Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 123

For Each Tear of Sorrow...There is one for Joy

Today Ed, Mags, and I joined family and friends to pay final respects to an amazing man and uncle. Ed's Uncle Bryant's burial was today. As Taps played, tears streamed down my cheeks yet it was the hugs, kisses, and encouraging words before and after the burial that touched my heart the most. 

You see, Uncle Bryant has six daughters. These are probably some of the most fun, lovable, and down-to-earth gals you could meet. I'm glad they are not just cousins, but friends. As I watched them interact with each other, the funeral staff, and those in attendance a realization hit me, " I'll be doing this alone. I miss Heidi."

I know, a depressing thought, yet it's a reality ~ my reality. The bond between siblings is a priceless gift to treasure and the bond between sisters, is one not to mess with. I'm thankful for the eighteen years I had with Heidi and even more thankful for the happy memories that get me through the tough days. Six sisters joined together to bury their father today. A final good-bye to their Dad, the day before Mother's Day. The joy in this rainy day ~ he is with their beautiful Mom now. My heart smiled as my eyes leaked tears. Grief for their loss yet hope and happiness for the bond shared between sisters. The book of James in the New Testament challenges us to rejoice in times of trial and tribulation. 

Today, I applied a couple of these verses to life...


""Consider it pure joy, 
my brothers and sisters, 
whenever you face trials 
of many kinds, 
because you know 
that the testing 
of your faith 
produces perseverance." 
James 1:2-3 We enjoyed an afternoon of laughter with family and friends. A few minutes before leaving my cellphone rang. I looked down and it said, "Mom Calling". I went outside, answered the phone, and visited with my Mom for a bit. 

She asked how things were going and if I was alright. Isn't she the best? (I know she is, so this is strictly a rhetorical question.) It was nearing dinner so she was "just checking" in with me. THEN she said, "When you get home, why don't you go out on the back deck." Hmm....now I am so excited because this meant my new flower box was finished. My parents know the weight a funeral and burial have on me and waited to bring this beautiful flower box down until today.

Dad designed and built it. Mom selected the artistic designs then wood burned and painted them. Dad finished it with the apoxy (or whatever the official name is) over the top and assembled their creation. They chose the flowers to fill it with, planted them, and added it to our deck while we were gone today.

It is beautiful!! Thank you Mom and Dad! An amazing reminder to Believe, Dream, and Hope on this journey. You are the best parents a girl could have...Anyone stopping to visit will be able to enjoy this vision of love and beauty. I didn't think the deck could get any better, you proved me wrong. Love it!!!

Thanks for making my day so much brighter! How has someone surprised you this week?

Mother's Day Can Be A Challenge Too

Yesterday's blog post teased a little about a Mother's Day modification to my first book, When the Waves Subside: There is Hope. On my end, the changes had gone through and it was visible but I learned after I got home from school, they weren't to all of you. I arrived at my parents and said, "Did you like your surprise?" They both laughed and said, "It's the same."

Just to prove them wrong I logged on the computer and opened Amazon. Guess what, they were right - but so was I. On my end, through the publisher ~ all changes were finalized yet to those shopping online ~ no changes. We all laughed and I logged into my author's account with the publisher to show them the change. 

I waited until Mother's Day to share this change so it would have a little more meaning. Many say, "I didn't know you had another book, you should promote it." Some who read it offered encouragement and shared how When the Waves Subside touched their heart or the heart of a grieving parent. Each time I am humbled at how God is working in the lives of those reading the words written in my books.

In the wee hours of the morning one night, God awoke me with this idea. Yes, When the Waves Subside was written for my parents this January as anniversary gift and with analogy that the parents of a missing child are like the broken glass in the lake. Once broken but because of their loss and heartache, become a stronger and more beautiful person because they've learned to appreciate each moment and cherish the time we have with our loved ones.

In honor of ALL parents grieving the loss of a child ~ whether they are missing or deceased due to illness or tragedy...a parent's loss is horrific and described as "the worst loss and pain a parent will ever face." During this holiday weekend and for Father's Day in June, When the Waves Subside is dedicated to all parents grieving the loss of their child on a day when other parents are smothered with hugs, kisses, plants, and love.

The original cover read: "Beneath the smooth stones of Lake Ontario are hidden treasures of glass ~ once broken shards, now transformed into beautiful rocks to treasure. Just like that glass, the parents of a missing child are broken and beaten against the rocks." This is a true statement yet something was missing. 

The last line now reads, Just like this glass, the grieving parent is broken and beaten against the rocks yet more beautiful when the waves subside because of the strength they exhibit."

I'm thankful for readers sharing how God touched them after reading and helping me to see this analogy was larger than I saw and for the Holy Spirit waking me up with the words to modify the cover. 

Happy Mother's Day and Father's Day to the two greatest parents a girl could have ~ love you Mom and Dad. I hope you like your gift and aren't upset. There are limited copies of the version dedicated specifically for the parents of missing children ~ now it is a thirty-two page story of hope for any and all grieving parents. You are pillars! To Purchase Your Copy ~ Click on Any of the Above Photos for a direct link, visit Amazon.com, or pick a copy up at The River's End Bookstore in Oswego, New York. Have a great weekend!

First Morning Talk Show Appearance Announced

May 25th is National Missing Person's Day!! 
Guess how we will celebrate this year?

On Friday, May 24th, 2013 ~ I will be on the "Bridge Street" morning show. It airs at 10:00 a.m. on Syracuse's channel 9. For more information about the show or to find out what station this is for your area - click on either photo for a direct link. 

We are so excited!! 

To commemorate National Missing Person's Day on May 25th, I will be having a book signing. The location will be announced soon! Thank you everyone! Previously Scheduled Events...
May 13th (Monday) 6 p.m. Fulton Public Library
May 22nd (Wednesday) 6:30 p.m. Mexico Public Library
May 16th - 18th Time with our NCMEC/RMC family
May 23rd (Thursday) An afternoon with Oswego County's Retired Teachers
May 24th (Friday) Will be on "Bridge Street" at 10 a.m. (Syr. Channel 9)

June 2nd (Sunday) Art-in-the-Park??? 
June 7th & 8th A weekend with the Baptist Women
June 19th (Wednesday) 7 p.m. CNY Art's Center A Special Mother's Day blog tomorrow, Friday, May 10th ~ 
A surprise and gift to my Mom!! Is there a location you would like to see me at? Let me know...

God cares about the birds, so of course He cares about YOU

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? 
Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, 
the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 
Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, 
the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. 


But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. 
And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, 
but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 
“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, 
do not worry about how you will defend yourselves 
or what you will say, or the Holy Spirit 
will teach you at that time what you should say.”
Luke 12:6-12 

With the beautiful weather the past few days, and the ability to enjoy some time on the deck, I was reminded a few times of how much God loves us. There are verses in the Bible that talk about if God cares for the birds, then why wouldn't He care for us? The answer is also there, of course God cares for, protects, and provides the nourishment we each need. I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit's reminder of all God does for us every day...a bird's song was God's reminder this week. I'm glad I took time to slow down and listen.  What sound, smell, touch, taste, or sight delivered a message from God to your heart in the past week? Will you share?

Miracles Still Happen...Three Missing Girls Are Recovered

A Tuesday morning like no other. Late last night my aunt messaged me to share miraculous news "breaking" in Ohio. Like many of you, I turned the news on and watched. At first, I only could stare at the screen with disbelief. Thankful yet perplexed. The chances of being found so many years later is amazing yet to have not one, but three, missing girls recovered is MIRACULOUS! God hears and answers prayers. He is alive and active, still performing miracles.

I'm thankful Amanda Berry not only broke free but trampled the fear induced by her captor as she opened her mouth to scream with every ounce of strength and survival she had within her. One man, Mr. Ramsey heard the scream and busted the door down to rescue not only Amanda but also Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight. 

Thank you Jesus, join me as I pray for these, now young woman, as they transition back to a life with their families ~ with extra prayers for Amanda Berry who had to learn her mother passed away during her captivity. Don't ask why today, just pray! I was up until Midnight watching the news reports as they came in. Just when you think your tear ducts would be empty, something so amazing, joyful, and utterly miraculous reminds me of how absolutely amazing God is. It is unheard of for three missing girls are recovered from the same location. My heart rejoices with them, their families, and their communities.

Instead of the attacks and death tolls as the morning news headlines today, there is hope and celebration. I'm thankful to live in a country that recognizes an opportunity to share something positive with its citizens. These girls disappeared from Ohio yet today, they are America's recovered.

My heart is heavy with prayers today. Prayers for the girls, now woman. Prayers for Amanda to transition from waiting to see her mom to finding out her mom passed away. Prayers for the other two girls and their families. Prayers for the neighbors. Prayers for the community as they rejoice and grieve. Prayers for our country as they rally to show their support for these girls and their families. 

Prayers for the families of children that remain missing. Events like this trigger an array of emotions within the hearts and daily living of the parents, siblings, friends, family, and community still searching and praying for their missing loved one.

My heart rejoices for the families hugging their precious loved ones while it grieves it wasn't Heidi. I have nothing but thankfulness, praise, and hope in my heart yet these events trigger the grief, loss, and remind me of how much I miss my precious sister. 

Heidi M Allen, missing since April 3, 1994 ~ continue to pray and hope! Only God knows the outcome for Heidi, our family, friends, and community. Someone out there holds the missing piece to bringing Heidi home - whether it be for a proper burial or a recovery. If you know or remember anything, will you make the call to the Oswego County Sheriff's to bring Heidi home like Amanda, Gina, Michelle, Jaycee, & Elizabeth. There is always hope...as I watched the sisters reunited...HOPE!
What are you hoping for today?

An Emotional Few Days...

Life's events have potential to take your breath away. Some in a good way, while others leave you shaking your head with "Did that really happen?" coming from your mouth. Without boring you the details, know I experienced both the amazing joyful "Only God" and the "Why? God, why?" both on the same day Friday. God is good.

Long story short - I choose to praise God and celebrate all the good he has done, is doing, and has yet to do in my life and my family's lives. God is our defender, protector, and friend. I thank him for the blessings and choose to celebrate the "joy in the rain" as the first chapter of James reminds us. 

My heart might be hurt and my head spinning at recent events but I know One thing that is true, pure, and faithful - God. I'm thankful for those reading Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey and When the Waves Subside ~ There is Hope. 


I'm thankful for my family and friends who continue to encourage, pray, and be there as part of my team to share hope with others. True friends are priceless gifts...one of the 10,000 reasons I choose to praise the Lord. Don't you agree... What is one reason you choose to praise the Lord today?

Sticking it to Cancer at the Mexico High School Today

It wasn't too long ago I said goodbye to a wonderful friend - this afternoon I join her family and friends to remember her and to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society. If you are looking for a special way to spend the day, join us at the Mexico High School today at 2 p.m. See you there... Leave an encouraging word to Lisa Domicolo's family below...

Book Winners Announced...upcoming Book Signings too!

During the month of April I had a "Rafflecopter" running on my side bar for you to enter for a chance to win a copy of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey or When the Waves Subside - There is Hope. On May first, my wonderful friend and Rafflecopter organizer mailed me the names of our two winners. 

Congratulations to Sandy VanHoey and Wendy Hastings!!

Sandy, your copy of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey is en route to Florida as you read. Wendy, your copy of When the Waves Subside is also in route to you, in Pennsylvania. Thank you to everyone who entered!

If you didn't win and are still hoping to have a copy delivered to your door - visit Amazon.com today!

Upcoming Book Signings :
TOMORROW, 5/4/13 - 12 p.m.  2 p.m. at the Pulaski Kinney's
POSSIBLE BOOK SIGNING AT D & W THIS WEEKEND
Monday, May 13th at 6 p.m. at the Fulton Public Library
Wednesday, May 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Mexico Public Library
Thursday, May 23rd for the Oswego County Retired Teachers
Wednesday, June 19th at 7 p.m. with the CNY Art's Center Congrats to our winners and I look forward to seeing you soon!

If We Could See With God's Eyes...

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, 
and lean not on your own understanding; 
in all your ways acknowledge him, 
and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6

The journey since Heid'si kidnapping to the release of the book this past April continues to be a roller coaster of excitement, emotion, celebrations, and trials. The greatest and most significant change since 1994 is WHO I look to during all if these times. In the beginning I tried to do everything in my own strength. Thankfully, today I look upward to the Only One truly able to bless me so abundantly and rescue me when needed.

If you are familiar with the blog you know honesty and the "real" me is important. Yesterday I shared the amazing honor Senator Ritchie bestowed on me. Something I didn't share is one way satan tried to steal this joy. Is there an area in your life where you are more sensitive, you know, the person that when they're hurting - so are you? I do. It is the same area that causes the mom in me to transfer to mama bear. Or maybe I am alone? I didn't think so.

In the midst of celebrating, our daughter continues to battle some health concerns. Due to her privacy, I won't expand but know life continues to toss wrenches into the celebratory moments of published author and inspirational speaker. Whether we are praying for healing or praising God for the way He is working in our life, one theme is common. Our eyes and hearts are focused on the One in charge.

It is a matter of perspective. Mags took this photo last year and I find it a great reminder- I don't and can't see the whole picture, but God does. I trust him with everything...how about you?

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, 
who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 
encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."
2 Thessalonians 2:16

We can't always see what lies ahead...WHO do you trust?

A Proclamation Honoring Little Ol' Me...

Thank you Senator Ritchie! I think checking the mail is one of the most exciting things one can do sometimes. I so enjoy getting "real" cards and notes. Each always brings a smile to my face and that warm fuzzy feeling to my heart because someone took time to think of me, hand write a note, place it in an envelope, and then deliver it. This is becoming less common, in case you haven't noticed. Of course, the bills and junk mail use this same box but its the latter that bring me blessings. Yesterday was no different.

I was encouraged with a beautiful note from a friend at the start of my day yesterday. She surprised me with one of her handmade cards, this one had a pink sunset on the cover and just the words my heart needed to hear to kick-off the day. Once home, a tall and official looking envelope greeted me. I wasn't sure why I received such a fancy envelope from Senator Patty Ritchie or the New York State Senate but decided if I never opened the envelope, I would never know.

As I pulled the folder from the envelope I was stunned with the personal note from Senator Ritchie saying, "I thought you would like to see this." I opened and was in awe. I read the proclamation aloud with tears in my eyes to Ed and Mags. I'm humbled, encouraged, blessed, and just plain overwhelmed. I never thought....

Thank you Senator Patty Ritchie and the New York State Senate for recognizing me as the author of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey and sister to Heidi M. Allen. You made my week! May you be blessed in return. A Wonderful Wednesday Indeed...