Exclusive Content:

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.

Learning to Measure Success in Units of Joy

"Now I measured success in goodnight kisses and bedtime prayers with my girls. I measured it by the adoring look my spouse gave me at the end of the day, and by the feeling of tremendous love I felt for him when I looked back into his deep brown eyes."

What Really Caused the Virginia Beach Shooting?

"It’s not gun laws or how long one has to wait for a handgun. It’s not poverty or socioeconomic constraints. It’s not mental health access problems coupled by lack of insurance issues. It’s not a failing judicial system or problems with a building’s security."

Do You Need to Change Your Job, Or Just Change Your Mind?

. In my own life, I didn’t start to enjoy my work again until the Lord showed me it was a calling.

You Need to Find a Man That Makes You Crazy

"I texted him first, you see. I had spent the past four days off with my spouse, and by ten in the morning, as I spent the day at work, I realized I was missing him. So I reached for my phone, and I sent a simple yet honest message... I could immediately see the bubble of response coming my way."

The Benefits of Having a Baby In Your Forties

"Being an older mom gives you a special perspective. You no longer worry about the little things, and you laugh easier. You can relax in your good credit score, financial stability, and stress-free life. Most of the time, anyway. Wink, wink."

When You Need to Stop Praying for Your Husband

"It’s like when you get lost driving somewhere new. You have to stop, seek direction, and then turn around. You’ll never reach your destination going the wrong way. Don’t give up on the trip, but a pit-stop might be warranted."

Wife Already Feels Fat, Ugly & 52 Weeks Pregnant—Then She Gets a Text from Her Husband

"I feel like an absolute whale. I feel puffy, tired, and like my nose is spreading out at an insane rate across my face..."

An Open Letter to the Christian Who is Pro-Choice

"First, I would ask you to do me a favor. Settle your mind, and lay down personal emotions. Forget friends you know who went through whatever. Don’t think on personal experience or even emotion."