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To the Stranger Who Gave My 3-Year-Old a Bracelet in the McDonald’s Bathroom

"You heard me tell her we had a long drive home and she needed to use the potty. You heard her tell me she was scared the toilet would flush while she was sitting on it."

Daughter’s “Pootergirl” Costume for Picture Day Goes Viral After She Rejects Dad’s Outfit Choices

"She walked up, looked over each of her choices, turned and said ‘POOTERGIRL!’ and well…I couldn’t argue with that answer...”

Dad Breaks Down as 2-Yr-Old Daughter Is Denied Entry on Plane— Woman Points at Toddler & Says “I Wanna Buy Her Ticket”

"He stepped aside and tried to make a few calls. Hugging his daughter and grabbing his head, you could tell he was heartbroken. This woman next to him at the front counter heard the whole thing."

Brie Gowen

Brie Gowen is a 30-something (sliding ever closer to 40-something) wife and mother. When she’s not loving on her hubby, chasing after the toddler or playing princess with her four-year-old, she enjoys cooking, reading and writing down her thoughts to share with others. Brie is also a huge lover of Jesus. She finds immense joy in the peace a relationship with her Savior provides, and she might just tell you about it sometime. She’d love for you to check out her blog at BrieGowen.com.

“You Know What Causes That, Right?”

"With the recent announcement of my third pregnancy, I’ve received a surprising number of folks in shock. Of note, aside from the speechless faces and mouths agape, I’ve heard a particular phrase way more than I expected..." 

I’ve Always Been a Bad Friend

"Seasons change. People change. Marriages come, children come. Life just gets too busy. Gosh, that hurts. It hurt then. I would not entertain another female friendship for eighteen years! That’s weird, right?!"

Nope, Not Living My Best Life Over Here

"My life is full of uncertainty. But it is also full of a certain God."

Mama, Just Breathe

It was that tense, harried persona that was the norm for a busy, chaotic life. My four-year-old had come up behind me quietly, and I didn’t even realize she was there until she spoke. “Just breathe, Mom.”

I Don’t Want to Forget

I never want to forget how to appreciate each moment for what it is, a passing morsel of time that tics away far too quickly, a moment that could fall away and be forgotten if I don’t take the time to look and lock it away.

When God Took My Husband

I wish I could say I acted super spiritual when God took my husband from me. I wish I could tell you I got down on my knees and prayed, “thank you, Jesus, that your plans for me are so good"... I did the exact opposite.

Dear 20 and 30-Somethings: “Just Wait ‘Til You’re 40. It Will Be Simple Again.”

"And that’s the truth of it my dear, young, stressed out friend. A fantastical thing is going to happen to you, and though you can’t fathom it now, I promise it’s coming."

In Marriage, You Have a Choice: “You Can Choose to Stay, or You Can Choose to Go”

"Marriage is pro-choice, I guess you could say, for men and women. You can choose to stay, or you can choose to go. You can choose to work on it, or you can choose to wave the white flag of defeat."