Arbor Day in South Dakota

It is Arbor Day in South Dakota. Are you planting a tree in your territory today...? Storm Restoration project is going well at Rainbow Bible Ranch. We planted 112 trees yesterday. Many more today...

My Agriculture teacher in Sturgis when I was in High School, Mr. Karl Williams, stated early on, "Dirt is what have under your finger nails... soil is what we plant in".

A thought... "If you would like to put some soil under your fingernails and plant for the next generation as well, contact me (LBR) and we would be glad to share some tree planting experiences with you today.

AT THE HENRICKS PLACE

We put it into high gear the last two days on rebuilding the corrals at the Henricks place. This was the original homestead of Hans and Vesper Henricks. Their children were Alice, Howard, Homer and Cecil (Buck). Buck was a cowboy. As we were replacing posts... you would find some that had the marks of being "snubbed" up with a wild cow at the end of a lariat rope, over the course of years. Lots ofstories could be shared from that family as well as the nearly thirty years that we have owned the place as well. Several other families have lived there over the years including Chris-Lana Morris and Lucas N Melinda Stolhammer.

Our crew worked well together. Larry-Robin Reinhold AndFamily along with Derek Anderson... and then today our dear friend Mike Hencey was so kind to help as well. Riley Anderson came out this afternoon to help clean up the area. Thanks everyone. "What a team!"

THOUGHT PROVOKING MEAL


We just finished supper after a long day of fencing and working outside. "Yes...It is 9:45 PM." However a special treat (popovers) awaited us. Robin had the family sit down and Grandpa was here, too. She said, "When Jesus died, they buried Him in a tomb" and Kiersten and Julia chimed in and said, "And they rolled a big stone in front of it." Robin continued, " But three days later... the tomb wasopened and Jesus was no longer found within, for He is alive!" She then had each of us open our popover and yes they were empty...

What a pleasant and thought provoking meal. Truly a blessing. We are thankful for what Christ did upon the cross and we are forever grateful that Jesus did not stay dead. :)

Robin finished off our supper with a fresh homemade strawberry pie. We are tired after a good day and we truly have been blessed.

CHORE LIGHT

Chore Light... I have generally thought that we were average folks. And we are. But the lifestyle that we live is hardly normal. Few experience the warm light in an old barn at dusk. Sadly few youth today have "real chores" that present life lessons. This is and has been a familiar scene for nearly 86 years in the barn on the Lonetree Ranch. Likewise on farms and ranches around the region during this busy calving season, it is seen as well. Cherish the opportunity and or memories of this experience and look for ways that you may share it with others. The impact of these life lessons cannot be framed and hung on a wall but are rather entrenched in the heart.

"FAMILY NITE"

Robin just handed out bowls of wonderful old-fashioned popped on top of the stove Popcorn. (Truthfully, there are no other kinds much around our house.) She often times adds a little Lonetree Ranch honey to the melted butter as she did tonight. Mighty good as some of you can attest too. When we were kids, Friday nite was our family nite. Then when we started Rainbow Bible Ranch, we sort of switched to Sunday evening. Popcorn, Dimock Dairy Cheddar Cheese, Welches grape juice, a little salami or smoked oysters on Ritz crackers rounded out with celery and peanut butter. Wow what a wonderful time. To God be the glory for our family. What are some of your favorite "family nites"?

The Sharpest Tool... Not

As some of you may know... the milk cow's calf is not "the sharpest tool in the shed" and sometimes needs assistance on that first day. Getting that calf to suck early on is vital. Robin and Caleb are giving a guiding hand. The Lonetree Ranch is not known for its dairy herd... but there have been few times when we didn't have milk cow to take care of during morning and evening chores.

This calf will still probably grow up to be a typical milk cow however... it will always be capable of finding the gate that was left open.

NEEDING A LITTLE HELP

As some of you may know... the milk cow's calf is not "the sharpest tool in the shed" and sometimes needs assistance on that first day. Getting that calf to suck early on is vital. Robin and Caleb are giving a guiding hand. The Lonetree Ranch is not known for it's dairy herd... but there have been few times when we didn't have milk cow to take care of during morning and evening chores.

This calf will still probably grow up to be a typical milk cow however... it will always be capable of finding the gate that was left open

Planting Trees 2014

Caleb said to me as we were planting today, "Boy, Dad... Theres a lot of hills out there".

It was a beautiful day to be studying God's creation with our kids.

Our other tree planting project for April 10, 2013 was on a more somber note. Near the location of the burial of our Rainbow Bible Ranch camp horses, we planted trees as a testament to their service and a testimony to God's continual provision. Certainly these last six months have been challenging times... but also amazing times. Today we planted 50 pine and will add 140 Rocky Mountain Juniper in upcoming weeks. This is not to idolize these horses, but rather to memorialize an event that has left a marked impression on our family and community. We will continue to "Just Trust" and will ever be awed by how God uses testings to bring us into a closer understanding of His will and an appreciation of His steadfast love in the midst of a struggling world.

In August 2013 we discovered some Sand Cherries (Prunus besseyi) up at the top of the breaks. I had tried planting them near the home place years ago to no avail... just too much gumbo. However, up by the peak are some sand and gravel veins. We figured it was worth the effort to try and increase the potential of this very tasty berry. Today we planted Sand Cherries.

"A LOT OF HILLS OUT THERE"

Caleb said to me as we were planting today, "Boy, Dad... There’s a lot of hills out there".

It was a beautiful day to be studying God's creation with our kids.

In August 2013 we discovered some Sand Cherries (Prunus besseyi) up at the top of the breaks. I had tried planting them near the home place years ago to no avail... just too much gumbo. However, up by the peak are some sand and gravel veins. We figured it was worth the effort to try and increase the potential of this very tasty berry. Today we planted Sand Cherries.

Our other tree planting project for April 10, 2014 was on a more somber note. Near the location of the burial of our Rainbow Bible Ranch camp horses, we planted trees as a testament to their service and a testimony to God's continual provision. Certainly these last six months have been challenging times... but also amazing times. Today we planted 50 pine and will add 140 Rocky Mountain Juniper in upcoming weeks. This is not to idolize these horses, but rather to memorialize an event that has left a marked impression on our family and community. We will continue to "Just Trust" and will ever be awed by how God uses testings to bring us into a closer understanding of His will and an appreciation of His steadfast love in the midst of a struggling world.

KIERSTEN'S JOURNEY

Kiersten went on a journey of exploration and intrigue with her doll Sarah.

It is time to post a Lookout

Sarah is resting as Kiersten stays true to her task.

Danny giving a helping hand down.

Kiersten's final leg of the journey took her to the great swamp. Oh so much to experience on this Journey of Exploration and Intrigue.

Six Months Ago

Six months ago this evening, I nearly stepped on this rattle snake as I jumped out of our John Deere tractor. I was wanting to finish planting a field of wheat before it started to rain. I did not accomplish that goal and as I unhitched the grain drill... the snake never moved. It just lay there coiled ever so tightly. I never once heard it give the characteristic rattle either. I used a pitchfork that Rachel had brought me to pick it up and again something quite peculiar... the rattler's tail was vibrating ever so fast and yet no sound. It was beginning to rain and it was time to head home. Twelve hours later, the rain turned to snow and together with the wind... A STORM was birthed. Our lives would be forever changed.

Some call it Atlas, some call it the Cattleman's Blizzard and for many of us, it will ever be "The Storm". What was to ensue was a terrible loss and yet for those of us that have endured "The Storm" we have also realized something to gain. Certainly we do not take for granted anything or anyone. Perhaps our hearts ache more for others during painful times, but equally they rejoice as well.

"We are tired". I have told many that were not in "The Storm" that they will never fathom what took place. I know that for certain, because most of us that were in the midst of "The Storm" still cannot fathom it yet. It is almost surreal. And yet, we see evidence continually that "The Storm" impacted us greatly.

The Rattler in this story had the potential of being a silent killer of my own being that evening six months ago. And "The Storm" proved to be just that to many creatures across these vast hills and plains. And yet I survive and not only I. Today, I give testimony to ONE that is greater than any "Storm". And certainly God Almighty can sustain me. Storms of Life will happen. I am thankful that I know the ONE that can calm any tempest that comes our way.

THE "ONE" THAT IS GREATER THAN...

10150718_624300700985402_1629186794_n.jpg

Six months ago this evening, I nearly stepped on this rattle snake as I jumped out of our John Deere tractor. I was wanting to finish planting a field of wheat before it started to rain. I did not accomplish that goal and as I unhitched the grain drill... the snake never moved. It just lay there coiled ever so tightly. I never once heard it give the characteristic rattle either. I used a pitchfork that Rachel had brought me to pick it up and again something quite peculiar... the rattler's tail was vibrating ever so fast and yet no sound. It was beginning to rain and it was time to head home. Twelve hours later, the rain turned to snow and together with the wind... A STORM was birthed. Our lives would be forever changed.

Some call it Atlas, some call it the Cattleman's Blizzard and for many of us, it will ever be "The Storm". What was to ensue was a terrible loss and yet for those of us that have endured "The Storm" we have also realized something to gain. Certainly we do not take for granted anything or anyone. Perhaps our hearts ache more for others during painful times, but equally they rejoice as well.

"We are tired". I have told many that were not in "The Storm" that they will never fathom what took place. I know that for certain, because most of us that were in the midst of "The Storm" still cannot fathom it yet. It is almost surreal. And yet, we see evidence continually that "The Storm" impacted us greatly.

The Rattler in this story had the potential of being a silent killer of my own being that evening six months ago. And "The Storm" proved to be just that to many creatures across these vast hills and plains. And yet I survive and not only I. Today, I give testimony to ONE that is greater than any "Storm". And certainly God Almighty can sustain me. Storms of Life will happen. I am thankful that I know the ONE that can calm any tempest that comes our way.

WIND BORNE NOSTALGIA

By Victor Johnson

The schoolhouse - are we standing where it stood?
Not a thing remains, foundation stone or bit of wood.
The playground, scene of simulated hard-fought battle
Is now a quiet grazing ground, for cattle.

 Since we played here, we've said farewell to Sister, Dad and Brother;
And yesterday last rites were said for our beloved Mother.
Memories, like northern lights, flick onto the mind's clear screen.
They come on brightly, then fade out making way for a different scene.

On west of us a quarter mile, where some of us were born,
Is pasture land.  Without the house it looks a bit forlorn.
The lower dam is there, but if the path still shows it's dim--
I mean the one we followed, racing down to swim.

 A little further on, a shaggy sentinel remains;
One tree!  For eighty years it's stood in cold, and drouth, and rains.
And over all, the western wind still blows.
The same strong wind that in our childhood drifted high the snows.

 Mom's love for the prairie ended here.
She said the winds were too severe;
The lashing hail or swirling dust
Flew ahead of a gale that would blow it or bust .

 The rattling door, like a mad drummer's roll,
Hammered Mom's patience, exhausted her soul.
At night she'd awake with the place still as death.
The wind was resting and catching its breath.

 It was rough!  Yet the wind had a gentler streak;
It added rich tone to Dad's sun-darkened cheek.
And though in the winter its chill cursed the range,
Just a day's warm Chinook brought a marvelous change.

 Once, when the rains came all through the spring the grass grew tall and strong,
And the wind made the shimmering grass-waves toss with a loving, whispering song.
We loafed in the warm wind and hunted wild flowers
And the land and the sky and the clouds were all ours.

 At night when Mom kissed us and tucked us in bed,
When a quiet "good night" and our prayers had been said
Then the sweet gentle wind, blowing soft and serene
Sang a hushed lullaby through the west window screen.

 School days and homework took our time as we drew into the fall;
We'd trudge along toward the one-room school with body and mind in a stall.
But on windy days we'd open our coat and hold it out like a sail.
With a good cool blast pushing strong on our back, we sped up the hill on the gale.

 In the winter we raced our battered sleds on the far side of the hill.
There never were such polished drifts as went through the west wind's mill.
It would build and smooth and caress those drifts with a hairdresser's care and skill.
To carve out a white-walled tunnel in one, you needed a miner's drill.

 Cold winds, warm winds, winds with a searing blast;
They kept our minds pre-occupied; the years went by too fast.
Those winds, plus time, removed our tracks; once more the grass grows green.
And the rains, pushed hard by the roving winds have washed the prairie clean. 

We won't relive - we can't relive - the good old days of  youth;
The sighing wind reiterates this old and solemn truth.
For life itself moves through this place like jet streaks in the dawn.
One Book likens life to a vapor puff; it's here, and then it's gone.

 The soul returns to the giver, God.
And the body's entombed in the wind-swept sod.
The plain stands serene in its age old pose.
And over it softly, the west wind blow

Lucas Stolhammer

We are so glad that Lucas N Melinda made it home. Lucas has been in Rapid City Regional Hospital for a couple of weeks. God is doing a mighty work on this road to recovery. Please keep this fine family in your prayers. It has been a long winter for them as well.

Lucas has been a dear friend for many years. First as a camper at Rainbow Bible Ranch and then working with the Lonetree Ranch for about seven or eight years. "What a hand". And one day he caught the eye of Robin's niece, Melinda. Now he doesn't call me Mr. Larry, but rather Uncle Larry. "I like that". Lucas and Melinda have three great kids, Connor, Carli and Waylon. They are blessed.

This photo was taken about ten years ago. Danny is tucked behind me. And Lucas' horse Buck... well Connor is riding him now. "Looking forward to having you back in the saddle again soon, my friend."

MY DAD...

My Dad is a great man. He has not received many awards in his life journey but he has many rewards awaiting him when he is inducted into the Halls of Glory. A gentle giant... Dad has been a big man in my eyes and in the hearts of many. Dad has had more than his share of wrecks and his heart has ached many times, but not due to foolishness, but rather because he is in the battle. My Dad is a leader that has taken his lead from the Almighty. He loves Jesus and he is a lover of God's Word. I have appreciated his willingness to let me move through the passages of life as he has taken the role of encourager and as a partner. He is one to bless, even if he is in the shadows. Many of our conversations end with a thank you and a "God Bless You, Larry"

This photo of my Dad (Tige Reinhold) was taken with our son, Danny when he was about four years and Dad was still farming. And at the end of a long day in the tractor, Dad would still take the hand of a child... And what a picture that was. Dad's giant weathered hand engulfing that of the youthful.

And yes aging has taken it's toll on the shell of this great man and his mind is not as sharp as it once was... but his heart and his love... Oh my. We are blessed.

BALANCE IN ALL THINGS

My mother was and is great lady. She truly cared about her appearance and was classy in a Godly sense. A cancer survivor of more than twenty years, breast cancer did finally make a reappearance and Mom left this earth in 2004. I believe that my mother would say... "Balance in all things". Many "campaigns" become gimmicks and gimmicks tend to trivialize over time. Cancer care and cure deserves our attention... but let us not abandon principle.

This is a photo of my Mother, Vicky Reinhold, taken with our son Caleb at the end of a long day in the kitchen at Rainbow Bible Ranch. A month later she was told that the cancer had returned

Lonetree Ranch
14666 Lonetree Road
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785

© 2024 Lonetree Ranch All Right Reserved