by Mandy Nester | Dec 17, 2021 | All
We didn’t have seven swans on campus (even though we have cows, chickens, donkeys, dogs, goats, and…) or we would have posted a picture of them. According to our source, “It would take someone quite familiar with the Bible to identify this gift.... 
by Mandy Nester | Dec 17, 2021 | All
Our very own Julia put a creative spin on this one… six geese-a-laying… in the sun! We’ve had some beautiful, warm, sunny weather at Joy Ranch this week, so it fits in just perfectly. In the song, the geese are symbolic of “These lyrics can be... 
by Mandy Nester | Dec 15, 2021 | All
This one was fun & different! We had five of our married ladies from Joy Ranch with their wedding bands. Included in the hands are Charlene (married to Dan, our director for 44 years), Suzanne (married to David for 31 years), Paula (married to Phil for 42 years),... 
by Mandy Nester | Dec 15, 2021 | All
Creative Ava designed today’s image. It’s funny, because that style of telephone probably was extinct before she was born! What do the calling birds represent in the song? “One of the easiest facets of the song’s code to figure out, these fowl are... 
by Mandy Nester | Dec 15, 2021 | All
Our three french hens are lovely Lily, Julia, and Ava. What fine young ladies they are becoming and what a blessing they are to have at Joy Ranch! In the song, the three hens represent “These birds represent faith, hope, and love. This gift hearkens back to 1... 
by Mandy Nester | Dec 12, 2021 | All
Talk about creative! Chloe and Cheyenne in their turtlenecks – aren’t they cute? According to our source, “These twin birds represent the Old and New Testaments. So in this gift, the singer finds the complete story of the Christian faith and God’s... 
by Mandy Nester | Dec 12, 2021 | All
Our sweet “partridge” is John in a Bradford Pear tree we have on campus. Don’t you love that smile? He climbed right up in that tree like it was no one’s business! According to this article, “The partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus,... 
by Mandy Nester | Dec 8, 2021 | All
What a holiday season it has already been! We had this fun idea that we would come up with 12 Days of Christmas photos for our annual Joy Ranch Christmas card, but we didn’t quite get it all done in time. SO, why not use it on our website and social media? Get... 
by Bethany Collins | Nov 11, 2021 | Houseparent Blog
It’s that time of year again: lots of candy, stuffing ourselves with turkey and that “most wonderful time of the year” – Christmas! As we have told you before this time can be both fun and challenging at Joy Ranch. What kid (no matter how old) doesn’t love... 
by Michelle Rash | Nov 1, 2021 | Houseparent Blog
The days are getting shorter, the air has turned cool and crisp, and the leaves are showing off their colors. Fall is upon us and with it, all the fall festivities. Admittedly, I love this time of year because it means the Christmas season is near. And while...
