Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 105

A Christmas Wish this holiday season...Part I

Dear Santa,
I haven't written in a decade or three yet this year I thought I would take a moment to update you on life. I don't remember what I might have asked for in my first letter to you but I do remember one of the things I asked for and I gave you credit for delivering...a younger sister. In 1975 our family grew by one to include Heidi.... Life is about more than letters to Santa... From the moment she entered the world, her smile was infectious to anyone blessed to see it. It was one of those smiles that just melted your heart. We enjoyed our childhood and as I reflect on our childhood, as wee little ones, I am so thankful.

One thing that stands out are the times with family. Regardless of how long my parents might have worked during the day to provide for our needs and a little spoiling, they always had time for us too. Whether it was walking on Dad's back to build our strength and balance (clever, eh? We never realized it was a free back massage. Rock on Dad!), or helping Mom make dinner, we always knew both our parents had time for us. This never changed.

The only change was what activity we would be doing while we made our memories. Isn't it funny how the little things of our childhood end up being the priceless treasures of our adult years? Before I go any further, let me clarify for those wondering if I've lost my mind. Please know, I do know there is no person living at the North Pole going by the name Santa Clause. I also understand that although there isn't a Santa, there is a magic and mystery during the Christmas season. Both my parents and in-laws have said often, "You must believe in Santa, because there are many a Christmas that if it wasn't for a Christmas miracle, there wouldn't have been anything under the tree."

Can you relate to this statement? I think many can. It isn't about the quantity of gifts or bounty of material items we can give one another, the meaning of Christmas is so much deeper. Santa didn't bring us Heidi, God Blessed us with her...for eighteen years. There isn't a holiday, or day that passes we don't remember or think of Heidi yet at the same time, we continue to move forward. Our loved ones don't want us shutting down or shutting people out. Instead of letting our personal losses or struggles stifle us, we must choose to bless others and keep the faith. I know this is difficult during the holidays, especially at Christmastime.

Each year my parents do something special for me, as a way of remembering Heidi and keeping hope alive during what used to be a very difficult time of year. We still miss her and wish she was enjoying breakfast with us yet since this is possible, we choose to remember the good times we had and take time in the weeks leading up to Christmas to surprise each other with a special "Heidi" gift. My parents outdid themselves this year and I thought about not sharing the magnificent gift they made and gave me this year but it's too beautiful not to share.

Some of you are saying, "It's not Christmas yet." You are right yet this year's gift took up so much room in my parent's wood working shop and garage, it was delivered early to make room for them to keep "puttering" on other projects for friends and family.

Be sure to read tomorrow's blog to see this amazing gift of love and how they incorporated memories of my sister in to it. My parents never cease to amaze me - love you both!

I finished my gift for them last night - hoping its ready by Christmas Eve so I can wrap it. Some things require time to dry, settle, or cure ~ and then there is the mode of delivery. Hmm...what is a girl to do? Excited and looking forward to seeing the surprise on their faces Christmas morning. If you've lost a loved one and do something special to remember them during the Christmas holiday season - will you share how you keep their memory alive and keep the faith?

A Lesson Learned from Jack and Jill

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
    and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
    and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
    My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
Psalm 103:2-5 NLT

This is a blog of serious nature yet one that came to be during a ELA lesson in the Kindergarten classroom. Oh the way my brain works sometimes. The teacher I work with is amazing with such an energy and love for the children in our room. As we move forward with the new common core and implementation, it requires the teachers to think more creatively than in year's past. 

A task this teacher does with grace and ease. One day as I listened to her teach the children "Jack and Jill" the Lord place this verse and blog on my heart. I've had it tucked away for a snow day. An aspect of this I didn't plan on is when I say this nursery rhyme every day with one of the kiddos, God is using it to remind me to keep my eyes and heart focused on Him - remembering the good he has done, continues to do, and is yet to do for me. It reminds me I'm forgiven, healed, redeemed, and then "crowned" with "love and tender mercy" as God fills my life with good things. I am renewed! So are you! I'm thankful for these ever so soft reminders in my day. I've known this nursery rhyme since I was old enough to talk and learn, a benefit of being their generation teacher. A blessing I didn't quite appreciate growing up mind you, yet one I'm ever so grateful for today.

The next time you sing, chant, or say "Jack and Jill" ~ let the words "broke His crown" remind you that Jesus wore a "crown" of thorns and suffered death on the cross for your sins. Thankfully, unlike Jack who remains broken - Jesus's resurrection three days later opened the pathway to heaven and God.

We are healed and renewed because of Jesus' crown of thorns - we only remained broken when we don't change the end of the story. Our nursery rhymes remain the same from generation to generation but thankfully God and HOPE are eternal.

You might fall down and be broken but when you remember to look up...renewal is around the corner. Don't give up or let anyone follow the path of brokenness, instead lead them to the Light. And yes, I got all this from singing "Jack and Jill", God's cool like this. What reminds you of God's love and renewal?

Guest Blogger: Meet Ben Kellogg

Hi, my name is Benjamin Kellogg.  I am 22 years old, and I am a professional writer.  I am a 2012 graduate of Cayuga Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts with a Concentration in Writing.  

I was diagnosed with autism as a young boy and currently write a bi-weekly column regarding my life as an autistic adult. The title of my column is, “The Learning Curve,” and it can be found on the AutismAfter16.com website. 

I also write and maintain a blog about my own interests entitled, “Kellogg Thoughts,” at kellogthoughts.com (the missing extra “g” is a long, comical story I might want to add to a memoir one day).  On my blog, I have written poems about pop culture icons, fictional advice columns for pop culture characters, and video game reviews. 

Along with those topics, my blog also has a few recurring features: “Pop Culture Questions,” in which I explore movies, television shows, books, video games, and other cool stuff from my perspective; “Random Top Five,” in which I make a list of what I feel are interesting items based on a particular subject and briefly discuss my thoughts about each item on the list; and “Paragon Fantasy Wrestling,” an ongoing serial story about a fictional professional wrestling league populated by colorful characters of my own creation.   I have also written a children’s book which I’m still working at getting published and am in the process of writing a second book.  I am a member of Special Olympics.  I participate in the basketball, soccer, bowling, and floor hockey programs as well as a local “challenger” baseball team.  

In addition to writing, my favorite activities include watching professional wrestling events with my friends, playing video games, watching obscure television shows on DVD, and (especially) reading good books.

There is a direct link to Ben's blog by clicking either photo. Check it out - he is one amazing young man. It is my pleasure to introduce him to all of you ~ I hope you'll encourage him here or sign up to follow his blog. Thanks for taking time to read his post. Thank you Ben for guest blogging today!
Leave an encouraging word for our budding author and blogger...

TOP's Tuesday: TX to NY then NY to TX...HOPE Revisited

Today's blog is a review of last week's blog series, "A Trip to Texas ~ A Journey of HOPE". The blog's title is listed next to the corresponding picture - simply click on the picture and you will be linked directly to that day's posting. This way if you missed a day or want to read the in order, in one sitting, then you can.

Thank you for remembering Heidi and all our missing ~ keep hoping and sharing it with others! Merry Christmas Week!
A Journey of
HOPE...Day 1 A Trip to Texas ~
A Journey of HOPE
Day 2: HELP
A Trip to Texas ~
A Journey of HOPE
Day 3: More HELP
A Trip to Texas ~
A Journey of HOPE
Day 4: OTHER
A Trip to Texas ~
A Journey of HOPE
Day 5: People
A Trip to Texas ~
A Journey of HOPE
Day 6: EVOLVE
A Trip to Texas ~
A Journey of HOPE
Day 7: HOPE Given & Received What was your favorite part of the trip to Texas? Why?

A Trip to Texas ~ HOPE Given and Received

I hope you enjoyed this week's blog series and journey of HOPE. An aspect of the journey I've kept secret until today was the beautiful wood working, wood burning, and painting done with the love of one family to bless others.

These symbols of love and hope started with a vision. Our hope was to express thanks and appreciation for all the Heidi Search Center, in Texas, did only days into the search and rescue efforts for my sister, Heidi M Allen.  I mentioned this to my parents and we decided to sleep on it. Well, I don’t know about you but some of my best ideas wake me up in the middle of the night – so of course this was no different.

The next morning I shared a VERY rough idea with my parents. Between my parents, husband, and daughter – this (hold up bag) became a working sketch, and within  a day or two – patterns were made and my father was at work in his wood working shop. Mom joined with her wood burning and painting talents when the time came. So once again, my parents took an idea and made it reality.

The response of tears, hugs, and love received last Friday brought tears to my eyes and such warmth and love to my heart too. They didn't do anything in 1994 with an expectation to receive something in the future yet to be able to do this for them...priceless. A note from my parents:
Our thoughts in creating this 2013 heart.

Why a heart? This is easy – because  it was your love who sent us Rick to come along side law enforcement to educate, lead, and encourage us in our greatest time of need, in the initial days of looking for our Heidi.

We included both states, New York and Texas with each of our state flowers – so a rose for NY and the Blue Bonnet for TX.

The  forget-me-not flowers are a reminder that both our Heidi's will never be forgotten.

The photos of “our” Heidi’s represent the pictures of our girls we forever hold in our hearts.

And of course HOPE – because without hope, what else do we have.

Thank you for being our HOPE in 1994 – may this heart represent the appreciation and love that bonds us together as we remember all the missing, not just our Heidi’s.

Thank you for using your gifts, resources, and hearts to help others – you are a blessing to many.

Ken & Sue Allen, Ed, Lisa, and Mary Buske This photo brings tears to my eyes still, nearly a week later. In 1994, the Heidi Search Center, in San Antonio, Texas sent a search and rescue expert to aid in the search for our Heidi, Heidi M Allen. This was an amazing blessing to our family, law enforcement, and community. It is also part of this center's mission - to help find the missing nationwide.

My beautiful sister was the third case outside of Texas they assisted with. They had a 96% recovery/discovery rate at the time, although our Heidi, Heidi M Allen is one of the 3% they didn't solve or recover a body for ~ the hope and encouragement they provided is still a blessing nearly twenty years later.

We gifted the plaque to the center and an ornament to Heidi Seeman's (whom the center was founded in memory of) parents and sister Heather with an ornament similar to the plaque, to hand on their own trees. To present the plaque and ornaments designed and created with the love of our family to theirs was both emotional and rewarding at the same time. I pray our hearts are forever united as we remember each of our Heidi's and all the missing across the country and beyond.

Although someone is missing this Christmas ~ their memory and love remains! Some things in life are priceless gifts and opportunities...
~ Share one you've experienced below ~

A Trip to Texas ~ A Journey of Hope Part VI - EVOLVE

I hope you've experienced some of the joy, love, excitement, and HOPE I encountered while on this part of my journey in life. Who would of known in 1994 I would travel to San Antonio to say thank you in person and be catalyst in the lives of families searching for their loved ones across the country? Not me, that is for sure.

Nineteen years ago I wasn't sure how I would get myself out of bed, showered, and make it through the day more or less be an image of hope for others. God is good and uses our hurt, brokenness, and troubles to bless us...and others if we listen and are obedient to follow Him. This is probably one of the same reasons I like this verse from 2 Corinthians:

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful
Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our
troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able
to give them the same comfort God has given us."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Only God knew the strength, compassion, and hope He would instill in me to help others so many years ago. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't an easy or over joyful experience the first decade yet it was during those toughest of times, and then the years to follow that I realized I NEED God in my life and can't do this on my own or in my own strength. None of us can.

If we want to EVOLVE into the man, woman, or child God is calling us to be ~ then we need to move forward using our past as rings of a ladder. Instead of focusing on the bad and falling down, if we change our perspective then maybe each struggle, obstacle, trial, stressor, or tough situation will drive us to build up arm strength to reach for the next rung upward.

One way I've found that helps me to keep a forward and upward momentum is to Help Other People, and similar to this trip to Texas ~ by helping others, you end up helping yourself too. How cool is this? There is something amazing about seeing the joy on someone's face when you 've helped them. It's even better when you can help someone and they don't know who to thank. It isn't about the praise for helping someone, it's all about the hope, joy, and love you share to help someone else evolve into who they are called to be. We all are gifted to do something and if we have our eyes, ears, and heart open for what God has for each of us...the sky is the limit.

The last letter in hope is "e" and it stands for EVOLVE. It is possible to evolve from whatever difficult or challenging situation you might be facing today. We all face something each day that we struggle with, it's only natural and the Bible tells us "when" trials come. I haven't found a verse anywhere in the Good Book that says we won't face troubles. It's what we do with ourselves to help others after we learn from our mistakes or the effects of something we didn't choose or create.

Never give up! You've got this! There is always HOPE and it's found in Jesus Christ and when we Help Other People Evolve we are sharing this truth with others too. Have a great weekend and remember to make memories this weekend with the ones you love. H for HOPE, O for Other, P for People, and E to EVOLVE The HSC’s theme for the coming year is HOPE – to Help Other People Evolve. You are a small portion of the people they hope to inspire, motivate, and encourage to evolve from the “____ of missing person ____”, "____ of the ____kid", or "____of the past".

I’m going to say, “I am ____”, when I do this, I want you to SAY YOUR NAME.  Ready?...”I AM _______” 

This reminds me of the song, “Hello, My Name is” by Matthew West ~ Have you heard this song before?

I am so excited for each of you here tonight – just by being here, you have taken a huge step to move forward.

Holidays can be difficult but when we lean on the help of others and let them help us – we can all evolve together and its easier to see you are more than how you might feel on the tough days, YOU ARE  (say your name again) and you are loved Have you evolved? What is the most memorable aspect?

A Trip to Texas ~ A Journey of Hope Part V...PEOPLE

Oh the people you meet each and every day in need of knowledge, the knowledge to know there is HOPE! Over the past couple days we've looked at some of the people in your circle of influence. I pray you've thought about how you might be able to help them and share a little hope in the midst of their darkness.

The beautiful and patriotic decorated Christmas tree sits in front of the Alamo. A reminder of the need for light, love, and loyalty. Yes the tree is a symbol for Americans near and far yet when you are helping other people, you give something of yourself...

What do these two things have to do with each other, more or less, this blog series? It's the light. There are lights on the tree, and there is a glow in a person too. When the lights are on, it shines on anyone close enough to see. When we help other people, we are releasing some of the Light we have within ourselves to bless, encourage, and light up the life of another. The difference between the Christmas tree and the inner Light of Jesus in your heart, Jesus' light never goes out. We might get tired or weary, but this is when we might need to recharge or get plugged in again. I was given the option of a window or aisle seat when the airline updated my flight plan for the third time. Since I was in the aisle the entire way to Texas, I decided to take advantage of a window seat so I could "see" the United States on the way home.

Once I finally had a flight home, it was almost nearly 11 p.m. on Monday night so I didn't anticipate seeing anything except darkness BUT like the light of the Christmas tree or the Light of Jesus in your heart...Light triumphs over darkness. I saw this firsthand Monday night and in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

As we flew out of Chicago I was sad as the light was left in the city but after a little while I noticed something, it was light. In awe, I stared out the window at the cities beneath the clouds. It was so cool. It was like looking into Atlantis. What are the lights below the clouds? Oh my gosh, they are cities! Just like the kiddos in this picture with my Dad, the light was a seed of hope in the darkness. I had so many flight delays, cancellations, and mishaps that I started to doubt if I would ever make it back to New York or to my family.

This thought lead to, How do our missing children and adults feel? Their fear, doubt, and emotions magnified because they don't know if they'll ever make it home again. And tears rolled down my cheeks with more thoughts flooding my head. Did Heidi suffer? Was she trapped in the darkness calling out for someone to help her? Did she know there was hope and a light?

Just when my mind started to wander at lightning speed with irrational thoughts I closed my eyes to say a little prayer ~ Lord, You called me to Texas to share hope. I pray you are proud and Lord, please stop my emotions was spiraling out of control right now. I'm tired, homesick, and miss my sister. Lord, I need you. Amen.

Then I opened my eyes. Do you know what I saw? The lights! Jesus overcame the world through His death on the cross, a death that wouldn't have been possible if He wasn't born. As you celebrate Christmas, plug in your Christmas lights, and remember holidays of the past - reflect on the LIGHT and HOPE you have because of the Greatest Gift ever given.

God answered my prayer by illuminating the sky with various cities between Chicago and Syracuse for me, a reminder I'm never alone and He is always with me. Do you know Who can light up your heart, life, and the world? Jesus is our HOPE - He was one of the first to help other people...

Tomorrow you'll find out what the "E" stands for - you won't want to miss it. H is for "Help", O for "Other", P for "People"... People who may need help:
 -your spouse, other children, your parents, siblings
 -an elderly neighbor
 -a widow from church or the neighborhood
- the single mom checking out in front of you at the grocery store
- the very family, friends, coworkers, or community that stand by your side when life get touch

Regardless of how you might feel tonight, or as the holidays approach – remember this, you  have the power to Help Other People – it's all in how you use your time, talents, and the love you have in your heart.

"Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and
energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God
through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through,
as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very
glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so
that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is
revealed to all the world.” 
1 Peter 4:11c-13

Share one thing about "LIGHT" and/or "HOPE", please!!

A Trip to Texas ~ A Journey of HOPE, Part IV "Others"

In the months leading up to this past weekend's adventure in and to Texas, I prayed to bring the message of HOPE God had for everyone there. God is faithful and my heart was encouraged, inspired, and humbled many times during my time in San Antonio. 

From the time of my first delay to leave Syracuse, blog topics were thrust at me. In light of three different flight plans to deliver me safely to Texas, my family at home was saying, "Lisa will have a lot to blog about next week." Thankfully, they waited until I returned to New York safe and sound before they shared this insight with me.

Yes, they are right, ample situations and reflections to blog about ~ it's all in the timing. Part of me wanted to tell you about them all this week but I'm going to safe some for later, and incorporate others into this week's blog series. If you haven't figured it out yet, I used the letters in HOPE and expanded them into a message to encourage families missing their loved ones during this holiday season. Would you like a confession, I didn't come up with the clever word for each letter, my sweet friend, Crystal did. 

During our different phone conversations, we talked about how they were building from their usual Christmas gathering and their desire to transition from a tree decorating and refreshments to an evening of hope to carry them through this holiday and into the next year. Crystal's desire to encourage the families of the missing and know they experience a little hope during a time when many are missing their loved one the most...is a priceless treasure for the center.

It was because of this that the "Help Other People Evolve...HOPE" came to be as the foundation for Crystal and Rose as they planned this year's banquet. My prayer was to come along side them and carry out their vision of HOPE, encourage the families, and be a blessing since God chose me s the messenger. I didn't share my presentation with Crystal ahead of time so when I listened to different family members share, then Crystal's introduction...I could only thank God for coordinating all the details for this event.

I never thought traveling to Texas as a speaker was a possibility yet with God, we need to look ahead and trust Him. I shipped copies of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey ahead of time and shipped copies of When the Waves Subside: There is Hope with the goody bags I put together as gifts for the families and others coming to the banquet. After I spoke and the banquet came to an end, I assumed my seat at the "book signing" table.

It was here that the families of the missing encouraged me! Their response to the message I shared brought tears to my eyes with each new person. One couple in particular brought tears and goose bumps. They shared of their loved one's disappearance, the length, and then said this..."We haven't celebrated Christmas since...but you said so many things tonight and we wanted you to know, we're going home to decorate for Christmas." I had all I could do to mouth a "Thank you" with sound, instead we shared a hug.

The Heidi Search Center of San Antonio, Texas brought me to Texas to extend and share HOPE with them yet it was I who left encouraged and hopeful. Have you experienced a similar situation before, where y H is for "Help", O is for "Other"...my message continues. I remember a time when I didn’t think I could help myself, more or less someone else. Is there anyone feeling like this?  Let me encourage you, YOU can, and probably ARE helping others.

In  our lives, there are people we interact with each day. These are those in our “circle” if you will, like a rubber band – I remember the days and weeks after my sister disappeared, just to shower or brush my hair took great effort. It took the words of someone else to encourage me – one person said, “You look so good, I don’t know how you do it.” On the inside I was falling apart and felt helpless but to others, I was viewed strong.

There are people in your circle watching your strength, determination, perseverance, and actions in awe. You might not recognize the strength you have BUT those in your circle of life – do. 

As you help others, let them help you. This was a great and difficult lesson for me – to receive and accept help yet a valuable lesson to learn, so I share it with all of you.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful
Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that
we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the
same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT

Who are the OTHERS you can think of?
How will you help them?

A Trip to Texas...A Journey of HOPE Part III ~ HELP

If you would of asked me back in June if I could help Crystal and the Heidi Search Center in Texas out, I probably would of said no. Thankfully God doesn't make plans based on our thoughts, feelings, or doubts. In essence, my trip to Texas was my way of helping others. It was a way for me to bring a message of gratitude and thanksgiving to the people from my family and community for living our their mission statement, nearly twenty years ago until today.

The Heidi Search Center (HSC - direct link on above photo) invited me to speak at their banquet to "help" them, yet it was their invitation that "helped" me ~ so we "helped each other". Of course this is a rare and isolated type of helping others yet its one that demonstrates anything is possible. Who would of thought I would ever travel to Texas, especially as a speaker? Not me. I'm grateful for the opportunity and humbled at the same time for God's grace and mercy for opening this door. In truth, it was the HSC who helped me, and they may not even realize it. First and foremost, their invitation helped me realize the message, gift, and story God's given me to share is bigger than I ever imagined.

Secondly, their invitation helped me face some of my fears. The greatest of these - traveling alone. When Crystal asked, "Will you travel to Texas and share your story of hope?" Once the tears stopped, I said, "yes, thank you." It was a couple days later when the reality of what I agreed to set in. "I HAVE TO TRAVEL TO TEXAS...ALONE!"

To cancel was NOT an option. God opened the door for me to do this, so in His strength, protection, and guidance...I go. Months of prayer and preparation came down to the day before I would leave. I had a sense of peace and was ready. I arrived at the airport on Thursday afternoon ready to fly, feeling confident, and excited.

And then...the real adventure began. First, my flight was delayed. I check to see the new arrival time, only to learn I will miss my connecting flight. I join other flyers in line to seek assistance for this alteration of my flight plan. An angel dressed in a United Airlines uniform, Mike, greeted me and said, "Oh, this isn't good. Let me see what I can do." His first option wouldn't put me in San Antonio until 9 p.m. Friday night, after the banquet. How can I help the HSC if I'm still in the air?

I explain to Mike the reason for my trip and the importance of getting to San Antonio. He makes some phone calls, and figures out a way to get me to Texas in time for the banquet but I'll miss the morning time at the center itself. Discouraged and heart broken, I thank him for his help. I call Ed to return to the airport to pick me up. He and Mary make the drive back to the airport to find me red eyed and shaking my head.

In between walking out of the airport and waiting for my chariot, I called Crystal in Texas to update her. She as such an encouragement, sharing a few verses from the Bible with me ~ some of the same ones I read earlier that day. Ed and Mary encouraged me on the way home and assured me all would be well the next day.

Friday morning came and Ed returned me to the airport, earlier than I needed to be but this allowed him to make it to work on time. Thank goodness I was early because once I checked in I was told there was no room on my flight and I wouldn't be able to make it to San Antonio for last night. I explained to this attendant the reason I needed to get there to which she replied, the only way this will happen is if you are on this flight (points to the one boarding), have two connections, and switch airlines. I agree and life is set in motion.

I am on a plane two hours earlier than planned thanks to the help of another. I spend the day arriving late, racing to my next departure, and arriving in enough time to share HOPE with others. If it wasn't for the help of others like Mike and then the attendant, Erika, on my last flight ~ I wouldn't of made it to Texas.

Erika, provided food and drink to a tired and hungry traveler, me. Due to turbulence on my first two flights, the beverage cart couldn't even come out and because there. So instead of passing out for low sugar (I'll have snacks in my bag on the way home, lesson learned), Erika helped me by providing a complimentary meal and kept my soda cup full once they started serving.

A lot of people worked together to help the HSC prepare for a beautiful banquet. People came together to support, encourage, and be there for each other. I made it to San Antonio in time for the banquet because someone helped modify my travel plans around the bad weather's path. Someone helped me by providing nourishment. Some shared Scripture to help me push through my fears and the obstacles.

And hopefully, I helped others know they have hope and are strong. Together, we are a mighty team and when keeping our eyes fixed on Him...anything is possible. Part II of my message: Help OTHERS! YOU can help others! 

Before you start throwing tomatoes at me, hear me out. I remember a time when I didn’t think I could help myself, more or less someone else. Is there anyone here tonight feeling like this? Let me encourage you, YOU can, and probably ARE helping others.

In our lives, there are people we interact with each day. These are those in our “circle” if you will, like a rubber band – I remember the days and weeks after my sister disappeared, just to shower or brush my hair took great effort. It took the words of someone else to encourage me – one person said, “You look so good, I don’t know how you do it.” On the inside I was falling apart and felt helpless but to others, I was viewed strong.

There are people in your circle watching your strength, determination, perseverance, and actions in awe. You might not recognize the strength you have BUT those in your circle of life – do. 

Who are the OTHERS you can think of? These are the people in your circle that help you in your greatest time of need. It’s okay to cry and lean on those around you. Just as you are helping others, let them help you.

This was a great and difficult lesson for me – to receive and accept help.

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.
When they are troubled, we will be able to give them
the same comfort God has given us."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT

Who is the "other" you can help today?

A Trip to Texas...A Journey of HOPE Part II ~ HELP

I arrived at the San Antonio Airport less than two hours before the start of the banquet so once Crystal and I exchanged hugs and tears for finally meeting, we tossed my bags on the back seat, and headed to the hall. After unloading the car, opening the packages I shipped from New York, and helping finish with the set up. It was time to transform from the nine-hour traveler and into their evening's speaker.

A quick outfit changed in the ladies restroom reminded me of my high school sports, changing in the stall after a game and before the dance. I laughed as I maneuvered within the tight space thinking, stalls must have been bigger in the 80's. Or maybe it is I've grown a touch, LOL. Moving on...

Since Crystal and a couple others setting up for the banquet still had to change too, I plugged my curling iron in at the back of the banquet room. With a giant gold Christmas bulb ornament as a mirror, I let the pony tail down, added a few curls, some make up, and surprise, surprise...a refreshed woman appeared. Sweet Tina captured this moment on film, I so can't wait to see it. You know I'll share it when once I have it. For the families of the missing, or the family grieving the loss of a loved one...holidays are difficult. Each year the Heidi Search Center (HSC) in San Antonio decorates a tree, each family of a missing person brings in a ornament and places it on the tree in memory/honor of their missing loved one.

This year was no different. After revealing age progression photographs done my Miss Lydia, Crystal invited families to decorate the tree. Once all the ornaments were placed, we made a circle, joined hands, and said a prayer for our missing loved once, for those in attendance, and all grieving a loss during this holiday season.

With the tree decorated, there was a time of fellowship for the families. Although many tears were shed, the feeling in the room was one of encouragement, remembrance, and hope. And this my friends, was only the beginning of our evening together. Part I of the message I shared: Help Some of you may know or remember Rick Benningfield, he was the search and rescue expert from your center at the time.

Rick brought more than a cowboy hat and boots to New York with him – he brought energy, determination, and the HOPE we NEEDED.



He was a HELP: using his training & experience, he:
 -calmed, reassured, and comforted the family
-assisted, guided, and trained the law enforcement
-a mission and desire to help others. 

The center has equipped each of us to HELP others – listen to the verbs in their mission statement. “Mission Statement: The Heidi Search Center, Inc. assists families, communities and law enforcement agencies in the recovery of missing children and adults at risk by advocating community awareness, facilitating search and location efforts and offering assistance and referrals to those with missing loved ones nationwide. Provides community outreach programs to effectively protect and safeguard children from abduction and exploitation.”

Let's follow their example, live out their mission statement, and help those around us. Tomorrow's blog will introduce you to WHO you can help,
but while you wait, who can you help today?