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
Friday, January 20, 2012
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
The saga of the good will bears continues!
written December 13, 2011
As I sit here contemplating the words I will use, I have chills on my body. The temperature in the room is comfortable, but my body/my spirit is experiencing something that goes beyond words. The chills aren't goose bumps to me. They are my glory bumps; glory bumps because the way my spirit is responding to the events of recent days is absolutely a God thing and my spirit is fully aflame! Please "bear" with me!!
Where to begin???? Ok, long story short......I found myself with four teddy bears that were beautiful and undoubtedly too large to use for the kids who will come through the Emergency Room. To honor the intentions of those who wanted me to have these bears, I came up with an idea and presented it to Greta, the Director of the Emergency Department. She thought it was a great idea and we proceeded.
The idea was for me to clean these four bears and take them to the hospital. Greta would take them to the off-site Christmas party for the employees of the Emergency Department. They would be auctioned off as Christmas gifts for four lucky children/adults. The proceeds would then be used to purchase more teddy bears. Greta called me yesterday evening and I was overwhelmed with her news! That, my friends is an understatement! Greta told me the bears brought in a total of $120.00!!!! She said one of the ER nurses took the mike and before she began auctioning the bears, shared with the group the story of Nan's good will bears and of her experiences as she gave teddies to those who needed this wonderful expression of God's love. She got the crowd involved and the fun began! Do you have any idea how many teddy bears I can purchase with $120.00!!!?? Well, let me tell you that when my bank, RBC Centura brought in $100.00 in September at a fund raiser bake sale, I spent all the money and purchased 138 teddy bears. Now I will be able to purchase even more bears!!
God says, "wait, it gets better! When you think it can't get better, just watch and it will!" Another long story short..... well, maybe not so short....but you need to hear the details of this one. I paid a visit to my hair dresser this evening after leaving work 15 minutes earlier than usual. There was only one customer in the shop and he was in Denise's chair. She knows all about the teddy project and I filled her in on the news about the destiny of the four big bears and the generosity of the Emergency Department staff. The gentleman in her chair was interested in our conversation and Denise told me to share the whole story of Nan's good will bears with him. He was a very involved listener as Denise snipped away at the hair that curled around his ears.
I told them, also about a very special "bear", which I actually had in my car at the time. This teddy bear began as a brown bunny rabbit given to me by a very sweet lady last week. She couldn't find a teddy bear so she purchased this beautiful rabbit. Well, you know I use only bears, not bunnies. I wanted to honor her intentions to give this bunny for the sick children so I decided to transform the bunny into a teddy bear! It is an awesome teddy now. Mind you, it was a beautiful bunny. I opened the stitches in the back and removed the fluffy white bunny tail and sewed up the back. Then I opened the stitches on the head and removed the bunny ears and cut them into the shape of teddy bear ears and then sewed the new ears in place. The beautiful pink nose was removed and I sewed a dark brown nose in its place. It still has the oversized bunny feet, which makes it absolutely adorable!! They were so impressed that I told them I'll run out to the car and bring it in to show them. They loved it!!
I understood from Denise that the gentleman is a shy person, but he sure didn't seem like it as we talked. As he paid for his haircut, he told us two family members had passed away very recently, one being his mother. He lived with her all his life, and now she is gone. This will be his first Christmas without her. He took care of her in the last months of her life as she dealt with cancer. Denise hadn't seen him in months until this evening when he came in for a hair cut. He said he hadn't been out in months because he was taking care of his mother in the final stages of the cancer.
As he walked toward the door of the shop, he turned to me and asked if I would take a donation to buy bears. I told him yes. He then pulled out his wallet and gave me $50.00 cash. He smiled at me and as we shook hands I thanked him profusely, all the while holding that precious bearabbit. I was taken aback at the whole scene that took place in the beauty shop tonight! Surely, God was present with us and smiling!
I stood in stunned amazement as he walked out into the dark night. I walked up to the counter and saw his name on the customer sign in sheet. An idea flashed across my mind! As Denise had no other customers, I asked her for a phone book. We looked up his name. It wasn't listed in the phone book as we read it on the sheet, but one entry caught our attention.... a man's name and a lady's name beside it. We wondered if the lady might be his mom. I took out my blackberry and googled her name, our town and the word "obituary". It brought it up and I searched the obit. for a clue. Sure enough, there he was, listed as her son! I wrote down his name and address. I will be sending him a very special thank you card in the mail and along with the card will be the bearabbit! His generosity astounded me and his sadness at being alone without his mom this Christmas touched my heart deeply. He doesn't know it yet, but he surely will be getting an unexpected package in the mail this Christmas. When he is lonely, he can see and touch this bear and know "the rest of the story" as to how this bunny became a bear and I hope he will be comforted.
I hope you did "bear" with me until the end of this story. I will clean the bear and on Friday, I will put the package in the mail containing the thank you card and the special bearabbit. I love giving surprises to people even if I'm not there to witness the receipt of the gift. Rest assured, God will be there as the box is opened and the bearabbit is revealed to the generous man who selflessly gave money to a woman he only met moments before.
Remember this, God puts us where He needs us, when He needs us there and for as long as He needs us there. Amen!
It's getting late and the dishes in the kitchen are in need of attention. Take care. Remember, also that God prepares for your blessings long before you receive them. Give a blessing. Be a blessing. Accept a blessing! Love you! Nan
Please keep my brother Woody in your prayers and his wife, Judy. As I type this message, he is in Duke University Hospital being admitted for excessive fluid build up in his body. The meds aren't working and the doctor wanted him in the hospital tonight rather than wait another day.
I also have a friend, Diane who is in Baptist Hospital. She is a very sick lady and needs your prayers. She is 55 and had a heart attack in her 20's. Due to complications during a four hour surgery, they had to stop due to a drop in blood pressure. She was put on a ventilator. She continues to struggle. Allen and I visited her last week in the hospital and I took her one of Nan's good will bears and she was so appreciative. I have been told that as folks have gone in to visit her, she has continued to hold onto her teddy bear, stroking it all the while.
Where to begin???? Ok, long story short......I found myself with four teddy bears that were beautiful and undoubtedly too large to use for the kids who will come through the Emergency Room. To honor the intentions of those who wanted me to have these bears, I came up with an idea and presented it to Greta, the Director of the Emergency Department. She thought it was a great idea and we proceeded.
The idea was for me to clean these four bears and take them to the hospital. Greta would take them to the off-site Christmas party for the employees of the Emergency Department. They would be auctioned off as Christmas gifts for four lucky children/adults. The proceeds would then be used to purchase more teddy bears. Greta called me yesterday evening and I was overwhelmed with her news! That, my friends is an understatement! Greta told me the bears brought in a total of $120.00!!!! She said one of the ER nurses took the mike and before she began auctioning the bears, shared with the group the story of Nan's good will bears and of her experiences as she gave teddies to those who needed this wonderful expression of God's love. She got the crowd involved and the fun began! Do you have any idea how many teddy bears I can purchase with $120.00!!!?? Well, let me tell you that when my bank, RBC Centura brought in $100.00 in September at a fund raiser bake sale, I spent all the money and purchased 138 teddy bears. Now I will be able to purchase even more bears!!
God says, "wait, it gets better! When you think it can't get better, just watch and it will!" Another long story short..... well, maybe not so short....but you need to hear the details of this one. I paid a visit to my hair dresser this evening after leaving work 15 minutes earlier than usual. There was only one customer in the shop and he was in Denise's chair. She knows all about the teddy project and I filled her in on the news about the destiny of the four big bears and the generosity of the Emergency Department staff. The gentleman in her chair was interested in our conversation and Denise told me to share the whole story of Nan's good will bears with him. He was a very involved listener as Denise snipped away at the hair that curled around his ears.
I told them, also about a very special "bear", which I actually had in my car at the time. This teddy bear began as a brown bunny rabbit given to me by a very sweet lady last week. She couldn't find a teddy bear so she purchased this beautiful rabbit. Well, you know I use only bears, not bunnies. I wanted to honor her intentions to give this bunny for the sick children so I decided to transform the bunny into a teddy bear! It is an awesome teddy now. Mind you, it was a beautiful bunny. I opened the stitches in the back and removed the fluffy white bunny tail and sewed up the back. Then I opened the stitches on the head and removed the bunny ears and cut them into the shape of teddy bear ears and then sewed the new ears in place. The beautiful pink nose was removed and I sewed a dark brown nose in its place. It still has the oversized bunny feet, which makes it absolutely adorable!! They were so impressed that I told them I'll run out to the car and bring it in to show them. They loved it!!
I understood from Denise that the gentleman is a shy person, but he sure didn't seem like it as we talked. As he paid for his haircut, he told us two family members had passed away very recently, one being his mother. He lived with her all his life, and now she is gone. This will be his first Christmas without her. He took care of her in the last months of her life as she dealt with cancer. Denise hadn't seen him in months until this evening when he came in for a hair cut. He said he hadn't been out in months because he was taking care of his mother in the final stages of the cancer.
As he walked toward the door of the shop, he turned to me and asked if I would take a donation to buy bears. I told him yes. He then pulled out his wallet and gave me $50.00 cash. He smiled at me and as we shook hands I thanked him profusely, all the while holding that precious bearabbit. I was taken aback at the whole scene that took place in the beauty shop tonight! Surely, God was present with us and smiling!
I stood in stunned amazement as he walked out into the dark night. I walked up to the counter and saw his name on the customer sign in sheet. An idea flashed across my mind! As Denise had no other customers, I asked her for a phone book. We looked up his name. It wasn't listed in the phone book as we read it on the sheet, but one entry caught our attention.... a man's name and a lady's name beside it. We wondered if the lady might be his mom. I took out my blackberry and googled her name, our town and the word "obituary". It brought it up and I searched the obit. for a clue. Sure enough, there he was, listed as her son! I wrote down his name and address. I will be sending him a very special thank you card in the mail and along with the card will be the bearabbit! His generosity astounded me and his sadness at being alone without his mom this Christmas touched my heart deeply. He doesn't know it yet, but he surely will be getting an unexpected package in the mail this Christmas. When he is lonely, he can see and touch this bear and know "the rest of the story" as to how this bunny became a bear and I hope he will be comforted.
I hope you did "bear" with me until the end of this story. I will clean the bear and on Friday, I will put the package in the mail containing the thank you card and the special bearabbit. I love giving surprises to people even if I'm not there to witness the receipt of the gift. Rest assured, God will be there as the box is opened and the bearabbit is revealed to the generous man who selflessly gave money to a woman he only met moments before.
Remember this, God puts us where He needs us, when He needs us there and for as long as He needs us there. Amen!
It's getting late and the dishes in the kitchen are in need of attention. Take care. Remember, also that God prepares for your blessings long before you receive them. Give a blessing. Be a blessing. Accept a blessing! Love you! Nan
Please keep my brother Woody in your prayers and his wife, Judy. As I type this message, he is in Duke University Hospital being admitted for excessive fluid build up in his body. The meds aren't working and the doctor wanted him in the hospital tonight rather than wait another day.
I also have a friend, Diane who is in Baptist Hospital. She is a very sick lady and needs your prayers. She is 55 and had a heart attack in her 20's. Due to complications during a four hour surgery, they had to stop due to a drop in blood pressure. She was put on a ventilator. She continues to struggle. Allen and I visited her last week in the hospital and I took her one of Nan's good will bears and she was so appreciative. I have been told that as folks have gone in to visit her, she has continued to hold onto her teddy bear, stroking it all the while.
The Four Agreements
written December 09, 2011
I always want to give you something meaningful each time I write to you. You are important and you deserve the best I can give you. I write because it is how God directs me. More than anything, God deserves my best every day.
That being said, I want to share with you something priceless. It's value can not be measured, in my estimation. It is the wisdom of God given to us through the writings of Don Miguel Ruiz. The book I'm about to share with you is not new. It was written in 1997. It is called The Four Agreements. I recently learned of this book and by the grace of God, I found it in the Goodwill store a few weeks ago. It took me a while to get around to reading it and now I am almost finished reading it. I can print the agreements here, but I want you to get your hands on the book and read it cover to cover. It ranks on my list with Rick Warren's book The Purpose Driven Life...... way up there! If you're searching for a special gift for someone this Christmas, yourself included, I highly recommend The Four Agreements. When you learn to apply the wisdom contained in this book, you will find your life has dramatically changed for the better.
1) Be impeccable with your word
2) Don't take anything personally
3) Don't make assumptions
4) Always do your best
There is so much more I could say about this book and the wisdom contained therein, but I want to whet your appetite to get the book and discover this timeless wisdom for yourselves. Don't hesitate.
I have to get up from here right now and get ready for work! Before posting this message, I received a call from my daughter and it was an awesome conversation. Well, I could go on and on!
I have to get ready and get out of here in 30 minutes, so I'll leave you with a smile and a twinkle in my eye! Take care and have an absolutely incredible day!!!
Love ya! Nan
I always want to give you something meaningful each time I write to you. You are important and you deserve the best I can give you. I write because it is how God directs me. More than anything, God deserves my best every day.
That being said, I want to share with you something priceless. It's value can not be measured, in my estimation. It is the wisdom of God given to us through the writings of Don Miguel Ruiz. The book I'm about to share with you is not new. It was written in 1997. It is called The Four Agreements. I recently learned of this book and by the grace of God, I found it in the Goodwill store a few weeks ago. It took me a while to get around to reading it and now I am almost finished reading it. I can print the agreements here, but I want you to get your hands on the book and read it cover to cover. It ranks on my list with Rick Warren's book The Purpose Driven Life...... way up there! If you're searching for a special gift for someone this Christmas, yourself included, I highly recommend The Four Agreements. When you learn to apply the wisdom contained in this book, you will find your life has dramatically changed for the better.
1) Be impeccable with your word
2) Don't take anything personally
3) Don't make assumptions
4) Always do your best
There is so much more I could say about this book and the wisdom contained therein, but I want to whet your appetite to get the book and discover this timeless wisdom for yourselves. Don't hesitate.
I have to get up from here right now and get ready for work! Before posting this message, I received a call from my daughter and it was an awesome conversation. Well, I could go on and on!
I have to get ready and get out of here in 30 minutes, so I'll leave you with a smile and a twinkle in my eye! Take care and have an absolutely incredible day!!!
Love ya! Nan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
