Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 60

Trying to Cast my Cares as the World Screams

Today's blog is for YOU...what struggle, concern, disagreement, or life stressor would you like to release? You don't need to carry this on your own shoulders, God is ready to remove this weight...all you need to do is look up and cast your cares on Him.

Take a few minutes to listen to the beautiful song below...
Give your burdens to the LORD,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Psalm 55:22 NLT
Have a great day today - today's blog is for YOU!

A FUN FRIDAY! Want to Play A Name Game?

Did you start singing the "Name Game" by Shirley Ellis? I know this is the first thing I think of when I hear these two words spoken together. It's also a fun song to sing to the kids at school. It turns frowns upside down and ignites belly laughter. A joyful sound indeed.

As I thought about a fun post, this song instantly popped in my head and I started to sing and placed my daughter's name into the first verse. Before I knew what happened, the dampness from dodging raindrops was replaced with a smile.

To keep the momentum going, since we can't sing together, I thought we could play a name game of a different kind. Here is our Fun Friday activity, what is the first letter in your first name? Use this letter to come up with an adjective to describe yourself. It has to be positive, self-esteem building, and loving.

It is sometimes easier for us to share love and encouragement with others and we forget that we deserve the same time and appreciation, especially if you are a woman. If you struggle to come up with one, ask the person sitting next to you or ask your comrades over lunch.

Everyone has something positive and worthy of recognition. What is yours?

So, after listening to the Name Game song, come up with at least one word that starts with the letter of your name. If you are feeling brave, share your name and descriptive in a post below. Remember, have fun, you deserve it.

A Couple Examples:
If I didn't know how to describe myself, I would post..."Lovely Lisa" because this is how my husband has me listed in his phone.

​As I thought about how I would describe myself, requires more thought but I like to follow through with a fun challenge so mine is "Laughing Lisa", I love to laugh. Share a little love with yourself today!
Using the First letter of your
First Name describe yourself...

~ Let's see how many people take time to post ~

Something to Start the Week Off...Have a Great Day and Week!

What is your favorite Mom task? Least favorite?

More Than Mismatched Ice Cube Trays...A Life Lesson

We added a new ice cube tray to our family of pink, one blue one. I'm not one to mix and match because I like things to match and line up in the freezer BUT our daughter needed one ice tray for a school project. Rather than letting the other collect dust in a cupboard, I washed it and put it to use.

Well, now I know another reason to use all the same ice cube trays, if the mismatched colors isn't enough, look at what Mr. Blue did. He stole half of the pink's ice cubes. This was not very nice yet it did make us laugh quite a bit. As I look back, it wasn't that funny, we must have been overtired.

Anyway, I share this goofy story because we are like these trays sometimes, teenagers especially. Think about it, you have a comfortable group of friends or acquaintances and it's hard to let someone new, regardless of how wonderful they seem, into the "circle of trust" if you will. BUT it is important to let go of our fear and level of comfortable sometimes because who knows, the newbie, like this blue ice cube tray might need to find their inner leader.

Who knows, they might compliment your group of friends and lead you to new and exciting things. Like some of the ice cubs that stayed in the pink tray, not everyone is ready to break from the pack and try to new things or let new people in. This doesn't make them a bad person, they just need a little more time but eventually everyone in the tray is taken out of the freezer so their purpose can be utilized to help others. 

Whether you are the ice cube remaining in the freezer until the "next time" or the one clinging on to something new and exciting, remember, we aren't meant to sit around and evaporate. There is a bigger and more wonderful plan before us. We need only trust and get out of the tray. A special thanks to Mags for holding the ice tray for me to capture a picture. 
Are you the ice cube in the pink tray or the one following the blue into something new and exciting and letting go of your safety net?
Will you share a story of taking a chance or waiting a little big longer?

TOP's Tuesday: The Gift of Time

Our daughter is a high school senior, you know what this means, the next adventure is around the corner. I imagined her attending college from the moment I saw her "playing school" as a child. A friend describes Mags as "an adult trapped in a teenager's body", with this in mind, she is very detailed in her research and preparation of the "real world". I remind her that each lesson she learns in high school is preparation for situations and people she'll experience and meet in the future. Sometimes getting along with your high school friends is easier than the adults you meet, at least in high school you can use your parents as an out. LOL

Since this past August, Mags has devoted time to researching colleges, scholarships, grants, and ways to pay for college. She also expressed interest in the Air Force. One thing is for sure, she does her homework and explores all the options. The pros and cons of each and ways to reach that particular goal. I remember my aunts and mom telling me when Mags went to school for her first day of Kindergarten, "Enjoy every moment, before you know it, she'll be walking across the stage to graduate." I thought they were teasing but it honestly feels like I blinked an eye and thirteen years of school and growing up have happened. 

If we've done our job, she is ready. If the meticulous way she thinks, prepares, and plans for the future is of any value, this girl of ours is ready. Do I know which road she will take? Not yet, because she doesn't know. She applied to three colleges and continues conversation with the Air Force recruiter. Her top college choice still hasn't responded and this has her anxious, but thankfully the acceptance letter received today provided encouragement to her. Not only are we attending their open house, this one moved from number three, to number two.

Why do I share this on TOP's Tuesday? I think because TOP's Tuesday was my Mom's favorite blog of the week and we liked to share exciting news. I can see my Mom smiling and celebrating with us today and keeping Mags calm as she waits for her number one choice to respond. Today's celebration is for my daughter, she's overcome obstacles many don't realize and continues to amaze me with her dedication and determination to be the best she can be. My Mom would be extra proud of her today, I know Ed, my Dad, Auntie, Unc, and I are. Kudos Mags - don't give up, number one will send an acceptance letter too!
Are your children seniors in high school?
Do you remember the countdown to graduation?

What words of wisdom can you share
​for parents living this journey now?

Let February Break (aka Vacation) Begin...2016

​
"I'll settle down
when my 'To Do' list
is smaller than
my 'Been There,
Done That' list."


Unknown Hi there everyone! It is cold, snowy, and another storm is on its way to our beautiful area of Upstate New York. I'm thankful it is Winter Break because I speculate another snow day could have been used tomorrow, I like my snow days given back for an extended Memorial Day weekend personally. A tradition in the Buske house during a school break is the making of "THE List". For the most part, our week is relaxed and flexible, with the exception of "doctor appointment day". But I'm an optimist so there are additional items on "Doctor Day". Don't worry, it isn't a work only week. Some of the items on the to-do-list (or chart as my family calls it) are family fun and relaxation type activities (like exercise or shopping). 

I am the next generation of list writers, with yet another generation following suit with color coding and priority techniques that make me proud.

I make lists for a few reasons,in an easy-to-read format, here you go:
1)  It's a proactive approach and keeps me focused

2) I begin with the end in mind. I need to "see" my day or week before me and prioritize.

3) Lists help me to put first things first

4) Lists remind me, and my family, to think win-win. When everyone knows what needs to be done, and pitches in, it makes for a happy home - my lists are color coded. Blue for hubby, pink for me, orange for Mags, and green for family event. (In case you are wondering, our calendars are color coded the same way)

5) A list keeps me organized. 

Will I complete everything on my list for the week? Of course not! I have items in off colors that I add when they "pop into my head". These are my "parking lot" things to do. If you've ever worked on a committee, there are "parking lot" items - these are important but not priority items, worthy of discussion (or doing) at a later time.

I also have generic items on my list, an example is "writing" or "exercise". Depending on my mood, writing might be crossed off after writing this blog, or exercise is crossed off because I made so  many trips from one room to the other after forgetting what I went to get. Sometimes I "NEED" to cross items off so I'll write down something that wasn't on the list, but something I did, just to cross it off. My biggest fan says I'm sadistic and I remind him of my Mom, then he smiles. 

I think I'll always be a list creator and organizer, it works for me. Lists don't work for everyone. My husband has an amazing mind and doesn't need a written lists. He formulates lists and balances the check book in his brain, I can not even begin fathom this and find is amazing. He tolerates my lists and even appreciates his honey-do-list on his days off.

Let me share a marriage pointer, leave your husband a list of what you need done. My husband asked me to leave him a lists after admitting he doesn't know what I need done and would like to help but I'm so "fussy", he'd rather not do anything than trigger the OCD crazed wife if something isn't the way I need it to be. I know, I'm the one with the issue and an amazing husband who desires to be a good man and understands the way I'm wired. He appreciates the lists and I appreciate little things.

​Note, my lists are little things, like take our the garbage or put away the dishes. Ladies, sometimes our men work so hard to provide for us, they don't recognize how priceless and precious taking out the garbage can be for their wives. Don't nag at them, just talk. Ed and I communicate and this works for us. If he wants me to do something, you know what, he leaves me a note. Without a note, I'm a lost puppy trying to find my way, this girl needs direction and focus.
If you are a list person, are your reasons the same or different? Please share in a comment below to help inspire and encourage others looking for the trick that works for them.

To My Valentine...With All My Love

"So I give you a new command: Love each other deeply and fully.
Remember the ways that I have loved you,
and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways.
Everyone will know you as My followers
if you demonstrate your love to others."
John 13:34-35 VOICE

​

“Life is not made up of minutes,
hours, days, weeks, months,
or years,but of moments.
You must experience each one
before you can appreciate it.” 
― Sarah Ban Breathnach The First Poem I gave Ed...July 23, 1991
​It remains on top of his dresser to this day...
Ed and I are polar opposites yet kindred spirits. It's a good balance.

He is a man of limited words, and well, you know me...talking, writing, and speaking are my thing.

One of the first things I noticed and fell in love with, after his amazing blue eyes, was his sense of humor. Although stresses of life try to stifle his joy and humor, he lets his inner child and goofiness come out time and again. 

He melted my heart to pure mush the first time I saw him in his dress blues.

He made me laugh from my toes until my sides hurt.

He loved his nephews and nieces so much, the way he played and interacted with them showed what an amazing father he would be. 

He became the rock I needed when it became impossible to trust and put my feet on the floor. He held me up, encouraged me, and told me that it might not ever be the same but I always have him...and he would be there. A promise he still keeps today.

Ed is my husband, my friend, and my confidant. Happy Valentine's Day Ed! I love you! Who would you like to say Happy Valentine's Day to today? 
Why is he or she your one and only Valentine?

Meet Heather: A Leader of the Ladies in Defiance

Last December my friend, Diane Estrella, contacted me about reviewing a book written by Heather Blanton. Heather had a few books to choose from but I couldn't decide and at the time, my mind-set and schedule didn't allow the time necessary.

Fast forward to January, Diane contacted me again to share an opportunity to guest blog for Heather. ​Since life seemed to be into a new normal, I accepted. I'll admit I was nervous at first because I never viewed myself as a Lady in Defiance. 

Thank you Diane and Heather for seeing an aspect of me I didn't realize, and for the chance to meet new readers and introduce Heather to my readers.

Please click her to hop over the Heather Blanton's "Ladies in Defiance" website to read my guest blog on her page and learn more about her fabulous books. To learn more about Heather, read below and visit her author page. It's a cold winter night so why not spend it meeting Heather? Heather writes, "I love Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God, and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren't preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. 

I am a huge researcher, as well, and you will find hints of historical romances inspired by true stories in my novels! 

I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! I love exploring out West, especially ghost towns and museums. I've walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.

"I believe Christian fiction should be messy and gritty, because the human condition is ... and God loves us anyway." -- Heather Blanton To Learn More About Heather and her books, or to follow her on Twitter: To read my guest psst on Heather's blog: click here

To Visit Heather's Website "Ladies in Defiance": http://ladiesindefiance.com/ 

To Follow Heather Blanton on Facebook: Author Heather Blanton

To Follow Heather Blanton on Twitter:  
About Heather's books: http://ladiesindefiance.com/my-novels/ Please visit Heather Blanton's blog to read today's full blog -
I'm posting there today. Thank you again Heather
for the invite to share with your readers
and considering me a Lady in Defiance.

Have You Ever Did ANYTHING but the One Thing You Are Supposed to?

My answer is a big ol' yes, especially since working on a blog is my "anything" to avoid finishing preparing an information packet for a project. I enjoy the subject matter and look forward to synergizing with my peers and planning an event. YET...I can't "get my head in the game" to focus. 

I've checked Facebook a few times, my email, and even played a game or three of Soda Crush as I drink my coffee. What is a girl to do? I need to know...am I alone in this conundrum? I don't think so, hence the reason I'm putting it out there for a blog discussion.

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, forty days before Easter, and a time when some "give up" something. This can be a food, bad habit, or thing. Others use this time to take up a new habit. Then there are those of us who focus on both, eliminating something pulling our attention away from God while adding something to help us reconnect or be a better man or woman.

What does Lent have to do with avoiding a task? I don't know, maybe nothing, but on the other hand, what if I gave up procrastination for Lent and focused on only thinking and speaking positive and encouraging thoughts and words? Hmm...would this solve my avoidance in completing a task? Probably not, since it's worked for me the past forty years, BUT...it might minimize the frustration of having to get things done or taking on more than I have time to complete. Then again, they might not be related at all but you just avoided something on your to-do-list to read this crazy and disorganized blog. So we are equally guilty, aren't we?
If you have mastered the art of completing one task before moving on to the next, will you share your strategies and success below in a comment?

Better yet, do you have a story of how "multi-tasking"
did NOT work out to well for you?

Like when I start to fill the sink to do dishes in the morning, leave the kitchen to let the dog in and forget the water is running and I end up "cleaning" the kitchen since there is hot and soapy water everywhere. 

"Like mother, like daughter" is Biblical

Yesterday was a Superintendent's Conference day in my district. Instead of taking advantage of my professional development I put on my "Mom" hat for the day. I try to schedule appointments so our daughter doesn't have to miss school, miss learning, and then spend three days making up work for the one day missed. 

Two cities and two doctors brought good reports from the doctors along with quality mother-daughter time. With over four hours in the car, there was ample time to talk and reconnect. It was good for both of us. 

Last summer we visited Kentucky. My daughter found a clothing store she loved and wished it was closer. Monday night she received an email from this store, "Rainbow", with sales. This motivated her to look for the nearest one. Guess what? Rochester had a store in The Mall at Greece Ridge, only minutes from Golasano's. How exciting, we had to check it out.

We had a wonderful time and didn't even walk through half the mall. As we made our way through with eyes like children in a candy store, we saw this beautiful, two-story carousel. I had to ride it, it cost me a frozen yogurt to get Mags on it, but it was worth it. She ended up having fun too and she took a few pics and even a video while we enjoyed a few minutes going in circles. My horse never caught up with hers but we had fun pretending to be in a scene from Mary Poppins.

Life can run you down at times but it is important to remember to smile and have fun. As I searched God's Word for a verse to represent our mother-daughter day, I found this one in Ezekiel. At face value, it is a beautiful and powerful verse but when you read the entire chapter, you'll learn God spoke these words to the city of Sodom. In the case of Sodom, it was not a healthy and positive relationship. God warned them if they didn't stop sinning, He would destroy them.

In life, as a Mom, do you want to encourage and lift up your daughter? Do you want people to quote "Like mother, like daughter" in the tone of God to Sodom or one of health and well-being? I know my answer. Yesterday's doctor appointments, conversations, and carousel ride will be a memory I treasure and I hope my daughter does too. Hopefully her mall and ride memories won't be following doctor appointments like ours usually are, yet if she someone is to tell her "you are like you Mom", I pray she views this as a compliment. I know being her Mom is my favorite job and joy. May she be an even better Mom than me one day.





"Everyone who likes to quote proverbs will certainly be quoting this proverb about you:

“Like mother, like daughter.”
​
​Ezekiel 16:44 Focus on the positives and ask for forgiveness when necessary.
This will be the most powerful lesson you'll teach your daughter!