Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 80

TOP's Tuesday: How Are You Called to Serve

A Journey to the Manger 2014...

Mary, don’t be afraid. You have found favor with God.  Listen, you are going to become pregnant. You will have a son, and you must name Him “Savior,” or Jesus."
Luke 1:30 - 31

This time of year, you hear a lot about Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus. If you attend church or do an Advent devotional, the Scriptural journey begins with the Angel Gabriel notifying Mary of her legacy and mission. This past Sunday, our pastor focused on the women of the Christmas story, so of course Mary was mentioned. As I listened to our pastor first admit, he doesn’t know what it’s like to be a woman, but then he continued, that he knows women are important to God because of the important roles they play in the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ.

Have you thought about Mary’s role, her acceptance of the miracle occurring within her womb? She learns of her mission and gift, from the angel Gabriel. Gabriel assures Mary, “the Lord’s presence is with her”, sensing Mary’s apprehension and concern. The angel continues, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with Child and give birth to a Son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31)
Mary asks Gabriel all the “but”, “if”, and “why” questions about the words spoken to her, about the journey of not only motherhood, but the virgin mother to the prophesized King of Kings. The Bible doesn’t elaborate or say the length of time in which Mary ponders but it makes clear Mary’s response to God’s message.

For the word of God will never fail.”  Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” Luke 1:37-38 NLT It is with full acceptance, faith, and humility that Mary moves forward in the journey to Bethlehem. Do you remember her cousin Elizabeth? When Mary went to visit, Elizabeth’s (miraculous) baby “leapt for joy in her womb” upon hearing Mary’s voice because of the child in which Mary carried. “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:44b - 45 Mary’s heart was full of love for God. Her will was to serve and obey God. Her calling, to carry the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  Joseph had a separate encounter with the angel to know Mary was faithful both to him and God, standing by her side through the process…waiting. Mary risked her reputation to be obedient to God’s calling on her life. What would of happened if Mary refused or accepted this Gift with a poor attitude? How would the Christmas story have changed? Thankfully, this isn’t something we need to ponder because Mary’s response wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction but a response… 

“And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now:
    I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
    just as you say.”
Luke 1:38 Message

Are you, am I, are we...
- willing to accept God’s call on our lives?
- humble ourselves to God’s plan?
- and say “Let it be with me”?
 
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.

To find out what some of these gifts might be…visit the blog each day between now and Christmas ~ a priceless gift each day.
Have you accepted "x", then said, 
"Yes, Let it Be" to God? 
What's holding you back?

Prepare for Christmas...Journey to the Manger

Messenger: Don’t be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, 
news of great joy, news that will affect all people everywhere. 
Today, in the city of David, a Liberator has been born for you! 
He is the promised Anointed One, the Supreme Authority! 
You will know you have found Him when you see a baby, 
wrapped in a blanket, lying in a feeding trough. 
At that moment, the first heavenly messenger was joined 
by thousands of other messengers--
a vast heavenly choir. They praised God.
 Heavenly Choir: To the highest heights of the universe, glory to God!
    And on earth, peace among all people who bring pleasure to God!
Luke 2:10 - 14 VOICE

In less than two weeks, the majority of the United States and many others beyond our continental borders will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas morning. You don't have to be a believer of God to celebrate this joyful holiday, as many marketing gurus and business owners will probably agree. BUT I want to challenge us all this Christmas season, to prepare our hearts and focus on "Christ"mas. In spite of decorations and packaging being displayed in October, Christmas' meaning is much deeper and to celebrate the holiday, in the depths of one's heart, you acknowledge there is a God and one that sent His Only Son to earth to be born a babe. 

I celebrated many a Christmas with my focus on Santa Claus and the "magic" of the holiday. Is this a "magical" time of year? Many will say yes, but I want to challenge you today, to reflect on the reason for this miraculous holiday. It isn't about magic, but about the Spirit, the Spirit of God sent to earth in the form of a Babe in a manger. It's Christmas Spirit surrounding, filling, and guiding us this time of year. Rather than let the Christmas chaos consume us, let God into your heart and embrace, share, and absorb the Spirit, Love, and Sacrifice of this joyous time.

It's not about the stockings, packages, baking, cooking, or events ~ it's about God sending Jesus to be born in a manger, on a bed of hay in a feeding trough. Don't fill the bottom of the tree with empty gifts this year, instead, take a moment and see what hope-filled gift you could create for your loved ones that will bring pure joy to their heart and a keepsake their cherish for years to come. 

Mary and Joseph kneeled on a dirt floor with tears of joy in their eyes. Their faith provided the glimmer, sparkle, and joy that first Christmas morning as they accepted a Gift for the entire world...Jesus Christ. 

As soon as the heavenly messengers disappeared into heaven, 
the shepherds were buzzing with conversation.

Shepherds: Let’s rush down to Bethlehem right now! 
Let’s see what’s happening! 
Let’s experience what the Lord has told us about!

So they ran into town, and eventually they found Mary and Joseph 
and the baby lying in the feeding trough. 
After they saw the baby, they spread the story 
of what they had experienced and what had been said to them about this child. 
Everyone who heard their story couldn’t stop thinking about its meaning. 
Mary, too, pondered all of these events, treasuring each memory in her heart.

The shepherds returned to their flocks,
 praising God for all they had seen and heard, 
and they glorified God for the way the experience 
had unfolded just as the heavenly messenger had predicted.
Luke 2:15 - 20 VOICE

Are you "rushing" to Bethlehem this Christmas?

What Will You Endure for Jesus?

Don’t run from tests & hardships, brothers & sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure & 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.
James 1:2-4

Putting a Jacket On... Last night, after returning home from Christmas caroling with our church family, we received emails from one of the church leaders. The email updated us that the new heating system was not finished and was still in process. With this being said, the email continued, asking anyone with small heaters, to bring them with us in the morning to provide heat for the morning worship service.


I'd like to tell you I had a positive and understanding outlook but I did not. I second guessed the timing of switching the heat over and how I wasn't going to spend my Sunday morning shivering because of a heating glitch. Why don't we just cancel church until next week when the new heating system is complete? As we discussed this inconvenience, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and I thought of our International Workers.
I went from a grumbling, judging, and just overall...negative...to humbled and reflective. Today I choose to put on the coat of thankfulness, appreciation, and love. I'm thankful for those bringing small heaters and for the warmer weather this morning. I appreciate the men and women working to install the new heating system and pray they aren't upset about the transition not being complete, it was out of their control. The coat of love warms the heart deeper than any heater ever can. Our leadership loves the Lord so much, they aren't foregoing our weekly worship service because of something as minor as no heat. Instead, they've used creative thinking to make it possible for us to still meet.

Joseph and Mary traveled miles and days to deliver Jesus in a cold manger. The very least I can do is travel a few short minutes in our vehicle and keep my coat on while worshiping the God who provides heat in our home, a vehicle to get to church, leadership dedicated to keeping our doors open, and an Eternal hope in my heart for whatever today and tomorrow might bring.

No heat for one service is a small inconvenience, not a hardship. This morning I'll put on my winter jacket and a positive attitude. Both are necessary and easy to do.

NOTE: We are home from one of the most beautiful Advent services I've been too. A new addition to the worship team provided a violin. Amazing. The church wasn't cold, actually, it was warmer than normal thanks to the generosity of those with space heaters. The chairs were full, the theme of "joy" was modeled by all at church this morning. Another lesson learned, sometimes what we think will be an inconvenience ends up being an unexpected blessing. A special thanks to all who made this morning's worship service a warm and beautiful success.

Do you sometimes perceive an inconvenience as a hardship? How would our attitudes and outlook change when we recognize the difference?

Reminded of Dr. Seuss' Quote ~ "Stand Out"

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
~ Dr. Seuss ~ 

Something as simple and beautiful as a fallen tree 
reminds me of how God created each of us 
to be unique and special, 
and to use this individuality 
to encourage others 
and share His love...
while at the same time 
leaving me with a Dr. Seuss quote in my head.

Without over thinking the below question, 
just respond with the first thing you think of. 

I'd love to hear from you in a comment below, 
but I hope you'll at least answer it to yourself. 

If your initial answer shocks you, 
take a moment to think about why you answered that way. 

Have a wonderful, warm, and safe day!

Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. 
Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. 
As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills 
and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.
Romans 12:2 VOICE

Where are you the most comfortable to 
"stand out" and be who you really are?

TOP's Tuesday: Miserable or Motivated?

I found this photograph in the gallery over the summer but waited to share it. I didn't think it was the time, or maybe it was my attitude was more of miserable instead of motivated. As the calendar has turned, my heart remains heavy yet my reliance on God increases with each day. It's only with His strength, wisdom, and direction that I'm moving forward each day.

Don't get me wrong, there are days and moments of being "miserable". I am human after all. My hope and prayer, when the miserable monster comes over me, that I recognize it and nip it in the bud directly before becoming the domino of others feeling miserable too.  You might not realize it but your mood and attitude affects the people you interact with. We have a choice to either motivate others to see grace, mercy, hope, compassion, empathy, love, forgiveness, and the list goes on and on OR we can become overwhelmed with the challenges of life and be the first agent for a miserable day, for ourselves, and those we care the most about. I can't remember who first said this, but those that walk around miserable and are the initial domino in the game of miserableness are "Joy Suckers". I personally, don't want to be one of those, I want to share joy and model it's possible to be joy-filled in the midst of life's happenings. Sometimes, the struggles or troubles we face are because of our own poor choices, and others are thrust at us because this is how life works. Our reaction to life is totally up to us though.

Do you let life make you miserable or does it motivate you to be a positive catalyst for those around you? There are people who have lost so much yet to see them out in the public, model the opposite of their circumstances. 
She fought embarrassment and ridicule because of how her family "looked" while using the welfare checks (before there was the SNAP cards). What those in line after didn't realize, is they were living in small quarters, my friend often wore the same clothes so their kids could have what they needed first, and she worked hard to provide for her family and the hardest thing they ever did was ask for help but out of respect for themselves and their family, they modeled "motivation", not "miserable". Her kids have a great sense of who they are and the many blessings they have because of their parents attitude and humility. 
They had a choice. Their first choice was to accept help when they needed it the most. Next, they chose to hold their heads high and maintain a dignified way of living as they worked hard and saved so they could do it on their own one day. And finally, they chose to model "motivation", not "miserable". If you've walked this road, you know I've only touched on the challenges and difficulties of living in poverty or on tough financial times yet as I think about the quote on the photo in today's blog, the rising number of needs for families in our area, and the rising costs...I decided to share this as an encouragement.

An encouragement to motivate you, your neighbor, friends, and family that there is hope and a light at the end of your tunnel if you are living a similar life. Don't give up or let your current circumstances bring you down, instead use them as the fuel to motivate you to work harder, volunteer more, and be the positive domino of moving forward with faith, grace, mercy, and hope. Do you have a story to share, words of encouragement to offer, or a time when you chose motivation over miserableness?

Will you share below in a comment?

Pray for a Miracle ~ God Might Say "Yes"

Just ask and it will be given to you; seek after it and you will find. 
Continue to knock and the door will be opened for you. 
All who ask receive. Those who seek, find what they seek. 
And he who knocks, will have the door opened.

Think of it this way: if your son asked you for bread, 
would you give him a stone? Of course not—
you would give him a loaf of bread. 
If your son asked for a fish, would you give him a snake? 
No, to be sure, you would give him a fish—
the best fish you could find. So if you, who are sinful, 
know how to give your children good gifts, 
how much more so does your Father in heaven, 
who is perfect, know how to give great gifts to His children!

This is what our Scriptures come to teach: 
in everything, in every circumstance, 
do to others as you would have them do to you.
Matthew 7:7-12 VOICE

Christmas movies and conversations are full of the miracles associated with the season yet sometimes we forget WHO is rooted at the heart and foundation of this joyous celebratory time of year...Jesus Christ.

Have you ever had a need, a need so great that brought tears to your eyes or one you were embarrassed to even utter aloud? Have you ever had a need, hope, or prayer you only trusted to God? You know what I'm talking about ~ the prayer for something so great that ONLY God would be able to answer it. Or maybe, you know of someone who might meet the need but due to your pride and humility, you never ask because you want to know, without a shadow of doubt, it was God who answered the prayer to meet the need weighing you down. Can you relate to this?

If so, have you seen God's unconditional love, merciful provision, and gracious giving at exactly the right time with just what is needed? Will you share in a comment below to encourage us, you, them...of how God worked in an amazing way through another to meet a need only HE even knew you had.

Christmas songs, carols, movies, music, shopping, and parties are in full swing. Let's pause for a moment to reflect, share, and celebrate the miracles of Christmas...The first...Jesus is born a babe in Bethlehem. How did God answer your greatest need?
Will you share a praise to encourage another?

Christmas in Mexico 2014 - See You There!

TODAY - SATURDAY
DECEMBER 6TH
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Over 150 Vendors throughout the town

Mexico, New York I will have window clings available for a $3 donation - proceeds will be sent to NCMEC in Heidi's memory, to help educate, locate, and assist other missing children and their families. See you there ~ don't need winter boots this year! Bring an umbrella - It will be a GREAT day!

Is Your Prayer Life a Game of Plinko?

Have you ever played the game “PLINKO” before? Until a couple weeks ago, I hadn’t, or if I had – I didn’t remember. It’s actually a fun game using a circular game piece and a slanted board with pegs on it. You place your game piece at the top, flat to the surface, and then release. The game piece slides from top to bottom hitting the pegs. You can start at the same spot but end in a different location at the bottom depending on the angle, spin, or speed in which you release your game piece.

Prayer and PLINKO both have a purpose or objective. In PLINKO, your objective is to land your game piece in the correct bin at the bottom, depending on the type of game you are playing. With prayer, the purpose is to first, play the game. Then, trust that God is going to answer. Only God knows the answers and unlike the game, there isn’t anything we can do to “aim” or “sway” God’s decision. BUT, as long as we are talking to God (praying), at least we’ve placed our prayer on the table. This is the first and simplest act of faith – God does the hard work, He answers the prayer.

Picture your “PRAYER PLINKO” board with only three boxes at the bottom. “Yes”, “No”, and “Not Right Now”. It’s that’s easy. We pray and ask God for things and He ALWAYS RESPONDS. I asked a pastor once “Why doesn’t God answer my prayer?” The pastor’s response was simple and to the point, “God always answers prayer. He says “yes, “no”, or “not right now”. God always answers, just not always the way we desire or understand, and in His timing, now ours.” I’ve never forgotten his. As I played PLINKO with the Kindergartners I was reminded of this lesson on prayer. 
First, you need to play –Talk to God like you talk to your best friend over coffee. Share your heart. Thank Him and praise Him for the way He is working in your life.

Second, now release your prayers and needs to God in the same way you talked to Him about all you are thankful for. Trust God to listen and hear your prayers.

Finally, prayerfully wait for God to answer in His time, not yours. This is the hard part. God will answer your prayer – only He knows if it will be a “yes”, “no”, or “not right now” but as you wait…trust God because He can see beyond anything we dream or imagine and knows what is best for us and others. 
Can You Accept God's "Yes", "No", 
& "Not Right Now" Response to your prayer?

The Joys of a Kitten at Christmas

If you aren't a cat lover, then today's blog might not be your favorite, but if you are mischievous at heart, you might enjoy it. I guess you'll have to read to decide which end of the spectrum you lean towards. 

Here's the deal, Naomi was a birthday gift for our daughter from wonderful friends and us. They gifted the kitten, we allowed her in to the house. It didn't take long before we all fell in love with her and her orange streaks. I should of known, a "red-head" is always spunky. I should know after all. This past weekend we brought the Christmas decorations down from the attic. With my husband working crazy hours the next couple weeks, I had this brilliant idea to just take everything out of the containers, pile it on the tables, and then work on decorating throughout this week. Well, Miss Naomi, had other ideas.

Once she saw the piles of glittering, sparkling, and shiny objects...a kitten's playground was created. Instead of relaxing on Sunday afternoon and evening, we decorated. Decoration Central was not by choice but instead, necessity. We came home from church Sunday morning to see Naomi's head peeking out from under the pile of Christmas sweaters, sweatshirts, and table cloths. I had to wash them again. She didn't greet us at the door, only peered out to say, "Yeah, I'm in this pile of goodies, what'cha going to do about it?" before pulling her head back underneath the abyss of Christmas cotton.

This was the moment we decided, it was decoration day. My husband, Ed, being wise, joined his buddies to watch football, escaping the adventure of decorating quicker than the kitten could pounce, play, and tackle. Ornaments, bells, and holiday stuffed animals eventually found homes around the house. Some even had the luxury of being dropped to the floor and then dragged across the floor. Once in the center of the floor, they were left...to wait.

I couldn't figure out what Miss Naomi was up to until she crouched across the top of the couch, prowled her way to the arm and then POUNCE! Poor Christmas mouse didn't know what hit it. If Toy Story is true, and stuffed animals are alive when we aren't in the room, I'd have to be the kitten after we left the room. But since Miss Naomi wasn't decorated with Christmas lights, the Disney movie really is fictional. 

One of my daughters favorite things to do is set up the manger and organize the stuffed animals. Let's just say that her "everything has its spot" set-up, was disturbed over and over again as her precious kitten, Naomi, helped her arrange and rearrange. I, on the other hand, was very thankful because I was able to get the rest of the house decorated.

Until... Until it was time to put up our tree and all it's tantalizing treats dangling from its branches. Oh boy, we knew it wasn't going to be a quick process but we never expected the journey since decoration day.

We have multiple pictures of Miss Naomi climbing the trunk, perched on the branches within, and sleeping under the Christmas tree. Yesterday though, she won the prize for disturbing the magic of Christmas. 

Must be one of the glimmering ornaments moved ever so teasingly as the fan moved it because out of no where, Miss Naomi ran across the room and leaped upon the Christmas tree to attack and take it captive. UGH!
Do you see where this is going? Oh yeah, thank goodness it's only four feet tall because the tree, cat, and all it's ornaments toppled to the floor with a BANG! Mary startled awake from her morning nap and I sprung from my computer to see what happened. "Stella" kitty photos taken by Victoria Ross. Thank you Victoria for letting me share your kitty today.
Meet "Stella" - 
a Facebook friend's kitty, who appears to be exhibiting similar Christmas mischief as our Naomi. 
Who needs Elf on the Shelf when a cat's in the house? 
Not us...how about you? "Stella" kitty photos taken by Victoria Ross. Thank you Victoria for letting me share your kitty today. Miss Naomi simply peered from within the branches, rolled on to her belly, and started playing with one of the few ornaments that remained on the branches. Since it was nearing time to leave for work, I placed the tree back on the table and tucked the ornaments in the box under the tree. Mary laughed as she got ready for school, saying, "It is going to be a long few weeks until Christmas." I didn't see her humor at the moment but decided to roll with it because I have my moments of distraction by sparkling objects, I just don't lunge at the tree.

As if the tree isn't enough excitement, Miss Naomi has now decided to climb our stockings!! Ugh! Life is about choices, we can let the playful and healthy kitty's ambitious playing ruin the mood or teach her "no" and use wisdom to put away some of the shinier objects until next year. 

As post scrolled my home screen on Facebook yesterday I realized I'm not alone. A friend posted a picture of her kitty, Stella, in the Christmas tree. The positive, we aren't alone in our adventure. The negative, Stella looks like a grown up cat, so every year will be this much fun. What is your favorite Christmas Cat story?

TOP's Tuesday: More Than a Banner or Sign

This week I want to share a new design with all of you. Twenty years ago there were orange ribbons and buttons pinned on clothing. Many wore t-shirts with Heidi's photo and law enforcement's phone number to call with information. Bumper stickers could be placed on your vehicle. Candle light vigils were held.

What do all of these have in common? 

Each is a symbol of hope. Hope for Heidi M Allen to be found. 

This summer there was a lot of media coverage, excitement, and discussion about the case. Many prayed and hoped Heidi would be found to bring peace to my parents and family. Some were overwhelmed when one of the county's biggest cases took the spotlight because it stirred up emotions and memories. I've ran into so many wonderful people who are praying daily and hoping, upon hope, that all of the discussion will bring Heidi home. This was, is, and always will be the family's priority....Heidi. She remains missing over twenty years later.

All the sleepless nights this summer and fall, the heightened "on guard" feelings, and overheard discussions in the store will be worth it...if the root of the discussions bring Heidi home...we continue to pray Heidi's body is discovered. Until then, we ALWAYS HOPE and try to share this with other. One year for Christmas I designed a t-shirt with a heart, Heidi's picture, and the words - "Hope for Heidi". I tried to combine our families symbol of hope, the heart, with the orange associated with our community. The result is an orange heart with Heidi's photograph and Hope displayed for all to see. 

A special thanks to David at V Sign Design  for modifying my original design to create this beautiful and hope-filled one. This Saturday, I will be at the Presbyterian Church in Mexico, New York, as part of " Christmas in Mexico ". 


I hope to have some vinyl window clings for sale, along with my books and parent's wood working. The window clings are the same as the banner above. This is one small way we can share Hope for Heidi M Allen with each other and those we might meet. There is no profit made from the window clings, after cost, if there is anything left over - I'll donate it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Heidi's name. 
V Sign Design creates quality vinyl graphics & signage for your personal 
or business use. VSD is your source for banners, vehicle, or memorial decals. I found this cool video by V Sign Design on YouTube so thought I'd share it... Hope for Heidi M Allen...displayed for all to see...
Thank you for your prayers...