Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 71

Missing Children Stamp Released TODAY

Affirming its long-standing commitment to help find missing children, the U.S. Postal Service® issues this new stamp to make members of the public more aware of the ways they can assist - 
and to offer hope to the families of missing children as they continue their search." USPS statement

I learned last week of the United States Postal Service's new postage stamp, one for Missing Children. I am so excited. I usually buy the "Forever Stamps" because when stamp costs increase, I don't need to worry about the increased postage. But guess what...the Stamp for Missing Children IS a Forever Stamp. It's the best of both worlds. Not only can I increase awareness of missing children, I will not have to worry about purchasing one and two cent stamps in the future. 

The stamp was released yesterday, May 18, 2015. According to the United States Postal Service's website about this new design, here are some statistics on how their efforts to locate our missing children have been successful.

More than 460,000 reports of missing children were made to law enforcement in the United States in 2014. Fortunately, loved ones have reason for hope: Increased public awareness, training, laws, and technology have led to more missing children coming home now than at any other point in history. For three decades, the U.S. Postal Service has also been honored to help with the search, cooperating with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Valassis Communications, Inc., on a program that features photographs of missing children on advertising materials delivered to millions of American homes. 
To date, about 1,900 of the nearly 3,300 children featured on these mailings have been recovered, at least 157 as a direct result of this program." In addition, the U.S. Postal Service publishes photos and information about missing children in the Postal Bulletin, which adds some 700,000 employees to the search effort."
Issue Date: May 18, 2015 ~ Art Director/Designer: Ethel Kessler
Quoted from United States Postal Service Website - click here to read more 

A special thanks to the United Postal Service for this new stamp - 
may this inspire hope and increase awareness. 
May all our missing be found and returned home to the family, 
friends, and communities that miss them so much.

More Than a Ride...It's a "Ride of Hope"

"On May 16th, we will depart from the New Hartford Recreation Center to begin a bike ride to Washington D.C. Our six day journey thorough New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia
will bring awareness to the plight of missing and exploited children to students and parents 
along the way as well as honoring all missing and exploited children. 

Arriving at headquarters for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 
will conclude our trip; presenting them with a plaque commemorating this, 
the 20 year anniversary of the formation of the Mohawk Valley office." ~ RMC- Ride of Hope  After riding one hundred miles on Friday, some riders will mount their bikes again on Saturday morning for the Ride of Hope. This ride commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Mohawk Valley's NCMEC office. A ride first taken in honor and memory of Sarah Ann Wood. This year, there are a few teams to honor different missing and exploited children. I'm humbled, honored, and excited to say..."Team Heidi" is one riding on this journey. 

An organizer from The Ride contacted us when snow was still providing a white background and falling quicker than we could shovel and plow. they asked the families permission to ride for my sister, Heidi Allen, on this momentous and honoring ride. With tears streaming down my cheeks I accepted. My parents were speechless. This is such an honor. It's a bout 2,000 children that go missing on a daily basis. Today, NCMEC has a 97% success rate at locating and recovering these children. Only 3% remain missing. Of this number, only 3% are non-family or "stranger/endangered" missing, Heidi is in this 3%...stranger abduction and still missing.  So as you think about the over 400 riders departing Troop D on Friday, also remember the smaller yet just as important group leaving from the Recreation Center on Saturday morning. 

All these individuals, their sag teams, volunteers, law enforcement, and families appreciate your prayers. I'll share more about the Ride of Hope on Saturday's blog but wanted to introduce this ride to you and its purpose, and the honor bestowed on Heidi, as a team rides for her from New York to Washington. Thank you for all you do - some ride bicycles, some volunteer, most pray, and all hope!

This Time Last Year...It Rained Tears From Heaven

Last year's ride was a first, the first time in twenty years it didn't complete one-hundred miles during the day. While the rain prevented a safe, warm, and routine Ride for Missing Children...it didn't hinder the spirit of the ride.  At first some riders think it is about riding their bicycle to raise money until they attend their first "Rider's Meeting" when they hear from from other cyclists, volunteers, and family members of the missing. While these messages, testimonies, and statements start them thinking, it isn't until arriving at Troop D the day of the ride that the true meaning starts to settle into their hearts.

It is this deeper meaning of hope, education, healing, and love that fuels their pedaling and endurance to start, and complete, their ride. My hope is to blog throughout the day to share the ride with you. I'm not sure how possible this is, yet I'm up to the challenge. So for now...we are with our Ride for Missing Children family to raise awareness, hope, and bring our missing home.  There aren't any high winds, strong winds, or storms in the forecast so let the ride begin... Leave a note of encouragement and thanksgiving for the riders below...
Hope to post more later ~ this might be a record breaking blog day!
I wonder how many I can post between 4 a.m. and 9 p.m.?
Then again, it might be so busy, this is the only one posted too.
Thank you for your prayers of safety, protection, and recovered children.

A Reason to Be Thankful...It's Thursday

Grateful for 
Radical,
Affectionate,
Totally
Invested,
Team-oriented,
Understanding, and
Devoted
Encouragers A writer at a loss for words is a writer whose heart is overflowing with emotion. To keep with some of the fads on social media, let's have a "Thankful Thursday" here on the blog. What is one thing you are thankful for today? It might be the same as last week or yesterday, and it might be totally different but there is always something to be thankful for.

I'll start...I'm thankful for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's dedication to educating, locating, recovering, and finding our missing and exploited children . May no more children go missing and all the missing be returned to their families. Thank you for being a blessing I count. What are you thankful for today?

An Emotional Week for Families of the Missing

Let your hopes, 
not your hurts, 
shape your future.
Robert H. Schuller

You may or may not have seen the news within the past few days. Yesterday I saw an article reporting a new search for missing Sara Anne Wood . This search is happening in Massachusetts, in hopes of finding the remains of Sara and James "Jamie" Lusher. Anytime I read about a search for a missing person, I say a prayer for God to lead the investigation and search. I say prayers for the family, friends, and community who are affected by this news release. 

This week, Sara Anne Wood's name is more common in the news because of the Ride for Missing Children. This annual ride celebrates its twentieth year on Friday. A ride inspired by the Mr. and Mrs. Wood, and their friends as a way to increase awareness and bring our missing home. I can't imagine the emotional range of ups and downs Sara's family, friends, and community feel this week yet I know one thing...extra prayers this week.  Today I saw a pot and read an article that a different search in Monroe County, New York. This one for Brian Sullivan, missing since July 8th, 2007. Another family waiting, hoping, and praying they may get the answers they've desired for years. 

It's a challenge to know how to pray in circumstances like this. The first and foremost thought and prayer is that our loved ones may finally be found. Then there is that part deep within that families of the missing think, "If this is him/her then..." As I read some of the articles, I read with precaution because just because something is in print doesn't mean it's all truth. 

To know these families, I read in order to know how I can pray for them and those close to them. Articles generally have elements of truth and aspects of the case, investigation, search, and occurrences are covered yet there is almost always more to the story than what we read. I know this first hand, media attempts to get information out in a quick manner, so they are the first to report on a story they know is close to their reader's hearts. Yet, because a missing person case is a "case", not everything can or should be shared with media and family to keep the integrity of the case in tact.  My heart is heavy for the Wood and Sullivan families. As we join our Ride for Missing Children Family tomorrow, and this weekend, emotions will be on high. So many praying for Sweet Sara and the search happening in a neighboring state. Another family praying for their Brian. Each year there are new families of the missing at the Ride, and many we have come to know on a more personal level. I'm sure some of the conversations will be focused on the renewed searches in these older cases as we spend time together before and after the ride.


I also know, while searches and waiting are happening...HOPE AND FAMILY will be the focal point. We thank the cyclists who have prepared and trained for months for Friday's ride. If you think of it, will you say a prayer for the Wood and Sullivan's, for their friends, family, and communities. 


To wait while law enforcement and search teams look for your missing loved ones make a minute feel like an hour...I look forward to waiting with a group of individuals who understand without a single word spoken.  Thank you for remembering our missing...prayers to bring them home!

TOP's TUESDAY: It's Almost Time to Ride 2015

In two days, over 500 cyclists will join almost as many, if not more, volunteers, to participate in the Ride for Missing Children (RMC). In addition to the cyclists, volunteers, event planners, NCMEC staff, teams, law enforcement, and spectators...there will be families of the missing, and usually a recovered child or two. It is an emotional, exiting, uplifting, draining, energizing, and powerful day...and weekend. 

Most families of the missing join the RMC  on Thursday evening for a private dinner. The media and public aren't invited for this portion of the weekend. It's a time for families to reconnect, catch up, and welcome new families. It feels like a reunion of sorts. In addition to updating each other about our missing loved one's cases, we invest each other's lives and how we've been since the last time we saw each other. Many of us keep in touch via social media yet this is still difficult due to schedules and not everyone being on Facebook. We are grateful the National Center cares so much for the families and recovered children (now adults) an opportunity to bond in a safe environment prior to ride day. 

On Friday morning, we are up by 4 a.m. to get ready and join other family members and our "Ride Family" for a day of exhaustion, love, and hope. We enjoy a time of fellowship before the ride, hear last minute instructions, and from a family member or two about their missing loved one. This is one way NCMEC reminds the riders, this isn't a "ride", it's a mission. A mission for our missing and exploited children, and  to educate our communities, families, friends, and children of dangers to help stop this epidemic against our kids. We are grateful for all who make this annual mission a reality.

Friday is a full day. A day with nearly 500 cyclists riding 100 miles each as a symbol of hope, awareness, prevention, and education. The riders start training in January for this day. The planners and multitude of committees start meeting and planning the week after the prior year's ride. This is a big event, with an even bigger heart. A heart of hope. The ride starts at Troop D and ends at the Recreation Center in New Hartford. All who participate conclude their day with exhaustion - some physical, some mental, and others experience both. 

For family members who don't ride a bicycle, like myself, a rider is designated to ride for our missing loved one. This makes the ride even more special for the families of the missing, to know that one person rides for their son, daughter, sister, brother, niece, nephew, cousin, and friend. These people become treasures in our blessing jars, and sometimes, friends for life. 

We leave the hotel by 5 ish a.m. and don't return until after 8 p.m. It's a busy and fabulous day. You might think we return to shower and go to bed yet this isn't the case. Instead, the families gather once again to talk about the day and finish catching up. It's a time we've come to look forward to each evening, a time to unwind, relax, and just "be". 

Saturday is an early morning but one that is nearly as busy as the day before. NCMEC provides breakfast for the families, one last meal together until we meet again. This year though, there is something exciting happening on Saturday morning...to learn what...stay tuned. The Ride for Missing Children isn't a "ride"...it's a mission!
A special thanks to all who make this possible.

How Will You Start This New Week? Who Influenced You?

Each of you have someone in your life that was influential in molding, growing, and leading you to be the man or woman you are today. For some, this process was positive with a multitude of happy memories, with learning curves along the way. Then there are those who read this and shake their heads because the person most influential in their life didn't express love and concern in healthy or productive ways. I'm thankful to have positive and happy memories.

Were all the lessons easy? Of course not. There were times I required stern discipline and guidance. Our parents, or the adults raising us, do their best, with the resources they have to grow and mold us into the individuals they believe we should be after graduation. I'm thankful for having handfuls of adults investing in my life, and that of my sister and cousins. While each of our parents had different styles and rules, the lessons taught and learned while at my Gram's created a common bond.

It's the mixture of all these wise people, with their different ways of expressing love and direction, that are responsible for the crazy way my brain thinks at times. This is something I'm thankful for. As a child, and especially a teen, I didn't celebrate or have feelings of thanksgiving after being disciplined because I broke the rules BUT today, these are some of the moments I'm most thankful for. My parents saved us from traveling down the wrong road and to put others first. 

My list of naughties isn't too exciting in comparison to some of the things I hear today, but for me, and the times I grew up in, they were troublesome. One time, instead of going to the movies, I crossed Bridge Street in Oswego to get pizza at Cam's. After getting caught, reviewing the reasons for the rule, and stacking wood for a week after school...I realized the rules aren't meant to restrict us...they help to keep us safe. Would I cross Bridge Street again to get the pizza? Probably, but I'd use my allowance to buy gloves for stacking the woods while out. The lesson I did learn that day, my parents and family in general disciplined us because they loved us that much. Love is an amazing bond and foundation.  As you start this work week, who was influential in making you the man/woman you are today? Why this person? Is there one instance you can share?

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

Let's have a little fun! 
Use your mother's initials to describe her.
For example, my Mom's initials are S.K.A. so...
My Mom is SupercalifragilisticExpialidociously Kind and Awesome!
Your turn...GO!

National Day of Prayer - Thursday, May 7th, 2015

Meridian Baptist Church
7 p.m.
Service lasts about 1 hour with refreshments to follow I look forward to this evening's prayer service in Meridian. I've attended services in the past, blogged about the importance of this day, and encouraged others to take advantage of this freedom we have in America. Yet this year, will be the first time I am the keynote speaker at a National Day of Prayer service. 

I was humbled and excited when asked because it's so important and something I have yet to do. We plan to have dinner in the area prior to the prayer service and were told, "Happy Days Drive-In" is the place to go.  So if you are looking to attend an event like this for for good food while in the Cato-Meridian area, here are a couple options. 

If you've attended an event like this in the past, is there one that sticks out more than the others? If so, what made it special or stand out in your mind? Will you share in a comment below? Click on the pictures below to read a couple past "Day of Prayer" blogs... If there is a National Day of Prayer service in your area, 
I hope you are able to attend and bring the family.

We'll travel an hour to Meridian this evening...
It's a powerful and important hour...
Unity in prayer for our government, leadership, & people

Arrive Early to Admire the Beauty

This past Saturday I traveled to Lockport, New York. We borrowed my parent's vehicle, loaded it with the necessary items, and filled the gas tank. The only thing missing was Mags, but she had to take her SAT and then work. We missed spending time with her yet enjoyed some quality husband-wife time during our road time. 

We talked, laughed, and one of us jammed to the 80's playing on the radio.  And let's just say, it wasn't Ed. I did post one video to Facebook as I jammed to Prince, "Let's Go Crazy". Oh, the eighties, and this is all I'll say about that...thankful for the multitude of blessings, friendships, and big hair.

One of the first things we noticed as we headed West was the change in temperature and landscaping. On Saturday we left behind hostas just starting to peek through the soil, lilacs just starting to bud, and magnolia trees with buds (if you are lucky). But our trip to Lockport offered a colorful and beautiful ride and welcoming. This beautiful flower lined the church, near one of the doors we entered. 

It's a breed of tulip but we've yet to find out the exact name. Quite a few have offered one, if you are a flower guru - what do you think? Some of the options we've been given thus far are: fancy tulip (something I would have said, lol), Estella Rijnveld Tulip, parrot tulip, and Light orange terry tulip.  Do you have a thought or is there one that you are sure is correct?

And what will I do with this information, hopefully, locate a package of these bulbs so I can have some growing in my lawn next year at this time. Well, in a couple weeks, lol. 

Ed and I were able to enjoy our surroundings because we left a large window of time before I actually had to be there. One thing I like to do is be on time. To me, on time is at least thirty minutes early when I'm presenting, speaking, or sharing. I think this is largely because when people arrive, to see someone still setting up can be distracting and take away from the hosts desired feeling, mood, and tone. Another reason to be early, we like to enjoy looking around at different towns, cities, churches, and locations. I think this is from the traveling I did with my family as a child, it's interesting to see how places do the "same thing" but different. Do you know what I mean? When you travel, are you arriving early enough to enjoy the beauty around you?
Now for true confessions: 
Have you ever saw a flower, bush, or other landscaping item in someone's lawn...
liked it so much, you pulled over and approached their house 
to knock on the door and ask "What is that?" or "Where did you find that?"

Or, have you ever stopped and asked if you could have a shoot so you could plant the beautiful flower, plant, or tree in your yard when you got home?