Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 64

Final Preparations As We Count Down to Christmas

I took this picture of our chaotic, messy, and disaster zone of a home on Saturday morning with intentions of posting a before and after photo in that day's blog. The intention and message of the blog was going to be that although we might be surrounded by clutter, once we take the time to sift and sort, something beautiful us underneath.

There is still something wonderous underneath, yet on Monday morning all I have is the "wonder". I wonder if I'll find it before Christmas. So my notion of having the house clean top to bottom and the laundry all done, folded, and put away before going to bed was a fail BUT the time spent with my daughter was a priceless success. Amy I the only with weekend moments like this?
Sometimes life takes on a life in its own rights, do I hear a "Oh yeah!" from anyone else reading this? The good news I did fold the laundry piled in this chair and there are two loads finishing in the washer and dryer this morning to start my next mountain heap. I could grumble about laundry OR I can choose to be thankful. 

I choose to be thankful. Why does five loads of clothes, waiting to be folded and put away make me thankful? It's quite simple actually:
*I have a family healthy enough to wear clothes to school/work and change for their afternoon/evening activities
*I have a husband and daughter living with me
*We have running water that can run both hot or cold
*We have a washer and dryer in our home and don't need to venture out to the laundry mat (I remember those days with a peanut of a daughter dancing and coloring while we waited for the week's worth of laundry to finish) So when the washer shakes and vibrates the floor, I choose to be thankful and pray it last
*We have enough clothes baskets so I can choose to be lazy and stack the laundry each morning after I wash and dry it, then fold it on the weekend
*We have ample clothes so if I don't get around to folding, life is not stressed
*If stacked clothes waiting to be folded is my week's greatest challenge, life is really good!
What task might be a burden on the surface but evidence of much blessing?
Will you share below?

Christmas Countdown...Thanks a Minion

True confession, I missed church this morning! I didn't set my alarm because if I sleep in on Sunday, that means like 8 am. Not today, I woke up at 9:46 am and church starts at 10 am. Instead of rushing to only arrive thirty minutes late was not an option. I require time in the morning, I love mornings yet I'm not quick about it.

I felt bad about missing church, especially since I had my clothes laid out to help a kiddo with his role in the Advent reading. I'm thankful to report, he did a great job and didn't need me. It's wonderful to see the kiddos growing up and shining in their own gifts and talents.

My church family is wonderful, my Secret Sister sent this trio of Minion ornaments to me via special messenger, aka a church friend stopping on his way home to deliver so my secret sister remains a secret until next month. Last month my secret sister gifts brought tears to my eyes and hope to my heart. Blessings to count.

My daughter and I watched "Prancer" since it started at ten when my coffee was finishing. Then at 12:36 pm I realized we were late a second time today. Yup, Mags was supposed to be backstage at 12:30 preparing for the 2 pm show. Ugh! I called and explained to the director we were on route. She chuckled and said she'd see us soon.

In spite of our late starts, it was a great day! Instead of getting cranky or beating myself up for my tardiness, I enjoyed the day. God knows my heart, and yours. What is your heart's desire this Christmas?

The Cristmas Countdown Continues...Let it Snow

Yesterday I had the privilege to spend the day with some of my school peeps, attending a conference in Warsaw, New York. We visited another elementary school and then spent time learning how to be leaders and inspire and motivate our students to be leaders. Thirteen hours from pulling out of my driveway yesterday morning, I arrived at my fathers to pick up my daughter and then head to the theater.

It was a busy fun filled day. In addition to all the learning, there was much laughter and catching up between friends that we might not see you throughout the year. ​The traveling back-and-forth was an inspirational blessing I had not expected. Sometimes God touches our heart when we aren't looking or expecting it. Yesterday was one of those days. I went to bed early for a Friday night last night, and slept until 8 o'clock this morning. Both rarities in our house yet much-needed sleep in order to enjoy the weekend, and be a much friendlier person to live with.

To open the door this morning and see the ground covered in snow and light snow falling as if we were living in a snow globe brought a tear to my eyes. I took a deep breath and breathe then now first winter snow. It may have snow in October but that was just weird, and it still smelled like fall so it was not the same. Today,it is winter and Christmas is less than a week away.

The snow is so beautiful on the lights hitting the need the snow and just peeking through enough to give that little bit of glimmer inspires my heart. Who knows, maybe I'll even put up the Christmas tree now. Although my husband has to work, my daughter and I will join her friends for their annual tree trimming family party. I tradition they started decades ago and invited us to partake in probably a decade ago. It's a beautiful day, I look forward to going and then each time I think about going and watching them decorate the tree I fight back tears.

Tears of sorrow for missing my mom each and every day, checking in in the morning or checking in for lunch or at the end of the day our moments I miss. Yet as I reflect on an annual tradition with friends that started when our kids were tots and see how it is such a blessing today and this year, I'm reminded of how much God loves me. I have an amazing and wonderful family and enjoy them all so much, I have the added blessing of great friends. #wsite-video-container-529352695760544022{ background: url(//www.weebly.comhttp://www.lisambuske.com/uploads/4/7/9/2/4792487/dec2015snow_376.jpg); } #video-iframe-529352695760544022{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1450484896); } #wsite-video-container-529352695760544022, #video-iframe-529352695760544022{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-529352695760544022{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1450484896); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } ​So on this note, it is time to celebrate Christmas and celebrate friends
​and make some memories. I hope you will do the same, Merry Christmas!

Christmas Countdown...Find Your Sparkle

Good morning my faithful blogging family. Today's message is about "sparkle". True confession, Mom took my sparkle with hers this past September. I'm thankful for a rich bounty of family and friends around me yet even with God lighting the way, I can have difficulty finding my inner joy. I know this is normal so why do I beat myself up? I'm a silly human, that's why.


Awhile back I taught after school enrichment but it's been a few years. This fall when the opportunity presented itself again, I almost didn't submit a proposal. I wasn't "feeling" it but as I sat in my self pity, a friend's words of wisdom came to mind. "You can't trust feelings", this is true.


Not only was my presentation approved, the past weeks teaching my students different styles of poetry, journaling, and free writing...I found my sparkle!


Their energy, excitement, and desire to learn more filled my heart and started the process to heal and move forward. I still miss my Mom more than I can express, yet spending time teaching hungry writers inspires me to write.


I found my sparkle...maybe you'll see it shine in the Christmas lights? "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"
Matthew 5:16 NKJ Hope your sparkle twinkles for all to see!

The Christmas Countdown Continues...8 Days

Remember to Wash the Backside Too As I stood over the sink this morning catching up on dishes I found my self laughing out loud, you know, a real laugh, not just an LOL. Then as our daughter's kitten tilted her head at me I realized I'd cracked myself up and no one was there to enjoy it. But then again, since the only sound was clinking dishes and Christmas music, they'd probably think I was mad because the thoughts causing such laughter were in my head.

Are you wondering how stacks of dirty dishes and the importance of washing the bottom of these same dishes  relates to Christmas? I hope so because at first I didn't think there was connection either until I stopped laughing and thought about how our lives are like the dirty dish in the center of the pile.

We have layers of dirt on us too and sometimes we rest in a layer or two of our past. Sadly, like the plates or bowls, sometimes we just rest in the sin or trouble. BUT, we aren't supposed to focus on, or live, in the muck. AND Jesus was born to save us from this vicious cycle too, a few decades later Jesus gave His life to rid us of the layers others may not see. I'm happy to say, these photos aren't from my kitchen BUT lately, my counters seem to look like this more often. Those who know me might not believe it because I typically start my day by making coffee and then getting a few household tasks done so when I return home, it looks and smells clean. Lately though, the motivation to do dishes or "keep up" with the housework can be daunting, it not even a priority. GASP!

This is how dirty dishes and the importance of washing the backside relates to Christmas. Christmas is about new birth. The greatest of these births of course is Jesus. In life, we need to "wash" our layers of dirt, muck, and left overs off too.  We shouldn't live in regret, unforgiveness, dwelling on the past, or grief. This list could go on and is different for each of us.

Why do you wash the under or backside of your dishes? To get rid of the waste and prevent illness. To rid ourselves of the baggage we often carry works the same way. Jesus was born on Christmas so that about three decades later He could die to free us from our sins and give us Eternal life, freedom, and healing. You love yourself and others enough to wash the backside of your dishes, now it's time to love yourself enough to let go of the hurts, troubles, and layers of muck you carry. I need to do this too. No one is perfect and we each have a struggle to wash away, Jesus is also the Great Dishwasher.  Merry Christmas! What a Happy Day when our sins are washed away...

​What is your LEAST favorite dish to wash the backside of?

Christmas Countdown...9 days

​Don't let the past
steal your present.
This is the message
of Christmas:
We are never alone.

Taylor Caldwell

It started with a order. Our daughter sold Christmas Wreaths as a fundraiser for CiTi this year. While I had no desire to hang such a joyful array on the front door, the love for my daughter and the joy to help support her and her goals...a couple wreaths were ordered. One for us and one for my Dad. 

One day as I strolled through the store with no particular purpose and not a clear thought I saw the white Christmas lights. Before the wreath arrived, lights and garland were wrapped around the porch rails. It brightens the front lawn. The wreath and the gold butterflies finish the pretty picture of hope.

I'm glad I decorated a little, it looks nice and my mother would love to see the porch lit up. It was one of the first things she said earlier this Spring when Dad, Ed, and Scott built it, "It will look nice with lights on it at Christmas." Of course I rolled my eyes at the moment but now, each time I cross the threshold, memories of visiting with Mom while the men worked earlier this year fill my heart and mind. What is the first Christmas decoration you put up and why?

Christmas Countdown...10 days until Christmas

Yesterday I started a blog-a-thon to Christmas, well that's just a fancy way of saying we are going to count down the days to Christmas. I'll be honest, the blogs may not interest you or even relate to where you are in life yet it's time I got back to blogging daily. It is something I miss and didn't realize it until talking with the director of my daughter's play this weekend. I have book ideas swirling and landing in the "Do Later File" of my brain so most will probably be lost forever. Others have made it to a sticky note, scrap piece of paper, or a napkin and tucked in my file for a inspired day of writing. 

With ten days until most will gather around their tree surrounded by family or friends, I'm left to wonder, have I missed opportunities to encourage others during the holidays? Worse yet, i feels as if I haven't been as compassionate or caring friend as I should of been for my friends who have lost a parent in the past. There was a time I'd dwell on this for a year or two before realizing I can't change the past but I can be proactive to be a better friend in situations like this in the future. If you are one of those friends, I apologize.

While my Mom was in and out of the hospital this summer and then home with Hospice, I started gifting her these little turtles. They remind me of the Irish Worry Stone. Mom liked them because she could hold it and rub, as she got lost in thought or planned. They also glimmered on the window sill when the afternoon sun reflected off them. Each turtle has a different saying. As I waited at Wayne Crandall's in Oswego a couple times, I started to pick up these turtle gems for myself. I have two and they sit on my desk next to my computer. One says, "One day at a time", purchased a couple days after Mom passed and the other says, "Enjoy the journey." As I sat fighting back tears at the pharmacy one day I remembered the verse from James to be joyful in all situations, and if I needed help in the journey I only need call on God and find the joy.

Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. 
As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them;
if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure 
and teach you true patience as you endure.
 And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. 
If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, 
then all you have to do is ask God for it;
and God will grant all that you need.
​He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking."
James 1:2-5 The VOICE

I don't claim to have joy 24/7 or a secret solution to grief but one thing I do know ~ when we are honest and trust all our trials, tribulations, and concerns to God in prayer...He is faithful to answer. And to help and encourage us along the way, we need to trust a few people with some of these concerns, if only for the shoulder to cry on with no words spoken. I'm thankful for a God, family, and friends that love me.

​Enjoy your journey and take one day at a time.
If you have lost a loved one,
how did or do you honor their memory during the Christmas season?


An ornament, song, activity?

​
Will you share in a post below?

Christmas Countdown...11 Days Until Christmas

This weekend was a busy and fabulous weekend. Friday evening I had the opportunity to be Mom as I helped out at the Oswego Children's Theater performance of The Velveteen Rabbit. This might be our daughter's last Christmas show as an actress with the children's theater yet it isn't the end of her theatrical performances. An exciting time in her life and in ours.

In addition to spending a couple days helping at the show, I practiced for a little Advent reading/skit at church for yesterday. The reading I was asked to do was Tamar, the innkeepers wife. Our church typically has asked one family to do the Advent reading and light the candle, this year, our pastor's wife, Terri, shared a new idea and invited volunteers to "act" out Advent from different perspectives. It has been a wonderful journey to Christmas.

​My favorite line in my part, "all the minions". I tried not to laugh but I still did, Terri didn't even realize it. Only God knew how reading that one line would brighten my spirit. Of course the monologue was talking about people traveling to Bethlehem for the census but I envisioned little yellow Minions on camels making the trek. Too funny.  The cherry on top of a great weekend was ending it with my Dad and his famous crock pot roast. A delicious dinner, kitchen table talk, and triggering memories as we went through some of Mom's clothes. Everything in time. I wasn't ready for this process yet yesterday's time brought me joy and peace.

​The sweater I'm wearing today is one I remember my Mom wearing when I was in college. Mags is preparing for college next year and this bright colored sweater brought an array of memories swirling in my mind. Memories shared at the kitchen table, one of the first Sunday evenings that felt "normal" since my Mom passed. 

Tears and loss flood my heart and soul still yet something clicked this weekend. I don't know if it was the special time at the theater as Mom, the rocking worship at church, the kitchen table talk, helping Dad sort Mom's clothes, or our pastor's message but I do know Who ignited it.

​The Holy Spirit, the very same I practiced reading about all week for yesterday's Advent reading. For the first time since September 14th, 2015, I feel like I can do this. I don't like this change or new reality or journey BUT I do love my family and choose to celebrate life and make memories while "living". As I sat in the living room with my Bible on my lap late last night I could almost hear my Gram telling me, "If you are dying then go to the 'living' room." Choosing to live life to the fullest. Merry Christmas...The countdown continues tomorrow, see you then!
​What piece of clothing triggers a memory and why?

What Happened to Black FRIDAY?

The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s to mark the kickoff to the Christmas shopping season. “Black” refers to stores moving from the “red” to the “black,” back when accounting records were kept by hand, and red ink indicated a loss, and black a profit. Ever since the start of the modern Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924, the Friday after Thanksgiving has been known as the unofficial start to a bustling holiday shopping season.
In the 1960's, police in Philadelphia griped about the congested streets, clogged with motorists and pedestrians, calling it “Black Friday.” In a non-retail sense, it also describes a financial crisis of 1869: a stock market catastrophe set off by gold spectators who tried and failed to corner the gold market, causing the market to collapse and stocks to plummet.

Black Friday is a long day, with many retailers opening up at 5 am or even earlier to hordes of people waiting anxiously outside the windows. There are numerous doorbuster deals and loss leaders – prices so low the store may not make a profit - to entice shoppers. Most large retailers post their Black Friday ad scans, coupons and offers online beforehand to give consumers time to find out about sales and plan their purchases. Other companies take a different approach, waiting until the last possible moment to release their Black Friday ads, hoping to create a buzz and keep customers eagerly checking back for an announcement."
History of Black Friday from: https://blackfriday.com/pages/black-friday-history

Okay, this is the information directly from the Black Friday website. I learned something new, like that this term and shopping extravaganza started in the 1960's. One of my favorite things to do has been waiting in the long lines in the wee hours of the morning. I met new people, saw old friends, and enjoyed the memories made as we watched the craziness of people getting the best deal. We'd wait in line at one store, get what we need before scurrying to the neighboring store to wait in their line. Toes and fingers cold yet no one noticed. The singing of Christmas carols as beautiful snow fell and landed on your nose, a priceless experience. These days are gone.

As we picked up the last items for Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday evening, I heard people complaining about the shopping on Thanksgiving day but in the next breath, say how they "had" to come to get the best deal. I may upset you but it's your choice if you go to the sale. Personally, we don't shop on Thanksgiving because in an attempt to put first things first, we spend time with our family. If no one shops on Thanksgiving, retailers will go back to waiting for Black Friday, the way it has been for more than fifty years. 

My heart breaks for the store employees who don't have a choice to work or not to work retail on Thanksgiving Day. For some, if they don't work, their family doesn't eat or have eat. Remember this as they ring up your $300 sale, as you save just as much, because they might be fighting back tears at how they could catch up bills or enjoy a feast of their own if they only had half that much money.

I enjoy Black Friday shopping yet this morning as we set our alarms for 5:30 a.m., we are still home because we know there aren't lines to wait in and the sale goes until 10 a.m., so why rush. I find the pre-Black Friday deals have decreased some of the Christmas excitement and tradition, at least for our family. I look forward to getting out today. There is no great deal we are hoping to get, well, other than the women's winter boots at Herb Philipsons in Oswego on Saturday for $20 because I don't have any. I'm sure my movie junkie family will find a couple movies left in the $2 and $4 bin at Walmart. My goal for the day, to enjoy time with my family.

Are you a Black Friday shopper? Why do you go? What is your favorite part of the day? Do you shop on Thanksgiving? What would happen if everyone sent retail a message by not shopping next Thanksgiving, do you think Black Friday lines would return or would everyone log online and limit socialization even more? Oh the questions buzzing in my brain and just 7 a.m. Rant done...Time to get moving and enjoy this Black Friday adventure!
What item or deal are you after today?

Thanksgiving Without Mom...Take Two

​Some memories
are unforgettable,
​remaining ​ever vivid and heartwarming!
Joseph B. Wirthlin

As I forced my feet to the floor this morning, it felt like just another day. I let the dog out and breathed in the fresh and brisk morning air. I clicked on the coffee pot and snuggled Mag's kitten for a bit. I just sat in the quiet of the living room and thought about what needed to be done. Then it clicked, it wasn't Saturday but Thursday, and it is a holiday. Thanksgiving for those of us living in the United States and other parts of the world.

With this in mind, I lifted my bum from the chair and got to work. A little tidying around the house, oven warming, and hot water to do the last three days of dishes. What was I thinking? Three days plus Thanksgiving preparation dishes equals a counter of clean dishes now. I can't believe I am sharing how unmotivated I am to do these everyday tasks with all of you, but then again, one thing this blog has remained is honest. Who knows, maybe one of you can understand the funk I'm in and are thinking, "Phew, I'm not the only one who just can't get it together." If so, leave a note in a comment below. Anyway, once this reality check occurred, motivation followed. Not by choice but necessity. Yet, as I picked up and started to clean the kitchen, make the corn pudding, and a new gluten-free muffin recipe...true joy and motivation joined the preparation process. It felt good to see the kitchen counter and smell the aromas of food cooking in the house. Go figure.

I called and wished Dad, and some family, a Happy Thanksgiving and the emotion overwhelmed me. It is the first Thanksgiving without my Mom, but actually, it's my second. As I stood over the sink, I was lost in thought and remembered my first Thanksgiving away from home during my second year in college. Instead of sticking around CNY, I accepted an invitation to a friend's house who lived outside of New York City. We had a great week. It was a different feeling as I celebrated with her family. They welcomed me and shared their traditions with me.

While we didn't make it to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, a trip to the city was fun and eventful. Due to the fog, a trip to the Statue of Liberty wasn't possible, but at least this beautiful lady was in the backdrop of this photo. I remember my friend asking a stranger to take our picture. I was afraid they would run off with the camera, such a country girl thing to think. The people in the city were hospitable. My greatest trouble was not making eye contact and saying hello to those we passed because they meant I was a tourist. Too funny.

We watched the parade, helped with dinner, and enjoyed the day. I called home long distance and collect. For you youngers reading this, this was prior to cellular phones that fit in your back pocket, I don't think the big bag phones were even available. I learned a lot and had a great visit, but looked forward to following year's Thanksgiving because it felt weird not to be with family and I was a touch homesick. I was thankful to pick up the phone and call, at least I could hear their voice and talk to everyone as they passed the phone around at Gram's that year. This year, I can pick up the phone and call but Mom's voice won't be on the other end. I'm thankful for Dad and to chat with him for quite a bit this morning. He even picked up the paper for me while he was out and about in the early hours. Then my heart broke for Dad, as I prepare to join my in-laws for the day, Dad opted to chillax at home.

Today, as we all gather with our family and friends, let us remember that not everyone is in a house filled with people. During the moments of the day, when you think "When do I get to leave?" because the commotion, "discussions", and activity becomes overwhelming...remember there are some home alone or avoiding the holiday.  Some choose the quiet because it's easier and others, have no one to join. We need only recognize that as individuals, we all need something different.

My observation, we don't need to force those alone on the holiday to join in, we merely need to extend invitations and respect their wishes. Everyone handles grief and loss differently. Each person will put one foot in front of the other during the first Thanksgiving, Christmas, or event without their loved in a different way.

I haven't had this void in my heart since the first Thanksgiving without Heidi, twenty-one years ago. Last year was the first time we spent Thanksgiving with my parents, as I look back, I'm so thankful we started that tradition. Memories to cherish. I honestly want to stay home and snuggle on the couch with a blank stare towards whatever mushy Christmas movie is playing BUT this won't do me, or the ones I love any good. So, the muffins are done and the corn pudding is slowly catching up. Now it's time for me and my heart to catch up. God is good and He knows what I need, one which is to write.

Some things I'm thankful for this mornin g:
*The after-school enrichment class I have the opportunity to teach. The kids desire to write and be creative is inspiring. Their energy contagious. Their hearts, pure and motivational.
*To wake up each day with breath in my lungs to experience another day
*For family and friends to love and be loved by
*For a career I love and never feels like work, it's an extension of family
*For running water, heat, and indoor plumbing
*For memories on the days that can be a challenge
*For my 2012 Thanksgiving blog that includes a video (click her to view) made my parents as a gift to me and you.
*That my husband is patient right now, because I should be doing my hair and getting dress instead of writing this blog while watching the parade. Teehee

The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
And with my song I shall thank Him.
Psalm 28:7

Happy Thanksgiving! The first of many new traditions are in the making. 
I hope you have a wonderful day ~ share a memory or tradition below if like.