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.
At age 46, still trying to figure out what I am supposed to be when I grow up!
In junior high it was being a prosecutor, in high school it was being a Supreme Court justice. Well, I did get my law degree and practice for a while but now I am a 40 year old homeschooling mom. I love it, but I still don't know what I'll do when I really grow up!
Funny thing the other day my girls were asking me about college and my 9 year old (a budding musician) asks, "how will it work for me to go to college if I'm on tour?"
Karen
Dripping Springs, TX
During my youngest years I determined to be a vet and help as many creatures as I could. The distress of witnessing an animal pain put paid to that one. Now I just rescue them and give them a new life when I can. 🙂
After that I wanted to be a fashion designer (although I was strongly discouraged away from such a "frivolous" career path), the weather lady (I was a geography nut), a full time student (couldn't learn enough history to satiate me), and secretly, the next Karen Kingsbury.
I went to varsity to study geography and classics. A year into that I was called home; and promptly started a degree in fashion design. On completion of my four year course I went into full time ministry for two years. Now I work for myself as a freelance graphic designer, and my secret writing dream still lives on. 🙂
I ran across this book from high school and it had a place where you could put where you thought you would be in 10 years. I had to sit down when I read it! I said that I would be teaching middle school and have a Master's in Reading. Wow! It was right on target and I hadn't even looked at it until recently since high school. It's amazing how things work out because I had other teaching positions until I got the middle school one and the only reason I did the Master's in Reading was that our county was paying for it at the time. Praise God for answered dreams!
I wanted to be a writer, still I want to be a writer….but until then I am going back to school to be a physical therapy assistant.
And never ever would I have believed anyone who told me I'd be a single 31 year old mom in college.
Loved your post, got me to remembering…When I was 16 I wanted to be a hairdresser. I felt it was a call upon my life. I had worked at my Aunts Beauty Shop since I was 8, making appointments, putting customers under dryers, pulling out rollers, getting coffee, etc. (I was paid 25cents an hour for my labor!)
I went directly from High School into Cosmetology School, and from there, immediately went to work for my Aunt in her salon. I developed a close network of customers and their families, and even branched off into doing barbering with men (at the beauty shop of course). I loved my chosen profession, and was always able to share and witness about the LORD and be involved with "hands on" experiences in lives.
My biggest regret was not completing my college degree. I tried to go to school at nights, but then marriage and family and work got in the way. I retired after 30 years in the profession, and satisfied that I was involved in peoples lives in a very personal and profound way, "laying on of hands" every day! Still, I so regret not completing the scholarly part of my life, and wish I could go back to school and do just that. But, at 62 it seems silly to try to persue that with demands of retired husband, travel, babysitting grandchildren, and ministry…God knows what it's all about!
Hugs,
Pam H.
I grew up wanting to be a Mom. All my life, as I learned one of God's valuable lessons, I tucked it away hoping to teach my child one day. I was raised in an abusive home, with 5 siblings knowing that the environment we lived in was not normal, but then one by one, I watched each of my brothers/sisters (by the grace of God) turn into wondeful moms/dads…and I was still waiting for my turn. This past week, my doctor told me I needed to have a hysterectomy (still no children), and I thought I had prepared myself for this news. I went through months of fertility treatments knowing I was working against time, the doctor had wanted me to have the surgery 1 1/2 yrs ago. It was so God that I saw your post today. Yes, my heart hurts, but I am allowing God to wipe my tears from His feet. He knows me so well, and I guess I am going to be one of the "special" moms called to foster children. Thank you Living Proof, for giving me the tools to understand that I can also be living proof of how God can hold you in his hand, in your darkest time. I love you Jesus:)
When I was 16, I wanted to do something "important" — either news journalism, novel writing, or international diplomacy. More than anything, though, I knew what I did not want to be: a stay-at-home Mom. I am sorry to say I rather looked down my nose on women who stayed at home, including, unfortunately, my own wonderful Mom. I became a stay-at-home Mom this past April, and it's the best thing I've ever done! There's definitely no place I'd rather be, I'm so thankful to the Lord for making it possible for me to stay at home with my son!
I wanted to be a professional softball player when I was young. I loved playing that sport! But there aren't really opportunities for that even today – which is ok for me now that I'm much older.
My dream now? This may seem odd (and I'm not trying to come across "spiritual" either) but my dream is to be a philanthropist. I have so much fun giving to God's work around the world, esp. anonymously and to persected christians. overseas.
Melissa–what a great post idea! just reading through some of the comments, I am reminded that everyone I meet had dreams when they were younger–some are fulfilled & some are not, but all of us dreamt about something. The dreams and where they stand today reveal some important things about us. I think I will start using this question as a "get to know you" question for groups in the future!
My dream was similar to Amanda's—from the time I was in junior high, I wanted to be a morning news anchor. Back in that day, Joan Lunden was my idol…Katie Couric wasn't popular until later. I went to Baylor and stuck with my dream–I earned a degree in broadcast journalism. But, while at Baylor, God revealed His calling in my life. I added a minor in religion and later went to seminary & have been a campus minister for 15+ years. Though I have not one regret, there is still a little part of me that holds on to my original dream. Every time I visit New York, I stand outside the Today Show studio & ask God if there is a morning news program in heaven & if I can be a host! I am not even kidding!!! Surely there will be a need for some morning updates. and I figure that since it will last for eternity, there is time for each of us who wanted to do that to live out our dream for a few years. 🙂
Seriously, several things I dreamed of have not yet come to reality.(marriage, children, earning a PhD) Yet, I am not one bit disappointed! I trust that no matter what we dream of doing with our lives, if we trust the Lord and follow His leading….when we get to the end of our lives, no matter what we have done & what we have not done, we will not be disappointed! I can't even begin to describe the ministry opportunities here & in other countries the Lord has given me that I would have NEVER dreamt He would allow me to do. Never. What a privilege it is to follow His dreams for my life & not my own.
Beverly Parrish
P.S. I went to the same high school you & Amanda went to—just several years before you!
From a very early age I wanted to be a teacher. I used to set up all of my stuffed animals and dolls in my room, and play "teacher" with my chalkboard, and I would tell my "students" to "be quiet" and "pay attention." I would mimmick my favorite teacher, and try to use all the same manneurisms that she would. Then as I got older (middle school), I decided I was going to be a TV news anchor/reporter. From 12 yrs. on, I was passionate about that. By my senior year in high school, I helped start my school's first TV morning news program, and produced and anchored it. I went on to a great college that had a fabulous TV journalism program, and reported/anchored for the college TV station…I even landed a phenomenal internship at a top-ranked station. Upon graduating, I landed my first job as a morning news anchor…but it was across the country from my family and my new fiance. Long story short, I decided not to take the job, I stayed local, got married, and soon became pregnant with identical twins. Now I am a stay at home Momma to 3 boys with a degree I've never used, but I can say that I am a teacher everyday. God knows what is best for us more than we do sometimes! I thank Him all the time for this life I never dreamed of…praise Him for ordering our steps!
Just posted a few minutes ago, but have been reading through more responses & have to say again….LOVE this blog post. I have been following the blog for a while, but this is the first time I have sat & read responses for almost an hour & a half without leaving my chair. GREAT, GREAT way to learn about God's work in the lives of Siestas!
Okay…okay…When I was in junior high school, I wanted to be one of Charlie's Angels!!! A group of us girls in the neighborhood would play "Charlie's Angels" . First we all had to pick a character and then we ran around the neighborhood trying to solve our most imaginative capers (we actually did find Mrs. Parker's lost cat once!). Charlie's Angels were a group of women trying to do the right thing, and fighting for each other and that is what my friends and I tried to do too. We are all still friends today and laugh about the good ole days when we ruled the neighborhood. I know you are wondering which character I always chose…Kris Munroe because she was brave and funny.
I never dreamt being in service in church ministry. Yes since childhood I attend church regularly but back then, I dreamed of being a top person in a business establishment. The funny thing is that I am one step close to that. Imagine I would be very close to my dream in a very early age 20. Being trained of being a brand manager.
However, God has much better plans. It may not be a promising job but it is greater than any other job. Being ambassadors of Christ..
Sometimes, though we have dreams, not most of them are fulfilled. Unless we start thinking of it the moment God gave it to us to dream of 🙂
I wanted to be a teacher since I was a small child "playing school" in my room. I took a circuitous route to get there, but I have now been teaching for 10 years and know that this is my passion. I left for one year and was miserable! God blessed me with the spiritual gift of teaching and I am thankful to be doing something that I LOVE and is blessed by God.
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a counselor, a helper to those who are hurting. Early in my career we moved to Tennessee and my first interview was a program providing counseling services to students at the high school level. My first thought was that I remember that time in my life as the most painful and did not want to go there again. However, God used that painful time as a foundation for serving students who were experiencing the same thing. I am now beginning my 15th year serving teenagers and feel God's presence each day when I open my office door.
When I was a little girl I wanted to go to William Jewell college and study how to teach the piano and lead worship for GA's. 🙂 I wanted to marry a farm boy and teach piano lessons out of our house and we'd have lots of babies and we'd take them all to church where I'd lead all the little kids in songs for Jesus. That is seriously what I thought about when I "played pretend". That's what I wanted to do and that's what I do. I was even asked to lead music for GA retreat two years ago. My farm boy husband laughed out loud when I did an old cheerleading move because I was so excited about being asked. What can I say? I loved GA's! O – I did grad from Jewell with the piano/church music degree, we have 4 babies, I teach piano lessons and I am the music director at our church. You can't make this stuff up. Good post – it's fun to see what everyone dreamed about!
The Journey Continues !
what I did and what I do~
My family has a background in acting. So,the acting bug was in my blood.
I was chosen to be the little girl on the television show
"The High Chapperal"
(anyone remember that show?) However,
My mother said, "NO WAY will my little girl go into this business at this age"
So,for several years I expanded my horizons and decided to do many things !
Baton Instructor /Twirler
WSI swim instructor/ lifeguard
Learned sign language
Airline stewardess ~
flew around my college classes!
Wrote Poetry
Worked in law firm
Teacher/ 3rd grade
Medical coordinator
Worked in medical office/ dental office.
Until I finally realized that I loved music and acting.
My first "professional"
(laughing out loud) experience
was when I was the ASB President at HS and was asked to make a farewell speech. I decided that after 4 years and hearing numerous "same old" speeches, I would sing and show old slides on the projector while I was singing on stage.
I sang Barbara Streisands MEMORIES and when I was finished, I received a standing ovation ( now that I think about it ~ maybe they were standing for the slide show and not me!) hahahaaaaaaa
Anyway, after that, it was flowing in the blood BIG TIME. I sang at competitions and also was a Professional singer/voice overs for NBC, church & others.
As I started my family,
I realized that dreams were taking me away from the most important gifts I have ever had and I became a SEHE = Self Employed Home Executive!!!
When my children were older, I started volunteering in their classes and then became the Community Musical Director.
I have had a Women's Bible Study in my home for over 15 years.
We moved 2 1/2 years ago and now I am my husbands hand holder on the beach, espresso/tea maker, decision maker for remodel, and Mamagoose = Mothergoose to all the college kids when they need a place to stay or FOOD!!! Best job I have ever had!!!!!
THANK YOU for letting me go down memory lane and seeing that my life is full today with lots of love!!!
I have learned to BE STILL…
Psalm 46:10
With "Heaven Bound" blessings,
Kim Safina
you can see my stuff on blog or facebook.
From Kindergarden, I always loved animals and music. I always hummed in my mom or dad's ear when we drove down the road and I was in the back seat. (This was before car seats :)) Mary Poppins made a huge impact on my life singing "A spoon full of sugar" My dream was to be a concert pianist, but my mom wanted me to be a secretary. (no future in music, haha!) Well, God had other plans . . . I've been playing for the Lord since I was 12 and I'm turning 50 year this year. I have two precious German Shepherds and God has fulfilled my dreams in so many ways, too numerous to count.
My only regret is that I've never met God's choice for me and never had children. But He has been SOOOOOO faithful to me. And the last I heard Carman is still single. (HEHE)
Barbara in NC
When I was 16 I wanted to be an actress and a singer. I was determined to head to Hollywood immediately after my high school graduation.
My parents very wisely guided me to college where they encouraged me to study acting first. I also attended Baylor ('96-'00 Sic 'Em Bears!) where I quickly realized I didn't enjoy acting at all! How thankful I am for my parents wise counsel.
After two years of floundering from one major to another, a professor pointed out to me a gift for writing, something I didn't know I possessed. I ended up majoring in Professional Writing and loving every minute of it.
I am now a freelance writer/editor/blogger, which I adore – but more importantly, I'm a stay-at-home mom to three precious children, which is something I didn't know I wanted at all. I thank God daily for the wise counself of others in my life!
When I was in the 7th grade I went on a fieldtrip to a hospital and different health care workers spoke about what they did. I was very interested in the Occupational Therapist and decided right then that is what I wanted to do! I'm now an OT and love it. It pays very well and gives me the opportunity to work part-time with flexible hours so I can be the mom & wife I want to be! Back then it didn't pay that well or was it in demand….OT's work with people so they can be as independent as possible in whatever life roles they have!
When I was 16 and a junior in High School I knew all I wanted to do was be a "career woman". I wanted to run my own business of some kind. The last thing I wanted to do was get married and have a family. I always said I would get married when "I have nothing better to live for". I did not need or want a man to take care of me. I could take care of myself. Then, as God would have it, He placed this very tall, very handsome, very intelligent and very charming man in my life.
I am now a stay at home mom and wife (for 20 years now). I run our household!!! hahaha! I will admit it is the hardest job I have ever done, but…it has the greatest rewards I have ever received.
Praise God for knowing what is best for our lives.
Royana
Yikes…this is embarrassing. I was one of those kids who grew up in drama/theatre. Headshots. Agents. You name it. So, naturally, I wanted to be actress.
God made it pretty clear that THAT was not going to happen. He had other things in mind.
It's been a wild ride in corporate America…and also women's ministry. Plenty of drama…no need to go to Hollywood for that.
Hahahaha.
Love you all in Sweet Jesus,
Susan
Ever since first grade, I wanted to be a teacher, but was told "No" so I decided to get an agricultural business degree. No job after my bachelor's so I stayed and got my master's degree. Finishing my master's and fearing no job, I thought about continuing on and getting my PhD and teaching on the college level. Well, I did get a job (YES!) so I didn't stay in college and go on to teach.
However, now, 20 years after receiving my master's, and not working in with my degree, I am teaching! I have full time job during the week, but every Sunday, my husband and I are privileged to teach two year olds the word of God and it is truly awsome!
Debbie
This is a hoot!
From the time I remember even having a memory, I burned to be a missionary! Every time I knew missionaries were in town & speaking somewhere, I was front & center, hanging on every word! GA's was my passion (I loved being a queen, even if it was "just GA's," Daddy). Family & friends pushed me into music ("it's a gift," they said) so I ended up in a wonderful musical missionary ministry (go! Celebrant Singers!) Then on to Nashville to work in the Christian music industry (yes, Amy really is that wonderful) during a very exciting time where Christian music morphed into what we know and love today (it was painful in many ways, that growth spurt!).
The "living in Africa or India as a missionary" dream never materialized, or so I thought…then I discovered that my true calling as a missionary was as an intercessor. So, for the past 43 years I have been that missionary … as an intercessor! Very cool.
The best part of my dream…in the deepest part of my heart was the unspoken "dream" to be a nurse (actually a nurse missionary, but ok…). My amazing husband & 4 children helped Mommy realize that dream, and I have now been practicing as an RN 17+ years, currently working on my Master's!
Still a missionary, aka intercessor, still a nurse, still a wife and mother.
The most wonderful part about all this is that God gives us those dreams in the first place…He answers them in His unique and wonderful ways!
Thanks for the memories….what a blessing for this afternoon!
Sharoni aka sharoni 🙂
In junior high and high school I remember wanting to be a pastor's wife. I think it was because I admired the two pastor's wives I grew up with.
I did not marry a pastor but after 10 years of marriage my husband was lead into the ministry and graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary. He served as assistant pastor and pastor until 2 1/2 years ago when he died suddenly in his sleep. I now struggle with my identity.
One of the verses I have memorized this year is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Kathy
In younger years I went through the teacher/airline stewardess phase but by the time college hit, I was pretty clueless. When people ask me what I majored in, I say "it depends on what day you asked me." I ended up with an MRS. & several classes in office administration. Those helped me put my husband through grad school.
We've now been back at that same Baptist university (Ouachita Baptist – where my husband teaches Biology) for 20 years. I was able to stay home with our kids through middle school & have worked as the Dean's secretary in the School of Christian Studies for 9 years. I LOVE it.
When I think about going back to finish a degree, I ask myself "so what job would you want when you're finished?" ummm… the same one. So no thanks, I love the life I have. I get to hang out with cool college students & keep people organized (this is fun to me).
Psalm 16:5-6 is one of my LPM memory verses & it says it for me: "LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."
& btw I have heard more than one conversation like this in the Dean's office…
Dean: so what are your career goals?
Female student: um well basically I want to be the next Beth Moore.
I just want to hug them up!!! 🙂
Tracey ~ Arkadelphia AR
More than anything, I have always wanted to be a wife and mom. I have loved babies and little kids as long as I can remember. I used to race to the church nursery after church, just to see who would let me hold their baby!
That desire never changed. During my high school years, as I sought directions for a vocation, the thing that wouldn't let me go was nursing. I went to nursing school right after high school, and was married a week after nursing school graduation.
I guess it's no surprise that my chosen areas of nursing has always involved babies and children – first with 17 years in the hospital working with new mommies and babies, and during the past 14 years, in a pediatric office.
My favorite roles, however, has been and continues to be, those of wife and mom to my wonderful kids. And my husband and I anticipate with excitement the day when we add "grandparent" to our resumes!
i used to want to be a singer…but i must have stepped out of line when God was passing out that gift! so, i'm a PE teacher instead! i enjoy it…and i still sing SUPER DUPER loud in the car!!!
I always wanted to work in an office. At 16 I got married and now almost 30 years later I have had many jobs in various offices in various states but finally got my dream office job in a private law firm after working for the State. My long term goal is to be an attorney. My current husband says that I should get paid for arguing since I do a lot of it.
when I was 16 I wanted to be a mom. I took every home ecconomics class that I could, and when I went to college I studied everything I thought would prepare me for parenting. I eventually got married and I am now an at home mom of 3 fabulous kids. Although most of my "preparation" did not prepare me, I am so happy and proud that my dream has come true!
I know I'm a girl but when I was 5 years old I wanted to be a cowboy. I think it was because my dad loved to watch westerns on TV. If he liked cowboys I wanted to be one. In school I simply wanted to be popular. After I was saved I wanted to be an encourager. In college I never could quite nail down what I wanted to be. Next I wanted to be a wife and mother. The Lord gracioulsly granted some of those things and mercifully He said no to some others. I have been married for nearly thirty years to a wonderful man. He is my best friend. We have two sons, Bradley and Nathan. What a joy they have been since they arrived on the planet. I never became a cowboy…no regrets. I am, however, thankful the Lord has kept the desireto be an encouragement like a flame inside my heart.
We serve an awesome God.
Blessings everybody,
Mary
What a great question! When I was little I always wanted to be a teacher. I would line my dolls up and get out a chalkboard and go to town. After going to college for two years that desire to get a degree just wasn't there. Fast forward a "few" years later and I am now a very content homeschool mom. Last year was our first year and we absolutely LOVE it!!! I understand now that this is the calling that God has placed on my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Here is God's command that we make sure our children get the education HE wants them to have:
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deut 6:4-7
ok. dont laugh:) I wanted to be the next Barbara Mandrell!! Married right out of high school, had first little one at 21..Went to college…was in medical sales for 10 plus years (was just released)Lived most of life thinking I was saved but had no relationship with Jesus . At 30 Jesus pulled me out of a meltdown and reminded me of that old dream and said "now go use it for me." Now I travel and sing and share my testimony with anyone who will listen as He leads!! Would still love to meet Barbara Mandrell though!! (anything is possible with the Lord..sure never thought I would be here, I ran from him for along time.) So thankful. I cant imagine my life without Him. Could never live without Him. He rescued me when I didnt deserve it. Praise you Jesus!!
As long as I can remember, all I ever wanted was to be wanted. So, at 15, my goal was to have an orphanage so that no child would ever be unwanted. I currently work in the accounting dept at an electronics corporation; however, I recently received my degree in non-profit management and have completed the plans for a home for homeless teens. Hope to get it off the ground (rather on the ground) soon.
Honestly, I wanted to be an actress. I thought it was glamorous and I would be beautiful…all the stuff of little girl dreams.
Growing up I didn't know what to be really…my parents just told me to go to college and get a good paying job…they did not say pursue what's in your heart…so I graduated college as a Business Marketing Major…which I did for 10 years before having my boys.
Today…I am a published author…Stay At Home Mom and business partner to my husband who writes children's books! I would NEVER in a million years have guessed what God had planned for me! And I can honestly say…I am awed by my life and grateful…the grass is NEVER greener ladies…it only looks that way!
Thanks for making us think and look inside ourselves!
Love,
Donna (the mom of twin boys)
Ok- I had to comment, because this one hit VERY close to home. I haven't had a chance to read the blog in a few weeks- 13 month old little boy, enough said- but I know God sent me here tonight.
See, I will turn 30 next Monday. And I still wonder what I'm going to do when I grow up! 🙂 At 16, I had grand plans of being a lawyer- that changed by age 18 to Physical Therapist. At (almost) age 30- I am a stay-at-home-mom/ military wife. And I know, at least for right now, that this is exactly where God wants me to be! I may go back to school, I may not- He will lead. I doubt sometimes- I wonder if I'm really where I need to be- then he'll lead me to a Scripture, a worship service or a blog- just to remind me that He is in control!
Thank you all for your dedication to Him!
When I was 16 I wanted to be a photojournalist. I LOVE photography and scrapbooking and I also love writing short news articles or stories. So I put them together and figured if I could take pictures and write a story about the picture subject I would be in absolute hog heaven! I did start in Agricultural communications (yes I wanted the Ag. side of photojournalism since I went through 4-H and FFA and was very involved even becoming a state officer for 4-H my junior year) but my first year of college I got married, then had a baby shortly after my first year and quickly realized if I was to do what I wanted to do it would mean being gone on weekends and nights to catch big events and things going on and I didn't want that with a family. So I changed plans and switched my major to Elementary Education – both my parents were teachers and I had grown up teaching (bible studies, sunday school, and putting on workshops) I still may do that someday but currently my husband and I are youth pastors and I am a stay at home mom. Never in my life would I have guessed I would be a youth pastor OR living in Texas for that matter…and I'm only 23! Alot has happened in a very short time! hehe sorry this reply got long!
When I was younger, I asked God if I was going to be a missionary to Canada,(very long story that I won't get into).I set out a type of "fleece" and He answered in the affirmative. A few years later I was a two time summer volunteer in Canada. I thought it was a training ground, but later realized that was my stint as a Canadian missionary.
When I was fourteen, at a youth camp, I really felt that God told me I would be a Pastor's wife. When I was eighteen, I married a farm boy who later gave his life to be a Youth Minister and some years later,a pastor.
Many times even a "yes" from God turns out so different than my finite mind can grasp. If I had insisted on my plan, I would not be married to this awesome "farm boy". I would be living in the wilds of Canada somewhere totally out of God's will and totally miserable.
i'm ashamed to admit this. don't tell a soul. i wanted to be a librarian. the sad thing is it wasn't even about the books; it was about all things in ORDER. i need therapy…
I wanted to be a movie/ rock star.. I know typical right? Here’s why: Actor b/c they get to act out all the cool things that really don’t happen in ordinary life. Rock Star b/c whenever I was rocking out to music (yes even when I was really young I remember doing this) I would image myself being the lead singer/ guitarist and/or dancer performing to a huge audience.
I majored in Recreation and Leisure Studies; yes it is an actual major. Now at teh age of 29I am working in the Recreation field as the City of Lakewood’s Recreation Management Trainee. I’m still seeking my professional calling. I have some really cool position within the recreation field the past 5 years since graduation. I still dream about performing as a rock star/ dancer, not so much an actor though. We'll see where God leads me next!!
jaNell Adams
Long Beach, CA
I had an awesome English teacher in my senior year of high school. She was so hard and had high expectations of her students. Her assignments were difficult and her class was challenging. But I loved every minute of it. After that class, I wanted to be a high school English teacher. I declared English as my major when I went to college but along the way someone convinced me there wouldn't be enough teaching jobs after I graduated and that I should go into business instead. What a mistake! Although I worked in the retail world for 8 years before I had my children, I never lost my love for words, grammar, and teaching. I married, had two daughters, and eventually ended up homeschooling them. I also went back to school and got an elementary degree. Though I'm not teaching in a formal school setting at present, I do still love words, especially GOD'S WORDS, and I like to think I've passed that love on to my children. I've also taught God's Words to others in large and small groups of women.
When I was 16 (58 years ago) I found a poem in McCall's Magazine that said "Who first beholds the light of day, In Springs sweet, flowery month of May, and wears an emerald all her life, shall be a loved and happy wife." That's what I titled my autobiography my junior year in high school and that was my dream. I married my high school sweetheart, had 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and just became a widow 5 months ago. We were married 4 months shy of 55 years. Now I'm waiting on God to show me what He's going to do with me the next several years. It was fun to answer this, thanks.
It is surprising to me how many of these women said they wanted to stay single and now are all married, because I am completely the opposite.
When I was little I always said I wanted to get married and have 14 kids. Now I realize how ridiculous that would have been for me personally…I am sure others can handle 14, but it obviously was not God's plan for me. I, however, am 28 and very single with no prospects, so being a wife and mother are still far off dreams.
In the meantime, I am a nurse, which is still amazing to me, because as a child I couldn't handle looking at blood or seeing others in pain, and now I deal with it all the time because not only am I a nurse but I work in ICU and CCU! It definitely is amazing how the Lord works!
This is a very interesting question because the timing is just too perfect. I always wanted to be a pastor's wife. My grandma was a pastor's wife and I loved her. I loved who she was and how gracefully she supported my grandpa and his ministry. I believed God called me to the same ministry for years. I met and married a wonderful man and we've been together 7 years. We've been in the ministry now for 4 and I have come to dislike it very much. I knew that it was hard and there were some ugly parts but I didn't know how bad it could be. At this time, I can say without a doubt that I want out and when I get out, I don't want to go to church for a long time.
I am the wrong personality type to be a pastor's wife and my husbands disappointment in my actions only confirms this. I was so wrong and now I want out but I can't leave.
My husband, on the other hand, is great at what he does. He teaches and preaches so well and is so full of the spirit. I just wish that I had known long ago that this wasn't my calling so I would have not married him. But I don't believe in divorce so now I am trying to figure out how to cope with where I am. Maybe God will point me in the right direction. I just don't know what I should be.
When I was a teen i had a desire to be an astronaut..lol i laugh now..but then I was devastated as i was told that wome don't do such things…well I am glad to see things changed…By the time i was set on being a CEO of a large company, and sent my self to school to do just that..GOd sent me children and i gave up that dream to be the mama that they needed, and always had a strong drive to succeed..lately GOD reminds me that i should strive to be good at loving HIM with all my heart soul mind and strength…and that is a BIG task with this girl!
When I was in school I used to learn for exams by teaching my friends in an empty classroom – I did NOT want to be a teacher though… headed into corporate sales after school but 12 years later, divorced with 2 beautiful girls wondering if I should stay in South Africa… I realised I wanted to be part of the solution and here I am teaching maths to teenagers and loving it. Rang a friend up in the UK when I made the decision to teach and told her I'd finally figured out what I wanted to be at 30 years old… a teacher… and her reply (without skipping a beat) was "Just like your mother!"
Yes, just like my mom. God has healed so many hurts and here I am, just like my mom, and so grateful for it!
I wanted to be a whale trainer and a professional barrel racer! LOL
I wanted to teach dolphins, whales, seals and penguins to do tricks and I wanted to be the one swimming with them and taking care of them. I also wanted to compete at rodeo's around the United States and go to Open World shows and make it to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR).
Then I found out that "whale trainers" are called marine biologist and there was a LOT of schooling and learning on my part that I wasn't really ready for. And it would be difficult to do both… Plus, I STUNK in science and math so I pretty much determined that was out of the question.
So, barrel racing was the next choice and that's what I am still doing today. I love it and praise God for it everyday. This was fun Beth. I gave myself a laugh when you asked the question. I forgot all about wanting to be a whale trainer=^)
I always wanted to be a concert pianist until I had to practice for hours!
I developed an eating disorder in high school. When God started healing me, he turned my obsession into a passion for health and nutrition. I felt him leading me into this field and I went to undergrad and graduate school to become a dietitian! I love all that God has blessed me with and given me to do! I praise him for it every day!
When I was 16, I wanted to be a teacher! I loved playing "school" in my room as a little girl with the ironing board for a desk. Time went by and I entered college as a PreMed student. (Hmmm…not sure where that came from.) I later graduated with honors as a Communication student from ACU. (What a change from PreMed!) Thought that I would flourish as a corporate leader as I took a position with Arthur Andersen. My resume looked great, but still I searched for something more. I got married and had three beautiful kids. So teacher? Yes, in so many ways, every minute of every day.
Now that I am 35 and my children are all school age, God is leading me once again to teach! Having overcome some very dark valley's, I have discovered that it won't be in a classroom. The teaching will be more like "sharing" and it will be in a church bible study, at the park or a neighborhood living room. Sharing and studying with women who are struggling as I have! God ALWAYS brings us back to the direction and the purpose for which we were created! And he "brings us back" in the most unusual ways…if we will just continue to seek him.
In fact, I am beginning "The Inheritance" study in my neighborhood Sunday August 30th. Over 25 women are coming! I know Satan is waiting to attack this venture. So ladies… please pray that God reaches them in ways they have never felt before. God has a very amazing purpose for each one of them and a beautiful inheritance waiting. I can't wait to see what He is about to do! Will it be a "Wild Ride"? I hope so…
Staci