A TREE FOR CHRISTMAS 2016
The Night Before.... "Thanksgiving"
It is getting late, however Robin and the girls are busy preparing for Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow. Robin made homemade bread to prepare the stuffing. It will be so good and Rachel took on the task of cutting celery and onions. We are looking forward to a fine feast. Oh by the way, Danny and Caleb went over north to check on some cows. Busy night
FT. PIERRE BOUND...
We loaded some yearlings yesterday to take to Ft. Pierre. Looked pretty good following a very dry summer. Just a little perspective for my cattlemen friends...We are concerned about prices...but folks in the middle of Atlas country remember what 2013 and years following were like. And at the same time many enjoyed record prices...and for many in 2016, one didn't have to go many miles to find someone drier than they were. Count your blessings...Just saying.
Time to go hunting
Rachel, Danny, and Caleb spent some time looking for cattle,fixing fence and shooting prairie dogs. I know Danny is enjoying his new rifle.a 22-250.
Robin... You are a blessing
I am so blessed by my wife and partner. Robin has no agenda but to glorify Christ. She is to speak at a Women's retreat this winter and she has been earnestly studying Scripture in preparation for that time. I am encouraged when she runs ideas and insights by me.
Robin...be blessed for you are a blessing
Game against Oelrichs
The RCCS Middle School Comets did a fantastic job today. Good Job Guys. Of course we had our eyes on #50, Caleb Reinhold. Caleb had some good plays including this over 60 yard touchdown run
What a Treat...
Robin had a busy afternoon...went to Rapid City...took Caleb to last football practice of the year, went to the radio station 88.3 KLMP Words for Life to cut an ad with Julia and Kiersten, then back across town to drop the two girls off for piano lessons with Mrs. Nickel and then stop and pick up some feed. Rachel decided to treat us all to one of our favorites, Swedish Pancakes. We are all happy campers this evening.
Our Backyard
True it is not New England...But today on the Great Plains of Dakota (Our backyard) a beautiful rainbow over some very richly colored cottonwoods. A beautiful evening to say the least. To God Be the Glory for His Continued blessings and promises.
Hauling in Hay
Since we are having to ship all our hay in this year...
Our good and longtime friend, Lynn Gray, brought this load in this morning. Lynn has what many folks call a "hay train". He can haul a lot of bales. Lynn and I have many fond memories. Keep pressing on brother.
Robin took this photo...she just smiles at us
I Am Thankful
I am thankful
I truly enjoy family.
I hope you know what I mean
I am thankful
I love that I can work with good people that are committed to their calling.
You know what I mean?
I am thankful
I love the fact that our kids love to work together (and love each other).
Do you know what I mean?
I am thankful...
I love good horses that are alert and not easily distracted.
Do you know what I mean?
Ranch Manager
Since we posted school pics of our younger children...I thought I would post this one of our daughter,
Rachel... Ranch Manager
"May I borrow a rose..."
In summer days gone by, my Dad would go by Robin's roses and on a number of occasions, he would ask her if he could "borrow" or have one to take up to his bride. And even after Mom's passing, he would at times pick one to take to the dining room at RBR. Dad has been gone from this earth for about a year and half now...but at Dad and Mom's house there is a beautiful white rose bush that has endued the harshness of the Dakota Plains. And it has been blooming this fall...One day as I was looking after some yard work there, I "borrowed" one from Dad and took it to my bride...."Here, Grandpa is just returning a favor"
School Pics by Robin
Danny Reinhold
Three years ago....
This past week marked three years since "storm atlas". It's been heavy on my heart, and for the first time I decide to write out my memories from that week. Obviously I did not include every detail. To be honest.... I did not want to post this. But I felt like I needed to. It's a story about faithfulness, love, grace, pain and healing. So here it is....
The fall of 2013 started out pretty good. Although, we were having some unusual hot weather, with the temperatures in the low eighties. Things begin to cool off and we received word that our area could have a winter storm moving in with a lot of rain and even possible snow. This was a little hard to believe considering it was only the first week of October, and it seemed way too early to have a blizzard moving in. We begin to take precautions and watched the weather very closely. My family decided to cancel a road trip that we had been planning for the weekend, to stay home just in case this storm really did turn in to something. On Thursday, October 3rd, the rain started, and we received a good amount of moisture throughout the day. Late that afternoon the rain slowly started to turn to snow and freezing rain. At this time my dad told my siblings and I that we better saddle our horses and move our cows off pasture, closer to our home base where they would have better shelter. I grabbed my horse “Pocokota”, and headed out a couple of miles to gather our herd of cows and calves. We finished up feeding the cattle, and moved on to the rest of our chores making sure everything had feed, water and shelter. I decided to leave my horse in the barn that night, because he was tired, wet and cold from our ride. It was not normal for me to leave livestock inside overnight, but I just had a gut feeling that it was a good idea this time. We woke up on Friday morning to a good amount of very heavy snow on the ground, and it continued to fall at a steady pace. By early afternoon the wind had picked up and the snow continued to fall. It wasn’t long that we no longer had electricity, and we were unable to go outside to check on anything. There was nothing we could do but settle in, wait it out and pray that God would take care of us and our livestock. By that night there was an incredible amount of snow, the wind was blowing so hard that we could not even see out the windows to see what was going on. I went to bed that night with no idea that my life was about to change drastically in the coming days. Saturday morning came, and although the snow was still falling and the wind still blowing, by mid- morning it had let up just enough that we were able to make it to the barn to try and check on the livestock that we had in the corrals. The first thing we noticed when we made it outside was the damage to the trees, since it was only the beginning of October, the trees still had their leaves, which caused them to hold more snow and weight. They looked as if a tornado had come through and stripped them of all leaves and branches. When we got to the barn we were surprised to see several horses that had been about a mile away at a different place, standing in the barn yard. I went over to check on them, and found two dead and one in very tough condition. There was another one several feet away in a snow drift that was also not doing very well at all. We were able to get him out with the tractor, and were than able to get him to the barn. My dad and sister left to check on another batch of about 60 horses that we had behind a big windbreak shelter behind the barn. None of us were prepared for the shock of finding that many of our horses had not made it through the storm. Visibility was still quite bad, so we were not able to get out farther and check on our other herds of horses or our cattle at this time. There was nothing we could do but wait. We still did not have power or any communication with the rest of the world, so we had no idea if this storm was as devastating for others. We went to bed that night with heavy hearts, and the big question “what happened?” Sunday morning finally came, and the snow had stopped. We were then able to check on the rest of our livestock. We pulled a handful of yearling calves out of snowdrifts, and did our best to get them out of the shock and daze they seemed to be in. My sister, Rachel and I saddled a couple of our horses and headed out to the pastures and fields to see what we could find. After riding over one hill we spotted about 40 dead cows and calves that belonged to our neighbor. They were mostly buried and we could only see patches of their black hides showing through the snow. We moved a small herd of theirs that was still living in to a new pasture, and headed home to tell the family what we were finding. By this time, we had a phone that worked and were able to contact some friends and neighbors. We were not the only ones that was experiencing this devastating loss. It seemed as if our whole community and county was hurting over this incredible storm. There was still one bunch of horses that we were not able to get to that day, due to the deep snow. Our beloved camp horses were in a pasture with great shelter and plenty of feed. All we could was pray that they stayed down in the draws where the shelter was best. It wasn’t until two days later that Rachel and I were able to get our saddle horses to the pasture where they were. We searched all over, but we weren’t seeing any of them anywhere. We rode to the top of the hills, and it was there that we experienced the heartbreaking scene of 25 of our best friends stretched out in a lifeless line for over a half of mile. I couldn’t believe it. They weren’t just animals, they were partners and friends to me, and to hundreds of kids each summer. Needless to say, Rachel and I made the trip home in deep thought and heartache. That night as I went to bed I cried to the Lord in great need of strength and understanding. Although I can’t say I was angry with Him, I was broken and I was confused. That week as we continued to search for life, and wait for the snow to melt, I begin to process just what was happing. In just two days some families had lost so much that they had spent their whole life working for. Thousands of cattle were dead, and my family alone had lost over 90 head of horses. Livestock doesn’t only provide a ranch family with their yearly income, but they are also the heart and love of a rancher. The responsibility to care for these animals and be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us is something that we do not take lightly. Hearts were broken, and heavy with guilt… wondering “what could have possibly gone so wrong, and what could we have done differently?” Those next few weeks were some that I will never will forget. We begin the process of identifying, and burying all the lost livestock. Our hearts were hurting, and truthfully, I dreaded the days. But even though I was broken, I did an incredible amount of growing in those days. My heart was being prepared for more heartache that would come in the future, and it was in these dark days that I fully experienced Gods love and faithfulness on a whole new level. He ever so gently picked me up again and gave me strength to carry on. I was weak, and through that weakness, He showed me just how strong He is. He placed SO many people in our life that showed Christ’s love to us. The gifts, phone calls, emails and visits from so many people was truly overwhelming. When I look back on this story in my life, I see trials and hurt, but even more so… I see Gods faithfulness. And I see beauty from the ashes. I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone. And honestly, I would never want to go through something like this again. But, I can also say that this a part of my story. I am who I am today, because of lessons I learned through this storm. And for that I am grateful. It still hurts today, and I won’t say that I fully understand why it happened. My heart still has a scar. But that scar also has a story. This life has its share of storms, and our hearts will be broken, and scared. But Jesus will never leave us in the dark. He will always be there to pick us up, and at times simply just carry us in His loving arms. His faithfulness endures forever. I don’t know what your “storm” in life is right now. But I pray that through your struggles you will realize Gods love for you. And that you too, will grow through the pain, and share the great story of His faithfulness!
EVENING CHORES ON THE RANCH
Even after football practice, Danny and Caleb have chores to do.
First day of Autumn
Our family enjoyed some time on this first day of Autumn at one of our favorite places just west of Sturgis.
Thank you God, for my Granddad
One week ago tonight I was driving on my way to Rapid. Caleb and I had been gone all day and I called Dad to see what the plans were for that night. Dad told me that Mom had gone to Hot Springs to be with Granddad and Grandma as Granddad was not doing well and was in the hospital. 6 days before, Granddad and Grandma had been at our house for Caleb's birthday and I had told Granddad how good he was looking! We talked about the rain that we got and how nice of a day we had! When I told him good bye that day I did not realize that was the last time that I would ever tell him goodbye.
Thursday morning My Granddad walked into the Gates of Heaven and into the arms of Jesus, His Savior. Tonight there is another hole in my heart. Losing someone that you love is not ever easy. But the peace that comes with knowing that they are sitting at the feet of Jesus is the most amazing thing in the world. (Philippians 4:7)
Not everyone knows that peace and not everyone goes to Heaven when they die. Only those who have placed their hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved. (Acts 16:31)
My Granddad realized his need for a Savior in 1971 and because He turned His life over to Jesus… He is in Heaven tonight! God offers that free gift of Salvation to each and every one of us. He has offered it to you. There is nothing in this world that we could ever do to be 'good enough' to get into heaven. There is only One Way. And that Way is through Jesus. (John 14:6) Jesus loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to DIE for US. (John 3:16) But not only that! 3 days after He was crucified.. He Rose again so that one day you and I may also ‘rise again’ to be with Him forever. 90 Years of Granddad’s life on this earth does not even began to compare to the Eternity that has just begun for him!
In 1997 I decided to make the same decision that Granddad did and because of that… that last goodbye that we shared on September 2… Will be the last one ever needed! Praise Be to God Who gives us Life Eternal. Have you accepted Gods Gift? Why Not? Tomorrow may be too late.
Thank You, God for My Granddad, Jack Paulton. And Until we meet again. I sure do love and miss you, Granddad!
My Grandad went HOME....
My Grandad went home to be with Jesus this week. He was a true solider for Jesus. Thank you, Grandad, for being an honest, hard working, loving, gentle man of integrity. You lead your family in the way of truth, and for that I will be forever grateful. The love you showed for your family, your country, and your Savior will always inspire me to love deeply, and to live with a fire and drive that cannot be contained. Thank you for always being a part of my life, and thank you for your legacy.... It truly will live on!
EVER SINCE...
Ever since I was little one of my favorite places to ride was up the road to visit my Grandpa. I would ride right up next to this window and wait until he would see me... he would always greet me with the biggest smile and a friendly wave. Oftentimes I would tie my horse up and go inside for a short visit. He was quick to offer me a cookie, tell me a story about a horse from his past or just offer me some daily encouragement. I never left his house without first getting a firm handshake and maybe a kiss on the cheek. And no matter what, he would always tell me how much he loved me, and that he was proud of me.
It's hard to believe that it has been almost two years since we have enjoyed a visit together, Grandpa. Tonight as I rode next to your window, I could imagine your cheerful smile through that glass... I would give an awful lot to once again firmly grip your big hand and tell you I love you. I know without a doubt that you loved me, because you never missed an opportunity to tell me. That is just one of the many things that I learned from you... and I am forever grateful. I miss you lots, Grandpa... and as you would always say..."I sure do love you..."
Always thank Jesus for those that He has given you... and never miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them! You won't have them around forever.
Note From Anna Jones of Great Britain
So great to visit Larry-Robin Reinhold AndFamily nearly three years after the storm that blew in Sybil Ruscoe and I. Great to see how the ranch and the family have bounced back after such tough times. Here they are singing 'Courage' which Robin wrote at the time of Storm Atlas.