One for the books (our books that is)......

Last night we headed out for JDC with our car.....bad idea. We went through some water on the road but it really wasn't too much to worry about. HOWEVER, when we came home in the dark --- the "little bit of water" had turned into what you see on the picture (which we took this morning). Well, seeing as how we had the car -- we didn't dare go bounding through the water - not knowing if there was a deep washout hiding in there or not. So- - - - we could go the 7 miles around -- but that road has some bad spots usually too...... But what other options did we have? NONE. We got through one bad area by keeping way to the right....the left side of the road had a washout about a foot deep. We got past Tinants corner --- lots of mud but not washouts. We topped the hill and "look out!!!" There was a washout cutting all the way across the road - Gar got out and took a look. "Can't do that one with the car - we'll bottom out." So now what?!??! No! I really DON'T want to go sleep in the community center!!! So we decided to go park the car by our neighbors (just 1 mile to the east of us) and walk home. I didn't have a coat along (it was a beautiful day but by now it had gotten a little bit chilly) -- however, we did have that "emergency blanket" in the car. .......... We drove up to the Vander Weys and it seemed that they were in bed --- didn't hear their dog bark and no one came by the door. So we got out --- me in my blanket --- and headed out thru the corrals. We kept looking back behind us to see if Jerry was looking out the window with his gun pointed at us..... :) :)

So much snow had melted that water or slush was EVERYWHERE ! Of course, we both had our good shoes on. We could see "lakes" (not really, of course - but LOTS of water, water, water) that we had to detour around. But no matter the route - ------ - it was wet! Every so often I would say -- I can't believe it but my feet feel dry. Gar would say "mine too". Sometimes I'm sure the water was 3 inches deep. When we got home --- our feet were dry - but our pants were wet about 4 inches up. Just felt totally like a "God thing". We love seeing God in all the different things we do!!!

This morning we went to Valentine in the truck and discovered that we really could have gone through the "lake" with the car --- but better safe than sorry. Our car is still at the neighbors --- but that's OK - we'll get it tomorrow.
Gar put the finishing touches on the auger today. This picture is of some round rod that he added to a real thin area. He wanted to make it stronger.












And then we loaded it on the hay wagon. As I write --- he is on the way delivering it back to Dwight. They will probably work at putting it back together on Saturday (tomorrow).










Another project finished (well --- once it's in place - then it's FINISHED).

JDC went very nicely last night. We had about 8-10 young men first. We handed out about 7 Bibles. And it was so good to have some who seemed to be uninterested - ask for a Bible. So you can pray for these guys --- Robert, Mike, Leon, Wicohpi (pronounced - we chop e), Trey, Kyle and Adam. If you would --- please pray for healing for Leon -- he was burned on his arm quite badly. "They held me down and burned me". We didn't get all the particulars -- but it was most likely gang related.

Then we had 4 girls come in after the boys. We had really spent too much time with the boys and so we only had a short time with the girls. Thursday is shower night.... and they start at 7:00 -- it was 7:15 when we finished. But the girls wanted to pray.....and so we all stood together - holding hands and 3 of the 4 girls prayed out loud and then we finished. (It's so cool when the guard patiently waits while we pray). It happens so seldom (the kids wanting to pray out loud) that we are just thrilled when it does.

When you look at the day as a whole --- walking home in the water.....is really nothing ----- just another adventure --- one for the books - our books anyway. And we Praise God for his Faithfulness to us and to the Ministry out here. It is such a grand privilege to share His Good News!!! Thank you ALL for the prayers that are lifted!!!

Gary and Barb

Another BIG repair.......ceiling on hold

The ceiling in the nursery room is complete except for some trim work. It looks fabulous! Soon a coat of paint and some new carpet will have the room looking grand.

However, unless Vern and Matthew have found the time to do more work in the "Library" room -- the church remodeling will be on hold for a time.





The new item to keep Gary busy is the feed truck. The auger is in great need of repair. Gar said it took a ladder to get in and out and in and out and in and out as he and Dwight worked at removing the auger. This is a picture of the truck so you have an idea of what we are talking about.









You get an idea of the size of the beast! I had no idea it was that big. They brought it over to Gar's workshop on the back of a hay wagon.











We have Release Time this afternoon so this too will get put on hold until later in the afternoon. Our lesson today is on Feeding the 5000.......put if you look that passage up you will see that this is also the time when the disciples tried to shoo the little children away and Jesus said "let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." So we have a little "craft" that declares JESUS LOVES ME and then the kids picture on it too.

It's a BEAUTIFUL sunny day and the temp says 48 degrees -- that might be a slight exaggeration....but it IS very nice outside.

Spring is on the way .....anyway that's what the calendar says....... :)

Gary and Barb

Classis Meeting on Tuesday ----- + basement ceiling

Gary - being on the Council now --- had to go to the Classis meeting on Tuesday - along with another Elder - Don S. We were also asked to give an update on the ministry out here....so I (Barb) went along too. Robbi, Gary and I gave a short presentation and we felt it went well. We were invited to stay with Robbi and Jerry --- so we had a nice visit with them and we also had supper with Aunt Melva. It was great to see her again. Her mind is still sharp and witty.

Our trip back was not in the best conditions. The snow had been drifting across the highway and it was very slippery. Don kept telling Gary that "west river" will be better. And sure enough - about 5 miles before we reached the Missouri the roads cleared and it was clear sailing all the rest of the way home. For those of you who don't understand the lingo ----- The Missouri is a dividing line...... you are either "west river" or "east river". :) :) west is best :)

We have been making headway with the church basement.

I can't ever get the pictures in the order I want ---- I get them right and then something happens. Anyway, below is a "before" picture of the nursery - and above is Gary and Matthew hard at work. The lighting wasn't the best for photo taking but you get the idea. Gary and Dakota finished the big part of the ceiling (would you believe we stayed straight the whole way across the room!!!! - now that in itself was an accomplishment!!!!) and now we will probably move to the Library Room. And then come back to finish enclosing the furnace duct work.


Today we will again have Religion Release Time with the 5-6 and 7-8th Graders. There will be one more lesson on Elisha and then we will move on to "The Life of Christ".

It's a beautiful sunny day but still cold!!! March has come in very cold -- so maybe it will go out very warm......we hope!

Stay warm -

Gary and Barb

Broken leg........

No --- as you can see it wasn't Gary or I that had the broken leg....but one of Dwight's heifers. She fell on the slippery ice and broke her back leg. Dwight says that sometimes a cow just doesn't want to live and there is nothing you can do about it (when something like this happens)........but this one didn't have that mind set -- thank goodness.

It was another new experience for us. We've never witnessed a cow getting her leg set ----- The vet came with his tools.....a battery powered drill and his little black box. ?!?! full of drill bits..... Never know about these vets :) :)

First thing was to set her leg ----- using some chain and a calf puller........ you might just have to figure it out for yourself. My technical terms would not doubt prove all wrong so I won't even attempt it.

Actually the first thing was to get the cow down and hold her there. Gary was very happy with his spot -- the cow kept him nice and warm....it was about 7 degrees at the time. I was at the other end of the rope - probably the least important spot ....but that was OK with me. It allowed me the opportunity to take the photos.
Here you have the finished product and a perky looking heifer. Duct tape is an amazing product. This will hopefully stay on for at least 4 weeks if all goes well. Dwight's hope now was that the heifer would be able to get up and feed her little calf.

And so goes life on the ranch. Every day a new adventure - if you can look at it that way --- it is for us anyway.

We had a good time with the JDC kids last night. Lots of questions from one young man. He told us he really wasn't interested in reading the Bible but boy do the questions come on Thursday night. Julie had a good lesson prepared and it sparked a lot of thought. It was on the passage of the rich young ruler - "What must I do to get to heaven".

Some of the girls weren't allowed to come --- they had been "acting up" last week and not paying attention - so it is up to the guards who can come. Singing isn't going as nicely --- but at the same time they want us to sing. Could be it's just so that they don't have to go back to their pods.....but that's OK --- the songs have good meaning too.

Winter is still with us....this whole week has been very cold with light snow. We can still call it a mild winter.....and we know that spring is on the way..... Seed packets are out in the stores and that is a cheery thought.

God Bless!
Gary and Barb

Time for somemore pictures and news....

Here is my 1st Raggedy Andy. Marti was a Raggedy Ann LOVER!!! She must have gone through at least 4 dolls in her toddler years. So it was a "must" that little Oliver get a Raggedy Andy. It was a lot of fun finding a pattern just like I had years ago.....they don't make them anymore. I went to e-bay and found the exact same one.....it cost me - but it was worth it!!
Blaze and Buck.....We have Dwight's horses at our place now. "You can ride them whenever you want." Well it's been too cold to climb on a horse. Mostly it's the wind. But we do enjoy having them around. Dwight put the bale right in view from my kitchen window --- so we always know if they are munching on the hay. Gary told me it was my job to check on their water ---- to make sure the waterer hasn't frozen.....so I try to do that each day.
Some of the local men say there are possibly 800 deer in the area. Gary had just gone "viewing" with Don ....and supper wasn't ready....so we went back so that I could see the deer. They had been spooked already.....but we got to see a good portion of them. This picture is of just a small number of them. So cool!!!!
We had plans to head out to the Rapid City Stock Show on Monday morning. But it was NASTY out at 7:00 a.m (-11 degrees)........so we delayed. Finally at 10:00 Gary said - "let's go." This picture in the Badlands was on Tuesday morning as we were heading back home. The roads were rather slippery on Monday but on the way home they were OK. The Badlands were pretty - shining in the sun with a covering of snow.
We planned on going to the Sheepdog Trials ----(got free tickets from the hotel - THANKS!) and the show was GREAT!!! Those dogs are so awesome!! We've had 3 ourselves so we've had some experience with their minds. God really gave them amazing instincts!!! We watched the first 20 contestants and then the 10 finalists. We also had fun watching the Mutton Busters. I tried to upload a movie of one little guy hanging on for dear life....but it didn't work.

Today is a beautiful sunny day but VERY cold out there. No school today because of the cold --- so no Release Time. That was a disappointment!!! Gary is helping Dwight today and I have decided to go get a Perm in Valentine. So Gary is thinking "bad hair day"..... I'll have my cap on when he gets home :) :) :)

Our visits at the Detention Center continue. We really enjoy the kids there. We don't always see that many "fruits" from our labors - but we know that God is in control and we just need to remain faithful "tellers" of the Good News. As attentive as the young people are.....it's a joy!!!

The Logterman Family Hereford and Angus Production Sale will be on February 14 -- that will be a BIG day....and an important day for Dwight and Duke. They are selling 65 Two year old Hereford Bulls and 50 Yearling and 2 year old Angus Bulls. We will be spending the afternoon in the sale barn with them.

Hope your winter is treating you good.....ours has been mild so we aren't complaining!!! Looking at garden seeds.....the time WILL come!

God Bless each and every one of you!!! Gary and Barb

A Blessing!!

After this past Sunday's visit with JDC kids.....we want to share this blessing with you.

After visiting with each young person (one on one) we always ask "how can we pray for you?" This past Sunday we asked Everett that question. His answer was "well I was wondering if I could pray with you?" -- "Absolutely!" He prayed a wonderful prayer to "Our Heavenly Father..."

Afterwords, he said -- "That felt good --- I haven't prayed with others for about 4 months now".
We know that Everett has a church background.....His great grandmother was a pastor in a local church ----she passed away this year and she is missed a lot.

Please pray for this young man. He has a lot going for him....but he is on the reservation ---- that is a LOT going against him!!!!

THANK YOU!!!

Release Time is going great. The kids have really been attentive and yesterday it had been 3 weeks since the last lesson and they remembered the whole story.....how God helped the widow lady whose husband had died and now she was left with a demanding creditor. Do YOU remember the story about the jars of oil ?????? Look it up in 2 Kings 4.......

On another note.....the winter remains quite mild. We have snow and now the weather is warming up this week.....so that means MUD! We can do without that!!!

Gary stays busy helping cousin Dwight feed cattle and he enjoys that. He also gets in on the repairs..... needed too often I'm afraid. I was even "needed" the other day getting the bulls prepared for the sale in February. I did the secretary work----taking down weights and measurements. I guess you could say it was a "dirty job"...(where is Mike Rowe when you need him?!?!) ......you say "how could secretary work be dirty????.....you'll have to ask!

Have a wonderful day!!!
Gary and Barb

Pictures at last !!!

I am NOT a computer whiz so we are starting out with Oliver (Oliver Allen Sparling) at home in his cradle...... that was made by Grandpa Peters (Gary) and used by all of the grandchildren.
Gramma didn't seem to have the touch to keep him happy -- he liked it best by mama.
There you have some very proud men !!!
A sweet and peaceful closeup of our little Oliver.
His first bath was traumatic for the little guy....but check out his head of hair!! Marti had a little bit more than him.
And there you have the very happy couple!!!

All reports are that everything is going great.

That makes number 9 for us. Love em!!
Gary and Barb