Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 100

Something I Forgot To Announce Last Night!

42 Days of Prayer for Heidi M Allen... In 42 days, our family, friends, and community will remember Heidi M. Allen, on the 20th anniversary of her abduction from the D & W Convenience Store in New Haven, New York. As I thought and prayed about something special to do this year, on this double decade anniversary of Heidi’s absence in our life, I wanted it to be different and special.

How can we honor her and keep the hope on the forefront, not the loss?

We are going to have 42 days of prayer for Heidi. 
We know many pray for her daily, and you have done this since that tragic morning, and we thank you! We thank everyone who has lifted one, or one hundred,
or 19 years, 10 months, and 19 days to be exact. Each prayer is a blessing we count.

Will you join us at 7:42 a.m. each day to say a prayer for Heidi?

This is the time stamped for her last transaction on April 3, 1994, the last time any of us knew where Heidi was. I thought it would be a powerful prayer if we were to all pray at the same time each day…in the days leading up to April 3rd. If you're not up or don't think of it at exactly 7:42 a.m., will you life a prayer when God places Heidi on your heart.

We thank you in advance for joining us on this journey of prayer for hope, Heidi, and her return. If you would like to include prayers for my parents, family, community, or myself…of course we welcome them too but this is prayer of hope for Heidi M Allen.

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for,
it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:19-20

God ALWAYS answers prayer!

Sometimes "yes", others "no", and sometimes "not yet"...

Know each prayer is heard and answered...

Only God knows if this is the year He will say
"Yes, here is your Heidi."

7 p.m. tonight ~ A Party You Can Stay Home For!

There is a direct link to the Where's Heidi? Facebook page by clicking the above photo. I've had some ask, "What is a Facebook Party?" and "Where do I go?"

A Facebook party is a "virtual" party, held online. First you go to the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page to see the different comments, videos, and photos. Then you simply reply to the ones you want to. Typically, you post to Facebook and when someone leaves a comment, you get the notification. Comments and posts might be once a day.

Tonight I have over 20 posts ready to share, these include videos and photographs too. For two hours, it will be like having an online conversation with others who remember and hope for Heidi M Allen. Feel free to comment back and forth to each other, share with a friend or family member you think would enjoy a particular post.

You can simply "watch" the conversations and never hit "like", "share", or leave a comment too! You just need to hit the refresh (the circle near your browser) button to see new comments as they appear. You can comment to one, two, or all the posts - it's your choice. I will be posting, even if no one asks a question or posts a memory BUT when you are involved and commenting, sharing, and posting - it makes it so much more fun.

Last year there were many conversations going on and the party lasted until after 11 p.m.!  I hope you'll join us!
See you soon! div id="fb-root"> #wsite-video-container-559677989347268762{ background: url(//www.weebly.comhttp://www.lisambuske.c... } #video-iframe-559677989347268762{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... } #wsite-video-container-559677989347268762, #video-iframe-559677989347268762{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-559677989347268762{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } }

It's Time to Party...on Facebook Tomorrow!!

Click on the above photo for a direct link to the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page Last year I held a Book Release party on Facebook. It was so much fun and I said, "We'll do it again in the future." I never thought it would be nearly a year but it was a busy time after the book released. I'm thankful for the multiple opportunities to share hope, Heidi, and my story with people across New York State and even in Texas. I heard from a reader this week who asked if I'd be willing to travel to Pennsylvania to speak at a church. Wow, God is so good.

In case you're not sure what a Facebook "Book" Party is, read on my friends. This Friday, February 21st, 2014 at 7 p.m. I will log onto the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page and open it up for questions and share with all of you. Yes, there are daily posts but our book party is very different - instead of me posting a comment and then revising the page later in the day or the next day, I'll be handing out at the page for a couple hours. You can post questions, comments, photographs, or videos during this time and I'll respond as quickly as possible. I would tell you immediately but I learned the first time, it became difficult to keep up with the various conversations and shares.

It was GREAT! Many of you were talking to each other via the comments, sharing the videos with your friends and family, and inviting others to like the page. An important lesson learned, be sure to hit the "refresh" button often. At first I thought I was alone and then I hit the "refresh" button and then I couldn't keep up. Don't let this keep you away, while I didn't respond to each comment and post during the Facebook party itself, others did. It was wonderful to see the community conversing without me and sharing your memories, stories, hopes, and thoughts about Heidi and her case.

This year will be more of the same. I've started a collection of photographs to share, making a few videos to include, and hope to give away some free books to those living within the continental United States. How can you enter to win a free book? Stop by on Friday, February 21st at 7 p.m. to find out.

There will also be a special announcement made during the Facebook Party too. After much thought and prayer, I have a community challenge "where you are" to share with everyone. It will be this year's memorial tribute to Heidi M. Allen, missing since Easter Sunday, April 3, 1994. See you tomorrow night at 7 p.m. on the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page. Remember to refresh your page often to keep up and follow the different conversations. Join in any or all...this is a great way to learn more about Lisa's book writing and speaking, Heidi, and the journey traveled. See You Tomorrow Night (2/21) at 7 p.m. on Facebook!

Are you a piece of Good Fruit or Bad Fruit?

I know some of you are thinking, "Lisa has finally lost her mind." This is okay, on some levels, probably, but in a good way. Or at least I think so. I've heard various messages about good versus bad "fruit" in my lifetime and for years I didn't understand what anyone was talking about. If the fruit is good, you eat it. If the fruit is bad, you either make bread or toss it in the compost pile. Simple, right?

Not at all. Come to find out, all these years people haven't been talking about fruit at all. Instead, they are talking about our character. Yikes! With this in mind, would others, or more importantly, God, say you are someone modeling positive characteristics to those around you or are the choices you're making less than desirable? Only you can answer this question honestly. There are some, I was one of these, that appear to have it all together, making great choices, and are someone others look to for encouragement and modeling BUT on the inside, you know it's an act.

I'm not saying we intentionally go about our day to deceive and lead others on but in our fast-paced and "all-about-me" world, it's a challenge to stay on track to think, say, be, and live who we should be versus who the world thinks we should be, or are. If you are a piece of good fruit, you are the same person whether home with your family, at work, the grocery store, or at the PTA meeting. This is a difficult task, yet one that is possible.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,
and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.    
          Every tree that does not bear good fruit
is cut down and thrown into the fire.    
          Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.            
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,'
will enter the kingdom of heaven,
but only he who does the will
of my Father who is in heaven.    
          Many will say to me on that day,
'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name,
and in your name drive out demons
and perform many miracles?'    
          Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you.
Away from me, you evildoers!'    
Matthew 7:18-23

Let me encourage you, even with our "bad fruit", less than desirable qualities, we have the potential and inner making to be who we want to be. Most people don't get up in the morning and say, "Let me see how miserable I can be." or "I'm going model negative characteristics and make everyone's life as miserable as mine." This is just a silly idea. I didn't say all, because in life there are always exceptions to the rules.

We can look within ourselves and ask a few questions: Am I the person I want to be? Am I modeling, sharing, and living a life God would be proud of? If this is too deep for you, what about - If your mother or father would standing on your shoulder like Jiminy Cricket, would they approve of the choices and road you choose to travel? If you answered no to any of these questions, there is hope! You are not destined to be "bad fruit". You are wonderfully and uniquely made, God doesn't make mistakes.

Starting today, instead of focusing on the "bad fruit" in your life, make a choice to emphasize the positive and wonderful fruit you exhibit each and every day. Everyone has good in them, yes, EVERYONE! Sometimes you have to look deeper to see it in others. You might have to work harder to live it. You may need help from a friend, an accountability partner if you will. BUT...YOU CAN DO THIS!  Go and be good fruit!

You know the greatest benefit of modeling positive characteristics, each choice is an opportunity to show others it's possible to be "good fruit". Look at it as "planting seeds" of positivity and good. Just think of what would happen if everyone was doing this... If you were a fruit tree:
Could someone pick your fruit for nourishment
or does your tree need a healthy pruning first?

TOP’s Tuesday: Seeing Heidi’s Abduction with Different Eyes

This weekend I posted the updated flyer of my sister, Heidi M Allen. She remains missing, nearly twenty years later. Thanks to organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, The Center for Hope, CUE, NamUs, and LostnMissing.org ~ families have resources, encouragement, and support whether their loved one has been missing for one day, year, decade, or beyond.  Your response to the flyer created by the lostnmissing.org continues to bring tears to my eyes and overwhelms our entire family.

At the time of this blog post, 1.7k people have liked the February 15, 2014 blog to share this updated missing person’s flyer. Between the time the blog was posted on Saturday, up until just moments before posting, 8,651people have viewed this same blog. There are eighteen comments, not to mention the sixty-six comments via the link to Facebook. And these are only the numbers we can see, I've tried to thank those sharing if it came across my news feed. There have been over two hundred new likes to the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page too.

Oh my gosh, amazing. God is working. Each like, share, and comment posted to Facebook or Twitter is a chance that the flyer will trigger a memory, inspire someone to report something they remember, and a chance to bring Heidi home. This was the goal in sharing the flyers with you. As the twenty year anniversary approaches in April, we hope the updated flyer will provide more than hope…we pray it brings answers. Thank you for the encouragement, inspiration, and love you've shared with us.

While this was the prayer and purpose of sharing the flyers this weekend, with the added benefit of highlighting some of the organizations available to assist families of the missing. Both these goals were achieved and continue to bring tears to my eyes as I read your comments on the blog itself, on the shares through Facebook, and the Tweets. BUT, something much deeper and more humbling occurred. One post in particular took my breath away as I realized an aspect of Heidi’s disappearance I’d thought about before, yet didn’t give enough appreciation. I’m so thankful for the law enforcement, volunteers, family, friends, and community that sacrificed countless hours, meals, and supplies to aid in the search efforts to find my only sister.

It always amazed me to think of the length of time the investigators spent between the Heidi Command Center (located at the New Haven Fire House), following leads, at the office, and providing protection for us when we returned home to rest. Yet, it  wasn’t until reading Kerrie’s comment on Facebook that the depth of their dedication, sacrifice, and time tore at my heart. 

I’m thankful for Kerrie’s comment and her honesty, as she shared, “My father worked tirelessly for Heidi...seems like for a while the only time I got to see him was on the evening news.” Oh my goodness, tears flowed from my eyes. I appreciated all they did yet hadn’t put myself in the shoes of their wives, husbands, or children. Many of the comments posted touched my heart yet as the daughter and sister…I felt Kerrie’s loss for her Dad. I also read the joy, respect, and thankfulness that he was able to be with our family to hopefully bring Heidi’s home. As Kerrie continued, she said, “I wonder about her (Heidi) quite a bit mostly because her wonderful life and tragic end affected us all so closely as a community.” 
 
I want to use today’s TOP’s Tuesday to extend a HUGE thank you to the families of the law enforcement, volunteers, friends, and family who selflessly sacrificed family time, vacations, and making memories so your husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, nephew, grandparent, or whatever the connection might be. I share thanks to those on the front line often when I speak and in my book but failed to recognize those at home, waiting for the news to come on or for their loved one to walk in the door…hopefully saying, “They found her.”

These words weren’t spoken, not yet anyway. I’m so thankful God used Kerrie to open my eyes and heart to such a vital and important aspect of the case. It’s amazing to see how, twenty years later, God still highlights aspects Heidi’s disappearance, the investigation, and the effect it continues to have on families in the Oswego County area and beyond. Thank you all for remembering Heidi...20 yrs. later!

A special thanks to the families of the
law enforcement and volunteers
for your sacrificial giving during our most difficult days.

Your loved one was the light we needed in the darkness,
God worked through them to encourage us.

Thank you!

A Flyer of Hope...for Heidi M Allen

As the twentieth anniversary of Heidi's abduction approaches, so does an array of other things. Emotions, memories, fears, regrets, grief, and that state of confusion. The last time I felt this way as an anniversary approached was in 2004, the weeks leading up to the ten year mark.

Ten years later, facing a double decade anniversary, I' still asking the same questions ~ Where is Heidi? Why Heidi? Will we ever find her? Will my parents know the answers to these questions before they close their eyes and leave this earth? Will I have to hear my parents give me a message for Heidi when they take their last breath, "Tell her we love her but can't wait any longer." like many of my other family members.

I honestly thought it was a mistake on April 3, 1994 because kidnapping "doesn't happen in New Haven, New York"...but it does. Abduction and kidnapping are not specific to one area, socioeconomic class, or race. It doesn't discriminate. This is real...Heidi is missing and we may never have the chance to give her a proper burial. We may have to wait until heaven to know where she is but then again, God is a gracious and merciful God. Someone knows where Heidi is and what happened to her. Thankfully, organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Center for Hope, NamUs, and the LostnMissing strive to help find the missing and never let a cold case go cold.

The missing are someone's son, daughter, sister, brother, niece, nephew, mother, father, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or friend...to name a few. Most of the above organizations utilize volunteers to create posters like the ones on today's blog, manage websites and social media, provide support, and disseminate posters and information to continue sharing the missing child or adult's image, case, and law enforcement contact information to the public. In addition to the organizations themselves, there are family members of the missing who are bonded together because of the loss they've experienced. Mary Lyall, The Center for Hope, http://hope4themissing.org, refers to this as "The club no one wants to belong to but are thankful for when it happens to you." (This is a paraphrase, I may not have it exact) The message is there though, when tragedy hits your family, you need someone who understands without words the journey and emotions you are experiencing.

It is the bonds with other family members that can connect us with either a new organization or person, that can help share your missing loved one's case, story, photograph, and contact information to share tips. An example of this is when I met Laurie, her sister Rose Marie Gayhart, missing since March 1995. Laurie introduced me to Diana Trepkov, forensic artist, http://www.forensicsbydiana.com/, the woman responsible for the updated age progression illustration of my sister, Heidi M Allen. Diana completed this last year and graciously lets our family, law enforcement agencies, news media, and missing person organizations use this to provide an idea of what Heidi might look like now.

As you can see, while a loved one is missing, there are different things we must continue to do while we pray, wait, and keep our loved one's memory alive. For the next few weeks, as April third quickly approaches, I must continue to face the emotions and buried feelings. I don't do this for me, I do this for Heidi. Similar to those walking for those who can't, I must write and speak for those who can't...and for those who need to know there is hope. A hope for tomorrow and something better, on an eternal level, not just for today or tomorrow.

Thank you for remembering Heidi and all of our missing. Will you share today's blog with your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone else you can think of? Who knows, your share might be the one that provides the tip to the police that solves Heidi's case and brings her home. Feel free to download the above flyers and disseminate them in your area.
Both are created by the angels at the LostnMissing.org
A special thanks to them. April 3, 2014 = Heidi M Allen Missing 20 Years
Do you have words of encouragement to share? >

Remember to Appreciate Everyone You Love

This Valentine's Day, I would like to extend a Happy Valentine's Day to each of you. I continue to learn and see how this day meant to be a symbol of hope and love can be the worst day of the year for some people. There are people who are single, divorced, widowed, or in an empty relationship that find today a dreaded holiday. They are reminded of what they don't have, so instead of getting mushy and gushy about my wonderful husband or amazing family, I want to extend a HUGE Valentine's Day hug to those reading this who wonder if anyone will ever love them.

The answer is a loud, energetic, and hope-filled...YES! God loves you unconditionally, with an eternal love that NO ONE on earth will ever be able to compare to. It's cool. I could go deeper and share a few Bible verses to illustrate how I know this to be true BUT instead of putting salt in a tough day's wound, I'm choosing to share a fun video.

Just know, YOU ARE LOVED! YOU ARE WORTHY OF BEING LOVED! YOU DESERVE TO BE LOVED! SOMEONE DOES LOVE YOU LIKE NO OTHER CAN...look up. I pray you know this is true. As you contemplate this, here is a little song from Pitch Perfect. Does Valentine's Day encourage or discourage you? Why?

What does the word "sure" mean to you?

My daughter and I had an interesting conversation
on the way home from school today.

I want to hear from all of you, when you hear the word "sure"
from someone, what is your initial perception
or interpretation of their answer? Why?

Does this word mean multiple things
depending on the question it answers?

Does the tone used when it's used
affect the way you receive it?

How many times and different ways have you said
"sure" since reading this blog?

How many were taken back to the "Valley Girls"
movie because of it?

Or is there another word that could be interpreted and misinterpreted in a similar fashion?

I can't wait to hear your responses below...

A Special Thanks to Laurie...A Precious Comfort

http://lostnmissing.com/ We returned home from our small group Bible study in time to watch the SU/Pitt game, with plans to watch the game. Of course I can't just "sit" and watch the game when I'm home. I folded and put away my sweaters I washed before work this morning, did the dishes, and got into my jammies. One of Ed's friends stopped by to say hello and watch part of the game with us. Mary finished a book she bought a little while ago and the dogs are loving having their bellies rubbed. Life is good...

With the laundry and dishes done, a surprise visit from a  friend, and a basketball game on television...I finally plopped myself on the couch with my laptop to write today's blog. I had a different thought to share until I saw the above photo.

There are times when I log onto Facebook and the kindness of another just overwhelms me and brings tears to my eyes. Tonight is one of those nights.

Thank you Laurie for this beautiful teddy bear of love...tears and thanksgiving! This means so much, you've encouraged me and now I'm sure many with this great expression of remembrance, love, and hope. Hugs my sweet friend! This is Laurie's sister...another one of America's missing you can pray for.
Click on either teddy bear to link to lostnmissing.com Is there a photo or illustration that brings you hope?
What is of? Who shared it with you?
Have you shared it with someone else?

TOP's Tuesday: One of Heidi's Favorite Athletes...A Flashback

This week's TOP's Tuesday takes us back to the era of the one and only, Michael Jordan. Oh my gosh, my sister, Heidi M. Allen, was amazed and in awe of this athlete. I think to this day, Michael Jordan remains one of our finest. With the Winter Olympics on each night, it's easy for me to focus a blog on sports. With it being TOP's Tuesday, a day to share Heidi and recent writing or speaking updates...I thought a sports theme is fitting.
 
When I saw the above photo and quote I found myself encouraged by someone I thought was a bit too arrogant for my liking, at the time. Don't get me wrong, Jordan was an amazing basketball player and made the game exciting to watch yet I never understood all the hype. Hopefully, you're not tossing tomatoes at your computer screens if you're a die-hard Jordan fan. I respect his talents and gift to both play and entertain while on the court but until today, I didn't recognize the insight he had.

I don't know if these quotes I chose for today were published then or if they are the result of reflection and maturity, but...they hold many truths. Heidi would be telling me, "I told you so." as I realize Jordan also holds wisdom and encouragement. Michael Jordan is known for his  gift to play and entertain on the basketball court yet this insight of how are failures develop our true gifts might be the inspiration you need today. I know it helped me.

He reminds us there will be roadblocks, just like the James writes in the Bible, "when" trials come. Instead of running into a wall or giving up, "Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." The only thing I will add, don't do it on your own strength ~ God is ready, willing, and able to help you in this process.

Keep your eyes fixed on Him and His play for your life and no wall will prevent you from reaching your goals. Have a great week!

Writing and Speaking Updates:
*Currently have 4 books available on Amazon.com
*Scheduling speaking engagements for 2014

Thank you for your encouragement, support, and prayers! Who encouraged you today?