would miss what is going on right now and all that is coming up ahead.
WOW - WOW! Now that is some good doctrine from the mouth of a seven-year-old!
May 31, 2009
Bucknell Reunion - Class of 1994
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2
What a wonderful time I had attending my 15 year class reunion from my undergraduate school, Bucknell University. I am not great at keeping in touch - for some legitimate reasons and also for some not-so-legitimate reasons. As a result, I am very grateful for the girlfriends I have made over the years who are willing to "make allowances" for this weakness of mine and let me back "in" as if I wasn't so flawed in this way. 'Cause it sure was nice to pick up as if so much time had not passed and just enjoy these wonderful women. I would have used the term pick up "where we left off," but I know that no one's life stops moving in the interim.
As a matter of fact, I went to this reunion (the first one I have made since graduation actually) with the assumption that probably a number of the people I would see would have walked through many life changes, challenges and even some great sufferings during these many years. And as it turns out several had experienced the tragedy of divorce, the death of one or both of their parents, tremendous challenges at work and even the devastating loss of children.
But what was so cool was how many of my girlfriends have gone on to make such a difference in the lives of others, whether through counseling, education, or being super good mommies to their children!
Having now experienced the blessing of the rekindling of long-lost friendships from college, I can't even imagine how amazing heaven is going to be at the great reunion of the Saints! Oh, to see and embrace our loved ones again on that great day! For now, ladies, I am really grateful to be in the company of you! I wish you all God's richest blessings and tenderest mercies!
May 28, 2009
Reversal of Destiny
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord's; upon them he has set the world. I Samuel 2:8
You know what all these gorgeous young faces have in common?
First, they all grew up in the US foster care system.
Second, against all odds they attended college and some even graduate school already.
Third, they have all been selected to work on Capitol Hill as congressional interns for the summer.
Fourth, they all desire to bring about positive change for children still languishing in the system.
And Finally, that each one of them clearly believes in a promising change of destiny for their own lives. (a reversal of fortunes if you will).
And based on what I have come to know about each of them and more importantly based on what I know about the truths of God's Word, I too, believe with them for such a reversal of destiny in their lives.
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? James 2:5
(Taken in my home during the last night candlelight service of the FYI Retreat in my hometown of Danville, PA.)
Things have been really busy in the Hasenbalg household lately, which is why the Hasen-BLOG has been neglected.
But, for your sake I’ll skip sharing my personal family events (you all have your own to focus on anyhow) and share a bit about this one Biblical theme that has been surfacing in my heart for many weeks now and which came to a head during this candlelight service for the foster youth interns. It is the notion of the poor and weak becoming wealthy and strong and the wealthy and strong becoming poor and weak. It is the idea that the God who sees the suffering of the poor will eventually lift them up from the ash heap!
And by the poor I am referring to both the poor in spirit (meaning humble) and the poor in financial means because I think that the Bible often refers to both ideas together when it mentions the poor.
I am very aware that it is possible to be both wealthy and godly and also both poor and prideful. So, when referring to the poor, I am referring to those who have been downcast and remained humble; and when referring to the wealthy, I am referring to those who have much wealth and keep it for themselves and share little due to their pride in believing they are better than the poor. (and before we each decide that we aren't in the rich category we ought to remember that anyone who has a car is in the top 1% of the wealthiest people in the world.)
Over the last few days, this idea of the poor and weak becoming rich and powerful literally came to life right before my eyes through these foster youth interns, and I wanted to write about it just then. However, I am glad I didn’t because it was just yesterday when I finally watched the Beth Moore Esther video that I learned the right terms to assign to this irony. The first is the term“reversal of destiny or reversal of fortunes.” And the second is “peripety"; and Peripety refers to the hinge on which the reversal of destiny turns. Basically the moment things begin to change.
Right there in my home I realized that I was witnessing Peripety in the lives of these young people. It may sound presumptuous to say such a thing about a moment that just took place, but having been a part of this program for the better part of ten years, and having seen almost 80 Foster youth interns come through the program, I have past experience on my side to now be able to see much more clearly what is taking place right before my eyes (and perhaps from heaven's perspective as well). For most of these young people who choose to remain humble of heart these internships prove to be the beginning of a reversal of their destinies.
In Chapter six of the book of Esther, when Haman (the bad guy) is forced to give the blessings from King Xerxes that He thought were due him to his arch-enemy, Mordecai the Jew, instead, we see a profound “reversal of destiny" starting to take place. The prideful is abased and the humble one is lifted up in the presence of his enemy.
Beth Moore went on to say that reversal of destiny is what the whole Christian life and the plan of God is about. For example: He who knew no sin became sin for us…Paul, the persecutor of Christians became the most persecuted Christian in his day.
On Tuesday night, when I was privileged to host these 16 amazing young people in my home, I realized that what I was seeing was a perhaps a small glimpse of what God sees happening in the heavenlies, and what I believe will be played out much more clearly and profoundly when we are all with Him there. God will take all our pain and suffering that we have given to him to redeem and make it into something rich and beautiful, healing and good. And that even here, we are often blessed to experience, Romans 8:28, lived out in our own lives. "All things work together for good (even the bad) for those who love God and are called according to His purposes."
These precious ones, who had in many ways been put down by a system that has historically and statistically not put children first, are now being lifted up and placed in positions to help oversee this very system and bring about change. A few years ago one of the interns, who interned for Senator Clinton, went on to help oversee the DC child welfare system working for the Mayor of DC and is now in law school studying to be a child welfare attorney. Now that's some reversal of destiny. I once knew a woman who had been a foster child then who went on to be Miss USA 2000 and subsequently to join us in traveling the globe and advocating on behalf of orphans world-wide. Can you say, "Modern-Day Esthers"
Let's see some of what the Word has to say on the subject:
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord's; upon them he has set the world. I Samuel 2:8
“Because
you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not
know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to
buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments,
that you may be clothed, that
the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye
salve, that you may see.” Rev. 3:17-18
So what about me - what about those of us who grew up with a mom and a dad and always had enough food to eat and a roof over our heads - and went on vacations and the like.... Unlike many of these kids, my birthdays were always celebrated and I wasn't abused by those who were supposed to be caring for me. What about me? Am I destined for abasement because of my early fortune? Certainly not.....that is if I will join the company of those who consider the poor. You see we need the orphan probably more than the orphan need us. For they are truly a part of our sanctification.
We, who have, are truly honored to join in considering the poor, for in this work we become rich according to the heavenly purse and store up treasures in heaven. So, thank you interns for coming and blessing me!
Blessed is the one who considers the poor!*
In the day of
trouble the Lord delivers him; Psalm 41:1
May 21, 2009
Day of Remembrance
As many of you know today, May 21st, marks the one year anniversary of the passing of Maria Sue Chapman. Also, as many of you, who have experienced the death of your own children or close loved ones know, these kinds of anniversaries can be extremely difficult. Please pray for the Chapmans and Maria's other loved ones as they hold to their faith and the hope of Jesus to see them through the sadness.
You may want to visit my husband's blog for additional thoughts...
http://blog.showhope.org
