A Traveler's Guide THROUGH SUFFERING AND JOY Changed by Theology that Feeds and Leads Buy the Book Journey North Character Pedestrian Theology Walking with Christ and Being Transformed by Him Read the Blog

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About the Book

Both suffering and joy pursue us. Once you thought you could evade suffering, but now you know better, and you want to be prepared. When in the middle of distress, you want to know how to deal with it. You want to know how to live a meaningful life, no matter the challenges. Meaning births joy. Where is the meaning?

This interactive book arms you with a biblically grounded theology of suffering and joy to nourish your soul and direct your feet. “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6). Here, all Christ-followers become “Pedestrian Theologians.” Pacing our walk, we will explore the ground under our feet, the winding way up, and the unexpected views. We will discover nine genres of suffering with their corresponding genres of joy. Travel with me, and let’s pray, savor, change, and grow in Christ Jesus, our Lord, Savior, and coming bridegroom.

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About Karen Thomas Olsen

Karen Thomas Olsen has been blessed to be married to Paul Olsen for 44 years. They have two lovely daughters, a son-in-law, and four grandchildren. Karen holds a DRS in theology from Trinity Theological Seminary in Evansville, Indiana, a MA in Christian School Administration from Grace Theological Seminary, and a BA in English Education from Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. She taught in three Christian high schools, developed a homeschool program which is still thriving, designed curriculum, and directed curriculum development. She and her husband, now retired, live in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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Reviews of A Traveler's Guide Through Suffering and Joy

“It is a special joy to give my commendation and endorsement to Karen's beautiful work which you hold in your hands. May our LORD bless all who read her labor of love. My prayers go with this book that our LORD may wonderfully use to repair many a broken heart."
Walter C. Kaiser Jr., PhD
Walter C. Kaiser Jr., PhDColman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Old Testament
President Emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
“Karen Thomas Olsen is a wounded healer. The research that led to this book didn't come out of Karen's intellectual curiosity but from her travels down the rugged road of chronic emotional and physical pain. She communicates deep biblical and theological insights as she challenges readers to engage suffering actively with the resources God provides, rather than letting suffering control them. I highly recommend this soul-nurturing book.”
David L. Turner, PhD
David L. Turner, PhDScholar in Residence for New Testament Studies, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary | www.drdavidlturner.com

Louis Mann

Academic Dean of Ministry EquipNet, Training program of CB Matrix

Travel with Dr. Karen Olsen through the biblical path to a practical application of how God can use suffering to increase our joy of living significant lives for God’s glory. Ministry EquipNet video series on Suffering and Joy is based on Dr. Olsen’s doctoral dissertation and the material of this book. Her insights, both theological and practical, are indeed a path to joy found in God-permitted suffering. Soli Deo Gloria.

Judi Lucarini

Bible Student and Teacher, Fellow Pedestrian Theologian

“If God is so good and loving, why does He allow so much evil and suffering in the world He created?” When a person is living in the reality of suffering the unanswered why question can be overwhelming, confusing, debilitating.  We need help.  We want out of the pain. Escape. Karen’s years of study and personal experience has enabled her with God’s help to explain biblically the why’s of various suffering in the world, and to understand and experience God’s promises and provision of joy and peace through any of life’s circumstances, step by step. I have known Karen for over 40 years and have witnessed her life’s sufferings and her faithful, joy-filled Pedestrian Theologian walk.  She has been my personal, helpful guide many times and this book can help you, too.

Sandra Jacobs

Nurse Practitioner and Bible Study Leader, Fellow Pedestrian Theologian

My husband of 45 years went to be with Jesus on March 3, 2020 after battling heart failure for over fifteen years. Then Covid shut our world down and church and friends weren't able to meet together. Providentially, I had encouraged Karen, my long-time friend, to develop a Bible study based upon her dissertation. My small group started our study March 12, printing unpublished chapters of this book. It came at a time when I needed it so much! It really helped me and others to dig deeper into the Bible and our relationship with God and each other. I pray that this study will help others the way it has helped me.

Listen to the playlist of songs inspired by the book A Traveler’s Guide Through Suffering and Joy.

Inspiring, uplifting, and relaxing – enjoy this carefully curated playlist of songs that are the perfect companion for Karen’s book.

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