After a couple of days good work, our crew took some time for to listen to a good sermon and then we loaded up and went to the Peak (Castello Point) . It was a beautiful morning. We then went back to RBR and enjoyed a dinner of steak tips and Ranch Fried potatoes.
Such Good Friends
Along with the RBR family and crew, we have enjoyed and appreciated the work and fellowship of a great group of friends from the Huron, Hitchcock, Carpenter area of South Dakota. The are so capable and such good friends.
We painted the dining room and the girl's bathroom. We have also replaced nearly all the lighting in the main hall, dorm and the bathrooms. Thanks to some great young people that really know how to work.
Inspiration Point
Alkali is the name of our community. Perhaps it is misleading. I believe it is an amazing region as it stretches from the Black Hills to the confluence of Alkali Creek and The Belle Fourche River. There is very little "public lands" here. Just ranches that have been under the care of families for over a century. Good folks... with good hearts...
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This view would be destroyed by wind turbines and thoughtless development. I pray that it stays in a natural state under the careful stewardship of these family operations. A photographer that I had never met once told me, when discovering where we lived stated, "Oh I know where you live. The road that tops the ridge overlooking your ranch... Us photographers have called it Inspiration Point".
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The Reinhold family and the staff of Rainbow Bible Ranch look forward to sharing this setting with thousands of people this summer
A Little TLC
We have planted and transplanted hundreds of trees, flowers and vegetables this spring already. We are continually reminded of the need to transplant. We need to give the plant more room in good soil. Often they may need some TLC that includes pruning. They will need water and reasonable protection from the severe environment until they are better established. The same is true of our children that God has entrusted to us.
FEET UNDER THE TABLE
I attended the memorial service of a dear saint today, under the tall Ponderosa Pines at the Nemo Cemetery. Dick Seaman lived a long life and had an impact on many. Knowing that, I was taken by one statement that a former neighbor, who was 91 years of age said to me. He said Dick loved having company and in Dick's words, "You never really get to know someone until their feet are under your table."
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The "gift of hospitality" is nearly lost. And that is a sad situation. Considering the events of the last year along with the trend that has been taking place, we need to have people come into our home... share hospitality. I grew up with a family that was sincerely hospitable. And I agree with our old friend... "You never really get to know someone until their feet are under your table."
Underdog....
Yes... this pic is from a few years ago. And yes... I was in some pain and nearly exhausted. But it is a vivid memory. I was telling someone the other day how much we enjoy our Little Ranchers (6 & 7 year olds) at Rainbow Bible Ranch.
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"They have energy and they just love you" This pic is of me giving an "underdog" to some of those kids. I have sort of delegated that responsibility to staff that are younger than I am now. In this instance... I was the man to do the underdogs with bunches of little kids at the swing set.
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One more underdog... one more time around the arena... one more marshmallow over the camp fire... just another minute of one's time.... It is really quite easy to make a difference in the life of child of that age. Time... a little sweat... caring... a smile... As of now we have 54 kids signed up for Little Ranchers at RBR in June. What an opportunity!
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Oh yes, back to the "rest of the story" with this pic. It was nearly supper time and I was ready. I told the kids that they had nearly played me out. One little boy, that I really hit it off with, began to call out, "We wore Larry out... We wore Larry out!" He had the biggest smile on his face. It was anhonor to give my time in that way, especially as you are walking to the dining room and there are kids scrambling to grab your hand as they walk beside you.
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Oh yes, I remember who that little boy was that was so pleased with the accomplishment of the day. Many years later, he and his wife reside on ranch in Meade County, SD. They are raising a fine family and by the way he pastors a congregation the town of New Underwood, SD. Yes, Jake Julson, you have been a good friend for many years... For the Kingdom
One more...
Yes... this pic is from a few years ago. And yes... I was in some pain and nearly exhausted. But it is a vivid memory. I was telling someone the other day how much we enjoy our Little Ranchers (6 & 7 year olds) at Rainbow Bible Ranch.
***
"They have energy and they just love you" This pic is of me giving an "underdog" to some of those kids. I have sort of delegated that responsibility to staff that are younger than I am now. In this instance... I was the man to do the underdogs with bunches of little kids at the swing set.
***
One more underdog... one more time around the arena... one more marshmallow over the camp fire... just another minute of one's time.... It is really quite easy to make a difference in the life of child of that age. Time... a little sweat... caring... a smile... As of now we have 54 kids signed up for Little Ranchers at RBR in June. What an opportunity!
***
Oh yes, back to the "rest of the story" with this pic. It was nearly supper time and I was ready. I told the kids that they had nearly played me out. One little boy, that I really hit it off with, began to call out, "We wore Larry out... We wore Larry out!" He had the biggest smile on his face. It was an honor to give my time in that way, especially as you are walking to the dining room and there are kids scrambling to grab your hand as they walk beside you.
***
Oh yes, I remember who that little boy was that was so pleased with the accomplishment of the day. Many years later, he and his wife reside on ranch in Meade County, SD. They are raising a fine family and by the way he pastors a congregation the town of New Underwood, SD. Yes, Jake Julson, you have been a good friend for many years... For the Kingdom
Yes... The Tradition Continues
As we prepare for another summer of ministry at RBR, we cannot help but recall the servant heart and impact of Vicky Reinhold.
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My mom was and is great lady. She truly cared about her appearance and was classy in a Godly sense. A cancer survivor of more than twenty years, breast cancer did finally make a reappearance and Mom left this earth in 2004. I believe that my mother would say... "Balance in all things". Many "campaigns and agendas" become gimmicks and gimmicks tend to trivialize over time.
This is a photo of my Mother, Vicky Reinhold, taken with our son Caleb at the end of a long day in the kitchen at Rainbow Bible Ranch. A month later she was told that the cancer had returned.
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Grandma Vicky, as the kids called her, handled all the registrations in her day. She would be thrilled to see the list of all the kids that are planning to come to camp in 2021. And she would have lovingly served them the good food that countless folks have enjoyed at RBR. Yes... the tradition continues.
Pretty Cool
You know what is so cool.... and powerful… is how God supplies.
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A number of years ago, a young man from south central South Dakota designated one of his cows as a Rainbow Cow. Each year when her calf is sold a check is cut for that calf as a contribution to RBR. This young man is now married and the practice continues. Today, he sent me a pic of this RBR cow and calf.
Thanks Ty and Val
A POEM... From Matthew 5
Just thought I would share my thoughts on Matthew 5 in a bit of poetry :)
Keep the vanity of earthly trophy
And the accolades of mankind.
Kindle not the fire within me
That forges deceit in heart and mind.
Make no room for arrogance and pride;
Only mournful for my sinful state.
For in repentance and redemption,
Burden and anxiety need not be my fate.
As I walk in life’s daily journey
And with each challenge that I face;
I wonder how the “meek” survive
How they ever will complete the race.
Ah yes, it is not my strength that I depend.
It is not power that is coupled with self-pride.
For humility is not weak and powerless,
But rather strength by God tested, true and tried.
Oh Lord, may your Word always be my course.
And may Your virtue forever be my desire.
And may I show mercy to the merciless.
And in gratitude I will stay true under fire.
Today, I pray to be pure in heart
Even though I may be covered in grime.
May I share with others your insurmountable peace,
The peace that stands far above the test of time.
Thank you Lord for being my Father.
I enjoy your presence in the passing of each day.
And even the midst discouragement and trial
You provide hope and strength along the way.
Larry B. Reinhold April 4, 2021
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The Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount as Spoken by Jesus Christ and recorded in Matthew chapter 5
South Dakota Magazine - December 2020
A great gift idea... South Dakota Magazine does such a fine job for our state. South Dakota Magazine
And yes ... I read much faster when there are nice pictures.
PRE-DAWN SKY IS FANTASTIC
The pre-dawn sky is fantastic this morning. The crescent moon above the eastern horizon, Mars, Venus along with the constellations such as Ursa Major and Orion, are all so vivid in the crisp night air. I was reminded of the creation account in the Old Testament book of Genesis. God made the greater light for the day and the lesser lights for the darkness.
What a sermon! Everywhere I looked in the heavens above, I saw countless “lesser lights”. Planets, the moon, hundreds to thousands of stars that my eyes could pick out. All set in the background of darkness. As I walked cautiously the path from our house to the office at Rainbow, I was taken by the darkness, but I could not help but praise God aloud for the lights above. God continued to speak to my heart. Our society seems quite dark to many of us during this present time. However, even though the lights above were million of miles away, they were impossible for me to count and they were impossible to ignore. I am reminded of Elijah the prophet when he was in the wilderness and felt so very alone. God reminded him that he was not the only one left representing righteousness.
Let us who are followers of God continue to shine so brightly! Though seemingly small, we cannot be ignored due to stark contrast of light in the darkness. May we also be comforted and confident that the sunrise is just hours away.
These past months have presented unique challenges and have encouraged seeking unique opportunities. Your prayers and support are huge in the ministry of RBR. Some may consider your roll as behind the scenes. However, let me assure you prayer and encouragement are pieces in the frontline of the endeavor. Please continue being actively involved in this fashion. I will let you in on a prayer request that I have been praying since the beginning of the year. I have shared it with my family and some of our Legacy Study group. I have been praying for a gift or several to equal $500,000.00. That may sound crazy to some, but I believe we must proceed in outreach and doing it well.
As I close this letter, I just received a message from a dear friend that he is in the hospital with Covid. Let us hold fast to the assurance that God cares. “And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season… we shall reap if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
RBR PIE AUCTION FUNDRAISER. .. "A REAL BLESSING"
We auctioned off around 110 pies… yes “wonderful and beautiful and delicious” pie. Yes I enjoy homemade pie.
