Jim Rubart is a novelist and marketer that I've known toward the beginning of my publishing career. He's in my mastermind group. Jim loves his wife and two boys, which is really what I think of when I think of him (and isn't that the best way to be known?).

How Our Stories Intersected

Jim and I met at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in the mid 2000s. Shortly after, he got an agent and a book contract for his first novel, Rooms. This year, his novel The Five Times I Met Myself won book of the year!

In this episode we talk a lot about the artist's insecurity, and how accomplishment doesn't fill that gaping hole--only a steadfast relationship with Jesus does that. We must settle our worth because publishing (or any other thing we may pursue) cannot validate our lives.

[Tweet "Publishing doesn't validate your life. Hear from author @Jameslrubart on Restory Show."]

As in all my episodes, I pray for you at the end. It's my sincere hope that you'll walk away from the Restory Show changed and challenged.

They Help us Bring You More Stories

This episode is brought to you by Audible. Get your free audio book by going to http://www.audibletrial.com/restory. This week, I recommend any of Jim Rubart's audio books that you can find here.

The End

* If this episode has literally knocked your socks off (sorry if your feet are now cold), would you please consider telling your friends and enemies and pets?

* And leaving a review will help get the restory show in many more earbuds. Thanks in advance!

Get on the Show

We'll be featuring your mini-story at the end of the Restory Show. If you'd like to be featured, record your voice below.

 

 

Erin MacPherson is one of my favorite people. Oh how I love her humor, her heart, and her passion for her family. She's a delight!

How Our Stories Intersected

Erin and I met through a mutual friend, Kathi Lipp. We are now in a mastermind group together. She's a mom, a wife, and a writer, and she works in marketing. Her story started off strong, but then hit a snag.

In this episode we commiserate about having a career in the arts (and ministry). So if you're trying to make a living through the arts, I think you'll really enjoy her advice about taking the next step. (It's toward the end of the episode).

[Tweet "How do you deal with trying to make $ with your art? Find insight on the Restory Show."]

As in all my episodes, I pray for you at the end. It's my sincere hope that you'll walk away from the Restory Show changed and challenged.

They Help us Bring You More Stories

This episode is brought to you by Audible. Get your free audio book by going to http://www.audibletrial.com/restory.

The End

* If this episode has literally knocked your socks off (sorry if your feet are now cold), would you please consider telling your friends and enemies and pets?

* And leaving a review will help get the restory show in many more earbuds. Thanks in advance!

Get on the Show

We'll be featuring your mini-story at the end of the Restory Show. If you'd like to be featured, record your voice below.

 

 

You're in for a great conversation between me and radio personality & novelist, Chris Fabry. We first met via the radio, as he's interviewed me a few times for my books. We've become far-away friends since. Chris is a man of integrity, but he is not without trials and stresses.

In this episode, Chris will share a difficult story about his home. I don't want to spoil it, but suffice to say, it's a story of sickness, financial hardship, letting go, the love of a husband and wife, and what it takes to follow after Jesus down twisting roads. I pray this episode will truly inspire you as much as it inspired me.

In the episode, Chris talked about his novel June Bug. Here it is, if you're interested. He wrote this book while he was in the midst of his family's own hellish trial, and the lessons learned by the character in the book somewhat mirror his own.

I'm so grateful for Chris' heart, his authenticity, and his ability to translate God's comfort for us.

[Tweet "Hear @ChrisFabry share a vulnerable, insightful story on the Restory Show here:"]

They Help us Bring You More Stories

This episode is brought to you by Audible. Get your free audio book by going to http://www.audibletrial.com/restory.

The End

* If this episode has literally knocked your socks off (sorry if your feet are now cold), would you please consider telling your friends and enemies and pets?

* And leaving a review will help get the restory show in many more earbuds. Thanks in advance!

Get on the Show

We'll be featuring your mini-story at the end of the Restory Show. If you'd like to be featured, record your voice below.

 

 

 

Here's a profound example of someone who advocates for those who don't have his story. He did not experience sexual exploitation, yet as a prosecutor, he processed many cases against sex-offenders, and now has a huge ministry within the church to help it become a safe, healing place for victims of abuse.

How Our Stories Intersected

Boz and I met online through his work with GRACE. (Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment). We met in person this February through a fund raising event for GRACE, then this spring I had the privilege of speaking to the law school where he works as a professor.

Through all this, we've become good friends. What I love about Boz is his brazen honesty and his desire to protect people from sexual predators. He is willing to put himself on the front lines for the sake of them. It's inspiring. It's humbling.

Boz's story encourages us that you don't have to have a tragic story to help those in tragedies. God uses all of us, no matter what our story is, to be rescuers in this dying world. That's profound. And I'm grateful for Boz's example.

[Tweet "You don't have to have a tragic story to help those in tragedies. Hear @BozT's story on the Restory Show."]

As in all my episodes, I pray for you at the end. It's my sincere hope that you'll walk away from the Restory Show changed and challenged.

They Help us Bring You More Stories

This episode is brought to you by Audible. Get your free audio book by going to http://www.audibletrial.com/restory.

The End

* If this episode has literally knocked your socks off (sorry if your feet are now cold), would you please consider telling your friends and enemies and pets?

* And leaving a review will help get the restory show in many more earbuds. Thanks in advance!

Get on the Show

We'll be featuring your mini-story at the end of the Restory Show. If you'd like to be featured, record your voice below.

 

I love Cristin's honesty in this episode. From drug addict to missionary...the change profoundly coming through Jesus Christ. (She's also a novelist! Look for her first novel soon!)

How Our Stories Intersected

Cristin and I met in Geneva. She was the reason I had the opportunity to talk to writers on the other side of the world. The week had a profound impact on me. What a blessing!

Cristin is a lifetime missionary with YWAM. She and her family will be living in Belgium where her husband is from. They have a deep desire to love others and provide community.

[Tweet "She profoundly met Jesus in the midst of drugs & suicidal thoughts! Hear more at the Restory Show."]

As in all my episodes, I pray for you at the end. It's my sincere hope that you'll walk away from the Restory Show changed and challenged.

They Help us Bring You More Stories

This episode is brought to you by Audible. Get your free audio book by going to http://www.audibletrial.com/restory.

The End

* If this episode has literally knocked your socks off (sorry if your feet are now cold), would you please consider telling your friends and enemies and pets?

* And leaving a review will help get the restory show in many more earbuds. Thanks in advance!

Get on the Show

We'll be featuring your mini-story at the end of the Restory Show. If you'd like to be featured, record your voice below.

 

We have successfully completed Season One of the Restory Show! Hooray! Don't cry too many rivers, though. Season Two will start on September 12th. We have some amazing folks lined up!

We've had some poignant and important stories. You can go back through the archives here.

Today I'd like to give you a little bonus episode of just me talking. In this episode, I share how my year of subtraction has been so far, what lessons God has taught me along the way, and how has God restoried me and my family this year. I pray it's a blessing to you.

BONUS: There's a big, fat surprise in this episode.

PODCAST ASIDE: This will be the last episode of Season One. We will resume with Season Two in September. I have some amazing stories lined up!

...

Dan Allender is one of my heroes. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to share him with you. When I was in the trench of healing from my sexual abuse, it was Dan (without him knowing it) that ushered in the greatest healing.

How Our Stories Intersected

I haven't met Dan in  person--yet. But I met him in the Nineties when I picked up a copy of his book The Wounded Heart. It was the first time I had words to describe my own pathway of sexual abuse recovery. Not only did the book open my eyes, but the workbook proved to be invaluable as I processed my own pain and healing.

In March, Christianity Today asked me to interview Dan about his latest book, Healing the Wounded Heart. That interview also became this podcast.

About Dan's Story

Dan is an avid advocate for sexual abuse victims. He, too, is a victim, but didn't realize it until partway through the writing of his first book. He currently runs The Allender Center and puts on seminars with folks like John Eldridge. He has a deep passion to see people become whole and wholly alive.

In His Own Words

"None of us are fully healed until we see Jesus. I have got continents of growing to do, and that healing process is a glorious, painful one at one level—but glorious in terms of its ongoing work of calling me more and more and more to become the person I was meant to be."

"It’s the work of the kingdom of darkness against us. With regard to that, our natural tendency is to turn shame against us, along with contempt. That’s really the plan of the evil one. Satan means accuser. Yes we are naturally hard on ourselves, but then we also have an unnatural enemy that’s working to flame that, to fuel it with it some resources whisperings, attacks, threats, or seductions. He simply wants to add more shame."

"But I am more excited about the potential of what the human heart can know and enjoy to receive and to give that I have ever been. So, I am asking Jesus for at least another 20 years to be able to do this kind of work. I actually like to write the 50th anniversary of The Wounded Heart."

"For the victim, telling our story begins to heal a portion of our heart. Then telling our story 20 more times opens a door to healing another portion. Some people tell their story once, and it didn’t seem to help, so they stop telling it. Oh please hear me. You are meant to engage the story even in the sense that Jesus bears your scars through all eternity. His glorification didn’t take away the marks of the cross."

Restory Recap

* Dan shares his own story of a sexually inappropriate mom, and their consequent healing.

* We are wounded in private, but we are healed in community.

* Do not underestimate Satan's schemes and power in sexual abuse.

* Shame is debilitating.

* Healing will come, and it continues to happen as we grow closer to Jesus.

[Tweet "You can heal from sexual abuse. Hear more about @allendercenter at the Restory Show."]

As in all my episodes, I pray for you at the end.

Shannan Martin is a blogger and writer who is one of my favorite people. She and her husband live with their four children in northern Indiana. She is a delight, and I can't wait for you to meet her.

How Our Stories Intersected

Shannan and I met at She Speaks several years ago. She was writing a novel then, and asked advice about dialog. Apparently (I don't remember), I scribbled down the name of a book for her. :) We reconvened at another conference. I've been LOVING her blog ever since. She's one of my writing heroes. Look for her first book in September. (There's a link below.)

About Shannan's Story

Shannan grew up in a stable Christian home in Ohio, then ventured to Bethel college in Indiana where she met her future husband. They lived in Washington DC at first, then lived on a farm, and now they live in Indiana where he's a chaplain for a jail, and she writes full time. They have four children.

In Her Own Words

"This is the family God has for us."

"We never would have scripted this."

"Family has nothing to do with DNA or genetics or birth stories or even who you marry. It's community. And it's bearing each other's burdens together, and walking through life together."

"We are surrounded by orphans who are adults."

"We try to keep our door ajar. Anyone is invited to our table."

"Trust the voice of God in your life."

"God's more for me looks like less. Less house. Less money. Less status."

Restory Recap

* They have a counter-intuitive story.

* They've adopted four children (3 + a young adult).

* They attend a little Methodist church on the corner of their transitional neighborhood.

* They view family differently than flesh and blood.

[Tweet "God's more for me looks like less. @flowerpatchfg. Hear more at the Restory Show."]

As in all my episodes, I pray for you at the end. It's my sincere hope that you'll walk away from the Restory Show changed and challenged.

Also, do me a huge favor and pre-order this book because this will be a gift to you. It releases in September.

{Aside: This is such an interesting, different interview.}

They Help us Bring You More Stories

This episode is brought to you by Audible. Get your free audio book by going to http://www.audibletrial.com/restory.

The End

* If this episode has literally knocked your socks off (sorry if your feet are now cold), would you please consider telling your friends and enemies and pets?

* And leaving a review will help get the restory show in many more earbuds. Thanks in advance!

Get on the Show

Soon, we'll be featuring your mini-story at the end of the Restory Show. If you'd like to be featured, record your voice below.

 

We interrupt Restory Show's regular schedule to bring you a surprise interview with my favorite person: my husband Patrick. In this episode, you'll learn more about him, how we met Christ (and later, me), what kind of adventures we've been on, and how we're doing now during this season of joblessness.

I'm really excited to share him with you. He's a man of great wisdom, and he loves Jesus.

I pray his words bless you!

If you'd like to help the Restory Conference see the light of day (or if you'd like to go!), click here. If you're not in the DFW area, you can also purchase a virtual ticket for $25 where you'll get the video files of the conference. You can also just donate to the cause if you'd prefer. Simply click the pink button BACK IT and choose however much you want to give.

If you'd be so kind, would you share the tweet below?

[Tweet "Hear from @MaryDeMuth's husband Patrick in a surprise edition of the Restory Show!"]

Richard Leakey and his family live in Burtigny, Switzerland. He not only manages the YWAM base there, but he also travels to parts of Africa, helping create sustainable farming practices in communities.

How Our Stories Intersected

Richard and I met in Switzerland, when I had the privilege of teaching writers from all over the world. He's penning a novel (fantasy), and I do hope to hold it in my hands someday! Richard is below.

About Richard's Story

He felt a calling to do sustainable farming for over twenty years, and now that dream is coming true. He is based in Switzerland with his family. Five years ago, his father (a vicar) was diagnosed with Alzheimers. This podcast is mostly about that difficult, but beautiful story.

In His Own Words

"We can change the generations to come."

"I needed to have brokenness and humility to be able to go into a village as a learner."

"The call was there, the gifts were there, but the character wasn't."

"Keep me holy, humble and hidden. Keep me honest."

"We had five gradual years of goodbyes."

"God is so present, and He so wants to walk with us."

"I have an intimate friendship (with God), not a contact list of to do points."

"God was still using my father (during the Alzheimer journey.)"

Restory Recap

* Richard was raised in the UK in a Christian home. His father was a pastor in the Anglican church.

* At 16, he got a calling in missions.

* He got a degree in agriculture.

* He and his wife Elaine joined YWAM.

* They've been in Switzerland with YWAM for seventeen years.

* He is now seeing a dream come alive in different parts of Africa, helping subsistence farmers.

* Here is the ministry that helped his father with gardening & memory care: Steps to Senior Care.

* Five years ago, his father was diagnosed with Alzheimers. He died last summer in his parent's living room.

Scripture: Lamentations 3:19-33

I remember my affliction and my wandering,

    the bitterness and the gall.

I well remember them,

    and my soul is downcast within me.

Yet this I call to mind

    and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

    for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;

    therefore I will wait for him.”

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,

    to the one who seeks him;

it is good to wait quietly

    for the salvation of the Lord.

It is good for a man to bear the yoke

    while he is young.

Let him sit alone in silence,

    for the Lord has laid it on him.

Let him bury his face in the dust—

    there may yet be hope.

Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,

    and let him be filled with disgrace.

For no one is cast off

    by the Lord forever.

Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,

    so great is his unfailing love.

For he does not willingly bring affliction

    or grief to anyone.

[Tweet "Keep me holy, humble and hidden. Keep me honest. Richard Leakey. Hear more at the Restory Show."]

Here's a shot from Richard's sustainable farming work:

As in all my episodes, I pray for you at the end. It's my sincere hope that you'll walk away from the R...