Bruce Staley

The word disruptive conjures up images of hooligan sports fans, or drunken revellers spilling out onto the street in the early hours of the morning displaying behaviour without consideration  for the harm they may inflict upon persons or property. Disruptive technology maybe another thought, and the disruption it brings to accepted business practices such as Uber and the taxi industry. Years ago the advent of the quartz movement and digital technology brought seismic upheaval to the Swiss watchmaking industry.  See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartz_crisis There are many examples of disruption where the pattern of the past has been cast aside.However, take a few moments to ponder the disruption brought by the amazing grace of God. God's grace is disruptive. It brings change of seismic proportions to the patterns of behaviour of individuals, communities and nations. In biblical times Zaccheaus the grasper became the giver, Paul the persecutor became the preacher, the n...

Day Five: Lord, what a morning! A walk before heading to Barwon Heads again for lunch... The river... The boardwalk... From Rocky Point... A safe haven... On the track again... The promise of spring... Barwon Heads where the river meets the sea... Steps to the Bluff... Til tomorrow...

While I have known Andrew for a number years I have only recently started following his daily blog. He roams within a fortytwo kilometre radius of his home city, Ballarat, taking remarkable photographs. Some recent photographs of two of his favourite destinations... Early morning at Lake Wendouree... Aerial view of Lal Lal Falls... Why fortytwo kilometres? Andrew reckons that if his car breaks down he could  still run home! Recently Andrew completed a major project, publishing a photographic record of all fiftynine national parks , to coincide with the centennial year of the USA National Parks Service. His book, The National Parks of the United States: A Photographic Journey, is now available online through Amazon.com. Andrew's work reveals his passion for capturing the light and shade and colour of a moment, or the majestic grandeur of his surroundings, or the detail in his glimpses of nature. The Apostle Paul claims, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible quali...

Day Four: I had hoped to walk from Point Impossible back to Torquay on the Surf Coast track this morning. See http://www.surfcoastwalk.com.au/ However, there was water over the road into the Point. Instead, not to be denied, I drove to Brimlea and walked along the coastline to the Point. On my way... Far... Near... And... On to Barwon Heads for lunch... From Barwon Bluff... The bridge at Barwon Heads... I've placed this post under additional categories. They all apply personally for I am seeking God during my August Interlude of rest, relaxation and reflection. Til tomorrow...

Tim Shaw became the face of Demtel International and popularised the saying, "But wait, there's more...," for the Australian TV viewing audience. In recent posts I have described my experience with Discovery Bible Study groups and have encouraged others to start a discovery group. But wait there's more! Discovery Bible Study is one tool, or strategic action, in a whole disciple-making or church planting movement.The disciple-maker is open to meeting God-prepared people, people who are seeking and hungry for the gospel or people who have already received  Christ as their Saviour and want to learn how to share the gospel. Discovery Bible Study, with it's obedience-based  methodology, becomes the instrument for reproducing disciples, who reproduce other disciples. "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them." John 14:21 NIV Again a quick se...

Day Three: First let me correct a mistake in yesterday's post, Day Two of my August Interlude. The photograph of Point Addis was in fact Point Roadknight. Here's Point Addis... ...also taken during my travels on Day Two. Now for day three.. morning has broken at Torquay... I revisited Point Roadknight on my way to Lorne. On the track... A different perspective... The lighthouse at Split Point, Aireys Inlet... Looking to Lorne for lunch... Looking back...from the track to the pier. Traveling the Great Ocean Road once again brought back many fond memories of family times, and with the memories tears of joy.

Pop-up food venues have become popular. Food trucks and stalls are popping up, and down, all year round. Food vendors congregate, set up tables and chairs, and in no time people arrive to whet their appetite and enjoy conversation with like-minded others. Sharing food is so often conducive to meaningful conversations. Food addresses our physical hunger and eating with others can satisfy our social needs. Important as these experiences are to our wellbeing Discovery Bible Study groups go beyond that to address our deeper spiritual needs. Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’  ” Matthew 4:4 NIV People, who are searching and spiritually hungry, come together to feed on the Word of God in a Discovery group. They encourage one another and seek answers to the question, "Having read this passage how then shall I live?" They are open to the Spirit of God and are prepared to step out in obedience when t...