HAPPY 14^th BIRTHDAY, COLE!
I used to say that Cole was going to be the doctor of the family. Why? Because he was the one, out of my three children, who seemed to visit the doctor’s office most often between for various reasons when he was young. He had Metatarsus Adductus, a foot deformity, and had to wear a tiny cast when he was an infant. He had tubes put in his ears when he was two years old (after numerous visits to the doctor). He was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome when he was seven. His Pediatric Psychologist was grateful that the cause of his Tourette’s was not so common because he wouldn’t see children very often; cause…a gluten allergy. Maybe this has helped Cole become the compassionate person that he is.
This sweet child of mine is like a compass. He often (okay, almost always) seems to point me, us, all, in the right direction. For example, a while back I was watching a movie. He walked in, asked what I was watching, and I told him about the movie. I said, “It’s a shame that this is such a great story line, but the language is so offensive. Why do they have to drop the ‘F’ bomb so much?” Cole simply replied, “Well, you don’t have to watch it. Turn it off or watch something different.” Yep, he was right. So I did. I turn off the movie and decided to do something different. Yes, Cole is like our moral compass. Cole is an obedient child of God.
Cole has always been a homebody. He would get completely spoiled by love from the grandparents, but instead of staying the night, Cole would often say, “Okay, I’m ready to go home now.” He had had his fun, and was ready to go back to his own home in a moment’s notice. Cole is one who likes to be at his home and enjoys his alone time too. He is an independent person.
Even when Cole is at home, he knows when he needs and wants to be alone. He could have a handful of friends over, but when Cole is ready to settle down, he has no problem leaving his friends to the enjoyment of their time, getting a shower, and settling down in another room. A few months ago, when he did this, I asked his friends, “Is Cole going to be the one that will have a party or have friends over when he’s older, and then just leave y’all to keep having fun while he retreats to his room?” They all agreed with smiles, “Yes ma’am.” And the thing is, Cole and his friends are completely fine with it. They know and respect Cole, and he is content and confident enough in and with his friends that it’s not a big deal to him to retreat.
Speaking of friends, I asked his core group of buddies to give me words that they would use to describe Cole. The list is impressive and I completely agree with their adjectives: Loyal, Creative, Confident, Intelligent, Two feet taller than me, Generous, and Funny. I’d like to add the words persistent, solid, independent, a fisherman, obedient, and compassionate.
Here are some bible verses that I find true for Cole and go with the descriptions above:
“A friend loves you all the time, but a brother was born to help in times of trouble.” Proverbs 17:17
 
“Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.” Romans 12:2
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
“The Lord is the source of wisdom; knowledge and understanding come from his mouth.” Proverbs 2:6
“Now, children, listen to me. If you follow my ways, you will be happy too. Listen to my teaching and be wise; don’t ignore what I say.” Proverbs 8:32-33.
“I ask the Father with his great glory to give you the power to be strong in your spirits. He will give you that strength through his Spirit. ¹⁷ I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. ¹⁸ And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. ¹⁹ Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” Ephesians 3:16-19
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11
“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them.” Proverbs 4:20-22.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
“The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety. He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection. He is my shield; by his power I am saved. He is my hiding place high in the hills.” Psalm 18:2
“Live like free people, but don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as those who are serving God.” 1 Peter 2:16
Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you a different kind of fishermen. You will bring in people, not fish.” Matthew 4:19
“All who obey God’s commands live in God. And God lives in them. How do we know that God lives in us? We know because of the Spirit he gave us.” 1 John 3:24
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
I pray that Cole will continue to be a Christ follower with a good heart. He is one awesome kid. Thank You, God, for sharing him with me.
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
(Click here) to read about how Cole wasn’t my third child, yet my third blessing from God.

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