THE PROBLEM WITH PERFORMANCE by Brandon Bradford             I started playing baseball when I was four. I liked it, but I think soccer was the first sport I fell in love with. My dad was a martial artist, and at an early age he began to train me. It didn’t feel like training. It was fun! I loved to kick, and at an early age the form, technique, and strength came pretty natural to me. It wasn’t uncommon to do a hundred or even hundreds of kicks a day. Even cooler, I got to hang out with my Dad! At the age of 7 my parents heard about the local youth soccer program and signed me up. I absolutely loved it! I got to kick over and over again and because of my previous martial arts training I was often able to kick harder, farther, and more accurately than the other kids. Ah, I’d found success… and with it, the approval of others! Now, let me save you all the details of my life story, and suffice it to say that this started a trend in my life. Whether it was sports, work, or even in ministry I became driven to succeed and often looked for the approval of others. You see, society tells us

Mariah Bradford spoke at a recent conference on the subject of Toxic Relationships. This is a very timely teaching about how to navigate our most challenging relationships.

Ranch of Hope Update: Wow!! What a year 2020 was. With the introduction of the Covid 19 virus came many hurdles and unique challenges. In spite of the rapidly evolving climate surrounding the pandemic, the Ranch of Hope continued to minister to the hurting at an all time high. The Lord truly is faithful, and Holy Spirit proved once again to be our guide through the most difficult of storms! With the testimonies of 2020 in our pockets, we've entered into 2021 with an excitement in our hearts! The great physician continues heal and we continue on our mission " ...to bind up the broken hearted, and set the captives free." We want to thank all of you for your prayer and support! Partners like you help to make all of this possible! We are open and ministering at full capacity during this critical time. Here are some testimonies from recent clients: - "Thank you Brandon and Mariah for helping us on our journey discovering God and ourselves. God placed you in our lives for a reason and we are forever changed." - "Thank you Dave and Hope so very much for opening your doors and hearts to us. This has been such an eye opening week. Your love for God is such an amazing thing to witness. We are so grateful for all that

Brandon and Mariah Bradford, from the Ranch of Hope, were invited to this popular leadership podcast  ("The Table Podcast") to share about a topic close to the both of them. Listen in as they share with church leaders and staff on how to cope with the stress facing them during this very unique and uncertain time.  This discussion is relevant to all of us no matter where we work or what we do. Our stress levels have definitely ratcheted upward during this unusual year.

Unfortunately, what works in football does not work in marriage, a defensive posture. In this short video Mariah teaches us how to stop defensiveness from hindering our relationship. When you are able to set this aside you are on the way to much better communication in your marriage.

Our anxieties and fears can overwhelm us during stressful times. What is happening in our world right now is about as stressful as it gets. How do we deal with these emotions? Last week our own Mariah Bradford took part in a video conference with several other counselors from the Rocky Mountain Ministry Network to address this very timely issue. Take a look at the conference video. Contact us at the Ranch of Hope Counseling if we can help you or your family.

The Ranch of Hope is here for your family during this COVID-19 Crisis. We know that the challenges of marriage and family don't go away during a crisis. In fact, they likely increase. David Taylor, the President of the Ranch of Hope tells how the Ranch of Hope is here to serve you during and after this extraordinary pandemic.

Whether we realize it or not, our children are experiencing anxiety and fear due to all of the changes that have come with this virus. Today, Mariah talks to us briefly about how to talk with our kids in a way that will help them get through their fears.

In this short video, Mariah has some encouraging words. She teaches how to speak life over your spouse, your kids, and your home as we all walk through this crisis. Send your questions to Mariah in the comments section.

Mariah Bradford gives us a glimpse of how we can find relief from all the stress and anxiety that our world's "new normal" is creating. Check out this short video.