Life is Good (Aiane Karla Original)
So long, goodbye, to days without the sunshine. …even more so now
that the clouds have made way for a shade of blue that’s bluer than the sea
I try to be in a super-cali-fragilistic-expi-alidocious state of mind most of the time
I mean, you gotta do what you gotta do
But if you must know, my strength comes from the One above.
Chorus:
There is no secret to a life full of laughter
but remember there is no such thing as happy ever after
You might as well stop wishing and hoping, it isn’t always greener on the other side
Take it from me, life is good, God is on your side
Should the weather choose to rain on your parade on the best day of your life
You should know to dance in ther ain and sing your heart out to
the One who decided to shower You with love
(Chorus)
His love is higher than your highest hopes and dreams, and much wider than your silly grin (2x)
(Chorus)
Take it from me, life is good; God is on your side. :) :) :)
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Song details. This was the very first song that started my love of songwriting. It was written in 2009 while I was driving eight long hours (solo) from Orlando, FL to Marietta, GA. There had been some light pitter-pat of the rain on the freeway (which I loved…because I love rainy days), but the sun also made its beautiful appearance after being a little bit bashful and hiding behind the clouds. …hence the first few lines of the song. I recorded my ideas on my Palm Centro’s voice memo app. Ahhh…those good ole pre-iPhone days! Life is Good has a special place in my heart; it is, to me, an allegory of the soul’s sunshine-after-the-rain days. This was the music video featured in Single Creek, a documentary on Christian singlehood.
“It isn’t always greener on the other side. Take it from me, life is good, God is on your side!”
Oh, yes, HE IS! :)
#5 | Record original composition(s) in a professional studio. CHECK!
Today I got to check item #5 off my bucket list. It was my first time recording at a profession studio. I decided to record “Your Instrument”, a song I wrote in the beginning of 2010. Oh, so long ago! Henry (the guy wearing white in the last photo) and I went to the same high school and were in Camerata together. He recently contacted me and we decided to work together on a project. This was the first part; the second part is going to be a surprise for now.
Here are some of the words from the 2nd verse of the song:
In every measure of my life, I need you in it; never staccato but sustained. You are the tie that holds my rhythm in place, away from the influence of this world. May You be heard in every note, in every word; glory be to Your name. Take this song, take this prayer, take my life. Make me Your instrument, Lord.
I can go to sleep with a smile in my heart now! Got to welcome the Sabbath on a sweet musical note. Several to be exact. Also very happy to be reunited with a really old piano book (above the yellow one near the bottom) with concert transcriptions of favorite hymns. It’s torn and the color of the pages are…so…Shakespearean. Love! :) Events that transpired while playing Joy to The World: multiple crescendos » more crescendos » excitement » torso leans forward for crescendo » head almost hits the piano. Sabbath + music = :) (Taken with Instagram)
Devotional // 9.12.2012 | Minor Theme…Major Conclusion
Summary: Every human life is but a comparatively short phrase in the long symphony of history. But for the godly, the short transition will shortly take place when the trumpet of God will sound the song of victory.
Book read: Preludes to Prayer by Thomas A. Davis
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[To listen via smartphone and/or devices without a flash player, click on the arrow on the lower right corner of the box above.
Tears are a Language
Yesterday was Communion Sabbath at my church. I was asked to sing for Sabbath School so I sang,He is Risen,one of my original compositions. The song is about Christ’s death and resurrection.Everything was fine. Well…that is…until a mental image of Christ on Mount Calvary (mentioned in the song) turned on the waterworks and the next thing I knew…well, my tears ducts turned into a mini Niagara Falls. I managed to end the song with the last few words enunciated clear…enough.
Sniff, sniff. Turn away from congregation. Wipe tears. Inhale. Exhale. Struggling to regain composure, I managed to smile through the tears as I walked back to my seat. Being a bit of a perfectionist (especially with music), I started wishing the tears had come after the song…or not at all. I (internally) shook my head for once again ending a song tearFULLy.
Then it dawned on me. My tears came because of what my Savior did for me! In my mind’s eye I saw Him in pain, determined to do what He set out to do. His determination unwavering. His love never fading, never failing.
Devotional // 8.9.2012 | On Dexterity, Witnessing and Evangelism
Written by: Aiane Karla
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[To listen via smartphone and/or devices without a flash player, click on the arrow on the lower right corner of the box above.]
There’s nothing like seeing God’s young and future musicians enjoy making music for Him!
A Night with Tchaikovsky
Tonight I am most grateful to be baking a vegan chocolate cake while at the same time listening to a live Tchaikovsky concert on NPR. I get to end my day on a sweet note! …and I mean that in a ‘bon appétit’ and musical kind of way. Mmmm! :)
Thank you, NPR, for bringing Tchaikovsky to my kitchen! I consider this music the (vegan) whipped cream/icing on this cake!
Well Done | Fountain View Academy
“Miss Karla”
Yesterday was the last day of VBS at my church. …and I must confess I already miss the kids. Terribly. To be honest, I started missing them befor they left today. I miss the organized chaos and busyness. I miss cutting, gluing, decorating, setting up, demonstrating and assisting. I miss sitting behind the table at the music shop where my friend and I showed and helped kids how to make music instruments. I miss seeing those bright-eyed little ones tippy toeing so they could tell the music shop owners that they “wanna make dat wun aaaaaand DAT wun” (with their tiny fingers pointing at various instruments). I miss having to stand up to not only see but talk to my youngest customers (who usually stopped by the shop with mommy and daddy while waiting for big brother or sister).
…but the thing I miss most is simply being called “Miss Karla”. I discovered something new this week. I love teaching little ones! And I love discovering new things about myself from my time with them. They challenge my creativity and encourage me to explore new ways of teaching. Their contagious eagerness to learn inspires me.
I’m not quite sure if I’ve had enough time to figure out what to call this newfound excitement, but I do know I absolutely loved having my two main passions in life joined together this week - music and children. Oh, I miss those smiley faces! …and…ok…I confess, especially the ones that gave me my new nickname. Haha!
“Miss Karla”. Mmmm. I’ve come to really like the sound of that. :) It makes my heart leap…and do somersaults.
A Good Note to End My Day On
My Monday was such a busy day. I ended the day with wonderful and energetic kids at my church’s VBS (Vacation Bible School) program. My friend and I were in charge of the music shop and today we made tambourines. The kids loved the tambourines so much we literally sold out! The kids were given coins (shekels) to use at the market place and a lot of them came to our shop. Tomorrow we’re marking wind chimes. I’m excited about that!
After a busy afternoon I decided to end this day on a good note. Literally. I decided to spend some time on the piano and began compo-singing. Yes, I love to make up words, too! :) The piano’s black and white keys are my fingers’ favorite dance floor! I am thrilled to now have the beginning of a new song on trusting God’s will for our lives. The possibility of my relocating to a different city or state (in a few months) inspired me to write a song on trusting God.
Do you sing or play a musical instrument? If so, when was the last time you sang or played? Why not end your day(s) on a good note?
Special music at Lakeview Seventh-day Adventist Church
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TILL THE STORM PASSES BY
In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place.
‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Chorus:
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to try,
For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by”
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.
Chorus:
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.
Chorus:
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe (3x) till the storm passes by.
Offertory music at Lakeview Seventh-day Adventist Church
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IN HIS PRESENCE
In the quiet of this hour as I kneel before You now
I believe Your promise to be faithful
I don´t always understand what Your perfect will demands
But I learn to trust You more in Your presence Lord
Chorus:
In Your presence there is comfort
In Your presence there is peace
When we seek to know Your heart
We will find such blessed assurance
In Your holy presence Lord
There can be such sweet reward when we wait upon the Lord
As we take the time He gives His perfect wisdom
To be found in Him alone all our deepest secrets known
We´re surrounded by His grace when we seek His face
Chorus:
In Your presence there is comfort
In Your presence there is peace
When we seek the Father’s heart
We will find such blessed assurance
An ever open door to know our Savior more
In the presence of the Lord (2x)
