Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 62

The Weather Outside is Like Life...Always Changing

Sunday Tuesday For those of you not familiar with living in the ever-changing and beautiful Upstate New York, on the border of Lake Ontario...let me share.  Take this morning for instance, I let the dog out at 6 a.m. to go to the bathroom, no snow. An hour later and I let her out and the wind is blowing around these white crystals known as "pennies from heaven" to the snow plow drivers.  

​The weather men have predicted an intense Lake Effect Winter Storm for a couple days. Some live by the warnings and others, make sure there's enough essentials just in case but continue with life as usual. Then the storm hits. The ones in a panic are the ones not prepared. Instead of taking five minutes to stop for milk and bread, they go home so because they can get it tomorrow. But what if by tomorrow morning, the weather teams are correct and you are stuck home? Which are you? The one who takes the extra few minutes to pick up an extra gallon of milk or do you take the chance and continue with life as normal? If you always stop and over prepare, is this because you didn't once or is this just the way you are wired? Regardless of which personality you are, this scenario relates to life. 

On one hand, we don't have a meteorologist preparing us for tomorrow's celebrations, challenges, or tragedies BUT we do have a God offering us the tools, strategies, and truths to help, if not save us when these times come.

Some of life's storms come at us after a warning.  Some warnings give us time to think and act to change the outcome while others are spiraling out of our control and all we can do is pray and watch it unfold, preparing for the end of this particular situation. Then there are the times, like my sister's kidnapping, when life changes without warning and knocks us off our feet.

Like New York, storms will come. You might have a warning and other times, it's storming before you can get the milk. In life, you will have warnings to prepare you and possibly offer the opportunity to change an outcome. Then there are the moments that we must trust God to hold and carry us through, because nothing could prepare you for this unexpected trial. BUT, if you have faith and a relationship with Jesus...you'll have the supplies necessary to survive.

When the upright need help
and cry to the Eternal,
He hears their cries
    and rescues them
​from all of their troubles."
Psalm 34:17 VOICE

Warning...a storm is coming. Are you prepared?

Do Not Underestimate the Role of a Child in Your Life

This verse from First Timothy encourages me. It illustrates the impact how one child can impact the lives of those around them. I have a first hand experience with this. In 2004, God used a child to reach my heart and fill the void of darkness left after my sister, Heidi Allen's, abduction.

God used a child with me because they are my soft spot and have the ability to melt my heart with a smile. Of course the child who told me I needed Jesus wasn't smiling. He was determined with a persistent love of God and desire to share this with me. Something I am thankful for. I wouldn't be here blogging, writing, or speaking to share how God used me, a broken and grieved sister to help others know there is hope and they too can survive after tragedy. How has a child helped you in your life?
Please leave a comment below and share with us...

Hard Work + Time Together = Family

I love living in the country, even on the days when the manure is spread in the fields to nourish the soil. The colors are rich, the aroma refreshing, and the neighbors a blessing. There aren't too many working farms in Oswego County anymore and we've noticed as we travel North, the numbers are less there too. I wasn't raised on a "working" farm and to be honest, I like milk and dairy from the store, not fresh from the barn. But then again, I grew up walking to the lake and seeing the cows hooked to the milking machine. I still remember my first invitation in to see the vat collecting the milk and how it chilled and circulated the milk until the truck arrived later.

They showed us how they scraped the top off the milk and used it for cheese or creme for the coffee, I can't remember exactly. They would pour us a little cup of "fresh" milk, my first reaction probably offended them but they laughed and explained it is much different than the white milk we buy in the store. That is an understatement. So while I might live in the country and near farms, I'm not too much of a country girl.
Just because I don't like fresh milk or the idea of chicken poop on the bottom of my shoes doesn't mean I can't appreciate the hard work and dedication of my neighbors and farmers across our country. Have you ever heard the phrase, "Farming is a lost art."? I never understood this as a child but as I've grown it makes more sense. There is creativity and out of the box thinking in farming. There are opportunities to absorb God's creation before the sun rises, as it rises, as it transitions over the hills behind the barn, and starts its descent to sleep for the night.

Farmers experience moments of life and death many miss. They reap a harvest beyond that of fruits and vegetables, or even fresh milk. Farming requires 100% involvement and help from the family. To see the toddlers carrying the basket of eggs from the coop to the kitchen is a lesson of grace and tenderness. A father teaching his son to milk cow reminds me of the bond our boys need with their daddy. There are moments of mom teaching her daughter to sew and mend the socks or make a new dress. These are only a few blessings and joys of living on the farm.

As with any life, there are challenges. Farming in today's society has to be a great uphill battle yet it is one many strive to succeed at, keeping the tradition and priceless unity of family at the forefront.  Farming is not new, it was first mentioned in Genesis 2.  Farming is tradition and lost art but there are those still dedicating hours before and after their "real job" to keep their farms running. They might only produce enough eggs, milk, and crops for their own family BUT they are caring for their own family with the very things God provided for them.

The next time you pick up a gallon of milk at the grocery store, remember the families across the country, or in your neighborhood, who bond together and dedicate hours each day to produce that milk for your consumption. They are a family bound by work ethic, love, and determination. As we wait for the coming of the Lord, we must wait with patience of the farmer planting and harvesting his crops. As we appreciate the ease of picking up a gallon of milk, remember the farmers in your prayers and they join together so we can run to the store. They are up tending the sheep while we are still counting them. Thank you farmers!

For this reason, my brothers and sisters,
be patient as you wait for the return of the Lord.
Look! The farmer knows how to wait patiently
for the land to produce vegetables and fruits.
He cannot harvest a freshly planted seed.
Instead, he waits for the early and the late showers to nourish the soil. 
You need this same kind of patience, 
so in the meantime, strengthen your resolve
​because the Lord will be coming soon."
James 5:7-8 VOICE

When you see the farmers milking cows,
tending the garden, or doing hay...
what is the first thing you think of?
Will you leave a message below to thank our farmers and their families?

Goal Setting 101 ~ What is your focus this year?

A goal is a dream 
with a deadline.
Napoleon Hill

Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement.
Brian Tracy, Eat that Frog

As the calendar turns from December to January most people think of their weight and health. Most goals are focused around the size of our pants and our calorie intake. These are important goals to have to start a new year and throughout the year yet there are so many other areas in life that require our attention. When we focus on only one area at a time, others are neglected. On the flip side, we can't have so many goals that it's impossible to achieve them either. 

Today I want to get us thinking about the different areas in our lives we should set at least one goal in. These are the areas I set goals in. My daughter saw me working on my goals last week and said, "You have a lot of goals." She and her friend then had a conversation about their goal is to graduate and be ready for college.

Everyone needs to set goals based on their individual needs and time frames. Me, I'm an OCD first born, need I say more?  So for me, my yearly goals are determined with a little planning on ways to achieve my goals. This is all in writing. More about this later. For today, let me share the areas I set goals in. If you have same or different areas to set goals in, will you share in a comment below? You might not be a goal setter, if you had to pick one area in your life to set a goal, what would it be? If you feel overwhelmed with "too many" areas to improve, pick the one that bothers you the most and start there. Which area are you drawn to as a starting point?

Spiritual

​Health/Physical
​Emotional
Marriage
​Parenting
​Financial

​A Hobby ~ Mission
~ Passion ~ Reading
(My writing and speaking are in this area) Have you set your goals for 2016?
How are your goal areas the same or different than mine?
Do you set one or a few?

A Wacky or Wonderful Wednesday

I don't know about you but Wednesday is that middle of the week day many look forward to because it means they are half way to the weekend. I've also heard today termed as Wonderful Wednesday and Wacky Wednesday. Regardless of what you call it, it is the day in the middle of the week.

Personally, I don't have a preference and don't find it any more special than any other day of the week. Then again, maybe it is because I love my job and don't wake up wishing my week was over, what about you?

One of my husband's friends stopped this past weekend and said "Of course you don't feel that way, not everyone loves their job." I count my job as a paraprofessional as a blessing yet after two people over break commenting on the rarity of loving one's job...I'm sharing this blessing with all of you. 

If today is only "Hump Day" to you, I challenge you to find the wacky and wonderful at your job to make it not the hurdle to the weekend but instead, a pivotal point in the week to change the heart, attitude, or life of another for the good. You have the ability to encourage someone else, regardless of your job calling or location. It's up to you to choose. Who knows, today might be the day you say "It's Wacky Wednesday" and treat your coworkers to lollipops or bubble gum just because it's a silly change.

Eliminate the hump day and put the wacky and wonderful adventure of life you had as a child return to your heart and soul, it's contagious and you'll benefit from the joy you create.
How will you make today wacky and wonderful?

TOP's Tuesday: The Future of the Blog?

​“The first thing you need to decide when you build your blog is what you want to accomplish with it, and what it can do if successful.”
~ Ron Dawson ~

Last year I attended a training for school. Our school is a Year One, Leader In Me School this past September. In preparation for this mind set and life lesson approach to education, our district brought in leaders to train us. The lessons, or "habits" as they are called with the Leader In Me, are nothing new or clever.

​They are eight value and common sense driven ways to approach life. Lessons I learned from my parents but in today's age, less children are coming to school with this foundation and as adults, to revisit these habits and model them for our students, we too, are learners. Leading to learn and learning to lead, a great combination. But what does this have to do with my blog? Part of our initial two day training was spent reflecting and internalizing the Leader in Me, specifically, the leader within us as individuals. The individual we are before putting the role of school employee at the forefront. During this process, we were challenged to write a personal mission statement. 

As I worked on this I thought about how a mission statement for my writing and speaking would be beneficial to me, and for you, my readers. One definition of a mission statement, by SusanChritton is this, "A personal mission statement or personal philosophy is what you feel you would like to become in your life. It is an internal process and needs to come from the core of who you are. There are no right or wrong answers; defining your mission statement is just a way to put your purpose or calling into words." Read more here .
This initial introduction to a personal mission statement was last June. I've puttered on it here and there but haven't put anything in ink or on a card yet. As I look to my goals for 2016, I'm reminded of my personal mission statement and the idea of a mission statement for my writing and speaking. As I continue to write the blog, schedule speaking engagements, and prayerfully consider another book...finishing my mission statements will be revisited more often. Maybe it should be one of my 2016 goals? Time will tell. Do you have a personal or business mission statement?
Will you share below and if you are inclined,
​what process did you use to determine your mission statement?
Thank you for taking time to encourage others by sharing!

God's Leading? Heart's Desire? or the Combo there of?

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
​plans to give you hope and a future. 
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

This verse from Jeremiah is one you have probably read or heard at least a few times in your lifetime. Often though, it is misused and if I spent long enough dwelling on it, I probably am guilty of doing it myself. Yet, an important fact of life to remember, I'm not the same person I was a few years ago, or even yesterday...and neither are you! An exciting truth.

As I work on my 2016 goals, there is something I've thought about and asked God to clarify if it was His call or my own desire. I believe it is God's calling as my heart is encouraged by some of the things and terrified at the same time. I've started to formulate a plan of reality, feasibility, and direction so I don't "put the horse in front of the cart", as my Gram would say. More importantly, so I don't put myself before God. A challenge and pray-first-necessity when making decisions and steps like this.

Reflecting on path and decisions made in the past before taking a step forward into 2016 might provide the foresight, knowledge, and wisdom necessary to make an God-educated choice.  What goals are you planning for 2016?
Who are you seeking advice from?
Family, friends, or God? 

Will you share your dreams and goals for 2016?

Broken Yet Usable...Just Like Us

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18 NIV

Last year as the school year came to an end, I dropped my cellular phone while taking pictures during a field trip. I didn't stress too much at the initial bust because no person was injured and second, I had insurance. Little did I know the phone company's idea of insurance and mine were two different things, but this isn't the intent of this blog.

The point, even though I had insurance, it wasn't good enough for a 100% replacement. I either accepted the insurance as written or went without a phone for another year. This is where our lesson is. We are like the broken phone. Sometimes we've fallen, been dropped, or beaten. Other times, we are caught in the storm and can't seem to land in the calm serene place of peace. Unlike the phone company's insurance plan, God's plan, redeeming grace and mercy, are FREE!

There isn't a contract we need to read and agree to. There is no monthly charge in case we need Him. Instead, God only asks that we trust Him and Him alone. He invites us to spend eternity with Him and the loved ones gone before us through our belief in Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection. We admit we are sinners and are broken. There isn't an earthly band aid or insurance plan to cover our multitude of sins BUT God does willingly, lovingly, and freely through His and Jesus' sacrifice. Leaving the Holy Spirit to intercede and serve as our communication line.

I might be out more money in order to have a cellular phone in my possession 24/7 BUT THERE IS NO COST ON MY PART to believe in God and trust Him to save and protect me.

​JESUS PAID THE COST FOR ME, AND FOR YOU. Aren't you thankful God isn't a cellular provider or insurance agent. I know I am. In case of ghost...who do you call? Ghostbusters of course. But seriously...

When your possessions are broken, who do you call?
When your heart is broken, who do you call?

What is today? Can Someone Help Please?

I don't know about you but when vacation happens, sometimes the days get lost or speed ahead without me realizing it. I do know it is Saturday but in the past couple days, at least three people have goofed up which day of the week it was. This doesn't count the times I've been confused all on my own.

Thursday evening a friend stopped on her way to church and I asked, "You have church on New Year's Eve?" She said, "No, it's our usual Friday service." Then Mags and I said, "But it's Thursday" and then between three of us and many giggles and time looking at the calendar...it was Thursday. So last night, we joined her for church since our evening was open.

Why is it so difficult to keep track of what day it is when holidays and extended time away from work are involved? Does anyone know the answer to this common and reoccurring phenomena? Is it our state of relaxation, or the busyness? Is it the freedom to not stress about time and dates? Is it simply the fact we are pulled in so many directions during the holidays, we forget it's a time of celebration and memory making and time is scattered, like our brains as we try to do everything?
I don't know the answer, do you?
Anyway, the next time you find yourself trying
to figure out what day of the week it is, ask yourself...
​"What is going on that I can't keep track of a mere seven day week?"

2016...A New and Life Changing Year

Happy New Year to one and all!

Most television shows, media headlines, and blogs are talking about goal setting today, this week, and through the month.

As in the past, I'll follow this trend, get ready to work on some goals.
Start thinking about that one goal you need to set and achieve this year.

Have a great day and make some memories!