Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 112

Music and Lyrics have the ability to...

Today I thought I would share a conversation I started on the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page this week for those not on Facebook or that might have missed it.

I posted the following comment:
"While watching the 1st Percy Jackson movie with my daughter an AC/DC song came on, thought of Heidi and just cried. Who knew AC/DC could make someone cry so much. Is there a song that reminds you of a loved one? What is it? What reaction does it trigger? Does it matter when and where you hear it?"

Here are some of the songs people mentioned ~ I posted one via YouTube too.
 "Holes in the Floor of Heaven"
"Who You'd Be Today"
"Turn the page" by Bob Seger
"Butterfly Kisses"
"Last Kiss" by J Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers - What song can you add to the list and why is it special to you?

Diane Estrella Joins the Journey Today

My gosh this month is moving fast, don't you agree? Today is generally a solemn day across the country as we remember the lives lost, sacrificed, and forever changed because of the attack on September 11th, 2001. A friend of mine celebrates her birthday today and since 9/11, their has been a different tone. Of course she celebrates her birthday yet she pauses to pray and remember others too.

This is an important aspect of tragedy, it doesn't only affect one person, one family, or one community. Thousands of people lost their lives because of this attack. Thousands sacrificed time, and lives, to save and rescue thousands. There could be a dark pit in the heart of New York City but instead, the city and our nation rallied to transform it into a place of hope, healing, and light. It wasn't and isn't easy for those directly affected, I can't even imagine their pain.

I lost my sister to kidnapping almost twenty years ago and the pain and loss sometimes breaks my heart. To think of the people who lost one, two, or more loved ones can be overwhelming. How do they do it? Since I don't know them personally I can only make an assumption based on WHO and WHAT gets me through, especially on the tough days - God. You might say, "How can you e joyful or trust God?" I'm going to respond with another question, "How can we not?"

There is hope, healing, and a future after tragedy. Look at how our country rallied and continues to come together. In my small part of the world, I try to share the same qualities through my writing and speaking. Today my friend, Diane Estrella, shares a blog about Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey as a way of introducing others to this idea and possibility.  My book isn't based on 9/11 yet it's shares One Sister's Journey after the loss of her only sister, Heidi M Allen, who remains missing today.

To read Diane's blog about me or Where's Heidi? - click on the photo of Diane or copy and paste this link: http://dianeestrella.com/wheres-heidi-one-sisters-journey-by-lisa-m-buske-and-other-interesting-tidbits/

To visit Diane's site, click on the first photo of Diane's site header or copy and paste this link: http://dianeestrella.com/ Most importantly - say a prayer for all affected by 9/11

TOP's Tuesday: Not Letting Life Get You Down

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles,
so that we can comfort those in any trouble
with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
 
For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, 
so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

If we are distressed,
it is for your comfort and salvation;
if we are comforted, it is for your comfort,
which produces in you patient endurance
of the same sufferings we suffer.

And our hope for you is firm,
because we know that just as you share in our sufferings,
so also you share in our comfort."
2 Corinthians 1:3-7

A portion of this Bible verse opens my book, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. I included a couple more for today's blog to remind me, and you, God doesn't leave us and we are NEVER ALONE! Typically the TOP's Tuesday blog is one to update you on the publishing process, speaking engagements, book signings, and news. No worries, I'll revisit the contests going on this month in honor of Heidi's birthday but for right now, I want to talk to you about HOW I get through the tough days. If you've lost a loved one then you know there are times of the year that tend to be more difficult than others. The date might be the actual day of their death, the day he or she disappeared, the date of diagnosis, a holiday, their birthday, or whatever day or event that triggers the memories of "Before they were gone" and the sadness tends to set in.

I'm going to put it out there, the most difficult times of year for me, the times I miss my sister the most are on her birthday, which is this coming weekend, and a combination of dates in the Spring. April 3, Easter Sunday, and Daylight Savings Time all induce feelings of loss and bring tears for my sweet sister. I spent over a decade after her kidnapping dwelling in the hurt and anything had potential to spiral me into the depths of despair. I wasn't sure I could make it without my sister yet knew, if for no other reason, I must persevere for my parent's sake.

When Jesus spoke again to the people,
he said, “I am the light of the world. 
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12

Ten years into the waiting, a student told me what I needed - "Mrs. Buske, you need Jesus." and invited me to church. This invitation changed my life. I worked hard to stay angry at God - my misplaced blame thrust all my hurt, anger, and grief at the One waiting to hold me when I cried. I hurled insults and nastiness to the heavens because of the pain I lived with each day. It is hard work, and so tiring to fight and stay angry - do you agree?

If you are sick of fighting, tired of anger in the pit of your being, and ready to experience joy - then the next time you look up at the clouds to ask "Why?" to God, simply say, "Help me God! I can't do this on my own." Guess what, we are designed to do it on our own. If it weren't for the hope I have for tomorrow, missing and searching for my sister could quickly bury me into the darkness of my bedroom again BUT I have a choice. I can live life to the fullest and help others or wallow in my own self-pity.

I'll be honest with you, there are times when I want to throw in the towel and call in quits, not to end my life but to quit working, writing, speaking, and forging ahead. I am human. I'm a human who loves and misses her sister so much. Loss is a part of life. You are going to think I'm crazy or maybe even a fanatic for my next statement but I mean it.

When I am ready to pick up the phone and call in or cancel an appointment, GOD ALWAYS, YES ALWAYS, shows me the beauty, goodness, and joy in this world. GOD ALWAYS places a card, text, email, or message before me to say, "Lisa, get a handle girl. Jesus died for your sins. I overcame the world. You don't think I can help you through the day? Get it together and get over yourself. Everyone suffers. Everyone loses. Everyone needs Hope. You can be selfish and stop, or you can lean on me and keep moving forward."

I choose to move forward in His strength, love, provision, and compassion.

If you are saying, "Lisa, you don't get it. I can't." then I challenge you to look at the people around you - who needs you? If you can't do it for yourself, do it for them. You'll be surprised at how good you feel and how it gets easier to do, and be, when you are trusting God to help you each step of the way. Baby steps. Your first step might be getting out of bed, showering, getting dressed, and going to the mail box. Only you know - I'm praying you make the first step.

"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."
Phillipians 4:4-7
POST A PICTURE WITH ONE, TWO, OR ALL THREE OF MY BOOKS IN IT TO FACEBOOK FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!
Be sure you tag me in the picture and post it to my Facebook page so I see it! My parents will be judging this contest and they're bummed no one has entered yet. For more details, click on the picture of the camera. WRITE A REVIEW on AMAZON.COM!

For more details about this contest, and how simple it is to be entered - click on the photograph of the cup full of pencils.
REDUCED PRICING
on Kindle Downloads!!
Only $4.99 How many chances to win will
you take advantage of?

Who or What do you turn to
when life seems to beat you down?

Market Mania Monday ~ One Day Only Sale on "Where's Heidi?"

NOTE: WEATHER PERMITING ~ if it rains and the market is cancelled, the sale will be on Monday 9/23 instead. This summer I spent most Monday evenings at the New Haven Farmer’s Market, located on State Route 104, in the heart of our little town. The market is located in front of the town hall, next to the old Sunoco station, or across from Hazzy’s Tavern – depending on how you orient yourself when driving through town. 

The market is usually open 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. but tonight will only be 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. due to spraying.  The market runs through the end of September. I will be there tonight 9/9, 9/23, and 9/30 weather permitting. I am NOT there on 9/16 due to a prior commitment with the women from church.

September 30th is the last market of the year but I’ve had so much fun, Lord willing, I plan to reserve a spot again next year. Enough market details, do you want to know what the sale is?
TODAY ONLY
(unless it rains, then 9/23 farmer’s market)
 You can purchase
Where’s Heidi?
One Sister’s Journey
for ONLY $10
 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
while supplies last!
 (50 copies available)
Can you believe it? My other two books will be available too:

When the Waves Subside:
There is Hope $10

Encourage Others:
One Day at a Time $5 Thanks for remembering Heidi ~ see you tonight at the market!
Pray the rain holds off until after 6 p.m

Did I go to the bar last night? Yes I did!

Last night my husband, Ed, and I went out. A date night, woohoo! When was the last time you went on a date with your spouse? Do you set aside weekly, monthly, or not at all? If you can’t remember the last date then I suggest you add one to the calendar in ink for this coming weekend. You deserve it!

Dates can be anything from a quiet walk to going out with friends, who are also enjoying an evening away from the kids to stay connected to each other. My favorite date night used to be walking around Breitbeck Park in Oswego, New York, as the sun set. After this we usually transitioned from the serene park to a noisy bar for drinking and dancing.

We still enjoy a quiet walk on a date but typically avoid the bar scene. Something I know now, that I didn’t then, I don’t need alcohol to have fun. If anything, I find life is so much more fun without it. Don’t click the “x”, this blog is not a lecture to avoid the bar, on the contrary, it’s to share our most recent date night with you.

Last night, Ed and I, joined our friends at the local tavern for a good friend’s forty-fifth birthday celebration. The invitation to attend came via Facebook and we accepted, marked our calendar, and made childcare arrangements instantly.  GASP! I went to a bar last night.

GASP! I had fun.

GASP! Ed and I both enjoyed catching up with our friends, some we haven’t seen in years. We even made new friends!


Close your mouth, it isn’t that big of a deal.

Neither Ed or I had to contemplate “to accept” or “not to accept” – we both knew this is where we wanted to be. I grew up in a small neighborhood and this was one of my oldest (no pun intended, lol) friends, so to not go, wasn’t an option.

Am I glad I went? YES!
Do I regret going? NO
Would I do it again? YES!

I won’t apologize for going and feel no need to make excuses. We went and it was a wonderful way to spend our date night. The stories went back to when we were toddling through our teens and into our adult years. My cheeks hurt when I got home from laughing and smiling so much. This is a great problem to have, don’t you think?

In addition to getting reacquainted with old friends and making new ones, there was a ton of delicious food. Some was even gluten free! This was a refreshing surprise so I also learned a couple neat tricks to cooking gluten free and we exchanged the best places to shop based on price and quality. An added blessing to the night for sure. Did I drink? YES!!  had an ice cold Pepsi. Teehee...Gotcha! I’ve learned I don’t need alcohol to have a good time, if anything, I enjoy life so much more without it. 

Is it my place to judge others for their drink selections? NO, I’m not perfect so who am I to snub my nose at anyone because of their choice. I wasn’t there to condemn but to enjoy time with friends and celebrate one’s birthday.

Is there evidence I hung out at the bar Last night? YES there is! In fact, I posted pictures I took on my phone as soon as we got home. It’s been a long time since
we were all out together and who knows when the next gathering will occur or what tomorrow will bring ~ so we captured this new memory on camera. The focus of the pictures isn’t on the location, it’s on the people enjoying each other’s company.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,
a worker who does not need to be ashamed
and who correctly handles the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15

I’d like to share a conversation I had last night that brought tears to my eyes.

While outside in the sprinkles checking in on Mary, I had the opportunity to visit with one of our friends.

I was humbled, thankful, and encouraged by it. I
hope you are too.



Friend: “I was surprised to see you were coming to the party tonight?”
Me:  “Why? I wouldn’t have missed it.”
Friend: “I don’t know. I know this isn’t your scene anymore. You’re a new, no different person. Just didn’t think you would come because it was here. (bar)”
Me: “Thanks for noticing, but, I’m still Lisa, still your friend for the majority of my life. This was an important celebration and I wouldn’t have missed it.”
Friend: “Thanks, you made my day because you came. We have a lot of memories, don’t we?”
Me: “That we do, and now we have another one to add.”

No more words…a hug and we returned to the party inside.

Ladies and gents, it’s okay to join your friends and family for celebrations. I will go as far as to say, even if they are at a bar/tavern. As long as our attendance doesn’t cause us to slip back into the habits and negative routines we fought to overcome. I’m no better than anyone frequenting the bar. I sin, just like you. We all sin and fall short, our sins just have different names and some are more apparent.

My challenge for you is this – There are something we must turn from forever in order to walk with God yet there are many we can return to with our faith rooted, eyes focused, and heart transformed.

How can we witness to our friends and family if we avoid where they are?  We can’t! How do I model and show God’s power and ability to change someone’s heart and outlook if I don’t reconnect, or stay connected, with the people who helped to make me who I am today. How do I meet new people if I stay home?

"Be alert and of sober mind.
Your enemy the devil prowls around 
like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour."
1 Peter 5:8

Fear is not of God – lean on & trust in Him as you step out in faith. Disclaimer: I do not mean to encourage anyone to frequent bars/taverns, to sin, or to walk knowingly into a situation they know is wrong or unsafe. I share this to encourage you to trust God, seek His face first, and be the witness of God’s transformational power to those hurting and searching around you.

Teen Author Alyshia Hull Reviews "Where's Heidi?"

Another exciting day here on the blog. Not only is a Saturday but we have a very special guest sharing a review of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. Teen author, Alyshia Hull, brought tears to my eyes with her kind words and her bubbly personality that springs from her blog to the reader.

I've known Alyshia for nearly a year through social media yet this Spring and multiple times since, I've had the joy to do speaking engagements and book signings with her. She is an extraordinary young woman, her strength and perseverance are a powerful witness to both her peers and adults alike.

I think my favorite part of her review and blog today was to see the growth in her writing. Wow! I thought she was talented a year ago when we "met" yet this review is evidence she continues to study, listen, learn, and improve as a writer. Great job Alyshia!

For a direct link to Alyshia's review of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey - click on the photo of us above or copy and paste the link below:
http://alyshiahullauthor.weebly.com/3/post/2013/09/wheres-heidi.html

For a direct link to Alyshia's website and to learn more about her and her book, A Thousand Miles, click on her photo banner at the top or copy and paste this link:  http://alyshiahullauthor.weebly.com/index.html Thank you Alyshia! Leave a comment of support for this young author here and on her site - let's encourage our youth!

Introducing "Directory of Published Authors" Website (Sept 6)

I can't believe it's Friday already. This first week back to school has gone quickly, as it always does. Mags and I were both in bed and asleep before 9:30 p.m. last night. It's been a couple months since that happened. I feel more rested this morning yet as I look at the accumulated piles and extended lists of things to do, I realize my work weekend begins as soon as I get home. Regardless of the length of any list or the height of any pile, there is some family fun planned for tomorrow morning first!

As we transition into the weekend I would like to give a shout out to any authors and aspiring authors following my blog. I "met" Linda Bonney Olin through a mutual author friend. The common meeting grounds is the Montrose Christian Writers' Conference. Similar to a writers' conference, there are Facebook groups for authors to collaborate, share, and encourage each other throughout the year. Linda always posts encouraging words to others and updates about her books.

One day as I watched my ticker on Facebook one of Linda's posts caught my attention. She shared about an upcoming site for book authors and Indie authors were invited to be join and be a part. It is called "The International Directory of Published Authors" and when an author registers their books, if selected, they are added to the "A" List. I took advantage of this opportunity and wanted to share it with my writing friends today.

If you're not necessarily a writer but you are an avid reader then you want to make this link a favorite. At the top of the page is a tab, "Directory", and you can search all the authors listed by last name. The alphabet is broken into three parts to make your searching a little less overwhelming. Along with their names and websites, there are direct links to their book pages so you can see the title of all their books and current pricing. How cool is that?

Why today you ask? This is the exciting part. Today is the website's debut! I've waited until September 6th, 2013 so I could share about this valuable tool on the very day they make their public debut to the Internet. 

Please stop by and check out this valuable resource. This is a tool for both writers and readers alike. I extend a warm welcome, congratulations and WooHoo! to the International Directory of Authors and their creators - Karen, Joan, and Eileen.
 
Click on the above photo or copy and past the links below:
http://www.directory-authors.com/Getting-Listed.html
 
Getting Listed
www.directory-authors.com
How does a published author get listed in the directory? This page will tell you. To learn more about Linda, her ministry and her books, click on her picture or copy and paste this link: http://www.lindabonneyolin.com/

Writing:
Hymns and faith songs Poems Church skits and longer dramas Bible studies and devotions Mystery and women’s fiction novels-in-progressPuppet ministry scripts and how-to book-in-progress


Education and Work
B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University .In 2007 I retired from the New York State Department of Labor. My 32-year career as a clerk, employment interviewer, unemployment insurance claims examiner, trainer, and manager honed my technical writing skills and taught me a lot about the human condition I’ve been a dairy farm wife since 1973. Trust me, this fits the category of Education and Work.

To learn more , visit her "About Me" page on her website. This is only a snip-it. What is the most exciting part of this new website?

The First Where's Heidi? "Birthday Bash Blog" on the Tour

A wonderful part of writing and speaking is all the people I meet, some virtually, others personally. One of these people is my friend and author, Terri Groh. Our first meeting happened in 2010 when I attended my first writers' conference at the Delta Lake Bible Conference in Rome, New York. Slowly we got to know each other a little better as God crossed our paths at women's retreats and other writing events.

Since then, I've published three books and Terri has one out and another on its way in the near future. I'm excited to read and share her spotlight of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey with all of you and to meet some more of her readers.

To read Terri's spotlight blog about Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, click on the above photo or copy and paste the following link: http://www.heartsinservice.blogspot.com/2013/09/good-reads.html

To view Terri's site and read more information, click on her photo below or copy and paste this link: http://www.terrigroh.com/  Terri's bio from her site:
http://www.terrigroh.com/ 
Click on Terri's photo to visit her site, learn more about her, writing and crafts, and check out her blog.

"I came to know the Lord at the age of 12 and have desired to serve Him from that young age.  I felt His call on my life as a teenager and felt led to go into full-time ministry.  I have a B.A. in Psychology from Nyack College and attended the Alliance Theological Seminary, working on my Masters of
Divinity.

My husband, Dan, and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in June.  We have three beautiful children - Nathan, Stephen and Emily.

We worked for ten years in an inner city, para-church organization and for the past eleven years we have been in church ministry.  I work alongside my husband, an ordained minister in the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

I was the director of a literacy program for ten years, and have extensive experience working with children and adults with reading dificulties.  I currently am available to tutor children with reading difficulties, specializing in the Orton-Gillingham Multisensory method.  I have a craft business,   Terri's Country Crafts & Books .   I love to read, write, bake, and craft.

I also have a blog, Hearts in Service, and would encourage you to visit there for daily encouragement by clicking on the tab above." What is your favorite quote from
"Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey"?

Happy 1st Day of School New York!

As the teachers in the school district I work gathered yesterday to celebrate the start of a new school year many thoughts went to a missing part of our day. A dear friend and teacher let go of the pain and cancer in exchange for true healing and a new life in heaven. Her absence was felt. Our district remembered her and commended its staff and our community for the unity, perseverance, and character exhibited after the loss of a staff member. There was in a moment of silence in her honor. As her friend, hot tears started to flow and I kept trying to quietly wipe them away. Of course the eye liner on my hands and down my cheeks was a clear indication I failed at the attempt to hide my tears.
I cried for her in the morning while getting ready, while driving to school knowing we won't pass each other in the hall or have laugh fests before the kiddos come in. After the tears came prayers. Prayers for her family who miss her more than any of us and experience these moments far more often than us. I prayed for our staff to remember her and move forward. I prayed for me to keep it together so my new team didn't think I was an emotional basket case on their first day of really working with me.

Today's blog is dedicated to her. I remember my first day working in the district and she made her way down the hall to say "Hi," and catch up since we hadn't seen each other since high school. I had the privilege to teacher one of her children for a few years and got to know her better as both teacher and friend.

A cardinal is said to represent hope, love, cheer, pride, focus, energy, and renewal. Hospice says the cardinal represents death and the afterlife. Many of the sites I looked at talked about how hospice workers and families see a cardinal after their loved one dies. I've always loved the beauty of the cardinal and after our friend's death, this brightly colored bird took on a new meaning.

Our keynote speaker yesterday morning reminded us to sweat the small stuff because it's all the little things that add up to make the big things. One little thing that can change the way we think as the new school year begins is this, there is always hope and we need to plant seeds of hope and strength for our kiddos so they can carry on the tradition so well established in our community.

With that said, it's time to get ready for school and to meet my new kiddos! Have a great day! My first day of school jitters are in full swing, love it. Please share a 1st day of school memory below...

TOP’s Tuesday: A Day of First & Ways to Win Reviewed

Today is a day of first. The first TOP’s Tuesday of September. The first day of school and the first time in over ten years I start the school year in a different building with a new team of teachers. With the exception of being shared with our middle school for a year, my home building has been the same. The grade I work in changes yet the actual location, the same. Life is about change and I look forward to the changes God brought to me this year.

I’m working with an amazing teacher and everyone has welcomed me with such joy, the year has only potential for a positive change. An added blessing, of this change, is my assignment. I have the opportunity to work with a friend. 

I look forward to today and meeting the rest of the staff at my new home. It will be an exciting few weeks ~ because of this change and thanks to the #BirthdayBash for my sister, Heidi M Allen’s, birthday.  

For today’s TOP’s Tuesday blog let’s review some of the things happening this month to honor and remember Heidi as her birthdate, September 14th approaches. Ways to WIN FREE BOOKS Take a creative photo of one of my books and share it:
*via a Facebook post (be sure to tag me and post it to the “Where’s Heidi?” or “One Sister’s Journey” page)
or
*mail it to me ( lbuskewriter@aol.com ) if you aren’t on Facebook.
*You can also mail it via the post office: P.O. Box 261, New Haven, New York 13121
NOTE: By entering this contest you give me permission to use your photo on Facebook and my blog. For more details about this opportunity, click on the photo to the left. Write a book review on Amazon.com
If you have read Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey, When the Waves Subside: There is Hope, or Encourage Others: One Day at a Time – to write an honest review during the month of September enters you for a chance to win a FREE book!
For more detail about where and how to write a book review, click on the photo to the right When the Waves Subside: There is Hope is a
FREE KINDLE DOWNLOAD TODAY ONLY!!
Oh yeah… Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey – Kindle version
only $6.99 in September!! This week also starts the blog tour for Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey. I will post each day with a link to the guest bloggers post so you don’t miss them. Be sure to read Terri Groh’s this week as she’ll be sharing of a SPECIAL for next week. You won’t want to miss it. The only way to learn about it is to read her blog too. Have a great day and as always, thanks for remembering Heidi.
There is always hope!
Don't forget to download your FREE copy of #WhenWavesSubside