Bruce Staley

Sister Mary McKillop, Australia’s first Catholic saint, was listed among the ten most notable people in a recent edition of the Herald Sun. Her canonisation attracted widespread interest and didn’t escape the close attention of the the Australian media. I was no exception and was fortunate to discuss the canonical procedure a little further with a wonderful eclectic group of friends that meets regularly to share a meal and examine topical issues in terms of faith and its daily application. A brief description of the canonical procedure can be found at http://www.catholicapologetics.org/ap070400.htm In common usage the term saint is used to describe people who rise above difficult circumstances and conduct themselves with dignity. We say she’s a saint because, after the death of her husband in tragic circumstances, she has provided  for her four children and raised them to be remarkable citizens, or he's a saint because he has graciously cared for his disabled wife over many years.

Sister Mary McKillop, Australia’s first Catholic saint, was listed among the ten most notable people in a recent edition of the Herald Sun. Her canonisation attracted widespread interest and didn’t escape the close attention of the the Australian media. I was no exception and was fortunate to discuss the canonical procedure a little further with a wonderful eclectic group of friends that meets regularly to share a meal and examine topical issues in terms of faith and its daily application. A brief description of the canonical procedure can be found at http://www.catholicapologetics.org/ap070400.htm In common usage the term saint is used to describe people who rise above difficult circumstances and conduct themselves with dignity. We say she’s a saint because, after the death of her husband in tragic circumstances, she has provided  for her four children and raised them to be remarkable citizens, or he's a saint because he has graciously cared for his disabled wife over many y

Always Looking Up is the title of Michael J Fox’s second book. The first was Lucky Man . Michael of course is familiar for his roles in the Spin City TV series and the movie series of Back to the Future. Particular emphasis is given to the establishment of the Michael J Fox Foundation to drive for research into Parkinson’s disease, Michael’s involvement in politics and the importance he places on faith and family. While “always looking up” as the sole principle for one’s life is questionable - looking down may help you to avoid tripping, or looking sideways or for that matter looking both ways may avoid a nasty accident, or valuable lessons may be learnt from looking back and looking ahead may be helpful in negotiating what the future may hold – Michael thoughtfully explains his book contains the adventures of an incurable optimist. Lance Armstrong, Christopher Reeve and Muhammad Ali are just a few of the names he mentions, people who significantly influenced him during his transition

Always Looking Up is the title of Michael J Fox’s second book. The first was Lucky Man . Michael of course is familiar for his roles in the Spin City TV series and the movie series of Back to the Future. Particular emphasis is given to the establishment of the Michael J Fox Foundation to drive for research into Parkinson’s disease, Michael’s involvement in politics and the importance he places on faith and family. While “always looking up” as the sole principle for one’s life is questionable - looking down may help you to avoid tripping, or looking sideways or for that matter looking both ways may avoid a nasty accident, or valuable lessons may be learnt from looking back and looking ahead may be helpful in negotiating what the future may hold – Michael thoughtfully explains his book contains the adventures of an incurable optimist. Lance Armstrong, Christopher Reeve and Muhammad Ali are just a few of the names he mentions, people who significantly influenced him during his tran

The Bishop of Rwanda is a though-provoking account of the genocide conducted in Rwanda during 1994 where over one million people were murdered. Written by John Rucyahana, the Bishop of Rwanda, the book provides a detailed description of the events leading to the genocide, the atrocities perpetrated during the months of the genocide and the amazing events that have followed. The subtitle, Finding Forgiveness Amidst a Pile of Bones , provides an explanation of the deep reconciliation that has taken place among the people. Forgiveness is foundational to reconciliation. Rwanda has chosen reconciliation over revenge in its efforts to rebuild the nation. A remarkable story….

The Bishop of Rwanda is a though-provoking account of the genocide conducted in Rwanda during 1994 where over one million people were murdered. Written by John Rucyahana, the Bishop of Rwanda, the book provides a detailed description of the events leading to the genocide, the atrocities perpetrated during the months of the genocide and the amazing events that have followed. The subtitle, Finding Forgiveness Amidst a Pile of Bones , provides an explanation of the deep reconciliation that has taken place among the people. Forgiveness is foundational to reconciliation. Rwanda has chosen reconciliation over revenge in its efforts to rebuild the nation. A remarkable story….

As we sat on the step in my living room the young man discussed his dilemma. He was currently employed in a major retail store and was considering a new vocation. After listening to his story I suggested that he was like the circus trapeze artist only in his case he was trying to hold on to both trapeze bars and the only way to release the tension and stress was to let go one bar. This all happened many years ago. More recently I sent an email to the "young man" now married with children and the senior pastor of an active regional church. I wrote, G'day, I'm reading Philip Yancey's Where Is God When It Hurts? and I came across this at the end of chapter 9, An analogy used by Paul Tournier came to mind...He said the Christian life resembles a trapeze act. You can swing on the bar, exercising and building muscles all you want. But if you want to improve and excel, you have to take risks. You have to let go, knowing that nothing is beneath you, and reach out for the

As we sat on the step in my living room the young man discussed his dilemma. He was currently employed in a major retail store and was considering a new vocation. After listening to his story I suggested that he was like the circus trapeze artist only in his case he was trying to hold on to both trapeze bars and the only way to release the tension and stress was to let go one bar. This all happened many years ago. More recently I sent an email to the "young man" now married with children and the senior pastor of an active regional church. I wrote, G'day, I'm reading Philip Yancey's Where Is God When It Hurts? and I came across this at the end of chapter 9, An analogy used by Paul Tournier came to mind...He said the Christian life resembles a trapeze act. You can swing on the bar, exercising and building muscles all you want. But if you want to improve and excel, you have to take risks. You have to let go, knowing that nothing is beneath you, and reach out for the

As mentioned in a previous post I appreciate Christmas and New Year because they give me the opportunity to celebrate the birth of my saviour, Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, and spend time with family and friends. There is another aspect of Christmas and New Year that I appreciate. It allows me time to complete projects around the home. This year I was able to complete several and start another. The first was at my daughter’s home unit. The rear of the unit faces north and needed shading from the hot afternoon sun. I had constructed a timber pergola the previous Christmas – New Year. This time I was able to complete the installation of two horizontal bistro blinds. The blinds provide wonderful shade in summer and will slide under the eaves to let in the sunlight during autumn and winter. The second project involved the construction of an outdoor table for my daughter and son-in-law. They provided the cast iron legs and while I had done some preparation the legs remained in storage in

As mentioned in a previous post I appreciate Christmas and New Year because they give me the opportunity to celebrate the birth of my saviour, Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, and spend time with family and friends. There is another aspect of Christmas and New Year that I appreciate. It allows me time to complete projects around the home. This year I was able to complete several and start another. The first was at my daughter’s home unit. The rear of the unit faces north and needed shading from the hot afternoon sun. I had constructed a timber pergola the previous Christmas – New Year. This time I was able to complete the installation of two horizontal bistro blinds. The blinds provide wonderful shade in summer and will slide under the eaves to let in the sunlight during autumn and winter. The second project involved the construction of an outdoor table for my daughter and son-in-law. They provided the cast iron legs and while I had done some preparation the legs remained in storage in

  This is the second article in a two-part discussion around the subject of quality customer service. The series is an amalgam of thought and where appropriate and possible I have acknowledged the source of the material contained in the articles. The discussion is premised on the need to understand the critical elements of customer service and the functions of management to manage the quality of the experience for the customer. Previously I discussed the five management functions of planning, organising, staffing, leading and monitoring. In this article I address the dimensions of quality customer service. 2. QUALITY SERVICE We can all recall those personal experiences where we have been on the receiving end of negative customer service and sometimes may be a positive experience. What is it that makes our experiences negative or positive? What are the key aspects? If we can identify them and see if they are common to all service quality then we have a clear s

This is the second article in a two-part discussion around the subject of quality customer service. The series is an amalgam of thought and where appropriate and possible I have acknowledged the source of the material contained in the articles. The discussion is premised on the need to understand the critical elements of customer service and the functions of management to manage the quality of the experience for the customer. Previously I discussed the five management functions of planning, organising, staffing, leading and monitoring. In this article I address the dimensions of quality customer service. 2. QUALITY SERVICE We can all recall those personal experiences where we have been on the receiving end of negative customer service and sometimes may be a positive experience. What is it that makes our experiences negative or positive? What are the key aspects? If we can identify them and see if they are common to all service quality then we have a clea

This is the first in a two-part series of discussions around the subject of quality customer service. The series is an amalgam of thought and where appropriate and possible I have acknowledged the source of the material contained in the articles. The discussion is premised on the need to understand the critical elements of customer service and the functions of management to manage the quality of the experience for the customer. 1. Five Management Functions Managers' skills and activities to get the job done have been traditionally grouped into five functional areas, planning, organising, staffing, leading and monitoring. Planning > Organising > Staffing > Leading > Monitoring 1.1 Planning Planning involves establishing a goal and objectives and deciding how best to achieve them. What needs to be accomplished? By when? What needs to be done to make it happen? Who is best equipped to do it? As the saying goes, 'If you fail to plan, you pla

This is the first in a two-part series of discussions around the subject of quality customer service. The series is an amalgam of thought and where appropriate and possible I have acknowledged the source of the material contained in the articles. The discussion is premised on the need to understand the critical elements of customer service and the functions of management to manage the quality of the experience for the customer. 1. Five Management Functions Managers' skills and activities to get the job done have been traditionally grouped into five functional areas, planning, organising, staffing, leading and monitoring. Planning > Organising > Staffing > Leading > Monitoring 1.1 Planning Planning involves establishing a goal and objectives and deciding how best to achieve them. What needs to be accomplished? By when? What needs to be done to make it happen? Who is best equipped to do it? As the saying goes, 'If you fail to p

As well as the opportunity to celebrate the birth of my saviour, Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, I appreciate Christmas by celebrating family, friends and giving. This year I was given two books – I love reading – Mao’s Last Dancer and William P Young‘s The Shack . I devoured both books quickly as well as Taylor & Beyond by Malcolm Knox – a book I had on the shelf for some time. I watched the film of Mao’s Last Dancer at the local cinema and was waiting to borrow a copy from the local library when lo and behold, as mentioned, I received a copy as a present. My reading of The Shack was timely as it complemented my ponderings on the theme, “God for us, God with us, God in us.” That I discussed in my last posting around the Christmas message. Apart from wrestling with the issue of personal trauma, pain and suffering Young’s portrayal of the God-head and the threefold relationship between God, the Father, God, The Son, and God, the Holy Spirit captured my attention. The threefold nat

As well as the opportunity to celebrate the birth of my saviour, Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, I appreciate Christmas by celebrating family, friends and giving. This year I was given two books – I love reading – Mao’s Last Dancer and William P Young‘s The Shack . I devoured both books quickly as well as Taylor & Beyond by Malcolm Knox – a book I had on the shelf for some time. I watched the film of Mao’s Last Dancer at the local cinema and was waiting to borrow a copy from the local library when lo and behold, as mentioned, I received a copy as a present. My reading of The Shack was timely as it complemented my ponderings on the theme, “God for us, God with us, God in us.” That I discussed in my last posting around the Christmas message. Apart from wrestling with the issue of personal trauma, pain and suffering Young’s portrayal of the God-head and the threefold relationship between God, the Father, God, The Son, and God, the Holy Spirit captured my attention. The threefold nat