Learning Places: Beginnings: How it all started

By David Apelt

The true story of a young man grappling with the complexities of Life... and wondering about the meaning and purpose of it all.

It broaches many topics often considered taboo and tracks the author from humble beginnings to places of destiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The LDC & JO Apelt Family Trust
• Release date: Jul 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9780645484007

David Apelt

David Apelt is a man of many and varied life experiences who has had the privilege of journeying long on this earth. He gained learning and wisdom from many champions of both earlier and contemporary eras, as well as through the firsthand challenges and opportunities of a long and rich life experienced in more than fifty different nations and cultures.At the turn of the millennium, he felt compelled to begin capturing some of these life experiences for the benefit of his descendants, and those who would journey with him and come after him in the earth.His books feature small cameo stories and experiences, together with foundational principles and values and an evolving ideal world view, which are distilled from life and captured in a variety of different ways, of interest to most readers.David is a country lad from Queensland Australia who later in life lived with his family in the city and suburbs of Melbourne Victoria.His connection with the land has meant he is very practical, ingenious and discerning, able to see through deceptions and hyperbole to discern truth and beneficial patterns and information. These perceptions are extremely valuable given the challenging times we are living through.He has always been a disciple of Jesus Christ, applying biblical principles successfully in life, occupations, business and family.He rose to very senior levels in banking and finance and Information Technology and Communications, and was ordained in apostolic Christian ministry later in life. Husband and father of three children and grandfather to four, he is also a well-seasoned family man.Dave's passion is to help people identify their callings in life and to grow to their fullest potential, breaking through any roadblocks, barriers or setbacks, and be able to deal with any complex situations in life.He and his wife are Senior Pastors of their local church. He operates in the apostolic. prophetic, evangelistic, pastoral and teaching areas. Functioning as needed as: writer, husband, father, grandfather, spiritual father, businessman, investor, project manager, banker, IT engineer, life and relationship coach, mentor, counsellor, consultant, adviser, architect, philosopher etc., whichever is needed in the moment.

Book preview

Learning Places:

Beginnings

This attempt at telling the story of the earlier years of my life, in a way that is hopefully meaningful and helpful to readers, is dedicated to my amazing and wonderful wife June (Junie) Apelt (nee Rogerson) who died suddenly on 6th September 2008 at the very young age of 56.

She was and remains the love of my life and has always been a great encouragement and inspiration to myself and my children.

Thank You My Darling!!

by David Apelt

Learning Places: Beginnings

ISBN: 978-0-646-58525-3

All rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2022 by Leon David Chris Apelt.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author.

The only exception is brief quotations for printed reviews and should always be accompanied by appropriate reference.

Distributed by The LDC & JO Apelt Family Trust PO Box 2818 Rowville. Vic. Australia. 3178

Acknowledgements

As well as my amazing wife there are so many other people who have had input into my life. Far too many to mention.

I would like though to particularly honour and thank my Mother and Father for the encouragement, love, support and positive influence they have been to me.

Then there are all the other family members, friends and colleagues who have crossed paths or journeyed together with me for a time.

I am thankful even to those who may have considered themselves to be my competition or enemy in that they too have been part of my learning places.

Thank You One and All.

Prologue

Do you ever wonder what life is all about, why we are here, where we came from, is there meaning, is there purpose, are we of value to anyone, does what we do, or not do, really matter in the scheme of things.

Is it important what we think, why and how we do things and the way in which we interact with other people. Are we insignificant small parts of a large living organism or machine, a product of someone’s fertile imagination or is there more?

Is there a prospect of life after dying? What form could it take and does this current existence have any bearing or influence on the next?

What is the possibility that there is an all knowing, all powerful, all loving Being who is involved in our life and circumstances? If there is, then to what degree and how would this Entity potentially relate to each of us and what level of interest would be taken in our life and wellbeing?

This book is a series of cameos from the life of an ordinary young man who has regularly asked himself these questions during the course of his life. He also explores why he is now beginning to believe that there is relevance, purpose and learning in the normal and yet extraordinary circumstances of our daily lives.

These stories also include many of his thoughts, reflections, emotions, daydreams and revelations, as well as some of the reasoning, conclusions, decisions and choices that were made along the way.

To some readers, perspectives recorded here may appear new, different, radical, provocative or even at times traditional or conservative. However, please consider that these ideas have developed within the heart and mind of a normal, fairly intelligent human being. They have emerged progressively through thoughtful, reflective, intuitive, often analytical reasoning and observation, regarding a lifetime of rich and varied experiences. If you do find yourself mentally struggling with any of the ideas, you could perhaps, just for a moment at least, consider the possibility that they may be true. Then reflect briefly on the impact that this information, if it was factual, would have on your way of thinking and perceiving the world around you.

There appear to be foundational absolutes in life, but there are also many things which need to evolve and change for the better, as we journey on the way. Then there is the sense of the unknown, of excitement, challenge and adventure as our lives unfold.

You will find that the bold, transparent honesty and practical substance of these true-life accounts and the enduring worth of the many life principles that were discovered make this book equally relevant and compelling to both male and female readers of all generations.

Take a stroll inside the mind and life of this young man and marvel how often and well it mirrors and perhaps adds perspective to many of the challenges that you yourself have faced.

While loosely based on the life and experiences of the author, accuracy is dependent on his personal recollections and perspectives, which can become blurred by time. Most names of the various characters in the story have been changed so that individuals may remain anonymous while continuing to capture the very real experiences and principles of each life event. Some may say characters in the story have a vague resemblance to people in their own lives. Others close to the author may even presume to know who the stories are based upon. It is recommended however that while you are obviously free to speculate there is little benefit in seeking to assign real persons to the characters in the book.

I commend this book to you and trust you will experience enjoyable, reflective hours of reading, and that it may stir numerous thoughts hopes dreams visions questions and perspectives within your heart and mind.

Please Enjoy      David Apelt

Chapter 1 - Conceived in Eden

My story begins when a handsome young man and beautiful, elegant young women meet and fall passionately in love, on the pristine Darling Downs in the south east of Queensland, a vibrant and prosperous region in the nation of Australia.

Birth Place and Times

The Darling Downs comprises some of the most beautiful productive, resource rich farmland that I have seen anywhere in the world. The undulating countryside with its variety of majestic natural features, plentiful rainfall and rich colourful fertile soils, provide the capability to commercially farm virtually any type of crop or animal. This spectacular region is unique on the Australian farming landscape. What more privileged place to begin my journey.

It was the late 1940’s, after the end of the World War II. Resources were in short supply and the country was still bruised and smarting from the cost, deprivation and pain of war. There were however many positive emotions. A strong sense of celebration and relief pervaded the community, as well as the vague but exuberant excitement that it was all over, at last!

There remained however, a profound and horrific residue, deeply affecting the Nation. The physically and mentally wounded soldiers, the lost lives, missing loved ones, empty homes, grieving widows, a struggling economy and the challenge of finding meaningful and rewarding work. These were the turbulent and troubled times in which my parents were to meet, marry, find work and begin to establish their own family.

Faithful Father

I was told my Father had not been called to war because he was considered a critical farm worker, providing food and resources for the war effort. I have also recently wondered whether his German heritage may have played a part in this decision as well. He was a handsome intelligent skilful hardworking young man just 20 years of age, with many passions hopes and dreams burning within his heart. A strong quiet, reclusive and resourceful person, he was very earnest and determined and usually achieved whatever he set his mind to. Being uncomplicated though and practical minded, Dad did not often speak