Pure in heart

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Mt. 5:8)

How can I be 'pure in heart?' This is the beginning of a long turmoil that I'm dealing with right now. Yes, on the outside, I can look "pure" or like a great Christian but I know that the outside doesn't matter. I yearn to have a pure heart that rediates throughout every aspect of my life. I want to be able to not look upon another woman lustfully. I want to be able to have compassion as my first reaction. I want to be able to forgive instead of retaliate. Is there anyone out there reading this that can explain and show me how to be pure in heart? I don't want cookie cutter christian answers.

Where are we going?

Most people seem to think that the more they have, the better off they are. That new car, the latest fashion, the biggest house, the darkest tan... what I am beginning to see are people being 'enslaved' by products. To quote a line from one of my favorite books / movies, Fight Club, "The things you own, end up owning you." When did we become a society that translates our obsession of wants into needs? If I was to walk down the street with a walkman, people would look at me funny because I don't have an MP3 player! We all go crazy if our electricity goes out for a couple hours. I think we are becoming a spoiled generation.