All posts by Straughan Ian

Ian Straughan is a confident, self motivated Christian. His background in Education and the Security sector He currently works in Mental Health. Although outside of his job, he uses his skills as a motivator and qualified trainer to inspire and encourage others to cope with daily living. The 'Walk to Glory' was created in 1994 out of Ian's desire to communicate and share his faith and passion for life with a wider audience.
Poetry Corner

Plain talkin’

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It’s a shame,
We know we’re all the same,
But pretend that we don’t know it,
Cause if we did we’d have to show it

It’s a shame,
That when we feel shame,
Words for bullets, we load them and take our aim
At others, so to avoid us shouldering blame
It’s a shame

It’s a shame,
That people choose to fight
When talk can truly put things right
And through that we’ll all become real tight
It’s a shame

It’s a shame,
Just to think of yo’ self
In a world full of pain and increasing ill health
Get real, come on,let’s all spread the wealth
It’s a shame

Poetry Corner

Jesus taking hold of me

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Sometimes, often I long to see around
corners of my life.
See what the future holds,
And what god has planned for me.
And yet He has called me as His servant.
To walk in the darkness and mystery,
in not knowing and wondering.
It seems an endless eternity,
A decade of my life that I have
been kept In the anguish of affliction,
The frustration of restriction,
It has not ended yet.
But all the while He is working, training,
preparing me for what is ahead.
He is my rock, and the strength of my life,
I never stop believing, trusting Him,
Letting him lead me into new depths,
He is raising warriors,
Men of blazing passion for God.

What does it take to make such fire?
What does it take to make such devotion?
Watever it takes,
I’ll be there.

 

Written by my friend, co worker and inspiration to start the Walk to Glory from my days as a volunteer at the YMCA in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

Johnathan Hales (Myalic Encephalomyelitis (M E) sufferer for several years)
Effects of (M E) Debilitating low energy levels, painful muscles and joints, disturbed sleep, poor memory and concentration, gastric disturbances, neuropsychological complaints, painful lymph nodes, prolonged fatigue after exercise.
Poetry Corner

What would a bird do..!

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Birds

When faced with hunger…
What would a bird do?
Would it rob a store,
Or sit and starve?

When it’s home is destroyed…
What would a bird do?
Would sit on the kerb
Or move into a squat?

When left out in the cold,
What would a bird do?
Would it complain,
Or just curl up and die?

When happy or sad…
What would a bird do?
Well it would do what it
always does in any situation..
It would sing!

 

My Thoughts

Serving Others

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The best way to find the true nature of others is to humble yourself and serve them.

That’s all Jesus did, and look what they did to him!

The Police, Firemen and Ambulance Service all serve us and look how they are treated, especially at weekends.

Soldiers are serving their country all around the world 24/7.. God bless them… but they’re only recognised if they suffer or die.

And yet people daily pay to worship football teams and television celebrities who only serve themselves.

So those of us who choose to serve others may never receive the adulation of a self server, but will live safe in the knowledge that their actions are done out of love and caring for their fellow man. But there is one who sees all and in the fullness of time we will all be known by the fruits of our lives.

About

Welcome to the ‘Walk To Glory’

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Who and what is the ‘Walk to Glory’

Well at the moment it is me, Ian Straughan, an Operations Manager for a Leisure Company.

Being fairly well travelled, originally from the North of England but currently reside in greater Manchester.

I have been a Christian since April 1989 when I gave my life to the Lord in the John Wytcliffe Centre in West Wycombe, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK.  I attended the New Hope Bible College in Peterhead, Scotland in 1991.  In 1996 I later attended Buckinghamshire University, where I helped stage the first ever gospel concert ever held there, whilst studying for a BSc.(Hons) Psychology.  I was the Director of Evangelism at the New Testament of God Pentecostal church in High Wycombe under the guidance of my former minister the late Revd. H. A. Bruce. Dip.Th, B.ED. (Hons).

In 1990 as a volunteer at the YMCA I formed a Christian Fellowship Group for all residents (non-believers and atheist attended).  It was an open forum to develop understanding and was a very special time in my life for several years.

The walk to glory itself was started in 1994 by myself with support from several friends from different churches, ethnic groups and countries.  It was originally produced by myself on Microsoft Publisher and distributed by post.  At first only 20/50 copies were sent out each month and soon rose to three hundred.  Readers used to send in stamps, as I funded it myself, and continue to do so, ‘thank you Lord for the introduction of the internet’.  It was my friend of 20 or so years David Knowles (a good Christian, comitted father of two boys and the husband to a loving wife Els) who agreed to use his skills as a graphic designer living in the in the Netherlands to assist me in turning my ideas into this blogg, for which I am truly grateful.

At the ‘Walk To Glory’ we are committed to producing encouraging and uplifting pieces of work for the enjoyment of all who choose to visit this site.
Although sharing our faith in a loving light hearted way, is our ultimate aim, we have no intention of offending or getting into debates with any person, group or organisation.
Allowing our readers to submit their own inspiring work is our way of sharing and interacting with them. Variety and differing views will ensure that this Blogg will be interesting and diverse.
Please feel free to enter your comments at the end of any article that is of interest to you or any questions you may have. Alternatively go to the contact page and email us direct.

I sincerely hope this Blog brings you joy and encouragement.
Thank you for taking the time to visit us here at the ‘Walk To Glory’

Relationships

A thought

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This is the time of year when people reflect on family. Some remember loved ones who are no longer with us. For Christians we consider and give thanks for the birth of Jesus Christ. Most people think about bringing joy to their children by way of giving presents. Charities make a more concerted effort to reach the less fortunate both near and far. Sadly it can be a lonely time for many individuals. I normally tend to get away and sit on some distant sunny beach to reflect and think about what I have achieved as a christian, as person, then as a employee. I probably think too deeply, so I don’t have to address the things I’ve not done, the things I have been unable to achieve, the people I may have hurt or caused distress by careless words and the duties I’ve neglected. For those reason I seek Gods loving forgiveness continually. However, no matter what I think I always thank The Lord I have life and health and another chance to help others, work harder and strive to be a better person than previously. Merry Christmas everyone,on this small planet we call earth, I pray you all have peace in your hearts, health and the love of your family, friends and God. Have a better New Year to.

Events

I'm Back!

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It’s been a long time since I have uploaded any artiles to my site, and for that I’m am truly sorry.

The reasons are many and I could take up whole page listing them…but I won’t!

All I will say is it has been a difficult year, but God is good and I would consider it an honour and a pleasure if you would continue to take the time to comment on the articles as you read them, as well as the poems I will be sharng with you all in the near future. So watch his space. 

Ps: A big thank you to David Knowles for not giving up on me and keeping this site up and running.

Look forward to encouaging you all.

Bless you all

Ian Straughan (The Editor)

 

 

Uncategorised

Choice

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We all come to a point in our lives when we have to chose the path we wish to travel to fullfil our dreams, work ambitions and relationship goals.

How we achieve these things are dependent on several things;  character, level of commitment, ability to focus and perceptions

Relationships

The Importance Of Presence

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The importance of parental presence as a support for children’s achievements should not be underestimated. It is a clear sign that the parents care when they take the time to come to see their children perform, particularly when the children know that the parents are not there for their own pleasure or enjoyment. This awareness of parental presence is even true among preschool children although in a somewhat muted form. I remember visiting my middle son’s nursery school, at the request of his teacher, so I could observe a “problem child” in the class.

It just so happened that I was sitting observing a group of boys, including my son, who sat in a circle nearby.

Their conversation went like this: Child A: My daddy is a doctor and he makes a lot of money and we have a swimming pool.” Child B: My daddy is a lawyer and he flies to Washington and talks to the President.” Child C: My daddy owns his own company and we have our own airplane.”

Then my son (with aplomb of course): “My daddy is here!” with a proud look in my direction. Children regard the public presence of their parents as a visible sign of caring and connectedness that is far more significant than any material support could ever be.

‘As a Christian I view my relationship with my Heavenly Father in this way. His presence in my life is more important than any material gain.’ Ian Straughan