Founder's Page

WHO:  Cowsbell’s editor, webmaster and owner is Gary Cottle, born mid-century last in the Bay Area of California but transplanted to the small western Montana community of Swan River pre-teen and has lived most of the following years in Kalispell. Educated just enough to become arrogant and yet having failed often enough to gain a little wisdom and the vapors of humility. Educated in science and history, earned a Bachelor of Theology, worked in farming, construction, retail, publishing, service industries, bookkeeping & accounting, CADD and system engineering.

Married to same wife over fifty years. Has counselled, been counselled, pastored, produced musicals, created a dozen websites, compiled and published several genealogies, and designed hundreds of life safety system installations.

Enjoys long drives with best friend/wife and morning coffee with friends at the coffee shop. Failed several times, succeeded a few. Still pondering, still learning, still sharing.

WHY: I’ve spent my favorite times coming alongside of others to free them up to the opportunity to fulfill their calling. Cowsbell is part of that ‘coming alongside,’ about encouraging mindful consideration of God and providing perspective and tools for enhancing your fulfillment in life and what really matters. Having done a lot of things “the hard way” and now possibly able to help you skip some missteps by sharing what I have learned. I have spent forty-plus years coming alongside and endeavoring to free them up to have the opportunity to be all that they were gifted to be. 

Over the last fifteen months, I have created and published the Cowsbell.com site five times trying to arrive at something meaningful. This has become “less of me” and “more of God” before being worth your time. Each time I have rebuilt it with a more singular focus. It really is about finding that which leaves our lives full no matter our situation, experience, status or condition. One of my favorite authors writes, “I am not speaking of being in need for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Let me suggest that it takes fullness to be content no matter what.

There will be suggestions from my Godview. None are ‘sponsored’ by some entity paying me to ‘suggest’ their product or service. Most are resources I use to help me live full and content. See if this applies to you.