Christmas Greetings from the Darts of Davidson
Hello to everyone out there. Our warmest greetings to you at this very special time of year, celebrating the birth of our Saviour.
Blink… blink … look… another year gone – and yet again another busy year for our whole family – as we are sure has also happened for you and your family!
Firstly, can we please apologise to anyone (and everyone) who didn’t receive a Christmas letter from us last year. Over the years we have become increasingly disorganised and less and less people are hearing from us at Christmas time. We are still here and still want to be in contact with you at Christmas time – this year we are endeavouring to catch up with everyone.
Termite Shenanigans & Rectification Work
For those of you who haven’t heard (surely there can’t be anyone left by now?), we discovered extensive termite damage in our home in January last year, barely a few weeks after we sent our 2002 Christmas letter.
The good news is that with the payout we received from the Pest Inspector’s insurance company, we were able to undertake extensive demolition and construction work to our home in the first quarter of this year. The project manager/builder for this amazing transformation was Carey who was able to withstand the pressures of a psycho sister in law stressing at the state of her home. Wes also survived my distress and continued to bless me with so many of his amazing character traits. We also took the opportunity to modernise our bathrooms and make some other changes to the house during the rectification work. Much to Carey’s disgust we have been a bit slow on the painting, but hopefully we’ll get it sorted between Christmas & New Year. We are grateful to Carey for his usual high standard of workmanship.
Church Life Highlights
Once again we’ve have had an exciting and somewhat exhausting year at Bridgeway Community Church (www.bridgeway.cc).
Belinda & I were involved together in leading two, ten week ‘On Becoming Childwise’ parenting classes during the year. The classes had around 8-10 participants mostly from outside the church. As a church we are actively promoting these courses in local schools and community groups as a service to all interested parents.
I also had the opportunity to attend (along with three other delegates from Bridgeway) the annual New Frontiers Leadership Conference held in Brighton, UK in June. This was a fabulous, although all too short time of learning and personal growth. I built relationship with new friends and renewed friendship with many others.
This was my first time in the UK – what a fascinating place! I was glad to be able to enjoy a few brief days of sightseeing including London, Brighton, Arundel Castle, Bath, Stonehenge & Wantage. It is amazing what you can cram in when you set your mind to it! We were graciously hosted by the Fellingham’s in Brighton and Woolfall’s in Abingdon just outside of the city of Oxford.
The church has grown again over the past twelve months and we look forward to what God will do in our midst during 2005.
Holidays
We have enjoyed the opportunity to get away a couple of times during the year. The most ambitious and memorable was our touring holiday with the Lea Family over the Easter school holidays to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands. We travelled with camper trailers in tow and stayed at a variety of caravan parks along the way, stopping at Tenterfield, Gladstone, Airlie Beach, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast. Our Barrier Reef cruise, and the day trip to Hamilton Is and Whitehaven Beach were highlights in the Whitsunday’s, while our visits to Australia Zoo and SeaWorld on the way home were greatly enjoyed by all, especially the children.
About The Children
Thomas, our firstborn, turned 10 this year. Can you believe it! 10 years since he was born – we really hope that the next 10 will not be nearly as fast!
Thomas has had another wonderful year at school this year (all 3 children go to Oxford Falls Grammar School) and is looking forward to year 5 next year. He was blessed with another great teacher and he has thrived academically. He has continued his love of cricket and attended a cricket camp earlier in the year which helped his skills. He plays for the Wakehurst under 10’s. One of his other passions has continued to be Ford cars and he has become an avid Ford fan. Wes took Thomas to Bathurst for the pre-trial runs in October which was a very exciting time for Thomas. Thomas also continues to enjoy swimming in the pool, riding his bike, rollerblading, playstation, people, talking and eating. Thomas has been a keen member of Kosmic Kids at Church on Sunday’s and is beginning to think for himself and is starting to ask some deeper questions, we really pray that he will come into all that God has for him. He is still growing and will soon be overtaking his mother in height. His nickname is “treasure boy” and he is continuing to live up to that.
Our beautiful Bethany turned 7 this year and has just completed year 1. She has just flourished in every way and it has been a delight to see more of her personality develop.
Earlier in the year Bethany played soccer and we were delighted when she was awarded the “most improved player” award. She went from being a child that cowered every time the ball was kicked on the other side of the field to a child who was right in the thick of tackling. She grew in her love of the game and really gave it all that she had.
Bethany has also grown so much academically and was awarded the “Academic Award” for her class for 2004. We were so proud of her at the special assembly and it brought us to tears to see her delight in receiving the award. Bethany’s teacher, Al Boon, was absolutely amazing and really nurtured Beth’s gentleness together with her strong faith in God and desire to show His love to all others. Bethany is a popular child who has many friends and who loves everyone. She is very gentle in heart and is a blessing to all around her.
Our last born, Simon, turns 6 in a few short weeks and has just completed Kindergarten.
Simon is just as vivacious as usual and has really enjoyed his time at School. He constantly amazes us with the speed at which he is learning. Having sent him just after his 5th birthday he is 2nd youngest in the class (as opposed to Bethany who we sent just before her 6th birthday and is about 8th oldest in the class) and he is determined to keep up with everyone else. Simon also played soccer this year, which was really something to see. Watching a team of under 6’s is hilarious, ranging from the David Beckham’s to those who stop in the middle of a game to measure who is the tallest. Needless to say he really enjoyed himself and was not afraid of getting in the middle of the action. Ear infections have been few and far between recently and his speech is much improved. He enjoys playing with his friends from next door (in fact friends from anywhere will do) and is particularly addicted to the playstation, which is only allowed in small doses. He is a delight to us and all around.
About Us
What an incredible woman I have married. Belinda is an anchor in the midst of the chaos that seems to pass for ordinary life. As well as managing our household, she is working 4½ days as a teachers aide at Oxford Falls Grammar School. The job has been a real provision from God and the timing has been excellent allowing for Belinda to be at home with the children after school and during school holidays. Together we have run two 10 week Childwise parenting programmes and been co-leaders of a Home Group with another couple this year. Belinda has also continued to lead the ROCKETs Group for 3-5 year olds on Sunday morning. We enjoyed two weekend escapes together in the middle of the year, one to a lovely hotel apartment north of Sydney and one to Bowral (a wonderful 40th birthday present for Belinda from Carey and Helen). I am very much enjoying seeing more of my lovely wife now that the December/January school holidays have begun.
I have had a pretty intense year. I am still at LSE in the role of Commercial Manager with special responsibility for all things financial. I continue to be a member of the music team at Bridgeway and preach occasionally on a Sunday morning. Having a 1997 Landcruiser 4WD has also afforded some excellent opportunities for off-road travel and bush camping. I have ventured to the Cox’s River a number of times, Hill End and Wiseman’s ferry on a number of weekend trips – often with the ever adventurous Scott Lea (a.k.a. ‘Russ’ or Russell Coight – UK, US & NZ readers might have to consult Google). Looking after the house and pool has tended to fill up any remaining ‘spare’ time on the weekend. Despite the maintenance, the pool is a wonderful source of fun for the children, their friends and Dad too (but sadly not Mum very often)!
I (Belinda) was just reading what Wes has written about us and marvel at how a few lines really doesn’t begin to touch how busy things have been. I think that some of that is just the changes that come when the children are older and have sport and birthday parties to go to. Multiply that by 3 and it adds a lot more to each day. We wouldn’t change it but it’s interesting to note the seasons in each stage of life.
Our cat “Saucer” has continued to be an interesting member of our family and is happy to be in our company as long as we don’t want any physical affection from her. We have strongly considered getting a dog but so far the practicalities outweigh the romantic notion of having one.
Signing Off
Well, if everything goes to plan, you should receive our letter this Christmas. We really are sorry to have lost contact over the last few years. Thank you for being our friends. We send you our love at this time and pray that 2005 will be a year in which your relationship with God will go from strength to strength.
With love from the Darts of Davidson.
Thursday, 16 December 2004
Tuesday, 20 January 2004
Happy Anniversary
My Darling Belinda
You are truly a pearl of great price.
There is not a day that goes by when I don’t thank God for bringing you into my life. The Bible says;
I never came near to comprehending the truths of this scripture until I met you. You have demonstrated patience and kindness to me like no-one before or after you. You have spoken the truth in love to me, and I have trusted you because you have always trusted me.
You keep no record of my many wrongs. You are never proud, or rude or boastful. You rarely consider your own needs, but are fully committed to meeting the needs of those around you, especially your husband and your children.
Your confidence in my abilities lifts me to new heights. Though it is fair to say that at times hope may seem elusive; you set the standard for perseverance. You have never failed me. I have every confidence in you.
Thank you for trusting me with your heart. This is the vow I made to you fourteen years ago today;
Nothing gives me greater joy in this life than staying true to the words of this promise.
I love you with all my heart.
Happy Anniversary.
You are truly a pearl of great price.
There is not a day that goes by when I don’t thank God for bringing you into my life. The Bible says;
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
I never came near to comprehending the truths of this scripture until I met you. You have demonstrated patience and kindness to me like no-one before or after you. You have spoken the truth in love to me, and I have trusted you because you have always trusted me.
You keep no record of my many wrongs. You are never proud, or rude or boastful. You rarely consider your own needs, but are fully committed to meeting the needs of those around you, especially your husband and your children.
Your confidence in my abilities lifts me to new heights. Though it is fair to say that at times hope may seem elusive; you set the standard for perseverance. You have never failed me. I have every confidence in you.
Thank you for trusting me with your heart. This is the vow I made to you fourteen years ago today;
I Wesley take you Belinda to my Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give you my promise.
Nothing gives me greater joy in this life than staying true to the words of this promise.
I love you with all my heart.
Happy Anniversary.
Wednesday, 24 December 2003
Christmas Letter 2003
Greetings from the Darts of Davidson
A curious combination given Belinda’s maiden name!
No, we haven’t moved again; instead the boundaries of the suburbs of Belrose and Davidson seem to have changed, although we are not really sure when this happened.
Well, what an incredible year we’ve had…
Termite Nightmare
For those of you who haven’t heard, we discovered extensive termite damage in our new home in January of this year, barely a few weeks after we sent our last Christmas letter. It seems that the previous owners would have been aware of the problem, but failed to disclose it during the sale. By the time we realised there was no legal recourse possible on them. ‘But didn’t you get a pest & building inspection?’ I hear you asking. The answer to that question is yes, which is why the story ultimately has a happy ending.
It seems that the pest inspector failed to detect any termite damage, when in fact it was clearly visible in the roof if he had taken a more careful look. Fortunately he had professional indemnity insurance, so after protracted correspondence, reports, inspections, photographs and negotiation, the insurance company eventually chose to settle our claim for compensation. This money will allow us to make the necessary repairs early in the new year!!!
Church Life
We have had an exciting year at Bridgeway Community Church (www.bridgeway.cc) previously known as Christian Worship Centre. The year began with a ‘School of Church Planting’ run as a mid week conference in February. We enjoyed excellent teaching input from Terry Virgo, Simon Pettit and Pete Brooks.
We recently left the Baptist Union of NSW and are now in relationship with the New Frontiers (www.newfrontiers.xtn.org) family of churches. It is not a formal denomination as such, more a group of like minded churches with leaders relating to each other via an apostolic network. If all that sounds a bit confusing and you would like to learn more, please take a look at the web site or give us a call.
The church has doubled in size over the past twelve months and we look forward to what God will do in our midst during 2004.
Holidays
We have enjoyed the opportunity to get away a couple of times during the year. Perhaps the most memorable is our touring holiday with the Lea Family over the Easter school holidays. We travelled with camper trailers and stayed at a variety of caravan and national parks along the way. We visited Tumut, drove through the Snowy Mountains, stayed at Bright in Victoria and spent a number of days in the Victorian Alps. We climbed Mount Sterling and visited Craig’s Hut, built for the classic 1982 movie The Man From Snowy River. We then drove to a little Victorian town south east of Melbourne called Korumburra, stopping there for a number of days while visiting the surrounding district. The highlight was a trip to Philip Island to watch the Fairy Penguins perform their nightly march up the beach. We returned home via the Princes Highway staying at Buchan Caves, Eden and finally Nowra where we celebrated the trip with an excellent meal at the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club.
About The Children
Thomas, our firstborn, turned 9 this year and has completed year 3 at school. He has had an excellent year school wise with outstanding results in all his subjects. His teacher, Miss Christian, was great and really seemed to bring the best out in him. Earlier in the year he was awarded a Student of the Week award and received a special award at assembly, which is a great privilege as only a few of these are given out to each class every year. This year has also seen Thomas develop a few special friendships with other boys in his class, particularly Alex and Ryan. As the only sporty person in our family (so far) Thomas has played soccer during the winter and is playing cricket during this summer season. As parents required to watch such games we can only say give us a soccer game in pouring rain and below zero temperatures that only takes 45 minutes compared to a 2 - 2/12 hour game in the scorching sun that moves SO slowly! He also loves his swimming in our pool, riding his bike, playstation, people, talking, eating, people, talking, rugby and now Ford cars. In fact Ford Cars have become quite an interest after he was invited to go to Bathurst with Ryan and his family. Our car innocent son came back a Ford supporter and now we are given intricate details of any and every Ford car that we pass on the road. We are hoping that the interest will fade but it's not looking that way so far. Thomas has also been attending the Friday Nite Program at Church and Kosmic Kids on Sunday mornings. Thomas is developing into a lovely young man with a good heart who is physically growing at a tremendous pace - he now stands as tall as half way up his mother's face and he is only 9!!! He is very much loved by his brother and sister who see him as "the best big brother in the whole wide world".
Our second born, Bethany Joy, has had a huge year as she started school this year. She also has done very well academically and we can really see the benefits, for her, of having held her back one year so she commenced school in the year she turned 6 instead of 5. Her reading and writing is coming together very well and while she enjoys that, it is the social networking of school that has taken up most of her time - making friends, changing friends, making friends etc. She was nicknamed the class "care bear" by her teacher as she is always on the lookout for people to help. She finished the school year exhausted and we know that she will really need every day of the school holidays to rev up for next year. Bethany went to dancing lessons once a week to have fun and also develop co-ordination and gross motor skills, she was glad however when the year came to an end. It is her plan to play soccer next year (great - another sporty person!) although if we can manage it we would like to put her into art lessons as she is an incredibly arty and crafty/creative person and we would like to let her develop her skills. Bethany enjoys playing in the pool, playing with her toys, people, talking, creating wonderful things, and talking. From time to time she does concern us with her health as she gets far more tired than the boys and often suffers from a sore tummy and sore legs, however various trips to the doctor have turned up nothing. Bethany is a delight to us and is an incredibly sensitive gently little thing who is dearly loved by her brothers.
Our last born, Simon, Mr Personality, easy to please and going places in the world, turns 5 in a few weeks and is off to school in 2004. He has just completed his 2 years at pre-school and couldn't wait to finish so that he can go to big school like Thomas and Bethany. He is very ready and seems to have the personality to cope with all that school will bring. He and his mother have both enjoyed this last year, spending special time together before all the little chicks have left the nest. Simon suffered again with constant ear infections, despite having grommets, in the first part of the year until our doctor was finally able to stumble on a treatment that has kept him clear of infections for the second half of the year. As a result his speech is becoming much clearer and his health has improved greatly. You'll never believe it but he also wants to play soccer next year so we're not really sure where we'll end up with all 3 wanting to play. Simon enjoys playing the playstation, having friends over, talking, playing with his brother and sister and having wonderful cuddles with his special friend "Ooty". Simon makes us all laugh and is an all round good fellow who has an outward looking nature, he is dearly loved by his brother and sister. He also has the distinction of having named our first family cat “Saucer”, and in case you are wondering, there are no plans to obtain “Cup” at this stage.
About Us
My wife is a constant source of fascination to me. How does she manage to achieve so much in a 24 hour period? Surely she must have found an extra hour or two buried in some hidden space/time continuum the rest of us mere mortals simply don’t have access to! Belinda is much loved by her adoring husband, three delightful children, and many adoring friends and fans. She celebrated her 40th birthday this year, amid a chorus of disbelieving fans; ‘Surely this woman could not be forty, her husband must have typed a 4 instead of a 3 on this invitation?’. In true Dart tradition, her birthday festivities lasted well over a week after celebrations in a variety of homes and restaurants. Belinda has continued her casual cleaning work this year, but is hoping to find something a little more permanent during school hours in 2004 as Simon starts at OFGS. Once again, she has done an excellent job running the ROCKETS group for 3-5 year olds at church this year. Belinda also did a computing course early in 2003; she now has her own email address (belindadart@yahoo.com.au) and is much more confident on modern software. It’s amazing how much the IT world has changed since she left ABWAid nine years ago.
I have had pretty intense year. I am still at LSE in the role of Commercial Manager with special responsibility for all things financial. Belinda & I together ran a pilot course entitled On Becoming Childwise, The Series, a 10 session video based program for all parents, providing clear strategies for parenting. It is based on the very successful Growing Kids Gods Way course by Gary & Anne-Marie Ezzo. We are already promoting our 2nd course to commence Term 1, 2004. I continue to be a member of the music team at Bridgeway. Looking after the house and pool has tended to fill up any remaining ‘spare’ time on the weekend. Despite the maintenance, the pool is a tremendous source of fun for the children, their friends and Dad too!
Signing Off
Thank you for being our friends and we trust that you will forgive us for the fact that this Christmas letter has arrived so many days after Christmas. We send you our love at this time and pray that you will have a memorable 2004.
With love from the Darts of Davidson.
A curious combination given Belinda’s maiden name!
No, we haven’t moved again; instead the boundaries of the suburbs of Belrose and Davidson seem to have changed, although we are not really sure when this happened.
Well, what an incredible year we’ve had…
Termite Nightmare
For those of you who haven’t heard, we discovered extensive termite damage in our new home in January of this year, barely a few weeks after we sent our last Christmas letter. It seems that the previous owners would have been aware of the problem, but failed to disclose it during the sale. By the time we realised there was no legal recourse possible on them. ‘But didn’t you get a pest & building inspection?’ I hear you asking. The answer to that question is yes, which is why the story ultimately has a happy ending.
It seems that the pest inspector failed to detect any termite damage, when in fact it was clearly visible in the roof if he had taken a more careful look. Fortunately he had professional indemnity insurance, so after protracted correspondence, reports, inspections, photographs and negotiation, the insurance company eventually chose to settle our claim for compensation. This money will allow us to make the necessary repairs early in the new year!!!
Church Life
We have had an exciting year at Bridgeway Community Church (www.bridgeway.cc) previously known as Christian Worship Centre. The year began with a ‘School of Church Planting’ run as a mid week conference in February. We enjoyed excellent teaching input from Terry Virgo, Simon Pettit and Pete Brooks.
We recently left the Baptist Union of NSW and are now in relationship with the New Frontiers (www.newfrontiers.xtn.org) family of churches. It is not a formal denomination as such, more a group of like minded churches with leaders relating to each other via an apostolic network. If all that sounds a bit confusing and you would like to learn more, please take a look at the web site or give us a call.
The church has doubled in size over the past twelve months and we look forward to what God will do in our midst during 2004.
Holidays
We have enjoyed the opportunity to get away a couple of times during the year. Perhaps the most memorable is our touring holiday with the Lea Family over the Easter school holidays. We travelled with camper trailers and stayed at a variety of caravan and national parks along the way. We visited Tumut, drove through the Snowy Mountains, stayed at Bright in Victoria and spent a number of days in the Victorian Alps. We climbed Mount Sterling and visited Craig’s Hut, built for the classic 1982 movie The Man From Snowy River. We then drove to a little Victorian town south east of Melbourne called Korumburra, stopping there for a number of days while visiting the surrounding district. The highlight was a trip to Philip Island to watch the Fairy Penguins perform their nightly march up the beach. We returned home via the Princes Highway staying at Buchan Caves, Eden and finally Nowra where we celebrated the trip with an excellent meal at the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club.
About The Children
Thomas, our firstborn, turned 9 this year and has completed year 3 at school. He has had an excellent year school wise with outstanding results in all his subjects. His teacher, Miss Christian, was great and really seemed to bring the best out in him. Earlier in the year he was awarded a Student of the Week award and received a special award at assembly, which is a great privilege as only a few of these are given out to each class every year. This year has also seen Thomas develop a few special friendships with other boys in his class, particularly Alex and Ryan. As the only sporty person in our family (so far) Thomas has played soccer during the winter and is playing cricket during this summer season. As parents required to watch such games we can only say give us a soccer game in pouring rain and below zero temperatures that only takes 45 minutes compared to a 2 - 2/12 hour game in the scorching sun that moves SO slowly! He also loves his swimming in our pool, riding his bike, playstation, people, talking, eating, people, talking, rugby and now Ford cars. In fact Ford Cars have become quite an interest after he was invited to go to Bathurst with Ryan and his family. Our car innocent son came back a Ford supporter and now we are given intricate details of any and every Ford car that we pass on the road. We are hoping that the interest will fade but it's not looking that way so far. Thomas has also been attending the Friday Nite Program at Church and Kosmic Kids on Sunday mornings. Thomas is developing into a lovely young man with a good heart who is physically growing at a tremendous pace - he now stands as tall as half way up his mother's face and he is only 9!!! He is very much loved by his brother and sister who see him as "the best big brother in the whole wide world".
Our second born, Bethany Joy, has had a huge year as she started school this year. She also has done very well academically and we can really see the benefits, for her, of having held her back one year so she commenced school in the year she turned 6 instead of 5. Her reading and writing is coming together very well and while she enjoys that, it is the social networking of school that has taken up most of her time - making friends, changing friends, making friends etc. She was nicknamed the class "care bear" by her teacher as she is always on the lookout for people to help. She finished the school year exhausted and we know that she will really need every day of the school holidays to rev up for next year. Bethany went to dancing lessons once a week to have fun and also develop co-ordination and gross motor skills, she was glad however when the year came to an end. It is her plan to play soccer next year (great - another sporty person!) although if we can manage it we would like to put her into art lessons as she is an incredibly arty and crafty/creative person and we would like to let her develop her skills. Bethany enjoys playing in the pool, playing with her toys, people, talking, creating wonderful things, and talking. From time to time she does concern us with her health as she gets far more tired than the boys and often suffers from a sore tummy and sore legs, however various trips to the doctor have turned up nothing. Bethany is a delight to us and is an incredibly sensitive gently little thing who is dearly loved by her brothers.
Our last born, Simon, Mr Personality, easy to please and going places in the world, turns 5 in a few weeks and is off to school in 2004. He has just completed his 2 years at pre-school and couldn't wait to finish so that he can go to big school like Thomas and Bethany. He is very ready and seems to have the personality to cope with all that school will bring. He and his mother have both enjoyed this last year, spending special time together before all the little chicks have left the nest. Simon suffered again with constant ear infections, despite having grommets, in the first part of the year until our doctor was finally able to stumble on a treatment that has kept him clear of infections for the second half of the year. As a result his speech is becoming much clearer and his health has improved greatly. You'll never believe it but he also wants to play soccer next year so we're not really sure where we'll end up with all 3 wanting to play. Simon enjoys playing the playstation, having friends over, talking, playing with his brother and sister and having wonderful cuddles with his special friend "Ooty". Simon makes us all laugh and is an all round good fellow who has an outward looking nature, he is dearly loved by his brother and sister. He also has the distinction of having named our first family cat “Saucer”, and in case you are wondering, there are no plans to obtain “Cup” at this stage.
About Us
My wife is a constant source of fascination to me. How does she manage to achieve so much in a 24 hour period? Surely she must have found an extra hour or two buried in some hidden space/time continuum the rest of us mere mortals simply don’t have access to! Belinda is much loved by her adoring husband, three delightful children, and many adoring friends and fans. She celebrated her 40th birthday this year, amid a chorus of disbelieving fans; ‘Surely this woman could not be forty, her husband must have typed a 4 instead of a 3 on this invitation?’. In true Dart tradition, her birthday festivities lasted well over a week after celebrations in a variety of homes and restaurants. Belinda has continued her casual cleaning work this year, but is hoping to find something a little more permanent during school hours in 2004 as Simon starts at OFGS. Once again, she has done an excellent job running the ROCKETS group for 3-5 year olds at church this year. Belinda also did a computing course early in 2003; she now has her own email address (belindadart@yahoo.com.au) and is much more confident on modern software. It’s amazing how much the IT world has changed since she left ABWAid nine years ago.
I have had pretty intense year. I am still at LSE in the role of Commercial Manager with special responsibility for all things financial. Belinda & I together ran a pilot course entitled On Becoming Childwise, The Series, a 10 session video based program for all parents, providing clear strategies for parenting. It is based on the very successful Growing Kids Gods Way course by Gary & Anne-Marie Ezzo. We are already promoting our 2nd course to commence Term 1, 2004. I continue to be a member of the music team at Bridgeway. Looking after the house and pool has tended to fill up any remaining ‘spare’ time on the weekend. Despite the maintenance, the pool is a tremendous source of fun for the children, their friends and Dad too!
Signing Off
Thank you for being our friends and we trust that you will forgive us for the fact that this Christmas letter has arrived so many days after Christmas. We send you our love at this time and pray that you will have a memorable 2004.
With love from the Darts of Davidson.
Monday, 17 November 2003
My Mum
Dear Mum
Life with you has always been an adventure. I am amazed at how many freedoms you gave us to explore the world around us as we grew up under your care. Looking back it is instructive to contrast the way the ‘Two Pams’ each approached life. Murray and Jonno Shanks always seemed to need to look for ways to hide things from their mum, whereas you seemed to encourage transparency and rewarded us with opportunities to show that we could be trusted.
You always seemed to be pretty fearless – not sure now whether this was more perception than reality, but it helped me to take life by the horns. Neil and I had pretty similar mums and consequently approached the world in much the same way. I’m sure this is one of the reasons we became and have remained such good friends.
I am thinking now about an acrostic your friends at FFBC recently did for you. From memory, one of the words associated with the ‘R’ in Dart was “rebellious” (Pam Shanks’ contribution?). I laughed out loud when I heard it, they seem to know you pretty well!
For example, I grew up believing that a sign reading ‘DO NOT ENTER Authorised Personnel Only’ really meant ‘Proceed With Caution’! Much to Belinda’s distain. Even now I find myself asking; “Authorised by whom, and to what purpose?” Perhaps this is why I have never been afraid to question authority; although I have learned a greater respect for it over time. Nevertheless, I’m sure we always got to see a little bit more of life than everyone else.
From my perception as a child, your life with Dad seemed to have its ups and downs. Despite this, I always felt secure in the knowledge that you were absolutely committed to each other, and to us. My (distorted?) recollection is that you always managed to argue over where to set up camp. Mercifully, the caravan parks that actually insisted on an allocated site number saved some of the arguments, but then there was the issue of the positioning of the tent, further compounded by the relative slope of the ground, coupled with the direction of the toilet block, (all critical issues!) that still required resolution; not to mention where to set up cooking facilities, further compounded by the fact that we had usually been driving all day, it was dinner time when we arrived, and the light was either rapidly fading or had long since disappeared!
There are so many childhood recollections, most of which seemed to involve Carey, I guess because we were so close in age. The time Carey fell off his bike and stood bleeding in silence while you “finished peeling the spuds”. The time I fell off the back of Tim Cooper’s bike in Carnarvon Drive and was knocked unconscious, and you came rushing down in the car to pick me up after Tim arrived back home very pale announcing “Wesley’s got blood on his head”. The time I fell out of a tree at the Brew’s place and ended up being taken to RNS hospital to have not one, not two, but five splinters removed from my eye; it’s a wonder I still have sight in that eye. The phrase “there but for the grace of God go I” immediately springs to mind. The time you had to virtually stitch Carey’s leg up after he buried a tomahawk into his shin while we were collecting firewood together on the Great Ocean Road. I remember Natalie(?) saying as you bandaged Carey’s leg using a disposable nappy as a dressing “It’s OK Carey, I’ve already used that one” .
Having just finished the above paragraph I find myself wondering why all the above memories seem to involve blood and injury? I’m sure Freud would have a theory.
I also remember being unceremoniously dragged by you in front of the Woolworth’s store manager to give account and an apology for stealing a padlock you had discovered among my possessions. I learned a useful life lesson that day.
There is one other turning point in my life that is worth noting. You may not even remember it, but I always will...
It was a school afternoon, I was probably in year 7 or 8 and was supposed to be going to a Bible study at the Shanks’ place run by Brian Edwards, but I couldn’t be bothered. You could have let me off (unlikely scenario given that we usually needed a near death experience to get even a day off school ), but instead you said “Wes, sooner or later you’re going to have to make a decision, you can’t live off Dad’s and my faith forever”. It wasn’t long after that conversation that I made my own decision to follow Jesus, this eventually leading to Baptism.
I have never regretted, even a moment, my decision to follow Jesus.
I also remember how you opened your heart to Belinda when she arrived in my life. You welcomed her as a friend and eventually a daughter in law. I would however dispute your claim that you were the ‘matchmaker’ who brought us together; although it’s fair to say that the SAO/ABWAid connection was very important in the overall love story.
Proverbs 31:28a says;
Mum, I do rise up and bless you. I know your weaknesses, but that just makes me love you all the more. It also reminds me of how far I’ve got to go myself.
Thank you for your love and your prayers over the years. My dear wife says that probably the single most important reason all your children are still walking with Jesus today is because you and Dad have so diligently prayed for us.
With love from the one who “never caused his mother any heartache”.
Wes X X X
Life with you has always been an adventure. I am amazed at how many freedoms you gave us to explore the world around us as we grew up under your care. Looking back it is instructive to contrast the way the ‘Two Pams’ each approached life. Murray and Jonno Shanks always seemed to need to look for ways to hide things from their mum, whereas you seemed to encourage transparency and rewarded us with opportunities to show that we could be trusted.
You always seemed to be pretty fearless – not sure now whether this was more perception than reality, but it helped me to take life by the horns. Neil and I had pretty similar mums and consequently approached the world in much the same way. I’m sure this is one of the reasons we became and have remained such good friends.
I am thinking now about an acrostic your friends at FFBC recently did for you. From memory, one of the words associated with the ‘R’ in Dart was “rebellious” (Pam Shanks’ contribution?). I laughed out loud when I heard it, they seem to know you pretty well!
For example, I grew up believing that a sign reading ‘DO NOT ENTER Authorised Personnel Only’ really meant ‘Proceed With Caution’! Much to Belinda’s distain. Even now I find myself asking; “Authorised by whom, and to what purpose?” Perhaps this is why I have never been afraid to question authority; although I have learned a greater respect for it over time. Nevertheless, I’m sure we always got to see a little bit more of life than everyone else.
From my perception as a child, your life with Dad seemed to have its ups and downs. Despite this, I always felt secure in the knowledge that you were absolutely committed to each other, and to us. My (distorted?) recollection is that you always managed to argue over where to set up camp. Mercifully, the caravan parks that actually insisted on an allocated site number saved some of the arguments, but then there was the issue of the positioning of the tent, further compounded by the relative slope of the ground, coupled with the direction of the toilet block, (all critical issues!) that still required resolution; not to mention where to set up cooking facilities, further compounded by the fact that we had usually been driving all day, it was dinner time when we arrived, and the light was either rapidly fading or had long since disappeared!
There are so many childhood recollections, most of which seemed to involve Carey, I guess because we were so close in age. The time Carey fell off his bike and stood bleeding in silence while you “finished peeling the spuds”. The time I fell off the back of Tim Cooper’s bike in Carnarvon Drive and was knocked unconscious, and you came rushing down in the car to pick me up after Tim arrived back home very pale announcing “Wesley’s got blood on his head”. The time I fell out of a tree at the Brew’s place and ended up being taken to RNS hospital to have not one, not two, but five splinters removed from my eye; it’s a wonder I still have sight in that eye. The phrase “there but for the grace of God go I” immediately springs to mind. The time you had to virtually stitch Carey’s leg up after he buried a tomahawk into his shin while we were collecting firewood together on the Great Ocean Road. I remember Natalie(?) saying as you bandaged Carey’s leg using a disposable nappy as a dressing “It’s OK Carey, I’ve already used that one” .
Having just finished the above paragraph I find myself wondering why all the above memories seem to involve blood and injury? I’m sure Freud would have a theory.
I also remember being unceremoniously dragged by you in front of the Woolworth’s store manager to give account and an apology for stealing a padlock you had discovered among my possessions. I learned a useful life lesson that day.
There is one other turning point in my life that is worth noting. You may not even remember it, but I always will...
It was a school afternoon, I was probably in year 7 or 8 and was supposed to be going to a Bible study at the Shanks’ place run by Brian Edwards, but I couldn’t be bothered. You could have let me off (unlikely scenario given that we usually needed a near death experience to get even a day off school ), but instead you said “Wes, sooner or later you’re going to have to make a decision, you can’t live off Dad’s and my faith forever”. It wasn’t long after that conversation that I made my own decision to follow Jesus, this eventually leading to Baptism.
I have never regretted, even a moment, my decision to follow Jesus.
I also remember how you opened your heart to Belinda when she arrived in my life. You welcomed her as a friend and eventually a daughter in law. I would however dispute your claim that you were the ‘matchmaker’ who brought us together; although it’s fair to say that the SAO/ABWAid connection was very important in the overall love story.
Proverbs 31:28a says;
Her children respect and bless her (MSG)
Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) (AMP)
Her children stand and bless her (NLT)
Mum, I do rise up and bless you. I know your weaknesses, but that just makes me love you all the more. It also reminds me of how far I’ve got to go myself.
Thank you for your love and your prayers over the years. My dear wife says that probably the single most important reason all your children are still walking with Jesus today is because you and Dad have so diligently prayed for us.
With love from the one who “never caused his mother any heartache”.
Wes X X X
Wednesday, 27 August 2003
Our Termite Nightmare
27 August 2003RAPID Solutions
Locked Bag 3
Cardiff NSW 2285
Attention: Shane Gallagher
cc. Jim ‘Pest Inspector’
RE: CLAIM FOR DAMAGES: NEGILIGENT PEST & BUILDING INSPECTION
‘PEST INSPECTOR’ BUILDING SERVICES PTY LTD
Dear Shane
Thank you for your letter received by facsimile on 5 June 2003 at 3.11pm. As promised in our letter faxed to you two minutes earlier on the same day, we attach herewith our revised statement of claim, and respond to the issues raised in your letter.
Inspection on same day as exchange
As you rightly point out, the contract of sale was exchanged on 29 April 2003. We need to stress however, that the actual exchange was after the inspection by your client and a careful telephone discussion between us. If he had properly appraised me of the situation, you can be sure that we would not have exchanged on that day. The other fact you fail to mention is that the exchange was done on the basis of a 7 day cooling off period after payment of a 0.25% initial deposit. The seven day period was to allow time for review of the written building & pest reports. If your client had properly detected the damage to our home we could have pulled out and forfeited only $1,587.50. In my dreams I often wish I was back there; this time with a competent pest and building inspector!
Termite activity in close proximity to the property
We’re not sure what direct relevance this has to our claim. Termites are in close proximity to many thousands of homes in NSW. The issue is not the proximity of termites to our home, but the presence of termite damage in our home. This is what your client’s reports failed to note.
Access to the roof cavity
In your letter of 5 June 2003 you said “It would appear that the owner previous to you may have stacked boxes at the front of the ceiling manhole, which prevented Jim ‘Pest Inspector’ from carrying out an inspection of that area”.
I am fascinated by your use of the word “may”. It appears that even today no-one is sure what Jim looked at in the roof that day. If Jim had been “prevented” from looking in the roof, then why was he able to make observations about it in his written report e.g. insulation, top plates, hips and valleys. The most stunning of all is his score of 8/10 for the roof frame, the highest score he gave any aspect of our property! Why also did he tell me in January this year that he had managed to get up there and “shine a torch around”.
Lets face it, what house owner doesn’t have items stored in their roof? Also, what reasonable vendor wouldn’t expect that a few boxes could be shifted to allow a diligent inspector to gain roof access. The agent, as the owner’s representative, was present and available during the entire inspection for Jim to ask permission if he felt he needed to. Any reluctance to facilitate access on the part of the vendor or his agent would have at least rung some alarm bells.
Jim’s recollections
This is even more startling. Suddenly your client has remembered a conversation on 29 April 2002 where he allegedly informed me of his lack of roof access. This is priceless given that nine months later he couldn’t even remember doing the inspection of our home. My telephone call to Jim in January 2003 after discovering the damage could not illicit any hint of recollection. Jim had to wait until returning from his holiday to look up his file reference before “remembering” anything.
My memory of events in April 2002 is sound. On the balance of probability, which I understand to be the legal standard in civil cases, who do you think the magistrate will believe? The man who is about to part with $635,000 based on critical professional advice, or the word of a ‘professional’ advisor who performs multiple inspections every week for a fee and failed to remember even doing an inspection at 5 Langham Place Belrose anyway.
Written vs. Oral Report
The fact that we relied on what your client said and not just what he wrote is not a legal problem so much as a practical one. It just makes it harder to establish what was actually reported. Verbal advice is not “comment” when a fee is being paid for its delivery in the context of a professional/client relationship. Once again, the one thing in our favour is the fact that we would not have parted with $635,000 if we had been properly appraised of the termite damage.
Compliance with 4349.1-1995
- visual inspection
We have no issue with the ‘visual’ nature of your client’s inspection. As detailed in our original letter on 9 April 2003 and evidenced in the photographic record, there is more than enough damage out in the open without needing to take anything apart.
- reasonable access
4349.1-1995 and 4349.3-1998 define ‘reasonable access’ as ‘areas where safe, unobstructed access is provided and the minimum clearances specified in Table 1.1 are available; or where these clearances are not available, areas within the consultant’s unobstructed line of sight and within arm’s length. Note that reasonable access does not include removing screws and bolts to access covers.’
The inclusion of the last point is noteworthy, screws and bolts imply that something has been fastened, and is therefore inaccessible. Interestingly Jim’s original report mentions “household goods” not boxes, but in any case, these items were clearly not fixed or fastened to the building. They did not “prevent” his access, at most they might have hampered it.
None of the inspectors since Jim have complained about a lack of access. They have all even managed to make their way into the 2nd roof cavity. It is clearly difficult for us to understand why it would be OK for other professional inspectors but not for your client.
The paragraph that clouds interpretation of the entire report is in the building report “The clearance in the roof space did not meet the requirements of the Australian Standard 4349.1-1995 and access could not be gained to the Lounge/Dining room area”. This refers to the second roof void which, as he notes, does not have its own access hole. We understood that he had not been able to inspect this area. However, the implication (within the context of the reports) being that your client had inspected the first roof void above the bedrooms which does have an access hole, and which is also where the termite damage is; but not the second. This is also borne out in Jim’s other comments in the report as noted in this letter.
Conclusion
Where do we go from here?
These are the facts:
(1) There was extensive termite damage to our home at the date of the your client’s inspection on 29 April 2002. This is evidenced by the visible repairs that had been effected prior to our occupation, many of which had also been subsequently eaten by termites.
(2) The damage, including various attempts at repairs and bracing was clearly visible in the roof void above the bedrooms.
(3) We paid your client a fee for a professional building and a separate pest inspection, a the core objective of which was surely to ascertain structural integrity of the building and detect any current or prior pest activity.
(4) Your client failed to detect the termite damage, particularly in the roof, since we were not advised of it in either his verbal or written reports. In addition his building report failed to note that the roof above the bedrooms was not structurally sound.
(5) The cost of repairing the un-detected damage to our home as a result of your client’s negligent inspection is significant as per our attached statement of claim. We have also provided further photographic evidence to demonstrate the level of damage to our bathrooms and suspended floor (refer attached).
Your client’s defence all hinges around his alleged restricted access, but neither his verbal nor written report make the level of his access clear as noted above and in our previous correspondence. The fact is, your client’s report is full of so many holes and inconsistencies that you could drive a truck through them. Specifically we note the following anomalies:
(1) Your client gave the roof frame a score of 8/10, indicating that he had examined it and formed an opinion on its efficacy.
(2) Your client makes observations about various aspects of the roof frame which would only be visible to someone in the roof. For example, he noted partially obscured joists and that insulation in the roof space made it difficult to see ceiling timbers and top wall plates.
(3) Your client limited his scope by indicating that he could not gain access to the roof void above the lounge/dining room. This we understood, particularly since this section did not have its own access hole. However, elsewhere in his report he uses vague terms when talking about the roof void above the bedrooms. For example;
i. “in this area” which in context was taken to refer only to the area where the “household items” were stored. Presumably they did not fill up the entire roof void.
ii. He says that “complete inspection of the roof space was not possible”, but the use of the word “complete” in context implies that a significant portion of the roof was at least partially inspected, particularly in light of his other comments. Otherwise he would have simply said “inspection of the roof frame was not possible”.
Suggested course of action:
We have already briefed our solicitor in this matter and had an initial consultation with Mr Paul Evans of Integrated Building Consultancy Pty Ltd. Mr Evans is highly qualified in the area of building reports and disputes, he is also an expert witness regularly called to the Supreme Court. Interestingly, Jim ‘Pest Inspector’ was ‘known’ to him in relation to other disputes he had worked on.
The view that has emerged in consultation with these experts is that your client has failed to make clear the level of his access which would clearly limit any ‘defence’ he might otherwise have hoped for.
We would prefer to see this matter resolved sensibly to everyone’s mutual satisfaction, but we are fully prepared to take it further if necessary. The way we see it, we have far more to gain in continuing this action than we have to lose. We are confident that a good lawyer will find many more holes in your client’s report than we already have.
We suggest scheduling a meeting to discuss the matter in a face to face context prior to taking a legal recourse. We propose a meeting on Friday 5 September 2003, at 2.30pm. We would be happy to meet at your offices assuming this is convenient for you.
Would you please call us to confirm the suitability of this time with you.
Regards,
Wesley & Belinda Dart
Saturday, 21 December 2002
Christmas Letter 2002
THE DART FAMILY CHRISTMAS LETTER 2002
A NEW ERA BEGINS
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
How many years has it been since you've seen a Christmas letter or even a humble card from us? You could be forgiven for thinking that we had fallen off the face of the planet. I think our last 'official' Christmas letter dates back to 1999 when the world seemed a very different place on the eve of a new millennium.
There is much to tell you about in a very small space -- Belinda has set me a very strict word limit! I think she is concerned that I might not be able to hold your attention for very long…
Well, the first thing that those of you astute readers might have noticed is that this ‘Christmas Letter 2002’ has arrived after Christmas. In fact, by the time you are reading this letter it will actually be 2003! We trust you enjoyed your Christmas celebrations and take this opportunity to wish you a happy and prosperous new year.
ABOUT THE CHILDREN
Well, the first thing to note is that there are now three of them for those of you not already up-to-speed! Allow me to do my ‘proud father’ routine and gush for a while.
Thomas Whitmore is a delightful young man who loves the company of others. He is an excellent big brother to Bethany and Simon, who both adore him, calling him ‘Ta’ or ‘Tommy’. Thomas turned 8 this year and successfully completed Year Two at Oxford Falls Grammar School, making excellent progress under the careful guidance of Hamish Oates. He was made a class prefect in term 4 and relished the opportunity to show himself responsible. Thomas is an excellent communicator who loves to talk, in fact his desire to be fully informed about upcoming events sometimes poses a significant challenge for his patient mother. He has really enjoyed church related activities this year, especially Friday Night Live, which he refers to as “the most fun in the entire universe”!. Thomas has a deep appreciation for many forms of music and has really enjoyed private lessons on the keyboard this year. He also loves all kinds of sport; to the total bewilderment of his parents – perhaps it skipped a generation!?!?
Bethany Joy has once again lived up to her middle name this year. Her primary love language would be ‘gift giving’. She loves giving, receiving and making gifts for the many special people in her life. Bethany turned 5 in March and has now completed her third and final year at the Holy Trinity Preschool. She has been a delight to her teachers and classmates alike. Bethany is a very creative person and this is often expressed in drawing, painting and craft. She is very popular among her peers, and seems to get invitations to an inordinate number of birthday parties. Bethany too is a good talker, in fact we seem to have bred three excellent talkers, so much so that Mum & Dad have had to implement a structured "interrupt rule" in order to maintain our sanity. Bethany adores both her brothers who sometimes compete for her attention. Bethany has a soft heart and a warm smile that seems to melt the hearts of all around her. She looks gorgeous in her new school uniform and is counting the days to when she will start Kindergarten at Oxford Falls Grammar.
Simon Wesley is growing up very fast. He will turn 4 in just two short weeks. Thomas and Bethany refer to him as the “cutest boy in the world” which is probably not too far from the truth. He is a delight to the whole family. He started Preschool this year at Holy Trinity and while he misses his mum, and sometimes doesn’t look forward to going, he is never in a hurry to go home when she arrives to pick him up in the afternoon. Simon’s most prized possession is “Ooty Teddy” a soft green teddy bear that he takes with him almost everywhere he goes. This small green bear even inspired Bethany to invent “ootty talk”, another language that usually manifests itself when Ootty Teddy is around, much to the delight of all family members! Simon has also learned to put on his own sandals, usually holding one sandal against a foot and asking the question “is this the right feet”? Upon receiving a “yes” he proceeds to slip on the sandal; next he takes the other sandal and, holding it against the other foot, again asks “is this the right feet?”!!! As a joke, Belinda once answered “no” leaving him completely baffled!!!
On the health front, we have mostly just suffered from the odd coughs and colds, although I was diagnosed with a reflux condition earlier in the year that medication has greatly helped to mitigate. Simon also has had a lot of problems with his right ear. Even with grommets, he seems to have had one long continuous ear infection. Antibiotics proved of little use and a swab finally seems to show that he has had a fungal infection that is now being properly treated. He ear is already showing considerable improvement.
ABOUT US
Well I guess by now you have already worked out that we moved house during the year. We were sad to leave our Beacon Hill home, but felt that it was time to move to a less busy street with a bit more land. Thus on the 5th of July we moved to 4 bedroom split level home in a quiet cul-de-sac in Belrose right next to a reserve. Our house has a double lock up garage with internal access, plus two living areas and a large internal laundry. The formal lounge and dining area also has a slow combustion fire place. The main bedroom even has a ensuite and french doors opening to a timber deck! We also have a large 40,000+ litre in-ground concrete pool that has been beautifully landscaped. Thomas refers to the pool area as ‘paradise’ but the boy is prone to hyperbole! Dad has had a lot to learn about pool maintenance, not to mention garden maintenance, but the children cannot get enough of the pool at this stage of their lives. They have all shown dramatic improvement in their swimming ability. Bethany no longer needs her bubble, and Simon knows no fear! Once he puts that shiny black swimming cap on there is no stopping him!
My wife seems to grow more lovely with each year passing. We have had quite a stressful year in many ways, but Belinda’s gentle counsel and her skills as a homemaker have carried us all through the difficult times. Not a day goes by when I don’t thank God for His precious gift in granting me such a beautiful wife. Recently someone innocently asked Belinda how she ‘kept busy’ during the day. I resisted the urge to strangle them (smile), and instead gently explained how she managed a household of three children and a husband, worked four part time jobs, looked after extra children after school, supervised homework, had jointly led a 6 month parenting course, as well as co-leading a mid-week ladies bible study fellowship and somehow facilitating a Sunday school program for 3-5 year olds at our church.
I have had pretty intense year. As well as the stress of moving, my position at LSE has been completely restructured. This has been a blessing, with my role a little more clearly defined and a greater number of people reporting to me. Unfortunately times have been tough financially for LSE, but 2003 is shaping up to be a little brighter for us. Belinda and I did a parenting course in 2001 called Growing Kids God’s Way which was an tremendous help to us and our children. With the encouragement of the NSW state reps and our church leaders, we decided to lead the course ourselves in 2002. This was a challenging, but precious time over the 18 weeks of the course. It was immensely satisfying to hear the testimonies of the participants during the graduation service.
We also enjoyed a camping holiday in January which started with a family get together of the immediate Dart clan. We went on from there to Adelaide. We also enjoyed a number of weekends away with friends to Canberra and the Blue Mountains. The most exciting day trip was to the road between Oberon and Jenolan Caves to see the snow (before it melted!) in June with our dear friends the Leas and the Irvings. The children and the grown ups were enthralled!
TIME TO SIGN OFF
Thank you for being our friends and we trust that you will forgive us for being so tardy with this letter. We send you our love at this time and pray that you will have a monumental 2003.
With love from the Darts of Belrose.
A NEW ERA BEGINS
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
How many years has it been since you've seen a Christmas letter or even a humble card from us? You could be forgiven for thinking that we had fallen off the face of the planet. I think our last 'official' Christmas letter dates back to 1999 when the world seemed a very different place on the eve of a new millennium.
There is much to tell you about in a very small space -- Belinda has set me a very strict word limit! I think she is concerned that I might not be able to hold your attention for very long…
Well, the first thing that those of you astute readers might have noticed is that this ‘Christmas Letter 2002’ has arrived after Christmas. In fact, by the time you are reading this letter it will actually be 2003! We trust you enjoyed your Christmas celebrations and take this opportunity to wish you a happy and prosperous new year.
ABOUT THE CHILDREN
Well, the first thing to note is that there are now three of them for those of you not already up-to-speed! Allow me to do my ‘proud father’ routine and gush for a while.
Thomas Whitmore is a delightful young man who loves the company of others. He is an excellent big brother to Bethany and Simon, who both adore him, calling him ‘Ta’ or ‘Tommy’. Thomas turned 8 this year and successfully completed Year Two at Oxford Falls Grammar School, making excellent progress under the careful guidance of Hamish Oates. He was made a class prefect in term 4 and relished the opportunity to show himself responsible. Thomas is an excellent communicator who loves to talk, in fact his desire to be fully informed about upcoming events sometimes poses a significant challenge for his patient mother. He has really enjoyed church related activities this year, especially Friday Night Live, which he refers to as “the most fun in the entire universe”!. Thomas has a deep appreciation for many forms of music and has really enjoyed private lessons on the keyboard this year. He also loves all kinds of sport; to the total bewilderment of his parents – perhaps it skipped a generation!?!?
Bethany Joy has once again lived up to her middle name this year. Her primary love language would be ‘gift giving’. She loves giving, receiving and making gifts for the many special people in her life. Bethany turned 5 in March and has now completed her third and final year at the Holy Trinity Preschool. She has been a delight to her teachers and classmates alike. Bethany is a very creative person and this is often expressed in drawing, painting and craft. She is very popular among her peers, and seems to get invitations to an inordinate number of birthday parties. Bethany too is a good talker, in fact we seem to have bred three excellent talkers, so much so that Mum & Dad have had to implement a structured "interrupt rule" in order to maintain our sanity. Bethany adores both her brothers who sometimes compete for her attention. Bethany has a soft heart and a warm smile that seems to melt the hearts of all around her. She looks gorgeous in her new school uniform and is counting the days to when she will start Kindergarten at Oxford Falls Grammar.
Simon Wesley is growing up very fast. He will turn 4 in just two short weeks. Thomas and Bethany refer to him as the “cutest boy in the world” which is probably not too far from the truth. He is a delight to the whole family. He started Preschool this year at Holy Trinity and while he misses his mum, and sometimes doesn’t look forward to going, he is never in a hurry to go home when she arrives to pick him up in the afternoon. Simon’s most prized possession is “Ooty Teddy” a soft green teddy bear that he takes with him almost everywhere he goes. This small green bear even inspired Bethany to invent “ootty talk”, another language that usually manifests itself when Ootty Teddy is around, much to the delight of all family members! Simon has also learned to put on his own sandals, usually holding one sandal against a foot and asking the question “is this the right feet”? Upon receiving a “yes” he proceeds to slip on the sandal; next he takes the other sandal and, holding it against the other foot, again asks “is this the right feet?”!!! As a joke, Belinda once answered “no” leaving him completely baffled!!!
On the health front, we have mostly just suffered from the odd coughs and colds, although I was diagnosed with a reflux condition earlier in the year that medication has greatly helped to mitigate. Simon also has had a lot of problems with his right ear. Even with grommets, he seems to have had one long continuous ear infection. Antibiotics proved of little use and a swab finally seems to show that he has had a fungal infection that is now being properly treated. He ear is already showing considerable improvement.
ABOUT US
Well I guess by now you have already worked out that we moved house during the year. We were sad to leave our Beacon Hill home, but felt that it was time to move to a less busy street with a bit more land. Thus on the 5th of July we moved to 4 bedroom split level home in a quiet cul-de-sac in Belrose right next to a reserve. Our house has a double lock up garage with internal access, plus two living areas and a large internal laundry. The formal lounge and dining area also has a slow combustion fire place. The main bedroom even has a ensuite and french doors opening to a timber deck! We also have a large 40,000+ litre in-ground concrete pool that has been beautifully landscaped. Thomas refers to the pool area as ‘paradise’ but the boy is prone to hyperbole! Dad has had a lot to learn about pool maintenance, not to mention garden maintenance, but the children cannot get enough of the pool at this stage of their lives. They have all shown dramatic improvement in their swimming ability. Bethany no longer needs her bubble, and Simon knows no fear! Once he puts that shiny black swimming cap on there is no stopping him!
My wife seems to grow more lovely with each year passing. We have had quite a stressful year in many ways, but Belinda’s gentle counsel and her skills as a homemaker have carried us all through the difficult times. Not a day goes by when I don’t thank God for His precious gift in granting me such a beautiful wife. Recently someone innocently asked Belinda how she ‘kept busy’ during the day. I resisted the urge to strangle them (smile), and instead gently explained how she managed a household of three children and a husband, worked four part time jobs, looked after extra children after school, supervised homework, had jointly led a 6 month parenting course, as well as co-leading a mid-week ladies bible study fellowship and somehow facilitating a Sunday school program for 3-5 year olds at our church.
I have had pretty intense year. As well as the stress of moving, my position at LSE has been completely restructured. This has been a blessing, with my role a little more clearly defined and a greater number of people reporting to me. Unfortunately times have been tough financially for LSE, but 2003 is shaping up to be a little brighter for us. Belinda and I did a parenting course in 2001 called Growing Kids God’s Way which was an tremendous help to us and our children. With the encouragement of the NSW state reps and our church leaders, we decided to lead the course ourselves in 2002. This was a challenging, but precious time over the 18 weeks of the course. It was immensely satisfying to hear the testimonies of the participants during the graduation service.
We also enjoyed a camping holiday in January which started with a family get together of the immediate Dart clan. We went on from there to Adelaide. We also enjoyed a number of weekends away with friends to Canberra and the Blue Mountains. The most exciting day trip was to the road between Oberon and Jenolan Caves to see the snow (before it melted!) in June with our dear friends the Leas and the Irvings. The children and the grown ups were enthralled!
TIME TO SIGN OFF
Thank you for being our friends and we trust that you will forgive us for being so tardy with this letter. We send you our love at this time and pray that you will have a monumental 2003.
With love from the Darts of Belrose.
Sunday, 10 November 2002
GKGW - Graduation Service Message
Psalm 127 : 3 says that children are “a heritage and a reward from the Lord” and in Deuteronomy Chapter 6 parents are reminded that it is their responsibility to make their faith an integral part of their family life. Parents are encouraged to love God with all their heart, soul and strength and impress God’s commandments on your children. “Talk with them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” . In other words, informally in the everyday living of your life, demonstrate in words and attitudes and actions that God is in control of your life, that He is the creator, that He is the provider, that He is the sustainer of your life and relationships i.e. parental education is NOT information-oriented but relationship-oriented and life-oriented!
PARENTING IN THE 2000’s
I want to speak today to parents of all kinds.
The Family was instituted by God and in Genesis 1:27 The Bible says that after God created Adam and Eve and then He blessed them and said to them amongst other things - “Be fruitful and multiply”
And so parenting was approved by God. Children are special to him and he entrusts them to fallible human beings!
The Word of God tells many stories about both the influence of parents on children. I want to remind you this morning of a few examples of parenting which are recorded in The Bible for our instruction.
1. HOW NOT TO DO IT
* ISAAC & REBEKAH ( Gen. 27 )
with sons, Esau & Jacob
Deception & Lies, Favouritism
* JACOB & RACHEL ( Gen. 37 esp. vs 3&4 )
with son, Joseph
Favouritism ( sibling rivalry )
* ELI - The Priest ( 1 Sam. 2:12 & 22-25a )
with sons, Hophni & Phineas
Lack of Discipline -immorality
* DAVID ( 2 Sam. esp. Ch.13 )
& his children
No boundaries or limits set
cf. own adultery, incest, rebellion, murder
2. HOW TO DO IT
* THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON ( Luke 15 :11-31 ) - told by Jesus
It could just have easily been called the “PARABLE OF THE COMPASSIONATE FATHER”
vs. 11 - two sons
children are different
vs 20 The father continued to love his son even though he was “in a far country” children need parents to love them even when they do the wrong thing.
vs 20,22 & 31 The father affirmed his children in words & deeds children need parents to express their love as well as show affection.
It’s my prayer that, in future, as you reflect on the parable of the prodigal son, you will not miss the picture of the love of God for His lost children and will see His arms outstretched and running towards you, ready to embrace you and welcome you or any other person who repents and returns home.
It is also my prayer for GKGW graduates especially, that you remember the Heart of Grace in our Heavenly Father and realise that God is more interested in shaping our hearts than in making us conform to a strict set of rules or standard of behaviour.
Are you parenting for your own comfort, or are you seeking to impart something of the values and heart of God into the hearts of your children? Are you doing this in order that they too might share in His compassion for His children – whether they be lost or found!!!
As Gary Ezzo says, our mission is “to define God the the world so that the world might find God”.
PARENTING IN THE 2000’s
I want to speak today to parents of all kinds.
The Family was instituted by God and in Genesis 1:27 The Bible says that after God created Adam and Eve and then He blessed them and said to them amongst other things - “Be fruitful and multiply”
And so parenting was approved by God. Children are special to him and he entrusts them to fallible human beings!
The Word of God tells many stories about both the influence of parents on children. I want to remind you this morning of a few examples of parenting which are recorded in The Bible for our instruction.
1. HOW NOT TO DO IT
* ISAAC & REBEKAH ( Gen. 27 )
with sons, Esau & Jacob
Deception & Lies, Favouritism
* JACOB & RACHEL ( Gen. 37 esp. vs 3&4 )
with son, Joseph
Favouritism ( sibling rivalry )
* ELI - The Priest ( 1 Sam. 2:12 & 22-25a )
with sons, Hophni & Phineas
Lack of Discipline -immorality
* DAVID ( 2 Sam. esp. Ch.13 )
& his children
No boundaries or limits set
cf. own adultery, incest, rebellion, murder
2. HOW TO DO IT
* THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON ( Luke 15 :11-31 ) - told by Jesus
It could just have easily been called the “PARABLE OF THE COMPASSIONATE FATHER”
vs. 11 - two sons
children are different
- This is a profound truth.
- Recognising that your children are different by design may help you to avoid may of the pitfalls of favouritism.
- Are you communicating love to your child in a language that he understands?
vs 20 The father continued to love his son even though he was “in a far country” children need parents to love them even when they do the wrong thing.
- When they betray your trust
- When they break your possessions or waste your money.
vs 20,22 & 31 The father affirmed his children in words & deeds children need parents to express their love as well as show affection.
- Father’s (& mothers) – do you express your love verbally to your wife and your children? Do you take the time to hug and kiss your children? Do your children trust you enough to let you into their private world?
- Remember, its not about quality and quantity of time – the real issue for fathers is “Do my children trust me?”
- Look at the way the father listened to his son. He “came out” to plead with him.
- He didn’t rebuke the elder son for his selfishness. He affirmed him, he reassured him. He then helped him to see the preciousness of his brother, and the miracle of his return.
- He is an active listener to our requests ( even unreasonable ones )
- He always responds and allows us the freedom to make mistakes . He never seeks to control us and make us do what He wants but has a given us a free will
- Even when we make mistakes, He loves us just the same and He never gives up on us.
- “Love always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…” 1Cor13 I looked up the word “always” in the dictionary…it means “always”.
- He allows us to learn from the mistakes we make and is always ready and willing to forgive us when we come to our senses and repent of our wilful and sinful ways.
- He affirms our worth and value and made each of us in His image.
- He permits us to own and express our thoughts and feelings to Him without judgment or condemnation.
- He hates sin but loves the sinner.
- He loves us unconditionally and He took the initiative in expressing His love in action by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Saviour and Redeemer.
It’s my prayer that, in future, as you reflect on the parable of the prodigal son, you will not miss the picture of the love of God for His lost children and will see His arms outstretched and running towards you, ready to embrace you and welcome you or any other person who repents and returns home.
It is also my prayer for GKGW graduates especially, that you remember the Heart of Grace in our Heavenly Father and realise that God is more interested in shaping our hearts than in making us conform to a strict set of rules or standard of behaviour.
Are you parenting for your own comfort, or are you seeking to impart something of the values and heart of God into the hearts of your children? Are you doing this in order that they too might share in His compassion for His children – whether they be lost or found!!!
As Gary Ezzo says, our mission is “to define God the the world so that the world might find God”.
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