Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 14

Thankful for A New Opportunity

I attended a virtual cooking class a couple weeks ago and learned about Epicure, "Good Food. Real Fast".
Many things impressed me at the start:
1) Raw to ready in 20 minutes or less
2) Directions are easy to read
3) Gluten Free
4) Nut Free
4) 90% GMO Free
5) Sugar and Sodium Conscious
6) Free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives
7) Free of corn syrup and hydrogenated fat
Are you looking for healthy options to prepare for their family and the ability to sit at the table and enjoy quality conversation because you have time to spare?

Would you like a meal you can prepare in less than half an hour, toss it into a glass 4-cup or 1-cup prep bowl, with lid, and head to practice? 

How does knowing you can do this in less than half an hour, and serve something healthy to your family sound? My husband is unsure of the nutritional aspect yet he looks forward to more time sitting in the same room. He's one of my best supporters. Personally, this sounds great. I don't have the hustle and bustle of transporting a child around anymore yet as an empty-nester, time continues to be a precious commodity. I look forward to the school year starting and having a healthy alternative to a fast food stop. 

If this isn't enough, check out the foundation of this company. It started with a mother's love for her children and built into the amazing company it is today.

Remember that trip to the fast food joint, imagine you drove by and engaged in an Epicure meal instead? You would maximize your time and improve your quality of food you put into your body, and that of your family.

​In the same time you could drive thru for a high calorie, high fat, and greasy bag of food, you could drive past and into your own driveway.  You'll have time to prep and cook a healthy, gluten free, low sugar and low sodium meal, and take the dog out. If you need to eat on the go, Epicure has 1 cup (for just you) or 4 cup (for the kids) glass prep bowls to toss your warm and nutritious meal in. You'll be back on the road in less than a half an hour, got in some extra steps, and filled your water bottle. Not only will you avoid extra calories and fats, you spent time with the people and pets you love.I received my starter kit today and it is exciting. I have my first two cooking classes scheduled for August. If you want to learn more about Epicure or to book a virtual party, click on the link below and explore. Your prayers are appreciated as I move forward with this new venture sharing healthier, and quick, alternatives with others. https://lisabuske.epicure.com/en-ca
To follow my Epic cooking adventure on Facebook:
Keeping it Real Cooking with Lisa
If you'd like to book an virtual party, you can contact me through my Epicure website. 

What have you done that requires,
or required, a step of faith on your part?
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Who encouraged you in the process?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: On The Road Again

Four years ago our home was a buzz with anticipation, prepping, and packing for our daughter to embark on her journey into higher education. With her Bachelor's Degree accomplished she journeys forward to complete her Master's in Higher Education Administration. We are so proud of her. We are on the countdown to this new and empowering opportunity she has.

The past weeks have been fun and the conversations ranged from goofy to serious. Case scenarios have been reviewed. Textbooks ordered. Classes secured. Boxes, boxes, and more boxes packed. Today starts the loading and puzzle piecing to load the vehicles in our caravan to make the move out of state.

Upon my return I have the luxury of quarantining for fourteen days. Usually I'd have a list prepared so I could hit the ground running and move mountains within these walls but this time, I'm taking time to process and absorb the amount of change we're experiencing. I'm sure this nervous energy will produce excess energy and my list will be written on Monday morning but for now...I'm enjoying the time and memory making. I think this makes us official empty nesters. I look forward to how we all grow, change, and adapt in the weeks to come.
What are you up to this week?

T.O.P.'s tuesday: New Devotional Series

There are days when the sound of the dog barking because the mail delivery person is leaving a package that make my heart beat fast. Last Monday was one of those days. A few weeks ago I shared a blog about my goal to have my manuscript in the editors hands by June 30, 2020 for my first devotional. Not only did I meet this goal but I finished a week early. 

You'd think an author sits back to relax while they wait to get their manuscript back but this isn't the case. In addition to starting my next writing project, I'm working on the formatting and details for the book's release early next  year. There are a couple reasons for this, first, it's unnerving to wait for your "baby" to come back from the editor because there is always more work, edits, and changes to be done. Second, if you start your next writing project, you keep the creative juices working and utilize the nervous energy in a positive way.

I contemplated getting proof copies pre-edit or to wait but decided I wanted to check my formatting and the visual appeal of the layout I've chosen. This second round of proofs arrived and as always, I was bouncing up and down and squealing like a child when I saw the box on the bench. I took a deep breath and opened the box while recording a video. There is something so exhilarating about seeing your book in print, even the proof copy. It's a Christmas-morning-kind-of-joy! It never gets old and is just as uplifting each time. 

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Check out the video and learn more about my first devotional and new series, to release in February 2021! Are you as excited as I am? I hope so!
My mom is smiling in Heaven...

A Baby Step is Also the First Step

 On May 6, 2020, I had the honor to be interviewed by Forensic Artist, Diana Trepkov, for her new podcast, Can I Help Find Your Missing Loved One? , to talk about my sister's kidnapping case. After the interview, instead of my normal follow-up, I headed out the door to volunteer at the local food pantry.

After interviews about my sister's kidnapping case I usually take time to reflect and calm my thoughts and mind. The emotional drain following an interview overwhelms me. I scheduled this interview before heading to the pantry for food distribution because I knew the interviewer and was relaxed. I didn't anticipate the tears or drain. I wanted to call and cancel but I don't like to cancel when others expect me. Plus, it is uplifting to help others and give back. Life isn't supposed to be a self-pity-party, we are called to be ambassadors, receiving an internal joy for being there for others. The food pantry had our busiest night, as of that date, and we were all busting our bums to keep up. I don't know if it was the mental distraction, the never-ending line, or the combination thereof but one thing I do know...my mind and body were not working together.

I knew boxes were stacked there and I had worked around them for an hour but in one instance I forgot and my foot caught the corner and off I flew then landed. My hands and arms were scratched but my knees took the hit, literally. The left was sore but my right knee swelled immediately and thanks to COVID-19, it took three days to get into to actually see the doctor.

I called the doctor that night, it was a Friday, and if it wasn't better I was to call the office on Monday. I saw my primary for a consult and x-rays on Monday. X-rays showed no breaks, just fluid and swelling so he'd follow up later in the week. By Wednesday the pain was so bad I called the orthopedic I saw two years ago and scheduled an appointment. They didn't have an opening until the following week due to COVID-19 guidelines. Ugh, I think the world hasn't forgotten that other medical needs happen and require attention in a timely manner. I don't blame the doctors, as they are following guidelines, but goodness, those making decisions need to remember some people need medical treatment unrelated to the current pandemic. (Rant done) Two months later and two trips to the orthopedic, and physical therapy twice a week, and daily home exercises. I drafted this blog a week ago and the next line read, "My knee is getting stronger and doing better each day." with hopeful and promising words to follow BUT I needed to modify the original post since this week, the pain and swelling seems to have taken a step backward.

At physical therapy today, I was quite down as the exercises I did last week with ease were a challenge today, and one I couldn't even do. I had to lower weights and half the time on the bicycle. I shed tears of frustration (felt like a fool) and tears from the discomfort. Ugh...talk about mental defeat. My physical therapist and his assistant were both wonderful, and encouraging.

Long story short, the increased pain and discomfort could be due to the heat increasing the inflammation or it could be there was more damage on the interior of the knee and as it heals, new injuries surface. The good news, this past Sunday I walked 3.25 miles. It was NOT my best walk but I did it with little discomfort. I planned to celebrate my slow walk, instead of 14-17 minute miles like I was doing prior to my injury, it was slow going: Mile 1 - 36 minutes, Mile 2 - 40 minutes, and Mile 3 - 46 minutes.

I share this because we need to find the good in whatever situation we face. Rather than focus on the turtle pace I'm focusing on the ability to walk the distance. Instead of focusing on the back-step with pain and swelling, I celebrate the bruising is better and I'm moving and doing more. We will face many challenges in life, from mental exhaustion to physical malfunctions BUT if we keep a positive, hope-filled, and encouraging attitude...success is closer than we know. We can't dwell in the negative, we MUST take the first step and move forward. What is the First step You Need to Take Today?

What are you Thankful For Today?

I made a quilt for my cousin's daughter this past year. I decided there was enough fabric left over to make a set of blocks so she could have fun while practicing her spelling. I cut the inner fabric to make the actual block and cut the fabric for the outer block. Next, I cut letters using my Cricut and pinned them to the fabric. Over the next few months I worked on the hand stitching to attach the letters to the fabric.

In January, I was still working on the hand stitching of the letters. Eventually, thanks to COVID, I finished this step and everything was stored in a air-tight bin to kill any germs, just in case. Mind you, no one in our house was infected but you can't be too cautious, right? Okay, here's my true confession. The container was covered with "stuff", yeah, we'll call it stuff, not clutter and piles of the "I'll-do-it-later". It became a joke that she'd be in school, or graduating high school before I'd finish the blocks. I was starting to think this was true myself.  I'm happy to tell you, I FINISHED THE BLOCKS! You know what motivated me? I saw my little niece and she was walking, talking, and playing. She had grown up so much since I saw her last. Thank goodness for Facetime and Zoom. There is a difference in knowing our little ones are growing up and then seeing them and the realization, and importance of not putting things off. 

I moved the stuff off the bin and got to work, finishing the blocks. To keep with social distancing I didn't deliver the blocks in person but I've received so many pictures of her playing with them that I feel like I'm there with her. This week I'm grateful for finishing the blocks and the joy of family. As much as I'd like to be there with her, I'm happier knowing we honored the social distancing and I can enjoy her enjoyment from a distance. The thing I'm most grateful for...I finished them before she graduated from college, tee hee. What are you grateful for this week?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Meet Shawn Smucker

Oh my goodness, I'm glad Shawn and his publisher developed the description to his newest book,
Once I started, I had a couple sleepless nights because I read until I couldn't keep my eyes open. I should have waited for a weekend when I could read all day. While working during the day I felt Dan's character calling me to come and finish reading. The relationships between the characters, the backstory, and the ending (wow, and double wow for the endig) left me wanting to read more of Shawn's writing. I've since purchased two more of his books and have them in my summer reading pile. It's been awhile since I read a book and felt the need to purchase the author's other books at the completion.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to have met Shawn prior to being a part of his book launch team the past few weeks.
Teaser from goodreads:
Before Dan opened his door to find a wounded woman who had escaped from the tormentors in the mountain, his life had become rather quiet. He and the eight other people in the mostly abandoned town had become friends. They spent peaceful evenings around the campfire and even made vague plans to journey east one day and leave the ominous mountain behind.

But the woman’s arrival changes everything. 

Who is she? How does she know so much about Dan’s brother, who is still held captive in the mountain? Why are long-forgotten memories rising to the surface? And why does Dan feel so compelled to keep her presence in his house a secret?

Visionary writer Shawn Smucker is back with an unsettling story that invites us to consider two challenging questions: To what lengths will we go to assuage our own guilt? and Is there a limit to the things we will do for the people we love? 
I had the honor to meet Shawn Smucker last summer at the Montrose Christian Writers' Conference in Montrose, Pennsylvania. I'm embarrassed to say Shawn was tortured to read a terribly written and poorly executed fictional piece I attempted BUT grateful for his desire to encourage writers. He was honest and encouraging as he offered suggestions. Months later as I listened to his podcast, The Stories Between Us, I hung my head thinking about how I wasted his time with my writing yet thankful I had because his feedback encouraged me as I attempted to do some of the things he suggested but his advice changed the way I read. Yup, you read that correct, he changed the way I read. 

Shawn encouraged me to read fictional stories I'd already read but to read them as a writer, not a reader. This was great advice. I spent time reading some of my favorite fictional authors and after hours of writing, outlining, and sharing my writing with someone else I came to a wonderful realization...I'm NOT  a fictional writer and don't enjoy it. I enjoy reading a well written fictional piece of art. I enjoy reading Shawn Smucker's writing and encourage you to do the same. Not only will he encourage the dreamer, he'll encourage you as you walk alongside Dan in his newest book, These Nameless Things, that releases TODAY!

Anyone willing to sit through a torturous fiction disaster like mine then welcome me to join his book launch team is as genuine as they come. His wonderful personality is only surpassed by his gift to write and create on his own, and with his wife, Maile Silva. Check out their podcast by clicking here. Visit Shawn's blog by clicking here, and most importantly, order his book and leave reality behind as you delve into #TheseNamelessThings, with Revell Books. You can also find him on Facebook, Shawn Smucker, Writer, on Twitter - @shawnsmucker, or on Instagram - Shawn Smucker. I hope you'll visit all the links and the photos also have links, the photo of Shawn has a link to his photographer's Facebook page.
What are you waiting for? Order this book!

If you've already read it...
I dare you to try and write a 1-sentence recommendation in the comments below.

Thank you in advance for sharing this blog, Shawn's book and helping to promote this great read!

Have You heard About the Changes?

Hello and Happy Saturday!
How are you spending your day?
Did you get outside to absorb some natural Vitamin D? I slept so hard on Thursday night that I woke up at 7:30 Friday morning and thought it was Saturday. The good news, I checked my list after letting the dog out and realized it was only Friday. A special shout out to author, Alexendra Franzen, and her book, The Checklist Book. If it wasn't for my new and improved list making routine, I may have lost a day. I'm a 3rd generation list maker and this book still transformed my list making and ability to succeed with crossing everything off my list each day. Click on the book title if you want to read my review of her book.

Anyway, today's blog isn't to review an amazing book on list-making, it's to share changes to my podcast. As with most things in life, change and modifications happen. Up until this week, Friday was known as "Faith Filled Friday". More people listened on Friday than any other day of the week. Since COVID-19, it's been a challenge to get the blogs done. I thought it was because I was working from home and this was cramping my creative style.

There may be some truth in this but after having a few days off and not staring at the computer all day, I've realized a few things:
1) Exhaustion leads to burnout
2) Change is necessary to keep the creative juices flowing
3) Reflection opens our eyes to things missed or overlooked
4) Prayer brings clarity and healing

The combination of all theses things has transformed the podcast. For the summer I'm piloting a weekly series. This past week focused on waiting and next week is on renewal. Mark your calendars and be sure to listen on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week.

My podcast, One Sister's Journey: Keeping it Real is available on 12 podcast apps:AnchorFmApple PodcastBreakerCastboxGoogle PodcastOvercastPocket CastsPodBeanRadio PublicSpotifyStitcherTuneIn What is your favorite podcast app to listen with?
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Have you written a review for my podcast yet?

Thank you in advance for sharing your feedback and review...this helps to share the podcast with new listeners.

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: 1st Devo Off to the Editor

Achievement: June 30, 2020 Goal! o. Welcome to One Sister's Journey - Keeping it Real, the blog. It's nice to have some new readers. If you are joining us after listening to my podcast, you'll find photos or extensions from some of the podcasts. For my  readers the past seven plus years, your faithfulness is a constant support and encouragement for me. Thank you!

The first T.O.P.'s Tuesday posted on August 28, 2012 , you can read this blog by clicking on the previous link. T.O.P.'s Tuesday started as the blog each week my readers could rely on for information about upcoming speaking events, book signings, and where upcoming books are in the publication process. Over the years, T.O.P.'s Tuesday also shared special stories about Heidi and special moments in our lives growing up. The Tuesday blog is a family favorite. 

As I move forward and start writing to publish again, Tuesday will be the day I'll share publication highlights and updates. This is an exciting time as I follow the Holy Spirit's leading and not only write, but write to publish and encourage other. This past February I started my first devotional. I shared the first few weeks with some Beta readers and their response was positive and they wanted more. I'm grateful for their honest feedback and suggestions. I've made changes and tweaks while writing.

Initially I planned to release it later this year but after talking it out with my daughter and looking at the calendar...my first devotional will release February 2, 2021. It's an Easter Devotional!

Yup, Only God would have seen this coming. I've fought it but when God is leading you, it's best to move forward in agreement for His plan. In order to accomplish this tight schedule, my first deadline is to have the first draft to the editor by June 30, 2020. I'm have to report, I'm on target for an on-time-submission, if not a couple days early. Instead of spending hours on my computer doing school work and teaching, it's time for a summer of writing and pre-publication.

Be sure to follow the blog, sign up on the right. As we move forward, you can participate in the book release preparations by voting and possibly being an Advanced Reader and sharing reviews. Does this sound interesting to you? I hope so. It will be a busy/relaxing summer of writing, writing, and writing! Your prayers are appreciated. What goal, or goals, have you achieved this week?

BFF's Since High School...Virtual Spa Day

A blessing during this time of pandemic is the increased availability and creativity with virtual meetings. These are two of my high school BFF's. Up until a couple weeks ago, we talked every Saturday, if not a mid-week meeting. 

In the midst of stress and sheltering-in-place, we found a way to encourage and uplift each other. We played with the photo effects like teenagers, shared secrets, and laughed until we could have wet our pants. Then again, at our age, who knows, we may have laughed and tinkled at the same time, but I digress.

What is my point? It's this...life is short and we need to find ways  to enjoy it while we continue to make memories with the people we care the most about. These two ladies are the best. We raised our kids together. We've been through the good, bad, and ugly. We have the skill to rock the perfect 80's bang with only a hair brush, dryer, and Aqua Net hairspray. This is a talent that not everyone can rock. 

As you sit alone in your living room or lying in bed and think of a friend, pick up the phone. Don't just think about them, act on your thoughts and reach out to them. Your call might be the bright spot in the day they need. What if tomorrow never came and you didn't pick up the phone? Would you regret not calling? I'm not trying to be a downer. Think of this as lessons learned in a lifetime. I'm thankful to not have regrets with the ones I love. I pray the same blessing for you because we all need someone to call us, and sometimes, we are the one making the call.
This is one of my favorite songs growing up...
If you could call ONE person today,
who would you call and why?

kUDOS TO tHE 2020 cOLLEGE gRADUATEs

This past year has been unique and quite an experience for everyone. Whether you are an independent business owner, law enforcement, medical worker, parent, child, or school employee...you have a back ground knowledge most never thought we'd live in these United States of America. Times have changed, are changing, and more change is in the near future. Are you ready?

If you are an adult with grown children and struggle with the stress, imagine being a college graduate denied your final semester of your college career, crossing the stage with your peers, and then enter the non-work force. Now add the attention high school seniors got and you, the seventeen year student, get no recognition or attention.

These young adults graduate with hopes and plans. Some transition into more schooling for their Master's then Doctorate's, while others, strive for landing their first career and starting salary to pay the insurmountable student loans arriving November. Not all graduates will enter the work force immediately. Not all graduates will proceed to further studies. Not all graduates have a career goal. BUT, one this they ALL have in common is this...THEY ALL WORKED HARD AND HAVE DREAMS. 

These dreams are placed on hold while the world slowly "reopens". Their Master's Degree programs may, or may not, happen. A confirmed job offer is put on hold or worse yet, rescinded. These young adults are looking to us as role models of strength, determination, and hope. I'm proud to parent one of these amazing students and young adults. I've seen the direct impact on her, her friends, and and their futures.

I understand high school seniors lost a memory and deserve attention but so do our college graduates. They not only lost graduation, they lost that last semester with their friends. Their friends don't live in the same small town, they live across the country, if not out of the country. I'm thankful for Zoom, Google Chats, and other venues they found to stay connected. Even if the colleges offer graduation, many won't be able to attend because they'll already be at Grad school (which is starting early for an accelerated learning platform, ending before Thanksgiving), unable to return.

Today, I want to flood the blog, Facebook, and social media with shout outs of appreciation, love, hope, and encouragement for all our college graduates. They worked as hard, if not harder than, the high graduates. Their thesis papers and capstones were presented digitally, without the feedback of their peers. They won't see their peers while shopping at the grocery store or at the beach, instead, they'll share photos via social media and look forward to their first reunion.  Congrats to all the graduates...
Lay in the grass, relax & realize...YOU DID IT!
Leave a comment & Shout out
to the College Graduate in your life...
​They deserve our attention too!
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!