May-June 2009
One Year Closer to Christ's Return

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May 2009

Greetings to my Ministry Family. I have Good News for you. Even though there is turmoil around the world, we can live without turmoil in our lives, for as Christians we believe there is a God who is absolutely in control. And if we as Christians will truly care about what is going on in our nation and are willing to do what we must do to see a change....it can happen! God's word reads....

II Chronicles 7:14...If my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways, then, I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Long ago, our earlier Presidents would call our nation to prayer during critical times. We should be grateful that a day was set aside by President Truman in 1952....the first Thursday in May and has been observed regularly since with Mrs. Vonette Bright being the first chairman.

Ms. Lillie with Vonette Bright

The current chairman, Mrs. Shirley Dobson (who is doing such a fantastic job), honored me by asking me to sing for the National Day of Prayer Observance this year...2009.

Ms. Lillie with Shirley Dobson

Many hundreds of folks gathered in our Nation's Capitol to fast and pray for our leaders, our country....and that we did! I shall never forget what I felt as I began to sing a song I co-wrote, "Lord, Heal Our Land."

Ms. Lillie at
The National Day of Prayer,
May 2009

What a way to begin this month of May, being a part of this National Day of Prayer. I tell you....my daily prayers for our President and leaders have become more fervent since I returned home from that special day. I was also blessed to be able to sing at the Pentagon. The incredibly anointed speaker, Beth Moore, was the speaker. What a meeting we had!

Ms. Lillie with Beth Moore

Just before the benediction, Beth and I were each presented with a folded flag and a case which we were told was flown over the Pentagon. I cried! It was a moving experience. I love the USA and pray for God to continue to bless America, let's pray fervently.

I Timothy 2:1-2 - I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings, and for all who are in authority....

Psalms 33:22 - May Your unfailing love rest upon us, oh Lord, even as we put our hope in You.

Ms. Lillie at The National Day of Prayer, May 2009

Following those meetings, I was able to stay with my friends, Pastor Amos and Sue Dodge, for the weekend and sing in their wonderful Foursquare Church. You can see Sue on the Gaither Videos. She always has a big smile....I think even bigger than mine. They have been in my life for many years and are "OLD FRIENDS." Pastor Amos told Sue that she was going to have a catered Mother's Day meal, and it was fabulous. We sat down and were waited on by neatly-dressed waiters.

Our dedicated waiters

It was so much fun and the best Mother's Day I have spent since my Mother went to be with Jesus ten years ago.

Pastor Amos & Sue Dodge

After I returned home, I had the joy to sing/speak for a Mother-Daughter Tea. It was so elegant, as each table was decorated differently with china, silverware and decorations from the hostess's homes. In fact, I did three Teas in May. God always opens doors for me to minister. I am grateful for the assignment He gave me nearly 31 years ago when I "hung up" on Ma Bell to travel full-time as a "musicianary."

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I can say that it has been a joy to be in service for the King. I am filled with thanksgiving each new day of my life for His faithfulness. I love that old hymn "My hope is built on nothing less.... than Jesus blood .... His righteousness. We dare not trust the sweetest frame....but wholly lean on Jesus' name." The chorus says "On Christ, the Solid Rock I stand....all other ground is sinking sand." I hope that you are standing in the Solid Rock.

Psalms 40:2 - He has brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.

In addition to ministering in word and song in churches, ladies luncheons, senior groups...I am happy to be able to speak for Christian Women's Connections. They are planned as a wonderful way to bring a friend to a lovely place, have a delicious meal, and hear a testimony that God uses to touch hearts, an opportunity is given for them to receive Jesus as Lord. Please let me know if you would like to have me come to your church or group....you will not be disappointed.

June 2009

I even went as far as Seattle to speak for these Women's Connections. I did three, there were 100 or more women at each....most wore hats, it was a fun time and good ministry.

Acts 20:24 - But life (Lillie's) is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus....the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.

At my high school in Seattle, when you have been out of school 50 years....you become a member of a special group called "The Garfield Golden Grads." An annual luncheon is held where we can gather....sit with our classmates and enjoy one another at tables by your graduation year.

Garfield High School Reunion,
(tables showing graduation years)

Ms. Lillie with some of her
1956 graduate friends

I was asked to sing for this last one in June. There were 325 there, what a great time we had....moving around the room....it was held at our newly renovated school building. 122 million was put into the re-do and it is now state-of-the-art. The school was originally built in 1923 and was very much in need of repairs. A special treat for us was to watch a video of a 1926 graduate, Ms. Sadie....she is now 102 years old, very spunky, lively, vivacious....keeping us intrigued for 12 minutes telling of her life, even danced a bit for us at the end of the video.

We had a delicious catered box lunch in our former auditorium that is now the lunch room. I think we all loved being there. One of the songs I sang was "His Eye is on the Sparrow"....I know God used that song, what an opportunity for me to proclaim the Good News through song.

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 where I send it.

Following my time in Seattle, I took the short ferry ride over to a scenic place, Whidbey Island, to sing for campers over 55 years of age. It was a beautiful place, the food was delicious, just toooooooooooo much of it and tooooooooooo often. It's fun being with seniors, now that I are one.

Photos at Whidbey Island

Ms. Lillie at Whidbey Island

I was thinking when I heard that Michael Jackson had passed away, that once I had an opportunity to say hello to him....when he was that cute little boy wearing the brown hat. I was part of the Edwin Hawkin Singers....our song "Oh Happy Day" was on the charts and we did the "Hollywood Palace Show" hosted by Sammy Davis Jr and Diana Ross. The guests were The Jackson Five and the Edwin Hawkins Singers.....that was an interesting time in my life 40 years ago. I have been in prayer for the Jackson family during this difficult time.

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

Well, I'm still traveling full-time and lovin' it. Remember my new CD is available of Southern Gospel songs (click here). I think you'll enjoy singing along with me on "I'll Fly Away," "Power in The Blood," "God on The Mountain" plus many others. I put the song I sang at the National Day of Prayer, "Lord, Heal Our Land" on it. May it be your prayer.

Thanks for your prayers; I have been blessed with many friends. I know some of you pray for me each day, because you tell me so, and I appreciate you. Because of my travels, each year I am blessed with more friends and family. God uses folk like you to give words of encouragement and financial gifts. Remember all gifts are put through my account in Springfield and you will receive a receipt. Thank you for your love.

Ephesians 3:20 - Now to Him who is able to do exeedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be Glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all generations. Amen.

Until next time.

Happy to be His Handmaiden,

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