Winter 2022

A New Year! It brings the sparkle of anticipation of what could be, the hope of the potential of the good things that may happen. We are heading into the New Year full of gratitude at the Ranch. We are grateful for all of the ways God has shown up for us and our people in the past year. We had a beautiful Christmas season and are thankful for all who could join us in celebrating Jesus’ birth at our Christmas in the Barn events. We are thankful that the celebration in our hearts continues as we start out 2022 with the hope that Jesus is here, with us!

Immanuel, God with us. It’s a theme for Christmas sure, but isn’t it a theme for the New Year as well? How exciting it is that we know this to be true, the one who saved the world is here. What will this year hold? What kinds of things might it bring? We don’t know, but we can move into it with the hope that it will be good, because God is good. He is for us and not against us and wants to give us good gifts. Gifts from God come in all different ways but we’ll often miss them if we aren’t looking for them. They are one way God lets us know He is here, by orchestrating special moments in our days.

Last Summer, during one particular session, I was having a discussion with one of our kids about God. She was saying that she had a friend who didn’t believe in God and was going off on a bit of a tangent about it. She expressed her desire to bring her friend to church so she could learn for herself about God. It made me smile to see her in this light, wanting something good for her friend. This little Ranch friend of mine didn’t always have eyes to see the good things and sometimes her behaviors were the opposite of good as she struggles with different mental challenges on a daily basis. Here, grooming Burdie in the sunshine, though, she was in a good space. She was being nurturing to her favorite horse which was helping her mind think good thoughts. I asked her then, how did she know God was real? I mean, if she was so concerned about what her friend’s ideas were, what was the thing that made her certain herself? She was quiet for a moment, contemplative, as she ran the brush over Burdie’s side.

She raised her head then and looked me in the eye answering, “Because you are here and Burdie is here.”

Simple as that. She could believe God was real for orchestrating this moment, just for her, one of belonging, acceptance and love. At this place, where she would be removed from the usual chatter of her mind and the daily battles she fights, to this simple activity of grooming her favorite horse and experiencing God. We make it too complicated, thinking that we have to get ourselves together, as if we could offer God something more than our time and affection. There’s nothing we can do to make God love us more.

As we move into 2022, let that free you, my friend, you are already known and already loved, right now. God has so much for you each day, He wants you to talk to Him and spend time in His Word so you’ll recognize His voice when you hear it. Where is He showing up for you today? He is here, God with us. Set aside some time today for space to experience Him. He promises that those who look for Him will find him. ~DK

Ranch Updates

We had a busy Fall and start to Winter at the Ranch. God gave us beautiful weather in November to dedicate our pavilion, which will be home to Ranch Worship in the warmer months. We were able to continue sessions later into the fall than usual because of the mild temperatures as well! Our Harvest Party marked the end of our sessions and we hosted two Christmas in the Barn events in December for our Ranch families and friends from the community. Ranch Worship is in the heated shop for these cold months at 10 am on Sundays, everyone is welcome to join us! As we take our usual pause from sessions during the very cold snowy months, we are praying for growth and direction. We ask that you would join us in praying for more of God’s presence at the Ranch in this coming year. Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy New Year!

Prayer Requests

For our horses staying healthy through the cold of the Winter.

For our Ranch kids, as they face challenges every day, and their caregivers, who support them and bring out the best in them.

For God’s guidance as we try to connect with our local community, to raise awareness of who we are and what we do.

That we would be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as we interact with our Ranch families.and that we could stay in contact through the Winter months.

Volunteer Opportunities

We have many different opportunities for anyone who has a willing heart to invest in the Ranch. Whether you’re good with kids or adults, horses or mechanical things, we’ve got opportunities to help here. Let us know if you’ve got a free weekend to help with a project or two, or you just want to spend an hour once in a while unloading a hay wagon, grooming a horse, or picking up poop! There’s always stuff to do here!

Donate

Donations to support our ministry can be submitted on our website or sent to:
Timber Ridge Ranch, 2691 Route 174, Marietta, NY 13110.

We are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.