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A story based on Toni DePaoli's original story entitled "The Hummels" is currently featured in the December issue of Guideposts magazine in the article entitled "Unbroken Promises". This is an endearing story of ruin and restoration that is moving at anytime of the year, but especially at Christmas time. "Christmas is the season where we come face to face with new life offered to us in the form of a baby in a manger," says DePaoli. "So many of us believe our lives are shattered into a million pieces and cannot be restored. Nothing is impossible with our God. This story gives the reader hope that God can transform a ruined life into something that is more precious than ever before."

Toni and her husband Peter J. DePaoli tell this story at retreats and conferences wherever they speak. Toni told us that she thinks its sweet watching big hulking men be brought to tears through this tender message. "In fact," she goes on to say, "I don't think there has ever been a time that we told this story where there wasn't someone in a complete puddle of tears." The tears are good ones; "Liquid Love," DePaoli calls them.

Guideposts contacted DePaoli in January requesting to do a feature on her story. She said it was exciting to go through the process of interviewing, having a photo shoot and editing the Guidepost version of the tale. "Guideposts put a different spin on the story but kept the original essence intact. It was a joy and an honor working with them." The DePaoli's do the same as they tell the story to large audiences at seminars and conferences. "The story is adaptable to almost any theme. If we are talking about marriage, bitterness, loss of hope, whatever the topic, 'The Hummels' touches hearts and changes life…not because of the story itself, but because the story is a platform to help hurting people reach out to Jesus Christ for restoration and healing."

Toni DePaoli is a licensed minister with Reclaiming Victory Ministries. "We do discipleship counseling which uses solid biblical principles and scripture to help people in all aspects of life find healing and wholeness through Jesus Christ," explained DePaoli. Contact the ministry to order a copy of the original story. You may also read a copy of The Hummels online in PDF format.