Surviving Women's Conference

I absolutely LOVED singing at Women's Conference. I almost wasn't even nervous, until just before I sang. I was prepared, I had everything ready to go on the morning of, I didn't even feel stressed during the performance. I had no idea that almost immediately after we performed, I would be almost entirely exhausted! It is only in hind sight that I can even try to contemplate what happened.

Rewind 4 months ago, January 1st, and I was writing a song to sing for a "New Beginnings" program. I had to write and learn the song in only a few days. The performance went well, and I didn't think any thing else of it. Two days later, Sister Dibb asked me to sing for the three General Women's Committees at the Relief Society building in Salt Lake. A week later, we sang, and Jessica Perry and I were invited to sing at Women's Conference. A couple weeks later, I emailed Greg Hansen to get some advice about possibly having a CD available in the Bookstore at Women's Conference. Greg told me I should make the CD and that he would produce and orchestrate. From that point on, the next 2 months, was preparing the CD, learning from Greg, recording, praying, and wondering. Before we got into the process too far, Sister Lifferth told me she would get the CD into the bookstore, and when Greg Hansen relayed the information to Sounds of Zion, they offered to be the distributer for the album. It has truly been a ride. I loved every minute of it, but I also had no idea how much the last few months would wear me out!

Thankfully, I feel much better now. I was so happy to see my CD in the bookstore. It was one of those moments when you get to rejoice in hitting a milestone for your life. I grabbed a CD off of the display, and showed it to one of the ladies at the cash register. I told her, "This is me!" I showed her my name on the CD. She politely gave me the "Wow, that's great!" answer, and I was happy to share that moment with a stranger. Jessica Perry, who was with me, couldn't believe I was acting so silly. But really can you blame me? It was so exciting!

So, I guess it's all normal. It's funny how life keeps on going. Really nothing is that different. My oldest daughter Jessica and I, sang the duet "I'll Stay With You" last night for a mother/daughter young women's activity. Listening to her sing, moved me to tears, and I cried before we were finished. It was the first time I got emotional through all those times I've performed the song. It's easier to feel the love that Naomi had for Ruth, as I'm playing Naomi, and it's my daughter who plays the part of Ruth. She has such a sweet voice.

Tonight I got to attend a mother/daughter activity for another one of my daughters. I have been involved recently with their "activity day" activities, and so they had prepared to sing, "One Virtue at a Time". They did such a great job. I thought it would be fun for them to learn, so that when they got to Young Women's they would know how to sing it. I felt so blessed to be able to be a part of their lives.

I don't know what's next. I've stopped trying to guess, but I have to admit, my life has been very exciting and I am very happy.

"Women of God"

Several years ago, I attended the 2000 BYU Women's Conference. It was the first time I was privileged to go. I remember being amazed as I sat in the Marriot Center, looking at the thousands of women there. There were women from all over the country. We all wore a name tag with our names on them and where we were from. I remember feeling a kinship with everyone there. There was no way to know everyone that was there, but as we all raised our voices in song, we were united. We were all sisters.

During the next few weeks, I kept thinking about that experience, and tried to write a song that could capture the feelings I felt. I couldn't do it. Words were so difficult for me. I kept starting and giving up. I attended the next years conference, and felt the same way. I kept feeling those nudges to write the song. Unfortunately, I still couldn't get the words to convey the feelings that I felt. Through a series of interesting events, I was put in contact with a dear sister, Susan Noyes Anderson, who helped to write lyrics for the song which ended up being titled, "Women of God".

I showed the song to Michael Moody, who was head of the Church's Music department at the time. I told him that I felt like it should be performed at the coming Women's Conference that year. He told me that the song was very good, and that he would set up the performance. Later that year, there was a misunderstanding, and the song was entered, by mistake, into the Church's music contest. The song got lost, and never ended up being performed. I attended that next Women's Conference, and Sheri Dew gave a wonderful talk that I will never forget entitled, "Women of God". I cried through the entire address. This was where, I felt, my song should have been performed. Sheri Dew actually quoted almost the entire song! I couldn't believe how well the song would have fit with her talk, but it just wasn't meant to be.

Now, in 2008, I had the amazing opportunity to sing at Women's Conference. I know it was meant to be. I had many miracles that made it possible. Jessica Perry and I sang the duet that I'd written for our "New Beginnings" program in January, "I Will Stay With You". I found it another unlikely coincidance that the speakers titled their address, "Women of God".

Singing at Women's Conference was a wonderful experience. I was quite nervous just before we sang, but being on the stage, and performing was a lot of fun. I enjoyed listening to Margaret Lifferth and Carolyn Toronto's remarks, especially since again, the words of my song seemed to reinforce all that they had to say. I felt so blessed to be there. I appreciated all those that came to see us perform. My mother, and my mother in law were both there, as well as many from our ward. It was wonderful to feel their support.

Other than the exciting chance to walk through the BYU Bookstore and see my CD there, I also had another neat thing happen that day. That morning I received an email from a lady who wrote,

"I am writing from sunny Trinidad and I just love your songs. They are uplifting and soothing to the spirit. I attended a nun's ordination and heard "Women of God" and fell in love with it, so much so I will be using it with my graduating class this year. I teach music at a girls' convent here. 11-18yrs. Keep on writing. god has blessed you with tremendous talent."

I never know what purpose the Lord may have for the songs that I write. I can guess, but I'm usually wrong. I'm just grateful that I have been able to be His instrument. For that I will always be grateful.

Getting Excited

Tomorrow is the big day! I'm so excited. A couple people have asked me if I feel nervous, but I'm not yet. I'm just excited.

When I was younger, I did a lot of musical theater. I love to perform on stage. I really enjoy becoming a character, especially when there's also music. This brings back many memories of musicals gone by- Oklahoma, the Music Man, HMS Pinafore, all those Stake productions. Such good memories. I always get very nervous JUST before the play starts and then after it begins, I'm fine again. I imagine that's how it will be.

I was thinking about when I performed this song for the "New Beginnings" program. Because I had to introduce the song, I was very nervous about what I was going to say. Also, I was still making last minute changes to the song, so I was worried that I'd remember what to sing! Singing at the Relief Society building was a similar experience, adding with it, the fact that I was speaking and singing in front of so many important and spiritual ladies.

This time, though there will be many more spiritual ladies to sing in front of, it won't be me, Lindy, speaking and singing, it will just be Jessica and I as characters from the Bible, playing Ruth and Naomi. I'm excited to play the part of Naomi. I really think it will be fun. I think I've decided what I can wear. I wanted it to be something "Naomi"-ish. I found a simple outfit I think will work.

I'll be singing right after the two speakers. I told Margaret Lifferth that I was a little worried that if her talk put me in tears, I might be too emotional to sing. She assured me that she had opted to keep her talk light- hearted and fun. That's really my biggest concern. Other than that, I'm just feeling very excited about the opportunity.

Jessica and I have to be there early tomorrow to practice in the Concert Hall. Hopefully we're awake and can make it on time. (Hopefully I can sleep tonight!)

At any rate, I am very excited!!!

American Idol Mommy

On Wednesday, we were watching American Idol, and there was a guest artist that sang. My little boy was sitting on my lap- he's three. Out of nowhere he said, "I wish she were my mother." I was surprised and said, "Why?!" He replied, "She has a prettier voice". I couldn't believe it. What a terrible (funny) thing to say. I pretended to be hurt, and said, "Josh, you don't like me being your mother?" He replied, "Sometimes". I really was so surprised that he seemed so serious. One more time, I tried to make sure I understood. "That makes me feel so sad! You'd rather have HER as your mother than me?" to which he replied, "I'm just kidding!"

Later I was telling someone else the story, and my son overheared, he rushed in to explain again, "Mom, I was just kidding!"

I love this kid! He is my youngest one, and has been the sweetest kid ever. This is the first time he's ever said anything like that. He loves it when I sing songs to him at bedtime, or tickle him. He's been my little "momma's boy" and I've loved it. For just an instant I felt jealous of this musical artist who could sing as my little boy desired for his mother. Of course I know I'm a good mother. I also know that he has no idea what life would be like if his mother were a pop star. Of course he had no idea what it was he was even saying.

It made me wonder how often we do the same thing. How often do we look at what someone has, or what someone looks like and we wish we had the same. I wonder sometimes if Heavenly Father looks down at us in those times and just shakes His head, knowing that what we have is so much better for us. He has everything already all planned out. We don't even know what it is we are asking for. Whether or not we're serious or if we say, "I'm just kidding!"

Kerby Music Update

Dear Friends,

I am happy to announce that my new CD, "Thy God, My God: Strength from the Hearts of Biblical Women" is now completed. The music turned out beautiful, and the artwork is amazing. I was lucky enough to get to use Judith Mehr's painting of "Ruth and Naomi", which fit the theme perfectly.

You can listen to samples from the CD at:
www.lindykerby.com/thyGodmyGod/

or you can also listen to the entire 2nd track, "Living Water" at: https://theneighborhoodjukebox.com/cgi-bin/ijb/mreg.cgi?ratingpubview=66

This CD includes all the accompaniment tracks to all 3 vocal songs, and also includes a bonus piano track, which I think you will also like. Also available to purchase on my website is MP3's and PDF's (sheet music) for all of the songs. Those outside of the United States, may consider buying the digital album, where shipping is not required!

It would make a wonderful Mother's Day gift, or just something special to lift your spirit on a sunday.

I have written lots more about the album and each of the songs on my website. I hope you'll visit, listen, and enjoy.

Thanks for everyone's support!

Lindy Kerby
www.lindykerby.com- Official website
www.kerbymusic.org- Free Sheet music by Lindy Kerby

It's here!

I drove up with the kids to Salt Lake to pick up the CD's. They look so great! I'm so happy. I listened to the CD over and over again in the car as we drove all over town to deliver the CD's to Greg Hansen and visit with my family. My daughter was singing the songs after we got home, it was so cute. I haven't sent out an update yet, but probably will tomorrow. I'm just too tired tonight. But samples are on my website, and you can listen to the entire 2nd track, "Living Water" at The Neighborhood Jukebox. It's a great site for people to listen and buy music from new artists. I'm gonna get some sleep. Tomorrow I'll finish up the store, but yay the CD's are here! =)

It's coming!

Can I just tell you how excited I am! I'm picking up the CD's tomorrow (hopefully...) I finished all the sheet music for the songs, and should have everything ready to go and in my online store in the next couple of days. I'll even be able to do MP3's and PDF's, so I'm thrilled. Greg Hansen says Sounds of Zion is ready to take some copies, and will for sure have them available at the BYU Bookstore when we sing at Women's Conference. I just love how everything turned out. Yippee! I'm just so happy, and thought I'd share...