Bruce Staley

The previous two posts addressed the first two words in the title of Watchman Nee's book, Sit, Walk, Stand , refering firstly to Ephesians 2:5-6, God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus,  and then Ephesians 5:1-2, Follow God's example, therefore as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. This post addresses S t and, the third and final word in the title. Can you recall where you were on September 11, 2001? I had just started a management training workshop for a group of employees in the boardroom of the Blacktown, NSW, IGA Distribution Centre. Another employee, looking a little dishevelled and apologetic for being late, came through the door. He explained that he had been up since early morn...

Sit, Walk, Stand , is an inspiring look at the Apostle Paul's letter to the Christians in Ephesus written by the saintly Chinese pastor, Watchman Nee. This is the first of three posts that briefly examine each of the words in the title to Watchman Nee's book. Matt's Seat Near the south-east corner of the Swan Pool on Lake Wendouree you will find a park bench with an inscription, "Matt's Seat" In loving memory of Matt Jamieson, 22.12.66 - 02.03.05, Always in our hearts...Erin, Jai, Flynn. Today is the seventh anniversary of Matt's death following his long battle with cancer. Matt was 38 years old. A husband and father to two boys Matt had a passion for the lake and its surrounds. He was instrumental in establishing the Lake Foundation and after some investigation discovered that a master plan for the development of the lake had already been prepared by the Ballarat City Council but was laying dormant. Funds generated by Lake Blitz, an initiative of the Foun...

Of late it appears that everyone is walking. The local newspaper has a picture of a group associated with the Uniting Care Outreach Centre taking on the Kokoda Trail in June. Another picture shows a group of women taking on a 100 km walk next month to raise funds for Oxfam. A couple of friends associated with the Ballarat Bush-Walking and Outdoor Club are canoeing the Glenelg River this Labour Day weekend, no doubt taking in some walking along the way. Recently driving along the Ring Road I noticed several cars parked on the side of the road as I passed over the rail crossing. More people walking, this time the Skipton Rail Trail and of course all those people who walk around Lake Wendouree. Walkers everywhere!     Picture: Justin Poole My son-in-law, Justin, is also taking on the 100 km Oxfam Trail Walker Challenge. He and his friend, Phil, have enlisted Allan and Paul to form the In Slow Motion team to raise funds and complete the 100 km challenge. Last year Justin and Phil ...

As I sat at the breakfast table I was feeling sorry for myself – there I said it. My remarks conveyed at my friends 70th birthday party the previous day were inadequate. I had recently lost my next older brother to cancer caused by asbestos. He was the first to die of the six boys. More recently I had taken my aged mother-in-law to the dental clinic for the third time and the weather was cold, wet and miserable. I was tired. Then I read a few more pages of Nick Vujicic’s book, Life Without Limits . Then I knew – I was being selfish! When we honestly name our emotions we are faced with a choice, In the light of this emotion what is the responsible behaviour for me?  

As I sat at the breakfast table I was feeling sorry for myself – there I said it. My remarks conveyed at my friends 70th birthday party the previous day were inadequate. I had recently lost my next older brother to cancer caused by asbestos. He was the first to die of the six boys. More recently I had taken my aged mother-in-law to the dental clinic for the third time and the weather was cold, wet and miserable. I was tired. Then I read a few more pages of Nick Vujicic’s book, Life Without Limits . Then I knew – I was being selfish! When we honestly name our emotions we are faced with a choice, In the light of this emotion what is the responsible behaviour for me?  

Begin with the end in mind is the second of Stephen Covey’s seven habits of highly effective people. While the first habit, seek first to understand then to be understood, can be considered in the context of  James 1:19-20 what is the Christian context for the second habit? While I have found all the habits set out by Covey to be helpful is there more to the second habit? We picture the end product then proceed to take the steps to produce it e.g. a new home begins with ideas, then a plan and then construction. Does the same apply to a person’s life? Covey uses the illustration of attending one’s own funeral where there are four speakers, one from your family, another a friend, a third speaker is from your workplace or profession and the final speaker is from your church or community organisation. He then poses the question, What would you like each of them to say about you and your life? While there is merit in the exercise I find I am limited in my capacity, my knowledge, skills...

Begin with the end in mind is the second of Stephen Covey’s seven habits of highly effective people. While the first habit, seek first to understand then to be understood, can be considered in the context of  James 1:19-20 what is the Christian context for the second habit? While I have found all the habits set out by Covey to be helpful is there more to the second habit? We picture the end product then proceed to take the steps to produce it e.g. a new home begins with ideas, then a plan and then construction. Does the same apply to a person’s life? Covey uses the illustration of attending one’s own funeral where there are four speakers, one from your family, another a friend, a third speaker is from your workplace or profession and the final speaker is from your church or community organisation. He then poses the question, What would you like each of them to say about you and your life? While there is merit in the exercise I find I am limited in my capacity, my knowledge, s...