Memorials & Honorariums - Winter 2017

Thank you to those who have made contributions to Mustard Seed Ranch in memory of or in honor of family members, friends and loved ones. 

In Honor of:

Bob and Janice Allen
Scott and Donna Francis

Walter and Kayla Fitts
Jeff and Linda Olson

John Hayes
Collegeside Church of Christ

Scott Herman
Richard and Helen Radford

Drue and Mary Ann Huffines
Bob and Dawn Gallaher

Tom and Lisa Jones
Barbara Fleming
Levena E. Kline

Greg “Cry Baby” Julian
Chuck and Laura Fleming

Greg and Kim Julian
Rick and Becky Burnett

Millard and J.J. Oakley
Bob and Dawn Gallaher

Ben Pridemore
Larry and Gina Mason
Rick and Sue McDonald

Derran Reese
Leslie Reese

John H. Roberson
George and Susie Roberson

Dave Roland for his work with youth
Bob and Gloria Bell

Rev. Christian Smith
Sarah Joyce

Christopher Stamps
Helen Hoskins
Jackie and Vickie Loftis
Daniel and Crystal Odom
Mark and Mindy Odom

Bennett and Oliver Stephenson
Greg and Anna Stephenson

Jordan Terry
Bob and Glenda Terry

Gary and Linda Witt
Bob and Dawn Gallaher

In Memory of:

Anna Ruth Allison
Anonymous
Averitt Express
Gloria Clouse
Dwight and Sue Fox
Douglas and Sherry Gentry
Shirley Holmes
Bernard and Anne Kruszka
Mark and Lynn Mason
Brandy Moore
Jennifer Walmsley

Rev. John Arnold
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Arms
Van Baggett
Harriet Bryan
Marion W. Casady
Ricky and Charlie Cooley
Margaret Custer
Sarah Davis
Charles and Kimberly Decker
Elba and Rachel Dorris
Carol Draper
Greenbrier United Methodist Women
Terry Hayes
Robert Herod
Jere Jeter
Lafayette United Methodist Church
Lexington Band Boosters
Wayne and Phyllis Mcillwain
Ronald and Laurette Morey
Owens Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Gloria and Abigail Scott
Fred and Bonnie Shadow
TMAS TE Friends
Patricia Whitaker
Alice Marie Wiseman

Everlie Ball
Mike and Julie Yother

Linda Carlen
Britt Akers
Garry McNabb

Bertha Conaster
Garry McNabb

Jim Cumby
Mike and Julie Yother

Barbara Daugherty
Gary Leftwich
Stewart Leftwich

Jeff Davidson
Britt Akers
Mike Reel

Marie Grace Depperschmidt
Rob and Tammy Depperschmidt

John Donnelly
Mike and Julie Yother

Cherry Dolinich
Mike Reel

Mike Driver, Sr.
Matt and Tiffany Davidson

Senator Greg Evers
Stacey Baxter, Dustin and Blaine

Geneva Farris
Mike and Joyce Callahan
Frank and Darlene Capps
Lucille Clemons
Toney and Diane Davis
Bettye Denham
Dink Hargrave
Wayland and Karen Hawkins
James and Sandi Jernigan
Tommie King
Jim and Auerila McCaleb
David and Janice Stephens
Wilhite Baptist Church

Harvey and Peggy Farris
Bruce and Teresa Dockery

Promise Ford
David and Julia Dunn

Jeremy Fortner
John and Barbara Walton

Dencil Graham
Garry McNabb

Rebecca Lynn Gray
Jon and Barbara Jones

Fannie Ruth Hale
Ryan Hale
Mustard Seed Ranch Family

Bradley Hall
Matt and Tiffany Davidson

Michael Harris
Jimmy and Ruth Pittman

Betty Holloway
Hunter Hill
Jerry Hill

Blake Houston
The Williams and Minnear Family

Gene Anne Hunter
Ralph and Paige Mills

Ruth Smith Kennedy
Mike and Julie Yother

Susan Litchford
Gary and Geraldine Leftwich
Stewart Leftwich

Gene Medley
Donnie and Sarah Davidson

Girtas Mills
Ralph and Paige Mills

Robert Mills
Ralph and Paige Mills

Glenn Norfleet
Mustard Seed Ranch Family

Betty Nunnally
Dr. and Mrs. Lee Moore

Sheryl Phillips
Tammy Depperschmidt

Kathy Pippin
Larry and Evelyn Burgess

 Hollis Reagan
Jeff and Melissa Young

Morgan Rhoten
Carol Poteet

John Michael Roberson
George and Susie Roberson

Lisa Royse
Ralph and Paige Mills

Jack Sells
Donnie and Sarah Davidson

Fred W. Shanks, Jr.
Dennis and Jeanette Haney

Clayton Smith
Mike Reel

Doug Smith
Janie Smith

Ralph and Dee Smith
Anonymous

Wayne Smith
Sonya Briggs

Andrew Stamps
Algood Presbyterian Church
Shelma Ceylor
Craven Crowell
Faith Fellowship Freewill Baptist Church
Doris Hawkins
Sue C. Heady
Hilham Rd Freewill Baptist Church
Lavonda Stamps Mull and children
Jeff and Alice Peek
Roy and Sharon Reeves
Tony and Michelle Stamps
Ms. Jo Williams

Anleah Stamper
Rev. Dana and Pam Brooks

Tom Stamper
Rev. Dana and Pam Brooks
Michael and Karla Childs
Mary/Martha Sunday School First United Methodist Church
Lois and Claus Thormaehlen

John and Evelyn Stites
Donnie and Sarah Davidson

Janis Swim
Ralph and Paige Mills

Rev. Logan Tilghman
Ramona Tilghman

Sue Tosh
Donnie and Sarah Davidson
Mike and Julie Yother

Dorothy Vick
Garry McNabb

Tom Walton
Eddy and Karen Jones

Payton Vesta “PV” Whitefield
Dennis and Jeanette Haney

Virginia Wiggins
Marge Bell

Mary Frances Wilson
Mike and Julie Yother

Joyce Windle
Garry McNabb

Amy Woodard
Mike and Julie Yother

Albert Yepez
Mike Reel

Fencepost In Honor of:

Billie Dave Powell Bohannon
Bob and Dawn Gallaher

Anna Love Powell Ray
Bob and Dawn Gallaher

Fencepost In Memory of:

Joe Albrecht
Mustard Seed Ranch Board Members and Family

Anna Ruth Allison
Don and Nancy Gentry

Rev.  John Arnold
Ebenezer United Methodist Church
Mustard Seed Ranch Family
TN Division of Forestry

Linda Carlen
Sonny, Betty, Sam and Len Allen

Carol Crabtree
Mustard Seed Ranch Family

Megan Alexandria Dale
William Dale

Geneva Farris
Bill and Sherry Ailar
Ladies Prayer Group-Colonial View
Mustard Seed Ranch Family
Greg Whiteaker and Family
Shelby Jean Whiteaker

John D. Joseph
Don and Nancy Gentry

Rokita Shelton
Robert and Tammy Depperschmidt

Anleah Stamper
Mustard Seed Ranch Family
Tim and Shauna Pounders and Family

Tommy Joe Stamper
Mustard Seed Ranch Family
Tim and Shauna Pounders and Family

Andrew “Pa” Stamps
Mustard Seed Ranch Family

Summer Wish Lists

The Julian Family:
Tide PODS Laundry Detergent Packs
Downy Fabric Softener
Finish Dishwashing Pods
Scrubbing Bubbles Cleaner
Dusting Spray
Pine Sol
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Vinegar
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
A Gas Grill
Bath Towels/Wash Cloths
Sunscreen
Life Jackets/Life Belts
Postage Stamps
A Blue-Ray DVD Player
Fishing Poles
Fishing Tackle

Big Wish: Week or Weekend Cabin stay at the lake for family size of 15.

The Willis Family:
Beach Towels
Sunglasses for teenage girls
A gas grill
A Large, Non-Stick Skillet
Folding Chairs

Big Wish: Pool membership for a total of 5-6 girls. An overnight family trip to Gatlinburg.

The Brooks Family:
Bike rack for Vehicle
Hoover floor mate hardwood scrubber FH40160
Bookshelves for bedrooms
Bedroom décor (TJ Maxx and Hobby Lobby gift cards)
Vacuum Cleaner,
Laundry Detergent
Fabric Softener
Old Spice shampoo, conditioner and body wash
Picture Frames (Hobby Lobby gift card)
Tent (Sleeps 8-10)
Sleeping Bags
Duffle bags or small suitcases for boys
Large area rug
Full-Size mirrors for bedrooms. 

Big Wish: A family trip to Wilderness in Sevierville, TN. 

Christopher Stamps - MSR Grounds Maintenance

"Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.  But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”  Luke 18:15-17

We wanted to dedicate a special page for our dear friend, Christopher Stamps who has been a part of our MSR family since the beginning.  We love you Christopher and we thank you for all that you do out of great kindness and love for the children of MSR.

In 2007, the Director at the Ranch came to Wilhite Baptist church and shared his dream about starting a Ranch for children who need a second chance.  This touched me deeply; I told him that I would like to be a part of his dream.  I have been a part of MSR from the first day we opened our doors.  I am a mentor and big brother for all the kids.  I try to always tell them about Jesus and doing the best they can in all the things they do in life.  They are all precious to me.  One of my favorite memories ofall time is Christmas every year.  I love to read from the New Testament about the real reasons for Christmas.  I love seeing the look on their faces when they open their gifts and knowing that’s probably the first time many of them have ever had a Christmas.  I am now the supervisor of being sure the grounds are kept up and look great!  I pray each day for MSR, it’s leaders and all the children.  I pray that every one of the children will be successful and reach the dreams of their life.  I love MSR, it’s home to me.

- Christopher Stamps

Letter to Ben

Wow! How time moves so fast! You were just 12 years old when Kim and I met with you for the first time.  We had just met with two other boys before we met with you. We only had one opening in our home and three boys to choose from. Although we chose you, I can’t help to think about the other two young boys and where they are today. I can only hope that they have turned out to be like you. I am so proud of the Godly man you have become. As you have grown up at the Ranch, I have seen your heart mold into a servant heart. On many occasions, I have seen you give up your own self-desires for the desires of others. The memories we have shared together hunting, fishing, playing sports and ministering to others are priceless and I will cherish forever. I look forward to making several more memories in the years to come. You are my Daddy's Buddy forever.

Love Ya, 
Coach

Letter to Lee

It has been 8 years since Kim, Rachel and I first saw you in Nashville with our first visit. It was there that we saw a little boy that just needed a family to love him. We knew from day one that you were the perfect child for the Ranch. I told you years ago that the experience on the Ranch was going to be a trip of a lifetime and one we would never forget. It’s been all of that plus some. We have enjoyed days on the baseball field, basketball court, football field, in the woods, at the lake and on mission trips. Through this journey, Kim and I have built a relationship with you that only a mother and father could have with a Son. You don't have our name but you will ALWAYS have our heart. I am so proud of the Godly young man you have become. I look forward to seeing the Godly husband and father in you someday.  I am excited about the next chapter in your life and the role Kim and I will play in it. This is not the end of our journey together it’s just the beginning.

Love Ya,
Coach

Cookeville High School Graduate - Ben Pridemore

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

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Cookeville High School Graduate - Lee Sanders

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

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Breaking Ground

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.  Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on solid bedrock.”  (Matthew 7:24-25 NLT)

We opened our first two homes on April 13, 2009.  We welcomed five siblings: two brothers and three sisters.  Since that day, we have loved thirty-eight children and reunified twelve families.   Our mission is and always will be to provide a loving Christian home and family for hurting children. 

In the fall of 2014, we received a $400,000 donation from Cash Express.  The donation was given to help jumpstart a campaign to build, furnish, fill and support an additional two homes for boys and girls.  A few things had to be in place before starting this process.  We hired a Development Director and we contracted with Brandsmith Creative out of Nashville to help us create our Seed Sower Capital Campaign to raise the necessary funds to build and sustain the new homes for a minimum of 3 years after completion. 

On April 13, 2017, our 3 girls, Alaina, Grace and Jaida who are now 14, 12 and 10, received the honor of breaking ground for the two new homes.  We are very excited to eventually welcome 16 additional children, two new sets of house parents and one case worker to our MSR family.  Our new homes will be open by the Spring of 2018!  Children are healing, overcoming and finding themselves in Christ and through His love.  Thanks to our amazing community of friends for believing in us and supporting our ministry.  We have come a long way in a short period of time.  We give God all the glory for the success of Mustard Seed Ranch and know that He will continue providing so that we can continue providing a family for our children. 

Letter From the Director

Favor from the Lord can bring restoration of every thing that the Enemy has stolen or is trying to steal.  "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.  My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."  (John 10:10) NLT. God is always able to turn a bad situation into a good one if we allow it and we are faithful to His will.

Lee came to Mustard Seed Ranch when he was 11 years old.  For the first years of his life, he was hurt badly by the people who should be protecting him and loving him the most.  Most would wonder how in the world he could ever overcome, trust and even love...this all sounds insurmountable doesn't it?  Lee came to Mustard Seed Ranch very scared, he didn't want others to hug him or touch him for obvious reasons.  He couldn't read because no one took the time to teach him and he hardly spoke.  Lee soon found the love of Christ through his house parents Greg and Kim Julian, who gave him time, respect and grace to breathe and know that he was safe and that no one would ever hurt him again!  Many of us would have a deep bitterness for what Lee went through.  Lee's mother was a victim of domestic violence herself, she didn't think she was strong enough to take her children away from the abuse they were enduring.  Can you imagine how difficult it would be to forgive and then put tremendous effort into creating new relationships with your mother as an adult knowing all of that?  Lee was able to forgive her and sought to create a loving relationship with her.  Lee has found what true love is, he has found true forgiveness and he has found that through God's love you can overcome any obstacle.  Lee is not an angry young man being released in the world with all the baggage from his past that every person in his life from this point forward will have to "deal" with.  Lee is graduating high school, he is a conqueror and to be quite honest with you, an example for us all to live by.  

The favor of the Lord can also be placed on our lives because we have faith, we forgive and we love.  My prayer for each of you is that you are able to read Lee's story and let love absolutely consume your hearts.  Let Lee's story give you the strength you need to overcome whatever obstacle is in your path.  Let Lee's story inspire you to seek those who have wronged you or those you have wronged and make it right.  Thank you doesn't seem to be enough for so many of you who support MSR.  However, when you see Lee's pictures, that is the thank you that you deserve. You are helping us bring Christ to our children, what could be any better than that???

P.S.  I asked Lee for his permission to share his story. He said, “I would be honored if you shared my story, if it helps people Mrs. Tammy that’s all that is important.”

God bless you all,
Tammy Depperschmidt
Executive Director

Memorials & Honorariums - Spring 2017

Thank you to those who have made contributions to Mustard Seed Ranch in memory of or in honor of family members, friends and loved ones. 

In Honor of:

Gary Brewington
Chapel Class Washington Ave Baptist Church

Jo Britnell
Elizabeth Hendrix and Sybil Fagan

Daniel and Dusti Brooks and Family
Ellen McNeely

Cardiac Rehab Center Nurses and Staff
Ferrill Gunter

Chapman Family
Kim Powell

Clemmons Family
Kim Powell

Norma Cooper
Chapel Class Washington Ave Baptist Church

Lanny Dunn
Bob Gallaher

Billie J Gentry
Don and Nancy Gentry

Dan Haile
Tim Powell

Johnson Family
Kim Powell

Garry McNabb
Bob and Dawn Gallaher

Earl and JoAnna McNeely
Lou Ellen McNeely

Michael and Lynn Nichols
Ruth Ludwig

Ben Reel
One Hour Martinizing - Britt and Susannah Akers

Molly and Barry Reese
Leslie Reese

Mr. & Mrs. George Steele and Family
Trina Pennington

Greg and Anna Stephenson
Paul and Anita Stephenson

Peggy Stout
Chapel Class Washington Ave Baptist Church

Tammy, Teresa, and Timothy
Ferrill Gunter

Trudy Weber
Adelaide Stephens

Albert and Becky Willis
Charlotte Odom
Tiresa Parker
Jennifer Shelton
Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Stevenson

Wilson Family
Kim Powell

In Memory of:

H.O. Allison
Bill and Diane Bennett

Tom Arnold
Brenda Beasley

Janet Bacon Baggett
Susanne Bacon
Lee Baggett
John D Wall, Sr.

Morment Barnes
Kelly and Starr McVey

Budd Bishop
Garry and Teresa McNabb

Lorene McCormick Brewington
Bill and Diane Bennett
Garry and Teresa McNabb

Gene Brockman
Mike Reel

Lorena Cooper Brown
Marge E Bell

Michael Butler
Bill and Diane Bennett

A.C. Clark
Mike Reel

Jerry Clark
Don and Nancy Gentry

Marie Cook
Garry McNabb

Blake Currier
Donnie and Sarah Davidson
One Hour Martinizing - Britt and Susannah Akers

Lillian Dalton
Bill and Diane Bennett

Tana Judd Davis
Bill and Diane Bennett

Everet Bazz Dyer III
Bill and Diane Bennett

Doris Ellis
Faculty and Staff Algood Elementary
Life Church

Virginia Rose Ford
Mike Reel

Bunola Garrett
Bill and Diane Garrett

Clarence Gaw
Bill and Diane Bennett
Donnie and Sarah Davidson

Geneva Gaw
Bill and Diane Bennett

Betty Sue Goss
Bill and Diane Bennett

Eli William Hall
Bill and Diane Bennett

Treva Hankins
Mike Reel

Dean and Jeanetta Hearn
Mark, Tammy, and Nathan Fontenot

Oneta Hembree
Chapel Class Washington Ave Baptist Church

Charles Lloyd Herren
Dennis and Jeanette Haney

Ronnie Hix
Mike and Julie Yother

Evelyn Holloway
Marge Bell
Mike and Julie Yother

Sue Holloway
Bill and Diane Bennett

Richard House
Mike and Julie Yother

Blake Houston
Donnie and Sarah Davidson
One Hour Martinizing - Britt and Susannah Akers

Vaughn Howard
Sonny and Betty Allen
Bill and Diane Bennett
Anna Grace Loyd and Family

Bruce Huddleston
Donald Huddleston and Family

Gene Anne Hunter
Mike and Julie Yother

Dana E Holmes Kanable
Garner and Shirley Holmes

Larry King
Chapel Class Washington Ave Baptist Church
Nancy Hawkins
Donny and Nyoka Julian

Richard and Carolyn Kinsley
Jean Cooper

Tim Ledbetter
Bill and Diane Bennett

Leonard and Anita Leslie
Baxter United Methodist Church

Gus Ludwig
Ruth Ludwig

Brenda Lyles
Robert and Dawn Gallaher

John Thomas Lyles
Bill and Diane Bennett

Ruby Elizabeth Mackie
David and Denise Breeding
Lillian Graham
Phillip and Melissa Graham
Stan and Carolyn Piela
William Ray

Lorraine Maddux
Donnie and Sarah Davidson

Mary Ralph Maddux
Jeff and Molly Gleason

Freddy Maxwell
Chapel Class Washington Ave Baptist Church
Garry McNabb

Elton McBroom
Bill and Diane Bennett

Evan McCanless
Mike Reel

Amanda Ridley McKinstry
Gail Ligon

Teresa McNabb
Advance Financial/Cullen Earnest
Sonny and Betty Allen
Bob and Betty Andrews
Bob and Laura Babbage
Derek and Diane Baranowski
Peggy Barbour
Chris Barns
Herb and Paulette Baugh
Julie C Bishop
Daniel and Jeri Lynn Braunlin
Builders First Source
Larry and Evelyn Burgess
Tessa Byer
Calloway Title and Escrow
Steve Cihat
Johnny Coleman
Community Choice Financial/Ted Saunders
Philip Cormier
Robert and Jean Davis
Shirlie and Judy Denson
Tim Downey
Jim and Vicky Draper
Verdice and Kathy Duff
Dr. Richard and Patty Dycus
F&M Bank Employees
First Bank and Trust Employees
First National Bank of Livingston Employees
Bob and Dawn Gallaher
Larry B Garrett
Erik and Susan Geiger
Billie J Gentry
Don and Nancy Gentry
Doug and Sherry Gentry
Mr. and Mrs. John S Gonas
Ron and Becky Gorsline
Bruce and Nancy Greene
Jim and Evon Hicks
Wayne and Susan Hogan
Rickey and Joyce Holland
Hugh E Bailey and Associates, PLLC
Jon and Barbara Jones
Grant and Jennifer Kaple
Ronald Koksal
Deborah Laurain
Gary and Geraldine Leftwich
Stewart and Melinda Leftwich
Legacy Property Group, LLC
Elizabeth Lowman
Darryl, Kim, and Alexis Lyles
Thomas and Kay Lynn
Hoyt and Shirley Maberry
Edgar and Catherine McCoin
David McMahan
Jonathan and Kathryn McNabb
Michael and Marsha Miller
Wendell and Marilyn Mooneyham
Mustard Seed Ranch Board of Directors and Family
Nancy Nelson
Norrod Builders
Sherita Orange, D6 Cash Express
Ottis and Cindy Phillips
Putnam Properties/Putnam Contracting Services
Mike Rabius
Wayne and Karie Rabius
Bill and Jenny Ray
Stephanie Reeder
Mike Reel
Lindsey Ricker
Paul and Lacey Roberts
Michael and Kaye Roe
Anita Sakowicz
Sam and Cheryl Sandlin
Satellite Management Services, INC
Mark and Tammie Sells
Don and Patricia Sidwell
Susan Siegert
Phillip G Smith
Roslyn Stout
Pat and Sandy Swearengin
Lloyd and Treva Turner and Family
Jim and Beverly Vaden
Meghan Wasserman
Williams Wholesale Supply Company Inc
Tammy Williams

Neoma Meadows
Gary and Geraldine Leftwich
Stewart and Melinda Leftwich

Barbara Hammons Means
Dean Buckner

James Miller
Chuck and Judy Eastman

Ray Montgomery
Bill and Diane Bennett

Robert Moore
Garry McNabb

Alan Morris
Jeff and Molly Gleason

Stacey Mott
Bill and Diane Bennett
Jeff and Molly Gleason

Mike Myatt
Bill and Diane Bennett

Paula Myers
Mike Reel

Juanita Nabors
Gary and Teresa McNabb

Vernon Neal
Mark, Tammy, and Nathan Fontenot
Mustard Seed Ranch Family
Peggy Stout

Alpha Irene Nelson
Bill and Diane Bennett

Ruth Sewell Payne
Donnie and Sarah Davidson

Glen Pedigo
Don and Nancy Gentry
Mike and Julie Yother

Jerry Phipps
Chapel Class Washington Ave Baptist Church

Betty Sue Sidwell Piercy
Larry and Evelyn Burgess
Garry McNabb

Dennis Poole
Mike Reel

Trish Potts
Kevin and Genetta South

Louise Presley
Bill and Diane Bennett

Beth Prowse
Bill and Diane Bennett

Jack Pullum
Bill and Diane Bennett

Steve Rains
Britt Akers
Mike Reel

Kathleen Ramsey
Ferrill Gunter

 Paul E Ramsey, Sr.
Jeff and Molly Gleason

Harold Randolph
Bill and Diane Bennett

Bryan Sadler
Jeffery and Shelia Collins
Mike Reel

Jo Ann Sandlin
Garry McNabb

Polly Shanks
Jeff and Molly Gleason

Mary Elizabeth Standifer
Mike Reel

Kenneth Tays
Rozella Farris

Owen Tetreault
Barbara G. Tetreault

Rev. Logan A. Tilghman
Ramona Tilghman

Marilyn Underwood
Bill and Diane Bennett

Glen Vinson
Mark, Tammy, and Nathan Fontenot
Peggy Stout

James Walker, Jr.
Bill and Diane Bennett

Dr. Joe Kenneth Wallace, Sr.Shirley Wilson Wallace Family

Tom Ward
Jimmy and Ruth Pittman

Marilyn Watts
Bill and Diane Bennett

Sue Weaver
Class of 1986

Jim Whiteside
Bill and Diane Bennett

Bruce Womack
Bill and Diane Bennett

C.O. Wynne
Ferrill Gunter
Mike and Julie Yother

Fencepost In Honor of:

Bob and Janice Allen
Mustard Seed Ranch Family

Boys and Girls at Mustard Seed Ranch
Garner and Shirley Holmes

Darlene Byrom
David and Christy Huddleston

Teresa Chasteen
Mustard Seed Ranch Family

Phil and Beth D’Antonio
David and Christy Huddleston

Wes Dunn
Teresa Chasteen

William L. Dunn
Mustard Seed Ranch Family

James and Marilyn Evans
David and Christy Huddleston

Johnny and Lisa Fields
Slade and Susan Stroud and Girls

Lynn and Marlene Fogleman
David and Christy Huddleston

Dewayne and Teresa Galey
Slade and Susan Stroud and Girls

Mike and Margaret Gwaltney
David and Christy Huddleston

Brandon and Kim Hall
Slade and Susan Stroud and Girls

Anna Grace Huddleston
David and Christy Huddleston

Matthew and Perri Ann Huddleston
David and Christy Huddleston

Nathan and Dasha Huddleston
David and Christy Huddleston

Charlotte Johnson
David and Christy Huddleston

Principal Connie Kinnaird
Faculty and Staff at Dodson Branch School

Principal Tena Lynn
Faculty & Staff at Dodson Branch School

Garry and Teresa McNabb
Darryl and Kim Lyles

Jeff and Alice Peek
Gloria Vick

Larry and Donna Smith
David and Christy Huddleston

Maggie Smith
David and Christy Huddleston

Ken and Diana Wood
Slade and Susan Stroud and Girls

Principal Tammy Woolbright
Faculty and Staff at Dodson Branch School

Norman and Nancy VanZant
David and Christy Huddleston

Ray and Roslyn Wear
Slade and Susan Stroud and Girls

Fencepost In Memory of:

Dennis F. Desparrois
Tammy Hogan Depperschmidt

Doris Ellis
Donna D Francis
Doug and Debbie Francis
Scott and Donna Francis
Paul and Karen Draper

Howard and Billie Love Huddleston
David and Christy Huddleston

Glenn Jones
Randy and Jan Jones

Stephen H. Jones
Horace Jones

Gabriel “Gabe” Isaac Mason
Lindy Mason

Teresa McNabb
Arlene Barsumian
Ronald Hyder

Robert T. Mills
Ralph and Paige Mills

Sam Poteet
Carol Poteet

Kaydyn Smith
Mustard Seed Ranch Family

Oleta Winfree
David and Christy Huddleston

The Brooks Family

We love Christmas in this home! It is truly a special time of year. Christmas in our home starts when we load up and head to our local tree farm to pick out the perfect tree. The kids love to be a part of this process, and help cut the tree down! We decorate the tree while we play our favorite Christmas songs and sing at the top of our lungs!

Once Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas music is on repeat all day! We have a special little Elf on the Shelf that visits with us after Thanksgiving, and he likes to get into all kinds of mischief around the Ranch. So far, he has toilet-papered the Christmas tree, made a zip-line from one end of the house to the other, and even brought the kids treats from the North Pole! When the kids finish their letters to Santa, our elf hand-delivers our Christmas wish lists to Santa himself.

We also love to make gingerbread houses. The boys like to make everything competitive, so it usually turns into a “whose house is the best” competition! We celebrate Christmas a few days early so the kids can be home with their family on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, we let the kids open one present and then we get to making our goodies for Santa and the reindeer! We decorate cookies, make hot chocolate and magic reindeer food. The kids sprinkle the reindeer food in the front yard so that Santa knows to stop here! Christmas morning is usually a mad house, but we always start it out by reading the Christmas story. We have fun with Santa, but our kids know the true meaning of Christmas is Christ coming to the world because of God’s great love for us. Christmas is love. It is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for reuniting with family and friends, for tinsel and brightly decorated packages. It is for reconciliation and forgiveness. A time of peace, hope, and God’s promise to us. It was and still is a remarkable evidence of God’s love and care for us. It’s God’s best gift to us.

We love how our community has so many things to do around this time of year as well. We love, love, love the Christmas parade! We also really enjoyed the tree lighting ceremony and the Christmas celebration service at Dogwood Park! We always find a family in need to help out as well. Last year we decided to partner with Life Church and went shipping for a family in need through Putnam County Christmas. When it was time to deliver the gifts, the kids delivered them to this precious family. It was very moving to be the ones giving and the kids talked about how it felt good to be on the giving end.

The community is so good to make sure our kids have a Christmas to remember! We could not do Christmas without the community’s involvement. Life hasn’t always been the easiest on our kids. They don’t always have fond memories of this time of year, however, they are so thankful for everything. It revives hope in them to see so many coming together to make their Christmas season memorable!

The Willis Family

Christmas is not just one day on our calendar, because at the girl’s home it starts December 1! Our girls are big givers and love this season because they get to give to their friends, teachers, and family. We like to start the season with a game we call RACKed – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness. Each girl picks the people she wants to bless and what she wants to give. We bake goodies and buy small gifts to wrap and secretly give away, one for each day until Christmas!

When our own children were growing up, we used the “Jesse Tree” to tell the story of God’s love through the Old and New Testament. Each devotion has an ornament to symbolize the story. Our girls take turns reading and/or putting the ornaments on the tree for each day. This devotional goes through December, ending on Christmas Day, and they enjoy reading and putting up the ornaments!

Around the second week of December, we go together to choose a live Christmas tree. After getting the tree up, we pull out all the decorations and begin to decorate the tree and the house. Last year we bought gingerbread house kits for the girls, and they had a blast decorating their own house and displaying them! They also love baking, so anytime we can find a reason, we break out the cookbooks. As they have gotten older, their baking skills have gotten better and better. They also enjoy spending time with their relief house parents, exchanging gifts and having a fun-filled weekend.

As Christmas approaches, we enjoy driving around town to look at all the lights. Afterwards we like to stop at McDonald’s for ice cream or hot chocolate!

We have been given so much from the community that we try to give back by giving gifts to a family in our community that might not be able to buy presents for their own family. We also have a Christmas party with all our children and grandchildren – and our children love to surprise the girls with gifts! It is a beautiful time that brings us all closer as a family.

Christmas Eve is very special, because the girls get their PJs on and we pop popcorn and either watch a Christmas movie or read “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Christmas morning is so much fun! Everyone runs out to check their stockings, then we read the Christmas devotion from the Jesse Tree before opening gifts. Not to mention we always have special donuts for breakfast! Their grandparents come pretty early so that they can enjoy the day with them, and the girls love this because they get to spend the week with their grandparents. For our family, Christmas means family time, sharing, giving, playing, showing God’s love and enjoying one another’s company.

The Julian Family

Christmas in our home is probably like in any other Christian home. We have our traditions, but keeping Christ in the center is very important. It’s easy to get distracted by all that has to be completed, but because we have the support of our community and surrounding areas, we are able to offer our boys a Christmas they will never forget.

On Christmas Eve we attend a candlelight service to hear the Christmas Story of Christ’s birth and sing Christmas songs. At the end of the service, our Pastor lights his candle and shares his light with our deacons, who then spread their lights to all in attendance. It is a reminder that we are God’s light to shine for others to see his glory.

After the service, we come home to a family dinner and our dear friend Christopher Stamps reads the boys the Christmas Story again. As a family we sing songs and enjoy each others company. Soon, it is bedtime and like every child on Christmas Eve, our boys aren’t ready for bed in anticipation of what tomorrow holds. The newer children have heard our older boys talk about how amazing their Christmas was the year before, and they don’t know what to believe! Finally, all the kids get settled in their room, awaiting sleep. Greg and I can then settle in for a quick four-hour-or-less sleep!

In our home, like many others, Christmas morning comes too fast for the adults and not fast enough for the children. My daughter has chosen to be the one who wakes up on Christmas morning with the boys, and they are all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed waiting on Greg and me to crawl out of bed ever so slowly. One particular Christmas, there was a big box we wrapped in Christmas paper to throw away our trash when we were done opening gifts, and we walked out of our room to this box turned upside-down in the hallway. One of our smaller boys had hidden in it and popped up yelling, trying to scare us. We just laughed! He was so excited to open his presents that the other boys put him in the box to calm him down.

Come Christmas morning, each child has a pile of gifts with a stocking or two in front. With 8 to 10 kids, we have a full room! There is hardly a place to sit! They get so excited to walk into a room with a lit Christmas tree and presents everywhere! They know that Christmas isn’t all about the gifts, but I want everyone to know just how excited they get about that part of their Christmas experience.

In our home, we also teach our boys how to give back. We are all servants of God and it is our responsibility to be a servant for Christ. One way we teach this is by picking out a family or individual to help during the Christmas season. The boys all know that this journey in life isn’t just about them, but what they can do for others. Some learn quicker than others, but they all know that it is one of the most important things Greg and I try to teach them with our words and actions. It is such a blessing when we hear one of the seasoned boys ask who we will pick to bless this Christmas!

For our family, each Christmas is filled with change. We have boys that are with us for a few short years, and boys that are with us until they graduate high school and move on. But each Christmas is filled with the same joy for us. We have had the privilege to see the lives of these boys changing day-in and day-out. Not all choose the right path, but we try to lead them to choose it! Our prayer is that we have planted the seed and even if we don’t see it take root while those boys are with us, that another would come along and water that seed. Thank you for allowing us to plant those seeds. Without your support these children wouldn’t have the Christmas, or the life, that they have now. I am so blessed to see the daily walk these boys are taking and the progress they are making in changing their lives. It’s not all a bed of roses, but when you step back and look at the bigger and eternal picture, I know we have made a difference for Christ in the hearts of these boys.

May you all have a blessed Christmas, and a happy New Year!

- Kim Julian

Memorials & Honorariums

Thank you to those who have made contributions to Mustard Seed Ranch in memory or in honor of family members, friends and loved ones.

In Honor Of:

Austin Bowman
Andrea Dyer

First Baptist Church Pegram
Senior Adult S.S. Class
Wanda R. Yates

Walter and Kayla Fitts
Cassie Olson

Greg and Kim Julian
Ronnie and Denise Davidson

Greg and Kim Julian
Chuck Fleming

Noelle Mackeller
Cassie Olson

Larry and Gina Mason
Tim and Kathy McGill

June Stout McDonnel
Greg and Anna Stephenson

Jeff and Linda Olson
Cassie Olson

Ben Pridemore
Larry and Regina Mason

Ben Pridemore
Rick and Sue McDonald

Ben Reel
Meba Reel-Hargis

Christopher Stamps
Jack and Vickie Loftis

Christopher Stamps
Roy Stamps

Paul and Anita Stephenson
Greg and Anna Stephenson

Jordan Terry
Bob and Glenda Terry

Albert and Becky Willis
Cassie Olson

In Memory Of:

Dick Anderson
Kevin and Genetta South

Estelle Andrews
Jimmy and Ruth Pittman

Sam and Reba Bacon
Susanne M. Bacon

Wanda Bivens
Connie Jones and Pat Copeland

Evelyn Brown
Boyd and Wilma Clark

Floyd Bryan
Mike and Julie Yother

Hubert Buckner
Donnie and Sarah Davidson

Hubert Buckner
Kenneth and Sue Ford

Hubert Buckner
Randall, Tonya, Mallory, and Jo Johnson

Hubert Buckner
Donnie and Nyoka Julian

Hubert Buckner
Cheryl Montgomery

Hubert Buckner
Cheryl Montgomery
Ben and Will Silverman

Hubert Buckner
Mike Reel

Hubert Buckner
Mike and Julie Yother

Lavelle Buford
Garry McNabb

Carol Colvard
Mike Reel

Blake Currier
Donnie and Sarah Davidson

Blake Currier
Mike Reel

Blake Currier
Kevin and Genetta South

Blake Currier
Mike, Julie, Abigail, and Bailey Yother

Ronald Albert Dawbarn
Mike and Julie Yother

Anna Ruth Dycus
The Bernhardts

Bunola Garrett
Garry McNabb

Sam Greenwood
Ferrill Gunter

Thomas Havener
John and Jeanne Palmer

Edell Hearn
Mike Reel

Stanley Huff
Donnie and Sarah Davidson

Betty Ivey
Gary and Stewart Leftwich

Herbert (Pep) Krannich
Janice Murphree

Elmus Lane
Jean Pennington

Betty Langley
Wayne and Kathy Shanks

Barbara Layton
Janet Morgan

Glenn and Delia Leddy
Steve and Cindy Leddy

Mary Hill Luna
Bob and Gretchen Gleaves

Lorraine Maddux
Jimmy and Ruth Pittman

Lorraine Maddux
Mike Reel

Gabriel Mason
John and Amanda West

Clyde and Derrick Maxwell
Bettye Maxwell

Sterling McCanless
Donnie and Sarah Davidson

Bruce McCormick
Burgess Family Partnership

Brenda McDonald
Greg and Jennifer McDonald

Doyle McDonald
Baxter United Methodist Church

Girtas Mills
Ralph and Paige Mills

Willie Ruth Mills
Mike Reel

Stacey Molt
Garry McNabb

Stacey Mott
Mike Reel

Chuck Neely
Donnie and Sarah Davidson

Bill Nelson
Gary and Stewart Leftwich

Bill Nelson
Garry McNabb

Mack Palmer
Eddie and Sarah Clark

Milton Pennington
Frank and Mildred Cirrincione

Sadie Pflueger
Gary and Nancy Byers

Harris Radford
Garry McNabb

Paul Ramsey, Sr.
Larry and Evelyn Burgess

Paul Ramsey, Sr.
Mike Reel

Lisa Royse
Ralph and Paige Mills

Denise Shoemaker
Baxter Untied Methodist Church

Doug Smith
Janie Smith

Dean Stamps
Tony and Michelle Stamps

Pat Summitt
Mike Reel

Janis Swim
Ralph and Paige Mills

Dr.  Joe Kenneth Wallace, Sr.
Gary and Stewart Leftwich

Patricia Ann Williams
Gary and Geraldine Leftwich

Michael Joe Wilmoth
Directors, Officers and Employees of the Bank of Putnam County and BPC Corporation

Wilson Babies
Aaron and Jill Bernhardt

Bruce Womack
Ferrill Gunter

Fenceposts in Honor Of:

Katie Coggin
Danny and Patricia Coggin

Fenceposts in Memory Of:

Venetta Bailey
Danny and Patricia Coggins

Hubert Buckner
Dean Buckner

Hubert Buckner
Joyce Hudson

Hubert Buckner
Mustard Seed Ranch Family

Dimple Hood
Mustard Seed Ranch Family

Richard Hudson
Joyce Hudson

Sid and Mary Ralph Maddux
Jerry and Dean Hutchison
Rhonda Chaffin and Family
Scott and Shelly Christian and Family