Jill Kelly - Etched...Upon My Heart: What We Learn and Why We Never Forget

If something were to happen to youif today was itwhat would you want your children to remember and never forget?

Loaded question. Yes, I know.

However, I figured I should probably give you a heads-up before you read on because that very question is what this book is all about.

Let me fill in some of the background.

At the time this question brashly intruded into my life, we were less than two months away from our oldest daughter, Erin, turning sixteen years old. It was a big deal to herand to our entire family. Not so much because of all the planning involved or the fact that she would soon be driving, along with all the other fun and scary when-you-turn-sixteen stuff. But more so because of the many amazing things the Lord had done in all of our lives to change our hearts and reveal Himself to us.

Weve been through a lot together.

Erin walked through the deep valley of heartbreak over the loss of her terminally ill younger brother, Hunter. The pain of watching him suffer for over eight years had taken its toll on Erins heart, and yet the joy of Gods presence in her life was (and still is) evident. She radiates Jesus; but even so, Erins life is a work in progress. As her mother, theres so much I long for Erin and her younger sister, Camryn, to know. I want them to grasp and be captivated by the deep eternal truths that will change the trajectory of their lives.

Im mindful that most of what I desire for them to know is being caught rather than taught. In other words, my kids are watching and learning all the time. And I pray that my life thus far, whether I like it or not, has been a living example or epistle, leaving an imprint etched upon their hearts every day. Its in this hope and spirit that I have tried to chronicle the spiritual heritage and highlights that have given me the perspective, passion, and vision I long to give to my girls. This book is everything I hope my daughters eventually learn, always remember, and never forget. Its everything I would share with you, woman to woman and mother to mother.

Between two covers and etched in black ink is a treasure wrapped up in moments. Moments in time that add up to a life changed by an unchanging God. Moments lived raw and wide open. But the treasure is not necessarily found in the moments or in what we learn and never forget as a result of them. Rather, the greater gift is found in the Creator of those moments and the truths we learn about Him and His character in the midst of the moments we never forget.

EtchedUpon My Heart is an extension of my soul; the heartbeat of what I have learned thus far in my journey as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and child of God. Its an expression through defining moments, of what God has taught me about love, suffering, forgiveness, prayer, giving, death (all the themes and titles of chapters), and so much more. Believe me, I dont have this life thing all figured out. Who does? I still have so much to learn and hopefully a lot more living to do.

However, I think youll discover that the gems found here contain untold riches. The profound and almost ordinary moments offer a priceless, much-needed, down-to-earth perspective on heavenly principles that are life altering if trusted and lived out each day. Not by any stretch is this book meant to be a scholarly thesis or exercise in what to do and what not to do. Its intensely personalfilled with the deep desires and impassioned longings I have for the two young girls I love more than words can say. As a mom, Im sure youll agree I need it straightforward and to the point. So what youll find here is simple and honest, yet deeply challenging as well. Digging down deep into the moments that have shaped who you are, who God is, and who He longs for you to be is not easy. But thats where freedom, life, and everlasting peace and joy are found.

Ultimately, I hope when this life of mine is all said and done, the treasures found in the moments shared here and the heartbeat of the One behind it all will echo and remain.

Before we move on, Im going to ask you to do something. I would like you to come away with me and bring your memories with you. And please dont tell me you have a terrible memory. That excuse is only acceptable from former football players like my husband, who suffered more concussions than he can countor remember!

This is not some superficial memory exercise to help you blast through your past. This is about you, the God who created you, and the moments youve held on to. Its about the precious children He has entrusted into your care for such a time as this, the everyday momentslike right now. Every day youre leaving and living a legacy as your children watch you in the midst of the moments. The moments that have already come and gonethe ones that have helped to define who you are right now are also part of what has shaped you for the many God-moments still waiting to happen.

Think of this as if you and I were sitting across from each other right now; girl talk, friend to friend, and mother to mother. Ive reserved the best spot in my living room for us, the brown couch in front of the fireplace.

Are you with me?

Sometimes we need an arm around our shoulders to help us see the picture the way it is instead of the way we want it to be. Because we cant move toward the way we want it to be until we see it the way it isit starts with real moments, in real time, with real people. Im going to share some very personal moments with you, but this is not meant to be a one-sided conversation. There are precious treasures waiting to be unearthed in the moments already etched upon your life. And I hope that in sharing some of mine, youll be willing and brave enough to open up and share yours.

Saying that, Id like to share a momentthe one that led to this book. A treasured moment in time that left me amazed by how down to earth the King of heaven really is. I took an unexpected step closer to Him that day, and maybe thats one of the best ways to view the other moments I share here in the midst of these pagesas steps that lead closer, deeper into His heart.

* * *

We were scurrying around trying to get everything done. Jim and his crew of buddies were dealing with the stuff guys usually take care of, while I focused on the details and decorating. It seemed like we had been preparing for this day for weeks. Erins Sweet Sixteenth birthday party. It was two oclock in the afternoon, and with only four hours left, there was still so much that had to be done before her guests would arrive. Centerpiece table decorations, final testing of the twinkle lights scattered all over our backyard, backup toilet paper in bathrooms (funny but true), and the tying of fuchsia-pink sashes. Thats when it happened; during the tying of beautiful satin sashes. Enjoy this moment. Right now! As you tie bows, Im here with you. Your daughter is sixteen.