My Divine Health Journey  

My journey in the health and wellness industry began at the young age of 9, growing up on my father's dairy farm in the scenic northwest part of San Antonio. Those early mornings, waking up at 4:30 to the sight of the sunrise, instilled in me a strong work ethic and my love for lifting.  Little did I know that these experiences would pave the way for my future endeavors.

 

At the age of 19, I took a significant step forward by joining a gym. Within the walls of that gym, amidst the unmistakable scents and the clatter of weights, I discovered my true passion for fitness, health, and nutrition. This newfound passion fueled my desire to compete, and I embarked on a journey as a competitive bodybuilder, Ms. Fitness competitor, and even as a contestant in the Mrs. Texas Pageant. These experiences allowed me to showcase my dedication, discipline, and commitment to living a healthy and active lifestyle.

 

Throughout my journey, I have realized that my purpose extends beyond personal achievements in competitions. My true calling lies in inspiring and empowering Christian women to prioritize their health and well-being. Whether through my fitness programs, nutrition guidance, or motivational speaking, I am driven to make a positive impact on the lives of women seeking to enhance their overall wellness.

 

Began With a Heartfelt Cry and a Fervent Prayer

At the age of 30, my life took a transformative turn when I encountered Jesus in a profound way. It was during this time that I experienced a miraculous healing from a hernia I had acquired while lifting weights—a true Damascus moment that forever changed the course of my life.In the following years, I faced another challenge when I developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a troublesome gut issue. By seeking, crying, and praying for God's guidance and wisdom, I discovered that the root cause of my IBS was an unbalanced diet compounded by the stress of managing my business and household while raising two children. This personal divine health journey inspired me to write my book, "The Divine Strength Diet Plan: God's Way to Eating and Living a Balanced Life," offering understanding and insights into achieving balance in spirit, body, mind, and body chemistry.In 1996, I took a leap of faith and opened Divine Strength Fitness, a personal training studio. For 23 years, I owned and operated this establishment until God called me to restructure and transition it to an online platform. This calling led me to create programs specifically designed to bring balance to the lives of Christian women, enabling them to embrace the abundant life to which He has called them. While I hold a bachelor's degree in BA from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, the most valuable degree I possess is the wisdom and knowledge I have acquired over my 27+ year journey of walking with Jesus.

 

How I spend most days

I dedicate most of my days to refining my programs, driven by the entrepreneurial spirit within me. My ultimate goal and mission are to deliver high-quality online programs to women of faith. This pursuit keeps me constantly creating and developing new skill sets in the online and social media realms.  For over 32 years, I have been happily married to my husband Steve, and we reside just outside of Austin, Texas. With our children now grown and independent, we relish the newfound freedom and time we have together. Throughout the challenges and darkest moments of my life, the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit has consistently assured me that my latter days would surpass my former. This scripture has been my anchor during the ups and downs of marriage, raising children, and even navigating the complexities of owning a small business. I am delighted to share that I am currently living out the fulfillment of that scripture. Nevertheless, I remain firmly attached to God’s purpose and plan for my life, gripping one hand tightly to it while clinching tightly to the hem of His garment.​I welcome the opportunity to share more of my passion and stories with other women. Please feel free to contact me at hello@karenhartnett.com or reach out by phone at 512-560-6450 to schedule a conversation.