Graduation at Greenville College

Our New Christmas Picture 

I am very proud of Matt Cowman. It is great that he graduated from college. I never doubted that he would. He is a focused young man who has a lot to offer to others. I am proud of the impact he made while at Greenville. He made a conscious decision to invest in the lives of others. It was very evident on the last day there that he did not waste any time.

My Three Boys (Mike, Jay, and Matt)

Our family hosted countless young people in our home over the last four years due to Matt's hospitality. Any person who could not go home for a break ended up at our place. We interned one of Matt's friends, Jay Yousef, and practically adopted Michael Carlisle over the four years. Many others greeted our family on graduation day. Parents, professors, and students, all thanking us for Matt. This is what I am truly proud of.

So here is my take away from Sunday. Thank you, Greenville College, for developing and facilitating the gifts and abilities in Matt. He has been given so many opportunities to impact others. Greenville is a very good school that I highly recommend. Another thing that I have been reminded of is that a school should be judged by the people it develops, and not the pedigree that it provides. Few employers today ask where you went to school.

I Couldn't Resist

Great Friends

Great friends are hard to come by. If ya got one, hold tight and don't let go. In the world of electronics, fast-paced living, and dramatic change, friendships are hard to develop. I have been blessed beyond words to have these two amazing friends for the last fifteen years.

I have experienced so much life with the Westcotts. Most people, other than your own family members, do not experience the birth of your children, the purchase of your first home, the death of a parent, become a client for your business, and participate in a decade of ministry together. I have lived these things with Jeff and Julie Westcott. This does not include the countless car purchases Jeff has made or the number of animals they have brought into there home. We have experienced together about everything that life could hand a person.

I want everyone to know just how important Jeff and Julie Westcott have been to me. Any level of success or accomplishment that I have experienced would not have happened without Jeff and Julie's help. Countless projects and ministry initiatives have happened with those two heavily involved. We have a lifetime of stories, experiences, and lessons that I cherish. I count myself to be incredibly blessed to have served alongside them.

I am going to miss having them in my everyday life, but what I know is that they will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Visits and vacations together will be planned, and who knows a ministry project here and there maybe in our future?

Lesson from a Garage Sale

Treasures

Have you ever been to a garage sale? Most people reading this blog would answer, "Oh ya" Have you ever had a garage sale? The answers would vary depending on the age of the person and possibly where they are from. 

Garage sales have been a part of the Cowman tradition for many years. I think that we have had a sale for the last 8 years running. I usually initiate the annual event by picking the date and rallying the troops to gather up some of the treasure found in closets and the storage room.

We have never gotten rich from any of our sales nor have we really created more space in our storage but many memories and lessons have been learned through the years that make it a priceless annual family activity. Here are a few lessons we were able to pass onto our girls this year.

Two Ambitious Sales Representatives

Micheala learned that there are a lot of old men that go garage "saleing". I think that is hilarious !!! So all you guys out there who do not like that your wife goes... it may be your destiny. She also discovered that rainy days create opportunities to be patient and not to close the sale just because it is cold.

Meredith gained insight on how to speak to people. She was a great sales person and her skills were honed. Money is something that many teens do not have to manage. They usually spend the money that they are given or earned. Meredith enjoyed operating the register (which I have provided a pic for you).  Exchanging money is a great skill to learn.

Madison shared with me in her normal insightful fashion. She said, "I am learning that things come and go but what is important is the people you are with", Hmmm.... from the mouth of teens. She went on to say that we live with much more than we need or find useful. I guess that should help us on the purchasing end, right?? We will see.

Register

After all these years, I still can't believe I have three daughters. They are now teenagers and I am loving my time with them. Experiencing different activities and providing opportunities for the girls to learn and grow thrills me. You may want to consider the everyday things to teach the everyday things.