Patriot’s Ranch

08/17/2026

This⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️!

Being “busy” has almost become our automatic answer when someone asks how we’re doing.

And I’ll admit it….I’m one of the first ones to say it. “I’m so busy.” Horses to ride, stalls to clean, clients to answer, feed to put out, pastures to tend…there is always something else that needs done.

But lately I’ve been thinking…is being busy always something to be proud of?

We wouldn’t expect a horse to grow, learn, and get stronger without putting intentional time into them. You can’t rush through their training once in a while and expect a solid foundation. It takes consistency. It takes showing up. It takes making the time.

Our relationship with Christ is no different.

If I can make time for one more horse, one more chore, one more message, one more thing on my list…am I making time to sit down, open my Bible, pray, and spend time with Him?

There will always be something that needs done. Maybe the goal isn’t to become less hardworking…but to make sure we aren’t so busy building everything else that we neglect the foundation everything is built on.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…” — Matthew 6:33

This one stepped on my own toes this morning. 🤍

08/16/2026

This is a song one of our 12 year old students wrote about her and her “guy”, Smokey. She is wise beyond her years!

Smokey’s Got An Attitude
By Abigail Owens

(Speaking)
All right this one’s bouta be doozy

(Singing)
Boots hit the porch at half past eight,
Smokey’s at the fence yellin’, “Don’t make me wait!”
I grab my hat, I grab my reins,
He’s stompin’ in the dirt like he’s runnin’ this place.
He’s got a shiny coat and a stubborn little face,
Every time I tell him “Whoa,” he picks up the pace.
I say, “Smokey, boy, we’re just goin’ for a ride,”
He says, “Well, hold on tight,” and takes off like the tide.
Smokey’s got an attitude,
Lord, he’s got a mood.
He’ll act like he’s sheriff,
Then run off with my shoe.
He’s stubborn, he’s sassy,
He’s trouble through and through,
But when that boy comes runnin’,
There ain’t nothin’ I’d rather do.
Down the dusty road we go,
Smokey spots a puddle and he says, “Nope.”
I lean to the left, he leans to the right,
Now we’re havin’ an argument tonight.
He spots a butterfly, forgets that he’s a horse,
He spins around so fast I nearly change my course.
I say, “Boy, you better settle down,”
He gives me a look like, “Who’s the clown?”
Smokey’s got an attitude,
Lord, he’s got a mood.
He’ll act like he’s the sheriff,
Then run off with my shoe.
He’s stubborn, he’s sassy,
He’s trouble through and through,
But he’s my four-legged partner,
And I wouldn’t trade him too.
Sun goes down, the sky turns gold,
Smokey finally acts like he’s five years old.
I pat his neck and say, “You’re lucky you’re cute.”
He steals my hat…
And eats the brim of my boot.
Smokey’s got an attitude,
And I guess I got one too.
He’s my wild-eyed cowboy,
And I’m his cowgirl crew.
So saddle up tomorrow,
We’ve got places left to roam,
Me and Smokey, raisin’ trouble,
All the way back home.

(Speaking)
What did I say! I knew it would be a doozy.

08/04/2026

Word for the Day…

“The Angelic War in Heaven”

“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” Revelation 12:7-9, ESV

In our last devotional, we identified those who were seen by the Apostle John in the allegorical event he witnessed (Revelation 12:1-6). First, the “pregnant woman” was determined to be the nation of Israel; the “Child” she was carrying was Jesus; and finally, the “dragon” was identified as Satan. We saw that the Child (Jesus) was “caught up to God and His throne” (Rev 12:5)—Christ’s ascension to Heaven after the resurrection. The woman (the nation of Israel) was protected by God in the “wilderness” for 1,260 days—what we believe is the final days of the Tribulation.

Moving to the next vision, John saw a “war in Heaven” between the archangel Michael and his angels and the dragon (Satan) and his angels. Revelation 12:7-8 tells us Satan’s side lost the battle and “were forced out of Heaven” and were “thrown down to the earth”.

One might wonder what Satan was doing in Heaven in the first place. To answer this question, we have to go all the way back to the book of Job in the Old Testament (the oldest book in the Bible). We see in Job 1:9-12 and Job 2:3-6, that Satan still had access to God. Even though he was evicted from Heaven during “the fall”, Satan must still obtain permission from God to do anything. This could explain Satan’s presence and how the war began.

Revelation 12:10-12 describes the shouting John heard in Heaven when the war was over and Satan was finally thrown out forever. We can be sure the vision wasn’t from the past because the declarations from Heaven referenced the “authority” of Christ, and the victory over Satan through “the blood of the Lamb”.

John tells us Satan “pursued the woman” (nation of Israel) and declared war against Israel “and all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.” Again, we must remember this will happen during the Tribulation; it hasn’t occurred yet.

The nation of Israel and those who “maintain their testimony for Jesus” can rest assured, however, that Satan will not be successful in this future battle—God has promised His protection! Hallelujah! There will be persecution, but the victory belongs to the Lord! May God bless America and His people!

07/15/2026

Please support Russ and Caroline Furlong in their new business—Sterling Feed and Seed! This is a huge win for small business in our local community!

07/10/2026

Word for the Day…

“The battle belongs to the Lord!”

David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies…Today the Lord will conquer you…And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” 1 Samuel 17:45-47, NLT

One of the most exciting stories in the Old Testament is that of David and Goliath. Because we’ve heard it so many times—especially as children—we may visualize it as a “superhero” type story! It’s hard to remember that this actually happened—it was miraculous in the truest sense of the word!

As followers of Christ, we’ve all faced our own “Goliaths”—problem situations much bigger than we are! What we sometimes forget is that the battle isn’t our own. Our biggest battles don’t belong to us; like David’s, they belong to the Lord! They are there for God to be glorified!

Our God is bigger and stronger than any adversary or problem we will ever face. As Christians, we need to remember as David did, that it isn’t about us. It’s all about Him! The Apostle John reminds us that the Holy Spirit that lives within us is greater than any spirit in this world (1 John 4:4). Give Him the battle and the glory! May God bless America and His people!

07/07/2026

Sounds about right!!

07/05/2026

Word for the Day…

“Who are you imitating?”

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Ephesians 5:1, NLT

We have heard the classic idiom, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” We see it first in our children. Imitating those around them are how they learn to walk and talk. A little later they begin to play “dress-up”. Who do they imitate first? Their parents, of course! They try to “fill our shoes” with their tiny feet; young boys want to wear their dad’s hat—preferably the one he wears to work.

The Apostle Paul’s instruction to imitate God in “everything you do”should be intuitive for followers of Christ; it should be a natural progression to want to please and be like the One who created us and provides all of the good things we enjoy. God’s greatest and most visible attribute is His love for us and others. Not surprisingly, Jesus taught that love for God and others are the two greatest commandments (Matt 22:36-40).

How can we begin to imitate God? By demonstrating love through our good deeds—through compassion for others; by giving to those in need, when able to do so; by just “being there” when tough times come; by doing for the “least of these” (Matt 25:40-45). Using our spiritual gifts to further the Kingdom of God in the Church and our communities is the least we can do! Imitating our Lord is natural—it’s a part of our spiritual DNA! May God bless America and His people!