It was you who said, ‘seek ye first the kingdom of God and all it’s righteousness…’
So I did, I left my home, and followed your instructions as best I could.
Then I found your presence amongst your people in a small church in a small town.
I asked you to meet my needs and you provided me with a temporary home that I could only ever dream of having… for that I praise your name.
You then provided a humble job that did just that, meet my needs, and nothing more…for this I am grateful.
You surrounded me with your people in their many differing guises and they allowed me to dwell amongst them… for that I feel blessed.
You restored me and I felt that desire to draw nearer to you in a new way… for your Grace I bow down at your feet.
You opened my eyes and softened my heart…for that I adore you. You brought someone into my life to demonstrate your never ending love towards me…for that I stand in awe of you.
All that is left for me to do is to trust and obey and show my love for you through the way I treat such a special gift.
And to my Niece Natalie…thank you for inspiring me to write this.
All posts by Straughan Ian
Plain talkin’
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
Jesus taking hold of me
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.
What would a bird do..!
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!
There’s a message here!!
L I V E
E V I L
Can you see it?
To avoid EVIL you must look at the way you LIVE
Serving Others
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.
Welcome to the ‘Walk To Glory’
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’
A thought
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.
I'm Back!
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)
Choice
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