This weekend we will celebrate our nation’s 245th birthday.

The labor pains of this nation’s birth were extreme.

In our Declaration of Independence, we told the world, “These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states.”

When we informed England we were going to form a new nation, there was not a model quite like it in the world.

The American dream is all about an individual’s freedom to chase after whatever personal goals he or she may have.

For some, it’s the dream of owning land or a home.

For others, it’s the dream of achieving success in the area of their giftedness.

The commonality for everyone’s dream is the hard work it will take to get there.

But Americans are hard workers.

Massive government regulations and high taxes are now the obstacles to overcome.

The phrase “The American Dream” was popularized by 20th-century writer James Truslow Adams.

He wrote, “Life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement,” regardless of social class or race.

Today there is a big threat to the American Dream and it’s a subtle, evil philosophy.

The American Dream is being replaced by the American handout.

The dream for many has become to live in a country where the government pays for what used to be earned.

That is a plan that has been tried and failed many times and it’s called Communism.

Asking, “What can I do for my country?” is being replaced by “What can this country do for me?”

Many of us seniors understand another phrase called “American ingenuity.”

It can take some persistent strategies to break the chains of bureaucratic red tape to see your dream come true.

The founders of this nation acknowledged the God of Creation as the giver of our freedoms and the fulfiller of our dreams.

When we reject the God who has blessed us, our freedoms will disappear.

Enjoy the 4th, and pray for the soul of this nation.

Next week: Attitude is everything