I would like to have more exchange of ideas about the book so I thought I would pose a question. Do you agree with Noelle's premise from Chapter 5 that her 'reference' wish books are 'thinking lite' and it is hard to feel their optimism and the logic breaks down - I guess I feel that way about the whole idea of wishing....anyone? and how about the paradox of silly-selig and holy?
As I was reading the section on the wish books I thought about the television and radio ads as well as infomercials that have the “secret to . . . “ for only $19.99 plus shipping and handling. These books (or CD’s / DVD’s) are advertised to have the solution to your desires or problem. At the end of the day these items have taken what you already know and just packaged it differently in a way to make it sound inviting or enticing. However, if you read or listen to several at one time you find that there is nothing unique or special in the information provided. The information may provide you with what you “want” to hear but no real substance. So perhaps that is like wishing. One can wish to as a source of entertainment or as a “what if” type of conversation without the expectation that it goes beyond that moment in time.
Connie - I like your analogy to achieving what you want with $19.99 plus shipping and handling!! too true! I got an e-mail from a friend about listening and how people rarely really listen - they try to solve things instead and the writer suggests:
Perhaps that's why prayer works, sometimes, for some people...because God is mute, and He doesn't give advice or try to fix things. God just listens and lets you work it out yourself.
Hi, just thought I'd let you know - I found this area - mea culpa! Sorry! Now to go back to Chapter 5. Wasn't there something in Sunday's readings about wishing?
Have you ever noticed that you can solve a problem or make a decision when you remove yourself from distraction? Usually I can solve a work problem or resolve a personal issue when driving. During those times I leave both the radio and cell phone off and let random thoughts go through my mind. Perhaps this is God’s way of nudging us to sit quietly and reflect on things.
I would like to have more exchange of ideas about the book so I thought I would pose a question.
ReplyDeleteDo you agree with Noelle's premise from Chapter 5 that her 'reference' wish books are 'thinking lite' and it is hard to feel their optimism and the logic breaks down - I guess I feel that way about the whole idea of wishing....anyone?
and how about the paradox of silly-selig and holy?
Nice question Peggy. Is anyone out there?
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading the section on the wish books I thought about the television and radio ads as well as infomercials that have the “secret to . . . “ for only $19.99 plus shipping and handling. These books (or CD’s / DVD’s) are advertised to have the solution to your desires or problem. At the end of the day these items have taken what you already know and just packaged it differently in a way to make it sound inviting or enticing. However, if you read or listen to several at one time you find that there is nothing unique or special in the information provided. The information may provide you with what you “want” to hear but no real substance. So perhaps that is like wishing. One can wish to as a source of entertainment or as a “what if” type of conversation without the expectation that it goes beyond that moment in time.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteConnie - I like your analogy to achieving what you want with $19.99 plus shipping and handling!!
ReplyDeletetoo true!
I got an e-mail from a friend about listening and how people rarely really listen - they try to solve things instead and the writer suggests:
Perhaps that's why prayer works, sometimes, for some people...because God is mute, and
He doesn't give advice or try to fix things. God just listens and lets you work it out yourself.
Hi, just thought I'd let you know - I found this area - mea culpa! Sorry! Now to go back to Chapter 5. Wasn't there something in Sunday's readings about wishing?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever noticed that you can solve a problem or make a decision when you remove yourself from distraction? Usually I can solve a work problem or resolve a personal issue when driving. During those times I leave both the radio and cell phone off and let random thoughts go through my mind. Perhaps this is God’s way of nudging us to sit quietly and reflect on things.
ReplyDelete