June 2010
One Year Closer to Christ's Return

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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.

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."

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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.

See ya next time.....

Happy to be His Handmaiden,