BobCowman.com

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Preview Service

Take a minute to look at these pictures and then thank the Lord for the successful preview service at Cieneguilla, Peru. You can also visit www.heart4peru.com for more information.

It appears that now as we are at the tail end of raising our children, people are starting to ask us parenting questions. (Parents like to see how your kids turned out before they seek your advice.) Lisa and I have had an amazing experience as parents and have loved each and every stage of our four children's development.... no lie. We have been blessed to raise four children that love each other very much. I am blessed to watch them consistently express love toward one another with words, time, and affection.

We recently had a parent-child dedication at Columbus Road. This was a time for our church to remember the vital role parents and churches play in the development of our children. The parents covenant to provide a home in which Christ is the center and the church family covenants to support the family unit through prayer and Godly living. Our church family is so dialed in to the intentional discipleship of our youth that these moments of covenant are the gateway into that process.

I was recently asked by a parent how I would handle a situation with his child if I were him. I carefully and slowly responded. Parenting requires wisdom from God...and looking at each situation from a broader perspective. Each child is different and there are no cookie-cutter answers. Training is key to parenting. Oftentimes conversation is what is needed more than anything. So, I expressed to the parent that his child was much like him and suggested that he look at the situation through the eyes of his own childhood. Behaviors and responses often modeled by the parent unknowingly. This proved to be the gateway into resolution to the situation. The Bible states in Proverbs 22 :6,

"Train up a child in the way he should go,

Even when he is old he will not depart from it."

I want to thank Stephen Cullo for supplying the pictures for this event, as well as the majority of blog posts I have written over the past couple years. You are the best!!!

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Not When You are Leaving or Dead!

Humbling

This last Sunday was a very special day for me and my family. Our church family provided a ten-year anniversary celebration for our time in Quincy. We were blessed with kind words, gifts, food, and an all-expense paid vacation. We were so encouraged as a family, and to share the day with the people at Columbus Road made it all the better.

It is very humbling to be given a tribute for years of service. We had so many people come up to us and say, "I have never been a part of something like this. Usually we wait to honor a person until he is dead or is leaving." It is a valuable lesson for us all. We should always say what needs to be said without waiting until it is too late.

My Ladies

Our time at Columbus Road has been amazing! It has been a total team effort to grow this church into health. The lay leaders did a fantastic job leading this special service. Each one of their speeches was insightful and biblical. It proves to me that spending time in God's Word and with other fellow believers adds so much value to our time on the planet.

Amazing!

Do not take for granted the good things in life. It is important to be content with who you are and with where God has placed you. Too many people spend their lives wishing to be someplace else or with someone else. I am very thankful to be serving alongside THESE people in THIS place!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Catfish !!

Check out the cool shirt

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Fellowship Equals Partnering

Columbus Road is a special place with special people. It is not a perfect place with perfect people, of that we are well aware. These special people took advantage of a sunny summer day to eat a meal and fellowship with one another. It was a great time together.

The Food is Always good!

We were reminded earlier that day, from Acts 2:42-47, that followers of Christ have a common bond. We are placed in the body of Christ to partner together for the gospel. Our stories, experiences, gifts, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses are placed together for the glory of God. No person can do this life alone. God strategically places us together to grow closer to others and to Himself.

Young

People from every walk of life can experience fellowship. It requires a bigger vision than one's self. Common vision produces results that individuals can never achieve on their own. We partner together to impact the lost and encourage our brothers and sisters not to give up on the journey of life. People benefit greatly when they share themselves, offering to others what God has given them.

Leaders in Training

We invest in the lives of others to insure that the message goes out into the world today and in the future. Ministry is a privilege and an honor, not to mention rewarding. What better thing could someone do than to leave a footprint for Christ in their community! No amount of money, success, or status matches our calling.

Be Thankful !

Be thankful for what you have. Columbus Road has so many gifted people who are willing to use their gifts and abilities for the Lord. Thank you, Shane and Jenni Wingerter, for the wonderful sandwiches. Thanks to all who brought dishes to pass, and thank you, Stephen Cullo, for capturing the day with these wonderful pictures. These are the good ol' days!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

An Amazing Week !

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Zoo Day!

A Selfie

Yes, you can take your teen to the zoo! We had a blast as a family, without any distractions. Logging time and memories together is priceless. Highlights of the day included Dippin' Dots, a large elephant, a frustrated male zebra, swimming sea lions, and a five-hour-old double-humped camel being nursed by its mother.

My girls last went to the zoo on their fifth grade class trip. I enjoyed being able to go back with them again.

I told them yesterday that they had to write a paper about their trip to the zoo. They said "okay," without complaining, pouting, or grumbling. That took all the fun out of trying to get a rise out of them. They are growing up, and asking them to write a paper is like asking them to put their dirty glasses in the sink. It's not a deal anymore.

For all you younger parents: There is light at the end of the tunnel....there are many blessings ahead for you!

If you are not aware of this fact already, the St. Louis zoo is absolutely free. You don't even have to pay for parking if you're not picky. Our trip to St. Louis provided ample time for a short nap and a McDonald's breakfast. The trip back included a quick stop at Eddie Bauer, as well as some planning for our next family adventure.

A Selfie of a Selfie

Still Having Fun Together!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Cherish the Moments

It goes by so fast! I have heard that statement over and over again by countless parents. I made it my goal a long time ago not to be the person who would live with the regret of not maximizing my time with my kids while they live in our home. Regret is horrible!

Mich and Maddy

In making the decision to maximize my time with my kids, I have had to pass on a variety opportunities that have come my way, and have taken advantage of others. Soccer is something that I shared with Matt from the beginning of his career until the end. Mich and Maddy both play now, and I have the awesome privilege of coaching them. In no way have I regretted that decision! I am very proud of all they have accomplished on the soccer field and I look forward to summer soccer, which is only three weeks away.

My advice to any parent is to build into your child's life from beginning to end. Life is rich when you are close to your kids, no matter what their ages are!

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

The Well House of Quincy, Illinois

Some of the best things happening in Quincy are often overlooked. The are a variety of reasons why this happens. Usually, the people involved in doing good things are not looking for attention from others, but rather, they are about the business of making a difference.

My wife, Lisa, and I recently had the opportunity to sit down for a meal with a group of ladies at The Well House. We so enjoyed eating a home-cooked meal prepared for the residents of the facility. Our time was enjoyable. Hearing what God is doing in the lives of these ladies was very encouraging. These women, who have come from all over the country, have found their way to Quincy through various circumstances. God has placed them in The Well House's care to provide a solid foundation to build their future upon.

Here is a brief description of The Well House Ministry.

Who we are: A Christ-centered ministry guiding women exiting incarceration to freedom in Christ.

Our Mission: To provide a safe environment for women transitioning from incarceration to well-balanced community living through…

The Well House ministry began in 1996 at the Adam’s County jail with a team of 12-14 women going in pairs each Saturday morning. The women offered Bible study and prayer and distributed Bibles to the inmates.

Upon release from jail some women received spiritual guidance, furniture for apartments, clothing, and help with utility and rent payments.

Today, the teams are still visiting the jail. Many of the charter women are still serving, as well as numerous new women with a heart for jail ministry. God has made the vision larger, as the needs are so urgent. The women exiting the jail desperately need a stable Christian environment to lay a firm foundation of God-based life skills, to make it possible for them to lead productive lives in our community.