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 :)
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
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!
P.S. Today is our 29th wedding anniversary! Allen, I love you more than words can say!
Monday, September 17, 2012
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!!!!
Monday, September 3, 2012
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
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
Sunflowers, teddy bears and a little blonde
One of the most magnificent sights I've ever seen has been one of my greatest pleasures this summer. I just love the fields of my beloved Iredell County in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. A breathtaking display of literally huge fields of sunflowers has graced the horizon of nearby farms in recent days. Honey bees have delighted in tickling the tender buds of millions of sunflowers. Shutterbugs of all ages and expertise have constantly dotted the landscape searching for that "just right" spot along the outer reaches of the fields to capture the perfect bloom. A young bride in full wedding attire, not sure who was beaming more brightly, her or the sunflower blossoms being photographed for her wedding album. Luckily, my daughter was with me one Sunday afternoon. Naturally, I had to snap a few shots of Ashley with the sunflowers. I will include a beautiful photo of her soon.
And of course, I, on my way to work, stopped by the roadside to snap a few shots of the radiant blooms with a teddy bear hanging on to a stem. One glorious morning I just had to stop for one more effort to capture the perfect specimen for my 2013 teddy bear calendar. The parking lot of a large church ended where the sunflower field began. Naturally, I had several teddy bears tagging along. As I took my photos, I noticed a beautiful young mother and her little daughter with blonde hair, both barefooted a few yards away. Mom was taking photos of her little darling, Kayleigh. As I had time to linger, I asked Michelle if she would like for me to take some photos of her and Kayleigh over by the sunflowers. She beamed, delighted by my offer. It was a rare treat for me to photograph such a sweet, loving moment with mother and daughter among the sun-kissed blooms. I gave Kayleigh one of my little teddy bears and she held it as I snapped the photos of her and her mom kissing and hugging a few feet into the field of flowers.
Though we had never met before, as we talked about the fields of sunflowers, children and the teddy bear ministry, I felt as though we had known each other all our lives. I treasure each and every day and all the wonders God reveals to me as the day progresses. What a great pleasure to go out and truly live life to the fullest. Don't just think about "it". Do it. Whatever it is that motivates you and inspires you, do it with zest and enthusiasm!! You'll be glad you did!!
And of course, I, on my way to work, stopped by the roadside to snap a few shots of the radiant blooms with a teddy bear hanging on to a stem. One glorious morning I just had to stop for one more effort to capture the perfect specimen for my 2013 teddy bear calendar. The parking lot of a large church ended where the sunflower field began. Naturally, I had several teddy bears tagging along. As I took my photos, I noticed a beautiful young mother and her little daughter with blonde hair, both barefooted a few yards away. Mom was taking photos of her little darling, Kayleigh. As I had time to linger, I asked Michelle if she would like for me to take some photos of her and Kayleigh over by the sunflowers. She beamed, delighted by my offer. It was a rare treat for me to photograph such a sweet, loving moment with mother and daughter among the sun-kissed blooms. I gave Kayleigh one of my little teddy bears and she held it as I snapped the photos of her and her mom kissing and hugging a few feet into the field of flowers.
Though we had never met before, as we talked about the fields of sunflowers, children and the teddy bear ministry, I felt as though we had known each other all our lives. I treasure each and every day and all the wonders God reveals to me as the day progresses. What a great pleasure to go out and truly live life to the fullest. Don't just think about "it". Do it. Whatever it is that motivates you and inspires you, do it with zest and enthusiasm!! You'll be glad you did!!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The One Thousandth Teddy Bear
I am spending time this morning catching up a bit on the latest news of the teddy bear ministry. The poem printed below is the one I included with the 1,000th teddy bear (including the original poem "Nan's Goodwill Bears) when I delivered it to the hospital on Sunday, July 22nd.
Before you leave this site, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the newest photos I've included for you, one of which is posted to the right of this message (that being me holding the 1,000th teddy). The other two photos are shown below the printed messages.
One of the ER nurses, Heather gets credit for the idea of getting the silver tag engraved for the bear indicating that it's the 1,000th teddy bear. Great idea, Heather! You'll see the photo of the silver tag with the engraving to the right and the photo of the bear is to the left. Have a wonderful day!! Love, Nan
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
The One Thousandth Teddy Bear
Written by Nan Forehand
July 22, 2012
God granted me a vision and I
believed
So many blessings I have received
His promise, unbeknownst to me, of
one thousand bears, began with one teddy
Eager to please – on His mark – get
set, I was willing, able and ready
This twelve month journey, an
absolute joy – never iffy
Each teddy cleaned head to toe –
one and all looking mighty spiffy
To the hospital ER my teddies and I
would happily go
All glory to God for His love and
compassion to show
He prepares our blessings before we
have a need
Most assuredly this ministry was
blessed with Godspeed
To bring cuddly comfort to the
little children is my heart’s desire
A life lived in service to the Lord
is a life lived on purpose and on fire
No tellin’ how many more teddies
the good Lord will provide
“Well done, my good and faithful
servant”, I think He says, beaming with pride
Author's note: on July 22, 2011, I
delivered the first two dozen teddy bears to the Iredell Memorial Hospital Emergency
Department to be given to those little ones (and some bigger ones) in need of
cuddly comfort. Today, July 22, 2012, I will deliver another bunch of
teddies to the hospital after I get out of church and these teddies being
delivered today brings us to the total of 1,000 teddies provided to the
hospital in the past twelve months. This fact continues to amaze me!
Not that I am one bit surprised at how abundantly God has blessed what
has become a ministry and has brought so much joy to so many, myself included!
This ministry is called Nan's Goodwill Bears. A poem of the same name is
published in my poetry database at www.wordchimes.com. The parents of the
sick or injured child receive a copy of the poem to take home with them.
The teddy is given to the child to have and to hold in sickness and in
health. I hope you are encouraged and inspired to listen to the still
small voice of God whispering in your ear to see His vision for your purpose
and to get on His mark - get set - be willing, able and ready. Trust me,
you can't even imagine how wonderful your own life will be.
Love,
Nan
"Kindness in words creates
confidence"
"Kindness in thinking creates
profoundness"
"Kindness in giving creates
love"
author unknown
I would like for you to open your
Bible and read the book of 2 John NKJ. It's one of those short books
located in the back of the Bible. You will be glad you did! I was!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Kindness
Kindness in words creates confidence
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness
Kindness in giving creates love
author unknown
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Christian and the Bear
The realities of faith, hope and love can make every day an exciting adventure.
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
I absolutely love life and I am excited to put my feet on the floor every day, even if I start the day "in a fog" and stagger to the bathroom after a night of staying up late creating something beautiful, such as a new poem or a story that must be written before going to sleep for the night. I sometimes tell people that from the time we put our feet on the floor each morning until the head rests upon the pillow at night, we can't imagine what we will do and who we will meet. Nor can we conceive of the blessings God will bestow upon us as the mysteries of the day unfold.
A conversation about the teddy bear ministry began in the post office as simply as making a purchase of stamps. I asked Jessica, as she selected my stamps, "has there ever been a stamp printed with the image of a teddy bear on it?" She replied that she didn't know of one with a teddy bear on it. I told her I was just curious because I am fond of teddy bears. I shared with her, since there wasn't a line of people waiting for assistance behind me, the story of Nan's Goodwill Bears. Jessica was impressed and told me she thought that it's a really good thing I'm doing. I thanked her, made my purchase and that was the last time I saw her until a couple of weeks later.
As I came into the post office, Jessica looked pleased to see me and said she had been waiting for me to come into the post office. She took out her cell phone and began to search for something on the phone. When she turned the phone around for me, I was so touched by the photo she pulled up. It was her little son, sitting on a hospital bed, holding a teddy bear and wearing six shiny staples on his knee. Jessica told me he stroked the teddy to his cheek as the hospital staff placed the staples on his knee. I asked her if she would email me the photo and she was glad to accommodate my request.
This past Friday when I came into the post office, Jessica greeted me with her usual pretty smile. I asked her how was Christian doing since his accident. She said he was doing well until they took him back to the ER to have the staples removed. He remembered the experience of getting the staples set and the comfort his teddy bear brought him. He cried out "I need a teddy bear!" He wasn't thrilled about the idea of being "messed with" and he knew he would need the comfort of a teddy to make him feel better.
Jessica had never heard of Nan's Goodwill Bears until that day I asked about teddy bear postage stamps and not two weeks later, she was in the ER with Christian and much to her surprise, when she saw the teddy being given to Christian, she knew we had met in the Post Office a few days earlier. Isn't God's timing perfect every time!!
Now, Christian has two special teddies to comfort him when necessary. As you scroll down this page, you will find the photo of Christian and the bear. Have a great day and make sure it becomes an exciting adventure. Who has time for a mediocre day?!! Love ya! Nan
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
I absolutely love life and I am excited to put my feet on the floor every day, even if I start the day "in a fog" and stagger to the bathroom after a night of staying up late creating something beautiful, such as a new poem or a story that must be written before going to sleep for the night. I sometimes tell people that from the time we put our feet on the floor each morning until the head rests upon the pillow at night, we can't imagine what we will do and who we will meet. Nor can we conceive of the blessings God will bestow upon us as the mysteries of the day unfold.
A conversation about the teddy bear ministry began in the post office as simply as making a purchase of stamps. I asked Jessica, as she selected my stamps, "has there ever been a stamp printed with the image of a teddy bear on it?" She replied that she didn't know of one with a teddy bear on it. I told her I was just curious because I am fond of teddy bears. I shared with her, since there wasn't a line of people waiting for assistance behind me, the story of Nan's Goodwill Bears. Jessica was impressed and told me she thought that it's a really good thing I'm doing. I thanked her, made my purchase and that was the last time I saw her until a couple of weeks later.
As I came into the post office, Jessica looked pleased to see me and said she had been waiting for me to come into the post office. She took out her cell phone and began to search for something on the phone. When she turned the phone around for me, I was so touched by the photo she pulled up. It was her little son, sitting on a hospital bed, holding a teddy bear and wearing six shiny staples on his knee. Jessica told me he stroked the teddy to his cheek as the hospital staff placed the staples on his knee. I asked her if she would email me the photo and she was glad to accommodate my request.
This past Friday when I came into the post office, Jessica greeted me with her usual pretty smile. I asked her how was Christian doing since his accident. She said he was doing well until they took him back to the ER to have the staples removed. He remembered the experience of getting the staples set and the comfort his teddy bear brought him. He cried out "I need a teddy bear!" He wasn't thrilled about the idea of being "messed with" and he knew he would need the comfort of a teddy to make him feel better.
Jessica had never heard of Nan's Goodwill Bears until that day I asked about teddy bear postage stamps and not two weeks later, she was in the ER with Christian and much to her surprise, when she saw the teddy being given to Christian, she knew we had met in the Post Office a few days earlier. Isn't God's timing perfect every time!!
Now, Christian has two special teddies to comfort him when necessary. As you scroll down this page, you will find the photo of Christian and the bear. Have a great day and make sure it becomes an exciting adventure. Who has time for a mediocre day?!! Love ya! Nan
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Ashley's Night in the ER
My daughter, Ashley is a Certified Nurse's Assistant and has been working at Iredell Memorial Hospital for almost a year. She has always worked third shift and is going to college, also. I am so proud of her and the professional woman she is becoming. As well, she can see that her Mama is still becoming the woman God wants me to be.
My brother in law and his wife recently came for a visit from New Mexico. I invited Linda to join me last Saturday morning to go with me to the hospital to deliver teddy bears to the Emergency Department. It was a good feeling for her to come with me and see first hand the warm reception from the staff and to see the two containers filled to the brim with beautiful, clean, cuddly teddies just waiting for the right person who would appreciate the love and comfort being offered. Now, I'll share with you a story as best as I can recall it.
Ashley called me when she got off work on Sunday morning. She was excited to share with me that she worked in the ER on Saturday night. Among the many other duties she performed in the ER, she told me of a little four year old boy who was brought into the ER in need of stitches. He got up during the night and went to the freezer to get a popsicle. He decided to get a knife to open the package. In doing so, you guessed it, the knife slipped and he cut his finger. He was pretty calm through the whole experience, right up to the point when the doctor had to numb his finger. It required six stitches. At some point, when the stitches were in place, Ashley brought him one of the teddies. She personally selected just the right one for him. As she handed the mom the envelope containing the poem "Nan's Good will Bears", Ashley told the little boy, as he clutched the teddy bear, "My Mommy is the nice lady who brings all of these teddy bears to the hospital". She continued to share "the rest of the story" with them.
It warms my heart to the core to hear stories where children are comforted by my teddies. Kids will be kids. They will get sick and they will get hurt. It has been that way since the first child was born. I am one person and there are a lot of children out there who need to be comforted and loved when they are in urgent need of professional care. All the parents are concerned with is getting their child fixed and feeling better. I know. I've been in their shoes. It is my honor and pleasure to be just one blip on the big screen of life who gives from the heart and expects nothing in return.
May all your days be filled with pleasure and joy. As it says in the Bible. It's better to give than to receive. I just love giving. The more I give, the happier I am.
Have a wonderful day and keep smiling that beautiful smile of yours!! Nan
My brother in law and his wife recently came for a visit from New Mexico. I invited Linda to join me last Saturday morning to go with me to the hospital to deliver teddy bears to the Emergency Department. It was a good feeling for her to come with me and see first hand the warm reception from the staff and to see the two containers filled to the brim with beautiful, clean, cuddly teddies just waiting for the right person who would appreciate the love and comfort being offered. Now, I'll share with you a story as best as I can recall it.
Ashley called me when she got off work on Sunday morning. She was excited to share with me that she worked in the ER on Saturday night. Among the many other duties she performed in the ER, she told me of a little four year old boy who was brought into the ER in need of stitches. He got up during the night and went to the freezer to get a popsicle. He decided to get a knife to open the package. In doing so, you guessed it, the knife slipped and he cut his finger. He was pretty calm through the whole experience, right up to the point when the doctor had to numb his finger. It required six stitches. At some point, when the stitches were in place, Ashley brought him one of the teddies. She personally selected just the right one for him. As she handed the mom the envelope containing the poem "Nan's Good will Bears", Ashley told the little boy, as he clutched the teddy bear, "My Mommy is the nice lady who brings all of these teddy bears to the hospital". She continued to share "the rest of the story" with them.
It warms my heart to the core to hear stories where children are comforted by my teddies. Kids will be kids. They will get sick and they will get hurt. It has been that way since the first child was born. I am one person and there are a lot of children out there who need to be comforted and loved when they are in urgent need of professional care. All the parents are concerned with is getting their child fixed and feeling better. I know. I've been in their shoes. It is my honor and pleasure to be just one blip on the big screen of life who gives from the heart and expects nothing in return.
May all your days be filled with pleasure and joy. As it says in the Bible. It's better to give than to receive. I just love giving. The more I give, the happier I am.
Have a wonderful day and keep smiling that beautiful smile of yours!! Nan
Friday, June 8, 2012
Teddies ------ A Legacy of Love
Work is a liaison office between our desires and their fulfillments.
Napoleon Hill
It was and continues to be my sincere desire to help sick children. This desire was manifested in the physical form of soft, cuddly bears. It has taken many hours of work, purchasing, repairing, cleaning, and making my deliveries to the hospital on a weekly basis since last summer. To date, more than 800 teddy bears have been given to those in need of comfort. I cleaned another 25 bears last night in preparation for delivery today. In my home, awaiting their turn, are approximately 300 more teddies. I know this, because my daughter and I reorganized the bears in my attic this week and took a head count! LOL! Plus, there are teddies in Ashley's room downstairs, some of which were given to me yesterday. This ministry will continue as long as God puts teddy bears in my hands.
If you are led to donate teddies or want to send a monetary contribution, please let me know through the following email address and I will be glad to give you more information. The email address is
www.nansgoodwillbears@yahoo.com I am a very frugal shopper. Should you decide to send money, you can rest assured that I honor your generosity and stretch each dollar to acquire as many bears as possible. Also, remember that each bear must pass my high standards of quality. I only select gently loved teddies.
A few months ago, I found in my stash, a beautiful teddy with a copyright date of 1984 on the tag. There was a hole in the face where an eye was removed. Other than the hole, it's condition is amazing! At some point later, I was given a teddy wearing a Harley-Davidson outfit. Since I use naked bears, I took the shirt and "leather jacket" off of the bear. I took the boots (amazing as it sounds!) and made an eye patch for the 1984 teddy! I am submitting a photo for your viewing pleasure.
The bottom line here is to remember that we must first do the work in order to reap the reward. Earlier this week, I received two emails from moms whose young daughters received teddies during their stay in the hospital. The subject of one of the emails was "You Made A Smile!". Mom emailed me a photo of her beautiful daughter holding her teddy as she sat in her hospital bed. Mom said that Nana Bear, as they call it, has become a very special member of their family. To bring a smile to a sick child's face is priceless! Each and every child is priceless!! Because these mothers contacted me, they warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face, too! Thank you so much!
Sometimes, it still boggles my mind at the multitude of teddies God has provided for this ministry He planted in my heart. It was fertilized by my trust in God and my faith in Him. Yes, it has required many hours of work to make all of this happen. I have no earthly idea how much of my own money I have spent purchasing teddies. It's not about the money and it has never been about the money. It is about sharing God's love in the form of a soft, cuddly teddy bear. My priorities are always shifting to accommodate the continuation of the ministry. When I shall die, I will know God's purpose for me has been fulfilled. Nan's good will bears is a legacy of love.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Ms. Julia and the Tiniest Teddy
You can keep your mind trained on that which you desire from Life and get just that! Or you can feed it on the thought of that which you do not desire and it will, as unerringly, bring you just that.
Napoleon Hill
For me, there is no such thing as a typical day. Every day holds the potential for the extraordinary to happen. I must be tapped into whatever it is that brings about the extraordinary in life.
I want to share with you the story of Ms. Julia and the Tiniest Teddy.
The photo above of the teddy in my hand is an example of the size of the tiniest teddy in the story. I'm a visual kind of person, so I wanted to include this photo for you. The teddy in the story is about four and a half inches tall, is the color of caramel, and is fully jointed, much like the one shown above. It would leave more to the imagination if I only told you about the bear. I want you to feel as though you were there witnessing the event unfold before your eyes.
Now, on to the story! :)
This past Friday morning, May 11, 2012, I left home with 30 teddy bears contained in the two pretty, colorful cotton bags I made, cleaned and ready to be delivered to the hospital emergency department. The day before, I had placed in my car, a very tiny teddy bear. It sat in front of me on the lower area of the dashboard, between the two front seats. It wasn't the first time I have kept a little teddy in the car with me and it surely won't be the last time, either. Little did I know this particular little bear wouldn't stay in the car very long.
It was quiet as I entered the ER. Smiling, I nodded to the security guard as I passed the checkpoint, carrying the two bags, bulging with teddies. I followed through on my delivery procedure. As I walked through the door to leave the hospital, I noticed a lady standing by the exit wearing a hospital ID bracelet, holding a plastic bag of personal belongings and two containers of some sort of cold beverage in her hands. A large, black pocketbook was slung over her shoulder.
The full-figured, elderly black lady, perhaps five feet, three inches tall, asked me in her very Southern accent if I would drive her home. I was taken aback by her rather blunt question. Curious, I began to ask her some questions. "Do you not have any family or friends on the way to pick you up?" Her reply was "no". I asked her "how did you get to the hospital?" She replied, "the EMT's brought me and I don't have no way to get home. I just live down the road a little ways. Do you know where the Food Lion is?" After a moment, I knew the general area of which she referred. "Sometimes, when I feels good, I walk to the store. I'm 72 years old, but I can still walk and make my way around without too much trouble," she proudly proclaimed. She didn't want pity.
She told me she has no children and her husband is deceased. She appeared uncomfortable talking about the fact that she had no one to rely upon to take her home.
She introduced herself and with a toothless smile she told me "I'm not scared of you. Whether you take me home or not, Jesus will make sure somebody take me home. He always has before and He will this time, too." I replied to Ms. Julia, "I'm not scared of you either." I noticed the sudden, rapid beating of my heart, knowing that I'm not in the habit of picking up people, realizing that there can be a risk involved when a stranger gets in the car. As I observed her personality, I surmised that she was unequivocally a good person. She seemed harmless. The thought of any potential danger suddenly left me and I knew that as much as she trusted Jesus to provide transportation for her, I trusted Him, also to keep me safe.
All the while Ms. Julia talked to me, I felt the Holy Spirit letting me know that I would be safe and that taking her home was the right thing to do.
"Ok, you stay here and I'll bring my car around to pick you up," I assured her. Ms. Julia smiled and nodded her head, obviously relieved to be leaving the hospital. I had no idea how long she had been a patient. As I walked across the parking lot, carrying my Nan's Good Will tote bag over my shoulder, I wondered as to how the upcoming event would unfold. I don't remember ever driving a stranger home before, but somehow, Ms. Julia didn't seem like a stranger at all.
When I pulled the car up to the building, she opened the passenger door of my Honda Accord and placed her large black pocketbook and the bag with her personal belongings on the back seat and shut the door. She adjusted the positions of the beverage containers as she opened the front passenger door. I held out my hand to take the containers from her while she got in the car. Her short arms had to stretch out to reach the door to close it. I felt as though I should have gone around and closed the door for her, but she strained forward, shut it and buckled up. As I handed the containers to her one at a time, she wiped the drips from them onto her tee shirt. "I make sure not to get your car dirty," she offered. "God will reward you for what you doin'" Ms. Julia assured me. "I ain't even got my teeth in and I look a mess", she told me. I replied, "you look fine to me", as we smiled at each other.
"I want to tell you how I came to be at the hospital this morning," I shared. She seemed interested, as I drove away from the hospital grounds. I turned my car in the direction of the Food Lion she mentioned earlier. She was touched as I told her about how my teddy bear ministry came to be and the fact that I was there making a delivery when she stopped me as I exited the hospital. "God put you here this morning to take me home! Praise Jesus!, she exclaimed.
Ms. Julia guided me to her apartment complex. As I pulled into the parking spot and stopped the car, I told her "I can't let you leave "empty-handed". I reached down and took the tiny teddy bear from its location where it had been obviously unobserved by Ms. Julia as we rode down the street. Ms. Julia looked quite surprised. I told her to wait in the car. As she held the tiny teddy, I retrieved a copy of the poem I wrote that accompanies the teddies, from the tote bag in the trunk of my car. Then I opened the rear passenger door and took out Ms. Julia's large, black pocketbook and her bag of belongings.
As she opened the car and got out, she pulled out the key to her apartment. I followed her to the door, carrying her stuff and the poem. As she unlocked the door, she told me "now don't be scared when you come in. I'm a country girl and I wants to get back to the country." I didn't know what to expect as she opened the door. Much to my surprise, there was no furniture in the living room. The fireplace screen was lying flat on the floor in front of the darkened fireplace. There were no curtains on the windows. The carpet was in need of attention.
Ms. Julia continued on into the kitchen where she placed the two beverage containers on the clean counter. "I'm setting your pocketbook and your bag on the counter here," I told her as she looked out of the curtain-less kitchen window. There was no table or chairs upon which to set her belongings.
She walked to the back door and opened it. I opened the envelope containing my poem and said to her, "I want to share my poem with you. I don't know how good your eyes are, so I can read it if you would like." "Read it to me, baby," she said as she smiled at me. She came up beside me as I read the poem aloud. I could tell that she was touched by the story of how Nan's Good Will Bears came to be. She laughed at the funny part. I handed the poem and the envelope to her. "I want you to have this poem and the little teddy bear", I told the lady whose beautiful black skin appeared to be younger than her years. "Thank you, baby", was her reply.
"Every morning I get up, and I come in here and look out this window and say 'thank you God for another day'. Thank you, Jesus! He wake me up every morning. You don't wake me up. Nobody wake me up but Jesus." Ms. Julia raised her hands towards the mid-morning sunbeams streaming through the kitchen window. As she praised God, she became very excited.
She picked up the tiny teddy bear and clutched it to her bosom. She became emotional as she shared her story. A visit with her doctor revealed colon cancer. She told me that after he had left the room, she went down on her knees. The doctor was alarmed when he returned, seeing her on the floor. "Ms. Julia are you ok?", he asked. No response came from her. She didn't look up. "Ms. Julia, are you ok?", he asked a second time. Her lips moved in silence. When she finished praying, Ms. Julia told him as the tears ran down her face, "I didn't want to get up til I was done praying." She smiled at me as she shared her story. Not once did she complain, nor did she tell me more about the cancer.
The kitchen was clean, but to say it was sparsely stocked would be an understatement. The electric stove was missing two of the burners. As Ms. Julia continued praising God, I couldn't help but wonder. With no children and apparently no other family to help support her, who took away the furniture? Would she be leaving the apartment very soon? Why was the opened cupboard empty? Did she have enough food? She didn't ask for anything from me. She offered no explanation. I didn't ask questions. She was already uncomfortable at the hospital when I quizzed her about the absence of family or friends to come pick her up. It was a very sensitive subject for her. I just listened as she spoke of her faith.
She opened up her large black pocketbook and pulled out a New Testament stuffed with papers and then she pulled out another book of the same size. I couldn't read what was on the cover. "I never goes anywhere without my Bibles. I'm 72 years old and Jesus always with me", she said as tears fell from her cheeks. Ms. Julia began to talk about hugs and handshakes. "When somebody shake your hand, they better mean it and when they gives you a hug, they better hug you like they mean it!, she exclaimed. She talked about the shape the world is in today where people go around not seeing and not caring about their fellow man. "My brother was a deacon. He was a good man. He dead now," she said as she wiped the tears. I noticed her navy blue tee shirt was dampened by the tears that fell from her chin.
At one point, her feet left the floor as she praised God, dancing around, praising God. I was touched by her gestures, but I was not afraid. Perhaps she was not currently involved with a church family, but her faith in God was unshakable amidst adversity.
"I have to go now, Ms. Julia," I offered as she paused to take a breath. "Ok, baby girl. I know you can't stay. Thank you so much for bringing me home," she replied as she grinned her toothless grin. "God bless you, baby!", was her response.
I wondered when was the last time Ms. Julia received a hug. She spoke of hugs and handshakes earlier. I looked into her soft, damp eyes and held out my arms to her. Twenty years my senior, she stood there in her kitchen, looking into my eyes and came into my arms. We held each other in Christian love, neither one aware of the time of the day, nor caring. Time stood still as Ms. Julia and I shared the embrace. It was a perfect moment that would have never happened had I not trusted God for safety and assurance that it was ok to drive her home.
Ms. Julia was a wonderful teacher even when she wasn't aware of it. Because I let go of the fear of a "negative what if" and embraced the will of God, I am able to share this beautiful story with you today.
I have thought of Ms. Julia a lot since we met. I am not worried about her. I know our God and her faith will sustain her. God will continue to place people in her path who will give her aid as needed, just as He placed me in her path on Friday to drive her home from the hospital. I will keep her in my prayers.
Interestingly, at church yesterday, Pastor Mike shared a passage from 1 John 4:7-21, as he shared his "Mother's Day" message with the congregation. The title of the sermon was "Love Each Other". I smiled as he read the verses, knowing and relishing in the moment as he read, speaking of Knowing God Through Love, Seeing God Through Love, The Consummation of Love, and Obedience by Faith.
I lived it on Friday morning, simply because I let my own faith in God be my guide.
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:11
Napoleon Hill
For me, there is no such thing as a typical day. Every day holds the potential for the extraordinary to happen. I must be tapped into whatever it is that brings about the extraordinary in life.
I want to share with you the story of Ms. Julia and the Tiniest Teddy.
Now, on to the story! :)
This past Friday morning, May 11, 2012, I left home with 30 teddy bears contained in the two pretty, colorful cotton bags I made, cleaned and ready to be delivered to the hospital emergency department. The day before, I had placed in my car, a very tiny teddy bear. It sat in front of me on the lower area of the dashboard, between the two front seats. It wasn't the first time I have kept a little teddy in the car with me and it surely won't be the last time, either. Little did I know this particular little bear wouldn't stay in the car very long.
It was quiet as I entered the ER. Smiling, I nodded to the security guard as I passed the checkpoint, carrying the two bags, bulging with teddies. I followed through on my delivery procedure. As I walked through the door to leave the hospital, I noticed a lady standing by the exit wearing a hospital ID bracelet, holding a plastic bag of personal belongings and two containers of some sort of cold beverage in her hands. A large, black pocketbook was slung over her shoulder.
The full-figured, elderly black lady, perhaps five feet, three inches tall, asked me in her very Southern accent if I would drive her home. I was taken aback by her rather blunt question. Curious, I began to ask her some questions. "Do you not have any family or friends on the way to pick you up?" Her reply was "no". I asked her "how did you get to the hospital?" She replied, "the EMT's brought me and I don't have no way to get home. I just live down the road a little ways. Do you know where the Food Lion is?" After a moment, I knew the general area of which she referred. "Sometimes, when I feels good, I walk to the store. I'm 72 years old, but I can still walk and make my way around without too much trouble," she proudly proclaimed. She didn't want pity.
She told me she has no children and her husband is deceased. She appeared uncomfortable talking about the fact that she had no one to rely upon to take her home.
She introduced herself and with a toothless smile she told me "I'm not scared of you. Whether you take me home or not, Jesus will make sure somebody take me home. He always has before and He will this time, too." I replied to Ms. Julia, "I'm not scared of you either." I noticed the sudden, rapid beating of my heart, knowing that I'm not in the habit of picking up people, realizing that there can be a risk involved when a stranger gets in the car. As I observed her personality, I surmised that she was unequivocally a good person. She seemed harmless. The thought of any potential danger suddenly left me and I knew that as much as she trusted Jesus to provide transportation for her, I trusted Him, also to keep me safe.
All the while Ms. Julia talked to me, I felt the Holy Spirit letting me know that I would be safe and that taking her home was the right thing to do.
"Ok, you stay here and I'll bring my car around to pick you up," I assured her. Ms. Julia smiled and nodded her head, obviously relieved to be leaving the hospital. I had no idea how long she had been a patient. As I walked across the parking lot, carrying my Nan's Good Will tote bag over my shoulder, I wondered as to how the upcoming event would unfold. I don't remember ever driving a stranger home before, but somehow, Ms. Julia didn't seem like a stranger at all.
When I pulled the car up to the building, she opened the passenger door of my Honda Accord and placed her large black pocketbook and the bag with her personal belongings on the back seat and shut the door. She adjusted the positions of the beverage containers as she opened the front passenger door. I held out my hand to take the containers from her while she got in the car. Her short arms had to stretch out to reach the door to close it. I felt as though I should have gone around and closed the door for her, but she strained forward, shut it and buckled up. As I handed the containers to her one at a time, she wiped the drips from them onto her tee shirt. "I make sure not to get your car dirty," she offered. "God will reward you for what you doin'" Ms. Julia assured me. "I ain't even got my teeth in and I look a mess", she told me. I replied, "you look fine to me", as we smiled at each other.
"I want to tell you how I came to be at the hospital this morning," I shared. She seemed interested, as I drove away from the hospital grounds. I turned my car in the direction of the Food Lion she mentioned earlier. She was touched as I told her about how my teddy bear ministry came to be and the fact that I was there making a delivery when she stopped me as I exited the hospital. "God put you here this morning to take me home! Praise Jesus!, she exclaimed.
Ms. Julia guided me to her apartment complex. As I pulled into the parking spot and stopped the car, I told her "I can't let you leave "empty-handed". I reached down and took the tiny teddy bear from its location where it had been obviously unobserved by Ms. Julia as we rode down the street. Ms. Julia looked quite surprised. I told her to wait in the car. As she held the tiny teddy, I retrieved a copy of the poem I wrote that accompanies the teddies, from the tote bag in the trunk of my car. Then I opened the rear passenger door and took out Ms. Julia's large, black pocketbook and her bag of belongings.
As she opened the car and got out, she pulled out the key to her apartment. I followed her to the door, carrying her stuff and the poem. As she unlocked the door, she told me "now don't be scared when you come in. I'm a country girl and I wants to get back to the country." I didn't know what to expect as she opened the door. Much to my surprise, there was no furniture in the living room. The fireplace screen was lying flat on the floor in front of the darkened fireplace. There were no curtains on the windows. The carpet was in need of attention.
Ms. Julia continued on into the kitchen where she placed the two beverage containers on the clean counter. "I'm setting your pocketbook and your bag on the counter here," I told her as she looked out of the curtain-less kitchen window. There was no table or chairs upon which to set her belongings.
She walked to the back door and opened it. I opened the envelope containing my poem and said to her, "I want to share my poem with you. I don't know how good your eyes are, so I can read it if you would like." "Read it to me, baby," she said as she smiled at me. She came up beside me as I read the poem aloud. I could tell that she was touched by the story of how Nan's Good Will Bears came to be. She laughed at the funny part. I handed the poem and the envelope to her. "I want you to have this poem and the little teddy bear", I told the lady whose beautiful black skin appeared to be younger than her years. "Thank you, baby", was her reply.
"Every morning I get up, and I come in here and look out this window and say 'thank you God for another day'. Thank you, Jesus! He wake me up every morning. You don't wake me up. Nobody wake me up but Jesus." Ms. Julia raised her hands towards the mid-morning sunbeams streaming through the kitchen window. As she praised God, she became very excited.
She picked up the tiny teddy bear and clutched it to her bosom. She became emotional as she shared her story. A visit with her doctor revealed colon cancer. She told me that after he had left the room, she went down on her knees. The doctor was alarmed when he returned, seeing her on the floor. "Ms. Julia are you ok?", he asked. No response came from her. She didn't look up. "Ms. Julia, are you ok?", he asked a second time. Her lips moved in silence. When she finished praying, Ms. Julia told him as the tears ran down her face, "I didn't want to get up til I was done praying." She smiled at me as she shared her story. Not once did she complain, nor did she tell me more about the cancer.
The kitchen was clean, but to say it was sparsely stocked would be an understatement. The electric stove was missing two of the burners. As Ms. Julia continued praising God, I couldn't help but wonder. With no children and apparently no other family to help support her, who took away the furniture? Would she be leaving the apartment very soon? Why was the opened cupboard empty? Did she have enough food? She didn't ask for anything from me. She offered no explanation. I didn't ask questions. She was already uncomfortable at the hospital when I quizzed her about the absence of family or friends to come pick her up. It was a very sensitive subject for her. I just listened as she spoke of her faith.
She opened up her large black pocketbook and pulled out a New Testament stuffed with papers and then she pulled out another book of the same size. I couldn't read what was on the cover. "I never goes anywhere without my Bibles. I'm 72 years old and Jesus always with me", she said as tears fell from her cheeks. Ms. Julia began to talk about hugs and handshakes. "When somebody shake your hand, they better mean it and when they gives you a hug, they better hug you like they mean it!, she exclaimed. She talked about the shape the world is in today where people go around not seeing and not caring about their fellow man. "My brother was a deacon. He was a good man. He dead now," she said as she wiped the tears. I noticed her navy blue tee shirt was dampened by the tears that fell from her chin.
At one point, her feet left the floor as she praised God, dancing around, praising God. I was touched by her gestures, but I was not afraid. Perhaps she was not currently involved with a church family, but her faith in God was unshakable amidst adversity.
"I have to go now, Ms. Julia," I offered as she paused to take a breath. "Ok, baby girl. I know you can't stay. Thank you so much for bringing me home," she replied as she grinned her toothless grin. "God bless you, baby!", was her response.
I wondered when was the last time Ms. Julia received a hug. She spoke of hugs and handshakes earlier. I looked into her soft, damp eyes and held out my arms to her. Twenty years my senior, she stood there in her kitchen, looking into my eyes and came into my arms. We held each other in Christian love, neither one aware of the time of the day, nor caring. Time stood still as Ms. Julia and I shared the embrace. It was a perfect moment that would have never happened had I not trusted God for safety and assurance that it was ok to drive her home.
Ms. Julia was a wonderful teacher even when she wasn't aware of it. Because I let go of the fear of a "negative what if" and embraced the will of God, I am able to share this beautiful story with you today.
I have thought of Ms. Julia a lot since we met. I am not worried about her. I know our God and her faith will sustain her. God will continue to place people in her path who will give her aid as needed, just as He placed me in her path on Friday to drive her home from the hospital. I will keep her in my prayers.
Interestingly, at church yesterday, Pastor Mike shared a passage from 1 John 4:7-21, as he shared his "Mother's Day" message with the congregation. The title of the sermon was "Love Each Other". I smiled as he read the verses, knowing and relishing in the moment as he read, speaking of Knowing God Through Love, Seeing God Through Love, The Consummation of Love, and Obedience by Faith.
I lived it on Friday morning, simply because I let my own faith in God be my guide.
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:11
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
All Because of Love
I went by the hospital last Thursday after I left my office to make a delivery of teddy bears. As I went through the security checkpoint in the ER, a lady at the triage desk followed me through the double glass doors. She said there was something for me to pick up. As I approached the first bin where teddies are stored, the lady removed the lid from the bin and pulled out a beautiful Vermont Teddy Bear!
She told me that a lady had come to the triage desk and said "in February, my son was here in the ER and was given a teddy bear. I went out and bought this one for the lady who brings the teddy bears to the hospital." It is one of the most beautiful teddy bears I've ever seen! I will probably never know who that lady was, nor will I be able to thank her, but I'm sure she knows in her heart how much I appreciate her most generous gift. At some point, the teddy bear will provide long lasting comfort to someone in need. The beautiful thing is that God already knows who will be the person to receive this particular bear.
God plans in advance for our blessings. Nan's good will bears is testimony of this truth. All of these bears in my attic at this moment are for people who aren't even sick right now. They don't know they will be going to the Iredell Memorial Hospital Emergency Room and they don't have a clue that God has already prepared in advance for them to be comforted by a teddy bear and a mother's poem.
I have included a photo of this Vermont Teddy Bear for your viewing pleasure. Let it be a reminder that when you have a specific need, God has already provided in advance for you to be blessed with exactly what will provide you the greatest comfort, strength, hope and endurance. This will all be granted to you in abundance, all because of love.
Have a wonderful day! Love, Nan
She told me that a lady had come to the triage desk and said "in February, my son was here in the ER and was given a teddy bear. I went out and bought this one for the lady who brings the teddy bears to the hospital." It is one of the most beautiful teddy bears I've ever seen! I will probably never know who that lady was, nor will I be able to thank her, but I'm sure she knows in her heart how much I appreciate her most generous gift. At some point, the teddy bear will provide long lasting comfort to someone in need. The beautiful thing is that God already knows who will be the person to receive this particular bear.
God plans in advance for our blessings. Nan's good will bears is testimony of this truth. All of these bears in my attic at this moment are for people who aren't even sick right now. They don't know they will be going to the Iredell Memorial Hospital Emergency Room and they don't have a clue that God has already prepared in advance for them to be comforted by a teddy bear and a mother's poem.
I have included a photo of this Vermont Teddy Bear for your viewing pleasure. Let it be a reminder that when you have a specific need, God has already provided in advance for you to be blessed with exactly what will provide you the greatest comfort, strength, hope and endurance. This will all be granted to you in abundance, all because of love.
Have a wonderful day! Love, Nan
Monday, April 16, 2012
Makenna and her mom
I must share a delightful story with you today! First, I have to back up a bit. Our local Community Thrift Store has graciously become a sponsor for Nan's good will bears. Cindy, the sweet lady at the store is my contact person. She called me last week and invited me to come to the store and set up a table with bears on display and talk with the customers. I went to the store on Thursday afternoon for about an hour. She gave me a bag of teddies that the store donated. The display was strategically located at the front of the store near the toys and stuffed animals.
Business was a bit slow that afternoon. That being said, a young mother and her daughter browsed nearby. The mom was paying close attention to a small wooden bed which held a brown Build a Bear teddy. We engaged in a conversation about the bed. All the while, I noticed her beautiful daughter with the long, flowing wavy blonde hair. Makenna attends elementary school. I don't know her exact age.
I asked Makenna if she would like to hear a story about teddy bears. She grinned and nodded her head. I began to tell her about the teddies and how I donate them to the hospital emergency room for sick kids. She and her mom were very interested in learning more. Suddenly I had an idea. I asked Makenna if she would like to read my poem that the parents receive when the child is given the teddy bear in the hospital. She appeared to be a very bright little girl. She read the poem "Nan's good will bears" to me and her mom. Her voice was soft and quiet as she carefully pronounced each word. She touched my heart deeply as she read aloud my poem. This experience was a very memorable and very special occasion for me, to say the least.
Makenna's mom said that they would look through the stuffed animals at home and see if they had some teddy bears they could donate to the cause. The plan would be for them to drop off the teddies at the check out counter in the store. When Cindy receives the bears, she will contact me to come get them.
The young lady and her beautiful daughter were smiling as they left the store and as for me, my heart burned with warmth and great joy.
We always have a choice in life. Had Cindy not called me to invite me to come to the store, and had I not come on Thursday afternoon, I would not have met Makenna and her mother. The opportunity would have been lost to hear the beautiful young child read my poem in the presence of her mom and me. I sure do believe that by the grace of God we were brought together. Remember, none of this is truly about me. It's about relationships and lives being brought closer together with God in whatever way He sees fit. He wants a personal relationship with each and everyone of us and if it is by way of a cuddly teddy bear, so be it.
Take care and remember that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Nan
Business was a bit slow that afternoon. That being said, a young mother and her daughter browsed nearby. The mom was paying close attention to a small wooden bed which held a brown Build a Bear teddy. We engaged in a conversation about the bed. All the while, I noticed her beautiful daughter with the long, flowing wavy blonde hair. Makenna attends elementary school. I don't know her exact age.
I asked Makenna if she would like to hear a story about teddy bears. She grinned and nodded her head. I began to tell her about the teddies and how I donate them to the hospital emergency room for sick kids. She and her mom were very interested in learning more. Suddenly I had an idea. I asked Makenna if she would like to read my poem that the parents receive when the child is given the teddy bear in the hospital. She appeared to be a very bright little girl. She read the poem "Nan's good will bears" to me and her mom. Her voice was soft and quiet as she carefully pronounced each word. She touched my heart deeply as she read aloud my poem. This experience was a very memorable and very special occasion for me, to say the least.
Makenna's mom said that they would look through the stuffed animals at home and see if they had some teddy bears they could donate to the cause. The plan would be for them to drop off the teddies at the check out counter in the store. When Cindy receives the bears, she will contact me to come get them.
The young lady and her beautiful daughter were smiling as they left the store and as for me, my heart burned with warmth and great joy.
We always have a choice in life. Had Cindy not called me to invite me to come to the store, and had I not come on Thursday afternoon, I would not have met Makenna and her mother. The opportunity would have been lost to hear the beautiful young child read my poem in the presence of her mom and me. I sure do believe that by the grace of God we were brought together. Remember, none of this is truly about me. It's about relationships and lives being brought closer together with God in whatever way He sees fit. He wants a personal relationship with each and everyone of us and if it is by way of a cuddly teddy bear, so be it.
Take care and remember that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Nan
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Seek and you will find
The important thing after setting a goal is taking action. Napoleon Hill
Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8
Just imagine that I had only thought of giving my 12 teddy bears to the hospital ER last year and had not taken action; so many lives would not have been touched; so many people would not have been comforted; so many times over God would not have been given the glory He so richly deserves.
I did take action and the result today is that with the remaining teddies in the hospital right this moment, when they have been given to children in need, the total given since July 22, 2011 will be 485 teddies. It boggles my mind at how greatly God multiplied those 12 teddies for His purpose!!
The teddies have not taken over my life. Yes, it has taken perseverance to continue to seek them out, to clean them, to copy the poems and stuff envelopes, to deliver them to the hospital and I have loved every moment of it all!!!!
These two Bible verses speak volumes to me. It's just that easy! Simply believe that someone willing is on the other side of the door upon which you knock to aid you in your endeavor.
Have a wonderful day in the Lord! Love, Nan
Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8
Just imagine that I had only thought of giving my 12 teddy bears to the hospital ER last year and had not taken action; so many lives would not have been touched; so many people would not have been comforted; so many times over God would not have been given the glory He so richly deserves.
I did take action and the result today is that with the remaining teddies in the hospital right this moment, when they have been given to children in need, the total given since July 22, 2011 will be 485 teddies. It boggles my mind at how greatly God multiplied those 12 teddies for His purpose!!
The teddies have not taken over my life. Yes, it has taken perseverance to continue to seek them out, to clean them, to copy the poems and stuff envelopes, to deliver them to the hospital and I have loved every moment of it all!!!!
These two Bible verses speak volumes to me. It's just that easy! Simply believe that someone willing is on the other side of the door upon which you knock to aid you in your endeavor.
Have a wonderful day in the Lord! Love, Nan
Friday, January 20, 2012
Mental Chemistry
Through some strange and powerful principle of "mental chemistry" which she has never divulged, Nature wraps up in the impulse of strong desire "that something" which recognizes no such word as impossible, and accepts no such reality as failure.
Napoleon Hill
"That something" presented itself this morning. I had some business to take care out of town today, and by "out of town" I mean outside my comfort zone of travel. For many years, I have had a fear of driving to a destination I have never been to before and getting lost before I could get there or lost before I could get back home. The fear isn't as intense as it used to be, thank goodness, but it hasn't left me completely. Today, I had an opportunity to face that fear head on and overcome it.
Equipped with my GPS, and thanks to my computer giving me a beautiful view of the roads between here and there, I set out for my destination. It was an hour long trip. Allen and my friend gave me verbal directions, also. I prepared myself mentally by creating a picture in my mind of having arrived at my destination. I knew what the building looked like and I imagined walking into it and speaking to the person at the desk. I further prepared for the trip by leaving home earlier than was necessary for prompt arrival. I wanted to take my time and not feel rushed.
You may wonder what this story has to do with teddy bears, right. Well, before I left home, I looked on the computer to find out if there was a Good will store in the vicinity. You guessed it! Not only did I reach my destination without any problems, I went even further to abolish my fear. Not only was I driving in unfamiliar territory to get to my appointment, I found the Good will store and purchased 16 teddy bears!
By facing my fear head on, I accomplished a great deal. I feel a sense of a thankfulness and joy. Our reality is never as bad as our imagination can make it out to be. You see, my fear wasn't real. It was imagined. I am so excited that I didn't give in to fear and let it control me. I trusted in God, in the accurateness of my GPS and I trusted myself. Because of all this combined, I know that in time, 16 people will be comforted with a teddy bear I purchased this day. They will never know "the rest of the story" as you know now. They will only know the joy they will feel when they are in the ER and are presented with a beautiful, cuddly teddy bear that is theirs to take home.
Because I was more in tune with the presence of God rather than the presence of fear my day was absolutely successful. I pray for success and joy in your life.
Take care and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Nan
Napoleon Hill
"That something" presented itself this morning. I had some business to take care out of town today, and by "out of town" I mean outside my comfort zone of travel. For many years, I have had a fear of driving to a destination I have never been to before and getting lost before I could get there or lost before I could get back home. The fear isn't as intense as it used to be, thank goodness, but it hasn't left me completely. Today, I had an opportunity to face that fear head on and overcome it.
Equipped with my GPS, and thanks to my computer giving me a beautiful view of the roads between here and there, I set out for my destination. It was an hour long trip. Allen and my friend gave me verbal directions, also. I prepared myself mentally by creating a picture in my mind of having arrived at my destination. I knew what the building looked like and I imagined walking into it and speaking to the person at the desk. I further prepared for the trip by leaving home earlier than was necessary for prompt arrival. I wanted to take my time and not feel rushed.
You may wonder what this story has to do with teddy bears, right. Well, before I left home, I looked on the computer to find out if there was a Good will store in the vicinity. You guessed it! Not only did I reach my destination without any problems, I went even further to abolish my fear. Not only was I driving in unfamiliar territory to get to my appointment, I found the Good will store and purchased 16 teddy bears!
By facing my fear head on, I accomplished a great deal. I feel a sense of a thankfulness and joy. Our reality is never as bad as our imagination can make it out to be. You see, my fear wasn't real. It was imagined. I am so excited that I didn't give in to fear and let it control me. I trusted in God, in the accurateness of my GPS and I trusted myself. Because of all this combined, I know that in time, 16 people will be comforted with a teddy bear I purchased this day. They will never know "the rest of the story" as you know now. They will only know the joy they will feel when they are in the ER and are presented with a beautiful, cuddly teddy bear that is theirs to take home.
Because I was more in tune with the presence of God rather than the presence of fear my day was absolutely successful. I pray for success and joy in your life.
Take care and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Nan
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Another "feel good" teddy bear story!
I give thanks daily, not for more riches, but for wisdom with which to recognize, embrace and properly use the great abundance of riches I now have at my command.
Napoleon Hill
God is surely embracing this teddy bear ministry! I have a new story for you! If you remember my story about the great purchase of 29 bears last Saturday where the store manager sold them to me at half price, plus the 13 bears Allen and I purchased at a local Goodwill store, I'll pick up from that story to share this one.
Ok. Saturday evening, John's friend Matt, and his fiance, Hope came over for a visit. I had taken all of the 42 bears into Ashley's bedroom at some point and Hope came into the room. The teddies were scattered on the floor. Hope is a high school senior this year. She began telling me that she volunteers at school in the special education class of six students (teenagers in high school). She shared with me that, as we all know, kids can be mean. Sadly, some of the kids, at times, are picked on by other thoughtless students. As we talked, Hope began to think of the bears in terms of comforting these six kids. She smiled as she said "Ms. Nan, I think those kids would appreciate having one of your bears. I really think it would mean a lot to them. I know the teacher would be fine with it." I asked her if we need permission from the teacher. She said the teacher would welcome this opportunity to do something nice for the kids.
I invited Hope to look through the bears on the floor and pick out six that would go along with the personality of the kids. She carefully chose four bears according to their individuality. She was having trouble connecting with the last two, so I told her "I have lots more bears in the attic. Let's go up and take a look." As we came into the holding room of bears, her eyes widened as she looked around at the masses! I told you I have lots of bears in the attic! She happily explored her options for the last two kids and found the two bears she wanted for them.
When we came back to Ashley's room carrying the teddies in our arms, I told her it would be great if she would take a copy of the poem Nan's good will bears and read it to the class when she takes the bears to the kids. She read the poem out loud and happily took the bears and the poem home with her.
I am thrilled to say today that Hope took the bears to school on Monday and she told me that the kids LOVE their bears and the teacher cried as Hope read the poem to the class. A copy was made of the poem for each one to take home to share with their parents.
Matt and Hope came over again tonight (Tuesday night) and Hope beamed as she told me more about how the kids and the teacher responded to the teddies. One boy saw her outside the classroom and grinned as he said "Hope's my best friend. She gave me a teddy bear." I just love it!! I trusted Hope's intuition and we acted on it.
I get chills (glory bumps) as I remember the joy Hope felt when she saw the smiles on the faces of the kids and the teacher. Friends, this is what life is all about....the joy of giving! I give to the glory of the Lord and for service to mankind.
Well, it's 4:30 am and I will get up and check on the clothes in the dryer.
Be sure to scroll down this page and take a look at the newest photo I loaded earlier. It shows two of my latest projects. I envisioned a tote bag with a teddy on it and Nan's good will bears embroidered on it. Here it is!! I also am showing the January photo of the newest 2012 calendar.
Whew! Getting long winded! Thoughts keep flowing along with the creative juices!! Gotta get up and and be creative when the Lord calls!!
Take care. Be safe, keep smiling! Love, Nan
Napoleon Hill
God is surely embracing this teddy bear ministry! I have a new story for you! If you remember my story about the great purchase of 29 bears last Saturday where the store manager sold them to me at half price, plus the 13 bears Allen and I purchased at a local Goodwill store, I'll pick up from that story to share this one.
Ok. Saturday evening, John's friend Matt, and his fiance, Hope came over for a visit. I had taken all of the 42 bears into Ashley's bedroom at some point and Hope came into the room. The teddies were scattered on the floor. Hope is a high school senior this year. She began telling me that she volunteers at school in the special education class of six students (teenagers in high school). She shared with me that, as we all know, kids can be mean. Sadly, some of the kids, at times, are picked on by other thoughtless students. As we talked, Hope began to think of the bears in terms of comforting these six kids. She smiled as she said "Ms. Nan, I think those kids would appreciate having one of your bears. I really think it would mean a lot to them. I know the teacher would be fine with it." I asked her if we need permission from the teacher. She said the teacher would welcome this opportunity to do something nice for the kids.
I invited Hope to look through the bears on the floor and pick out six that would go along with the personality of the kids. She carefully chose four bears according to their individuality. She was having trouble connecting with the last two, so I told her "I have lots more bears in the attic. Let's go up and take a look." As we came into the holding room of bears, her eyes widened as she looked around at the masses! I told you I have lots of bears in the attic! She happily explored her options for the last two kids and found the two bears she wanted for them.
When we came back to Ashley's room carrying the teddies in our arms, I told her it would be great if she would take a copy of the poem Nan's good will bears and read it to the class when she takes the bears to the kids. She read the poem out loud and happily took the bears and the poem home with her.
I am thrilled to say today that Hope took the bears to school on Monday and she told me that the kids LOVE their bears and the teacher cried as Hope read the poem to the class. A copy was made of the poem for each one to take home to share with their parents.
Matt and Hope came over again tonight (Tuesday night) and Hope beamed as she told me more about how the kids and the teacher responded to the teddies. One boy saw her outside the classroom and grinned as he said "Hope's my best friend. She gave me a teddy bear." I just love it!! I trusted Hope's intuition and we acted on it.
I get chills (glory bumps) as I remember the joy Hope felt when she saw the smiles on the faces of the kids and the teacher. Friends, this is what life is all about....the joy of giving! I give to the glory of the Lord and for service to mankind.
Well, it's 4:30 am and I will get up and check on the clothes in the dryer.
Be sure to scroll down this page and take a look at the newest photo I loaded earlier. It shows two of my latest projects. I envisioned a tote bag with a teddy on it and Nan's good will bears embroidered on it. Here it is!! I also am showing the January photo of the newest 2012 calendar.
Whew! Getting long winded! Thoughts keep flowing along with the creative juices!! Gotta get up and and be creative when the Lord calls!!
Take care. Be safe, keep smiling! Love, Nan
Sunday, January 8, 2012
With initiative, love, passion and conviction of purpose
Initiative means the doing of things without being told to do them.
Napoleon Hill
Why are we so full of restraint? Why do we not give in all directions? Is it fear of losing ourselves? Until we do lose ourselves there is no hope of finding ourselves.
Henry Miller
Passion rebuilds the world for the youth. It makes all things alive and significant.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Yesterday, Allen and I took the initiative to drive to a nearby town in our county on the search for more teddy bears. We weren't disappointed. I've heard that whatever it is that one looks for one finds. We surely did find teddy bears and lots of them. As I put bear after bear in the cart I noticed the prices were less in all of the other stores I had previously purchased bears. My objective is to buy as many bears for as reasonable a price as possible so as to help bring comfort to as many children as possible.
There were more bears on the shelves than I have ever seen in any store so far. My little shopping cart was soon to the point of holding a mound of teddy bears. Allen and I both had the same thought. We could make the most use of the money we had by putting the bears back on the shelves and going on about our business.
A very friendly and helpful employee named Brandi was kind and interested as I told her why my cart was filled with teddy bears. I explained the ministry to her and as we talked, I sensed God nudging me to ask for the manager. Brandi was happy to find the store manager for me. As I explained to Dana about the Nan's good will bear ministry and why I wanted all of the bears, and past history of prices, she listened thoughtfully. Rather than tell me the price was not negotiable, she offered to sell the bears to me for half price. Oh, my goodness! I was thrilled! There were still a lot of bears on the shelves, but I was happy to have the 29 teddy bears in my cart!!
Dana told me that she would inform the cashier of the arrangement when I was ready to check out. I rolled the light, but piled high cart to Miranda's register. She looked in amazement at the teddy bears and then she looked at me. As she rang up the bears and bagged them, I told her the story. She was delighted when I had her write her name on the receipt because I wanted to include her, Dana, and Brandi in my next blog message. She said "I feel so special" and smiled as she wrote her name on the receipt.
I asked Dana if the generous offer of fifty percent off would be possible upon my next visit to the store. She assured me that should she not be there that day two other gentlemen managers would be there. I felt so glad I wasn't afraid to ask to speak to the manager. There was a time in my life I was terribly introverted and unsure of myself. I think because of the passion in my voice as we talked, there was no doubt in their minds of my honesty, integrity and conviction of purpose.
I'm convinced that those three ladies felt good about what they had done. Dana took the initiative to offer the much appreciated discount. She is a fine example of generosity in action. She did more than think about helping, she turned her thought into a gesture of good will. Because of her act of kindness and generosity I was able to stretch the dollars entrusted to me by those of the hospital emergency department who purchased four large teddy bears at their Christmas party. It was with their funds I purchased the 29 teddy bears yesterday.
I've heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child. Value Village did their part yesterday in the comfort department. Dana's willingness to help will long be remembered.
Allen and I continued on our way with the trunk of our car stuffed with two very large bags of teddy bears. Our next stop was a Good Will store on the way home where we purchased another 13 bears.
As Allen and I came to our pew in church this morning his dad motioned with his hand to a bag of bears on the floor at his feet. He told me who brought them and I immediately went to the couple and thanked them. As Allen's mom came through the door and took her place in the choir loft, she motioned for me to come to her. She handed me two more teddy bears!
Friends, this brings our overall total to 634 teddy bears!! It all began with the purchase of one teddy bear three years ago. God intends that this ministry of providing comfort to those who can't help themselves will thrive and continue! Remember, every gesture of good will begins with a thought. Take the initiative to turn that thought into a physical manifestation of God's love in whatever way He sees fit.
Yes, even a stuffed bear can multiply more than six hundred times over! With God nothing is impossible!
Take care and stay tuned for a message about the hospital newsletter in which an article is printed about the teddy bears and the love of God. Love, Nan
Napoleon Hill
Why are we so full of restraint? Why do we not give in all directions? Is it fear of losing ourselves? Until we do lose ourselves there is no hope of finding ourselves.
Henry Miller
Passion rebuilds the world for the youth. It makes all things alive and significant.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Yesterday, Allen and I took the initiative to drive to a nearby town in our county on the search for more teddy bears. We weren't disappointed. I've heard that whatever it is that one looks for one finds. We surely did find teddy bears and lots of them. As I put bear after bear in the cart I noticed the prices were less in all of the other stores I had previously purchased bears. My objective is to buy as many bears for as reasonable a price as possible so as to help bring comfort to as many children as possible.
There were more bears on the shelves than I have ever seen in any store so far. My little shopping cart was soon to the point of holding a mound of teddy bears. Allen and I both had the same thought. We could make the most use of the money we had by putting the bears back on the shelves and going on about our business.
A very friendly and helpful employee named Brandi was kind and interested as I told her why my cart was filled with teddy bears. I explained the ministry to her and as we talked, I sensed God nudging me to ask for the manager. Brandi was happy to find the store manager for me. As I explained to Dana about the Nan's good will bear ministry and why I wanted all of the bears, and past history of prices, she listened thoughtfully. Rather than tell me the price was not negotiable, she offered to sell the bears to me for half price. Oh, my goodness! I was thrilled! There were still a lot of bears on the shelves, but I was happy to have the 29 teddy bears in my cart!!
Dana told me that she would inform the cashier of the arrangement when I was ready to check out. I rolled the light, but piled high cart to Miranda's register. She looked in amazement at the teddy bears and then she looked at me. As she rang up the bears and bagged them, I told her the story. She was delighted when I had her write her name on the receipt because I wanted to include her, Dana, and Brandi in my next blog message. She said "I feel so special" and smiled as she wrote her name on the receipt.
I asked Dana if the generous offer of fifty percent off would be possible upon my next visit to the store. She assured me that should she not be there that day two other gentlemen managers would be there. I felt so glad I wasn't afraid to ask to speak to the manager. There was a time in my life I was terribly introverted and unsure of myself. I think because of the passion in my voice as we talked, there was no doubt in their minds of my honesty, integrity and conviction of purpose.
I'm convinced that those three ladies felt good about what they had done. Dana took the initiative to offer the much appreciated discount. She is a fine example of generosity in action. She did more than think about helping, she turned her thought into a gesture of good will. Because of her act of kindness and generosity I was able to stretch the dollars entrusted to me by those of the hospital emergency department who purchased four large teddy bears at their Christmas party. It was with their funds I purchased the 29 teddy bears yesterday.
I've heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child. Value Village did their part yesterday in the comfort department. Dana's willingness to help will long be remembered.
Allen and I continued on our way with the trunk of our car stuffed with two very large bags of teddy bears. Our next stop was a Good Will store on the way home where we purchased another 13 bears.
As Allen and I came to our pew in church this morning his dad motioned with his hand to a bag of bears on the floor at his feet. He told me who brought them and I immediately went to the couple and thanked them. As Allen's mom came through the door and took her place in the choir loft, she motioned for me to come to her. She handed me two more teddy bears!
Friends, this brings our overall total to 634 teddy bears!! It all began with the purchase of one teddy bear three years ago. God intends that this ministry of providing comfort to those who can't help themselves will thrive and continue! Remember, every gesture of good will begins with a thought. Take the initiative to turn that thought into a physical manifestation of God's love in whatever way He sees fit.
Yes, even a stuffed bear can multiply more than six hundred times over! With God nothing is impossible!
Take care and stay tuned for a message about the hospital newsletter in which an article is printed about the teddy bears and the love of God. Love, Nan
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Mustard Seed Faith
written December 29, 2011
I learned to really practice mustard seed faith, and positive thinking, and remarkable things happened.
Sir John Walton
"a mustard seed faith ministry"; that's how our pastor described Nan's good will bears recently when giving new comers in the congregation an update. As I type this message today I am wearing a big, warm smile. I cleaned 24 teddy bears this morning. Allen and I took his parents shopping before lunch and on the way home, we stopped at a nearby Good will store. Yes, you're right! We came home with 24 teddy bears! We did leave some on the shelves, too. This mustard seed ministry began with 12 bears and as of today, has grown to more than 530 bears since July! We've given over 200 through the Iredell Memorial Hospital Emergency Room since July 22nd. I encourage you to visit www.wordchimes.com to read my poem entitled Nan's good will bears to learn the history of how this ministry came to be. The parent of the sick child receives a copy of the poem and the child is given the teddy to keep and take home. If surgery is necessary, the teddy goes in with the child and is the first thing the child sees in the recovery room.
Little did I know at the end of 2010 how the Lord would use me and a few cuddly teddy bears in 2011 to provide comfort to so many children and some adults, as well.
Practice your own mustard seed faith, think positively and you will see how remarkably God will show Himself to you and countless others. All we have to do is what is possible and let God do the impossible! Would you have ever thought that God would put 530+ teddy bears in my hands in five short months? And He won't stop at 530 bears!! This is only the beginning!
I pray God's blessings on your new adventures for the Lord in 2012!
I have a few teddies in need of minor repairs and then off to the attic they will go until cleaning time! I have to sit down long enough to write a poem that is dancing through my mind entitled Bears in My Attic!!
Take care. Love ya! Nan
I learned to really practice mustard seed faith, and positive thinking, and remarkable things happened.
Sir John Walton
"a mustard seed faith ministry"; that's how our pastor described Nan's good will bears recently when giving new comers in the congregation an update. As I type this message today I am wearing a big, warm smile. I cleaned 24 teddy bears this morning. Allen and I took his parents shopping before lunch and on the way home, we stopped at a nearby Good will store. Yes, you're right! We came home with 24 teddy bears! We did leave some on the shelves, too. This mustard seed ministry began with 12 bears and as of today, has grown to more than 530 bears since July! We've given over 200 through the Iredell Memorial Hospital Emergency Room since July 22nd. I encourage you to visit www.wordchimes.com to read my poem entitled Nan's good will bears to learn the history of how this ministry came to be. The parent of the sick child receives a copy of the poem and the child is given the teddy to keep and take home. If surgery is necessary, the teddy goes in with the child and is the first thing the child sees in the recovery room.
Little did I know at the end of 2010 how the Lord would use me and a few cuddly teddy bears in 2011 to provide comfort to so many children and some adults, as well.
Practice your own mustard seed faith, think positively and you will see how remarkably God will show Himself to you and countless others. All we have to do is what is possible and let God do the impossible! Would you have ever thought that God would put 530+ teddy bears in my hands in five short months? And He won't stop at 530 bears!! This is only the beginning!
I pray God's blessings on your new adventures for the Lord in 2012!
I have a few teddies in need of minor repairs and then off to the attic they will go until cleaning time! I have to sit down long enough to write a poem that is dancing through my mind entitled Bears in My Attic!!
Take care. Love ya! Nan
Bearabbit serves his purpose
written December 16, 2011
Just a quickie tonight as it is getting late and I need to get to bed. I have written my thank you card I'm sending to the gentleman I met in Raffles as he was getting a haircut. He's the one who donated $50.00 to go towards buying more teddy bears for the sick kids who come through the hospital ER. I am also sending bearabbit to comfort him this Christmas as he mourns the loss of his mother to cancer recently. I have to prepare the box for mailing and then I'm off to bed. I love giving surprises!! I hope he will enjoy bearabbit. I don't think it's a silly idea to give this gentleman a stuffed animal because I believe in my heart that it is what God wants me to do.
It will go out in the mail tomorrow after I leave my office.
I talked with a lady on the phone today in my office who said "I hate Christmas". She has four children and she wears an invisible mask on her face. She thinks no one sees beyond this mask, but I believe her children do. Please pray for this lady and her children. God knows who she is and when you pray, He will know the lady you lift up in prayer.
Please continue to pray for my brother Woody who is in the hospital (and wife, Judy) and also for our friend Diane who struggles in the hospital with a weak heart. One more, please. We heard from Allen's Aunt Nell. She has been very ill since Nov. 12th. She had to have emergency surgery and reports doing much better, but she still needs prayers.
It's 12:55 am and I have to get up from here. Take care and be safe out there. Get lots of rest and enjoy the true spirit of Christmas. We are, after all, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ! Thank God!
Love, Your sister in Christ, Nan
Just a quickie tonight as it is getting late and I need to get to bed. I have written my thank you card I'm sending to the gentleman I met in Raffles as he was getting a haircut. He's the one who donated $50.00 to go towards buying more teddy bears for the sick kids who come through the hospital ER. I am also sending bearabbit to comfort him this Christmas as he mourns the loss of his mother to cancer recently. I have to prepare the box for mailing and then I'm off to bed. I love giving surprises!! I hope he will enjoy bearabbit. I don't think it's a silly idea to give this gentleman a stuffed animal because I believe in my heart that it is what God wants me to do.
It will go out in the mail tomorrow after I leave my office.
I talked with a lady on the phone today in my office who said "I hate Christmas". She has four children and she wears an invisible mask on her face. She thinks no one sees beyond this mask, but I believe her children do. Please pray for this lady and her children. God knows who she is and when you pray, He will know the lady you lift up in prayer.
Please continue to pray for my brother Woody who is in the hospital (and wife, Judy) and also for our friend Diane who struggles in the hospital with a weak heart. One more, please. We heard from Allen's Aunt Nell. She has been very ill since Nov. 12th. She had to have emergency surgery and reports doing much better, but she still needs prayers.
It's 12:55 am and I have to get up from here. Take care and be safe out there. Get lots of rest and enjoy the true spirit of Christmas. We are, after all, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ! Thank God!
Love, Your sister in Christ, Nan
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