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Lights for Thanksgiving
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Bruderhof News
Nov 16, 2005, 9:30:02 AM11/16/05
to
Check out this article at Bruderhof.com:
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Lights for Thanksgiving - A Short Story
by Jean Bell Mosley
It wasn?t Mom?s fault that there wasn?t enough turkey - or pie - to go around. After all, Dad had said the neighbors weren?t coming. But they did. All of them.
Read the rest of this article at:
http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
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Angel
Nov 23, 2005, 4:31:44 PM11/23/05
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A beautiful and unique story..I gave it a 10! I wish to read some more,,,..you
have such fascinating talent ...keep up the good work..
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Lou Alexander
Nov 24, 2005, 3:35:15 AM11/24/05
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Beautiful--help to make my lonely Thanksgiving a beautiful one. Thank you.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Lori Voyzey
Nov 24, 2005, 3:37:19 AM11/24/05
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Excellent story. Made me cry and really think. Thanksgiving is about giving,
not getting or receiving - something I think we all tend to forget about. Thanksgiving
is about being together with family and friends and being thankful for what
we have been blessed with and it doesnt have to be material things.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
John Ferro
Nov 24, 2005, 3:37:54 AM11/24/05
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I have always struggled with the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Born in the USA
one can suppose that one should be thankful for all our material comforts.
However, I ask myself, what if I was born in Africa or India, in poverty, could
I still be thankful, and what for? This story reaches the same conclusion that
I have. No matter where one is born one can be thankful for the gift of life
and the people that we can share it with. It may be harder to do that in a poor
setting, however, if one takes the Gospel into account one can remember "Blessed
are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven!" Happy Thanksgiving
to all who reads this.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Kathryn Martin
Nov 24, 2005, 3:38:37 AM11/24/05
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I wish there were more articles available by Jean Bell Mosley! This held my
interest all the way through, and left me wanting more....I love reading stories
about close-knit families who manage to handle things with humor and lots of
love.
Unfortunately, not everyone has a family lke this one and at this time of year it can be especially hard to bear. So my prayer this Thanksgiving would be for everyone to truly experience this sense of belonging, this unconditonal love and concern, at least once in their lifetime. Grace is what shines through in this little story, and the Lord knows that we all need to share more of that.
Unfortunately, not everyone has a family lke this one and at this time of year it can be especially hard to bear. So my prayer this Thanksgiving would be for everyone to truly experience this sense of belonging, this unconditonal love and concern, at least once in their lifetime. Grace is what shines through in this little story, and the Lord knows that we all need to share more of that.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Carrie
Nov 24, 2005, 3:43:48 AM11/24/05
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This simple, moving story was a fine way to move into the holiday season. I
thank you for offering it on the day before all the food prep and the rest of
the traditonal Thanksgiving confusion begins to overshadow what the day is really
all about.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Rich Stevenson
Nov 24, 2005, 3:44:40 AM11/24/05
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This story showed us what a God fearing man does in putting aside his own interests
and giving instead to his neighbors who are in need. Gods Holy Spirit enables
us all to do these kinds of things, if we but listen and ask for His leading.
At this Thanksgiving time of the year, may we all think of how we can give of
our time and talents to those folks who are in need. God will bless our loving
and our giving for sure.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Brenda T. Thompson
Nov 24, 2005, 3:44:56 AM11/24/05
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This was a beautiful story. It touched my heart. If we all would live by this
example. It brings to my attention how in life we are always thinking about
what we can do for ourselves. We want people to come and see what we have or
if we get something that no one else has, we want to show it off and be the
first to say, we got it first. Even through their Dad wanted to invent the lighting
and show it to the people by inviting them to Thanksgiving for that particular
reason, when he went to visit each one and ask them to come, he found out that
all of them had a problem and that they could not make it. He felt that they
needed help and he helped them instead of doing what he wanted to do. This teaches
us a lesson that sometimes when we sometimes plan thing in our lives, that there
are those who need our help, and what we have to do is not as important as helping
someone else in their time of need.
He had definitely a light for Thanksgiving, because he gave light to those people that he helped. He brought light into their life, and even into his...
That is what Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for what we have and bringing light into someones else life.
This Thanksgiving invite someone over, but for the right reason and your light will shine.
He had definitely a light for Thanksgiving, because he gave light to those people that he helped. He brought light into their life, and even into his...
That is what Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for what we have and bringing light into someones else life.
This Thanksgiving invite someone over, but for the right reason and your light will shine.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Helen Tester
Nov 24, 2005, 3:52:00 AM11/24/05
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What a wonderful story!! It speaks to the very heart of Thanksgiving. As an
Episcopal Priest, I will save this and work it into a sermon sometime in the
future. On this day before thanksgiving, I am grateful to the author for her
offering.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Ann O. Pratt
Nov 24, 2005, 3:52:47 AM11/24/05
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What a heart warming Thanksgiving gift this story is! Thank you for enriching
my observance of a favorite holiday!
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Kathy
Nov 24, 2005, 3:53:07 AM11/24/05
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What a wonderful lesson is taught here. We have as a society, forgotten **thy
neighbor**. We are so engrossed in our daily stife, that we forget. Happy Thanksgiving
to all
Thank You for this great story
Thank You for this great story
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Gloria McDonald
Nov 24, 2005, 11:46:04 AM11/24/05
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Great Story. Happy Thanksgiving
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Dawn Naidoo
Nov 25, 2005, 6:46:07 AM11/25/05
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Thank you for a very heart warming tale......it has brought back memories of
the "good ol days".....when folks helped each other out. Maybe we should make
it Christmas and Thanksgiving all year round.......I love stories of kindness
and love......isnt that what God meant us to be made of?
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Lynn Stratton
Nov 25, 2005, 11:45:54 AM11/25/05
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A wonderful way to begin Thanksgiving Day, with tears of joy! Thank you for
a great start. Im going to print the piece for those around the table who dont
receive your newsletter. Besides the obvious lessons, for our family, it serves
to remind that giving is a choice, not an obligation, and how very lucky we
are.
Thanks again--for the article and your newsletter. You bring such light into our lives!
Thanks again--for the article and your newsletter. You bring such light into our lives!
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Leslie DiVenere
Nov 25, 2005, 11:49:32 AM11/25/05
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What makes this heartwarming story touch ones soul is that it describes the
beautiful gift of selfless giving. Without fanfare, when Dads view of his "project"
is adjusted by the working of the Holy Spirit, Dad responds, rethinking his
project to meet the greater needs around him. After a stretch of difficult days,
reading this story was a real blessing.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Lynn
Nov 25, 2005, 1:34:02 PM11/25/05
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That was a real Thanksgiving Blessing, as we miss those who are not here with
us today, young and old, but it was like I was hearing my own dad, way back
when, telling how we could make a shower out side. Ha,ha,and we did! God Bles
Yall On thisThanksgiving.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Dianne
Nov 25, 2005, 3:02:59 PM11/25/05
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Oh, what a wonderful story to share at this time of year.
My heart rose up and applauded this foresighted man whose aspirations were abruptly halted, after the hole in the ceiling, because his heart was touched by the neighborhood folks problems.
Im picturing Jimmy Stewart in that role.
Thats Thanksgiving. Thats loving thy neighbor...and being blessed for it...as God promises we will be.
Happy Holidays.
My heart rose up and applauded this foresighted man whose aspirations were abruptly halted, after the hole in the ceiling, because his heart was touched by the neighborhood folks problems.
Im picturing Jimmy Stewart in that role.
Thats Thanksgiving. Thats loving thy neighbor...and being blessed for it...as God promises we will be.
Happy Holidays.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Karrie
Nov 25, 2005, 5:02:56 PM11/25/05
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A lovely story to start the holiday weekend. I am traveling today to spend
it with my mom. Dad died only 25 days ago. He was a wonderful man who brought
light into our lives. We will be missing him acutely but we have much to be
grateful for in having known him.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Jerri
Nov 25, 2005, 9:33:40 PM11/25/05
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Thank you for such a heart-warming story about what Thanksgiving is really about-sharing
our blessings!
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Jan
Nov 25, 2005, 11:02:40 PM11/25/05
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I must admit that I was prompted by your stop to the one way sign to reply today.
I guess it was like someone knocking on my PC screen - saying "hey! is anybody out there?"
It seems your daily quotations, and linked articles "have filled a hole in my computer" as Grandma mentioned about the hole in their roof..I sit with my brekky & a cup of tea every morning, and click and read my daily email word from you .
The world is in our homes each day,with the bad news of the day coming in through the radio and tv, but your site adjusts my balance.
I am not in good health at present,and I am awaiting surgery, and your emails lift my spirits each day and they give me enriching food for thought about the goodness that is in this world of ours especially with your story today.I am not where I want to be, but I am not where I was, thanks to you - I forward your daily words on to my family and friends when I think that your words fit a particular imbalance in their lives, and I have been surprised to see who has taken up the invitation to subscribe too.
We dont celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia, but I think it is a warm & community inspired idea & I wish you all well with your celebrations of Thanks.
I guess it was like someone knocking on my PC screen - saying "hey! is anybody out there?"
It seems your daily quotations, and linked articles "have filled a hole in my computer" as Grandma mentioned about the hole in their roof..I sit with my brekky & a cup of tea every morning, and click and read my daily email word from you .
The world is in our homes each day,with the bad news of the day coming in through the radio and tv, but your site adjusts my balance.
I am not in good health at present,and I am awaiting surgery, and your emails lift my spirits each day and they give me enriching food for thought about the goodness that is in this world of ours especially with your story today.I am not where I want to be, but I am not where I was, thanks to you - I forward your daily words on to my family and friends when I think that your words fit a particular imbalance in their lives, and I have been surprised to see who has taken up the invitation to subscribe too.
We dont celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia, but I think it is a warm & community inspired idea & I wish you all well with your celebrations of Thanks.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Sher Mohammad
Nov 26, 2005, 3:03:26 AM11/26/05
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Excellent story. Thanksgiving is about giving, not getting or receiving - something I think we all tend to forget about. Thanksgiving is about being together with family and friends and being thankful for what we have.
Let me mention here that you will find thankfulmess among Muslims all over the world for even a minor act of kindness. Arabs say "shukran" and we in the sub-continent express it as "shkar hay" or "alhamdolillah". Says God in the Quran," And if youre grateful (to Me) I shall most certainly give you more and more." Again, "And does He (God)something out of what you may be asking of Him: and should you try to count Gods blessings you couldnt compute them......"
We people are to be found lack in rituals, but we excell in thanksgiving!
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Brian
Nov 26, 2005, 11:03:11 AM11/26/05
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What a beautiful example of loving your neighbor as yourself. I daily hear of
similar examples happening in the Gulf Coast area ravaged by Katrina. Beyond
the stilted efforts by FEMA, many are giving daily to aid in the recovery.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Ceci Ramsey
Nov 26, 2005, 1:02:47 PM11/26/05
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What a great, inspiring article. Thank you for printing that.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Jeanne-Marie
Nov 26, 2005, 3:02:49 PM11/26/05
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A beautiful story, and well told! Im using my hankerchief right now.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
May Ann Hilgemaqn
Nov 27, 2005, 2:31:44 AM11/27/05
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Beautiful, heart-warming story! Thank you!
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Michelle
Nov 27, 2005, 5:04:45 AM11/27/05
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Brought tears to my eyes. Very Very Good!
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Norma
Nov 27, 2005, 5:03:04 PM11/27/05
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I am past 70 years of age and when I read Lights for
Thanksgiving it brought back sweet memories of dinners
with my grandmother and grandfather. One Thanksgiving
we impressed our neighbors with grandfathers new radio
that used a car battery for power. What wonderful
memories your offering today brought back to my heart.
Thanksgiving it brought back sweet memories of dinners
with my grandmother and grandfather. One Thanksgiving
we impressed our neighbors with grandfathers new radio
that used a car battery for power. What wonderful
memories your offering today brought back to my heart.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Desmond Donnelly
Nov 27, 2005, 8:32:00 PM11/27/05
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I cried.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Eee
Nov 27, 2005, 11:03:08 PM11/27/05
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Oh what a perfectly told story. How I wish it could be real in the lives of
men. What a wonderful world this would be.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Yna Aquino
Nov 28, 2005, 3:02:54 AM11/28/05
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Thank you Bruderhof, I have never read a more poignant simple life story until
now. It is reminiscent of "A Day No Pigs Would Die" and the old shaker stories
I used to read in high school.
In the Philippines, the counterpart of American thanksgiving day is the Christmas day. Sadly, with so much exposure to commercialism and materialism, the real essence of its celebration is lost -- both to young and old alike. This year, I now have a husband and one-year old daughter to celebrate the occasion with and I promised to myself, I would do away with the commercialism and lavishness and giving back to God what he deserves from me -- my full devotion to him. I will raise my child to witness Christmas as a day for giving thanks to all the blessings and make the day important just by being with them.....
In the Philippines, the counterpart of American thanksgiving day is the Christmas day. Sadly, with so much exposure to commercialism and materialism, the real essence of its celebration is lost -- both to young and old alike. This year, I now have a husband and one-year old daughter to celebrate the occasion with and I promised to myself, I would do away with the commercialism and lavishness and giving back to God what he deserves from me -- my full devotion to him. I will raise my child to witness Christmas as a day for giving thanks to all the blessings and make the day important just by being with them.....
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Ted Kraynick
Nov 28, 2005, 11:34:51 AM11/28/05
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Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. A real blessing to have read this.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Lina
Nov 29, 2005, 7:34:07 AM11/29/05
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Sometimes your stories..parables almost, are so warm in their simplicity and
thought...that you hug them to you like a blanket and almost forget there is
something of kindness and love to be learnt from them.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Kathypapa
Nov 29, 2005, 10:26:36 AM11/29/05
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I was especially touched by this story. It truly reflects what Thanksgiving
should be for all of us. We seem to have lost the joy of simple living and giving
in the hustle of commercialism that surrounds holidays. Thank you.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Tracy
Nov 29, 2005, 1:03:43 PM11/29/05
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I really enjoy this story as it brought tears to my ears. Because I lost my
father right after thanksgiving.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Jenny Badua
Nov 29, 2005, 9:34:39 PM11/29/05
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That was beautiful, a story of a time that I didnt get the chance to be a part
of, and an amazing reinvention of basic kindness!
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Clarene S. Hertzler
Nov 30, 2005, 3:33:41 AM11/30/05
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Jean Bell Mosely writes symbolically with great skill,
and with light in her own heart which we may readily
catch. Her closing lines were a bit hard to read...
through tears. Thank you for sharing her with us!
and with light in her own heart which we may readily
catch. Her closing lines were a bit hard to read...
through tears. Thank you for sharing her with us!
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Pamela
Nov 30, 2005, 11:03:15 PM11/30/05
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Very moving, beautifully written, and an inspiration! Thank you!
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Elaine Bauer
Dec 1, 2005, 4:34:12 AM12/1/05
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What a wonderful story about the real meaning of giving and thanksgiving.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
Cynthia Wilson
Dec 5, 2005, 9:34:43 PM12/5/05
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The article was thought provoking. It reminded me of the maxim that it is better
to give than to receive, and exemplifies the true spirit of thanksgiving.
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/mosley-thanksgiving.htm
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