EASTER DINNER

We enjoyed this very special day with a special lady. Grandma Ellen Paulton invited the Reinhold family to her house for dinner... and a fine meal it was. We paused to take a pic before we left. We drove in rain all the way home from Hot Springs. We were surprised by how much rain we had received here on the Lonetree Ranch.... measured .62" of rain. Water continues to flow. :)... and grass is beginning to grow.

Facebook Post and comments from April 2019

Chuck Loftis Let the Man of God point out the worldliness in the local church and he is called a legalist; judgmental; a Pharisee. Let the Man of God be intolerant of sin in his church and his congregants flee to another church that preaches a cheap grace. Let the Man of God call for corporate prayer and fasting; instruct his church in how Jesus taught us to pray; hold weekly prayer meetings and he and the vast minority will remain quite lonely. Schedule a concert; host a comedian; throw a congregational party of some sort - with food, of course - and the building is packed. This is a.k.a., "How to increase your church attendance in the 21st Century."

  • Larry Robin Reinhold Wow Chuck... This nails it. We will be in prayer for you and your congregation today.

  • Chuck Loftis thanks a million! We've got a faithful bunch who call this congregation "home."

  • Denzel NonhofI have had many opportunities to visit various churches over the years, and I agree with you. Churches which will do almost anything to get the butts in the pews may be forgetting that it is the power of prayer and the dedication and witness of those in that church which is truly important. There is nothing as powerful for witness as a life transformed by the Lord Jesus Christ through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

    Jim Petty also commented

    ...The organized CHURCH...has become benign...as STRONGLY evidenced by the moral and ethical decline in America!! Let us invite and allow the LORD JESUS to be the True Head of His 'church'...and, the Corporate Churches' throughout America!! The mandates and ideals of "man" are futile...and will ONE DAY BE JUDGED GUILTY!! So Sorry it is necessary, to make this comment...yet, it is TRUE!

Robin and I Invite You...

I was struck by the thought of resemblance of the beautiful moon in the night sky and the open tomb that remained after Christ's resurrection. Jesus death provided hope of salvation and the open tomb was proof that the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God was sufficient. The empty tomb is truly a light in the darkness.

***

JESUS DID NOT STAY DEAD... AND HE IS ALIVE TODAY.

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If you have not turned to Jesus Christ for the hope of eternal salvation, Robin and I would encourage you to do so today.

***

GOD LOVES YOU

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

(John 3:16)

GOD HAS A WONDERFUL PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

(John 10:10b)

BECAUSE OF OUR SIN WE ARE SEPARATED FROM GOD

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

(Romans 3:23)

THE PENALTY FOR OUR SIN IS DEATH

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.

(Romans 6:23)

THE PENALTY FOR OUR SIN WAS PAID FOR BY JESUS CHRIST

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:8)

IF WE REPENT OF OUR SIN, THEN CONFESS AND TRUST JESUS CHRIST AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR WE WILL BE SAVED FROM OUR SINS.

For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

(Romans 10:13)

...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

(Romans 10:9,10)

MY DAD AND SWIFT


This photo is Tige Reinhold on the Lonetree Ranch around 60 years ago. I love the bright color of this image taken from a 35 mm color slide. The horse's name is Swift. Pretty typical of the saddle horse of that day. Dad broke a lot of horses. Several of the Reinhold brothers had quite the reputations with horses. Except Carl, the oldest son of Emanuel and Hazel Reinhold, (my uncle) He told me that he lost his love for riding because in those early days there were no fences and when it was time to get the milch cows in...He would at times ride nearly to Elk Creek at times. That was six miles away... :) Carl, Uncle Dick, as I knew him was known to be quite a story teller. :) Earl (Tom) and my Dad (Tige) were probably the cowboys. To make a good horse...you rode. "Wet saddle blankets make good horses," Dad would say.

THE THRESHING CREW

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Who remembers the "Threshing Crew"? Or how about playing in the remnants of the giant straw piles?

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I was able to observe the threshing machines at work and the people that operated them. I was very young when the last threshing machine was replaced by the combines in the early 1960's. Dad told about working with the neighbors and in particular, stories of working with the John Keffeler family during Harvest. He told of shoveling grain to the back of the barn for the Henrick's family. He didn't care for the shoveling there as much as he enjoyed the screened in porch after a day's work and the men ate on that porch and the breezes blew through... and very few flies. But his favorite story of threshing was how he got his team and wagon when he was quite young. He was always a big guy and he liked his horses. So to have a team was nearly the top of the ladder. He would hurry out into the field and pitch the bundles on and then hurry and get his wagon in line. He would have a short breather before he pulled his team up and then he would pitch his bundles of wheat or oats into the never satisfied and ravaging jaws of the McCormick Threshing Machine.

Threshing was a team effort. It took a lot of labor and working together to get the job done. I really like the photos along with this post. I believe the young lady with the draft horse is Mabel Keffeler McPherson and the young man with the tractor and truck is Maurice Keffeler. And look at the size of the straw pile You didn't dare climb on it until it settled. But when it did... They were great places to play. The last one on the place remained a remnant of the giant it once was into the mid 80's. And yes... whether you were threshing or just playing... the straw and chaff sure had a way of making you itch all over.


FRIEND

Photo by Robin Lee Reinhold

The sound of distant chimes is probably the best way to describe the melody that is played. When the ice starts going out on a river, the song may be loud and boisterous. Certainly many describe it as a roar; however, when around a pond or lake, there is a different song. Each morning there may be a new sheet of ice that reappeared when the night time lows fall below freezing and the daytime highs are attempting to vanquish the frozen, rock hard reminder of winter. I prefer the soft jingle, or perhaps one may say it is the “aquaorchestra” that is playing for the morning sun in the gentle breeze.

Oh, I am not claiming to have listened to this music for a lifetime, but I do remember when I started to lend an ear. I remember the spring well. And my friend helped me realize the beauty and freshness of the song. As we walked the shoreline, I must say that his fervor for life was helping me to overcome the enduring and nagging pain of death.

His senses and exuberance for the song and setting amused me. I walked much slower than he; nevertheless, the melody awakened my spirit and the melancholy was replaced by an attitude of appreciation.

My reaction to the hushed rippling of the waves, with the exception of the ice song, never did come to the same level as his. My friend would literally chase the waves, racing the foam and the ice, seemingly desiring more than just the relaxing music. I laughed inside at first and then aloud, as he would nip at the next incoming wave, catching it in satisfaction and not being the least bothered that his face was all wet.

Shep was an amazing friend. Oh, did I not mention that my friend was a dog?

My mistake…

Shep was a beautiful English Collie. He was an adult when we acquired him, but we did give him a name that was preferred by us.

Shep. Sort of an ordinary name for a dog, I realize. The name is not as common now as it once was. But for me at the time, it was the perfect name. We had another dog named Shep when I was a young boy. He was a Norwegian Elkhound (mostly). He was brown in color with the characteristic curly tail. I shared him with my brothers, Lyle and Lee. Oh, I suppose Dad and Mom enjoyed him as well and perhaps my sister did, too. But, I always figured he was sort of “us boys'” dog.

So this English Collie received the name Shep as well. But in those days of walking the water’s edge, it was sort of him and me. I know Lana liked him, but she was still in school, and I am sure my brothers would have liked him…
But Lyle and Lee were not available to walk that shoreline with me in those days.

Lyle and Lee had finished their walk on earth. And it was here at this body of water that they stepped into glory with Jesus, just a few years earlier.

I cannot say that I was pondering that moment of death while I was listening to the song of the ice crystals. I do know that my life on this earth has never been the same. I also know the value of someone to walk with in the days following life altering events. I also know that it takes someone special to help one to hear the music as life goes on.

I am so grateful for Someone else that has walked with me continually through this life. Jesus has never let me down and I know that He has helped me be aware of His presence in each day and the hope of each new tomorrow.

My friend Shep continued to encourage not only me, but other family members as well. One day, a magazine salesman came to the ranch. He was the kind that would not take no for an answer. As he finally left in a certain amount of carelessness, his vehicle hit my friend. The salesperson never even stopped. Perhaps he did it out of innocence. I talked to my friend and assessed his situation…His leg and foot were crushed. It was not good. That would be my friend’s last day.

My heart was broken and I was angry. I never saw the salesperson again, which was probably for the best.

Over the last days of spring thaw, I have been hearing the song that Shep and I so enjoyed, and I have been reminded of my Friend Who has always been with me when others slip away into eternity. Perhaps the melody of the ice crystals would blend well with the old hymn…

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

The Hymn "What a Friend" written by Joseph Scriven.

GRANDPA BANGERT AND HIS PATROL

Working the winter of 1949

Working the winter of 1949


My mother, Voreta (Vicky Bangert Reinhold) was raised in Bon Homme County, South Dakota in the small town of Avon.

***
Her Dad, Walter Bangert, (in the photos).... had been a farmer, worked a service station and spent most of his career operating a patrol in this southeastern corner of South Dakota. As I hear the stories of weather and flooding across our region, I think of Grandpa Bangert. Stories, he would tell, of the winter of 49 and emergencies that he would be called out on play over in my mind.

***
One story that he enjoyed telling is when he and another county employee went down along the Missouri River bottoms and were asked to drain flooded areas. They went out in a boat with a load of dynamite and a potato planter. As they paddled their way across flood waters, they calculated where a trench was needed. They would take the potato planter and plunge it into the water and mud and then proceed to drop a stick of dynamite in the hole. They did this in a long line and then would go to the beginning where they would detonate the first of the line and in rapid fire succession the exploding dynamite would lay back a wall of water and mud thus forming a trench to drain the backed up water. Grandpa, well into his nineties, would conclude his story with a smirk and comment, "That was fun!"


GOD'S WORD IN MY LIFE

I am so thankful that God's Word is not only a part of my life and heritage... God's Word has molded my life and heritage. That is my dad, Tige Reinhold, standing in the middle of the front row. This Bible Instruction Class was extremely important in the Reinhold family. Dad would tell of when he was young, attending services at the one room school house conducted by traveling "circuit rider" preachers. The American Sunday School Union conducted many of the services. My mother, Vicky, was also brought up in a home that read the Bible and adhered to biblical principle. I will share her story another time.

***
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You! 
Psalm 119:9-11

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All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, II Timothy 2:16

***
When I was a child, my parents gave me a Bible with the following verse written in the front cover....
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

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"HOW IMPORTANT IS GOD'S WORD IN YOUR HOME?"
"IS IT VITAL TO THE WELLBEING OF YOUR FAMILY?"

'MAMA COW"

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We have a cow. A Hereford 
With horns that wrap around
A big framed, well weathered mama. 
That I claimed a friend in the corral.

She lost her number 
And we didn’t know
How old or who she was
So during this here story
I named her “Mama cow”.

A couple years ago, she calved
And had a nice little bull! 
But his legs never worked right 
and he was lame 
right from the get go.

So I started milking Mama Cow
in the chute there by the barn. 
Bottle feeding the calf... Morning, noon and sunset
For weeks it seemed I tried.

She got to know me pretty good. 
And Mama cow and I,
We had an understanding. 
And she liked me I think in time.

She got to where I didn’t need the chute
I just found her in the corral. 
She’d let me milk her and just stand there.
And she rarely did ever make me spill!

She knew that I was trying
To help her little calf
But he wasn’t getting better 
And he died even though I tried my best.

I didn’t want to quit my old friend 
So I kept her milking then 
Hoping maybe we’d get a calf 
and then maybe we could graft!

The years went by and more calves she raised.
She did a dandy job. 
And she never quite forgot me. 
As I scratched her favorite place 

The corral, the pasture. It really didn’t matter.
She was always waiting. 
But she’s definitely getting older and I can see it in her eye. 
The Dakota prairie has taken its toll. 
And this winter has sure been long.

Well this fall she came up Open.
And I was sad to see.
I didn’t want to sell her! 
My old friend. It couldn’t be. 

Then Dad said. “Keep her.” 
He knew and Understood.
“We’ll let her live out her days on the ranch” he said. 
She’s earned it for sure.

So I kept her in this winter. 
Fed her a little special. 
She’s getting grain and scratching . 
And a nice warm place to lay!

Well this morning I was finishing up feeding.
And found her laying there. 
She’d gotten pretty sick last night. 
Now stretched out and having hard time breathing. 

We sat her up as best we could. 
And I had tears on my face.
So I kneeled and scratched her favorite place.
And hoped that maybe she’d pull though.

I think I know she won’t though. 
Tonight is looking not nice at all
The temperatures is dropping and calling for ...45 below. 

So I think we’ll have to go out and do the hardest thing.
Nothing lives forever. 
And ranchers hearts do break. 

She’s special.
Mama cow. 
God gave her to us to provide
But the lump in my throat won’t leave. 
Yes. I know... “she’s just a cow”

The hardest thing about ranching.
It’s not the daily battles.
It’s not - not being rich with money 
And it’s sure enough not the cold.

It’s the animals we care for
The ones we call our own
The livestock that surrounds us
That God gave us - on the hills to roam.

For as with everything in life.
There is death as well.
And our responsibility comes hard sometimes.
But character demands this call.

So I’ll say Goodbye to “my” old cow.
She lived a happy life. 
She brought me joy and smiles.
And I’m thankful for this time.

And one thing I most definitely know.
I’d want to live no other way. 
And Thank You, God for the lessons...
I learned from “Mama Cow”.

©️ -Rachel Reinhold - Lonetree Ranch
March 2, 2019

A GOOD ONE FROM RACHEL - FEBRUARY 5, 2018

So this morning while I was out feeding the cows I had rolled out a bale and had gone back to get a second when the cows all made a charge for the gate. I was in the process of rolling out their hay, but they thought it looked much better on the other side. I kept rolling out hay because I knew that Belle (our dog) would see them and "tell them to go back to where they belonged” 😉
And seconds after, Belle showed up and sure enough the cows took off running back to where I was in the tractor. 

Just like people I thought. God is here trying to take care of us and feed us and we run out the open gate thinking we know best! We charge ahead into the wide open world where we are met by the “dogs". Where we realize that things aren’t always as great as they seem out in the world. Oh sure it looks nice! But it’s not really all that great! So we run back scared and crying.. “God, where were You??!” “Why didn’t You come save me???!!” “God, it’s scary out there!”

And God welcomes us with His open, loving arms and kindly reminds us that He never left. 
Yes, We are the ones that insist on running away. Maybe one of these days we will learn. And just maybe we will decide to rest in the promise of God’s unfailing love and care. 😉 Just maybe…We will be content with what He has for us instead of running out the gate looking for greener hay...

STOCK SHOW PRESENTATION 2019


Each year at the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo the Lonetree Ranchhonors a "Hereford Family" with this print called Buckshot by artist Bob York. This year the Reinhold family presented this in honor of Tige Reinhold to the Peterson Family of Kadoka, South Dakota. Thank you Lynn Weishaarand Levi Landers for your assistance in the presentation. Thanks also to Jill Hotchkiss of Hereford America.

Lonetree Ranch
14666 Lonetree Road
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785

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