COME ON OUT AND SUPPORT G.I.R.L.S. Ranch while having fun at a Nashville Sounds Baseball game!!! 
Nashville Sounds support G.I.RL.S. Ranch
April 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Exciting News for February
February 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
G.I.R.L.S. Ranch plans to partner with Doors of Hope
Maridel Williams is the founder of an amazing organization called Doors of Hope (www.opendoorsofhope.org), located in Murfreesboro that provides hope to women who are incarcerated. I had the privilege to meet with Maridel to share my heart for hurting girls and see if there was a way she and I could partner. I knew I would love her when I walked in the door and she gave me a big hug and offered me a cup of joe. “Done and Done,” I told myself. She oozed Jesus.
As you guys know, I have a heart for girls who have been abused…specially sexually. Did you know that:
- 2 out of 3 females incarcerated have been sexually abused and
- 2 out of 3 of the women incarcerated have children under the age of 18.
- Over 50% of juvenile female offenders have been abused, either emotional, physically or sexually.
Gosh, these stats just break my heart. Since 67% of incarcerated women have at-risk children under the age of 18, G.I.R.L.S. Ranch can partner with Doors of Hope to bring healing to the entire family, with the goal of breaking the cycle beginning with this generation of children whose mothers are currently serving time. One way of potential partnership is for G.I.R.L.S. Ranch to facilitate a support group for these children, specifically addressing how their parent’s absence while incarcerated have affected every aspect of their lives.
I am in the process of creating a simple survey for these mothers asking how I can best support their daughters. It’s been really neat to see some of these women attend my church, The Refuge Murfreesboro, once they have been released. I anticipate some big things happening here in Murfreesboro.
I have also been able to experience what it means to be a “godmother” through Doors of Hope. I have been paired up with a young lady who is currently incarcerated. It’s been a very cool experience. Jessica and I have really bonded through letter writing. She has been very upfront and bold with me regarding her desire to know Jesus and the hurt that she is carrying around with her. I’m honored to be her friend and look forward to her release date that is just around the corner. Developing a relationship with Jessica has just reinforced the need in Rutherford County for G.I.R.L.S. Ranch….a faith-based intervention that meets the needs of vulnerable young girls.
I’m honored that I get to live a little life with Doors of Hope. I had been praying that the Lord would provide me with a mentor and He has not only done that through Maridel, but He also provided a sweet friendship.
We are officially a member of the Center for NonProfit Management!
FROM HURTING TO HEALING
As I continue to be transparent with you guys…because I have learned it’s the only way to truly live in freedom…I’m asking for prayer this month. Please pray that in the seasons of “waiting” I would be intentional with my time I’m given each day. As a visionary, I can get caught up with the big picture. My prayer is that I would be responsible with what sweet and gracious Jesus has given me today and that I wouldn’t be fixed on the tomorrow or the “what if’s” of it all. Below was something I wanted to share. It’s an excerpt from Sarah Young’s, JESUS CALLING
“Give yourself fully to the adventure of today. You have every reason to be confident, because My Presence accompanies you all the days of your life. Do not give fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living. Trust me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them. Fix your eyes on Me, the Author and Perfecter of your faith, and many difficulties on the road ahead will vanish before you reach them. Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am holding you by your right hand. Nothing can separate you from My presence.” Hebrews 12:2; Isaiah 31:13
END OF THE YEAR GIVING
December 29, 2011 By 1 Comment
This Christmas season has been a wonderful time to reflect on all the blessings that our sweet Jesus has given us this year. This year has flown by with many up’s and down’s. All of them have had multiple purposes and for that I am forever grateful. This time of year comes with much excitement and anticipation. Undoubtedly, we have so many reasons to be thankful for and the majority of us are blessed beyond measure. Often times, this season encourages us to give. My prayer is that as you reflect on your past year, you will remember us, G.I.R.L.S Ranch. There are many hurting hearts that your prayers and finances are impacting. Let this season, be one for you to offer another gift, a gift of compassion and love to those who need support and encouragement. Please partner with us to make a powerful difference. We truly need your continued support and we hope you will remember us with your end of the year financial giving. All giving post marked by December 31st is a tax-deduction. Thank you for your consideration and may you have a very Happy New Year and take time to remember those in need.
Much Love,
Shannon
HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER
November 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from G.I.R.L.S. Ranch
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers” Philemon 1:4
G.I.R.L.S. Ranch is GRATEFUL for…
1. 9 Grace for G.I.R.L.S. events
2. G.I.R.L.S. Ranch hoodies that will be for sale at Just Love Coffee shop in Murfreesboro.
3. A printer that was donated
4. YOU!!
5. Receiving our 501©3 status in record timing.
(just to name a few)
During the Holidays, remember there are simple ways that you can bless G.I.R.L.S. Ranch. Below are a few of our immediate needs.
G.I.R.L.S. RANCH WISH LIST FOR CHRISTMAS:
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1. Ink for our printer (HP Office jet 6500A) 2. 10 more financial monthly supporters of $25 or more 3. Stamps 4. Gift cards to local coffee/ ice-cream shops for when I take girls out. 5. Land (10+ acres ) in south Rutherford County. FUNDRAISING UPDATE
Thank you for helping us raise $14,000 since June. We are only $42,000 away from reaching our goal for the fiscal year. If you would like to become a monthly supporter email us for more information at: Shannon@girlsranchtn.org
FROM HURTING TO HEALING “Someone Worth Dying For” Here are some lyrics I’ve heard recently. Not only are these words that I hope to instill in the girls at the Ranch, but these words speak to my own personal spiritual journey. I’m so grateful for every single arrow to the heart and every mountain top. These experiences, only by His grace, have allowed me to see myself as Christ see’s me and no one else. Our identity is not in what others think about us or what they would hope we would do differently. Our identity is solely and completely in Christ and how he see’s us. We are more than “flesh and bone.” We are “someone worth dying for.” I truly believe and have come to know for myself, that until we begin to see ourselves as Christ does, our life controlling behaviors will be just that…controlling. Controlling us by not allowing us to see who we really are… “Someone worth dying for.” Am I more than flesh and bone? I’m not just some wandering soul I know you’ve heard the truth that God has set you free Am someone worth dying for
* Girls from our Freedom in Christ group learning that they are “someone worth dying for!” And realizing that in Christ, they are accepted, secure, and significant!
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October Newsletter…Blog Style
October 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER…BLOG STYLE
G.I.R.L.S. Ranch went to BOSTON
Please join us in prayer for the next step for G.I.R.L.S. Ranch. Recently, I went to Boston to receive training on a 10-week curriculum called My Life My Choices. This curriculum is used to prevent sexual exploitation (sex-trafficking) among adolescent girls. G.I.R.L.S. Ranch would like to partner with End Slavery Tennessee to facilitate support groups for middle and high school females. We are currently in the process of training volunteer counselors and collaborating with local agencies on referring girls for support. Groups will begin in 2012.
GREATEST NEEDS
Our immediate need is land. Yes, we need land! Simple as that. My hope is to build a home in southern Rutherford County. I’m asking boldly that if you know of anyone who has land in this area and they are looking to donate, sale, or lease the land please give them my information. shannon@girlsranchtn.org
FUND-RAISING UPDATE!!
Thank you for helping us raise $13,000 since June. We are only $43,000 away from reaching our goal for the fiscal year. If you would like to become a monthly supporter email us for more information at: info@girlsranchtn.org
G.I.R.L.S. Ranch Shirts for sale!! These make a great Christmas gift not only for yourself but for someone else. G.I.R.LS. Ranch receives 50% of the profit from each shirt. If you would like to order a shirt please email info@girlsranchtn.org with your Color (Blue or White), Size, and Style (Burnout, Organic Scoop, Classic). All shirts are boutique quality. Isaiah 61:1-3 is printed on the back of each shirt.
Accepted and Loved…COMPLETELY
August 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:21
I’m reading Classic Christianity by Bob George. Wow! It’s a must read. It will transform your life with the truth of God’s word like you can’t even imagine. My life has really changed in the past year or so. My perspective of self has changed the most. About one year ago I began to really see myself as Christ see’s me.
Accepted. Significant. Secure. Pure. Blameless. Righteous. Holy.
A Saint!
I’m so thankful for this “happening.” My heart is to help hurting girls see for themselves that HE, the creator of the universe and author/perfecter of our faith and life, see’s them the same way. I know for me, once I really moved the idea of how God see’s me from my head to my heart my life changed. Changed forever. My thoughts changed, my words changed, my actions changed, my confidence changed, my security changed. It was an inward transformation that only CHRIST could have the power to do. For that I’m forever grateful and humbled.
So, in Chapter 7 of Classic Christianity, Mr. George speaks to the truth that we, YOU, all of us who believe in Christ are fully loved and accepted in Him. Something that really stood out to me was when Mr. George was telling the story of him teaching a class one day at a seminary and he asked the question, “How many of you, are as righteous and acceptable in the sight of God as I am?” Every hand in the auditorium was raised. “How many of you are as righteous and acceptable in the sight of God as Billy Graham?” This time about half of the audience raised their hands. “How many of you are acceptable and righteous in the sight of God as the apostle Paul?” There were around 10 percent of the hands raised. “Now, here’s the really tough one, how many of you in the sight of God are as righteous and acceptable as Jesus Christ?” Only three hands were raised out of the entire auditorium of seminary students. This is a perfect illustration of the principal that a person can know what the Bible says but not necessarily know what it means. I wonder: Would you have raised your hand? Would you? Ask yourself that question? Are you hesitating? If so, what’s that all about? If not, if you kept your hand raised, praise HIM! It’s true, if you believe in Him, then you are seen fully accepted and loved. In the sight of God, you are as righteous and acceptable as Jesus. It’s nothing that we have done. It’s not about works or reading the Bible for hours every morning. It’s not about how many people you share Jesus with. It’s about what Jesus did on the cross. Righteousness is a gift. A free gift in fact. You don’t have to buy it, you don’t have to work for it, it was given to you freely, all you are required to do is accept it.
Something else that has stood out to me in Chapter 7. Often times, people say “I just can’t see how I’m seen perfect or that Christ can make me righteous.” What about “How can Christ become sin?” or “How can something so perfect without blemish, without sin, become sin?” 2 Corinthians 5:21 teaches both of these things. Definitely something for us to chew on. The only love that we can count on for forever is the love that comes from Jesus. In Him we are love and accepted completely. We are secure, significant, and accepted in Him. All our needs are met through Him. All of them. Nothing….notta…zilch…nothing goes unmet in and through Him.
“Every human being born into this poor, sin-sick world is born with a craving for unconditional love and acceptance. When we learn to rely totally on Jesus Christ, we find Him to be just what He promised: the total satisfaction for that gnawing hunger and thirst. In Him we find unconditional love, unconditional acceptance, and meaning and purpose in life. All searching comes to an end.”
Please pray with me that G.I.R.L.S. Ranch would be a place where girls can come to know this truth and that the “Truth will set them free!!” Because where the “Spirit of the Lord is there is Freedom!”
Much Love,
Shannon
Holy Detour
July 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The process of starting and running a non-profit can be a bit overwhelming at times. Especially if you are anything like me. I’m a visionary…therefore, the details sometimes can cause me to feel discouraged and panicked. So, I wanted to share something with you that my Jesus showed me last night. Man, I love HIM!!
I’m reading Hind’s Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. I actually have the version with devotions on every page. This devotion was from yesterday and I’m happy to share it with you!!
When there appears to be contradiction between what God has promised and what we see happening, remember that we see from a limited perspective. We see, as it were, only one narrow slice out of the whole pie of life. God, though, sees it all–His knowledge is perfect. This seemingly contradictory situation is similar to the one in which Jesus predicted His suffering and death. His disciples’ reaction was the same as Much-Afraid’s when she faced what appeared to be a detour away from High Places and through the desert. The Jesus challenged His disciples with these words:
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:24-25″
Losing one’s life is painful. It’s death! Upon hearing a missionary’s report of God’s work, a woman commented, “I’d give my life to be used like that!” The missionary replied, “That’s what it would cost!”
Lord, remind me that there’s more than only what I see. Help me to want what You want for me. Let me “die” as gracefully as possible!
It’s been a while…
June 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
So, how are ya doing blog readers? Come, sit, stay awhile. It’s been a while because G.I.R.L.S. Ranch has been on the move. Lots and lots of things have happened. Currently, I am in Seattle and absolutely loving it. I came up here for a counseling conference and also had the privileged of visiting one of my greatest friends. However, I’m not going to lie…I miss my 80lb boxer more than ever. It’s not even been a week…ugh!
So, to catch you up on some things that have been happening in the world of G.I.R.L.S. Ranch. We had our first “friend/fundraiser.” It was a huge success. We call these “friend/fundraiser” events GRACE for G.I.R.L.S. and it’s a time where someone can open their home or business and invite their circle of influence to come and hear the vision, mission, and goals of G.I.R.L.S. Ranch. We had a great turn out and numerous people committed to hosting an event of their own. So, needless to say our calendar is booking up pretty fast. This is an exciting time for us. I absolutely love sharing what God placed on my heart several years ago with others. It rejuvenates my spirit and always keeps me motivated to continue to share my (HIS) dream.
A few weeks ago I attended a training through EndSlaveryTennessee for volunteers in the community who are interested in presenting material on sex trafficking to their communities. My hope to to help the Rutherford county school system and other middle Tennessee counties realize the severity of this horrific crime that occurs in our backyards. A recent study by the TBI came out stating that 72% of Tennessee counties reported at least 1 case of minor sex trafficking. Keep in mind that most cases involve more than one victim. The study also reported that minors are trafficked more in the state than adults. Devastating. Absolutely devastating. How can we hear these statistics and not do anything about it. I urge you to check out the website and get involved someway, somehow. www.endslaverytn.org
When I return to Nashville, I will be preparing for 2 more GRACE for G.I.R.L.S. events. Super excited about these two. One will be in Nashville at a dear friends house and another will be in Arrington, Tn. I’m looking forward to how He will move in the hearts of those who attend. My prayer is that God would begin moving now in their hearts so they will come ready to be blown away by God’s goodness and grace.
Happy summer sweet friends!!
I wanted to leave you with a favorite song of mine by Chris Tomlin, I Will Follow
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow...
All your ways are good
All your ways are sure
I will trust in you alone
Higher than my side
High above my life
I will trust in you alone
Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you
Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You're the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone
In you there's life everlasting
In you there's freedom for my soul
In you there joy, unending joy
and I will follow
Grinds for G.I.R.L.S.
May 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
If you really knew me, you would know that I LOVE coffee!! Love is an understatement. Coffee makes me happy and cozy.
I’m excited to announce that you can now buy coffee with a cause. By purchasing a bag of coffee from Just Love Coffe in Murfreesboro, Tn $5 will be donated to G.I.R.L.S Ranch. What a great opportunity to purchase something for yourself or a friend and know that it’s supporting a great purpose.
Just Love Coffee was started by Rob Webb who had been in the coffee business for some time before adopting his 2 daughters from Ethiopia. After researching Ethiopia and discovering that coffee was birthed on thier soil, he decided to open Just Love Coffee. Roasting Fair Trade Specialty coffees, Just Love uses proceeds to help an Ethiopian orphanage and families adopting not just from Ethiopia, but from anywhere in the world. What a great mission. Just Love is now giving other organizations the opportunity to register and benefit.
Go to this website if you wanna purchase a bag of coffe for your self or someone else. They have some other neat stuff besides coffee!!