Growing up I wasn’t really raised in the church. We went on occasion, but were not an every Sunday kind of family. Not even an every month kind. Faith was not a huge part of our lives, we didn’t talk about it much. But growing up there was a picture that hung on our wall and it always intrigued me. 
We had a big gameroom with a pool table and bar, it was an awesome place to hang out. My parents did lots of entertaining there and I had many a birthday party myself. One wall was covered in framed photos. A gallery wall if you will. The pictures were mainly of my dad and his golf buddies posing at the various golf tournaments he played in. Some pictures were family photos. Me crying on Santa’s lap. But there was one that stood out. 
In a thin wood and gold frame scribbled in a calligraphy print, typography of the 80’s and 90’s, was the poem Footprints In The Sand. Have you read that poem? It was pretty popular a while back and copies of it circulated around. Often it would end with author unknown and apparently there was a large debate to who really wrote it. It appears a women named Mary Stevenson wrote it in the 1930’s. All that to say it hung in my home all the days of my youth. 
Occasionally I would read this poem and think about this Lord the poem talked about, the one that would be so willing to carry me in my trials. It sounded amazing and like someone I would want to know. But I didn’t really know him. I thirsted to know him most of my life, but was clueless how to or where to start. Luckily, the Lord in this poem is in relentless pursuit of me…and you. He will go to great lengths to reveal himself to you and patiently knock on your door over and over and over again until you open it up and let him in. I know this firsthand. 
God finally got my attention and my heart many years ago, that is a story all it’s own. I truly believe the small seed that was planted through this poem hanging in my childhood home was being watered and growing deep inside me until it was finally ready to bloom many many years later. I’m sharing this story to encourage you to plant small seeds. Hang scripture on your wall. Share it on your Facebook page. Give a friend a book or sweet note when you feel lead. You NEVER EVER know what the Lord will do with the seeds you plant. The truth is – it’s not for you to worry on. God has the power to take small things and make them mighty. Just like he did with David to Goliath or his promise of mustard seed size faith having grand power – his power. Plant and let God worry about the watering, growing and harvesting. You never know who is watching, who is reading, what curious heart is looking for a sign. God can use you in infinite, mighty ways to draw people to him.
It could be your kids or grandchildren who wander through your house and read the bible of your being or walls. It might be total strangers or acquaintances. Whoever it is, please know small seeds matter. Please plant them. The “saved” me is grateful for my mom who got out the hammer and nail and hung hope on our wall. I gave the picture a little update and now it hangs on the wall of my home and I hope it seeps into the souls that dwell here like it did mine. 
We had footprints hanging in our home aswell. My favorite was a little picture my mom had hanging in our bathroom I only remember the last line that said one is nearer to God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on Earth I remember looking at it daily while brushing my teeth.
it’s amazing the little things you remember and the impact they have on you.
I love the font and the lay out of the verse. I wish I could do calligraphy like that!!!
I love that footprints print. My ‘seed’ was a picture of Jesus that always hung in the entryway when I was growing up. I now have it in my home.
I love this story/ poem. It has helped me through many hard times. Thanks for your testimony. Your posts are a blessing to me always.
Your ‘seeds’ are so timely and potent. This reader so appreciates your uplifting blog (and the DIY projects and tidbits). May God continue to pour out blessings on you and your family.
The sermon yeaterday at church was about “Footprints”!! My dad had this in the inside of his bathroom mirror that I remember as a child. Good to remember that the Lord is with us – always! Blessed day!
Kim, thank you for reminding us about this beautiful illustration of God’s love and care for us. He’s always working, even when we can’t see it in the natural.
Our home had a picture of Jesus standing at the door and knocking. I remember standing and looking at that picture and feeling his love for me. I was so blessed to have my parents lead me in a prayer to open the door of my heart when I was five. Those illustrations really do stick with you and are so important to have around our home.
Many blessings on you and your family!
Diana
I have always loved Footprints in the Sand! I apologize for the length of my post, but have you ever heard this version?
Imagine you and the Lord Jesus walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord’s footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your prints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures and returns. For much of the way it seems to go like this. But gradually, your footprints come more in line with the Lord’s, soon paralleling His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends.
This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: your footprints that once etched the sand next to the Master’s are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints is the small ‘sand print’, safely enclosed. You and Jesus are becoming one.
This goes on for many miles. But gradually you notice another change. The footprint inside the larger footprint seems to grow larger. Eventually it disappears altogether. There is only one set of footprints. They have become one.
Again, this goes on for a long time. But then something awful happens. The second set of footprints is back. And this time it seems even worse. Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Deep gashes in the sand. A veritable mess of prints. You’re amazed and shocked. But this is the end of your dream.
Now you speak. “Lord, I understand the first scene with the zigzags and fits and starts and so on. I was a new Christian, just learning. But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with you.”
“That is correct.”
“Yes, and when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps. I followed You very closely.”
“Very good. You have understood everything so far.”
“Then the smaller footprints grew and eventually filled in with Yours. I suppose that I was actually growing so much that I was becoming like you in every way.”
“Precisely.”
“But this is my question. Lord.. Was there a regression or something? The footprints went back to two, and this time it was worse than the first.”
The Lord smiles, then laughs. “You didn’t know?”
He says. “That was when we danced.”
By Mark Littleton
© 1990
Loved reading your story. May the Lord bless you as you continue to plant those seeds!
thank you so much Janet!
Kim,
Thanks so much for sharing this. I, too, remember reading “Footprints” as a young girl. What sweet memories ❣️ Thankful for you and I so enjoy all the helpful information on home decorating. God bless you and your family.
Your Sister in Christ,
Marilyn
So sweet Marilyn, great memories for sure
Footprints= i have simular testiment, i was in a bad relationship & was in florida trying to maje up my mind if i should get out Now before it got worse! I had walked on ” honeymoon island Beach sunset for 3mo & never found 1 sand dollar = i was walking & praying & i asked God to show me a sign if i should packup & leave TONIGHT – KIDDING I JUST SAID LET ME FIND 1 WHOLE PERFECT SAND DOLLAR – ALL OF A SUDDEN it became very bright from the sunset = it had been overcast all day- in the sun beams- THERE WAS HUNDREDS UNDER MY FEET BIGG SMALL ALL PERFECT- I.FILLED UP MY CARRY BAG & WAS GIVING THEM OUT ALONG MY WAY BACK TO MY CAR! MY BOYFRIEND NORMALLY IS HOME AT THAT TIME HE SAID HE WAS GOING TO home depot which was a hour trip as soon as he left the drive i had my car packed along w/ my cat it was raining hard gale storm as i left the front gate he was tuurning in — i toke a whole different route driving back to michigan then i normally toke i arrived HOME safe & never talked or seen him.again after a 35yr relationship – this poem is in my bathroom w/ all my seashell & sand dollars blessings to YOU & YOURS
I am so proud of you for standing up for you. You are never alone and I know God was your strength and timing here. Thank you for sharing your story, it is beautiful
Thank you for sharing your salvaged ideas and especially the seed planted through the footprints poem. I find myself hanging scripture here and there throughout our home. Thank you for the reminder of the footprints poem. We have been doing home renovations and still working on wall decor in one room in which I printed out and framed some scripture. I keep feeling like this room is being prepared for someone…the footprints poem is going to make a nice addition. Many thanks!
I love the feeling you have of preparing the room for someone. I absolutely trust the nudges of the holy spirit. Blessings to you and your home!!!
Oh my goodness, our Lord is so amazing….He knew I needed to find this site today. It is such a blessing to know that other women share the same interest I have and a love for the Lord and desire to see others come to know Him, as well. May He bless you sweet young lady. Sandi Helms Brown
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
I am so glad you are here Sandi!!!! God is good xo