Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 79

New Year's Eve...A Time for Goal Setting

Yesterday's blog challenged you to reflect and ask yourself a few questions before setting your goals and/or resolutions for 2015. How did you do? Are you ready to decide the course of action and direction for the coming year? I think you are.

I've seen on Facebook today and heard from a friend, they've started their "Resolutions and/or Goals" list for 2015. While everyone's goals are different, there are similarities. Goals, dreams, and resolutions that fit into similar categories.

If you've already written down your goals, do your categories stand out to you? Are you heavier in one area than another? I'll be honest, I haven't written my down yet I've started towards at least one of the goals prior to the calendar changing to January One. 

Of the top of my head, I think these are my categories in which my goals will be divided. My goal, to have a goal or two in each category by day's end tomorrow.  Categories for Next Year's Goals:

1) Spiritual:
2) Physical:
3) Emotional:
4) Writing:
5) Speaking:
6) Academic:
7) Reading:
8) Generic: What categories are your goals & resolutions divided into? How many goals are within each?

How many goals are realistic to set, so you can achieve them? How many are too few? Hmmm...

Preparations...For the End & A New Beginning

“You cannot change 
your destination overnight, but you can change 
your direction overnight.”
Jim Rohn

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. Most look to this date and day as a sign of hope and better things to come. Some express thankfulness for the current year ending. 

When you think of December thirty-first, what is the first thing you think of? Is it the parties? Celebration? Thankfulness for another year? Hope for the coming year? Regrets of things left undone, unwritten, or never shared? Desires fulfilled or unfulfilled? Have you ever thought of all you think about this time of year?

How does one day out of three hundred and sixty-five, trigger so much excitement, depression, anticipation, let down, and hope? I honestly don't know. I have friends who eagerly await the "New Year" because the current year was so difficult. I also have friends that look back at the list of things they are grateful for and plan for an even better year when the clock strikes Midnight. 

I don't know where I land on this pendulum of questions unanswered. BUT, I do know that December 31 and January 1, each and every year, represent the end of one year and the introduction of a new, fresh, and unexplored year.  Once you establish the questions you have, decide which lane life is leading you in comparison to the direction you are traveling. If we are honest, there is always something we could do, change, add, or modify to be a better version of ourselves. Better yet, there is always a goal to strive for that will mold us into the man, woman, or child God's called us to be.  Resolve to set goals this year!

“My philosophy of life is that if we make up our mind 
what we are going to make of our lives, 
then work hard toward that goal,
we never lose – somehow we always win out.” 
~ Ronald Reagan

Tomorrow, I share a goal or two or three with you. Yet, at this moment, we first have to reflect, prepare, and plan ~ before we can set the goal, we need to know where we hope, dream, and pray to go. Ronald Reagan doesn't say we achieve the goal we set, instead he remind us, when we work hard towards the goal...we win! What Questions Must You Answer BEFORE 
Setting Your Goals for 2015?

Journey to the Manger: A Week in Review

To read, or reread, any of the past week's blogs - 
click on either the photo or the blog title listed below for a direct link. 
They are posted in order as published over the past week. 


Thank you for following the blog, sharing it with your friends, 
and your encouragement. Hope you are enjoying the weekend 
and catch up on some rest and relaxation.  "Prepare for Christmas" "How are you 
called to serve?" "1st Package You Can't Unwrap" Gift #2 Friendship Christmas Eve Gift # 3: Sisterhood Merry Christmas! Gift #4:
Sisterhood x2 The 
Morning After Thanks for reading, have a great weekend!

The Morning After: How Are You Feeling?

The majority of you reading this celebrated Christmas yesterday. While I wear elastic waist pants and veg around the house in recovery mode from over eating and lack of sleep, I find myself very thankful for the multitude of gifts given and received yesterday and in the week prior to.  What am I the most thankful for? It isn't the gift card, new watch, or even the amazing new camera lenses received. It wasn't the prayers and time spent crocheting for those close to me, or the Christmas caroling. The greatest, most important, and precious gift given and received is the gift of time spent with the people I care for the most.

Some I physically spent time with. Others sent love in an envelope , in the form of a card. Others were in the format of a text, email, Facebook message or post. This year, a loved one was in the hospital for a little over a week, leading up to Christmas. My prayer was for her to heal and to be home for Christmas. This was an answered prayer and the best gift for Christmas. 

You may have received pink rabbit footed pajamas like Ralphie in A Christmas Story, but it's the love his Aunt Clara spent making him the jammies that should be the focus. I laugh as soon as his mother starts bribing him to descend to the living room but when I think about it, I've worn an ugly sweater and probably have friends and family who've worn an ugly scarf or other item I made BUT just like Aunt Clara, each was made with love and a lot of prayer. When I crochet and make something for someone, I say a prayer for them as I crochet, sometimes one per row. Just a small way I can invest in the lives of those I love.

As you admire your tree today and think about yesterday's memories, remember to thank God for all the people in your life who make each day, especially Christmas, so special and meaningful to you. While I ponder this thought and attempt to motivate myself to exercise today, I'll also be taking pictures and playing with the new lenses. I'm thankful for time with family and for jammy day to recoup and reflect. A healthy balance is essential. What is your favorite Christmas gift, memory, or event for this year? Why is it so special?

Do you have a funny "bunny" Christmas gift story to share? This is probably a childhood one...

Merry Day-After Christmas
Rest Up, It's the weekend!

Merry Christmas ~ A Gift of Love

Do you have a favorite “homemade” gift you were given at Christmas? 
Who gave it to you? 
How old were you? 
Does the memory bring you joy? 
Will you share your 
memory with us today? 

Reflect, remember, and share.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting  Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NIV

One of my favorite Christmas memories are contained within the four walls of my Gram’s house. Each year the Searles family gathered at Gram and Aunt Nancy’s for a Christmas “breakfast” like no other. The aroma of turkey, ham, homemade stuffing, rolls, and assorted other foods filled the house and met ones nose before even opening the door to enter.

In the years past my mother and father in-law hosted the annual Christmas Eve party, following Midnight Mass. You heard me, the party started after the Midnight Mass and usually went until just before my husband and his siblings awoke on Christmas morning.

Oyster soup, baked goods, and a time of fellowship filled the house. Aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors flooded the house to share in the joy of the Christmas season.
Regardless of the Christmas tradition, the size of one’s family, the amount of gifts under the tree or the supply of food in the kitchen ~ the true gift is Jesus. I’m blessed with all of these. I pray you are too! Merry Christmas!

But when the fullness of time had come, 
God sent forth his Son, born  of woman, born under the law..."
Galatians 4:4

Words from "Whatchristianswanttoknow.com":
"The innkeeper had no room for Jesus.  Do you have room in your busy life to let Jesus in.  He came to this earth to be crucified so that you and I may one day live with Him in heaven.  Will you come to Jesus?  
If not, why not?  Maybe today is the day that God is knocking on the door of your heart.  Have you any room for Jesus?"
Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/17-bible-verses-about-the-birth-of-jesus/#ixzz3Me2IRMR8

Merry Christmas 2014 ~ Jesus is born!

TOP's Tuesday: Sisterhood ~ A Gift Times Two

A true sister 
is a friend 
who listens with her heart.
-unknown 

Yesterday's gift was "sisterhood" and today's, an extension of the same. There are a few types of sisterhood. The sister you are related to via blood and immediate family. The sister you receive when you get married. And of course the women in your life, your closest and dearest friends, are often referred to as a "sister". This is the gift you can't unwrap today, a combination of friendship and sisterhood, a strong and life changing bond.

Ask any woman with close "girlfriends", she'll tell you, "She's my sister, not my friend." I'm thankful for the multitude of "sisters" in my life. There is no one to take the place of Heidi or the relationship we had together. While this is true, it is possible to allow others in to our lives. Not as replacement but instead, as wonderful and special additions.

One of the hardest lessons I learned was to allow others in. I've had friends and those I trusted and enjoyed fun times with, but not too many I would open my heart completely to. Why? At the time, I wore a defensive mask, working hard to keep others out because I thought they wanted to replace Heidi and our relationship. It's taken years to realize, the wonderful, caring, and dedicated women in my life aren't replacements...they are added blessings.

Today's gift, another you can't unwrap, are your "sisters", also known as your best friends. I'm forever thankful for these amazing women God's placed in my life and more grateful God used one small child to restore hope and eyes to see it's possible to let others in. My guard is still up at times yet I've found to let a few friends, "sisters", in...life is much richer, fuller, and full of unexpected blessings.
If you've lost your sister, no one can take her place BUT if you open your heart and life...there are friends and women in your life that will walk along side you, with friendship, love, encouragement, inspiration, and energy...evidence the bond of sisterhood is more powerful than loss. God has placed other "sisters" in our lives, not as replacements, but as additions. 

Open your heart and thank God for the friends He surrounds you with. If you feel alone, close your eyes and ask God, "Who is the friend you've sent me?" Sometimes, she has been there the whole time and we just didn't recognize them. Will you share an instance of when a "sister/friend" was there for you?

How are your friends like sisters to you?

Merry Christmas Eve...The Gift of Lights

Christmas Lights in Heaven
At Christmas time we trim our tree
With gifts and candy canes
And go for joyful sleigh rides
Down sparkling snow-filled lanes.

We fill our homes with tinsel
Our heart with Christmas cheer
We're all a little nicer
At this lovely time of year.

Stores are filled with shoppers
Streets are trimmed in green
Carolers on each corner
Tis' quite a lovely scene.

But we cannot know the beauty
The splendor or the love
Of Christmas time in heaven
With our Saviour up above.
 
The light that shines from Jesus
Stands out from all the rest
Of all the Christmas time displays
His is by far the best.
 
Like diamonds shining in the sun
You'll find His flaming light
Like a million candles burning
In the middle of the night.
 
The colors found in heaven
Have such a wonderous glow
And you'll find a world of beauty
Where the golden rivers flow.

There won't be gifts or mistletoe
Nor stately Christmas tree
But the throne of God will glisten
With the Blessed Trinity.

©2001 Marilyn Ferguson
In His Light & Love,
Marilyn Ferguson
http://www.marilynspoetry.com
~Used with permission - visit Marilyn's site to read more of her poetry ~ We've spent the past week or so on a journey to Christmas. It's December 24th, Christmas Eve. 

Have you opened any of the gifts we talked about? 
Have you shared one of these gifts with someone else? 
Christmas is a season of generosity and love, 
gifts we should exchange throughout the entire year.

What is your favorite "priceless" gift...given or received?

Gift #3: Sisterhood...Journeying to the Manger

“A sister is a 
gift to the heart, 
a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.” 
― Isadora James

Last weekend I started this journey to the manger,one day at a time til we reach Christmas Day. Some blogs were back to back and others allowed a day to reflect before reading the next post.

The wisemen brought gifts to Joseph and Mary, for Jesus. Most think of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh -- the physical and tangible gifts. BUT, their first gift was that of faith. The magi's faith recognized the star shining brightly in the sky and their faith guided them to the quiet manger and Jesus. This is one of the inspirations for this year's blog series, "Gifts You Can't Unwrap". Our travels started with Mary's obedience and servant's heart to accept the miracle growing within her and carrying the King of Kings until the day of His earthly birth. 

The next was Jesus' gift to us, His death on the cross that provided us with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is that still and quiet voice within leading us through our days and helping to carry our innermost thoughts to heaven. 

Yesterday, the gift of friendship was given. C.S. Lewis reminded us, friendship isn't necessary but it does "give value to survival". Today, I want to delve deeper into the gift of relationships, this time, the gift of "sisterhood". A gift I'm thankful for. God blessed me with eighteen years of memories with my sister, Heidi Allen. On April 3, 1994, I thought I lost this gift forever but after many years, prayers, conversations, and times of reflection...sisterhood is a forever gift. Have you read Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey yet? If so, you might recall when my sweet sister-in-laws attempted to comfort me as they said, "You still have us." I overreacted and went off the deep end because no one could, or would, replace my sister. 

Years later, I understood what they meant but in the pain of the moment, with Heidi kidnapped and missing...I couldn't see or feel their love, concern, and desire to eliminate the pain. If you want to know more about this aspect, check out my book, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey . But for today, let me share an experience from last week.

I was reminded of this chapter as I listened to my friends and coworkers visit during lunch on Friday afternoon. The conversation started with child birth and transitioned to the bond between sisters. I listened to them each share all they loved about their sister(s) and the things that drove them crazy. Thankfulness flowed from each of their mouths, for the relationship they have with their sister. One has multiple sisters and they each talk, daily. 

I fought tears back and thought about leaving the lunch room multiple times because I was overwhelmed with their appreciation, love, and closeness with their sisters. How I long to talk to my sister daily. I miss seeing her each day, either before or after work. I miss "Sister Day" on Thursdays. I grieved the daily phone calls and our kids growing up together, as we planned.

While thankful my friends have this close knit bond with their sisters, my heart was so heavy with grief...missing Heidi. Instead of running from the break room and crying in the bathroom stall, I fought back the tears until my lunch break was over. I pushed thoughts of Heidi, memories, and missed opportunities to the back of my mind and carried on with my day. 

After school, my daughter asked multiple times, "Are you okay?" I responded, "Yes." She didn't believe me and persisted throughout the afternoon and evening. I thought the mask of "everything is okay" was on but my beautiful daughter could see beyond it and became concerned. As we ventured home she asked again, followed by, "Mom, are you okay? I'm getting worried." Time to remove the mask.

With an honest and transparent heart, "Mags, I'm not okay. I just miss my sister. I miss your Aunt Heidi. It's just one of those days." She smiled, put her hand on my arm and said, "It's okay Mom, everyone has a bad day." We finished our ride home in silence. A peaceful, reflective, and comfortable silence. Once home, the remnants of the week's busyness reminded me I had things to get done.

It wasn't until I sat to watch Hallmark that the flood gates opened. One of this year's new movies is Angels and Ornaments. The final song for the movie reached into the depths and the suppressed lunch time grief, released...and released...and released...I'd like to share this song with you, I found it on YouTube. Some may not know but I'm a Christmas movie junkie. One of Hallmark's new movies this year is Angels and Ornaments. I'd yet to sit and watch it but this week, I finally saw it from beginning to end. As the last song was sung, the emotions of missing my sister flooded my heart and leaked from my eyes. I looked to see if this song, "Twas the Night" was available for download, it's not yet but I did find it on YouTube. I hope you enjoy it. If you are missing a loved one this year, listen with a tissue near by. It's very touching. I'm thankful for my school family who share their sister moments with each other and me. A reminder of the blessing that sisterhood really is. While Heidi remains missing, I treasure the memories we made her first eighteen years of life, before her kidnapping. While Heidi's physical body was kidnapped, her joy, smile, and energy are memories that inspire and remain until we meet again...May God hold her tight until her body is found. 

Holidays are a challenge for those missing a loved one. My family, and others, miss our "missing" loved one and most are missing someone they had to say good bye to, often too soon. 

Christmas is a time of celebration, it's Jesus' birth that offers a rebirth of hope in the hearts of many this holiday season. Don't give up. 

Let the tears fall BUT remember, Jesus was born to die. He died, so we can have eternal life. Heidi's kidnapping taught us a valuable lesson, cherish each day...tomorrow isn't a guarantee. While I miss my sister, in the words of my Gram, I must "Live for the living." Off to celebrate family and make memories.

Until we meet again Heidi...forever my sister and in my heart. 
What is your favorite "sister" memory?
How often do you talk with your sister(s)?

Our Journey Continues: Gift #2

“Friendship is unnecessary, 
like philosophy, like art… 
It has no survival value; 
rather it is one of those things 
that give value to survival.”
~C. S. Lewis ~

The Gift of Friendship... Yesterday we looked at the gift of the "Holy Spirit" and Jesus' gift to us, "His death on the cross". Today, I want to share yet another gift you can't but when you experience it, your life is forever changed. Yesterday's gift changes your spiritual life, with the Power to overflow into your everyday life.

Today's gift of "friendship" is summed up best in the C.S. Lewis quote above, it's unnecessary but gives value to our life while here on earth. This past week has been one of hustle and bustle. There is the everyday activities of work, groceries, and laundry with the additions of special luncheons, evening gatherings and holiday baking. The specialness of the additions, is the friends in which we spend time with to celebrate these moments.

Friendship doesn't come in a box. You can't contain it in a box or place a bow on it to make it look beautiful. Friendship is a genuine, heartfelt, loving, and special relationship between two people with similar interests. Notice I didn't say, the same, but instead...similar.

"For You shaped me, inside and out.
    You knitted me together in my mother’s womb
long before I took my first breath. 
I will offer You my grateful heart, 
for I am Your unique creation, 
filled with wonder and awe.
    You have approached even the 
smallest details with excellence;
    Your works are wonderful;
I carry this knowledge deep within my soul."
Psalm 139:13-14 VOICE

I don't know about you, but some of my closest friends don't have the same interests and attitudes as me. We like similar things. We have similar hobbies and taste in music or movies yet when you look at us as individuals, we are so very different. It's the differences that compliment our friendships, the reason it works so well. You need a little variety to keep things from getting boring.

I'm thankful for my friends and the variety of friendships I have. If I'm in the mood to sit and crochet or craft, there are a couple friends that instantly come to mind. If I'm in the mood to just chillax on the deck with or watch a movie, another is the one I'd call. When I'm at my breaking point and just need to release some of the pressure, stress, and overwhelming feelings...there are those I can share with, knowing it stays in confidence and they join me in prayer. Sometimes, praying together, to the Holy Spirit, to intercede as we know not how to pray.

"Finally, the real definition of a true friend comes from the Apostle Paul: 
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; 
yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, 
in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:7-8). "Greater love has no one than this, 
than to lay down one’s life for his friends" (John 15:13). 
Now, that is true friendship!"
http://www.gotquestions.org/true-friendship.html

While you can't unwrap a physical gift 
as it relates to friendship, 
if you open your heart, 
you can experience, embrace, and share it.

How does your closest friendship
impact your life?

The 1st Package You Can't "Un-Wrap"

"We live in a, let it go mentality, especially this Christmas, BUT…when we change our attitude to “let it be” as we accept, obey, and move forward with the path God places before us…we’ll receive wonderful gifts from God – one’s you can’t wrap in a package." 

As you wrap the gifts for under the Christmas tree this year, remember, some of the best gifts come in small packages or in this case, don't require any packaging. These gifts can't be contained within any rectangular prism or cube, in fact, some are invisible.

But now, I am going to the One who has sent Me, 
and none of you ask Me, “Where are You going?”
I know that hearing news like this is overwhelming and sad. 
But the truth is that My departure will be a gift that will serve you well, 
because if I don’t leave, the great Helper will not come to your aid. 
When I leave, I will send Him to you."
John 16:5 - 7 VOICE

The initial Gift I planned to share today was the "Holy Spirit" but as I read some Bible verses, and in different translations, I realized this is a combo gift. We can't have one, without the other. The VOICE translation refers to Jesus' "departure", death on a cross for our sins, as a gift. Until reading this version, I only saw the sacrificial aspect of the resurrection, not the gift. 

Jesus died on the cross for your sins, my sins, and the sins of all men, women, and children. God sent His Only Son to be born, knowing He would face death on a cross. Jesus didn't run in the other direction or ask for God to lift Him to heaven, but instead, walked and near crawled, carrying His cross to Calvary. Jesus' words to us, "...My departure will be a gift". We see sacrifice, Jesus gave a gift. 

Have you received this gift?

He did this for a reason: so that for all eternity 
we will stand as a living testimony 
to the incredible riches of His grace and kindness 
that He freely gives to us by uniting us with Jesus the Anointed."
Ephesians 2:7 VOICE

We first have to let go of the "stuff" before we can honestly say, "let it be" and invite God into our lives. BUT once you do, you'll never be alone. Jesus' death was the first gift to you and the second is the Holy Spirit. 

If it weren't for the crucifixion, we wouldn't have the open communication line with God via the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit I planned to introduce as our first gift yet after some time reading my Bible, in order to receive this one, we first have to acknowledge and accept God as our Savior. 

The Holy Spirit is the tool you need. He will lead, direct, listen and carry your requests to God. This conversation and communication is also known as prayer. As you pray, walk and enjoy the snow...sing a song. What is your favorite Christmas carol?