Cole's Origami

I really want to get better pictures of these, but I promised Grandmom that she could see them tonight.
Cole has become extremely talented at the art of Origami. All of these are made by using one piece of paper except for the flowers. The stem and flower use two different pieces.

Tiger

Spider

Grim Reaper on its side. I forgot to turn the picture.

Little Dragon

Rose

Clock

The Last Waltz (one piece of paper!)

My Son - My Brother

Last Sunday was a day that I will never forget. There was a long path that leads to this day. As a parent I have faithfully prayed for the protection of Cole’s heart, mind, and soul. I have prayed that the good that he sees will far outweigh the bad. I prayed that God would speak loudly to Cole and that he would be open to ALL that God had to say to Cole.
The last few months have been harder on me. Cole has reached an age that he is deciding what information to trust his parent with. What is okay to talk to us about and finding his own person. Understandably, as his Mom I think I should know everything.  He started asking questions about baptism. We have had many conversations on the subject. He kept asking how he would know if he was ready. I love Justin’s wisdom on this topic…do we ever really know enough? I love that Justin and Cole’s heart says I am ready to jump with both feet and live this amazing life God has to offer His own children.
Our youth group had planned a trip to Dallas for a youth rally called Winterfest. The week before there was an opening for another sponsor. I asked Cole if he would mind if I went with them. He really didn’t want to hurt my feelings but he did not want me to go. He wanted to do this on his own. I smiled and told him that it was no problem. Inside I was dying, I want to give him space but not really. God had so much planned for our relationship this weekend and that required me being home. On Saturday when they were in Dallas, I received a text from Cole while they had some free time and we had an amazing conversation. That night he texted me again at 10:30…”That’s it! The only reason I am not being baptized here is because you gave me explicit orders to not do that unless I was home.” We had a few more sweet texts back and forth. God had given me amazing conversations with my son that might not have happened if I had been there.
On Sunday my son became my brother in Christ. There has not been a more precious day since his birth. My whole family was there to help us celebrate. Cole is really growing up in front of us. Every day I think he looks older, but there was something different on Sunday. When he and Justin walked out, he looked so young to me. He had such a sweet innocent face. Seeing them together in the water was one of the most beautiful things I have seen. A sweet friend helped me put words to what I was feeling. She said you feel like your heart will jump out of your body it is swelling with such pride.
This is a video that Justin put together so his parents and grandparents in Wyoming could share this with us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MXdQBKnwAQ

Prominent Pioneer

In August Cole started a new middle school. This is not a feeder school for his elementary. I think this has been more scary for mom than son. He gets to establish himself among teachers and make new friends.

Today at school he with 19 other 6th grade boys and girls were called to the office. He had been nominated for Prominent Pioneer by his teachers for the semester. This award is for being a good leader, honest, and trustworthy. Each grade has approximately 300 students and Cole was one of the few picked. Justin told him that this makes us more proud than any award he could get for good grades. This speaks highly of his character. We love you, Cole and we are so proud of you!

Prince of Peace

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace. It means more than the absence of conflict. It is to enjoy health, satisfaction, success, safety, well-being, and prosperity. The only place that this exists is in his presence. You will never feel complete peace without him. It is impossible. May you rest in your Father’s arms in complete peace.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
Colossians 3:15

King of Kings

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Revelation 19:16

When I think of a king or someone in great authority, I think of them as being demanding. Making you follow the rules and obey. Making you be submissive.
This is not the case with Christ and his kingship. He calls us and wants us, but will not force us to come to him. God has given him power over all the earth. Tonight we talked about that not just being power over people, but also nature, disease, and death. He wants to be THE ruler of our hearts. We are called to bring others to his kingdom by letting him shine through us to others.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33

Lamb of God

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”

Genesis 22:8

John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

Not only did God know that the world would need a sacrifice for our sin, but he knew that I, Tammy Nash, would need it. The Lamb of God voluntarily was led to the cross to be a sacrifice so that I could have life. God provided for me. It takes this sacrifice for me to be able to have a full relationship with God. It is up to me to live a life that reflects the full life that I have been given because of the Lamb of God.

Physician

When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. "
Matthew 11:2-5
Tonight I just want to be in awe of the miracles that Jesus has performed, is performing, and will perform. He heals bodies, minds, hearts, and souls. What power! What grace! What love!