Mondays momentum

Mondays are always so encouraging it's like God knows just when we need a lift to our day, and so he sends special people into our lives at just the right time. Diane went to some girls thing in Provost with friends and left me to deal with the Ranch board meeting almost alone, but then I found out that she has Gail blessing us with all kinds of goodies for the meeting, Melissa is doing all the coffee and drinks, and as I was spending time in prayer for our meeting and feeling a bit sorry for myself I get a call from this beautiful daughter of ours just to talk and what a blessing she is to us, 92% average in grade 12, it's a good thing her Mom had lots of smarts to pass on cause I sure get no credit for that. And yesterday James calls and he got 98% on his math exam at plumbing school. God is so good and awesome in every way, look how He can create kids so smart and fun from some one that has done so many dumb things in his life, thank God for their Mom and all Moms that take the time to pour love and hope into their kids lives like Diane does. We had a great board meeting tonight that went very smooth and we have a lot of great things happening in the next year to come so hang on and if you want to be part of another winning team that is worth supporting and is going places when it comes to chalking up points in the lives of others in this province check out the Battle River Ranch Team. We have a position for you on this team where your skills will make yards and help some young person cross the finish line a winner when they thought they would never even ever get to be in the game. We had lunch out at the ranch today after unloading a load of donations to the ranch build, even Mark showed up and had lunch with us.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Sunday, Sunday can't beat that day

"Hey grandpa Bill, what did you mean yesterday that we Christians are like those street lights?Well Jimmy did you know that the people that design cities and city streets always plan and put plenty of street lights on every street to keep us safe from harm that can happen in the dark without lights? But they also, always plan into each area, churches and that is because churches bring light to communities and the lives of the people that live in each neighbourhood. Many people don't realize that without churches in our neighbourhoods life would get very dark and hopeless. We as Christians also carry a light with us wherever we go that shines in our lives and to others around us and keeps us from tripping or running into trouble that we cannot see without the light that is in us." "Grandpa Bill, is that the light that we get when we ask Jesus into our heart and He comes to live in us?" " Yes Jimmy, that is the light that we have in us that helps us to see right from wrong and keeps us safe and it's also the light that draws the lost to Jesus." "Wow, grandpa Bill that's a big job." "Yes Jimmy, it sure is a big job but it's easy when we decide to follow Jesus with all our heart, soul and mind."

This morning it was wonderful to be back in our home church again after being gone for the last three weeks. We love going to other churches but really miss our own when we're gone. Pastor Lyle had a great message and we were blessed to hear a visiting band from South Africa - "Tree 63." Very gifted musicians!

After the service we had a quick lunch with some great friends that are really coming alongside promoting the Ranch with us. It's so encouraging to see how others are catching the vision and

sharing it with those they know that have influence. Can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do in these next days.

This evening, Diane and I had a great time as we shared our testimonies and the ranch vision the Lord has given to us in Unity, Sask. at the Baptist church. It was their annual Christmas banquet. The food was great, it was catered by the caterers we had for Joey and Melissa's wedding "A New Kraft Dinner" neat name. Anyways, we got to see many old friends and meet some new ones. Julie, one of our wranglers from camp, now lives in PEI with her husband and just happened to be home. So nice that she came out to see us and it was so great to see her and spend some time sharing about memories from camp and also the exciting things with the Ranch as she's been reading the blog and knew about what is happening. There were so many friends we knew that used to pour their lives into the camp at Luseland, many peeling potatoes and feeding us all such great food while we were there. We were also blessed as Paul and Minnie were there, Paul played the piano and we sang Christmas carols. We worked with Paul at camp for many years and he also played piano for three of our kid's weddings. Also Minnie gave us our miracle of the day and she said when she is done with her sewing machines and serger she is donating them to the ranch P.T.L.! Thank you Minnie. Minnie also did Bible verses and earned a cross for Raine, her granddaughter. Another wonderful blessing, Bruce Wilson, another gentleman at the supper has volunteered his time and also will come and bring his back hoe and help with the digging when we need him. Others also said when we get going to call because they'd love to come out and help. God is good!

"(God) does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number." Job. 5:9

Saturday surprise

I read a book once about a grandfather, named Bill that was out for a walk one evening with his grandson named Jimmy. As they were walking along Jimmy asked grandfather Bill why are there street lights and why are there so many of them? Grandfather Bill being a wise and gentle man took a few minutes and then he said, "Jimmy, let me explain it to you this way, what do you think it would be like for us to be out on this walk if there were no street lights?" Young Jimmy who was also wise for his young age took a moment and then as he looked up at grandpa Bill he replied, "I guess we would be in a heap of trouble wouldn't we grandpa Bill?" "Yes we would be Jimmy, but can you tell me what sort of trouble we would be in?" Well, once again Jimmy thought for a bit and as he looked around at that very moment they both had to step around a child's bike that was left out on the sidewalk and then after walking a bit further Jimmy once again looked up into Grandpa Bill's eyes which were kind of hidden away under the peak of the old hat he always wore, and said, "Grandpa Bill, we would be tripping all over stuff and not seeing the curbs or any dangers that might be everywhere around us, right Grandpa Bill?" "That's so right Jimmy, many years ago street lights had to be put up to protect people from the dangers that lurk in the dark that we canot see. Also there are signs that we need to see that warn us of upcoming dangers. Oh there's the skating rink, and we are almost home but maybe we can go on another walk tomorrow evening and I'll tell you how churches and we Christians are like lights in a community just like street lights are." "Great Grandpa Bill, I just love going for walks with you and I can't wait for tomorrow's walk. Here let me open the door for you, thank you so much, Grandpa Bill!" The miracle of the day has to be that Diane and I are getting a bit of the book work done for the ranch and as we prepare for our presentation at Unity Baptist Church tomorrow evening we are greatful for our parents and all they did with what they had and what we have learned from them. As we traveled about town today everywhere we went we were asked how is the ranch going. We need to once again thank every one for all you have done and are doing to help this project continue. Blessings to all and don't forget the game tomorrow.

Friday's Frenzy

Fear or not to fear, most of us wish it were that easy. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just shut

fear on or off whenever we want. This week has been very busy again like all the rest and some

times we wonder, how we can fit everything into so little time. Monday, we talked about all of

our dreams, and Tuesday the skills needed to walk through this life. Wednesday we learned

about canopys and how we and the church are like a canopy to the young and new believers.

Thursday, we recognized the wisdom around us and to appreciate the way God has set it all

before us. With all that God has blessed us with I believe He desires obedience from each of us!

Part of fulfilling our calling means taking appropriate risks to maximize the opportunities we have

been entrusted with. Living out of the fear of what others will think should never be what motivates us.

Why is this so important to Jesus? Because we aren't the only ones who lose out. Our loved ones also lose out when we don't pursue our dreams.

There's a domino effect; others get cheated out of the greatness lying dormant within each of us.

But it's not too late. Jesus calls each of us today to step out of our fear, take risks in obedience

to faith, and experience the fulness of who God made each of us to be. Matthew 25:25. I love the

quote that says "If we don't fear God, we'll fear everything else, But when we have a healthy fear

of God we won't need to fear anything else." Proverbs 3:5 says "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart

and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make

your paths straight! The miracle of the day is that we found a home for one

of the pool tables and my truck is finally empty again. P.T.L.

Thursday the day of change

We have been very blessed to have Rance and Ruth in our home and as we traveled out

to the ranch and showed them the plans and vision God has given us, we had a lot of time to

share about our families and the ministries that we have been blessed to be a part of. How great

is our God that we can lean on him and, not on our own understanding. Rance is so full of

wisdom when it comes to just about any part of the Ranch project and we are very blessed to be

able to tap into this resource. Rance spent some time with Kennon a young friend of ours and

they talked about airplanes and we had a chance to pray with him as he is having some struggles

in his life. To be able to be a part of Kennon's life and for him to have a safe place to hang out

and feel at home is what God talks about when he talks about prosperity. A friend once made

a trip to Calgary and when he returned we were talking, he mentioned that he saw a lot of

homeless people and how disgusting it is to see so many people that are not working. He

felt that these people are the most disgusting people. When there is so much work out there

none of these people should be without work. In fact, he said that he believes there are more and

more of these people all the time and he doesn't understand why. Matthew 26:11 says that the

poor will always be with us. I reminded him of Lazarus as he begged for help, and what if

Lazarus had no choice, and what if God's plan was for Lazarus to be just as he was to show the

condition of our hearts and if there is any more compassion left in the world. It does seem

that there is more poverty than ever, but in direct proportion it seems that there is more

greed and selfishness than ever before. God knows our hearts intimately and we can do and

say what we want but the Lord knows our hearts. Not long ago I had an opportunity to have a

conversation with a gentleman who shared about his business success and all they had achieved in

their lives, but as I sat and listened he ended by saying you know though , our prosperity was

our down fall as our children today have little to do with us. And as I sat there I though how

ironic because in our lives it was our lack of excess money that was our gain and what a joy it

is that as we are able to wait on the Lord. Now get a hold of both reins and hold on for the

ride. God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

Wednesday Report

Greenhouse operators are always looking for qualified workers. I have had people ask me why we want to have a green house on the ranch and often I will explain the obvious reasons of being able to grow ones own food and to learn about the love it takes to prepare, nurture, water and care for a plant till it produces fruit of its own. The reason a green house can be so productive is of the canopy that has been constructed to produce an environment that is conducive to growth, the canopy is the barrier that protects the tender new growth within from destructive outside elements.

Our churches are to be a canopy where the lost world can seek refuge from the outside elements. Our lives as Christians should be a canopy that the lost and searching can see and seek refuge in. The Bible talks about a canopy of praise, worship and safety. Psalm 27:5-6

The Battle River Ranch camp will be a canopy where hope will be poured into the lives of many men and women who are desperate to know their purpose and and destiny in life. The canopy that protects the new and helps the mature to grow must be insulated with Love , Acceptance , and Security. What an honour today to be asked if Diane and I could help this child of God to ask Jesus into their life. Then we were asked when they could be baptised P.T.L.!

Had a meeting with some of the board members to make sure we keep on track getting all the paper work completed in a right manner. We are so thankful to have a wonderful board that is so willing to do what it takes to keep things running smoothly. We are so blessed! Thanks guys!

And then what a blessing to have Rance Ball and his wife, Ruth stay with us for a couple of days, Rance is going to help us with the green house design for the ranch. Rance and Ruth are so full of wisdom in so many areas. God is so good bringing so many into our lives every day with whatever wisdom we need at the time. P.T.L.

Keep your eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of your faith. Sing a new song unto the Lord!

Terrific Tuesday

Often we don't realize just what a difference having a few life skills can make to our lives or the lives of others. Or the opportunities that are available to those that would like to enter a trade career. The trades are in high demand for qualified, responsible and committed new apprentices. At the battle river ranch camp, a faith based training center, you will be able to experience many trade opportunities by putting your hands to work and getting a feel for a variety of trades. This way you will, in a natural way find where your ability is strongest and what you are naturally good at. When you are good at something you enjoy your work that much more. We will be building homes from the ground up and you will be able to work at all stages of construction. Or maybe mechanics, welding or auto body is your thing to try. We will also have a green house and the food services that may be what you are looking for but have never tried this area of work. Over the past 33 years I have noticed that so many people have been working at jobs or trades that they just don't fit or enjoy. The majority of the trainees at the ranch will be from average every day families and homes that have an interest in life skills and or a trade. Also 25% of those that will apply to attend the training center will come from a troubled background but must show at least one year of life change and the desire to enter the work force as a trades person. Our waiting list of applicants is already growing. The ranch is coming together, buildings have arrived on site. Although we are still in need of your financial support to accomplish the first stage of construction so we can be open to trainees by spring. If in any way you, or someone you know would be interested in supporting this much needed facility for our next generation work force please contact us.

God Bless you,

Harold and Diane

Mondays momentum

'In the last days', God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams'. Acts 2:17

Nearly everything we see and experience in this world that comes from the efforts of our fellow man is the result of what was once only a dream or vision. The computer you are reading this from or the chair you are seated in, were first in the mind of a person.That's the power in dreaming or in visions. One man,,William Lloyd Garrison had a dream/vision to abolish slavery. He dared to dream this in a day (early 1800's) when slavery in the US was economically profitable. Note, even the influential governing body of one church declared that slavery was instituted by God. But Garrison had a dream, a vision. For over 30 years he risked his life and fortune to publish a newspaper called the Liberator.He is one of many examples that continued on believing in his dream and it became reality.I wonder where the seed of that dream started, huuuumm....

When you discover your purpose, you will feel it's demand. It will fill you with enthusiasm and a desire to get to work on it. Sometimes you will awake with new thoughts and ideas and know that God is guiding you in this purpose. Or maybe we will be caught up in someone else's dream/vision and be part of it to help bring it along and into reality.Be mindful to test it, check in with Holy Spirit's direction.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.Rom12:2

God's word says, ASK, SEEK, KNOCK, ....do we believe in the dream of a better future for the next generation? Are we having faith in evidence not always seen? He says have faith, stand firm, I will never leave you nor forsake you...we are to be His hands & feet.Sometimes it's hard to hang on and fight the good fight but again He says, do not grow weary in well doing.

They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up on wings as eagles...

His word says where two or more are gathered and are in agreement.....

So, prayer partners, continue to stand in the gap praying for each other, Gods will, direction and provision.

For God also says, " I know the plans I have for you...."

Praise be to our Father, Son, Holy Spirit....Hallelujah!

Stand firm,my friends,have faith. I had the oppertunity to sit in on a meeting with local school officials and teachers concerning a student one of many that was having some struggles and after the meeting was over and I was sitting in the van I realized the ranch will be a far greater asset to our community than any of us ever would have known. If God is with us who can be against. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Today lets prepare to in some small or large way to pass on a bit of hope or a lot of hope, but I guess that a bit of hope for some could be a lot of hope. Thanks to Louise for her help with this blog.

Sunday, Sunday can't beat that day

Our friend Lance from Caronport.

To be a Saskatchewanian today is so huge. If you missed the football game you really missed something. I can only think about the people on Gormley's show that are Rider fans but said they had to support the best team and said Calgary would win. This week could be bit exciting as we wait for the game. We have lived in Saskatchewan all of our lives except a couple of short stays in the early years out of province and I don't believe it has ever been a more exciting place to live than now. Today we were blessed to have the opportunity to speak at the Alliance church in Kindersley and do a full presentation promo video while we were there. Something that was a bit more exciting at the presentation today was that Diane sang a great song before we started. The song is called, "In Heavens Eyes" and she did so well, even if she was a little nervous and emotional, what a blessing it was to everyone. We even had people memorizing Bible verses for crosses. There were so many folks there that we knew from when we lived in Kindersley and worked at the camp. Even people from Regina that were in Kindersley, heard we were going to speak and came out to support us. God is so faithful and awesome. Today was a day of rest but with all that's happened I think we need another day. Lance is a young guy that never missed a year at camp and he is now a student at Briercrest. He was home this weekend so happened to be at the presentation this morning, also. God is so neat the way He puts everything together. The pastor and his wife took us out for lunch and then we headed up to the hospital as we heard a friend of ours was in there, but when we got there they said no, he's not there. So we picked up a few munchies and headed to Terry and Jacqui's to watch the game.

Remember, you are special in God's eyes, even when everyone else fails you God is still there.

Psalm 23

friday's Frenzy

Fear or not to fear, most of us wish it were that easy. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just shut

fear on or off whenever we want. This week has been very busy again like all the rest and some

times we wonder, how we can fit everything into so little time. Monday, we talked about all of

our dreams, and Tuesday the skills needed to walk through this life. Wednesday we learned

about canopys and how we and the church are like a canopy to the young and new believers.

Thursday, we recognized the wisdom around us and to appreciate the way God has set it all

before us. With all that God has blessed us with I believe He desires obedience from each of us!

Part of fulfilling our calling means taking appropriate risks to maximize the opportunities we have

been entrusted with. Living out of the fear of what others will think should never be what motivates us.

Why is this so important to Jesus? Because we aren't the only ones who lose out. Our loved ones also lose out when we don't pursue our dreams.

There's a domino effect; others get cheated out of the greatness lying dormant within each of us.

But it's not too late. Jesus calls each of us today to step out of our fear, take risks in obedience

to faith, and experience the fulness of who God made each of us to be. Matthew 25:25. I love the

quote that says "If we don't fear God, we'll fear everything else, But when we have a healthy fear

of God we won't need to fear anything else." Proverbs 3:5 says "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart

and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make

your paths straight! The miracle of the day is that we found a home for one

of the pool tables and my truck is finally empty again. P.T.L.

Saturday surprise

We are having a great time with the grandkids and I got a chance to go over to the big red barn and take a few measurements. I'm not sure we will need them as I'm sure Mel is finding a plan for the barn that she wants us to build. I got a call from Rance Ball, he's the green house pro that is going to help us set up and operate the green house out at the ranch. Rance lives in La Ronge and has to travel about 8 hours to get here so we are bleesed that he is able to make the time to come and help get us started with the green house project. P.T.L. Today is prayer request day so if anyone has ever told you that you don't have a prayer they are wrong because we want to pray for you. Let us know your prayer needs and we will pray for you.

Philippians 4:6 & 7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Have a great day tomorrow worshiping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Fridays Frenzy

Our early blooming Christmas cactus that was passed on to us by our Aunt Leontina.

Our semi trailer filled with wonderful blessings donated to the Ranch.

All the steel to build the construction shop for the Ranch, also donated.

All the wood donated for the barn at the Ranch.

The sign on the Ranch land so you know where we are. South of Lloydminster, Ab. on highway 17.
Terry, Jacqui and the next grandbaby to be born in February.

Talk about a God of miracles!! He is so good and wants to know you more and more.

Time to wind down another busy week. Monday we got home from the Halifax trip. When we got home we found out Joey and Mike received a call that someone was out at the ranch after dark. So they headed out there with some big pipe wrenches not sure what they would find or what they would do with what they were going to find but they were too late and whoever was there had already gone. It was a bit suspicious as it seemed they must have had a key as the gate was locked again. So they went back home a bit dissapointed they had no excitement. Tuesday was a day of recovering from a bit of jet lag and a great evening at C.R. Celebrate Recovery. Wednesday we talked about where our lives are at and where we could be and how we can make a difference in others lives. Thursday we had a meeting with a single mom and learned a lot of the struggles they have to overcome. Also had a great meeting with Merv Loewen who has always been such an encouragment to the Ranch project. Today, Friday we are getting all our papers and materials together for our presentation at the Alliance church in Kindersley and are heading out this afternoon. I headed up to fill with fuel and two people asked how the ranch was doing and when it would be up and running. We headed out to Kindersley and stopped at the ranch, I did a small repair job on the gate and we checked everything out and then headed off to Dodsland. We are spending the evening at our daughters, Jacqui and Victory and son- in-law, Terry's and with our great and beautiful grandkids. We had an opportunity to share about the ranch with Terr's aunt who was visiting so she took some information with her back home to Regina. As we were visiting our son- in- law's father, Ron Brown was there and we mentioned that we have run out of storage space and we have materials that need to be stored inside. Ron immediately said that he knows of another semi- trailer and a big one he believes we can get donated and real soon. Possibly even next week so looks like that could be the miracle of the day. Once again, we give thanks to our great God for His provision for the ranch. So exciting to see what He is going to do each day and what doors are going to open.

Be blessed!

Psalm 40:1-5 "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;

He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to

to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, Oh Lord my God, are the wonders You have done.

The things you planned for us no one can recount to you;

were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."

PS--It was Barry S. out at the ranch looking at materials for building new gates, thanks so much Barry!!!

thursday the day of change

Well well finally we are getting back to some sort of normal. Diane was able to replenish our supply of her absolutely, fantastic granola. I am blessed and highly favoured and how great it is to have a wife and friend like I have. We had our share of challenges today as we do most days but when you get to pray and work together on everything it seems so much easier. P.T.L. We had a single mom stop in yesterday and man oh man I don't know how a single person does it. Monday I'm going to the school with her as she is dealing with some issues and she doesn't want to go alone. Her son is hoping to be able to come to the ranch some day and learn about the different trades and which trade he could best handle and be most gifted in. Right now he spends a lot of time in the cross shop and he loves to talk so we don't always get a lot done but it really seems to make a difference to him.

I was able to have a meeting with one of the business men today that helped get the ranch up and going. He had a few suggestions for us and I tell you I grab on to every bit of that kind of wisdom I can. We still need concrete and it almost seems the weather is holding out just for us. We are getting our ducks in a row for our presentation at the Alliance church in Kindersley on Sunday. It's a real blessing to be able to share the plans and vision of the ranch to all our friends back in Kindersley. We are hoping a few of our friends from Kindersley that don't attend the Alliance church will be able to make it also. Well, I got a few more crosses to make for tomorrow so I better get at it. Someone once said, " if I collected a dollar for every time you complained, and gave you a dollar for every time you showed gratitude, would you be rich or would you be poor. Count your blessings
Granola