Lessons Learned in the First Year of Footprints

Sorry for the delay on this post. It has been a little overwhelming trying to sum up everything learned in this 1st year of Footprints into one blog post. So here it goes.....

The first thing I want to tell you is that I ran from the Lord for about a year on starting this ministry. I thought, I can't do this-I have a new baby, a job, a husband and plans for my life. I'm not a leader, public speaker and organizer(definitely not). But here's what the Bible says, "How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like a morning fog-it's here a little while then it's gone. What you ought to say is if the Lord wants us to we will do this or that. Remember it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." James 5:14-15, 17. So lesson #1 learned this year, instead of worrying on how I'm going to do something, I now know to trust in the Lord and what he says to. I want to encourage anyone reading this blog, if something has been laid on your heart to trust the Lord and do it. It is incredible when you let go and let God work through you.

Next lesson learned, is things are not always easy but that's not the important thing. The important thing is that we are having an eternal impact on these NICU families. The results far outweight the sacrifice of this ministry. So with this said, I completely agree with what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:10 "So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen."

Another lesson learned, is that the Lord has called me into ministry. On Mother's Day this year, I made a public decision in front of my church that I've been called into ministry(see picture below). Now, this definitely was not easy nor was it in my plans for my life. But again I let go and let God. I know this is where I need to serve. I am ready to give away all my plans and all my dreams for myself and my family to serve him. Paul wrote this in 1 Timothy 1:12, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me the strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him." I am extremely grateful to the Lord for giving me the strength to do his work and calling me into ministry. There is absolutely no way I could have done this without Him. Please continue to pray for my family as we seek out His will.

Last lesson learned is to serve Him enthusiastically and when his people are in need be ready to help them. As it says, in Romans 12:11-13 "Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. When God's people are in need be ready to help them." This ministry has definitely been a huge blessing to my life and family. Being able to help those in need is incredible! It's not me alone, it's every single person who has volunteered their time, talent and money to this ministry. And it's by His Grace that this ministry has become what it is today.

I want to encourage everyone to seek out the Lord's will for your life. It is an amazing joy and blessing to serve our Awesome God! You may think "I can't" but with the Lord "You Can". My hope is that this ministry will give someone the encouragment to begin another ministry. Just think how awesome this world would be if everyone took their difficult circumstances and storms in their life and turned them into a ministry. We would be reaching people all over the world!

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13

My Family Making Our Public Decision to Go Into Ministry