Growing a Joyful Heart Even in Difficult Seasons with Karen Whiting and Pam Farrel

Growing a Joyful Heart Even in Difficult Seasons with Karen Whiting and Pam Farrel

From Fierce Calling by Doris Swift

October 14, 2025 · 45 min

About this episode

Doris Swift and her guests discuss how to cultivate joy even in difficult times.

Are you feeling weighed down and searching for more joy in your life? Well, you’re in the right place! Welcome to another uplifting episode of Fierce Calling! This week, Doris Swift invites us to explore and rediscover joy — what joy truly is and how we can reclaim it, even in life’s toughest seasons. Doris is joined by two extraordinary guests: Karen Whiting, a prolific author, speaker, and certified writing coach, and Pam Farrel, beloved for her wisdom on relationships and joy, and co-author of more than 61 books alongside her husband Bill. Together, Pam and Karen share their personal stories of facing adversity — from health crises and loss to everyday struggles —while living out their message of “choosing joy.” You’ll hear Pam’s powerful testimony of transformation and perseverance through illness, and Karen’s gentle wisdom born from raising a family across the country and sharing joy through creativity and kindness. The conversation delves into their collaborative devotional, Growing a Joyful Heart , filled with practical ways to cultivate, nurture, and spread joy, as well as the impact of biblical and historic joy-givers. If you’re craving encouragement and ready to…

People in this episode

Host: Doris Swift

Guests: Karen Whiting, Pam Farrel

Topics covered

  • joy
  • adversity
  • spiritual growth
  • encouragement
  • relationships
  • devotional

Keywords

  • joy
  • adversity
  • spirituality
  • encouragement
  • transformation
  • devotional
  • relationships

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Florida Women’s Ministry

Books & works: Growing a Joyful Heart

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