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Everyone has a unique story of how the Lord has touched their hearts and shaped their journeys. The ”Women Behind the Words” podcast highlights women who have bravely navigated life’s challenges, harnessing the strength and courage to answer God’s calling. Listen to inspiring accounts of overcoming fears and achieving more than they ever imagined possible. These personal narratives will inspire, uplift, and offer hope, changing the course of history, which will affect the outcome of eternity, one heart at a time.
Episodes
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Amber Weigand-Buckley
Date: January 16, 2025
Story Highlight:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! Today, I’m thrilled to bring you an inspiring conversation with the incredible Amber Weigand-Buckley. Amber is a woman who wears many hats with grace, humor, and a deep commitment to God’s calling in her life. As an author, award-winning editor, and creative director, she has dedicated her life to empowering women to discover their purpose and boldly step into their God-given calling.
In this episode, Amber opens up about her journey of faith, leadership, and creativity. She shares how she’s navigated challenges, including mental health struggles, and how God has used those experiences to shape her ministry and inspire others. If you’re seeking encouragement to embrace your unique calling, this conversation is for you!
About the Guest (Bio):
Amber Weigand-Buckley is the founding editor and art director of the multi-award-winning Leading Hearts magazine. She serves as the marketing and brand director for the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), the creative director for Bold Vision Books, and the owner of #barefacedcreativemedia. Amber is passionate about helping women find their wings and fulfill their God-calling.
A graduate of Evangel University and a Distinguished Communications Department Alumni, Amber resides in Springfield, Missouri, with her British husband, Philip, their three daughters—Saffron, Imogen, and Penelope—and a lively household of pets, including two Great Pyrenees pups, Stanley and Stuart.
Book Highlight:
#SisterhoodoftheShortYellowPencils: Mental Health Mayhem One Post-It at a Time
This upcoming book, releasing in March 2026 from Abundance Books, brings a humorous and authentic look at navigating mental health.
Leading Ladies: Discovering Your God-Given Strategy for Success
Co-authored by Amber Weigand-Buckley and Lisa Burris Burns, this empowering book features stories and strategies from 30 women who have boldly embraced their God-given callings. Featuring contributors like gospel music legend Babbie Mason, viral artist Katy Nichole, and comedian Kerri Pomarolli, Leading Ladies is packed with practical tools, inspiration, and encouragement for women seeking to align their leadership with God’s purpose.
Available wherever books are sold. Learn more at www.leadingladies.life.
Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Amber’s candid storytelling, faith-driven leadership insights, and practical advice will leave you inspired and ready to embrace your calling with boldness and creativity. Whether you’re pursuing a dream, stepping into ministry, or seeking direction, this episode is filled with encouragement to help you move forward.
Connect with Amber:
Website: www.barefacedcreativemedia.com
Facebook: Amber Weigand-Buckley
Instagram: @barefacedgirl
Closing Message:
Don’t miss this incredible conversation with Amber Weigand-Buckley. Her wisdom and passion for helping women step boldly into their God-given calling will inspire you to take your next step with faith and confidence. Share this episode with a friend who needs a boost of encouragement, and let’s walk this journey together.
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Date: January 3, 2025
Podcast Show Notes: Solo Episode with host Debbie Dufek
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words podcast! As we embrace the first few days of this new year, I’m thrilled to share a personal and transformative spiritual practice that has deeply impacted my life. For seven years, I’ve sought the Lord for a “word of the year,” and today, on the third day of 2025, I’ll take you through this meaningful journey, reflecting on how it has shaped my walk with Him and my purpose.
Episode Highlights:
The Power of One Word: Discover how receiving a word from the Lord can bring focus, clarity, and purpose to your year, aligning your steps with His plans.
Personal Stories: I’ll reflect on how each word has guided my life, from my first word TRUST, boldly confirmed on a highway billboard, to CREATIVE and PRUDENT, shaping my journey as an author, podcaster, and speaker.
Life Lessons: Learn how these words have served as spiritual anchors, guiding me through life’s challenges, balancing family life, achieving certifications, and becoming an award-winning author.
Why Seek a Word from God? Gain insight into how a single word can serve as a spiritual compass, helping you live intentionally with an eternal perspective.
Practical Steps to Find Your Word:
- Spend time in prayer and Scripture, asking God to reveal your word.
- Write down your words and reflect on them regularly.
- Let it shape your decisions and priorities throughout the year.
Encouragement for 2025
As we step into the new year, I encourage you to ask God for a word to guide your path. Trust that He will use it to bring clarity, growth, and a deeper connection with Him. This simple yet powerful practice can help illuminate your journey and align your heart with His eternal purpose.
Scriptural Inspiration:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
About the Host:
Debbie Dufek is an author, conference and retreat speaker, inspirational storyteller, and host of the popular Women Behind the Words podcast. A certified writing and speaking coach, Deb inspires others to live deliberately for what matters most to Jesus. Her first book, Holy Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder, published by Bold Vision Books, was released in 2022.
Debbie is also the founder of The Mom’s Luncheon, an annual event cherished by 150+ women for 35 years. Her passion is encouraging others to embrace God’s plans for their lives and share their stories, knowing that our stories hold the power to change lives and hearts for eternity.
Book Spotlight:
Holy Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder
Your Story Matters.
We can change the course of history, one heart at a time, with our stories. God chooses and uses the unlikely to fulfill His plans. He proves it through the stories in His Word and continues to do so today.
Learn how to fully surrender your story to Him and be ready when He taps you on the shoulder. Through biblical insights and poignant personal experiences, this book equips and inspires readers to embrace their unique stories and let God use them for His glory.
For more details, visit www.debbiedufek.com.
Closing Message:
Let’s make 2025 a year of walking hand in hand with Jesus, allowing Him to illuminate our paths and shape our stories for His glory. Together, let’s embrace this invitation to seek Him more intentionally, living lives marked by purpose, clarity, and His unmistakable presence.
Connect with Me:
For more encouragement and resources, visit www.debbiedufek.com or email me at deb@debbiedufek.com. I return every email I receive.
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Date: December 19, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Rachel Britton
Story Highlight:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! This week, Debbie is joined by returning guest Rachel Britton, an inspiring speaker, writer, and prayer advocate. In this heartfelt conversation, Rachel shares her journey as co-director of the Renew Retreat, a Christ-centered gathering for writers and speakers in the Northeast.
Rachel reflects on her calling to step into leadership during a season of profound transition, following the passing of her co-director and dear friend, Lucinda Secrest McDowell, in 2023. With vulnerability, Rachel describes how God provided clarity and guidance to continue the retreat’s mission, even amidst grief and uncertainty.
As Renew prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026, Rachel discusses the importance of honoring the past while looking boldly to the future. She sheds light on Renew’s unique focus on Christ, community, craft, and celebration, which sets it apart from traditional writing conferences. This episode is a beautiful testament to God’s faithfulness and a reminder that when He calls us to new endeavors, He provides everything we need to succeed.
About the Guest (Bio):
Rachel Britton is a British-born writer, speaker, and prayer advocate with a passion for helping women become confident and comfortable in their conversations with God. Through her work, Rachel equips individuals with practical tools to develop consistent prayer lives and deepen their relationship with their Heavenly Father.
Rachel serves as the co-director of the Renew Retreat, a spiritual gathering for writers and speakers in the Northeast. She is also the author of several prayer-focused resources, including her upcoming book with Our Daily Bread Publishing. Rachel resides in New York City with her husband and enjoys traveling, writing, and supporting fellow creatives in their faith journeys.
Book Highlight:
Rachel’s upcoming book with Our Daily Bread Publishing (set for release in 2025) offers readers practical guidance for developing a consistent and natural prayer life. Packed with insights, stories, and encouragement, this resource is designed to help individuals overcome common prayer struggles and grow closer to God.
About the Renew Retreat:
The Renew Retreat is a Christ-centered spiritual retreat designed for writers and speakers to connect with God, develop their craft, and build meaningful relationships within a vibrant community. The retreat uniquely balances spiritual enrichment, creative growth, and fellowship opportunities.
Key Pillars of Renew:
- Christ: Keeping Jesus at the center of everything.
- Community: Building strong connections in a supportive and faith-filled environment.
- Craft: Honing writing and speaking skills with workshops and resources.
- Celebration: Honoring God’s work in our lives and the accomplishments of fellow attendees.
Connect with Rachel:
Website: Rachel Britton
Sign up for her weekly newsletter and gain access to practical prayer resources.
Contact for Renew:
Visit Renew Retreat Website for details about the 2025 retreat and plans for the 10th-anniversary celebration in 2026.
Closing:
This episode invites us to reflect on how God calls us to step into new seasons with faith and courage. Rachel’s story is a testament to His ability to equip and guide us as we build on the past and move toward His plans for the future.
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Date: December 17, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Jen Peters
Story Highlight: Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! In this heartfelt episode, we are joined by Jen Peters, a life coach for Christian women, ministry leader, and advocate for empowering women to step into their God-given purpose. Jen shares her journey of finding calm in the chaos and how God used a simple word, “Calm,” to transform her year. In 2023, she made it her mission to become the calmest person in the room, and little did she know, this was God’s way of preparing her for the challenges that 2024 would bring.
Jen’s insights on overcoming limiting beliefs, finding peace amidst life’s storms, and combating the lies that hold us back are both practical and powerful. She talks about how women often settle for less than what God has called them to, either due to distraction, discouragement, or a sense of unworthiness. With a relatable and compassionate voice, Jen encourages women to embrace the truth that they are created on purpose, for a purpose.
Her passion for helping women walk in empowerment and peace is evident in every story she shares. Whether it’s guiding women through fears, helping them set and achieve goals, or assisting them in reclaiming calm amidst chaos, Jen’s mission is clear: to help women become who God created them to be.
This episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and real-life strategies to help you move from chaos to calm. You’ll be inspired to let go of limiting beliefs, embrace God’s promises, and step boldly into your purpose. You won’t want to miss it!
About the Guest (Bio): Jen Peters is a general life coach for Christian women, a ministry leader, and a dedicated advocate for adoption and orphan care. She is the mom of four adult children, ages 33 to 24, and Nana to three amazing grandchildren. For over 20 years, Jen has been involved in ministry, leading teams within her church and serving communities both locally and internationally.
She and her husband previously founded a missions organization, leading short-term mission trips to Latvia for seven years. Jen also led a ministry in metro Atlanta for eight years, helping find forever families for Eastern European orphans who were considered unadoptable due to age or sibling group size.
As a life coach, Jen’s mission is to help women be the most calm, empowered, and present person in the room, so they can live fully as the women God created them to be. She offers both one-on-one and group coaching and is a sought-after guest speaker at churches and women’s events.
Key Takeaways:
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Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Learn how to combat the lies that hold you back and step into the truth that God created you for more.
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Finding Calm in Chaos: Jen shares her journey of making "Calm" her word for the year and how it transformed her life, helping her navigate the storms of 2024.
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God-Given Purpose: We are all created on purpose, for a purpose. Don’t settle for less than God’s best.
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Empowering Women: Through coaching and ministry, Jen helps women become the calm, empowered, and present version of themselves.
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Practical Steps: Jen offers actionable steps to transform your mindset, find peace, and live out God’s promises in your daily life.
Book a Coaching Session: If you’re ready to step into your God-given purpose and find calm in the chaos, Jen Peters offers both one-on-one and group coaching for Christian women. She provides practical tools, encouragement, and Christ-centered guidance to help you on your journey.
Contact Jen:
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Website: mylifecoachjen.com
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Email: jen@mylifecoachjen.com
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Facebook: My Life Coach Jen
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Instagram: @mylifecoachjen
Spots are still available for Jen’s group coaching starting in January! Reach out to secure your place.
Thank you for listening!
We hope this episode encourages you to embrace your story, find calm in the chaos, and step boldly into your purpose. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Women Behind the Words podcast. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you inspiring and uplifting content.
Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear this message of hope and empowerment!
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Date: December 11, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Dr. Kathy Hendley
Story Highlight:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! In this heartfelt episode, our guest, Kathy Hendley, shares her inspiring journey of faith, resilience, and creativity. Recently, Kathy had the unforgettable experience of meeting Priscilla Shirer during her visit to Cincinnati. As a member of Priscilla’s street team, Kathy spent months praying for the event. Meeting Priscilla backstage left a lasting impact—Kathy describes her as the same person offstage as on, full of warmth, gratitude, and the love of Jesus.
Kathy’s passion for encouraging writers shines through her programs like the Write on Purpose Virtual Writing Retreat and the November Challenge Writing Contest. These initiatives provide tools and inspiration for writers to step into their calling and share the messages God has placed on their hearts.
Her personal writing journey is deeply tied to her experiences of pain and healing. Initially writing short stories about people navigating loss, Kathy eventually crafted a novel about a young teacher enduring immense challenges. Fiction became a refuge, helping her process trauma that felt overwhelming in memoir form. As a foster and adoptive mother to two children, including a daughter with a mental illness, writing became a therapeutic outlet.
Kathy's faith has been her anchor through difficult seasons, especially the struggles related to her daughter’s mental health. Even during moments involving police intervention, God’s grace protected and reunited their family. Her resilience was further tested by the loss of her father, who battled liver cancer. Completing her novel shortly before his passing in April gave her strength and reminded her of God’s faithfulness.
Her father’s unwavering support—both emotional and financial—fueled Kathy’s writing career. He funded her book and writing business and encouraged her to attend the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), where she found invaluable connections. A transformative workshop, "My Business Meeting with God," helped Kathy realign her work with her faith and purpose.
This episode is a powerful reminder that through storytelling, faith, and determination, hope and healing are possible even in the most challenging circumstances. Kathy’s journey will inspire you to step boldly into your calling and trust God’s plans.
About the Guest (Bio):
Dr. Kathy Hendley is a teacher, author, speaker, and member of Word Weavers International and AWSA. Kathy’s mission is to help others overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and commit to their calling. Her debut novel, Murder in the Masterpiece: A Teacher’s Deadly Lesson, will be released in mid-January. She also hosts a monthly virtual writing retreat called Write on Purpose and a writing contest for Christian authors, with winners featured in an anthology. When she’s not working, Kathy serves on her church’s worship and prayer teams. She’s also a self-proclaimed Bible study enthusiast, traveling the tri-state area for a good women’s Bible study.
Book Spotlight:
Murder in the Masterpiece: A Teacher’s Deadly Lesson
Faye Unger is a talented young teacher at Arlington Community School. Though passionate about teaching math, she strives to balance her professional life with her artistic pursuits. Her mentor, Don Ambrose, supports her in maintaining this balance, despite his own life being consumed by his wife’s murder the previous year.
Their lives take a dark turn when Don is found unconscious in a ravine. As Faye delves into her art and the enigmatic world of the Auction House, Don’s investigation into his wife’s murder uncovers connections to Faye’s family. When Faye discovers illegal drugs in her apartment, she finds herself entangled in a sinister plot. With the killer returning to Arlington, Don faces a difficult choice: protect Faye or solve his wife’s murder.
Connect with Kathy:
Patreon: patreon.com/KathyHendley
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathy-hendley-phd-aba00571
Website: kathyhendley.com
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Date: November 26, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Amber Weigand-Buckley and Lisa Burris Burns
Story Highlight:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! In this empowering episode, I’m joined by the inspiring duo Amber Weigand-Buckley and Lisa Burris Burns, co-authors of Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategies for Success. Together, they share their journey of co-writing this impactful book, filled with challenges, triumphs, and faith-fueled lessons.
Amber and Lisa redefine leadership by focusing on God’s design for success, offering relatable truths for women of all ages and backgrounds. With authenticity, humor, and deep spiritual insight, they reveal how embracing God’s calling—despite personal limitations—empowers us to create a lasting impact.
Their uplifting stories encourage women to lean into their God-given uniqueness, stepping boldly into their purpose. This episode is full of laughter, wisdom, and encouragement to trust God’s plan for your life.
About the Guest (Bio):
Amber Weigand-Buckley
Amber is the founding editor and art director of the award-winning Leading Hearts Magazine. She serves as the marketing and brand director for the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), creative director for Bold Vision Books, and owner of Barefaced Creative Media.
Amber’s passion lies in empowering world-changing women to embrace their God-given callings. A graduate of Evangel University, she resides in Springfield, Missouri, with her British husband of 28 years, Philip, their three daughters, and a menagerie of pets, including two Great Pyrenees pups.
Lisa Burris Burns
Lisa is a creative powerhouse with more than 40 years of experience in the arts and 30+ years in platform ministry. As a mentor, coach, and performer, she specializes in vocal and stage performance, event planning, and set design.
Lisa is a Central Bible College graduate and lives in Blue Springs, Missouri, with her husband, Randy. Together, they’ve served in marriage and family ministry since 1988. Lisa is passionate about helping others refine their creative gifts to glorify God and thrive in their unique callings.
Book Spotlight: Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategy for Success
Co-authored by Amber Weigand-Buckley and Lisa Burris Burns, Leading Ladies redefines leadership by sharing real-life strategies from 30 diverse women who have stepped boldly into their God-given callings.
This empowering book offers insights from influential voices like gospel music sensation Babbie Mason, viral CCM artist Katy Nichole, and comedian Kerri Pomarolli. Each chapter highlights personal stories of overcoming challenges and embracing God’s unique plans.
Leading Ladies is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and encouragement for women seeking to align their leadership with God’s purpose. It’s a must-read for anyone ready to discover their potential and impact the world for Christ.
➡️ Available now wherever books are sold. Learn more at www.leadingladies.life.
Connect with Amber and Lisa:
Amber Weigand-Buckley
Website: Barefaced Creative Media
Facebook: Amber Weigand-Buckley
Instagram: @barefacedgirl
Lisa Burris Burns
Website: Leading Ladies Life
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Date: November 19, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Solo episode with your host Debbie Dufek
Story Highlight:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words. This week, Debbie Dufek shares a deeply personal and heartfelt story that underscores the sanctity of life and the power of grace. In this solo episode, Debbie takes us back to a pivotal moment in her life as a 15-year-old facing an unplanned pregnancy. Through vulnerability and honesty, she recounts the challenges, fears, and societal pressures she experienced during that season. Yet, through the love and support of her incredible mother and her faith in God's sovereignty, Debbie chose life—and that choice changed the course of her life and generations to come.
As Debbie shares her journey, she reflects on the 2019 passing of New York’s Reproductive Health Act, a law that deeply impacted her heart and called her to speak up for the unborn. She navigates this sensitive topic with love and understanding, highlighting the profound reality of life in the womb and the God-given purpose in every child’s story.
Drawing from personal experience, Debbie encourages listeners to become a voice for the voiceless—not through judgment but through compassion, grace, and truth. She reminds us of the power of family and community to surround young mothers with love and support, offering hope and practical help. She also highlights the beauty of adoption, calling it one of the greatest acts of love and selflessness.
With Scripture from Psalm 139 and insights from her life, Debbie paints a vivid picture of God’s intricate design for every human life, emphasizing that no matter how messy or unexpected the circumstances may seem, God’s plans are always perfect.
Whether you’re a mother, grandmother, sister, friend, or simply someone with a heart for the unborn, this episode will inspire you to be bold yet tender in sharing your voice and standing for life.
Key Takeaways:
- Debbie's testimony of choosing life amidst an unplanned pregnancy and how that decision has impacted her life and family.
- The power of support systems, like her loving mother, who walked with her through every step of her journey.
- The importance of speaking life and hope into the hearts of young mothers who may be struggling with fear or societal pressure.
- The value of adoption is an extraordinary act of love for both the child and the adoptive family.
- Encouragement for listeners to use their voices with grace and truth, becoming advocates for the voiceless.
Debbie also emphasizes the need for believers to stand firm on the Word of God and the truths of science, which reveal the miracle of life from conception. With a reminder that God’s plans for us are written before we are born, she calls us to reflect His love by supporting those facing difficult choices.
Scripture Reflection:
Psalm 139:13-18 reminds us of God’s intimate involvement in the creation of life. Debbie shares the beauty of this Scripture, encouraging us to recognize the incredible plans and purposes God has for every life, even from the womb.
Resources Mentioned:
- Debbie’s book: Holy Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder
- Dr. Ben Carson’s video on the unborn (available on YouTube)
How You Can Help:
- Share this episode with anyone who might be touched or encouraged by Debbie’s story and message of hope.
- Be a voice of love and support to those facing unplanned pregnancies, whether through emotional support or offering resources and guidance.
- Consider ways to get involved in ministries or organizations that support life and adoption.
Book Spotlight: Holy Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder by Debbie Dufek
In Holy Interruptions, Debbie Dufek shares powerful stories of God’s unexpected invitations to step into His plans. With honesty and wisdom, she shows how seemingly ordinary moments can lead to extraordinary blessings when we say yes to Him. Through her journey, readers are encouraged to see interruptions not as setbacks but as opportunities to experience God’s grace and purpose.
Discover more about Debbie's story and how God’s plans have shaped her life by picking up your copy of Holy Interruptions here.
Connect with Debbie:
Website: www.debbiedufek.com
Social Media: Engage with Debbie and fellow listeners to continue the conversation.
Closing Encouragement:
Debbie closes this powerful episode with heartfelt prayer, thanking God for His grace and provision in her life and the lives of others. She prays for courage, love, and wisdom for all listeners as they share the hope and truth of life with those around them.
“Use your story, your voice, and your love to change the course of history—one heart at a time.”
Thank you for listening and for being part of this meaningful conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it today.
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Date: November 12, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Karen Porter and Cherry McGregor
Story Highlight:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! We’re thrilled to have you with us for a heartwarming and festive episode featuring a truly inspiring mother-daughter team, Karen Porter and Cherry McGregor. For over twenty years, Karen and Cherry have upheld a remarkable Christmas tradition, touching lives around the world with their generous hearts and love for baking. Every December, they roll up their sleeves to bake an incredible 6,000 cookies, transforming Cherry’s home into a festive gathering space on a Sunday afternoon around the third week of the month. Friends, neighbors, and their extended community come together to admire, purchase, and enjoy these beautifully decorated cookies, which make for perfect gifts or holiday treats. Every dollar raised supports a beloved school in India that Karen and Cherry have been ministering to for over two decades. One year, they even raised an astonishing $8,000!
It’s a massive undertaking, but over the years, Karen and Cherry have streamlined their process, making it a cherished and manageable tradition. Cherry highlights the importance of organization, suggesting that those inspired to start a similar tradition could consider gathering a group of friends to share the effort. The cookies are not only delicious but true works of art, and their recipes have been collected in a cookbook co-authored by Karen and Cherry, titled Cookie Extravaganza, available at Bold Vision Books. They have also co-authored Make Your Heart a Manger, a beautiful retelling of the nativity story from the unique perspectives of those present at Jesus' birth, inviting readers to experience the Christmas story in a fresh, inspiring way.
Karen and Cherry’s Christmas tradition has brought joy and purpose to their holiday season, turning it into a time of global impact, blessing others with fewer resources, and creating treasured family memories. We hope this episode encourages you to start your meaningful traditions, perhaps with a few less than 6,000 cookies to begin with!
As a special treat for our listeners, the first person to email deb@debbiedufek.com with their favorite Christmas cookie will receive a copy of Cookie Extravaganza in the mail, so don’t forget to include your mailing address. Happy baking!
About the Guests (Bio):
Karen Porter and Cherry McGregor are the dynamic mother-daughter team behind several collaborative projects, including an annual Christmas cookie event and two co-authored books. Every holiday season, they bake over 6,000 cookies to support a cherished school in India. Their books include Make Your Heart a Manger and Cookie Extravaganza.
Karen Porter is a renowned international retreat and seminar speaker, successful businesswoman, and author of ten books, including I’ll Bring the Chocolate and If You Give a Girl a Giant. She is dedicated to coaching aspiring writers and speakers and training communicators globally. Karen, along with her husband George, also owns Bold Vision Books, a traditional Christian publishing company. Karen serves on the board of multiple non-profits and considers her marriage to George her greatest accomplishment. She loves talking about her five grandchildren and spends her spare time on an endless quest for the perfect purse.
Cherry McGregor brings a warm, creative touch to every project. Her life is full, balancing the joys of motherhood with her work in the family business. Cherry plays an active role at her church, where she helps plan events, leads a hospitality team, and teaches a new member’s class. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M and a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine. A true Texan at heart, Cherry enjoys basketball, college football, family game nights, and all things Texas A&M. She is married to Craig, a local dentist, and together they have three children—Garrett, Gracen, and Gabriella—as well as a playful Basset puppy.
Book Spotlight:
Cookie Extravaganza is a delightful guide to hosting a cookie party for both fun and fundraising. With a step-by-step approach, Karen and Cherry offer their tried-and-true strategies for organizing a cookie walk, sharing tips on everything from preparation and volunteer recruitment to making each cookie a show-stopping treat.
The recipes in Cookie Extravaganza are easy to follow, delicious, and impressive. Whether you’re planning to raise money for a cause or just want to host a festive gathering, this cookbook will inspire you. Inside, you’ll find tips on hosting a cookie party, creative cookie decorating ideas, and guidance on recruiting and engaging volunteers. The cookbook includes recipes for bar, cutout, rolled, filled, pressed, piped, no-bake, and drop cookies—each one tested, refined, and perfected by Karen and Cherry themselves. This mother-daughter duo has truly mastered the art of cookies for a cause, and they invite you to join in the fun, even if you start with fewer cookies!
Connect with Karen Porter:
Facebook: facebook.com/kaeporter
Twitter: twitter.com/karenporter
Instagram: instagram.com/karen.j.porter