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Across the Fence:  The Secret  |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 06:06:32 AM
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Although this started as a book, it's become a DVD, etc., and it's a really hot topic, I guess. I've read the book and understand the concept, and I wondered what others thought of this latest "craze". For those who haven't read or heard of it, the concept is that if you want something, anything at all, if you visualize it and concentrate and want it bad enough, the UNIVERSE will eventually *give* it to you.
I'll admit that I went into the book not believing the premise, so I was already biased, but I've read many books that have changed my way of thinking.
Anyway, what do you think of this idea? I have problems with this from several angles. One, I don't think the universe gives me anything. I believe that everything comes from God. Second, I don't think that just because I visualize something and want it really bad, I'll get it. If that was the case, I wouldn't have trouble filling out an A-cup AND I'd be married to Davy Jones (of the Monkeys)!  Only kidding, and I don't mean to trivialize things. But I don't think we're destined to get everything we want, at least not necessarily. I want that piece of property & you want it. We both practice The Secret. But there's only one piece and one of us isn't going to get it.
Anyway, what do you ladies think?
I saw this on the early morning show (which I wouldn't be watching if it weren't for the tornados headed this way) and thought I'd bring it up here.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 06:37:30 AM
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I saw an interview on the Good Morning Show about The Secret. Oprah also had the authors on and did a segment on the book.
Both times I heard it said that ultimately the secret boils down to ask, believe, recieve. Jesus already covered that topic!
P.S. I went to the link listed above after my post, and saw there has already been some very intelligent and thoughtful discussion on this topic. Sorry for the repreat!
Ephesians 1:17 |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Mar 01 2007 06:40:20 AM |
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
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owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 08:13:36 AM
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| I haven't read this specific book, but have read others that basically say the same thing...I guess it comes down to believing that we can have or achieve anything we really put our minds to...Jesus said we can move a mountain with faith...I guess this is saying the same thing...that is hard for me because I have so many self-doubts...I guess that's the point! As for Davey Jones, when I was young, I got the CA operator on the phone and tried to have her connect me to his house...lol...she laughed, didn't connect me and my hopes were crushed...too bad I didn't know all I needed to do was visualize me talking with him....hmmm, wonder what's he's doing today! |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 08:19:46 AM
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Owwlady, that is so funny! I had 3 really good friends who lived in the same neighborhood -- we were all the same age and were inseparable. Every Friday night we had a rotating sleepover, and on Saturday mornings we'd watch The Monkeys in our pajamas while eating cereal. We each claimed one of the Monkeys, and I distinctly remember that 3 of us wanted Davy so we went on height. He was shortest, so for some reason we divvy'd him out to me because I was the shortest of the group. I never thought of calling him, though. I'm impressed!!
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
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owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 08:27:53 AM
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| Patti, if I get ahold of him, I'll give him your number...maybe if we both visualize him....oh and I'm only 5'2", so if you're taller, I get him....hehehe |
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Love-in-a-Mist
True Blue Farmgirl
367 Posts
Shannon
Independence
Oregon
USA
367 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 09:18:37 AM
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LOL.
I don't know enough about it to really say this right and this is purely a Christian view point. I respect all of you very much and I believe we can all learn from each other. I'm not trying to force my views on anyone.
When I read the other post, the part about first you have to say thank you, made me think of this. I never read the Secret either, so take this for what it's worth.
I was listening to a sermon about how to pray and he said, God wants us to just ask for what we need when we pray. He WANTS us to test him. When you start to pray and you think you have to say thank you all the time, that is the devil making you think you are not worthy of asking things from God. So if you just thank Him all the time, He can't show you His power and glory in your life and the devil wins. OK I'll be quiet now.
Farmgirl and mother of 2
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Photobugs
True Blue Farmgirl
363 Posts
Pamela
Post Falls
Idaho
USA
363 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 10:09:41 AM
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Love the Dave Jones talk...you girls are a hoot...my crush was on Mike...he was taller. I still love dark haired men and married two of them...not at the same time of course...teehee...that is a different topic altogether!
MY secret...is no secret at all...like the old hymn, "There is No Secret What God Can Do." Never has been a secret and never will be. He decides what we need and what we don't. If most of us visualized something then we got it...it would be no time and we would want something else. Just like our kids do. Not to trivialize dreams and goals...I have them myself. But I know it is God's timing not mine that will be the best in the long run.
That said, I also think when we want something really bad...we work towards making it happen...that is no secret, just hard work and determination! Sometimes blood, sweat and tears to boot! But this is what our forefathers did and look where we are now...a free country to live in with so much more than most people of the world have. Indeed we are fortunate. GOD BLESS AMERICA! SO work hard, prayer alot, be patient and see what happens. End of speech. Bow.
Pamela
http://homesteadmercantile.blogspot.com/ |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
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Past Blessings
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Brenda
Orchard Prairie
WA
USA
1083 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 10:55:58 AM
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OH I was sooo in love with Davey Jones! I just saw him on a late night info-mercial. Still kinda cute! LOL!
As for the "Conceptualizing" it seems very "new age" where we just remove God from the picture and visualize everything for ourselves. I actually worked for a chiropractor in my early 20s who made me "visualize" new clients. Each Friday I would have to give him a description of who I visualized. I would simply make up descriptions . . . a heavy-set middle aged red head woman, for example, and he would be happy but would act frustrated when they didn't appear. And he was the educated doctor??!! I didn't stay there long . . . too weird for my tastes. I share my hopes and desires with God and do make requests of Him. Things don't always go my way . . . but God sees the big picture and often what I want may not be the best in the whole scheme of things. I guess to me it is kind of like if our kids no longer have to run anything through us. Instead, by simply visualizing, they could have access to all the latest crazes and have no limitations. We can all see how dangerous that would be. Do we really think we are so "ALL WISE AND KNOWING" that we don't want someone so much bigger and better watching out for us? God created the universe for crying out loud, why would we trust his creation to give us what we want instead of trusting Him? The universe is simply the outcome of the creator. We don't ask what we have created to give us things . . . last time I talked to my flowerbeds they didn't have a whole lot of wisdom to offer . . .
Hugs to all!
Brenda
Past Blessings . . . Celebrating Life as it used to be . . . when people loved God, loved their families and loved their country. |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 10:58:34 AM
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We've got a problem, Jan. I'm 5'2", too! Wanna flip (a coin)?
Bonnie, I love the blog entry and that's me, too. I love such a variety of music. But I never thought of it the way you phrased it-- music ADD. Gotta love it!!
And Pamela, there for a minute (I married two of them) . . . too funny!
I love checking in here while I'm writing to see what's going on. A virtual kitchen table 
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
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owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 1:45:23 PM
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Well Patti, we'll have to share unless one of us puts on heels!!
Brenda, you're so right about trusting God...all this "universe" talk makes me wonder the same thing, why not go straight to the One who made the universe...He gives us that access which in itself is mind boggeling... |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 4:42:27 PM
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Love-in-a-mist - why do we as Christians always have to feel we will be berated for our beliefs and that we must "be quiet now" when we voice them? No one else does!
Political correctness has made us timid! Go girl!
Ephesians 1:17 |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Mar 01 2007 4:44:31 PM |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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candismom
True Blue Farmgirl
560 Posts
Elizabeth
560 Posts |
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owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 8:22:36 PM
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| This is what's wonderful about this forum, we can all have our different beliefs and voice them without the fear of critisim (sp?) or losing each other's respect. I appreciate that... |
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Love-in-a-Mist
True Blue Farmgirl
367 Posts
Shannon
Independence
Oregon
USA
367 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 9:56:34 PM
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I have a story on this subject that you can appreciate even if you aren't Christian.
A couple months ago I was having a problem putting my 5 yr old son to bed. My husband and I take turns tucking him in. When it was my turn he would want me to pray with him.
Well, I would pray and then he would want me to pray some more. I couldn't think of anything else to pray about, then he would get mad at me. It was the end of the day and I was tired and wanted to go to bed too.
This happened for about a week. Finally I asked my husband, what he prays about with him. He said he asks him what he wants to pray about. So, I tried that. He wouldn't answer me and just wanted me to pray getting mad at me.
I started avoiding putting him to bed because I didn't want to argue about it. Finally, I got mad at myself for it and asked God for help to teach him how to pray and what to pray about with him.
The very next day I cleaned out some cupboards in the laundry room and found a paper bag that I had never seen (we inherited this house 2 years ago). In the bottom of the bag was 2 small plastic boxes or cases from about the 1960's. One said "Childrens Memory Verses" and the other "Bedtime Prayers". In them were tiny cards with prayers and verses on them. The description to the "Bedtime Prayers" says A different prayer for each night for an entire month. For children of all ages. Helps teach self-expression in communion with God.
I was so taken back I held the boxes in my hands and stood there crying. My kids were wondering what was wrong with me. I have never had a prayer answered so fast.
Farmgirl and mother of 2
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oceanfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
231 Posts
Rachel
A Little Closer to Heaven
Oregon Coast
USA
231 Posts |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2007 : 06:03:01 AM
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As a Christian, I believe that God is responsible (He either causes or allows, depending on the circumstances) for everything that happens to me. I know He gives me things without my asking. However, like a human parent likes it when their child comes to them with a problem, instead of keeping them in the dark, I am convinced my Heavenly Father wants me to bring my cares and concerns to Him. Same thing with joys, too, of course.
Tasha, I certainly respect your opinions while I don't agree with your beliefs. I agree that people can and do "get things" without asking God for them. As a Christian, I believe God set the world in motion and still causes things to happen, and obviously those things that He does affect believers and nonbelievers as well. As someone said in the post about ghosts, even though you may ignore something or not believe in it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2007 : 08:23:13 AM
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As a Human Being I wished that the exchange of ideas would be enough. No matter what your beliefs are I wish to support the ability of everyone to reach their highest point in the manner that they feel it will happen. I don't no understand why there has to be a RIGHT way to be the best Human Being you can possibly be. Does it really matter what we call "It" ? I think until the world stops judging everyone buy their "God" we will continue to deprive, hurt and kill all in the name of that which is holly.
Find peace within yourself and that will be all that you have to give others.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2007 : 08:40:02 AM
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I think Shannon's disclaimer is referring to the recent thread on marriage where a number of people did berate a number of other people for expressing opinions that were based on their beliefs. If I remember correctly, it was mostly an intramural dispute (Christians v. other Christians), but the suggestion was raised that we should avoid any mention of religious or political belief on the message board. I have to say, I'm glad that hasn't become a rule because I like knowing what other people believe and why, even if I don't agree.
As for the secret, I haven't read it but I am skeptical enough that I probably won't. Whether you believe in God, or some other guiding force in the grand scheme of things, it just doesn't make sense. If you believe in God as a personal being other than yourself, you have to acknowledge that sometimes the two of you will disagree about what should happen. And God would always win that argument! If you believe in more general "forces" that create order and make things happen, you still run into the problem of human competition for resources. Although perhaps your powers of visualization could be strong enough to summon a second Davey Jones out of the void... |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2007 : 11:47:42 AM
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Aimee, I missed that thread completely (thank goodness) and didn't realize such a suggestion had been made. Honestly, though, I think as long as a discussion remains respectful, good debate is of benefit to us all. But that's just my opinion.
Grace, I have to say I do think it matters what you call "It"; in fact, that's the essence of a belief system and to do otherwise completely undermines a person's faith. Sorry, but I can't deny what I believe. I do respect other people's beliefs, but I cannot and will not deny my own to fit in with the "world".
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2007 : 11:59:54 AM
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It sounds like a lot of hooey to me! Again I too come from a Christian perspective.... and I love debate! ;)
Do we really want everything we visualize? As stated all of us have wanted at least one boy or another when we were younger and aren't we glad we DON'T have them now?!!! :) I love to exchange ideas as well but the universe itself runs on absolutes (which I beleive God put in place) so why shouldn't the rest of life? OOOh and how bout the times you visualize things out of anger or frustration? Boy am I glad that doesn't happen --- you see for this theory to work it has to work both ways.
My children test this theory all the time.... but I want it! that's not fair!He did why can't I? Etc. Ever heard any of these arguments? Do we give them everything they want just because they want it? Or do we do what's best for them even if it hurts or is unpleaseant at the time? God is indeed a loving Father -- one who loves us enough to restrain our passions and discipline us.
Personally I get into more trouble than it's worth fantacizing about how life should be or I would like it to be or if only..... then if I would just be content with the way it is/ be grateful for what I have.
Blessings,
Holly
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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Edited by - ArmyWifey on Mar 02 2007 12:01:48 PM |
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Across the Fence: The Secret |
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The Secret
