I remember as a small child when we would have these gatherings where someone would come up and ask, “What are you going to be when you grow up?”

　　Well, it started out being a cowboy or some super hero. Later it was a fireman, policeman, lawyer ... As I grew older my dreams of the future 1            . When, at last, I was in college, I made up my 2             to become a teacher(牧师) as my father. 3          I studied and prepared for that life. I reached 4          in the end and I was preaching（讲道）nearly fulltime for much of my adult life.

　　 However, for many, there is a “thief” which goes around stealing our 5           . Sometimes, the thief will come as a parent, a relative, or a friend, but the greatest thief is, so many times, just 6             .

　　 We find ourselves just about reaching the top, and this “small” 7          inside says, “You will never make 8         .” “You can’t possibly do this.” And on and on the “small” voice predicts some kind of failure. Failure, though, is exactly how dreams are realized. It is one of the most important tools we have, because it teaches us invaluable 9      . And, when we learn these lessons well, we are ready 10               success.

　　 The message I always gave my children was that you are able to do anything your heart desires. Remember the saying, “Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.” There are 11         

 “overnight” successes, but with 12             , it will come. Imagine yourself in the life you dream of living. Then in your heart, believe it will happen for you. Then work, work, work. You get the picture.

　　 So, be true to your dream, and don’t let anyone 13        it from you—especially yourself.

1. changed  2. mind  3. So  4. success  5. dreams  6. yourself 

7. voice  8. it  9. lessons 10. for  11. no  12. determination 

13. steal