South Carolina Equestrian Ministries
| This site contains information primarily published by the President of South Carolina Equestrian Ministries (SCEM) and is solely responsible for its content. It is my desire to keep those within SCEM updated on events and happenings of interest to them. For those who stumble across this site, you are invited to participate in events sponsored by fellowships in your area. Please visit our home page at the link on the left panel. |
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 Welcome Friends
Just a quick note to say, "Welcome, and thanks." This is going to be an exciting year in Equestrian Ministries and I look forward to
serving you. As you may have noticed, I am big on electronic media communications. Information posted here will usually also be
published in our newsletter, so, those without access to computers will not be left out.
Types of posts you may find here:
- Trail reviews
- Equestrian industry updates
- Equestrian Ministry International updates
- Devotionals
My prayer is that we can minister to our fellow horse friends and show them the love of Jesus Christ. Happy Trails and give Jesus
the reins.
Just a quick note to say, "Welcome, and thanks." This is going to be an exciting year in Equestrian Ministries and I look forward to
serving you. As you may have noticed, I am big on electronic media communications. Information posted here will usually also be
published in our newsletter, so, those without access to computers will not be left out.
Types of posts you may find here:
- Trail reviews
- Equestrian industry updates
- Equestrian Ministry International updates
- Devotionals
My prayer is that we can minister to our fellow horse friends and show them the love of Jesus Christ. Happy Trails and give Jesus
the reins.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Today, marks the first day this blog-site was officially published on the South Carolina Equestrian Ministries web-site. So, now I guess I
need to keep it up.
Exciting news as we are gearing up to show our stuff at the SC Pinto Horse show in Charleston in February. Through all this, we hope to
kick off a new fellowship in that area. We are already making progress towards that end. More details as that story unfolds.
We are also looking forward to the SC Horseman's Council clinic on Feb 9 and the EMI clinics Mar 2-3, both in Pelzer, SC. I look forward to
meeting Carol and working with the SCHC when-ever and where-ever we can. The EMI meeting will be my second, but obviously only my
first as president. I am excited to hear what the other state chapters are doing and hearing from the president of EMI. I will let you know how
it goes.
All fellowships keep up the good work and let us know through your individual newsletters how things are going.
Let Jesus take the reins and guide you safety down the trails of life. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:6
Today, marks the first day this blog-site was officially published on the South Carolina Equestrian Ministries web-site. So, now I guess I
need to keep it up.
Exciting news as we are gearing up to show our stuff at the SC Pinto Horse show in Charleston in February. Through all this, we hope to
kick off a new fellowship in that area. We are already making progress towards that end. More details as that story unfolds.
We are also looking forward to the SC Horseman's Council clinic on Feb 9 and the EMI clinics Mar 2-3, both in Pelzer, SC. I look forward to
meeting Carol and working with the SCHC when-ever and where-ever we can. The EMI meeting will be my second, but obviously only my
first as president. I am excited to hear what the other state chapters are doing and hearing from the president of EMI. I will let you know how
it goes.
All fellowships keep up the good work and let us know through your individual newsletters how things are going.
Let Jesus take the reins and guide you safety down the trails of life. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:6
| Monday, February 25, 2008 An Ode To Chief My horse has spots, that makes him special He adds color to our pasture. He plays and lopes around all day As if no one is faster. He has a jolly-ball that's green He throws it in the air. He whacks the nearest to him Then runs to who knows where. Some say he has an attitude But it really is a trait. I think he's just intelligent. And on us he has to wait. I have to hide it when others say 'What a pretty horse.' I can't help it if they too like spots. It makes his day (and mine of course). Don't you try to look for him If a halter is in your hand. But if a peppermint is near He will always be your friend. So ends this tail of my Appaloosa Chief is just his name I wouldn’t have any other Even if the spots were all the same |
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 The Joy of Fellowship -- Why do we belong?
There are lots of saddle clubs around the state and country. Most of them are independent
groups – some small and some very large, but not connected with any other group or
organization. There are many equine associations, as well – Pinto Horse, Appaloosa,
Quarter Horse, etc.
What sets some groups apart from others is their number of individual components – how
they are interconnected with each other or with national chapters.
Equestrian Ministries International was formed to unite the Christian equestrian community
and to provide a place for them to minister to others around them. Many local equestrian
groups joined this organization shortly after it was formed. South Carolina has the largest
number of fellowships in the nation.
People have a tendency to join an organization that is, well, organized. If that organization is
on a national or even international level, even better. It tends to add some credibility to its
cause.
I hope each all of you are having fun out there on the trail and in your individual events and
ministries. If fun turns into work, the ministry suffers. You have to enjoy what you are doing.
That doesn’t mean you need to change what you are doing or how you are doing it – just
change how you look at it.
We are part of EMI for many reasons. I hope one of those is at the heart of our name –
Ministries. Our organization provides us with the opportunity to minister to those around us
in the equestrian world. Beyond that, we encourage each other in what we do, build each
other up, and display unity and love to others. We instruct one another by bringing together a
variety of talents and backgrounds. Because we are an ‘international’ organization, we have
a greater variety of resources, abilities, and opportunities.
We ask little of our individual fellowships. One of the ‘joys’ of belonging to a larger
organization is that someone else takes care of all the legal and financial ‘stuff’. SCEM
basically needs only two things – fellowship dues and the beginning of the year and annual
reports and the end. In between those two ends, what each fellowship does is up to them.
Looking at your individual calendars shows a wide variety of ministries and events. I will
highlight some of those on our SCEM calendar as I learn about them.
There are lots of saddle clubs around the state and country. Most of them are independent
groups – some small and some very large, but not connected with any other group or
organization. There are many equine associations, as well – Pinto Horse, Appaloosa,
Quarter Horse, etc.
What sets some groups apart from others is their number of individual components – how
they are interconnected with each other or with national chapters.
Equestrian Ministries International was formed to unite the Christian equestrian community
and to provide a place for them to minister to others around them. Many local equestrian
groups joined this organization shortly after it was formed. South Carolina has the largest
number of fellowships in the nation.
People have a tendency to join an organization that is, well, organized. If that organization is
on a national or even international level, even better. It tends to add some credibility to its
cause.
I hope each all of you are having fun out there on the trail and in your individual events and
ministries. If fun turns into work, the ministry suffers. You have to enjoy what you are doing.
That doesn’t mean you need to change what you are doing or how you are doing it – just
change how you look at it.
We are part of EMI for many reasons. I hope one of those is at the heart of our name –
Ministries. Our organization provides us with the opportunity to minister to those around us
in the equestrian world. Beyond that, we encourage each other in what we do, build each
other up, and display unity and love to others. We instruct one another by bringing together a
variety of talents and backgrounds. Because we are an ‘international’ organization, we have
a greater variety of resources, abilities, and opportunities.
We ask little of our individual fellowships. One of the ‘joys’ of belonging to a larger
organization is that someone else takes care of all the legal and financial ‘stuff’. SCEM
basically needs only two things – fellowship dues and the beginning of the year and annual
reports and the end. In between those two ends, what each fellowship does is up to them.
Looking at your individual calendars shows a wide variety of ministries and events. I will
highlight some of those on our SCEM calendar as I learn about them.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 SPRING RIDE -- APRIL 2008
What a wonderful time we had at Lakeview Plantation near Allendale on our spring ride April 4-6, 2008. The weather was a little touch
and go, but God is good and we just had some light rain on Saturday with small pockets of downpours. Some brave souls ventured out
between showers and all made it back safely. We made a small change to our program and held Cowboy Church on Saturday
afternoon. Most were not riding anyway, so this worked out great. This gave everyone an opportunity to ride on Sunday when the weather
was much better as many people did. By noon, everyone was packed and on their way.
On Friday night, Margie gave a motivating devotional reminding us to take God with us on vacation. After words, we had a time of
fellowship and refreshment. The tack sale was very successful and Ray Peters lead us in great praise music on Saturday evening. Larry
Johnson challenged us to think 'inside the box' by using the tools (gifts) that God has given us while always watching for that 'new' tool
He lays in our hands.
We caught up on old acquaintances and met new friends that we look forward to meeting again on the trail soon. Great Adventure
Fellowship did a great job as the hosts for this ride and Hayward and Dona Simmons did a wonderful job as always of making us feel
right at home.
I wish everyone could have been there this weekend, but I understand the weather was of great concern and other commitments and
family matters were more important. Our prayers go out to Linda and David especially for their needs this past weekend.
May God bless all that you do where ever your trails take you.
Larry Johnson, President SCEM
What a wonderful time we had at Lakeview Plantation near Allendale on our spring ride April 4-6, 2008. The weather was a little touch
and go, but God is good and we just had some light rain on Saturday with small pockets of downpours. Some brave souls ventured out
between showers and all made it back safely. We made a small change to our program and held Cowboy Church on Saturday
afternoon. Most were not riding anyway, so this worked out great. This gave everyone an opportunity to ride on Sunday when the weather
was much better as many people did. By noon, everyone was packed and on their way.
On Friday night, Margie gave a motivating devotional reminding us to take God with us on vacation. After words, we had a time of
fellowship and refreshment. The tack sale was very successful and Ray Peters lead us in great praise music on Saturday evening. Larry
Johnson challenged us to think 'inside the box' by using the tools (gifts) that God has given us while always watching for that 'new' tool
He lays in our hands.
We caught up on old acquaintances and met new friends that we look forward to meeting again on the trail soon. Great Adventure
Fellowship did a great job as the hosts for this ride and Hayward and Dona Simmons did a wonderful job as always of making us feel
right at home.
I wish everyone could have been there this weekend, but I understand the weather was of great concern and other commitments and
family matters were more important. Our prayers go out to Linda and David especially for their needs this past weekend.
May God bless all that you do where ever your trails take you.
Larry Johnson, President SCEM
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Sunday, July 27, 2008 - Where do horses come from?
Do you ever wonder where your horses came from? I don't mean where you bought them or how you acquired them. I mean spiritually speaking.
Some may say a blessing from God. At other times, you may think they are the curse of the devil. Well, they can't very well be
from both.
We all have what we may consider blessings (homes, family, job) and curses (sickness, financial loss, unemployment) all throughout our lives. I
don't know where you are at this time, but chances are it is not on a mountain top (no internet up there). Where ever you are and what ever you are
going through, God has allowed it to happen. You may be suffering because of someone or something else completely out of your control. But it is
never out of the control of God.
If it wasn't for Job (the Old Testament character in the book that bears his name), we would not have a very good idea of how the devil works. Even
though he tormented Job and his family, it was only under the watchful eyes of God. Some may differ on whether he still works the same way today,
but the New Testament warns us about the Devil's ways. Job never questioned where blessings and adversity came from. He knew all things came
from God as he said in chapter 2, verse 10: "...shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?"
The New Testament says the devil prowls around like a roaring lion and it seems to me that he will try to put some stumbling blocks in our way. No
matter what, God is still in control. Nothing is allowed in our lives unless it passes through God's hands first. God is the source of everything -- the
good and the bad.
I can't explain why things happen to you or even to me. Our horses don't always act like 4 legged angels. Sometimes just the opposite. Bad things
happen and it doesn't do any good to blame the Devil or even God. God is blameless and the Devil is not in control. God is good
-- all the time! His ways are not our ways and we are to trust Him and all that comes from His hand.
The term 'township' or 'section' is not used much nowadays. Most everyone knows what county they live in, but who knows in what township they
reside? After we moved to our new house 6 years ago, I found out that we now live in the township of Providence. The early settlers of America and
the founding fathers of our nation believed in providence. It simply means that which comes from the hand of God. Whatever happens, it is the
providence of God.
We have to deal with the hand God gives us. Now, the question is, how are you going to use what God has allowed in your life. You can rant and
rave about bad things that happen. Or, you can pray for a way to use what you have to the glory of God. Even your rowdy little horses. Pray about it and
use your imagination -- it also comes from God.
South Carolina Equestrian Ministries tries to use the gift of horses to ministry to those around us.
Ask Him how to best use your horses for Him -- regardless of where you think he came from.
Larry Johnson, President SCEM
Do you ever wonder where your horses came from? I don't mean where you bought them or how you acquired them. I mean spiritually speaking.
Some may say a blessing from God. At other times, you may think they are the curse of the devil. Well, they can't very well be
from both.
We all have what we may consider blessings (homes, family, job) and curses (sickness, financial loss, unemployment) all throughout our lives. I
don't know where you are at this time, but chances are it is not on a mountain top (no internet up there). Where ever you are and what ever you are
going through, God has allowed it to happen. You may be suffering because of someone or something else completely out of your control. But it is
never out of the control of God.
If it wasn't for Job (the Old Testament character in the book that bears his name), we would not have a very good idea of how the devil works. Even
though he tormented Job and his family, it was only under the watchful eyes of God. Some may differ on whether he still works the same way today,
but the New Testament warns us about the Devil's ways. Job never questioned where blessings and adversity came from. He knew all things came
from God as he said in chapter 2, verse 10: "...shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?"
The New Testament says the devil prowls around like a roaring lion and it seems to me that he will try to put some stumbling blocks in our way. No
matter what, God is still in control. Nothing is allowed in our lives unless it passes through God's hands first. God is the source of everything -- the
good and the bad.
I can't explain why things happen to you or even to me. Our horses don't always act like 4 legged angels. Sometimes just the opposite. Bad things
happen and it doesn't do any good to blame the Devil or even God. God is blameless and the Devil is not in control. God is good
-- all the time! His ways are not our ways and we are to trust Him and all that comes from His hand.
The term 'township' or 'section' is not used much nowadays. Most everyone knows what county they live in, but who knows in what township they
reside? After we moved to our new house 6 years ago, I found out that we now live in the township of Providence. The early settlers of America and
the founding fathers of our nation believed in providence. It simply means that which comes from the hand of God. Whatever happens, it is the
providence of God.
We have to deal with the hand God gives us. Now, the question is, how are you going to use what God has allowed in your life. You can rant and
rave about bad things that happen. Or, you can pray for a way to use what you have to the glory of God. Even your rowdy little horses. Pray about it and
use your imagination -- it also comes from God.
South Carolina Equestrian Ministries tries to use the gift of horses to ministry to those around us.
Ask Him how to best use your horses for Him -- regardless of where you think he came from.
Larry Johnson, President SCEM
PRESIDENT'S BLOG/WEB SITE
| Larry Johnson President, SC Equestrian Ministries Although my wife and I were both raised around horses, it was not until the year 2001 that we again renewed our love for horses and began adding to our herd. Snicker was the first. He is Margie's blue-bay mustang-quarter horse. Next, came my well seasoned Tennesse Walker that we call Doodles. Then, mustangs Abednego and Gideon, a racking horse named Meshach, and now my 'Perfect Horse', Chief (we can all dream, can't we?). Chief is an Appaloosa gelding 15.3 hands tall...See you on the trails. |
| Going this route instead of the blog-site. Many people are not able to load the blog site for various reasons. Feedback and comments are always welcome and I will post them if appropriate. Thanks for your support and I hope you enjoy what I post on this site. May God bless and I will see you down the trail. Larry Johson |