MY STORY
I was born in Christchurch New Zealand in 1959 and raised in a family of five. I attended a local primary school then went through to high school until moving onto a carpentry apprenticeship. Through this I completed my trade certificate and advanced trade certificate in carpentry, this was coupled with completing my apprenticeship and becoming a qualified trade’s person. I then continued on over the next few years becoming a foreman and taking up the role of a small business owner carrying out on site work as well as doing all the costings, tendering and necessary book keeping for the business.
During this time I embarked on a diploma in theology course via correspondence, this kept me busy off and on in my spare time, if any was available, for quite a number of years. I gained my diploma in theology in 2004. I really enjoyed this particular journey and it was a thrill to finally achieve it. I’m now currently doing a business management course.
In 2002 Phillipa, my wife, and our three children left New Zealand for Melbourne Australia to a office based employment for me after we had chosen to close the small building business that we had. This wasn’t an easy decision but none the less as a family of five we have enjoyed the journey as well as gaining vast experience in different work and life style. Today our two daughters have moved back to Christchurch New Zealand after completing their schooling years in Melbourne to further their studies there, while Phillipa and I along with our son remain in Melbourne.
I have different interest in my life which include; model trains, camping, fishing, (mainly rivers and lakes), water sports as the body allows, and travelling.
I have enjoyed writing Time to Move Your Mountain and it is my hope that you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the journey of sharing some keys in life that I share with you in the book. I hope to be able to put pen to paper again in the not too distant future.
FORWARD
Without perseverance, much can be lost; with perseverance, much can be achieved, and this has been proved with the completion of this book.
Stuart has written an excellent account of the value of perseverance and appropriate strategies in confronting the mountains that would hinder us as we journey through life.
Stuart completed his advanced trade certificate in Christchurch, New Zealand, the city of his birth and his childhood. He joined the family firm as a carpenter and later took over the business. Following the difficult decision to close the firm, Stuart and family emigrated and, as he says, “began a journey of life in a foreign country”. (From personal experience, I know this is not easy.)
With perseverance and commitment, Stuart successfully established himself and his family in Melbourne. He is now a Chief Estimator in the building industry in Australia. He is currently doing a business management course. Part-time study is not new to Stuart, as some years ago, he achieved his Diploma of Theology.
Setting goals and working to achieve these is a hallmark of Stuart’s life. My wife and I attended Stuart and Phillipa’s wedding, and have journeyed with them in the years that have followed that joyous event. They have enjoyed fun times and holidays. The addition of two daughters and a son added greatly to their joy and happiness. They have also been confronted with ill health, bereavement, business and financial difficulties. They have taken the courageous decision to emigrate. They have bravely and successfully confronted and challenged the difficulties in business, family and social life. They wisely take stock of their physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual state to deal with life.
Stuart has written of these challenges and the ways in which we can deal with the obstacles that block our progress to a fulfilled family and a contented life.
Stuart writes of the tremendous value of both his Dad and his heavenly Father. Both have added greatly to Stuart’s understanding, values and attitude. Stuart tells, in a natural and loving style, how these relationships and values have aided him in his life’s
journey. He writes freely of his secular and spiritual life.
There is value in adopting Stuart’s practical insights and principles.
Revision, editing and re-editing have been the hallmark of progress towards the publication of this worthwhile account of living and working through the fun—and not so fun—times in life. In life, we do not have the option of revising, editing and re-editing. We can, however, learn about the strategies available to live well and succeed in life.
It is Stuart’s hope and mine that reading this book will equip you to deal well with the mountains that need to be confronted in your own life.
Dr Alf Richardson
Veterinarian Surgeon
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wish to thank Alf and Margaret Richardson for the time they spent proofreading the manuscript for this book, and for their commitment and encouragement they showed towards me during this process. Alf and Margaret, you were fantastic in the way you went about helping me on this journey and for the advice you gave along the way.
Megan Foster, my editor, for the fantastic work you did in completing the final edit and formatting. You not only work hard but took a keen interest in how the final presentation would look—thank you.
For the work that Melanie Evans did in the design and creation of the front and back cover to this book. You didn’t have much of a scope to go on as I was lacking in information, but with your talent in art, you took what you had and came up with the right design. Thanks, Melanie, for a great job.
I would like to thank our three wonderful children who were so patient with me at times when I would be at the computer with the “do not disturb” sign up. As you have encouraged me, I want to encourage you to run with your dreams and goals and never give up, and see them come into being.
This book would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the help and encouragement from my best friend and soul mate: my lovely wife, Phillipa. Before Megan did the final edit to this book, Phillipa would work editing and re-editing along with me. But there were times when she would do it herself. She spent hours doing this, which sometimes can be a thankless task. Phillipa, without your input, I wouldn’t have completed this book. You truly are my inspiration.
During this time I embarked on a diploma in theology course via correspondence, this kept me busy off and on in my spare time, if any was available, for quite a number of years. I gained my diploma in theology in 2004. I really enjoyed this particular journey and it was a thrill to finally achieve it. I’m now currently doing a business management course.
In 2002 Phillipa, my wife, and our three children left New Zealand for Melbourne Australia to a office based employment for me after we had chosen to close the small building business that we had. This wasn’t an easy decision but none the less as a family of five we have enjoyed the journey as well as gaining vast experience in different work and life style. Today our two daughters have moved back to Christchurch New Zealand after completing their schooling years in Melbourne to further their studies there, while Phillipa and I along with our son remain in Melbourne.
I have different interest in my life which include; model trains, camping, fishing, (mainly rivers and lakes), water sports as the body allows, and travelling.
I have enjoyed writing Time to Move Your Mountain and it is my hope that you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the journey of sharing some keys in life that I share with you in the book. I hope to be able to put pen to paper again in the not too distant future.