Tuesday, November 24, 2009

To Wheedle Or Not To Wheedle

From My Perspective - - -

Everyone has been exposed to one who wheedles. In the current debates and pending actions of The Congress and President – there is no short supply of wheedling. To Wheedle is: “to endeavor to influence (a person) by smooth, flattering, or beguiling words or acts; to obtain through the use of flattery or guile…” Some of the synonyms for wheedle allow for a broader sense of what the words and acts mean – words such as, “finagle, maneuver, seduce, lure, mislead…” Obviously, wheedling can become a lifestyle for some people.

One of the problems with a person who is characterized as one who wheedles is the entitlement expectation of such a person. He/She claims to have a right to certain privileges and benefits apart from any self-help effort. In the process, one of the things that is sacrificed is a spirit and expression of gratitude and Thanksgiving. An excellent Editorial Comment is made by Bill Shuler, pastor of Capital Life Church in Arlington, VA on FoxNews.Com. He wrote and stated the following - - - Our thanks are best found in our giving.
In 1621 Pilgrims joined together with Native American Indians on New England soil to enjoy a feast celebrating the Pilgrims very first harvest. Plymouth’s Governor, William Bradford, made provisions for a day of prayer and thanksgiving. The following are 10 thoughts on Thanksgiving:
1. Americans will consume over 45 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Day.
2. The average Thanksgiving meal will constitute between 2,400 and 4,500 calories.
3. The U.S. population will gain over 171 tons of weight this year.
4. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live them.” -- President John F. Kennedy
5. Many psychologists concur that being thankful is the healthiest of all emotions.
6. Being thankful is a key component of healthy relationships.
7. We should be thankful for what we already have before we ask for more.
8. Our thanks are best found in our giving.
9. The Scriptures encourage us to give thanks in all circumstances and not to forget all God’s benefits.
10. Being thankful aligns us for wholeness.
In 1789 General George Washington declared by proclamation: “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection, aid and favors…Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be: that we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks for his kind care and protection of the people of this country, and for all the great and various favors which he has been pleased to confer upon us.”

Just A Reminder as Families and Friends gather this Thursday – Be Sure To Thank God for His Provision and Care - - -
Psalm 92:1-2
"It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your loving-kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night."

Psalm 100
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Consider these things with me!

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