I baste the bird, liquid butter with bits of garlic poured out over the bulging breasts of our Thanksgiving turkey. My eyes burn as I go about the task, gritty from lack of sleep after sitting in the psych hold of the local ER all night, but more so still on fire after so many […] The post What Do I Have to Be Thankful For?! appeared first on Brie Gowen ..read more

I recently received a comment on my most recent blog post, where I had detailed the experience of my transgender son. I must say, the comment was written so kindly and compassionately, which I truly appreciated. In fact, it reminded me of something I might have written five years ago; I’ve always been the loving […] The post Love the Sinner, Not the Sin? My Journey with Homosexuality. appeared first on Brie Gowen ..read more

I recently shared a picture of my twelve year old on social media. I’ve always been so proud of all my children, in all their uniqueness and particular strengths, and this post was no different. My pre-teen has emerged as a very talented crafter and seamstress/tailor, and I wanted to share the latest creation. But […] The post This is My Son appeared first on Brie Gowen ..read more

I was driving down a picturesque stretch of scenic road, by myself, listening to music. The sun was shining, vast green pastureland stretched out to either side, and in the distance large mountains looked down upon me. The words from the car radio caught my attention. “Please be my strength.” I lifted my right hand […] The post Please Be My Strength appeared first on Brie Gowen ..read more

One year ago I bought a house in SW Florida. My dream home, in fact. It has this tropical oasis in the backyard I have desired since childhood. Funny how things change. I recently told a friend, “God doesn’t take you from A to E. He takes you to B, first.” She had said I […] The post Step by Step. Not Just a NKOTB Song. appeared first on Brie Gowen ..read more

One year ago I bought a house in SW Florida. My dream home, in fact. It has this tropical oasis in the backyard I have desired since childhood. Funny how things change. I recently told a friend, “God doesn’t take you from A to E. He takes you to B, first.” She had said I […] The post Step by Step. Not Just a NKOTB Song. appeared first on Brie Gowen ..read more

I oscillate between sharing my life and withdrawing into an underground storm shelter. Remember that movie with Brendan Fraser, Blast from the Past? Yes, that sounds nice sometimes. To just spirit away with my family and Jesus, playing board games and eating nonperishable goodies. But alas, that’s not what God calls us to. I wish […] The post Where I’m At appeared first on Brie Gowen ..read more

I was reading through the Old Testament this morning. I’ve been utilizing a reading plan through the Bible App, and I’m currently still in the wilderness. Wow, that may have been a Freudian Slip. Anyway, I came to a familiar story of when Moses strikes the rock. For a refresh, the Israelites are wandering in […] The post Why Do I Keep Hitting the Rock?! appeared first on Brie Gowen ..read more

It struck me that a number of you don’t follow me on social media, but only through my blog. I thought as much as you know my family via my musings, you might be interested to join us in a cool new journey for my oldest child. I’ll share the message I’ve sent to friends […] The post Would You Like to Help My Daughter? appeared first on Brie Gowen ..read more

Have you ever cried so hard it hurts? I’m talking about that deep burn in your throat that reaches all the way to your heart and back, only finding escape from the flames via hot, molten tears. That was me, sitting in my shower, somehow enjoying the emotion, yet begging it to simmer down before […] The post I Cried in the Shower Today appeared first on Brie Gowen ..read more