Episode 21 - Growing a Joyful Heart with Karen Whiting

Date: February 13, 2024 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Karen Whiting   Story Highlight: In this episode of "The Women Behind the Words," we are privileged to have Karen Whiting as our guest. Karen's life journey is marked by resilience and a deep sense of joy despite facing numerous challenges. As a Coast Guard family, Karen and her loved ones have weathered literal storms such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires, yet they have maintained smiles throughout their journey. Twelve years ago, Karen tragically lost her husband to cancer. Still, amidst the sorrow, she found solace in the precious moments they shared, thanks to an unexpected extension of time granted by the grace of Jesus. Her husband's selflessness during his illness, leaving behind hidden notes and gifts for their family, left an indelible mark on Karen, inspiring her to choose joy and laughter even in the face of adversity. Karen's latest book, co-authored with Pam Farrel, focuses on cultivating a life of joy, drawing from their own experiences of overcoming struggles. Through her conversation, Karen shares invaluable insights on encountering the Lord and embracing the joy-filled life He intends for us. She emphasizes the importance of joyfully navigating each day and becoming vessels of love and compassion to those around us. As listeners, we are encouraged to find hope in living a life that radiates joy and peace, knowing that by extending kindness to others, we too can experience the abundant joy from a heart filled with love.    About our Guest (Bio): Karen Whiting is an international speaker, former television host, and award-winning author of thirty-four books for women, children, families, and the military. She has the heart to help families thrive and build strong, wholesome bonds. As a Coast Guard wife, Karen lived in many states, almost always near the water. She experienced the trauma of natural disasters in various homes including category four hurricanes, lightning strikes, an earthquake, derechos, and spontaneous combustible fires. She is a widow, a mother of five, including two rocket scientists (yes, for real), and a grandmother. She enjoys adventure and has ridden a camel in the Canary Islands; white-water rafted in Australia; ridden horseback in the ocean in Jamaica; and enjoyed scuba diving off the coast of Bermuda. She’s spoken in such faraway places as Russia and Malaysia. She loves Zumba, baking, and creating new crafts. And she loves seeing what God does when she chooses joy!   Book Spotlight: In a tumultuous world we can Rejoice! You CAN choose joy and have a heart filled with joy! Joy is a gift from God, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We choose joy as we focus on what God has done and will do, rather than our circumstances. We start the process of being joyful by developing our sense of inner joy. Then we can bring joy into our relationships to have more meaningful connections with the people in our lives. We choose to respond with joy in all circumstances, even amid our grief and pain, through trusting that God is working in our lives with a plan and purpose. Once joy overflows in our hearts, we share that abundance and become joy givers. Karen and her co-author, Pam Farrel, have faced many stresses and challenges in their lives but made the decision to choose joy and that’s made all the difference in their lives.   Media Experience: Karen Whiting is a former television host of Puppets on Parade (Miami Educational Television) and has been a guest on more than one hundred radio shows including Moody Radio in South Florida. Whiting is a guest on several TV stations where she has new books and one hundred radio shows including Moody Radio in South Florida. Whiting is a guest on several TV stations when she has new books, including Club 36, TCT Network’s Julie and Friends, Atlanta Live, Nightline, and Babbie’s House.   Connect with Karen:  Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest  Youtube  LinkedIn  Instagram  Amazon  Bookbub  Goodreads   Links to articles/interviews with Karen: https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/how-to-make-your-home-more-peaceful.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/lessons-from-9-great-peacemakers-to-teach-children.html https://www.faithradio.org/programming/media-center/whiting-karen-growing-a-mothers-heart-bible-studygrowing-a-peaceful-heart-cpe-summer-2022/ (end of interview) https://www.faithradio.org/programming/media-center/dubose-sara-growing-a-peaceful-heart/ (Sara DuBose, co-author)