Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 29

April 3, 2019 ~ 25 Years Later...Heidi M Allen Remains Missing

Today is a whirlwind of emotions, it feels like only yesterday when the phone rang to say, "Heidi is missing, get to the store." We remember it like yesterday but the weight of 9,131 days or 300 months of not knowing where Heidi is weigh us down.

Each day I put my feet on the floor, there is a prayer and hope for the new day. May this be the day Heidi is returned home. May this be the day my parents, now my dad, can know where there youngest daughter is. Life is full ups and downs.

We have people in our lives that support us and people who attempt to bring us down. The goal and hope is there is a balance with more good than the latter. I encourage you to focus on the good, cherish each moment, and never...never...take a moment for granted. When given the opportunity to make a memory with someone you love, choose the memory making over the mundane. Tomorrow, or a minute from now are not guaranteed BUT this very moment is. It's here.

Thank you for remembering Heidi and all our missing. As you light a candle this evening at 7:42 p.m., say a prayer for Heidi's return and if you will, say a prayer for all our missing and their families. May all the missing be reunited with their families and may their parents not have to close their eyes one more night without knowing where their precious child is. Pray no more children and adults are taken against their will...may this epidemic come to an end.
Thank you for remembering Heidi and all our missing...
25 years later
Heidi remains missing
We remain HOPEFUL

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Candles of HOPE for Heidi & All The Missing

Mark your Calendar ~ April 3, 2019 Tomorrow marks the twenty fifth year since Heidi's disappearance. Heidi Allen went to work on Easter Sunday morning but didn't return home to enjoy dinner or her college graduation the following month.

On one hand it seems like yesterday and on the other...the weight of twenty five years is evident. You wouldn't think both feelings could happen at the same time, yet they do. It's hard to explain unless you've experienced a tragic or unexpected loss. If you understand this, I'm sorry, may The Light encourage you too.

The pain doesn't lessen and our hope doesn't falter...25 years later we still hold out hope for Heidi. To remember Heidi, and all the missing, instead of a public gathering ~ we hope to fill social media with pictures of candles...lighting the way home for Heidi and all our missing. This is one way to spread hope as we remember Heidi on a difficult day. Thank you in advance...there will also be a special blog tomorrow for Heidi.
Thank you for remembering Heidi
and all the missing tomorrow,
April 3, 2019 at 7:42 p.m.
​as we LIGHT THEIR WAY HOME!

No Masks Needed...

You aren't going through this alone Have you ever been going through something in your life and keep it to yourself? Can anyone relate? In the midst of chaos, hurts, trials, and challenges you leave the house for work and errands.

You look forward to the routine and being busy? Only a trusted few know how your heart is racing, breaking, and hurting so you're able to face the day and accomplish the list of tasks on the table. It's not that you are devastated or crushed, you just have heavier things weighing on your mind, right? Anyone out there ever feel like this? Maybe I'm alone, but I don't think so.

Have you ever been moving through the day feeling like, "I got this." and then BAM! Someone approaches with encouraging words to help you through a difficult time. You shake your head because you thought you had it together. Guess what, you probably did, or do. BUT God knows what you need, He knows what I need. God brings people into our lives with the words we need to hear, at the moment we need them - if we are open to hearing from Him.

As you go through your day with life's burdens on your shoulders, I pray you know God loves you and holds you in the palm of His hands. You are not alone and don't have to wear a mask. It's okay to put on a smile and not share with everyone yet I encourage you to trust someone with the weight. Most importantly, give it to God. He is faithful and will carry you through it. Notice I said "through it". 

Some of these journeys are necessary in life and we learn from them, grow stronger, and are better able to help someone else down the highway. I pray you know how much you are loved and cared for. Regardless of the mask you put on today, let it me one of joy, love, and hope...you aren't going through this alone. You don't need a mask...you need to share & accept.

As you Fasting...Remember to FEAST

It's the season of Lent, the weeks leading up to Easter. As a child, growing up in a mostly Catholic family, we "gave up" something for Lent. This includes meat on Friday. As an adult and while attending the New Haven Alliance Church I learned about not just "fasting" something but to maximize the beauty and healing of Lent, we should be "doing something" to draw closer to God. I liked this idea, instead of focusing on what I gave up, when I missed whatever it was I gave up, I'd spend time in The Word or doing something to build my relationship with God. 

I don't attend either of these churches anymore yet the life lessons remain with me. Yesterday, pastor shared this same concept of doing something to draw closer to God and giving up something but using words to make it fun. (This is my take on it anyway, I like words and these spoke to me) Instead of "giving up and doing something", pastor suggested, "Fasting and Feasting"! 

Fasting

Feasting

Fasting and Feasting during Lent...this will stick with me. I love it! It doesn't change the purpose or meaning of Lent or what I already do BUT through these words, it brings a new energy and joy to Lent for me. I've always viewed "fasting" as something difficult and painful yet the way in which pastor explained it, to fast, is a blessing and opportunity to draw closer to God and eliminate the ick keeping me from my relationship with God. 

Okay, so this isn't anything new. It's not even new to my blog BUT as I listened and digested this yesterday, the Holy Spirit nudged me and helped me to change my morning routine and figure out how to get everything in, starting with the most important thing...time with God. Want to hear more, check out today's podcast. Click here.

It's through this time that I connect and find the strength to get through whatever the day might bring my way.

I'm ready, are you?
What are you fasting and feasting on this Lenten season?

Faith Filled Friday:Journeying Through Psalm 23

Happy Friday Everyone!

Friday is one of my favorite days because of the "Faith Filled Friday" episode on my podcast, Livin' with Lisa ~ Keeping it Real. 

The first part of the year I shared the Armor of God and each week focused on a different aspect of the armor God's provided for us. If you haven't listened, it's not too late. You can go back to older episodes by starting at the beginning. It's easy, select a Friday episode between January 2019 and March 2019. It's a twenty-plus minute message on the Armor of God to encourage you in your spiritual walk.

Last week, March 15, 2019, I started a new series diving into Psalm 23. We'll journey through this short and powerful Psalm, one nugget at a time. Many are familiar with Psalm 23 yet have you taken time to focus on it verse by verse, nugget by nugget? It's an encouraging and insightful Psalm, I encourage you to take time to join me on this journey through Psalm 23. It's not too late...listen today.
Have you checked out my podcast yet?
Have you shared it with your friends and family?
If so, thank you - if not, what's holding you back?

Have a great weekend!

Spring Puts the SPRING in your Step

I read an article this morning with ten fun facts about the season of Spring and one of them stated that our body makeup physically changes at the start of the season. This is cool stuff, "spring fever" isn't just a thing, it's a metabolic change in our genetic makeup. This is cool stuff!

To read the entire article, click here.

I found this interesting and it also explains why so many struggle with depression in the winter. Go figure, I enjoy learning new things, don't you? Instead of sharing pictures of a robin and flowers today, I chose a spring because we are experiencing a genetic change adding a little "spring to our step", tee hee. 

Happy Wednesday! Happy Spring! The weather in Upstate New York is supposed to be in the low fifties today, this is a heatwave compared to our 20's we've experienced the past months. I look forward to the sunshine, warmer weather, and maybe even driving with the windows down. It's a good day to celebrate twelve hours of daylight and the knowledge of more daylight hours in our future.

Whether you start spring cleaning, raking, or just absorbing some vitamin D...remember to LOOK UP and enjoy the day!
What is your favorite aspect of Spring?
What do you look forward to the most this time of year?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Time to "Suck it Up Buttercup"

In the past couple weeks I've run into people inquiring about the blog. Some have asked, "Lisa, have you been blogging? I miss my daily inspiration." Another shared, "I just wanted to let you know I haven't been receiving my daily notifications in my inbox for the blog, not sure if something isn't working but wanted to let you know I miss it." These two comments aren't alone yet they stand out because they are from people I love and cherish. Their words encourage me and remind me of why I started this blog. Through reflection and prayer I thought about their words...I was reminded of my mom. If you have followed the blog for some time, you know my writing has been inconsistent since my mom's passing in September of 2015.

My mom was the first to read my blog, emailed me if there were PUGS in need of repair, and let me know, "That was a good one." This is the same reason I've struggled to write in general, Mom was my first editor. She provided valuable and honest (VERY honest) feedback. 

Here's the deal, "Keeping it Real", I've used my Mom's passing and my  grief as a crutch long enough.

It's time to write, to blog, & to create for a few reasons:

1) I MISS it - we shouldn't do something because others want us to, instead, we should want to do it and have a passion to do so. It is both therapeutic and enjoyable, I've missed it. 

2) You are missing it - my readers, you, have been reaching out and asking 

3) I can't hide or wallow any longer, it's time to move forward, after all, this was a theme prior to my mom's passing...she told me, "Keep writing, don't stop." To write is to honor her.

I know this isn't the first blog to say "I'm back" yet there is something different in my heart this time as I type these words. Not to say I didn't want to before yet in the past I planned to write/blog because others wanted me to, not because I felt called to write. This is the change...the drive behind the writing.

I don't plan to write more because you want me to...I'm writing more because it's a calling and one I miss. May the Holy Spirit guide my fingers, thoughts, and use these words to touch your hearts.
I've missed you...
What have YOU been up to?
Leave me a comment and let me know...

My 2019 Scripture Verse...Well Verses are...

I realized yesterday that I hadn't shared my Bible verses for 2019. I apologize for this. If you follow the podcast then you've heard me talk about how I've incorporated my personalized version of my Bible verses into my daily meditation and positive affirmation. I want to internalize my verses so God can use them to inspire, motivate, and encourage me throughout the year. I look forward to the day when I get up and I don't need to be reading from the paper because I've hidden them in y heart for eternity. My word for 2019 is Renewal and as I consider different choices and opportunities throughout the year, my hope is have both my word and verses guide my decisions. If it is going to be a year of renewal for me then it requires change, an open mind, and a lot of strength to make the choices necessary to being the best version of myself I can be. My hope and prayer is to use the gifts God's given me and be the Lisa that HE designed me to be before I was even born. 

Let the year begin...
​ My 2019 Scripture:
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful…Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts… The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Colossians 4:2; 3:16; Zephaniah 3:17 NIV ​ 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
If you'd like to learn about my previous verses,
​click on the Year below. I haven't found my older bookmarks yet but I'm still looking. They are tucked somewhere "safe".  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
Have you selected your Bible verse for 2019 yet?

Journaling the Journey: Written, Audio, and Video

Oh happy day! How is everyone? I hope you are doing well. As I de-clutter the house, it's helping to de-clutter my mind. In addition, the change in my eating and sleep habits is providing new energy and a renewed drive to be the best version of myself I can. 

One of my favorite Bible verses is from 2 Corinthians, verses 3-4:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort
​those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

In life, we have a lot of choices. I can choose to "just return" to the scene or I can share the journey as I do. Many of my faithful readers and followers have checked in via a message or note and others have just wondered. Then there are those that found a new blog to follow. All of these are normal and okay.

We live in a busy society and time is valuable and priceless. Time is also necessary to heal wounds, Psalm 147:3 tells us, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." There isn't a timeline with this because we are each uniquely made and it's in God's time, not ours. I've been in a funk since the summer of 2015, the summer when my Mom was diagnosed with cancer and was called home to heaven on my sister's birthday, September 14, 2015.

The journey from that summer to today has been a crazy roller coaster ride and one I've struggled to step off. I'm not claiming to have it all figured out or to be free of the pain BUT my spirit has healed a lot and it took me opening my mind, making a conscious decision, and listening to God's still small voice. 

To some, as I return more often here at the blog. You might think, "She's back!" but in truth, I never left, just took it slower. I started to attend a new church about a year and a half ago, this helped to renew my spirit and faith. This past May I started to podcast, this helped my spirit. This past Summer and Fall I started to focus on my  health. This month, January 2019, I put my good intentions into writing and motion by joining a Wellness Revolution to kick off my year. 

My hope in sharing this journey with you is so you'll understand that we all stumble and fall, we all have ups and downs, and we all have the ability to stand strong and in faith. The journey is what strengthens us and helps us to get our priorities into check. We all have something we are facing, it's a matter of attitude in how we face it. I choose to put myself out there. Some will ridicule and make rude comments BUT the majority will support, pray, and find hope in knowing if someone else can do it, so can they. So CAN YOU!

Happy New Year Everyone! Are you ready? It's your year!Thank you for your encouragement, support, and time!

Take Time to "See" The Beauty Around You

"We sometimes 
underestimate the
influence of the 
little things."
~ Charles W Chestnutt ~ As I walked with our dog, Faith, at the latter part of last week I noticed this beautiful sight. I'm thankful to have my phone in my pocket. As Faith played in the snow to my left, I snapped a few pictures. This single leaf in the snow took my breath away. 

The simplicity and beauty of one fallen leave. Notice the circle around it. There was a slight wind and because it landed on it's stem, the wind was gently spinning the leaf around, creating this circle. A framed leaf in the snow. The photo doesn't capture the glistening snow because the sun was shining yet if you take a deep break, or two, close your eyes and imagine a cool winter breeze and the warmth of the sun on your face...you might be able to see the snow glistening. 
We need to seize the moments of opportunity because it only takes a second, a second, for the beauty to be erased as if it never existed.

I can still see the leaf and it's beautiful circle framing it as the sun shined down. Faith may have ran across it as she played, yet because I took the time to absorb the moment, I still have it in my memory bank.

This is a life lesson. We need to slow down and take time to absorb the little moments and when possible, snap a picture and share it with those we love.

If we each share joy and happiness with those in our circle of influence, imagine how much better the world might be? 
Share a picture of the beauty you saw today in a comment on Facebook, help to brighten someone else's day!