The Fuller folks

From Dreams Deferred to Dreams Fulfilled: Trusting in God’s Perfect Timing

I’d always dreamed of being an Aggie! I love their traditions, the values they hold dear, and the strong sense of community. Plus, who doesn’t love a good “Howdy!” After high school, I thought that was my path—especially when I’d visit friends already attending Texas A&M. But circumstances beyond my control changed that direction, taking me longer than I’d like to admit to fully forgive and accept. A choice someone else made in their life ended up affecting my own, taking away my financial ability to pursue that dream.

I’ll never forget driving to the University of Houston with tears streaming down my face, asking God, “Why?” My dream felt stolen, and I couldn’t understand why He had me on this unexpected route, especially when I’d worked so hard and done all the right things.

Fast forward to the day I walked across the stage at UH to receive my bachelor’s degree, joy surged within me. I was the first in my family to earn a college degree, and with true excitement, I leapt across the stage. Immediately, my heart leaped again—I thought, “One day, I’ll go back for my Master’s- in Aggieland!” Yet, in the moments that followed, someone close to me said, “You should just be thankful you have your Bachelor’s; you’ll never be able to get a Master’s.” Those words settled like a shadow, following me on and off until 2022!

Let’s go back to 2019—over fifteen years after those words were spoken to me—and that old dream began to stir strongly in my heart again. I wanted to see if I could pursue my Master’s and, even more, if I could do it at Texas A&M, where I had always felt I could flourish based on their values and traditions. With a mix of hope and doubt, I set up a meeting, fully expecting a polite rejection. Instead, I heard, “You have a real shot here.” It was a moment filled with excitement but also some hesitation, as I had hoped the door to be closed. I even prayed that God would shut it if this wasn’t His plan for me; after all, I was a busy mom running a successful business and didn’t see how a full-time, in-person program an hour from home would fit into my life. But the door stayed open, and I felt God calling me to step forward in faith.

This journey has been long and challenging—one I’ll have so much more to share about after graduation. But what I can say now is that this wasn’t just about earning a degree; it’s been about refinement, resilience, faith, and witnessing how God brings dreams full circle in His perfect timing. Hebrews 10:23 reminds us, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Along the way, I’ve learned profound lessons from a generation younger than me—about life, friendship, and trust. God has shown me that His plan is far greater than anything I could have imagined. This experience has given me a confidence beyond measure and helped me see my own gifts through simply being present and grateful in each moment. It’s shown me the importance of trusting His path, even when it doesn’t make sense to the outside world.

To my kids, I hope my journey is proof of lessons that words alone can’t teach—that with faith, hard work, and perseverance, God’s purpose will prevail. And here I am now, just a month away from becoming the “loudest and proudest” member of the Texas Fightin’ Aggie Class of 2024. It has been a journey to trust God’s story over mine, letting Him receive the glory for where I am today.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing—except to have had the eyes to see the blessings in each moment and to embrace where I was instead of where I wished to be. My years at UH prepared me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated, broadening my perspective and teaching me lessons I didn’t even know I needed. Now, my eyes fill with tears of gratitude for how He has woven this story together. Psalm 37:4 speaks to His faithfulness: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” God has been showing me His way all along, and I realize now how important it was to keep my eyes open to His guidance every step of the journey. I can’t wait to share more of the incredible ways God has confirmed His goodness throughout this journey—stories that give me chills and fill me with awe at His faithfulness. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: never give up on a God-given dream, even when the path looks different than expected. Ignore the voices that say you “can’t” and trust the One who says you “can.” He will finish the work He begins, and through it all, He’ll get the glory.

Trust the One who says you can—even when the mountain before you feels impossible to climb. If He calls you to it, He will equip and provide in ways only He can.