Dreams
I came across a blog today that asked this question: When you were 16, where did you think you would be at the age of 30? I thought it was a great question and it got me thinking but in a slightly different direction.
I have a friend who is an airline pilot. It might sound ordinary enough but you see, he has ALWAYS wanted to be a pilot. Since he had braces and a buzz cut in the fifth grade. That’s the only thing he has ever wanted to do. And now this is what he does professionally as a twenty-eight year old. How cool is that? I also have a friend who was passionate about American Sign Language in the second grade. How can you be passionate about something so noble in the second grade, you may ask of me. I honestly don’t know- she might be one of the “angels unawares” of which the KJV of Hebrews 13:2 speaks so ambiguously. But seriously the last time I checked she was studying American Sign Language at the graduate level. I marvel at these two friends of mine because of their steadfastness in one direction. There is just something so beautiful and symmetrical about people fulfilling their lifelong dreams.
I, on the other hand, cannot even remotely resonate with such continuity of life. I grew up wanting to be the first woman in the NBA. Basketball was my childhood passion and so it seemed like a reasonable dream. When the WNBA first kicked off you would have thought that I would have adapted my dreams a little. I didn’t. Instead I mocked the women thinking that the entire league was lame and that I would be vastly different- I would play out there with the boys. Yeah, didn’t so much happen. I don’t think I need to explain why that dream wasn’t fulfilled. Then I wanted to be an Interior Designer and took two years of classes at Baylor in this direction. I loved my classes and my professors and I could have easily seen myself as an Interior Designer. Until I took New Testament, that is. Then my world changed. But the truth is I never saw myself going into vocational ministry and certainly never saw myself as a book nerd. If you would have told me ten years ago that I would be doing what I do today I would have laughed shamelessly at your presumptuous foretelling (if I was in a good mood) or I might have slapped you in the face (if I was in a bad mood). Yet here I am sitting behind a desk with my face in a book most of the day and I couldn’t imagine life any other way.
So what about you? When you were a kid who or what did you want to be when you grew up? And what do you do now?
*Hey everyone! This is Amanda. Melissa asked Mom and me to write our answers in the post. When I was 16 I wanted to be a broadcast journalist like Barbara Walters. I remember spending many Friday nights of my young life at my grandparents' house and we always watched 20/20 at 9:00 on Channel 13. I did go on to major in journalism, but I'm definitely not hosting a news magazine show on TV! Nowadays I work part-time from home as a blog administrator. I never would have imagined when I started working at LPM 7 years ago, much less when I was 16 and didn't even know what the Internet was, that this would end up being my job. I love what I do and am very thankful for the life God has given me.
posted by Melissa @ 8:25 AM
402 Comments
402 Comments:
When I was in high school, I wanted to sing. I either wanted to do Broadway or be the next Amy Grant. It didn't matter--one of those two. I just wanted to sing in front of crowds. When I auditioned at Baylor before my freshmen year, the music department asked me what I wanted to do with my singing--my dad said, "Do you have a degree plan for how to be Amy Grant in four years or less?"
That never happened. I did; however, get a degree in Speech-Language Pathology and taught children with special needs before I became a mother of four and now I stay home with them.
I have and do continue to sing in church either through solos or choir. I like the dream God had for me better. I don't think I would have made a good Amy Grant.
Hey Melissa~
I am also a Baylor Bear and loved my bible classes. Just curious who you had for New Testament because that was a turning point for me too. I had Dr. Rosalie Beck and it was definitely worth the effort to take that 8 am class, she was amazing!!
Robin:)
I had to write my answer because God is my REDEEMER!
I come from a highly dysfunctional family and my parents divorced after many years of bitter and loud fighting. I rebelled most of my teen years and can remember shouting to my parents that I would NEVER get married so I couldn't put my family through the pain they did... ouch!
Well God got a hold of my heart and here I am at 30, married to an amazing man and a stay at home mommy to 3 wonderful daughters...I was rifling through some of my old "momentos" from childhood a few years ago when visiting my extended family and found a school assignment that I wrote in the 5th grade - what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote that I wanted to travel the world and be a marine biologist (never happened)..then down at the bottom of the paper it was in bold print: I WANTED TO MARRY A MAN WHO WAS FUNNY AND HAVE 2 DAUGHTERS. (we'll take the extra one for good measure!) God is so good, I got tears in my eyes reading this. He did put in my heart this life of mine that I am now living today! Praise you Lord!!
As a young girl, I wanted to live the "sound of music" and go and live in the Alps and run through meadows and sing and look beautiful. My wedding of course would look just like Maria's as I marched down the aisle of a gorgeous cathedral......
Well.... when I was 20 the Lord allowed me to go to Switzerland on a trip I will NEVER forget. I remember hiking in the alps, sitting in an alpine meadow surrounded by goats and cows and the Lord's presence so incredibly near.
And my wedding? Well, I got to get married in a lovely beautiful old church.... to the man of my dreams and the Lord's presence almost knocking me off my feet.
And now.... I realize that God had so many GOOD things waiting for me. 4 girls that are my hearts desire. A marriage where GOD is the head and a man who is my best friend. I don't live in a palace but I live in a home that GOD has made his sanctuary. I'd say the way it turned out was awesome.
Heidi
Fayetteville, GA
Wanted to be a science teacher; now I'm a music teacher who loves science.
That's funny that you posted this today. Just last week I ran across a paper I had written in High School about my future ambitions. I laughed out loud at myself. I wanted to stay single.....let's just say that didn't happen! (And I'm so glad it didn't!!) My paper went on to say I wanted to entertain family & friends (I was saving a WHOLE FIVE DOLLARS a week in my budget for that! lol :) I also wanted to be a Music Professor. Well, maybe part of that was fulfilled. I am now a Minister of Music/Worship and I teach music lessons on the side. Such were my aspirations in High School. Just a few years later, my plans had changed a little and I felt called into ministry, marriage & parenthood. Well, here I am (almost 30 years later)....a Pastor's wife, mother, grandmother and Music Minister. Is God good or what?
I spent several years wanting to be a veterinarian. Until I realized that I really didn't want to operate on animals. But I also always wanted to be a mom and stay home with my children. Now I am a homeschooling mom, which I absolutely love!
Growing up I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. In college I majored in Apparel Merchandising and now I'm a Geo Tech. My how times change.
I wanted to be a mommy first (goal completed with 2 daughters now grown up) and a teacher second. My parents talked me out of being a teacher (they had friends who didn't like being teachers). They talked me into the medical field. I became an Occupational Therapy Assistant. After college (technical training for 2 years including summers) on my first job in a hospital, I realized I don't like working in the medical field. I ended up finding a job in the schools...which I love. I then got married, and set aside my career for a number of years. I went back to work when my girls started school.
My biggest regret in life is that I'm not a teacher. I could go back to school, but I'm 51, and I really don't want to. Sigh. If I'd become a teacher, I'd be able to retire in 4 more years. As it stands now...I'll be working the rest of my life.
Feeling down today. Sorry!
Good post Melissa!
When I was a kid I always wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved animals and still do so that was my first choice. Then I went through a phase where I said that I wanted to be a pediatrician but came to my senses and accepted the fact that I could not handle that much schooling. In high school I became very interested in psychology and decided that I wanted to be a counselor (you know because we're mostly all messed up and want to know why!), then when I finally got into college I decided that I wanted to be an ag teacher but that did not go too far either!
Long story short...I am now an early intervention teacher for children with autism and I LOVE it!!!!
I'm 34, and my dreams are pretty much toast. I just try to survive my marriage.
I wanted to be a big Broadway star. I wrote my own Broadway shows...and then realized I could not sing.
Alas, NYC was not for this Southern girl.
I still have a huge passion for muscial theatre however and could blow my retirment on show tickets. :)
Tracy L. in Richlands, NC
From the time I was a very young teenager, I wanted to be a teacher. I was in the FTA (Future Teachers of America). Then when I went to college, I majored in Drama and Speech and thought I might want to be an actress. I met Troy the 2nd month of college and the rest seems to be history. I am not a teacher nor am I an actress. I am a wife to the same man for 46 years. Couldn't be happier. He takes very good care of me and I get to travel all over the world.
Hey Siestas,
When I was a teenager I wanted to be a missionary, pioneering away in a foreign place, loving on some international people, eating non-American food, saving orphans, and living one adventure after the other.
My heart still burns for foreign countries and for the adventure of discovering new places, smells, and languages. I thought by now my husband and I would be traveling the world. I know it is still in our destiny, but the journey looks a little different than I thought.
We are working hard here building a graphic design/web design business, and I am working hard as the worship leader at our church. I never expected the pioneering calling on us to manifest itself through starting a business and taking a church to the next level in the area of creative arts. But our hearts are completely about expressing creativity and pioneering cutting edge, out the box ideas in business and in church. Never saw that coming.
We still dream of saving orphans and of helping hurting people around the world. We're doing what we can in that area without traveling, and hope we can do more in the future. Yet I know all of these unexpected turns were part of THE plan all along. I'm grateful God is in charge, and not me. His ways are much better than mine.
Jessica
Greensboro NC
Hey Melissa,
What a fun thought. When I was younger I wanted to be "just a mom" Well my dreams came true. I am a mom but not "just" a mom. I hold my responsiblity with honor. Motherhood is a full time job. I am so grateful for my husband and his support for me being home with our children. His job allows it, glory to God and he supports it. We have two adorable daughters ages 9 and 5. My 9 year old has a brain injury that did not happen at birth. Our 5 year old is full of spunk and passion. God creativly orchestrated my purpose to mother these two. So am I "just a mom" nope...I am a gal who loves her "job", who loves Jesus with her whole being and wouldn't have it any other way!
blessings,
Tricia in Ky
I wanted to be Amy Grant. Or her protege'. Then, by the 7th grade, I discovered country music and I wanted to be Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMAs. I even wrote my acceptance speech in my diary.
Today, I stay home with my 3 beautiful kids (ages 6, 4 and 2) and am preparing to homeschool, which is something I said I would NEVER do.
My only singing is every now and then in church, but every. single. night to my sweet kiddos. My son (6) has his "mom playlist" of requests. They are my favorite, and most appreciative audience!
God totally surprised me with his plan...but every day I realize how absolutely perfect it is.
I dreamed of being an architect.But somewhere along the line someone told me it took "alot of math"...so I gave up.
Today I am mom to three wonderful children and a Bible study teacher.
One day I heard someone say..."Mothers, you are an architect of a building in which one day the Holy Spirit will dewell." I cried...and then I thanked my Lord for fullfilling my dream. He. is. so. good.
love,
Teresa
Braden, TN
From early in elementary school I always wanted to be a doctor. I loved biology, medical dramas, and people. Started Baylor pre-med. Got a HUGE wake-up call in my first calculus class! Then re-united with my high school sweetheart and started talking marriage. Started re-thinking that 10 years of school thing. Changed to nursing, which turned out to be perfect for me. I enjoy being a little more involved in people's lives. Stayed home with kids for years, then got into school nursing, mainly because it meshed with my 4 kids schedules. Have been in schools either full or part time for the last 12-13 years, and can't see myself doing anything else. I love being involved in kids lives on a daily basis!
God works in His own ways in each of our lives!
Kathy W
My dream has always been clouded. I never thought I'd live past 30 for some reason, I guess just because I couldn't see beyond what I used to think of as "old" but now know it to be not so old. I have always just wanted to serve people, but have evolved from serving them to meet my seeds of fullfillment, to meeting their needs.
I have 3 kids and just became a first time grangmother this week. At 37 with a birthday coming next week, I am blessed beyond belief. Even though I never knew who or what I wanted to be, I am who I love- and better yet, I am who God would have me be. My sons are sprouting with God's will for their lives and although they have different directions- and most days I wonder where they each came from because I know they were raised the same- they are each beautiful creatures of God's making and in their own are fullfilling dreams I was never able to dream. Our oldest son graduated HS a year early this year and will head off to Oaxaca Mexico at the end of the month to fullfill his calling to full time mission work for Christ. Our youngest knows his mission is at home right now and will strive to grow in the Lord until his mission changes.
I say all this to say, if you're one of those who doesn't know what you want to be....God does. It may be through seeing your own kids fullfill their destinies that you reveal your own. Being a mother isn't enough for some, but for me (although I do work fulltime) it was my calling; a calling that I never realized until I was in the midst of it all and I am daily humbled that I am allowed to be their mother.
these kind of questions always make me sad. i have ALWAYS wanted to be mom and wife, that's it, just that. in late thirties now, no husband or kids and recently unemployed.
I wanted to marry a Pastor ever since I can remember. I grew up in a broken home and church was the only place I remember ever feeling peace. I walked to church all by myself as a kid even in the snow just so I could have a safe place for a few hours. I remember thinking that if I married a Pastor I could be at church all the time. :)
Today I am 28 years old and have been married to a Pastor for 8 years this week. It certainly isn't what I thought it would be, but my kids and I have an amazing life--the one I longed for all throughout my childhood. I don't have to leave home anymore to feel peace. God had a plan for my life and I am so thankful for that. I now know He was calling me into ministry at a young age and so much of what I went through was preparation. I love being with the "bus" kids or the broken home kids when they come to church and help make it a place of safety, love and peace for them. :)
Melissa, I love it when you get us "thinking out of the zone" into remembering or looking inside ourselves. I hesitated to respond today, (sensing it's no big deal), but checking my thought closet, that's not true. Looking back at what God did and is doing is truly an awesome thing and He gets all the credit. I'm in your mom's generation, like many girls, wanted to be a stewardess or beautician. (Funny, how they sound better as a flight attendant and hair stylist now) Instead, I went to college and became a speech therapist and have done that for over 25 years in the public school setting..then God did something amazing. When my kids were really little, felt a tug to go back to grad school (even I thought I was crazy, working part time with two little kids) and got my Master's in Marriage & Family. My daughter say's I'm bivocational...(sounds like something wrong with my teeth), but I work part time at both and love it. God is so amazing to do a work in me that I get to come along side and show others how God can heal them and bring wholeness. Tell your mom I refer to her book "Get Out of the Pit" and "Breaking Free" for many clients. Thanks for this post, Melissa. It has brought to mind the journey that only God can take us and use us to serve Him and others. bless you....Pam in San Diego
I am really about to tell off on myself I guess. I was certainly a dreamer, but my ambitions were way off. There are several people who still remind me that I wanted to be a groupie when I grew up. How in the world did God fix me? I have no idea...but I do know that it was grace and mercy and without them, I would have gotten my wish.
I am now 32 years old, a database administrator, married for 11 years, with 3 children. As I type, instead of the rock band idols who used to blast in my headphones, I'm listening to John Piper preach on the Unwasted Life. I do not want to waste it for a second. Instead of reading music magazines, I pour over the Word (he started me doing that age 16 in fact, just took 10 years for me to let Him change me). As little as 5 or 6 years ago, I sat at this desk (where I've worked for 11 years) and listened to that band 8 hours a day. Now, the Lord feeds me daily. How? I don't know. But I used to preach my favorite band to people, now He lets me share Him with people at work... some don't realize the huge difference yet. One huge difference is that instead of an 8 x 10 pictures of me with the 61 year old lead singer who fell off the stage at a concert somewhere this week (people constantly remind me of my past idols as well), I have scripture cards in front of me.
So...I don't know how I ended up in this kind of job, because it is not my passion, but loving the people in this work place is.
Who knew??? God knew... if I had known when I was 16, that this is what it would have turned out like, I would have run screaming. Thank the Lord we don't always get our way. :)
I always wanted to be an author or a teacher! Now I have the joy of writing for a couple online ministries and the privilage of homeschooling my children and teaching women God's word!! NEVER would've thought this is how the Lord would have used those desires and gifts!
At first I wanted to be an airline stewardess, but then I changed it to teaching. Then the computer age hit and I wanted to work with computers. Now, I am a church secretary working and publishing on the computer, and teaching the Adult Tuesday Night Bible Study. Dreams come true and not how I expected them. God is so Good!
From the time I was in 1st grade I have always wanted to be a teacher. I LOVED my 1st grade teacher. I loved her desk, I love the way the room was decorated, I loved the chalkboard and chalk, I loved the little reading corner, I loved crayons and school supplies. I loved the little school boxes we used to have back then. I loved the simplicity of 1st grade. Still do.
I absolutely love kids, which is probably why I have four of my own. I just think they are so much fun, sometimes more so than adults. I never finished college and I currently work as an Office Manager at a Insurance and Financial Investment company. Waaaay off from my dream. I pray often that God will open doors for me to go back to school and someday fulfill my dream.
Thanks for the question Melissa and allowing us to share. You all are such a blessing.
Even though I graduated college (WITH a HomeEc/Interior Design degree!), my single-minded focus from a young age was to be a spectacular wife and mother. Truly, I used to beg the Lord NOT to come before I had experienced both of those roles!
I've been married for 26 years and a mom for almost 23, and while I have fallen WAY SHORT of the "spectacular" goal, I've LOVED the fulfillment of the rest of it.
I did freelance Interior Design for a few years, but while I love it, it was very clear that it was a talent - not a calling. God seems to be calling me to write and speak now (and possibly go back to school), and I think the area He wants me to focus on is, you guessed it, being a wife and mom. Mainly, being a supportive wife.
Oh, and now? I say, COME QUICKLY LORD JESUS - COME!!
When I was 16 I wanted to be a teacher. Unfortunately I made some very bad choices led by a hurt heart and ended up on a long road of self destruction. Now with a record (not singing record) I can not teach in any school. But here is where the very Glory of God has stepped in to retrieve my dream. I now lead/co-lead womens bible studies at my church. I'm also on the list to teach a bible study at Collin County Jail (bless God the list of people trying to get in to minister is long)
God has taken my mistakes and has begun using them for good. I may have a record in man's books that prevent me from teaching, but in the hand of God it becomes experience to be used to lead others away from their bad choices, praise God :)
Growing up, I always wanted to be an airline stewardess. Traveling to other parts of this wonderful country and to places you only read about sounded wonderful. That dream has been filed away. When I was in the work force, I was a secretary and Administrative Assistant. Now, I am a stay-at-home mom and wouldn't have it any other way.
In middle school and high school, I was convinced I was going to be a missionary. I attended a Christian school, so I loaded up on Bible-related co-curriculars and talked to every missionary who visited our church.
Then I enrolled in a Bible college. There isn't enough room on a blog response to tell you everything that went wrong about that. Let's just say that my desire for full-time ministry got a divine thumbs down - big time! So, I tried again at a liberal arts college, and stumbled my way into an English major. I went to grad school and now I'm teaching college composition part time while I finish my dissertation.
I wonder, Melissa, if ministry has to be something you stumble into by way of divine roadblocks? Perhaps, God doesn't want people who have an "ambition" to serve. Perhaps, people like me bring too much of our own agenda to God's work. I don't doubt that I am now doing what God meant for me to do all along, and I love it, but I have to wonder about the motives that kept me on the wrong track for so long.
Anne
When I was little, I wanted to be a teacher. As I grew older, /i thought I would be sophisticated and smart and entered college as a finance major with a minor in public relations.
At my church in college, there was a couple who had Beulah Land's Home for Girls. They needed a teacher and asked if I could help out in the classroom and commute to college while living out at the home.
I prayed about it and then said yes. It was the HARDEST semester of my life. I had no idea why the LORD wanted me in that place. I was miserable. Not because of the teaching, but because these precious, innocent girls had lived so much hard life in their 12 years. Some were younger than that. The stories would break your heart!!! I never even imagined some of the things these gals had lived.
I loved the teaching part and new God had a calling on my life. I changed my major to Elem Education and taught many years in Katy ISD. My very first year of teaching I had a little girl who was being sexually abused at home by her father. Because of my time at the Girl's Home, I recognized all of the signs and was able to get her the help she needed. I learned then, several years later, why God had me in that position for such a time....
I still teach , but now I teach a women's Sunday School class. I LOVE all that the LORD has given to me and for making ALL my dreams come true!!
I remember sitting in the 2nd grade planning how I would arrange my classroom when I became a teacher. Then, in the 8th grade my mom went back to work as a 3rd grade teacher and I decided I didn't want to do that anymore. Until it came time to attend Texas A&M (whoop!) and I KNEW I was not meant to work in an office all day long. So, I am about to begin my 6th year of teaching 2nd graders and I love it! Please be praying for all students and teachers - that we are all ready to start back to school and have positive attitudes =)
Dear Melissa,
When I was 16 I was a senior in a small town high school. My AP Calculus teacher stated I was the "smartest" girl mathematician he had ever taught. I dreamt of doing the "toughest mental thing" always. I entered college and majored in Chemical Engineering and graduated with about 4 other girls. I started working for a worldwide chemical company always on staff with all men (this was 30 years ago). I met and married my husband. I traveled for business. 10 years later, I was still at it...and proud to be who and what I had made myself into.
But that was when God caught up to me. I had made a commitment to Christ as a young teen, but never really, fully surrendered. I didn't want children because I believed it would infringe on my life (oh yeah, it does). One Christmas eve ,in church , the Spirit struck in my heart a new desire ... a lovely child (just like the ones circling the sanctuary). When I talked with my husband and we decided to try starting a family, I was terrified. When my first daughter was born, I had an awful period of adjustment of being home. I needed my "work" identity and went back to work part-time. After daughters number 2 and 3(all in less than 5 years) I decided to stay home out of sheer physical necessity. I started to change, and sometimes actually liked my new "job".
Now, my girls are 18,16,14 and I'm still a full time stay at home mom. It has been the "toughest mental thing" I could have ever imagined myself doing.
This past spring I did the Esther study at a local church. On one of the last sessions Beth read from the "Red Book". It was a letter from a young woman who didn't want children because it might mess up her tidy, perfect,fun life. The spirit washed over me that day... I realized 20 years ago I was that same self-absorbed woman(happy with the small, fragile world she had created). I had the revelation that I really was living out my destiny as a stay at home mom. Because it changed me...from the proud, intellectual, not-so very caring person I had been... into a mom and maturing Christian. I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Thank you Jesus!....
a fellow siesta saying thanks to Beth,Melissa and Amanda
This was such a special post to read because I'm turning 30 tomorrow. I always wanted to be a mom, so when I turned 25 I moved to Africa as a missionary. I now run a children's home for 13 kids who call me mama. It is such a privilege to be fulfilling God's purpose for me in this way. Although I'm slightly bummed to not be married yet, I have surrendered it to the Lord and sense the promise will be fulfilled in His perfect timing! It is now my goal to raise my 9 girls (that's right...only 4 boys in my care) to live a lifestyle of purity, wholeness, and passion for the Lord.
with gratitude for the continual encouragement the blog provides,
AMY
HA! When I was a kid I had no clue what I wanted to be when I grew up. I didn't decide until I'd already graduated with my undergrad and decided (on graduation day) that I did not want to do that. It took me 6 more months to decide I'd enjoy health care administration. I love helping practitioners give the best care to our patients. I may not be smart enough to be a doctor but I can help them. It's not exciting but I love what I do and that's what counts.
Melissa,
This post strikes a cord in my in-most being, you see that is what has drawn me to Jesus...I have always wanted to be a stay-home mom. Not just a mom, carrying and bearing babies, but being home with them, nurturing and raising them until they leave the nest. This was part of the package of my man (sad to say but true). Well, I've been married 26 years and worked outside the home since the beginning, at my dismay. BUT GOD! has drawn me to Himself through the longing and disappointment in my heart, He has worked through the hardness, the resentfulness, the ultimate desire and today I'm thankful...I believe He put that desire in my heart but as I grow in Him, find it's more about being life- giving (motherhood) through the divine appointments of breakfast and dinner together as a family, finding the priorities and order that God ordains, loving each other just as we are and walking this things out surrendered to HIM. He is in this to conform me to His image, praise Jesus, my Redeemer and Friend. Thank you for being you, it is an adventure hearing from you as if God is giving all of us a front row seat in your life, keep sharing and being transparent.
Peace,
Transformedbygrace
"I have wanted to be everything from a nurse to a children's choir director a teacher and of course a mom. I know now God has directed my life in such a way that I have tasted and served in all of these capacities. He is so good to love us through our self-ambitions to the place of doing our most effective good for His kingdom. He is patient with us as our seeking sometimes takes roads off His directed path. He knows we learn best by making wrong choices and experiencing our ambitions with out His strength and blessing. God's child will recognize when their heavenly Father is not in it with them. All that to say God made me a full time mom of four -now adult children- but my life is not over. It is more exciting than ever. There are difficult tasks He has called me to, but mothering was definitely the most challenging (maybe my time of preparation for the future). To love unconditionally, to love the unlovely, to keep going when you're exhausted to rejoice in humble gratefulness for times when God answers and helps us overcome.
At one point in my life I had some degree of embarrassment or questioning that God should use me for something more public or with more notoriety, but I am at such fulfillment and peace. Life is hard and through it He has given me experiences that cement Hid truth in my life and I needed that to be a shelter for my children, husband, their friends and our neighbors. I can look back and say it IS GOD that has done a good thing.!
I don't remember when I didn't want to be a teacher. I start my 28th year doing that next week.
I always wanted to be a teacher and VOILA!, that is what I am doing today! I did not imagine it would be 4 and 5 year old preschoolers that I would be teaching or that I would be teaching them about God, but it is GREAT and it allows me to be the mom I always wanted to be too!
I wanted to be a ballerina, but never had a chance to take any dance lessons. I lived on a farm 20 miles from town. (Truth be told, I am not very coordinated. Just wasn't meant to be.) I was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom to 4 wonderful children who are all grown up now. It is a career I highly recommend.
You know, I can't remember ever settling on one thing when I was little. When I was 4 or 5, I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. I can also remember talking about being a doctor just for the money. Finally, in my college years, I felt God's call to be a pastor's wife, and I finally had purpose! I was majoring in music at the time, but I was unhappy with it. I had no idea what I was going to do with my life - even at 20 years old and in college. God gave me a purpose, and I love what I do today!
It is really interesting you posted this Melissa, I honestly have wondered with I will have to admit a bit of Jealousy for those that have known their dreams and went for them. I have 19 things I would want to pursue and none of them am I actually pursuing. maybe it's fear, maybe it's distraction. Maybe its the enemy keeping me distracted so I don't fight for the dream, I don't know. I am like your mom would say, "I like to chase every rabbit." But honestly - I want to find one thing and go for it with ferver, that is my prayer. I don't want to be a "jill of all trades a master of none" as my occupation. I would love to have many levels of fun things I am a part of - but those are hobbies, I want a passion for a career.
I know you didn't ask for the long version - sorry,
Siesta OC
PS: If I could be bold I would say I dreamed of being an actress or peditrician.
Ever since I can remember I wanted to be a stay at home mom. After high school, I went to college at Baylor and it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to major in. Started in Interior Design, then went to Education, then nursing and finished in Speech Pathology which I loved. After college, I began to settle in as a speech pathologist. We had our first two kids and I was still having to work to make ends meet. I prayed for so many years that i would be able to stay home. After the birth of our fourth child this last February, God answered my prayers and I am the proud new holder of the stay at home mom position. The hardest thing I have ever done but the thing I have loved the most.
Well, I have always been fascinated with the legal field and since late teens, my husband and I had the dream of his becoming a lawyer and I being his paralegal. Well, many (many) years have passed and dreams have changed. My husband's career took a different path but I, however, am a NC Certified Paralegal and enjoy my work. However, at age 62 and 5 grandchildren later, my thoughts have moved to "semi-retirement". I am patiently waiting on the Lord's leading for our next venture.
Vicki
Wilmington, NC
Melissa, to be perfectly honest with you... I'm 25 years old and still trying to find my way. I'm currently in school to become a court reporter! And it has been quite the journey!
I remember being really little and wanting to work at Bennigan's restaurant as a waitress. I've wanted to be an astronaut, actress, singer, anything, you name it. Certainly these were just childhood dreams and most likely not going to come to fruition. But it's great to dream, isn't it?
I wanted to be a mother and a nurse. I became many things including a speech pathologist, kindergarten teacher, school director and a mother but never a nurse, unless you count that under mothering.
When my girls were younger my older daughter's scout troop had all the moms come in one time and sit behind their daughters. The girls all went around and said what they wanted to be when they were grown (they were about 11 at the time)...then all the moms went around and said what they wanted to be and what they'd actually become. It was so interesting and almost everyone had done more than one 'thing'. We all agreed there are many opportunities and also many seasons of life in which to meet those opportunities.
Growing up, I went through a long list of "I want to be ....." The list included a pilot, a pediatrician, a photographer, a film critic, and I even think at one time I wanted to be a chef.
I entered college as a pre-med student in engineering, and during an internship in a hospital ER, decided that the technology of the equipment was much more interesting than dealing with patients who are always, well, sick and grumpy. Sigh.
So I finished my degree in Biomedical Engineering, and before heading into grad school, I took a job in an circuit board manufacturing shop. There, I fell head over heels in love with statistics, data analysis, experimental design, process improvement, all the geeky stuff that I never saw any use for in my college classes.
Today, I'm a process controls engineer. I design instrumentation and control systems for power plants. I'd love to get back into statistics, but right now, I'm thankful to have this job.
Hugs,
Adrienne
P.S. I, for one, am happy you are where you are Melissa, instead of doing interior design, not that you wouldn't be great at that.....
As long as I can remember I wanted to be a mom. In elementary school I thought maybe I could be a teacher and a mom, but always a mom! I grew up on a farm and so in my dream I was naturely a farmer's wife and a mom. My dream of being a farmer/rancher's wife did come to fruition when I married and I am the mother of 3 grown children, grandmother to 9. I also taught Sunday school for 14 years so my dream of teaching also was fulfilled. My dream did not include a brain tumor for my husband, separation from him because of choices he made influenced by that brain tumor, returning to care for him as he was dying and then being widowed at age 53. God has taken amazing care of me during all of these difficult times and if I know anything about my God, He is faithful!! Never dreamed I would be living in the city (we lived at the end of the road on a ranch) working at a church! I was not a Christian until I was almost 27, married 8 yrs. and the mother of 3! Church administration would never have crossed my mind as a child but here I am right where God has placed me. I am claiming my inheritance!! I am loving, can't say that loud enough, the Inheritance DVD study!!! Thank you Beth for all of the influence your love for the Word has had in my journey. Believing God changed how I do life!!
I was never really sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. I only knew that someday, by the grace of God, I would be a wife and a mom and my kids would grow up in a home where they didn't live in fear all the time...unlike my childhood. As a teenager I felt drawn to missions. And after my first missions trip I knew what I would be when I grew up. My husband and I love doing short-term missions and believe one day we will be doing it full time. Next year our church is sponsoring us to go again and this time we will take our 3 kids.
I don't always remember what I wanted to do--but I always knew what I WAS NEVER going to do. I was never going to go to Purdue University, because my dad had gone there. And I was never going to be a teacher,because my mom was one.
I graduated from Purdue in 2007 with a degree in English Education. And I am a high school English teacher.
I think the Lord has a serious sense of humor.
I wanted to be an astronaut. I am a mother of three grown daughters, grandmother to seven grandchildren, wife of a good man, and an adult foster care provider to three women with developmental disabilities.
A musician. I have the degrees and still play, but it's in a little different venue for now...but I get to teach my kids and that's so much fun!
As a young child, I loved "playing school" and being the teacher. For many years, that's what I wanted to do - be a teacher. Until I realized that I don't really have a way with children. I am now a mom of three, but I do not enjoy being in a room full of little ones that are not mine, kwim?
So, when I realized that kids just weren't my thing, I threw the teacher idea out the window.
In high school, I enrolled in the business training curriculum and was hooked. I loved everything about office management, typing, shorthand, you name it. If it involved paper and words, I was all over it. Thus began my passion for office work.
I landed my first job as a legal secretary shortly after graduating from high school (thanks to the business department head whose son was an attorney and needed another secretary).
I totally fell in love with the legal profession from my first few weeks on the job. I have worked in the legal field since then (23 years now) with only a minor break of four years when my youngest child was born.
One of my dreams had always been to get certified as a paralegal, and last year, I was able to accomplish that goal (and from a prestigious school, no less) thanks to my husband's encouragement to just go for it already!
However, I will say that God has in some measure also fulfilled my dream of being a teacher. I have been leading the women's Bible study at my church for four years now. Had anyone told me that I would not only be teaching (adults, no less) AND a pastor's wife, I would have laughed my fool head off and told them they were nuts. Yet, here I am, to the glory of God - a mom, a pastor's wife, a paralegal, and a teacher.
God has such an incredible way of helping us realize and achieve our dreams. He is so AWESOME!
I always wanted to be a bus driver or airline pilot. Then I decided I wanted to be a famous person. Well, now I'm a preschool teacher. The plane I fly is imaginary and my fame only goes as far as our school property. But... there is nothing else I'd rather do!
Hmmmmmmm. Like mother, like daughter? When I was a little girl growing up in the hills of Arkansas, I had one single ambition in all of life. I fixated on it constantly and practiced my skills numerous times a day on myself, my dolls, and, yes, my Dad: I wanted to do good hair.
Yep, it's even in writing. Several years ago, my favorite teacher from my childhood church sent me a questionnaire she'd given to all of us fifth grade girls in her Wednesday night mission's class decades ago. She'd kept them all these years and had an idea I'd get a kick out of having a copy. The name of it, appropriately, was "All About Me." And if I was anything at all in those days, I was all about me.
One of the vital life questions was, of course, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" Needless to say, our teacher was rightly hoping against hope to see some fruit of her hard labor through our answers. That's not quite what she got from me. My response right there in my big bubble hand writing? "I want to graduate from high school and go to Arkadelphia Beauty School and do hair."
Yes, indeedy. I still see it as a back up should things go awry. I grew up with a real, live Steel Magnolias three doors down from my house. My mom's best friend had a beauty shop built on to the back of her two-story and it was not only the town's hot spot for fine hair. It was the town's hot spot for fine talk. Gossip, I mean. Not Shakespeare. I was enthralled.
But, alas, my world suddenly got infinitely bigger. Uprooting in the middle of high school from a small town to the biggest city in the South had no small amount to do with that transition. Much to my regret, I left Steel Magnolias behind. I hit high school in Houston, Texas and took to political science and government courses like a duck to water. Politics became all I could think about. I set my eyes on becoming a lawyer like my late maternal grandfather, Micajah Rountree, so that I could go into politics just like my late maternal grandfather, Micajah Rountree. Amid daily life in a turbulent household, he became my hero. Funny how we saint the dead.
Then, while pursuing a political science degree in college toward that single-minded goal, I became a Wednesday night mission's teacher at my local church with girls the same age that I happened to be when I filled out that questionnaire. I took a dozen of them to summer camp one year and, one early morning while they were sound asleep in their bunks, I had a visitation. I hate to sound mystical yet it was the closest thing I've ever experienced to anything truly mystical. No, I didn't hear an audible voice or see a vision but I felt a strange sense of Presence. And in an instant, with many years of defeat ahead, all my lifelong plans came to nothing when, as yet, I still had no clue of His. And wouldn't, by the way, for many years. He had no intention of me surrendering to a ministry. He intended for me to surrender to Him. As long as it mattered greatly where He and I were headed in my estimation, we'd never get there.
He is FASCINATING.
Philippians 2:13 says it perfectly: For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.
Lis, this was SO FUN!! I can't wait to read these! Thank you!
My dream... I had a few but one was a nurse in high school my small town counselor didn't think I should do that and wouldn't let me sign up for the correct classes. (she had to approve the classes to get them) But that is ok the other dream that I thought would never happen, happened!!! I am a wife to a great husband have two wonderful sons and now two beautiful daughters(in law)and my first grandchild!!! I was blessed to be an at home mom volunteered in the school system which then turned into a job at school with special needs children!!!!
My goal and dream in life was to be a wife and stay-at-mom. After two miscarriages I am learning to understand that God's plans for me are different than I originally thought (they are for good, for my future and to give me hope - Jer. 29:11). I now have the blessing and privilege of supporting and ministering to my husband in our own business.
I didn't really have something I wanted to do from the time I was little, but by high school when it was time to start making those kinds of decisions, I wanted to teach. I did go on and get my degree and do that for a couple of years, but then I became a full-time mom.
When my kids were in jr. and sr. high, I began pursuing writing, and that's what I am still doing. Am so grateful for the opportunity to touch others' lives through the written word...
Growing up in California, I wanted to be a marine biologist and discover everything I could about the ocean. When we moved away from California, I changed my dream to a vet. When I met the love of my life in High School I knew that all I wanted to do was be a wife and Mom. I have loved it for 18 years now with a brief stopover as Editor for a lifestyles magazine. I enjoy writing as a hobby and would like to make it a career someday but for now I look back on this statement I wrote in my Bible when my eldest was a newborn.
"Nothing will challenge my body or mind anymore or shower more reward on my heart than investing my education, skills, talents and energy in the people I love most and want most to succeed".
Don't know who said it first, but it has become my life's motto for this season and I believe it with all my heart. I adore taking care of my family and consider it to be a true calling and one of the things I was created to do.
I love this question. Takes me way back. My first desire was to be a playwright/writer, though at eight I didn't know what the vocation was called. I even did little plays with my brother and friends. Then I did one in front of my parents. They laughed at me and that embarrased me and crushed my dream.
THEN I saw West Side Story and I wanted to be a chorus line dancer like those I saw in the gym dance scene from the movie.
To this day I love to read, read, read. My kids lovingly laugh at my greeting cards because I don't just write "Love Mom" but write a mini novel on their card.
I didn't became a dancer either but when I hear music my feet get to tapping, always. I always tell the Lord when i get to heaven I'm going to dance my heart out before him.
I married, became a wife and mother and am now a grandmother and am a church secretary on the side.
Life has been good and with the Lord in my life THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
When I was 16 I went on my 1st mission trip w/ my youth group...I was hooked, I wanted to change the world, I wanted to be a missionary.
So went to college and studied History to be a high school history teacher until the LORD opened the door. Spent the summer my sophmore yr. in Mexico as missionary, totally immersed in the culture...almost stayed for the short-term plan and not return to school. The Lord had other plans...long story short, I married a wonderful guy who went into the ministry instead of getting an engineering job w/ his degree. Ministry has taken us many different directions...some overseas for short-term trips and some stateside...4 children were thrown into the mix in our 17yrs of marriage and how I longed for the mission field...never really felt complete w/ the thought of "your children are your mission field"...now that they are older
(14,12,10,8) and in public school and thriving...esp. 14yr old son totally sold out to Christ...I see the fruits.
And God is so wise beyond all we can see and know. My 1st yr teaching I couldn't find a job, it was insulting. Finally the day b/f school started I was hired to teach spanish to a very rural
k-8th grade school...later got into my field (I taught until my 2nd child was born)
Anyway now, b/c I had one yr. of foreign language teaching experience....I get to teach INTERNATIONALS English as a 2nd language...(part-time which makes it perfect w/ 4 school age kids).
This is something I love and would do for free....when I was in my interview I almost let it slip, "and I get pd to do this?"
I make professor pay @ the local Comm. College....
I am starting my 6th year w/ this..."the world @ my doorstep"
is how I like to think of it. I have developed friendship w/ people from everywhere...Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, Honduras, Brazil, Russia, Thailand.
God is awesome...what a good God that He knows more than we know!
Thanks for reading my story!
Angela
Garner, NC
When I was in fourth grade we had career day--dress up and write a poem. I wanted to be a super model. Mostly so I could wear my high-heeled dress up shoes by Candies to school. And clip on earrings.
Though I'm embarrassed to say it, I even remember the first line of the poem:
"I am a pretty model, and when I walk I do not waddle."
How in the world I became a writer we'll never know!
Today, I'm a wife, mom, writer, blogger, teacher, speaker, friend, student. So glad that I can be more than one thing! And so glad that all of those things let me eat dessert.
Rebecca, OK. You just may win here. I cannot TELL you the joy I had when I read that you first wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader, then a DOCTOR, then a pastor's wife. Oh, the mind of a woman!!! I would LOVE you. I just know it. I bet you have a whole cheerleader squad living in your head like I do.
Siestas, I DON'T HAVE TIME TO BE HANGING OUT ON THIS POST! BUT IT'S SO FUN!!!!!
Oh man, this post really hits home for me. Sometimes I have a hard time remember exactly what I thought I wanted to "be" when I was a teenager, but I'll tell you that where i have ended up would have NEVER crossed my mind as a possibility.
To think, as my atheistic, uber-feminist (in all the bad ways), worldly, promiscuous self at 16 would have been a born again, Jesus-loving, Sunday-school teaching, submission believing (and preaching!), wife who longs to be a stay at home wife and mother as a "career" at age 30, I would have *laughed* you out of the state, forget the room.
And then I met Jesus. And my his amazing, scandalous grace, I have, priase be to His name, become a completely different person than I ever dreamed I'd be. And I am super duper a work in progress; I am no where near the disciple of Christ I long to be. But posts like this afford me an opportunity to look bac on where I was in my sin, in my flesh, the path I was on before Christ intervened, and I am humbled with thanks and gratitude.
God is good, ladies. Thanks so much, Melissa and LPM, for prompting that reminder today.
In HIS good name,
Nicole
I was born a writer though I have never pursued it. As a child, before I could even actually write, I would fill notebooks with scribbles pretending to write books. I just turned 30 and last night I took my first writing class!
God gives you the desires of your heart and the gifts you need to reach those dreams. Fight for yourself, fight for you dreams! Shine like the light God has made you to be.
There is a saying we plan, God laughs.
I don't think he is lauging at us, just the humor in our little finite minds.
I wanted to be Barbie. With the dream house, clothes, sports car and changeble career by only a change of outfit. I could be a Vet one day, a teacher the next and never have to sacrifice or study, just put on the costume. Ken would of course be perfect, and cater to my every whim.
Life has a way of putting the REAL in reality.
I married a wonderful man,who came from a very dysfuntional family. My Barbie dream holidays have been many times filled with alcholics spiraling out of control. My job has exposed me to some really difficult individuals, and for the most part is stressful. And we ended up being childless.
Here is the beauty. I would never have the feeling of God's Grace if I had not walked through these valleys. I would have had the most wiennie faith, the most shallow of goals, and probably would have relied on my own devices rather than the One who really matters.
I would have never seen true redemption. I would have never had my heart filled with over flowing love for Him, and for others . He kept me from being selfish, petty and small. He made me enlarge my tent. He made this barren woman sing!
Thank you God for saving me from myself.
When I was 16, I was on the way to becoming a high school English teacher. As a preacher's kid, I never imagined that I would end up in any kind of ministry at all! Now I'm a women's minister and I love it...how did that happen???
I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. Sometimes God's plans are just better!
OK...no laughing.
In 5th grade I will never forget the teacher going around the room asking us all to answer the question, "what would you like to be when you grow up?"
I remember answering boldly..."I want to be President of the United States." I'm sure a had a huge smile on my face when I said it. Of course, the entire class erupted with laughter. I was mortified, but confident enough that I thougt I could prove them wrong.
When I went to college, I majored in history thinking that I would go on to law school and, you know, work my way up through the political system to some day become president.
After a freshman year of pure trajedy...I transferred to a Christian college. During my senior year, I felt an incredible pull by God to share my personal testimony (remember the freshman year). I was devestated at the though, but COULD NOT get away from it. I finally met with the chaplain, shared my story and what I felt God was saying to me. He scheduled me to speak in chapel the next week.
I still feel that call to speak. It's the passion of my heart, however not my full time job...yet. Life happens. I work at a Christian University in fundraising but speak whenever I have the opportunity. Sharing about God's grace, hope and forgiveness excites me to no end!
Kimberly in Ohio
I wish I could say I "always wanted to be" anything. I can not remember having a dream or a goal or a thought about what I would be at 30 when I was 16. I guess that is why I find myself doing what I "fell" into. My profession now came from need. I divorced at 47, moved to a new town, got a job as an accounting assistnat "becasue I was always good at that" and then finished my degree to become an accountant.
Even past my professional life, I don't really dream past what I want to do the next month. Not to sound sad or depressing but dreams never have come true for me but are always put on the back burner for someone elses...kids, husband, parents...So I just do what needs to be done for that day.
Boring, huh?
There was only one thing i ever wanted to be when i grew up and that was a mom. When i graduated from highschool i went to college because that was the thing to do. i hated it and failed misserably at it so i dropped out. i worked for a few years , meet my husband, had my first child, quit my job and have been a stay at home mom of 4 boys since. That was always the desire of my heart and i am so thankful that i am able to be at home with my children.
I wanted to be a teacher.
In college I decided I didn't want to be a teacher.
God had a plan all along...and, today I'm a teacher after trying many various jobs along the way!
This is an excruciating question. I always wanted to be a nurse and help people get well. I love people and love to see their faces relieved when they are given good news. Now, I sit in a cubicle for 8hours doing what I absolutely hate, but making decent money doing it. Feel very stuck. Very isolated. Very bored!!! I’m an extrovert. Can you tell why it’s so agonizing?
When I was a child, I wanted to be Crystal Gayle. So, I grew my hair very, very long and learned the words to all of her songs as they came on the radio. The first album I ever bought with my own money was "Classic Crystal - 1979." My mother bought the sheet music to "Don't It Make Your Brown Eyes Blue" and she played while I sang at the 2nd grade talent show at an elementary school in Texas. Today, I am an associate professor of American history at a small, private institution. And, I sing all the time to my children, with kids at our church, and in the car and the shower.
Since 3rd grade I've always wanted to be a teacher. Now I teach 4th grade in a public school and LOVE every minute of it! It's amazing how God can use me in the life of children and also my co-workers.
Oh my gosh, your "first girl in the NBA" sounds exactly like me, except I was going to be the first girl in the MLB!!!! I SWORE that I would be the first girl to play Major League Baseball. I knew it, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind!!!
When I was 16 I wanted to be a teacher...and that is what I am. I went through a bad student teaching experience and thought I wanted a degree in business management instead....but, I decided not to get discouraged and stuck with wanting to be a teacher. At the time that I received my degree, little did I know that I would also someday be a Sunday school teacher for 3rd graders as well. I thought my limitations were only to be a high school family and consumer sciences teacher! Wow! God had plans for me in education not only in the public school realm, but also in His church! What an awesome God we serve!!!!!
In junior high I had plans to become a teacher, but there was a foreshadowing of my future career when I marked up a newspaper article full of grammatical errors and sent it back to the author!
Now, almost 15 years later, I am an assistant editor at a publishing company. This is definitely my dream job!
I can relate Melissa. I’m not vocationally doing what I dreamt as I child I would do. Growing up, I wanted to be a doctor for a little while. I liked the idea of helping people "get put back together". In high school, I really wanted to be a math teacher. I had loved math my whole life and was part of a tutoring program at my school where I helped other students with math.
I'm 29 now, and neither of those dreams came about, at least not in the same sense. I still like helping people "get put back together", and I really enjoy teaching. I fulfill these desires by leading a small group of women in a Bible study on Tuesday nights. I recognize that these desires come straight from God and I remain open/willing to do whatever He tells me to do with them.
By day, I work as a Logistics Analyst for the Dept. of Defense, but this is not my dream or my hearts desire. I call this my “tent-making.” I know the day will come when I step into what God has prepared for me. Lord, prepare me.
Gosh, at sixteen I remember thinking 30 was sooo old lol! Of course now I feel it's about as young as sixteen ;) I knew for sure I wanted kids and a good husband and God has blessed me with that and soo much more. Great post!
Ever since I was in first grade, when I had a very aptly named teacher, Mrs. Love, I wanted to teach first grade. In high school or college that changed to teaching kindergarten, but I never wavered from wanting to teach early elementary school and eventually be a stay at home mom.
My sophomore year of college a friend knew my dream was to teach kindergarten at a local Christian school. But she challenged me asking, "What if God wants you to teach at a low income school?" I kind of blew it off because I was SO sure I was meant to teach at the Christian school.
After meeting, marrying, and moving with my husband to FL, God indeed led me to a Title I low income school... and I would never go back and change it! I taught 3rd grade there for 3.5 years and now I'm about to spend my first year as a stay at home mom to my new baby boy!
God has been so faithful to provide for how He has called!
My first occupational desire was at the age of four. I wanted to be a tiger so I could bite people. Then until 15, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I decided that I would probably cry over every sick pet that came through the door. I turned to teaching p.e. as I enjoyed sports and obtained my teaching credential. Through the years I have managed to be in some sort of teaching capacity ranging from p.e., banking, homeschooling our son, and always coaching. Currently, I help teach elementary kids, coach high school volleyball and middle school basketball, all at 3 different schools.
Ever since I was a little girl, I've wanted to be a children's book author and illustrator. I'm now a stay-at-home mommy and working towards my childhood dream (but it's slow-going with a newborn!)
When I was in grade school and middle school I wanted to be in the Olympics. The funny thing about this is that I am in now way athletic. I just wanted to be the best at something. In high school I wanted to be a dental hygienist and a model. I also wanted to get married. One of my dream was to grow up in a family like the Brady bunch. Obviously the later was impossible. Then I went to college changed my mind about the dental thing when I almost passed out in health science with the small of formaldehyde. Then I decided to go to business school. That came to a halted because spelling and grammar are not my friends. I finally settle on Child development, got a degree and taught preschool. Then I became a Christian, I wanted to marry a preacher, have two kids and a house with a picket white fence. I also wanted to glorify God and have a close walk with Him. Well today I am married to a preacher, I have 4 kids and homeschool them. My walk with God is close much of the time as to glorifying Him I sure try. I still sometimes wish I did the dental thing but am content with the way God arranged things in my life. In fact I so grateful to him for my hubby and kids. Although I still wish I was supper good at something. Hmmm, maybe I am a tad bit of a perfectionist.
Kim B. in AZ
I was going to be an interpreter at the United Nations. I would be fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Russian, and Gaelic. I would be married and would have twin boys.
I am an accountant and speak Southern. I am married and have 4 girls.
Don't even get me started.
I wanted to be an olympic gymnast, and was SURE I would be. I even took tumbling for crying out loud-what? tumbling is NOT in the gymnastics rotation at the olympics? I could do a backwards SOMERSAULT y'all!!! but yeah, then realizing I was way afraid to do the flips without a spotter and I have a pretty strong dislike for exercise and physical self discipline (hello french fries! i'm lookin' at you--i think you are happy about my lack of physical self discipline, no??)it just didn't happen. So I pursued my other love in college-religious studies but soon found that at a liberal arts college that puts the liberal in liberal arts, it was not quite the oly calling I had envisioned. I ended up a social worker with Head Start where I spent a lot of time checking kids for lice-almost like being an olympuc gymnast ;) But God surprised us with a very early pregnancy in our marriage and I am now a stay at home mom of 4, our littlest just recently adopted from Ethiopia this past spring, and if you would have ever told me I wouldn't have believed you! But I wouldn't trade it b/c surprise surprise, God knew just what would be the best fit for me!! Although being the mom of 4 little rug rats is often VERY similar to being an olympic gymnast, I might add....;)
Was there anyone else who would use a hairbrush as a microphone and sing along with Amy Grant - imagining oneself on the stage belting out El Shaddai? Just curious.
Not that being Ms Grant was my childhood dream - I knew I didn't have the voice for that - and I want to hope I was doing this more in my 'tweens - not 16; but my memory's a tad fuzzy so can't quite be sure...
It's so fun to read Siestaville's dreams of yesteryear.
Warm in Alaska.
When I was a little girl I dreamed that I would grow up and be happy. That's what got me through. God had gifted me to be able to recognize even the most horrible of circumstances as temporary, so happiness was always just around the corner. The thing was happiness was like a mirage or a light at the end of the tunnel. It always seemed so close, yet I would walk for miles but not get any closer. Maybe even like hide n seek....when you're sure you've found someone only to rip open the door or cover and find the space empty. The problem was that I was searching the world for happiness. I had yet to realize that it was only through Christ I would achieve my dream. So now,after a long painful road, and after so much needed healing, I believe happiness stands before me, I need only reach out and claim it. I have moments where I do, but there's still a bit more healing that needs to take place, but I know God is working and won't let me fall short of my dream. You know, it's not the happiness I had imagined...it's far different, but in a good way. I think the things that make it different are what make it a long lasting, attainable reality rather than an elusive dream.
Growing up I wanted to be an archaeologist...even started out majoring in history, which I still love. But I also always wanted to be a stay-at-home mommy, so didn't want to go into law, and was advised that a history degree would get me a teaching job, so I switched to elem. ed. I taught for 9 years, then finally had a child of my own, and now I home school my 2 oldest girls. I still love history, and teach them all the history I can! :)
I had always wanted to be a teacher. When I was in first grade, I could not wait to get home and practice teaching to my dolls. (I had the smartest dolls around!!!).I just could not decide What to teach. My Mom and my aunt were both English teachers -no thank you. I took a Home Economics class in high school because I needed an easy A. I loved it so much that I decided that was where I wanted to be. I have taught home ec for 23 years. It has been great being able to teach the importance of FAMILY and the HOME in my career choice.
Good Morning Siestas!!
When I was a teenager I either wanted to be a high school girls softball coach or a manager for a country music star and somedays I thought I could do both. Now at age 31 I am a seminary student and a children's minister who finds herself after ten years of ministry loving the fact that get to do mama and girl ministry everyday and flat out speechless that God sees fit to use somebody like me.
Melissa I loved your comment about the NBA there was nothing wrong with that goal when I was 12 I wanted to play for the Braves.
From the time I entered school, I wanted to be a teacher. I played school for hours on end by myself in my bedroom. I even pretended my etch-a-sketch was an overhead!
In high school, I took an accounting class and hung up my dream of becoming a teacher. I was good at it and let's face it, accountants make more money than teachers.
God got a hold of my heart though and I knew he had given me a passion for children for a reason. I went to Baylor and majored in elementary education. I will be starting my sixth year as a teacher this fall. I love what I do!
I always wanted to be a mommy...wife first of course...and mommy. I am blessed with 2 amazing daughters and a wonderful husband. When I was little, I would line up my dolls and teddy bears and my brother, bless his heart, and play school....I was always the teacher. I am blessed to have just finished college, after God called me back to school, and will step into my very first official class in 3 weeks. I can hardly wait!
I see some fellow Baylor bears on here. Woo hoo! Sic 'em bears!
I always wanted to be a writer/storyteller. Ended up a lyricist. Pretty close.
I have wanted to be a doctor since I was 11 years old.
At the age of 22, I start Medical School in two weeks. :)
It's cool to know that the Lord was able to plant something in me even at such a young age, and that he's given me characteristics that enabled me to achieve it.
It will be a long four years, and I have many fears, but Christ never leads us astray.
"...and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, lookng to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith..." Hebrews 12:1-2
As I child from small town Texas, I wanted to be a "Daira Clean Lady" (Dairy Queen employee). As a youth, a doctor until I fainted at the sight of an IV. An actress, professional gymnast, professional ice skater, and a news anchor -- these were all dreams. Somewhere beneath my dreams for fame, I sensed a call to ministry. Maybe I thought it would make me famous, but now I'm thinking it's more about service than fame. I'm learning what it means to serve in my current job as administrator, trying to be faithful (and grateful!) despite a job I hate.
I wanted to be a computer programmer and work from home... at a time when computers FILLED an climate controlled room. My university added programming courses each year... I worked as a waitress to buy my first Tandy 1000 and tried to store my programs to a tape recorder...
Fast Forward 5 years... I was able to program from home while we raised our girls, and now work as a programmer for my university. God is Good!!!
I always wanted to be a vet, always loved animals... until I found out they had to go to school for 8 years, that changed my mind quickly.... well, I teach and coach and after it was all said and done, with my bachlor's and master's degree, I spent 8 years in college =)
Hey The Smith Family,
Maybe you and I were speech pathology students at Baylor together. I'm Stephanie Tabor Spitaletto. You are now staying home, and I am now going back to work.
Blessings,
Stephanie
Melissa, I love this post! When I was 16 I wanted to be a lawyer. I went off to college majoring in political science, and aburtly changed my mind. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I went from Christian counselor, to guidance counselor, to recreational therapist. Little did I know God would provide a way to blend all these things together.
Now I'm a stay-at-home mom of two fabulous kids, and married to the love of my life. I facilitate Bible studies, teach and work on Sunday school lessons at our church. I feed my love of all things political by serving as a poll worker during elections. Lastly, I have had the priviledge of helping in each of my children's classrooms. God is so awesome!
Such good questions you have for us! When I was younger, all I wanted to be was a physical therapist. Because of my lack of interest in science, though, I never quite made that aspiration. God had bigger and better plans for me - I have been a medical transcriptionist and able to stay at home while raising our daughters. A far greater assignment than I could ever have imagined with more long-lasting and life-changing rewards!
I wanted to be a teacher, wife and mommy. I taught Kindergarten for 4 years. Loved it! Got married to my prince and I am now a SAHM with 3 BOYS!!! God is so good!
I wanted to be an accountant for Hershey chocolates, living in Hershey, PA in a purple house.
My earlier dream of being a 'Mommy' took over though so I'm hanging out as a SAHM.
(I gave up on the accounting dream when I realized just how mind numbing I would find it as a career and studied psych instead).
In the fourth grade I decided I wanted to be a photographer for National Geographic. While that never happened, I do have a camera I love and enjoy taking pictures of my family, friends, and scenery. I'm now thankful I'm not traveling all over the world fulltime, but instead at home with my family. Funny how things work out, huh?!
When I was very young, I wanted to be a teacher. I played school ALL the time. I had a grade book, a chalkboard, imaginary students -- the WORKS! Then, I wanted to be an OB doctor. But, when I realized that GYN generally goes w/ OB, I quickly decided against that, too. Finally, for most of my older adolescent and teenage days, I wanted to be a lawyer.
Actually, I am in law school now. Lately, however, I have sensed that the Lord may be calling me to something different. Only I don't know what it is! I think He knows I'm too much of a control freak, and if He laid it all out for me, I might try to take over. So for now, I'm trusting Him to reveal what it is he's called me to do in His time. Quite frankly, it is the HARDEST thing I have ever had to do. I am struggling to submit to God's long-term purpose, without demanding that he spell it out for me. But, I know that his purpose is to give me hope and a future, so I'm begging that He will give me an extra dose of patience through his Spirit to follow Him in peace.
Growing up, I wanted to be many things. An astronaut, a missionary, an FBI agent, a flight attendant...you name it! Any career or calling that placed me in exotic locations and/or dangerous situations was preferable. Now I am a 30 year old Library Assistant and married to a youth minister. Not very exotic or dangerous! But, through my hobby of writing, the characters I create are able to travel the world and in a way, so am I!
When I gave my testimony in May to our women's group, I spoke about dreams.. God-glorifying dreams.. and how the enemy tries his best to DESTROY THEM and too often is successful because of our on-going guilt and shame.
A couple years ago, God reminded me of a dream he put in my heart when I was a teenager.. a dream I had completely forgotten about, and honestly not a dream I would have chosen for myself, just kind of like a vision, really. That dream is now coming to pass. I am teaching at our church on a regular basis and some day I believe God will have me write a book (also part of the dream).
The dream was dead, Melissa. I had completely forgotten it. Yet God, in his perfect timing, raised it to life again. I cannot imagine being silent about Jesus ever again!!! I want all women to know and love him and to be FREE and live their God-glorifying DREAMS for him!!!
In fact, God is about to do something HUGE in our community regarding the upcoming LPL simulcast. I'll tell you about it later!
Linda
I love this question. Ever since I was 7 yrs old I wanted to be a gym teacher/coach. It was my favorite subject in school other than recess! In college, I met young man who pursued me diligently and when he asked me to marry him, in the most very romantic way, I told him no, that as much as I cared about him and loved him, I loved coaching more! We got married a year later (after I got my coaching degree). I have never coached and I have never looked back. It may have been what thought I wanted but the Lord knew better and had different plans for me. He has allowed me to stay home and raise 4 children; the last one heads off to college in the fall--he wants to be a coach!!! He is God and there is no other! Amen
This is fun, Melissa! I always grew up wanting to be a teacher, playing as a little girl like I had a class, grading tests, making report cards, etc. But what I really liked was the administrative aspect of teaching, not considering how I would handle a classroom of children. I did major in El.Ed. with a focus on math. Then I went to work in law firms as a trial legal assistant. I enjoyed it a lot -- again, the details, organizational aspects. I never expected to work again after children, but then my kids started school, and God tied my past all together. I work in an elementary school that we helped start. I've done the administrative side of things and admissions. I'm enjoying the organizational side of things now in Education -- a perfect fit! I love it! Neat how God weaves together what we never could have planned or dreamed!
Having turned 30 this year it is an appropriate question! Hmmm...16, was that the doctor or lawyer phase? As a little girl, I wanted to be Miss America, my talent would be playing Moonlight Sonata on the piano. Though I'd let that one go long since, it still hurt a little to reach the age where I was no longer eligible. If any of you have read A Southern Belle Primer, you will know how that encouraged my ambitions to be a cheerleader(check), sorority girl(check) and member of the Junior League(check).
I went off to Furman University having no clue what I wanted to do. Ended up majoring in Communication Studies because I love to talk and the Public Speaking class was great, so ok let's try that. Though totally outside of my major, I had the wonderful opportunity to go on Foreign Study to Israel, Greece and Italy with classes on Geography and Archeology of the Biblical World and Renaissance and Reformation. It was an experience that I will forever treasure and I am just hoping for the day when I could go back to Israel.
When I graduated from Furman, I still had no idea what I wanted to do. Thankfully God has a plan! I ended up with a job in fundraising for a local private school which led to a series of a few positions in that field to where I am now - Volunteer Coordinator at our region's largest health system. Of course, not every day is perfect but I am blessed to have a job I enjoy where I can work with wonderful people who are so generous with their time. Now here I am, on the board of the Junior League and teaching 3 and 4 year old Sunday School. God certainly had a plan for that looong before I ever knew!
But the dream dearest to my heart, that I never would have imagined being unfilled at 30, is that of being a wife and mother. But I am so thankful for a God who sustains me daily! On my way out of my door everyday, I see written Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." And just the other night I was at a low point and began to work on my Me, Myself and Lies study - why should I be surprised that the day's work was ALL about hope! Tears streamed down my face. At one point, I paused when looking up a verse, there were my "Turn it Around" cards from our Esther Bible study. I keep them in my Bible. It seemed like a good time to take a moment to read them again. #6 It is tough being a woman who can balance passion with patience. "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" Isaiah 30:18 Yes Lord! I was face down in the couch cushion! He is so faithful!
Thank you Beth for being such an inspiring servant of the Lord. Your work has helped me so much to grow in my walk with Him.
Great post Melissa. Thank you for letting me share.
Two excellent books for getting in tune with your dreams and what God has designed you to do...
Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado
and,
The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
both are wonderful!
I am a girl who is FINALLY living out her dream!!!! From the time I was a small child, I wanted to be a music teacher/freelance musician. And that's what I do.
I haven't always been able to do this, but only in the past ten to twelve years or so. I finally quit my "day job" a few years ago and took a huge leap of faith and started teaching full time in a private music studio. God has blessed that tremendously.
I have several dreams growing one. One was to become a missionary dentist. Another was to sing like Amy Grant or Sandi Patti and the other was to be a youth worker. I dropped the dental dream fairly quickly. I did attempt to pursue music at Gardner Webb but dropped that too b/c I just didn't have the confidence to see my self as good enough. I did minor in Religious Education however I'm not a youth worker either. I am currently employed full time w/the Dept of Social Services and have worked here for 12 years. My major in college ended up being Psychology so I am working in the area of my studies. However I would do anything to be a stay home mom - that is my dream now.
Angie
Hickory NC
It is kind of sad when I think about it because my main ambition was to survive. I longed for the day when I could turn 18 and leave my broken childhood behind or so I thought. I would basically count down the days until I could move out. I occasionally have nightmares that I am still in school and still a child growing up in the same conditions. God has totally redeemed me and has been so gracious to me. I just find myself dreaming now of how I press on to fulfill the calling on my life.
When I was 16, I wanted to be a fashion designer! I went to college and found the study of fabrics too hard so instead, I opted for business and communication, more depth! I ended up becoming
a pharmaceutical rep. for a Fortune 500 company but once I gave my life to the Lord, it was all over! He put on my heart to speak to people, help them, so I ended up with my own business, as a public speaker and counselor. I have been helping people around the world for over 10 years!
Love in Christ,
Michele
I thought I'd be traveling the world by now as a diplomat or ambassador, in high pressure situations and making a difference on the world and political stage. Instead, I homeschool my three children and we DO travel the world (if only in our imaginations) and I am making a difference on the world stage (my making future disciples who will be world-changers.) God is cool like that.
All through school k-2nd, that is, whenever a teacher asked what we wanted to be I would say a nurse. However, that all changed the day our 3rd grade class took a field trip to the dentist. Don't ask me why we visited the dentist, but we did! I can remember standing with the group as the dr. was talking, and he happened to show us a needle. The next thing I know I was sitting in the examining chair having just fainted, and being told I hit a boy's shoe. How humiliating! That was the end of my desire to be a nurse.
In 5th grade, I wanted to become a teacher. That dream never changed, and I went to college pursuing a bachelor degree in elementary teacher. Following graduation, I got married (which I always dreamed of doing) to a wonderful, godly man. I loved teaching and taught 5th grade for 2years before becoming pregnant with our 1st son.
I then became a SAHM. My husband felt the Lord leading him into dairy farming. I never wanted to become a farmer's wife. You see I grew up on a dairy farm and knew the time, work, and toll it took on my parent's relationship. I even told the Lord that I never wanted to become a farmer's wife for fear of destroying our marriage. However, God often leads us where we don't want to go, so we moved onto the farm where he grew up. Transitioning to the farm has been a challenge, but a tremendous "spiritual" growing experience as well. My husband and I became even closer and have a stronger relationship through the challenges and struggles we encountered. I help my dear husband on our dairy farm, teach Sunday School to 1st graders (I get to teach, which I love), and also try to be the best Mom to our 4 children with whom the Lord has entrusted to us (a wonderful dream the Lord fulfilled as well). I am glad the Lord is in control of everything!!!
I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Now I work in Women's Ministry. I'm still getting to work with a bunch of fabulous women and cheer everyone on, but my attire is slightly (okay, much) more modest.
I wanted to be an engineer. Then I realized I stunk at physics. I am now working on my master's in physical education. I love the kids I get to work with both the college undergrads and the kindergartners who go to school on campus that we teach PE for.
Ask me this question after I actually graduate and make a choice of what to do next.
For me, I've wanted to be a teacher since I was about 10 years old and I never wavered from that. But, just a month before I turned 16, my dad was killed in a military jet crash and I didn't even think I would want to live to the age of 30. Even though I wasn't a believer at the time, God had a purpose for me. When I went to college, I became a collegiate volleyball, basketball, and tennis player and I knew then that I had found my true calling...to coach college volleyball. I did achieve my dream and it was one of my college players who led me to Jesus. After 20 years in that career, today, I am teaching and coaching junior high girls and absolutely loving this new direction in my life!
Ginger
Wetumpka
I always wanted to be a teacher. Even though I denied it as a teenager because I wanted to do something glamorous and teaching is anything but glamorous, God led me back to teaching. Now I teach middle schoolers how to express themselves through writing and reading. I even get the priviledge of sharing God's love with them everyday!
I always wanted to be a mommy, from the time I was wee little. It took me a while to get here, but finally here I am. (PS, Somedays are not as fun and dreamy as I thought they would be, but I'm still very thankful for my two little guys.)
Growing up, I always said that I wanted to be "whatever job lets you help people." I'm only 24, but I have already had that dream job as I've been working in full-time ministry with young girls for seven years.
I'm one blessed girl, aren't I?
I decided in 2nd grade that I was going to be a special education teacher and that is what I did become. God chose me to "keep care of the children" and I knew that was what I needed to do.
After 13 years of teaching special education, the endless paperwork/ meetings/ parent complaints got to me and I became a nanny. So I am still "keeping care of children" like God called me to do.
Well, Melissa this will pretty will reveal my age but here goes. When I was growing up girls/woman were not encouraged much beyond teachers and nurses. I knew neither one of those were me. I have learned this summer in cleaning out my thought closet that I am worthy or more than what I was raised to feel I was worth!!! God was very generous to me and blessed me with 2 children of my own and 2 step-daughters and now 5 grandchildren. And a WONDERFUL HUSBAND. God was also gracious enough to put someone in my life on a telephone call one day that explained "how it was in the legal profession" and she suggested that I leave the company I had worked for 23 years and which was filing bankruptcy and get a job at a small patent law firm and 2 years experience under my belt. At that point I was raising 2 children on my own and needed a dependable and stable job - 2 children to put through college. So I took this strangers words to heart and found that small firm that would hire someone with no "law firm experience" and I did my 2 years and then a friend I had made at this small firm helped me get a job at a "large and major patent law firm in Dallas, Texas" That was 19 years ago and I'm still here and I have been blessed with many Christian friends and a good job that I like very much.
Thanks for the post
Judy Baggett
GG2002
I have ALWAYS wanted to be a teacher since I was in Mrs. WIlson's first grade class in (gulp) 1964 and I learned to read with Dick, Jane and Sally. In August, I wlll begin my 22nd year of teaching children (and I'm teaching first grade right now!) I have loved every year of it. Lately, I've begun a new dream: finishing my graduate work so I can teach education classes at a college level...
Melissa,
I already left a long post above, but I just wanted to say thanks for writing this blog entry. It does my heart good to read other people testify about dreams they thought they would fulfill, only to find out that the Lord had something better in store. So exciting!!
Thanks again!
Love,
Missy
P.S. If I'm really honest, I would say that I have dreamed of writing bible studies like your Mom. I know that she never dreamed of the turn her ministry took (which is part of what makes it so obviously ordained by God),and I know that all ministries are downright hard, but I do think what she does is so cool!
Hey Melissa!
I wanted to be a vet OR a pilot. I couldn't be a vet because it would hurt to much to be around suffering animals.
I have not worked since I had cancer. When I was married and had babies , I was a stay at home mom. I am waiting on God and his new direction for my life. :)
Love,
Patty
A baby nurse - Have been now for the past 15 yrs ! No delivery passes me by that I am not in AWE of the creator and the miracle that happens at the second that precious one is born.
Lori :)
When I was a teenager I wanted to be the mom of 6, yes SIX, kids and I wanted to stay at home until they all started school when I could then begin my career as an elementary school teacher. Well, many years later I sit childless with the exception of a couple of ungrateful step children that look at me like they despise me everytime I walk in the room. How can a woman who has a huge heart and wants nothing more to help people and spoil them rotten be surrounded by people that have zero love for me?
I decided that I wanted to be a nurse when I was 14. I went straight to university from high school and graduated with a BSN at the age of 21. That is now almost 20 years ago and I can't imagine doing anything else. I work part-time now because my children are pre-school age but I recently completed a nurse practitioner program and am on to a new adventure in my career.
Lately I have been marveling at how God put this desire in my heart when I was so young and it has turned out to be exactly the perfect career for me. I love being a nurse more now than when I first started. I have worked in the fields of bone marrow transplant, palliative care and emergency - i.e. only with people in experiencing major life crises. And I love it (have I mentioned that I love it yet?). Nursing is not just what I do, it is part of who God created me to be. I consider it a vocational calling and feel so privileged to do what I do and get paid for it!
Because of the kind of work I have done, I have also always had questions like "HOW CAN YOU DO THAT?? ISN'T IT DEPRESSING!?!" - from both Christians and non-Christians alike! It gives me a little witnessing opportunity where I can say "Well, actually, I have found that God gives you the strength to do the work that He has called you to do." People still look puzzled - as if they wouldn't take my job for any money. But that's how I know that this is what God created me for - I can do this "depressing" work and feel His call and His power as I do it!
I always wanted to be an airline hostess (now aka flight attendant).
Then I wanted to be a writer, then a teacher. I went to college and got a teaching certificate, but met a man who owned Dollar stores so after 5 yrs of teaching I quit to go along with him on fascinating buying trips to Italy and Hong Kong, Taiwan,Japan and Korea. I thought my career education was misguided but THE GUIDER knew He was preparing me to teach Sunday School classes and Bible studies and I wouldn't trade that for the most lucrative career on this earth! The fnny thing was that from age 16 I had worked in a dime store so He also knew I would make the perfect retailer's wife!
this is a tough one - I wanted to be everything!! A vet, a doctor, an archealogist, a college professor, a singer, an actress, a teacher, a lawyer, and like you a ball player, or a coach - honestly there is not one thing that I have always wanted to be. that's pretty sad, isn't it?
I wanted to be a flight attendant so I could fly all the time. It didn't happen, but that's okay - I still get aviation stories from my dad & brother who are both flights and work for American Airlines and Cessna! And I get to fly at least a couple times a year to visit my family.
Instead I've ended up working as a bookkeeper, secretary, and academic assistant - 3 years of the first two in the wilds of northwestern Ontario and 4 years so far of the last at a small Bible college in central Ohio. I have no regrets about where God has led me so far!
I always remember longing to be married and to have children. From the time I was a little girl and my earliest remembrance of childhood, I played with dolls and my three baby sisters and I was always the Mommy. Always. And really, that's all I've ever want to do.
I got a teaching degree in college, but I don't want to teach. I'd like to be a nurse, but then again, I don't. I've entertained real estate, but don't want it to take time away from my kids.
Honestly, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. (And I'm almost 28 years old!) But you know, maybe I will just be a wife and mom for the rest of my life. And a grandma hopefully one day. Of course, not anytime in the near future considering my children are 6 and almost 4. Ha! And maybe I'll just volunteer in their schools, in our church and our community.
I consider myself blessed that we have been able to afford me being a stay at home wife and mommy. And I pray that the Lord continues to bless us!
As I have read these posts, I see a theme..."jar of clay" said it best, I like the dream God had for me better....At 44, I agree whole-heartedly!!
I had dreams, but God had plans...and anyone that knows about God, knows his plans FAR EXCEED anything I could come up with. He gave me desires to fulfill His plans, so my dreams seem like the "Hollywood lie" now.
Interesting post......but you and Amanda ALWAYS manage to come up with interesting posts. I guess I now have Amanda associated with pictures (my favorite hobby) and you associated with asking questions that make people think (another hobby)....and Beth, she is the mother of all ideas that make others think!!
Thanks to all of you!!
Janet
I always wanted to be a wife and mother. Somehow along the years I got the impression that a woman needed to be MORE than those two things; somehow I got the message a wife and mother were given titles and choosing a vocation outside the home was non-negotiable.
I later majored in Child and Family Development and got my teaching certificate. I taught for several years before our son was born. Once home with him, I realized that, all be darn, being a wife and mother COULD be full time jobs AND were admirable ones at that.
God spoke to me through His word and some pretty amazing women who I knew personally and those I read of in the blog world to remind me that yes, indeed, my dreams were okay in His book and mine!
I have always wanted to be a mother. I remember when my sister was born (I was 3 1/2) and have wanted a baby of my own ever since! I also remember wanting to be a nurse at times. Then, in high school, I began to feel nudges from the Lord and knew that He was calling me to be a minister's wife.
I'm happy to report that today I am all 3! I am married to the man of my dreams and my best friend, who is a minister. We have 2 precious precious boys. I am also a nurse, which I also love, but I would stay home with my boys full time if it were financially feasible.
I am a very blessed girl, indeed!
As a child I only ever wanted to be two things: a mom and a doctor. I had huge hopes of babies and curing cancer until my senior year in high school. I worked for a doctor and saw how poor his relationship with his kids was. He worked constantly and seldom spent time with his kids or wife. I knew that more than anything I wanted to be the mom my future kids deserved.
So the years that followed had many majors, two degrees and now, I'm not using any of them as my job as a photographer but what I do have is the flexibility to drop my two beautiful kids off at school, pick them up, teach them to read His word and pray.
I still love science and would totally get lost in a medical journal but know that what I was made to do was disciple these two kids and I love every second of it!!!
Ever since I was little I wanted to be a mommy and a movie star. Well, my one dream came true. Since you don't know me personally you know that I didn't become a movie star, but God blessed me with a little boy 8 years ago and another just last year. My dream came true....I love being a mom. As I got older I wanted to be a lawer and I didgraduate from law school. After having my first son I realized that "mommy" was the better job. God actually worked it out that I can work in a law firm very part time and be home with my kids. He's awesome. I had both my dreams come true. I still may be a movie star one day, but that will have to wait until the boys are grown. I wouldn't want to miss a thing whil walking the red carpet.
When I was 10 years old, I had polio...mostly paralyzed from neck down for a while...but for the 5 months I was in the hospital, I received physical therapy day in and day out. After 5 months, although I was in braces and on crutches, I COULD WALK ! I was so thankful to those therapists who worked so hard with me and cared so much for me. The day I left the hospital, as the nurses rolled me out to the car, I told them that when I grew up, I wanted to be a physical therapist....Never veered from that hope and dream, although I was discouraged by a physical therapist from pursuing that dream...She just didn't think I could...even tho I no longer wore braces or used crutches...I was still stil very handicapped and she felt not strong enough to handle such a challenging profession. I am 71 now, retired after working for 33 years in a job that I absolutely loved. My Father knew what He had for me...altho I didn't even know Him until I was 36 years old. After working 10 years in hospitals, He gave my husband and me a private physical therapy clinic which we named Capernaum...Jesus' headquarters in Galilee. Our place was His hadquarters too.
When I retired, I asked Him for some kind of ministry that I could do for Him....He answered !!!! I disciple several hungry ones every week, write and teach Sunday School
curriculum, have a prayer ministry going all the time...lead a Bible study in my home weekly and am just about as busy as I can be.
Have been in a wheel chair for the last 6-7 years and I am soooooooo
thankful for wheels....In the wheelchair I am not handicapped and I praise God for all He let me do all those years of working and now all He lets me do in retirement.
Praise His Name !!!
Marolyn Dragg
Ardmore, Ok
I wanted to marry a preacher and have a house full of kids. I married someone that is not a preacher and we have no kids after 17 years of marriage - will not have any.
I remember hearing the verse....bear fruit and multiply....after being married with no kids, I accepted this verse with eternal meaning....bear fruit and multiply....for eternity.
Every life touched is for eternity!
When I was sixteen, I thought I wanted to be a history teacher or a pediatrician. In 1971, the odds of women getting into Medical School were slim, so a very wise history teacher at my high school advised me to become an Occupational Therapist. It was the best of all dreams fulfilled! I was a pediatric occupational therapist in various Elementary school settings for 25 years and also developed the diagostic OT program for our NICU working with Premature Infants and their families for the same 20 years, while raising our three sons.
God gave me the dream, but He fullfilled it as only He could, in such an interesting way.
Vera
Tremont, Illinois
As a young child, being a stay at home wife and mother was something that I always felt was a given. It was not something I dreamed about. It would happen because I was a girl and that's what girls did. At 16 I wanted to be an actress, then I visited NYC and realized I couldn't sing or dance, and I felt those things were tied to becoming successful in the business. Strike one. Then Jesus became important in my life (I have always believed in God, but didn't understand how God's son fit into my beliefs - then God started bringing it together for me - and still is). I couldn't reconcile the roles for women with what I believed. Strike Two. I chose to major in Theatre in college, but I was paying my way and working. Trying to pay for college and save money for a car - so I could drive to work and school was so stressful. I planned on continuing with school, but fell in love and he proposed. I left school to marry because he was graduating and moving to another state. I had 2-3 years left, even though we started at the same time - because I was only able to pay for 3 classes at a time, maintain a job and borrow my mom's car on a limited basis. Marrying my love and having him whisk me away from "all that" was MUCH more appealing. I have been blessed, he has been my knight in shining armour (Jesus is my white horse-if I can be so bold as to put in in those terms, Jesus is so much more). I have two wonderful children. And my current "dream" is to be a watercolor artist. This doesn't do my love story justice (my love for God and my love for husband) but it's a long enough answer to the question.
Wow, what a journey this has taken me on! I never really realized I wanted to be so many different things until I sat down and thought about it!
I went through the normal princess, model, actress, etc... phases that most girls did. But the most memorable of my elementary school aspirations was to be an archaeologist! Just the idea that I could spell that in the 3rd grade impresses me now! I still think I would have enjoyed that...
I went through a musical phase--wanted to be a church music director, piano teacher, school music teacher...
I went through a medical phase--my high school yearbook prophecy was that I'd be a neonatal nurse practitioner...probably would have liked that too...
Graduated from college with a nursing degree--hey, a theme starts to emerge! Went on to work in a neurological ICU and decided to go on to med school and be Chattanooga's first female neurosurgeon...no doubt I would have loved that, but wouldn't have had time to love anything or anyone else!
Met the man of my dreams who was as career-confused as me (architecture major-turned chemical/environmental engineer-turned dentist!) and did as my father suggested nearly ten years earlier--went to pharmacy school. Somehow you always wind up accepting that Daddy knows what he's talking about sometimes.
My reasoning for turning him down at that early point? Didn't want to do what one of my best friend's dad did (only pharmacist I knew at the time). The ironic thing? My boss is now that very same man!
The overriding theme of all my aspirations was that I wanted to win the Nobel prize...told that to my husband not too long ago...his comment? "Well, why don't you?" Now THAT'S a supportive man!
Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Melissa!
I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I also wanted to be married with 6 kids. I am 41, never married, no kids. I work in health insurance!! Nothing like what I had planned and wanted for my life. I do have a lot of kids in the church that look up to me so I'm trying to use this time as an opportunity to be a positive influence for them. But, looking back, I never dreamed I would still be single and no kids at my age.
When I was in high school I wanted to be a lawyer. I followed this dream into college. However, somewhere along the way I got introduced to psychology and chose this as my major. I still wanted to go to law school, but after doing poorly on the LSAT; that dream was smashed. I got my BA in psychology and got married, had kids, then went back to school and received my masters in counseling. That is what I am doing now. I do like it, but sometimes wonder what my life would have been like as an attorney.
I wanted to be an olympic gymnast!! But am now a registered nurse and just posted what my dream job in that regards would be, here's what it would look like:
http://johnsjournal-maria.blogspot.com/2009/08/dream-job.html
Such ambitious postings that I am embarassed to say that the extent of my ambition was to be a wife and mother. My dream was to enter my sewing projects in the Home Demonstration Club Achievement Day Competition. (I was raised in a small town and this was a very big deal). I have to laugh about that now.
As it turns out, I'm neither a wife nor a mother and while I still sew, there have been no competitions or ribbons. Ha!
But God led me in the direction that my gifts were well suited to -- I am an organized, detail-oriented bookworm - and have been a paralegal for 18 years and LOVE it.
elaine in new orleans
I always knew what I didn't want to be but never really had a burning passion for what I did want to do with my life, although singing or being a wildly successful author sounded good for a while. I remember my mother packing up a bunch of Barbie doll stuff several years back getting it ready to send to my sister. I commented that I didn't remember ever playing with Barbies to which she replied that I didn't, I played with typewriters! I guess that explains having been in the business world all my working life starting in export credit, migrating to being the executive assistant on a big master planned community which was huge fun and then managing the owners association at that community before retirement. These days I'm taking care of elderly parents and depending daily on God's great grace for the right attitude and blend of responsibility vs. guilt.
When I was a child I wanted to be an archeologist. Then as a teen I wanted to go to the mission field. And eventually I wanted to be a mommy to "perfect" children. Instead, I never made it to college, but got married at 19; those first few years made me think that was the biggest mistake ever, but now almost 30 years later, I see that God was in control then! We have done many, many mission trips with our church, and our youth.
I am a mom to 3 wonderful...but definitely not perfect, sons! I am an m-i-l to a fabulous woman my son chose, and a grandma to one of the biggest blessings of my life, my grandson Carson!
Sometimes I think I haven't done anything with this life...but thanks Melissa! I realize that no matter how imperfect it all is, and how dysfunctional it can be sometimes, I am blessed beyond measure! God is Awesome!
Rhonda in Lima
Well, when I was a little girl I simply wanted to be a mom. Then during my 15th year I had a series of night-time dreams that I was having twins. After I married and had my son, I got pregnant again when he was two years old and, you guessed it, had twin daughters! My children are 15 (son) and almost-13 (twin daughters). And I still just want to be a mom, but also work at my church as the pastor's assistant.
There were a lot of things I wanted to be! I started high school wanting to be an actress, until I read some articles my sophomore year about children whose parents were addicted to meth. I then decided I was going to be a social worker and work for CPS. Then God decided to change that this last year. After feeling like I was pursuing the wrong major and praying for God to lead me to a job that would utilise my spiritual gifts, He is leading to become a philosophy teacher in Paris, France. I've found that God's plans for my future are much more exciting than any of mine were. I think this one will stick, considering that God's starting to open up all the doors. As for now, though, I'm a student and part-time nanny(which I love!).
Melissa,
What a great post! I grew up in a fairly dysfunctional house. Thankfully, I was very loved, but my parents divorced and my mom worked 2-3 jobs most of the time. So, I always knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom. I also have a HUGE dream now to show our children what a life long marriage commitment looks like. I think that is such a gift to them, because I didn't know anyone growing up that was still married. So, I get to be a wife to a wonderful man who wants to spend his whole life with me and I have two amazing little boys. I couldn't imagine being more thankful, or feeling more fulfilled. God is so good! I feel like I live out my dream every single day.
When I was 16 I wanted to be a SAHM. In fact, I even shadowed a homemaker during career week.
And that is now my calling... I would have been pleasantly surprised to know that this is what I'd be doing at age 32.
HOWEVER. When I imaged life as a homemaker I envisioned taking care of children, reading stories, baking... the cozy, homey stuff. NOT the constant crumb clean up, reorganizing toys over and over again, changing beds, or cleaning toilets. I guess I thought I'd have a housekeeper?
Truthfully, if you had told me that being a homemaker also means several hours a day of cleaning I might have been less enthused.
But I know that what I do is incredibly important and I also feel very grateful that I get to be home with my little ones.
My oldest dream was to be a mom and a teacher. I remember "mothering" and "teaching" baby dolls from the time I was about 4 years old! There was a couple years where I wanted to live in New York or some big city and be some sort of executive in a big corner office. (Did you ever see the movie "Baby Boom"? I totally wanted to be J.C. Wyatt, the Tiger Lady...of course the movie ends with JC as a MOM, though!) These days, I am a stay at home mom with a degree in Elementary Education!!! :)
I ALWAYS wanted to be a wife and mother...but because I didn't see it in my own childhood home, I wanted to be a HAPPY wife and mother. While I do battle depression, I have learned unspeakable joy as God has blessed me with 12 years (this Saturday, the 8th!) with an amazing man and 9-1/2 years with our son. Life is good and I am so very blessed with a solid foundation on Christ the Solid Rock and blessings beyond measure!
What fun!
My dreams were to run away and become someone new and do something important. I wanted to help people and animals with no voice of their own and make a difference.
And I thought what better place than to start than joining Greenpeace. From when I was in early elementary school and I had first heard about those helpless baby harp seals being clubbed to death; well I could think of nothing more crucial for me to go out and do.
Until I heard about Cleveland Amory. Then I wanted to go out west and help him save the wild burros and then work at his Black Beauty Animal Sanctuary in Texas.
It went on and on, different animal...same theme. It would stress me out on how would I have enought time to help them all??!!!
And then as I got to be 12ish, I became more aware of people in need and wanted to join the Peace Corps. Growing up where I did, that was the closest thing I ever heard of being a missionary or else I probably would have wanted to be one of those too.
I just always thought that I had to go somewhere to 'do' something or make a difference.
God is amazing. No life didn't turn out like I had planned. I did become someone new, not like how I had thought but I am new creation and free. Hallelujah!
I now am 41, married and have 2 daughters and I am so blessed in being a stay at home mom. But it is also a blessing be able to find ways to help out people around me.
We have moved around a lot but we have yet to move anywhere that I can't find some way to help out and volunteer and help people in need right in my own backyard.
And needless to say, I am never lacking with any animals around me to care for or rescue.
Michelle in VT
What a fun blog question! Ok, you are going to laugh at me, but I think I deep down wanted to be married and be a mommy, yet that was not a noble or optional goal in my home so I settled for the goal of being a successful business woman! I now am a wife and a mommy who has had a taste of being a "successful" business woman in the ministry and I am shocked beyond belief that this life does exist and is noble after all! At that time I only thought the preacher with the robe owned a Bible as well! Thank you Jesus that so many things have changed!!!!!!!!!!
Kelly
Clarksville, TN
I grew up loving dogs so my natural self thought I wanted to be a veteranarian. Well, I don't do gross, blood & stuff so, guess I was barking up the wrong tree:) I went on to become a long distance operator for ma bell and that is where I met my husband of 24 yrs. I currently stay at home getting ready to send off our baby daughter to college in couple of weeks. Empty nest here we come! My husband and I plan to do mission work in Peru full time. Still love dogs:)
Growing up I wanted to be a "baby doctor" I LOVED being around babies...then when I found out what all that entailed I changed it to being a teacher...but God stepped into my life and I am now preparing to go to Romania and work at a children's home that is being built...God gave me a love for children and that was evident in my desire to be a baby doctor and teacher...I praise Him for the passions He has given me and the people surrounding me to help support and guide me in the right direction!
Vernon and I just talked about this topic on our anniversary! He wanted to be a pro baseball player.
I had two co-exsisting dreams that have stayed with me since I was very little, and lots of little peddlely onesthat have come and gone.
The two that have stayed are: I have always wanted to be a singer (but i really aspired only to be the background singer for some reason i always thought that would be so much better because you get to sing your heart out but dont have to deal with the fame.) I remember wanting to be a background singer since i was way little.
The second one was to live in africa and help little children. I always wanted to do this since i heard some missionaries come to our church...and well...here we are! amen.
amber burger
THEN: When I was sixteen I just KNEW I was going to be a pediatrician - specifically a neonatologist! And I expected at the age of thirty I would be married with children... I even majored in biomedical science....
NOW: I am a contemplative Catholic nun. (something I NEVER wanted to be) Which means, my life's work is to pray for the needs of the Church and the world. my current job in the convent is "subprioress" which basically means I am the assistant to the sister in charge of our community. I am happier than I ever thought I would be. Praise God! His plans are for our welfare!
At 16 I'd been saved for a year and a half. I wanted to travel the world, live in foreign country and wanted to speak French. I also wanted to be a teacher and help children around the world. I was big on humanitarian work. So when "We are the World" came out...I just loved it. :)
Well~ in my 20's I lived in Russia and Finland for nearly 6 years. I did teach English along with my two friends to 200 kids/adults. As far as French is concerned...I studied for 6 years but still can't SPEAK! I just memorize French worship songs.
Now in my mid 30's I am working at a rescue mission in NYC in the finance dept. Believe me...still trying to figure out how I ended up here! It has been a blessing though.
Still my heart is to help children locally and around the world. I teach Sunday School, do a once a month Kids club at my church, and help with missions projects as I am able. I think being around kids keeps my walk with Jesus REALLY and relevant!
~Ana C~
*NYC*
I always wanted to be a journalist or writer. My two oldest sisters were Registered Nurses and I thought that I should follow in their footsteps. My family so admired the medical profession and nurses were a big thing so In order to fit in I thought that is what I should do. I worked very hard to get into nursing school and flunked out. I realized now that is not where God wanted me. I felt like a failure for many years. God has led me full circle into what he wanted me to do, to write for HIM. I am a freelance Christian writer and I have a blog. I have been published. I am letting God lead me now and not the opinion of others.
Kathie Fracaro
Chattanooga, TN
I wrote in my High School Senior memory book that I wanted to be a Registered Nurse and be married and have two kids and drive a pick-up truck. I never pursued it though because I was always told nursing school was hard. But after I got married my husband encouraged me to try and what-do-you-know....I am now an RN and have been one for over ten years!! We also had two children and I drove a pick-up but now God has laid on our hearts to be foster-to-adopt parents and we now have two more children that we are fostering and hoping to adopt. Therefore, I now drive a suburban! I am still an RN, I work one weekend a month at the Hospice House (an inpatient hospice facility) and stay home with our children the rest of the time. Although, life is a little different than I dreamed it is still wonderful and VERY blessed!
Thank You, Lord!
Sacha
When I was ten my aunt and uncle asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I said I wanted to be a fruit chef. I am now feeling called to be a dietitian. So, either way I'm working with fruit. :)
hannah
I was going to be a world class figure skater. and then retire at age 25 to have loads of kids.
um...yeh, that didn't happen.
I'm an administrative assistant, married to a fabulous man of God (after two failed marriages, God is finally in charge of my and my household) and we have a gorgeous baby girl who is about to turn one year old.
If ANYONE had told me i would have infertility issues, divorces and all the mess I made of my life before God redeemed it I would have laughed at them. My life was going to be perfect.
but perfect, whole, unbroken lives don't have enough cracks in them to let God shine through. People who know me now, know that the only good they see is from God. Not from my efforts.
I didn't earn happiness.
I didn't work for the beautiful baby girl we are being allowed the joy of raising.
All the good in my life comes from God.
When I was in Junior High I wanted to be a nurse, that is until I took 9th grade Science and decided if I couldn't disect a frog how would I be able to be a nurse. In High School I wanted to do something in business. When I went to college (without a major) I took a drawing class and decided to major in Art History. I was going to graduate from college, move to New York City, live in a cute little loft and work in an Art Gallery. But then I met my future husband and it all came to a screeching halt:) I got married and started a family and thought that I would just be a stay-at-home mom. I was completely content until our financial situation prompted me to go out in to the working world. I worked at a television station, grocery store and am currently the Administrative Secretary at our church. About 4 years ago while on our Women's Retreat I started to hear the call from God to go into ministry. I am currently working towards that goal of being a Local Pastor. If someone would have told me when I was in High School that I would someday become a pastor I would have laughed until it hurt. But I know now that it is exactly what I am suppose to do, and when I look back over the 44 years that I have been on this earth I can see times where I was being called. I just didn't want to hear. Now I have my ears, mind and soul open to whatever God wants me to do. I am truly the happiest I have ever been.
Blessings,
Jill
I always wanted to work with Computers. I grew up able to (at a stretch) see IBM's european HQ out of our window and by age 8 I could program my first PC.... Now aged 34 I am currently a Project Manager with IBM with a fantastic career and living 'my dream' - and I love it.
Here's the funny thing though. It seems it might not be God's plan for my life (I always figured I'd retire there). Having recently finished the Daniel study I was completely challenged by Beth's statement 'Take your Ponsa' (spelling?) -Well God has about turned my life upside down in last few months and just to say that THIS WEEK I applied for a full-time Christian ministry at our church to teach seeker courses, and new beleiver courses and be a bridge to our needy community. It couldn't be more different to 'My plans' but I am convinced its my responsibility (ponsa)
I wanted to be a mother as far back as I can remember. I always treated my baby dolls like real babies and longed to be a "real mommy". God blessed me with a wonderful, Godly husband almost 25 years ago and we have been blessed with two beautiful daughters (ages 20 & 15). I became a mother about five years after we were married and I have been able to fulfill my lifelong dream to be a mom for the last 20+ years. God has also provided and blessed in BIG ways for me to be a stay at home mom for all these years. I am one blessed woman!!!
I wanted to be an astronaut. As the years went on, I felt a calling to become a teacher. I stayed home with my children and am currently in my last year to earn my degree. I get so excited everytime I student teach or even walk into any school. I can't wait. It is my absolute dream job!
I always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. However, God being who He is needed me to be the main breadwinner in our family and my husband stays at home with our 2 children. He did give me a job that I not only enjoy, but feel that He has purposely called me to to further His kingdom. Even though there are days I struggle with working rather than staying a home full time with my kids, I know I am working within His will. It makes it easier that way!
Jana
At 16, I wanted to be 'out of my parents' home' - ha! - but, honestly wanted to be a big bank exec. Didn't know Jesus and had only been to church a handful of times my entire life.
Today, I'm a stay at home Mom (something I said I would NEVER do) and love it. I'm going back to school to study God's Word - something my 16 year old self would be blown away by.
When I was young, I wanted to be a singing star. I even put my tights on my head so I could have REALLY long hair, and used the vacuum as both my stand-mike and corded-mike when I needed to move with the music.
In my early years of h.s. I wanted to be a nurse, even working as a candy-striper in our small hospital. I was always Dad's orderly when he had doctoring to do on any of his cattle... loved the blood, guts and goo. Now, when anyone even tells a story about an injury my stomach queases.
Then I became an English teacher and school counselor, which I loved, except for the high maintenance or non-present parents... They were really frustrating. Oh and 7th grade essays which were for the most part BORING!
Now, I am a mommy, wife, bookkeeper, tractor driver, cattle mover, landscaper, vaccine administrator, cook, housekeeper, laundress, chauffer, caterer, youth leader, Bible study leader.... the list continues. If I ever do go to find a REAL job, I'll be WAY overqualified!
I wanted to be an architect. I still think about going back to school for it sometimes. But, I am a professional seamstress and i do mostly bridal alterations. My dad taught me to sew when I was 7 and I haven't looked back. I do love it!
The first thing I remember wanting to be was a math teacher. Then something with a fancy title - like computer Ph.D. something. There was a fleeting thought of being a missionary. Ended up working for the government for 12 years, then full-time vocational ministry, then God took me out of there and put me in a seminary where I still work. Now I teach a women's bible study on Tuesday night and am praying that increases. So I guess my desire to be a teacher was somewhat close.
Kim . . . who is
Grafted by Grace
I wanted to be a soap star on All My Children or General Hospital! Praise God He had better plans for me!!! Love y'all...
Allison
When I was 7 I wanted to be a cross country truck driver...just like on the TV show "BJ and the Bear." When I was 12, I wanted to be a rodeo cowgirl. When I was 16 I wanted to marry and NFL football player...specifically one that was a Denver Bronco so I could live in the mountains. Then I wanted to be a youth minister and/or a teacher.
I went to undergrad school, graduate school, then taught schoool, then traveled the world for a year singing and performing with Up with People, then I went back to teaching in the inner city, then to seminary to become a United Methodist minister. I was a missionary teacher in Bolivia and Guatemala, was a UM minister and teacher and NOW!! NOW....I get to stay at home with my children (3 1/2 and 1) and am married to a Baptist kindergarten teacher!!! God is amazing!! HIS plans are always so much better...Jeremiah 29:11!!!!
I had so many dreams of what I wanted to be when I grew up. From an astro-physicist, nurse, doctor, and teacher. I actually majored in El. Ed. but quickly discovered I was going to turn into Arnold Schwartzenhager in Kindergarten Cop with all the parents that should not have, in my opionion, been blessed with chilren. After many years out of teaching God brought it full cirlce with the revelation I needed a subject I was passionate about with a captivated audience. I am now on the brink of a teaching ministry.
I wanted to be a Vet from a very young age until I decided I wanted to be a nurse. I spent most of my adult life as an accountant and tax preparer...quite a difference!
Finally, I went back to college and I just graduated with a degree in Human Services at the age of 62. I'm now doing what I wanted to do my entire life - helping others. I learned that it's never too late to follow your dreams. With God's help all things are possible.
Paula/Bonnie
A school bus driver! Maybe it's because I'm rather short and that big yellow bus is one of the biggest vehicles on the road! And although I've gotten other big ideas in my head over the years about a career, that dream of driving a school bus has never died! I wanted to be a lawyer at one time. Then I wanted to be a music teacher. I actually graduated from college with a degree in accounting - which is great because it allows me to work from home so I can be a stay at home mom, but I totally dislike accounting. A few years ago I wanted to get a counseling degree. But currently I'm thinking I'd like to get a teaching degree. But you know what?! That school bus driver dream is still bubbling under the surface regardless of how many times I change my mind!
At 16 I imagined myself to be pretty much where I am now as far as walk-of-life. Now, my location isn't at all where I thought I would be. I thought I would be in a bigger city, but now we are in a smaller town. I felt a call to the ministry sometime in my teen years but had no idea in what direction (and I think God is still working in me on that one as far as bringing even more fruition from that. Still don't know specifics. I'm sure He'll let me in on it when he's ready ;-). I met my husband about 2 months before my 16th birthday, and I knew that he was going into the ministry (he was 19), so obviously at that point I would have hoped that by 30 I would have been married to a youth pastor (specifically my husband) and have 2 kids. We married 4 years later. I am presently 26, am married to a youth pastor, and I have 1 daughter. And unless God decides otherwise, we are 1 and done (due to complications with delivery).
I ended up getting my degree in elementary education about 6 years ago... it ended up that I didn't like teaching very much. Although now I work part time as an aide at a preschool and I do like it.
Now rewind to a couple of years before meeting my husband, I virtually told God that I would not marry a pastor. And not long after that is when I felt the tug to ministry, lol.
Rewind even earlier in my childhood and I wanted to be a singer. Then an architect. Then an interior designer. And it always came back to singer somehow. Then we moved to middle TN south of Nashville and I realized that I really wasn't star quality. So those dreams started getting dashed around high-school, I think. :) (I moved in 5th grade, and yes it took me THAT long to realize I wasn't THAT good,lol.)
When I was a kid I wanted to be a teacher. I played school anytime I could. My grandpa made cement yard art as a hobby. He would come home and I would have named all the statues. (They were such an easy class!) I also wanted to be a minister. I went to college and double majored in Christian Ed and Elementary Ed. I dropped ther double major and ended up minoring in elementary ed. I work in a Title 1 school now after doing 23 years of Christian Ed. I love what I do. The pay stinks but it is very rewarding. I am hoping to go back and get my master's in curriculum and instruction. Then I will be able to teach and have my own classroom. Mission work right here at home!
At 16 all I wanted to do was be noticed. So, I decided I would do whatever job got me noticed the most. Turns out, when I got to college, I fell in love with the grounds at my university--Furman University--which is like one big garden. So, guess who turned into a plant pathologist/hort. gal.? Even went so far as to get my doctorate in it and now I spend my days only being noticed by plants! The Lord knew that deep down I was a quiet, shy person who had always connected with his creation and that one day I'd spend my days taking care of it--completely unnoticed and totally happy. He is so good.
When I was 16 I took one of those career evalution tests at school which was supposed to generate an answer on which I would base my future education and goals. I answered all the questions and what did it tell me? It had NOTHING for me. The teacher shrugged and I actually went for a long time not having any clear direction and felt overwhelmed by the thought of being 30 someday. Recently I thought about that test and realized Homemaker and Mother wasn't an option on there and that is what I wanted to be even at the age of 16. I am that today and I can't think of another job that would give me the personal freedom I experience. The pay is great too:)
I always wanted to be a teacher. I've taught in public school, Christian school, and Bible studies at my church. Now, I do not work outside my home. God is leading me to write. I'm a blogger. And because of the Scripture Memory, I'm making friends with a siesta who is a blogger in another state. We read each other's blogs and leave comments. We discovered we have a lot in common. We've never laid eyes on each other, but God is binding our hearts together. Do you realize how this blog is bringing siestas together? Do you get that? I'm grateful!!
When I was 16 I wanted to be a high school band director; now I'm an accounting professor and I LOVE my job!
I'll keep it short since I'm heading out the door...
I wanted to be a nurse in Oncology.
Still do in a lot of ways.
Currently, I'm a wife, mom, and in ministry at my church.
All I ever remember wanting to be was a teacher. I fullfilled that dream after I got my degree in elementary education. I taught 3rd grade for 1 year and now I am a fulltime mommy/teacher to my 2 children. I will be homeschooling my daughter this fall as she starts kindergarten. So my dream job has come true!!
I grew up wanting to be an attorney. My dad and I watched Perry Mason all the time (re-runs....thank you very much, I'm only 31).
I am now a corporate recruiter....who talks to phd economists all day long (sounds exciting, right).
It's strange because I don't recall ever thinking about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I don't think I ever knew that I had options. As a teen I thought about getting married & having kids when I became an adult, but that hasn't happened. I now work in banking, but it's not what I prefer.
When I was a little girl, I sang to everyone in my presence. I would make my extended family sit in my room as an audience and listen to my show. I really wanted to be Cher. I thought she was so beautiful. We were complete opposites. She was so dark, with long dark straight hair, and I was (and still am) so fair, with white/blonde curls. During recess at school, I would sing every musical number I knew, like I was on Broadway. Looking back, kids must have thought I was crazy.
I also loved to do hair and makeup. I did everyone's hair that would allow me. My poor dolls were pathetic; they all had very edgy haircuts. I got into so much trouble from getting into my grandmother's makeup and jewelry as a girl. I didn't care about the consequences, I just loved the bling and makeup!
I did continue singing in school and received a vocal performance scholarship. My singing has now subsided. I am married and have 3children. I don't know if I will ever use the passions that God gave me as a girl, but I am grateful for the life He has given me.
Great post! I have loved reading everyone's dreams.
I wanted to be a teacher. However, due to my own choices, I found myself pregnant my Senior year of high school. Two weeks after I graduated high school, my precious daughter was born. I was unable to attend college and pursue my "dream". I did get myself back into right relationship with The Lord in my "20's and seek His will for my life from that point forward.
I must say, it is interesting the verse that speaks of God giving us the desires of our hearts (maybe out of context here) but I have had the privileged of home schooling my youngest daughter all through her school years. She will be a senior this years. :) I was able to be a "teacher" after all. In addition, to being a "stay at home mommy" to my beautiful girls, I am also a Pastor's wife (God has such a sense of humor).
I wanted to be a mother and a teacher. Then as I got a little older and was time for college I went into book-keeping. That became my life career, and I just retired after having done so for 22 years. I'm not a mother in the sense of how we humans think of mothers, but I'm a step-Mom, and I LOVE TO MOTHER OTHERS! ;0) AND get this, God has me teaching through mentoring and facilitating Bible Studies in our community.
AMAZING!
When I was a child, I always wanted to be a nurse. For as long as I can remember,that's all I wanted to do. God allowed me to become a nurse. After I married and had children, I prayed to be able to stay home with my children. God has now allowed me a job as a case manager to be home and also be a nurse. God is so good!!!!
I use to dream of being a Christian singer - never mind I had NO TALENT for such a thing :) I attended 4 years of college to teach with plans to receive my masters and then be a guidance counselor. SO, what I do now - MOM! I never have taught - I have done some long term sub jobs but never been a full-time teacher. Now, I am home 75% of the time with my kids and work part time at a hunting lodge in the kitchen. I let my teacher license expire - if I ever have to get a full time job again I want it to be in the ministry of some sort - maybe women's.
When I was that age I was going to be the next Amy Grant. I started writing songs in junior high (some of them would make you laugh 'til you cried!). I really liked (still do, truth be told) to write parodies. So I wrote "Read It" instead of MJ's "Beat It" about reading the Bible. Hilarious! Fast forward and now I'm 37, married and mothering two sons. I married someone who is not musically inclined and it doesn't appear that our sons are geared that way either. It's been a longing that has gone mostly unfulfilled in the past several years with the exception for singing my songs for a handful of people. I have had to really distance myself from that longing because it can be so painful to be passionate about something and know it is part of who you are and yet have it be so out of reach. However, I know that God is preparing me for something new. Part of that is the opportunity to enter into worship again. Not to sing so that it can be about me. But so that it can be about him. I am excited to see what HE is going to do!
By the way, I'm so glad you turned out to be a beautiful book worm!
I have loved this post. What a blessing to read about others lives and see where our God has taken them! :)
From the time I can remember all I wanted was to be married and to be a mom. This, to me, was an obvious desire placed by the Lord. My parents didn't have a great marriage and did end up divorced for a few years(they have remarried, praise God) and my relationship with my sisters was not so fantastic that I desired that same thing for my children...but that desire remained. In high school I knew I needed to pick a career path...well, because that is what you do, right? :) So, I chose nursing. I looked into it a little bit but didn't feel a huge desire for it. Well, as God would have it, my husband and I became best friends our jr year of high school and got married at the sweet age of 19. We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary tomorrow with 3 amazing kids and one on the way. Life could not be any sweeter or more fulfilling. He is sooooo good!
I wanted to be in the medical field in some kind of capacity. It seemed so important. I became a candystriper at 13 because I loved hospitals:) I went on to study Occupational Therapy.
I immediately got pregnant after graduation and never took a job or looked back for that matter.
Once I had my baby I knew that that was what I was supposed to be... a stay at home mom:)
When I was a kid...I've always been a dreamerand I dreamed I would to be a wife, a "mommy", bake and and make a happy home...make a difference in the lives of others.
What I do now... I'm a wife, a "mommy", I bake and and make a happy home...I'm a "FAMILY INVESTOR" and am still a dreamer!
God is so GOOD!
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.May the LORD grant all your requests. (Psalm 20:4-5 NIV)
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