Small Town Life In Big L.A.

Tell The Righteous It Will Be Well With Them

"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Matt. 16:17-19

 

I love the Word of God. My husband and I stand on it.

I feel led to post this today.

" _________ staggers. _________ is falling. Their words and deeds are against the Lord, defying His glorious presence.

The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves.

Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.

Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done."

Thus sayeth the Lord...Isaiah 3:8-11

Dinner In The Garden Women's Fellowship

How refreshing it was to get together at S's home for a much needed time of fellowship in the Lord. We had such fun taking this pic!

We helped ourselves to heaping bowls of pasta...

Healthy Salad...

Homemade Bread...

Freshly squeezed lemonade, minted tea, & cucumber water...

 

And headed outside to the garden.

All of the beautiful arrangements displayed the garden's finest!

 

And then it was time for more on the life of Joseph. We began this study last year and had to put it on hold as we led a Women's Retreat. It felt GOOD to get back to it!

This month we read the account in Genesis that pertained to segments 16-18 of the movie. It was thrilling to see Joseph exalted from prison to ruler over all Egypt, second only to Pharaoh!!!

Some good discussion came out of this...

1) Joseph was falsely accused and in prison over two years. He wanted to get out and began using his own resources to change things. When you know the Lord this does not work. We are to wait on Him. He knows what we need and when we need it and is well able to provide for us regardless of circumstances. Joseph's release and exultation is a wonderful example of what all believers in the Lord have to look forward to.

2) The Lord warned Pharoah of SEVEN YEARS OF FAMINE that were coming on the land. We discussed the current recession which began in 2008 and how it has affected us and those we know.

There is nothing like the Word of God. It is ALIVE and will change your life. If you want to know God and have a relationship with Him you will do so in His Word. Only He can reveal it to you so ask Him. SEEK HIM and you will find Him.

The evening ended with S's delicious Cherry Pineapple Cheesecake and enjoyable conversation. Thank you Lord for the sisters you have given us to be a good example for you and encourage us in this life.

Celebrating RESURRECTION DAY!

What a beautiful Easter morning! There is nothing that compares to celebrating the resurrection of Jesus with others who love and worship Him, especially your church family.

We praised the lord with songs like "My Redeemer Lives", "Above All", and "Because He Lives". The words are so beautiful.

Today's message was " In This Life Only" from 1 Corinthians 15. As it was preached we were serenaded by doves overhead. It was such a blessing!

Verse 19 says,

"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men."

We celebrate that Jesus rose from the dead and those of us who believe in Him will do the same!

After a glorious time of praise and worship we enjoyed a delicious brunch on the patio. God Bless C & M who labored for us and fed us...such a ministry of love!

I couldn't help but spot a few hidden eggs...

The children followed Mrs. T for the annual Easter Egg hunt.

This has become a recent tradition at our little church, the annual Easter Bonnet photo.

Thank you Lord for such a blessed day and family to celebrate it with!

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!

"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!!!

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."

A Very Sobering Video...

I just watched this video. It was in my blog neighborhood in the midst of flowers, recipes, and "happy" things. It confirms what the Lord had put on my heart this morning. I was praying for another Christian whose life is in trouble. The Lord was impressing on me the UTMOST IMPORTANCE of spending REGULAR TIME   ALONE with HIM in His WORD.

When you do this He WILL speak to you. 

SATAN'S PLAN

 

The Proverbs Woman: How We Dress

Fashion Changes. God's Word Does Not.

We are still in Proverb's Chapter 1 focusing on the call to lead a disciplined and prudent life. PRUDENT is being CAREFUL with what we say and how we act. Tonight the subject is what the Word says about how we should dress.

1 Tim 2: 9-10 " I also want women to dress MODESTLY, with DECENCY and PROPRIETY, not with fancy hair, jewelry, and clothes, but with GOOD DEEDS, appropriate for women who profess to worship God."

1 Peter 3: 3-4 "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as hair, jewelry, and fancy clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a GENTLE and QUIET spirit, which is of GREAT WORTH IN GOD'S SIGHT."

The Bible says a woman who professes to know the Lord is to dress MODESTLY. A simple definition of modest is NOT DISPLAYING ONE'S BODY. In this lesson we asked ourselves this important question:

Is what I am wearing drawing attention to me and my body and away from the Lord?  Am I dressing to get man's attention or to please the Lord?

We discussed the differences between men and women. Men are visually stimulated and women just want to know they are loved. As a result of knowing how men think and react we discussed these practical ways we can examine what we are wearing to see if it lines up with the Word and does not cause others to stumble. Here are some of the things we discussed:
* Showing cleavage: Is my outfit cut too low?
* Showing lots of leg: Are my shorts and dresses too short?
* Are my clothes too tight?
* Are my outfits too wild?

As a Christian grows in maturity we learn what is pleasing to the Lord. We stop trying to please ourselves and become more other minded. In turn, through Jesus, we become beautiful on the inside and learn to develop a gentle and quiet spirit. This is so opposite the way of the world which says, "it's all about me...if it feels good do it....if you've got it, flaunt it." The world is obsessed with staying young looking. But all the money being spent on botox and fillers can't begin to buy the beauty that radiates from a woman who is filled with the Holy Spirit.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is FLEETING, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her WORKS bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31:30-31