Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 102

"Easy" Doesn't Always mean Better

I heard these words yesterday while at a doctor's appointment with a family member. As the doctor shared about the upcoming journey for health, she shared how "taking medication is easy, but isn't always better". Two hours of information in and this is one aspect that sticks with me, "easy isn't always better". I think this is a lesson for life in general, not when it pertains to certain health and medical issues.

In today's fast paced and mobile society, everyone is looking for (and hoping for) the quick fix. If you ask your elders, they'll tell you "Back in the day..." or "When I was a kid...". We need to stop ignoring these words of wisdom to STOP AND LISTEN.
Remember these three things:
1) Life is NOT EASY nor will it be
2) There are NO QUICK FIXES
3) Easy isn't always better, it's just faster

Why do I share this life lesson with you?

God used it to remind me, although I want my sweet relative healed "right now"...this hasn't and isn't happening BUT God IS in control and He shined brightly yesterday. He reminded me how much He loves us and provides for us.

"Easy isn't better". The past few years haven't be "easy" as we visit multiple doctors with little answers or hope. The waiting for diagnosis or something to ease the pain hasn't been easy for her, or those who love her. Some medications have worked temporarily, then wear off. They were an easy and quick fix, but not the answer.

The weeks ahead will be a challenge and as one doctor said, "It's going to get worse before it gets better, but know better is coming." I needed to hear this today, and so did she. It encouraged us all and we welcome the necessary changes, modifications, and plan of action. Change is always bad, sometimes it's just necessary.

Another way her words encouraged me was in an area I have touched on but not shared completely. We all have an issue or prayer need like this, one we may not confide to anyone but God knows. Choices we made in the past might have been easy but they didn't make things better. 

After Heidi's disappearance, I made two mistakes and easy roads, or so I thought at the time, to console myself. A confession you may not know: I used credit card shopping as my grief counseling. A debt, sin, and  now public confession. This was easy and made me feel better in the moment yet nearly twenty years later, as we still pay the loan taken to consolidate this debt in hopes of paying it off sooner,  is a constant reminder...it wasn't better. It just prolonged the process. I didn't heal through shopping, if anything ~ it's a monthly reminder of where I've failed.

One that was visible to anyone who knew me "before" Heidi disappeared: I used over eating to console myself. I gained twenty pounds in the month following her kidnapping. Twenty extra pounds that still "weigh" on me (pun intended, lol). This past August I made a goal to get healthy, My first goal is to be under 200lbs, which according to my doctor's scales - I have but not the one at home so I still have a couple to go. My next mini-weight-loss-goal is 180. This is the weight I ballooned to by overeating, drinking too much soda, and not doing any physical activity. The final mini-goal, to lose the twenty pounds of grief weight. It was easy to eat when I was sad, but it wasn't better for my health or my jeans.

It's not easy to do what's right. It's not easy to say no BUT in the long run...IT IS WORTH IT!!

Easy isn't better, it's just slows down the process. At least this is my idea and lesson learned. You might not agree, it's just a thought and the way God used encouragement for a medial journey we'll take with a loved one ~ to encourage me in life. What do you think, "Is easy better?" Why or why not?

TOP's TUESDAY: Are you on "goodreads"? I am!

It's that time of week again, TOP's TUESDAY! One day I highlight an new or upcoming aspect of my writing and speaking. This week is no different. Last week I did something new, well, kind of...I'm a "goodreads ATUHOR"! https://www.goodreads.com/

Are you on goodreads? If so, could you do me a HUGE FAVOR? If you have read any of my four books, would you, could you, write a review for one or all of them?

My daughter consumes books daily. I asked her how she selected her next book. She said "I used to use Amazon but now I use goodreads, unless someone recommends one to me, but then I look it up on goodreads before making my final decision." Hmm...

There must be something with this goodreads. I joined as an author in April after the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, even did a quiz or two, but haven't spent much time exploring or taking advantage of the benefits of this great tool for readers.

In addition to entering to win free books and added books to my wish list as I found ones I'd like to read some time. It's fabulous. It's not just for teenagers, it's for all of us.

This weekend I added a goodreads link to my sidebar with all four of my books. If you click on the book, it takes you to goodreads and you can see who is reading, wants to read, or has read each of the books. You can also read reviews of each book, or write your own.

Will you help spread the word about my books by adding it to your book shelf on goodreads, write a review, and recommend it to your friends? Thank you in advance!!! Where or How do you get your book recommendations?

Once Organized, the only thing left to do is...

PRAY & WRITE! PRAY & WRITE!
WRITE, WRITE, AND WRITE! Prior to the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, my goal was to complete the sequel in time for another April 3rd release date yet God had other plans. Last year's journey leading up to the release and then the months after were a roller coaster of excitement. Book signings, speaking events, and fellowship. I had a choice to make, was I going to forge ahead with my plan or God's?

My goals versus God's plan - this is something I need to be mindful of. Actually, it's something we all need to make a conscious part of our daily routines, not just when it pertains to goal setting and planning for our futures. Tomorrow isn't a guarantee, so keeping our eyes, hearts, and mind focused on God's plan for us versus the inner self...will only benefit everyone. And who knows, might bring glory to God when it truly is HIS plan.

To be honest with myself, and you, I am disappointed on some levels with myself. I wanted to release the sequel on April 3, 2014, the 20th anniversary of my only sister's abduction. On the most tragic, sad, and life changing day in our lives. Similar to releasing Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey on April third, I wanted to share hope, inspiration, and encouragement with others on a day so many remember with pain and distress in their hearts. As much as I wanted to spend another April third surrounded by friends, family, and all of you ~ God had other plans. In order to have reached this goal, I could not have enjoyed meeting so many of you over the past year. I wouldn't have traveled across New York State and even to Texas to share hope, healing, and Heidi with others.

Instead of times of fellowship, it would be necessary to become an anti-social hermit every waking moment I wasn't at work. I would of missed hearing from a couple who decorated the first time this past Christmas, after decades of avoiding it because it reminded them of their missing daughter.

I might of missed hearing how reading Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey changed one sister's life when she realized God loves her and her whole attitude towards life, family, and her sister's kidnapping took on a more positive outlook. I would of missed making memories with my family as we traveled together. I may have never saw how God was, and is, using my gift to write and speak to encourage and help others. I only would of known the work, sweat, tears, and exhaustion of writing the part of the journey.

One of the greatest joys of being a "published author" is all the people I've met and the way your stories, testimonies, fears, joys, and questions have inspired, motivated, and encouraged me. My hope and prayers were to help others, yet God used this to do the same for me and my family. Isn't God cool? God chose me to write and speak for Him. God chose me to share my transformation from anger, pain, resentment, grief, and depression to help others know it's possible to move forward with joy, love, hope, and in God's strength. I don't do any of this on my own, only with Him as my guide.

For my author friends out there, you'll get a kick out of this next statement. I've started writing the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, but haven't written a word. The binder is organized, the story board is developed and on a large Post-it note easel pad of paper. I developed a "cycle" to share with you in the next book to help illustrate the next part of the journey. I have my scrap pieces of paper, napkins, Post-it notes, news clippings, devotionals, and Scripture verses rewritten into notebooks and ready to go. My head spins daily with how and where to go for this book.

The only trouble, well, additional thought I'm having now ~ after brainstorming and working at my parent's house yesterday is this...I might have enough for two different books, not one. So am I working on the sequel or the second in a trilogy, or possibly the second in a series of four.

Oh yeah, very excited for what God has before us. I move forward trusting Him and welcome your prayers for this process.

Please join us in prayer for the following things:
*God's words and message to come through in all I share - in writing and when I speak
*God's protection - over our health, home, finances, and family
*God's grace and mercy when we fail
*God's provision to meet our needs and bless us exceedingly and abundantly above and beyond anything we could even imagine
*God's love to surround us
*To be the woman, wife, daughter, friend, relative, writer, and speaker God's called me to be Are you excited for the sequel, or is it the second of 3 or 4...
to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey?

Thank you for your prayers...

A Fictional Writing & Possible Future Book ~ Lisa M Buske...

As I work on the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's
Journey, I'm also looking at older writing pieces...

Here is an untitled, fictional story, written by me... The ritualistic morning of a working mom isn’t complete without at least one interruption. While I attempt to finish my makeup and hair my daughter skips into the bathroom with her hairbrush as a microphone singing “Zip a dee doo da”. All I can do is shake my head and smile. Before I can inquire of Elly’s needs, the telephone starts to ring and the cell phone beeps with a text message. I don’t even know who or what to respond to first. My Gram used to tell me “So goes Monday, so goes the week.” If this start is any indication, it is going to be a long week if I don’t make a change. Thirty minutes later, lunches packed and shoes on, my daughter and I walk out the front door.

With Elly at school and my Netbook fully charged, I walk to the park for work instead of the office. Some fresh air and sunshine will erase the tension of the morning and provide the inspiration needed to complete my current assignment. My favorite tree seemed to be calling my name as the breeze gently moves the shadow to and fro. My blanket cascades over the grass as my great escape begins; a quiet prayer, deep breath, and the words begin to transition from brain to keyboard. Maybe it will be an uneventful week after all.   

The sound of laughter and joyful squeals snap me away from my work. Oh my gosh, it’s nearly noon. I’m taking a break.  As I take a drink from my water bottle one little girl captures my attention. She is content to play alone yet appears cautious each time there is motion near her.  I find myself entranced, but why. She looks like my sister had at that age. Maybe this is why she interests me so much. I log off my computer so I can watch her play. A bee buzzes around her head and her nose twitches as she swats it away and returns to her sand creation. I watch in awe, the child laughs and even twitches her nose, like my sister. So much for redeeming a week doomed for chaos.

My final chapter is due to the editor by day’s end yet my wonder and fascination of this girl has stolen my ability to focus on work. I want to know more about this little girl.  Why is she alone at the park? Where are her parents or babysitter? Who would leave such a young girl by herself, even for a moment? Don’t they watch the news? 
     
Entranced and intrigued by her independence I start to pack up my stuff in order to ask her where her mother is. But before I can cross the walk, she has picked up her sand toys, tossed them into an old grocery bag and is skipping across the park. As she gets closer to the intersection she looks around as if she is looking for someone. Is  she checking to see if anyone notices she is leaving or did she sneak away and is trying to return home without being noticed? No one else seems to notice or care about this isolate girl in the park yet her presence has consumed me. While she waits for the cross walk sign to change, the sunset paints a beautiful backdrop for her tiny silhouette. She appears to be looking for someone, but whom? Mom? Grandma?  She has turned her head nearly a dozen times before she finally crosses the street. Should I help her? I don’t think this is a child looking for a loved one but instead, one hoping not to be caught. She attempts to stay calm yet her step quickens as her face reddens.

My curiosity is peaked to heights I didn’t think were possible. Unaware I followed her out of the park I realize I too am not only outside the security of the park but on the other side of the street. How did I get here? I remember watching her but not moving. As I got closer I could almost hear her breath and sense her urgency. Although she appeared to be walking, I felt my feet in swift motion to catch up.  At the next intersection I check for oncoming traffic because it doesn’t look like she will stop. When I look back up, she is gone. I lost her…but where? How?

I turn look around with a prayer on my heart, Lord, let me see her, just one more time. Nothing in front of me or to my left but when I turn to my right, I see her.  Thankfully she doesn’t notice me as she glances from one side to the other. I wish I knew who she was looking for or hiding from? My stare must have been intense because she notices I have followed her. Her shock startles us both. 

She turns to run down the alley when her bag topples to the ground and spills its contents across the sidewalk. I scurry to help her pick them up as the tears begin to stream down her cheeks. By the time I am crouched to help, her entire frame is shaking. She looks me directly in the eye, as if to say something when her whole being changed.

The look of fear and desperation in her face diminish. She stops picking up her toys. She leans in, looks me square in the eyes, smiles and then lifts her hand to my face. Gently she caresses my cheek, wipes a tear and whispers, “Thank you. She told me you were nice.” Who told her I was nice? I don’t know this girl.... Would you read on?
Leave a comment to let me know what you think...

A Gift Giving Idea ~ "No More Pain: I Can Fly" ~

After Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released in April last year, I experienced emotions in a way only God could work, and ways I never imagined. The response to When the Waves Subside: There is Hope brought similar thanks and awe of God's working through my writing. At this time last year I learned a friend's battle with cancer started again. We went to prayer in hopes of God healing her and giving her victory over this terrible disease.

On one hand, we lost our amazing and wonderful friend in less than a few months yet to understand that sometimes, God answers our prayers in a way we don't grasp at the time. I miss her and pray for her husband, children, friends, and family throughout this past year as everyone adjusts to the empty spot in their schedules, lives, and routines left from her absence.

This is one of the inspirations behind No More Pain: I Can Fly. How can I use the gift to write and speak to help others understand there is hope, and that we prayed for healing and freedom from the pain. God answered the prayer, just not necessarily the way we hoped. There is a page within this book in memory of my friend, as she sang to us while in line for her calling hours. I surrounded her with angels because I know she isn't alone, and neither are we.

My prayer is for anyone whose lost someone, to know that when we admit our mistakes (aka sins), believe in God, and repent of the mistakes ~ there is hope for eternity. God sent Jesus, His Only Son, to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus rose again three days later and lives in heaven with God. When we have a personal relationship with Jesus, eternity isn't merely a hope - it's our future.

After death, only our physical body goes in the ground. Our souls are lifted up and called home, home with God and the friends and family that went before us. My prayer is for Heidi and all our missing boys, girls, men, and women to be reunited with their families when our time on earth comes to an end too.

No More Pain: I Can Fly is written to encourage the family and friends grieving for a loved one, especially those we think left us "too soon" or when we felt "it wasn't time". On the flip side, this book will help those dealing with the loss of loved and find themselves asking, "How can I survive without ...?...?" or possibly, "How do I know he/she is okay?"

My hope was others would receive this message after reading the book, this reader's response brought tears to my eyes because God spoke to her heart, and she shared this with me.  Her words brought tears to my eyes, tears of thanksgiving, hope, and praise. "...they (No More Pain: I Can Fly books) 
are a great gift giving idea when someone passes away maybe rather than flowers... Cards are anywhere from $3 - $5 for a nice one... Loved the little angel..."

~ No More Pain: I Can Fly Reader  ~ The added  blessing: she ordered five more copies of No More Pain: I Can Fly
to have on hand to share with friends and family when they lose a loved one.
In addition, she contacted Deb (who makes the angels) to purchase an angel
to gift with each book she gives. God is good...All the Time...God is good! How do you see this book being used to encourage another? Click on either photo for a direct link to Amazon to purchase a copy today.

Life in a Snow Globe...or NY - you decide

“Inside the snow globe on my father's desk, there was a penguin wearing a red-and-white-striped scarf.  When I was little my father would pull me into his lap and reach for the snow globe.
He would turn it over, letting all the snow collect on the top, then quickly invert it. The two of us watched the snow fall gently around the penguin.  The penguin was alone in there, I thought, and I worried for him.  When I told my father this, he said, "Don't worry, Susie; he has a nice life. 
He's trapped in a perfect world.”   Alice Sebold, The Lovely Bones

Life in Upstate New York is known for its snow and wintery mix from November until April but one thing many won't share is the awesome beauty of the snow. Yes, there are storms that make most, if not everyone, shake their heads asking "When will it stop?" but for the most part, it is like living in a snow globe for almost half the year.

While living in a snow globe might not be ideal, the opportunities to"
*interact with your family (because you are snowed in)
*learn how to improve your driving abilities (because road conditions change from town to town and county to county)
*get together with friends for coffee (it thaws your cold bones)
*build muscles (from shoveling daily)
*strengthen your abs and calves (from climbing the ladder to shovel the roof)
*try new styles (only in NY can a hat, scarf, mittens, winter coat, and shorts look good)
or possibly even the chance to add color to your bottom as you slide down a hill and crash at the bottom because you're too old to be sledding.

In all seriousness, there is such wonder and amazement when you live in snow country. I know New York isn't the only snowy region, to watch the news this year ~ parts of the country who NEVER experience snow and cold are being blessed with this white stuff.

I personally enjoy living in a snow globe. It has it's challenges but mostly, thanks to the career path I've chosen - when the weather is too bad to be out, I have the ability to stay home. This is something I'm very thankful for.

If I really lived in a snow globe, would I choose to live in the snow or possibility of snow for half the year? No but then again, maybe I would. Some of my fondest memories are from sitting around the kitchen table or in the living room when it storms outside or hanging on the deck when summer finally arrives.

Inside my snow globe: the stress of making the bills each month wouldn't exist, the house would always be clean, I would be the size I was when I married my love, nothing but joy and love would exist, and my sister would live next door.

I know life in a snow globe isn't a reality but what if it was... What would the inside of your snow globe look like?

A Note of Encouragement ~ Thank You!

I received such a surprise when I went to the post office today. Nestled within my P.O. box there was this beautiful card filled with such love, encouragement, and humility. This person blessed me to share a specific blog that gave her encouragement last week. She followed this with words that brought tears to my eyes.

Little did she know that as I wrote the blog she referenced, I was having a tough day and second-guessing myself on to blog daily or cut back. I decided to stick with the near daily blogs for a couple reasons: 1) To write the blog helps me to see and share how God works in my life on a very real and sometimes too honest level, and 2) I write to share hope, Heidi, and help others.

After thanking me for encouraging her, she shared her son's recent diagnosis with brain cancer. My heart ached for her and tears flowed. I will be praying for her, her son, and the family as God places them on my heart. She didn't share this for sympathy or attention but instead, she shared it to emphasis her thanks and appreciation for the blog. The hope and expectation for healing through God's healing power shined in her note ~ this is where her trust lies. In the midst of this time of her life, she paused to let someone else know they helped her accept this diagnosis and encouraged her as she trusts God with her boy.

I'm so thankful God used my writing and this blog to touch her heart and help her stay focused on Him and see the hope and healing available to her teenage son. I'm thankful she was moved to send me this beautiful hand written note. She encouraged me on so many levels. Of course I LOVE getting mail and celebrate any time I open my box and there is something within it but this time...God used a stranger to remind me of His love for me. He sent love, prayers, and encouragement on a day I needed it. Thank you!

May we all let God work through us, to help and encourage others... What or who encouraged you today?
Who have you encouraged?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: The Meaning Behind the Photographs Within

I released my fourth book, No More Pain: I Can Fly. I've described it to some as a poem with pictures.

After Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released, a common request for future books was to include more pictures of Heidi and I. I haven't forgotten this request, hence the use of more personal pictures in this little book.

To help you understand the special reason for choosing some of the photos within, read on and learn their special meaning and why they were chosen.  LMD
 ~ Friendship ~ Heidi and I, I can hear her saying, "See you later..."
~ Memories ~ Dad holding his girls
~ A Father's Love ~ The flower box made by my parents to remember Heidi throughout the spring and summer as new flowers bloom and grow.
~ Hope Renewed ~  A picture from my wedding day and angel gifted from one of our RMC family members
~ Extended Family ~ Mom holding my hands
~ A Mother's Love ~ From the 1st outdoor tree my parents decorated as a Christmas gift to me a couple years ago
~ Christmas Miracles ~ The last "Stations of the Cross Walk" I did with my mother-in-law, this is my sister-in-law, Rose, carrying the cross that day.
~ Faith ~ Skating with my cousins and Aunt Kit - a flooded field was heaven
~ Family ~ Other books by Lisa M Buske To purchase Lisa's books:
Amazon.com carries all 4 books - Kindle versions available also
As part of the "Matchbook" feature - you can purchase the print copy and download the Kindle version for $.99
Click on cover photos for a direct link to Amazon.com for more information on each.

The River's End Bookstore
Corner of Route 104 and West 1st Street
19 West Bridge Street
Oswego, New York  13126
(signed copies of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, When the Waves Subside:
There is Hope, and now No More Pain: I Can Fly)
http://www.riversendbookstore.com/
Also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversendbookstore

A Touch of Grace Gift Shop
171 West 1st Street
Oswego, NY 13126
(signed copies of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey )
Also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Touch-of-Grace/537967486220029 Thank you for remembering Heidi ~ she is never forgotten.
Thank you for reading and sharing my books with others,
may everyone know there is hope!

Split, Mangled, and Ugly YET Still Useful

Do you ever feel like your life is such a mess, your finances seem to live in the red, your pants are getting tighter, the split ends are nearly as long as the rest of the hair on your head, or as if Murphy and his law are leading your life?

Did you answer yes to any of these questions? Or, maybe, you're thinking I've lost my mind because you've never had such a crummy day that you felt like the piece of wood above. Regardless of your personal experience with feeling beat up and put down, I challenge you to read this blog and act on it.

My parents heat their house with a wood stove, and there is nothing like wood stove heat. I like it hot, so in the winter I spend quality time helping to keep the stove stoked and burning. Ed stops after work and fills the wood rack so Dad doesn't have to be out in the cold doing it. We enjoy time at my parents, so the wood stove heat is just an excuse, lol, not that we need one.

This past weekend Ed brought in the wood and on the last load in, we just stared at the piece strategically placed on the top. It is split, mangled, and just an ugly piece of wood. It didn't stack well in Ed's arms. It needed to be placed on the floor because we couldn't fill the wood bin or get other pieces off around its awkward jigs and jags. BUT there is still much value to this piece of wood.

Similar to our challenging days, there is always something to be thankful for when we recognize there might be a lesson to learn, better days coming, or a purpose we can't see because we're too focused on the imperfection. Ed could of left this piece of wood in the shed until the end of winter when it was needed but instead, he recognized the value within the rough cut. It's a big piece of wood and will provide a couple hours of heat on this cold winter day.

God looks at us and sees the same thing. Instead of looking at yourself or your circumstances as split, mangled, and ugly...look UP and recognize this is only a season. Look within yourself or ahead to the goal. You have a purpose and God has a plan for your life but until you are looking up, with your eyes fixed on Him ~ you'll only see the current ick of life instead of the beauty and purpose within. 

It is only when the whole heart is gripped with the passion of prayer that the life-giving fire descends, for none but the earnest man gets access to the ear of God.
Author: E.M. Bounds

You are more than a misshaped piece of wood,
you are one of God's children and have a purpose.

Look beyond the brokenness and move forward,
don't avoid the fire. Face it and let your soul burn for God!

Sunday...More than the start of the week, It's an opportunity

There are different thoughts on the best use of our time on Sundays. To some, this might be another work day and to others, it's the one day during the week when the family has the chance to spend it together without running from one location to another. How do you spend your Sunday?

Is it one of rest or do you find yourself working through the lists that didn't get completed during the week? I'm not here to say if your use of time is right or wrong. I only write to encourage you to add a little something to your Sunday routine.

Sunday can be a mixture of work, rest, crossing off items on the list, or a family dinner but one thing that starts our day is a time of worship with our church family.

Do you have a church to call home?

Does your church share the Bible and how it still applies to your life today? I pray it does.

If you don't have a church to call home yet, I encourage you to ask your friends and neighbors where they go ~ the lists and busy schedule don't feel so overwhelming when it starts with a time of worship and teaching, rooted in the Word of God.

Have a great Sunday everyone and I hope you enjoy this song, "Faithful" by Chris Tomlin. Close your eyes and enjoy. What is one thing you do as a family on Sunday?