Episode 182: Miracles Abound – Interview Richard Paul Evans

Episode 182:

Miracles Abound- Interview Richard Paul Evans and Christmas Box International Direcor, Celeste Edmunds

Welcome to the Love Your Story podcast. Today is our Christmas episode, and since Christmas is a season of love, of miracles, of family, of wintery fun and of treats. Well, I have a treat for you. Today Richard Paul Evans, author of the Christmas Box and 40 consecutive NYT Bestsellers, that always seem to come out around Christmas time, and Celeste Edmunds the Exec. Director of Christmas Box International are here to share a little of all of that - miracles, stories of family and children, gifts and all good things to set the scene for Christmas. On top of that, The Noel Letters, Richard’s new book is out for Christmas and we’re going to hear about that as well, so stay turned. To start, you have to know who these folks are When Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. The story was written as an expression of love for his then two young daughters. - It was a Chrsitmas gift he self published and handed out to family and friends. Three years later, this quiet, simple story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. Six of Evans’s books have been produced into television movies. There are currently more than 24 million copies of his books in print. As an acclaimed speaker, Evans has shared the podium with such notable personalities as President George W. Bush, President George and Barbara Bush, former British Prime Minister John Majors, Ron Howard, Elizabeth Dole, Deepak Chopra, Steve Allen, and Bob Hope. Evans has been featured on the Today show, Glenn Beck, CNN and Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Time, Newsweek, People, The New York Times, Washington Post, Good Housekeeping, USA Today, TV Guide, Reader’s Digest, and Family Circle - we’re thrilled to have him here on the Love Your Story podcast. Evans has won numerous awards, made the big bucks, and used that money to do really good things in the world. One of which is that during the Spring of 1997, Evans founded The Christmas Box House International, an organization devoted to building shelters and providing services for abused and neglected children. To date, more than 125,000 children have been served by Christmas Box House facilities. That is where Celeste comes in. Celeste is his Executive Director of Christmas Box International. This is kind of fun - almost 2 decades ago Celeste was Richard’s personal assistant. She was at his side fighting the good fight back when Christmas Box International was just a dream. Now, she’s the executive director of this international shelter. She is an exceptional advocate because she was a former foster child herself. It’s a bit like a fairytale. So, with no further ado…. Welcome Richard and Celeste. I want to first start with stories…. Richard - I just finished reading the Miracle of the Christmas Box, which for those of you who don’t know, it is a book that tells the story of all the miracles involved during the journey of the Christmas Box making its way into the world. It’s an inspiring and amazing book just to hear of that journey, and I wanted to read a little excerpt from that book… It’s on page 224 and you have just spoken to a group and someone approaches you… Tune into the audio program to hear the details of that reading, and to hear about Richard's experiences with writing the new book, why Christmas Box International was started, and to hear the tale of a LOT of miracles.  

NEW BOOK

"The Noel Letters" is about an editor for a major New York publishing house who returns to her childhood home in Salt Lake City to see her estranged, dying father. What she believed would be a brief visit turns into something more as she inherits the bookstore her father fought to keep alive. Reeling from loneliness, a recent divorce, and unanticipated upheavals in her world, Noel begins receiving letters from an anonymous source, each one containing thoughts and lessons about her life and her future. She begins to reacquaint herself with the bookstore and the people she left behind, and in doing so, starts to unravel the reality of her painful childhood and the truth about her family. As the holidays draw near, she receives a Christmastime revelation that changes not only how she sees the past but also how she views her future.

To connect with the Christmas Box International on social media:

IG: thechristmasbox_intl, FB: @TheChristmasBoxInternational You can find Richard's books in all book stores. The story of Richard Paul Evans and the miracles that surrounded his book, the healing, the momentum toward even more miracles with the children being cared for from the Christmas Box International, the Christmas Angels that have been placed around the country where parents go for healing, it’s truly a true story that leaves one in awe…it is a miracle that has created other miracles and the ripple effects go on.   As we move into the last part of the holiday season I encourage you to look for the miracles and the magic in your own life. To notice with gratitude the moments of intuition and serendipity that lead you to beautiful things. I believe in miracles. Today’s show has been a peek at real life miracles. Surround yourself with light, love, healing, and miracles as often as you can, and try to create those for others. That’s what Christmas is all about. The birth of Christ - who is love, who is the doer of miracles. Have a beautiful holiday everyone, and join me in two weeks for the Best of 2020 and the unveiling of the top 5 downloaded Love Your Story shows/episodes for the past year. Don’t forget to get your copy of LIFE - Living Intentional and Fearless Everyday - the 21 Life Connection Challenges. In 2021 I’m starting a new opportunity for groups to sign on and complete the challenges together for added momentum, accountability, and fun. Go to loveyourstorypodcast.com to get more information and to sign up your group. I’ll contact you personally as we get your group - women’s group, youth group, book club, church group, work group, started on the challenges for creating more connection, self-care, and possibility in your life story.