Everyone is pursuing the "American Dream". Ask any number of people and each answer will vary as to what defines the "American Dream", but lying at the root of each answer will be found an underlying theme of financial pursuits. All this striving for gain. The house, or should I say mansion, the ultimate job with six plus figures, the college education, the three plus cars and garages to house them...I could go on and on, but I will not bore you with this endless list.
Just as one dream is realized, another is discovered. The rules of engagement are shifting sand, they change constantly; there is no stability in these pursuits.
I could not help but chuckle within myself when I read the headline today, "East to West, Americans are feeling greater stress: Stress is up everywhere in the USA." I felt it was only a matter of time until people started feeling the impacting results of their outrageous pursuits in this American Dream. More truly it should be called the American Nightmare... "quick, someone, pinch me and wake me up! Make it go away!" But no, the status quo is to embrace it as part of success.
What makes this exclusive to America that they should call it the American Dream? Could it be that our nation is so young and prosperous that it thinks naively, that with all this gain there is no loss to one's peace of mind, to one's freedoms? In other nations I see these same things being pursued. Could it be the freedom we "supposedly" have, is to go after whatever we want? If this is the case, maybe the next lesson to be examined is what do we really, truly want?
If you let others determine this, qualify and quantify this for you, you also allow them to determine the price to achieve it. Let me rather be as Thoreau when he lived at Walden's Pond and was self sufficient, or Emerson as he described self reliance.
To me, this is a greater American Dream than trivial and temporal "stuff". Freedom to work in an occupation you choose for your own blessing-when you laugh, when you wake up excited to get started, for sheer joy rather than a paycheck to pay for all your acquisitions...this is a true dream! And it is very American, though sadly, America is becoming further and further removed from her true self.
Today, most of America is enslaved to their material possessions and all the while sacrificing a joyful and healthy life to keep their firm grip on these. Were we Egyptian Pharoahs, this would make sense; but in dying daily a slow death in order to some day attain a retirement of luxury is to live for tomorrow at the expense of today. (Read Matthew 6 and Luke 12:15-34.)
Who is to say you have tomorrow? You look and see you did not live today because you were too engrossed in your pursuit of the future that you neglected to embrace all the good that was given you as a gift in this very day. This is the day that the Lord hath made...we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Should this not rather be the American Dream: to live freely, worship freely, to be debtors to no man (not even our government), to speak freely. As the constitution states, "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
Should this not rather be our dream? Not those things which enslave, but rather free us.
I see America is losing in her pursuit of happiness; most Americans are miserable or at least never content. As to having life, most do not embrace the day, but grasp at the whisp of air called tomorrow. They are not living, but merely biding time for when they will live in the future.
Liberty...liberty is being regulated more and more into the power of the government, then doled out again to its citizens from that which has been taxed. We pay to have our government mandate what we can and cannot do. Laws abound, zones determine what a man might build on the plot of land he payed for and which he may keep only if he pays his tax annually. Liberty is becoming less and less free, and only the wealthy can maintain it.
A man, they say, may change his lot in life, and to some extent this may be true, more in America than most other places in the world. Yet, I see a new oppression arising that would keep a man down who might desire to change his given station in life. A man is more and more regulated by our government as to what occupations he might choose, more stifled in his choices, as there is greater prerequisite set for how he is qualified to do a task.
Desire is not enough, even growing into a new occupation is becoming limited. No, today that man must have a degree from an accredited college or university, or at the very minimum certification that qualifies him to do the task at hand. Never mind that he has been studying and applying himself all his life as a hobby. No, that does not count.
Again, the hand of our government or society, our own citizens bearing down a heavy hand upon the man who is struggling to tread water in the sea of American opporunity.
Has America been fooled, deceived by this notion of a dream? Will its citizens awake and lay hold on liberty and truth - the greater dream that our founding Fathers saw, penned, and then to which they signed, in oath, their life's blood and worldly goods in order to lay hold upon?
Saturday, October 27, 2007
On True Prosperity...
A wave upon the sea, it comes in, pounding, crashing - the weight of which is grand. It moves the sand upon which it deposits itself. The sand takes all that it can receive and with gratefulness, returns gently to the sea, that which she cannot contain. She cannot hoard the waters, only that capacity to which she can accept, nothing more, nothing less. She is content, having had her fill and easily she lets go of that which remains left over.
Such is the ebb and tide of God in His infinite goodness. He pours upon the heart of man all which that man's heart will receive of Him. God is not stingy. No, He gives all He can, and man receives, and in turn gives back to Him of that which he received. If he takes, and takes, and takes some more, how can he continue the cycle? The ebb and flow, the tide, is halted at that man's command.
Such is the manner of tithing; man gives nothing of which he himself did not first receive. We should not wish it upon ourselves to halt the blessing of God. We do not desire stagnant waters, but the moving, the living waters.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said it is more blessed to give than to receive. And herein lies the true measure of a man's prosperity, his abundance. It lies not in that which he possesses, but rather in that which he can joyfully share and give unto another. To enrich another being who in turn glorifies God for His care at the hand of that one who gave into his bosom.
Objects are not the guage, nor how many people wait upon you as a mete for an abundant life. Rather, joy! Freedom to give without concern for want and lack; freedom to give with laughter and a cheerful heart, knowing assuredly that He who gave such bounty will do it again, and again, and again. His supply is never ending, it is limitless.
The other day I heard Him whisper to me, "If you should try and fathom the depths of the oceans, or span the heaven, you would only begin to understand the love I have for you."
Such is the ebb and tide of God in His infinite goodness. He pours upon the heart of man all which that man's heart will receive of Him. God is not stingy. No, He gives all He can, and man receives, and in turn gives back to Him of that which he received. If he takes, and takes, and takes some more, how can he continue the cycle? The ebb and flow, the tide, is halted at that man's command.
Such is the manner of tithing; man gives nothing of which he himself did not first receive. We should not wish it upon ourselves to halt the blessing of God. We do not desire stagnant waters, but the moving, the living waters.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said it is more blessed to give than to receive. And herein lies the true measure of a man's prosperity, his abundance. It lies not in that which he possesses, but rather in that which he can joyfully share and give unto another. To enrich another being who in turn glorifies God for His care at the hand of that one who gave into his bosom.
Objects are not the guage, nor how many people wait upon you as a mete for an abundant life. Rather, joy! Freedom to give without concern for want and lack; freedom to give with laughter and a cheerful heart, knowing assuredly that He who gave such bounty will do it again, and again, and again. His supply is never ending, it is limitless.
The other day I heard Him whisper to me, "If you should try and fathom the depths of the oceans, or span the heaven, you would only begin to understand the love I have for you."
A Lesson from Lot...
Ah, alone with my thoughts once more, not always an easy place to be. Why is it that those to whom you show the greatest consideration seem to be the very ones who apprediate it least? Is it me, or is it this sixth sense of mine that reads people, their eyes showing contempt and disdain as if to say, "You're so weak. You don't need my permission." I'm not asking for permission, but would rather give consideration to others so as to not work ill toward my neighbor, my brother.
Here in New York it seems that there is a certain arrogance that lies like a stench in the air. Perhaps these people are (and I speak here in general statements) calloused to the love of God. Perhaps they are so suspicious, so hardened, so pressured or pleasured, and self seeking that they cannot understand goodness being extended from one's heart to the heart of another being.
I mention "self seeking" because I have noticed a certain self interest, a hot pursuit for one's own gain, promotion, interests. And here again, I cannot help but wonder if it is because of the pressures of life. Furthermore, when you are among a multitude of others who are competing for that which you contend and no one else has your own interests at heart, can one help it that they are suspicious? That they view all others as their enemy, their own rival?
It would take a rare breed of person to live in that kind of environment for any length of time and not be affected. Affected either in becoming like that which he despises; resentful that what he is, as one among a million, is despised and rejected; hurt that he is shunned or raises suspicion; or even vexed by the culture itself, competing endlessly for vanity. This world is so temporal and all about me I see men grasping at nothing, clutching with all their might, emptiness.
Can one harness the wind in his hands and hold it forever? Or water, which seaps from one's grasp, through the crevices of his fists?
Oh, but that I could wish for, I long for, a simplicity among my fellow man when one man observed another and saw worth, or at least potential value!
Here in New York it seems that there is a certain arrogance that lies like a stench in the air. Perhaps these people are (and I speak here in general statements) calloused to the love of God. Perhaps they are so suspicious, so hardened, so pressured or pleasured, and self seeking that they cannot understand goodness being extended from one's heart to the heart of another being.
I mention "self seeking" because I have noticed a certain self interest, a hot pursuit for one's own gain, promotion, interests. And here again, I cannot help but wonder if it is because of the pressures of life. Furthermore, when you are among a multitude of others who are competing for that which you contend and no one else has your own interests at heart, can one help it that they are suspicious? That they view all others as their enemy, their own rival?
It would take a rare breed of person to live in that kind of environment for any length of time and not be affected. Affected either in becoming like that which he despises; resentful that what he is, as one among a million, is despised and rejected; hurt that he is shunned or raises suspicion; or even vexed by the culture itself, competing endlessly for vanity. This world is so temporal and all about me I see men grasping at nothing, clutching with all their might, emptiness.
"And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation (behavior,
ways, manner of life) of the wicked; (For that righteous man dwelling
among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to
day with their unlawful deeds.)" II Peter 2:7 & 8
Can one harness the wind in his hands and hold it forever? Or water, which seaps from one's grasp, through the crevices of his fists?
Oh, but that I could wish for, I long for, a simplicity among my fellow man when one man observed another and saw worth, or at least potential value!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
On Rebuke...
Rebuke: a sharp reprimand (noun); to reprimand sharply, to reprove (verb).
Rebuke, it sounds so negative, so utterly repulsive, and yet, it is the herald of wisdom (as stated in the book of Proverbs) as she calls one unto herself. What a new perspective! So often one may think life is meant to be perfect, simple, and easy; but there are occassions where it is not meant to be this way. These are the times when rebuke must teach her lessons...
How would a fool know of his foolishness? Or the scorner of his demeaning and scornful manner that oppresses others? And the lazy, how do they come to realize they need to exert themselves in order to find the true rest that God's Word promises? These all would not consider even pondering another path except that the course they presently take prove to be treacherous, and to their own harm and detriment. (Not to mention that such a course provides nothing to God's purposes and glory...but this is an even further stretch of the mind: to divert so far in order to consider someone else, save themselves, while their present course is already twisted.)
A man who walks such a course of selfishness must first find benefit unto himself if ever he is to divert from it. This is when wisdom calls unto him, encouraging him to consider his ways. Only when he begins to trek this newly discovered higher road, will he ponder long enough to consider the benefit his life can be unto another; and should he ponder long enough, he might even realize how his life can ultimately be lived as an adornment unto his Creator, and not simply unto himself.
Rebuke, it sounds so negative, so utterly repulsive, and yet, it is the herald of wisdom (as stated in the book of Proverbs) as she calls one unto herself. What a new perspective! So often one may think life is meant to be perfect, simple, and easy; but there are occassions where it is not meant to be this way. These are the times when rebuke must teach her lessons...
How would a fool know of his foolishness? Or the scorner of his demeaning and scornful manner that oppresses others? And the lazy, how do they come to realize they need to exert themselves in order to find the true rest that God's Word promises? These all would not consider even pondering another path except that the course they presently take prove to be treacherous, and to their own harm and detriment. (Not to mention that such a course provides nothing to God's purposes and glory...but this is an even further stretch of the mind: to divert so far in order to consider someone else, save themselves, while their present course is already twisted.)
A man who walks such a course of selfishness must first find benefit unto himself if ever he is to divert from it. This is when wisdom calls unto him, encouraging him to consider his ways. Only when he begins to trek this newly discovered higher road, will he ponder long enough to consider the benefit his life can be unto another; and should he ponder long enough, he might even realize how his life can ultimately be lived as an adornment unto his Creator, and not simply unto himself.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Life Experiences in New York...
They say one should picnic in Central Park at some point in their life...this is something Walter read recently of 100 things to do before you die. Well, I can officially check that one off the list...just 99 more to go...(though I have yet to see what else is on this "to do" list).
Eventully I will insert things that I want to do while I am here in the state of New York. (I figure that since I'm here, I might as well take advantage of it. Don't be mistaken, I would not put my roots here, this is simply a "pit stop" and not my final destination.)
So far, I have done the following things since my arrival last year. These are in no particular order:
Eventully I will insert things that I want to do while I am here in the state of New York. (I figure that since I'm here, I might as well take advantage of it. Don't be mistaken, I would not put my roots here, this is simply a "pit stop" and not my final destination.)
So far, I have done the following things since my arrival last year. These are in no particular order:
- Visit the Bronx Zoo
- Regional wine tasting
- Visit the Finger Lakes (saw one of them...WOW!!! Amazingly clear!)
- Visit Central Park
- Visit Time Square
- Visit Battery Park (saw Statue of Liberty from afar)
- Visit Grand Central Station
- Take the Subway and MTA train
- Go to a Broadway Musical (Ma Ma Mia! EXCELLENT! / also Beatlemania Now! at Emelin Theatre...Delightful!)
- Ate Chinese food in China Town (drove through Little Italy too)
- Ate New York pizza
- See the holiday lights, skaters. and Christmas tree at Rockerfeller Center
- Apple picking in the orchards
- Beach trips to Robert Moses and Jones Beach, also walked to top of the Fire Island Light House
- Accidently visited a nude beach (when I walked too far and happened upon it...E-GADS!!!)
- Circle Line Cruise with guided tour along the New York Sound
- Visited Ground Zero
- Ate a New York "Dirty Water Dog" (hot dog from the vendor)... also pretzels.
- Ate New York bagels (from world famous H&H, and other bakeries)
- Been to a New York Deli
- Street Fairs in NYC
- Weekend trip to the Hamptons
- Got lost in Yonkers (very easy to do I might add)
- Toured New York City (by a former NYC taxi cab driver)
I am sure I will think of other things I've done and will post them here as time allows, also when I do more things in the future. It is fun (and a good idea) to be a tourist in one's own back yard from time to time. I highly recommend it!
Thoughts of God's Word today...
Today I was thinking upon the words of the Master when he asked Peter, "Lovest thou me more than these?" You see, these past couple of days I have been thinking of my dreams and aspirations, letting my thoughts muster up my greatest desires of those things I could want (obviously fiting within the framework of that which is good, proper, and right). So many wonderful things of which I thought; my heart lifted and started to sing from within at the thought of possibility. Today, I was awakened with a grave, albeit not oppressive, reality as I began to consider the conflict that I often have: my will vs. the will of my Lord (ideally these would line up, but at times they don't, and therein lies the wrestling of my soul). Today, I stopped long enough to consider the gladness of my own dreams and wondered, "Do I have this much gladness about the desires of my Lord? Do I love Him MORE than these? Yes, I know I love Him...but, do I love Him MORE than these?"
Peter, when posed with this question by Jesus Christ, wasn't simply asked whether or not he loved him. (Though that is how Peter replied, "Lord, you know I love you.") No, Jesus Christ asked Peter whether he loved him MORE than these? (Referring to the fish that were caught, which signify Peter's means of making a living; this was a lifestyle he had known all his life; something he was VERY GOOD at doing.)
One must have strong hope in his eternal future to be willing to make personal sacrifices such as this, to give consideration to the Lord's desires AS one would his own. But imagine getting to the point where we would love Him MORE than our own ambitions...that would require the greatest love. I can hardly imagine this being possible except one should come to intimately know and deeply love the Master. (To paraphrase Jesus Christ, "To whom much is forgiven, the same loveth much.")
I ran across a card today with a little, yet power filled quip, and perhaps this is a great place to start: "He came to pay a debt He didn't owe because we owed a debt we couldn't pay."
Oh, that I might grow to love Him more and more!
Peter, when posed with this question by Jesus Christ, wasn't simply asked whether or not he loved him. (Though that is how Peter replied, "Lord, you know I love you.") No, Jesus Christ asked Peter whether he loved him MORE than these? (Referring to the fish that were caught, which signify Peter's means of making a living; this was a lifestyle he had known all his life; something he was VERY GOOD at doing.)
One must have strong hope in his eternal future to be willing to make personal sacrifices such as this, to give consideration to the Lord's desires AS one would his own. But imagine getting to the point where we would love Him MORE than our own ambitions...that would require the greatest love. I can hardly imagine this being possible except one should come to intimately know and deeply love the Master. (To paraphrase Jesus Christ, "To whom much is forgiven, the same loveth much.")
I ran across a card today with a little, yet power filled quip, and perhaps this is a great place to start: "He came to pay a debt He didn't owe because we owed a debt we couldn't pay."
Oh, that I might grow to love Him more and more!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Quote of the Day
Perserverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Dedicated to God
This is my very first blog entry. I would like to dedicate this blog site to God. May it edify and encourage those who visit. May it lift the hearts of the weary and give hope to the discouraged. May it help elevate the thoughts of others to new heights and turn the eyes of the seeker to God. This is my desire in expressing my thoughts into words, that what God has wrought in my heart may be a means of drawing others nigh unto Him.
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