Small Town Life In Big L.A.

Be Thankful Women’s Fellowship

What a welcome sight after a busy couple of days! It’s time for our BE THANKFUL Women’s Fellowship and Lynda has the room beautifully decorated and ready for guests! 

One by one the women arrived. After a relaxing time of visiting we began with an amazing warm pumpkin cider and demo by Crystal.

 

My what a treat! This was followed by a sit down candlelight dinner featuring Sylvia’s baked ziti with bechamel sauce and two delicious salads.

Dessert was a seasonal pumpkin spice cake thanks to Pam. 

We had fun taking our portrait and of course had to do a funny version!

I was privileged to bring a message from Romans chapter 12. This was the theme for our women’s retreat and it is so loaded with good practical biblical instruction. Tonight we focused on not being conformed to this world but being transformed by the renewing of our mind. This comes from actually taking the time to read the word, meditate on it and apply it. We also discussed true love, loving what God loves and hating what God hates, and using the spiritual gifts God has given each of us. So much meat in one chapter! 

We ended with a slideshow of pictures from the retreat and the NEVER SEEN BEFORE auction videos! LOL!!! I’ll post one here. There are 3 more! 

 I am so thankful for my sisters in the Lord! 

                           Amen & Amen!

Lunch & Christmas Boutique At The Sportsman's Lodge

This was the famous hangout of Clark Gable, Katherine Hepburn, & John Wayne! Today it's a popular filming destination and host to fabulous events.

Dale and I enjoyed being invited to represent our stores REVELATION TOPS and MOUNTAIN ROSE GIFTS at a women's meeting & luncheon. Want to see what it was like? Click on the quick video!

 

 Check out our new Christmas TOPS! Click HERE.

Pumpkin Fellowship! A Mini Retreat

Last night we enjoyed a Women's Pumpkin Fellowship at church. It was a night to take a break from our daily lives, enjoy the Fall season, share a candlelight dinner, and relive the fabulous women's retreat some of us attended in September.

It's nice to relax and converse while waiting for everyone to arrive.

We had a lovely spread of goodies. As for me, it was time to try a new recipe, Roasted Butternut Squash Salad. I think it was a hit. Roasted Butternut Squash, pecans, dried cherries, and feta on a bed of spinach with maple dressing. Check out this recipe. Perfect as a Thanksgiving side.

There were fruit platters, dips, pumpkin chips, and pumpkin salsa!

We weren't lacking in the dessert department! We all savored Sylvia's homemade apple tart as well as pumpkin cakes!

 

 

 

At the end of the meal we were treated to Crystal's Autumn Spiced Coffee. Yum! It was comforting to take back to the "living room" as we gathered round to share.

But first our Group Photo. WE had a blast doing several takes and came up with a winner!

What a great group of sisters in the Lord! Our sharing time was meaningful. Each of us spoke of a favorite memory of the retreat. There were so many good ones, the testimonies, quiet bible time, worship, food, shopping, weather, fellowship, and more! The retreat was called MISSION POSSIBLE. The main theme being that sometimes the Lord will lead us to step out in faith to minister in areas that we don't feel equipped for. That's OK because it's when you rely on HIM that you get to see Him work through you. What you feared can be the thing the Lord uses to be one of His greatest blessings. 

Books, BBQ, & The Titus 2 Woman

Through the winding Santa Susanna Pass...

headed for Simi Valley. See it between the mountains? I'm sure that lone bird does.

Tonight we are meeting up with our sisters in the Lord to enjoy a new foodie & shopping experience.

Welcome to Family Mongolian BBQ!

We had a peaceful table in the corner and would you believe they were piping instrumental hymns like "How Great Thou Art" through the sound system. 

Complimentary Egg Drop Soup and Wontons were brought to the table.

Then it was off to assemble our bowls. Crystal expertly instructed me in the process. You pick your meats first.

Then load up with your favorite veggies, herbs, and noodles.

Next comes the sauce. There are several great choices!

 

Now for the fun part! You get to watch as they cook your food!

Does that look healthy and delicious or what!!!

Here's my plate with turkey, veggies, peanuts, noodles, garlic sauce, sweet sauce, and sesame oil. It was FABULOUS!

Watching the show!

They also offer white or brown rice. And it's all you can eat! After dinner Crystal shared a meaningful and moving message about the Titus 2 Woman and who it is that exemplifies that in her life.(You'll find out at the end of this blog.)

As if that weren't enough fun we hopped over to a neighboring center to check out the $5 Or Less Bookstore.

We were on the hunt and found hidden treasures.

Here is my stash including a series of short stories published in 1942.

And now for Crystal's Ode To My Titus 2 Woman...

Ahhh so well written! And what is "Women's Ministry" but to encourage one another in the Word and all the more as we see the day approaching. Thank you sisters for a most encouraging and Spirit led night!

Revelation Tops Summer Fashion Show at the Sportsmen's Lodge

This was the scene as we "set up shop" at the Encino Oaks Republican Women's luncheon held at the famous Sportsmen's Lodge this week. Our stores REVELATION TOPS and MOUNTAIN ROSE GIFTS were honored to be invited to do the boutique and Fashion Show.

 

My sister and I enjoy doing these kinds of events. This day we were happy to wear our latest bling tops and best selling sleeves.

My nice hubby Dale had a great time doing what he loves. What a help he was including being our photographer for the fashion show.

The tables were decorated in a festive, patriotic theme. Pssstt...check out who the speaker is for the September meeting! Yep! Dennis Prager!

What a spectacular view we enjoyed! This is the sight of many movies, TV shows, and special occasions. LOTS of Hollywood history here.

Prior to lunch we were treated to the amazing voice of Jan Lacey Chorley. She sang a variety of Patriotic songs that honored the Lord and made us thankful for the country in which we live. Just beautiful and so peaceful. I was transported by her gift of song.

And now for one of my favorite things of the day. LUNCH! Every meal I have had here has been delicious! The service is top notch too. Today we enjoyed Grilled Shrimp Salad...

and Vegetarian Pasta. Both were yummy. I could make a meal of their warm, crusty rolls and assortment of decorated butters.

What a perfect dessert!

Well ladies it's show time!

FUN! FUN! FUN! Did we have FUN! This model was such a good sport! She had us cracking up when I asked her to bark into the mic and SHE DID IT! With gusto!

Revelation TOPS specializes in tops for the season. Right now we are ready for the 4th of July and the election year with the latest red, white, and blue tops. This open shoulder shark-bite tunic with bling is a best seller for us. The black lab dog pillow is a fave at Mountain Rose.

What a beauty! You'll want to live in these pull on,4 way stretch denim capris with crystal ladder trim.

Uncle Sam wants more of this top! It sold out in blue but just arrived in mauve.

WOW! She makes our flag dress look good! Everyone should have our made in the USA $19.98 leggings and bandeau sleeves to give your tank dresses and tunics a trendy look.

Tie Dye is so in and so are the exaggerated sides on this top, They are worn with our #! pant called JEGGINGS. Phenomenal fit, made in the USA, lightweight, size 2-16, denim, black, and colors, and only $59.98 Slim legs are IN!

This gal runs the largest conservative network for millennials on the West Coast! She is rocking our drama tank and "one of a kind" Paris jeans. Being so close to Hollywood we get lots of studio execs, rockers wives, and women in the "biz".

Does this outfit look great or what? This is the look! Tunic over leggings with BLING! So comfy too! It's so exciting to see what happens to women when they step out and try something NEW!

What a happy Summer dress taken to the next level with our black bandeau sleeves. A must have in sizes S-2X.

A fitting finale to our show, a made in Italy 2 pc. top set with white ankle pants that have crystal bows on the back!

Oh what a nice day supporting the Republican party, having lunch, listening to beautiful music, seeing the latest fashions, meeting new friends, and shopping! Could it get any better?

Yes! There were raffles and fab prizes like this money tree!!!

Carole was thrilled to win our table centerpiece!

Thank you Lord for a wonderful time and opportunity! We all felt like Queen for the day!

The Art Of Being A Lady

Photo Courtesy of Pinterest

Last weekend we had the joy of attending a "Ladies Tea" at our sister church. It was a day we looked forward to and prepared for. I myself was intrigued with the name "Ladies" tea versus tea party, etc. It's not a description you hear very often these days. I had some fun reminding everyone they must act like a "real" lady to attend. You know, versus those "other" ladies.

Well the day to make the hour and a half journey south arrived. Those in my car were excited, dressed up, and looking forward to the tea. We had lots of time to talk and catch up and the subject of "ladies" came up. I am intrigued by it. We were talking about the world's definition of a lady versus what God says a lady is. My friend asked "What does the bible say about being a lady?" A LOADED question. I quickly rattled off a few things but find myself days later wanting to revisit the subject. 

You know there's something about reading the bible that is like no other book. It is ALIVE. The living word of God. No matter how many times you think you have read something you go back and it speaks to you again in a different way. It is the Lord showing you something you need to hear at that time. Well this morning here is what He showed me. 

There are several places that speak about being a lady. Probably the most well known is the Proverbs 31 woman. But today He led me to Timothy and Titus, two of my favorite books because they are so clear and practical. Now I could go on and on, but I am going to practice the 9th fruit of the Spirit, self control, and stick with the three words that really stood out to me today. Ready?

"Their wives likewise must be DIGNIFIED" ( 1 Timothy 3:11)

hmmm...DIGNIFIED...what does that mean? Of course I had to look it up.

• a way of appearing or behaving that suggests seriousness and self-control

• the quality of being worthy of honor or respect 
  

 

To help me further understand dignified I looked up the definition of what it means to be UNDIGNIFIED....unseemly...inappropriate...improper...unbecoming...unrefined...UNLADYLIKE

Now I'm getting the picture. There are some behaviors that are just not appropriate for a Godly woman. Does this mean you can't have fun? Of course not. Joy is the second fruit of the Spirit. However we are to "keep a CLOSE WATCH on ourselves" (1 Tim 4:16) and "TRAIN OURSELVES in godliness" (1 Tim 4:7). This stuff does not come naturally.

Ready for word #2?

"Not SLANDERERS" (1 Timothy 3:11)

A slanderer is one who attacks/maligns the reputation of another with false statements and opinions. It can be so easy to do, especially when others don't meet up to our standards or do things our way. Slandering is closely related to gossip. Ouch! The Lord wants us to think before we speak. We've all heard the saying "if you don't have anything good to say don't say anything at all".  I think of Haley Mills in the movie Pollyanna. If you look for the bad in someone you will surely find it. Why not focus on what's good?

And here is word #3. It comes from a great list of ladylike traits in Titus 2.

"women are to be KIND"...having or showing a gentle nature and a desire to help others : wanting and liking to do good things and to bring happiness to others.

Well now I have a better picture of what a lady is and intend to further ponder and pray about these things. How about you? The bible has much more to say on the subject. I am thankful to  have lived long enough to see the Lord transform women into His image and ways over time and it is a glorious sight to behold. We are all a work in progress. Lord help me to act in a dignified manner, not slandering others, but instead being kind.

 

Sylvia's Valentine Lunch

It's not everyday one turns 80. My dear friend Sylvia (standing next to me) celebrated this milestone earlier this month and the rejoicing continues. She has been such a godly example and inspiration to us and I wanted to do something special that she would enjoy. She is full of the joy of the Lord. She looks amazing doesn't she!

All of us are "foodies" and love the Lord so this venue was right up our alley.

Here's a closer look at our table. The beautiful heart pics were crafted by none other than Mary S and beautifully adorned my raspberry muffins.

We started off with Valentine Kahlua coffee, piled high with whipped cream.

Mary's love banner parades above tuna cups.

We all enjoyed this freshly baked focaccia from a famous Chatsworth Italian deli.

This healthy hummus is made with garbanzo beans, tahini paste, and lemons, and topped with Spanish paprika and black sesame seeds.

Sylvia loves to bake and brought this colorful platter of sugar cookies and meringues.

Colleen's roasted squash with avocado, fresh basil, and smoked mozzarella was off the charts good.

Paying homage to Sylvia's Italian heritage we enjoyed heart shaped Caprese salad with lots of fresh, cracked pepper.

Here we have roasted fingerling potatoes with lemon zest and oregano.

A foodie afternoon like this would not be complete without two episodes of The Pioneer Woman!

My friend from Turkey gave me this silver vase and I wanted her to see how lovely it looks on my mantle. It brings joy to my heart every time I look at it.

What a blessed Valentine birthday celebration this was! Let's do it again! Happy Valentine's Day! Thank you Lord for the special women you have put in my life!

Women's Retreat 2015 THROUGH OCEANS DEEP

Last weekend the women from our church, CHATSWORTH LAKE CHURCH, were blessed to host the annual Christian Women's Retreat for our So Cal church group.

Our theme was THROUGH OCEANS DEEP, when God leads you into rough waters. Our teaching came from Acts 27, Paul's storm filled boat journey, that is loaded with principles of how a Christian is to go through the storms of life.

We crafted folders for each woman attending.

Friday night started off with getting to know each other with a fun Beach Hat & surprise!!! Dance Contest. This got us all laughing and making friends.

In keeping with our beach theme the dining room was set as a Candlelight Beach Cafe.

Tables were adorned with lanterns, shells, fresh flowers, and specially designed boats made from vintage lace and bleached driftwood.

The meals at Camp Maranatha, in the mountains of Idyllwild, are fabulous. Especially this fork tender roast beef with gravy and mashed potatoes.

Saturday afternoon brought crafting fun as we made beach tags.

 

In the evening we played BINGO with popcorn and a table full of good prizes.

What a blessing our Chatsworth ladies were as each got to share her gifts. Thank you Lord for these women and for giving us joy even in the midst of storms.

"So take heart men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told". Acts 27:25

Pasadena Fashion Show

Yesterday we took our store REVELATION TOPS to The Women's City Club of Pasadena where we were invited to do a fashion show. For my friends back east, Pasadena is the home of the annual Rose Parade each New Year's Day.

We were invited by the Pasadena Women's Connection, a wonderful group that meets monthly for lunch, fun, and inspirational speakers.

We enjoyed meeting the ladies at our table!...Is that Carole doing a photo bomb?

Lovely luncheon!

This brave group volunteered to be our models for the day. Thanks to each one who visited our store for fittings.

It was fun to share about this year's trends like tunics with uneven hems and rhinestone leggings.

And then there's Margaret, an actress who stole the show!

She cracked us all up! Oh what FUN we had! This was followed by an amazing testimony from speaker and magazine editor Laura Coronado. What a meaningful time!

 

Top Secret Women's Retreat Planning Meeting

This year our church is blessed to host the Christian Women's Retreat at Camp Maranatha in the mountains of Idyllwild. We met in January over dinner to begin the preparations. This year's theme will be unveiled this month at our Annual Southern California Church Conference but in the meantime we thought we would give you a hint via this photo. Hmmmm...what could it be? All I know is we are very excited about it and hope you will be too!

Colleen hosted and prepared a delicious dinner!

This Spaghetti Squash Casserole was so good that many of us went back for seconds. I almost was considering thirds but alas practiced self control.

The dinner included a healthy Spinach Salad. Yum!

After lively conversation and catching up it was on to Sylvia's Chocolate Sheet Cake. Sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you don't. Almond Joy's got nuts. Mounds....I digress.

This was the dessert plate handed to me. Oh happy day!...No, I didn't eat it all.

Now into the living room for prayer, worship, and sharing. What a peaceful, Spirit filled time there...cozy...inspired.

Well this little doggie heard all that went on and our plans but she'll never tell.

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Proverbs 19:21