Matthew 4:18: As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

Gratitude Day 931

When Hubby Rick has a few hours and the weather is right, one of his favorite things to do is load up a kayak (if the weather is warmer) or take his auger (when there is ice) and go fishing. Often, he goes by himself. Other times, he’ll take a grandchild. I know I don’t go with him enough; fishing just isn’t really my thing. Sometimes, I paddle my own kayak or go for a walk or run around the lake or read a book. But for Hubby Rick? Fishing is a time when the demands of the world disappears. Everything slows down. For a while, he only has to think about what kind of bait to put on the hook and where the weediest spot is to catch his beloved blue gills and croppies.

Whether he catches fish or not, he comes back invigorated. Inspired. Glad he saw a fantastic sunset or simply just paddled around the lake. It’s not even about what or how many fish he catches. This is where his soul slows down. The rest of the world gets shut off, if only for a few hours. He feels connected to his Creator. It’s an important way that he fills his well.

Imagine taking a passion for fishing and turning it into something that makes a difference for kids. That’s the vision Casting 4 Kids, our March/April Our Monthly Resolution organization has accomplished. Each May, they host an event to help children who are fighting cancer at the American Family Children’s Hospital/UW Carbone Cancer Center in Madison WI. Participants in our event share a passion for children, community involvement and fishing and gather for one day each May to combine these passions into one event.

Casting 4 Kids is in their sixth year raising money for the hospital. So far, they have raised over $790,000 for the American Family Children’s Hospital and the UW Carbone Cancer Center. What an accomplishment!

As our next Our Monthly Resolution group, we encourage you to consider supporting the awesome work that Casting 4 Kids does. Here’s a video that shows more of their event:

On May 17, 2025, Casting 4 Kids will host their 2025 event. In supporting Casting 4 Kids, we are supporting kids dealing with cancer and the American Family Children’s Hospital. It also supports kids struggling with cancer who want to get in a boat and enjoy a fishing outing for a day.

Will you join us in supporting Casting 4 Kids? Here’s how:

Donate online: https://www.casting4kids.org/donate

Mail a donation: Casting 4 Kids, c/o Mark Osieki, 1233 Scenic Ridge Dr., Verona, WI 53593

For matching gifts, their EIN is: 83-1120004

Thank you for supporting this unique way of raising funds for kids with cancer. While fishing may not be your way of filling your soul, think of those who find respite in a boat, casting a line, drawing closer to their Creator. We look at the disciples Peter and Andrew, who made their living casting a line for fish. We can cast lines a bit differently and still make an impact. Casting Kids allows us to do so. Let’s get those lines out there!

For appreciating the fisher people of this world and what they can teach us, I am thankful.

Blessings –
Dianne

Lord God – As Jesus started his earthly ministry, he called fishermen to be part of his inner circle because he knew they knew what it is like to cast a line into the murky waters and hope you get a bite. Help us cast our lines into unknown waters and catch something that makes a difference in Your Kingdom. We lift up those kids struggling with cancer and pay we can cast lines that make a difference for them and their families. Amen.

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

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