Samchoon's Legacy

John Sungsoo Park was born on October 29, 1954 in Seoul, Korea and died on February 5, 2011 in Seattle, Washington at the age of 56.  He was a son, husband, father of three children, a brother, mentor and a lover of Christ.  I called him Samchoon (meaning uncle in Korean). 

Samchoon was a humble, generous and selfless man who devoted his life to serve Christ and love others before himself.  Aside from owning his own CPA firm, Samchoon spent his time as an elder at Korean Presbyterian Church of Seattle, rarely missing a Sunday service and always sharing the gospel until his final days.  From church sport activities to weekly church meetings, Samchoon's priorities never wavered.  He truly loved God's people as if they were all "blood related," serving the church with great compassion and dignity.  Samchoon taught me that it wasn't nearly enough to go to church, that to be a Christian we are to live completely devoted to Jesus.  And that there is great value in loving and serving Jesus, desiring more of the Holy Spirit as a church community. 

The fruits of Samchoon's labor on earth was apparent at his memorial.  It was quite obvious he had an impression on hundreds of lives.  Many people flew to Seattle from various corners of the continent on a moments notice to celebrate John's life.  The sanctuary was packed full with over 400 people, and an additional 100+ people listening in while standing outside in the cold weather.  Despite the interment service the following day, many people sacrificed their own agenda to honor and bid Samchoon a final farewell.  Its exactly what he would do for them.

It amazes me how Samchoon provided and attended to the needs of his parents, wife and children (for many years had seven people in the same house), while running his own business, and actively involved with church - he carried such a heavy load.  And despite his busy schedule always made time for you.  How does someone with such a large (proverbial) plate  demonstrated a headship, a loving marriage, and a joyful heart with such grace?  He enjoyed the outdoors and was the first to introduced my family to the quality goods at REI.  He was the adult with great responsibilities yet his child-like joyful spirit never escaped him. 

A few months prior to passing away, Samchoon prayed over a family meal and while I only recorded a small snip - he prayed, "Jesus always guide them (family members).  Always be the master of their lives.  (with appreciation & gratitude) God, thank you so much!  I pray in Jesus' name.  Amen."

Samchoon, THANK YOU!  Thank you for your encouragement and your example through the years.  Thank you for continually pointing us to Jesus, for the many hugs & laughs you shared and for humbly leading our family well.  I love you, Samchoon!

Thee Birthday Celebration

There's many reasons to celebrate: a new job, promotion, retirement, graduation, engagement, wedding, family addition or even a new home.  However of all these occasions to get a greeting card and  raise a glass, the best celebratory reason to honor and uphold, is Jesus and his existence on the earth.  Yes, I'm talking about Jesus Christ's birthday (aka Christmas).

If I knew someone who was turning 2,010 years old - I would hope the birthday party to be huge!  From flowers, decorations, food/drinks, music, photographers, transportation and additional costs, the average cost of a wedding in Seattle is about $30,000.  Even the multiple-day wedding events in India aren't as intriguing as Jesus birthday party.  Although its definitely a great reason to 'go big' and party it up, its minor league compared to how JC rolls.

Participating in Jesus' birthday is unavoidable and providentially designed that way.    We have eight Christmas events to attend to this month...it seems overwhelming but its always a joyous occasion.  Jesus doesn't need money to determine his worth or value.  He honors His own birthday every year in playing joyful carols in every store & on every radio station, receiving Christmas card surprises in your mail, sentimental candlelight church service, happy people of all ages, time off from work and the selfless act of giving gifts and love to one another.  What's most impressive about this birthday party is that its an international event and Jesus invited EVERYONE to participate!

May you and your loved ones enjoy the Christmas festivities with joy and gladness.  Happy Birthday Jesus and thanks for the party invite. 

JOY-FULL Summer

Have you ever wanted to be the woman who ran with life and genuinely enjoyed it? For several months, I routinely asked God in prayer to fill my heart with His joy. I desired to be consistently happy (where no one could identify my "time of the month"), to have a child-like spirit who doesn't worry about responsibilities and simply saw the glass always half full. I passionately wanted to be alive and joyous, but was unsure of how to get there.

I wanted the few closest people to me, who know everything about me to be the ones who make me laugh until my abs hurt (heck, I didn't have very many friends to play the role). While still bitter and disappointed with myself I hid in my turtle shell, not letting anyone in and becoming the woman with a lot of acquaintances but no true friendships. While at community group one night, we split into gender small groups for prayer time. When it was my turn to address any prayer needs, I defaulted to my regular request of desiring to experience His joy.

Since the time of our ladies prayer group, nearly four months has passed and I stumbled upon my prayer notes as opportunity to check-in with what Jesus has been doing in these ladies lives but I immediately realized that my request has been fulfilled (Amen)! From summer BBQ's, weddings, and baby showers with these ladies - I noticed that I was happiest after being with our group members. I wanted to do more, laugh more and have more time with the ladies who have filled my 'empty friendship' cup. Turns out Alex said he hasn't seen me this joyful since our early dates together; it truly has made a difference.

Jesus not only knew that I was lacking a relationship balance with other women, but used these women to pray for me while also being the answer to my prayer. These community group girls which Jesus placed around me has radiated my heart with an abundance of joy. Its been a JOY-FULL summer being around cool people, laughing really hard, and sharing life together.

"The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."
Proverbs 15:29-30

Family growth

I love my Kim & Hopwood families for its one-of-a-kind uniqueness, embracing love, Christian example and the generational growth & legacy. However, last Sunday was Easter in which I had the privilege of spending with my church family at MHC-Ballard.

Easter Sunday is a holiday in which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Where Jesus conquered death by raising up from his own tomb to be with his friends and Father. Unfortunately, this holiday brings back poor memories as a child of wet grass fields with hidden plastic eggs and I was more concentrated on avoiding dog poop more than I was about getting prizes. Now as an adult, I've realized that its more than grass stains and colored boiled eggs, its about Jesus solidifying his majesty & power over all things (he can't be trumped, He's the real deal). This is expressed with SO much joy & excitement as if I was a MLB rookie pitcher who just won the world championships w/ a no-hitter...it's THAT cool!

Easter marked an incredible milestone not only for the church body but also for the many people who took a bold step for Jesus. Pastor Cliff Ellis said that Mars Hill had "close to 20,000 in attendance for Good Friday & Easter, another 19,000 watched online, and 376 were baptized." Alex & I are volunteer leaders who help in coordinating baptisms at the Ballard campus. We needed 12 volunteers for each of the 5 services, and we began with nearly seven committed volunteers total, then somehow our Lord continues to provide and we ended up having an abundance of helping hands for each service. Through this ministry we got to serve 129 attendees who stepped forward and got dunked for Jesus. I'm continually amazed at the work that Jesus is doing around us - drug attics being transformed and changed, prophetic dreams coming true, rape victims being reborn, and others finally giving up their own (sin, desires, control, etc.) saying "yes" to Jesus' invitation.

Nearly six years ago I knew I found a "home church" where I could participate, learn and get involved with. But I never thought this church of drug attics, alcoholics, rape victims, indie rock-worshiping congregation would actually be my family. Similar to my real families, Jesus' family is just as quirky, as unique, and also growing rapidly. I'm honored to serve, learn and experience from the church and be a part of HIS-story.

To preview some of those stories, click here.

Alex's Testimony

Alex got baptized at Mars Hill Church - Ballard campus on Sunday, December 7, 2009. Proceeding each service, we stood in front of the congregation at all 4 services and Alex gave his testimony while Pastor Bubba Jennings coached him through on-stage Q&A. Alex says that its not enough to be morally good person, who abide by the (christian) rules. God calls us to covant relationship and faithfully believing that He ultimately has better plans for our lives (beyond religious practices, works/deeds, good will and moralism).

On this day, Pastor Mark Driscoll pre-recorded the sermon from the Jordan River while speaking of Jesus being baptized in Luke 3. We were well supported with family and friends in the attendance hooting & hollering their support throughout the day and while Alex got dunked in the tank at the 11:15am service. God continues to change a person's heart with new motives, desires, and perspective. In the end, its really not about us....we have an awesome Father who takes care of us and is worthy of adoration! See Alex's story on video!

Alex's Testimony from Diana Hopwood on Vimeo.

Alex gets Dunked from Diana Hopwood on Vimeo.

From 09.Dec Alex Baptism

A Newlyweds War

What a generous gift God gives to us in marriage. Not only do we better understand a covenant relationship of unity or oneness between the Son of God and the Father, but the endless opportunities to serve someone with joy. As Pastor Bubba proclaimed at the alter of our wedding day, this isn't just about loving one another with glee or the end of single-hood, but rather marriage is the beginning of war against Satan. Its a challenging & humbling war against pride, revenge, and selfishness in efforts to endure, fighting the good fight as two individual sinners continue to sin against one another. The challenge isn't who can stay silent the longest or admit to their faults first, but instead the battle is breaking the prideful walls down, admitting that I have sinned and stepping forward in a new direction towards change.

The rewards of overcoming the daily war is remarkable! You see the redemptive Jesus in action, better understand your shortcoming flaws that make you imperfect, a new perspective of your spouse, and in the end we get the privilege to worship Christ for getting you through it.

Marriage is far more than compromises, new shiny rings or awesome registry gifts - its a gift from our Father which we get to unwrap each day.