What is family?

My friend Heather shared some interesting thoughts in her comments. She said that...

Family are those who share the experiences life; the highs, lows and all that is in between. So what is blood? That which runs through our veins -- family extends beyond blood.

It is also fair to say that often those who share 'blood' ties, fail to share with us in the experiences of life. 

I think that friendship is surely one of the most profound gifts that God has given to the human race.  Deep friendships, full of love, sacrifice and devotion are surely the glue that hold all of us together.  Friendship sets us apart from the animal kingdom.

I believe that the goal of healthy parenting is to be able to count your children among your closest friends when they have reached maturity.

Pub2Pub Success

Once again a successful run. The official distance was 13km, but a friend from my exercise class had a GPS device that measured it as 13.7km. Essentially the same as the City2Surf at 14km, especially when you consider that the first 800m is run on the beach!

My official time was 1:28:44 and I was delighted to have been able to run all the way (apart from a couple of bottlenecks when running up from the beach). My fitness instructor, Karen Boath, only managed to beat my time by 4 mins! My recovery has also been much faster this time around.

I personally found this race a little harder than the City2Surf as this time I was running north directly into the sun. It just happened to be an overcast day for the City2Surf; and you are running east and south anyway, so the sun isn't as much of a problem.

Simon (my 9 year old) is now keen for me to take him for a run...

My Friend Heather

Tonight is a special celebration for a very dear friend. Her name is Heather Joy Hansby (she is the one on the left in the above photo) and she is turning 50.

Heather has been an integral part of my life for over two decades. She attended my wedding, has walked with Belinda and I through the highs and lows of church life, the birth of all our children, parenting struggles, changing work situations and various family dramas. I find it hard to imagine life without her!

Some precious qualities of Heather:

1. full of love for God
2. dependable
3. loyal
4. devoted
5. honours others
6. never lacking in zeal
7. joyful in hope
8. patient in affliction
9. faithful in prayer
10. shares what she has
11. hospitable
12. humble

There qualities come together so wonderfully in the following passage:

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position (Or willing to do menial work). Do not be conceited.

Romans 12:9-16

I think that the above scripture verses sum up so beautifully the quality of love in Heather's life. I have so much appreciated her friendship and support. She has become an extension to our family, our children still refer to her as 'Aunty' Heather. 'Aunty' is a title reserved for just one other person in their world apart from blood relatives! She and Jess have shared Christmas with us for many years also.

Heather, I remember fondly your 40th birthday at Sweet Emma's. The joy of seeing you sing (impromptu!) with the jazz band that night! Your love of music and drama is a defining aspect of your personality and character -- you have passed on that same passion to your daughter also. I remember only a few months ago when you sang at my 40th birthday. I chose the song 'You've Got a Friend' (made famous by James Taylor) so deliberately.

The songwriter, Carole King, captured something very special about friendship in the chorus:

You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am;
I'll come running, to see you again;
Winter Spring Summer or Fall,
All you gotta do is call,
And I'll be there -- you've got a friend.

This is how I feel about you my friend -- Thank You!

May you have a happy 50th birthday and be thoroughly blessed.

Tired teens risking their hearts

Might be worth showing this article to Tom!

Tired teens risking their hearts - AtHome - Technology - theage.com.au

Jill Stark
August 19, 2008

Sleep-deprived teenagers are at greater risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks - and their mobile phones, computer games and iPods could be to blame, research suggests.

A study of teens aged 13 to 16 found those who slept less than 6½ hours a night were up to three times more likely to have elevated blood pressure.

Researchers said the "technological invasion of the bedroom" was responsible for creating a generation of sleep-starved youngsters.

The study, published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, looked at the sleeping patterns of 238 teenagers and found that the duration of sleep directly affected blood pressure.

Those who had trouble nodding off at night or waking up in the morning were also at increased risk.

It is the first study of its kind to look at the link between sleep and blood pressure in healthy teens.

The author of the research, Susan Redline from University Hospital's Sleep Disorders Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, said "sleep insufficiency" was often related to mobile phones, music and computers in the bedroom.

"There are teens who text message or listen to music all night, compounded by early school hours. Adolescents need nine hours of sleep," Professor Redline said.

"Parents should optimise sleep quality for their family with regular sleep and wake times and bedrooms should be quiet, dark and conducive to sleep."

High blood pressure in childhood is linked to heart disease in adulthood.

Professor Redline said the results could have huge public health implications.

A group of Australian health specialists told the Herald in February that sleep should be a national health priority on par with alcohol abuse and obesity.

Problems with sleep underlie up to 70 per cent of GP visits and cost the economy more than $10 billion a year.

Fatigue is also implicated in a high proportion of car accidents, workplace injuries and cases of depression.

Sleep experts accused the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, of setting a bad example by admitting that he survives on less than five hours of sleep a night.

Eleven Marks of Perverted Authority

This is a heavy topic, but I found this list to be useful some years ago and rediscovered it today. I think it is still pretty much 'on the money':

1. The claim of direct authority from God, rather than testing things by the Word. Many today have set "personal" revelation and experience above the final authority of God's Word. When this occurs there is no longer any basis for ascertaining the will of God, as one would not be able to discern truth from error because the standard is "personal" rather than the Word of God.
2. The command is to "submit to me," rather than "I will serve you."
3. The method of leadership is to "order" people around, rather than to appeal for them to do the right things.
4. There is a dominating, "pushy" drive instead of a dependence on God to direct.
5. There is a sense of control, rather than a sense of support.
6. A gift is exploited so that others are made to feel dependent on it.
7. There is an inflexibility - "don't question me" - "don't touch the Lord's anointed."
8. There is unapproachability and intimidation - the "aura" around the leader keeps the followers in "awe."
9. There emerges an organisation built around a man and his peculiar emphases instead of around Christ and His Word.
10. There will be cyclical challenges to the authority figure (which are immediately and forcefully purged).
11. There is more concern for maintaining the authoritarian structure than there is for caring about the people in it.

by Wanda Mason

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Romans 12:3

I had a recent conversation with someone who gave me their opinion on a personal decision that I had made, and by extension their view of the character implications of it.  It was a subtle thing, but the person concerned made the assumption that I valued and desired their view and counsel.

It reminded me of times I have 'spoken into' peoples lives in the past when my counsel was neither sought nor really required.  We have to be so careful not to let our pride get the better of us.

Sober judgement and humility are always the best policy.  I'm sure that's why the Bible says:

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
James 4:6b

Pub2Pub 2008 - Registration Confirmation

I have been inspired since the City2Surf and have decided to enter the Pub2Pub fun run on Sunday 24/8. Here is my confirmation letter.

Dear Wesley,

Congratulations! You have successfully registered yourself in the 16th Annual 'Pub2Pub Fun Run & Walk' 2008.

Event Date: Sunday 24th August 2008 (Rain or Shine)
Start Time: 8am Sharp
Start Line: Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club, DEE WHY
Distance: 13 kms
Registration Entrants
Bib # Name
2634 Wesley DART

Your participation is helping the community to raise $100,000 for local charities. Including local Surf Clubs, State Emergency Service & the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions which are available on our website www.pub2pub.com.au

Thank you for taking part in this celebrational event!

Phil Jackson
PRESIDENT
Rotary Club of Brookvale

Crossing the line in the City 2 Surf

Not sure how long the link will be up, but it might work for a few weeks. I come in on the right hand side towards the end of the clip.

My BIG race finish

I look very tired!!!

Prayer and Encouragement Link

After a time of corporate worship and prayer last night at a church music team meeting, we broke into smaller groups to pray for one another.

One of the younger guys in our group marvelled at how he 'felt better' after we prayed for him. It wasn't that he had been healed (although I have definitely seen this happen), or that his circumstances had immediately changed.

I believe it was simply a manifestation of Jesus' promise that "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" Matthew 18:20.

When God shows up during worship and prayer, we can't help but be encouraged. Somehow our circumstances seem to become less important and we are lifted to a higher place by His Spirit.

A great example of this I thought of is found in Acts 16:25 when Paul and Silas were worshipping and praying at midnight after being flogged and thrown into prison. God came on the scene in quite a profound way. After lifting their spirits inwardly, He then proceeded to break the physical chains that we holding them outwardly.

My friend Chris says that God is the kindest person he knows -- I am inclined to agree with him.

The Sun Herald City 2 Surf

The Sun Herald City 2 Surf

What a weekend -- after a long period of anticipation, I finally took to the pavement in the 2008 City2Surf. My aim was to run as much of the 14km course as I could, and hopefully to finish in under 100 minutes. This puts me in the 'Green Start' (second group) if I choose to run the course next year.

I finished the race in approximately 89 minutes -- having run (I use the term loosely -- it was more of a consistent jog) the whole way.

It was a great feeling to have achieved this milestone. I entered the race in 2003(?) -- not to run it, but to walk it. I can't remember my time from back then -- but as recently as 12 months ago, I couldn't have even run around an oval without needing to stop several times to catch my breath!!!

I must confess that I am feeling a little sore today however.

Joining the Step Into Life outdoor exercise program has made huge difference to my level of fitness. My personal trainer Karen Boath has been a real encouragement and inspiration.

Father’s Love Letter

The Cry of a Father’s Heart from Genesis to Revelation

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad.

Almighty God
Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

My Dad - Part 1

How to begin?

I really wanted to write something of a tribute to my Dad. I have written many tributes to him in one form or another over the years. Sometimes in speeches, but generally on birthday, Fathers Day or Christmas cards.

My Dad is a fascinating person. He was raised as the fifth child in a family that would eventually be home for seven children. His father Dr Harold Whitmore Dart was a Baptist Minister, who I think eventually became the general superintendent of the Baptist Union -- kind of like the Archbishop for Baptist's living in New South Wales. His mother (my grandmother) was Elsie Janet Dart. I don't have that many memories of my grandmother, but from all accounts, she was a strong and determined woman who loved her husband and children very much.

I would imagine that it would have been easy to have 'slipped under the radar' during his formative years. He had strict parents, who clearly loved him, but as number 5 it would have been quite tough to stand out from the crowd. From what I understand Dad wasn't particularly talented at sport -- although he loved cricket. I believe that he was an average student, who didn't really stand out in any particular subject. Also, from what I have learned, he didn't have that much of an aptitude for mechanical or practical things.

Despite these apparent 'shortcomings' Dad had quite a few things in his favour. He was really good with people, he was an excellent communicator in written and oral form, and people naturally trusted him with their secrets. He also had a tremendous personal faith in God; having been baptised during his teen years and being very involved in leadership of the Christian Endeavour movement.

He started out learning chemistry at Sydney University and working in a local pharmacy. He never finished his university education, but his studies and work experience led to a travelling sales career at Geigy Pharmaceuticals that lasted a few years. This role eventually took him to Perth where he met my mum.

What he noticed along the way was that his co-workers readily trusted him with their secrets, often marriage and family related issues. Dad was a good listener, and I am sure that his counsel would have been a help to many.

This natural talent eventually took him into the field of marriage and family counselling. First as a volunteer, then as a full time vocation. Mum played a significant part Dad's decision to change careers, her intuition and faith proving to be a great encouragement to Dad. He has assisted countless people in this capacity over the years.

to be continued...

Funeral Reflections

How good it is to go to a funeral filled with hope and joy. Jean Olive Miller was a woman of considerable substance who lived a fairly quiet and 'ordinary' life; but she made a lasting impression on so many people along the way.

I was thinking about the lessons that her life taught us. She saw so much change over her time at Bridgeway Community Church. From it's beginnings in the 1950's through to the present day.

Her life has taught me:

1) It is good to remember the past, but it is always important to live in the present with an eye to the future. Jean was not a sentimental person.

2) Avoid the arrogance of thinking that our own contribution is somehow more 'special' or 'valuable' than someone else's. Over the years Jean saw so many changes in church leadership -- and a couple of splits. She never seemed to become jaded -- in fact her response to change was to lament why others couldn't find a way to reconcile, but she was always ready to move on. Her hope remained firmly in Jesus -- I'm sure that's why there was always a twinkle in her eye.