JAM MAG Issue 58 - Full Mag

Credits:

Editorial Team:

Peter Bell

Sara Bell

Contributors:

(In alphabetical order)

Peter Bell

Sara Bell

Philippa Hanna

Stef Reid

Junior Stanislas

Design:

JAM Magazine

Other thanks:

Disney/Pixar, Illumination Entertainment/ Universal Studios & Warner Bros Entertainment for the use of photos

NASA for use of photo on Covers

Contact details:

Emails: peter@jammag.co.uk

: sara@jammag.co.uk

Tel: 0161 439 5175

website: www.jammag.co.uk

twitter: @thejammag

facebook: jammaguk

Instagram: jammaguk

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Welcome to our new edition of JAM!

We hope you will like it!

The theme for this issue is ‘MADE’ & is covered in the interviews and editorials to hopefully make you think & encourage you! Follow us on Instagram or Facebook

Back copies available...

MADE Bigger

What are you focussing on?

MADE For More

Interview with Paralympian Stef Reid

MADE of Stone

SuperPets

A look at the film & being MADE for More

What are good characteristics to develop?

Wordsearch - Do you have a Heart of Stone? Some quotes to MAKE you think!

MADE a Mistake

Dealing with Mistakes

Rise of Gru

A look at the film & Being Part of a Group

Woman Marries a Tree!

What do you believe?

MADE Headlines

Quiz - What are you like?

Some very odd instructions!

Interview with Philippa Hanna

MADE of Money

Does money MAKE you happy & some jokes

MAKING My Debut

A very Simple Message!

MADE Simple

FASHION

Interview with footballer Junior Stanislas Sustainable Fashion...?

MADE A Way

Which way is the right one? Some Mazes! You are unique!

MADE!

Could it all be by chance...?

MADE to Last

MADE By

Lightyear!

MADE It!

A look at the film & MAKING it in life!

Made Bigger

If we look at things really close up they look different - because our perspective changes! Things can seem bigger or smaller depending on how we view them. A tree can look quite small from a distance but actually be huge if we stand right beneath it. A plane looks tiny in the sky but obviously isn’t in reality. On the other hand an insect can look huge in a microscope but is actually minute or a microbe can be visible with a microscope that normally we wouldn’t even know was there.

It can be the same with faith & problems. If we focus on our problems then God seems smaller & maybe unable or uninterested in helping us. Conversely if we focus on God our problems seem so much smaller & we find it easier to trust God.

So next time you are faced with a problem don’t allow your mind to make it bigger but make God your focus & allow him to bring you peace & wisdom for the situation. We can fill our thoughts with problems that then block out our view of God but the Bible says that He cares for us & is interested in the minute details of our lives.

So what are you allowing to be made bigger in your life...?

What are you allowing to block your view of God...?

Have a look at these photos & see if you can tell what they are...?

They are all things that have been zoomed in on so that you can only see a little part. (Answers on page 2)

1 2 6

3 5 4

Made for More!

with Stef Reid

We have spoken to Stef before & it is always great to find out what she has been up to! Her belief that she is ‘made for more’ than just the ordinary, average life is inspiring. She could have sat on the sidelines & let life slip her by but instead she has grasped hold of the fact that God has a plan & run with it. Read on to find out more & be inspired to make the most of your life....

Can you give us a bit of background?

I was born in New Zealand, to British parents who were travelling the world & having a great time! We settled in Toronto so that is where I grew up. When I got married my husband was living in Dallas, Texas so we lived there for 4 years before moving to the UK, in 2010, partly in preparation for competing for Team UK in the London 2012 Paralympics! We’ve been here ever since.

I get up to various things but people mostly know me for competing in the long jump. I have an artificial leg & jump with one of the very cool blades. I also enjoy broadcasting & love speaking on topics such as motivation, resilience, reminding people of their power & giving them

hope that they can do stuff! This led to me studying to be an executive coach. I noticed whilst speaking that the most powerful conversations were often when I stayed on for coffee or lunch & it was one on one. You can inspire & maybe light a spark from the stage but to really help people change & find themselves takes time & relationship. I love helping people get the best out of life & make the most of what they have. Most recently I have been on Dancing on Ice & commentating on the Invictus Games.

How would you describe yourself?

I guess I would say focussed! I go for things & am quite determined but I also like to prioritise fun!

How & why did you become a Christian?

I became a Christian as a result of an accident. I was involved in a very serious boating accident that led to me becoming an amputee. I got caught up in the propellors & it was terrfiying! I had a basic knowledge of God & Christian faith but thought that it was something I would look at later in life when I’d done what I wanted to do! I thought I was going to die & I realised that even at 15 there was no meaning to my life. It is hard to explain but I didn’t know where I was going if I died & that was really scary! So I prayed for the first time in the ambulance, ‘Please save my life so I can do better! I don’t want it to end like this!’ And God saved my life & I was so thankful for that. It was a moment of joy followed by the devastating news that they had amputated my leg in order to save my life. I was a sporty person & playing rugby was my aim. I was so confused & angry. Why save me & take away what I loved the most...? It seemed so cruel! Who was this God who would allow that! The whole time I was in hospital I experienced such peace & anger. It was a crash course learning a lot about God & life. It wasn’t always comfortable or easy but it was also challenging & fun. I guess I wasn’t interested in my

life so I said to God, ‘You have it & do whatever you want with it!’ I look back now & think WOW! In that hospital room I thought I was going to be just sat on the sidelines of life, watching everyone else fulfil their dreams but I have been so privileged to do amazing things. It’s not been easy but I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.

What was it like going to the Tokyo Paralympics?

Was being Covid restricted very different?

Yes & no. Obviously the whole build up was different due to Covid but every games is different & this was my fourth. We had all been living with Covid for so long it had become the new normal. It was stressful though as I wasn’t performing very well & I didn’t know if I was going to be selected! Usually I’m wondering what colour medal I might get whereas I was wondering if I’d make it at all! No one really expected me to do that well but I came fourth by 3 cm but with a massive PB!

I felt sorry for the Japanese athletes because they missed out on the home crowds & that unbelievable moment when it seems like the whole stadium is cheering for you.

Photo Credit: imagecomms

That is what I really loved about London 2012 but they didn’t get that!

But my experience was great from the training camp for 3 or 4 weeks, to time in the village & then broadcasting for Channel 4! I really enjoyed that especially as I had effectively been in quarantine & then I was suddenly free & able to go out & experience Japan a bit more.

How was working with Channel 4?

It is the second time I’ve done it because I did it for the Rio games but it is certainly challenging because there are no ‘take-backs’ - it is live! It is totally unscripted & you just have to go with it! When we were growing up mum would make us think about our use of words & our mindset because she was concerned that what is inside tends to come out. This is especially true in live TV. If you are generally negative that tends to come out in your commentary & instead of celebrating the good stuff some people concentrate on the mistakes. We constantly need to watch our thinking habits! I want to celebrate the good stuff, not be negative, because mistakes do happen but no one is going into it to mess up!

What about Dancing on Ice?

I still smile every time I think about it! I had wanted to do it for a while & been asked before but couldn’t take part due to my competing schedule. Even this time I thought it wouldn’t work because the audition was before I was due to leave for the Paralympics & I couldn’t risk anything happening & ruining 5 years of training. But thankfully they said they would wait for me to come back & I got it.

It was just so amazing & difficult at the same time. Having an artificial leg, with no feeling in your foot & limited movement in your ankle doesn’t bode well for skating! It was a huge struggle to start with; getting used to the blade & learning how to use it was difficult enough without choreography & performance! There were definitely a few days when I thought it just isn’t going to happen. I thought I’d just have to do my best & I might last a week or two. It was very stressful, each week was like taking part in the Paralympics! I was very thankful to get so far & for all the support we got. Getting kicked off was definitely the worst part!

Photo Credit: ITV Dancing on Ice

You certainly looked like you were enjoying it...?

I learnt so much about myself & felt so lucky to have the chance. I got 6 months to explore my creative performance side! I think you are almost better off not being a great skater but knowing how to sell it! One of the first things Andy Buchanan, my dance partner, said was that we needed to practise with performance & expression from the very start of a routine. I felt I did better with moves when I performed them. I even loved the hair & make up. It was great to have people assigned to you to make you look & feel great. I have even tried to keep it up a bit & invest a little more time in presentation. It’s not my top priority but is creeping up. I never thought that it would because I am mostly at the track & wearing sweats but I do think that how we look & feel matters! There is a certain confidence from wearing bright red lipstick - I have also realised I am actually quite vain!

How did you get involved with the Leprosy Mission?

This is an amazing story. My husband loves Marvel films & back in 2018 a new one was coming out. So that I wouldn’t constantly be asking questions

we re-watched Dr Strange. Kathmandu features in the film & I thought I’d love to go there! The very next day I got an email from The Leprosy Mission. I’d never heard of them but they had been brainstorming ideas on who could possibly host some fundraising for them & my name had come up! They have two flagship hospitals in Nepal & India but the Nepalese one needed repairs following an earthquake. They wondered if I would be interested, especially as an amputee, as with leprosy people often lose limbs. They sent this seemingly random email that mentioned visiting Kathmandu & I was like, ‘YES!’ I think they were a bit surprised at my rapid response but it just felt so God ordained! I have been absolutely blown away by the work they do, particularly with their limited resources, it is incredible! I am now the vice president.

Anything readers can do?

Fundraising would be great - It all comes down to funds! I have visited lots of schools & talked about the fact that I don’t let my prosthetic leg stop me doing stuff & that they can do anything they want. But in reality that isn’t true if you don’t have finances & facilities.

Photo Credit: The Leprosy Mission UK

I can wake up every day able to do stuff but that is not true in other parts of the world especially for people with disabilities. So anything you can donate is great.

How was visiting Kathmandu?

When I was visiting Kathmandu they wanted to make me a prosthetic to show me what they can do. It was rather awkward because I wondered how I would react if I didn’t like it. They were fine with that though – they just laughed & said if I didn’t like it that would just emphasize the need for fundraising!!

Obviously the materials are different because I have a carbon fibre foot that operates on a principle of energy return, whereas they were using wood. I ended up with an unbelievably well fitting leg with a sort of ‘rocking chair base’ that mimicked what a flexed foot would do. They are very creative & strive for excellence in what they do but more resources would mean they can help increasing numbers of people.

Does your faith help when you are in challenging situations?

To be a Christian is to follow Jesus & when you

look at his life there is a lot of joy in it but also difficulties & pain. I think we all have to lose the expectation that life is always going to be fair & filled with rainbows & butterflies. I have come to realise that God is more interested in my growth than my comfort. I will face hard times & faith helps because I know that they are not arbitary, there is a reason & I can have hope to get through. No matter what I’m experiencing now life can still be great! There is a saying that, ‘Hope dies last’ & if I still have hope then I can keep fighting. I don’t know how I could live without the hope that there is an almighty God behind me, who loves me & died for me. That is my backdrop for everything!

Have you ever been in a situation where you thought, ‘Phew, Made it!’ because you thought you wouldn’t be able to? Every single week on Dancing on Ice!

Have there been times when God has made a way for you where you thought there wasn’t one? I feel like I’ve had the opposite experience!

Photo Credit: The Leprosy Mission UK

For about 18 months, during Covid, nothing was working out! I’d be up for amazing opportunities & just not get them. It seemed like I just missed out over & over. I was getting frustrated with God & questioning what was going on...? What I felt was Him saying, ‘The difference right now is that this is you. I know you are disappointed right now but what you haven’t realised is how much I have been doing for you! How much I have been walking beside you over the last decade. This is what life looks like without me & you have been living like that!’ I had been doing stuff in my own strength & thinking I was quite competent & awesome without Him. He had been doing so much for me but I hadn’t realised or acknowledged it.

What is the best thing you have ever made?

The world’s best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies –it is a big claim but I’m just putting it out there!

What has made you think recently?

We have a family zoom every Sunday – my mum, hubby, sister & brother in law, & my brother if he is not working. I was feeling a little lost & uncertain. Having done the Paralympics & gone straight into Dancing on Ice I was then at a bit of a loss. My sister was talking about ‘vision boards’ and what do you want to do or be in the next year or so. We were all sharing & my brother-inlaw said his goal was just to be alive! He has had a very aggressive form of cancer & it really put things in perspective!

Have you ever made a mistake? How do/ did you deal with it?

I make mistakes all the time! I am a bit of a perfectionist so Dancing On Ice was hard because I wanted it to be perfect. In practise if I made a mistake I would just stop but Andy insisted we just kept going! The audiences are not too bothered by mistakes, they want to see the effort & emotion. You can never do a routine exactly the same, there will always be slight differences! It really challenged my thinking.

In life mistakes happen & you just have to learn from them. Obviously it’s not something you want to occur but you just have to show up & try your best. Don’t fear making mistakes or you will never do anything! The only way to learn is to make mistakes & move on – don’t be embarassed about them!

You can check out more about Stef @ www.stefreid.com

Instagram: @RunJumpStefReid

Facebook Fan Page “Stefanie Reid: Paralympic Track and Field Athlete”

Or to find out how you could help with The Leprosy Mission check out: https://www.leprosymission.org.uk/

Photo Credits: ITV Dancing on Ice

Made of Stone

I was recently in a church service & the minister was speaking about generosity. He talked about it being the opposite of greed & how being open-handed & generous with our money was a good thing.

I agree but it also set me thinking in what other areas can we be generous...?

It is not just about our money & how we spend it!

What about our compassion, homes, time & talents...?

Are we generous with those...?

Or do we have hearts of stone that are not moved by the plight of others...?

Do we treat everything as if it is ours by right & feel that we should be the only ones to benefit...?

Or do we use our stuff to bless & help others...?

Do we allow others to share the good things that we have...?

Helping charities is great but what about the people at school/ college or work that need our compassion or time...?

Or the ones that nobody else bothers with...?

Are we generous to them...?

Or do we have hearts of stone that are not moved by the plight of others...?

Can you find the words associated with MADE in the grid...?

made aware made a way made bigger made brighter made by made easy made for you made in heaven made in his image made in the uk made known made me realise made my day made of money made of stone made no sense made simple made smaller made the bed made to last made to look made to measure made to see made up made with love made you look made you think

We all make mistakes but some people are better at owning up to their mistakes than others.

Some people will try & shift the blame rather than apologise, others will just ignore the fact that they are wrong & continue as if nothing has happened! Everyone makes mistakes but we all need to be willing to own up to them & ask for forgiveness. It actually shows maturity & strength to be able to apologise not the other way round!

Others will apologise even when it isn’t their fault. They apologise for everything because they want everything to be stress free & harmonious & will apologise just to keep the peace. This might seem like a good idea but actually it allows others to walk over you & continue in their bad habits. Sometimes waiting for someone to take responsibility &

apologise is what is needed. If they don’t you shouldn’t continually try to smooth things over.

And then there are those who graciously apologise when they are wrong & seek to make amends if possible but that doesn’t mean it is always easy. No one likes to admit they are wrong but it is necessary if we want to build strong, lasting relationships. It is easier if you do it straight away, leaving it just makes it harder, so get it done & move on! And when people apologise to you accept it & don’t keep a record of wrongs that you bring up at every opportunity!

I wonder which category you fall into...? Do you find it hard to say, ‘Sorry’...? Do you apologise when it isn’t your fault? Do you think that mistakes are failures...?

I guess it all maybe stems from the belief that making mistakes & getting things wrong is bad. Obviously it can be & there are sometimes consequences but often it is a question of how we react to our mistakes rather than achieving perfection. What if, rather than seeing them as a failure, we use our mistakes as a learning tool...?

So you made a mistake - now you know how not to do something! You may not have got something right but you can learn from it & move on or you can let it hold you back...

Making mistakes is part of life & we are all going to

make them from time to time. Don’t let them stop you from trying again. Be quick to apologise to anyone your mistake has affected & move on. Don’t let it spoil relationships!

The Rise of Gru!

It’s the 70’s & a group of supervillains called the ‘Vicious 6’ are on the look out for a new member, having ousted their leader, White Knuckles, a legendary martial arts fighter. There is Jean Clawed, who is armed with a giant robotic claw; Nunchuck whose nun’s habit hides her deadly nun-chucks; Svengeance, a Swedish roller skating champ, who uses spin kicks from his spiked skates to get rid of rivals; Stronghold, who has giant iron hands, useful but burdensome accessories & they are led by a cool & confident Belle Bottom, whose belt becomes a lethal disco-ball mace.

Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) wants to join them but the interview doesn’t go well because they think he is just a child! How could he possibly be evil enough to join their elite group...?

However, Gru outsmarts them & steals ‘The Stone’, leading to him & the Minions being on the run! A new addition to the Minions, Otto, is given the job of getting ‘The Stone’ back to their lair. Unfortunately he gets distracted & swaps it for a pet rock with googly eyes.

So Gru finds himself needing help & it comes from an unlikely source, White Knuckles!

Photo Credits: 2021 Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment.

It’s the 2020’s & maybe, like Gru & the Minions, you are looking for a group to fit in to...

I wonder who would be in the group you would like to join...?

Would it be the academic genius...?

Or maybe the sporting hero...?

Maybe the fashionistas or those who like certain music...?

Maybe you feel you have to behave in a certain way to join the group & be accepted...?

Maybe you think that belonging to this group will be the answer to everything...?

Or maybe you are more like the Vicious 6 & have very strict rules about who can join your exclusive group of friends...? Maybe you only consider people who you believe are like you rather than being open to new friendships with different people...?

The good news is that anyone can join God’s family! There is no test to pass or attribute you must have in order to be accepted. The Bible says in John 3v 16: This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one & only Son, so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole & lasting life.

Lots of people & things have made the headlines over the years. Some are obviously very serious whilst others are as unbelievable as they are funny! I had a look for some weird ones & I certainly wasn’t disappointed! Some of the following are April Fools headlines but the majority are, unbelievably, true scenarios! Can you tell which ones...?

US

The last headline might have been an April Fool but it might well have been a headline in Bible times. Turning water into wine was the first miracle recorded in the Gospels. (You can read it in John 2:1-11) The Master of the Feast was astonished & many others were gobsmacked at the numerous miracles that Jesus performed. You might think they are just stories & that they couldn’t possibly be true but there are many eye-witness accounts for his life & resurrection. There is far more historical evidence for his life than many other historical figures & events that we take for granted. So I guess we have to decide whether we believe the headlines or not...?

Was Jesus who he said he was...? And if he was what effect does that have on our lives...?

Carpenter from Nazareth Claims to be God!

Made of Money!

You may have heard people say, ‘I’m not made of money’ or ‘Money doesn’t grow on trees!’ They mean that whatever it is they are being asked for isn’t practical or affordable.

I guess we might think that it would be cool if we did have a way of growing or making money so we could have whatever we wanted – but would it really...? Even if we could buy anything & everything would that make us happy...?

I’d suggest that money isn’t the way to happiness! It might be what society would have us believe but some of the richest people are the unhappiest, whilst some of the poorest are happier. It doesn’t matter how much money some people have they always want more. There will always be something they haven’t got or somewhere they haven’t been that requires more money.

So why isn’t money the answer...?

It isn’t really the money that is the problem but our attitude towards it! If we rely on money to make us happy we will always end up dissatisfied. But if we are grateful & thankful for what we have we start to see life from a different perspective. An ‘attitude of gratitude’ releases us from the desire to accumulate more & perhaps allows us to ‘be more’ rather than have more...

In the Bible Paul puts it like this:

Philippians 4 v 11-13 - I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, & I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Jesus who gives me strength.

I might not be able to make money grow on trees but hopefully I might be able to make you laugh with these jokes...

How do you make 7 even? Take away the s.

I took the shell off of my racing snail, thinking it would make him faster. But if anything, it made him more sluggish.

How do you make holy water? You boil the hell out of it.

Why don’t crabs make donations? Because they’re shellfish.

Why do colds make such bad robbers? Because they’re so easy to catch.

How does a penguin make it’s house? Igloos it together.

What do you call a factory that makes passable products? A satisfactory!

Have you heard the joke about the bed? It hasn’t been made up yet.

The rotation of earth really makes my day.

What do you call a belt made of watches? A waist of time.

How much money does a skunk make? One scent.

Why do goalkeepers make so much money?

Because they are really good at saving.

Have you heard the one about the corduroy pillow?

It’s making headlines.

Why did the woman put her money in her freezer?

Because she wanted to make some cold hard cash.

I could make a joke about pizza, but it’s a little cheesy.

Why did the robber take a bath before he stole from the bank? He wanted to make a clean getaway.

From our local TV news station, this undeniably true travel suggestion: “Next up, ten money-saving tips for your trip to Hawaii. Don’t go away!”

How do you make money in a dog exercising business? It should be a walk in the park.

What did one penny say to the other penny?

Let’s get together & make some cents.

The teenager lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After making a brief, fruitless search, he gave up. His mother took up the cause & within minutes found the lens.

“How did you do that?” he asked. “We weren’t looking for the same thing,” she explained. “You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I was looking for $150.”

I won $3 million on the lottery this weekend so I decided to make a donation of a quarter of it to charity. Now I have $2,999,999.75

A local charity had never received a donation from the town’s banker, so the director made a phone call.

“Our records show you make $500,000 a year, yet you haven’t made even a penny donation to charity,” the director began. “Wouldn’t you like to help the community?”

The banker replied, “Did your research show that my mother is ill, with extremely expensive medical bills?”

“Um, no,” mumbled the director.

“Or that my brother is blind & jobless? Or that my sister’s husband died, leaving her broke with four kids?”

“I … I … I had no idea.”

“So,” said the banker, “if I don’t give them any money, why would I give any to you?”

Making my Debut!

The life of a footballer often has ups & downs. It requires a lot of commitment & effort over many years & that’s even before signing a professional contract! Junior Stanislas had been through the youth system at a couple of clubs before making his Premiership debut in 2009, aged 19, for West Ham United, also making his debut for the England Under 21 side in the same year. Now in his 8th year at AFC Bournemouth, we asked Junior about his football & faith journey. Read on to find out more.

Please tell us about your early life?

I grew up in south London with my mum & two brothers – they are ten years or so older than me! It was a simple but incredible life. I tended to do my own thing with my friends rather than with my brothers as they were so much older.

How would you describe yourself?

Calm, relaxed & quite reserved! But on the football pitch I can be the opposite. When I am playing I can be quite vocal! I feel the need to speak to help my game as well as others. If I don’t speak then I don’t perform

the same...

Could you tell us a bit about your football career?

I grew up playing Sunday League & went to Millwall at about 8 years old. At 10 I went to West Ham where I went through the youth system & played for the first team for 3 years, having made my debut at 19. I had been on loan to Southend for about 6 weeks so actually debuted for them at 18!

After West Ham I went to Burnley for 3 years before moving to Bournemouth. This is my 8th season there.

Hi-lights...? Been lots but it would have to be making my debut! I had watched the Premier League on TV all through my childhood so to be actually playing at that level was just amazing! I thought it was taking too long at the time but when I look back I realise I was young!

Low-lights? That would be injuries & I am still getting them – I have been out most of this season with one. Also being fit & available but not getting to play is really frustrating!

How & why did you become a Christian?

Mum raised us as Christians, she was always reading the Bible & talking about it. I went to a Christian school & of course church. But it is only in recent years that I realised that all that didn’t make me

a Christian – I needed to make my own decision & commitment. I found during lockdown that I had time to think & study what being a Christian was really about. I still make mistakes but hopefully I am growing in my faith.

Do you have a favourite Bible verse(s) and why?

I don’t really have a specific verse, there are just too many to have a favourite!

But I do have a screen saver which is Romans 6 v 23,

The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life!

It might seem a bit odd but it is a great reminder for me! Proverbs is probably my favourite book but it could also be Romans or Corinthians - there are so many!

Have you any answers to prayer that you can share with us?

I’m sure there would be lots if I took time to think about it! When I was younger I prayed for my career & here I am – lots of kids try & fail so I think that is a definite answer!

Have there been people in your life who’ve helped ‘build’ you up from a Christian & football perspective?

Over lockdown there was a lot of online help from people like BallersInGod. I have also had help from Christians in Sport & Linvoy Primus. John Bostock invited me to BallersInGod & just being together & discussing stuff is really helpful. Talking with people who are in similar situations & who understand the pressures & the ‘footballing world’ has been great!

How do you deal with the pressure of being a footballer, with things such as injuries / penalties / abuse. Does your faith help?

I am not on social media at all now. That wasn’t really to do with pressure from abuse or anything though, it was more because I found I was wasting a lot of time on it & the values that are often promoted don’t really fit my beliefs!

Injuries are hard to deal with. It takes a few days to process but then I do what I need to do to get back to playing. So I wouldn’t really say pressure is a big issue for me...

Even penalties are ok. There is pressure but I like the feeling! When it comes down to it the worst that can happen is that you miss... I know that in some games it is obviously more crucial but generally I am ok. Yes, your team mates & supporters are relying on you, but nobody dies if you miss.

Billie Jean King, the tennis player, said, ‘Pressure is a privilege,’ & it is great to be in the position in the first place!

My faith helps because I am not defined by injuries or football & it also helps me to not react in certain situations.

What is the best thing you have ever made?

My kids! With the help of my partner! We have twin boys who are ten!

Have you ever made a mistake? How do/did you deal with it? Never! Hehe! I would say try & learn from it. Age & maturity helps, as does reading my Bible. Also try & stay away from the same situations & mistakes so you don’t repeat them!

Have there been times when God has made a way for you where you thought there wasn’t one? 1000% yes, but trying to think of a specific one...

When I moved from Burnley to Bourneouth. Burnley had got promotion & I didn’t get to play much at Bournemouth but the following year we got promoted & I spent much less time on the bench! It all worked out well in the end.

Junior is part of ‘Ballers In God’ (BIG) – an organisation that aims to bring Christian footballers together & support them in their day to day lives, as well as reaching out to other players to introduce them to the Christian Faith.

You can check out BIG @ballersingod or to find out more about their work go to : www.ballersingod.com

Made a way...?

Sometimes we convince ourselves that we can make our own way to Heaven. We make it all about how good we are & what we have or haven’t done. We think that if our good outweighs the bad stuff then surely we must be OK... After all we haven’t done anything really bad!

Sometimes we might look at it from the other view that God couldn’t possibly love us because of all the messes we have made. We have hurt people with our words & actions, we have not done stuff we should have done, we haven’t forgiven those who have hurt us!

But the good news is that neither of these is right! In the Bible Jesus says, ‘I am the Way, the Truth & the Life’, John 14 v 6. It isn’t dependent on us, it is based on God’s love for us. All we have to do is to turn to God & accept his love & forgiveness!

Can you find your way out of these mazes...?

What do you think when you look at the night sky?

Or at all the amazing places Earth has to offer?

Or the millions of different living things that exist in our world?

Psalm 8:3-4

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens... When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

In schools we are mostly taught that life started by chance & that we are all developments from or mutations of that. We are taught that there is no purpose to life & it is all about what we make of our time here. Yet so many of us are searching for something that satisfies us & gives us meaning. We are trying to fill our lives with things when maybe we should be looking up & asking how & why we are here...?

Could it be that we are searching for God?

Does it really make sense to think that life all just happened by chance...?

Is it any harder to believe it was all made by God...?

John 1:3 says, Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Do you think the world is here by chance or do you think we our part of God’s plan?

Photo Credit: NASA

This animated, action, adventure film, version of Superman, sees the Man of Steel, (John Krasinski), accompanied & helped on his crime fighting missions in Metropolis by Krypto the Super-Dog (Dwayne Johnson).

Superman & the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, so it is up to Krypto to save the day. He recruits a group of ‘super-pets’ from a shelter that has been destroyed in the attack on the Justice League. They soon find out that they have powers of their own that could be very helpful in rescuing the super heroes from the villainous Lex Luthor (Marc Maron), if they can master how & when to use them! There is a pig called PB (Vanessa Bayer), who can

‘super-size’, a dog called Ace (Kevin Hart), who is ‘super-strong’, Chip (Diego Luna), who has electric powers & a turtle called Merton (Natasha Lyonne) who is ‘super-fast’! Alongside them Batman is voiced by Keanu Reeves & Dascha Polanco is Green Lantern.

The trailer looks funny & is obviously a very different take on the whole super-hero type film - So look out for it when it is set to be released in May.

Photo credits: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Apart from being amusing the trailer also set me thinking. There are some great quotes that form part of the comedic genre of the film but that are also quite thought provoking. We are all made for more! As the animals find out!

Chip – ‘Am I the only one who didn’t get any super p....argh!’ As he sparks off electricity! We can often be tempted to compare ourselves with others. I’m not as good as ‘...!’ I won’t be able to do that! I’m not as good because I can’t ‘...’! But in reality we all have our own unique abilities. It might take a while to discover them & we might struggle to find them but they are definitely there!

1 Peter 4:10-11 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Krypto - ‘When one has an abundance of power they have a certain duty to use that power to...’ Interrupted by Ace weeing!

We all have the power to make a difference in the world. It might only seem like a small thing but we can change our world or someone else’s by thinking what we can do & then actually taking action. Too often our good intentions don’t actually materialise into action!

James 1 v 22 - Do what God’s teaching says; do not just listen & do nothing. When you only sit & listen, you are fooling yourselves.

Ace – ‘Does anyone want to switch powers...?’ Following a crash landing, shielding the others! We can often think that if we were just like someone else then things would be better or different. If we could be like ‘...’ then we would be happy! Or if we could just have that ‘...’ then we would be happy! The trouble is that when we base our happiness on things or even people we will end up disappointed. Even if we get what we thought we wanted there will always be something else that we haven’t got!

Matthew 6 v 33 - Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

What are you made of...?

When I was little there was a nursery rhyme about what little boys & girls are made of...

It stated that girls were made of sugar & spice & all things nice, whereas boys were made of frogs & snails & puppy dogs tails!

Quite ludicrous obviously but even today clothing companies & others are often in the news for trying to stereotype children into specific characteristics & colours. Boys are branded as bold & adventurous whereas girls are branded as pretty or cute. Boys clothes tend to be darker colours whereas girls clothes are often more pastel shades.

But girls can be adventurous & boys can be sensitive. Boys can be quiet & girls can be loud, it isn’t a one size fits all!

As a parent I definitely want my kids to be happy & to fulfill their potential but not at the expense of others or their own mental health. My son happens to be adventurous, sporty & clever but so are his sisters. I think we often get confused between what we should look for in others & ourselves & what the media tells us is success. So I thought I’d write down some of the characteristics & values that are important for all of us, male or female, to develop & encourage in ourselves & others.

What do you think is most important...? Would you add anything to the list...?

GENTLE LOYAL

BOLD WISE LOVING EMOTIONAL

CAPABLE

HARD WORKING

LEARN FROM FAILURES

HONEST PATIENT

SELF CONTROLLED

EMPATHETIC

BRAVERY

FORGIVING

GENEROUS HUMBLE

Made You Think!

We live in an age & society where we are bombarded with information & thoughts. But unfortunately not everything you read or hear is true – there are whole industries that are based on getting us to believe stuff that just isn’t true, for us personally or the world in general.

For example social media is good in some ways but in others it is really detrimental to our mental & physical health. The fear of missing out, the desire to keep up, the filtered images that we see, can all affect us negatively.

The development of gaming, far beyond what anyone would have thought a decade ago, has some great ideas but also can easily be manipulated to put users in dangerous & disturbing situations. There are far more opportunities for us to be in contact with unknown, & not necessarily good, people. And, of course, there is the rise in the use of violence in many games that must have an effect on us whether we like to admit it or not.

Even what we eat & wear has become problematic when we think about where the products come from & who is benefitting from our ‘must-have’ lifestyle. Our ‘throw away’ society has caused so much destruction & depletion to our natural resources. The use of plastic is just one ‘advancement’ that has come back to bite!

So maybe we all need to step back & take stock of what we are doing & why...? Maybe we need to ask ourselves whether we are taking good care of the planet & ourselves...? What can we do to improve situations rather than just sitting back & watching them because we feel helpless & hopeless...?

Neil Peart

Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.

Haile Selassie

There is a fine balance between honouring the past & losing yourself in it. For example, you can acknowledge & learn from mistakes you made, & then move on & refocus on the now. It is called forgiving yourself.

Eckhart Tolle

You do not find the happy life. You make it.

Camilla Eyring

What I tell people all the time is that bodies are made in the kitchen, not in the gym. You cannot exercise a bad diet. It’s just impossible. Unless you want to be the ultra-marathoner or someone like a Michael Phelps that’s swimming 70 or 80,000 metres in a week, you cannot exercise a bad diet.

Shannon Sharpe

Joyce Meyer

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

Albert Einstein

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

You don’t have to be like everybody else or do things like everybody else. God created you to be a unique individual, & He wants you to be free to be who He made you to be.

They may forget what you said - but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Carl W. Buehner

How many legs does a dog have if you call his tail a leg? Four. Saying that a tail is a leg doesn’t make it a leg.

Abraham Lincoln

God’s dream is that you & I & all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, & for compassion.

Desmond Tutu

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.

Edmund Burke

Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, & a hard-to-find alloy called guts.

Dan Gable

Jesus showed us God’s plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure & holy & gave himself to purchase our salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:30

We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think.

Swami Vivekananda

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

Winston Churchill

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.

C. S. Lewis

God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.

Eric Liddell

He has the deed half done who has made a beginning.

Horace

Ears are made not for hearing but for listening. Listening is an active skill, whereas hearing is passive. Listening is something that we have to work at - it’s a relationship with sound. And yet, it’s a skill that none of us are taught.

Julian

Treasure

Set yourself earnestly to see what you are made to do, & then set yourself earnestly to do it.

Phillips

Brooks

Each life is made up of mistakes & learning, waiting & growing, practicing patience & being persistent.

Billy Graham

Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful.

Hazrat

Inayat Khan

Under this new plan we have been forgiven & made clean by Christ’s dying for us once & for all.

Hebrews 10:10

I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.

Rosa Parks

At the age of 18, I made up my mind to never have another bad day in my life. I dove into a endless sea of gratitude from which I’ve never emerged.

Patch Adams

Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That’s what little girls are made of.

Bethany Hamilton

Make each day your masterpiece.

John Wooden

MADE AN

I don’t know about you but my reports from school didn’t always contain the best results. The phrase ‘could do better’ was often present as my teachers felt I hadn’t made an effort! And they were probably right. There were several subjects that I didn’t give 100% in because maybe I found it boring, didn’t like the teacher, found it difficult or thought it was irrelevant. Some of my friends didn’t make an effort with anything but others made an effort with everything. Their homework was always done, they always contributed in class & they made the most of their time. I wonder what your school reports are like...?

Maybe we are more likely to make an effort if we like the people involved, or the task, or find it easy...?

But what about those times when things are difficult or challenging..?

Are we inclined to give up or certainly not give it our best shot...?

Are we inclined to try & find our way out of things rather than making an effort & challenging ourselves...?

There is a phrase that says, ‘The more you put in, the more you get out’ & I think that this is often the case with effort. When we put in the effort we see results. It doesn’t mean we will suddenly succeed at everything but it does mean we can be satisfied that we have tried our best, which is all we can do.

Do you make an affort to arrive on time...?

A) Yes

B) No

C) Sometimes

Do you make an effort to help with household chores...?

A) Yes

B) No

C) Sometimes

Do you make an effort to present your best work at school..?

A) Yes

B) No

C) Sometimes

Do you make an effort to help if someone is upset...?

A) Yes

B) No

C) Sometimes

Do you make an effort to reply to messages quickly...?

A) Yes

B) No

C) Sometimes

Why not take the quiz & see whether you could do better or whether you already make an effort...?

Do you make an effort to buy nice presents...?

A) Yes

B) No

C) Sometimes

EFFORT

If you answered mostly A – Well, looks like your reports probably don’t contain the phrase ‘could do better!’ You always make an effort to do your best & help others too. Maybe making an effort comes fairly naturally to you or maybe you have to work hard at it – either way well done! Even those with the most positive characters can find making an effort draining & a chore so let me encourage you to keep up the good work! The Bible says, ‘Don’t grow weary in doing good!’ Galations 6 v 9

If you answered mostly B – Oh dear – I imagine your report card is full of, ‘Needs to make more effort!’ It looks like making an effort isn’t in your vocabulary. You may think that this is the easy way to go through life but I think that you will regret it. Those times when you didn’t give something your all will probably mean you can’t do other things. Those lessons that you don’t pay attention in might help you to get where you want to be later on. The relationships that you don’t put any effort into will fade away. Yes, effort is often required & you might think you can’t be bothered but you need to take a longer term view. Some people do succeed by luck but those are the exception, for most it is because they have made an effort! The Bible says, ‘Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion.’ Romans 12 v 11

If you answered mostly C – I guess this is where most of us find ourselves. Sometimes we make an effort but at other times we just can’t be bothered. It probably depends on the people involved & what we are supposed to be doing. Whilst it is good to make an effort on the things we find easy or enjoyable it also important to put in the same effort with more challenging situations. We only get one chance at life & we can’t get back time we wasted so let’s make an effort in every area.

A) Yes

B) No

C) Sometimes

The Bible says, ‘Put in your very best effort to whatever you do as if working for Jesus!’

Made No Sense

You will be used to the idea of following instructions & rules. It is just a normal part of life in an attempt to make sure that everyone is kept safe &, more recently, that no one can sue the manufacturer or owner for not clearly stating the required actions. When we don’t follow the rules we can end up hurting ourselves or others. The Bible’s “rules” can be summed up as:

Love God and Love your neighbour as yourself!

Sounds easy, only two rules to follow, yet we find it hard to comply. We’d rather love ourselves & do what we want than love God or others. Maybe we think that they make no sense, after all how can loving God & others make us happy...? And yet many Christians will tell you that when you start to put God & others first it really does make for a happier life! Reading & following the Bible is like following the maker’s instructions! So why not give it a go...?

Then there are instructions or rules that you wonder why the manufacturer felt the need to print. See below!

Instructions for new undies – Do not attempt to wear on head!

Directions on men’s moisturiser bottle – Men don’t need instructions!

On furniture instructions – Side step: Stop & make snack at this point!

On pet shampoo - Remember to eliminate all escape routes – when slippery & wet your pet will suddenly be smarter & faster than you!

Washing instructions – Normal symbols - followed by - Or give it to your mother she knows what she’s doing!

On Ipod shuffle - Do not eat.

On a T-shirt – 100% cotton: cold wash - followed by - It is never that hot that you have to take your t-shirt off – don’t be that guy!

Instructions on chopsticks – Good luck!

Instructions on a hairdryer – Do not use on people who are sleeping...

On a metal coat hanger – Caution do not swallow!

Finally there are those instructions that lose something in translation. Somehow the words get a little bit confused & you end up with instructions that really make no sense at all. Below are a few that I’ve found on the internet to make you laugh!

In a New Zealand restaurantOpen seven days a week, & weekends too.

On a toaster –Wipe with a damp sloth!

Anyone obeying the swimming pool rules may be asked to leave...

At a Korean restaurant in Auckland, New ZealandWe do not re-use the food.

Restaurant windowDon’t stand there & be hungry. Come on in & get fed up.

On an Athi River highwayTAKE NOTICE: When this sign is under water, this road is impassable.

On a food packetHele soup, smell of urine...

Instructions for a soap bubble gunWhile solution is not toxic it will not make child edible.

In Nairobi restaurantCustomers who find our waitresses rude ought to see the manager.

On a ‘cleaning in progress’ sign –Execution in progress...

Airline ticket office, Copenhagen:We take your bags and send them in all directions.

A sign on a car in Manila, PhilippinesCar & owner for sale.

On the menu of a Swiss restaurantOur wines leave you nothing to hope for.

In an advertisement by a Hong Kong dentistTeeth extracted by the latest Methodists.

Hotel in AcapulcoThe Manager has personally passed all the water served here.

In a Rhodes tailor shopSummers suit - is big rush we will execute customers in strict rotation.

Hotel elevator, ParisPlease leave your values at the front desk.

Detour sign in Kyushu, JapanStop: Drive Sideways.

Belgrade hotel elevatorTo move the cabin, push button for wishing floor.

Made Known

Philippa Hanna became a Christian in 2004. Since then she has made known her faith through her music & books. She is now an internationally published author with over 1500 live shows, two books & five studio albums to her credit. Read on to find out more...

fan of ‘church’ as it were, & wasn’t a believer. I grew up watching dad on stage, from the wings of social clubs & music venues. This is where my love of performing began. He is an incredible talent - a great musician & singer. I used to love watching him hold an audience captivated. I realized the power of music & laughter to change & bless hearts. My dad (Pat Hanna) was raised in showbusiness, travelling all over Ireland with his family, performing in different towns. The whole of dad’s side of the family is super musical, & I remember singing around a guitar with them from an early age.

How would you describe yourself? Wow, there’s a question… I guess I’d say: I’m Creative, fun-loving, sensitive, & up for an adventure! I’m an outgoing introvert, so I can appear more confident than I am. I do tend to overthink, which is part of my creativity. I have to watch that as it can affect my mental health. I believe that anything is possible in Jesus!

How did you get into music, did you think you could make it a career?

Please tell us about your early life – where are you from, family, etc I’m not from an explicitly Christian background. My mum was a primary school teacher & my dad was an entertainer. Mum always had a quiet belief in God, but dad really wasn’t a

After growing up with music, I naturally started making up songs at the age of 9. I use to record my ideas using an old tape player. At 13 my dad bought me a Fostex 4-track recorder and I started producing music. By 15 I’d written about 50 songs & all I wanted to do was be a singer-songwriter!

How & why did you become a Christian?

After a tough time at school, struggling with my mental health I set my sights on a music career. But going to auditions & dealing with constant rejection really took its toll. I wound up in a really unhealthy relationship & began to feel my life was spiraling out of control. During that season I was helping host an open-mic night in Preston & made friends with some Christian Musicians. I was inspired by their faith (although I never thought I’d share it). We spent lots of time together, & I eventually ended up at a worship evening. That evening changed my life forever!

I wasn’t expecting it at all, but the Holy Spirit really spoke to me. I found myself praying for Jesus to help me & God really took hold of my life thereafter. My parents gave their lives to Jesus too, & I married an incredible man of faith, Joel. We just had our first baby.

Can you tell us a bit about your music – what sort of style & is there a ‘message’ to the music?

To be honest, the best genre description is probably ‘faith-centered pop’. But I have strong Country/folk influences. I love a bit of everything!

Lyrics & storytelling are really important to me. I try to inspire people through honesty, vulnerability, & positivity.

What has life been like for you in the pandemic, particularly having your lovely daughter during this time & how has your faith helped you in this time?

I’ve found it all incredibly hard to be honest. I was ok, to begin with, but months of not working were hard enough in themselves. Add a pregnancy & nursing a newborn into the mix & it

got really tough. We’re emerging from the fog now, & I’m so grateful! My baby girl is the best thing that has ever happened to me, & I’m so in love with being her mum.

Please tell us more about your book ‘Known’, what’s it about & why have you written it?

I went through a lot in my teens & really struggled with my sense of selfworth & identity. Now, in the 21st century, it’s never been harder to embrace & step fully into who we are. This book is an interactive journey to discovering your worth & identity in God. It’s gentle & collaborative between God & the reader. I hope it provides something of a ‘big sister’ voice for anyone who picks it up.

Could you give us a brief overview of some of the themes you look at in the book?

By taking a look at our beliefs, values, relationships, navigating, gifts & purposes, we build a picture of who we are in God. Using Scripture, reflection & storytelling we explore identity & develop tools for staying connected to who we are.

Do you have a favourite Bible verse & why?

It would have to be: Philippians 4:13

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’.

It just gets me through everything, from parenting to performing!

Have you any answers to prayer that you can share with us?

God really helped us make it through the pandemic. Although it was hard, he sustained us, gave us a beautiful daughter, and even lined up new opportunities as we’ve emerged from lockdown. He is a faithful God indeed!

What would you say you’re trying to build your life on?

Being authentic & humble before God and others. I really believe in honesty within our faith walk. The truth sets us free. Book & music available from www.philippahanna.com

Follow Philippa - Insta @philppahanna

Made Simple!

God loves us!

It doesn’t matter what we have done. It doesn’t matter where we are from or who we are.

It doesn’t even matter what we think about God.

God loves each one of us!

Jesus died to forgive & save us!

It does matter who we choose to follow!

It does matter because we can’t save ourselves.

It does matter because God wants the best for us.

Jesus died for you!

The Bible says:

For God so loved the world!

John 3 v 16

We have all done, said or thought wrong things!

It doesn’t matter if we think we are better than ‘so & so’.

It doesn’t matter whether we think we haven’t committed any big sins.

It doesn’t even matter if we try our hardest to be nice to everyone.

We have all messed up!

The Bible says:

We have all sinned & continually fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 3 v 23

The Bible says:

Jesus said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth & the Life!’

John 14 v 6

Will we accept his offer?

It does matter because doing nothing is a ‘No, thanks’ decision.

It does matter because it affects our destiny here & for eternity.

It does matter because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

We all need to make a choice!

The Bible says:

Look, I stand at the door & knock. If anyone who opens the door I will come in.

Revelation 3 v 20

A simple prayer:

Jesus, I admit that I have messed up. I need & want your forgiveness. I accept that by your death you took the penalty for my messes. I recognize that your forgiveness is because of your great love, not based on anything I have done. By faith I receive you into my heart as Saviour & Lord of my life. Help me live for you, with you in control. Amen

We all need to get our heads around sustainable fashion! This is a real issue for both males & females!

When I was young, a long time ago, if you wanted to buy new clothes you had to go to a shop & try stuff on. Nowadays you can just look online, order several things, planning but not always managing, to send the majority back. It sounds so much better & easier but in reality it has led to people buying far too much. The clothing is often poorly made & then thrown away after a few uses. In my day you had party clothes that were brought out for every occasion, you’d never dream of buying something new unless you’d actually out grown the previous outfit! (I’m ancient, I know!)

But why do people do it? Why do they feel the need to have a new outfit for going out? After all, you are probably going with friends who, hopefully, couldn’t careless about what you are wearing & most of the other people you probably won’t see again, so what does it matter...?

FASHION

We all need to get our heads around sustainable fashion! We need to think about our planet!

Is your wardrobe crammed with stuff? Have you got umpteen ‘….’ that you hardly wear? Have you got lots of almost identical items? I read an article this week about a girl who had worn the same ‘going out’ outfit for 5 years! Might seem a little extreme but good for her! She has realised that what others think isn’t as important as feeling comfy, being sustainable & saving money. You can always jazz something up with different accessories rather than buying a new outfit each time. Another idea is what I think it is called a ‘capsule wardrobe’ where you have a few items that mix & match to make different outfits depending on the setting.

We all need to get our heads around sustainable fashion! We all have a part to play!

So what can we all do...?

- Well for a start we can stop judging people on what they wear! Who cares if it is the same outfit...!?!

- We can buy less!

- We can buy stuff that is washable & try to wear it more than once before washing it! Most things don’t need washing every time!

- We can look at charity shops, swap with friends, sell rather than throw away, buy from ethical retailers & so on.

We all need to get our heads around sustainable fashion! What can you do...?

So next time you are thinking of buying something new - stop & think! Is it from an ethical supplier? Do I really need it?

Am I going to get good use out of it or is it just a ‘one-off’?

Maybe discuss things with your friends & agree together to limit your ‘fashion waste’?

When I was at school – a very long time ago – there really wasn’t much competition to have a particular style or follow certain brands. People just wore what they felt comfortable in and nobody was that bothered. Fast forward a few years to when my kids were at school & there was definitely a trend to have certain bags or you weren’t considered cool! The fact that the bags were expensive &, mostly, not really fit for purpose, (carrying school books), didn’t make them less attractive for teens. I’m sure I wasn’t the only parent to despair at the limited bag choice available if you didn’t want to stand out from the crowd for the wrong reasons!

So what made these bags a ‘must-have’ item? It certainly wasn’t their economic value or longevity. It was because someone had decided that this was a ‘cool’ brand & suddenly everyone had to follow suit! Chances are that 6 months down the line some other brand would become the ‘must-have’ & kids felt the need to keep up even if their original bag was still usable!

Having a branded item became a goal & common sense was not part of the equation!

We can be equally misled when it comes to our individuality – we can be made to think that being the same is the aim & that being a certain way is the only ‘good’ or popular way.

But we are all made to be different! Did you know that you are made by God...?

And when he made you he didn’t make a mistake!

You are unique, a ‘one-off’, so don’t be pressured into being just like everyone else!

There is no one else like you & God loves you!

Lightyear is a sci-fi, action-adventure about the original Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans), the space hero who was the inspiration for the toy which plays a vital part in the Toy Story franchise. It shows how the young test pilot became the Space Ranger, alongside a group of recruits & his robotic cat companion, Sox! It is an intergalactic journey that sees them trying to escape from an alien planet where they have been stuck! Can Buzz & his companions make it out alive?

The story of space rangers is still a far fetched idea even in our modern society. There is talk of space travel but still only for the very few. There is still so much to be discovered about our own solar system, never mind ‘infinity & beyond’! For most of us space travel will not be a reality but we will all face times when we wonder if we can make it...!

What situations have you got through & with some relief thought ‘Made it!...?

Our son ran the Manchester marathon 2022 & we went along to watch, jumping on trams & catching glimpses of him at various points through out the gruelling 26 miles. He managed to do it in 3 hours 14 minutes, remarkable for his first attempt!

There were definitely some people who struggled to make it, some were at breaking point by the time they reached the finish & some looked worn out even at our first sight of the runners at the one mile marker! The city & the tram home were bursting with very tired & relieved participants & spectators! I don’t know if everyone who started made it to the end, maybe some had to pull out through injury, or just found it was too far. I do know that those who didn’t enter didn’t make it!

Sounds obvious but sometimes we have to give something a go & risk that we might not succeed! If we never try we definitely won’t succeed! I won’t say that I’ll be applying for next year’s marathon but it did make me think that maybe I should dust off my running shoes & try a 5 or 10 k again. It is good to push ourselves out of our comfort zones now & then, whatever that might be for you. Maybe you will be able to say, ‘I made it’ at the end!

Maybe whether we make it depends on our motivation for starting...?

The Bible puts it this way: Hebrews 12 v 1-2, Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us & never give up. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began & finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. He never lost sight of where he was headed.

All Photo credits: Disney/ Pixar,