Evidence, how did you see God working in your life in 2010?
JACQUELINE: I would definitely say that I have seen God this year in His provision in my life. He has provided for my every need and the blessings have been overflowing. I have all I possibly need and more! I have a fantastic job, I got an amazing condo of my very own (first time I've lived independently!), my car is still running (even though it's going on 11 years old!), and an unexpected year-end bonus made for a VERY fun Christmas! I'm so thankful to God for all of His blessings.
BECKY: The beginning of 2010 was rough because my husband lost his job of 10 years. He was hired with a new company one month later. So not only did we not have a long term of unemployment in this tough economy, but he had also been severanced for several months. What a blessing! And nothing came as a surprise to God. During that in-between time, I blogged about this at: http://thorn0309.wordpress.com/2010/02/07/why-am-i-surprised-when-god-is-amazing/
But in addition to God’s provision for our family, I have to say that I’ve seen so much growth in Evidence! He has taken our willing hearts and He has been faithful to provide so many opportunities for us to be used in ministry. I’m looking forward to all He’s going to do in 2011!
JULIE: My new job is a blessing because it reminds me that God has a plan for my life. My life is totally different than it was two years ago--before Evidence and my preschool music job. And even though my schedule can feel crazy sometimes, I am glad that God gave me these opportunities to use this gift of music.
ASHLEE: As I reflect on the year 2010, I think of the busy yet productive year that it was. Last year, I got a huge vote of confidence through a promotion at my work, my sweet daughter Anna turned 4, my husband and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary and Evidence celebrated their 1 year anniversary and had a launch concert for an upcoming CD! So many wonderful moments occurred but as I look forward to keep my New Year’s resolutions for 2011, I know of one thing I am especially going to make a commitment to. . .to stop listening.
You may be thinking, Ashlee, that should be a New Year’s resolution you should keep, not dismiss! And yes, while I am making a concerted effort to be a better listener to God, my co-workers, friends and family, I am going to stop listening to one fallen angel.
Throughout the year in 2010 and really my whole life, I’ve heard many lies. . .”you can’t remember anything, you’re not smart, you really can’t sing that well, do you really think you can pull this off?. . .” and believe it or not, I really struggled with these things I was hearing in my head. At times, it caused me to be depressed and even have anxiety.
Recently our pastor at FBCH launched a series on putting on the full armor of God. One of the pieces of that armor is the belt of truth. The voices of discouragement, despair and guilt, those aren’t from the Savior Who created us, loves us and thinks we are so beautiful. . .they are from the devil, who wants nothing but to tear us down spiritually and emotionally.
So, I am making a commitment to listen wholeheartedly to my wonderful Lord and Savior more and by studying my bible more which holds the TRUTH. That’s all I need! Sorry Satan, I guess I just won’t be a good listener to you anymore. . .praise God!
“14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:14-15
How has He worked in YOUR life this past year? Leave us a comment - we love to hear what God is doing!
A few weeks ago we had (unrelated to Evidence) a 5th Sunday Sing at First Baptist Church Harvester. It was a wonderful time of worship and praise as we all gathered to sing hymns and special music for the evening.
As I was preparing the song I would sing (Every Season, by Nichole Nordeman) I was practicing in the car:
Lyrics: Every evening sky an invitation to trace the patterned stars And early in July a celebration for freedom that is ours And I notice You in children’s games, in those who watch them from the shade Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder, You are summer.
My daughter Katherine was in the back seat listening and after I finished that first verse I said to her, “This song is about God, did you know that?” To which she replied, “Yes, because the song is beautiful…..and because God is in the sun.”
Katherine’s always teaching me lessons about God. Of course, He IS in the sun. He’s in EVERYTHING. Do we look for Him? Do we see Him?
Oftentimes I get so caught up in my own life – hard day at work, someone hurt my feelings, stressed out because there’s too much to do with too little time….or worse – divorce, loss of a loved one, financial troubles…. I focus so much on my own stuff that I forget to see HIM. Or sadly, I forget to LOOK for Him. Because He’s there, even in the hard things.
The shame of it is if I were focused on the Lord my troubles and worries wouldn’t be nearly as overwhelming or awful. One of my favorite hymns is Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus because of that last line, “The things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
No one is exempt from pain. We’ll all suffer the trials and loss. What will we do with it?
God, teach me to focus on you. I pray that you will be at the forefront of my mind in the midst of my mess. Help me to see you in all things.
And I pray the same for you. May you always see God – through the rain, and in the sun.
Last Saturday, we met for an all-day rehearsal and focus time. I can't believe Evidence has been together for ONE YEAR! Our first official concert was the Gospel Jubilee at Dardenne Baptist Church, and here we are a year later preparing for our return concert there this fall.
A ministry such as ours in unique because we sing many different types of music. Evidence got started singing.....wait for it...... Broadway music! From one event we were asked to sing for several functions and because of the response, decided to form the group so we could be faithful in using the talents God has given each of us, in whatever style of music we were asked to do. It's amazing where a simple "yes" will take you.
Not being labeled with a specific musical genre has been an interesting journey. Our first official concert was Gospel. As in Southern. And that music is so fun! We have been able to sing that set of songs for many groups of people who love to sing and clap along.
Next up to prepare was Christmas, and if you read the blogs from those months, you know that this was an opportune time to be invited to venues where Christian groups are not normally invited. But they welcomed Christmas music, and we welcomed the opportunity to share about our faith in the process.
After Christmas, we really began praying about what style we should pursue and with all of our backgrounds and experience we settled on Christian Pop. So we learned a whole new concert set of pop style music that we've been singing since this spring. We've added some personal testimonies and production elements that really reinforce the scriptures on which the songs are based and our message of God's love.
Along the way, there have been events for which we've needed to prepare additional secular or patriotic music and we have risen to the challenge! In fact, that's part of what our Retreat was all about - learning new music for new venues.
Next week we are singing for a Family Summer Resort audience. Working up a new Broadway set (hey, we've come full circle!) and some Andrews Sisters arrangements, we are excited about the opportunity, not only to entertain, but to testify to the grace of God, as we do in every concert. We also began learning 8 new Gospel songs for the 2nd Annual Gospel Jubilee - whew! In addition, we're looking at incorporating more original songs into our sets.
We opened the Retreat with worship and prayer, as God has been so faithful in sustaining us. Our prayer is that through our music God will touch the diverse hearts of many different people, spanning many generations with the hope of the gospel. Thank you for your continued prayers as we start our new Evidence year!
July 4th is my favorite holiday. Yes, it even trumps Christmas!I have so many fond memories of pool parties, bbqs, and staying up late with family friends.Loaded down with lawn chairs, mosquito spray and lemonade, we would all trudge the mile long haul to the park, racing to pick out just the right spot to view the night lights and feel the booming vibrations of the fireworks.It was thrilling and always over before I was ready.
That week our church service would always have patriotic songs and a prominently displayed American flag.I loved singing about my country and imagining those early soldiers peering through the smoke and chaos of battles to see the “flag was still there.”
On July 4, 1776, America claimed her independence from Britain.This country has been a melting pot as every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave.”What a diverse people we are!I’m proud to be American.
For me, I consider it a blessing beyond compare to be born into the freedom this country provides.When I hear about the dictatorships, genocides, wars, and sufferings faced in other lands, I am humbled and grateful.Perhaps God has protected our nation as it grew from its infant Puritan roots.Perhaps He has chosen to bless the descendents of those first pilgrims who risked even their very lives to obey Him, to worship Him.
All I know for sure is that I am thankful to be an American.One who grew up hearing the good news that God loves me, sent His Son to die for me, and wants me to have a relationship with Him.How blessed am I that I was taught this from birth?!It is my delight to spread that good news with the other girls in Evidence.And how blessed are we that we live in a land where it’s okay to do that?People don’t have to like what we have to say—that the ultimate evidence of a God who loves them is Jesus’ death on the cross.But thank God above that we have the freedom to say it.
Saturday, we were privileged to sing at the Strawberry Festival!This was an all-day family oriented event designed to raise money for the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home.What a worthy cause to take care of the local orphans and children who have no one else to take care of them.
Last Thursday night, Evidence sang for a group of volunteers who work for the FISH Food Pantry in St. Charles.These are some committed folks!They work to get food out to those in need 4-5 days a week!What selfless service.We were so humbled and blessed to minister to these faithful workers.
Two weeks ago, we were delighted to sing at Oakridge Baptist Church in St. Peters, MO.From the moment we walked in the doors, we felt so welcome.Pastor Steve Davenport and the people there were so down to earth and encouraging, and they seemed to really love music that celebrates our Lord!We can’t wait to return there.http://www.oakridgebaptist.org/
The mother-daughter luncheon, Purses on Parade, was also a great success with sold-out tickets!We were so excited to sing for some of the women at our home church, FBC Harvester.It’s fun to celebrate womanhood and motherhood together (all four of us are mothers of daughters!), and it’s a wonderful thing to give God the praise for that special blessing.
We are learning as we go and we desire your prayers more than anything.We pray over every event and feel so privileged to be able to minister in the way we know best!Please continue to pray for Evidence as we seek God’s guidance in every step.One thing we know for sure, true evidence of being a child of God is this:
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18
It’s so awesome when God reminds us of how good and completely sovereign He is over every detail.Evidence was honored to sing for two wonderful events this week (and another one tomorrow!).But even more than the opportunity to minister to people through our singing, God ministered to us in big ways!
Last Saturday, at the Sister 2 Sister Soiree, mother-daughter guest speakers, Danielle and Judymarie, admonished us to keep a healthy fear of the Lord and live clean lives that speak to the world of God’s holiness and grace.That message is what Evidence is all about!Thank you for that encouragement and reminder!
Yesterday was the National Day of Prayer, intended “for all peoples of faith to pray to the God of their understanding.”Evidence got to be part of a very special St. Charles Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, the stated purpose of which was to encourage morality and ethics in the lives of all people in positions of leadership.There were a lot of leaders, public servants, elected officials, and top executives in the crowd and we felt very humbled to be there singing.
The Honorable Patricia York has served as the Mayor of St. Charles for 12 years and she spoke of the power of prayer in her life.Revisiting monumental milestones throughout her recent years, she spoke of remembering God through the bond she had with her father and of thanking God for His creation every time she smells the spring lilacs.
The main speaker of the morning was Coach Brad Soderberg, Head Coach of Men’s Basketball at Lindenwood University.At first, I was worried I would be lost amidst all the sports lingo, but then his message turned into one I will not soon forget.I really can’t describe how powerfully he relayed God’s message of love.In short, he gave an analogy of how he would never cross a 10 story high I-beam for 10 million dollars, but he would in a heartbeat if his 4 year old son was up there.And yet, God’s love for us is even greater than that of a parent’s for their child!
What’s so cool is how God affirmed to me what He’s already been telling me in my spirit lately.I am not a “prayer warrior” as some believers are gifted to be, and though I believe strongly in the power of prayer and I experience God’s peace when I pray, it’s all too easy to tell someone I’ll pray for them and then forget later (especially when it’s a situation I am not a part of or if I don’t know the people involved).I’ve been trying to form a new habit:when someone asks me to pray about something, I lift it up right then and there.God’s Spirit has been keeping me in check about that for the last several weeks and He reminded me even more poignantly this week!What a wonderful, gentle Father we have—this is the God of our understanding and the God Evidence serves.I can’t wait to spend my day with Him!
Of all the people groups that come to mind when I hear that phrase, “You are not forgotten,” the group Evidence recently sang for is not one of them. I am sad to say that they ARE all too often forgotten. I’m speaking of senior widows and widowers.
Fellowship Baptist Church asked us to return after our Christmas concert to provide entertainment for a “Single Seniors Dinner.” I’d never heard of a church doing that and I was really impressed how these deacons and their wives took their vow of servant-hood to heart as they sought to obey the command to take care of widows.
It was with conscientiousness that we welcomed the task of speaking words of comfort and peace to people who have lived fully, loved deeply, and lost the most precious people in their lives. But it was with joy and wonder that we watched them sing along to familiar songs and smile as we sang about the goodness, power, and trustworthiness of a God who has carried them through and will carry them home in His time.
Fellowship Baptist, Evidence has been honored to minister to your congregation once again. Your humble servants are a model for all of us and your “Single Seniors” are not forgotten.
Evidence had the privilege of sharing together at First Baptist Church of Lake St. Louis this last week.We loved singing for both their traditional and contemporary worship style Sunday services because our message is universal, whatever style of music the congregation enjoys.And we were able to reach people of both preferences with our sound!There were all ages in the audience at our Wed. night concert event that followed!
This was a really wonderful opportunity for us because the venue had not only an enthusiastic crowd who loved hearing about the evidence of God’s love, but a great sound system, lighting capabilities, and multi-media potential.We took advantage of it!We have a new favorite addition to our concerts whenever possible:we added a power point presentation that quotes the scripture verse(s) on which each song is based.This was great because every song we sing is Biblically based, but sometimes listeners may not grab hold of that in a concert setting.Having the pertinent verses on the screens while we sang the songs added something so special and meaningful, encouraging the audience to contemplate the lyrics while enjoying the music.
The church (http://www.firstbaptistchurchlsl.org/) was so welcoming and encouraging to us and we now have several more people to add to our mailing list!We love staying in touch with you all and Evidence looks forward to returning in the future!
Pics will be posted soon, so don’t forget to tune back in!
I am absolutely in love with our new concert set!There are some songs that will ring as familiar to many of you, as well as some newer songs you’ve never heard.A pretty good variety that is sure to appeal to different people coming from different backgrounds, but all with a unifying message of testifying to God’s love and grace!Our prayer every time we sing is that hearts will be softened, lives will be changed, and above all, that God will be glorified.This is why we sing!
If you’re wondering about the Evidence CD recording status, we are praying so earnestly for clear guidance!We’ve explored studio options and have gotten some great advice from some professional people who are knowledgeable in the Nashville music scene.We’ve listened to lots of potential songs from local and professional writers.We believe that God is leading us to create something that people can take home with them, and we believe a CD is a practical way the good news of God’s love, shared through music, can fill the homes and hearts of people who need to hear.
Evidence also wants to be responsible stewards of our finances, and a CD project is a huge financial undertaking.We trust that God is the ultimate Provider and we are waiting on His timing for the funds to come through.If you would like to invest in Evidence’s project, there is an easy PayPal option for financial support, or you can always contact us for a mailing address.In the meantime, we still remain faithful in singing live concerts because that is what we’ve been called to do!We’re so grateful to be able to share this way to so many different people!
We are booking for 2010 and the calendar is beginning to fill!Please contact us if you’d like more information about having Evidence come sing at your church or event.We’re happy to hear from our fans any time!
If you’ve read our “News” lately, you know that Evidence is considering a CD project this year!It’s so interesting to look back and see how God’s hand has guided and moved and blessed our lives and our Evidence journey.We set out to be faithful in using the gifts that He has given us:to testify to God’s love through music.We had no idea where that simple “yes” on our parts would take us, what style of music we would end up singing, to what places we would travel, to which people He would have us minister.And to be very honest, we still don’t know exactly what the future holds.
More and more I’m realizing that God doesn’t just prepare you for one big task in life.He doesn’t give you the 5-10 year business plan and a time-line.He only shines light on one step, one day at a time.When we say “yes” to Him for that step, for that day, then he shows us where He wants the next step, the next day.He is preparing us for how He wants to use us in the future, yes, but He is also USING us along the way!My intention this new year is to pray, not that God will bless my ministry that I want to do for Him, but that He would show me the work He wants me to do TODAY—that I can join Him in His ministry wherever I am.
I know the Evidence girls have a heart for that same thing.Will you pray for us that we will join God in the ministry He has for us today?That every step we take is the one on which He’s shone His light and that He will light the rest of the steps as we take them?Some of the steps are scary.Some don’t seem to make sense. But there’s a certain freedom that comes when you just say “yes” to God and trust Him to take care of the future.
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