I don't know how it happened. I just seemed to be drawn to these cuddly creatures. It started so innocently. I would see a bear, and hear it call to me to hug it and take it home. Then it would happen again, and I would take the next bear home. The next thing I knew………. the house was over run with teddy bears!! There were bears everywhere. On the bed, in the cupboards, sharing my magazine rack, and eventually, even standing on the stairs to greet me when I come in the door.

Often times these teddy bears remind me of God's eternal love. "I am with you always" God promises. The teddy bear can never replace God, however, it can be a gentle reminder to us that God loves and cares for us all the time.

My "spokesbear" is Bearnabas. I also use preloved bears. Sometimes bears are sold, many are adopted out at and given away. It is my desire to begin speaking to groups about how to use the teddy bear as a way of encouraging and telling others of God's love.