May 1, 2010 - July 15, 2010
One Year Closer to Christ's Return

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May 2010

Greetings in the Precious Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This month of May began with me attending a meeting on the National Day of Prayer....I trust you were able to attend one also. There was much time spent praying for our country, asking God to "heal our land." I reflected on the memory of my being asked by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson to be a part of the 2009 National Day of Prayer in Washington DC. I shall never forget what it was like....I even co-wrote a song and sang it that day....the song is "Heal Our Land" and is on my latest release.

We believe God does hear as we ferverently pray. We need His mercy.

II Chron. 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

My Christian friends are telling how they are crying out to God asking for His protection, wisdom, guidance and mercy in these difficult days we are living. I personally believe that impending judgment is coming to this earth even more than we are already seeing....and we must be prepared. On the other hand, there is joy because we know that the end is near and we need to share Jesus with everyone we encounter, telling them....He is the Answer. We don't want them to spend Eternity in Hell. Think about it!

Romans 13:11 - Understanding the present time, the hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

I am thankful to God for all His special blessings....as I have traveled here and there....He has worked in me and I feel through me. Each day, I thank God for the "assignment" He gave me nearly 32 years ago to carry the "Good News" through song. I am so glad I was able to "hang up on Ma Bell" after working 22 years. God has proven to be faithful.

Acts 20:24 - for life (Lillie's life) is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me........

What a great fellowship I was part of in the mountains....I was invited to be speaker/singer. There were over 100 ladies....they meet on a regular basis. What a lovely setting....in fact it is 4,000 feet up. I loved being there. How exciting to me to see how God touched hearts and lives through the ministry that day.

Rev. 3:20 - Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Another joyous opportunity was given to me....to share for a Mother's Day luncheon. God gave me a great message about three mothers in the Bible....Jochebed, the mother of Moses....Hannah, Samuel's mother, and Mary....the mother of Jesus. Each gave their sons back "to God" as they realized they had only been "loaned" to them. I encouraged the Mothers that day....to give the destiny of their children totally to God ....what a great time of ministry.

Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

I heard about a ministry called Stonecroft....meetings that occur each month all over the world. Ladies are invited to attend a luncheon....hear a speaker/singer and are invited to give their lives to Jesus. In 2002, I asked if I might come sing for them....I was able to go all over to sing a secular song, then a gospel song before the speaker. It really was a great time for me. Finally, I was asked if I would like to become a speaker....I listened to many speakers for two years....I knew I did not have the kind of testimony I had been hearing....for I was raised in a loving Christian home....accepted Jesus as a young girl....I thought to myself "Would that be a great message?' Well, the Speaker Review Team asked me....why not choose a topic that could be centered around my life in music?....they worked with me and August 2004 was my first talk. Now, nearly six years later, I am still traveling all over to speak and sing for Christian Women's Connections. Recently I went to Washington State for four such meetings....I grew up in Seattle....so it was good to be back in that most beautiful state. Each meeting was a great one. I thank God for Stonecroft Ministries who saw the need for these gatherings and I am grateful to God for all the ladies who, through the years, have become born-again Christians.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

One of the exciting happenings in my life occurred in the early '70's .... the place .... Melodyland .... it was located across from Disneyland in California. Wonderful Charismatic confer- ences were held regularly with well-known speakers coming in. There was, on a regular basis .... incredible productions presented. I was blessed to be a part of some of them.

One of the most memorable plays was entitled "The Touch Felt 'Round The World" .... it was beautifully staged....with Andrae Crouch playing the part of Brother Seymour....a humble black Minister who led those meetings. The play depicted the true story of the Azuza Revival in 1906 in Los Angeles. And how the Holy Spirit was poured out during this three-year revival. Folk came from all over the world to "see" and "experience" The Power of The Lord. Many were filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of "speaking in tongues." It is a powerful play....of course, the cast was dressed as they would have been dressed in those years.

By the way....for those of you who have heard me sing "The Comforter Has Come"....it was first introduced in that drama in 1976. I was living in San Jose, sang in Southern California in a meeting with the Pastor Ralph Wilkerson as speaker....he said "you need to come sing at Melodyland" .... well, you can just imagine how excited I was to hear those words....as that has been a desire of my heart. God knew....and He let it happen. I was told by the Music Minister that he had written a play....there was a song that had to be included.... he had been trying to find someone to sing it....had not been able to settle on anyone....asked if I would like to sing "The Comforter Has Come"?.... letting me know, however, that all of the orchestra charts had been written....so I would have to sing it in that key. Listen to this, wouldn't you know....God had planned from the foundation of the world that I would be singing that song....He also, of course, knew what key I needed it to be in....and it was "my key."

Psalms 139:16 - ....Your eyes saw my unformed body, all the days ordained for me were written in Your book....before one of them came to be.

Here it is 2010, I have been singing that great old hymn of the church, done in such an exciting arrangement for 34 years....I am asked to sing it often....some say it is my "My Signature Song." So on Pentecost Sunday this year, May 23....I was asked to sing it. A church invited me to be part of an illustrated sermon about that Upper Room Experience as described in Acts 2....with Peter's message saying "we are not drunk as you suppose, but this is that which is prophesied by the Prophet Joel." Following Peter's message, I sang "The Comforter Has Come"....it was soooooooo exciting. The chorus says "we've got to spread the tidings round, wherever man is found" and tell them (whatever they are facing in life)....the Good News is that The Comforter Has Come."

John 14:26 - But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

I don't know what you are facing....but let me encourage you, no matter the circumstance....we do have a God who cares for us and will never leave us or forsake us....He said so in His word, and not only....will the Holy Spirit come along side us to lead and guide, but he will also be within.

Psalm 32:7 - You are my hiding place, You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Please check my Tour page and if I am in your area, I would love to have you come to my service. It will be great to meet you, greet you, get and give a hug. I am thankful that you are in my life....some of you I have never met....others I have known for a short time.....many I have known for a L O N G time, and you are all very special to me. Thanks for all your prayers and gifts of love for this Ministry .... you will receive a tax-deductible receipt, but most of all, it will be added to your account in Glory.

II Peter 3:13 - In keeping with His promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and earth, the home of righteousness.

Call me any time, 909-948-2448....I don't do computer....I just talk on the phone. May God's richest blessings be poured out on your life and .... and His Glory surround you as you labor for Him.

II Thes.3:16 - Now may the Lord of Peace Himself, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

June 2010

Another month of activities. I am busy, busy, busy and lovin' it. So busy, that I've been thinking of doing something different with the newsletter....like writing something to you each week, instead of each month....it will be much easier for me....I'll see how it goes.

Is it possible this year is almost half over? Seems like it is flying by....which means we must work faster and harder to share Jesus with lost souls.

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.

There are many who are searching for "something." Some don't even know "what"....thank God we have the answer....let's go! God will always be with us as we simply tell others what He has done in our own lives....just plant seeds. God is the one who gives the increase.

I Tim. 2:3-4 - This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

Recently, God placed a wonderful lady in my life. She has been a mentor to me. And on June 4th, she celebrated her 89th birthday. Her request was not to have a party or receive presents. The only thing she asked was that everyone bring an unsaved person to church. She believed they would be saved and the party would be "in Heaven" (angels would be rejoicing). I was asked to sing before her message....what a great sermon God gave Mother Strong that night. It was wonderful.

Ms. Lillie with Mother Strong

II Cor. 5:17 - Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

It is always a joy for me to minister to seniors...now that I are one. Recently I spoke at a great church in a seniors community....the Pastor said there were many visitors....I am certain that God touched hearts and lives. It was great to see lots of old friends who have moved there to retire.

San Juan Capistrano....what a quaint place, I had never been there before....I spoke for a Christian Women's Connection. The meeting was at a Amtrak Station....in a converted train car. I loved it! I want to return to see the Mission....so much joy to be able to go to many different unique places.

Dear one, if you are facing challenges....you may not see the purpose....may not be able to understand what is happening....we must remember that God will never put more upon us than we are able to bear. He is forever faithful. We can know that He will deliver us because His word says so.

Psalm 138:7 - Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You Lord preserve my life; you stretch out Your Hand against the anger of my foes; with Your Right Hand, You save me.

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Don't focus on the problem....instead focus on His promises.

Remember I am available to come minister for your Women's Luncheon, Senior's Group and of course your Church .... you will not be disappointed! .... And yes, you can afford me.

Phil. 4:19 - My God will meet all of (Lillie's) needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

I received a call from my sister who is the Women’s Ministry Director at the church her husband pastors in Seattle….asking if I would be the speaker/singer for her Annual Ladies Luncheon....I considered it a real honor to be asked ....and on that same day....the yearly luncheon at the High School I attended....Garfield High School….was being held for those who have been out of school for 50 years....so I attended the luncheon at Garfield......reconnecting with my classmates....discussing the "fun and good ‘ole days" and what is going on in their lives. Many are now "Born-Again Christians"....it was a very special time together.

1956 Garfield Grads - Sonny, Herb, Carol, Neal, Vickie, Ms. Lillie, Sue, Gretchen

The Women’s Luncheon was wonderful .... good food and fellowship....and to be back in the church where I grew up was wonderful. My Dad went to be with Jesus in 1951....my dear Mom decided to move to Seattle with her two young daughters. I was 13....my sister Loretta was 12. We began attending this church....so my roots were there. It was good to see so many of the folk I grew up with....and to also talk about the "good ‘ole days” when we attended all the youth activities...and were very involved in the things of The Lord. They seemed happy to see how God has blessed and opened doors for me to "travel the world." One of the things I especially remember and considered a gift from God....was when I was made Music Director for the State of Washington….The Church of God in Christ Churches.....it meant to prepare the choir to sing in the church meetings.....I stood in front of the choir and directed them. I loved even then....having the choir sing songs that brought inspiration, joy and comfort to those who heard. The annual convocation of The Church of God in Christ Churches was being held June 21-27....and as far back as I can remember....the Saturday night before the convocation begins....there is what is called a pre-musical....usually 8-10 church choirs participate.....so another joy for me….I was asked to be part of that musical.....to sing three songs with one of the group of singers. What can I say?....it was wonderful! I was introduced as the former Music Director of the State by the current Music Director, Jean McGraw. Listen t this...when I lived in Seattle and would go to sing, needing a fantastic pianist....I would call 15-year-old Jean....go pick her up in my little car....and off we would go.....I could sing anything and she would follow me...she was good. Jean married (her husband went to be with Jesus a few years ago)....she is mother to her two boys and a grandmother....and was recently appointed as the Washington State Music Director....so for her to honor me....by asking me to come be a part of that musical was very special. Her sister Nell plays also....they accompanied me on Sunday when I sang at Jean's sons’ church. Wow! There is not a sound quite like the sound from the Hammond Organ being played by Jean and Nell on the piano.

The leader of the State is Bishop Westbrook ....I was able to attend a dinner....he had given for his Pastors and wives.....so he is all dressed up as a chef....it was a delicious meal....I am glad I got this photo with these two special people.

Jean McGraw, Bishop Westbrook
and Ms. Lillie

After service was over, I met my family, two sisters, their sisters and their children at a nice restaurant for Father's Day Dinner .... there is nothing like family. What a blessing on Father's Day to be together with my family. There were 17 of us at a nice restaurant for food and fellowship.

I mentioned before....one of the Ministries I have supported for many years is Teen Challenge. What a wonderful place for men and women to come so their lives can be touched and changed by God as He is able to give total deliverance of their addictions. I personally know of many who have attended the program and are now in full-time ministry. I have been able to minister many times at Teen Challenge....Sunday was such a time....I was at the Men's Home and given the opportunity to minister in Word and Song, praying with them at the end of the service. I received many positive comments and am confident that God touched hearts and lives. That what He does....changes lives, fixes things. Do you have something in your life that needs to be fixed...have you been lying awake at night trying to work that problem out in your own mind?? Let's believe that He is always at work in our situations.....the answer may not come when we want it....but God is right on time. I do know that for a fact.

Psalms 55:22 - Cast your burdens on The Lord and he shall sustain you.

A songwriter wrote...."Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus...just to take Him at His Word, just to rest upon His promise, just to know....thus sayeth The Lord”....His promises are true.

Psalms 119:89 – Forever, oh Lord, Your Word is settled in Heaven.

I would love to hear from you. I am so blessed to have been given this assignment....to travel and sing for God. I want to be faithful....I can go where He asks me to go, because of faithful gifts from those who believe in this Ministry....it is good ground. I must thank you for your kindness, prayers for me and giving. Remember your gift is tax-deductible….you will receive a receipt. May God bless you and keep you in His Care....God's Promises are bigger than all our problems.

I Cor. 15:27 - Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

July 1-15, 2010

I always look forward to the month of July because for those of us who live in California, it means that "June Gloom" is past. The complaints are usually this (from the tourists who come to visit during June)....they cannot believe that the weather is not warm. However, we are accustomed to it. So now July is here and it has begun to warm up.

I love to read about the signing of that precious Document that brought us together as a Nation....The Declaration of Independence. It gives us the freedom most countries do not enjoy....and we know that our great land was built on principles from the Bible....that is why we as Christians are so concerned when we see how things have gone awry….how laws are created to counter the original intent of that Document. Aren't we glad that our God is in control....and Jesus is our Peace?

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, My Peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

On Sunday, the 4th of July, we went to visit the church pastored by Andrae & Sandra Crouch....their birthday is July 1....so we knew it would be a special day of celebration for them....and it was. We were sooooooooooo very blessed as he sat at the piano sharing with us....and singing his famous song, "Through It All"....as well as other wonderful songs. What a great gift God gave him...and me. We have been friends for nearly 45 years.

Ms. Lillie and Andrae Crouch

The "little girl" in me absolutely loves fireworks....so I left my house at 8pm on Sunday night to go watch some. And as usual, I was not disappointed....you should see me clapping my hands and going "oooooo” and “ahhhhhh” as I seen them explode into exciting patterns ....such as a "great big smiley face"….(I had not seen that before, it was very special). All my life, I have wondered how those fireworks are made....recently I saw a one-hour program on TV with the story....most interesting.

I have spoken often of how my heart is glad when I am asked to come to ministries who are there for the homeless .......... for those battling addictions....and those who have no work. It was my pleasure to go to Los Angeles this week for such a ministry....they have three homes....one for mothers with children....another is a transition house for those men who just left prison....and the one where I ministered is called "Hope Again." It is run by a sweet couple with a real heart for the folk God has called them to. They minister tirelessly....as counselors....teachers....showing love and compassion to all who come through the doors.....helping them to get sober ......... to train for the workplace....and of course most of all, leading them to Jesus who WILL give them hope again as they are taught God's Word.

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

Ms. Lillie with
Ross and Vickie Lokken

It was wonderful for me to go minister in Word and Song. To my surprise....I was told that for one week, there had been a group ministering in any way they could....from Seattle....for those of you who know me....you know I grew up in Seattle....in fact, I was just there for Father's Day. We connected quickly .... I told them they would never be the same after returning home....having walked the streets of Hollywood witnessing ...... feeding at the missions ....and seeing those hooked on drugs. Here is a photo of the group.

Ms. Lillie with the
Missions Team from Seattle

Most are in high school and some even in middle school.... they testified how their lives had been changed....and were thankful for the experiences since arriving there. When I told them I was from Seattle and had graduated from Garfield High School, there was excitement because there were two who attend Garfield now....so that was fun. I am certain that God touched hearts as I sang to those who could easily feel they had been forsaken by God, but I know they were encouraged through the words of the songs. I even went to my closet, gathered some things I had not worn for a year...I folded and took them to them....as well as shoes.

Matthew 25:40 - The King will answer and say, "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these....you did it to Me."

I am very busy three Sundays each month....but I am home at my church one Sunday, as well as the mid-week service. I have said it before, and I will say it again .... I am grateful for the "assignment" God gave me to travel the world to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. I would love to come to your church for an event....a Seniors group....Ladies function....just let me know. You will not be disappointed.

I just learned that my friend Walter Hawkins went to be with Jesus....he was the brother of Edwin Hawkins of "O Happy Day” fame. Walter was a Pastor, Songwriter....having produced and released many of the great gospel songs. We shall certainly miss him....please pray for the family.

Ms. Lillie with
the late Walter Hawkins

I wrote earlier about the freedom we enjoy here in America...but think about the freedom we can have in Jesus....we are no longer a slave to sin. Celebrate your freedom in Christ, live wholly so we can enjoy life here, as well as in Heaven.

John 8:36 - ....if the Son of God makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

It seems that so most folk are going through deep trials .... experiencing heart-felt difficulties....but we can have the assurance from God’s word that He will see us through it all. When I recorded my latest CD, I put that wonderful Andrae Crouch song on it....to encourage and lift hearts....it has done that (click here to go to CD).

Isaiah 41:10 - Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with My Victorious Right Hand.

See ya next time.....

Happy to be His Handmaiden,