THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS

"God has two dwellings; one in heaven

and the other in a meek and thankful heart."

~ Izaak Walton

VINTAGE PRINTS

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In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast. They invited the great Indian chief Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food. Governor William Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests. Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this:

'We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land.

We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice."

Amen.

~ Peppermint Patty (A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving)

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We return thanks to our mother, the earth,

which sustains us,

We return thanks to the rivers and streams,

which supply us with water.

We return thanks to all herbs,

which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.

We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters,

the beans and squashes,

which give us life.

We return thanks to the wind,

which, moving the air,

has banished diseases.

We return thanks to the moon and stars,

which have given to us their light when the sun was gone.

We return thanks to the sun,

that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.

Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit,

in whom is embodied all goodness,

and who directs all things for the good of his children.

Iroquois Prayer

(adapted)

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"O Lord that lends me life,

Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness."

~ William Shakespeare