Small Town Life In Big L.A.

Corriganville Park

This park, rich with movie history, is right down the street from us!!! and we have only recently discovered it. Alive with massive Oak trees and surrounded by the famous Chatsworth rocks, it is an ideal place to take a hike and admire God's creation.

Yes, we live in Mountain Lion and Rattlesnake territory and it's good to be aware before you veer off the trails.

It's fascinating to me to think about all of the old movies that were filmed here. I never knew Sherwood Forest was so close!

Can't you just see Robin Hood and his merry men! This place is a feast for the senses with the pleasant sound of native birds filling the air.

Now think Tarzan...

The diving platform as described on the sign above.

Here's where the cameras filmed underwater scenes.

 

It's funny... the day before visiting this verse made an impression on me. I found myself thinking about it. 

"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor."

It's from Isaiah 61 and it describes what God does for those who are His. How awesome that He would lead us to this park at this time as it's FULL of oaks. It was like chapter 61 came to life. I hope you take the time to read it. Perhaps the Lord will speak to you through this as He did to me. Splendor indeed!

Valentine Craft Fun With The Chatsworth Lake Church Women's Fellowship

Welcome to the Valentine cottage! This festive planter welcomed us as we met for a night of food, fellowship, the Word, crafting, and fun.

Outside looking in to a warm and cozy home.

We gathered around this table to pray together and thank the Lord for His many blessings.

The older I get, the more I cherish these times. The Lord has put us together, each one of us being different. Through Him we have learned to love each other and to bear with each other. This is the fruit of doing things His way and it is marvelous to behold.

Delicious chicken salad and egg salad tea sandwiches on fresh, wholegrain bread.

Brushetta with LOTS of garlic!

Healthy berries and grapes...

Getting ready to surprise sweet Sylvia...

Happy Birthday!!!

After an inspiring message on LOVE from Proverbs we got into some serious crafting. SO FUN!!!

Here are a few of the creative Valentine cards that we all came up with...

Valentine spatulas!

Thank you to our lovely hostess who fed us, shared the Word with us, and donated all the crafting supplies for the event. What a blessing you are!!!

 

Fun at the L.A. KING'S Hockey Game

The STAPLE'S CENTER, in the heart of downtown L.A. is home to the L.A. Kings games.

We had the pleasure of being treated to this game and enjoying a private box with our friends. What a view!

Our box had 2 rows of cushy "movie" seating, a table with stools where you could eat and watch the game, and a living room area. What a treat!

Upon entering we were greeted with an array of food...cookies & brownies...

Chips, veggies, and dips....

Buffalo wings & potstickers...

And my fave, a good 'ole dog with all the fixins.

It was exciting as loud dance music filled the house when the teams came out to skate for us.

It was a fast moving game and we enjoyed the theatrics and music. It was especially fun when the Kings would make a goal and everyone got up and danced. What a good time we had!

Join Me On A Whirlwind Buying Trip For The Stores

January is a very intense month for us. No sooner the Christmas season is over, which is full of church, retail,  wrapping, and parties, we hop on a plane and head for the major Gift & Ready To Wear Shows. Here is a scene we see everyday on our way to the Atlanta shows. We always happen to be there during Martin Luther King's birthday celebration. It's hard to see, but the sign on the left is a portrait of him.

First stop upon arriving is dinner at LaTivola. It's a cozy Italian restaurant in Virginia Highlands. This is their Warmed Olives appetizer.

Dessert at LaTivola is not to be missed. The special of the night was this delicious Apple Tart with Rosemary Cream. We also ordered a side of house made Vanilla Semi-Freddo.

Here's the view from one of the several highrise buildings that comprises the Atlanta Gift Mart. This was a snowless trip. It was cold but not bone chilling.

A fun showroom stop. It is rare to find sofas to lounge on. Generally you are on your feet...ALL DAY!!!

Every year has a different twist. This year several vendors had craftsmen outside in the halls demonstrating how things are made.

 

The Mart stays open until 8pm on the weekend. We shop, enjoy a nice dinner, and then drop. Atlanta has so many unique restaurants and they believe in dessert. One of my favorite stops, "Wisteria", lets you choose 3 of their homemade desserts for $10. We chose the Coconut Meringue Pie, Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream (Yes, it had a kick!), and Bread Pudding. I wish restaurants here in L.A. would pick up on this.

Being a "foodie" I look forward to the Gourmet Food section of the show where you get to sample everything.

Atlanta is a city that I enjoy. Here, popular "South City Kitchen" (You better have a reservation) is in a remodeled Southern home surrounded by spectacular high rises. Fascinating!

I think the Mussels here were among the best we have ever had. Considering we are from the Chesapeake Bay that is saying something.

As soon as we land in L.A. it's off to our local shows. This was taken as I was enjoying a break in the lobby of the California Market Center, my "home away from home" for the last 3 decades.

With all the lofts being built downtown their are new restaurants cropping up. We enjoyed people watching from our window table at PatternBar.com. You can see the California Mart from the window.

Here is a nice night shot of the L.A. Mart, home to many gift and decor showrooms. We have been shopping into the night on both coasts and had a very successful trip. You will find the fruit of our shopping in Mountain Rose Gifts and Revelation Tops.

Merry Grinchmas From Universal Studios

We have thoroughly enjoyed our passes to Universal this year. Where else can you meet the Grinch and feel like you are a part of Whoville? This giant tree changed colors before our eyes while all the Who characters serenaded us.

The latest in Grinch fashion. I would definitely wear this.

And there he is! The Grinch himself! His little dog was AMAZING!

Isn't this a beautiful scene!

Newscaster Fritz Coleman getting ready to go on the air.

You never know who you might run into at Universal!

Knock! Knock!

I LOVE Universal Studios!!!

"Right Here In This Manger"...Chatsworth Lake Church Christmas Play

"Right Here In This Manger" was written and directed just for us by a dear church member who used her God given gifts as a theater major to spread the good news about Jesus. Cast members from our church stepped out of their "comfort zones" to portray how Jesus changes the lives of present day believers while giving us the story of His birth.

It was good to see both children and adults in the play. This is something these kids will remember for the rest of their lives.

The Roman soldier and the angel Gabriel... It fascinates me to read what the Bible says about him and the Arch Angel Michael who stand among myriads of angels in the presence of God.  If you want to know what angels do read Hebrews Chapter 1.

What a great scene from the "ancient believers" cast. Can you guess who played Mary and Joseph?

This pic was taken earlier in the day. It symbolizes the joy we feel this time of year as we celebrate Emmanuel,  which means God with us. It is something to truly ponder that Jesus gave up his heavenly glory for a time to be born as one of us, fulfilling God's plan.

Merry Christmas From Chatsworth Lake Church Women's Fellowship

What a blessing it was to celebrate Christmas together! After a relaxing dinner we gathered together and read the last chapter of the book of Zechariah. It tells very clearly about things to take place.  Do you ever wonder what is going to happen to Jerusalem? It's all spelled out right here. Wonder what it is going to be like when the Lord returns, who will be with Him, how He will come? Here it is. Jesus being born was God's plan and more of it is shared in Zechariah Chapter 14. We hope you take the time to read it.

We all enjoyed sitting by the Christmas tree which filled up with presents as guests arrived.

Our dinner started with one of our best sellers at Mountain Rose Gifts, namely Berry Jalapeno Compote. Simply served over cream cheese it's always a hit.

Healthy Christmas Salad with grains, veggies, beans, herbs, and nuts.

Rosemary Potato Tomato Casserole.

Festive Fruit Punch

Sylvia's Pineapple Cheesecake...So pretty too!

Marie loves a party!

Our annual gift exchange...

Oh to be able to wear shoes like this!!!

 

A Merry & Blessed Christmas To You!

Arrogance, Fools, Schemers, and the Truth

Today was one of those overcast, chilly, snuggle up in your favorite chair with a book, kind of days. I chose my favorite book, the Bible, and my favorite book within it, Proverbs. The Lord speaks to us through His Word and today was no exception as I unhurriedly spent time with Him.  Here is what He showed me concerning arrogant men, accusations, plots, schemes, and their outcome.

Regarding Arrogance:

"The proud and arrogant man-"Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overwhelming pride" Prov 21:24

I looked these two words up in the dictionary. This is how you recognize such a man. The arrogant man is so full of himself that he shows disregard to others. The Mocker attacks others, treats them with ridicule, challenges them on their motives and what they do, and defies them. Defy means to resist openly.

Regarding Fools:

" A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent and discerning if he holds his tongue" Prov 17:27-28

"The fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions." Prov 18:2

Simply put, a fool usually has lots to say and is so busy saying it that he never listens to others or realizes the importance of seeking council.

Regarding Schemers:

" If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him" Prov 26:27

and my favorite...the Truth. Thanks be to God!

" There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord" Prov 21:30

Amen!!!

Come Unto Me....Pumpkin Fellowship

This month our Chatsworth Lake Christian Women's Fellowship celebrated Fall.

We met at church for a Fall themed potluck which included homemade Butternut Squash Soup, Pumpkin Pasta, Cornbread, Hot Apple Cider, and other goodies. After a time of prayer and the Word...we read from Isiah 40 by candlelight...then it was on to the pumpkins.

Here is the "before" picture of my pumpkin.

Next step: Pick your pattern.

We had some wonderful Christian themes to choose from.

Now for the messy part: scooping out the seeds. We all saved these to roast at home...Another tip: carve out the bottom instead of the top so the stem looks nice.

I chose " Come Unto Me", an advanced design...You begin by taping the pattern to the pumpkin and using a sharp roller to trace the design.

True pumpkin fellowship as our creative juices flowed.

And now for the results. Here a beautiful flower covered pumpkin created by our craft queen, M.S.

Some of our handiwork.

 

" Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest."   Matthew 11:18

Do You Not Know? Have You Not Heard?

Stoney Point... Chatsworth, Ca.

I am reading through the book of Isaiah and taking my time with it as it's very rich. Its one of the books in the Bible where God speaks...a LOT.

As I was reading this last night I thought of so many people I've met that are going through life without the Lord. Some think they are "safe" calling themselves "spiritual", "quasi- Christians" and other such descriptions, and exalting "love" for the sake of love. Others don't believe there even is a God.

I wonder how many there are out there that have never, or rarely, cracked open a Bible. They say they believe it but have no idea what's inside.

Isaiah Chapter 40 says:

"To whom then, will you compare God? What image will you compare Him to?

As for an idol, a craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it"

DO YOU NOT KNOW? HAVE YOU NOT HEARD?

Has it not been told to you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?

He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and it's people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.

"To whom will you compare me?

Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

LIFT YOUR EYES and look to the heavens.

Who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host one by one, and

calls each of them by name.

Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

DO YOU NOT KNOW? HAVE YOU NOT HEARD?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom."

And this is for you who have put your trust in the Lord:

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will SOAR on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not faint."