Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 12

Remember to Keep a Positive Outlook

What are you anxious about today?
What struggles are you facing?
What are you praying for?
What are you thankful for?

These verses from Philippians remind us not to be anxious about "anything", yup, you are reading this correctly. We aren't meant to be anxious, worried, overwhelmed, nervous, or wrought with nervousness about a situation. Instead, we are called to pray and thank God.

This coming week, on my podcast, Keeping it Real: One Sister's Journey , I'll focus on having a positive impact. We can't let the circumstances and people in our life steal our joy, rob us from peaceful sleep, or drive us to depression. Often, a positive outlook will get you through a a tough patch BUT when it's a chronic and never-ending circumstance, you NEED God. God will walk with you, carry you, and sustain you WHEN you present your requests to Him.

You don't have to go through the challenging time alone, call on God. Talk to your BFF, Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit whisper peace and protection over and through you.  If you want to learn more about maintaining a positive attitude, check out next week's podcast series on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Have a great Saturday!
Are you leaning on God and calling on Him?
What is holding you back?

I'm Thankful for All of You...

Thank you for taking time out of your day, or evening, to read my blog. I’m encouraged and inspired by the way God is working in our lives. If you haven’t checked out my podcast, Keeping it Real: One Sister’s Journey , I hope you will. There is a direct link to the side of this blog. This past June I made a prayerful decision to change up my podcast format. At first I thought, ugh, my listenership dropped, and I prayed about going back to my original formatting, but I didn’t. In my heart I knew God called me to spend a week on one topic to encourage, uplift, and inspire others.
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I’m so thankful for my listeners: past, present, and future yet my thankfulness to God for the way He works through me is such a blessing. I share this to encourage all of you. If I gave up then I would have missed the blessing. God has increased my listeners. God is using little ol’ me and a country girl’s podcast to share His love with others. It is a humbling feeling to know God cares so much for His people, and even a woman like myself, that He will bless us because we obey. God loves us, you, and me, enough to use people like me, and you, to encourage, uplift, and inspire others. How cool is that!?

God is using you, like He uses me. Do we always say yes and allow God to use us as His ambassador to grow His Kingdom, share His love, hope, and peace? I can’t answer yes to this question, wish I could, but I can’t. As a human, I often give in to the world’s leading instead of God’s. I share this so you can see a real-life example of something that might be small to someone else but to me, is HUGE. I enjoy podcasting, blogging, writing, speaking, and now to share healthier eating options. I give all the glory to God. If I weren’t following His lead, I wouldn’t see the benefits.  The benefits aren’t in dollar bills. The best things in life don’t have price tags and are not measured by the amount of money in one’s bank account. While it would be nice to have a 30, or 60-day reserve in our bank account, we hold something far greater. I’ve been blessed to hear from listeners, readers, and customers who are encouraged, uplifted, and have hope because God used me to be a little nugget in their life. I’m overwhelmed by the number of people listening to my podcast, reading this blog, following my cooking page, and then taking the time to reach out and say thank you.

It is I that should thank you! Thank you for reaching out to let me know God has touched your heart, that some little nugget I shared brought you the encouragement you needed, at the moment you needed it. Often in life, we are used by God and may never know. The Bible asks us to lead, share, and model His love and provision and to never expect recognition, and possibly to know if we made a difference. Some of the things that brought me the most joy are the things no one knew were me yet to know God can use a small-town girl like me to encourage someone else is motivating and encouraging.

Thank you for being God’s angels and encouragers in my life! I hope you have a great day, week, and month. Your time is precious, and I appreciate you making time to learn and experience life with me. What is 1 reason you follow the blog or podcast?
What inspires and encourages you the most?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Revisiting My Goals

What goals do you have written down? When is the last time you revisited them? Is it time to update, modify, or set new ones? Are you ready to dedicate time to this process to ensure future success?

I am big on lists, goals, and revisiting them periodically throughout the year. As a teaching assistant for a local elementary school, the schedule I follow to revisit my goals lines up with the school calendar. Yesterday was Columbus Day, so I spent time looking over the goals I set. 
This is an encouraging process for the most part. I never expect to reach all my goals. You might find this odd, the idea to set goals you know our out of your reach yet I find it healthy. "If your dreams don't scare you they aren't big enough.", hence the reason for setting big goals. These goals push, motivate, and encourage me What is the worst thing that could happen? If I reach the all, success! If I don't, I have motivation to keep going and striving. It's a win-win!

With this in mind, what goals have you set? When is the last time you revisited them and put a plan in motion to reach them? I try to do this a few times a year, if not each quarter. It keeps me focused and moving forward. In 2016 I released a book, Goal Setting for a Renewed You: Because You Deserve It , to help people set and follow up with goal setting. If you want more information about this book and to order a copy, click here. I know a few people who purchased the book and they enjoyed it and use it when they follow-up and do a check in with their goals. Check it out.

I updated and set new goals this past weekend. When you do this, it's important not to overwhelm yourself with too many goals. I try to write down a main goal (or two) then mini-goals as a plan of attack. I won't bore you with all the goals and their mini-goals, but here are the areas I like to set goals, with potential mini-goals in:
*Spiritual
     *Bible Reading
     *Study
*Writing
     *Word's Written
     *Publication
*Business
     *Number of Parties/events
     *Marketing
*Health & Wellness
     *Exercise
     *Eating
*Financial
     *$ to savings
     *Debt pay off

My book,  Goal Setting for a Renewed You: Because You Deserve It , offers more details and help with this process but this is where I start. This past weekend I focused on my spiritual, health & wellness, and business goals. Where will you start? I'm optimistic for the future and where God is leading. Goal setting may not be your thing, maybe this time you start by writing down two or three things you hope to accomplish. Place this list someplace where you will see it, even if it's in your purse or wallet. In a couple months, check in with yourself and see how you are doing. It's self-motivating when you set goals and see how accomplished you can be when you put  your mind to it. Keep it up and NEVER give up. You've got this!
When is the last time you set or updated your goals?

What you see when you look in the mirror

YouThis picture was taken earlier this week in the middle of my workout. Are you wondering why I'd snap a picture in the midst of a sweaty, fogged glasses, and messy hair moment?

Here's the deal, as I busted a hump on the treadmill and wanted to stop I looked up to see my reflection in the mirror. My first thought was, "Oh goodness, you are a train wreck Lisa." I had a choice to make. The choice wasn't to stop cardio.

Here is the choice you and I have each day. We can look in the mirror and focus on the wreckage and the imperfections OR we can celebrate what we are doing to improve, encourage, and uplift ourselves. I don't exercise to impress anyone. This is an activity I enjoy because I feel better when I finish. This is something I do to increase the happy endorphins in my body. This is something I do to improve my breathing, sleeping, and health.

​Exercise isn't about the other person. It is about you. If you find yourself looking in the mirror and criticizing yourself, STOP! You are dedicating time, energy, and sweat to improve yourself. You are inspired. You are motivated. You are moving. You are striving to be the best version of yourself. You have the ability to transform yourself and be who you want to be. Don't give up! You've got this. You are more than the sweat and wreckage, you are a beautiful representation of God's creation. Share His grace, mercy, and love with other...you aren't a wreck, you are the sunrise! What, or Who do you see in the mirror?

Coming Out of The Funk: Part II

This week's podcast focuses on Dedication and Determination, if you haven't listened yet, be sure to check it out. As promised, I want to share what I didn't do and what I did do last weekend to help myself move out of the funk. 
This is what I didn't do:
1) School work
2) Stuff for other people
As I wrote this I thought, "Gosh, this sounds selfish!" On one hand, you could  consider  it this way yet knowing the depths of my funk, this wasn't selfishness at all. It was a much needed weekend of self reflection, healing, and discovery. Instead of worrying and stressing on work to do-list and taking care of others, I dedicated this time to a little self love and self compassion. I'm thankful I listened to the message the Holy Spirit whispered in my ear because I started the week in a way better place than I ended last week. Now let me share what I did do. As I look back on the weekend and all I accomplished, I'm grateful for the Holy Spirit and even more grateful I listened. There was a time in my life I would have pushed through, let the funk get uglier, and wallowed in the darkness. I'm thankful to not be this person any longer, if I can do it, so can you! We are designed to overcome, why do wait?

Here is how the weekend progressed, in the best order my mind can recall:
Friday:
1) went to the gym for a great hour of cardio
2) went to the store for groceries and misc. items because I got my first full pay
3) bought myself these beautiful pink roses for $7.98 to cheer myself up
4) visited my dad for a bit
5) posted to Social Media: a friendly "don't bother me until Monday morning" message
6) caught up a week's (yup, a week) worth of laundry
7) did the dishes
8) organized the piles built up on the dryer
9) tackled some of the piles on the kitchen table
10) read my Bible
Saturday:
1) finished laundry
2) went to my writing cottage for a FEW HOUR (awesome!)
3) Submitted Final edits for my devotional releasing January 2021
4) organized and eliminated more piles
5) updated to do-lists for week
6) cooking class at 5 p.m.
7) read for pleasure
8) stared at the television, not really watching anything
9) watched an old move, "Contact", that was new to me
10) went to bed early and got 9 hours of sleep
Sunday:
1) woke up early, feeling refreshed!
2) went to the YMCA for the last outdoor workout class of the year, felt great!
3) planned a mani and pedi after my workout but my salon wasn't open (or at least not answering their phone) so tried a new one - once my mani finally was over, I skipped the pedi and pray my regular salon is not busy next month
4) a little shopping for essentials
5) made banana cake with expresso chips
6) pre-recorded 3 podcasts for the week
7) drafted and scheduled 2 blogs for this week
8) attended an Epicure Zoom business call
9) sorted the spice cupboard (and I think it's been since our marriage, lol)
10) recycled more than a 30 gallon bag of "stuff"
11) paid bills
12) visited my aunt
13) chatted with my daughter
14) went to bed late and feeling productive
You might look at my list of accomplishments from the weekend and may not agree about this being relaxing or helpful to figure out why I was in a funk BUT the things I as doing allowed me time to think, reflect, pray, and clear the clutter. I purged clutter which freed space in the house and it feels more open in the house, even if I'm the only one who notices.

Some of these items are the very things that have increased my anxiousness. In addition to the busyness, I spent a lot of time praying, reflecting, thinking, and planning out what needs to be done and how to accomplish them all while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. To have goals in place create the organized direction necessary to move forward with less stress. Goals eliminate the funk and replace it with purpose and clarity. I'm grateful for the 48  hours to get it together, if you will, and the family to support me throughout. How do you clear the mental clutter?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: STOP! What's Up?

Hello everyone! My apologies for not posting last week BUT I was in a funk. Not only didn't I blog but podcasting, house cleaning, laundry, and everyday chores were ignored. Two things remained priorities: school and my Epicure business. This only increased my stress but because I'm typically so organized and on top of things, I felt as if I was failing 90% of the time.

I dedicated time this weekend to figure out the foundation behind this funk. I spent time in prayer journaling, pro/con lists, to do-lists, prayer, and reflecting on what has changed in the past few weeks, besides the new education platform. I'll be honest with you, I'm not sure how classroom teachers are managing their classrooms, home, and family. I'm only a teacher's assistant and I've felt overloaded and stressed, instead of the joy and spark that usually motivates me.

After returning home on Friday afternoon, and one final email pushing me over the edge...I disconnected! Not only did I disconnect, I posted this to social media that I was unavailable until Monday. People took it so seriously, my aunt and friends didn't even reach out. It was great. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and friends but I needed this time to get my head straight and out of the funk so I could start the week in a much better head space.

I'm thankful for this time and the blessing of wonderful family and friends who are supportive and understanding. The weekend was a success and I started Sunday evening with positive anticipation for the work week and new plans and goals to avoid future funks. I'll share more about what I did and didn't do over the weekend on Thursday, but for today...I encourage you to take time for yourself if that is what you need. You don't owe anyone an explanation. If you need time, take it. You are worth it!
When is the last time you took time for yourself?
​What di you do and how did it benefit for you?

T.O.P.'S Tuesday: Last Read Over

Happy Tuesday everyone! I haven't been to my writer's cottage since the week before school started. Yikes! I miss it yet my schedule is tight, to say the least. I'm doing a fundraiser walk Saturday morning and then my hope is to spend at least a few hour working on my Bible study scheduled to release late 2021 or early 2022.
Although I haven't been to the cottage, I've been reading through my Easter devotional, set to release January 2021. It's bittersweet. The other day I picked up the phone to call my Mom and share something that made me smile. After I lifted my phone and her name wasn't in my favorites, the joy to call was replaced with sadness. I'm thankful to be writing again and can't wait to share this book with you all. It's my first devotional, the first in a new series, and a blessing from God because He inspired me to write again. Mom might not be here to celebrate but I know she's looking down and smiling. 

As I teased my Dad the other day about the next book in this series, we laughed because Mom enjoyed the anticipation. Dad, not so much. He just shook his head. While my writing time at the cottage isn't as much between school and a new career venture, the writing is happening thanks to God's intervention. There is much to be thankful for and stay tuned for snip-its and teasers for the upcoming book release.
What project are you working on right now?

Look for the Splashes of Color

I took this picture earlier in the summer. Initially it was the butterfly that caught my attention but after using my photo app, the color stood out. The yellow of the butterfly, the pink and orange of the flowers, the green background, and the clarity of the white.

I saved this edit and remember staring for awhile. It captivated me, and still does. It's the simplicity and pop of color. In life we tend to over complicate things. It is getting more common for people to see the differences rather than the beauty of the differences. If we were to look at this unedited, it's just a pot of flowers yet with the color pop edit, we are able to see how the variety of colors are very different and it's this difference that creates a breathtaking flower pot arrangement.

In addition to the colors, the sun spots shining and reflecting create a sense of the unnatural. It's like the edit captures God's touch on His creation but when we are too busy to slow down, or to pause for an edit, we miss it. What if we slowed down in all areas of our life and looked with a pop of color app? What color arrangements in your life, and your circle of influence, are creating beauty, individualism, and encouragement for you? How will you share this with others?

I planted this arrangement and chose reds, pinks, and oranges because these are the colors that brighten my mood the most. The backdrop of green trees enhance the beauty but until I took away the green of distraction, I didn't appreciate their ability to brighten not only my mood but my spirit and faith. My hope is to have open eyes to see the magnitude, variety, and splendor of all the colors around me. My favorites will probably remain the pinks and oranges but this photo reminds me that I need to eliminate some of the other colors to truly appreciate the individual color.
What is your favorite color and why?

Who Else is Ready for School to Start?

Attitude is everything!
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How are you feeling about
Back to school?
​Are you afraid?
Feeling trapped?
Nervous?
Anxious?
Locked into something you can't accept and change? Embracing the opportunities?
Focused on the positive?
Ready to escape the constraints of the classroom?
Determined to have fun and make the best of it?
Will you unlock & open the door to new learning? Guess what, I could answer yes to all of these questions. Teachers and parents are all feeling the array of emotions, concerns, and challenges. We are also strong, determined, and put the children first. The kids feed off our energy and recognize our non-verbal cues more than what we say.
As you encourage your cherubs getting on the bus, starting virtual learning, and the hybrid of two...smile, encourage, and excite them for the adventure they've been given.

This generation will have stories, memories, and opportunities we didn't have. It's a mindset, mind shift, and opportunity to show them the joy and energy within the cell even when we might feel like we are grabbing at the bars to get out. Put on your masks to model excitement and opportunity. I can't wait to see the kiddos faces today! Who is ready for this adventure?
I know I am...bring on the kiddos! 
We have some teaching & learning to do.

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Weekly Series on the Podcast

My first podcast aired May 2, 2018. These were longer than they are now and included music. Over the past two years the podcast has changed and improved as I listened to more podcast and learned about airing and sharing podcasts. My hope is to be a life-long learner, applying all I learn to help others. In addition, my prayer is to listen and accept feedback from you, my listeners and readers, and to make modifications that enhance your listening and reading experiences. This is part of the process, to learn and grow, together, and as people of faith.

I share this because there has been a shift on the podcast. You can still listen three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but the direction and focus has changed. For the past year or so, the Friday podcast was a series called "Faith Filled Friday". These are my listeners' favorite episodes to date, and they were my favorite to record. I'm glad I checked my stats (I don't do this often) because it gave me an idea.

Instead of having a series spread out over a month because it only aired on Friday, I've changed and each week is a series in itself. I planned to try it for a couple weeks and if it was well received. After the second week, it was evident that this new format is a success. Not only are more people listening, I look forward to recording and publishing the podcast. It's a win-win. A woman at the grocery store stopped me the other day, "I didn't know you have a podcast, I love the weekly series. You have a new listener." I thanked her, and I thanked God because it was His leading that brought on the realization. My podcast is through AnchorFm but is available on other formats too. Podcast Series on WaitingPodcast on Renewal Current Series you
​can find on the podcast: Leave a comment and share you favorite podcast
and why you enjoy it so much.
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If you are one my listeners,
what is your favorite thing about my podcast?