By not following my dreams, I had denied everything I believed.

We have His promise that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to power that works in us. When we don’t go for our dreams, we never give God chance to show us depth of his exceedingly, abundant power.

By not following our dreams, we are telling God that our fears and doubts are stronger than His power.

God’s intentions toward us are clear, “I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11)”. He can and wants to do more than we can ever imagine: we just have to give him chance.

Feel free to use this article in your publications or web sites. If you do, I'd appreciate a quick note letting me know where they appeared. beth@reallifes.com Copyright © Beth Hitesman, 2005.

Beth is a certified life coach and founder of reallifestrategies.com She partners with brilliant women turning dreams and callings into realities. For free coaching and tips visit beth @ www.reallifestrategies.com

Y’all know that Derek had to be at very back of line with a last name like Winn. Imagine person after person after person walking across that stage and doing exact same thing - walk across, smile, shake hands, receive diploma, exit stage. If truth be known, probably everyone in attendance was getting just a tad bored as this annual rite of passage took place. But then, it became time for Derek to walk that aisle. And folks, Derek showed crowd just what he was made of at this point. As his name was called, Derek didn’t just stroll across stage. Nope, what Derek did was step right to front of stage, unzip his robe, and reveal that he was wearing an exact replica of World Heavyweight Championship wrestling belt! An exact copy of belt that Nature Boy Ric Flair wore for years. As soon as crowd realized this it went absolutely crazy! People stood up and cheered, laughter rang out, there was pure mayhem afoot! But folks, Derek wasn’t through - he then proceeded to do Ric Flair strut rest of way across stage! The crowd literally was beside themselves at that point. By time Derek walked off stage, even police guarding building high-fived him as he strolled by, he had goosed ‘em all up that good.

Now folks, I’m not gonna say Derek didn’t get into any trouble on account of this episode. The school was none too happy about what he’d done, and that’s understandable, but I’ve been told that Derek has his diploma and is getting on with his life. So Derek, let me just say that my hat’s off to you. Something inside tells me that in some field, maybe sports, maybe entertainment, or maybe it’s something that I’m not even thinking of, that you’re going to make your mark. You’re going to excel, and you’re going to end up being something special. I have no doubt. The future is yours, Derek, now go out and make me right...