Entries by Dena Johnson

Well, Crap!

Not sure how your week is going, but let me share with you how mine started. I got to work Monday morning, and my phone rang. My sweet daughter was getting ready to leave for a week at camp, so I of course I answered her call. “Mom,” she began. I could hear the panic […]

A Journey to Wellness

Have you ever wanted something and yet struggled to achieve your goal? Let me tell you a little story. Roy and I both recently turned 50. Ugh? It’s painful even to admit, but I am thankful to still be alive and thriving! Eight years ago, we were both in the best shape of our lives. […]

What is the Next Step, Lord?

The last few months have been incredibly stressful. I changed jobs at the beginning of the year, and it has become increasingly apparent that my new job just isn’t a good fit for me. I. Am. Miserable. I can’t pinpoint anything specific. People aren’t mean. The work isn’t difficult. There have been some moments of […]

50 Things I Love on my 50th Birthday

Today is my 50th birthday! Honestly, that’s really hard for me to even say. I don’t feel 50. I hope I don’t look 50. I don’t want to be 50. But I am. In all reality, my 50th birthday is so much better than my 40th birthday. Ten years ago, I was in the depths […]

No One Ever Told Me

In the last few years, I have discovered one thing about parenting that no one ever told me: The hardest season of parenting is the young adult years. Let me tell you something. Those single parenting years were excruciating. They were busy. They were chaotic. They were exhausting. I was weary. I was lonely. I […]

Embrace the Journey

I’ve said it before and I’m certain I will say it many more times before I die: Embrace the journey. Yes, a wise friend gave me this little piece of advice some thirteen years ago when I learned of my husband’s affair. I thought she might be a little crazy at the time, but she […]

A Letter to Anna Duggar

Oh, Anna! I am so sorry! I can’t even start to express the depths of pain that I feel for you! It has been a long, hard journey, and I know it’s not over yet. I know you are devastated. Broken. Confused. Angry. This man who you thought was a man after God’s own heart […]

I’m Not There

Why, my soul, are you downcast?    Why so disturbed within me?Put your hope in God,    for I will yet praise him,    my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5 Have you ever felt this in the core of your being? Have you ever felt so down and disturbed and you just didn’t even know why? Have you ever been […]

When the Going Gets Tough…

You’ve heard the saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I’ve been in some tough situations in my life. Some really tough situations. I actually have some tough situations in my life right now. But do you know what? I know this season will pass, and God will use it to make […]

Do You Love Yourself?

What comes to your mind when someone says self-care? Do you think of a luxurious spa day? A regular mani/pedi? Maybe you think about an extravagant vacation. A day at the beach. An exciting weekend with the girls. Or maybe it’s something simpler for you. A candlelight bubble bath. A quiet walk in the park. […]