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April to August 2007
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For previous months click here August 2007 Can you believe the year is passing so quickly? Summer is almost over, and school has resumed. Time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas
I was blessed to be able to minister that Sunday in two different churches, and to sing with a choir at both places (I LOVE that What a wonderful assignment God has given me to be able to travel and minister in Word/Song. I'm always grateful when I get cards, letters, phone calls, or when I am told personally how the ministry has affected a life. I look forward to ministering for Christian Women's Connection (Stonecroft Ministries). Founded in 1938, their goal is to reach the unchurched ladies. By having monthly meetings, Christian attendees are asked to invite the unsaved. This month I was in Frazier Park, CA, just one hour before Bakersfield, in the mountains. I was told it snows in the winter....so I'm glad I was there in August
Very informative talk and a good time of ministry for me that day. As always, God did touch hearts and lives. Isaiah 55:11 - So shall My Word be, that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. I have been blessed to minister all over Southern California for the Christian Women Connection meetings. And my favorite place is The Grand Tradition in Fallbrook, CA. A sprawling old building which is primarily now used for weddings (you would love the huge lawn....and gazebo). Classic in every way. This group is a large one. I think some ladies just love to attend because of where it is held I'm glad someone is older than me.
One of my dear, dear friends celebrated her 80th birthday. She is very special to me. I was able to attend a fabulous dinner party where she was honored by many long-time friends.
One of them, I sang with at Melodyland. NOBODY sings like Chico! Ms. Maida had asked that he sing his signature song, "On The Wings of A Snow White Dove." It was incredible.
A very memorable month for me is August. After working 22 years at the telephone company, God gave me a new assignment. I was to travel the world singing about His Son Jesus coming to Earth to redeem mankind. I have been faithful to the call. And on August 28th, it marked that 29 years ago I "hung up" on Ma Bell. What a life....I am humbled to think He could or would want to use me. Psalms 109:30 - I will greatly praise The Lord, with my mouth; yes, I will praise Him among the people. I've been running for Jesus....I've been singing for Jesus....I've been serving Jesus a long time and "I'm Not Tired Yet." That song just happens to be on my new CD. I'm working on my schedule for the Christmas Season. If you're planning a function and want a little sparkle So keep running for Jesus, serving Jesus, and believing that He will never leave you nor forsake you. He knows what you're facing and it's wonderful to know that He will never give us more than we can bear. Remember .... the greater the burden .... greater His Grace. II Corintihians 12:9 - And He says to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weaknmess." ...... See ya next month. July 2007 Each morning, I awaken thanking God for another day to serve Him. As the month began, I spoke and sang for a Women's Tea. It's always a treat when I see women wearing hats. This was a function of Christian Women's Connection. What a joy for me to be a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries who sponsor the meetings. The regular attendees are asked to bring an unsaved friend. Through the Music and Spoken Word, many ladies accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. It's Wonderful! John 3:16 - For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. I received a call from Wayne in Nashville (he produced my latest CD, "Past & Present," which is available on my webpage) The morning of the wedding, Amanda had a Hat & Tea Party for 60 of her friends who had come to attend. As we walked into the beautifully decorated room, on each chair, there was a huge hat box. Inside, 60 hats, different shapes, styles, colors, made by a man whose talent you see as you watch the Kentucky Derby. For most of those incredible hats worn there are made by him. What a talent he has. An announcement was made, that when you opened your box, if it was "just not right" for you, you simply had to find one in the room of 60 hats, approach the lady, and ask if you could switch. It was remarkable how gracious they all were to say, "Yes, of course."
There was an awesome event on 7-7-07 presented by "The Call" (there are several schedules in different cities this year). Thousands of Christians are asked to come together for a time of praise and worship. I was on the 30th floor and snapped this photo with my little camera as they marched to the Stadium praying as they walked. Thousands prayed as they walked; a prayer for Revival fire. Jer. 33:3 - Call to me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
Don't forget as you're planning your fall schedule, you will Not be disappointed if you have me come in for a Ladies Hat & Tea Party, Seniors Rally, or of course, a church service. Have you looked at the information on my 70th birthday cruise (click here), hope you'll come along. Psalms 92:14 - It is good to give thanks to The Lord, and to sing praises to your name, Oh Most High. As I look back, on the nearly 30 years of full-time ministry God has given me, I FEEL BLESSED. He has given me good health, strength to be the MUSICIANARY He has called me to be. My desire is to travel the world proclaiming Good News to broken hearts, broken lives, shattered dreams, broken marriages .... to all who are hurting. They need to know that Jesus is the answer to every problem and wants to be Lord of their lives. May you carry that message also as you go about your day. We are each called to present a hope-filled future to the world. Daniel 12:3 - Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. If you are needing God to touch your life today, He will .... we can be assurred He is always with us. Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. See ya next month.......... June 2007 What a wonderful opportunity for me to be with long-time friends, Doug & Ruth Moody.
He has a fantastic choir of 16 people who sing anointed songs all over Canada and the U.S. They have a heart for Ministry. Three years ago, they adopted an orphanage in Russia, have visited the children taking gifts and in practical ways making their lives easier. Each year they have a concert where they ask for contributions for their next trip. I was asked to come and be soloist for two concerts. The first on a Saturday night, June 2nd, held in Surrey, B.C. A large crowd gathered to hear the Royal Heirs....they have been together 45 years...four men who play saxophones. They are awesome! A southern gospel group brought the house down and the host choir, Daystar. It was wonderful to be able to sing 4 songs with the choir.
The next day, Sunday, 500 miles away in the town of Kelowna, an absolutely beautiful part of Canada, in fact, it is called the "Palm Springs" of Canada, a much milder climate. Again, we had a packed house. God touched hearts and the response for the orphanage was remarkable. James 1:27 - Pure and undefiled religion before God and The Father is this: feed the orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. Saturday, June 9th, the Pointe Loma Nazarene College Women's Guild sponsored a variety night of 50's & 60's music. It was outstanding how the participants did a lip-synch to some of the top popular artists such as The Lennon Sisters, Chordettes, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darrin, Johnny Ray, Doris Day, Johnny Cash and of course, the rock & roll king, Elvis. What made the evening great was that everyone was dressed like the one they impersonated. It was a joy for me to sing the only gospel song of the evening, Psalms 146:2 - While I live, I will praise The Lord; I will sing praises to My God while I have my being.
I love Hat & Tea Parties. I was able to attend one with some special friends. Those little sandwiches .... scones .... lemon custard with raspberry jam, yummm. The speaker was dynamic. If you like Tea Parties, there are two a year held at American Family Living Ministries. It's a beautiful old Victorian home built in the late 1800's. You won't be disappointed with the food or the speaker. Jene & Evie Wilson have had the ministry, Christian counseling, for 25 years in that beautiful house in Orange, CA. Psalms 119:24 - Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.
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One night I answered the phone at my house...a lady introduced herself...said she was calling from Montana ....telling me her long-time friends were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They all loved seeing me on the Gaither videos. Francie thought, "I'm going to ask Miss Lillie if she will come and sing at the reception. She can only say Yes, or No"
We must let our lives touch everyone around us in a positive way....letting them know Jesus is the answer to every problem. John 12:32 - Jesus said, if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to Myself. Another reminder about my 70th birthday cruise (click here for information). I'd sure like to have you come along. It will be a time of rest and relaxation (everyone needs that at some time). May 2007 Off to the Chicago area....to Moline, Illinois...a Spring Tea....over 300 women, most wearing hats. Isaiah 55:11 - So shall My Word be, that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please. and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. I ministered in two Sunday morning services at their church. I LOVED their music. It was used to usher in the presence of The Lord; yes it did! Two years ago, I was singer for an annual Mother's Day Luncheon for Teen Challenge, a fundraiser. This year, the day before Mother's Day, I was speaker and singer. What an incredible event. It is held in a grassy area on the property in a tent that seats 600. I asked their Directors if they would encourage the ladies to wear hats....they selected the clothing colors.....black & white with a touch of pink....cute! Next year, 2008, will be the 50th anniversary of Teen Challenge, founded by Dave Wilkerson. If you have never read his book, The Cross and The Switchblade, I recommend it, or you may want to rent the movie video. I'm grateful how God has used Teen Challenge as a place where men and women are given a new life as they realize God's purpose for them. I was told if a person goes through the program to completion that there is an 86% chance that they will never be on drugs again; quite a difference from the 2% Government programs for drug rehabilitation. Thank God for His Power to make new creatures. II Corinthians 5:17 - If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things are passed away; behold all things have become new. I will continue to support Teen Challenge....because as I sang two songs with a 100-voice men's choir, who are students in the program ....and heard their testimonies; I know I am supporting a great cause. The Western States Gospel Music Association (WSGMA) all-day concert was held here in Ontario, CA. Listen to this....those loyal southern gospel music fans come at 11am and stay until 6pm. I was so excited that I was in town and able to go. I learned that you just get up and go when you have to be refreshed and then return.
Psalms 146:2 - While I live, I will praise The Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Again, back with family, we are together every Memorial weekend at a hotel....connecting rooms and it is so wonderful to share with one another. I thank God for my sisters and brother....they mean so much to me. One of my sisters is a Pastor's wife. Their church is where we all went Sunday morning. It was so special being together.
Psalms 133:1- Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren (and sistern) to dwell together in unity. I'm working on my Fall schedule, and as you are planning your women's meetings, Seniors Rally, Christmas Banquet....keep me in mind. Psalms 104:33 - I will sing to The Lord as long as I live. I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. April 2007 John 9:4 - I must work the works of Him who sent me, while it is day....for when night comes, no man can work. I have special friends who pastor a great church, Echo's of Faith, in Ontario, CA. Each year their gift to the community is an incredible drama presented at Easter time. They have 16 performances between Palm Sunday ending Easter Sunday night. I always arrange my schedule so that I can attend because it brings to my mind the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He came to earth with one purpose in mind, to be the sacrifice for all the sins of the world. He died on the cross, was buried, and as He promised- on the 3rd day HE AROSE! If you live in the area, please plan to attend next year. I Corinthians 15: 14 - And if Christ has not risen, then our preaching is in vain. Easter Sunday, I was in Sun City, AZ. What a wonderful Resurrection Sunday. It was a privilege to be able to sing with a choir, probably my favorite Easter hymn, "Christ Arose." I love it when we got to the chorus of the song......and with much excitement, we sang those powerful words, "Up from the grave He arose..." Wow! I'm always reluctant to have a service Easter night .... when pastor suggested a concert in the pm, I asked him "Will anyone come back, remember it's Easter?" His response...."Ms. Lillie, this is a retirement community, they'll be back." Hebrews 10:24-25 -Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together.... I've mentioned before how I love to minister to seniors....now that I are one. Mathew 25:35-40 - And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, when you did it (visited those in prison, fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited the sick), you did it unto Me. Off to Tucson, AZ, to do something I love to do....speak and sing for Ladies Hat & Tea Luncheons (I'm available to come to your club or church for your Ladies Gathering). The Tea was Saturday morning. Ms. Becky and her team did a great job arranging everything. And on Sunday morning, I was extremely happy because during praise & worship, I knew every song they sang. Psalm 68:19 - Praise be to The Lord our God, who daily loads us up with benefits.
I've got to tell you something....after the AM service, I was introduced to a Christian biker. Dave has a ministry to bikers. He travels to their gatherings on his huge Harley which has Christian symbols all over it.
Laminations 3:20 - For (Lillie) will not often consider the years of her life...for God keeps him (her) occupied with gladness of heart. Many of you know about my first record
Speaking of the Gaithers, what an exciting weekend for me. Bill & Gloria and The Homecoming Friends were in my area, Anaheim, CA. He asked....to my delight At one time, it seemed that everyone seemed to singing the songs of these great songwriters, Bill & Gloria Gaither and Andrae Crouch. I was able to attend the celebration of the 40th year of ministry for Andrae. It was an awesome service on Sunday, just to know the number of powerful songs he has written that we sang. It was also his 12th year of pastoring New Christ Memorial Church in Pacoima, CA. Friends were there from literally all over the world. A Pastor brought his choir from Japan where Andrae had ministered earlier in the year. May God continue to give him songs to bless the world. Psalm 66:2 - Sing forth the honor of His name: make His praise glorious. What a fun 69th birthday I had. A dear friend from San Jose, Amy, was with me. Long time friends .....OLD FRIENDS
Psalm 104:33 - I will sing unto The Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. Finally, I want to invite you to celebrate my 70th birthday on a cruise, April 28 - May 2, 2008 - leaving Los Angeles on The Monarch of the Seas to San Diego for a day (I'm going to Sea World....I love the Shamu Show)....onto beautiful Catalina Island for the next day....then onto Ensenada, Mexico where you can shop the final day
Psalm 71:18 - Now when I am old and greyheaded, Oh God, forsake me not; until I have shown thy strength unto this generation and thy power to everyone that is to come. See ya next month. Happy to be His Handmaiden,
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Send All Mail to:
Ms. Lillie Knauls
P.O. Box
994
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
91729
909-948-2448
Please include your phone number
, I will come with my Special Christms Program .... I'll be happy to come any time and you will NOT be disappointed. 
"Oh Happy Day." Many of you might remember I was a part of the group, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, whose recording topped the billboard charts for many months in 1969. I looked in my closet for something to wear that would bring me back to the 60's, found a caftan....Wal-Mart had some beads and earrings...and of course, I needed the Afro, so here I am....
