Hey Everyone!

My name is Maddy and I recently was lucky enough to go to Ignite Launch 2021 with a bunch of my friends to experience the risk and adrenaline that Dream World happily provided us with. I remember lining up for my very first ride of the day which was my personal favourite, The Claw! I can distinctly remember the adrenaline and excitement that I felt bubbling up in my stomach as I pulled the harness over my shoulders and clipped in the seat belt for maximum safety. It was only until the ride started and I was upside down in the air that I realised the beauty of all the machinery and wildlife that we have at the grasp at our hands. It brought me back to think about how Jesus has significantly changed my life for the better.

Jesus has helped shaped my life and me as a person especially when I had my first ever encounter with Jesus at Ignite Conference in Prayer Teams where the leaders praying for me distinctly told me exactly how I was feeling during the prayer. I’m the type to lock up my thoughts and emotions and never let them out so this experience for me completely changed my mind on my perspective of who Jesus is and his purpose in my life.

I know going home after a massive experience is daunting, so I have prepared some tips for you to keep Jesus in your life.

Tip #1: Get into the wildlife and appreciate the beauty of the world. Just taking 5 minutes out of your day to sit in nature relaxes your mind and clears all of the negative energy and thoughts that may be clouding your mind. This tip has successfully allowed me to remember where everything came from; God. It’s a good reminder of gratitude that I am here today, free, because of Jesus’s love and sacrifice for me.

Tip #2: Grab a journal or a piece of paper and doodle or write whatever is on your mind and then speak that truth to God. Talking to God is very similar to talking to a best friend. You have God’s undivided attention and He is there to listen and to heal. I have found that by opening myself up to this ‘conversational tone’ in speaking to God, I can easily talk to Him as if He was right next to me.

Finally, Tip #3: Do your best to come back to the events such as Ignite Launch, Ignite Conference and my personal favourite, Summer Camp!!! These events are a time where I can let go and allow me show my faith to those around me instead of being afraid of judgement. They have been a key part in keeping up with my faith as they helped me to understand what Jesus’ purpose is in mine and everyone else’s lives. These events will help you to slowly but surely find it easier to open up about your faith which can be a very difficult thing to do.

These three tips can help you get closer to God and to be more confident about owning your faith. And with this I’ll leave you with something to dwell on.

This scripture is a constant reminder that we should live life in our faith and not let the sight of negativity or doubt get in the way of living our best life with Jesus.

Written by Maddy Cox.