Christian music singer, Steven Curtis Chapman's five-year-old daughter, adopted from China, was killed in a tragic accident late yesterday afternoon, at the Chapman home.

The girl was apparently run over in her own driveway, by a car driven by her older, teen-aged brother, according to news reports.

Five-year-old Maria Sue was one of the six Chapman children, and one of three adopted from China by the family.

The Chapman's experiences with international adoption led them to establish Shaohannah's Hope, named after their oldest adopted daughter,... more

It's been exactly one year (right around this time of day (except a different time zone!)) since we met the children who are now ours!

Last May 22nd, I posted Road Trip: Day Two – Meeting the Kids. It's been an amazing year full of pinnacles and valleys unimaginable at the time I wrote that last year! But, here we are a year later, fully bonded, attached, and settled into a routine.

My children love each other with amazing depth for children who have only formally known... more

Romans 8:22-24

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?(NIV)

As I read this verse, it reminded me of our recent adoption of our 10-year-old foster... more

A new Christian movie is playing in the theatres this week called “Prince Caspian.” “Prince Caspian” is one of an immensely popular series of books written by C.S. Lewis in the 1950s. The first book in the series is the “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” That book was made into a movie that was released in December of 2005. The popularity of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” at the box office and the Oscars prompted the creation of the movie sequel “Prince Caspian.” The movie is rated PG for epic battle action and violence. It is 140 minutes long... more

Do you ever watch videos on Youtube.com? This morning, an email from a friend directed me to a Youtube video of John Piper talking. He is discussing his opinion of adoption, which he feels is Biblically grounded, “Adoption is greater than the universe.” He explains himself thoroughly in about five minutes including quotes from the Bible to support his opinion. While I agree with his final directive, I am not in complete agreement with his interpretations. That’s all right though, because he is spreading... more

Chances are that churches all over the country, including yours, had the same topic today, Mother’s Day. Prior to a sermon about Mothers, the senior pastor called all of the children to the front of the church to have a talk with them. It was sort of an informal Bible lesson, where he explained to the children why they needed to obey their parents. He told the children that while they made many decisions everyday, some were not the right choices. He elaborated that while they were acquiring more knowledge everyday, they still lacked the experience required to make some... more

This has been yet another week of crisis for our family, not just one, but two crises! I’m tired. I’m sleep deprived. But guess what? I haven’t been Mean Mama Menopause. And, you know what else? The kids have risen to the occasion, as well!

On top of everything I’ve had to deal with this week, I honestly thought the kids would just bicker, and fuss, and grate on each other’s nerves until we all imploded. And, while, yes, last I looked, they were still “just” kids and had a bit of all that going on from time to time, they hung together. They voluntarily offered to... more

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26, NKJV)

My oldest has had a rough couple of days. He's going through a growth spurt and every time he has, in his whole short life, there have always been emotional and behavioral “signs” that accompany that physical growth.

I've mentioned previously that he's scared of having another seizure.... more

As a corollary to yesterday’s post about the Game of Life, I am reminded of a parable of Jesus:

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. “There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he... more

"You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up" (Deuteronomy 6:7).

The elders of the church we attend paid us a visit last night. They make it a point to visit every member of the congregation on a yearly basis to meet in the home of every member to see how things are going.

My husband serves as one of the deacons, so our family is very close to these elders. And, as we sat around comfortably talking, we... more