586. A New Beginning In A New Year. New Year’s Eve 1958. My personal story.

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Jim Holbeck

As I holidayed in Boundary Street Coolangatta on the border between Queensland and New South Wales, I decided to cross the border and do a walk at dusk along the main street in Tweed Heads. An unique occurrence happened. It had never happened before and has never happened since. I was wolf whistled by small group of young women. It was embarrassing but also amusing. Remembered because of its uniqueness.

However, another unique occurrence was to take place later in the evening that had eternal consequences. My two sisters had become believers in Christ and had been trying to persuade me to become one also. During the holiday I had been reading the book “Peace With God“ by Billy Graham and some small booklets written by John Stott, an English clergyman and a chaplain to the Queen. I had become convinced that Jesus had lived, died and risen from the dead before ascending back to heaven. He had become Lord of the universe and of all its inhabitants. But how was I going to submit to His lordship?

Later in the evening I opened one of the booklets written by John Stott. It had a simple prayer one could pray to become a Christian, using the letters A, B, C and D to describe the steps involved. 

  1. I had to Admit that I was a Sinner in the sight of God. That was easy to do because I knew that I was not perfect. I had not loved Him with all my being!
  2. I had to Believe that Jesus Christ had come into the world to die for my sins. I had understood that when I read 2 Corinthians 5: 15, “He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” I had realised that if I was the only person ever born and had committed only one sin, Jesus would still have needed to come to die for me for my forgiveness and salvation. 
  3. I had to Consider the cost of becoming a Christian. Though salvation is a free gift in Christ, there were implications in giving one’s life to Christ. I realized that becoming a Christian meant that from that time forward, I had to live for Him, as that verse above indicated, “that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 

I considered the cost but knew the only option I had, was to live for Christ from that day on.

D. I had to Do something about it. I had to invite him into my life to be my Lord and Saviour. I had come to know how to do that as I read Revelation chapter 3 verse 20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” It had made sense of a picture in the small prayer book my parents had given me when I was confirmed. 

I discovered the picture was a painting by Holman Hunt entitled “The Light Of The World” a copy of which I saw in Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London when on a trip years later with my [now late] wife to the UK. It is a picture of the risen Christ holding a lantern,  knocking on the door of the human heart, knocking and waiting to be invited in. 

A few minutes before midnight on New Year’s Eve 1958 I invited Him into my life. As I finished the prayer the horns honked and the bells tolled and there was great rejoicing outside ……  because the new year of 1959 had come in. I was later to read there was also rejoicing in heaven on that New Year’s Eve as Jesus said, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7. 

I was later to discover the truth of this verse, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. 

 Certainly the old had passed away. I gave up my Rugby League career after playing several seasons of A grade football and representing Ipswich in an international match against a touring New Zealand Maori team. Which we won!

I began to study the Bible, and to go to church. Soon after I was teaching Sunday school and leading a youth group where most of the members finished up on the mission field or in full time Christian service.  I too went to theological college and was ordained an Anglican minister in 1968. In brief my ministry encompassed 10 years in Brisbane diocese at Coorparoo and Mount Gravatt, 10 years as the Dean of Armidale in New South Wales , 18 years as the Leader of the Healing Ministry in Saint Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney and a year as a locum at the Maclean-Yamba parish after retirement in 2012. 

By the grace of God I was able to conduct teaching missions in many parts of Australia and did a ministry tour for the Order Of Saint Luke throughout New Zealand in 1993. A surprise invitation in 1999 meant  my wife Carol and I did a ministry tour to the United States  in Wisconsin, Alabama and Florida. WE returned every year for a 4 to 6 week ministry at All Saints, Winter Park, Florida from 2001 to 2008 and again in 2012.  Many of those to whom we ministered became close personal friends for eternity. 

Also by the grace of God there were wonderful changes in my personal life. Into my youth group came a young woman I had heard about as a  great sportswoman and leader. She had been born in Kharagpur, India and had travelled as a 4 year old with her parents to Queensland and had settled in a neighbouring suburb. I have written a lot about her in my previous blogs but in summary she was the most attractive, self-giving woman I had ever met. We both believed that the Lord had brought us together in His love for His purposes. It was an incredible privilege and a joy to be married and to serve the Lord together for 54 years of marriage. And together to welcome into the world three wonderful children and through them our beloved grandchildren. Again there’s much about our family in previous blogs.

The main purpose of this blog, is to remind people of the newness of the new creation which we become in Christ, And to encourage those who have not done so, as yet, to pray the prayer to invite the Lord Jesus into their lives. HE keeps on knocking but WE must open the door of our hearts to Him. Only then comes the brand new newness that the Risen Christ is able to bring into our lives.

Blog No.586 posted on New Year’s Eve, 31 December 2025.

Posted in BIBLE PASSAGE OUTLINES, Bible verses. Comments, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Glorification, Healing, Holy Spirit, Justification, Mental Health, New Beginnings, Prayer, Questions and Answers, Real Life Stories, Salvation, Sanctification, Temptations, TOPICS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

585.  Jim Holbeck’s Christmas 2025 New Year 2026 Greetings

Posted on December 24, 2025 by Jim Holbeck

It’s great to know that you are loved. As we come to the end of a very eventful year it is great to be reminded that we are loved by the God of this universe who created us in His love for His purposes. And how great it is to know that we have experienced God’s love through our fellow creatures, especially through a loving spouse whom the Lord in His mercy and love brought into our lives. In my case my beloved Carole coming all the way from Kharagpur in India as a 4 year old in 1947. 

Since New Year this year I have experienced fairly good health apart from a gammy knee but I have realised even more deeply how blessed I have been to have had Carole as my loving wife for 54 years until her death 6 years ago, and to reflect on the amazing woman she was [and is]. And to have the support of my loving children and grandchildren.

This year it has been difficult to do all  I wanted to do in preparation for Christmas, so I decided to send out this blog to thank people for their loving kindnesses to me  and to wish them and their families every blessing for Christmas and the coming New Year 

I was preparing a Christmas greeting, and remembered a significant Christmas message I had given in St Peter’s Cathedral, Armidale when I was the Dean there decades ago. I remembered making a blog about it and found it from December 2023. It is blog No. 509 on my blog site www.jimholbeck.blog

You could click on this link to open it. 

509.The Greatest Christmas Gift Given To You And Me

Wishing you and your loved ones God’s richest blessings for Christmas and throughout 2026.

Yours affectionately in Christ.

In His love

Jim

No.585 posted on Wednesday 24 December2025

Posted in Christmas, Creation, Faithfulness, Glorification, Healing, Holy Spirit, Justification, Mental Health, New Beginnings, New Covenant, Real Life Stories, Salvation, Sanctification | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

584. PRAYERS BASED ON EPHESIANS CHAPTER 1

Posted on December 13, 2025 by Jim Holbeck

The following prayers are taken from the prayers I composed as I wrote a series of blogs based on Ephesians chapter1. The numbers are the numbers of the  articles on my blog site www.jimholbeck.blog  Each article has an explanation of the text. The prayers could be useful for personal or corporate prayer as we seek to pray in accord with God’s revealed will in scripture. You can read those articles by clicking on the numbers at the beginning of each Bible reading.

 192. EPHESIANS 1:1. ST PAUL PRAYED FOR HIS READERS TO HAVE GOD’S GRACE AND  PEACE.

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

A Suggested Prayer

“Heavenly Father we thank You that You called Paul to be an apostle to share the good news about You. We thank You that You inspired him by Your Holy Spirit to record these words so that You would use them to bring blessing to countless generations.

We thank You that through the gospel You call your people to belong to You as your saints. We pray that we may become more and more holy in our thoughts, words and deeds so that Jesus may be seen in and through our lives. 

We thank You for Your amazing grace in calling us to respond to You, and that by Your grace, we have been saved through faith. We thank You that like St Paul, we have come to know peace with You as the God of peace and that we can know Your peace in our hearts and minds to keep us safe.

Help us Lord to live by the power of Your Spirit so that we may bring glory to You in all we say and do. We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour Amen.”

193. EPHESIANS 1:3. THANKING GOD FOR WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST

(3) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, (4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love (5) he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, (6) to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”

A SUGGESTED PRAYER BASED ON Eph 1:3

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for all You have done for us in Jesus. We thank You for all You have given us in Him. We thank You that You have blessed us in Him with every spiritual blessing. We thank You that through faith, we are the children of Abraham and that we have been blessed by You to be a blessing.

Help us Lord to realise that this world is not about us, but that it is about You. It’s about Your purpose to bless the world in Your love. We thank You that not only are we the recipients of Your love but that we also have the wonderful privilege and responsibility of being instruments of Your love and blessings to others in this world.   

Grant us the wisdom to know Your will and the power by Your Spirit to do it so that we might fulfil  Your purpose for us. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. AMEN!”

284. PRAYER BASED ON  EPHESIANS 1:4. WE ARE CHOSEN BY GOD HIMSELF TO FULFIL HIS PURPOSE FOR US IN HIS WORLD

Eph 1:4  even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him … .

A Suggested Prayer based on Ephesians 1:4

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your amazing grace in choosing us to belong to You before the world was made. We thank You too that You had a purpose in choosing us, that we should be set apart from the world’s ways and its values to belong wholly to You. We thank You that in Your love and power You give us the grace to live holy lives before You. Forgive us for the times we have not drawn upon Your grace and failed to be Your holy and blameless people. We thank You for Your promise in Your word that You are able to keep us from stumbling and to present us blameless before Your presence in glory with great joy.” Please fulfil Your purpose in our lives as we continue to offer ourselves completely to You. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. AMEN.”

286. PRAYER BASED ON  EPHESIANS 1:5. “BLESSING GOD WHO BLESSES HIS PEOPLE BY ADOPTING THEM INTO HIS FAMILY..”

Eph 1:5 “In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”

A Suggested Prayer based on Ephesians 1:5

“Heavenly Father, we thank You that in Your eternal plan and purpose You chose to adopt us into Your family as Your children. We thank You that we came into Your family when we put our trust in Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. We thank You that Your grace has been poured out on us in Your beloved Son. Enable us to continually praise You for Your goodness and grace to us in bestowing those blessings on us in Him. Accept our thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.”

287. PRAYER BASED ON EPHESIANS 1:7-10. CHRIST BRINGS UNITY AMONG DIVERSE GROUPINGS OF PEOPLE

Eph 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9  making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10  as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”

A Suggested Prayer based on Ephesians 1:7-10.

“Heavenly Father, we thank You that when we received Jesus to be our Saviour and Lord, You blessed us in Him with so many blessings. We thank You that in Him we have been redeemed by His blood and our sins have been forgiven. We praise You that You poured out Your amazing grace on us as part of Your purpose in bringing a sense of unity in this divided world. We thank You that In Christ we are one with believers from all over the world. Enable us by Your Holy Spirit to humble ourselves before You so that You can exercise Your headship over Your church and over every individual in the church. We invite You to take Your throne over our lives as we seek to live for You and to fulfil Your purpose for us in this world. Accept our grateful thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN!”

288. PRAYER BASED ON EPHESIANS 1:11-14. “PRAISING GOD FOR ALL WE HAVE NOW IN JESUS AND FOR OUR FULL INHERITANCE IN HIM.”

Eph 1:11 “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”

A Suggested Prayer Based On Ephesians 1:11-14

“Heavenly Father, we thank You that in Your plan and purpose for this world You enabled us to hear and respond to the gospel message of salvation.  We thank You that as You did so, You bestowed on us the Holy Spirit to seal our relationship with You so that we might inherit all the blessings You have given us in Jesus. Enable us, by Your Spirit, to become more and more a people of praise so that You may be glorified in and through our lives. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. AMEN.”

289. PRAYER BASED ON EPHESIANS 1:15-23. “HOW GOD WANTS US TO PRAY FOR OURSELVES AND FOR HIS PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD!”

Eph 1:15 “Eph 1:15  For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16  I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,7  that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,18  having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19  and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20  that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22  And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23  which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

A Suggested Prayer based on Ephesians 1:15-23

“Dear Lord, we acknowledge that You are the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray that You would give us the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation to know You better. 18  Please enlighten our hearts and minds so that we can know the hope to which You have called us,  what are the riches of Your glorious inheritance in us as Your people, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of Your power toward us who believe. This was according to the working of Your great might 20  that You worked in Christ when You raised him from the dead and seated him at Your right hand in the heavenly places, 21  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 We thank You that You put all things under Jesus’ feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.  WE thank You for the victory we have in Him. AMEN!”

Blog No.584 posted on Saturday 13 December 2025

Posted in BIBLE PASSAGE OUTLINES, Bible verses. Comments, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Glorification, Healing, Holy Spirit, Justification, Mental Health, OUTLINE OF EPHESIANS, Prayer, Praying our way through Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Salvation, Sanctification, spiritual warfare, Temptations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

583.  GOD PREPARES HIS PEOPLE FOR GLORY AND UNBELIEVERS FOR DESTRUCTION.

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Jim Holbeck

“That can’t be right !” we might cry out. Surely the God of love wouldn’t prepare some people for destruction? Yet that is what Romans 9:22-23 seems to indicate. Rom 9:22  “What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23  in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—”
Here are two groups of people. Some are called vessels of wrath prepared for destruction “and the others are called “vessels of mercy prepared beforehand for glory.”
Both groups are called “vessels “described by the Greek word  “skeuos” which can mean a utensil for carrying anything or an instrument such as a person. 


The 1st group, “vessels of wrath prepared for destruction” are described that way as shown in verse 22, “What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured [them] with much patience.” It appears that God’s patience with their sin will eventually come to an end and His punishment follows. The reason Jesus came to earth was to die for sin so that humans would not have to face the wrath of God for their sin. By confessing their sin and trusting in Christ for salvation they could avert the wrath of God. But these people have chosen not to do so. 
This truth was shown by Saint John in John chapter 3 verses 16 to 18, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
God’s grace and mercy are offered freely to every human being. However they have a choice to make. To accept His grace in Christ or to live as they please, ignoring the grace of God and ultimately the God of grace. There are consequences for rejecting the God of grace.
 
The 2nd group, “vessels of mercy prepared beforehand for glory” are those who have repented of their sin and have accepted Christ as their Saviour from sin. They are “vessels of mercy” because they have received God’s mercy in accepting Christ as  their Saviour. They were “prepared beforehand for glory“ because God in His omniscience knows who will receive Him and who were reject Him.  This truth is seen in  1Peter 1:1-2, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit … .” They are the elect or chosen because God in His foreknowledge knew who would respond to Him. 
 
WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF HIS VESSELS OF MERCY. Ephesians 2:8-10.
He has good works for us to do! As Saint Paul wrote,  Eph 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
God has good works which He has prepared beforehand for His people to do. Not only has he prepared His people beforehand for glory but He was also prepared beforehand the good works He wants them to accomplish.  So the redeemed Christian life is not a matter of believers trying to do things to please God, but allowing Him to show them the works He wants them to do and receiving His grace to enable them to do them. 
Saint Paul encourages us in this process in Philippians 2:12-13, “…. . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” We are to work out in practice what God is working in us. He works in us to give us both the willingness and the ability to do the things that please Him.
At this coming Christmas season our attention is drawn to Jesus Christ, the creator of the world, the redeemer of humankind, the Lord of the universe and the ultimate judge. But there is a choice to be made. To accept His amazing grace in coming into the world to die for us or the choice to remain as we are, rejecting the grace and mercy of the eternal loving God. It is not too late to make the right decision and discover the amazing love and mercy of the omnipotent, all powerful, omniscient all-knowing loving God.
Blog No.583 posted on Tuesday, 09 December 2025.

Posted in BIBLE PASSAGE OUTLINES, Bible verses. Comments, Christmas, Creation, Evangelism, Forgiveness, Glorification, Healing, Judgement, Justification, New Beginnings, Prayer, Salvation, Sanctification, Temptations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

582.  SUMMARY OF ARTICLES ON “PRAYING THROUGH EPHESIANS”

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Jim Holbeck

In a very challenging time healthwise in our marriage I was led to attempt to get my thinking and behaviour into the centre of God’s will for my wife and myself. I felt that I should look into St Paul’s teaching in Ephesians and see how my prayers could be based on God’s revelation of His purposes and will in that epistle. The search was personally helpful for it helped to strengthen both my wife and I as she faced the threat of terminal cancers. 

A].  SUMMARY OF ARTICLES BASED ON CHAPTER 1 OF EPHESIANS

290.  This article has links to 8 articles summarising chapter 1

https://jimholbeck.blog/2018/09/08/290-a-summary-of-the-articles-on-ephesians-chapter-1-on-praying-our-way-through-pauls-letter-to-the-ephesians/

B]. SUMMARY OF ARTICLES BASED ON CHAPTER 2.

298. A Compilation Of 5  Articles Based On Ephesians Chapter 2

C]. SUMMARY OF ARTICLES BASED ON CHAPTERS 3 TO 6.   

301. Eph 3:1-6. https://jimholbeck.blog/2018/11/08/301-halleluia-i-belong-praying-through-ephesians-ephesians-31-6/

302. Eph 3:7-10.  .. https://jimholbeck.blog/2018/11/09/302-taking-hold-of-our-unsearchable-riches-in-christ-praying-through-ephesians-ephesians-37-10/

314. Eph 3:14-19.  https://jimholbeck.blog/2019/02/14/314-praying-for-spiritual-strength-ephesians-314-19-in-the-series-praying-through-ephesians/

326. Eph 4:17-24. https://jimholbeck.blog/2019/09/09/326-ephesians-417-24-contrasting-the-old-life-with-the-new-life-christ-brings-in-the-series-praying-through-ephesians/

331. Eph 4:25-32.. https://jimholbeck.blog/2019/11/25/331-ephesians-425-32-encouragements-to-live-as-a-christian-gods-advice-in-how-to-do-it-in-the-series-praying-through-ephesians/

332.Eph 5 1-16.. https://jimholbeck.blog/2019/12/02/332-ephesians-51-16-walking-in-love-and-in-the-light-in-the-series-praying-through-ephesians/

340. Eph 5:17-6:9. . https://jimholbeck.blog/2020/01/06/340-praying-through-ephesians-eph-517-169-being-filled-with-the-spirit-and-the-possible-consequences-in-lives-lived-in-mutual-submission/

341. Eph 6:10-24.. https://jimholbeck.blog/2020/01/10/341-praying-through-ephesians-winning-the-war-in-spiritual-warfare-eph-610-24-a-suggested-prayer/

Blog No. 582 posted on Thursday 27 November 2025

Posted in Bible verses. Comments, Coping With Personal Grief, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, GROUP DISCUSSION MATERIAL on "Forgiveness", Healing, Holy Spirit, Justification, Mental Health, New Beginnings, OUTLINE OF EPHESIANS, Prayer, Praying our way through Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Real Life Stories, Salvation, Sanctification, spiritual warfare, Temptations, TOPICS | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

581.  Memories That Bring Strength And Peace. 

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Jim Holbeck

It is exactly 6 years ago since I answered the phone to hear these words, “Mr Holbeck, your wife Carole passed away just a few minutes ago.” They were from the person in  charge of the Palliative Care ward at Wauchope, the neighbouring town. 

I was shocked but not surprised because the doctor had told us both just two days earlier that Carole could not live longer than 2 or 3 days. I had spent the whole day with her as she lay there in an unresponsive state. Carole had previously insisted I drove home before darkness fell,  and I did so after praying over her and telling her I loved her and that if Jesus was calling her home, I would be ok. 

Life was a bit of a blur for some time after that but I did manage to write a  tribute to her which was handed out at her Thanksgiving service a few days later,  329. A Tribute To A Wonderful Godly Woman. Carole Ann Holbeck. My Late Beloved Wife and Very Best Friend and another the night before her Thanksgiving service. [Here] Since that time I have reflected on significant moments in our relationship, little moments that have stuck in my memory for decades after.  At a church barbeque on the beach how I decided to fetch the food for a younger person who was severely physically handicapped. As I arrived back with the food there was Carole who had had the same idea also bringing food back to the young man. I remember thinking what a kind, thoughtful, generous person this young woman is. [And very attractive as well.] From that moment I saw how this attitude of thoughtful generosity marked every aspect of her life.

I remember the first time she told me she loved me and I felt the most privileged man on earth to be loved by such a beautiful, intelligent, self-giving creature. Later came the time when I asked Carole in a hypothetical way what she would say if someday I asked her to marry me. Her immediate answer was, “I would say Yes!” Hearing  this reply, I proposed and she accepted my proposal.  This to my utter amazement and deep joy. 

There is another memory that often comes into my mind. Carole had flown from Brisbane to Melbourne where I was residing in a Theological College. As we walked together along one of the streets in the CBD of Melbourne with Carole’s arm linked through mine, I thought I was the most privileged person on earth to have such a beautiful, attractive woman on my arm. I saw it as being God’s blessing on my life, thoroughly undeserved, but deeply , deeply appreciated.  

Perhaps my most recent memory comes from the time I was helping Carole move from our bedroom to her favourite chair in the lounge.  This was just a couple of days before I drove her to hospital at her request, our very last trip together. As we moved together she suddenly stopped and turning towards me said  these unforgettable words, “Thank you  for loving me! Thank you for caring for me!” I suppose they summarised our 55 years of being committed to one another and 54 years of a blissful marriage. These words have meant so much to me over the last 6 years.

There are of course many other precious memories I remember from time to time, but all of them fill me with gratitude to God for His amazing grace in allowing me to meet and fall in love in the most beautiful, attractive woman I have ever met. How gracious is our God!

Blog No. 581 posted on Friday 31 October 2025.

Posted in Coping With Personal Grief, Faithfulness, Healing, Holbeck Helpful Hints, Mental Health, Mini Reflections, Prayer, Real Life Stories, Salvation, Sanctification, TOPICS, Tributes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

580. 90 Years Of Living In This World. What a privilege!

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Jim Holbeck

I reached the age of 90 years on Tuesday 14th OCTOBER. What a privilege to have lived for all those years in the Lord’s beautiful world. I did some research and discovered that of all Australian men born in1935, only 22% of us will get to the age of 90. It is an undeserved privilege bestowed on me by the grace of a loving God.  I am amazed to realise that I was brought into the world to serve some purpose in the Lord’s eternal plan.  For 70 of those years I have tried to fulfil His purpose for me. He has always been faithful in providing the grace I needed to live for Him in spite of my unavailability at times. 

What a privilege to be born into a loving family where riches were not abundant but where love and support certainly were. 

Then to befriend a beautiful, attractive, intelligent young woman who became my very best friend and who amazingly responded to my proposal of marriage; a marriage which was blessed for 54 years before the Lord called her home. And the joy of bringing 3 wonderful children into the world and through them 4 grandchildren and 3 step grandchildren. 

The privilege of serving the Lord, in many places in Australia, in New Zealand, and in Wisconsin, Alabama and Florida in the United States. As a result, deep friendships that have lasted for decades. And to realise that the Lord had “planned” my days so that I was offered positions in ministry rather than having to apply for them, as Psalm 139 verse 16 indicates, “Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.” Being interested in words I looked up the word “planned” in this verse in the Greek version of the Old Testament. [The LXX]. It is the word πλάσσω; plassō meaning to mould [like a potter]  or to fashion or form. Grace upon grace upon grace to realise that my whole life has been part of His eternal plan and purpose and that when my mind made some plans for the future, the Lord over-ruled to His glory,  Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

Reaching 90 years of age is a privilege I deeply appreciate and I praise the Lord for His amazing grace in allowing me to do so.

Blog No. 580 posted on Tuesday 14 October 2025

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579. A HALF CENTURY SINCE THE DEATH OF A LEGEND. Carlyle Carroll Tapsell a hockey legend.

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Jim Holbeck

Just 50 years ago on the 6th September 1975 Carlyle Carroll Tapsell went home to the Lord. 

Carl Tapsell was a penalty-corner pioneer in field hockey, the first penalty-corner goal-scoring specialist in the game. ChatGPT said of him, Carlyle Tapsell’s contribution to field hockey was significant because he was part of India’s golden era of dominance in the sport, helping to cement India’s reputation as the world’s leading hockey nation in the early 20th century. Here’s a breakdown of his contributions:

🏑 As a Player

Double Olympic Champion:

1932 Los Angeles: Member of the Indian team that dominated, scoring 24–1 against the USA in one match and winning gold.

1936 Berlin: Played in the famous final where India beat Germany 8–1 before Adolf Hitler and a huge crowd.

Key Position: Played halfback, a crucial role linking defence and attack. He was known for his speed, anticipation, and strong tackling.

Versatility: He was admired for his ability to adapt and play different positions when needed, which strengthened India’s depth.

🌏 Legacy

Helped establish India as an unstoppable hockey powerhouse of the 1930s.

Part of the team that inspired generations of Indian players and contributed to hockey’s popularity in India.

Represented the Anglo-Indian community in India’s international sporting success, showcasing diversity in Indian sports at the time.

His participation in two consecutive Olympics added to India’s streak of six consecutive Olympic golds (1928–1956).

Indian hockey team members on the voyage to Los Angeles for the 1932 Olympic Games. Carl is on the left of the ship’s Captain.

Carl Tapsell in Australia

Carl, his wife Eileen and daughter Carole moved to Ipswich in Australia in 1947. He immediately had a major impact upon the field hockey scene in Australia. The following are newspaper reports on his playing skill in a competition in 1948.

South Queensland hockey. 1948

South Queensland hockey season opened yesterday at Ipswich with the Adamson Cup carnival.

Twenty-four teams are competing and the series reached the quarterfinals stage.

Ipswich produced something in class when they trotted on to the field with Carl Tapsell at the lead. Carl is an ex-Indian Olympiad. He played for India at the Los Angeles games in 1932 and again in 1936 in Berlin, when India carried off the trophy. Playing fuilback, Tapsell showed subtleties of the game that were a revelation to the spectators.  Definitely, is an asset to Queensland hockey. Ipswich won their way to the quarter- finals by constructive right wing tactics, in most instances touched off by Tapsell.

Ably led by Carl Tapsell, the Ipswich team has reached the semi-finals.  Considerable Interest was desired, and all visitors have taken in the first appearance in Australia of Tapsell, who represented the world’s champions (India) at the Olympic Games in 1932 and 1936. Tapsell’s experience and leadership were throughout especially with his penalty corners.


Photo 1. TheTapsells in India before moving to Australia.

Photo 2. The Tapsell family in Ipswich.

Carl’s contribution continued as he tutored young hockey players in the subtleties of the game. One of them not only represented Australia as a player but later coached the Australian and the Great Britain Olympic hockey teams.

Retirement from hockey meant taking up the game of golf. Here again he excelled and he represented the Queensland Railways golf team in national competitions. In both sports Carl was seen as a dedicated sportsman respecting the rules of the games and the officials. He was a gentleman in every aspect of life and had a very deep love for his wife and daughter. He also became besotted with his grandchildren when they arrived some years later. 

My contact with Carl came when I went to their home to plan the lessons for Junior church with his wife and first met their beautiful daughter Carole. Carole later joined the Youth Group I was leading and the rest is history as they say. Their parenting was outstanding and because of that I married the nicest, most generous gracious woman ever born. 

Carl was very proud of his wife’s musical talents as a pianist and organist and as a woman of deep prayer. He was also very proud of his daughter Carole who excelled as a sportswoman in athletics, netball, swimming and later hockey. Had he lived longer he would have been very proud of his grandson James who became an Australian 7 test Wallaby Rugby Union player.

Only the Lord knows the impact of his life and witness in his time on earth, but it would have been immense as a loving husband and father and as a faithful friend. Also as a sportsman. A famous coach once observed of Carl, “This player has influenced the standard of the game considerably and his presence on our playing fields has been a model for all who wish to secure the highest honour the game can offer. A gentleman both on and off the field, Carl by his demeanour has set example of conduct and playing ability that will have a lasting effect on our game.”

Photo3. Carl proudly escorting his daughter Carole to her wedding.

Photo4. A very happy photo of the wedding party on Carole’s big day.

Blog No.579 posted on Friday 05 September 2025

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578. Some Articles On Dealing With Personal Grief

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Jim Holbeck

I have just returned from the the Thanksgiving service for my elder sister Ellen aged 93years who passed into the presence of the Lord on Thursday10th July. There is always a sense of grief when a loved one passes into the presence of the Lord, even though we know will be reunited with them when Jesus returns.

The following are personal thoughts on dealing with grief. I found it helpful to express my thoughts in articles I have written on my WordPress site. I sometimes find it helpful myself to click back on these articles to  read what I was feeling at the time they were written. 

They are blogs numbers 364, 369 and 370 on my blog site www.jimholbeck.blog

I also had written a tribute to my wife just 48 hours after she had passed into the presence of the Lord. This was number 329.

No.364.   

364. Memories That Bring Tears To Your Eyes And Praise To Your Lips. A Personal Reflection. 2Corinthians 12:9

No.369.

369. Reflecting On Birthdays. A Personal Note Written On My Own Birthday. Coping With Personal Grief.

No. 370.

370. Life’s Unforgettable Moments. A personal Reflection. Coping with Personal Grief

No.329.

329. A Tribute To A Wonderful Godly Woman. Carole Ann Holbeck. My Late Beloved Wife and Very Best Friend

Just click on the articles to read them or search for the numbers on www.jimholbeck.blog

Trusting these articles may be helpful for those facing the loss of loved ones or those going through any type of personal grief. 

Blog No.578 posted on Sunday 20 July 2025

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577. Running The Race Of Life. Ellen Ann Routley [nee Holbeck]. 1932-2025.

Posted on July 12, 2025 by Jim Holbeck

What a race! No it wasn’t the athletic  sprint race I was watching at the Gympie State High School Athletic Carnival where Ellen became  a place-getter. Rather  it was a much longer race which Ellen  ran, keeping her eyes  firmly fixed on the goal to be one with Jesus, for about 80 years. Now she has finished her life race of 93 years and is enjoying her new life with Jesus and with her loved ones who have preceded her into glory.

Ellen was a brilliant student who topped most exams. As a young student she won an Australia wide essay competition with some financial reward. Decades later she informed the organisation that her father had helped her in writing the essay and asked how she might return the prize  money. However, they told that they appreciated her honesty but there was no need to return the money. This was a true indication of her desire to be completely honest in her commitment to Christ as her Lord. 

Ellen was born in Brisbane but grew up in Gympie where she became a believer to the Lord in her teens. From that time onwards she was fully committed to the Lord.  She was an evangelist who simply wanted to share with anyone, the good news of Jesus that she had experienced in her relationship with Him.

When we moved to Ipswich she did well at Qld Uni and began teaching soon after. Her first placement was at a Preschool in Ipswich but she later taught at the Presbyterian Ladies College in Sydney and many other places in Qld. 

In the late 1920’s her mother Dorothy and a friend Mavis had spent a holiday in Tasmania and later another in Coolangatta. It was there Dorothy met her future husband Charlie, and their attendants at their wedding  were Mavis and her husband Hugh. They remained best friends for decades.

In one of those nice things in life Mavis’ son Don fell in love with Dorothy’s daughter Ellen and they married soon after. 

Don became an Anglican minister and they faithfully served the Lord in Coorparoo in Brisbane and in country Queensland. They also spent some time in Sydney at the Healing Ministry in Sydney where I was in charge,  and my wife Carole as a Senior Head Teacher, employed her at the Loftus campus of TAFE. She helped those learning English as a second language and especially helped an international Rugby Union player in his ability to communicate. 

It was wonderful that they were able to retire to Forest Lake in Brisbane and eventually 4 of their 5 children also settled nearby.

As Ellen’s young brother I was always amazed at her intelligence  and her ability to handle any challenges. She encouraged me in many ways and especially when I gave my life to the Lord. Don and Ellen gave me  the first Bible I ever owned and always encouraged me in my ministry.

Summing up I would say that she was the best sort of sister one could be blessed with in life, and her children followed her and Don in becoming the highly intelligent and caring humans one could find anywhere. 

Praise God for the life of Ellen Ann Routley, born 29 February 1932 and who passed into the presence of the Lord on Thursday 10th July 2025.

She rests in peace and is enjoying her reward for her total commitment to Jesus.

Blog No.577 posted on Saturday 12 July 2025

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