Oct. - Dec. 2009
One Year Closer to Christ's Return

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Oct. 2009

I love to see the changing of leaves....the fall foliage. So every 2-3 years, I try to go to the East Coast to see God's awesome beauty. So Oct. 2nd, I few to Michigan for ministry there, knowing that I would see those beautiful colorful trees....but guess what, I did not. Because there had been no cold snap, how disappointed I was, but knowing that I was going on to New York for ministry, sure I would see some. However, it had not been cold enough there yet, so I saw 3-4 colorful trees only. So now I was extremely disappointed....guess I'll have to try again next year.

While in Michigan, I was able to sing at The Apple Fall Festival. I did not know that many of our apples are grown there.

Ms. Lillie at the Fair

It was a real fair, of course there were rides and food vendors. Never had I heard of deep-fried Twinkies....deep-fried Snickers....and I think the worst for me was deep-fried Oreo Cookies .....ugh!! Of course, please believe me when I say, I never had even one itsy-bitsy bite.

I was scheduled for ministry in Long Island New York, one hour from Manhattan. How fun to do something we Californians never get to do....I took the train into New York City.

Ms. Lillie on the train in New York

Some of the finest musicians are given permission to entertain the huge crowds who travel the trains and subway system. Here is a great blues group.

Musicians in New York

When I came up to the street, I was right at Macy's (I am told the largest Macy's in the World). Did I have fun there? How exciting to do the tourist things. My question is this....WHO ARE ALL THOSE PEOPLE, CROWDS EVERY WHERE?

Ms. Lillie near
The Empire State Building

How wonderful to minister in two churches on Long Island, with Pastor and Mrs. Johnson in an AM service. That evening was a celebration, the 59th Anniversary of Pastor Virgina ....listen to this....she has been Pastor of the same church (in the same location) for nearly 60 years. I was so moved to see that hundreds had returned that day to pay tribute to her....they all spoke of her being a mentor....her kindness to them....how she had invested into their lives. There are many who are now full-time Pastors or in full-time ministry. may God continue to bless Sister Virginia, a faithful servant! Her dear husband, Brother Al, works right along side her.

Psalms 37:23 - The steps of a good (woman) are ordered by The Lord and He delights in (her) way.

Phil. 1:6 - He, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you, will complete it until the Day of Jesus Christ.

Each year, the third Saturday of October....the complex I live in gives us an opportunity to participate in a garage sale. I have nothing to put out because all through the year, I clean out my closet .... I am always taking anything that I am given and things I can no longer use, to a home for battered ladies. I know that they are blessed to receive them, and I am blessed to give them....I don't like to have things around not being used.

Matthew 25:40 - ....Assuredly, I say to you, in as much as you did it to the least of these....you did it to Me.

The organization, CASA (California Association of Senior Adults) annually has a Fall meeting, usually held at a retreat center....however, this year, it was held at a church; and what a blessing to be a small part of it. The excellent speakers were Stu and Jill Briscoe....and my, were we challenged as they spoke....God certainly used them in our lives.

I am thankful for the promises of God. We can trust Him for all we need, whatever fearful circumstances you are facing, God is there. Doesn't matter if it's a broken relationship .....a bad diagnosis .... financial problems .... job layoff .... our God can and will work out any situation.

Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.

As always....a big thanks to you who remember me in prayer as I travel....for safety and a fresh anointing. For you who give financial gifts (remember all gifts are run through my account in Springfield....and you can receive a receipt). This soil is good ground....and you will be partnering with me in the work God has called me to. Thanks for your kindness.

Please call me sometime....anytime, I would like to talk with you....pray with you....and hear how God is working in your life. He is not finished with us yet. Aren't you glad?

Here is a closing prayer. May the blessing of the Lord overtake you as you seek to serve Him with all your heart.

Nov. 2009

Psalms 95:2 - Let us come before His precense with Thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully with psalms.

I love the month of November.....cause I'm able to begin to look back at the year and see all that God has done for me and the ministry He has given me. And my! What He has done is reason for me to rejoice. That is why I try to always have an attitude of gratitude. I certainly hope that you feel the same way.

Psalms 100:4 - Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and into His courts with praise, be thankful to Him, and bless His Name.

Remembering our blessings, He is a Good God....all the time. I am especially thankful this Thanksgiving for the wonderful opportunity He gave me over 31 years ago when I walked out of the Telephone Company to begin traveling in full-time ministry. I can say....that He has been faithful to me and He will continue to be.

Lam. 3:23 - Because of The Lord's Great Love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

For 31 years now, I have been traveling....I may not have as much physical energy as I once had, but I do still have the same excitement for what God has asked me to do. There is airline travel....with delays .... I even drive a lot of places....always alone, even meals alone in hotels....but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am sooooooo grateful that at my age (I will be 72 my birthday), God still has folk call me to minister and I know there is no retirement for me. I want to be like the little Energizer Bunny, keep going, going, going till He calls me home.

What a joy to drive past the church near my house and see that a Women's Conference was scheduled. One of the speakers was a dear friend from Hawaii. God has blessed she and her husband with a great church in Honolulu. I loved the anointed services there. Well, I went to hear Pastor Kuna, and she was wonderful; a unique ministry. She sings anointed songs given to her by God and shares the Word as well. What a blessing.

Another one of the speakers was a Godly elegant 88-year-old lady, Dr. Mary Ellen Strong. I felt I was sitting at the feet of Jesus as I listened to her share....she has advised many Presidents through the years and is a mentor to many women.

Pastor Kuna, Dr. Mary Ellen Strong
and Ms. Lillie

What a gorgeous drive along the ocean as I went to Morro Bay.

Pastor Nancy and Ms. Lillie

What a wonderful Women's Conference with Pastor Nancy. The ladies came hungry to hear from God....and we did. I spoke on Running The Race set before us, casting off the weights and sins that can so easily trip us up. We are to run for the prize so we may hear Jesus say those two words, "Well Done."

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I was a part of something I had never experienced before, the installation of a new Pastor at a church. It was Christ First Baptist Church in Covina, CA, a 113-year-old church, a great choir (which I was able to sing with), and a talented hand-bell choir gave us a fabulous arrangement of "Majesty." The Pastor is only 44-years-old, a dynamic preacher....I know that God will use him in a great way. It was a moving service to hear the charge given to him as well as the charge given to the congregation. My long time friend, Dr. Bob Orr was also there as were representatives from most of the area churches.

Dr. Bob Orr, Ms Lillie, and
Pastor Chad Thibodeaux

When I received a call months ago asking me to do a Christmas Program in November. I wonder if I heard her correctly. She said, "Yes in November, because December is such a busy month and they just like to have it early." It was a wonderful evening; I loved it, because it really put me in the Christmas Spirit. I presented my great Christmas Program, singing all the Christmas songs and carols, it was so special. And also if you don't have my Christmas CD (click here), you're really missing something; classics, carols, and a song I know you'll enjoy, I co-wrote "Jesus is the Reason for the Season." I was told a good time was had by all. The Christmas Story never gets old and each time I hear it, I realize how much God loved the world that He sent His only Son for our salvation. And I am so glad I received that gift as little girl and that it keeps on giving.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the World that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

I'll talk more about all the wonderful programs I was a part of when I do the December newsletter.

When I lived in beautiful Hawaii for those 10 years, I met some wonderful friends....one couple in particular I spent a lot of time with. She was originally a California girl with a great heritage. Her uncle was Demos Shakarian (founder of The Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International). And by the way, that group is still meeting in restaurants around the world monthly. I recently was speaker/singer for a meeting. Well, my friends, Cheryl and Paul, came to the mainland to visit family and asked me to join them for Thanksgiving Dinner (or did I ask them?) .... we're friends .... so it really doesn't matter.

And what a great time we had. Instead of having a big meal at home with all the cooking and clean-up....we went to a first-class restaurant for dinner. Then onto Miss Elaine's house to play games....I love Scrabble! We all should realize how important family and friends are.

Cheryl, Paul, Pastor Art, Ms. Elaine,
Alice and Ms. Lillie

I received a call from a Pastor saying that the Saturday after Thanksgiving he was having a program but the group scheduled had canceled and would I be able to come to Modesto and fill in. I went and it was a very special time of ministry. I thank God for surprises. I just want to be ready to go and do what He wants and places in my path. I had no idea that the fall foliage would be so gorgeous in Modesto. You might remember (in October) I went all the way to Michigan and New York to see it, but because the weather was still very warm, I saw almost none.

Proverbs 16:9 - A man's (lillie's) heart plans (her) way, but The Lord directs (her) steps.

And I am truly thankful for you, my friends....for your prayers...and for your gifts of love to the ministry. I shall continue to pray for you. Let's live with an "attitude of gratitude."

Psalms 103:2 - Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits.

Dec. 2009

II Corinthians 9:15 - Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

The best and greatest gift we could ever receive came from our Heavenly Father, who sent His only Son Jesus in the form of that little baby laid in that manger long ago.

How could something that happened over 2,000 years ago still create excitement as folk rush around trying to celebrate "the Holidays?" Some see it as an opportunity to give and receive gifts, attend parties, celebrations .... many do not know or believe that the heart of Christmas is Jesus Christ. What a gift!....it's all about God's Love to the world.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the World that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

The year 2009 is swiftly coming to a close....I trust that you are doing well and thanking God for His faithfulness to you and your family. My prayer for you is that you be filled with joy, love and peace as you celebrate with family, friends, and as you recognize and honor Jesus Christ (it's His birthday).

December began on an exciting note....as most of you know I am an original member of the Edwin Hawkin Singers....our big hit song was "Oh Happy Day." Staying on the Billboard Charts as #1 many weeks, May 1969. A 40th Anniversary Reunion was planned. I flew up to Oakland (where it all began)....we met at a restaurant....we were there five hours. It was an absolutely wonderful time of fellowship (of course the soul food was delicious). Many of the group I had not seen for the entire 40 years....some I had seen once since then....and yes, we have all changed.

Edwin Hawkins and Ms. Lillie

Some of Original Edwin Hawkin Singers

It seems that people still love that song very much and I sing it regularly. It is on my Dove Winner CD, Past and Present (click here).

It's always a joy to be asked to sing for secular Christmas parties. I always tell them that I must sing at least one gospel song. Recently I was asked to sing another gospel song at the end of the party. I am grateful for those opportunities to proclaim that Jesus is "The Reason for the Season"....did you hear the song I co-wrote? It is on my Christmas CD (click here). Even at my age....it's still fun taking a photo with Santa.

Ms. Lillie with Santa

It seems that at Christmastime, folk are more open to hearing about Jesus and I love telling them about Him, and that He wants to touch and change their lives.

John 10:10 - ....I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

So this Holiday Season, remember it's not about Christmas Trees, Gifts (received and given), but rather memories being with our loved ones celebrating annual traditions, but most of all realizing that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. I personally think that Luke 1 should be read Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, whether with the family or alone.

One of my special Christmas services was held at The Walter Hoving Home....a place for ladies who are coming off drugs, etc. are able to stay in this home-like atmosphere .... finish high school, but most of all, they learn about Jesus and His plan for their lives.

Jer. 29:11 - I know the plans that I have for you says The Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

As this year draws to a close, I am reminded of God's faithfulness to me....the assignment He gave me over 31 years ago, to carry the Good News through Word and Song....and that I've done.

Isaiah 55:11 - My word that goes forth from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and prosper where I send it.

Thank you for your phone calls, letters, financial gifts to the ministry throughout this year. I pray that God will abundantly reward you.

Remember the angel's announcement to the shepherds in the field on that night long ago, was this.

Luke 2:8-14 - Do not be afraid; behold, I bring you Good Tidings of Great Joy...which will be to all people. For there is born to you, this day, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you, you will find a baby wrapped in cloth and laying in a manger. Suddenly a company of great Heavenly Hosts appeared with the angel, praising God and saying "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth, peace, goodwill to all men.

If you're like me, you love hearing those inspiring timeless Christmas carols, so I am certain that you will enjoy my Christmas CD (click here)....for years to come.

May the Christ of Christmas be welcomed to take His rightful place on the throne in your heart during the season that we celebrate His birth.

Have a wonderful blessed Merry Christmas and a fruitful New Year.

Until next year.

Happy to be His Handmaiden,

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