South Carolina Equestrian Ministries
      SCEM Fall Trail Ride
          Croft State Park
       November 9-11, 2007








The weekend at Croft was absolutely spectacular.  The colors of fall were
a feast for the eyes.  The vibrant yellows, radiant reds, pumpkin oranges,
brilliant browns,  All off set with some fading shades of green.  We were
blessed with perfect weather every day and night.  The days were warm
but yet cool enough to enjoy an invigorating ride.   The evenings and
mornings were cold enough to make all of those who ventured out of their
trailers to seek out a near by campfire for warmth and fellowship.  The
trails at Croft have been well maintained and upgraded.  Yes, they still
have roots and rocks but with a good horse and a sharp eye the
challenge is well worth the reward.  One only needs to look around at all
the splendor at Croft to know Gods majesty. The plan that he laid out for
us is more than what we ever expected. Showing his plans are much
higher than ours could ever be.  I am always amazed and grateful for the
beauty he has created for us.  When I was up on the high ridges with the
warm sun shining on my face as I looked out over the woods with the
multicolored leaves falling and floating gently to the ground or when I was
down at the sandy rivers edge watching the sparkling cold water splash
as it flowed over the huge, flat, gray, boulders, that’s when I would feel it.  
“Gods love”.  Like a thick, warm, fuzzy, winter blanket covering me with
his love.  When anyone has the opportunity to enjoy the wonders that God
has created for us, you can not help but feel closer to him.  Saturday night
was a great time of fellowship around the warm crackling camp fire.  We
enjoyed hot steamy cider and cake that warmed our insides.  Robert
Christmas and Roxie Williamson both shared their beautiful voices in
song, while the campers huddled around the glowing fire. As we sipped
our cider we were treated to some delightful Cowboy Poetry from one of
our members from the upstate, Steve Porter.  Sunday morning Bother
Larry Johnson enlightened us with his message, showing us we all needs
Gods guidance just as our horses needs our guidance.  And he
challenged us all to start each morning with dependence on God.
Everyone had an awesome weekend and I hope were as revitalized with
Gods love as I was.                                  Linda Turner, GAF