Dream Come True

On Friday evening a childhood dream came to fruition.  I discovered the University of Texas in Austin approved my application and granted me admission as a student in to their prestigious university.  Now for the challenge to iron out all the details in making this work.  The blessing has been bestowed in its raw form, which means I have the arduous task of going after the opportunity of a lifetime.  Life isn't easy and won't fall in to place simply because it is a dream recently realized.  If this is something I have truly wanted, I'll move mountains and diligently work hard to bring it to pass.  It is similar to getting a book deal in that it is now time to write the book, so to speak.  The future, lived out in each and every day, must be written in order to achieve the end result, the very goals I have pursued and wanted for so many years. At the forefront of my mind is the question I must ask in order to keep me on track, with an intense focus, toward the finish line, "How are my thoughts and actions today, helping me to achieve my goals and plans for tomorrow?"  The thoughts and strategy must be concise and ordered.  Within the strategy a few "if/then" options must be placed for flexibility to deal with the ebb and flow of life.  The future is bright!  Am I up to the challenge?  Or will I find myself a mere flash in the pan without the very substance I thought resided within me?  The call has been sounded.  The gauntlet has been thrown down.  I must rise to the occasion and not merely succeed but exceed expectations.  The Apostle Paul states in I Corinthians 9:24,
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?
Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;
I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others,
I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."  
Also in Philippians 3:13-14,
"Brothers and sisters,
I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
But one thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind and straining what is ahead,
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

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