The Ache of Surrender

Last November, I was happy to have read and shared a review of my friend Lori Schumaker’s book Surrendered Hearts. Today, I’m super excited to have Lori here sharing a bit of her story…

Letting go always hurts. It hurts when the thing we must let go of appears in every way possible as something good and wonderful. It also hurts when it’s something unhealthy, but where we felt comfortable in its familiarity.

As Christians we are called to trust God. Without doing so we simply will not experience the abundance of His love nor will we experience peace.

Surrendering, or in other words letting go, doesn’t happen without trust. We can say we are doing it, but to really lay it down at the foot of the cross, giving back to Christ what is rightfully and originally His, takes trusting Him. Real trust—not the half-hearted stuff.

So, I must ask …

Are you holding onto something that’s not yours to have?

Is there an experience, memory, or resentment taking up space in the recesses of your heart?

What is it that you can’t seem to surrender? That thing that may be holding you back from moving forward into all God has planned for you?

In my book, Surrendered Hearts: An Adoption Story of Love, Loss, and Learning to Trust, I share my story of learning to surrender. Not that it’s something we learn once and then move on. Instead, it’s learning in layers–bit by bit and experience by experience. But our adoption story was one of the great big heavy layers of learning for me.

A point had come where I had to give up the little girl I believed was ours. Convicted, I felt with everything in me that God gave her to us. So, when what I believed to be true and what appeared in every way possible to be right and good, didn’t go that way, devastation consumed me. I grieved for months. I held onto what I thought was mine.

As much as I didn’t want to accept it, the truth was that this child was God’s long before she was mine. I had to surrender her because my desperate attempt to hold on was creating a wall between my Savior and me. I wrote about it in Surrendered Hearts.

When we enter true relationship with the Father, the scales fall away from our eyes and the weight of bitterness melts away. It is then, as we trust enough to surrender, that we find real relationship. It is then, through our moments of prayer, worship, and praise, that we find the hope, peace, and joy we were longing for.

And just maybe it’s what God was waiting for all along. Maybe that’s what it takes to move into the next chapter of life. I know it was for me. – Lori Schumaker from Surrendered Hearts

He is a God we can trust. We are given the opportunity to pour our hearts out before Him. He grieves with us, understands our anger, and holds us while we mourn. And He patiently waits for us to surrender what is not ours to hold onto.

O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory; your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.

2 Samuel 22:29–37 NLT

Friend, I don’t know what it is that you are holding onto today. I can promise you, though, that our Father is willing and capable of taking it over. He will take the ashes of your situation and make beauty rise from them.

After I surrendered, God took the ashes of my grief and wrote a new story. One I couldn’t have imagined for myself or our family. And as I get the opportunity to share that story through my book, I see how God continues to use what I surrendered in the midst of my grief.

I leave you with a prayer for surrendering:

Lord, please be my strength in weakness, my wisdom in ignorance, my patience in frustration, my love in anger. Lord, I ask for Your Holy Spirit to permeate my being, to be all that I am not. When the surrender aches, I ask You to propel me forward in trust, reminding me that You will not fail me. I thank You for being my solid rock—my strong fortress. Thank You for loving me when I’m not that lovable. In Your perfect name I pray. Amen.

Lori, thank you for sharing here today!

In Christ,

Laura

As wife, adoptive and biological mom, teacher, writer, speaker, and coach, Lori’s heart is to encourage others to meet the challenges of life with the hope of Christ. Wherever you find yourself today—walking through the difficult, longing to find your identity and follow your purpose, or simply experiencing a season of beautiful chaos, Lori’s blog, found at www.LoriSchumaker.com, is a place where you can find the encouragement you need today. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

[Photo credit: Lori Schumaker]

Linking up with: Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, Trekking Thru, #TellHisStory, #RechargeWednesday, #WriterWednesday, #porchstories, Let’s Have Coffee, Moments of Hope, #HeartEncouragement, #DestinationInspiration, #TuneInThursday, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith ‘n Friends, Grace & Truth, #FaithonFire, Spiritual Sundays, InstaEncouragements

Hope For When Your Hope Feels Lost

A few months ago, I wrote an article titled Hope Changes Everything. Shortly after I posted it on my own blog, it also ran on a website called Thoughts About God. There it received more exposure which led to comments and questions from readers in other countries.

The common question was…

How do I keep hoping when it feels like all hope is lost? {Tweet this}

That's not an easy question to answer. Everyone has to deal with something in life, whether it's in the past, going on right now, or something that will happen in the future. Everyone’s “something” is hard and the longer it goes on, it can feel like hope is fleeting. {Tweet this}

Without knowing individual situations, I tried to respond based on what I've learned in my own experiences…because sometimes just knowing someone else is also struggling makes a difference.

Maybe you've been asking the same question—how do I keep hoping when it feels like all hope is gone?

Please join me at Candidly Christian to continue reading where I'm sharing 4 Things I've Learned About Staying Hopeful...Hope For When Your Hope Feels Lost.

In Christ,
Laura

[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]

Linking up with: Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, Trekking Thru, Let's Have Coffee, #porchstories, #RechargeWednesday, Sitting Among Friends, #HeartEncouragement, #gracemoments, Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith 'n Friends, #FaithonFire, #DestinationInspiration, #BVNetworkParty

I Want to Be Teachable

A couple of years ago, I attended a writer’s conference. On the first night, after the main session, I approached one of the editors to ask about her breakout sessions the following day. She answered my question and we chatted for a minute. The following morning, she was in the hallway outside my hotel room when I stepped out to get breakfast. We greeted each other again and chatted for another moment.

Later in the day, between breakout sessions, I was signed up for a short meeting with this same editor. After assuring her that I was not stalking her, I waited while she read the writing samples I’d brought with me. I’d carefully chosen several different pieces, demonstrating different styles and lengths I’d written for different medias.

After reading them, she offered her feedback and gave suggestions for what her publication looks for. Then she said, “You’re teachable,” and explained that it’s one of the highest compliments she gives.

Being teachable means we want to keep learning, no matter what our interests are. It means we’re not afraid to step out of our comfort zone to try new things. And it says we’re not so full of ourselves that we can’t take constructive criticism because we think we already think we know everything. {Tweet this}

That compliment made me smile and I kept thinking about it long after the conference. I want to be teachable, not just in writing, but in life.

I want to be teachable in following Jesus. Don’t you? {Tweet this}

Please join me at Candidly Christian where I'm sharing 3 ways to be teachable in I Want to Be Teachable.

In Christ,
Laura

[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]

Linking up with: #DreamTogether, #glimpsesofHisbeauty, #TeaAndWord, Trekking Thru, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, #porchstories, #RechargeWednesday, Sitting Among Friends, #ChasingCommunity, #HeartEncouragement, #gracemoments, Moments of Hope, #DestinationInspiration, Faith 'n Friends, #FaithonFire, Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday

Waiting on God

I don’t know anyone who likes to wait. Whether it’s waiting in line, waiting for our children, waiting for the car to be repaired, or whatever you might be waiting for, the time we spend waiting feels tedious. We tend to see it as time wasted or time we can’t get back.

Waiting is especially difficult when we’re waiting on God.

When we wait on God, we don’t know His timing. We don’t know when the healing will come, or if it will. We don’t know when the next job opportunity will be available. We don’t know when the prayers for a spouse, or the desire to start a family, will become a reality.

We don’t know the when or the how, or if what we want is really in God’s plans for us.

We don’t see the full picture like God does and it can feel like we’re waiting for the unknown. But there is something we can know for certain—a promise from God while we wait on Him.

God promises to be with us before, after, and during our wait. How do we know this and how can we be sure He’ll wait with us? 

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14 NRSV

His name is Immanuel—which means God with us.

God’s promise to be with us is in His very name. It’s a promise He will not, and cannot, break. {Tweet this}

When we wait on God, we can rest assured that we are not alone.

I'm excited to be sharing at The Upper Room today! Please join me there to continue reading...Waiting on God.

In Christ,
Laura

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

Linking up with: #glimpsesofHisbeauty, #DreamTogether, Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, Trekking Thru, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, #porchstories, #RechargeWednesday, Moments of Hope, #ChasingCommunity, #gracemoments, #DestinationInspiration, Sitting Among Friends, Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, #FaithonFire, #FreshMarketFriday

Jesus in a Changing World

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 NIV

I don’t know anyone who loves change. Whether it’s sudden, like the loss of a job, or expected, like a child going away to college, change can be difficult and adjusting to it takes time.

With change comes unknowns and what-ifs. What was normal no longer is, and a new normal has yet to settle in. That’s why I find this short verse reassuring: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

When everything else in life can change in a moment, Jesus doesn’t change. {Tweet this} He is our solid foundation in a world of upheaval and unknowns.

Please join me at Christian Devotions to continue reading...Jesus in a Changing World.

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: pixabay.com]

Linking up with: Faith on Fire, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith 'n Friends, Spiritual Sundays

When God Answers with an Oxygen Mask

Have you ever wondered why you can see God’s hand in some areas of your life, but not so much in others? Maybe like me, you’ve even asked Him.

It’s not that you’re not thankful, you just want to know why.

That was a conversation I had with God a few months ago.

The Back Story...

The second half of 2016 was rough. After multiple large, unexpected expenses, loss of my part-time job when my position was eliminated, and ongoing family medical concerns, I was tired. I knew God was walking with me. I’d seen His work along the way. But, still, I was worn out.

As January 2017 began, the one-after-another extra expenses had slowed down. There were still bills to be caught up on, but I began to see some new employment opportunities.

I saw God at work in obvious ways in several areas of my life and watching His plan unfold re-energized my hope.

There was still one area, though, where there was no visible change—my loved one’s medical concerns. Every time I tried to move forward to make something happen, I felt like I hit a brick wall. My efforts went nowhere and I wondered if I was supposed to stop trying.

As I showered and dressed one morning, I had one of my heart-to-heart talks with God. I thanked Him for the opportunities He was presenting—I knew without a doubt He was at work. And in the next breath, I asked why. Why was He helping me and not my loved one? 

Why was I feeling hopeful in one area and hopeless in another?

I knew that He hadn’t chosen sides and that His help wasn’t limited to me, but sometimes what we know and feel don’t work together. {Tweet this}

I'm so excited to be a featured guest at Candidly Christian today! Please join me there to continue reading...When God Answers with an Oxygen Mask!

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo Credit: Candidly Christian]

Linking up with: #DreamTogether, Moments of Hope, #glimpsesofHisbeauty, Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, From Messes to Messages, Porch Stories, Writer Wednesday, #HeartEncouragement, #ChasingCommunity, Grace Moments, Faith on Fire, Faith 'n Friends, #FreshMarketFriday, Grace & Truth

Fear Fighting: Stomping Out the Image of Perfect

I'm excited to have author Kelly Balarie here today! Kelly's new book Fear Fighting, Awakening the Courage to Overcome Your Fears comes out on Tuesday, January 3, but you can pre-order it now! 

I had the privilege to read an advance copy, and let me tell you, you will be encouraged! Kelly doesn't pretend to have this fear fighting thing completely figured out - she's right there in the trenches with us. She writes from her heart, sharing stories of her own experiences and Biblical truths.

Please welcome Kelly...

I blame it on TV. I grew up watching the princesses. You know them, right?! They were the ones whose complexions looked like porcelain, whose lips were the color of rose, and whose lives were a hot mess. Until, the prince came in and swooped them up into his arms and forever changed their lives.

They always looked perfect. You see, they had dresses that swooshed in the wind and 90% of the time their voice sounded like an angel sent straight from heaven. Usually, I was jealous of them.

I guess I still am. Because, in so many ways, I try to be them.

I try to doll myself up. I try to show the world there is not a fold in my face. I try to pretend I have Pinterest Christmas when really my focus is on having Christ in Christmas. In reality, I'm the centerfold for T-shirts with yoga pants. I live in the model house of toilet paper adorned floors, little droppings of paper my kids rip up and leave behind like trails of their journey.

Ugh. I fall short.

I don't think I am fooling people either.

My sister came over just the other day. When she got to my porch, she said, "Kelly, you do know that Halloween was over weeks ago?"

The frozen pumpkins on my stoop threw her for a loop, I guess.

Whoops.

I want to fool people though. I want to fool you - real bad. Because then you'll aspire to like me. This is what I tell myself anyway. If I look all great for you, you'll approach me like that prince and you'll want to give me things and bless me with kind words and pour out love on me. I'll take that. Sometimes, I convince myself I need that.

I need your approval. I need to feel good about myself.

Or, do I?

I am not so sure lately. Because, what I am coming to terms with is the fact that - there ain't no woman who can do everything. You find her and I'll buy you whatever material item you've convinced yourself you need to have to finally reach the pinnacle of...dun, dun, dun..."perfect woman."

The lady is imaginary. She's an illusion. Yet, still, we all chase her as if she is worthy of our highest praise.

And, this is what I am realizing - if I am praising this image of the woman I want to be, I can't really be the image of whom Christ has created me to be.

Dang! I could truly spend my whole life chasing carrots, rather than partaking at God's feast? His bounty. His spiritual riches.

I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.

Ephesians 1:18

I wrote the book, Fear Fighting: Awakening the Courage to Overcome Your Fears to find God's truth. In so many ways, God answered. He showed me there is a glorious inheritance awaiting me and it is not found through appearances, airs, or goods.

It is the joy found in the lopsided nature of my nose - a nose God adores.

It is the grace covering the moments I forget things.

It is the peace dug up from a heart that knows God is in charge.

It is the hope God will shape me into the likeness of him.

It is the knowledge God loves me just as He created me.

It is the belief that he chose me.

It is the understanding, in Him, I am secure.

It is in the need, we find our prince, Christ Jesus. Will you let him rescue you?

Interested in fighting fear? Join the 4 Days to Fearless Challenge!

About the book:
Author and Speaker, Kelly Balarie didn’t always fight fear – for a large part of her life, she was controlled by it. Yet, in her book, Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears, with God, Kelly charts a new course.

Join Kelly, on the journey to go and grow with Christ’s bravery, the Spirit’s counsel, and God’s unending love that squelches fear. This book reads like a love letter from God, while offering practical heart-calming prayers, anxiety-reducing tips, and courage-building decrees that will transform your day. www.fearfightingbook.com.

About Kelly Balarie:

Kelly is both a Cheerleader of Faith and a Fighter of Fear. She leans on the power of God, rests on the shoulder of Christ, and discovers how to glow in the dark places of life. Get all Kelly’s blog posts by email or visit her on her blog, Purposeful Faith. You can also find a variety of resources for your fight against fear here.

[Photo credit: Kelly Balarie]

Linking up with: Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith 'n Friends

When Your Vacation Gets Hijacked

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

Last month, my daughter and I planned a short vacation to visit family. We planned carefully, packed the car, and looked forward to getting away for a few days. Although it’s a long drive, we enjoyed our trip and arrived at our destination on time.

We made plans of places to go and things to do for the following days, and went to bed that first night in anticipation.

And then…a stomach virus hijacked our vacation. 

I'm excited to be sharing my story of our spoiled vacation and a perspective of thankfulness at The Laundry Moms today! I hope you'll join me there to continue reading --> When Your Vacation Gets Hijacked.

In Christ,
Laura 

[Photo credit: The Laundry Moms]

Linking up with: Coffee for Your Heart, Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday

Small Steps Are Big

“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” Matthew 25:21 NLT

We like to skip the small stuff and move right to the big, don’t we? Small steps take time, and that’s time we don’t want to “waste.” We want to move to the end result—the bigger office, the better promotion, the nicer house that’s not quite affordable…we like to get to the big ending, and the faster, the better.

But lately, I’ve been noticing the small stuff more—the small goals I reach, the quiet opportunities I’ve been given, the small steps outside of my comfort zone that stretch me just the right amount.

Small steps are good. In fact, the smallest steps can be the biggest leaps of faith.

I'm so excited to be guest posting today over at TheLaundryMoms.com! I hope you'll join me there to continue reading my post...Small Steps Are Big!

In Christ,

Laura 

Photo credit: TheLaundryMoms.com

Linking up with: #RaRaLinkup, Intentional Tuesday, #TellHisStory, Winsome Wednesday, Coffee for Your Heart, Thought Provoking Thursday, #FreshMarketFriday, Grace & Truth, Give Me Grace

Worthy of a Miracle {Guest Post and Giveaway}

I'm pleased to offer my space today to author Linda Kuhar, where I've asked her to share a glimpse into her inspiring story. Linda's new book Worthy of a Miracle releases on November 10, but you can order it now on Amazon.

Please continue reading to the end of this post where Linda has been kind enough to offer a free giveaway of her book!

"When I was diagnosed with cancer and was afraid I was going to die, I wanted my time back. I wanted to undo the days I’d let slip through my hands . . . the slow and sweet moments with my husband, and the simple and silly moments with my daughter. I would sit on my front porch swing with the sinking feeling (the new reality!) that I only had that very hour, that very day. I could not go backward, and I was not guaranteed a future. I just had today.

Looking back, I am finally aware of what a tremendous gift it was to recognize that all I had was that single moment." (Excerpt from Worthy of a Miracle pg.177)

Several years ago I woke up in the middle of the night and this acronym popped in my mind. 

I put it in my cell phone and it stayed there for about a year before I ever did anything with it. Then one day when I was really struggling I pulled the acronym out and started journaling about how it applied to my relationship with God. Little did I know that years later this acronym would be in my very first book, Worthy of a Miracle, 5 Simple Truths for Believing and Receiving God’s Love!

Focusing on today is one of the key points in Part Two of my book. We all struggle in this fast pace world with actually living in the present moment. I personally get so overwhelmed with my "To Do List" and easily stay a day ahead or at least a few hours ahead in my mind continuously.

Do you ever find yourself struggling with the same thing?

After living with cancer, you might think it’s easy for me to appreciate every second of the day and stay focused on the present moment, but that’s not the case. However, there are a few habits I share in Chapter 13 Just Live Today, that help me live in the present moment and stay focused on God’s presence with me. I invite you to try one of these today:

1. Deep breathing—taking time to simply breathe.

2. Thanking, praising, and worshiping God continually throughout the day.

3. Slowing down. Not rushing through my day.

4. Being aware of how I’m feeling physically. Is there tension throughout my body?

5. Listening—to myself, to my surroundings, to God.

I know for me when I’m really connected with God, I’m able to be mindful of every minute, whether it’s talking with my daughter or enjoying dinner with my husband.

My hope is for you too to Just Live Today and enjoy each and every moment. 

*****

Linda, thank you for sharing a bit of your experience with us!

Now, for the giveaway...Leave a comment telling us which Just Live Today habit you might try, or if there’s a habit you already practice that keeps you focused on Jesus. On Thursday, Nov. 12, I'll randomly select one winner from the comments to receive a copy of Linda's book Worthy of a Miracle. (Winner must reside in the U.S.)

***Congratulations Tallulah Jane! You won the copy of Linda's book Worthy of a Miracle!***

LINDA KUHAR is a wife and mother who survived Stage 3 cancer and a coma resulting from a compromised immune system during cancer treatment in 2009. Although doctors predicted she would never walk or breathe again on her own, she proved them wrong. One year after awakening from her coma, she ran her very first half marathon with Team In Training for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

You can find Linda on her website at: http://www.lindakuhar.com, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter: @LindaKuhar, and Pinterest: Linda Kuhar, Christian Life Coach.

Linking up with #RaRaLinkup

God-sized Dreams Come in God’s Time

I recently had an opportunity to experience part of my God-sized dream—the part that I had only hesitantly mentioned to a few people and barely put into writing. (I even had to look back through past blog posts to find if and when I had mentioned it.)

The part I was afraid to put out there for others to see? Speaking to a group of women.

It’s hard to admit to a dream when you know it’s far outside your comfort zone and there are so many others who are more qualified than you.

But that’s the thing about God-sized dreams…they are dreams He places in our hearts, meant for a time He decides on.

I'm so pleased to be guest posting at God-sized Dreams today! Please join me there to continue reading...God-sized Dreams Come in God's Time.

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Coffee for Your Heart, #TellHisStory, #RaRaLinkup, Everyday Jesus, Thought Provoking Thursday

There is Strength When Light Exposes the Darkness

I recently heard a presentation in which the speaker compared digital photos to pictures taken with a camera and film. Instead of instant images, the roll of film remained in its own little container until it could be developed in a darkroom. If the film was exposed to light, the pictures would be ruined.

The speaker stressed…the film could not be exposed to light.

And it made me think of Satan, who thrives in the darkness. It’s where his lies take root and grow like weeds. He loves the dark, and he wants us there with him.

Because when the schemes of the devil are exposed to light, they are ruined. The light enables us to see him for what he is—a liar.

I can imagine Satan marking his plans with a warning label…Do Not Expose to Light!

For Satan’s evil plans to work, they require the cover of darkness. And we live in a dark world.

But God…

I'm excited to be sharing with Deb Wolf at Counting My Blessings today! Please join me there to continue reading.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with #RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Thought Provoking Thursday, Everyday Jesus, Faith Filled Friday

When Renew Means to Wait

When I think of the word renew, I think of something I can do. I can renew a library book or marriage vows. Renew means to take action—to make like new, or to begin again.

Except when renew means to wait.

My word for this year is renew. God chose it for me and when He shared it with me, I knew it meant He would be the One to do the renewing.

It is totally in God's character to bring renewal to His children and in the details of our lives. However, it's not so much in my character to wait...but I'm learning.

When God says He will renew, I believe He means it. It also means He will decide what He makes new, when, and how. He will make it happen—His way and in His time.

It means I must wait. Patiently.

To continue reading, please join me at One Word 365 where I'm pleased to be guest posting today.

I wonder, does God have you in a place of waiting right now? 

In Christ,
Laura

Linking up with Blessing Counters, The Weekend Brew, Give Me Grace, Grace & Truth, Sharing His Beauty, Playdates with God, #RaRaLinkup, #SmallWonder, Everyday Jesus, Thought Provoking Thursday, #TellHisStory, Blessing Counters, Faith Filled Friday

God Renews

Renew is my One Word for 2015. I didn't choose it. God chose it for me.

I didn't even hear Him at first, even though I'd been asking Him what my word would be. Thankfully, He is patient and will keep repeating Himself.

It was during a worship service between Christmas and New Year's when I finally realized Renew wasn't just a word that kept coming to mind. It was MY word for the new year.

In that moment of realization, I felt uplifted. Renew sounded hopeful and full of possibilities.

I'm excited to be sharing with the One Word 365 community today. I hope you'll join me there to continue reading my story.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Sharing His Beauty, #RaRaLinkup, Grace & Truth, #GiveMeGrace, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Testimony Tuesday, Mondays @ Soul Survival, #SmallWonder, Playdates with God, Everyday Jesus, Faith 'N Friends, Sunday Stillness