Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 70

Our Children Deserve Our Attention...Be Transformed

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, 
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Then you will be able to test and approve what 
God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

Are you looking for an enjoyable evening of music and celebration? 

If so, head to the Hannibal High School, in Hannibal, New York for Creation Studio's annual dance recital. 

Recital starts at 6 p.m. Our children each have different gifts and interests, 
choose to support them as they play, perform, & participate.


Tonight...we enjoy a dance recital!
It's open to the public...you won't be disappointed

TOP's TUESDAY: While You Wait

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the 
LORD in the land of the living! 
Wait for the LORD; 
be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!"
Psalm 27:13-14

Families of the missing WAIT to know where their loved ones are and if they will be discovered or recovered. The missing and exploited child is the victim. Their parents, families, and communities are victimized also. There are another group of parents and children, those who face childhood diseases and illness. They WAIT also. 

I don't know why such terrible things happen to our children yet I know God is faithful and provides the strength, hope, and light we need in the darkest of days. If you have lost a child, sibling, relative, or neighbor to abduction or illness, you understand the immeasurable pain and lack of understanding. TOP's Tuesday is a way to remember Heidi, this week my heart is heavy for the parents who WAIT. Not all parents wait to know where their child is, some wait for healing, some wait for diagnosis, and some wait for an answer to prayer. WAITING...

Will you join me in praying for all the parents who have lost a child or have a sick child today? Can we lift a united prayer of hope, healing, and strength for the moms and dads facing life's greatest struggle...when they can't find or help their child. This requires a strength and hope ONLY FOUND IN GOD.

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
    and 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

Remember to trust God and lean on 
His strength and understanding as you wait.
What are you waiting for?

A Mother's Monday ~ A New Edition to the Blog

As time moves forward and our daughter grows there are new joys, concerns, and challenges. Each an exciting addition to my life. If you follow the blog, then you know I tend to not post too much about my daughter. 

This is for a few reasons, first and foremost, to keep some aspects of life private and not invade my daughter's privacy. I think every mother could write a book on the what to do, and not to do, when raising a daughter. Women would read our books and agree, disagree, and laugh out loud, and cry, the whole time. 

Why such laughter and bouts of tears when reading? Simple, our children our individuals and although we may attempt to handle similar situations the same, this is not wise or feasible. Our parenting is based on the examples of our parents, adult role models, care givers, and/or guardians. I'm thankful for the ways my parents raised me but at the time, "I hate you" was a common phrase uttered from my teen mouth. Decades later I understand how painful and heart breaking these three words are and regret saying them. I apologized to my parents on multiple occasions for this and their response is priceless, one only a parent could utter. "No apologies necessary."

Mom did thank me once but said it wasn't necessary because she was "doing her job". There was a time in life when woman stayed home to raise their children. A stay-at-home-Mom was the norm and a 24/7 job. Today's society forces most women to join the work force to help make ends meet and provide for the family. This has its positives and negatives yet an aspect many overlook, to work outside the home, coupled with caring for your spouse, home, children, and pets is comparable to your spouse working overtime EVERY week. 

The pay you receive for this overtime is priceless, rewarding, and worth every second. I hope you feel the same way.  What will you read on this new weekly edition? I don't know! If you've lived with teenager then you know it's impossible to predict the future or determine what writing muse might be triggered from one week to the next. 

One thing you won't read is rantings of a mad Mom on the brink. My hope is to illustrate the challenges of parenting with a positive twist for survival, healthy relationships, and enjoyment. I'll share those memories of being the child on the receiving end of the parenting with the added revelation of "Oh, that's why they said or did what they did." too. I may even interview and highlight some women I know that WOW me and others with their strategies, patience, or other giftings.

Basically, this weekly blog post, similar to most blogs, will be one way for a Mom like me to share, encourage, and possibly vent once a week to other parents. My hope is you, the reader, will respond in comments below in response to what you read or my concluding question. I hope you will respond to each other too. Parenting has always been the MOST IMPORTANT, challenging, and REWARDING job one will have in this life time. So let's use this little piece of the Internet and the blogosphere to lift each other, share, and be encouraged ourselves in the realization...we are not alone in our feelings.

As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

Name ONE topic you'd like to see me blog about.
What type of Mom would you like me to interview?
How fun do you think this "A Mother's Monday" will be?

More Than Meets the Eye...Unique and Loved

This past week the beauty of our landscape changed once again. The lilacs started to die off and the irises came into full bloom. It's amazing the way God created so many flowers, trees, and plants to blossom at different times so we are always surrounded by such beautiful colors.  

In addition to God creating the varieties and time frames for reaching full bloom, it requires knowledgeable people to know how to create a masterpiece landscape so there are always evidence of new beginnings and beauty surrounding one's home. 

I do not have this talent and still have to ask if it's the annual or perennial that comes back each year. My parents on the other hand understand plants and flowers and their cycles. Once Spring arrives and the daffodils bust through the snow and dirt, the color explosion begins.  Yellow daffodils to tulips then these irises. And this is only on side of our house. I'm thankful for two amazing fathers, my Heavenly Father and my Daddy. Both care for me and provide such beautiful blessings to remind me of how uniquely we are each made and how much I am loved. If God cares about the birds and the flowers, how much more does He care for You? This is an amazing concept if you slow down and think about it.  You may only see the flowers when you glance,
but when you 
slow down to look...
You see the unique and beautiful design.

Look out your window, 
what is the first thing that reminds you of this concept?

Memorial Day...A Day to Remember & Celebrate Tradition

America is hope. 
It is compassion. 
It is excellence. It is valor.
Paul Tsongas
I'm thankful to live in a small upstate New York town. A community of people who value their country, neighbors, and our future. Last weekend was spent remembering the men and women who gave their lives in service of our country. 

It was spent remembering the families who lost loved ones for this service. It was a spent focusing on our part today, to remember and keep hope alive. It was focused on prayer, gathering, and tradition.

I'm thankful to be an active part of each. How do you feel after the Memorial Day festivities have come to a close?

TOP's Tuesday: May 25 ~ National Missing Children's Day

Yesterday was May twenty fifth. Most of the United States awoke with preparations for Memorial Day parades, services, and picnics but a separate percentage opened their eyes with a prayer for all our missing. I try to blog about National Missing Children's Day each year, as May 25th is it's day of observance. This year I decided to wait until a day later because of the Memorial Day holiday. I enjoyed blogging my reflection of the day, yet I felt like I let Heidi and the other missing children across the globe down. 

I know this isn't the case yet to families of the missing, sometimes to share posters and increase awareness, this is one of few ways to keep the plight of missing and exploited children at the forefront. May 25th is an opportunity to recognize, remember, educate, and be proactive across the nation. While I am posting a day late, per the calendar, it is never to late to remember our missing. Just like we shouldn't wait until Memorial Day or Veterans' Day to remember our fallen soldiers and those this serving. The last statistic I read, 2,000 children go missing EVERY DAY! 

This is a high and alarming statistic, one most don't realize. Only 3% of these are non-family and stranger abductions. My sister, Heidi M Allen, is of this 3% and she remains missing more than 21 years later. Heidi is only one of thousands who remain missing, one reason Missing Children's Day is so Important. Education is key to increase awareness. You will see a new missing child on the news daily and more common today, we are seeing children who put into practice the lessons and strategies taught to them by their parents, educators, and NCMEC during school visits to get away from abductors. Children have avoided dangerous situations because someone took time to talk to them.

Click on the photo below for a direct link to NetSmartz, a resource from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This is a wealth of information for law enforcement, educators, parents, communities, and more. Once on the site, click on the category you are most interested in and you can download and print resources to share with your colleagues, children, and students. You can watch videos. Your children can watch videos. If you are an admin or educator, did you know the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offer FREE workshops to educate and inspire children? This is one way you can protect and be PROACTIVE to educate your students on the risks of abduction, exploitation, and Internet safety. Why not take advantage of this valuable resource? http://www.netsmartz.org
http://www.netsmartz.org/Parents
http://www.netsmartz.org/Educators

http://www.netsmartz.org/Teens
Below is a video the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children aired for Memorial Day weekend. Out of respect for our lost soldiers, NCMEC didn't do their usual social media thrust of information to increase awareness. They offered this simple, yet powerful video. One way we can remember our missing and exploited children today and everyday is to share a poster.

A woman asked why we continue to share Heidi's poster, since she is presumed dead. The answer is simple, when  a loved one is missing, to share a poster helps to keep hope alive and active. Below the video is a link to search the missing from your state. Will you share one poster of a missing child from your state today? Thank you in advance. Share a Missing Children's Poster 
from your state on social media - 
use the hashtags #Missing  and #missingchildrensday Thank you for taking time to share hope 
through a poster today today and throughout the year.

A Memorial Day Reflection...2015

Memorial Day is a time to reflect and pay respect, show thanksgiving, and dedicate time to remember why we have the freedoms we do in this "Home of the Free". It's a day for the men, women, boys, and girls who gave their lives for the very freedoms we enjoy today. We can show appreciation and thanks for our current military but the purpose of today is to remember those gave all...so we can enjoy parades, picnics, and time with family. 

There are families who mourn the loss of their loved one today, more than other days. Theses families will probably be the first to encourage you to enjoy today and the freedoms we have. It is because of the sacrifice that we have this freedom. Ask our current military, they wouldn't want a day of mourning on Memorial Day, they are risking their lives, serving their country, and dedicating their lives in vain. Some serve because of the stories and memories shared by veterans. Some serve because of the man who gave all many wars ago. 

While you enjoy parades and family time, stop to shake the hands of a veteran. Ask him or her to share a story, if it's not too painful, of their comrades and the missions they participated in. This is an honor. Learn about the men and women we remember today. One of my favorite childhood memories was listening to Uncle Bob and Uncle Bill share their stories, they both served and valued their time in the service. Who could you ask today to share about one of the very servicemen we remember? Take a moment to listen, remember, and reflect. You enjoy today and our freedoms because of so many who gave all. Enjoy the time with family and friends, but take time to remember WHY we have today off. 

As I watch my husband, brother-in-law, father, and family friend work to prepare a new fire pit this morning I am humbled. These four men each served our country in a war. They should be kicking their feet up and enjoying Memorial Day yet in the words of my Dad, "Memorial Day is more than picnics, it's a time to enjoy the freedoms his friends died for us to have." I paraphrased but this was the synopsis of his words and actions. Our Veterans and their families are usually the ones dedicating the most time to make Memorial Day special. Have you thought about why this is? 

It was while watching them work and listening to them talk that I realized the answer. They understand and witnessed all that is sacrificed when our men and women serve to protect and keep our freedoms. They have seen the loss at a magnitude most of us will never experience. They work hard today because they've lived the pain and heartache of watching friends and comrades give their lives. If we don't celebrate and remember, their lives were given in vain. 

Choose to remember and celebrate...there are men and women who knowingly, willingly, and lovingly gave their lives so you can enjoy today.  I hope you enjoy, cherish, and remember on this Memorial Day. We will both remember and spend time with friends and family, I pray the same for you. Will you share a Veteran's name and military branch in a comment below?
Feel free to share your favorite memory or story they shared,
I wonder how many will take 5 minutes to introduce us to their loved one?
Let's see how many tributes (comments) you can name today.

Happy Memorial Day...

The Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden - Face Lift Part II

Yesterday's blog introduced you to the freshened up Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden. I thanked those who helped to design, plan, build, dig, fill, plant, and put on the finishing touches but I didn't share the specific plants and flowers that are in the garden. Each were selected for a specific reason, or symbol, if you will. Let me explain and share a more closed up view of the beauties within. Let's start in the center and work our way to the points. Mom chose a Frosted Violet Coral Bell for the center. This perennial's violet purple foliage enhances as the temperatures get colder. Since this is Upstate New York, it's color might start to deepen in September, around the time of Heidi's birthday. 

In addition to the color this will provide as the other flowers are fading, it also produces a pinkish flower to create an accent of beauty in the center, the heart of the garden. Heidi will always be at the center of our hearts, with her beautiful smile lasting regardless of the temperature. So it's only fitting the heart of the garden be the same in nature. Working from the center out, the next plant are hostas. These aren't just any ol' plant, these are a little bit of home in the garden. Mom and Dad wanted something that would come back each year and increase in size without choking out other plants. 

A few options were considered but the hosta was chosen because it will grow in size and its one of my parents favorite greenery plants on their property. To add this to the Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden brings "home" to the garden, surrounding its center.

The next perennial is an orange daisy like flower. When Heidi disappeared orange was selected as the color of choice because it was Mexico's school color and most would have this color in their wardrobe. To keep this color of hope for our community, this flower was selected.   Then to the corners, or points, of the star. At these points are Shasta Daisies. Mom selected the this flower because they represent all our missing persons. A few years ago, the Center for Hope, sent a package of Shasta Daisies for family members in attendance at New York State Missing Person's Day home with a package to plant. I gave it to my parents. 

So the corners remind us of why this garden came into existence for our community. One of our own was abducted and remains missing today but these daisies will remind all who see the garden...the missing are never forgotten. Little signs of hope and remembrance, from our home to the garden. We think as the years progress, the white and orange daisies will combine to create a point of hope in all directions. The only annual planted are the orange violas. The perennials are smaller so as they grow, they won't overtake the garden but instead...compliment it.

The orange violas are fillers this year, to eliminate an empty feel this year as the new plants take hold and grow. My parents and us, each have this same flower in our gardens at home so we are each connected. One more way we remain a family unit - while not enjoying time together, we can still share our joy and beauty with others while we wait until the day we are together once again...all orange and community related. #HopeHeidiAllen Thanks for remembering Heidi and sharing this vision of hope,
I hope you enjoyed learning the meaning 
behind each of the plant and flower selections.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and day tomorrow!

The Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden - Face Lift Part I

This past Thursday and Friday were "Snow Day Give Backs" for our district. If you aren't familiar with this terminology then let me explain before I continue. Most districts in Upstate and Central New York plan for four to six additional days of school on their calendar. This cushion allows the districts to utilize snow days when snow storms or bitter temperatures force the districts to close for the day. If we don't use these extra days, our district gives two back to us and adds them to our Memorial Day weekend. It's a nice gift.

Some people take advantage of the long weekend to travel or have family over. This year, our family gathered at the intersections of State Routes 104 and 104b to spend time honoring Heidi. When a loved one dies, most are buried in a cemetery and once a year, before Memorial Day, families head to the cemetery to plant flowers and tend to their loved ones' headstones. Families of the missing don't know, yet it's just as important to show love, respect, and remembrance for our loved ones. 

Many years ago, our community designed, built, and planted this garden for Heidi. Twenty-one years later she remains missing yet the support and concern is as strong today as then. Twenty years of New York weather wore on this beloved star. Thursday was spent putting my parent's winter planning into motion. Their vision is even more beautiful than they, or us, imagined. But it wouldn't have been possible without the help of our community. 
The first thing that needed to be done was to build up the star's frame. Erosion and settling absorbed the bottom layer of the frame. Dad visited the New Haven Building Supply, 16 Hickory Grove Drive, in New Haven, New York for lumber, hardware, and paint for the construction portion of the process.

We made several trips between the garden and the Building Supply in the past few days. Each was met with a smile and "What do you need?"  At the end of this project, rather than a bill, my parents were given a "Paid in Full" slip - the Building Supply donated everything. This is what family and community looks like. In the words of my Uncle Tom, they,  "...are the best hardware store in town." Once the frame was repaired, built, and the sign painted...it was time to remove the vine controlled weeds. The ground covering vine choked out all but a few purple irises so we started from scratch. A special thanks to Ed, Scott, and Bob for helping Dad dig out the trailer load of dirt, weeds, and vines.

Once the star was empty, it was time to fill it back in with top soil. Most came from Leon's Farm Market . In addition to the soil, we got some of the flowers for the garden here also. Once the flowers and plants were all planted, it was time for mulch. Dad filled in between the points with red mulch and then we placed black mulch along the front and the plaque. 

It looked beautiful with just the new frame and top soil, the mulch made it stand out that much more. At one of our many stops, Leon talked with Dad and expressed an interest to help offset the cost from the items purchased there because it was for the Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden, "This is what community is all about. Heidi is never forgotten." While we are extending thanks, we can't forget the staff at Valero. In 1994, this convenience store was named the D & W. Over the years there have been different gas types, owners, and managers yet one thing remains the same...their desire to keep Heidi's memory alive. While the garden is a New York State protected site (we learned this when they redid State Route 104), the lawn around it belongs to the store.

In all the years, all have dedicated time to keep the grass mowed around the garden and helped to keep the garden up. During the past few days, they allowed Dad to use their electricity so he could bring his saw up, filled buckets (and buckets) of water so we could water the newly planted flowers, and welcome us warm smiles as we bought drinks when there.  There generosity and assistance to maintain the garden and help with this weekend's face lift is evidence they are more than just another gas station, they're invested in our community. Thanks to all who waved, stopped, posted to say how nice the garden was looking, or donated time and items. This garden was birthed out of love from our beloved community and family. 

Twenty-one years later, Heidi's joyful smile and personality is remembered, thanks in part to this visual reminder of the girl our town lost on April 3, 1994...may our united efforts continue to motivate, encourage, and inspire others. Thank you for remembering Heidi and all our missing.


The garden itself is full of flowers and plants selected by my parents with much thought. 

Tomorrow's blog will share the meaning and close up shots of the new additions, & their significance. 

Thanks again to the Dad, Mom,
Ed, Scott, Bob, Mary, and 
the businesses that made this vision a reality and sign of hope for all who will pass by it.

A Little Time to Enjoy Family Time and Nature

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 ESV

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands."
Psalm 19:1 "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. "But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? 
You men of little faith!
Luke 12:27-28
"For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."
2 Corinthians 2:15 My daughter and I only planned to enjoy dinner overlooking the marina is Oswego, New York. We never expected the tri-colored water and the para-sailer (I think this is what it's called). 


Thankful I had my camera and for the time enjoying all God's created with the greatest gift He's given me, my daughter. Have you ever arrived somewhere to see something more amazing than the beauty you planned to see? If so, where were you? What was the surprise blessing of the day?