ReStoried

Today on the podcast, we’re continuing our series on spiritual formation with a focus on prayer. For many, prayer can feel like a last resort or a quick ritual before meals. But what does it really mean to commune with God in prayer? 

Prayer is more than words. It’s pushing back against the darkness. It shapes our hearts to look more like His, and it moves the needle in ways we can’t always see. 

We’re excited to share that Hope Bridge has some incredible prayer opportunities coming up: 

• Prayer Night with Bishop W.C. Martin — Bishop Martin, from Possum Trot, will be joining us to lead a powerful evening of prayer for vulnerable children and families. 
• Hope Bridge Prayer Network — By joining the Prayer Network, you become part of a movement inviting God’s presence and power into the lives of children and families in need. As a prayer partner, you’ll receive monthly prayer update emails with a Scripture focus, a story, and specific needs; focused prayer prompts that give you a theme each month; and, at times, urgent requests when pressing needs arise. Every prayer matters, and your voice makes a difference. 

If you’re ready to go deeper in prayer and stand with us for vulnerable children and families, find the links for Prayer Night and the Prayer Network below. 

Episode Highlights:  

• Spiritual Formation Disciplines 
• Prayer  
• Prayer Night with Bishop Martin  
• Join our Prayer Network  

Find More on Hope Bridge: 

• Register for Prayer Night with Bishop Martin  
• Join our Prayer Network  
• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  
• Foster Our Community Instagram  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

We can’t believe it; this is the 100th episode of the Restoried podcast! To celebrate, we’re switching things up with another “hot seat” episode, where we put each other on the spot with some of the most hilarious, outrageous, and unexpected questions yet. 

This episode is lighthearted, full of laughs, and the perfect chance to really get to know the people behind the mic. 

We’re beyond grateful for YOU, our listeners, who have walked with us through 100 episodes of stories, hope, and community. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we’re just getting started.  

Here’s to the next 100!  

PLUS we’re celebrating with a Hope Bridge merch giveaway!  

Make sure you’re following us on social media so you don’t miss your chance to win. 

Episode Highlights:  

• Celebrating 100 episodes of the Restoried podcast 
• Hosts in the “hot seat” answering hilarious and unexpected questions 
• A chance to get to know your hosts like never before 
• Special Hope Bridge merch giveaway (details on our socials) 

Find More on Hope Bridge: 

• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  
• Foster Our Community Instagram  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

Every July, our team takes a step back to look at where we’ve been and where we’re headed. This year, that meeting didn’t quite go the way we expected. We realized something important; our growth and referrals were outpacing what our staff could realistically handle. That made us stop and ask: How can we invite more people to come alongside us in this work. 

That’s where The Bridge comes in. 

It’s a new software we’re launching that makes it super simple to get connected. Think of it as a hub where real needs get posted, and you can jump in to help meet them. Churches, organizations, and social workers can share needs, and volunteers can step up. 

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to help, I just don’t know how,” this is your chance. The Bridge is all about connecting people who want to serve with people who need support. 

We’re really excited about this, and we’d love for you to join us. 
 

Check out The Bridge by clicking the link below! 

Episode Highlights:  

• Introducing a New Software called The Bridge 
• Bridging the Gap Between Those Who Want to Serve & Those in Need  
• Becoming a Part of the Bridge  
• Meeting Needs in Our Community 
• Push vs. Pull Method  
• Posting an Offer on the Bridge  

Find More on Hope Bridge: 

• Learn More about the Bridge  
• Join The Bridge Here  
• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  
• Foster Our Community Instagram  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this Spiritual Formation episode, we’re talking about how technology shapes our daily lives and what it looks like to set some healthy boundaries around it. With phones, TVs, and social media always at our fingertips, it’s so easy to get distracted and miss out on the moments that really matter. 

This month, we challenged ourselves to try a few simple shifts, like no phones at the table, not scrolling before spending time with God or right before bed, and setting time limits on apps. We’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and how even small changes helped us be more present with God and with our families. 

Episode Highlights:  

• How technology can easily distract us from what matters most 
• Simple boundaries we tried: no phones at the table, no scrolling before bed, and starting the day with God first 
• What we noticed when we limited screen time 
• Ways tech boundaries can create more space for family and faith 
• Small shifts that help us grow in love for God and others 

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Episode: 

• The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch  
• Rule Your Tech or It Will Rule You by Jedd Medefind 
• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  
• Foster Our Community Instagram  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode, we’re talking with Kim Meeder: author, speaker, and co-founder of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Oregon. Kim’s story is full of redemption and purpose. After walking through her own childhood trauma, she created a space where broken kids and rescued horses could heal together. 

At Crystal Peaks, every session is one-on-one: one child, one horse, one leader. It’s completely free for kids ages 6–18 and tailored to meet each child right where they are; whether that’s through riding, gardening, crafting, or just connecting. The ranch exists to rescue horses, mentor kids, bring hope to families, and inspire others to do the same. 

Over the years, Kim and Troy have helped launch over 200 similar ministries around the world! In our conversation, Kim shares stories from the ranch, how healing happens through simple moments, and why she believes every life can be restored. 

Episode Highlights:  

• Meet Kim Meeder 
• Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch  
• Trauma & Healing 
• Faith in God  
• Purpose  

Find more on Guest: 

• Crystal Peak's Website 
• The Heart of Crystal Peaks 
• CrystalPeaksYouthRanch - YouTube 

Find More on Hope Bridge: 

• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  
• Foster Our Community Instagram  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

We’re back with another episode in our Spiritual Formation series, and this time we’re exploring the quiet, but powerful, practice of solitude. 

In a culture that celebrates busyness and constant activity, solitude can feel counter-cultural, even uncomfortable. But solitude isn’t simply about stepping away from noise or slowing down our schedules. It’s about intentionally stepping toward God, making space to be fully present with Him. 

In this episode, we talk about what it means to “Be still,” how to resist the pull of distraction, and why solitude can be one of the most life-giving practices for our souls. 

If you’re longing for a deeper connection with God in the midst of life’s noise, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, be still, and truly meet with Him. 

Episode Highlights:  

• Spiritual Formation Disciplines  
• Meet Brittany! 
• Solitude  
• Slowing down  

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Episode: 

• The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence by Henri Nouwen  
• Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life by Henri Nouwen 
• Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence by Ruth Haley Barton 
• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  
• Foster Our Community Instagram  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In today’s episode, we’re talking about how foster care has impacted our families: the hard parts and the really good ones. Foster care is mission work, and like anything meaningful, it comes with its share of challenges and rewards. If you’re curious about foster care or are already in it and looking for people who truly understand, this conversation is for you. We share how this journey has stretched us, grown our faith, and pushed us to rely on God more than ever. It’s been refining in all the best (and hardest) ways. We believe we’re all called to make disciples, and sometimes that looks like opening our homes to kids who need love and stability. Foster care has helped us develop tools we didn’t know we needed, and we’ve seen so much growth, both in ourselves and our families. At the end of the day, God is good no matter what, and this experience has taught us to trust Him in deeper ways. 

Episode Highlights:  

• How Foster Care has Impacted Our Families 
• Foster Care is Mission Work  
• The Bigness of God 
• Hard Conversations with Bio Kids  

Find More on Hope Bridge: 

• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  
• Foster Our Community Instagram  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

This week, we’re talking with Sandra Flach, mom of 8 (5 through adoption), advocate for foster and adoptive families, and someone who knows firsthand what it’s like to parent kids with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Two of Sandra’s children are diagnosed with FASD, and she’s passionate about helping other parents understand and navigate this journey.

Sandra shares her own parenting story, why so many kids are misdiagnosed, and the surprising fact that 1 in 20 school-aged children are impacted by FASD—more than autism. She’s all about giving parents the tools and encouragement they need, and you’ll walk away from this conversation with so many practical insights.

Sandra will be speaking at our upcoming FASD workshop. You won’t want to miss it. Make sure to register for the workshop using the link below.

Episode Highlights: 

• Meet Sandra!
• Foster Care & Adoption 
• What is FASD?
• FASD Symptoms

Find more on Guest:

• Justice for Orphans
• Sandra's Website

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Register for the FASD Workshop
• Schedule Coffee with a Hope Bridge Team Member
• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

Today, we're wrapping up our July Replay Series with an episode that continues to inspire and uplift.

We're thrilled to revisit our conversation with Jamie Finn—bestselling author, founder and President of Foster the Family, host of the Real Mom podcast, and owner of Goods and Better. Jamie is a trusted voice in the foster and adoptive community, known for her authenticity, wisdom, and heart.

As a mom of seven through foster care, adoption, and birth, Jamie shares both personal stories and professional insight. In this episode, she talks about her devotional book Filled, written specifically to encourage and support foster parents navigating the highs and lows of this journey.

This conversation is full of encouragement, practical advice, and the kind of honest truth that reminds us we’re not alone. Don’t miss this powerful close to our July Replay Series!

Episode Highlights: 

• Introduction to Jamie Finn 
• Foster Care & Adoption 
• Community 
• Self Care Vs. Soul Care 
• Jamie’s New Book- Filled 

Find more on Guest:

• Jamie’s New Devotional Book- Filled 
• Foster the Family
• Find Foster the Family on Social:
  • Facebook 
  • Instagram 
  • Pinterest 
• Real Mom Podcast 
• Shop Goods and Better 

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

This July, we’re revisiting some of the most powerful and moving episodes of The ReStoried Podcast in our Replay Series. These stories have left a lasting impact—and we believe they’re worth hearing again.

In this replay episode, we revisit the unforgettable story of Stacey, a devoted foster and adoptive mom, and Asia, a courageous biological mom whose journey through addiction and mental health struggles led to her losing custody of her children.

Stacey’s path crossed with Asia’s when she became the foster parent to Asia’s kids—offering not just a stable home, but a lifeline of hope during Asia’s darkest moments. Through Stacey’s consistent love, guidance, and encouragement, Asia found the strength to pursue treatment and step into recovery—with her faith leading the way.

What unfolded was more than a foster care placement; it was the beginning of a redemptive relationship. Today, Asia calls Stacey not just a friend, but a mother figure. Together, they now co-parent the children they both love, a living example of what’s possible when grace, support, and connection come together.

Join us as we replay this powerful episode that beautifully highlights the importance of relationship in foster care—and the incredible things that happen when we show up for one another.

Episode Highlights: 

• Stacey & Asia’s Background Story 
• Foster Care 
• Struggles with Addiction & Mental Health 
• Relationships with Bio Families 
• The importance of community 
• Living Life with a Blended Family 

Find more on Guest:

• Dwell Retreat 
• Sky Hope Recovery Program for Women 

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto