The Bounty of Bears from the Salvation Army Store

On Friday, March 8, 2013 Ashley and I shared some very special mother/daughter time.  We were both off from work that day.  I picked her up from her home and drove into town to run some errands and to have lunch together.  As we sat eating our lunch, I told Ashley "we have to go to the Salvation Army store for bears".  It was a spontaneous thought, as it wasn't on my mental to do list.  God knows that it wasn't just a random thought.  He planted the thought in my mind and I had no doubt that we had to act upon it.
I assure you, we weren't disappointed!
When we pulled up into the parking lot and approached the door, the sign indicated the store would be closing on March 20th and that everything would be sold for 50% off the ticketed price.  Upon entering the store, we selected a shopping cart and headed for the stuffed animal area.  As we began inspecting the teddy bears, a lady called to us from the other side of the store, smiling and said, "Hey, Nan! Are you shopping for bears?"  I smiled and said, "yes, I am!" I gathered that she may have recognized me from the front page photo and article about the ministry in the Statesville Record and Landmark.  Otherwise, I wasn't sure why she recognized me by name.  I didn't know if she worked there or perhaps a shopper; maybe a volunteer.... She told me that they had teddy bears for me in the back room.  As Ashley and I collected our teddies from the shelves, a cartload of teddies appeared, much to our delight!  Before we had thoroughly inspected all the appropriate teddies, even more teddies appeared!  We couldn't believe our eyes! By now, two carts were brimming with bunches of bears!
We also took time to go through the children's books looking for books featuring bears.  Yet again, we weren't disappointed!  I am working on a plan that I will share with you at a later date in which the children's books will be featured.  That's a story for another time.
By the time we took our place in the checkout line, Beverly, the lady who spoke to me initially, came up to us and began introducing me to the cashier and the manager of the store as "the lady from the front page of the paper who takes teddy bears to the hospital ER."  Ashley began to place books and teddies on the counter and the next thing I knew we were told that one whole cartload of bears would only cost $2.00!! Our total purchase was $14.09! Let me tell you, there were lots of bears!  I was overwhelmed at the outpouring of generosity from the manager, Lydia.  Those ladies, Lydia, Tonya, Peggy and Beverly were awesome!  God's love and His holy presence poured forth! Their smiles lit up the room.  Tonya assisted us in getting the bags of bears to my car.  Literally, the trunk of the car was filled to capacity with bags of teddy bears! Tonya and I shared a hug before we left the Salvation Army store.  She practically beamed with delight in helping us purchase such a large number of bears.
Later, after I returned home I began to unload the car, wondering all the while, how many bears did we purchase.  Lydia, Tonya, Peggy and Beverly helped us acquire 75 teddy bears that day!  I was overjoyed!  That's enough bears for three weeks!
As of today, March 19th, a total of 1,925 teddies have gone through my hands and into the little hands of those who benefit so much from my simple gesture of love.

'Nan's Bears' comfort children in ER - Statesville Record & Landmark: News

'Nan's Bears' comfort children in ER - Statesville Record & Landmark: News

This link will take you to the article written about the ministry which was published in our local newspaper on February 25th.  The article has been in the making for a long time, even when the newspaper didn't know it.  People used to tell me that I should go to the newspaper and tell them about the ministry to get more publicity.  Since I always knew this ministry isn't about me, I knew it would only be a matter of time, God's time, when it would be publicized to the community at large.  In time, the newspaper did contact me and now you know the rest of the story.
It began with a phone call from Bethany Fuller, a reporter with the R & L, asking to interview me early last month.  I agreed to the interview.  On Feb. 15th, Bethany and I met and had a lovely conversation. The article was originally supposed to be published in the Believer's section of the paper.  Well, we know that didn't happen! It wound up on the front page!
To back up a bit.....On Friday, the 22nd, when Bethany told me that they wanted to put it on the front page and wanted a photo of me with the bears, I had to do some quick thinking! Like any other woman, I thought, what will I wear for a photo on the front page of the newspaper?  I didn't have much time! The reporter would come the next day to photograph me at home cleaning bears.  I went straight to Cato Fashions and began looking for the perfect thing to wear! I knew I had "nothing in the closet to wear" (smile).  As I searched the racks, finding a few options, a lady asked me if I was finding everything I needed.  I began to tell her about the upcoming photo and article.  Later I discovered that she was the store manager.  Marcella was incredible! Searching for the perfect color and style was her profession and she treated me like royalty! I thanked her profusely as I made my purchase.
I received so many compliments about the photo and article.  I was overwhelmed! :)
Look forward to reading more stories as I create the time to write them for you.  Believe me, there are definitely more stories to tell you!! :) Talk with you later! Gotta get ready for church now

A Beary Caring Letter

A Beary Caring Letter

Written on March 11, 2013

By: Nan Forehand

You have been on my mind and in my prayers.

I want you to have one of my Goodwill Bears.

Even on those days when you feel at your worst,

I know you still put God first.

I’ve trusted this ministry to God above.

Each teddy is sent out with hugs and love.

I hope that something I’ve said in this letter

will somehow help you feel better.

May the warmth of God’s love and this soft, cuddly bear

serve as reminders that He and I truly do care.

In Christian love,

Nan

a.k.a. The Bear Lady

I am mailing a teddy bear and this letter/poem to a lady who has had ongoing health problems for quite a while.  I know this is the first post I have published since the end of last year.  There are more stories I want to share with you as time permits.  

Take care and have a beary wonderful day!

Love ya!

1,600 teddies and counting

Ashley went with me to the hospital yesterday to deliver teddies. This delivery brings the total number of teddy bears to 1,600 since God began this ministry on July 22, 2011. No, wait....He didn't begin the ministry on July 22nd. He began it four years ago when I purchased my first teddy bear from Goodwill. At that time I didn't know anything about His plan for me and the teddies. Sometimes, God's "miracles" take time, as in "years" to formulate. Just imagine the little ones who wouldn't have been comforted by one of my teddies had I not listened to the Lord calling me. I am still amazed and delighted each time teddies come into my hands. This is God's handiwork. I believe He smiles upon all of us every day. We simply have to look up and feel His awesome presence. As I have said before "I will continue this ministry as long as God puts teddy bears in my hands". The little ones coming through the ER need to be comforted. It's not about me and God knows He gets all the credit. I'm happy to be known as "the bear lady" :) Let go and let God work through you so that you fulfill His purpose for your life. Don't waste one minute of your life allowing a "negative what if" to keep you from doing God's will. You will be amazed! I still am to this day!
I still haven't taken the December photo for the 2013 calendar as yet. It will come to me soon. Take care and shine your beautiful smile upon the world :)

1,400 teddies given and counting

Allen and I will go to the hospital this morning to make a delivery of teddy bears. The total number given since July 22, 2011, including these today is 1,400 teddies. This is a prime example of how God provides in abundance! I do not boast for myself in sharing this with you. I do it all for the glory of God and for service to mankind.... Simply for the joy of giving and expecting nothing in return. Life is good! Love to all.

P.S.  Today is our 29th wedding anniversary! Allen, I love you more than words can say!

In Joy and in Love

In Joy and in Love

Written September 18, 2012

In joy and in love

I serve my God above

Another year has come and gone

Yes, time surely marches on

I sit here on my porch and commune with Mother Earth

In quiet celebration of my birth

So in love with life

Eternally grateful to be Allen’s wife

Happy to be Ashley and John’s mother

They cherish each other – sister and brother

Thankful for each and every friend

Loyal to the very end

I give thanks for my family whether near or far

I love them wherever they are

I’ve known my share of suffering and loss

And I know Satan’s not my boss

For I know whom I have believed

Many blessings I have received

This past year God blessed me with “Nan’s Goodwill Bears”

Because He knows just how much this “bear lady” really cares

I pray for many more years

And I pray for bears to dry little ones tears

I pray for the sad, the sick and the suffering

I’m thankful for my life – a humble offering

Thank you, Jesus for seeing fit that I was born

As I celebrate my Mother’s life this morn

My Mama went to Heaven many years ago.  Had it not been for her I could not, would not celebrate this special day.  Happy birthday to me.  Happy birthday to me.  Happy birthday, dear me.  Happy birthday to me.

No, I’m not full of myself, just happy for the opportunities God gave me this past year and happy for those opportunities to serve Him in the coming year.

Birthdays are for celebrating, not for pretending we’re not getting older …..or on the other hand, “I’m not getting older, I’m getting better

Including the teddies I will deliver to the hospital this week, it brings the total  given since July 22, 2011 to 1,225 teddy bears!!! To God be the glory!!!!

September Celebration

This poem is a tribute to a special life

Mary Diane Cates Watt
August 18, 1955 - August 29, 2012

Imagine with me if you can
my dear friend named Diane
strong in faith, but weak of heart
truly, her heart didn't wholly do its part
heart attack at age twenty-four
one tough cookie, that's for sure
not to content to merely survive
she knew how to live and to thrive
one Sunday in church she scared the guest speaker
defibrillator went off as her heart grew weaker
Diane was in the hospital for the month of December
I gave her one of Nan's Goodwill Bears; yes, I remember
for six months she used the Left Ventricular Assist Device
a will to live, no matter the effort or the price
by June she was on the heart transplant list
thanks to her donor who is surely missed
the transplant was a success, but then came the infection
during one late August night she attained perfection
Diane's new heart stopped, but her spirit lives on
Jesus by his side, Kenny is never alone
the teddy bear was placed in her coffin
she comes to my thoughts quite often
today we gently laid her body to rest
I believe she passed each and every test
into the mysteries of eternal life we delve
Diane was buried Labor Day, September 3, 2012
truly we grieve and the loss of our loved one we mourn
she loved the Lord since before she was born
with no room for doubts or speculation
today was truly a September Celebration

I love you, Diane