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Shortly after that, you toured with Garth Brooks. Tell me about that.

Ashton I did a leg of his '94 European tour, but we weren't playing to his largest crowds. But there was still something very special about his audience. Initially I was a little nerve-wracked, worrying they'd boo me off the stage, but I got a wonderful response. I was also really nervous about meeting him, but he was so nice and supportive. He told me if there was anything I ever needed, just to let him know.

In what ways were you able to be a light on that tour and in other crossover opportunities?

Ashton A lot of people in Europe were fascinated that I was a Christian artist doing a country tour. That generated a lot of press and created a format for me to talk about my faith. Other than that, I always try to be kind and do my best with the job that's put in front of me to do. I've never been a preachy person anyway, but if I'm given the opportunity, I'll step up to the plate and speak the truth. As I've been involved in country for the last few years, I've noticed there are tons of Christians, particularly with country radio. They were so supportive and happy to play my music on a mainstream station. It's a worldly world, yet there are a lot more Christians in it than people are aware of.

How did the doors open for the Lost in Wonder sessions?

Ashton About two years ago I became friends with [the project's producer] John Hartley. Before I lost my record deal, I was asked to sing some demos for what would become a worship project releasing in England. When I lost my deal, John asked if I would still be interested in continuing with the project. God had been healing me, growing me and helping me find my center again, and this seemed to fit as part of his plan.

What were the sessions like with the other ladies?

Ashton We weren't actually together in the studio, just during the photo shoot. I already knew Christine [from Along the Road], and Michelle and I met way back since we all used to be on Sparrow.

How does this project compare to you, Christine and Margaret Becker teaming up on Along the Road?

Ashton I think it's completely different, because musically and stylistically it's a very worshipful record. For me personally, the only connection is that Christine and I both on it, but other than that I don't find a whole lot else similar between the two records.

Where has worship fit into your life on the whole?

Ashton From a very early age, worship has been really important to me. It's an integral part of the church I grew up in, and it's always been very important in any church I've called home since. Musically, this is where God has put me right now. It wasn't something I went looking for.

Will this lead to a full-fledged comeback for you with recording in either the Christian or country communities?

Ashton I don't have one single clue what God wants to do with me! Every day is literally one foot in front of the other, and I'm grateful for each day. Being a nanny is something I'm doing in the interim, but it is leading me to be still in so many ways. I've never had children, but have been around them all my life. Once you have them, it's not about you anymore. That has been very grounding and centering for me.

Will there be any touring in support of the album?

Ashton There won't be any touring for it. As for the future, I honestly have not even the first clue. At this point in my life, I don't even speculate. It's totally up to God. He's given me the pieces as he feels I need them. That mindset tends to freak people out in the music business, but I've been in it 16 years, and I'm not so concerned about my 5-year plan as I once was. I literally just take it one day at a time, sometimes moment by moment.

For more about Susan Ashton, visit our artist page for her. Click here to read a review of Lost in Wonder, and visit Christianbook.com to listen to sound clips and buy the music.

© Andy Argyrakis, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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