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.

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200 Responses to “Dreams”

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Comments:

  1. 101
    Anonymous says:

    When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher. I would play like I was a teacher with my invisible students all the time. I even had my parents set up a small white board in my room, complete with a desk and a clip outside the door to hang my attendance on! 🙂

    However as I got in High School I quickly realized I couldn't handle teaching a class of REAL kids. Ha. I think at 16 I was going back and fort between being a school counselor or Human Resources. I do HR now and have been for 5 years. I love it! I have had a recent opportunity (different career all together) come up that I'm praying through.

  2. 102
    Anonymous says:

    All through high school, the one dream I had was to live in Israel and work in the kibbutz communities. It sounded like the ultimate opportunity to combine my faith and life as a hippy. I could not imagine anything more wonderful.
    Never happened and I have never even been to the Holy Lands. Instead, I went to college, married an amazing man, raised a family out in the country and lived happily ever after.

  3. 103
    Jennifer says:

    I wrote a letter to myself back in high school that said I wanted to be a CPA, own my own accounting firm or be partners in an accounting firm. I wanted to be married to the guy I dated at the time and have a big house, 3 or 4 children and the whole picture perfect life. Well, I got my accounting degree worked in a CPA firm for awhile, married that same guy, and built the mansion on the hill….Only to find out that "my" dream wasn't so picture perfect and it all fell apart. I got very angry at God and walked away because I couldn't understand why all this hadn't been what I thought it would be. On the outside it was perfect but it was very unsatisfying on the inside. After running from God for several years I found the bottom of my pit and looked up to find that God was still there and he still had a plan. He has blessed me with a wonderful husband, two beautiful little boys, inside and out, and most of all a relationship with him that I don't know I would have ever experienced if I hadn't made such a mess of things on my own and learned what it means to be a child of God and not just filling a pew and doing the "church thing."

    Oh and I rarely use that accounting degree in the position I am now in in state goverment, but I don't mind because we are working toward me being at home with the boys if that is what God's will is.

  4. 104
    sjm4him says:

    Well, I always dreamed (assumed) I would be a wife and mother. Have never been either and I'm 36. Then in Jr. High/High School/College/Grad School, I thought I'd be a professional oboist and/or music teacher. I tried both and realized music was supposed to be my form of worship.

    Now I do a lot of computer work with reports and analysis on different investments. It is not something I ever DREAMED I'd be doing (I never liked math!) but I know it's God's plan, for now.

    And as for the wife and mother thing, the Lord knows my heart. I keep repeating that to Him because I don't know how to pray. I believe He will give me the desires of my heart by giving me a husband and a child or by changing my desires. Until then, I must trust Him!

    Thanks for this post. REALLY REALLY loved the MM&L Bible Study. So exactly what I needed!

    Love y'all

  5. 105
    Miranda says:

    When I was little I wanted to be the first Woman President. Ha! Then I wanted to be a doctor. Then about High Shool I wanted to go into the Medical Field and I went to school for Nursing for 4 years.

    However at the last moment I dropped out of Nursing school and changed my major to Communications: TV/Cinema for broadcasting. As you could imagine my Mom was so upset with me… and a little disappointed because she knew I would be set financially. However I boldly did what I felt was right in my heart.

    Since then God has blessed me with AMAZING internships! CMT and FOX News in Nashville and Gospel Music Channel in Atlanta. It has been so great and I've gotten to do things I never thought would have been possible for me and have met many wonderful people I never thought I'd get to meet!

  6. 106
    Julie says:

    I wanted to be a teacher or an olympic gymnast. Never did get to be a gymnast except in my own mind on our trampoline in the backyard, but I am priviledge to teach in our church. Its not what I do for a living (I am an office manager for an automobile dealer) but it is what I love and it does bring me life!

  7. 107
    Chariemagoo says:

    I felt God call me into the ministry at 12 years old. I didn't quite know how, but I also enjoyed being on staff at a Christian camp in GA, and art. Now, I do a little of all. I am married to a man who travels full time preaching, I also teach (shared my painting as an illustration during my girls' session this summer), and we have summer camps with about 2500 students every summer. Wow, who would have thought God could make me so complicated, but put it all together so beautifully.

  8. 108
    Audrey says:

    I always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. We played school so many times in our den growing up–that was when they sent the old textbooks home with you if they were getting new ones for the next year! Then when I reached junior high and high school I fell in love with math–even the stuff that others had extreme dislike for! My dad gave me the idea that I could be a mathematician. I worked hard and got good grades and could have done many things. I've recently been thinking that this was one area of my life that I gave as a sacrifice to the LORD when I accepted the call to full-time Christian service my junior/senior year in high school. I went to Johnson Bible College to become a teacher, but partway through my first year came to realize I didn't truly feel called to teaching. Really I wanted to be a youth minister's wife, take care of the organizing details for him (be his administrative assistant 🙂 and lead worship. I had three women in my life that showed great joy doing each one of these jobs separately, however I wanted to do it all! Unaware of what was soon to come, a friendship between a senior on the preaching/youth ministry program and a freshman unsure of where she was going began on Valentine's day, then God made our friendship complete when we got married 8 1/2 months later. We do always think of God's timing as QUICK, don't we?! I got to be a youth minister's wife & do some of his organizing for about 2 years, then God added 2 boys to our family. Now, we have been married for almost 9 years and we are beginning our second year of homeschooling. I still love math and absolutely love singing praise and worship to our King!! I am a wife, mother, teacher, cook, housekeeper, organizer, bookkeeper, Bible study teacher and youth leader. We are waiting on the LORD to show us the next step, but I know He has us where He wants us right now, and I am truly grateful for that. He is good!!

  9. 109
    Anonymous says:

    I wanted to be a CPA and be completely involved in my career. Now at 29, I am a stay at home mom of two and married to a pastor. He was a financial advisor when we were married. My how our plans change!

  10. 110
    Xena says:

    When I was 16 it was 1969 and I didn't think I'd make it to 30! I lived life in the moment, usually in some altered state and never thought of 'what I wanted to do/be in the future other than continuing on in an altered state!' Fast forward to present and God has me on a unique and wild, adventuresome path. Even though I'm looking at 60 closer everyday, God has given me a wonderful, though sometimes challenging life! BTW, when I received Christ in 1980, little did I know what that would all entail!! It would take a book to write and most of it had not been considered, even in my wildest dreams, in the previous 11 years!!!

  11. 111
    Katie says:

    I really don't ever remember having a serious ambition growing up. When I was in elementary school I wanted to be an elementary teacher just so I could write on the chalk board. In middle school all I wanted was to be a cheerleader so I could be pretty and popular. In high school I remember thinking "I don't have a dream, what can I do?" I didn't think I could do anything (I had absolutely zero talent!), and I didn't know what I wanted. I went to college and I wanted to prove that I was smart, so I decided I would be a lawyer. Then, I realized I was just doing that to prove something, not because I enjoyed it. Then, I really enjoyed my psychology class, so I went on and received an undergrad degree in psychology (having absolutely no clue as to what I would do with it!). I also met my future husband there. Now I am 26 years old, happily married, but unemployed. Currently, I have surrendered my life to the Lord and I am waiting on His dream to be fulfilled for my life (which is extremely excruciating!). I'm not sure what's next for me, but Jesus Christ has saved me from living a life of meaninglessness. With Him I know who I am and I know I have purpose. I guess the most succint way to put it is like this: By myself I have no hope, but with Him I have a dream.

  12. 112
    Anonymous says:

    I wanted to be a mommy. And a teacher, because my second grade teacher with the thick make-up line around her jaw was SO beautiful; I wanted to be just like her. And I wanted to be a stewardess and push a little cart like the one that came with my Barbie airplane. But then I read Harriet the Spy, and I really wanted to be like her deep in my heart. (A writer, not a spy.) More things were added to my list along the way (Miss America, McDonald's cashier, archeologist, doctor, year-round camp staff…), but writer won out in the end. I'm presently a freelance writer and a mommy and a wife, and I'm so thankful. But I still find myself wondering what I want to do when I grow up. I wonder if that feeling will ever go away.

    Linda in MN

  13. 113
    Angela says:

    I have to chuckle.. When I was in the 4th grade, I wrote a paper saying I wanted to be an architect. I loved to doodle.. and doodled all over everything. In Jr. Hi I fell in love with drafting and soon became good at it. I took all the architectural drafting classes in highschool. I was the only girl left in the drafting classes by the time I was a senior. I also learned that an architect doesn't get to draw as much as the draftsman… so I pursued a drafting career and loved it. I almost loved it too much and the thought of leaving my job to have children tore me up. One year later God had changed my heart and gave birth to a beautiful son. My employer was gracious and let me work from home the next 3 years. Now I'm about to start homeschooling. I know the drafting world will still be there when I want to go back.. but first, I'll help my husband raise these boys. 🙂

  14. 114
    Anonymous says:

    I got alittle plastic nurse kit when I was 4. I nursed my family with the plastic stethescope and candy pills. A fire was lit. I wanted to be a wife and mom, too. (I also thought being an astronomer, archeologist, or astronaunt might be good to consider.) I was blessed with the wife and mom part, worked many caregiving jobs(that God used to shape me and mold me). I got to go to LPN school in my 40's and now in my 50's I am in college slowly working on my degree. God blesses us with the desires of our hearts in ways we can never imagine. In Jesus' Love Kathy Knoblock

  15. 115
    Becca says:

    I haven't always wanted to be a nurse, but that's what I'm working towards now.

    I changed my mind many different times. I wanted to be a teacher, a marine biologist (I loved dolphins!) and even thought about being a pediatrician. That was the most recent (before nursing) and I figured out that I didn't want to spend another 14 years in school :/

    I guess I was about 16 when I decided I wanted to be a nurse 🙂

  16. 116
    Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife says:

    Planned to be a business executive and was well on my way. Wanted to move to Chicago or NY and live in a brownstone, and God help me never get married or have kids. I hated relationships and children. Leave me alone, thank you very much.

    And God laughed. Married me to a preacher. Removed me from the work place. Put me in rural Alabama with a house full of stinkin' kids.

    And couldn't be happier. 🙂

  17. 117
    Shelli Littleton says:

    When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a mommy and wife. God gave me the wife part easily, at the young age of 18. The children part did not come so easily. In sheer desperation, I started my first Beth Moore study at the age of 28 … and my new goal was to love God the way Beth did. We soon adopted our first baby girl, and then our second baby girl. We are so blessed and fulfilled. I began writing a manuscript on surviving hardships (still waiting to see what the Lord will do or won't do with that), and the Lord led me to write for Woman's Missionary Union. I get to interview the most amazing people and share their mission stories with the world. What incredible things God can do when your goal is simply to love and know Him.

    Thank you, Beth, for your contagious God love!
    Shelli Littleton, 41, in Fort Worth, Texas

  18. 118
    Kristie says:

    I wanted to be a school teacher. I did that for 2 years.
    Now I'm a atay-at-home mom (homeschooling, too…so I guess I'm really still teaching).

  19. 119
    Anonymous says:

    I have ALWAYS wanted to be a doctor. Well, there was a brief period when I thought about being an astronaut, but then soon enough realized that medicine was what I wanted. I also always really wanted kids. I had my plan. I would grow up, marry a preacher (even at a young age I had all these Bible questions, so I figured it was the most logical to marry a preacher so he could explain things to me)become a doctor and we would do missionary work. We'd have at least 4 kids and life would move merrily along the way.
    Life did move merrily along the way, but in college I decided that med school was too long would be 30 before I finished. So shortly after my husband and I got married, I applied to PA school, got denied (they thought I was a better fit for med school)and then started our family. I'm now happily married to an attorney (who does love the word and teaches Sunday school-so he answers most of my questions)and preggo with baby #4!

    kaci from norman

  20. 120
    Marilyn in Mississippi says:

    Let's see if I can remember waaaaay back when I was young….at first I wanted to be a ballerina. I checked out all the Little Ballerina books from the library and dreamed about being her. But we could never afford dancing lessons. In fact, I don't think there were any in our small town. Then I wanted to be a gymnast. After a few sessions with the parralell bars and the "horse thing" during gym class at school I knew I was definately NOT gifted in that area. Or in any kind of sports either. As an older teen I desired to marry, have kids, and be a school teacher. I went to college for two years majoring in elementary education before getting married. Did have kids….3. And was a school teacher for 17 years. But not just as I had planned. You see, I homeschooled our 3 kids from kindergarten through 12th grade. I'll never regret it either. They are all very smart and all have a great work ethic and good jobs. I can see so many places where God pushed me in the direction He wanted me to go or else my life would probably have been a huge mess by now!

    It's been really interesting to read the comments here today!

    Marilyn….in Mississippi

  21. 121
    Kristy says:

    At 16, I wanted to be a "career" woman. No kids, no marriage. I wanted to be independent – on my own, making good money with a nice office job somewhere.
    (My mom married young, had me even younger, and has lived in a…let's just say – "difficult" marriage. I wanted anything different.

    I married not as young – but young – at 19, did wait 5 yrs. to have children though – am now a stay at home mom to 3, married to a career military man. I am in college for the first time, to be a nurse.

    SO, not what I thought!

  22. 122
    Jeanine says:

    Melissa,
    You definitely know how to get us thinking! I have a hard time sharing my dream because it is still unfulfilled. And though my life is filled with an abundance of blessings, this one never leaves me. I wrote a little more about it on my new blogspot (which frankly, you inspired with this very "dreams" post.) Anyone is welcome to read it. http://www.thevoiceofadreamer.blogspot.com

    What I loved about reading all these comments, is just how beautifully, we are all works in progress. Some dreams have been fulfilled and new ones born, some redefined or refined, some still linger. Praise God, He is ever on His throne, guiding us, for our good and His glory.

    Blessings to all!

  23. 123
    Lisa S. says:

    When I was young I wanted to be a wife, mother, and a newpaper columnist. All of my dreams were centered around life as I knew it in my home state. I married a wonderful man (from another state) at 23, became a mom (FINALLY, after many tears and setbacks) at 28, and again at 34. Now married for over 16 years, God has used every minute within those years to teach me exactly what being a wife and mom really means. There are new lessons every day. Dreaming of a reality and then living that reality well– in a way that honors God– are two totally different things. Failures make that very clear.

    Since my dreams revolved around a life in Georgia, never did I expect God to relocate us multiple times. But in His infinite grace and mercy He has taught me more about life through my moves across the US. I’ve learned more about Him than I would have perhaps ever learned had I stayed in the same state. For me, His plan involved many different people touching my life. I honestly cannot imagine my life now without the spiritual mentoring of Jane in NJ or Holli in FL, or without the friendships with believers and unbelievers alike that I've met along the way. With my 40th rolling toward me like a freight train, I find myself reflecting on my adult years and realize I'm eternally grateful for those excruciating changes that defined my twenties and thirties. What once seemed like a devastating loss, leaving all that is familiar, for me it may have been necessary. It was important for God to show me that He is EVERYWHERE I go. My life has not been lived where I expected it to be, but thankfully God's thoughts aren't my thoughts. Wouldn't change a minute of my life now. I know my God is with me always.

    My one regret is that my dream of being a newspaper columnist…never happened. But I trust God's timing more than my dreams, so I'll see what's in store for my 40s!

  24. 124
    The B Family says:

    I wanted to be an English high school teacher, possibly an elementary teacher. I pursued that in college for 2 1/2 years, then my dream flopped. Not really up my alley. Now my big plans are cosmetology! Think Beth would let me get ahold of her hair? 🙂

  25. 125
    Sharon says:

    When I was in high school, my dad wanted me to take business classes which I hated! After the first semester one of my teachers said to me in private to get out of the business classes (YIPPEE)!
    I will say I did work in an office twice, once they let me go and the other they moved me out where I was working with the public, which I loved.
    I wanted to be a hairdresser (to complicated to tell this story), so eight months after high school I met someone and was married, I had two children, and a divorce. I was married again and had another child, basically I was a stay at home mom for a long time. Then at the ripe age of 31 I went to beauty school. For years it was my passion. I worked full time, then part time, and have not worked for the past 8 months due to health issues. I will be going back next week one day a week. I have been in the industry for 26 years.
    Beth, I always loved BIG HAIR, long or short, just big.

  26. 126
    Anonymous says:

    To Princess Tiffany:
    Congratulations on the New Grandmother title. I think that rocks!
    Kim Feth
    Aepx, NC

  27. 127
    Anonymous says:

    I wanted to be a detective, just like Nancy Drew. Got accepted into FBI training academy, but then they realized how bad my vision really is and were afraid for me carry a gun. So, continued w/ Social Work. Turned into a transcriptionist because it meshed w/ a new born baby boy. Started a transcription company. Went back to work combining those skills. Now I'm an elementary school bookkeeper and lead secretary because that fits with my family. Sometimes, I just laugh at how awesome God's plan has unfolded and can't wait to see what he has in store for me and my fam.
    I'm reading In A Pit, With A Lion, On a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson. I love his idea that if your dreams don't keep you on your knees in prayer and in need of divine intervention, then your goals/dreams are big enough.
    Peace,
    Kim Feth
    Apex, NC

  28. 128
    Charlotte says:

    I wanted to do so many different things. Nurse, hairdresser, secretary, teacher, writer. Oh well I'm not doing any of those I'm just a cashier at a wholesale club. I try to be a blessing to my members and I am happy though. I serve a mighty God who will use me wherever I'm at. God Bless!

  29. 129
    Hearingw/myheart says:

    Well, deep in my heart, I had always wanted to be a teacher! I have such a passion for all and wanting their needs to be met. Just before entering Abilene Christian University, I met with my advisor at Texas Rehabilitation Center. I told him what my degree plan was going to be – to become a elementary teacher, but he basically told me that he didn't feel that was the perfect fit for me because I am Deaf. Naturally, I was devastated, and my parents couldn't convinced me that was not true. So, I majored in Business Administration and minored in accounting. After a few years of being married to my husband, I told him what I wanted to do, and we prayed about it and within the next year, I had received my teaching certificate. I taught special education for 7 years just before staying home with our boys. Then, I was asked to be the Director of our Mother's Day Out program at FBC, Waxahachie. This is our 3rd year of this ministry, and it has been a true joy teaching the teachers, parents, and children about our Lord and Savior! Just this past month, God has opened another opportunity for me at our church. Along with MDO, I am also the Minister of Community Development. I will be helping our church build partnerships with the community to build bridges with those that are in need. I praise God for all the twists and turns that we have had together on this rollercoaster ride toward heaven! I wouldn't change anything – sure there has been disappointments in others not seeing His gifts in me, but seeking Him has provided the way –

  30. 130
    Michelle ~ ~ says:

    at 16 … I declared Romans 8:28 for my life, not even thinking twice about it. My family moved from Ohio to Boston Massachusetts. Still I claimed Rom. 8:28. I met a darlin' handsome young man my age … still claiming Rom. 8:28. And we've celebrated 26 years together .. and our 30th highschool reunion is next month. All my life I've claimed Rom. 8:28 and God has moved my family from East Coast to West Coast! Isn't it a hoot … God is good!!

  31. 131
    Shawnna says:

    Like Amanda, I dreamed of being a journalist. One of my favorite movies growing up was – I'm not kidding – "All the President's Men". Something about the search for the story was just fascinating.
    I did work in television and radio while in college. Went on to run a student-produced tv station at our local high school after I was married.
    When I had my first child, I decided to stay at home. I didn't go back to work until my third child was 3…and that was part-time for our local newspaper.
    I left that job last year after 6 years and am working for the school district again, this time as a classroom aide.
    It's not the glitz and glamour I dreamed of, but I trust in God's plan for my life…to borrow from one of my favorite songs "He's never failed me yet"!

  32. 132
    Becky says:

    When I was in 4th grade, I read a fictional book about a nurse. I thought,that sounds interesting. That became my focus. I knew then that I wanted to be a nurse. My mom was my biggest encourager.When I was 14 she was diagnosed with cancer. I remember fixing her eggs,and bringing them to her. She told me I was going to be a good nurse. What encouragement that was to me,and still is after all these years after her death. God had a plan for me! My sister also was diagnosed with cancer, after I'd been a nurse for 20 years.After a major operation, I stayed in her hospital room for 3 days taking care of her. I was her support system,and we sang praise songs in her room. That brought me comfort after her passing,that I was able to nurse her in her time of need. Now that my kids are grown, I went on a trip to Guatemala,a medical mission trip,and was able to give medication to indigent people in the mountains of that beautiful country. I still enjoy being a nurse!

  33. 133
    Katie in PNG says:

    Hey "Siestas"… I feel like I need to introduce myself because I've just starting reading in! When I was 16, I really looked forward to being a wife and mother some day. I thought I'd go with my husband to the ends of the earth to reach the world for Christ. I did go to the ends of the earth, after 4 years of training and I've been serving here in Papua New Guinea for almost 2 years. Still waiting in great anticipation for the husband & family part!! The ends of the earth isn't too far for God to bring someone, so while I'm trusting Him with THAT, I keep busy enjoying my life with the precious faces around me!

  34. 134
    Fran says:

    As a child and a teen, I always wanted to be an actress or an artist, but I truly felt the call to be an early childhood teacher when the time came to go to college and declare a major. I had enjoyed babysitting, my money-making enterprise in high school, and did just love, enjoy, and relate well to children. So- I have been a public school teacher now going on 35 years, mostly in kindergarten! And I have had much opportunity during these years to utilize my artistic and acting interests and talents. I must admit, often times- especially lately- I have prayed for God to show me what else I should do, and I have listened very hard, but have not heard a thing. I guess this must be because I am in His Will, at least for another year. Thank goodness, He goes with me into that classroom every day, and does everything for me and my students that I could never do alone. I just love that and love Him!!!

  35. 135
    jglenn says:

    That's cool that you took the Interior Design classes at Baylor. I graduated from the Interior Design program WAAAAY back in 91. At the beginning of my second semester as a freshman, a young lady walked into my English class carrying a t-square and tool box. I asked her what it was for and she told me she was an Interior Design major. "You can major in Interior Design?!, I exclaimed.

    Up to that point, I had no idea that it was something to major in, only that it was something I had done naturally pretty much my whole life. I signed up the very next semester and was hooked from then on.

    I have enjoyed a career in design ever since. That is until my two lil ones came along, and now I'm a stay at home Mommy. Which, by the way, was a long time dream that God answered for me three years ago. Best job I've EVER had!!

  36. 136
    Stephen and Kelly says:

    I was very ambitious as a high school and college student. I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to be and feel important and significant. At a women's conference during my junior year in college, God reassured me that, through Him, I could accomplish extraordinary things in this life. In my immaturity, I interepted that encouraging word to mean that I would be a mover and a shaker. Maybe the founder of some amazing non-profit…maybe an author…maybe a college professor. But, ten years later I'm none of those things. I'm a wife and a mom to two amazing kids (and another on the way). I'll be honest, sometimes I wonder if I squandered whatever potential I had, but God (and my husband) reassure me that I'm making eternal investments everyday. And even though I have moments where I waver, I truly, truly believe that being Stephen's wife and Kate and Sam's mommy is among the highest callings God has placed on my life. Only He knows what else is in store, but for now, I'm savoring the blessings of today.

    p.s. My husband and I met when we were fourteen. We fought and argued like an old married couple. I can assure you that I NEVER dreamed we would end up together. Thank God for his divine plans!

  37. 137
    CarolinaCalling says:

    Hello everyone! I've missed so many blog posted that I'm almost embarrassed to comment. But anyway, here goes….I knew from the time I was 16 that I wanted to be a dental hygienist! All my friends wanted to be teachers and I said…NO WAY! I told them that it would only take me 2 years and I would make twice the money they would. Well…God has a sense of humor! I did become a dental hygienist and worked several years but then God called us to the mission field! This meant that I had to home school my kids! Oh my! Well they survived me and I taught from Kindergarten through 8th grade! I've traveled much of Asia and experienced wonderful ministry with our family. I'm glad God is in conrol!

  38. 138
    CarolinaCalling says:

    OK I'm back again….not to be too obnoxious after such a long absence but I feel the need to explain. My husband has accepted a call to a church and we moved. Our prayer was that we would be employed and settled before our son arrived from Afghanistan for his 15 day leave. God so answered this prayer! We are just so amazed at his goodness to us during this year in the US seeking his direction next for our lives after 18 years overseas. So–I've missed much of the summer Bible study and the last 2 memory verses! I also wasn't able to attend Deeper Still. But I can't tell you how special our time was together as a family! Thanks for letting me share and please pray for our troops and their families!

  39. 139
    Anonymous says:

    I dint care for live then , i really didnt think of what i wanted to do.Long story why Love you all Victoria Welch Reidsville NC

  40. 140
    Jennifer says:

    I was the weirdest kid. I wanted to be an oil and gas attorney. Now I'm an entrepreneur working with my husband and raising kiddos. The only oil and gas I deal with are cooking oil and mini van gas! Oddly – I'm quite OK with that!

  41. 141
    Anne in Cheyenne says:

    When I was 16, I wanted to be a writer. I loved to write poetry, short stories, and I journaled every day. I even dreamt of being a guest speaker, traveling around the country promoting my "stuff" and being a motivational speaker of some kind. I thought that would be fun!

    Well, now, 20 years later, I am a writer. Only I write methods and procedures in the telecom industry; the only motivational speaking I get to do is on countless conference calls motivating employees to follow processes. I do get to travel, but it's not quite as fabulous as I imagined. I pictured going to exotic places like Hawaii, or Florida. Instead I get to travel to fantastic places like Minneapolis, MN when the high temperature is -5 (yes, the high temperature!), or Des Moines, IA where the river is about to burst its banks.

    I love it!!!

  42. 142
    Annalou says:

    Sadly I had no idea what I wanted to do. I've tried being a checker at Walmart, then went to school for Horticulture, decided to be a stay at home mom, and went to school for Massage Therapy. I really like doing Massage. But it isn't as satisfying as I thought it would be.

    Over the last 10 years I've studied scripture (Beth Moore's bible studies & Henry Blackaby, as well as others.) I've discovered that there isn't anything as satisfying as knowing GOD and studying His Word. Serving Him in various ways at church and going on mission trips is THE BOMB. :o) I also love listening to Christian music and sharing it with others.

    I don't know… but life is far different then what I expected. It's much better. :o) All in all, I'm overwhelmed by the LORD's generosity in blessing my life. HE has become my passion.

    Anna in MO

  43. 143
    Shellie Paparazzo says:

    I forgot a few dreams of mine and the crazy part of that is that one of them I still have. And that's to be a writer. It's hard enough to sit down and write with no other responsibilities, but when you have a thousand other things pulling you in a thousand different directions it's impossible. In fact, I had to type this in three stages, cause my husband kept calling me away to help him. I can't even sit down and relax at 10:30 at night.

  44. 144
    Elaine says:

    I don't remember having big dreams but I did have a desire to be the following:

    a travel agent
    a botanist
    a marine biologist
    youth pastor

    Turns out that these desires grew out of personal loves, that's all. (I guess that's what it is for everyone.) I love to travel and to experience new places, I love flowers, dolphins are my fave and I was deeply influenced by my youth pastor. So….now, I am a mom looking to get a full-time teaching position.

  45. 145
    bigdogmom says:

    Hmmm…I wanted to be a physical therapist after reading the book,"Joni" by Joni Erickson(sp?). Sheesh, I must have been in 7th grade then. Then in high school, I wanted to be a child psychologist and a physical therapist.
    I am not doing either. I am in physcial therapy now for my back and leg. Does that count?
    I still want to pursue a degree in Biblical Counseling.
    Kels

  46. 146
    Heather says:

    I, too, wanted to be a broadcast journalist. I even had my own neighborhood newspaper as a child.I decided at age 18 that I never wanted to get married or have kids. Saw several ugly divorces. Now…at age 33 I am a wife of 12 years, SAHM of 2 w/ 1 on the way & have a side biz called The Gift Closet. I certainly ended up doing everything I said I would not!Looks like God had other plans for me. 🙂

  47. 147
    Ashton says:

    Hi Melissa,

    When I was very young on one of my birthdays my mom bought me the album "The Nutcracker Suite". I was so enchanted by the music that I was stirred to become a ballerina. I think I already was taking ballet, tap and jazz. I loved all that, yet struggled with much shyness that I think it kept me from seriously pursuing this. Many times my imagination would picture the beauty, elegance and charm and what seemed so pure of the ballerina that I longed for that something in the ballet dancing.

  48. 148
    Disco Queen says:

    I wanted to be a Florence Nightengale. Or be on stage in the production of Annie on Broadway. Compassionate one by day…stage performer by night;)

    I graduated from Hope College and became an elementary school teacher…went through a divorce…led an Outreach ministry at a large church…now I am in a faith based business in the area of sales.

    NEVER did I expect twists and turns, bumps and bruises, stretching and moving into all of these areas after my divorce. Each has been a season where a strong pull of the Spirit moved me into the unknown and greater blessing (internally and for influencing God's kingdom) has come. It's been hard, however I am learning…a LONG obedience in the same direction brings FRUIT!:)

  49. 149
    mandanell says:

    When I was 16 I dreamed of having a family by 30. I didn't have a clear career path in mind but I figured I'd settle on something eventually. I just knew that above all else I wanted to be married and have children.

    I turned 30 last month and have an amazing Godly husband and 3 precious kids. I never did figure out the career thing….I quit college to work my husband through his degree and then life just happened! I am very blessed to be at home.

  50. 150
    Retta says:

    When I was in Jr. High, God put in my heart to be a school counselor…I am not a couselor in a public school like I had dreamt, but I am a recruiter for a non-profit organization…I teach and mentor 18-21 year olds. God knows better then we of exactally what we need…His plan is best… if we would just surender to His perfect will all would be right as rain.

    A personal off topic request-Please pray for me…I'm going through some Godly changes.

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