Recently I, along with another staff and two kiddos, took a Bob Ross painting class. This wouldn’t be such a big deal if I was good at art, but my running joke has been that I can’t draw a stick person straight. To willingly take a painting class was no small thing....
This verse comes (James 4:14) to mind for several reasons at this time of year for this house dad. My father passed away a couple of years ago and 10 years ago a young lady we worked with as a youth pastor passed away at age 16. One of our kids from here at Joy Ranch...
Several months ago, the kids and I started having weekly exercise time together. Sometimes, we play softball, basketball, or kickball. Other times, we play games or set up rotating stations. Whatever we do, we try to keep it fun, engaging, and include everyone. A few...
The Staying Power of Love by Erin Austin“How do you solve a problem like Maria?How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?How do you find a word that means Maria?A flibbertigibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown! Many a thing you know you'd like to tell herMany a thing she...
What is your favorite food? “Pizza – pepperoni.” What is your least favorite food? “Vegetables. If I have to pick one I don’t like the most, I really don’t like cabbage.” What is your favorite game? “Fortnite.” What is your favorite animal? What is your favorite...
Several years ago, before I worked at Joy Ranch, I felt compelled to volunteer some time each week participating in exercise with the kids at Joy Ranch. My mom had worked at the Ranch when I was a teen, and I always felt a tie to the ministry after that, plus I was a...
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...
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 we're...
I have a rescue cat. At the time I got Lilly, I didn’t realize the effects of trauma are similar amongst animals and humans. Don’t get me wrong, people’s brains are far more complex, but the fear, tendency to fight, and distrust are the same. Lilly was dropped off on...
God is always calling us to “love the last of these” no matter who we are, where we are, how old we are or what we are doing for work.