I have found a new site that allows you to create postage stamps so I have now created 2 stamps that the postal servvice has accepted. (I wanted to do one of “You Are Not Alone” with the verse “I am with you always” but that was considered religous and rejected. ) So check out these stamps. They are a little more expensive as they are specially printed, but they sure make mailing a lot of fun. You can also find teddy bear note cards here too!!
Speaking of stamps: A woman goes to the post office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. She says to the clerk, “May I have 50 Christmas stamps?” The clerk says, “What denomination?” The woman says, “God help us. Has it come to this? Give me 6 Catholic, 12 Presbyterian, 10 Lutheran and 22 Baptists.”
The Holiday Season has arrived. A time for happy smiles and joyous song for many. But to some it will a first holiday season without a loved one, without a home, and to some a season without hope. Keep in prayer those less fortunate than you. Offer a helping hand to someone in need. I remember when my daughter was quite young, she had been watching TV and noticing the ads to help those that santa couldn’t visit that year. She asked “mom, why doesn’t santa visit poor people”. We talked a long time about how some people had nothing and she was so touched she wouldn’t walk past a Red Bucket without dropping in something, even if she could only find a dime, it went into the bucket. I was so proud of her caring and compassionate ways.
There are ways you can help. Volunteer at a local shelter; fulfill a child’s request by taking a name and list from a tree at many of the local stores. Get the name of a family from local charities and provide their Christmas meal and gifts. The list goes on and on.
More important than material gifts, remember the gift of life given to us through Jesus Christ. Like the gifts we place under our trees, this gift is free for you. Don’t leave Jesus in the manger or under your tree. Invite Him into your life and accept His gift of love and salvation never-ending.
Wishing you a beary Merry Christmas
I just realized how long it has been since I have written so here (if anyone reads this) is what has been happening at Bear Witness Ministries home offices.
Paperwork has been filed to become a fully recognized not for profit corporation. We are awaiting the final approvals. Hurricane Katrina did great damage to New Orleans and much of Louisiana. Bear Witness ministries donated over 150 bears and other plush animals to offer comfort to some who have lost everything during this tragedy and another large group is being prepared for an Indian reservation in Arizona A tag promising that they “are not alone” and that “God loves you” was attached to each plush. Each was hugged and prayed over. If you know of someone in need of a huggable plush animal to hold on to during times of difficulty during this holiday season, please send an email to “ bearyann@bearwitness.org “ with details and contact information. Currently Bearnabas Bears are being prepared for a local shelter and a local police car. I am talking with other organizations willing to accept this small symbol of Christ’s sacrificial love, comfort and encouragement.
The first “Bear Witness Tea” was held in October. Here we were able to introduce Bear Witness to others and show many of the work already completed and explain future hope, dreams and “Big Holy Audacious Goals”. If you would be interested in hearing these send an email and contact to “ bearyann@bearwitness.org “ I would love to discuss this with you.