The sun has set on another day here at the ranch. I am looking across Reinhold Lake toward the peak. Above is a near cloudless sky and a moon that is working its way to being a full moon. The old timer would refer to it as the “Hunter’s Moon”. We have enjoyed a beautiful fall season. Harvest is under way in many areas and shipping calves is a daily occurrence across the northern plains and mountains. Honestly, the change of seasons that we experience has never been a problem for me. The extreme diversity that comes in this region proves often to be quite the experience. However, I am not as quite as ready for winter this year, due to the fact that our spring and summer season proved to be quite challenging. In other words, I will miss the growing season.
I have not written for some time, due to some of those challenges that proved to be very time consuming. Let me explain. Last spring we began a major remodel of the dining room at RBR. We looked to be on target until one of the suppliers of material right out lied on delivery date. My crew worked very hard to overcome the delay. Many late nights and long days were put in. We were not able to utilize the dining room until after camp was over. We were able to complete the project in September and it looks amazing. We are grateful.
Then on Mother’s Day, due to some much needed rain after a long dry spell, the north wall of our house’s basement caved in. Our nearly hundred year old home finally succumbed to the pressure of the heavy gumbo soil that we live in. Our basement needed help and we hoped to undertake that as a project in the future, but the future project became a now project. We proceeded to lift the house, dig out the old basement, construct a new basement, put the house back upon its new foundation and then proceeded with a complete renovation of the house. My grandparents built this house in the 1920’s. My dad grew up in this house… my parents raised my siblings and me in this house, and Robin and I have lived in this house since we were married and have raised our family in this home. Needless to say, much of our time was taken in this project as well.
Oh, and then don’t forget camp! We had another most blessed season with around four hundred kids in attendance. Our staff needs were nearly filled, but we could have used another person or two. Everyone had to work really hard to accomplish all that needed to be done. A blessing however, is that even though we were somewhat shorthanded, the staff that we had proved to be outstanding. They were truly amazing in all their effort. The Lord blessed us with a very fruitful summer, as many lives were impacted for the present and for eternity.
Our theme was “TRUTH”. Oh my, the message was and is so timely. Society is whirling out of control in the evil that satan revels in. We should not be surprised as it certainly seems that we are in the end times. The urgency and need is so obvious. At this thought, I must say, “Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. You are the ‘twelfth man’ as they would say on the football field.”
I would never discount the presence of God and the working of the Holy Spirit in all the activity and the people that are part of the RBR family. We are most blessed as we go about doing “Our Father’s business”.
Oh, and did I mention that we also had a wedding a couple of weeks ago here at the ranch? Yes, Rachel our daughter became engaged to Seth Sperling from SE South Dakota. They were married on the ranch with many friends in attendance. Yes, that took some of our time as well, but we are filled with joy as they start this new chapter in their book. Seth and Rachel will work with us as there is quite a need.
In closing, I do apologize for not keeping in touch better. I do want to thank you for your ongoing faithfulness and ask that we proceed together for the kingdom. Keep in mind our Annual Pie Auction to be held on November 17.