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

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

WINTER HAS ME ASKING

For nearly six decades I have pondered
When the shadows cast nearly north.
And the sun catches the distant horizon
And the days of winter now set forth.

The winter solstice has me asking
What is it about the enduring night?
That sets in at the end of each day
When the darkness outlasts the light.

The "North Country" is where I call home.
Often, sunup to sundown happens to be my clock.
It is no use to fret that the day is done.
Makes little difference on the path I walk.

So, I will take each moment in stride.
Perhaps the seasons say it best.
The days of summer I work long and hard.
The days of winter it is time to ponder and rest.

I am reminded a lesson to adhere.
To everything there is a reason,
As the Scripture of old clearly states
To the passage of day and of each season.

Larry B. Reinhold
December 21, 2021

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.

LBR Journal - "Hundred Mile Circle"

A friend reminded us that today is the 129 year remembrance of the Wounded Knee Massacre...Below are some thoughts I have...

Our family talks of our "hundred mile circle". For instance all the interesting and amazing events to be a part of, sites to visit, happenings that are so close to home. It is pretty neat. And then one realizes the "hundred mile circle includes tragedies and events such as Wounded Knee or the Rapid City Flood. We do not have to go far to be forced to ponder a "bigger picture". We live in an area that demonstrates the goodness of mankind and the evil of mankind. Our prayer should be continual... That our hearts and minds be guided by Jesus Christ. May we be a light in a darkened world. LBR

ANOTHER DAY (POETRY BY LARRY)

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I WAS BLESSED

I was blessed today... Went to town with Rachel, Julia and Kiersten to some final shopping. The younger sisters needed some time to shop for family members... And yes we had fun. Rachel bought us an "Egg nog Latte" at Black Hills Blend. Very good! Then we cut a radio ad over with John Derrek at 88.3 KLMP Words for Life. It was such a blessing to have him pray with us before we left. Stopped in Simpson's Printing to visit and see the progress on the 2019 RBR calendar. Looking mighty fun. We always enjoy our visits with Dan and Kathy and Jon Simpson. They have been such a blessing to RBR for so many years. And we certainly enjoyed our visit with our neighbor Ralph. It was so nice to see his health improve. So inspiring to see his wife, Betty by his side through the whole process. It was really special to see the nearly overwhelming joy expressed by Ralph as his daughter, Donna, came walking in as well, as she had just got into town. The support of family... certainly special. Thanks Ralph for the visit and I agree with Rachel... nice blanket. And Travis... Keep cheering for those Broncos.

BOO... ONE OF MY FAVORITE KITTIES

A nice selection of "kiddie" books... or are they "Kitty" books.

Boo enjoys his place in the window.

THANK YOU ROBIN LEE

Last evening we watched "A Mom for Christmas" (1990 starring Olivia Newton John). I could not help but eye Robin with a little girl on her lap and agree to the importance of that. I also noticed that Robin's eyes closed once in awhile during the film. She has a right to be tired. Our next few days will be extremely busy. Surely not quite as we planned. But being in the ministry sets one up for outreach to the hurting. And we desire to faithful to the calling. I am certain that Robin is somewhat overwhelmed.."she told me so". And I can relate to an extent. But one thing for certain, "I am so thankful that my kids have a Mom for Christmas and year around that pours herself out for them." Thank you Robin Lee.