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cover of episode The Power of Gratitude: Richard Paul Evans and the Heroes of the Holiday Season

The Power of Gratitude: Richard Paul Evans and the Heroes of the Holiday Season

2024/11/27
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Breaking Battlegrounds
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Danielle Gletow
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Julie Sullivan
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Richard Paul Evans
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Julie Sullivan：Pay Away the Layaway 组织通过支付低收入家庭的节日和返校季 layaway 余额，帮助他们减轻经济负担，并传播爱心和希望。该组织始于一次随机的善举，现已发展成为一个全国性的组织，每年帮助数千个家庭。 Danielle Gletow：One Simple Wish 组织致力于帮助寄养儿童实现愿望，让他们体验童年的快乐，并感受到社会的爱心。该组织通过线上平台，连接捐赠者和寄养儿童，每年帮助数万名儿童实现愿望。 Richard Paul Evans：作者分享了他创作《迈克尔·维》系列和《贝瑟尔圣诞节》的心路历程，以及这些作品对读者产生的积极影响。他强调了希望和人际连接的重要性，并表达了他对读者的感激之情。 Douglas McDermott：The Gift of Gratitude Foundation 组织通过向退伍军人、急救人员等赠送艺术作品，表达对他们的感激之情，并帮助他们疗伤。该组织的艺术作品以信仰、祈祷、勇气和美德为主题，旨在传递希望和治愈创伤。 Julie Sullivan: Pay Away the Layaway started as a random act of kindness. The organization has grown significantly, paying off layaway balances for thousands of families annually, extending its reach to military families worldwide. The emotional impact on recipients is profound, offering stress relief and a demonstration of community support. Danielle Gletow: One Simple Wish grants wishes to children in foster care, providing moments of joy and hope. The organization's success is due to the generosity of wish granters, who make it possible to fulfill 100% of the wishes received. The impact on the children's lives is significant, offering a sense of being seen and valued. Richard Paul Evans: The author discusses his writing process and the emotional impact of his books on readers. He emphasizes the themes of hope and connection, highlighting the importance of understanding and empathy. His personal health struggles have influenced his writing, adding depth and meaning to his work. Douglas McDermott: The Gift of Gratitude Foundation honors veterans, first responders, and others who serve with courage and selflessness by providing them with works of art. The art pieces are inspired by stories of faith, prayer, virtue, and courage, aiming to bring comfort and healing.

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why did Lee Karshour start Pay Away the Layaway?

Lee Karshour won a Qdoba contest and used the prize money to pay off $1,000 worth of layaway balances at a Kmart in the Bronx, inspired by the support he garnered from the contest. He decided to do this every year, leading to the creation of Pay Away the Layaway.

How does Pay Away the Layaway select stores to help?

Pay Away the Layaway ensures coverage across the U.S., including both coasts and middle America. They also consider specific requests from celebrities and athletes who want to give back in their hometowns or where they play.

What impact does granting wishes have on children in foster care?

Granting wishes provides children in foster care with moments of happiness and hope, helping them feel seen and valued. Some wishes can be life-changing, opening doors to opportunities and connections they wouldn't have otherwise.

How did Richard Paul Evans' health scare influence his writing of 'Christmas in Bethel'?

Richard Paul Evans faced a serious health scare, including a surgery and a blood clot, while writing 'Christmas in Bethel.' This experience added a layer of urgency and personal reflection to his writing, as he felt the need to complete the book despite the challenges.

What is the significance of the number 11 in Richard Paul Evans' recent book releases?

Richard Paul Evans noticed the number 11 appearing repeatedly while writing 'Christmas in Bethel.' He interpreted it as a sign that the universe was conspiring to help him reach his goal, adding a spiritual dimension to his writing process.

How does the Gift of Gratitude Foundation use art to help veterans and first responders?

The Gift of Gratitude Foundation provides commissioned works of art to veterans and first responders, using art as a powerful medium to express gratitude, bring comfort, and spark positive emotions. The art is often inspired by stories of faith, prayer, courage, and virtue.

What is the significance of the artwork featuring the Savior's left foot in the Gift of Gratitude Foundation?

The artwork featuring the Savior's left foot is significant because the left foot is the first step in military marching, symbolizing the army of God. This piece is used to help those with suicide ideation understand that their mission is not yet complete.

Chapters
Julie Sullivan of Pay Away the Layaway discusses how random acts of kindness, like paying off layaway balances, can spread joy and relieve stress for families in need during the holiday season.
  • Pay Away the Layaway started with a random act of kindness in 2011.
  • The organization has paid off over $11,000 in layaway balances for children and families.
  • Celebrities and athletes often specify locations for layaway payoffs, expanding the impact nationwide.

Shownotes Transcript

This Thanksgiving-themed episode of Breaking Battlegrounds celebrates the spirit of gratitude by spotlighting remarkable individuals and organizations making a difference. We’re joined by Julie Sullivan of Pay Away the Layaway, helping families in need during the holidays; Danielle Gletow of One Simple Wish, granting life-changing wishes to children in foster care; and Douglas McDermott of The Gift of Gratitude Foundation, honoring those who serve with courage and faith. We also welcome back bestselling author Richard Paul Evans, whose inspiring works, including The Christmas Box and the Michael Vey series, have touched millions of lives. He shares insights into his two newest releases, Christmas in Bethel and Michael Vey: The Colony, delivering messages of hope, love, and adventure. Tune in for inspiring conversations that remind us of the power of giving back and appreciating those around us.

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About our guests:

**Julie Sullivan **is the executive director of Pay Away. For over a decade, Pay Away has been paying off holiday and back-to-school layaway balances, bringing relief to unsuspecting families. Learn more here: https://payaway.org/)

Danielle Gletow is the Founder and Executive Director of One Simple Wish. One Simple Wish grants wishes to kids who have faced abuse, neglect, and trauma, allowing them to experience the magic of childhood. Through their innovative platform, they’ve empowered thousands of donors to make meaningful connections and create brighter futures for foster children nationwide. Learn more here: https://www.onesimplewish.org/)

Richard Paul Evans is the #1 bestselling author of The Christmas Box. He has since written 41 consecutive New York Times bestsellers and is one of the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. There are more than thirty-five million copies of his books in print worldwide, translated into more than 22 languages. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the American Mothers Book Award, the Romantic Times Best Women’s Novel of the Year Award, the German Audience Gold Award for Romance, five Religion Communicators Council Wilbur Awards, *The Washington Times *Humanitarian of the Century Award, and the Volunteers of America National Empathy Award. Evans lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Keri, and their five children and two grandchildren.

Find his books here: https://richardpaulevans.com/)

Douglas McDermott is the founder of The Gift of Gratitude Foundation. The Gift of Gratitude Foundation recognizes veterans, peace officers, first responders and medical personnel who serve with honor and selflessness with works of art inspired by stories of faith, prayer, virtue and courage. Learn more here: https://www.giftofgratitudefoundation.com/) Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe)