What Airplanes Can Teach Us

What Airplanes Can Teach Us...

Last December, I flew for the first time in 10 years. I don't typically like airplanes because I don't like trusting someone else for my well being. Also the "what if's" usually come to mind and I get a little nervous. But there is one thing about flying that makes it almost worth the fear of being off the solid ground: the views. I love window seats, and every time I look out that plane window, I am AMAZED. Flying up in the sky, watching the clouds that God has created and admiring the painted masterpiece is just breathtaking.

But let me tell you a little about my experience.

We boarded the plane after navigating through the busy airport. I was praying hard as I stepped onto the plane. It was icy/snowy so they de-iced the plane, which was kinda neat to see.

As soon as we took off, the grey smog flew past my window. I was praying even harder. But then, as we got higher and higher, we passed through a layer of clouds. As soon as the grey clouds cleared from my view, I saw something beautiful. And when I saw the clear sky and sunrise, I felt a peace. I'm not joking or just saying that ya'll. I was so nervous and then all the sudden, I was just peaceful because I was so in awe of the view.

Then we accelerated even higher and my peace went away. I saw yet another layer of gray cloud my window and I couldn't see the peaceful sunrise any longer. I was tense again and started praying. Since I was just sitting there, there wasn't really anything else to do. But to observe those around me (can't help it, I'm a writer) and eat the snacks I brought. The snacks helped with my ears popping for anyone new to flying. Skittles were especially good! *winks*

But then, as the clouds cleared, my praying ceased because all was good again. The view I saw was even more amazing then before. The sun was so bright and I couldn't help but to think, "Wow, God." Not to mention how fluffy the clouds below us looked. It was a perfect ocean of clouds. Soon after, I saw a "rainbow" that the sun had made. I don't know about you, but rainbows bring a sort of promise to mind. A promise that through and after the storm, God is still here with us. The rainbow calmed me further and I couldn't help but relax and enjoy the view. That's when I took 83649857 pictures out my plane window.

The scene out my window kept changing from blue skies, bright sunshine, patchwork clouds, and then the clouds cleared to be the ground below. The water, trees, rough terrain, etc! I literally got the birds eye view. Overall, my plane experience was a good one. But it had me thinking about my reaction to the unknown of the flight.

My outlook changed as quickly as my view. One moment, when the gray clouds covered my window, I felt more anxious. But as soon as the sun pierced through the clouds and we were above the clouds, I was ok. I was more than ok, maybe even enjoying the ride.

The point of this post:

Prayer is so important. But it's important all the time...

I found myself only truly praying when the plane ride got scary. And I think God desires a relationship with us that goes beyond the emergency prayers. Sure, He is right there with us when we go through tough times, He's even there before we utter a single word of prayer. But what about on the good days. The days when life is not scary, how often do I pray and talk to God?

This plane ride has showed me that God is with us through it ALL. Every passing moment, He is here. On the bad days, when we earnestly need His peace, He is there. On the good days, when we get distracted by life, He is still there. And He has given us prayer as a way to have a relationship with Him.

(Our world right now is in a constant state of uncertainty and fear of the unknown. We need to be praying for all affected by this virus, and know that God hears those prayers. When this is all over, He still hears our prayers. Although this grey cloud is over out window right now, blue skies are coming. Keep looking up.)

My challenge today, is to talk more with my Heavenly Father in all areas of life.

In both the gray skies and the blue ones.

Is there a time when you found yourself focusing more on the fear than on the faith? 

Have you flown before? What's your favorite plane ride snack?

Many Blessings,

Brooklyne Elysse 

Rejoice in the Lord, Always!

This Monday, I would like to share some songs with you! I believe music is powerful and moving, and I also believe that God can speak to us through music. I have been recently going through a hard time, and I found that listening to some Christian music really helps. 

Music can be so uplifting and I think it is also a form of praising and worshiping God. I wish I could share all of the songs that I listen too when I need encouragement, but the list would be to long... so I will pick my favorites! In no particular order... 

City Harbor - Somebody Tell Them and Come However You Are 

Somebody Tell them:

"Somebody tell them that the lost are saved

Somebody tell them that their debt's been paid

And let them know love is calling out their names 

Somebody tell them, they're a child of the king

And there is an end to the suffering

And hope that never fades through grace thats made a way

Somebody tell them, somebody tell them now" 

^^ This song always reminds me that there are people out there who have never been told of Jesus' amazing grace and love.

Come However You Are:

"Come however you are

Come with all your heartaches

Come with all the mistakes you've made 

Lay them down at the cross 

Give them to the God who loves you 

Hurt, scarred, falling apart 

Come however you are"

^^ No matter where we are at, God wants us to come to Him however we are. 

Unspoken - Lift My Life Up

Lift My Life Up:

"I lift my life, lift my life up

I give it all in surrender

I lift my heart, lift my heart up

You can have it forever 

All my dreams, all m y plans 

Lord I leave it in your hands

I lift my life, lift my life up

Have your way in me

Have your way in me"

^^ I don't like repetitive songs very much, but this song stand out to me not only because of the lyrics, but also the way it is sung. Singing "Have your way" really is so freeing when you give God what your going through.

Bethel Music - It Is Well

It Is Well: 

"And through it all, through it all

My eyes are on You

And it is well with me" 

^^ This song is so good! This is another one that is kind of repetitive, but I love listening to this one when I'm having one of those days... 

Kari Jobe - I Am Not Alone

I Am Not Alone: 

"In the midst of deep sorrow

I see Your light is breaking through

The dark of night will not overtake me

I am pressing into You"

^^ First off, I love her voice! Second, this song is the perfect reminder that we are never alone. <3 

Laura Story - Blessings

Blessings: 

"'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops 

What if your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are 

what it takes to know your near

What I trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise"

^^ What if our trials are really His blessings in disguise? (I actually have a memory with this song, both my auntie and mama sang this together for church once, and I always remember that's how this song became special to me!) 

Lauren Daigle - Trust in You  

Trust in You: 

"When You don't move the mountains 

I'm needing You to move

When you don't part the waters 

I wish I could walk through 

When you don't give the answers 

As I cry out to You

I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You"

^^ This was the first song I had heard of Lauren Daigle's music. And it is one of my favorites! 

Well, I hope you liked getting a glimpse of some of the songs I like to listen too! There is seriously so many good songs out there! 

What is your favorite song that gets you through a tough time? Out of the seven I mentioned, which one was your favorite? Have you already heard these, or was some of them new to you? Just curious, do you judge a song by lyrics, or the musical aspect of the song? 

Lets talk in the comments!