Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 23

Good Things Come to Those Who...

I saw this illustration and thought, this is appropriate yet good things come to those who do more than sweat. Good things come to those who work hard, who put others first, and good things come to those who put God first. Yup, we are digging into some Biblical truth. Are you ready?

If we focus on the words, "Good things come to those who", you'll think of patience and the Bible is full of truths about patience and its importance in our lives.

​Let's take a look at a few, which verse stands out to you the most?
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others,
it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 

Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 

Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 

But if we hope for what we do not yet have,
we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:25

Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32

Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7 

Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,
as some understand slowness.
Instead he is patient with you,
not wanting anyone to perish,
but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 

May the God who gives
endurance and encouragement
give you the same attitude of mind
toward each other that Christ Jesus had.
Romans 15:5 

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
Isaiah 30:18 

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends:
With the Lord a day is like a thousand years,
and a thousand years are like a day.
2 Peter 3:8 

Preach the word;
be prepared in season and out of season;
correct, rebuke and encourage—
with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2 

But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:13 

I am coming soon.
Hold on to what you have,
​so that no one will take your crown.
Revelation 3:11 ​ Which verse stood out to you and why?
If you don't comment below, take time to journal your response so you can reflect on it later.

Fitness Update: Are you taking care of yourself? I hope so...

One thing I've prioritized with the new school year is making sure to get my workouts in. I'm not there four or five times a week like I'd like to but at least I'm getting there three times a week. I hired a personal trainer for the summer to learn how to use weights and other equipment to improve my health. It was a success.

At the start of the school year, I went to twice a month instead of weekly. I miss the weekly training sessions yet my wallet can't afford it so a change was necessity. The every other week is working but I'm saving in hopes of going back to weekly. Below is a funny comedy clip about going to the gym and he jokes about paying for a trainer at the gym you pay to belong too. I used to have a similar philosophy but since this summer, I get it.

It's because of my trainer that I know how to use the weights and other equipment safely and have a routine that is toning my body. My trainer gets my stressers and helps to guide me in healthier eating and habits to combat stress. In a sense, my trainer is a counselor, my health insurance covers counseling, they should cover my trainer, he is both training my physical fitness and mental fitness. 

What do you think? Should health insurance put some money towards our fitness club memberships and trainers? I do...but it's because I notice the health benefits of working with my trainer weekly versus every other week. Maybe one day insurance will be proactive. Enjoy the video and get to the gym!
​Thanks for following & reading my blog...

T.O.P.'S tUESDAY: Checking In...What r u Up 2?

Hey there and happy Tuesday!
Two weeks since I've been on but here I am, kicking off the return on a Tuesday.

I'd like to say I was spending every free minute in my writing cottage after work and on the weekends but this isn't the case. 


What have I been up to?
*Adjusting to the back-to-school schedule and routine
*Getting at least 3 workouts at the gym in each week
*Cleaned my house (finally LOL)
*Found the top of my kitchen table & dryer (my two drop spots - what are yours?)
*Reading a book for fun, "Lost and Found" by Gayle Roper (it's so good, I need more time so I can finish it, yes, it's that good)
*Read a book for a blog review on October 26th, "Hug Everyone You Know" by Antionette Truglio Martin - she is also guest blogging on Oct. 26th so make sure you check it out
*Leading our Fall Women's Bible Study, "Having a Mary Spirit in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver - we are learning so much and getting to know each other better too (We are reading the book along with the video Bible study)
*Reading a book to improve my writing and speaking by James M. Watkins, Communicating to Change Lives: In Person and Print - highly recommend
*Eliminated the magazines-to-read-pile until today's purchase of a new one, lol
​*Cleaned out my closets and donated 3 bags of clothes so far (it's a work-in-progress)
*Then of course the everyday this-n-that of being a mom, wife, niece, and educator

I apologize for not blogging every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday yet after typing this list, I've been busy. Have you ever noticed that we might not realize we did anything but once we take time to reflect (and write it down), we recognize there is a reason some things haven't been done. Something I've learned is to prioritize what NEEDS to be done and put my family and friends first, then the stuff. Tomorrow is not promised. I want to know the people who mean the most to me KNOW they come before any "thing" in this world.

I have a lot on my list that isn't connected to my family yet it is through doing some things for myself this year that I'm more relaxed and better able to be there for my family. We need to remember to care for ourselves or we won't be able to care for our loved ones. It feels good to get some reading and writing done. It might not be here or on the podcast, but God is at work and I'm listening and trying to prioritize and stay focused. 

Next Tuesday I'll talk about the feedback I received on my work-in-progress (WIP). I'm trying my hand at fiction. I have the first 16,000 words finished so I entrusted it to my daughter, an avid reader and honest critic. You'll have to wait until next week to see how it went. Until then, come back on Thursday and Saturday to see what else is going on.
What have you been up to?

T.O.P.'S tUESDAY: Turn the School Purple and Teal to Help Them Heal

Today, Tuesday, September 24th the Mexico Academy and Central Schools Girls Swim and Volleyball teams will be hosting a suicide prevention fundraiser.

Prior to today, there was a t-shirt fundraiser and throughout the day and at their games this evening, there are basket raffles to raise awareness for suicide. The coaches and students even shared the link for t-shirt orders to the visiting teams in case they wanted to help turn the school teal.

All funds are being donated within our county to help those in our community.
You may think suicide isn't something you need to worry about or that you don't know anyone in this situation yet I challenge you, watch these videos and learn some of the statistics. Suicide, attempted suicide, are more than common than most are aware.

Let's raise awareness and educate ourselves so we are better listeners, advocates, & friends. Education is power!
Prayers for those struggling with thoughts of suicide or have lost a friend or loved one to suicide.

HOPE: More than a Word

Hope is defined as "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best."  according to Dictionary.com. HOPE was my mom's word each year and she said as long as she waited to know where Heidi was, hope would remain her focus. We continue to hope as we wait and are thankful for those who remember Heidi in their prayers more than twenty-five years later. In life we face circumstances and situations requiring us to HOPE.

This verse from Isaiah
tells us the LORD:

*is everlasting
*is creator
*doesn't grow tired
*doesn't grow weary
*understands more than we
will be able to understand
*gives us strength to the weary
*increases the power of the weak
*renews our strength
*enables us to soar
*enables us to run
*enables us to keep going
WHEN WE HOPE IN HIM! While you wait..HOPE in the LORD!

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
​
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
    & increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
     they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

What are you hoping for today?

Proud to be an American...Flying High

A few weeks ago, while at The Great New York State Fair, we purchased a new flag pole for my father. He is one of the most patriotic men I know. His knowledge, respect, and love for America and our beautiful flag is inspiring. For as long as I remember, my parents have always had a flag pole with Old Glory waving in the wind. 

The powerful Lake Ontario winds bent the past pole beyond repair. The past couple years my hubby and I visited this one company in the Center of Progress building and dreamed of purchasing one of their flag poles for my Dad. This year we had enough money saved and bought it. The past two days were spent installing and charging the solar light.

The final product is breathtaking...I'm thankful for many of the things my parent taught me BUT one of the best is the legacy of respect, admiration, and love for our country and the flag.

Enjoy this video with history of the flag...
Do you fly Old Glory?
What does our American Flag mean to you?

T.O.P.'S Tuesday: Remembering Heidi

​ This Saturday, September 14, 2019, we will remember and honor Heidi on her 44th birthday. Initially, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Mohawk Valley's Ride for Missing Children planned to do a special bicycle ride for Heidi on Saturday. Due to circumstances out of their control, they have to cancel the ride yet we will till gather with cyclists and volunteer for the Ride for Missing Children to remember Heidi on her birthday. Our family planned to host lunch for the cyclists and SAG, with SUNY Oswego's APO Fraternity serving everyone but as we all know, change is a constant. Since we already planned to spend lunch with our Ride for Missing Children family, this will still happen. Instead of arriving on bicycles, they will use their cars and motorcycles. Life throws curve balls, it's up to us to take a deep breath and keep moving forward. We look forward to this Saturday, remembering Heidi and my Mom.

A HUGE shout out to APO for weeding the Heidi Remembrance Garden this week!!
Thank you for remembering Heidi in your prayers
and hearts, may this be the year
​God answers "Yes" and brings Heidi home.

How big (or small) is your comfort zone?

It's a great time of year to look at our comfort zones​. I learned something when I was very young, each person's comfort level is VERY different AND to make it more interesting, your comfort level (or zone) will change as you mature. As a child, I was more withdrawn and fearful to try new things. As a teen, my zone widened but was still smaller than my peers. In my early 20's, still held on to fear and let it control my comfort zone. Somewhere between my late 20's and early 30's, I learned life is too short and let my feet cross the line. 

One pastor told me, "Your toes are always over the edge", because I was willing to try something new or take a chance. I wasn't always like this, my life experiences as an adult taught me to appreciate each day as a gift. Life is too short and tomorrow isn't a guarantee. If we let fear dictate our lives, we'll miss opportunities and challenges to grow us into the adults God has designed us and wired us to be.

Let me share an example, after my sister disappeared I never thought I'd write about and travel sharing my testimony of faith to encourage and inspire others to trust God. When a church reached out to me to speak I hesitated in my heart. I said "Are you sure?" or something along that line? If God calls you to do something, we need to trust, step out and say "Yes!" I agreed then prayed, studied, and prepared. The blessings that followed, only God could orchestrate.

People shared how God used my words to encourage and uplift broken hearts. This is such a blessing and joy to have God use me. I'd like to say it gets easier and fear doesn't get to me yet when God asks me to step out to do something for Him, I'll say yes then pray for God's peace, strength, and ability to follow through. Are you ready?
Where is God calling you
to step outside of 
your comfort zone?

​What, or who, is stopping you?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Writer's Cottage Part VI

The last corner of the writer's cottage is my writing area, when I opt for a desk. Auntie M stopped to see how the writer's cottage was coming along and said she had the perfect table/desk, "It's just the right size, it will fit perfect." .She was right. In addition to the table, she had a small desk lamp not being used. The combination dressed up the last part of the cottage.

The pencil/paper organizer at the end I've had for a few years and found it at a thrift store for $2. The drawers hold my paperclips, allowing all my essentials at my fingertips yet look neat at all times The chair is from my grandmothers, with a cushion made for my daughter many moons ago.
The last item added was a new dog bed for Faith. Faith wasn't a fan, she prefers my chair when I'm sitting on the floor BUT my dad's dog enjoys it. The cottage isn't big yet the two dogs and I fit nicely and the first day I worked in my new space I banged out over 3,000 words. 

The days when I stopped at the lake or the library after working out, I only wrote between 700 - 1,000. Now I can leave out the notes and such when I'm done for the day and pick up where I left off. No more packing it all into a notebook and binder, and then my bag before driving home. The time saved from not driving to and from my writing spot, setting up to write, and then having to clean up when I'm done so I can drive home equaled about 2,000 words. Woot Woot!

The added bonus is the company I have while working, two dogs and my Dad. Life is good and the writing is even better. Mom is smiling and my daughter likes my writer's cottage, she couldn't believe the transformation. A little insulation board, contact paper, and a lot of love.
What is the last thing you added to your special area?

Book Release...Survivors

THE FORGOTTEN VICTIMS OF MURDER & SUSPICIOUS DEATHS

"The survivors of victims of murder and suspicious death are often victimized twice—first by the loss of their loved one and subsequently by the system they rely on for justice. In pursuit of police transparency and search for justice, retired investigator Dennis Griffin takes us inside the world of real crime cases to expose the shocking truth behind the alarming number of unsolved murders and suspicious deaths classified as accidental, self-inflicted, or natural—with little to no investigation."
~Dennis N. Griffin I am thankful for the invitation to participate in this anthology compiled by Dennis Griffin. Dennis is a wonderful man and his passion to help others combined with his law enforcement background are a powerful combination.

Dennis and Lynda Fell created personalized covers for each of contributing author to use in promoting the book. When you order your copy from Amazon, it will say "with The Transparency Project", similar to this one, instead of having my name on it. Thank you Dennis and Lynda for this feature to help promote the book.

This is the 3rd anthology I've had the honor to share Heidi and her case. Each time it's a journey because I return to 1994 again. As I journey through the writing and collaboration process, I pray and praise God at the same time. Prayers for His guidance and protection while praising Him for the opportunity to share Heidi and her story with people. We never know when a new reader or listener might know something to bring Heidi home and have the courage to pick up the phone to share the information with the Oswego County Sheriff's Department or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 
About the Author
Dennis Griffin retired in 1994, after a twenty-year career in law enforcement and investigations in New York State. After authoring 8 mystery thrillers, Griffin turned his attention to nonfiction. He founded The Transparency Project to help families of suspicious death victims gain access to police records related to the investigation of their loved one. Griffin is host of the popular podcasts Crime Wire and The Transparency Project Radio Show.

He also serves as a consultant, matching true crime movie and documentary producers, writers, and event coordinators with potential technical consultants and speakers. Learn more at www.dennisngriffin.biz. After you read this book, 
will you leave a review on Amazon?
​Thank you in advance.