"Signature"

We talk about "signature" as a family. "Not just about being different for the sake of" but rather realizing that we can be unique and that it is OK to stand out... whether a hobby perfected, a talent pursued, an ability such as cooking or baking, a fine herd of cattle or other livestock. Variety has merit.. even if for no other reason than to beat the doldrums of falling into a rut of mediocrity. I believe many would be surprised by how they may have slipped into a sense of complacency without being aware of it, because they are doing what is "expected" of them.

Hereford Heritage

Warm Water on Cold Day

Danny Reinhold turned on the water in the tank near the calving shed and chicken coop. Nearly -40 chill factor... put a thermometer in it and this is the water that comes out of the Reinhold #2 well. Good water, too. Most of our tanks are set to handle the amount of livestock that use them, thus we let this warm water run in with an overflow to a drainage area where it is beneficial. At the well head the. water is 76 degrees... from 2800' down.

Caleb and Joaquin

The "Bull Trains" of the freight trails to the Black Hills may be long gone, However the heart and soul of those that works and train livestock lives on. Caleb and Joaquin were out on a cold afternoon "doing a little pulling". This Hereford steer is really just plain cute. He needs a little coaxing to head cross country but the trip back to the barn makes up for any lost time.

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The last photo in this post shows the bull trains on Main Street in Sturgis, Dakota. The Fort Pierre/Deadwood freight trail followed the top of the breaks just a mile and half south of here in the winter times.

Ice Skating on Reinhold Lake

Robin, Caleb, Julia, Kiersten and several of the ranch dogs went skating on Reinhold Lake this afternoon. The sun was shining ... the wind was not blowing... a little cool... and in places the ice was a little rough. Not bad for one of the larger ice rinks around. The boys had talked of making a one of a kind Zamboni... more than likely John Deere powered.

NEW YEARS DAY - FEEDING COWS WITH CALEB

A PICTORIAL BY ROBIN REINHOLD

REMEMBERING MR. PORTER

It was a surprise to me when I was a senior at Brown High School in Sturgis that I experienced the leading of the Lord to attend a Bible College in central Montana. I had not ever visited there and was unaware of any acquaintances that attended as well. However, a gentleman that I met from Billings, suggested that at least one year of Bible School would be a good move. He suggested Montana Institute of the Bible. It made sense to me because I could never picture myself in Omaha or Chicago or any big city for that matter. MIB was located in country that was more my style and it was sixteen miles from town to boot.

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It proved to be a wonderful and rewarding experience. I had some great professors and some roommates and friends that remain dear friends to this day. One of the instructors was to my intrigue and delight, a rancher as well. He told of his "Thousand Hills Ranch" at Decker, MT north of the Bighorns and Sheridan, WY. I had him for a class as we studied the book of Romans. Mr. Porter was an educated individual spending much of his life teaching and encouraging children and young adults. Oh yes... however in that class on the New Testament book of Romans... I recognized the man that was also a rancher... a livestock man.. a man that had spent countless hours on the range. And I loved it. His terminology was not the product of a Masters Degree, but rather a life lived. I was really impressed that he knew cattle and sheep... he knew what gumbo was and how difficult it could be. (Gumbo in this case is heavy clay soil like we have... ) Later, I had a class with him as he taught History of the Northwest. We learned of the first Sunday school in Jackson Hole led by mountain man, Jedidiah Smith. We learned of the early circuit riding preacher Marcus Whitman and his wife Narcissa and the impact they had upon the some of the northern tribes and the mountain men and fur trappers and traders. What was so cool about this class... I loved and still do enjoy the history of this region and the American West. We went on a field trap to some of the early day battle fields in Montana and Wyoming. Of course those trips were not just as tourists, however. He set me up to preach at a little church in the beautiful town of Story, WY. I also was able to speak at the Decker Bible Church because of Mr. Porter.

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You see... God was using Mr. Porter to continue to bring out in me that presence in front of people, which little did I know then how much of my life that would be. In my sophomore year at MIB, he asked me to be the Christian Service Director which allowed for me to conduct occasional chapel services in front of the entire student body as well as faculty and administration. Add to that emcee privileges at the Christmas banquet... Oh... the time frame on this... Less than a year ahead, I along with my family would be starting a ministry called Rainbow Bible Ranch after the death of my two brothers.

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God used a teacher that loved ranching to encourage me... a rancher to realize the ministry opportunity on the ranch.

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My dear friend, Mr. Porter went to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ this past week. What was he doing? He died in an accident at the age of 94 checking water for the cows on his beloved ranch. His daughter Amy who also worked with us a team leader one summer at RBR and son Bruce continue on as their dear mother passed a few years back.

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I am sure I could come up with more fond memories as well. I am honored as the Porter family has asked that memorial gifts go to Rainbow Bible Ranch along with another ministry that is near and dear to my heart, Steer, Inc.. Another ministry that is listed is a church at Belgrade under the leadership of some former MIB Students that would certainly convey a message of appreciation to Mr. Porter.

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Hayden Porter... A Life Well Lived.

I am a life that was blessed.

LBR

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBIN 2023

I often pray "Lord, be with my Robin". And then I correct myself and pray, "Lord, be with 'Our' Robin".

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Why? Because Robin is truly a gift from God to me. Happy Birthday dear Robin Lee. There are many songs that have lyrics that would speak somewhat of our relationship and to who you are as a Godly Woman... but the truth is... "They all fall short".

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You are amazing.. May you be blessed abundantly on the anniversary of your birth and in all your days ahead.

I sure do love you!

Larry

CHRISTMAS IN MONOCHROME 2023

WHEN THE SUN SETS IN THE SOUTH

I really don't mind the longer evenings and the extended hours of darkness before twilight. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the Morning Star (Venus) travers the sky in the predawn hours allowing for thoughtful meditation and prayer. Here is a little poem I penned a couple of years ago... and of course Robin took the perfect photo.

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When the sun sets in the south,
Or nearly there it seems...
And the clock is striking four,
And you catch the last of the sunbeams.

Reminds us of the passing of time
And the brevity certainly... there of.
As the sun sets into the dark of winter,
Never forget... the wonder of God's love.

LBR

EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ....

Even though it was our anniversary... we stayed pretty busy building corrals and preparing for the Birthday in the Barn Celebration. There were still some pretty special moments on the ranch, however. Our family made us a wonderful meal of sirloin, sweet potatoes, green beans with bacon, garlic toast and for dessert... Homemade Strawberry Pie and Homemade Pear Custard Pie. A small slice each please. And then Kiersten presented me with a special gift... a hand crafted mohair cinch custom designed and "warped" by her. Very special indeed.

MY DAKOTA RAINBOW

December 7, 1941 ... A Date Which Will Live in Infamy

50 years later....

December 7,1991... A Date Which Will Live in Esteem & Goodness.

On this date, My Dear Robin and I were married. To God, I am ever grateful.

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Oh yes, our wedding had a theme.

"Dakota Rainbow... A Friend of Promise"

Dakota in the native tongue meaning friend or ally and Rainbow... Significant of God's continued promises.

We even wrote a song and sang before the audience to one another. I can still remember "most" of the words.

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I thought in honor of this day and in honor of our journey together... . Honestly, I wanted to share so many memories from over the years... However, I chose to remember that special day 32 years ago.

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Robin Lee, I love you and I am so glad that you are my "Dakota Rainbow"...

WON'T QUIT NOW...

The other night Robin and I were talking deeply and thoughtfully about our family. Our children are no longer kids... and our family is expanding. We talked of joys and challenges. Oh we have been more than blessed as our four daughters and two sons have been an amazing part of our lives. I shared with Robin my desire and heart's conviction to pray "even more" for each one along with the expanded family.

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This conversation took place two days ago and here I am sitting in my chair in the early morning hours still pondering that conversation. Pondering and praying... Certainly, I prayed for our next generation that Robin and I have been blessed with, however now perhaps with more of a desire of sincerity and perhaps urgency. Two or three things are upon my heart...

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One.... The verse in the book of James that speaks of the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much". God working in my family starts with me as an individual. I cry out, "Oh, God let me be that man". A man after God's heart...

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Two... God laid on my heart the following principle... "It may be hard for one to shine when they stand in the shadow of another". May my presence and goals never stand in the way of what God has planned for those that follow after me. I know too many parents that are chasing dreams and earthly goals and in so doing, they have forsaken leading and teaching the ones that are flesh and blood. When one invests into his or her child's heart they are truly laying up treasures in heaven and not the temporary of this fleeting world.

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Three... I must never forget the principle found in Philippians 1:3-6 (personalized for myself and my family)

"I thank my God every time I remember you (each of my children). In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your PARTNERSHIP in the gospel from the first day until now, being CONFIDENT OF THIS, THAT HE WHO BEGAN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL CARRY IT ON TO COMPLETION UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST.

LBR December 4, 2034

Lonetree Ranch
14666 Lonetree Road
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785

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