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The story of “Tillie” is as authentic and geniuine as it’s author Linda. This is a true story of Christ’s love in action for his people Israel. What a wonderful and high quality production suited for all ages. I am so blessed that Linda chose to share her story with the world and did not just “keep it in the family.” We at Cornerstone TeleVision were honored to have Linda for an interview and continue to encourage her with promoting Tillie around the world. I hope this is the first of many to come from Linda!
Cornerstone TeleVision
“Tillie” is a one of a kind listening experience … unlike anything I have ever listened to before. I was blessed to listen to the whole audio drama in one long day of driving. Quite the experience! Emotions surfaced from areas of my past and present. It was heartwarming to see what an impact an adult can have on a child and how that child, once an adult, had a beautiful impact on the aging adult. I wish “Tillie” had been around when my dear dad was dying and in a nursing home. Linda was a great teacher of how to love and care for someone, in their last months, in a nursing home. I am thankful that I will be more richly blessed with guidance when my mom comes to this point in life. “Tillie” also taught me so much about how I can share my belief in Jesus Christ. Quite a powerful display of evangelizing!
I would be negligent if I didn’t mention something about the music. I love listening to the soundtrack from “Tillie” while driving. It is so refreshing and inspiring. Thank you, Linda for following God’s calling and bringing “Tillie” to the public. My perspective on life will never be the same!
Polly Sievert King, Presque Isle, WI
This is a wonderful story for everyone to enjoy. It combines drama, humor, history, and lessons of love. I’m inspired to listen to it again, knowing that I’ll derive the same pleasure – and maybe even more – than the first time I listened to this remarkable story. Family history, relationships, life lessons, discussions of faith, and the intriguing “what ifs” of it all make this an entertaining and heart touching story. It brought big smiles, gentle tears, and inspired reflection on my own life and family relationships. This is a wonderful audio-story, excellently done, and well worth the time to listen to it from start to finish.
Robert Bergman
This is a tremendous story of love, courage and commitment as you will see the hand of God at work in the lives of his people. He is awesome! ‘Tillie’ is told in such a compelling way that you don’t want to leave the story; and the music is beautiful, a gift in itself to be enjoyed again and again. Linda has given a gift to both Jews and Gentiles in the teaching of Biblical history and prophesies being fulfilled. My husband and I were touched by the loving kindness and tender care that Linda unwaveringly gave to her aunt Tillie both physically and spiritually. After telling a friend she bought a copy to use in witnessing to her Jewish friend in hospice. I thank Linda for being obedient in writing her story and to her loving and devoted husband Todd for helping her bring it to life. I believe it will touch many lives and souls. Thank you for this gift to all of us.
Linda Koelling, St. Louis, MO
In this hectic world, I wish more people would stop to hear this awesome story. It encourages the heart and shows sweet surrender to the One who loves us most. Thank you, Linda, for sharing your beautiful soul. God’s Blessings,
Penny, Sarasota, FL
What an inspiring devotion of love between Linda and Aunt Tillie. This story is quite amazing, as a listener you will sense the unconditional love Linda has for her SPECIAL Tillie. I know Tillie’s heart was moved to tenderness towards Jesus because of this devoted love that Linda gave to her in so many ways. May this inspire ALL of us to live selfless in our daily walk.
Annette Hively, Eureka, MO
I listen to the sound track every day. It is the most beautiful, heavenly music I have ever heard. As always, Linda does everything with passion and excellence.
Jody Delf, Wildwood,MO
Tillie is one of the most inspirational, spiritual and heart touching stories I have ever listened to or read. Hearing the history of a family’s survival and the curiosity of one member’s questioning the belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior touched my heart and made me a stronger believer.
Mary M., Union, MO
A truly beautiful, inspiring and engaging story told from the heart and accompanied by an incredibly awesome musical score. Linda’s relationship with Aunt Tillie was so special that it makes us all wish we could have experienced it ourselves. Kudos for telling the story Linda and for being who you are! Good luck in your future endeavors.
Tavo, Manchester, MO
We really enjoyed “Tillie” – love the history – it is very well written (I read a great deal), and we both want to explore the biblical references further.
Kath & Chuz Wilson, Bonita Springs, FL
Beautiful, sooo beautiful” is this story. I love Linda’s devotion to Aunt Tillie and her obedience in listening to the Holy Spirit to tell this story. I enjoyed the many times Linda revealed “but God had another plan.” It is a great reminder to believe and trust in God’s perfect plan for our lives. A perfect combination – a beautiful story accompanied by beautiful music.
Blessings, Chris Jordan, St. Louis, MO
Linda, this is a beautifully written love story—your love for your God and Aunt Tillie. I am a reformed Jew and do not agree with a lot of the orthodox rules, but I am proud to be Jewish, following many of the traditions of my religion. I do not feel offended or pressured in any way by your passion for your religion, to each their own. I appreciate you teaching me some things about Judaism I was not aware of, and enjoyed the wonderful music you incorporated throughout the story. Your telling of your last hours with Aunt Tillie was very powerful for me, as it brought back memories of my time with my dying parents. I am happy that it brings you love, happiness and inner peace. May you always have these feelings.
Helen Flegel, St. Louis, MO
I was moved beyond words while listening to Tillie. I laughed aloud and cried with deep sorrow as the story unfolded. The author tackles questions many have on their mind, offering wisdom and encouragement based on a firm foundation of biblical principles.
I have passed my copy forward (keeping the sound track) as the author requested and look forward to hearing the review from my friend and then her friend and so on…
L. P., Manchester, MO
I eagerly waited purchasing my Tillie CDs as Linda was sharing her story. I am amazed at what God can accomplish when one of his children listen to Him. Linda had a story that God wanted the world to hear. And hear they will! No one can stop God from doing whatever He wants. As I shared with Linda; this is a story that will change lives and grow the Kingdom of God. Eternity will look different because of Jewish people hearing the Old and New Testament being read side by side. Eyes will be opened and ears will hear the gospel for the first time, and they will believe. I am a Bible teacher for an inter-denominational organization. This year our conference is on sharing the gospel to the world. Linda came to my mind as a missionary to the Jews in her own hometown. I am delighted she will share her story to my staff and encourage all of us to reach out to our Jewish friends and neighbors. She is bold and very courageous for the Lord in sharing her faith with the lost. Her book will be a guideline of how to love someone into the Kingdom. The Lord has given Linda a jewel for her crown.
Laqueta Barstow, Teaching Direction, Community Bible Study
My blessed Aunt Linda opened my eyes to a part of my great Aunt Tillie I really never knew. It must have been both difficult and exciting for Aunt Tillie to ponder Jesus being the son of God and a reality of a heaven. I am grateful for the dedication Aunt Linda has shared through her spiritual journey with Aunt Tillie. God does indeed work in mysterious ways because my family may have never existed if not for my Grandpa Sam being ill. Thank you Linda for preserving a piece of our heritage and sharing your special journey with Aunt Tillie!! I love you.
Todd Kleiner, Onalaska, WI
Your story is wonderful in and of itself, but when you add the dramatic reading and the
beautiful music, it made me feel as if I were actually part of the story. I am so glad that I didn’t listen to the CD in my car as I had planned. I cried through several parts, especially the last one.
Knowing you and the person you are makes the story even more moving.
I have already used parts of the story in my class and small groups at church. I know it is going to be very useful in the future as well.
I pray for the success of the book, and hope to see it on the big screen soon.
Love and prayers, Donna Crispell, St. Louis, MO
My plan for “Tillie” was to listen to it on my walks only. My walks seemed to fly by and once I got home I wanted to listen to “just one more chapter.” One chapter sometimes turned into several chapters. Then later in the day I was telling myself, “I have time to listen to a chapter or two.” So much for having something to listen to as I walked. I was so captivated because the story came from Linda’s heart. I am a Catholic. I grew up and now live in a town that is predominately Catholic. It was a real eye opener for me to hear another side. I think Linda did a wonderful thing for her Aunt Tillie and the other residents. She gave them the right to choose what they believed by giving them the tools to make that decision. Tillie was lucky to have such a wonderful and loving niece. You can feel that love in the way Linda wrote this book. I love you Linda.
A. McClure, St. Henry Ohio
I truly enjoyed your inspiring story. Thank you for sharing, with true conviction, your view of how God weaves together the moments in our lives to reveal His many blessings. You are a strong witness to the deity of Jesus Christ. May your story encourage others to be strong witnesses of faith in Christ so we all may celebrate in the beauty and peace of heaven.
Beth Galdeen, Fort Recovery, OH
Your experience with Aunt Tillie was an excellent example of your faith in action. You believed that if you paid close attention to Aunt Tillie’s questions and lovingly presented Scripture to her to satisfy those questions, she would come to understand and accept Jesus Christ, our Messiah. Your faith in Aunt Tillie paid off. Oh yes, I’m sure she found the right outfit for her journey.
Ray Ponciroli, St. Louis MO
Wow, what a blessing that this story is shared. From the parts that share history from a personal experience to the most beautiful thing we have on this earth the love of each other; this story had to be told. I learned al lot about the Jewish heritage and to hear the experiences first hand was the best way to learn. But even better to understand how someone from a different heritage than mine came to get answers, answers to the questions so many have, what it is all about, life, death, our existence, why we are here, is there a greater plan, what happens when we pass. I always said it is sad that some people spend more time planning dinner and vacations then the do on life after they leave their physical body. At times I think this should be a movie, but yet, with Linda’s descriptive details and the actor’s perfect deliverance I sometimes wonder if it is even a better story as we get to picture it in our minds. It truly is a story that makes you anxiously wait to hear more. It took some time for me to listen to the whole story but I never missed a thing by doing it over a course of time. I shared Tillie with a friend who was going through chemo and I hope others think of those who could fill up their lonely or trying hours with such a beautiful experience. It is a perfect gift for anyone.
Cathy Leet, Louisville, KY
This is the first set of CDs, of this type, I have ever listened to and I am truly impressed. The combination of the compelling story, the narration, and the music, keep me attentive. I listened to the CDs non-stop while driving to/from KC and they caused me to think about a lot of things that are important in life, but get shoved into the background by daily living. Thanks for a great story!
Joe Eckelkamp, St. Louis, MO
Listening to “Tillie” was a blessing to me in so many ways. As a Christian, I was constantly strengthened and encouraged by the tremendous faith of the author. As a middle aged women, I was moved by the gentle, loving care and attention given to an elderly aunt. Finally, as a human being, I was amazed to find myself longing for an open, loving relationship between two people crossing the boundaries of age, health and most importantly, religion. I am sure listening to “Tillie” will be as much of a gift to you as it was to me.
Julie Brown, Eureka, MO
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Awe wrapped itself around me after placing the first CD into the player. I cried, I smiled, I listened, learned and embraced as the story was told and the music played. I was fascinated as you wove the Old Testament and New Testament together. Be sure, I will share this beautiful, awesome work with others as, once again, I have witnessed God’s amazing grace.
Shirley Logsdon, St. Louis, MO
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A Review of Ten Months with Tillie, by Joyce E. Stotts, Newark, NY
C/Ds #1 &2 were very charming and moving. Sometimes I found myself with tears welling up over the Holocaust and the losses of Tillie and her family. Your wonderful relationship with Aunt Tillie sets the stage nicely for things yet to come, so that the listener will be anxious to hear what you think and what will happen with Aunt Tillie as the story progresses.
C/D #3 Oh my GOODNESS! BLESS YOU!!! The comparison of the O.T. and N.T. scriptures comes through with such power and clarity!! At one point I felt I had entered the presence of Holiness, and found my heart bowing before Him, asking for forgiveness and grace upon my life! I loved the way you put the scriptures together and the translation (with such accessible language) that you used. That really made Jesus’ life, death and his prophetic fulfillment of the scriptures come alive in a very compelling way!!
C/D #4 Oh, how I relate to what a person goes through watching someone they love whose health is degrading little by little. I must say that I stand in awe of your heart of compasion while serving and ministering to Tillie until she finally looked “like a baby bird”. Yet in her spirit, she was still there inquiring after the truth and searching, wasn’t she? Truly, I am in awe of your faithfulness to read the scriptures to Tillie day in and day out and help her be comforted by God Himself! WOW- WOW-WOW and PTL!!
C/D #5 I especially loved the story of your family visiting the Titanic Museum and realizing what it had been like for your ancestors to have been “inches” away from destruction. Your account was very moving and inspiring! In fact, I share some of those same feelings of “it could have been me or my Mom or my grandparents” whenever I go to the Holocaust Museum in D.C.
About Tim Janis’ music and soundtrack. I am sincerely a very big fan of Tim Janis. To me he is an exceptionally annointed talent. Much of his finest music plays as the backdrop for your charming and powerful book; and I found myself, once again, reveling in the joy of Tim’s brilliant “music of the heart”. Yet, the song ETERNITY, near the end of the story, was so amazing!!! Oh, my goodness, I just wept! This has to be one of Tim’s most annointed pieces yet!! What vision!!
Final comments: My heartiest congratulations and encouragement on your marvelous Spirit-led project, Linda. May God richly bless you for it and through it! I know that your work will be an encouragement and a wonderful tool to light the path to the Lord for many who are truly searching for Him.
Blessings,
Joyce
Expect great things, Linda! The Lord is able and anxious to use all who call upon His name in Spirit and in Truth!
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Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! I listened to the whole thing this morning! WOW!What a gift you are Linda! You have brought honor to ALL: God, Jesus, Tillie, your Jewish family, Todd, your children, mother and father, our country, everyone! Your conscientious attention to detail in respecting and honoring everyone’s feelings is the way we should all live our lives! You are a catalyst for good in our world! In all my years, this is the first witness for Christ shared so gently, not being attached to a personal agenda! Your pure heart carries the love of God! Anything I can do to help you, I will! Thank you sister!
John Oldham, St. Louis, MO
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Words can’t explain the many emotions I felt while listening to Tillie. I cried, laughed, gasped and was moved by the love and commitment Linda showed Aunt Tillie. While I am going through a similar situation with my aging father, this story brings attention to; “What are the roles and responsibilities family members play in caring for their elderly loved ones? What is my role on this earth and what can I be for others? What kind of aunt am I? Am I a messenger of God’s love toward others?”
The story of Tillie amazed me and it’s so awesome it’s true. Just to think, one event in history can have such an impact on the future. Thanks for sharing this incredible story with the world. I love you, Linda.
Kristen Brokaw, St. Louis, MO
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“Today is your special day, yes little missy.” On Tuesdays Linda would pamper Aunt Tillie and Tillie would get so excited. Linda would give her a hot foot bath and rub her legs. The love and tenderness Linda shows her aunt is both inspiring and convicting.
Linda is the Jesus Aunt Tillie comes to know until she becomes a believer herself.