I Wanted to be a Website Designer

I wanted to be a website designer.

To become one, you need to be self-driven, motivated, and determined. I was, and therefore, I researched how to code CSS, HTML, XHTML, and HTML5.

I invested numerous nights learning how to read and work with PHP, JavaScript, and other coding languages.

After mastering an FTP program, I was able to incorporate SEO into web pages and other aspects of website design. I also knew how to design and manage responsive, accessible, and mobile-friendly websites.

I had BIG dreams!

With new skills in hand, I entered an open website design contest. The category was “The City,” and my entry was titled “The City of David—Jerusalem.”

It was hand-coded in XHTML 1.0 and CSS and came with three alternate template styles. Although it didn’t win the contest, I didn’t give up.

The First Website Created as a Website Designer

Still determined to succeed, I created a computer help and support website titled “Computer Basics and Beyond.” Yeah, it was beyond comprehension. It had everything but the kitchen sink!

Here, look for yourself. It was a hot mess.

Go back with the Wayback Machine to visit Computer Basics and Beyond

However, I thought it was great and submitted the website to the Langa List, a very popular Tech and Computer Newsletter, several years ago.

I welcomed Langa’s readers on the homepage with this message;

Welcome Langa’s readers, this is my first try! Working on a new concept and design, you can preview it here. Links that work; Virus Center, Message Boards, Contact, User’s Lounge, and Check E-mail. Thank You for visiting. Much to my surprise!

I was excited when it appeared in the Newsletter, and visitors started coming to the website. Until one gentleman emailed me saying, “You misspelled Navigation on the sidebar.”

OCH!

English was never a strong subject, and dropping out of high school didn’t help. Still motivated, I spent more time learning to do things correctly. I got it right and created a website for a local not-for-profit organization.

I still dream of significant success as a website designer. I dreamed of making money.

I didn’t dream of creating a writing Blog. Never dreamed of sharing my darkest secrets with you. The thought of saying “I’m L.M. Carleton, abuse survivor rescued by grace” publically was the last thing on my mind.

I wanted to be a website designer, but God had other plans!

God had a purpose for the creative talents and website design skills. His purpose was to share His saving grace and transform love with others. He planned to tell others weary and lost in darkness to come to Him.

He gave me the gifts, talents, and abilities of website design to bear fruit for God’s glory. By the grace of God, I’m a website designer. I use the gifts to lead others out of darkness into the light of Christ.