What’s in a Name

So what is the meaning behind my blog name?  Honestly, I looked over at a bookshelf by my lounge chair I was sitting on (my thinking/writing chair), and “joy in our hearts” was written on a picture frame that held a photo of the best day of my life (well second best day), my wedding day.

Different milestones come up to play as I think of the “best day ever” (as my oldest says).

1. Salvation at Camp Cherokee. This was and still is my “Best Day Ever.” It is when I gave my life over to the Lord.  I always grew up in a Christian home. I just assumed I was going to Heaven like the rest of my family.  Guess what, I wasn’t.  My older brother brought out the lime light of it that summer I was going to camp.  It was my first year. I was so excited! As I carried my pillow down the hall, my brother mentioned how he went to camp and that’s where he got saved. Saved? Like you almost drowned? No, he chuckled and stated that he became a Christian and would get to spend forever in Heaven once he died, just like our parents. I was like, oh yeah, I will do. My brother, the loving brother he is, began to argue and pick on me (like many older brothers do).  He said I would not be going to Heaven and that I would go to Hell forever away from mom and dad. Well, let’s just say I was mortified! I ran out the front door crying to my dad, who was outside loading the rest of my bags in the truck.  Once dad calmed me down and scolded my brother (even though yes, he was technically correct in his loving manner), my dad told me to get in the car and we would talk on the way to camp. I had so many questions! Once my dad had exhausted all his means, he finally told me to go enjoy camp and if I had any other questions when I returned, he would talk to me then.

I remember, I still had a lot of learning and growing to do.  My counselor was the sweetest, most loving lady I had ever met.  I was so determined to stay the whole time at camp, and not be like the rest of my friends and go home early crying for my parents.  I was stubborn, tough, and would not cry.  I learned so many different games, campfire cooking, archery, swimming, canoeing, the list goes on and on!  I didn’t want to ever leave.  I was always looking to return the next year.  One Thursday evening, we learned about God’s grace for us.  We made bead bracelets explaining salvation, God’s ultimate sacrifice for us, and how much he loved us.  I remember my counselor leading me in prayer.  I accepted the Lord into my life that night.

Since then, I have lived a life of loving grace and have always had a relationship with the Lord since then.  I was so excited to come home and tell others.  Like I said earlier, I loved going to camp! I went every year I could, and after that became a counselor.

When I became a counselor, I was able to tell others about my relationship with the Lord. It was such an amazing experience. One that I hope to keep telling others I witness to.  I may not always be the perfect Christian, lead the perfect life, but that’s ok.  God knows we are not perfect.  We will mess up.  And even though my testimony maybe uneventful to others, it was eventful to me.  If it wasn’t for camp, my counselor, my dad, or heck, even my brother for being a stepping stone through this journey, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

2. My Wedding Day
3. Seeing my youngest being born. Hearing the first heart beat was the coolest sound ever! But, once I heard her first scream for the first time, that was an amazing experience! The scream was the best sound ever.  Isn’t God an amazing God!

There are other favorite days that I have.  Like the first time I met my best friends. Or the days I would sit and write at Parksville lake.  Anytime I would have anxiety before a test in college, Parksville was my go to place.  My place that would allow me to remain calm, and see God’s beautiful sunset painted across the sky.

Lastly, my favorite song growing up in church was “I got the joy joy joy joy, down in my heart….”  What a great song! It’s such a fun song to sing too! We would try to sing it as fast as we could.  I never truly understood the words to the song until now.  When I was going through fertility treatments, and we made the difficult decision to stop, that song would come back to me.  I would search scripture wondering the meaning behind it.  Why God kept reminding me of the song; “peace that passes understanding down in my heart.”  This was where he spoke to me most.  (Philippians 4:7)  All the prayers and tears, I was praying the wrong way.

I needed peace with our decision.  I needed peace and I needed God to show me and help change the my wants to his wants, and to change my ways to his ways.  Without turning things over to God, and keeping my faith in him, I would not be able to have Joy in my Heart. (Psalms 4:7)  God alone allows me to get through each day with a grateful heart.  How can someone have so much joy through trial and tribulations? You can’t without God. He brings joy to my soul!