Psalm 127:3 – Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord.

Gratitude Day 918

Children are such a great part of Advent and Christmas.

One day last week, our youngest grandchild was standing in front of our wooden Nativity scene. Three sheep made from yarn and wood were scattered around the scene. Soon, I heard her little voice singing, “Mile after mile and day after day. Mary and Joseph made their way.” It’s one of the songs she sang last week at her school Christmas program. We’ve sung it a hundred times in the car these last few weeks. Over and over again.

Then, a few minutes later, I heard her little voice say, “Baa. Baa. Baa.” The sheep had been moved in close by the manger so they could get a better look at Baby Jesus.

And my heart melted.

This is Christmas in a nutshell. Told by a 5-year-old standing in front of the Nativity, actively participating and taking the whole scene in.

Repeatedly we are told in scripture that children are a blessing from God. While I do not have my own children, I feel that I have been blessed in being able to participate in the lives of a few children. They have taught me much about myself, the world from their little perspectives and God. Yes, God. I wished some of us big people could hang onto a little bit more of a childlike approach to faith and not make it quite so complicated.

The Our Monthly Resolution organization we’ve chosen for December is all about seeing children as a blessing from God and providing opportunities to keep these precious little packages healthy. This is why we have chosen Brecken’s Blessings as the Our Monthly Resolution group for December 2024.

Brecken’s Blessings is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by congenital heart disease (CHD). Thier mission is to raise awareness for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), provide support to families and medical professionals and help fund the Herma Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital WI for research and innovation.

They believe every child with CHD deserves a chance to live a happy, healthy life, and are honored to work tirelessly toward that goal.

Brecken’s Blessings was created after Blake and Brittney Markel lost their son, Brecken, to CHD. From the depths of their grief, they have found gratitude and continue to fight for all the kids battling CHD. You can listen to more of their story by going to: https://www.breckensblessings.org/ and scrolling down to watch their video. Go to the “About” page and read more of little Brecken’s story.

Brecken’s Blessings has some ambitious goals for 2025. They are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by CHD. In 2025, we aim to raise $50,000 for the Herma Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital, provide 200 care packages for the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and continue with our yearly toy and book drives all benefiting the kids at Children’s Hospital.

A donation to Brecken’s Blessing will help kick-start their 2025 goals. Will you join us in supporting the mission of this family as they celebrate their little baby’s life? Here’s how.

Donate online at: https://www.breckensblessings.org/donate
If your employer matches donations, their EIN is 93-3524558.

Donations can be mailed to: Brecken’s Blessings Incorporated, 804 Sutton Drive, Eagle, WI 53119.

While Brecken’s family will not physically have their little boy with them this Christmas, may he honor his life and the lives of the little people we love with a donation to Brecken’s Blessing before the end of the year. Any size donation is great!

We thank you that have participated in and supported the non-profit organizations we have supported during 2024. We appreciate your confidence in being a part of our little group that loves to support those who are doing the hands and feet work of God’s kingdom.

For the opportunity to embrace a childlike attitude with wonder this Advent, I am very grateful.
Blessings –
Dianne

Holy God – As I see little people celebrate Advent and Christmas this year, may I remember those who have lost a child or grandchild as well. May we find opportunities to honor and remember them as we respect and support organizations such as Brecken’s Blessings. Amen.

Looking for a bit of daily inspiration? Check out my daily affirmation posts on Facebook (Dianne Deaton Vielhuber and Simple Words of Faith) or on Instagram (diannedeatonvielhuber.)

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