Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 117

It's A Matter of Perspective

This month marks the beginning of life at Community Alliance Church in New Haven, New York. Our pastor of twelve years has moved on and we are in a time of transition.

This morning's guest pastor packed a powerful, inspiring, and motivating message. He encouraged us to embrace this time of transition and seize the opportunity to select a new pastor, the one God has for us.

Our guest pastor pointed out there are organizations, churches, and businesses that wish they could go back to the transitionary phase of their development - using what they've learned through the years. So instead of grieving our loss, we move forward in anticipation of who God has for us.

Pastor Al also challenged us on a personal level. He brought to the forefront something God's placed before me a few times in the past year. Moving forward in faith, the best way to go. Are you moving forward in faith or fear?
Why?

The aroma remains long after the harvest...

Have you noticed the home grown garlic on the road sides in the past week? It's that time of year. If you are simply a lover of garlic you may not realize the work for this year's harvest actually started last fall. As the temperatures decline and snow blankets the earth, newly planted garlic begin the transition from a clove to a head of garlic.

Above the ground there isn't much evidence of this change or growth yet come spring, green peeks through the snow in hopes of absorbing sunshine to help it grow to its fullest potential. We are similar garlic, if you think about it. We spend the good part of a year in utero, trusting our mother for proper nourishment. Her lifestyle is an indicator of our future development after birth. 

A cold winter, wet spring, and dry summer produce a nice sized, and healthy, garlic. A mother who gets enough rests, provides proper nourishment, and takes her supplements will most likely give birth to a healthy baby.   Other times though, it doesn't matter if you have the best of situations, circumstances, and met needs. Parents provide the best for their children yet not every child cultivates all the lessons taught and applies them to life.

If the garlic didn't absorb the soil's nutrients, accept the sunshine, and reach upward to its full growth...it would die. Do you see the stalk-like greenery shooting from the tops of the garlic? These are called scapes. If you want a larger head of garlic, you must cut them so all the nourishments go to the garlic beneath the ground, not the shoots above the ground. Isn't this similar to how God will use our trials and stressors to rely only on Him. If we become to dependent on the scape reaching for something other than the path God's designed for us, we need a little help and direction to stay on course.

Regretfully, this sometimes means having the temptation, false hope, sheep in wolve's clothing, false idols, addictions, or whatever it might be ~ CUT from and away from us. This is a painful and frustrating process yet God doesn't do things to purposely harm us when we seek to serve Him and do our best. So when God removes the scapes from your life, you have a choice. You can toss the lessons learned into a pile to rot or you can embrace the lessons, reflect on them, and move forward.

A garlic plant's scape taste delicious and adds great flavor to the same foods you'd add garlic to. The scape isn't a waste product but a necessary component of the plant to enhance its growth potential.

Think of the troubles, trials, and stressors in your life like the scape. It might not appear to be necessary but when we acknowledge its presence, snip it out of our life, and get refocused ~ the potentials are endless if we are following God's plan, not our own. After the cutting, there is a time of brokenness. It's during this time we relinquish our control and rely on the Only One capable of helping us THROUGH the tough time.

We may wreak of pain, sorrow, hurt, and ugliness as the blades of life remove any of the struggles from our life yet in the end...our bowl of life fills with something potent and powerful. A byproduct of the pain is hope and healing, a drive to share this knowledge with others, and the desire to trust God. The growth process takes a lot of time. Personally I think we are (or should be) always growing while here on earth. Seize each moment to be the best man, woman, and child of God you can.

Garlic isn't cut to perfection and white during the growth or harvest processing. Instead it's dark and dirty but with the right care, it's pulled from darkness to be cleaned and prepared for its debut as a pure, clean, and white garlic.

We are not perfect nor will we ever be so. Only Jesus was yet through His death on the cross - He spent OUR time in darkness so we have the hope of eternal life and light in heaven with God. How cool is this? And yes, God gave me this blog through the process of planting, nurturing, and harvesting our garlic. Always something to learn. Full grown, with the dirt washed away, & ready for tomorrow!

Christmas in July? Not really...

A favorite option I have with my blog host is the ability to have multiple drafts saved at one time. When I work full-time, Monday through Friday, I usually write my blogs for the week and save them as a "draft" so I can post quickly as part of my morning routine prior to leaving for work. During the summer, I still use the draft folder but in different ways.

In addition to the completed blogs awaiting the day they'll make their way to a live post, there are some that only contain snapshots of an idea. An idea, video, song, Scripture verse, or photograph that grabs my attention. I might not have the time to write blog so I just set a temporary title and make notes in the text portion so I remember my purpose for saving that particular item. Sometimes if I haven't made notes within the draft, I forget the initial inspiration and sadly, it's deleted.

Other times I've worked on a blog sporadically over a few days or months, waiting for the "right" time to post it. The idea and photographs for an upcoming blog started last fall, I took the last photograph for this blog only yesterday. A work in progress.

I enjoy blogging and sharing the tidbits of life with all of you. During the summer and vacations I dedicate time to sifting through my draft folder. First and foremost, to weed out drafts that will never develop into a blog. It might have been a stellar idea when I created it but now that I'm awake or less emotional, it doesn't work. Once this is done, I spend time finishing up some of the drafts so they are ready to post.

Sadly, some of my ideas that once were a draft, are deleted. Take today's blog for instance. I have no idea why I saved this photograph in a blog as a draft! Oh my gosh. The only thing I know is that as I read through my draft folder, the original title caught my attention. It was something about building a snowman. I know, right?!

With the mouse positioned over the "delete" button I paused, then moved the mouse to open the draft. I changed the title and wrote this blog. The photograph has no spiritual value or great lesson I learned to share with you BUT there is one thing this photo did ~ it created emotion and brought a smile and laughter to me early on a Friday morning. I remember the evening this photo was taken and all the fun Mags and I had that night taking goofy photos and decorating the Christmas tree. It's a memory.

How many times have you been cleaning out a drawer, reorganizing furniture, or even opening a book when a photograph falls out? You know the instances I'm talking about, right? For instance, yesterday as I searched for the various index cards and books I logged my friends and families special dates in (to add to my new book, see tomorrow's blog), an envelope from Fays fell from behind the books. It was wedged in the back. I opened it and with tears found a picture of my father-in-law holding one of his new great-grandchildren in 2008. A year before he left us to join Jesus in heaven.

A photograph holds our memories until the paper wears or is destroyed. A memory to invoke laughter, tears, or peace. Yesterday's photographic find brought both a smile and tears. Today's photograph, a laugh-out-loud and ear-to-ear grin. Both important people and memories, remember to take pictures, today's photo is tomorrow's memory. What picture appeared expectedly that took your breath away?

One Eighth Grader's Journey of Discovery ~ "A Thousand Miles"

A few days after Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey release, Miss Alyshia Marie Hull released her first book, A Thousand Miles. Although there are a couple decades between us in age, our passion to write is very similar. This past fourth of July, I spent the day at the Oswego County Fair with Alyshia, and other Oswego County authors. This wasn't my first time meeting her, or spending time together as "authors".

We met the first time at the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey on April 3, 2013. She was (no is) so adorable! We posed for a picture, which I saw on her website when linking it to this blog. (Click on any photo for links to her blog, website, and Amazon to purchase the book) I'm just flattered, thank you Alyshia.

I missed her book release because I was out of town for a speaking event but God orchestrated an evening together in the months to come. After an evening at the Mexico Public Library, I purchased my copy of A Thousand Miles and had it signed. I'm ashamed to admit, I just sat down to read it. I LOVED it, and read it in an afternoon while enjoying a day on the deck. Oh my goodness...
LOVE this book & the precious, brave,
and young woman who wrote it! First and foremost, Miss Alyshia inspires and encourages me with her strength to publish this book. She isn't afraid to share her experiences from within the walls of the resource room at school. Some of you might not realize, I work as a teachers' assistant.

My first assignment was working in an elementary school's resource room. These are amazing students. Their drive to learn, push the limits, and work hard are greater than your traditional student, something many don't realize and one of the reasons I love my job so much.

Alyshia hooked me from the beginning because there are teachers across the globe who will say, "I have an 'Alyshia' in my class." Some students will rebel and try to hid from their learning disabilities and struggles, but this young woman, Miss Alyshia Marie Hull, embraces them and uses them to motivate her to do more, go above and beyond, and reach her goals. Rock on Alyshia!

A few quotes from the book -
Chapter 9: "My body moved quickly through my room, seeming to stir a cold wind with each step I took. You could almost feel the strength of the desire I had for doing this. (writing her book)...I felt unstoppable, especially when I came to the end, reading over the words I already had written."

Chapter 29: "I could hear her crying again, but was too hurt to look. I knew she still loved me but I couldn't see why. I knew she was mad, but not forever. Worst of all, the trust she had in me disappeared and I knew I may never get it back, nor did I deserve it."

I kept reading and cheering for her main character, Alicia Jean as she experienced the stressors of being in the resource room for eighth grade. I laughed at the classroom antics, smiled at the relationship between the teachers and students, and cried as friendships were formed and strengthened. I
 
cried when the plot shocked me and had me reread. My heart dropped and the suspense kept me reading. Tears for the loss, the near loss, and restored hope and unity. I wasn't prepared for the thickened plot and the books ending. I finished the book with a lump in my throat, joy in my heart, and anticipation for the rest of Alicia's journey with her new found realization - if you want more details, you'll have to read the book. Click on any photo for a link to her blog, website, or Amazon. I included them all. Thank you Alyshia - you are an inspiration to many. A few words from the author herself, Miss Alyshia Marie Hull... "My name is Alyshia Marie Hull and I was born July 12th 1997. I am fifteen years of age and I am loving life more then thought I could! Such as my novel A Thousand Miles I wrote this and published it after the heartbreak I had from my eighth grade year ending. Writing the novel allowed me to enjoy my summer and eventually the days I have been living. A Thousand Miles has changed my life and has made me a stronger believer in God! My expectations on myself have been set much higher and I have become a stronger person since the day I wrote page one. My dreams have grown bigger and the biggest wish I have for myself is to make it on Ellen. Burbank California is something I say I would do anything for. I am reminded a lot, “you will do a lot for it, not anything.”

Outside of school I spend most of my time writing or doing things normal teens do. I am a country girl all the way and that's the way I like it! If you asked me the things I don't like or tolerate I would say the classic answer bullying. I have seen people bullied, listened to the stories and understood it most when I became the victim. The girl who bullied me is someone I have forgiven. It is what it is, there is good in all people and who am I to judge.

After I graduate I will live life to the fullest. Maybe I wont be the next Nicholas Sparks or J.K Rowling but one thing I can promise is that I will give it my all. In ten years, I would like to say I am an author and that I have created my own challenge to help kids dreams come true. But most of all I will say my name is Alyshia Marie, and I am giving life my all. No matter where I am writing will be my escape, my passion and a dream of mine!​" About the book...
Three Words That Seem So Simple Are Now The Hardest To Say I NEED YOU.... 

Alicia Jean Tipmen faces her biggest fear yet, her eighth grade year. Her world may change forever, when her new classmate and new teacher step in . But when one promise is not made, this family  could be separated for life. It's now up to the students to do the unthinkable. But will they go to far?

Take a moment to leave a comment of encouragement
for this brave and talented young author!

Celebrating Summer and the Indie Life

Hello everyone! Can you believe a month has passed since our last "Indie Life" monthly post? I can't. Time flies when you are having fun, and to be the self published author is SO MUCH fun! In the past week I've spent time with other Indie authors. This is one of my favorite aspects of the indie life, the power to choose when and where I'll travel for book signings and speaking engagements.

Prior to being an author myself I served on the Oswego Reading Council's board, as publicity chair and then as president. One of the responsibilities our team managed each year was to secure guest authors to speak at our monthly dinners for the teachers of Oswego County. We spent months contacting, scheduling, and planning for authors of different genres and presentation styles. The goal was to engage, educate, and inform local educators while also promoting the guest author.

On more than one occasion an author refused our invitation to speak at our events because their "publisher" wouldn't allow them to. Although the author was speaking to a school in the area, at the college, or a local book store ~ they weren't "allowed" to speak to our organization. Other times, the author could speak but at a cost well above our budget. So, it was a challenge yet one that prepared me for this journey, as author.

As an indie author, I don't need anyone's permission to accept or refuse an engagement. If our local library or bookstore call, I can accept. If I want to set a tent up at the local farmer's market, in the heart of my community, I can (and have). Of course, with a publisher or agent scheduling your bookings, they negotiate prices to ensure the author is making money and not losing it. An aspect of the indie life I personally find very challenging. With each new speaking engagement, I'm learning.

I'm learning as I go with the help of other authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs. A successful indie life isn't one traveled alone, it requires the ability to give and receive help, advice, and support of others. I'm thankful each day for God's leading to self publish and for the people He's placed in my life to move me forward with His plan, not mine.

I have two books out currently with the third to be released later this week. A tidbit about each is below. Click on the book cover for a direct link to Amazon.com for more information or to purchase any of my books. Releases This Week Encourage Others: One Day at a Time is more than a book, it's an organizational tool.

I am blessed with memories of my mom, Gram, aunts, and great-aunts making notes on their calendars for births, deaths, anniversaries, and other special dates.

Over the years I've tried to carry on this priceless tradition - to encourage others in times of joy and sorrow. At first I used a calendar, copying the information over from year to year. Then I switched to an index card organizational. Neither seemed to work for me.

Hence the reason for this book - this is my attempt to carry on the tradition inspired by the matriarchs of my family...

To Encourage Others,
One Day at a Time Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey is one sister's journey after the kidnapping of her only sister, Heidi M Allen. I wrote this book to share hope and healing with others grieving the loss of a sibling.

Although I received contract offers to publish this book, I decided to self publish in order to maintain the release date of my choice, April 3. On 4/3/1994 my sister Heidi disappeared and so did my faith and hope for the future.

On 4/3/2013, this book released on the 19th anniversary of Heidi's kidnapping to share the hope, healing, and strength available to the hurting through a relationship with Jesus. When the Waves Subside: There is Hope was only meant to be an anniversary gift for my parents. After they shared their gift with others, they heard, "Where can I get a copy?" It was their decision to make the book available to the public. 

The response to this book is both overwhelming and encouraging at the same time. Since its release I changed the back's write-up to dedicate the book for any grieving parent, not just the parent of a missing child because of the response from parent's living life without their precious child.

The premise of When the Waves Subside is the beauty and strength of a parent missing their son or daughter. Similar to the broken glass beaten by the waves, they come out of the water stronger and more beautiful because of the journey, "sea glass" or "glass rocks" ~ not broken anymore. Visit some other amazing Indie authors - click on their name below. If you have a story to tell and a passion to write...
then what's holding you back? Join the ranks of the Indie!

TOP's Tuesday ~ An Exciting "NEW" Book Announced

The start of summer has been wonderfully busy and peacefully relaxing, all at the same time. Are you asking, "How is this even possible?" I don't have the answer for you but know how to answer for me. I would compare it to retirement. Did your eyes just get large with raised eyebrows? I hope so.

My parents are ALWAYS busy yet in retirement, it's a busy they chose. Whether they spend the day "puttering" (their puttering would put some of us to shame, they putter harder than most work, lol) here and there or enjoying a day of errands ~ their attitude is positive and joyful. Dad assures me that although it might appear they are "busy", in truth, they are just enjoying life to the fullest and doing the things they want to do, when they want to do them. So...wonderfully busy and peacefully relaxing!

Since the last day of school we've enjoyed hours on the deck relaxing, read a couple books, had a few book signings, scheduled another book signing (this Friday 4 - 8 at the Lewis County Fair), logged some pool time, shopped, prepared for upcoming visits with family and friends later this week, published a new book, and so much more. Although this has kept us busy, we are enjoying every minute because like my retired parents, we're enjoying the freedom of summer vacation.

Did you catch the news I slid into the latter part of my list? Yes, I have a new book coming out later this week. Encourage Others: One Day at a Time.

This isn't a novel, novella, coffee table book, or even a book of poetry. Instead, this is a tool to help you organize all the important dates associated with the people you care for the most. As a child I watched my Mom, Gram, great-aunts, and aunts dedicate time to send cards and share baked good with those needing a pick-me-up.  Births, deaths, wedding anniversaries, and celebrations were recorded on “the” calendar. At the close of each year, they were transferred to following year’s calendar so no one would be forgotten. 

A name written meant there was a reason to pray and encourage someone on that date. In addition to prayer, tangible remembrance and celebration blessed them too on occasion.  A tradition I pray to pass on to my daughter, grandchildren, and hopefully YOU This book is divided by the months of the year.

Each month then has four categories to organize your information.  These are:  birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Anniversaries of Death, and miscellaneous dates someone might need a little encouragement. Keep this resource with your address book, near the telephone, or in your purse. You never know when there will be cause to add a new life event and opportunity to bless and encourage someone else. When is the last time you sent a note or card to let someone know you were thinking of them? Praying for them? Or just to say Hi!? Want to organize your lists? Available July 13, 2013
Click on the book cover for a direct link to Amazon.com Just scheduled: Book Signing at the Lewis County Fair THIS FRIDAY from 4 - 8 pm under the Grandstand. Heading to the north country!

Happy Anniversary to My Blog - One Sister's Journey

Three years ago, this week, this blog came to be. I share a little of this in my book, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey so I know some of you know part of the story but thought I would share a little more to celebrate the anniversary.

I attended my first writers' conference in 2010. The annual Christian Writers' Gathering at the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center located in beautiful Rome, New York. It was at this very conference God ignited the spark to get to work on Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey and to start a blog. I didn't even know what a blog was three years ago and today blogging is one of my favorite things to do each day.

Blogging is virtual journaling, sharing your innermost thoughts, and be authentically apparent to your readers. Well, this is the Lisa Buske definition anyway. Does this sound right to you? How would you modify and/or add to it? Since I didn't actually know what a blog was, I sought out my local expert, my then eleven year old daughter. In addition to calling home to say, "I'm on my way.", I asked Mags if she knew what a blog was and how to set one up.

She was excited and quick to say, "Of course, I'll have some choices for you when you get here." While I drove more than hour home, she diligently searched, researched, and narrowed down my blog choices to three by the time I crossed the threshold. Before I could even put my bags down, Mags met me at the door, dragged me to the computer, and pushed me into the chair.  She was talking so fast, it was hard to keep up. I realized at that moment God not only blessed us with a daughter but a computer savvy and smart one, with a heart to serve and help. The first six months of the blog, I blogged every few days. My numbers averaged about one-hundred or so a month. This was amazing to me. To those who are of the first one-hundred taking time to follow the blog, thank you.

Three years later, God keeps encouraging and amazing me through your response and interest in this blog. From 100 views a month to over 11,000 views in the last month, and nearly 10,000 of these are unique visitors (means you visited my website/blog once). There are 1,000 of you that visit here more than once a day,  oh my gosh! I'm blessed, humbled, and I have to admit...just plain excited to see how God is working through me, my writing, and speaking. Only God could grow a website from 100 to 11,000 in three years. Wow!

It was probably five years ago when my oldest and dearest friend Karen suggested I "blog". I didn't know what it was and the idea of sharing my life via the Internet made me so nervous. There are many days when I think, "Why didn't I do this when Karen suggested it?" The only answer I have is, it wasn't time yet.

To blog and share hope, healing, Lisaisms (like that word?), the good and not so good days, and the silly and stupid things I do in my life with all of you...is encouraging.

YOU help to keep me focused, motivated, inspired, and honest! Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, inspiration, motivation, love, remembering Heidi, and following the blog.

If you could sum up how this blog does any of these things for you into one to two sentences, what would they be? Please share in a comment below. Note: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT in
tomorrow's blog...
Best Open Our Kind eyes to a new RELEASE!! How does this blog encourage, inspire, motivate, remind, or ??? you as you read it?
Leave a 1 - 2 sentence comment below. 

Oswego County Authors...A Day at the Fair

Mags and I spent the fourth of July at the Oswego County Fair at the "Local Authors" section of the fairgrounds. In addition to meeting some amazing people as they walked through the building and stopped to visit, our day was made all the more enjoyable because of the company we kept in our section. I want to introduce you to the local authors who spend the 4th of July at the fair with me. ~ Little Ol' Me ~ To order either of my books, click on the photo to the left or visit Amazon.com.
"Lisa M. Buske's sister, Heidi M. Allen was kidnapped on April 3, 1994 never to be seen or heard from again. God has taken a tragic instance of her life and transformed it into a life saving occurrence. She writes with passion and out of obedience for the God who saved her knowing others need to hear her story.
Her life proves it is possible to survive when God is part of the equation. Lisa's husband Ed, daughter, Mary and her parents serve as Lisa's team as she writes and speaks. Lisa's faith in God and dedication to family motivate and inspire her to do and be the best woman, wife, mother, and sister she can be."  ~ Meet Alyshia Hull ~ To read Alyshia's book, One Thousand Miles - click on the phono to to the right or visit Amazon.com

"Three Words That Seem So Simple Are Now The Hardest To Say I Need You. . . Alicia Jean Tipmen faces her biggest fear yet her eighth grade year. But when her new classmate and teacher step in her world may change forever. When one promise is not made this family could be separated for life. Its now up to the students to do the unthinkable but will they go to far?" ~Meet Eileen Parsons ~ To read Eileen's book, The First Rose of Summer, click on the photo to the left or visit Amazon.com.
"At twenty-six, Paul Matthews has attained wealth, position, and popularity as a financial manager in one of New York’s leading companies.  His life of fast  cars, expensive restaurants, and beautiful women is the envy of his peers and  one he believes will keep him satisfied—until Brooke comes into his life.  Brooke’s beauty captures his attention the moment he sets eyes on her. Her  intelligence, talent, and strong character cause him to consider what part she  may play in his life.  Her strong faith, however, reminds him of a past he has  long tried to forget, one he rejected long ago and to which vowed never to  return." ~ Meet Nancy Henderson ~

To learn more about Nancy and the books she writes click on the photo to the left or visit amazon.com.

"Hello!  I'm Nancy Henderson, and I write historical and paranormal romance.  Sometimes I combine the two.  History is my first love, and I'm currently delving into a brand new series starring five brothers and the women who melt their hearts.  http://www.always-a-story.com" ~ Meet Margaret Streitenberger ~ To learn more about Margaret and her illustrator, click on the photo to the right for a direct link to her website.

"Magaret Streitenberger worked as a teacher and an accountant.  As an adult she chose to share her home with various animals whom she found to be wise, witty, companionable, intrusive, creative and entertaining.  She loved reading stories that included animals, especially if the cat or dog helped to solve a mystery. Margaret began her dream of book publishing in 2010 by becoming an independent publisher.  She currently has authored and published 3 books available locally and from this website and was a contributing author in Driftwords: Poems, Stories and Essays from The Denim Poets Society, a literary anthology by writers of Oswego, NY, 2012.
Margaret can be reached at:  tumbleweeds@tailsandtales.com
~ Meet A.L. Daniels ~ To order A. L. Daniels recent release, Breaking the Silence, click on the photo to the left or visit Amazon.com.

"In a single moment Kate's life was changed forever. After learning that her
autistic daughter had been abused at the hands of her twelve-year-old brother, Kate Rose spent years trying to cope with her family's tragedy. She nearly gave up hope when the justice system refused to protect her daughter and was exhausted at the long, drawn-out trial that seemed to go nowhere. Years later she is finally able to put the past behind her and becomes an advocate for those still living in silence. Taking the stage at the End Violence Against Women Conference, Kate tells the audience how she lived through the worst years of her life, and offers hope to victims still living with their secret." ~ Meet Tracy L Kinne ~ To order Tracy's books click on the photo to the right or visit Amazon.com. A special note about Tracy, she is one of the reporters who covered my sister's disappearance for the Post Standard in 1994. I was overwhelmed and didn't know what to say, but...thank you!
"Tracy Kinne, a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, has been a journalist for nearly three decades. She is a writer and editor, and author of "On Sale: Employers Get Good Workers Dirt Cheap," a memoir of her four years working as a cashier and sales associate at a big box store." I was encouraged, inspired, and blessed to spend the day with these wonderful authors and women. I hope you'll visit their sites too.

"When the Waves Subside" Inspires a New Creation: Part II

As children, Heidi and I were always in pictures. We are from a family of amateur and aspiring photographers. It was fun to pose for the camera and even more fun when we got old enough to start taking pictures ourselves. All of these photos are priceless treasures and blessings to me and my family today.

With each project we've tackled as a family, we make sure to capture the process in pictures. Yesterday I introduced my idea and our plan to preserve our family's glass rock collection.  Are you wondering why I didn't just leave them in the jar to pass on to our children? Well, wonder no more. In recent speaking engagements I've read When the Waves Subside: There is Hope aloud to the audience. The first time I was so choked up I had to pause, swallow, and pray to get through to the end without crying nonstop. It also helped me to appreciate the value of this book.

A book written as a gift to my parents so they know how strong and amazing I think they both are. Our glass rock collection consists of rocks found with Heidi during our childhood, while others are ones from trips to the lake with my husband and daughter. The tradition continues. The collection of these rocks sits on top of the bookshelves in our living room. Each time I looked at it, I thought, "How can I enjoy the beauty and reminder each of these rocks represent?" Yet no answer or idea...until the wee hours of one morning when God inspired me.
Today, a small portion of our glass rocks are visible daily. Each a shining reminder of memories, hope, and love of family. I
n order to have the glass topping, it required two different liquids being slowly combined, then stirred. Once both in the cup, there was only minutes to mix and pour the mixture on top of the stones. It's all about timing. Do you notice the green and white stones bordering the outer edge of the tray? A soft reminder of my Mom's favorite color, green, and the white to remind me that through baptism, we are wiped clean, pure, and new. After the glass topping was added we noticed the rocks changing. The white turned clear. The sand dollars and star fish absorbed the liquid glass and changed color also. All but one glass rock remained it its assigned position.

Just like with God, no matter how hard we try to plan our lives, He has a plan for us. My design was altered by chemical reaction and a gentle force. I wish all I ever needed from God was a gentle push or slight reaction to reposition my plan to match His BUT sometimes, okay, often, I try to do it on my own ~ in my time, my strength, and my desires. Thank goodness He is always repositioning me, and loving me through the whole process.

In the Sonlight and upon close inspection you can see the stone that moved from it's original position. If you look closely, you can see the white rocks turned clear. If you lift the tray you'll get a work out because of its weight. Yet in the end, it is a work of beauty and perfection. A one of a kind, made with love, and a special addition to our house.

You are a one of a kind, made with a Father's love, and a special addition to the world. Remember, God doesn't make mistakes. We're not meant to be perfect, just obedient, willing to move. Do you have a memory to preserve? It's not too late...

"When the Waves Subside" Inspires a New Creation: Part I

A couple months ago the Lord woke me up in the middle of the night with an idea. I waited, prayed on it, and then shared the thought with my Dad to surprise my Mom. Dad loved it and we sat in his shop making plans.

When our daughter was a toddler my mom always brought snacks on a small wooden tray she made in eighth grade shop class. It was this memory and tray that sparked an idea Dad and I quickly started planning and preparing to make a reality. Originally I wanted it to be a surprise for my Mom but within the first moments of planning, Dad and I knew Mom would enjoy being a part of the process too.

We shared the idea with mom. She loved it too but thought we should only make one, not two. I wanted her to have her own but the more we planned, we realized it would be too heavy for her to lift, even when empty.

The first step was to sort our collection of glass rocks. The very same "sea glass" or "glass rocks" inspiring When the Waves Subside: There is Hope. Now that the glass rocks are sorted, it was time to start planning the design. I took pictures of the sorted colors so I could think on it for a few days. It was a discussion over dinner and after school too. Once they were designed and glued, there was no going back ~ so I prayed for a design that would reflect the array of colors and love contained in the sorted piles. I thought it would be fun to make this "with" my Dad. I never expected we would start with a raw cut piece of lumber and turn it into beautiful pieces of wood.

Dad chuckled a little as I nodded politely when he showed me this board and said, "We can use this." My response, "Okay, the rocks will cover it up." We both laughed. Dad assured me it wouldn't look like this when we finished using the planer. Dad's eye for seeing the inner beauty of a piece of lumber is amazing to me. He saw this finished board instantly but I only saw something worthy of igniting a bonfire. I was amazed and inspired each time we sent the board through the planer. With each time through, the wood became smoother and more beautiful. If the planer is life's stressors or tragedy and we are the board, think about how beautiful we are when we come through the other side. With God guiding us with loving and tender hands "through" the trial. More beautiful in the end...

Just like the stones and this wood - when we trust God to get us through the process...something more beautiful than we could even imagine is the result. Can you picture the tray we built?
To see the finished product, read tomorrow's blog!
What inspired a family project in your life?