Second Chance Youth Ranch

I had so many big plans for summer. Water sprinklers, movie nights, walks, lake days, park trips. The perfect, idyllic summer.

Instead, we're a month in and I've mostly been managing attitudes, hearing "I'm bored" from children surrounded by entertainment, and wondering if complaining burns calories because somebody is getting a workout.

So this morning, I had a family meeting with Jesus. I told Him something needed to change because my patience was hanging on by a thread.

Then a Bible study I completed a few years ago came back to mind.

A word fast.

A 10-day devotional on the power of our words, being intentional about what we say, and committing our speech to God.

It was perfect. Exactly what my foster teen needed.
..Definitely not what I needed.

As I sat down to write out the reading plan for her, I felt God gently remind me that she wasn't the only one in this house who had been negative and in need of correction.

Rude.

So tonight, we sat down to study what the Bible says about complaining. What was supposed to be a 10-minute study turned into 40 minutes of conversation, conviction, and growth.

Funny how often I ask God to change my kids, and He starts with me instead.

At your breaking point this summer? Let God intercede in your family.

And before correcting your kids, take a look in the mirror and ask what your Father might want to correct in your own heart first.

Sometimes the change we're praying for in our children begins with us.

This weekend at Amplify was such a blessing. Watching God move in the lives of our Ranch family (both past and present) left me in tears.

First, four of our girls got to meet Phil Wickham thanks to a generous donor. I've never seen them so excited. When we put those badges around their necks and wristbands on their arms, they were literally brought to tears. One of the girls said, “I've never gotten to be an important person before.”

The rest of the night, they walked around with their heads held high, proudly displaying their badges, and telling everyone around us that they “knew Phil personally” when he came on stage. 😂

But the most powerful part was watching our Ranch family gather together to worship.

In one group, there was our director and his family alongside their seven foster children. One of our single foster moms with her six foster kids, some of whom she was respiting. Foster grandparents and aunties. A former bonus daughter who came back with her friends.

Babies being rocked to sleep. Parents modeling worship for their children. Bonus family praying over one another.

We didn't match. We probably looked like a little circus with all our kids haha!

But what a beautiful picture of family.

Watching children dance at the feet of their Savior. Hearing adopted kiddos tell everyone around them, “This was my adoption song.” Seeing grown-up kids come home.

Not a single pair of arms was empty, and not a single heart was either.

What a gift it is to belong to a family—not because of blood, but because of the God who brings us together.

Whew. What a weekend.

We’ve got another adoption to celebrate! 🎉

The McDaniel family is now a party of 7! These 3 incredible teens hold a special place in our hearts, and we could not be more excited that they have found their forever family.

After nearly 2 years of praying, hoping, and believing, God has answered their prayers in a beautiful way. Today, we celebrate not only an adoption, but the permanence every child deserves.

Congratulations to the McDaniel family on making it official! ❤️🏡

HELP US STOCK THE SHOP!!🩵💙

Our families give so much! Every family deserves access to everyday essentials.

By purchasing from our Amazon Wish List, you're helping our kids receive the hygiene and personal care products they need to feel confident and cared for.

Scan the QR code to visit our Amazon Wish List to donate. We would also love for any and every size diaper and pullup in our shop as well.

Thank you for helping us provide for our families!

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/14YR7FGISE1VC?ref_=wl_share

What a day!!! This ribbon cutting was one for the ages. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. As we shared our vision for this property and imagined each child who will one day walk through these doors, we couldn’t help but be moved to tears.

Thinking about the kids who will get to shop in a trendy boutique, have their hair done in a real beauty salon, and spend time in spaces designed just for them and their unique interests made this moment feel even more special. This place is so much more than a building. It’s a reminder to every child who enters that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.

We especially want to give a huge shoutout to The Local Tavern for providing the food for our event. You guys went above and beyond, and it was all SO delicious! Linda stayed, jumped in to help wherever she could, and truly did everything possible to make the event special. Talk about full service!!!♥️

“You pour into others every day, let us pour into you!” could not have been a more perfect theme for girls’ night tonight.☀️🍉🍋

We enjoyed special flavored lemonades, fun finger foods, games where we learned our boss definitely doesn’t know any of our voices😂, and lounged poolside while enjoying a relaxing night off together.

Motherhood is hard. Foster care is hard. But it’s all so much sweeter when you have women like this to walk beside through it all💛💛💛

Our ribbon cutting is THIS FRIDAY!!!!

Join us for our Connection Center ribbon cutting on June 5th at 10:30 AM!

📍 2610 Salem Rd. Benton, AR 72019

Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Overflow parking will be available at Salem Rd. Church of Christ.

Join us as we unveil a space that is so close to our hearts and truly an answered prayer. The perfect home for connection among everyone who comes in contact with our ministry.

We cannot wait to celebrate this special day with you!

When your grown up daughter has had a very hard road since leaving your home, and someone captures the most beautiful pictures of her completely surrendered in worship, you have to brag. My girl knows how to worship her Savior!! It’s never too late for a fresh start. We are so very proud of you Ava! ❤️