The Empty Nest by Julie McClain...   I didn’t even know I have a Nest! So, I’ve been trying to figure out – where did this phrase ‘Empty Nest’ come from? It’s a colloquialism that describes a very significant stage in a families life cycle. But it’s a bit random when we look to birds to describe what happens when our child or children leave home and move on to live their lives as adults. Empty Nest is even considered a ‘Syndrome’. Oh wow. At the end of our 18-30 years of raising our kids (depending on how many eggs you laid and how far apart they hatched) we end up with a “group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition or a set of concurrent things such as emotions or actions that usually form an identifiable pattern”.* So, at the end of all the years of blood, sweat, (laughter) and tears – you are graced with a SYNDROME! You’re welcome. Even if you don’t qualify for the syndrome title – if you are feeling pretty good about the inevitable transition of no longer raising kids – or if you’re making it over the hump quite well, we can’t ignore what a HUGE reality it is to have our kids grown and gone. A wise mentor of

WHAT IS A GODLY MAN? THE CHALLENGE EVERY MAN FACES by Brandon Bradford This question has lingered for what seems like an eternity. Actually, it really has been around since the very beginning. Adam had to have asked himself and maybe even God this very question after that mishap in the garden. Now thrust into a very different reality than before, I’m sure this difficult question was present as Adam toiled to provide for his now growing family all the while trying to understand what it meant to be a husband and a father. It’s a question that every man has and or will ask himself as he looks to find his way. In the world today this can be a difficult topic to navigate, but one that I think is essential for us as believers to try and answer. The very notion that a Man is even different from a woman is under attack at the hands of a world that doesn’t acknowledge our divine creator. So, how do we answer this question? First let’s take a deeper look at some of the pressures and challenges that men face as they seek to find this answer. THE PRESSURES AND CHALLENGES Societal Inconsistencies and Influence. Let me start by saying this, a society that tries to

"THRIVE" A 6 week virtual Life Group designed for Christian women who are single and 30 something. Mondays at 7 Eastern. Starting soon! More info at ranchofhope.org/thrive-2/ or to register call (719) 783-9642.

Comparing ourselves to others never leads to a good place. How does the Lord want us to see ourselves?

Mariah shares the dangers of a defensive posture in marriage in this 60 second video. Check it out.

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.