Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 121

It's a KINDLE Kind of Weekend

When the Waves Subside FREE KINDLE Download June 1st - 3rd, 2013
(Click on above cover or visit amazon.com) My apologies for the delay in today's blog post. I've spent time getting ready for this weekend, even making When the Waves Subside: There is Hope a FREE KINDLE DOWNLOAD through June 3rd to celebrate the announcement I planned to make today. It was an exciting week leading up to today, but due to technical difficulties the item we hoped to share with you today is not available as of yet.

I received an email last night to let me know it would be available today so I authorized the FREE Kindle download of When the Waves Subside for three days as a way to celebrate. This morning I woke early, excited like a little girl on Christmas morning so that I could "link" the photograph on the blog to a specific site, click post, and share this very exciting news with all of you. BUT when I double checked to ensure all was set, nothing was there.

I went to the publisher's site and this new publication is listed as "live" and "available" yet it isn't. I emailed the publisher this morning before I left for the Wings of Grace event hosted in Pulaski, hoping they would have the glitch figured out by the time I got home a little after Noon, and before we left for the Annie Get Your Gun (local Mexico woman Olympic Hopeful's fundraiser). Sadly, it still wasn't there.

Since we had company for a few hours, I planned to look again after they left. The additional time didn't help to solve the problem but I did hear from the publisher and they are working to fix the glitch but the last line of their email brought me to tears. They wrote, "We will contact you with more information by the end of the day on Thursday, June 6th." Oh no! I'm thankful for their quick response yet disappointed because I teased you and can't deliver the answer yet. Instead of crying "over spilled milk" as some might say, I took a very long nap and awoke rested and ready to conquer the world. I didn't realize I was so tired, almost seven hours later I opened my eyes from where I "napped" on the couch to hear, "Good morning Beautiful, did you sleep well?" and a chuckle. I smiled as I slowly transitioned from horizontal to vertical.

I checked on amazon.com one more time hoping our surprise would be there but it isn't. So I apologize for not being able to reveal the surprise yet but until "it" is there for you to view on Amazon, I don't want to tease you with something you can't get your fingers on but know as soon as the technical issues are resolved, the blog announcement will be posted with much excitement.

Thank you for your patience. I hope you enjoyed your Saturday, with the exception of not having the big reveal today, it was a good day. How did you spend your day today?

Something Exciting To Happen Soon

Okay, it has been awhile since we've had some fun on the blog so I think it's time. Last August, 2012, I announced my first book, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey would release on the April 3, 2013. We then enjoyed a month of fun leading up to the "cover reveal" on Heidi's birthday, September 14, 2012.

Many joined my family to see the cover unveiled and enjoy some refreshments and fellowship. The months between the cover reveal and the actual release offered some continued fun with clues to a mystery book signing on April third in addition to the release party at the River's End Bookstore in Oswego, New York. A weekly blog to share hints, updates, news, and tidbits on the publishing posted each Tuesday. Since the release nearly two months ago I've attempted to keep the T.O.P.'s Tuesday blog, sometimes a day late (because I thought it was Tuesday but after getting to school realized it was actually Wednesday, lol) and other weeks, I missed it altogether. I think you are still in the loop and know what is going on but instead of saving it for one day, I try to post once I have news to share.

It has been so exciting since the release of the book. I've met so many of you at various book signings, speaking engagements, or while out getting groceries. Thank you so much. Last week I was blessed with an opportunity to be on the Bridge Street Morning Show. That was so cool!

After the cameras were off, Chris and Caroline asked a few more questions, noted some of the Scriptures used, and just visited until they had to transition to the next guest. It was a quick yet humbling experience. You can view the actual interview if you go to last week's 5/25/13 blog post (or click on either photo today), you can watch it.

Even if you don't know me personally you've probably noticed a couple things: One, I like to have fun. And two, thus far any releases, reveals, and announcements have been done on a day important to me and my family. I was asked, "Lisa, don't you do anything 'just because'?" Great question.

The answer, I don't know, probably not. I find doing things on special dates in our lives keeps the writing, speaking, and publishing on a personal level.

So this weekend's goal is to surprise you with something. It is something we've prayed about and planned to save until the Fall but after much prayer and listening...we decided not to wait.

The best part about this surprise announcement, my parents don't even know what it is this time so they can be surprised too! I still hope to have an extra-special something on September 14, 2013 but instead of saving it all until then, a little will be revealed sooner. My goal is to post this weekend, either on Saturday or Sunday. I hope you are excited to hear the news, I know we are excited to share it with you. What do you think the surprise announcement is?

Born to Stand Out...

One of my favorite things to do is capture the beauty around my parent's property. Their green thumbs combined with the fruit orchard nestled as the backdrop, have potential to take my breath away on a daily basis. Last week as I stood in the kitchen visiting with my Mom I looked towards the garden to check the garlic's height and noticed the above sight.

The brilliant pinkish-purple buds popped out with the white apple blossoms in the background. I told Mom, "Wow, have you noticed how the buds changed since yesterday?" With my camera in hand, I was out the door before she could answer. More than a dozen photos later, here are a couple I hope you will enjoy. Just like trying to capture a sunset or sunrise, God's beauty doesn't seem to compare in the photographic product - at least in comparison to experiencing it first hand.
While snapping photos the Holy Spirit touched my heart, we are to be like this red bud tree ~ and stand out. Think back to your younger days, do you remember "showing off" when company stopped? Or was this just something I did?
As followers of Christ, we are called to stand out too, Not in a showing-off way but in a way which others might say, "Hey, you seem different." or "I would have lost it but you kept it together, how?" There is only one thing to keep me and my tongue under control, its self-control inspired through my faith in God. Are you the red bud tree or the apple blossoms in the background? I love the orchard and all it produces but if God designed me to be a red bud, then it would be dishonoring to Him, not to stand out. So choose to stand out! Recognize the beauty and benefits of the apple blossom while standing strong and brilliant in Truth.

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.
He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit,
and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit
so they will produce even more.
You have already been pruned and purified
by the message I have given you. 
Remain in me, and I will remain in you.
For a branch cannot produce fruit
if it is severed from the vine,
and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me, 
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.
Those who remain in me, and I in them,
will produce much fruit.
For apart from me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.
Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you,
you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!
When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.
This brings great glory to my Father.
John 15:1-8

Are you standing out? If not, today is the day!
Tomorrow isn't a guarantee...

Regardless of the Rain...the SON shines

A lot of rain falling from the sky this morning yet as I watch the weather forecast, something better is coming. By week's end, it will near ninety degrees and nothing but sunshine. I personally love the rain ~ its smell, the sound, and the vast benefits to our environment. On the flipside I remember when the rain used to intensify my sadness and grief. I've heard the rain called "tears from heaven" and I use this term myself at times but these three words can have very different meanings from one person to another.

The first decade after Heidi's kidnapping with each raindrop I could only think of how much I missed my sister and all the heartbreak in the world. Thankfully a child pointed me in the direction I needed to go. Although there are still rainy days, the SON always shines. No, I haven't made an error in my spelling. Instead, I hope you recognize that regardless of how dark and rainy the weather outside might be, we aren't alone and there is always hope.

My book, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, is my story following the kidnapping of my only sister, Heidi M. Allen. I spent more than ten years wallowing in self-pity focused on tears from heaven, sad and depressing tears. Once I realized how much God loved me and that He sent His only Son to die for my sins ~ things started to look up, a little brighter if you will.

Today when I hear "tears from heaven" I think of happier times. They might tears of memories, tears of joy, of sorrow, or celebration but all the rain comes from above. I remember standing out in the rain one day with tears streaming down my cheeks as I talked to God and my sister. The rain wiped away my tears and cooled the hotness. It was as if I experienced the following verse of Scripture first-hand.

Although it's raining outside - remember you are loved and God cares for you. The SON, Jesus Christ is always there and shining for each of us. All we need to do is call out to Him.

Record my misery;
    list my tears on your scroll,
    are they not in your record?
I am worn out from my groaning.
All night long I flood my bed with weeping and
drench my couch with tears.
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. 
There will be no more death'
or mourning or crying or pain,
for the old order of things has passed away.”
Psalm 56:8; Psalm 6:6; Revelation 21:4

Who are you calling on today as the rain falls?

Memorial Day Memories 2013

Okay, are you ready to laugh? This past Tuesday I enjoyed time with Chris and Caroline on the Bridge Street Morning Show on channel nine, out of Syracuse. It was a wonderful experience. This isn't the part that will make you laugh though. The humorous part is while on the show I shared, "I blog daily." and then Memorial Day weekend started and instead of sitting behind a keyboard and blogging, I got outside and enjoyed time with my family. I won't apologize for my lack of blogging since time with my family are priceless moments we can't get back if we pass them by yet it makes me chuckle a little, since if someone new visited the blog after seeing the interview a couple days ago, they are probably thinking, "I haven't seen a blog every day."

For anyone new to the blog, please know I don't usually go silent for two days without warning. I love to write, speak, and blog but I love my family more. When we started this journey the first thing we agreed on was to keep God and family first, with my writing and speaking after. So what was I doing while away from the blog:
*visiting the Traveling  Vietnam Wall on display in my wonderful town of New Haven, New York - twice, once during the day and another at night
*a day of lawn sales/garage sales in Parish with my parents and Mags
*a stop at a bridal shower for our nephew's fiancé, who traveled from Kentucky to finalize wedding locales
*working in the wood shop with my favorite carpenter, my Dad, to create a tray (to be blogged when finished, lol)
*playing board games with Ed and Mags
*family for dinner with their new "friend"
*a few hours of reading, writing, and reflecting on the deck
*a walk with Ed and Mags
*watching the Memorial Day Parade
*just plain chillaxin Okay, those who know me are shaking their heads and saying, "I don't think you chilled for two whole days." You're right! I did do a little work ~ eliminating a couple lists, created a couple new ones (LOL), and cleared off the top of four pieces of furniture.

Ed will tell you the house isn't usually messy but if you ask "How many piles does Lisa have going?", he might laugh because there are too many to count. I do have baskets on my shelves to help keep organized yet only working on my writing and speaking in the evening and on weekends, I leave a lot out to save time. I'm looking forward to the summer when I put my author/speaker hat on full-time again. With a weekend of fun, fluff, and fellowship behind me - it's time to get back to work. Some exciting and fun stuff happening in June. I will speak at my first weekend retreat, share with the CNY Art's Center, and say "until we meet again" to some dear and special friends.

Life is about change and God is encompassing us with it. Instead of fearing it, I choose to embrace it. Each are opportunities to grow and be a stronger, better, and closer to Him...

Less than a month of school left and we are excited because this will be a summer like no other. What about you? Any changes in your life? Do you embrace it or fear it...why?

A Weekend of Remembrance

My parents and my family spent this past Saturday together as a way of celebrating family. While traveling down Route 11 we drove by a farm with the above sign and purple flowers displayed for those journeying by their house each day. The best part about this, I met a gentleman last week prior to my speaking engagement and book signing who shared how he drove past this same sign. I love the way God works things like this together. The white cross with the purple flowers the perfect touch. This weekend is a time of remembrance for the men, women, and children who dedicate their lives to serving our country ~ with some giving their lives to protect others. I found it comforting to have Missing Children's Day and Memorial Day in the same weekend. Some of our veterans chose to serve and others were drafted. Recent veterans chose 100% to serve and knew the risks involved.

I'm thankful to live in a country with such an array of freedoms: freedom of religion, speech, and opportunities to name a few. Our little town of New Haven is blessed to have the traveling Vietnam Wall stationed at the New Haven Volunteer Fire Department for this year's Memorial Day Weekend. It is open twenty-four hours a day so I encourage you to visit with your family and friends to pay your respects and show appreciation for those who gave all so you can live the life you are living. Regardless of how you spend your Memorial Day Weekend ~ remember to pray for the families and communities affected by loss...whether it be our war veterans or because of a missing child. It's a weekend of remembrance. How will you remember this weekend? A tradition to share?

In honor of National Missing Children's Day

Yesterday was a fabulous snow day! Yes, it could of been a legitimate snow day since it's upstate New York but this was a "give back" day for an unused snow day. Most people started to travel for their Memorial Weekend festivities or slept in but not us - we were up early and at the News Channel 9 television station.

It was an honor to be invited as a guest for yesterday's episode of "Bridge Street" with Chris and Caroline to share my recent book, "Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey". It was my first live television interview and it was so much fun. I appreciate their hospitality and energy to share Heidi with their viewers.

Unlike the minutes during a state test that feel like hours, thus four minute interview seemed to fly by. It was impressive to see how much information they fit into the brief time slot - using video clips from 1994, 2010, and this year.

The entire staff and their team of interns were familiar with Heidi's case and my book. They were respectful to our feelings and shared in our hope. We love our channel nine. http://www.9wsyr.com/content/bridge_s...

Remember To Watch "Bridge Street" TODAY

One of my favorite morning shows to watch once summer vacation arrives is "Bridge Street". If someone said "Lisa, you might be on ..." I would of only shook my head in disbelief. This dream comes true at 10:00 this morning, Friday, May 24th, 2013.!

Thanks to our snow day give back, I have the day off. My Dad and daughter will join me, Ed has to work and Mom is taping it. I'm hoping they post a link to my interview on the Channel 9 site for those of you not able to see it. I will ask.

Dad and Mags will watch from the green room. Mags greatest question is "is the green room really green?" I look forward to her reaction to seeing the color and our entire time in the studio. The show starts at 10 am, my interview will air live.

Your prayers are appreciated. Thank you so much!! Hope to post pics and a second blog later today.

10:00 am Channel 9, Syracuse, NY
Hope you can watch!!

An Exciting Day in New Haven, New York TODAY

This morning the traveling Vietnam Memorial wall traveled through the Oswego County to its weekend home at the New Haven Volunteer Fire Department. The fire department is located on NYS Route 104 in the heart of New Haven, New York. As if this isn't exciting enough, our entire elementary school went outside to show our respect for these United States and our Vietnam veterans. Thank you for all you do.

"The Vietnam Moving Wall will be in New Haven May 23-27. The wall is being hosted by the New Haven American Legion and will be at the New Haven Fire Station and will be open to the public 24 hours a day."
http://visitoswegocounty.com/more-to-see-do/calendar/ Happy Memorial Day, A great way to honor our vets!

Join Me Tonight at the Mexico Public Library

3269 Main Street
Mexico, NY 13114
(315)963-3012
http://www.mexicopubliclibrary.org/ 
I look forward to this evening's presentation and book signing at my hometown library, the Mexico Public Library. The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with myself and two other local authors sharing a little bit (less than ten minutes each) about ourselves and our books. 

Once the presentation portion is through, we will each have our books available for sale and to be signed. I know one of the authors, A.L. Daniels and have attended events with her in the past but this will be my first time with Alyshia Hull. As a teen I only dreamed about writing a book, Miss Hull had a similar dream and made it come true. It will be an exciting and wonderful night.

If you can't make it to this evening's event, my books are available on Amazon.com. I provided a direct link via the two book jackets below, with a Kindle version of When the Waves Subside now available. On Saturday, to commemorate National Missing Children's Day I will have a book signing at _______, located at _______, from ____ to ____. 

If you already have one or all of these books, come out and support your local library and authors for an evening of fun and fellowship. Our community is special because we are more than neighbors, we're each others extended family. See you tonight! When the Waves Subside This one is available on Kindle too! Available on Amazon.com or at The River's End Bookstore in Oswego, New York If you are a reader and like to support local talent then we look forward to seeing you at the Mexico Public Library ~ 6:30 p.m.