Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 101

Church and Bible Reading Is Looking Different These Days

I am expecting this blog will stir up conversation and ruffle feathers yet if you look around at church this coming weekend, I believe you'll realize I'm not as far off as you might think. Or who knows, maybe our little church is just catching up with the rest of America. I look forward to your comments below, this could be a great conversation.

Yesterday during church I had my composition notebook open and dated. I had my two Bibles marked with the Bible verses listed on the sermon notes so I could get to them quickly. With pens, sticky notes, and my mini office at my side...I was ready for Pastor Dan's message. What does all this NON-technological prep have to do with the changing church? Simple, I only used one of my Bibles, one time.

Pastor Dan shared the "Palistrophe Outline" to us. It was SO interesting. I took copious notes but still wanted to know more. Why did he introduce the congregation to this form of outlining? To show us a new, yet old, way of reading our Bibles. This first and foremost enhances the Bible reading experience as you look at what happens in the beginning of a chapter or book, then look at the end, and then find the middle. (This is my Readers Digest version, as I'm still learning) I included more information in case you are like me and want to know more.

For more information about the Palistrophe outline or the Chiastic structure:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiastic_structure It was this hunger to understand and learn more about the chiastic structure within the Bible and even some of the movies we watch today that caused me to pick up my Smartphone during church. At first I paused because "What will people think if I'm on my phone during church?" and then it dawned on me, it doesn't matter really - it's what God thinks of me.

With that, I opened the Internet to learn more about this structure. As I copied Pastor Dan's notes from the easel, I also read online. I took notes, book marked a page, and listened and read on this "structure" to enhance my Bible reading and understanding. I look forward to applying this new way of reading and studying the Bible in the near future. I'm still looking at the A,B,C set up and how it differs from a typical outline I'm used to but I'm up for the challenge.

As Pastor Dan took us to a different examples in the Bible to model how this works, instead of picking up one of the two Bibles sitting next to me...I opened my "Bible App" on my phone and was there in seconds. Then I heard the little voice in my head again saying, "I shouldn't be on my phone." but then I looked up and around. My daughter was sitting next to me taking notes on pastor's message using the "Note Pad" on her Smartphone. A woman in front of me was using her Kindle to look up and follow the Bible readings. Someone behind me had her Kindle on with the Bible open too.

Church has changed folks, rather than worry what others think, or worse yet...judge. We need to open our minds to the possibility that just because someone is "on" or "using" their phone during the church service, doesn't mean they aren't following along with the pastor's message or on task. They might just be more on task than you, or me.

I share this because I know I too could admit I thought "how dare he or she" at some point in my life but I may have been wrong. I don't know what someone is doing on their phone, Kindle, or electronic device during church - who knows, maybe they were so in tune to the message and I missed it because I was watching them.

Some will say I was wrong to research about the palistrophe outline and chiastic method right then and there yet my curiosity was peaked. I'm all for learning how I can read the Bible to learn all I can, and understand more of what is happening so I can apply it to life. I'm thankful for all I learned - while taking notes in my composition notebook, using different colored pens, and highlighters - I researched and followed along with Bible readings using my Smartphone. Let's get some conversation going now...

1) Do you prefer a print or digital version of the Bible? Or does it matter the setting you are in?

2) Have you ever questioned "why" someone was using their electronics in church?

3) Do you use your Smartphone, Kindle, or Tablet during church? Why or why not?

Having Fun Getting Fit - Dancing on a budget!

Do you have a fitness goal? My personal trainer, actually she is a friend and leads different health, fitness, and weight loss groups. I joined one this past summer, and applying principals I knew and the daily reminders and pointers from Jill have kept me on track into the new year.

One thing I dropped once the snow started was my daily walk/run. This week Jill checked in and told me "NO MORE EXCUSES!" Ouch, but I needed that.

And yes, there is more? I didn't do much until yesterday. Most if you don't know this but our daughter has had a couple difficult years health wise. I share this because she is slowly starting to feel better and to build up strength is going to do a few songs on "Just Dance 3", on the Wii. She asked me to join her.

I'm thankful she is feeling better and thankful she wants to get stronger in a natural way, along side her mom. Much joy today.

Are you ready to dance and get fit? What is your favorite workout?

Thank you for taping Ed! Love you!

Rather Than Wrestle Your Anxiety...Give It To God

This morning I awoke at 2:57 a.m., again. I've woke at this time for a few mornings but lay there for a few moments, say a little prayer, then fall back to sleep. The silliness of this is that I don't really sleep but return to the anxiety causing me to toss and turn, and wrestle in my sleep.

It isn't a wrestling like Jacob because instead of talking to God and releasing what kept waking me up, I tried to subdue it and return to my slumber. It's not that God needs to hear our anxieties, worries, or concerns ~ He already knows what they are after all BUT He loves and cares for us so much that He WANTS to hear them. When we call on, seek, and trust God for His provision then we should expect He will answer.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:
Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4-7

This morning I didn't go back to sleep, instead I went to my journal and Bible. My reading took me to the book of Joshua. As I read about Caleb's faith and God's provision, I thought back to my faith, prayer life, and anticipation to see God working in and through me. is this something I lost or put on the side burner as I move forward in life.

On some levels, I know this is true yet my desire is to serve and share how God changed my life with others through my writing and speaking. Am I as strong and vigorous today as I was in 2004? Am I doing this for me or to wholeheartedly follow God?

When eye to eye with God, if He were to ask me, "Lisa, did you live for me...or the world?" Can I fall to my knees and respond, "100% for you God." No I can't. Is there anyone who can say they are living a life like Caleb, especially those of us calling ourselves followers of Jesus. Are we just doing or are we living the call we are given?

As I wrestled with much anxiety, instead of rolling over and increases the chance of an ulcer, I made a pot of coffee and went to the one place that brings me comfort, peace, and direction in the wee hours of the morning. I think God wakes me up sometimes to remind me to come to Him, "“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”, Matthew 11:28-30 NIV.

Do we still have a journey before us? Yes. Will it be difficult? Most likely. Could God bless us exceedingly and abundantly to ease this self-induced burden? Yes. Will he? Time will tell.

Just like you, we don't deserve the blessings God gives us. It is only because He is gracious and merciful that He chooses to extend love, generosity, and provision for both our needs and wants. I enjoy giving and doing to help others. My Gram told me that what we give to the Lord, He gives back ten fold. We shouldn't give with the expectation to receive, the joy to know we are helping someone is often the only return we see yet it's one that can provide encouragement to keep being you, or me. In God's time, who knows what He has planned or how He'll use our current struggles to help others when we share about it.

Have you ever thought about the struggles you face might be your challenge today yet a stepping stone to helping others down the road? A beautiful thought, don't you think? You might be experiencing what you are because your testimony will save someone else from the same mistake down the road. Go and be a blessing!

"So on that day Moses swore to me,
‘The land on which your feet have walked will be
your inheritance and that of your children forever,
because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.’
“Now then, just as the Lord promised,
he has kept me alive for forty-five years
since the time he said this to Moses,
while Israel moved about in the wilderness.
So here I am today, eighty-five years old. 
I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out;
I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then."
Joshua 14:9 - 11

May we seek God today like we did when our faith was new!

When you can't sleep ~ how do you respond?

What is one lesson you learned in life?

Have you ever heard the phrase, "life long learner"? Most have. A life long learner is one that strives to continue learning rather than becoming complacent with where he or she might me. It doesn't mean you are aiming to leave your current employment or make radical life changes, it simply means you want to learn, know, and be all you can be. This helps improve job performance, self-esteem, and keeps your brain active.

If you are on the flip side of the coin, you might find us constant learners to be boring and out-of-control because of the inner drive motivating us to learn more. This is okay BUT I want to challenge you. The quote above reads, "I consider this world to be like a school and our lives to be the classrooms." I believe Oprah Winfrey is recognizing we are ALL life-long learners, just in different capacities. EVERYONE with breath in their lungs, that's you, is a life long leaner.

To live in this world requires us to always be thinking, making choices, and learning how to survive in this fast-paced, ever-changing, and challenging world we live in. It's this reason I suggest WE ARE ALL LIFE-LONG LEARNERS! Some are doing it in the classroom or an office while others are in the trenches and experiencing life in a way some will never personally feel.

Regardless of where you are on the spectrum of life-long learning, will you share with us today? What is the greatest lesson you learned or taught to another? Is there a time you went to prayer first and then responded the way the Lord  answered? How did that impact the lesson learned? What is your learning goal for the year? Or, are you praying to survive so you have a story to tell? Share ONE lesson you learned...
Who helped you through?

Helping Others is "A Touch of Love"

This is my beautiful sister, Heidi M. Allen, in the center at the Memorial Day parade many years ago.
If you recognize yourself or anyone else, please leave a comment below and share...

Our new pastor is preaching on prayer currently, and his message is such an encouragement and challenge to us all. One aspect of prayer he revisits is that our "behaviors reflect our values". I've noticed Joyce Meyer has been posting similar tidbits the past couple weeks, coincidence, I don't think so...it's a God-Instance. I could say God is speaking only to me but I don't think so, this is a message we all need to hear and follow through with.

Our behaviors should reflect what we believe so others will say, "How does he or she do that?" or "In spite of ____, he/she is so calm or has it together." Can people say this about you?

I'll admit there are times I fail, and fail miserably. My greatest weakness is when the "Mama Bear" erupts. I promise you there are educators, admins, and possibly other parents who can testify to the gremlin within me that doesn't model Jesus' love to others but when my daughter is threatened or being dealt with unfairly, the kid gloves come off and Mama Bear enters. Don't get me wrong, it is only because of Christ-within-me, that I handle things in a much calmer manner than I would of a decade ago. With this being said, I'm not perfect yet I strive to be the best I can.

What does this have to do with "Helping Others is a Touch Love"? A lot actually. Similar to Pastor Dan's message about our "behaviors reflecting our values", helping others is a way we can show love to others.

How can you show love to those in your family, neighborhood, work place, school, or community? Be creative and think outside the box.

There are opportunities before us daily when we look at them in this manner...opportunities!

O utreach to those in need of hearing they are loved by God
P eople matter to God
P ace yourself to avoid burnout
O ffer to help the single parent, shut-in, or grieving neighbor
R emember God first loved us, so to share love is the least we can do
T ime used to share blessings rather than waste surfing
U nderstand there are hurt and lost people all around you
N ever underestimate your ability to change the heart and life of someone in need
I  ntentional grace and mercy extended
T rain your children to do the same, start a positive cycle of love for others
I  nclude family and friends to magnitude the blessing
E veryone needs to know God loves them
S eize every chance you have to extend hope and love to others

We may not all have the chance to host a scene like the one in "Sister Act" but if we use the creative side of our brains, fueled by our love and desire to share God's love with others...we can sing a beautiful song of hope, healing, and LOVE into those we cherish the most. The lost matter to God.

The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

What is ONE way you could SHARE LOVE with OTHERS?

TOP's Tuesday: How the Past Can Determine Our Future

Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released on April 3, 2013, the 19th anniversary of my only sister, Heidi M Allen's kidnapping. My initial goal was to release the sequel on the 20th anniversary of Heidi's disappearance to help keep my beautiful sister, her kidnapping, and the message of hope in the forefront BUT God had other plans. I'm thankful for the way He lead, and we followed since the release.

The sequel may or may not be out in 2014. I wish I could tell you, "The sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey will release on Heidi's birthday this year." but I can't. I'm not going to rush it. There is more to the story and more I look forward to sharing with you yet I'm going to write and move forward with this in God's time, not mine.

I have an editor in mind and a lot will depend on when she is able to work on the editing and revisions. She is one I've prayed and hoped to work with one day, and I think this is the book to submit to her. Speaking of the editor, I need to email her to find out if she would even be interested. If so, I know her availability will become my deadline setter and keep me writing when the emotions and reliving the loss become overwhelming.

As I write, I'll post tidbits and information on the Where's Heidi? Facebook page. I'll continue to blog. I'm scheduling speaking engagements for the Spring and into 2014. I'm exploring ways I can share hope, love, and comfort with others while introducing them to Heidi, my sister, not just "Heidi M Allen - Missing Teen".

Where were you on April 3, 1994? Have you read Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey? Have you written a review for the book? A friend of mine set a goal for 100 reviews of her book, she is at 80 reviews. I can't even imagine having that many reviews ~ what do you think...should I set a goal like this too? How would you explain your response after reading Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey to someone in less than 10 words?

TOP's Tuesday: How the Past Can Determine Our Future

Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released on April 3, 2013, the 19th anniversary of my only sister, Heidi M Allen's kidnapping. My initial goal was to release the sequel on the 20th anniversary of Heidi's disappearance to help keep my beautiful sister, her kidnapping, and the message of hope in the forefront BUT God had other plans. I'm thankful for the way He lead, and we followed since the release.

The sequel may or may not be out in 2014. I wish I could tell you, "The sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey will release on Heidi's birthday this year." but I can't. I'm not going to rush it. There is more to the story and more I look forward to sharing with you yet I'm going to write and move forward with this in God's time, not mine.

I have an editor in mind and a lot will depend on when she is able to work on the editing and revisions. She is one I've prayed and hoped to work with one day, and I think this is the book to submit to her. Speaking of the editor, I need to email her to find out if she would even be interested. If so, I know her availability will become my deadline setter and keep me writing when the emotions and reliving the loss become overwhelming.

As I write, I'll post tidbits and information on the Where's Heidi? Facebook page. I'll continue to blog. I'm scheduling speaking engagements for the Spring and into 2014. I'm exploring ways I can share hope, love, and comfort with others while introducing them to Heidi, my sister, not just "Heidi M Allen - Missing Teen".

Where were you on April 3, 1994? Have you read Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey? Have you written a review for the book? A friend of mine set a goal for 100 reviews of her book, she is at 80 reviews. I can't even imagine having that many reviews ~ what do you think...should I set a goal like this too? How would you explain your response after reading Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey to someone in less than 10 words?

Spending Time with My Tongue Sticking Out

In case you are wondering, I'm not teasing my family or having a toddler moment to stick my tongue out at someone across the room. Instead, this attractive scene is a response to "Lisa in thought or contemplation". A face my family recognizes and will not interrupt me for fear the tongue might snap back out and return with a growl.

Just kidding, I'm not that bad, but when my husband sees my tongue sticking out to one side and my brows curled, he will first chuckle and then stare at me. It's usually the feeling of someone watching me that pulls me out of my "zone", to look up and see Ed smirking. He blows me a kiss and says something like, "It must be good." This is one of my many idiosyncrasies that Ed recognizes, accepts, and lovingly teases me about.

I used to grumble, or mutter, when this loving tease came my way but over the years I've learned this is only one example of how much Ed and I know and respect each other's little nuances. Anyway, back to the purpose of this blog. Do you want to know what deep thoughts have my brain so occupied I don't realize my tongue is sticking out, accompanied with a wrinkled brow? I thought so, read on. During the writing of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey I made this face often, and my sweet Ed was so in tune to it, he knew when to interrupt and when to stay away. Isn't he amazing? I think so.

Well, this past week I started writing the sequel to this book. The greatest discussion now, "Is this a sequel or the second in a series of three or four?" Actually, it's not really a conversation because I'm just writing and trusting where God is leading. At this point, it's the sequel, yet depending on how the weaving of a couple different aspects I want to share with my readers goes ~ might be more than one book.

I could make the book thicker, but if you're like me, you might never read the book. What good is it to share more details of how Heidi's kidnapping affected my life and the challenges I faced over the years, if no one reads the book. As I've done book signings and spoke, I've made mental and written notes on common questions or "I wanted more of..." statements. These will be included in this next book. I'm excited and look forward to the direction God is leading me.

At the same time, I've cried more this week than I have since Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released. I feel closer, yet the farthest away from Heidi's memory that I can. I think of times we had together and the ones we never experienced. I think of some of the stories I've heard in the past year or two, your stories, and how God is using my writing and speaking to touch and change your lives.

My emotions are running on the roller coaster again, thankfully I'm keeping them in check most of the time. This morning's flood of tears almost smothered me and kept me home for the day BUT, and  but is the key word...I wiped away the tears, put on my big girl panties (figure of speech, lol), thanked God for His love and comfort, and started my day. There was a time I would have crawled back into bed, I'm so thankful I didn't.

Do I regret starting the journey to write the sequel? No.
Do I wish I could write without the emotional drain and mental exhaustion? No.
Am I encouraged to write for God, to share Heidi, hope, and healing with others? Yes.
Will I give up? No.
Is it worth it? I pray it is.

If you think of it over the next weeks and months, will you lift my writing, speaking, and this journey to God in prayer? For His guidance, wisdom, provision, protection, and love to shine through all I think, say, write, and share. Thank you! What is the most exciting aspect to the
Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey sequel, to you?

The Imprint of Loss left while having coffee

I’ve always dreamed about sitting in a café or coffee house with my laptop and working on the next bestselling American novel. Tonight, I took advantage of a couple hours to turn this into a reality. No, I didn’t work on the next best seller (or maybe I did, only God knows) but I did enjoy some DD with the buzz of chatter around me, the aroma of freshly ground and brewed coffee, and the clickety-click of my fingers on the keyboard. Thankfully I didn’t set a word goal before starting, although I may in the future. With my notebook open, lap top warmed up, and coffee in a perpetual IV…the writing began. 

In less than five minutes an elderly couple sat at the table right next to mine, not at any of the eight empty tables at Dunkin, but at the one directly next to me. It’s probably there table by the way the staff talked with them. I smiled, extended a “Hello, how are you?”. Let’s just say, I didn’t accomplish a stellar word count written and saved on my sequel BUT I did have my heart opened and humbled.
 
They asked if I was doing homework. I chuckled and explained I was taking advantage of some free time to write, working on the sequel to Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey. This opened the door to share my faith. Through our conversation, I learned the woman has a children’s book out, she is just starting her journey. I found this so inspiring. We talked about book signings and how I “beat the pavement” to get the word out. It was a wonderful conversation, it made me miss my own grandparents.
 
They commented on my hand written notes in my notebook. I explained I still like to hand write my chapters before typing. My elder smiled and shared why she types, because it’s easier. Talk about a little role reversal, or generation reversal anyway. Moments of silence between our conversations were common. They enjoyed talking with each other and then randomly pulled me in with thoughts, questions, and insight.
 
God opened my heart to hear their life’s greatest loss, their daughter was killed at the age of ten. The tremble in his voice as he went back to that day to share it with me brought tears to my eyes, and to each of their own eyes. More than thirty years later, and in an instant, both were back to the day their sweet ten year old was killed and taken from their lives…but not their hearts. Heidi will be missing twenty years on April 3, 2014. This couple showed me that regardless of how many years pass after a tragic loss, or any loss, the pain and grief are just as real decades later.
 
I fought back tears each time they shared and my heart broke for them, yet rejoiced with them too. Both believe in God and have a relationship with Jesus and shared how they KNOW they’ll see their daughter again, as they enter heaven. We talked about how encouraging it is to trust God, when the world and life would discourage us. What is getting them through each day, their hope and  knowledge of seeing their daughter again one day. 
 
They remember the woman who held their daughter while she breathed her last breath. With tears in their eyes, “She wasn’t alone when she passed, and she isn’t alone now.” They know without a shadow of doubt where there girl is. This still chokes me up. I’m glad I paused from my writing and enjoyed their conversation. I did return to my writing more often than I should but I used my writing to keep me from crying.
 
As they left I told the woman, “I’ll be praying for you. Thank you for sharing with me.” With tears in both eyes and drip marks down her cheeks, she smiled with a “Thank you.” And they turned and walked out the door. 

Loss leaves a forever imprint on our hearts…one day, when we trust God…we will be reunited. The best things happen over coffee...share an experience!

How did God answer your prayer today?

After a recent doctor's visit, we dropped off a prescription to be filled. The "yes" answers to prayer are abundant with this situation.

First and foremost, God provided a diagnosis and reason for the medical condition.

Second, He provided a team of doctors willing to use both a holistic and modern medicine approach at the same time.

Third, only four pharmacies in New York make this new prescription medication my loved one needs - one of which is the very pharmacy we use.

Fourth, As the first dose is administered tonight - we pray God uses this medicine to heal and release pain, pressure, and future health issues. God gave the wisdom to the developer of this medicine, to the doctors who prescribed it, and we pray there is no allergic reaction and our sweet loved one benefits from this dose the way nature intended.

God ANSWERS ALL PRAYERS - sometimes He says "yes", other times it is "no", and then there are the times He says "not yet". I'm thankful God is answering prayers for the health of a loved one. I pray the medicine He created is used to bless and bring comfort to her body. I pray He says yes.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—
we know that we have what we asked of him.
1 John 5:14-15

Did God say "yes", "no", or "not right now"
to your prayers today? Will you share below?