So it hardly seems possible that it's been over a year since I last posted here! I tell myself a lot that there are "Seasons for Everything," and so it hasn't been a season for blogging or posting a lot publicly. It's been a quieter season of reflection inwardly. But I feel the tide shifting.
I have indeed been in a season of really getting settled in a new home, new church, new job, new life in San Luis Obispo, CA. The interim season in SLO last spring & summer turned into a permanent one, which has been a huge blessing! It has been such a joy to have a new beginning here.
It also felt like the time to return to my maiden name, Keller, when I moved out to CA last year. Perfect time for another fresh start. Then, after a season of about five years writing songs about life, love, & loss - songs of lament, songs that found life in coffee shops, pubs, and bars - I have started writing songs for the Church again in this season...which feels like a gift.
I've had a lot of "full circle" moments this year, a huge one being back in the Vineyard Church family again. Mountainbrook Church (previously "San Luis Obispo Vineyard") was one of the first few Vineyards planted in CA many moons ago, and there is a lot of history & legacy here. I love knowing that guys like Carl Tuttle led worship here when our current pastor was in College Ministry. Though the name and location has changed, it is still a Vineyard, and I love the core values from which our team leads. I love this Tribe.
I do hope to start blogging here more again (no, really!), but for today, I mainly wanted to post a song video. We have begun hosting these "Woven: For Women" events at my church (and God has been breathing life and it's been growing like gang busters!), and I felt stirred in the nights leading up to the event in May to write a song called "Steady My Soul" to go with the theme, which was "Hope Anchors the Soul."
In general, my songwriting has been really stirred up in the last 6-8 months or so, and I felt it was time to start sharing them more widely. I'm praying about finally recording another worship album that would release in 2016. I covet your prayers over that process. It's been a long time and feels a bit overwhelming to consider! But it seems time...and there is indeed a season for everything! I continue to submit my plans to God and trust Him completely with the details.
Thanks to so many of you whom have followed my journey all these years. 2015 marks TWENTY years of worship leading for me! It's been a wild ride...and here's to the new season ahead!
P.S. Save the date, SLO area peeps, for an upcoming gig at Chateau Lettau in Paso Robles! Friday, August 21st, 6-8pm. Click here for more details.
So long, BraziL. Hello, CALIFORNIA!
Well. I have been a *horrible* blogger recently! But with good reason: I spent the month of October in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Monaco, & France with a music team doing training events and such there with Vineyard Brazil. Then, in November I flew straight from there to Brazil for four months. It was truly the adventure of a lifetime!
If you missed the photo journal, just stop by my Instagram page and check out photos from October 2013, or you can watch a little re-cap video by clicking here.
When I left the States last October, I thought I would be living in Brazil at least a year, maybe longer…but we ran into a snag in trying to acquire a longer term visa for me. I had to return to the U.S. at the end of February, and I have still been unable to acquire one so far. It's possible that it may come through sometime in a few more months…but it was going to be a waiting game of an unknown amount of time, and I was going to be somewhat stranded in the States without a job, apartment, or car in the meantime.
I grieved a little, because I really thought I would be in Brazil longer term (and I sold most of my belongings before I left to help make that possible)...but shortly after my return, I started to find a real peace and just kept my eyes open for what was next. I knew I wasn't totally freed up and mobile for nothing! While home in Atlanta, I've really enjoyed connecting with friends, doing lots of swing dancing, and eating all the American food I missed. LOL.
I put together about 6 weeks of various travel dates (Orlando, Augusta, San Luis Obispo, and Virginia Beach) so that I could share about my "adventures in Brazil" and enjoy sharing some music. I also moved in with my dad just north of Atlanta temporarily and have been enjoying precious time with him when I've not been on the road. Now that he's retired, my favorite is when Dad makes me breakfast and we chat over our coffee and eggs.
The unexpected part of the journey these last few weeks was getting connected with Mountainbrook Church in San Luis Obispo, CA. they have been looking for assistance with leading worship and training their musicians and band leaders for the last 9 months or so. It soon turned into a conversation about me coming back to SLO for a 3-month interim season…and then we can see where things land in the fall. Perhaps it may become a more permanent option, perhaps not…but after a few more conversations (and visiting and seeing how dreamy the Central California coast really is!) my heart gave a resounding "yes!" to spending a summer there at the very least!
So…in true SHERILYN fashion…things happen in a hurry, and usually cross-country (or cross-continent in some cases)…so one week from today, I fly out from Atlanta again to begin this new chapter in California! I love that the move is happening over Easter weekend. There is a history of some pretty major events in my life happening over Easter weekends…and I feel like God often uses is symbolically to mark a new redemptive beginning in my life…though often through the most unexpected means! God is cool like that.
So the plan is that I will be in San Luis Obispo until at least the end of July (though I have a few quick trips planned back to Atlanta - like to lead worship for the Women's Night of Worship at Perimeter Church on June 10! Mark your calendar, Atlanta ladies!)…and then we'll see where things land in the fall.
Now that I'm Stateside, I'll try to be better at writing more regularly about my #SLOlife in San Luis Obispo…and I am hoping to find more time to write and record some new music this year, so stay tuned here on my website, Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram for the play-by-play.
Thanks for being part of my journey! I appreciate you all & would love to hear from you! Drop me an email any time!
P.S. This is the view from my host home in Cayucos, CA, and then me standing on the pier in the first photo. Who's coming to visit???
It's true: I'm moving to BRAZIL!
So a lot has happened in the last few weeks and I wanted to share the news!
It's official! I'm moving to BRAZIL!!!
While I was in Brazil earlier this summer, I actually got an offer to work with the Vineyard Church in Bauru, SP Brazil. I totally laughed at first and never thought I could find the courage to move to South America! However, over the last couple weeks since my return home, through some mega soul searching, wrestling with God, and talking it through with my family, pastors, longtime friends & mentors...I had a total change of heart.
I feel like if I can completely let go of things here in Atlanta - though I'd started to build a life for myself (finally!) - I can see a whole new life in Brazil if I can just have the courage to take the leap and trust God to catch me. I now believe I will regret it forever if I don't take the risk and go for it.
It's been so hard to process through the letting go - especially with so many fond memories here of my mom - and then to move so far away from my dad and brother makes it even harder. It has not been an easy decision, and it has come through many tears....but I made the decision yesterday and said YES to moving to Brazil! The flights are purchased! It's very surreal, but I am excited!
When I was in Brazil last month - as you may already know - I was also invited to join a music & missions team going to Italy October 3-23 (then I'm spending an extra week traveling Germany, Switzerland, & Austria with friends). Now I will just fly from Munich straight to Brazil on October 30th, and will get right to work in Brazil in November.
I was able to purchase my flight to Italy, but there are still lots of funds to be raised for grounds fees and my move to Brazil. If you want to read more about all that and find out how you can partner with me, click here. If your heart is so moved, you can easily make a donation on the right-hand column of my website. Thanks so much to those who have already given so generously!!
So, the rough plan is for me to live in Brazil for a year. I will be leading worship at the church twice a month, training up other musicians & worship leaders, potentially teaching private lessons on guitar, piano, & voice...and will have the opportunity to travel occassionally to do concerts, worship events, & teach seminars for worship leaders.
Thank you, dear ones, for all your love and support - these last few years especially, when things have been a little extra challenging in my life. I could not have made it through without your prayers & love. I appreciate you all so much, and I will keep you posted along the way!
A precious friend shared a verse with me yesterday that really spoke to my soul...may God make it so in your lives and mine!
CARRY ME TOUR may extend to ITALY!!!
So I just returned from an incredible few weeks in Brazil! Of course the food & culture were absolutely brilliant - but the thing that surprised & blessed me most was the amazing friendships that were forged in such a short time. I also had a chance to record 5 songs in Portuguese on this trip - which was so difficult, but so incredible! There will be a Portuguese EP to come!
I can truly say that this trip changed my life. I will blog soon about more of my specific experiences in Brazil, but I want to get straight to this possibility of touring Italy today because I need your help to make it possible.
There is a small team of about 12 Brazilians from Vineyard Piratininga & Vineyard Bauru who are planning a 20-day trip to Italy, and they have invited me to join the tour as an addition to the music team! My departure for the trip would be October 3rd, so I have less than two months to work out all the details.
This trip would have to be self-funded, so I'm needing to raise financial support in the tune of $3,000 to make the trip possible. Would you consider being part of my support team, though prayers and/or financial support?
One really neat sidebar is they are working on translating my song "Fearless Now" into Italian & they have hopes of me recording it on an EP. Such a humbling & cool opportunity to see my music translated into other languages!
-The trip will include 3-day excursion across the border to a partner with Vineyard in Lugano, Switzerland.
-We will work with a YWAM base (Youth With a Mission) in Milan as part of their School of Worship & will participate in teaching a worship seminar for 40-50 worship leaders from all over Italy.
-We will spend time in Pescara doing a worship conference.
-We will spend a few days in Rome working with a Baptist church.
-I will then spend an extra week with friends in Germany & Switzerland before returning home.
I'm really excited about this opportunity and feel so strongly that if it is meant for me to be part of the team that there will be a way me for me go. Not only will the trip cost me for the travel expenses, but also time off teaching for 20 days, so it's a big leap of faith for me - especially after just spending all summer on tour in the US & Brazil...but I'm taking the leap!
Thanks so much for considering partnering with me to make this possible! For those local to Atlanta, I'm actually having a giant garage sale, selling all my household items that have been in storage the last few years, to raise money for the trip. Find some treasures for yourself & support a good cause all at the same time!
I appreciate your love, support, & prayers so much!
This is Beto (Brazilian) & his wife Raquel (Italian). They translated for me during part of my trip in Brazil. Both musical, songwriters, worship leaders. They are the ones heading up the trip to Italy, they lived there for a season and have all the contacts for us. Beto is also offering to help me book another tour in Brazil next summer!
This is my recording day in Brazil! 5 songs in Portuguese!
Rodrigo Falsetti & his wife Adriana (top) and Paul Chaves (right) - all part of Vineyard Bauru.
My "going away party" the last night in Brazil. I can't wait to go back! I love you all!
Summer 2013: CARRY ME TOUR!
So I’ve discovered that planning a music tour is a little bit like herding cats.
Hats off to you booking agents out there that have mastered the art. I have so much to learn before I becoming a tour-booking-Jedi. I am still a young Padawan in training. May the force be with us all, because try, have I…and a little tour has evolved!
One thing I know, this tour is not something I can do on my own. Though I’m a solo artist and much of the tour I will physically be traveling alone, I am asking you – my friends, family, & fans – to carry me on this one. I have chosen “Carry Me” as the tour centerpiece song and tour name, and I’d love for you to join the support team carrying me through this summer!
-Tweet or Facebook about my tour and/or a specific date you hope to attend and/or think your friends should attend as I’m coming through your/their part of the country.
-Blog about a specific experience you had at one of my shows already (or how a song on my latest CD may have encouraged you). You are my most valuable & influential advertisement amongst your peers.
-It’s not too late to book a stop! Let me know if you would consider hosting a house show and/or connecting me with a local venue in your town (coffee house/bar/church)…and/or provide a safe place to sleep for the night.
-Know of someone in the hospital or receiving treatment on my route? Let me know and I'll do my best to stop by & serenade them in person with a little hope & song.
-If you’re the praying type, I totally welcome your prayers that I stay safe & healthy while on the road, & for some truly meaningful encounters at each venue.
Ultimately, this tour isn’t a money-maker (though of course I hope I can still pay my bills when I get home). It’s a “go and give it away” kind of thing. I feel like after all that I have walked through the last few years that I have a story to tell and songs to sing…and I feel compelled to get out there and share them.
P.S. I’d love to hear from you! Email me at SHERILYN@SHERILYNmusic.com to say hello, tell me about yourself, and let me know if we can connect in person when I’m coming through this summer!
My friends and I put together a Love Collective "Mixtape" for Valentine's Day & for a GREAT cause! Check it out!
My friends & I put together a Love Collective Valentine's Mixtape for a GREAT cause! Check it out at the link below!
I also LOVE that this EP release is happening the same day as the official launch of the END IT Movement! Raise your voice for the 27 million enslaved today by signing the pledge at www.enditmovement.com. Together, we can end slavery in our lifetime!
I also LOVE that this EP release is happening the same day as the official launch of "END IT" - a movement intended to shine a light on modern day slavery and the numerous incredible organizations (like Not For Sale!) doing something to END IT in our lifetime. There is a full page ad today in USA Today - letting the world know it's time to raise our voices for the 27 million enslaved today. Sign the pledge at www.enditmovement.com and get IN IT to END IT. You can also follow @enditmovement on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
I just saw a post online by a friend of mine who said, "Took mom to the ER 11 years ago and she never came home...was looking forward to her strudel in the morning....with her, always so much laughter." It was a little over a year ago now that my mom went into the hospital & never came home, too...and I can't help but think in these wee hours of Christmas morning how many others out there may be up late tonight grieving the loss of someone they loved and missing them this Christmas, too. Are you one of them?
I recently attended an event where I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb...and I thought that surely everyone was thinking, "What on earth is she doing here? She can't possibly belong." Who am I kidding, that was most of my middle school & high school years!
In all seriousness, though, being exactly who we were created to be in a world that tells us we should conform to it is incredibly daunting. Being true to our heart - to ourselves -is a choice each and every moment. It's difficult to be uniquely unusual, all-together authentic, and overwhelming outstanding. We usually feel like we're a freak of nature and long to be more "normal" and live a more "normal" life...or conversely want to "be cool like everyone else" but feel so "ordinary."
In that room the other day, I had to tell myself to stop comparing myself to anyone else - because we were never made to compare to anyone else. We were made to stand out! Even if standing out means we don't feel like we "fit in with the cool kids," so to speak.
I don't just mean that I don't own an iPad or wear hipster glasses or have bleach blond rock star hair or look amazing in skinny jeans and trendy scarves. I mean that the pressure to compare overflows onto WHO I am, how I portray who I really am to others, and how honest and vulnerable I'm willing to be with a world that tells me I should just kind of shut up and blend in.
Even more so, the pressure of comparison overflows onto how I live my life, what possessions or claims to fame I possess, what car I drive, what home I don't own, what my bank account balance is, or what job I hold down.
Further - as an artist - it affects how I feel about the music I've created, how well or not I feel I sing it, where or whether I feel the courage to go out and share my music, what gear I have or don't have, or how "together" I appear on stage - or even online.
Here's the thing: no one else was born with the "job" I was born to do: to be who I was created to be. No one else can be me. No one else can be you. And just like no one else can tell me how to be me...no one else can tell you how to be you.