Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 17

A Mindful Walk...

I've been doing a Faith Filled Friday podcast on mindfulness. Yesterday's podcast never happened because when I returned from the food pantry, I showered and collapsed. I slept like a rock and woke up ready to conquer the world. My goal for this Saturday, to accomplish much so I can be a bum on Sunday. Goal met!

In addition to crossing items off the list, I went for a walk and enjoyed breathing in the fresh air, listening to the birds chirp, and the water flow. I have the blessing of a trail near my house. I used this as my warm up and cool down, banging out a 5+ mile walk. It felt so good. My muscles are screaming tonight and in response, I celebrate the ability to get outside and exercise. My brain and heart are better for it. So what do I have to say to my legs? Easy, "Shut up legs!" As I finished my walk, I recorded the Faith Filled Friday Podcast, on Saturday. 

Do you practice mindfulness? Did you know mindfulness isn't something new or new age? Jesus was one of the most mindful people to walk the planet. Want to learn more? Visit my podcast and start back in March, each Friday I share how mindfulness is a way to connect and/or reconnect. What is your favorite mindfulness practice? How do you practice mindfulness?

Music is an International Language

April 30th is "International Jazz Day". Although the annual around the world concert is cancelled due to COVID-19, the love and language of music can't be halted. When I think back to Italy's initial days of quarantine, the first video that comes to mind is of two boys playing their instruments. The joy and energy they had in the midst of crisis amazed me and brought me, and others, joy.

Today is the day most in the United States looked to in hope. The day President Trump hoped the United States would return to business as usual. We are scheduled to return to school and business as usual but are we? I'm drafting this email before Easter in anticipation of life resuming to the pre-COVID-19 hustle and bustle yet my friends and family encourage me "not to get my hopes up". I'm holding on to my Polyanna attitude as long as possible and hope that while you are reading this email, I'm in school.

On the off chance the shelter-in-place was extended, then know I'll spend my afternoon on the back deck listening to some of my favorite Jazz artist. When I write, Sinatra is my jam. To worship, Chiz Rider. To chill on the deck with no purpose, Buble. I've included a few YouTube videos below with each of these gentleman for your listening pleasure. Don't give up, let the encouragement found in music speak your language. It's not just international, it's universal. Do you have a favorite Jazz artist and/or song?
Share in a comment below...

T.O.P.'S tUESDAY: Who is Sitting at Your Table?

When we travel there a few things we like to do, one of which, is trying out local foods. Our daughter worked in Ithaca, New York last summer so I traveled to spend a day with her, for her twenty-first birthday. There are an array of restaurants, coffee shops, and food options yet it was the outside seating that caught our attention and drew us in. 

I have a new appreciation for going out and looking for the place that seems to beckon or call us in for lunch or a drink. During our time of COVID-19 restrictions and the encouragement to shelter-in-place, the only table most are sitting at...the kitchen table. How can we experience a new meal or location when going out might put us, and the ones we love, at risk? What if we invite someone in?

Wait, hold the phone! No one can come over either. Yikes! These new times are unlike anything most of have experienced. We might not be able to invite a real person over for dinner or tea BUT if you could invite ANYONE, yes, anyone, over...who is it?

Who is the first person you want to have dinner or coffee with once restrictions are lifted? Who is the one person you wish you had the courage to invite over but haven't? If money and location weren't an issue, WHO is joining you at the dinner table? Why?

Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,
for the LORD your God goes with you;
he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Who can you imagine joining you at the table?

A Review ~ TWISTED by Jill Marie Thomas

​In this fun book, find out everything you ever wanted to know about this iconic snack food:
-Learn the origin of the very first pretzels and the meaning of its shape
-Explore the history of how pretzel baking evolved
-Local pretzel folklore, trivia, and true stories
-An interview transcript ~ Julius Sturgis’s grandson
-Step-by-step directions on how to twist pretzels
-Some of the Sturgis family’s favorite pretzel recipes Meet Jill Marie Thomas
"You've probably already gathered that I'm an author, but my work as a wordslinger is just a small part of the big dream Jesus put in my heart long ago- to live in a world where the good news of Jesus Christ has been shared with every single person in every country, group, tribe, and village. 

Every day, I do my humanly best to obediently live, write, and give my life in a way that ultimately serves that God-glorifying purpose. What could be a more worthy calling than that?!...But what do I REALLY want you to know about me? Well, I love Jesus with all of my heart, and I want you to know His perfect love in your heart, too!"
To read Jill's full bio ~ click here.
My Review:
I'll be honest, if it wasn't for meeting Jill last year at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference, I would have missed the opportunity to read this amazing little book. I am so THANKFUL for the conversations Jill and I shared and for her obedience to write the stories God's placed on her heart. I plan on investing in her other books. As I read Twisted: Mindful Pretzel Consumption , I felt as if Jill was sitting in the living room with me. Her writing style is warm, engaging, and encouraging.

First and foremost, I learned a lot about the history of pretzels and kept interrupting my daughter to share the cool facts I learned. Although the pretzel started in Europe more than 1,400 years ago, it made it's debut as the hard pretzel I LOVE during the Civil War. There are facts and myths shared. There are actual pictures dating back to 1861, sharing how the Sturgis Pretzel factory has evolved over the years.

If you are a history buff, you'll enjoy this book for the many tidbits of information. If you enjoy eating pretzels as a snack, you'll understand their taste isn't the only wonderful thing about them, they are a treat and symbol of something better. For the bakers out there, the last few pages share some of the Sturgis Pretzil recipes. In less than seventy pages you'll learn history of a family dedicated to more than serving the community with delicious pretzels, they serve God and bless others through it all.

Jill has Bible Studies, Journals, and other books.
Click here to visit her store!
​https://www.jillmariethomas.com/bookstore
What pretzel recipe will you try today?
There are two in the book I hope to try today.

A Review: The BUtterfly Girl

Rene Denfeld doesn't disappoint with her sequel to The Child Finder . The Butterfy Girl  you enjoy a good mystery and suspense? Do you enjoy reading a little love story below the surface at the same time? Are you drawn to books about kidnapping and recovery?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you'll want to read both of these books. Make sure you read The Child Finder first though. There is so much I'd like to share with you but then it could be a spoiler for the first book and this one, so you have to read it for yourself.

​I will share my favorite paragraph in the book, yes, I have one entire paragraph that captured my attention so much that I bent the page down. (Yikes!)

Lost. You can be lost even when you've been found. You can make the wrong turn in life even if you're surrounded by people who love you. That was what suicide was, Naomi figured. It was choosing the final exit instead of another path. Not because you wanted to hurt anyone, but because you feel too hopeless to find your way home. There was more than one kind of suicide, too, more than one kind of leaving. How many people spend their entire lives not even knowing that they already left?"
The Butterfly Girl, Rene Denfeld, pg. 95

Do you leave reviews
for books after
you read them?

Do you know that
one review online
helps an author?

What is the last
book you reviewed?

Where did you
share your review?

​Thank you in advance!

T.O.P.'S tUESDAY: Are You Ready to Start?

Check out my cars. The red convertible at the top is my first car. While cleaning and sorting last week I found this treasure. I remember my father gifting this to me on my 16th birthday. My mom wrapped up a brand new key chain with a car key on it, with a big bow for added effect.

I opened the garage door with gusto and looked "over" my car. I looked back to my Dad and he said, "Look down." through his laughter. I was not laughing.

As a child, our family experiences a bad fire and lost a barn, garage, and part of the house needed an overhaul in the 80's. It was during the clean up after the fire that I found the other car you see in this picture. As the equipment worked to dig and move dirt for clean up and preparing to build the new garage and fix the house, I found this treasure. I remember washing it in a bucket and asking to keep it. I'm not sure why it intrigued me, or why I've kept it into adult hood but here it is. I like the memory and instead of returning these to the back of a drawer, they are on the bookshelf.

What do these have to do with "starting"? I didn't drive this red convertible out of the garage and have yet to own my childhood dream car. Now, as an adult, I don't want a convertible If I had my choice, I'd choose the Chevy Tahoe or a Subaru SUV. I started with the dream and landed with reality. The second car represents a few of the vehicles I owned: they weren't one's I'd choose but they fit in the budget and transported me from point A to point B. Life is about starting and moving forward.

We need to start somewhere, let our kiddos start with dreams and grandiose thoughts. They are our future and better role models of reality than watching other adults. 

What are your dreams and desires? What are your goals? Don't be afraid to aim high and take chances. Whether you choose the new convertible or the old race car, the most important thing for your to do is jump in the driver's seat and START.
What do you plan to start today?
​What is holding you back?

What, or Who, Are You Praying For today?

Happy Saturday! For Christians around the world, Lenten traditions are very different amidst the COVID-19 safety regulations, restrictions, and challenges. It's during times like this that we are forced to reflect, adjust, and adapt.  

A few weeks ago I talked about how I try to not only "give up" something but I try to start something new, or renew a habit that I've let go.  Last week was Holy Saturday and instead of gathering for an "upper room" prayer service.

A week later, Easter ham left overs are far and few between but the solitude and new normal continue.  While sitting here and reflecting about the differences of this Easter and year's past, I looked down.  I contemplated how this year's Lent and Easter, while different for us, are more similar to the first Easter. I wear a few bracelets every day, today, the cross left an impression on my skin. This made me think of the holes in Jesus hands and feet, evidence of God's ultimate sacrifice...His Only Son.

How do others know I believe in Jesus? How would strangers know who my faith is in? Am I witness of Jesus' love and faithfulness? A week after Easter, do you still acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice? What does your life reflect to show this?
As you reflect on Good Friday and anticipate Easter morning, what is the greatest prayer on your heart?

Book Review: High Achiever by Tiffany Jenkins

With extra time at home, I'm burning through my to-read-book-pile. Have you watched any of Tiffany Jenkins, Juggling the Jenkins videos on Facebook or YouTube? I have laughed until wetting my pants on more than one occasion because of her true-life humor. I think my favorites thus far are, Meet the Teacher and Understanding Your Wife 101. She is such a hoot. I'm a firm believer that we shouldn't judge because we don't know the other person's story.

As I watched some Juggling the Jenkins videos one day, I came across one of her more serious videos and I learned there is a serious side to this uplifting and humorous woman. I'm not sure how, I think it might have been a pop up add for her book,  High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict's Double Life. I enjoy reading and especially to read someone's testimony or life story, when I looked up her book and read the blurb, I ordered it. I'm thankful I did. Like most people, our lives have been touched by an addict in some way.

I like to learn and expand my knowledge base, while gaining a better understanding for things I don't have personal experience with. My friend, Patrick, has a podcast, We Live on A Planet. Although I've been friends since we were in grade school yet I was unaware of the secret battle he had for years. I felt like a bad friend for not noticing and have apologized to him. After reading this book I learned a valuable lesson, addicts are clever and ingenious at hiding their addiction.

Tiffany Jenkins shares with overwhelming honesty and integrity. I felt as if I sat in the jail cell with her, found myself yelling at the book, as if the other people could hear me. I laughed at times and cried because of her pain, and then for my own reasons - addiction is a beast and disease. It has the ability to transform the most wonderful people into someone they never thought they would be, and worst yet, hold them hostage in this person they don't want to be BUT, they, you, can OVERCOME THE ADDICTION!! IT IS POSSIBLE! DON'T GIVE UP!

When Tiffany Jenkin's world crashed, she didn't run or play games with the courts. She owned up to everything and welcomed help in rehab. She CHOSE TO LIVE free of addiction. My friend chose freedom too and said the intense rehab he went to was worth every minute. I share this with you because I also know a woman who advocates for loved one's of addicts. Michele Weidenbenner, is an author, blogger, and podcaster advocating to help loved one's of addicts to know they aren't alone and how to be there when their addict is ready for help. 

I recommend this book as a deep and honest look into one addict's double life and look at how she has used the lessons learned to turn her life around, using her gifts for good and to encourage others. Remember not to judge, we don't know the miles someone else has walked. We all have a story to tell, Tiffany's is worth your time. Have you enjoyed any Juggling the Jenkins Videos?
Which is your favorite?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Re-Claiming My Home

I don't know what day of COVID-19 Shelter in Place this is but I'm sure:The new normal has grown old ​I need to separate home and schoolMy mental state of mind is overwhelmedI had to figure out how to separate, improve my mental state, and resume some normalcy within our home
It took four weeks for me to reach this state and on Good Friday, after a cancelled coffee date, I went to work. I don't know if it was clarity from Bible Study the night before or the cocktail hour with my school peeps but one thing I knew for sure...if I was to remain strong, sane, and productive...change was necessary. 
My first question to answer, "Where do I set up school in our small house?" The past couple weeks I had rearranged the living room and claimed a spot at the kitchen table. On the surface this worked but when it came time to relax, since our living room and kitchen are one in the same...I never got away from school.

I could sit in my comfy chair yet when I looked up, I felt smothered. The piles of school work, textbooks, schedules, work, and my school laptop eliminated any relaxation I attempted. I could read my book but each time I looked up, the clutter confined me. Instead of piles of books to read, Bible studies, or writing projects awaiting and enticing me...the never ending school work was stacked on top of the leisure and relaxation. It wasn't until Friday morning that I had an idea of how to create a healthy balance. The cancelled coffee date was a gift of time and energy, I reclaimed my home and created a work space.
Our front room is now an entry, classroom, and recording studio. Hubby helped me rearrange furniture, clean, and reorganize. The space worked and looked good until I turned on my computer camera. Ugh. Since space is limited and there isn't another location for the office, I hung a table cloth and created a wall. Perfect. 

The next project was to clean and reclaim our living room and eating space. My comfy chair is open and a welcoming me again. As I sat in my chair over the weekend, the view was of hope, inspiration, comfort, and relaxation. I spent time reading, writing, blogging, and podcasting. It was wonderful and offered the rejuvination needed. Since we don't know how long we'll be sheltered in place, it's necessary to balance home and work so you are able to maintain recharging when home.  Let me encourage you to figure out how to clean your table off and free the space around you. As you work, teach, and live during COVID-19 will determine your health and wellness in the future.

If you have children and others living with you, they are watching you. Model a healthy and productive life in the midst of crisis.

We are all forced to live in this new normal and we each have the choice in how we respond, model, and live the healthiest lifestyle possible. Every couple weeks I reevaluate what is working and what isn't working. Reassess, make the necessary changes. How are you reaching out to help and encourage others? Have you written a note to someone today? Have you called a loved one? Did you do the laundry and dishes? When is the last time you showered? If you can't remember, take a shower.

Some of the routine things you've let go will uplift you in ways you can't imagine. Spend time reading, playing games, and recreating your space. You deserve it!
What are you doing or changing to maintain
a healthy mind and body?
Share your tips in a comment below.

What is Your Heart's Prayer Today?

As you reflect on yesterday's remembrance of Jesus crucifixion and death on the cross...think about the prayers lifted today for Jesus as His followers fell to their knees in anticipation of God's prophecy coming to Light. As you think about this, let Juanita Campbell's beautiful poem, Easter Sunday Prayer, lead you into a time of prayer and thanksgiving. Easter Sunday Prayer
by Juanita Campbell
Bearer of light and love, open my eyes.
Disappointment has been my companion all along the way.
I have been perplexed, my illusions shattered to death.
Where are you?
Walk with me, Lord.

Don’t you realize what has happened; are you unaware?
Everyone knows what’s been going on.
I know that you are mighty in deed and word; do something!
I had hoped that you would rescue me before now.
Open your word to me.

Speak to me of the prophets and all they have declared.
Show me your long time coming in the word.
Don’t get out ahead of me, stay with me.
Break bread with me for the evening has almost come.
In the blessing and breaking and giving of bread,
I see that it is you.

The light has come; the love has been poured out in me again.
It is you, Beloved, bearer of light and love!
You have opened my eyes.

Permission is granted for use in corporate setting.
Copyright © 2011 The Upper Room. Used with permission.
​
Juanita Campbell Rasmus partners with her husband Rudy in marriage and ministry at St. John’s United Methodist Church in downtown Houston. They have 2 grown daughters. Juanita developed an innovative, therapeutic art program for the homeless, theartprojecthouston.org. What is your heart's prayer today?