"If you can see it, can believe it, you can be it!" This was the way I began when the lessons on goal setting were taught. Now, this was not in elementary school where we thought how wonderful it would be if we could be a fireman, police officer, pilot, or even president.

This was when I had the honor of teaching a college prep class for first-year students. "Let's be realistic, folks. Your first year can be a stepping stone for a good education, job, and most importantly, what it takes to plan for your future. What is it you want to be? Raise your hands. Come on. There are no wrong answers."

Some answers were very serious, "Nurse, pharmacist, teacher, business owner, ..." Some answers were a mix between fantasy and bad taste, "Lottery winner, owner of a professional team and a porn star." Moving on.

For those who seem to have a grasp on reality, I ask if they can see themselves working in their occupation of choice, at their desk, in front of their classroom, in the locker room with their team or even cooking in their restaurant.

Then I ask them to write on a sticky pad that dream and put it where it can be seen at night just before bed and first thing in the morning while brushing their teeth. This is not sympathetic magic. When someone can have this kind of prompting, then that individual can begin to focus on what it will take to move towards his or her goal: sacrifice, discipline, responsibility, integrity, hard work and faith.

"Okay, class, take a sheet of paper and write at the top, "I would like to ... whatever that goal may be. Draw a vertical line down the middle. On one side write the word Obstacles, and on the other side write Resources. Now, let's take five or 10 minutes to list as many problems that could get in your way under the obstacles and as many supports you have under the resources." Ten minute pause.

"Please share and don't be shy!" As you have probably guessed, many obstacles were shared: bad luck, poor teachers, math, English, no money, awful love life, too many rules, etc. As for resources: good luck, good friends, not caught, let off easy I felt like crying!

Ten more minutes and the bell would ring, class over and I could get a cup of coffee and maybe take an aspirin. Then, it just made my day! One young lady raised her hand and said, "Do you want to know my greatest obstacle? Me! And do you want to know my greatest resource? Me!" She gave the class the perfect answer.

I personally do not believe in or rely on luck. My definition of luck is when preparation and opportunity meet. I call that moment in time Karios. It is not chronological time; it is God's moment for us! "There are two great moments in everyone's life. The moment you are born and the moment you find out why!"

What are the obstacles for the Christian and what are the resources for the Christian? The Christian must take responsible action to overcome the instinct to hide from, avoid or put off what must be done. However, with Almighty God by my side, I can see it, I can believe it and I can achieve it!

Thanks, God!