Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 91

Life's lessons produces a harvest

Are you a gardener? One of my favorite things to do is watch my neighbors and others till their gardens. The aroma of freshly turned dirt combined with the prospect of new growth is exciting. At least I think so. You might not notice when the tilling happens, or as the first sprouts peek their green through the brown dirt to reach towards the sun because in the beginning, they are only visible if you are close. After a few hot days, rainy nights, and tender loving care by their gardener...abundant life burst forth.

Some of my favorite memories as a child were working in the garden, shop, or outside with my Dad. It's probably one reason I enjoy being outside to pray, write, and prepare for upcoming events. In addition to the excitement of new growth, is the opportunity to spend time with a loved one. 

I personally learned many lessons while working alongside my parents. It seemed to be easier to talk about the tough stuff in life when "doing" something while in conversation. You know, like when you are driving and your son/daughter asks you a question that before you respond to them, you say, "Thank you God that I'm driving." because you can't make eye contact. Yet, regardless of the location of these precious moments, there is one piece that is vital...they must happen.

If our youth don't have adults they can dig deeper with, then how do they know right from wrong, risky versus safe, or learn common sense? The answer is, they'll seek answers from someone else, someone who may not have our child's best interest as a motivation. I'm thankful for our moments and the tough discussions, they molded and guided me to be the woman I am today. Thank you Mom and Dad! Thanks to my aunts and uncles too!

Don't worry so much about getting dirty or planting the seeds incorrectly, just spend time with your kids and plant seeds of truth, love, compassion, hope, encouragement, wisdom, and so many other possible  seeds to plant. Then nurture them as they grow, watering them with daily reminders (not nagging) and love. It's up to God to change them and their hearts, we have the simple pleasure of watching the process. Did/Do you have a favorite spot to have talks with your kids?

A Matter of Perspective: Divide by 365

"If you’re running a 26-mile marathon, 
remember that every mile is run one step at a time. 
If you are writing a book, do it one page at a time. 
If you’re trying to master a new language, try it one word at a time. 
There are 365 days in the average year. 
Divide any project by 365 and you’ll find that no job is all that intimidating."
~ Charles Swindoll ~

Not a marathon...
Photo from the Cider Run 5K
To train required dedication, perseverance, and effort.
 
It was worth every moment! The sequel to 
Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey...
Outlining, organizing, & planning


A woman asked me this past Monday at the New Haven Farmer's Market, 
"Do you have the sequel?" 
She encouraged me as she shared how reading Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey encouraged her, and the excitement for a sequel. 


The good news, there is one in the works... I saw this quote by Charles Swindoll awhile ago and it peaked my interest and left me thinking. I saved it and have come back to it from time and again, there is such truth in his statement. He goes from running a marathon to writing a book but in reality, this philosophy could help us with many aspects of life. What do you think?

Here are a few I've thought of, maybe you can add to the list:
1) You get engaged and the wedding is in a year
2) You have debt and financial obligations
3) Your son/daughter leaves for college within a few years
4) Next year is a loved one's 50th, 75th, 80th, etc. birthday or anniversary and you want to throw them a big celebratory party
5) You want to own a car without taking out a loan
6) You desire to have money saved for retirement
7) ....what can you think of?

The point - when you divide anything by 365 days, or if you have a couple years to save for something, then divide it by 730 days. Example, you want to purchase a new-to-you car in two years, $6,000 divided by 730 days is $8.22 a day you need to save to pay cash. If you have three years, then you only need to save $5.50 a day. We can do this. Notice I said we?

Maybe you are striving to write your first book, the average word count is 64,000. They recommend writing an 80,000 word rough draft because you will cut thousands of words out during the revision process, even at 80,000 words for a year...this is only 220 words a day. So a paragraph a day and you have your first book written. For me personally, if I wrote 220 words a day on the sequel, I could release in 2015? Hmm...now this smaller view, mini-goal...makes things feel more achievable. Don't you agree?

Maybe you want to take your family on vacation but money is tight. Rather than think you need to save $4,000 (set it high) with a mindset "we'll never go on vacation", say, "If we save $11 a day for one year, we'll have enough to take a nice vacation." That is two people eating at McDonalds. Do you want to treat your child to fast food or Florida? It's about choices, will power, and determination.

I don't claim to have this mastered or be an expert. If anything, I'm blogging encouragement and hope to myself. I'm one to say, "We'll never be able to take a vacation" or "When does living paycheck to paycheck end?" but this quote by Charles Swindoll inspired me. I've broken some of our higher bills down using this philosophy. 

I'm a visual person so I wrote the cost per day on our calendar in the kitchen. For instance, the cellphone plan cost $9 a day, cable cost $5 a day, and etc. When we are planning things to do, is stopping for fast food or ice cream work not having cable/Wi-Fi/phone? It's a matter of perspective. 

We are a work in progress and there are days I shed pointless tears because of choices made in the past yet with this new way of looking at things...God reminds me it is possible - I might just need a smaller bit of reality because sometimes to look at the big picture discourages us, God used Charles Swindoll as a huge encouragement to me and my family. I hope it helps you too, the ultimate prize is Eternity in Heaven yet while here on earth, let us run the race of living a Godly life...It's not too late, divide it by 365.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, 
but only one gets the prize? 
Run in such a way as to get the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV

What race, book, project, or goal are you facing? 
How does dividing by 365 help it be a reality?

TOP's Tuesday: Clue #3 Something Totally NEW!

In 1988, I started the adventure of zoning on a college major. The one I said I would NOT do was teaching. All of you laughing, please stop, okay, keep laughing. Why the outburst of laughter? It's simple, do you know how I spend my days? I work as a teacher's assistant at the local school district and love, love, love my job. The past couple years I've been in Kindergarten and just love their energy, excitement, and sponge-like-desire to learn. 

Why didn't I look for a school offering education after graduation? I'm not really sure but I honestly didn't think I wanted to teach like the three generations before me. I wanted to do something creative and fun. (I just heard more laughter because teaching is 24/7 creativity and fun!)

My initial major was "advertising design". For those young pups reading the blog, that's anyone like twenty-five and under...advertising design didn't involve computers or technology. This was the stone age after the Flintstones, we had to take the ideas in our head and transpose them to paper using pencil, paper, crayons, paints, oil pastels, and etc. It was a degree of art classes accompanied by marketing and electives. I have a creative side and enjoy using it but never anticipate the magnitude of art skills necessary. Less than five weeks into the first semester, the sketching professor suggested I talk with my advisor about possibly switching my major. I reasoned with both the professors and my advisor about my desire to do advertising. They agreed my creativity and ability to come up with great ideas was excellent. 

My marketing ideas and plans were top too BUT...the drawing...well...let's just say my fruit looked like it sat on the counter too long. I agreed with them about my weak drawing skills and thought extra classes or tutoring could help but the field was growing so fast at the time, I was leaps and bounds behind my peers. Most came with art backgrounds, which they used as a spring board, a board I was lacking. I took the advice of the professionals and my parents, switching majors. 

I chose business communications because it was easy and I was able to catch up rather quickly. This allowed my electives to still qualify towards my degree. If only there was the technology of today back in the 80's, I think I would of rocked the advertising design but I wasn't meant to be in an office, the classroom is a perfect fit and I'm glad I figured it out, even if I was an adult when I returned to school for my Associates in Humanities and my Bachelors in English and Professional Writing. Lessons learned.

So why have I told you any of this? Well, the announcement I'll reveal next Tuesday utilized the inner-creativity I was starting to expand twenty-five years ago. Let me see how much can I tell you without revealing the surprise. I could list my shopping list: watercolors, water color paint brushes, starter paint tray, and water color paper. Mags is always sketching so rather than wasting money on something that is already in our house, I asked to borrow one of her drawing pencils and the special eraser. She was gracious and said yes, phew. Her initial comment, "You sketch?" triggered the above story. She enjoyed it so much, especially the part that it wasn't mostly technology usage. One week from today you will find out what the big announcement is. I've thought about sharing it sooner but really want the kiddos at school to be the first to hear and see. This has been a fun process and thanks to the help of Patty, the watercolors  got better with each of the seven I created. My Aunt Fran asked yesterday, "Why were you taking pictures of the flowers?" I smiled and told her it's a surprise but that I would share when it is time. Taking pictures, painting with water colors, and using my dictionaries...does anyone want to take a guess?

Ed, Mags, my parents, and I look forward to sharing this exciting and first for me next Tuesday on the blog...only a few will know before then. The plan is to have a celebration at the New Haven Farmer's Market one Monday. My hope is to have this date for you next week so you can mark your calendar. You'll be able to stop and say hi, celebrate, enjoy some cake, AND visit the farmer's market all at the same time. Are you excited for next week's big "reveal"?

Which of Lisa's Books is YOUR Favorite?

Next Tuesday, June 24th, 2014, there will be an exciting announcement on the blog. As we count down this week, I thought it's a good time to find out which of my books is your favorite so far. Do you know someone else that has read one or more of these, share the blog with them too ~ I want to hear your feedback to make future books better.

Do you like them all? 

There not your style? 

Each has something that stands out and is special to you? 

Why did you decide to purchase or read the book? 

If you have the book but haven't read it yet, why? 

If there is to be a sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, what is something you'd like to read more about? 

You don't have to answer these specific questions, these are to just get your mind thinking. I hope you'll leave a comment on the blog or via a Facebook comment below. You never know when your idea or insight might inspire someone else to pick up a little hope and read. There is also a quick multiple choice if you don't like to leave comments. 
Why? Will you share in a comment below? 

If your answer is Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, is there a chapter or aspect of the book that is your favorite? Is there a sentence or two you underlined or marked that you could quote below? 

Thanks for sharing, your answers will help with the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, and future books. Click on any photo for a direct link to Amazon.com for more information or to order...
Or stop by the New Haven Farmer's Market this afternoon
New Haven Farmers’ Market
Mondays 3 - 6
New Haven Town Hall
4279 St Rt 104
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment about your favorite book and why. Thank you for voting.
Thank you for following the blog...

The Flip Side of Father's Day...When You Lost Your Child

Happy Father's Day 2014! My apologies to those who find today's blog depressing on such a special and honorable day yet this is the message God has for us today. Father's Day is known for BBQ, gathering with family, celebration, games, sports, and so many other traditions based on your family. Not everyone has a biological father. Some men step-up, if you will, to invest in the lives of a child that might not be "theirs" and in the process, change the child's life and future. Some men are fathers, but not a Dad. 

Some men can't have children of their own so they invest time, energy, and their talents in the lives of other children. And yes, there are some men that don't have children because they opt to continue being a child themselves. Then there are teh boys, yet to grow into the father role, we'll pray you are the man God's called you to be when you get to that part of your life. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, if you are male, I extend a "Happy Father's Day" to you. 

I could go on and on about the importance, value, and respect I have for men investing (yes, I've used this word a lot today - thank goodness this is a book going to edit, lol) in the lives of the children, both young and old, in their lives but there is another aspect of Father's Day we can't forget...the father unable to celebrate with or spend the day with their son or daughter.  In my Dad's case, he still has me and we take advantage of moments together throughout the year. We understand the value and pricelessness of time with our loved ones. 

My only sister, Heidi M Allen, disappeared on Easter Sunday 2014 and remains missing today. She spoiled my Dad on holidays, especially Father's Day. I, of course, teased her for sucking up yet it is these memories and memorabilia that remind Dad of his youngest daughter, Heidi.

It isn't all depression and sadness today, don't misunderstand, yet there is a different feel to the day. I can tell Dad "Happy Father's Day!" and shower him with compliments, time (learning how to golf on the X-Box), and made as big of a deal about today as anyone BUT I can't give him the one thing he probably misses the most...Heidi. 

I'm not a dad, or even a parent, living each day after losing a child yet I understand the pain, grief, and sadness of losing my sister and the impact this has on me. As I listened to K-Love earlier today a woman called in and shared how she accidently called her father-in-law a week early to wish him a Happy Father's Day. She forgot to tell him "I Love You" but decided to wait since she planned to call again, on Father's Day, the next week. He passed away before she could tell him those three and vitally important words. Her message to the listeners, "don't wait until tomorrow, just do it today". (my paraphrase)

This is a motto we try to live out. We had a Father's Day dinner last night and spend most of the evening/night together yesterday and we'll get together again today (once I finish the blog, lol) but to be honest, this isn't much different than any other weekend. We don't wait.

As you celebrate father's day this year, remember the Dad's who can't spend time with their son or daughter because they have passed away or remain missing. My heart breaks to think of Carol Wood and Cora Kalous's famlies this weekend. Both finding out their beloved missing daughters have been found, deceased. There is cause for joy as the not-knowing is over yet the grief of knowing must be a great weight this Father's Day weekend.

For the father/sons/daughters out there who "aren't talking" right now", use today as an opportunity to call, text, message, or stop by and reconnect. The bond between parent and child is meant to be loving, forgiving, and forever. 

On this father's day, I pray a special gift for the father and dad grieving the loss of a child - if it's in your power to re-establish communication...do it. If it's out of your control, pray. If your son or daughter has passed away, share a memory, photo, or something with others as a way of remembering them. If your son or daughter is missing...I'm sorry and pray and hope that by this time next year...you have answers to your greatest thought...Where's ...?

I'm off spend time with my parents. What about you? If today's blog inspires you to call and reconnect with your son, daughter, or father...will you let me know. I'd love to pray for you and celebrate the possibilities of healing and love waiting for you. If today's blog inspires you or brought you some comfort, thank God...He inspired me to write this post. How has someone encouraged you after a loss?

Not a Blog but a Recap...

Since leaving school this afternoon I've dropped our daughter off to work and came home to decorate a cake for a birthday party tomorrow. Our niece's youngest son is turning one tomorrow and I got to make the cake. It's been awhile since I pulled my cake decorating tool box from the cupboard. I had so much fun. 

So rather than writing a long blog, writing, or researching for future books while Mags was at work. Instead, I visited with my husband in the kitchen while I sketched with a toothpick on white frosting so I could bring Elmo to life on top of the cake. I took a couple cake decorating classes, "back in the day", with my cousin Missy. We had fun and learned a lot. It was great to use and revisit these skills. 

Looking forward to seeing family and watching the one-year old dig in. 

For now, we are off to the Relay for Life. I posted pictures of the cakes and a video from this morning.  Elmo is says, "Hi, how are you?" each time I open the fridge, reminds me of scary movie. At least he is a cute monster in the fridge - don't let Ghostbusters know...LOL I made a small Elmo with the mini-Elmo pan my friend, Laurel, loaned me ~ now our great-nephew can blow out his candle and dig in! #wsite-video-container-340964304530842133{ background: url(//www.weebly.comhttp://www.lisambuske.com/uploads/4/7/9/2/4792487/relay_life_712.jpg); } #video-iframe-340964304530842133{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1402693976); } #wsite-video-container-340964304530842133, #video-iframe-340964304530842133{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-340964304530842133{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1402693976); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } My friends Stacy and Mary are known for saying, "Children don't go missing just on sunny days." 

As I watched the clouds roll in, the wind pick up, and the rain start this morning I thought about this evening's Relay for Life events happening tonight. People don't only get cancer when it's sunny either so we are still going to walk some laps at the track and support this great cause.  Enjoying the
Relay for Life
in Oswego...

In memory, celebration, & hope 
for all affected... This evening's blog is short and sweet because I spent time creating for my family tomorrow and I'm spending the evening with friends, family, and others for the Relay for Life. Thanks for following the blog...BIG news coming on TOP's Tuesday next week and the following week...mark your calendars! Do you know when to say "no" to support your family?

A Book of the Past...Do You Own it? Better yet...Do you use it?

In the past few weeks I completed the final tasks of my current project. Initially, I used my phone to access the Internet for Dictionary.com but to be honest with you, it was slow. Not the actual Internet, but the process of refreshing the page to look up a new word or the fact I could only look up one word at a time. Okay, some of you are saying, "You should only look up one word at a time regardless of what dictionary you use." Right?

I agree but I'm not talking in the literal, one word at a time. For instance, in my newest dictionary, the big red one, there are MANY words on one page. I alphabetized my word list before starting to save time in the "look up" phase. Time wasn't saved using my phone or computer because there were some words that might be on the same page or a simple turn of the page. The hand held devices or computers work in a pinch but I must tell you, it felt good to use an "old fashioned" (as one teen told me) method of picking up a book. At home, I started my adventure of looking up words using my fancy-shmancy red dictionary, the one "required" when I went back to school to complete my Bachelor's. My lists were so long, this process took a few days. Rather than break my back carrying this bad-boy back and forth to work, and to my parent's house...I took out my favorite dictionary.

Yes, the one with the duct tape holding it together. It is a pocket size resource, not weighing a lot, looking like it has lived a tough life, and still my go-to dictionary...the red one is beautiful and new yet this MacGyver version of knowledge is always picked first. 

I often work on projects during my lunch and wasn't prepared for the conversation my MacGyvered dictionary started. One person said, "I love it, that's great." Another said, "If you need a new dictionary, I have a few at home, you can have one." 

I appreciated her offer and chuckled out loud because, well...I use the duct taped dictionary out of preference, not necessity. The first picture in today's blog is of my beautiful bookshelf my parents gifted me two Christmases ago - the middle row is all dictionaries, grammar helps, and other "word" related resources. 

Have you asked, "Why are you using that raggedy dictionary when so many other choices are at your finger tips?" or possibly, "Why do you have so many dictionaries?" 

My little, ripped, and well loved dictionary is my favorite because of the memory. My Aunt Nancy and Gram gave this to me when I transferred to a private high school, Bishop Cunningham Jr./Sr. High, in Oswego, New York. They wanted me to have a "new" one to start my new journey. Is it outdated and worn? Yes, but it is always my starting point. 

Why do I have so many? Well...for some reason, when we go to book sales or yard sales, I gravitate to the books. I love dictionary and word type helps. I have rhyming dictionaries, word list dictionaries, and so much more. Did you notice the HUGE, and yes, duct taped dictionary to the left? This is my husband's family dictionary...old and outdated like my little one yet a family memory. The word "aint" isn't in that one! Thank goodness. 

It was invigorating the past couple weeks to sit with a dictionary or two or three on my lap and the table around me. To play with words, so much fun. It might be easier to pick up our cell phone, I-Pod, I-Pad, or whatever handheld device you are using but I still believe there is more value and joy found in opening and good ol' book. What do you think? What type of dictionary do you use?

TOP's Tuesday: Clue #2 - Flower to Painting...

Red flowers turn into... Watercolors! We, Ed, Mary, and I, are SO EXCITED!!! We have wonderful news to share with all of you. I wish we could tell, and like my mother, to know the project is finished and we have to wait...yikes! Why do we have to wait?

I'm waiting to reveal what it is because this treasure is a gift first and foremost to my students at school - dedicated to them and they will be the first to see, hear, and touch my new...They will be the first to know I have my first ??? Oh the excitement...

I hope they are as excited to receive as I am to give...a little over two weeks!

There are many clues in this short blog - Heidi's smile and personality was a RAINBOW to anyone she met. I pray this next endeavor shares this RAINBOW of encouragement with others, especially our future ~ the kids! What do you think will be revealed on June 25th or 26th?

Fireflies for Morgan ~ Remember One of America's Missing

Clear Channel Outdoor in Fort Smith, AR produced this billboard to support 
the family’s continued efforts to find Morgan Nick. Today's focus is to help encourage another family of the missing. One way they remember their loved one is the annual "Fireflies for Morgan" on June 9th. If the fireflies are out in your area, will you spend time admiring them. If you can, take a picture and post it to Facebook or other social media and mention the hope we have to bring Morgan and all our missing home. Special prayers and hugs to Morgan's family, friends, and community today.

Will you share this blog on your Facebook page. They are hoping to reach more people than they did last year. Each photo has a link. The episode of Home Makeover for Morgan's family is included also. You can leave the family a message here or visit their Facebook page - thank you in advance for remembering, praying, and sharing for Morgan today. May she and all our missing come home. Fireflies of hope today. Julia (friend of the family) writes on the "Butterflies for Morgan" Facebook page:

"19 years ago on June 9th, a beautiful little girl, Morgan Nick, was abducted from a Little League playground while she was catching fireflies. Morgan is still missing. Her mother, Colleen Nick , is a very dear friend of mine and a strong advocate for the missing. We ask everyone to honor Morgan by catching 19 fireflies and taking a picture of them to commemorate the moment of HOPE. I hope you will join me in catching the fireflies and post your picture on Facebook or send it to me.

We would love to let Morgan's family know how many people around the world are thinking of Morgan and sending positive thoughts of HOPE to help bring Morgan home. If there are no fireflies in your area, please spend a moment to think of Morgan and her family light a candle if you are able. To find out more about Morgan and see the amazing good work Morgan's mother does every day, please visit http://www.morgannickfoundation.com/

This year I am sending out the invitations a bit earlier to see if we can top our previous years attendance- please invite your friends and family to take part as well- let's get this going world-wide! What if the person you invite is the one who has the information to bring Morgan home??

Please take some time to speak with the children in your life about safety. Education is key to combating crimes against children. You can find helpful publications on this at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s website: www.missingkids.com. Consider enrolling your kids in a self-defense/empowerment course so they have knowledge about how to protect themselves, no matter what their age. Catching fireflies is such an iconic childhood pleasure- let’s work together to keep all children safe and joyful!

Thank you my friends!!

To those of you who participated in this event last year- Thank You!! Your thoughts, prayers, best wishes and pictures meant more to this family than words can say." Contact Information:

Alma Police Dept.
Fayetteville St.
Alma, Arkansas 72921
479-632-3333

Morgan Nick Foundation
PO Box 1033
Alma, Arkansas 72921
479-632-6382
1-877-543-4673

National Center for Missing Children
800-THE-LOST
800-843-5678
Leave a note for Morgan's family, friends, and community below to encourage them today - tragedy to butterflies...

We will never give up on our missing loved ones.

You are worth more than a sparrow! It's Biblical...

When birds are sold, two small birds cost only a penny. 
But not even one of those little birds can die without your Father knowing it. 
God even knows how many hairs are on your head. So don’t be afraid. 
You are worth more than a whole flock of birds.
Matthew 10:29-31 ERV

A reminder from watching birds move in to their new home this weekend...thank you Mom and Dad! It's beautiful...