An Evening With Richard Paul Evans

Jessica and I had the amazing privilege of being able to sing before a packed house where the speaker for the evening was Richard Paul Evans. He is the author of several #1 New York Best Seller books such as "The Christmas Box", "TheLooking Glass", "The Last Promise", "The Walk", and the newly released "Michael Vey". Four of his books have been made into television movies and many of his books are sold all over the world. We were invited guests from another stake but since we were the first number on the program, we decided to stay and listen to his remarks, and how glad we are that we stayed. I thought I'd share.......It was THAT good.

He spoke about "The 5 Things You Should Know In Order To Have A Good Life":

These were the five things and may I add that his incredible life experiences and stories that he shared to accompany these concepts were a powerful way to drive home the message and really seal a powerful testimony of truth to all who heard him.

1. There Is A Reason For Your Life
(Listen to the voice of God and you will come to find out what that purpose is)

2. The Only Way To Fulfill Your Mission Is To Be Free From The Past (Forgive)
Forgiveness is like a boat with an anchor. It releases the anchor because it is going somewhere and no longer wants to be stuck. When you forgive, you do it for you, not necessarily for the person who wronged you. It is a gift you give yourself so you can become unstuck in life and move forward like the boat.

3. Do Something With Your Life.
Take Chances, Risk, Dream, Chase your Dreams.
Why do people keep their ships in the harbor? because it's safe in harbors. However, you don't go anywhere.
Like the boat, we don't venture out because we are afraid of failure. However, failure is necessary. You can't get anywhere without failing. Many of us are so afraid of failure that we actually choose failure. If you want to succeed more, start failing more.

4. Be Prepared for Obstacles
Be prepared for adversity. It is a part of life. Everyone has it. No one escapes it.

5. In the End, The Only Thing We Need To Pass The Test Is: LOVE
If you don't have charity, you have nothing.
The happiest people are the ones who are closest to God and most like him.

We are still on a spiritual high from the message last night. I've already jotted down a few new goals to work on to make some needed changes. Truly an inspirational evening. One we will never forget. Thank you Brother Evans for your sharing your life experiences and for not being afraid to proclaim the truths that you know.
Hope to keep in touch.