Pretty nice... Kiersten and Apache
CALEB AND JOEY
Caleb and Joey doing a job for me.
NATIONAL AG DAY
MARCH 23, 2021
NATIONAL AG DAY
I thought of posting some of Robin's beautiful photos from life on the Lonetree. You know... pics of agriculture. Like wheat fields and haying at sunset, branding calves in the spring and shipping in the fall, rescuing calves in the worst of blizzards and checking water during a drought. Agriculture on the Lonetree, across Meade County, from one side of our beloved South Dakota to the other. Pretty impressive. And I have not even touched on the the amazing aspect of processing and distribution of our food and fiber across America and around the world.
AGRICULTURE... Started way back at the dawn of Creation.
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But I think the best ways to depict National Ag Day are the people of agriculture. And yes, I count it a privilege to work with some of those fine people every day. AG DAY is every day with our family. And I can think of countless other families that are part of the this great industry every day as well.
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National Ag Day... a day that each and everyone of should celebrate. We are certainly blessed.
Bulls and Family
My Dad enjoyed good Hereford cattle and good horses. He loved his family dearly and he was a man of God. Perhaps that explains why we have enjoyed fellowship with the Feddes Family of Manhattan, Montana so much. My Dad, Marvin (Tige) and Marvin Feddes were of kindred spirit. We bought bulls from the Feddes family for years. Marv and Nell would stop in from time to time and Dad enjoyed his trips to their ranch in western Montana. Sweet fellowship ...
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Today on the Lonetree Ranch an event of life happened. "Death". Yes one of old herd bulls died. But this wasn't just any old bull. This was the last bull that my dad had a part in making the decision to purchase from the Feddes family. Sort of an end to a chapter... but not really. You see Tige and Marv trusted Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Because of that decision, They are enjoying eternity in the presence of Jesus. Some may think they are there talking of cattle and days on the ranch. I don't think so much. Heaven is too grand and they left the ranching business in the capable hands of the next generation. There is no doubt in my mind that decisions they made and the life they lived have left an amazing legacy.
May Our Actions...
Over the last weeks, these images have often come to my mind.
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Our leadership... Presently... incoming... In Congress... throughout the halls of bureaucracy is right close to pitiful. The dishonesty has become overwhelming... the seizing of power for personal gain is rampant. And the ungodliness is as a cancer across all of society. The possibility of the least amount of danger has only magnified the cowardice of those that should rise up as leaders. The mention of God's name is most often in vain or at least just part of empty rhetoric. The "victim" card has been played way to often. The role of Man and Woman as God designed has been so influenced by Satan.
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May we lead in valor. May our example be full of integrity. May we humble ourselves before God and seek His Face. May we pray in earnest. May our actions be honorable.
Happy Birthday 2021
Happy Birthday to my dear wife, Robin. You provide sparkle to the day. You are a great partner, a wonderful mom to our children and a true friend to so many. Thank you... I love you. LBR
AVALANCE DRAW
There is hardly any snow on the ranch this Christmas or over the entire region for that matter. However, on Christmas Day we found some in what I refer to as Avalanche Draw. One day during a very tough winter, I was riding in the breaks to the south looking for a small herd of horses. We had seen some on top of the ridge. I set out bring them in. The last 150 yards became nearly impossible to ride as the snow had drifted so deep. I dismounted my horse and together we broke a trail through the hard packed snow. In the quietness other than our labored breathing and the breaking of crusty snow, I hear a rumble. I thought that was strange and I even entertained the thought of, "Oh great... probably an avalanche or something." "But not on the plains of western South Dakota...."
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I topped the small ridge just before the top of the breaks where the horses were and I looked to my left....and sure enough the snow had avalanched down the draw. My thoughts were simply.... "Wow... that is really cool". My horse and I made it to the top and with some persistence and persuasion, I was able to get the horses to follow the path that we had broken through the deep snow. The sky was blue and bright that day... the air was crisp and cold... and my memories of that experience are just as vivid as the day that Avalanche Draw got its name.
Merry Christmas from Robin and I on the Lonetree Ranch
AND THAT'S THE WAY IT IS
A familiar scene as I was growing up and even in my high school years. Walter Cronkite giving the daily update of the conflict in Viet Nam. And why not? In 1969 more than 500,000 Americans were stationed there. I knew some of them... I was related to some of them. And the way it looked... there seemed to be no end. I wondered if I would end up there. Or my brothers? The United States pulled out in 1973. By 1975, South Vietnam fell. Over 58,000 members of U.S. armed forces had died or were missing as a result of the war. I never did have to go. I was still in High School... not quite that age of 18 when one was presumed old enough to fight and kill. For some reason though, I have always felt a special sense of gratitude in my heart to those that did serve. It was a tough war... and yes they all are, but Vietnam was different because America was different. The support was not there. And it has been that way for many that served for decades. Tonight, as we approach Christmas 2020, I want to say thank you to those who served in Vietnam and the surrounding area. Your time of service left an indelible mark upon my life. One that has never left me. I will never forget the words of Walter Cronkite that came so regular each day for so many years... #___ died today in Vietnam and #___ were wounded... And his closing words to every broadcast... "And that's the way it is..." have never left me.
Larry B. Reinhold
NO, I AM NOT SLEEPING...
No I am not sleeping...
However I am sure contemplating... I have been dealing with some things that seem "sort of big" in my life. But, in the last few days I have been following and praying for a family that are now new found friends. They in the midst of making "life and death" decisions within their family. And then just hours ago, we were called upon to pray for another dear friend who had been involved in a very serious life threatening incident. Last night at Bible Study, I told the kids that my biggest challenge right now was "waiting patiently upon the Lord". My situations seem so small to the dire situations of others. As we finished praying and pondering the ordeals of life that were being played out... our little orange kitten "Possum" stepped down confidently from the cabinet to my arm and then he peacefully went to sleep. Isaiah 40:31... a favorite verse of mine says, "They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles... they shall run and not be weary... they shall walk and not faint." My kitten was demonstrating something that I need to do in a sense...
Please pray for our friends.
Thanks Rachel for the pic.
AN EXPLOSION OF CATTAILS
Robin and I were out on of our trails and we witnessed the explosion of Typha latifolia. No wind to speak of... no warning... Yes, ladies and gentlemen there were cattail seeds everywhere. It was really pretty cool. And now you know how they spread prolifically.
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By the way... anyone ever notice that patch of cattails just west of of the turnoff to the summit of Terry Peak. You are going to Cheyenne Crossing and you see these cattails... How do they do so well up here?
A Good Day Hunting
The family enjoyed a good day of hunting... however it is not just deer season. Cottontail and sharptails were part of the fare as well today. They do well on the Great Plains of western South Dakota. By the way, after all the game was processed, it went to the freezer to held for our Annual Game Feed in March. Mark this great event on your calendar.
THANKSGIVING WITH THE FAMILY 2020
"Count your many blessing.
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings
See what God has done."
Oh the joy of family along with good food and wonderful fellowship. Robin... The turkey was beautiful as well as moist and tasty.
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
"Let us count our blessings... Let us name them one by one...
Photo - My Grandma Nora Hughes Bangert. The Irish lass who came to America during World War I to never return to her native land.
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When one asks a member of the Reinhold family, "What is your favorite holiday celebration?" Most if not all will answer, "Thanksgiving". For this celebration we find ourselves not just enjoying the good food and fellowship of the day, but we also find ourselves indulged in the memories and blessings that have been bestowed upon us.
First by God Almighty... Our Sustainer, Our provider. To Jesus Christ.... Our hope of salvation.
To the Holy Spirit... Our Comforter.
To Scripture... The Word of God is alive.
Our Family... "Our heritage is... Our legacy shall be". Our community of friends... We are so blessed.
Our Home... We so enjoy where we live.
My list could continue...
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From Scripture
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4
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"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:8-9
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"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8
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"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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Washington, D.C.
October 3, 1863
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
William H. Seward,
Secretary of State
FENCING CREW
The fencing crew... nearly have "The Lane" refenced. We sure enjoy this nice weather... With our schedule in the summer, not real easy to get everything done. We do have a pretty fun crew.
Happy Birthday Rachel
Happy Birthday Rachel
There is so much that we could say about our daughter, Rachel. She is an amazing young lady that plays an integral part in the ministry of Rainbow Bible Ranch, the operation of the Lonetree and being a caring member of the Reinhold Family. May you be blessed.
BUFORD AND DEER DRAW
Nearly every time we drive by this spot above Deer Draw near Castello Point... I think of two neighbor boys. They were probably high school age at the time. Steve Scott and Jerry Jorenson were up in the breaks deer hunting when we came up behind them from the east. Jerry's pickup, whom he had affectionately named Buford started sliding down the steep hill toward the deep draw. I will never forget how much fun Jerry and Steve were having as they "worried" about Buford. They joked and laughed and we laughed with them as we hooked onto Buford with our pickup and pulled it out of the precarious spot.
Steve and Jerry always ranked high in my books. They were good guys... they were fun and even though they were a little older than me... they were friendly "big brother " type. I remember playing baseball with Steve and his family in their big corral one day. I was learning how to hit a ball. Steve was playing catcher and once I accidentally threw my bat. It hit Steve... and he just picked up the bat and gave me good instruction and a pat on the back.
I was saddened twice when both these great young men met death at an early age. Steve died in a plane crash and Jerry died as he attempted to save a calf that had gone through the ice as it was attempting to drink at a stock dam.
May each one of us leave a smile on others and warm spot in the heart of friends and neighbors long after we are gone. Just as Steve and Jerry.
TWO HALVES...DO MAKE A WHOLE
Rockhounds and explorers will get this... Sunday afternoon was a beautiful time to hunt rocks on the Lonetree Ranch. And I found that rock that had broken in half years ago and the other half was near by. That does not happen every day. No most will not get excited about this... but some of you will.
PRAY
From a friend in Washington state...
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Please pray for us Washington state citizens whose voices are drowned out by the liberal majority. We are in another shutdown that keeps getting more detailed... "No congregational singing" at least for the next 4 weeks even with masks, spacing, & a max of 25% building capacity allowed
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I could not help but think of Paul and Silas in the Book of Acts...Remember how they were thrown in jail for preaching the Gospel. They were locked up and that did not stop them from singing their hearts out... to he Lord. Their example and faithfulness was more than fruitful.
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Now before we hit the Pacific Northwest with our expressions of disbelief... remember how many congregations have closed their doors in the past right here in South Dakota. This is not about "tooting our own horns". We as Christ Followers have a responsibility to do God's calling.
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The restrictions in Washington seem nearly silly. Certainly bordering on repressing the freedom of worship. And before we say "we must be respectful of government", realize the gathering to worship in song and preaching is not for government rather it is to God. What if we responded as Paul and Silas... ? Need to read the story.
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"Give to God what is God's and to Caesar what is Caesar's." And a thought and a challenge... "Fill the place of worship... fill the jails"
Really!
Give the governing bodies that are placing such restraints a challenge to their thinking.
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Again my post is my privilege to share my thoughts. I will not tolerate unkind comments or the attempt to "hijack" my post. And yes we will continue to pray for our brothers and sisters across the country.
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A couple of other thoughts... A friend in New York State told me that there are more gun owners in his state than the votes received by their current radical governor. People need to vote. People need to take a stand. See what you get when you don't? Conservative Constitutionalists can only be counted when one takes a stand.
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And please remember those that have been impacted by the called for measures... depression, economic pains, suicide, loneliness...
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And have we forgotten all the other causes of illness, pain and death?
COMMISSION MADE THE RIGHT DECISION
Last Spring - Meade County Commission - Discussion on whether to close Court House due to Covid. One Commissioner spoke wisely by stating that if we close down due to one or two cases of Covid in the county... What will be the benchmark we will use to open up? When all cases are presumed to reach "below" that? The Meade County Commissioners voted to keep the Court House open for business to the general public. My understanding... one of very few to do so. Covid is a health issue for certain... Fear pandemic is a moral issue... We need to be open to the "bigger picture".
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I hesitate to state this due to responses that will range from unkind to schmoozing political officials. We are citizens of the great state of South Dakota and each one of us should act appropriately. And yes I have the privilege of removing comments that fail this standard in my opinion. I will not tolerate anyone "hijacking" this post.
