Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 84

Do You Bruise Easily Like an Apple?

My Dad and I picked apples the other day. A tradition we enjoy and provides blessings throughout the weeks to follow. When I returned home, rather than placing the apples in the basket one at a time, in a hurried state, I opened the bag and placed the basket on top.

I then carefully lifted the bag and basket at the same time and flipped. In my mind, I saw then nearly filling the basket and then If pull the bag out. Have you already predicted this plan didn't quite go as planned?

The majority of apples followed the rules and stayed within the perimeter of their safety zone yet a handful decided to jump from the basket and tolled from the counter to the floor and then bounced...and bounced...and rolled until the only thing left shaking...was my head.
We are like these apples, well maybe it's just me but I don't think I'm alone in this. I know some people have "tougher skin" than others yet I know some "tuffys" and guess what, I think they are more sensitive than the ones we identify with as needing TLC when handling conflict, situations, and life. What do you think?

"For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am 
fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together 
in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts,God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with you."
Psalm 139:`13-18

God didn't create us to feel like the apples falling from my basket. You and I are "wonderfully made", "precious" and "delights in those who fear Him." This is amazing if you really think about it and let it sink in. Regardless of one's beliefs or faith, God loves each and every one of us.
He sees us as the beautiful red apple growing on the tree, waiting to be picked. Yet, because of sin, some apples fall of the tree and others jump from the basket to roll and bounce along the floor. Which apple are you? Of course, while we all are sinners, not everyone has the same amount of bruises.

This is what makes us unique and the person we are. It's up to us to decide what to do with our bruises, do we put make up on over them, wear a mask so those around us don't know? 

Do we share with only those close to us? 

Do we attempt to live life on our own with no support from family and friends? 

Do we blame God and run in the other direction? 
(I chose this option for a little over a decade after the kidnapping of my sister)

Do we call out to God for help, for strength, and His grace and mercy to survive?

Just like the apples, we can NEVER remove the bruises and brokenness BUT we can become something more beautiful and useful when we nurse our wounds, seek His wisdom, invite God into our life, and recognize the bruises are merely a new aspect of who we are and we have a choice.

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Romans 12:13

We can either lay on the floor or under the apple tree rotting away and becoming part of the life cycle OR we can brush off the dirt, address the bruised spots, and make some delicious apple crisp, apple pie, or applesauce to share with others. 

Rather than be ashamed, admit we have a bruise and then share how God sweetened the apple of His eye, YOU, to be a new creation once again. Your story just became more personal. Your bruises are similar to someone else's and he/she might need to know, God can heal them too. 
Will you share your apple crisp and make a 
positive difference in the life of someone else?

TOP's Tuesday: Missing and NEVER Forgotten

"Number one, I absolutely love 
making chocolate chip cookies.
I mean, it's fun. It's exciting.
Beyond the fact that I love making them,
I love eating them."
- Debbi Fields

Last night my daughter said, "Mom, I'm thinking tomorrow will be National Cookie Day on Channel 9 again. Don't you." 

I was heading into sleep mode so missed the subtle hint so I responded with, "Maybe not National Cookie Day but possibly a different type of cookie. Then I looked into her eyes and the mischievious smile on her face and smiled. 

I modified my answer, "I guess it depends on what time I get out of bed, if it is or not." We both laughed and finished our bedtime routines, forgetting her request.

As my alarm went off this morning, I decided to wake Mags with the house filled with the aroma of fresh baked cookies. When Mags dragged through the kitchen she stopped and said, "Hey, you really made cookies." 

I laughed because I thought this was the point of her comment the night before. We both left the house with a plate of warm cookies to share. I tasted tested a couple with my coffee to be sure they were safe.

What does my daughter's desire for freshly baked cookies in the morning and "Missing and Never Forgotten" have to do with each other? Great question, I'm glad you asked. 

As children, one of Heidi and my favorite things to enjoy were my mother's homemade chocolate chip cookies. If Mom knew we were having a big test, had a dragon to slay while at school that day, or noticed we just needed a little pick-me-up...we came home to the aroma of freshly baked cookies, still warm from the oven. 

Mom never complained or mentioned she worked all day and baked cookies before even starting supper, she just did it. With warm cookies and a cold milk, Mom listened to us unwind from the day's events and offered words-of-wisdom.

BUT you know what she did best? She listened without opinion or judgement. She made us her first priority, regardless of how tired she was or the lists needing her attention.  I wish I could say this example is modeled on a daily basis in my home but this morning, instead of doing a load of laundry or the dishes, I baked. Guess what, the dishes from last night and this morning are still in the sink and on the counter waiting for me. Rather than putting on my "Martha hat", I hung it on the hook and put on my "Mary hat". It is worth every dirty dish and and unfolded piece of clean clothes. Although I didn't spend time at the feet of Jesus, I spent time listening and being there for my daughter.

It doesn't have anything to do with the cookies really, it has to do with the time and my focus. I'm thankful for my mother's keen sense of when Heidi or I needed her attention and words-of wisdom and ears-of-listening. I pray Mags will reflect one day and say the same about me and our relationship. Around the kitchen table is more than enjoying Mom's delicious chocolate chip cookies (I use the same recipe today), it was mother-daughter time. It was two sisters, one Mom, and time wonderfully spent. Thank you Mom! What memory of time spent with your parent around the kitchen table do you remember and cherish? Will you share below?

In The Midst...You are Not Alone!

"The LORD your God is in your midst, 
a mighty one who will save; 
he will rejoice over you with gladness; 
he will quiet you by his love; 
he will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17
When do you feel the most alone? 
Did you know God is rejoicing over YOU with singing? 
How cool is that...

Double the Rainbow...Double the Blessing

"I kind of view everybody like a rainbow. Everybody on the planet has all the colors of the rainbow inside."
Alexia Fast

Do you look for a rainbow? I know when it starts to rain, the first thing I spy for is the rainbow that comes once the precipitation concludes  moistening the ground. I don't always see one, but_ this is why rainbows are so special, God doesn't always paint one across the sky.

At the end of the summer I went to a "Back-to-School" picnic. This same picnic, one year ago, created anxiety and nervousness because I was meeting a new building of educators and staff. I knew a few yet the change combined with missing my "family" at my first school weighed on me. Once there, I laughed and got to know my new family and reconnect with others. This year was very different. Rather than anxious due to nerves, it was pure anticipation and excitement. I was reuniting with my new family and meeting new members that would join us for the year. Funny how a year can change our perspective, isn't it? If we could see what lies ahead, some might think it would be better but we might miss learning experiences or life lessons if we knew what was coming.

Last year I adjusted to working in a new building, learned how things worked in comparison to my previous building assignment, and devoted time to building relationships. While I didn't know everyone at the end of the year and still struggle to locate everyone by name and room number, it was a good year. Prior to arriving at the annual back-to-school picnic, I set a goal for the new school year. In addition to continued learning and becoming a better teacher, I want to build on relationships established last year, and connect with some new people too (on a more personal level). 

As much as I looked forward to seeing my new school family, I was apprehensive about the relationships. One thing I learned in 1994, tragedy brings out the awkward and uncomfortable with some of your closest friends. I didn't want anyone to be uneasy around me yet I prayed no one wanted to spend a lot of time talking about the news coverage. At my old school, they understood and a lot was left unspoken, needing no explanation.

God is so amazing, He read my mind. The only thing anyone shared at the picnic were words of encouragement and extensions of love and friendship, "I'm not going to say much, unless you want to talk, just want you to know we're thinking of you and your family...praying for you all...etc." I stepped away from the group a few times to collect myself as tears welled in my eyes at how loving and amazing my new school family is, an unexpected blessing.

The photographs of the rainbows in this blog were taken during this year's picnic. We had a slight rain and then a beautiful rainbow. It wasn't until someone looked at their picture that I heard, "There are two! Lisa, did you see the second rainbow?" I hadn't. Everyone started taking more pictures trying to capture the second ribbon of hope and blessing arching over us. We knew it was a sign for the year ahead. Thus far, there are nothing but rainbows at school. Some days have a little more rain than others but when the day is over, we focus on the positives and rainbows shining around us...on the children's faces.  Are you a rainbow searcher? 
Is there a reason you like to find the rainbows? 

Enjoy the View...There Is Always Something New

By the time I returned, my visitor was en route across the lawn. I couldn't believe it, he was joining his family. 

There were a dozen turkeys walking between our new line of Rose of Sharon trees. Since the maid hasn't been to clean the windows, I moved to the back door to attempt a few photos. Not only did the turkeys ignore the opening of the door, they didn't mind me standing in the rain on the deck to take pictures of them. 

God's creation is so beautiful. Despite the pouring rain, these wild turkeys continued their meandering in and out of my neighbors garden, to the Rose of Sharon trees, and back many times. Their little necks down more than up as they filled their bellies with whatever nutrients they could find. 

The pelleting rain didn't bother them a bit. I wonder if they even noticed?
One of my favorite things to do during the day as I move about the interior of our home is to look out the windows. I prefer the back yard, since the front usually only offers a new car driving faster than the posted speed limit. Our backyard offers a more peaceful view.

This past weekend as I peered through the sheer curtain something caught my eye. Something was in the fire pit. I wonder what it is? Is that a...turkey? Once I pulled the curtain to the side, years of walking the woods with my father proved my prediction correct. I released the curtain and went for my camera instantly. Are you wondering why the turkeys joined the blog or why their feeding from my backyard in the rain is important? It's simple really, if I never slowed down to look out the window and take a breath and vision of relaxation and beauty, I might have missed this priceless moment in time. To see wild turkeys crossing the road, in the pastures and fields, or in one's backyard isn't abnormal in Upstate New York yet how often do we rush by.

What if we all looked out our windows with the eyes of child? Do you remember the sense of joy and excitement when you saw something "new" or "out of the ordinary"? Another aspect of this wonder, the communication with your parents and/or care giver, when they stopped to answer the questions and embrace your intrigue and desire for knowledge. God is waiting for us to slow down and appreciate all He creates. He is always there to listen to your praises and cries. BUT...are we looking and reaching up to receive His love, grace, and mercy.

Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, 
for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?
Matthew 6:26 NLT

Look out the nearest window right now, what do you see?
What question does it trigger in your mind?

Are you Focused on the Light or the Dark?

How busy are you? Are you busier today than you were this time last year, five years ago, or maybe ten? If you have more time, less time, or about the same...what has changed and what remains constant in your life mandating your schedule? 

More importantly, what does this have to do with today's blog? The original post that went with this first picture, of the broken window with pink duct tape holding it together, posted in May 2012. 

It's been more than two years and this window remains broken and taped. There are a couple reasons we haven't fixed it.  I could spend time reflecting on my husband's calmness and understanding when I broke this window with carelessness fueled by frustration and imperfection...but I won't.

Instead, I want to focus on the primary reason for keeping my broken window displayed for me each day. It reminds me of my mixed priorities and misdirected frustration when I tossed the CD case causing such destruction. There isn't a time I glance at this window without some sort of emotional response. From laughter to shaking my head, but always a response. A couple weeks ago as I put things away in the cabinet I heard the kitten playing behind me. I couldn't figure out what she was doing until I watched for a couple minutes. She was jumping over the shadows created by the duct tape on the window. It was so much fun to observe. She sniffed the heart and the lines leading to the center, then would jump over the shadow as if it would sting or she'd sink. This went on for more than ten minutes. I ended up sitting on the window seat to simply enjoy her but then my shadow ruined the moment.

This is true in life, isn't it. God might have a beautiful plan before us, one we can enjoy and share with others but then, SMASH! One of life's circumstances flies from our hand or lips. Instead of jumping from His provided areas of light, we focus on the lines of darkness we believe prevent us from reaching the next stop on our journey. Just like the kitten, we can spend time investigating but eventually, we need to just jump over/through the obstacle in order to reach God's goal for us. 

This isn't always easy and sometimes darkness will appear to prevail, like when I sat in the window to block the light and eliminate the shadows BUT when we are following God's leading and His direction for our life - God is bigger, stronger, and able to move that darkness from our path when we've learned the lesson necessary at that moment. A life lesson from my kitten, KM would have loved this blog and how our sweet little Naomi is showing me other ways God is working in my life.

As water reflects the face,
so one's life reflects the heart.
Proverbs 27:19 NIV

Where are you looking? Seeking God  or focusing on the obstacles?

A Feline Friend During Bible Study...

“A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.”

- Ernest Hemingway

At the end of July, a friend delivered a precious, tiny, and adorable bundle of love for our daughter on her birthday. This sweet kitten not only moved into our home, but instantly into each of our hearts. Our two dogs adore her. It's common to see the rottweiler and kitten drinking from the dog's water bowl at the same time or to see all three laying side by side in the living room. Our tiniest and newest member, Naomi, has found a home.

Our daughter has wanted a kitten for a couple years and we have put it off but decided this summer to give in, if she dedicated some of her own money to help with the medical and nutritional costs. It was a greed. A dear family friend, one who used to read the blog daily, was a cat lover. Our last visit to her camp, Mags was sharing how much she wanted a kitten but we (the terrible parents) wouldn't allow her. I motioned to my friend to let her know Mags would be getting one for her birthday. Our friend smiled and I whispered, "We'll bring her down to meet you after she gets her."

Sadly, our friend never met Naomi. The very day Naomi joined our family, God called our friend home and gifted her with angel wings. I'll always remember the day Naomi came and how she is a reminder of our cat-loving-wonderful friend, who left this world on the same day. Miss Naomi has received much love and attention. One of my favorite times to snuggle her is when I'm reading or writing, before everyone else is awake.  Something I didn't think of this summer when starting this quality quiet time, that Miss Naomi would get bigger than the the size of Ed's hand. As our beloved kitten grows, it's becoming challenging to have her on my lap during study, reading, or work times.

This past weekend, as I read and took some notes, Naomi joined me. She snuggled in and took a nap. As I attempted to turn my pages, make a note, and find a different verse...she woke up. Oh boy! She went from sleeping quietly on top of my notebook to chasing the top of my pen as I wrote and then nibbling on my pages. Ed sat in his chair, laughing! Yes, laughing...Then we were both laughing. Then...Ed said, "Not so cut anymore, eh?" She is still just as cute and lovable, I just need to figure out how to balance a sleeping cat on my lap with my Bible, notebook, journal, and pen. And of course, still be able to reach for my coffee in the process. I managed alright but I'm trying to develop a better scenario for future quiet times.

Life presents us with choices. I could toss the cat to the floor and tell her "No!", but since I started this habit, that isn't the right or logical thing to do. Instead, I'm thinking of changing my comfy spot so that it allows for her to lay along the side of me while I enjoy some quiet reading, research, or work time. We'll see how it goes. One thing I do know, I enjoy her presence and comfort. While my dear friend isn't reading my blogs at 7 a.m. each morning anymore, I feel as if she is sitting next to me as I write them.

“I write so much because my cat sits on my lap. 
She purrs so I don’t want to get up.”
- Joyce Carol Oates

Does your pet have a favorite spot to nestle next to, or with you? 
Is there a favorite time of day your pet likes to seek your attention?

No Matter What You Call It...A Blessing From Above

Last month I participated in a blog tour for Lifting the Curtain . As a thank you for sharing Don's book, he gave away a couple prizes. The winners were selected by random, based off each time a bloggers blog was shared on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social networking sites. So thank YOU for sharing, commenting, and responding to my blog because I WON second prize.

What is second prize you ask, good question. Let me tell you. I'm excited to have a copy of Lifting the Curtain coming to me in the mail, so I can read and share it with my fellow educators. As if this is isn't enough, I also won a six-month subscription to the AutomatedEditing service.

Talk about motivation to get to work on the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey ...oh yeah!! I'm still reading the fine print of how it works but if I could wrap up my draft to a closer to publication copy, I could have the preliminary edit done in the next six months before I work with my professional editor I one to one.
The way God works continues to amaze me. Yesterday I blogged about missing my personal deadline and goal of having a draft ready for edit by the end if August, 2014. No one set this goal but me yet God knows my heart, and yours. 

If God is blessing me with free editorial services for six months then it's time for coffee after 9 pm, late nights, and long weekends. May He be glorified through it all. Will you be a part of my prayer team? While writing Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey , a wonderful group if ladies joined me in prayer during the entire process, and still today lift my writing and speaking in prayer. 

My friend and author, Elaine W Miller, is dedicated to include her prayer team by sending periodic emails to her prayer team, so we can pray more specifically. As a member if her team, I know I appreciate it because I'm joining her with needs, concerns, and praises she's feeling the need of. 

Would you like to be a member of my prayer team? If so, enter your email in the form below to receive emails with specific prayer and praises as they pertain to my writing, speaking, and "Hope for Heidi". Add Me To Your Prayer Team Name * First Last Email * Comment * Submit Thank you for sharing in this exciting news and for praying...

TOP's Tuesday: Keeping Hope Alive

How do we keep hope alive? Each person has their personal way of doing this. Often it depends on why you lost hope that will determine the means in which you dedicate energy, time, and focus. If you are a victim, your hope comes from others who walked a similar path as you If you lose a loved one, we want to hear from others who understand this loss. 

One thing I share when I speak is that we've all lost someone. I physically "lost" my sister, Heidi M. Allen, when when she was abducted on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1994. You may have lost a sibling or loved one to death, disease, in an argument, or some other reason. This loss and absence from your life leaves an emptiness and void. 

I try to keep my sister's name, story, and "who" she was alive through my writing and speaking. This was not a path I chose yet it's one God directed me towards and continues to open doors with. In April, on the twentieth anniversary of Heidi's disappearance I set a goal to have a draft of the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey drafted so I could let it sit a few weeks until the first school break to take a read through. 

While the goal was set, it wasn't achieved as different events and attention to Heidi's case developed. Instead of finding myself sitting on the deck enjoying the sunshine and relaxation, our family, friends, and community were thrust back to 1994 all over again. Once again, I found myself wrestling with emotions, feelings, and thoughts...mostly in isolation. Some of this alone time was by choice yet most was because people, even those closest to me, don't know what to say or how to act. 

Why do I share this? Instead of beating myself up for missing a deadline I set for myself, I'm prayerfully considering the direction of the next book. Part of me wants to say, "I'm done. I'm not writing anymore." BUT I will not let the darkness of despair win. God called me to write and speak, to share hope and inspiration with others feeling the effects of loss, and to hold my head high as He walks with me every step of the way.

Does the future make me nervous? Of course it does BUT there is ONE Huge Difference this time, I'm never alone, even when I feel lonely. God is with me EVERY STEP OF EVERY DAY and I TRUST HIM!! Keeping hope alive and Heidi's memory is the very least I can do...I will not hide. In His strength, I Move Forward While We Wait.

Are you looking for an inspirational speaker for your women's group, church event, or organization - contact me today for more information and to schedule a date. Scheduling into May 2015.

Email: lbuskewriter@aol.com 

I can do all this through 
him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

How do you keep HOPE Alive in your life?

Angels Watching Over Us...A Poem

The Wreck on Highway 109
By Ruth Gillis

A drunk man in an Oldsmobile
They said had run the light
That caused the six-car pileup
On Hwy. 109 that night.

When broken bodies lay about
And blood was everywhere,
The sirens screamed out eulogies,
For death was in the air.

A mother, trapped inside her car,
Was heard above the noise;
Her plaintive plea near split the air:

Oh, God, please spare my boys!
She fought to loose her pinned hands;
She struggled to get free,
But mangled metal held her fast
In grim captivity.

Her frightened eyes then focused
On where the back seat once had been,
But all she saw was broken glass and
Two children's seats crushed in.

Her twins were nowhere to be seen;
She did not hear them cry,
And then she prayed they'd been thrown free,
Oh, God, don't let them die!

Then firemen came and cut her loose,
But when they searched the back,
They found therein no little boys,
But the seat belts were intact.

They thought the woman had gone mad
And was traveling alone,
But when they turned to question her,
They discovered she was gone.

Policemen saw her running wild
And screaming above the noise
In beseeching supplication,
Please help me find my boys!

They're four years old and wear blue shirts;
Their jeans are blue to match.
One cop spoke up, They're in my car,
And they don't have a scratch.

They said their daddy put them there
And gave them each a cone,
Then told them both to wait for Mom
To come and take them home.

I've searched the area high and low,
But I can't find their dad.
He must have fled the scene,
I guess, and that is very bad.

The mother hugged the twins and said,
While wiping at a tear,
He could not flee the scene, you see,
For he's been dead a year.

The cop just looked confused and asked,
Now, how can that be true?
The boys said, Mommy, Daddy came
And left a kiss for you.

He told us not to worry
And that you would be all right,
And then he put us in this car with
The pretty, flashing light.

We wanted him to stay with us,
Because we miss him so,
But Mommy, he just hugged us tight
And said he had to go.

He said someday we'd understand
And told us not to fuss,
And he said to tell you, Mommy,
He's watching over us.

The mother knew without a doubt
That what they spoke was true,
For she recalled their dad's last words,
I will watch over you.

The firemen's notes could not explain
The twisted, mangled car,
And how the three of them escaped
Without a single scar.

But on the cop's report was scribed,
In print so very fine,
An angel walked the beat tonight
    -on Highway 109.
Can you think of a time God used an "Angel" to watch over you?
Will you share with us today?