Interview with Brian Price

Brian Price was born on April 27, 1964 in Los Gatos California to Lloyd and Virginia Price. Brian has two older brothers, Harlan and Marty, and a sister who passed away shortly after birth. I (Jennifer) met Brian on the steps of a church here in Denver while waiting to get into a "Glad" concert. A friend of mine saw Brian standing over by himself, and thinking he was an usher, told me to go ask him where the reserved tickets were. Brian was waiting for his friends to arrive and had no idea where the reserved tickets were, but we did talk for awhile. The next day at church, he was there in the college/career group (he went to the same church as Dad and Jon did, but since I was away at college, I had never seen him before). We saw each other off and on during the summer I was home from college and the night before I left for school, he took me home from a church function and we talked for a few hours in the car. While walking up to the house after saying good-bye it suddenly hit me- this was the guy I was going to marry! A couple of months of long-distance dating later, we decided to get married (apparently he had come to the same conclusion as I had) and by the next summer, we were married. Here is Brian's interview, in his own words:

What is your earliest memory? I remember holding my parents' hands while my hand was in a bandage from a burn. (Brian has a huge scar on his wrist from grabbing the iron off the ironing board after he had just learned to walk at the age of one). I remember learning to ski when I was five.

Do you remember your grandparents? Any special memories of them? I remember my maternal grandparents' house was across the street from a mini-market. I remember the smells of the meats, cheeses and strudels sold there. I remember playing in their house and Grandpa reading the Bible in German. With my paternal grandparents, I remember cutting their grass for them where they lived in a trailer park. I remember that they always had lemon drops at their house. Their furniture was always covered in plastic and you stuck to it when you sat down. My Grandpa Price drove incredibly slow on the freeway, so people would pass and honk at him.

Do you have any special childhood memories? The time we moved into our vacation cabin in Sun River, Oregon at Thanksgiving- we cut pine branches and decorated for the holidays. It was cozy and Christmas-y. We spent many holidays at the cabin and so Sun River holds a lot of memories for me. We liked having large bagels and cream cheese at a shop there.

We took a trip to Norway and Sweden to pick up a new car when I was in eighth grade. We traveled through the fjords (sharp mountains that go down into the sea). I remember being in Oslo for a festival and seeing the drunk people (!). We took a trip to Switzerland when I was nine for a two week bike trip. Another trip was to Germany, Italy and France when I was a junior in high school.

What was your favorite Christmas gift? Skis, boots and poles.
Least favorite gift? One year I was disappointed because I didn't get a remote control jeep that I wanted.

Favorite food as a child? Spaghetti/lasagna, apple pie, graham crackers and milk.

Did you like school? At times.
Favorite subject? German.
Least favorite? History.
Were you a good student? At times.

What did you do after high school? I went to college at Santa Rosa Junior College, Chico State, Arapahoe Community College, and CU Denver. I majored in Management Information Systems and I am currently a Senior Programmer at an insurance company.

What hobbies do you currently have? Taking out the trash, yard work.

Are you married? Tell about your first date with your spouse. Yes. We have a different opinion of when our first date was. I think it was when we went to Marie Calendars with another couple after a college group function and Jennifer thinks is was when I went to visit her in Seattle in 1990. (editor's note: A date is when the man asks the woman out beforehand and they go and do that agreed upon thing together. It is not when the man says "Hey- do you want to go to dinner with a group of us after we are done with this meeting?")

How did you meet your spouse? On the steps of a church at a "Glad" concert.

Do you have children? Yes. Hannah, Abigail, Jacob and Rachel Hope.

Other than the Bible, what is your favorite book? "Piercing the Darkness" and books by Louis L'Amour.

Where do you currently live? Franktown, Colorado.
Do you like it there? I love it here.

Finish this sentence: People say my best characteristic is..." That I am easy going.

"I wish I could change.... about myself" That I wouldn't take things so personally.

What is something people might not know about you? I'm a good skier.

What is the funniest thing your children have ever done? When Hannah was two years old, she kept kissing a little boy during the Christmas play at church.

What is the scariest thing your child/ren have ever done? When the fireplace mantle fell on Hope and Jennifer had to call 911 and take her by ambulance to the hospital when she was a year and a half old.

What do you like to do after a long day? Listen to music.

Are you an introvert or extrovert? Right in the middle. (editor's note: according to the Myers-Briggs test, he is almost right in the middle. When we were first married, he swung to the extrovert side. Now that he's lived with me for so long, he has swung to the introvert side. But still, almost smack in the middle).

What is your favorite hymn? The Old Rugged Cross, Amazing Grace.

Tell about how you became a Christian: I remember being five years old and praying at a Good News Club (like VBS) that was held in a trailer.

Favorite Bible verse? "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

What is a word of advice you would give to someone younger than you? Seek the Lord with all your heart and remain steadfast in your faith.

Bonus question!: Who's your hero or someone you admire? Joseph in the Bible. He was able to stand up under temptation and during hard times and still maintain his faith. Also, Daniel in the Bible who was able to remain faithful to God in difficult situations.

Interview with Uncle Terry

Terry Parks is the eighth child of Hosmer and Ella Belle Parks. He was born on April 21, 1948 in Gaines, Michigan. He kindly answered my interview questions and now we can learn more about him. Here is Uncle Terry, in his own words.

What is your earliest memory? My first memories were all when I was about two. I remember the Green Lake roller rink close by where we lived, playing organ music in the evenings, burning my finger on a motorcycle engine in the parking lot, and having my first drink of pop in that rink. I also remember there my mother taking me next door with her many times to Mrs. Willard's house to get something baked, since we didn't have an oven. I remember vividly having a dream that while Mrs. Willard and my mother were in the kitchen, her hot iron came flying off the ironing board and started chasing me around her house, so I was scared stiff to go over there. I'm quite sure I also remember my brother Jim being home on furlough in his Army uniform before being shipped out to Korea in 1950.

Do you remember your grandparents? Any special memories of them? Only my Grandpa Roelofson was living, and he died when I was eight or so. I remember him sitting in his old stuffed chair, never remembering our names. I remember him laughing a lot, and at the table he would tell us kids to "eat your chilies" (i.e. chili beans I think). When we went "up north" as we called it to visit him in Remus (only 80 miles but to us it seemed like a trip to the far side of the earth), we'd have to sleep in the attic next to or maybe on his many sacks of dried beans and stuff. I remember how his place smelled like a grandpa kind of smell.

Do you have any special childhood memories? Way too many to count or recount. But I was just telling my kids the other day about a memory I haven't thought about for decades, which is that my dad, who almost never took us anywhere or went anywhere himself, one Saturday night when Ozzie asked him, said he would go with us to see Elvis Presley in King Creole at the Wayland theater. I couldn't believe it, but I remember I was so excited. I also remember such momentous things as marrying my kindergarten sweetheart, Rene Woodward, by placing a plastic chicken ring on her finger at the Cowbell Carnival. I was only five, so that first marriage only lasted until the following Monday at school. I really have lots of great, fun memories being a kid, with a few not so good ones, but overall I really had a super childhood.

What was your favorite Christmas gift? I remember being so amazed when I actually got an electric train set. No kidding... A Parks kid with an electric train! I also loved getting "Robbie the Robot" and a great plastic cowboy and horse another Christmas. When I was about ten, Monty gave me a little plastic Uke that I learned to play and I treasured.
Least favorite gift? Probably that real pony that never showed up.

Favorite food as a child? I loved all kinds of food, but especially coco wheats, peanut butter sandwiches dipped in a mug of hot coco, Hungarian goulash, and school cafeteria chili made with big chunks of tomato.

Did you like school? Favorite subject? Least favorite subject? Were you a good student? I liked school, and most subjects. Besides phys-ed and geometry I think my very favorite was probably physics. I wasn't so thrilled about chemistry or biology. I was a good student.


What did you do after high school? College, job? After high school I was at Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music for three years, and my senior year there I was asked to come to Seattle to be a youth pastor at Emanuel Bible Church. I was ordained there and served for six years, then went on to be a senior pastor at Sequim Bible Church in Sequim, Washington for two more years. Then I resigned and started "tent making" in various ways to support myself and my family in further ministry. I then started a small independent church called Abundant Life Church in Washington. Over the past thirty years I think I've done everything except be a brain surgeon and an astronaut. Or did I do those?


What hobbies do you currently have? I love to learn important and worthwhile things and grow, teach, lead Bible studies and small group discussions, invent things and innovate better ways of solving problems. I enjoy good humor. I like to watch the news or see a good documentary, listen to serious discussion, or see a good movie (especially true stories or storylines that are true to life). I'll occasionally get inspired and write a song, continue working on a few long-time writing projects (one a screenplay, and the others short thematic books), generally philosophize with friends and family, play my guitar, sing, travel when I can, and continue to enjoy good times with my kids and grandkids.

Are you married? Tell about your first date with your spouse. I'm an old single guy now. I said an earthly goodbye in '06 to my wonderful Karen, the love of my life, after three years of courtship and almost thirty seven years of marriage. I miss her so much, and have so many treasured memories, A year and a half after she died I was married but only for one year to Lynda, when she suddenly decided to leave our marriage and return to her former long-time and more familiar single life.

I can remember well my first date with Karen. The first weekend at GRSBM there was a picnic, bonfire, sing-along and mixer to welcome all the freshmen, so I asked Karen to sing with me at that event, accompanied by my guitar. We practiced and did that, and later went to an outdoor recreation place that had trampolines, which were a big thing back in 1966. She was jumping away on the trampoline next to me when I noticed she had split the center back seam on her royal blue stretch pants, all the way from the waist down. So she then looked both royal blue and bright white. I went over to her and discreetly tied my sweater around her waist and asked if she had felt a breeze. She checked it out and turned very red. So it wound up being a fun, memorable and very patriotic-looking first date.

How did you meet your spouse? I dated a few girls in high school, and appreciated each of them, but none sang harmony with my heart. The summer after high school before starting at GRSBM I told the Lord I wanted to meet His choice for me, and soon if possible. The very first day of Bible school I saw Karen there in the line waiting for dinner, talking and smiling. I just couldn't keep my eyes off her. Something in me seemed to say "that's her". And it was her.


Do you have any children? Grandchildren? I have four adult kids, now all in their 30's.. Debra, Daniel, Darryl and Denise. I have a daughter-in-law, Shannon, and four grandsons, Steven, Issac, Caleb and Elijah. Someday my princess will come.

Other than the Bible, what is your favorite book? Hard to say. I really appreciated "Traveling Hopefully" by Stan Mooneyham, and "Living On The Growing Edge" by Bruce Larson also had a major impact on me as a young pastor.

Where do you currently live? Do you like it there? Houston, Texas. There are things I appreciate about it, and for the past year and a half it's been a provision of God for us in many ways, including medically. But I'm not a fan of mega-cities, heavy traffic or humidity. I loved living in beautiful Montana, especially Missoula, and miss it in many ways. But every place has its wonders and blessings.


Finish this sentence: "People say my best characteristic is..." I've heard at times things such as caring, generous, patient, understanding, hopeful or visionary. But I guess I don't fit any one suit very well, especially those.

"I wish I could change about myself": I'd like to change the way I too often allow myself to waste precious time on rather worthless things.

What is something people might not know about you? Most don't know how much I love to write and create. I've written some songs, three musical drama productions that have been performed in towns and in churches where I've pastored. I've got at a few books on varied subjects and one screenplay in my mind, outlines and underway, but I'm not close to finishing any of them. People probably don't know that until I was about twenty I almost always chocked up and about died of nervousness whenever I spoke or sang in front of an audience (which now I love to do, but nobody asks anymore...ha, or maybe not so ha). Also, I went through a suicidal depression for several months when I was student body president at GRSBM, which ultimately caused me to miss playing in the most important basketball game of my life at the national championships my junior year of Bible School. That deep abyss helped prepare me both for pastoral counseling and later dealing with the serious mental health issues in my family. Another unknown might be that Karen and I had what we think were two visits to our home by Ted Bundy, before the world knew the serial killer he was. I'm also certain most don't know I'm planning to do my best to attempt to establish with others a new small freedom-loving and Godly independent country, much more like early America once was in spirit and practice, to be called New Liberty.

Do you have any special talents? I have a special and well-honed talent for writing long answers to short questions.

What is the funniest thing your child/ren has ever done? Well, for just one of the many, I get tickled every time I think of Debra as a newly wed, inviting Dan and Darryl over to their humble apartment for a home-cooked meal. She told them later that she had dropped all the hot cooked spaghetti on the floor, so to save the meal she washed all those hot limp noodles with dish soap in the bathroom sink before she served them. Another funny that comes to mind is when our little grandson Steven, whom we raised as our own, one day out of the blue joyfully and excitedly wanted to tell Karen and me that he as so happy because he had just let Jesus out of his heart. Free at last. Another time our same little Steven was throwing lots of ants up in the air. When asked why he said matter-of-factly he wanted them to have a sleep-over with Jesus.

What is the scariest thing your child/ren has ever done? Oh, boy, that's pretty hard to be specific about. Having three of my four kids deal with mental breakdowns in their lives may give an idea of some of the extremely scary and serious things they've attempted or have done. By God's great grace they've all survived them.

What do you like to do after a long day? I like to maybe snack on popcorn while catching some news or maybe watching a good documentary or movie.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Both, but only one at a time.

What is your favorite hymn? I love so many of then, but "Great is Thy Faithfulness" is right up there. I also deeply love "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring".

Tell about how you became a Christian: I was about six or seven when I watched the first Billy Graham film made, called "Mr. Texas". I knew while watching that film that night that I wanted to be sure Jesus was in my heart, so I made very sure of it right then and there. I had been exposed to the gospel many times before, of course, but it especially struck home in my heart that night, Little did I know then that well over 50 years later I would be living in Texas where that film was made.

Favorite Bible Verse? Of all my favorite Scriptures this is probably the one I quote and treasure the most: Romans 11:36 "For from Him, and through Him and to Him are all things, to Whom be glory forever. Amen."

Is there something specific you want to do or accomplish before you die? Yes, I want too be sure to take my very last breath. OK seriously, I really want to help establish a new small, freedom-loving and Godly country, richly bless in some tangible way all those who've helped me to much throughout my life, complete several special projects now underway, and be in a position to give away untold amounts to address the needs of orphans and widows, and advance many worthy ministries.

What is a word of advice you would give to someone younger than you? I'd like to tell them that life is one big trading market...a constantly ongoing exchange of one thing for another, moment by moment, cradle to grave, So make sure when you're exchanging you trade what is less valuable for what is worth much more. The Lord essentially offers us this deal. If we'll just turn over to Him all that we think that we have and own, He'll then freely give us in trade all that He really has and really owns. So that's an exchange you definitely want to make as soon as possible, and then keep right on trading with Him.

Thank you Uncle Terry, for sharing some of your long answers to my short questions! It was fun to get to know you a bit more and find out some of your hopes and plans for the future! Love you very much!

Interview with Dan Parks

Daniel John Parks was born in Seattle, Washington on April 3, 1973 to Terry and Karen Parks. He has an older sister, Debra, and two younger siblings, Darrel and Denise. He is also very involved in the care of his nephew, Steven. Here is Dan's interview, in his own words:

What is your earliest memory? I seem to recall being in my stroller and being pushed underneath an overpass near where we lived in Seattle. I also remember that my motorized ride-on car was taken when I was very little. I think because I left it outside. I remember looking through the fence at the neighbor kids and thinking that one of them may have taken it.

Do you remember your grandparents? Any special memories of them? I remember three of my grandparents, and the other one, my maternal grandmother, is still living. I remember that we used to play UNO with my maternal grandparents and watch Woody Woodpecker cartoons (something we didn't have at our house), and that Grandma Parks would serve us Spaghettios.

Do you have any special childhood memories? Playing with my friends near Chimacum, Washington when I was in elementary school.


What was your favorite Christmas gift? One of my favorites was a Six Million Dollar Man action figure when I was very young.
Least favorite gift? One of my least favorites was a toy truck that my brother got for me when I was quite young that I told him I didn't like (he took it back I think).

Favorite food as a child? Spaghetti.

Did you like school? I liked some things about school.
Favorite subject? My favorite subject was probably band or choir. There weren't any subjects I didn't like.
Were you a good student? I was a very good student in elementary school but in junior high and the first two years of high school I almost never did my homework. I still scored well on tests though. I took community college courses during my senior year so that I could catch up and graduate with my class.

What did you do after high school? Went to school at Biola University majoring in radio/tv/film. I started having mental health problems just before my junior year that interfered with my schooling and I left partway through that year. I finished college at the University of Montana in 2000 majoring in radio/tv production.


What hobbies do you currently have? Being a family video documentarian and family website manager. I'd also like to record music that I've written but right now our living environment isn't st up very well for doing that.

Other than the Bible, what is your favorite book? Growing up I liked the White Mountains series by John Christopher and also Three Investigators books. I still read a lot (on the web) but don't read books these days.

Where do you currently live? Houston, Texas.
Do you like it there? It's too hot.

Finish this sentence: "People say my best characteristic is..." Sense of humor maybe?

"I wish I could change about myself..." I wish I had normal brain chemistry and didn't have to take medications, mostly because it makes me gain weight easily.

What is something people might not know about you? I held my high school record in the triple jump for awhile.

Do you have any special talents? I do impressions. Google "Kermit impression" and click the first result video (by TalentAnonymous).

What do you like to do after a long day? Veg on the couch with the A/C on.


Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I think I'm some of both. I enjoy social interactions and was very talkative growing up, but I'm also content to work on projects by myself and just think.

What is your favorite Bible verse? One of my favorite passages is Colossians 1:19-20: For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.

Is there something specific you want to do or accomplish before you die? Find a cure for cancer (no, really).

What is a word of advice you would give to someone younger than you? Listen to your parents.

Thanks, Dan, for sharing a bit of yourself so we can get to know you better. Everyone in the Parks family is grateful to you for creating and maintaining our family website and for all the videos you have put together over the years. We are so glad that you are a Parks and appreciate the unique qualities that you bring to our family!

Interview with Jared Parks

Jared Lamont Parks is the oldest child of Steve and Melody Parks and brother to Joel. He was born on April 6, 1980 in Sacramento, California. He kindly answered my interview questions so we could get to know him better. Here are is answers, in his own words:

What is your earliest memory? On the way to Michigan in 1983 and I was playing by a sewer lid. I remember it because my mom had it on VHS.


Do you remember your grandparents? Do you have any special memories of them? I have memories of my grandparents on my mom's side. They are still alive. I remember Grandma's penny gumball machine at her house. It was a staple memory.

Do you have any special childhood memories? Yes, all my fellow students chanting my nickname as I was getting ready to dance down the graduation stage.

What was your favorite Christmas gift? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video game.
Least favorite? Sweaters.

Favorite food as a child? Strawberries.

Did you like school? Yes.
Favorite subject? English.
Were you a good student? Average.

What did you do after high school? I got my Medical Assistant Certification and Nursing Assistant Certification.


What hobbies do you currently have? Video games, music, listening to talk radio.

Other than the Bible, what is your favorite book? Kevin Trudeau "Natural Cures They Don't Want You To Know About" and "Mr. Toad".

Where do you currently live? In California in my Grandpa's R.V. Yes, it's the only place for me.

Finish this sentence: "People say my best characteristic is..." compassion/empathy.

"I wish I could change ---- about myself" My OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and financial situation.

Do you have any special talents? Playing trumpet.

What do you like to do after a long day? Lay down outside on the grass and pet the dogs.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Extrovert.

What is your favorite hymn? Jesus Loves Me.

Tell about how you became a Christian: About the fifth or sixth grade I felt conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Favorite Bible Verse? I don't know it but it talks about the Holy Spirit dwelling in your innermost being.

Is there something specific you want to do or accomplish before you die? To be a fully functional, cured person. Find the causes and cures for OCD and know God and experience the fullness and completeness of God.

What is a word of advice you would give to someone younger than you? Guard your heart (take care of yourself) for it is the wellspring of life.

Thank you, Jared, for sharing a bit of yourself! We are so glad that the Lord allowed you to be adopted into the Parks family and thank Him for the unique and special qualities that you bring to the family!

Interview with Uncle Steve

Steve D. Parks is the youngest child of Hosmer and Ella Parks. He was born November 23, 1950 in Plainwell, Michigan. He was kind enough to answer my interview questions so we could get to know him better. Here is Uncle Steve, in his own words:

Do you have any memories of your grandparents? I remember Grandpa Rolofson's good sense of humor.

Do you have any special childhood memories? I loved playing with my nieces and nephews.


What was your favorite Christmas gift? I got a Jerry Mahoney ventriloquist doll.
Least favorite gift? A lump of coal.

Favorite food as a child? I liked home made pizza made by my mom the best.


Did you like school? Favorite subject? Were you a good student? I liked school pretty well. I liked art class. I didn't like algebra. I was a pretty good student.

What did you do after high school? I became a Youth Director after college.

What hobbies do you have? I love to collect music and listen to it.

Tell us about your first date with Aunt Melody: I was married to Melody on June 17, 1972. Our first date was to a homecoming basketball game.

How did you meet Melody? I met my wife at GRSBM in the Choralaires.

Children? We have two children, Jared and Joel.

Favorite Book? The Bible

Where do you currently live? Do you like it there? I live in Galt, California. It is a nice place to live.

Finish this sentence: "People say my best characteristic is..." My sense of humor.

"I wish I could change about myself-" My hair color.

Something funny/scary your children have done: My sons put super glue on my straw. It was stuck on my lips for awhile. (Editor's note: Would this be "funny" or "scary"??)


What do you like to do after a long day? I like to sit in my recliner with a cold drink.

Introvert or extrovert? Extrovert.

What is your favorite hymn? Great is Thy Faithfulness.

How did you become a Christian? I went to a Joe Talley Evangelistic meeting at my home church in Wayland, Michigan when I was seven years old. It was so clear to me even at that age what an important decision I had made. Praise the Lord!

Favorite Bible Verse? John 14:6- "Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me."


Is there something specific you want to do or accomplish before you die? I would like to reach out to and witness to those unsaved that I work with before I die.

What is a word of advice you would give to someone younger than you? My advice would be to use the rest of your life to serve the Lord and don't let anyone despise your youth as I Timothy 4:12 says.

Thank you, Uncle Steve, for sharing a bit of yourself. I know I speak for everyone in the family when I say that we all love your crazy sense of humor and couldn't imagine the Parks family without you!

Interview with Aunt Melody!

Aunt Melody June Parks is married to my Uncle Steve, the youngest of the nine Parks children. Not only did she fill out my interview questionnaire , she also allowed me to hound her on the phone for more information! So, without further ado, here is Aunt Melody:

Parents: Glenn and Elizabeth Frantson

Siblings: Glenda and Ronny

Earliest Memory: At age 4 or 5, playing outside her house on Harvey Road, Galt, California.

Memories of Grandparents: Melody's paternal grandmother died of breast cancer before she was born, but she remembered her Grandpa Jimmy. He had a great smile and she remembers him speaking Norwegian. He loved to watch boxing. He would go to the Lutheran church first, then go to the Bible church- an inspiration that he loved hearing God's word.

Melody's maternal grandparents, Arthur and Virgie Chaney, always lived nearby. They spent a lot of weekends with them and holidays too. They always had a garden and fruit trees, After Melody had a family she made a garden with her Grandpa and he taught her a lot about gardening. Grandpa loved to play games and Melody thinks she was the only grandchild ever to spend a night with them. Her grandma sewed, crocheted and played the piano. She also canned fruit and vegetables.

Melody's Childhood Memories: Some of her favorite memories were when she sent to her Dad's worksite and helped him while he built a house. When she was in her preteen years, her dad got the children a Shetland pony and they enjoyed riding it.

Another great memory was when she was about 8 or 9 years old. Their family took a vacation to Disneyland for the first time, then went down to Mexico. They stayed at a motel on the beach; they even rode horses on the beach.

Favorite Christmas Gift: A black puppy.

Favorite Food: Hamburgers.



Did you like school?: Yes, mostly because my friends were there. Her favorite subject was history. Math was always a challenge. She was a fair student and got better as she got older.

After high school, she went to Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music for two years and had a waitress job.

Melody married Steve Parks on June 17, 1972

First date with Steve: Homecoming basketball game. They double dated with another couple so when they came to pick her up in a small mustang there was no room for her to sit. The back seat was full of stuff for a float so she had to sit on Steve's lap. She wondered if that was his plan.

Steve and Melody met at GRSBM. They were in the same music group together, the Choralaires.
Aunt Melody says that she liked Uncle Steve's sense of humor and that they were good together- and that is how she knew that she wanted to marry him. Uncle Steve proposed at a church camp called Heartstone one day when they took a drive up there.

Hobbies: Melody loves to play the piano and sing, grow flowers and vegetables. She crochets a little and loves to take family photos (Editorial comment: that is an understatement!). She enjoys collecting all things Disney.

Children: Two adopted boys, Jared Lamont Parks and Joel Stephen Parks.

Favorite Book: Gone With The Wind.

Where do you currently live?: Galt, California. They love it because of its closeness to both the mountains and the ocean.

What do people think is your best characteristic?: Her even, upbeat personality.

What might people not know about you?: That she is a huge western fan. She loves John Wayne movies and country music.

Is there anything funny that your children have done?: Jared did a "phatty" dance in high school. Joel made a video for his senior project, "How To Make Spaghetti".

Have your children done anything scary?: Jared left school and went to a friend's house in sixth grade. He had to cross railroad tracks and did not have permission. They didn't even know the friend he left with.

Joel got lost (went missing) at age two in Mervyns when she was shopping. They finally found him across the store in the shoe department in the arms of a woman and he wasn't even crying.

What do you like to do after a long day?: She likes to get a massage but if she can't do that she will watch a good John Wayne movie. A glass of lemonade and a hamburger will also work.

Favorite Hymn: At Calvary, Victory in Jesus.

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalms 16:11. Romans 10:9-13.

When did you become a Christian?: "I can't remember the exact time I asked the Lord into my heart, but I remember one Sunday at the age of twelve that I wore one of my best Sunday dresses because I knew that at the altar call I wanted to go down front to show everyone that I had accepted the Lord as my Savior. I was very happy that day".

Desires, plans for retirement?: To travel, especially to Norway where her father's family comes from.

What words of advice would you give to someone younger than you?: Follow the Lord, be true to yourself, don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry" or "I love you".

Remember- Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.

Steve and Melody in Hawaii

Thanks, Aunt Melody, for sharing a bit of your life with me. I love you very much!

Interview with Brenda

Brenda is married to Brian's older brother Marty and has been my sister-in-law for eighteen years :). We have a few important things in common. First, we were both born in Michigan and our birthdays are just one day apart (different years, though). Brenda has taught me about shopping these past few years- in the past I would rarely try anything on in the store and so I wouldn't always find the best fit or color. Brenda, however, loves to try things on and she showed me how important it is- and how you can end up with things you never realized would fit you well. Now when I take the girls shopping for clothes (just a few times a year) we end up trying on LOTS of things and buying the few that look and fit really well. So, thanks Brenda for teaching me this vital aspect of mothering teenage girls!

Brenda was born in Pontiac, Michigan on March 5. She was born prematurely and had a collapsed lung. She had to stay in an incubator for a month before she could go home with her parents. Brenda is the oldest of five children- four sisters and one brother.

Brenda's parents met at Bob Jones University and her father was a schoolteacher, teaching High School history and current events. Her mother was a homemaker and cared for the family.

Brenda became a Christian in the third grade during Sunday School. Then she went forward again the next Sunday, this time for her younger sister. Her teacher had to explain that her sister would need to make her OWN decision for Christ...

Brenda's favorite Bible verse is John 3 :16-17.

Favorite traditions growing up included visiting her grandparent's house on Christmas Eve. They had an old-fashioned artificial tree with bubble lights. She loved to watch her grandpa decorate the tree and put the icicle ornaments on one-by-one. The next day, her grandparents would come over to their house for Christmas dinner and for opening presents.

After her father retired from teaching, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Illinois for a few years. Then he was transferred to Texas. During the time her father was in the Air Force, Brenda took care of the house in Michigan and lived there with roommates. Brenda worked at a pre-school after her years at Bible College.

When her parents returned to Michigan, Brenda had just gone through a painful breakup of a relationship. Brenda's father suggested that she might do well with a fresh start and encouraged her to move to Santa Rosa, California, where her sister and brother in law were living. Brenda had visited them earlier in the year and had liked the area, so she took her father's advice.

Brenda quickly found a job at a pre-school and a good living situation with girls from her sister and brother-in-law's church. Within a month of moving to California, Brenda attended a singles conference and was introduced to Marty by one of the roommates. Marty took a few weeks to ask Brenda out, but he finally got up the courage and they had their first date- watching the University of Michigan vs Ohio State football game on TV. (Brenda doesn't remember who won, sorry!). They enjoyed talking about all the things their families had in common, such as flying (both fathers were pilots and Marty's brothers flew, too).

Brenda mentioned a funny aside when she told me about their date! Her sister knew Brian's oldest brother, Harlan and Brian, but didn't know about Marty. When this gentleman called to ask Brenda out and left a message (Brenda was not at home for the phone call), her sister assumed it was BRIAN that was calling since Harlan was married. When Brenda returned, her sister told her that someone had asked her for a date, but she had to warn her that the boy was quite a bit younger than her!! (almost ten years). Imagine her relief when the "boy" turned out not to be Brian, but rather his older brother Marty :).

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Brenda said that her favorite aspect of marriage is the companionship. She enjoys the closeness and compatibility, and the fact that her husband still loves her even when she has had a bad day and is cranky.

Brenda has worked in pre-schools for twenty years and enjoys the teachability of this young age. She loves that they are interested in the little things (like bugs, rocks) and loves it when they greet her excitedly when she walks into the room.

Marty and Brenda love to travel and have particularly enjoyed Hawaii and Niagara Falls. They are also anticipating a special anniversary trip this fall to Boston, a city Brenda has always wanted to visit.

Brenda's hobbies include making porcelain dolls and playing piano, a relatively new skill she is picking up.

Thank you Brenda, for sharing a bit of your life with me! I look forward to learning more shopping skills from you in the years to come!

Interview with Aunt Jewel

Brian's Aunt Jewel stopped by for an overnight visit in July and we enjoyed the chance to ask her questions about her life and get to know more about the family history. We even discovered a few family skeletons in the closet! (Today, though, the circumstances would not be considered scandalous). Here is part of the interview with Aunt Jewel. (I need to download the pictures we took while Aunt Jewel was here).

Jewel's paternal Grandfather, James P. moved from England to Grafton, Australia to find a job. Once he found employment, he sent for Sarah Woods, his fiance, who arrived from England. They were married by the ship's captain in Australia. While they lived there, they ran a store selling fresh produce. In fact, their son (Jewel's father) has a memory of getting food on a truck from the warf when he was a toddler.

All together, James and Sarah had thirteen children with three dying in infancy. Their oldest child was named Jim and their youngest was named Ethel.

When Jewel's father, Reginald, was two years old, the family moved back in England (in 1896). The reason given for this move was that Sarah was homesick. In England, they also ran a produce business.

In 1910 or 1911, the whole family moved again, this time to America. The came into Montreal, Canada, and then into the US. They first went to Arkansas and tried to buy land there, but it didn't work out. So they went to Benden, Michigan near Traverse City and bought land for a farm. There they raised cattle, wheat and vegetables. Jewel said they would listen to the radio to find out good farming practices for that area of the country. (Too bad they didn't have the internet back then!).

Jewel remembered going to visit her grandparents on their farm, having to drive all night to get there, and getting to sleep in her Grandmother's bed (her brothers had to sleep in the barn!). She remembered her cousin Johnny who would drive his Model T into the nearby bay and pull the cousins on a raft around the lake. She also remembered when her brother Stoney had scarlet fever, the doctor recommended fresh air, so he lived at his grandparent's farm during the summer for his recovery.

After Grandpa James died, Uncle Tom took over the farm. Grandma Sarah stayed with her children, Aunt Ethel especially. Aunt Ethel was a nurse who took training to help people with polio, then later worked at an Elizabeth Arden beauty salon. Grandma liked to visit Ethel's fancy apartment.

Jewel's father (and Brian's grandfather) Reginald was born in Australia. He met his wife Charlotte Adams at the Methodist church where she was the Sunday School Superintendent. They married when they were both 28 and together they had three children, Stoney, Jewel and Lloyd.

Reginald, Charlotte and Lloyd

Reginald worked for the University of Chicago Press where they published books by professors. He set type at the press and corrected the type after the first run through. He worked three days a week during the Depression and had another job selling shoes during that time.

In retirement, he worked at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago setting up their printing exhibits. He would set up the antique printing machines and used them to print out menus and invitations to museum events. He loved talking to people and teaching them about printing. Reginald also enjoyed gardening in his victory garden and singing in a group called the "Glee Men".

Jewel met her husband Jim in high school English class and she liked that he was sociable and that he paid attention to her (!). They liked to go to movies together. They were married in the early 50's and he was in the Navy. Jim was stationed in Cuba during the Viet Nam War for three years. Jewel lived with Jim in Cuba for 6 months on a naval base. Jim and Jewel had three children, Dana (who is currently a librarian), Jimmy (who is an engineer) and Pam (who is a college Chemistry professor). Jewel has three grandchildren (her daughter Pam's children).

I asked Aunt Jewel in what ways she resembles her parents and this was her answer:

Like her father, Jewel has a love of learning. She likes to sing and she thinks that her personality is similar to his.
Like her mother, Jewel was a good housewife and enjoyed cooking and sewing. She thinks she resembles her mother physically.

Charlotte, Jewel's mother

Now that Jewel is in her 80's, she remains active and continues to enjoy traveling and camping. Her life has been full of both academics (Chemistry, especially) and with rafting, camping and outdoor adventure. Her goal is to continue to travel with the other women in her camping group.

Aunt Jewel's camping gear

Finally, I asked Jewel what advice she would give to someone else. She answered, "Be sure you know how to have meaningful discussions with people, your spouse, your children, and to know how to communicate with others. Relationships are of primary importance."

It was wonderful to sit down with Aunt Jewel and learn more about Brian's side of the family. I learned a lot and enjoyed hearing about the exciting and adventurous life Aunt Jewel has led!

Interview with Debra!

Debra is married to my oldest step-brother, Del, and together they are the parents of four wonderful, beautiful, brilliant children. One of the best parts of belonging to this blended family is the joy of being related to such a super person as Debra. Even though Deb is a busy wife and mother, she willingly agreed to answer my questions so I could learn more about her. So, without further ado, here is Debra!

Favorite author(s) : Way too many “favorite” books to list. My favorite authors are George MacDonald and CS Lewis.

Favorite Hymn: O For A Thousand Tongues (Since He has broken the power of cancelled sin & has been actively setting this prisoner of sin free; & since I believe His blood can make the foulest clean, I can’t help but ask for 10,000 tongues to express my praise to/for Him! Interestingly, I didn’t start painting, drawing, writing songs or stories, until I became a Christian…surely, He is responding to my petition! May He add to me thousands more tongues, and might I be found praising Him w/ each one.)

Favorite Food: Thai – very spicy red curry absolute favorite; also Mediterranean – salads, avocados, nuts etc; and last but not least, I love all kinds of fruit w/ walnuts, yogurt, and cottage cheese.

Tell me about your family (mother, father, etc.) Where did you grow up? I was born in Amsterdam, NY, & I grew up in a little town called Broadalbin, NY (Upstate NY, near Albany). I’m the youngest of four children (I have two sisters, 12 & 10 yrs older than I, & one brother, 7 yrs older than I). My oldest sister was born w/ autism/childhood schizophrenia.

My dad traveled w/ a construction crew building bridges etc, so before I was born my family moved every few years. They decided to stay put when they moved to NY (the beauty of Upstate NY reminded them of their own birthplace [Ridgeley, WVa]) and my dad decided to make a go of self-employment. He began by buying a mobile home park. (He kept that mobile home park until not too terribly long ago.) He bought several other properties and also a corner gas station. It was just a gas station, earth floor and all! He built a building (w/ a real floor) and added a mini-mart. The business grew and expanded quite rapidly and Dad became a true land & business developer – he discovered he had energy, smarts, & passion for developing the potential value of properties/businesses. My mom, older sister & brother all had a hand in the business from early on. I was very small so just hung out w/ the customers all day until I was old enough to add my hand to the actual carrying on of the place. I liked people and very much enjoyed talking to the locals who frequented the coffee shop - added when Dad expanded the minimart (yep, coffee shops existed before Starbucks ).



Did you take any special trips or vacations as a child? Not as a child so much, other than an occasional trip to Florida, and every holiday we made our way to my parents’ families’ homes in WVa/MD. But once my other siblings were not at home any more, I traveled w/ my parents to Paris, France, and went on a couple of really nice cruises; one throughout the Caribbean down as far as Caracas, Venezuela; the other to various ports in Mexico & the Bahamas. As a teenager, I went with some friends to Portugal.

Did you like school? I guess I did. I didn’t dislike it. It wasn’t difficult for me. I never really thought about whether I liked it or not. I know that I very much disliked going to and from school on the school bus…rough stuff and chaotic.

What was your favorite subject in school? Worst subject? I liked reading and math. Didn’t really care for science or computers, though I really like science now.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Totally depended on who or what I had been exposed to on any given day. For a long time I wanted to be a veterinarian. Everyone in my family loved animals, so we were always caring for little creatures…yes, all kinds of creatures. J Later, I wanted to be someone who helped families dealing w/ a mentally ill family member. Somewhere in there I thought about being a missionary, a nurse, a professor, a pastor. I always had in mind that I wanted to be a mom.

How would you describe your personality? Instinctively quiet, but very interested in, and many times, energized by, people, so compelled to be social. I am fatigued by long periods of social interaction (at least those in which I am required to talk), so though I enjoy them for a time, I am very grateful for quiet, alone, replenishing time soon afterward.

Do you have any hobbies? I really enjoy painting (esp like to paint faces or to depict some biblical interaction). Many consider running one of my hobbies, but since it is a very regular part of my life, I don’t consider it a hobby. Running races may be another hobby. I do like to do a few races/yr, and enjoy training for them. I also enjoy writing short stories, making up songs, drawing, photography, reading…. Del tells me the last thing I need is another hobby. (He’s kidding…in reality he does everything in his power to support & encourage me in every one of them!)


How did you meet Del? He traveled w/ his family on a ministry team…the team came to my church in NY when we were 14 and 15 years old. We met and began a friendship. We didn’t stay in close contact, but a couple years later I worked at a camp in Michigan; Del lived on these particular campgrounds in the summertime. Our friendship deepened that summer. Again, we didn’t continue frequent communication, but a couple years later we ended up literally bumping into each other at the University post office on the first day of classes (this was in Virginia). Del’s dad died very soon after we arrived at college, so Del returned home for a while. When he returned, we dated quite seriously but at the end of his sophomore, my junior year, he transferred to a college closer to his family. We again J didn’t stay in close communication, but then a couple years later, Del called my parents to try to find out where I was. When he reached me, we discovered that both of us had been accepted into graduate programs in the Chicago area. We finally clued in to the fact that it was clearly “meant to be”, chose a weekend at the peak of the Fall season in Michigan (yes, in the middle of our graduate work), & were married! That was 1994. And I am more sure than ever that it was, indeed, meant to be. Del is an off the charts incredible husband!


You wrote a ministry pamphlet about your struggles with bulimia. Do you know what led to your developing bulimia? Isolation, poorly developed self-control, & desire for selfish pleasure w/out consequences How were you able to overcome this eating disorder? God filled me w/ strong desire for another way. (The way of JESUS; freedom to follow Him in every way He was asking me to follow Him.) The actual process of overcoming bulimia involved prayer, completely cutting out all “trigger” foods, incorporating regular exercise into my daily routine, memorizing Scripture, & learning to tell myself NO.

How has motherhood been different than you thought it would be or surprising in any way? I think maybe I thought that w/ motherhood came wed w/ selflessness, maturity, wisdom, patience, self-control...I learned quickly that one does not receive these virtues through simple induction into motherhood.

What has been your favorite aspect of motherhood so far? Listening to the kids when their interactions are sweet or funny; I love to hear them laugh, watch them play, read, love; watching them learn, grow, develop, mature; just being w/ them.

What has been your most challenging aspect of motherhood so far? Exercising self-control over my own mouth.

How did you and Del come to the decision to homeschool your children? It was really a given for us; there are not any schools nearby that we feel would/could properly educate them; we feel like God has given us the primary responsibility for their training while they are in our home...it would be difficult for us to train them if they were away from us all day five days a week.


Since Del speaks and writes about marriage and relationships in the ministry you're both involved in, do you feel that people are watching you more closely to see if you both practice what you preach? We don't pretend that we have it all together; we're brutally honest w/ those who look at us like we're some kind of perfect couple who have marriage and family issues neatly packaged and figured out once and for all. We don't minister out of perfection. We minister out of what we have, and what we have is sometimes wonderful and sometimes it is a very big mess. So...in answer to your question, if they watch us close up and personal, I have no doubt that they will be at least mildly, probably more like wildly, at times, disgusted and disappointed...but they can't say we didn't tell them that we are still in process.

I have heard that it can be difficult for those in ministry to develop close friendships due to their role as a leader. Have you and Del found this to be true? Not at all; we are very sincerely grateful for many incredible friendships.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of being involved in ministry? Seeing people become more of who they were made to be

Since you have attended lots of marriage conferences, can you tell what you think has been the most helpful advice you have heard? Focus on what you like/love about your spouse.

What has God been teaching you recently? How willing and able He is to do more than I ask or imagine

Do you have any words of wisdom for mothers of young children? Pray, and remember that God did not randomly select you to be mother to these children. You were fitted together w/ your children purposely for their good as well as for yours. They will have the greatest opportunity of knowing & loving God, and becoming all of who He made them to be through your being their mother. God will efficiently use your time with them whether you are acting w/ them in accordance w/ all of your strengths or whether you are acting w/ them in accordance w/ all of your weaknesses. He has given you these particular children b/c they are the children most perfectly suited for helping you become better, helping you become more, helping you become beautiful as a child of God!

God is redemptive by nature. He is obviously not afraid of our failures...He would never entrust such precious lives to us if His confidence was in us. His confidence is in Himself, and so ought ours to be. Pray for your kids, do the best you can (recognizing that sometimes the best you can is not going to win you mother of the year award), and stake your claim in God's eager readiness and unequaled power to redeem, save, renew, & remake your children and you according to the pattern of person He has, from before time began, had in mind to help your children and you become!

Interview with Dad!

This weekend I was able to ask my Dad a few questions (lots, actually) about his life. There are many more questions I could ask and I think it might be a good idea to keep a list of future questions that pop into my head. I think in some ways it's hard to interview people close to you because you already know so much about them that you can overlook obvious and important questions. Despite my interviewing shortcomings, here is part of our interview.


My Dad, Robert (Bob), is the seventh of nine children born to Hosmer and Ella Belle. He was born at home in Caladonia, Michigan a really long time ago :). He married my mother, Clarice, after they both graduated from Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music and together they had two children. Four years after my mother's death, Dad married Judy (also widowed) and within a few years they moved their blended family to Canada where my Dad currently pastors a church in the Toronto area. Dad and Judy are enjoying being grandparents and are looking forward to retirement sometime soon.


Starting with the easy questions:

Favorite Book (other than the Bible): "Called and Committed" , read in the summer of 1979 and "Brendan" by Fredrick Buechner. "Brendan" is a historical fiction book that was a requirement for a church history class. I appreciate Buechner's premise in his writing that your life is a story and has a plot which shows God's work in your life through the years.

Favorite Movie: Tender Mercies and O Brother Where Art Thou

Favorite Song: Great is Thy Faithfulness


Special Bible Verse: Philippians 3:13-14- Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Favorite Food: Anything from Cracker Barrel, green beans and meat loaf.

Favorite Place on Earth: The Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York.


A Place You've Never Been to But Want to Go: England- to see the countryside and see where our family originated.

Memorable Present as a child: A marionette puppet that had its own stage. As an adult, a leather coat given by mom (Clarice).

In what ways do you resemble your parents? Like my father, I am introverted and quiet in groups of people. Like my mother, I enjoy laughter, good food and going out.


Memories of Grandparents? I only knew my maternal Grandfather. He had a good sense of humor and liked to tease. He kept ginger snaps in the cupboard and the kids would take them (and he knew it!). He was a widower for a long time and a retired farmer. He lived in a log cabin and raised corn, beans, cattle and hogs. Whenever we would visit him, we would arrive late at night and would have to wake him up so he could let us in. It was always an adventure to stay at his house.

Early Memories: Locking brothers and sisters in the outhouse. Since none of them thought I was tall enough to reach the outside lock ( I was three or four), I never got blamed for it. I also remember getting bitten on the face by a mother dog when I went to the neighbor's house to look at their puppies. I had to get a tetanus shot after that. I also remember a car crash that happened right outside our house while we were playing outside. I remember street dances, ox roasts and fireworks in the park in Caladonia.

Favorite music/entertainment as a teen? Everly Brothers, Righteous Brothers, Beach Boys, Sam Cook, Gunsmoke (TV), I Love Lucy, Westerns on TV.


What jobs did you hold as a younger man? In high school I gave piano lessons and did some babysitting. I also worked as a junior counselor at Dorion Bible Camp in Canada. At seventeen, I worked as a stock clerk at Woolworth's in downtown Grand Rapids. After a year or so at that job, I worked at Merill Lynch sending out bills for stock purchases. Both jobs helped put me through Bible School. One summer I traveled in singing groups and in my second and third years I was the director at a Bible conference/teen ranch in New Hampshire during the summer.

When did you know you wanted to be a pastor? As a teen-ager I knew I wanted to do something in Christian service. For a time in high school I took business classes and briefly considered a career in business, but I always felt a calling towards ministry.

When did you learn to play piano? I took lessons in the eighth grade from our church pianist. At the time, I didn't appreciate all the emphasis on correct fingering and technique as it seemed too academic and not creative enough. I can and do read music, but I often play using chord structure and by ear.


What attracted you to mom? Her smile. I liked her upbeat, natural ways. I thought she was beautiful and had a sweet manner.

When did you know she was the one? After a Youth for Christ rally I took her back to her dorm and gave her a good night kiss. I realized then that I really cared for her.


An important goal you have fulfilled? Completing my seminary education. I began working on it while pastoring in California, taking classes on weekends and on breaks. When we moved to Colorado, I continued on at Denver Seminary. Seminary education gave me confidence that I was trained in and had a wider exposure to theology.


What are you looking forward to in retirement? More time for travel, writing and reading. I hope to complete a project I have been working on which is looking at a Biblical evaluation of burial versus cremation.

Any Advice? Come to terms with your life, your past (including hurts, disappointments, deprivations, losses) and accept it as God's working in your life. When you are comfortable with yourself (and your past), you can move forward in confidence to what God has for you.


Thanks, Dad! Now I'll need to think of the rest of the questions I forgot to ask!