Relationships
Welcome. On this page there will be articles relating to all aspects of relationships. Not only with each other, but with the world around us in relation to the relationship desired by God through the person of Christ Jesus.
The Importance Of Presence
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
Controversial or True?
My jumbled thoughts whilst praying one evening...
My faith is the only thing I have that I will never give up.. but I am willing to share it with anyone, anywhere and at any time.
God's grace is the best gift I have every received, but never deserved.
His mercy gives me the confidence to accept the correction I need to grow in Him.
His forgiveness allows to try my best although I often make mistakes
His words encourage, and drive me on along life's often rocky road
His sacrifice has taught me that there is a price that I could never pay for the liberty I currently enjoy.
His love knows no bounds so I must strive open my heart to love my fellow man without condition.
It sometime feels like it is getting harder to stand up for our beliefs, or share our faith, what with political correctness and such, but in fact it is easier (dependant on the way you view it).
The believers of old never had the internet, the mobile, telephone, television, radio's and such. They just lived the life as best they could and when people questioned the way they were living they explained as best they could. The prophets of old went around the streets, temples and synagogues and proclaimed their faith. The apostles went from town to town and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ
“ Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
My favourite quote!
Robert Lewis Stevenson once said;
"To talk is our chief business in this life,
It founds and fosters friendships,
It can be enjoyed in any state of health,
It cost nothing and is all profit."
So let's communicate more and profit!
I can never understand why we as a people tend to look at each other and make, what can be interpereted as, brash judgements about one another, when we can just speak to each other freely and acquire a greater and more honest understanding of each other. It could stop wars, predudices, and divisions.
Language is a great gift and coupled with cooperation ...good communication can achieve great things.
But what do I know?...I am only the servant and try my best to learn from the master ..my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
God Bless you all.
Meet our friends
Hello .. I thought it would be nice for me to introduce some friends and people who have encouraged and inspired me to create the 'Walk to Glory'
Firstly this is David Knowles my friend of many years and my brother in Christ. Without his technical know how this site would not exist. He is a constant source of inspiration to me and his house is a second home for me whenever I visit the Nederlands. His wife Els and two children treat me like one of the family.
He maintains this blogg and corrects any background problems we may encounter. I am blessed to have him as a friend.
Meet my friend Postie, he travels with me and loves having his photo taken with my friends and any new people I meet. He also enjoys visits to church so you will see pictures of his travels and who he meets in future articles.
And the Stainsbridge's a lovely couple who played host to me and three friends on our visit to Le Charente in France. The own a lovely Bed & Breakfast establishment in a lovely rural setting. It was during my stay with them when I wrote the poem 'I Fell Into A River' (see Article Archives)
And this is David a former work colleague, friend and of course another brother in the Lord. We've known each other since 2004 and both work in education. Dave is a very talented 'Dance DJ' who has a unique gift in the way he creates and uses dance music to share his faith.
Dave has recently joined us at the Walk to glory and is now developing the 'Music & Dance' section. So keep an eye on his bloggs you clubbers out there. I have no doubt you will all be inspired by his veiws.
He never said it would be easy!
Many of us who have come to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour never truly considered the true cost of our relationship with Him.
"A somewhat profound statement I hear you utter, and guess what? I agree with you totally" However the gospel, which changes literally millions of lives around the world daily, is in itself profound. For God said;
Luke 14:28-29 "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down and first count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it, lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin tomock him." (NKJ)
How often we try to share our faith with others but let the circumstances or the fear of rejection hinder us? Christ has called us to be His witnesses, not only called us, but equipped us to do His will, His way, not through our own strength but through His Spirit and His Grace.
His commitment to us was unquestionable, His love undying and His limits unending.
Each day let us remind ourselves of this and with God's help coupled with our daily submission, let us strive towards the mark.
Prayer is our direct link to God. So as we at the Walk to Glory pray that God uses us to bless and encourage you all. Please pray likewise that He will use you to bless and encourage others with His love and words.