Small Town Life In Big L.A.

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!

Christmas Memories...'Tis the Season

I have enjoyed using the Christmas cookie tin I made at church family camp back in July. This Santa looks just like our good friend from church....What do you think Roy???

Every year we are blessed to receive the most delicious homemade cookies from Sylvia. It wouldn't be Christmas without them. Look at how she lovingly wraps and labels each kind.

What fun we had at our party for the Sunday School class. So glad Crystal came to help!

It's always nice to have surprise visitors from faraway places! Thank you Paula & Jerry for a copy of Jerry's new CD!

We sold out of our tree topper piks at Mountain Rose. Check out the new creative one Dale did! This guy has talent!

This HUGE box was under the tree! What could it be???

Our Christmas breakfast started this way. You MUST try these frozen croissants from Trader Joe's! They rise overnight and are the best! Thanks M&W for the delicious jam!

Oh goodie! MERLE NORMAN!!! And look how beautifully it's wrapped!

Marie is one happy little dog!  YES, she is smiling!

Christmas Worship & Fellowship At Chatsworth Lake Church

What a joy it is to worship the Lord at Christmas. We have been enjoying all the traditional carols this year in many varieties. We were so blessed to have Pastor Alexander Hamilton & The Gospel Institute come out and lead a Christmas Worship Service. So many of us had tears of joy that night as our little church was full of praise.

Pastor Alex, pictured left, loves the Lord and is an exhorter. He has been leading this group for 37 years.

We were blessed with traditional Romanian carols, sung in the native language, during our Christmas candlelight dinner.

We are so thankful for our Chatsworth Lake praise team that led us in worship before the dinner. Their rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy" was fabulous!

After the Alex Hamilton group we had a barbecue. Thank you Daniel & Tamara for the delicious sausages, Ana for homemade sauerkraut, and all of your diligent planning & execution, and to Bill for the barbecued chicken, regular & spicy. Yes!

What a beautiful set up for our Christmas dinner!!!

Each table had homemade coleslaw, chips & salsa, and bread pudding waiting. The buffet included roast chicken, ham, mac& cheese, and baked beans lovingly prepared & served by Ana, Sylvia, Tamara, & Colleen. Everything was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!!!

I had fun making this dessert.

Thank you L.V. for taking this pic of Dale & I and for getting the tree in!

All of us at Chatsworth Lake Church wish you a Merry Christmas and invite you to join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.

Chatsworth Lake Church Women's Christmas Fellowship

 

It was a chilly Christmas night as we gathered for our 3rd Annual Gifted Christmas.

Our time starts with prayer and then the feasting begins. This year we served party foods.

The Jalepeno & Berry Compote we sell at Mountain Rose Gifts was a big hit, served over cream cheese.

Goat Cheese with sunflower seeds, drizzled with honey.

Ana's Cheescake Squares

Warm Bean Dip.

Greek Yogurt Dip

Potato Tomato Casserole With Fresh Bay

Next was sharing a message on ENCOURAGEMENT, " Let us not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some, but ENCOURAGE each other ALL THE MORE as you see the day approaching" (Hebrews). Those that know the Lord and have had their sin removed by the power of His blood have an eternity in heaven with the Lord and His saints to look forward to. Encourage means to lift up, to give hope to. It is getting our minds off ourselves and being aware of others. It can be as simple as eye contact and a smile...a kind word...a thank you.

This night we further encouraged each other with gifts. Everyone brings a gift they would like to receive. We place them under the tree and then draw names. It's so fun to watch them being opened.

Our evening ended with Lynette reading "A Cup Of Christmas Tea". A fine night with my sisters in the Lord.