Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 21

T.O.P.'s tuesday: To Outline or Not?

This question, or should I say topic? I guess it depends on your writing and the role in which you hold during the writing process. I was the kid in high school that had the entire paper written in order to submit the outline. In the past, the outline was supposed to be first and used as a guide to write the paper. My brain didn't work that way, and it still has limitations with this theory. Yup, I called outlining a theory and not a step in the writing process.

There are editors reading this with their comments ready to go. Outlining helps to organize your thoughts, so your paper or book has a solid beginning, middle, and end. I remember sitting down to write an outline and crying because I couldn't figure out where to start BUT if I looked at my notes and sources, I could easily draft a paper. My mom and aunts, with their wisdom, told me to "write the paper then make an outline". Phew, they saved many a tissue from their destruction at meltdown for trying to force my brain to write and think in this organized, black, and white formula.

I wrote the first draft of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey in three days. It was perfect and ready for publication...NOT TRUE! Actually, my first draft was terrible, disorganized, vomit, drafting, and many other negative adjectives. It took almost two years, two editors, and a lot of time to transition it from the ramblings of a grieved sister into the book of hope and inspiration it's become  for my readers. Why do I share this? For this reason...I used this seventy-sixish pages of garbage to develop my outline and write a book worth reading.

As I look forward to finish and publish my next book, I'm contemplating developing an outline first! Yikes!! Yup, I'm stepping out...maybe. As I pray about the direction of this next book, I seek your input. What are your thoughts on outlining? Please comment!!
If you write an outline,
do you do it before or after
you write the book/paper?

My One-Word for 2020

MINDFULNESS 2019 was a year of renewal. I spent time renewing myself:
*Spiritually
*Physically
*Emotionally
*Mentally

Through this process I learned more about myself and where I want to go in the future. A year of reflection and renewal was exactly what I needed. 

As part of the renewal process, I meditated often. A few of the verses I meditated on consistently were my 2019 verses: 

My 2019 Scripture Personalized:
"I will devote myself to prayer, being watchful and thankful…Letting the message of Christ dwell within me richly, as I teach and admonish others with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in my heart… The Lord my God is with me, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in me; in his love He will no longer rebuke me, but will rejoice over me with singing. Amen.” Colossians 4:2; 3:16; Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

It was through this process I faced some of the darkness I kept buried and dealt with it. I learned that no matter have "over it" we might think we are, we never get over it. I've said this often yet this past year I learned I wasn't living what I was saying. Don't misunderstand me, I wasn't professing one thing and doing another on a conscious level. On the contrary, it was because of my focus on prayer and meditation to renew myself spiritually that I realized this. We all have revelations in our lives, this is one of mine. 

After my mom's passing, it wasn't only my desire to write drifted, so did my faith. I never stopped believing. I never stopped looking up and praying. I never stopped leaning on God. I didn't stop serving and seeking to do His will yet my heart's desire wasn't at the foundation. I did it because I knew it's what God called me to do. I still found joy in it and felt God's love as I obeyed but until this year, I was going through the motions until I felt it in my bones. 

If you depend on Him,
your body and mind will be free
​from the strain of a sinful life,
    will experience healing and health,
    and will be strengthened at their core."
Proverbs 3:8 VOICE

This is another reason and encouragement to select your one-word. God will use your dedication and determination to draw you closer to Him as you focus on this word and your verse(s). I'm thankful for His healing and the health restored, a healing I hadn't realized was so needed.

This year I choose to be more MINDFUL and keep my focus. My relationship with god, faily, and friends needs to be a priority. They are the lifelines making me the woman of God I am and to be the one God's designed and called me to be.
What is your
one-word for 2020?
Leave a comment below or call into the podcast!

One Step...or Hoof at a time

Then I will still rejoice in the Eternal!
    I will rejoice in the God who saves me!
The Eternal Lord is my strength!
    He has made my feet like the feet of a deer;
He allows me to walk on high places."
Habakkuk 3:18-19

Deer have always amazed me. They have a gentle presence and graceful bounds through the fields. As a child, my Dad would take me out with him to "spot" the deer. We used a big spot light (now illegal in most areas) and Dad would drive around the countryside teaching me about deer habitats, feeding habits, and mannerisms. These are memories and lessons I still treasure today.

When my daughter, his only granddaughter was old enough to understand and appreciate these late night trips, disappointment came upon us. The DEC informed my dad it was illegal to "spot" deer. One of my fondest memories couldn't become a family tradition of a father to his daughter then granddaughter because of the few. I won't digress down this road because I want our blog to remain one of hope and positivity.

Here's the deal, not every parent expresses love with hugs and kisses, or long walks. For some, the greatest connections are doing what they love and sharing it with their kids. I'm grateful God created us all differently and uses different things to help us to connect with each other. For me, some of the deepest conversations with my dad occurred while skipping stones into Lake Ontario, spotting deer, or throwing the softball back and forth. If you aren't the snuggly parent or friend, don't apologize. Instead, celebrate your unique abilities and the gifts you have to share with your children and friends. You have a lot to offer and share with those around you.

The lessons, conversations, and memories of spotting deer helped to make me the person I am today and instilled an appreciation of this majestic, strong, and beautiful animal as an adult. Their tracks in the snow remind me of my earthly father and my Heavenly Father. Without knowing it, my Dad helped me recognize the importance and strength found God. God works in mysterious ways, what mystery is He unraveling in your life today?
Embrace who you are and share it with others!

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: New Year's Eve 2019

Each year I spend time reflecting on the previous year and pray about the year to come. I select a "word" and Bible verse as my focus for the year. This past year, my word was "renewal" and my Bible verse was actually a few verses. The important part of this process is taking the time to reflect, pray, and look forward.

The word and Bible verse help to keep you focused in the new year. Goal setting is a hot topic this time of the year, heck, I even have a book on goal setting - check it out by clicking here. BUT here's the deal, most people lose sight of their goals before the snow melts in Central New York. So, instead of setting an intense goal, try selecting a word and Bible verse to be your foundation for every decision and move you make in the coming year. Yeah, now this is not only less intimidating, it guarantees success!

I haven't been very good about document my word and verse each year, I wish I had been. If this is your first year doing this, I encourage you to find a place to document both your word and verse so when you look back, you can see how you've grown (or need to grow) by reflecting on words and verses of the past.

​I used to make book marks and write the previous year's word and verse on it but as I've switched Bibles, used them as bookmarks, and transitioned from year to year...quite a few have been lost. The ones I have blogs about, are here for you. Click on the links below if you want to see how I've grown and changed over the years. It's nice to have this opportunity.
​PREVIOUS YEAR'S WORDS!

2011 - The First "One Word" and why
2011 - "Faithful"
2012 - "hope" 
2013 -
2014 -
2015 - "Courage & Strength"
2016 - 
2017 -
2018 - 
2019 - Renewal PREVIOUS YEAR'S BIBLE VERSE(S)
​
2011 - Isaiah 4:6
2012 - Psalm 62:5-8
2013 - 
2014 -
2015 - Romans 8:26-27
2016 -
2017 -
2018 - 
2019 - Colossians 4:2, 3:16; Zephaniah 3:217 On this last day of 2019, I'm set on my word and am praying over a few verses before finalizing my 2020 focus and foundation. My year of renewal helped me with life decisions and with the selection of this year's word and verse. I'm using my year of renewal as the springboard into 2020. I'll share this with you next week.

I encourage you to take time and think about what your word and verse will be for 2020 and I hope you'll share with us once you've made your decision. This helps to solidify your choice and provides accountability. I post my on a white board in our living room, we need the reminders throughout the year to keep the momentum moving us forward. We are human and getting comfortable can be habitual, I don't want to get in a rut...I want to keep growing and being the best version of myself I can be.
Do you select a word and verse each year?
If so, are you ready to share yours?
​If not, what is holding you back?

What are you Thinking about this SAturday?

II'll share my one-word for 2020 on this coming Tuesday, New Year's Eve. Before you learn my one-word, let me share something else. My one-word for 2020 was one of the easiest I've come up with since my first couple years. I think it's because I was invested in my 2019 one-word and verse and through focusing on renewal, the next step was clear. 

Through prayer, reflection, and meditation God was able to show me the next step. If I hadn't been as dedicated and obedient to seek God's direction this past year, I may have missed the next step in the journey. As part of my one-word and Bible verse focus for 2020, there is an opportunity before me. I shared it with my husband, unsure of his response but knowing he would be 100% honest and ask good questions. I printed off the information I planned to share so I may be able to answer most of his questions.

Here's the coolest part, I shared my idea and before I could finish he had a question and a statement:
1) This only makes sense and seems like the direction you've been going
2) BUT, you, we, can't invest this kind of money and have you continue to give away your services. If you follow through with this, then you need to charge the going rate

To say my hubby knows me is an understatement. I assured him that pursuing this would enhance my next book and career. With that, full hubby support. We shared the idea with our daughter and she had the same concern as my husband. Now that I know I have their encouragement and support, it's a matter of looking at the monies. It's a BIG investment yet one that would benefit us mentally, physically, and most importantly spiritually for the rest of our lives, even if I couldn't find someone to pay for the service.

On the flip side, just like with my writing, I want to pursue this to be the best version of myself and share this knowledge with others so they can be the best version of themselves too. If you think of me, us, in the next week, please pray for us. We are praying for clarity and clearness from God before committing this type of money. It's a 200 hour and $2,200 to $2,900 investment depending on how I pay. To register by 12/31/19 saves $700, but we'd need to have $2,200 in three days.

We've been praying and talking about this. We won't make a decision in haste, if this is in God's plan then we'll know - as we plan and pray for clarity, your prayers are appreciated. If you listen to my podcast, or have followed the blog for awhile then you go I like to "Keep it Real". The reality is that education and bettering ourselves has a price tag, or two. In addition to tuition and books, there will be overnight stays for the weekend study. We are excited and look forward to how God answers our prayers.

Thank you for joining us in the journey.
Have you stepped out in faith like this before?
​Please share in a comment below.

There is Always Movement

"God’s blessings follow you and await you at every turn:
For you, the Eternal’s Word is your happiness.
    It is your focus—from dusk to dawn.
You are like a tree, planted by flowing,
cool streams of water that never run dry.
Your fruit ripens in its time;
your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun.
No matter what you do, you prosper."
Psalm 1:1a,2-3  ...I started a journey into the woods to take pictures of deer tracks in the snow and paused to notice the creek. I stood, watched, listened, and enjoyed the moment. The initial goal was to take a picture of a deer's solo tracks on a path in the woods yet in the short walk to take this picture God captured my attention with this scene. 

We are like this creek. Regardless of the temperature, weather, and situation...with our eyes focused on God, we keep moving.

The question is this, are you moving with the flow of the water pushing through the ice and debris or are you frozen on the edges, left to watch the days go by? I want to encourage you, "...don’t follow the advice of those who delight in wicked schemes...avoid sin’s highway...and don't let judgment and sarcasm beckon you..." Psalm 1:1b Good things are waiting for you when you let go of the icy edge, remember the first part of this verse, "God’s blessings follow you and await you at every turn". 

When we let go and go with the flow, God's blessings are "awaiting you at every turn". The only way we can experience and recognize God's blessings is to change our focus from the icy edge and focus on the forward flow of the water, keeping our eyes, hearts, and minds focused on God and all He's called us to be and do.
You have the ability to go with the flow,
​when you let Go. When will you let go?

a Few Ways to Shop Local This Holiday Season

Today's post is a shout out to those looking for ways to give gifts that will not only change a life but also help someone local. During the holidays it's easy to get caught up with the sales and deals but we need to remember to help support the little guys, those of us who strive to have a personal business.

I don't usually do a lot of promoting of my books or other ventures yet as I look to Christmas and keeping it local. I want to share some of the ways you can get goodies for you and those you love this holiday season, and throughout the year.

In addition to by books, which are available on Amazon.com and at The River's End Bookstore...I also am an Avon Representative and an IBO for PURE. Let me tell you more about each of these and how you can place an order.

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OWNER
As an IBO, you participate in the compensation plan and incentive programs. You’ll receive a Personal website to promote your business, access to a personalized virtual back office and the ability to earn travel around the globe. You’ll also get a 25% discount off all retail product pricing. Start your business today with an annual fee of $25. Annual renewal fee is $25. You may cancel at any time by emailing salessupport@livepure.com.

PREFERRED CUSTOMER
As a Preferred Customer, you receive a 20% discount off the retail price by enrolling in Autoship. Autoship ensures you get your favorite products delivered to your doorstep every 28 days. As a Preferred Customer, you are eligible to participate in the PAR Program (PURE Autoship Rewards) — a great way to earn free products and exclusive offers. Your AutoShip may be canceled at any time by emailing salessupport@livepure.com.
​
RETAIL CUSTOMER
As a Retail Customer, you get to enjoy the benefits of all the products offered by PURE. We know you will love them as much as we do.
TO SIGN UP AND START ENJOYING THE BENEFITS OF PURE'S PRODUCTS: CLICK HERE
REFERRED BY
​Lisa Buske - US11274179 If getting healthy
isn't your game,
​maybe Avon is...

​https://www.youravon.com/lbuske

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOU AVON ONLINE TODAY!! Thank you in advance if you place an Avon order or join my PURE team of healthier living...

Who knows, you might want to freshen up your makeup to highlight your healthier body...

And with that, this blog is done.

Thanks for reading to the end. If you know of anyone looking for a new supplement or company to help them be healthy...share today's blog.

If you know someone looking for an Avon representative, please share this blog and my information - Avon's online ordering is quick and easy, and arrives at your door within 2-3 days.

​You don't need to wait for me or to coordinate schedules any longer, you have the power to order when you want without the hassle of making time. Woot Woot!

Do You Have a Favorite Advent Tradition?

Our pastor is "hitting it out of the park" this advent with his Advent series on Sunday mornings. He's using Adam Hamilton's book, Not a Silent Night: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem , as the foundation. I've read the book and recommend it to anyone looking for a new Advent read. It's a different perspective on the birth of Jesus and the days, and years, prior then moving forward to His crucifixion. It's a short book yet full of Biblical truths and insight to make you think differently. If you are in the Lycoming, New York, area and want to hear Pastor Brandin's messages, services are at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings. He's doing a great ob delivery this message.

As I wrote today's blog and shared about this book, I thought it would be nice to hear from all of you. I'm sure there are other Advent books I (and possibly you) haven't read or heard about. Let's encourage each other this Advent and share some of the great readings and books we use to help draw us closer to God during this special time of year. Who knows, you might share the book that brings the encouragement someone needs to make it through this holiday season. Thank you in advance!
Will you share an Advent favorite or
​tradition in a comment below?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Know Your Genre

So here is the deal, if you follow my website then you go I attended the Montrose Writers' Conference this past July. Instead of absorbing workshops and lectures on nonfiction, I attended ones focusing on fiction. I came home motivated to write my first fiction book.

I won't say this was wasted time because the new interest and desire to write sparked energy to create my writer's cottage, dedicate daily time to write, and taught my brain to think differently when it comes to writing. For my writing friends, do you dabble in other genres or do you stick to only one?

Last week I shared about a reader coming up to me after reading Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey for the first time. She read it a couple weeks ago. One of her comments was, "I liked how you wrote from your perspective and how personal it was, it was as if you were writing specifically to me." I thanked her, and lifted a silent prayer to God. We visited a bit longer and she said she heard I'm writing fiction now. This conversation was interesting because my daughter was there and listening, and offered a quiet chuckle.

Let's just say my fiction writing is NOT very good. For this much, it might just be terrible. My daughter continues to encourage me to "stick to nonfiction", I think she is right. I've been working on my next nonfiction book and can't wait to share a snip it. I asked the ladies from my Bible study to pray for me as they felt led and I look forward to having something for them to read in the Spring.

​I enjoy the research and digging deep into the heart associated with nonfiction. Fiction is fun yet a challenge for me. I won't say I'll never write fiction but for now, I'll stick to nonfiction and touching people's hearts in a way God's gifted me. If He wants me to write fiction, He has a lot of work to do within me. My prayer, to write what God has for me to write that will touch and change lives, drawing them closer to Him. Is it okay to try a new genre?
Do you still respect me for abandoning fiction?

It's Christmas in Mexico 2019...

One of my favorite kick offs to the Christmas season is Mexico, New York's, Christmas in Mexico. Each year it's a little bigger and better. I alternate between having a table with my books and products, and volunteering with my teacher's union, MACSFA, handing out free books to kids.

This year is a table year. If you need a signed copy of any of my books, you can find me at the Presbyterian Church located on Church Street. There are vendors and crafters at each of the three schools, all the churches, and all the businesses are open. Horse drawn sleigh rides, caroling, food, games, food, and fellowship. It's a great day.

I hope to see you today! Check out the Christmas in Mexico Facebook Page A great way to support local crafters and vendors...
A day full of caroling, shopping, games, food,
​a parade, and tree lighting!