Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 92
June 7, 2014
Meet One of Our New Neighbors...
With the beautiful sun shining and warmth abounding, I've spent most of today on the deck or working in the flower gardens. As I chillaxed and worked, a soft breeze kept me cool. The sound of birds singing relaxed me and reminded me of how much God loves me. To hear my neighbors out working in their lawn brought a smile to my face because I live in such a peaceful area. A few times I paused to look up because the symphony of song sounded closer. I realized a bird was moving in to the new bird house my parents installed this week. On Wednesday, two of my favorite men, my husband and father, cut down a tree in the back yard. It was diseased and dropping dead leaves on the deck and in the lawn. Before it fell on the deck, it was removed.
In its place, a beautiful bird house designed, built, wood burned, and painted by my parents. It is amazing. There are ten individual boxes for the birds to build nests in. On the top, a steeple. As if this isn't enough, my parents installed a light in the steeple so it will light up at night. I can't wait to turn it on tonight and see it.
Until tonight, I'll enjoy watching the birds move in and build their new homes. It looks like a new neighbor is moving in now, trying to catch a picture of them both at the same time. Thankful my daughter lets me use her new camera, think I'm adding this to my wishlist (the camera that is) for Christmas this year.
"The Lord will keep
you from all harm —
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8
"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap
nor gather into barns,
and yet your heavenly
Father feeds them.
Are you not of
more value than they?"
Matthew 6:26 Do you slow down to watch the birds build their nests?
June 6, 2014
You are NEVER alone ~ Keep Walking the Road of Life
As the weather warms and the sun is out more than it's hidden, our neighborhood and community comes to life again. I think living in a cold and snowy area causes us to hibernate like the animals or go dormant like some of the plants. I've seen more of my neighbors in the past two weeks than I have in six months, we love it.Another positive to the Spring and warmth is the ability to take a walk with my family, without worrying about dodging a snow plow or someone sliding into you when they try to get around you. Last weekend, Mags and I enjoyed a walk.
During the walk we enjoyed riveting conversation about teen issues and how they are similar and different than when I was a teen. We took pictures of flowers for an upcoming surprise and project. We even got a little silly, well I was the silly one. She was the embarrassed one, wishing there was somewhere to hide.
Seriously though, when I saw the above photo that Mags took while we walked, I thought of this verse from Deuteronomy. We are never alone. God goes with us and will NEVER leave us, we leave Him. It was a powerful reminder. Like I said though, we had much laughter and I got a little silly. Rather than keep this silliness all to myself or those on Facebook, I'm including it in today's blog.
I thought about not sharing it today, as my post above is meant to leave you thinking yet if we don't laugh and enjoy life then we can get weighed down by the seriousness of life. We need a healthy balance.
My warning to you is this, my daughter teased me. My parents and husband shook their heads when they watched this eight second video. Is it silly? Yes. Did we laugh a ton? YES!
#wsite-video-container-373019922693128768{ background: url(//www.weebly.comhttp://www.lisambuske.com/uploads/4/7/9/2/4792487/chase_shadow_386.jpg); } #video-iframe-373019922693128768{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1402001670); } #wsite-video-container-373019922693128768, #video-iframe-373019922693128768{ 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-373019922693128768{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1402001670); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } How did making a movie of chasing my shadow even come into play? It started with taking pictures of our shadows, then talking about how Wendy tried to sew Peter Pan's shadow back on him. After all, Peter chasing his shadow woke Wendy up, she probably just wanted to get back to sleep. And hence, Lisa started chasing her shadow. Mags and I laughed and laughed, until I posted it live. Then her laughter and her head shaking started but the laughter returned as she explained my antics to her father and grandparents.
Life is too short not to laugh. Remember, you are never alone and God goes with us. I'm sure He even was with me as I made a goofy video of chasing my shadow. When is the last time you enjoyed a healthy bout of exercise and laughter with the ones you love? What's stopping you?
June 3, 2014
TOP's Tuesday: What is Lisa Up to? Week 1's Hint
This past weekend I teased you about a project I'm working on. I shared the above rainbow paintings and a view of our table on the deck full of art supplies. Other than I am working on something, I didn't say much BUT I did promise to share a little something each week in the TOP's Tuesday blog. So each Tuesday of this month, I'll share another stage or clue to reveal what I am up to. My parents think they have it figured out. My husband said he doesn't want to know in case someone asks, because he'd reveal the secret and surprise. Mags knows and is excited and might even help me, if needed.
I have a tentative deadline in my head for when I want to have a finished product but not sure this is a reality. I think it might be done by the end of June but not sure my delivery will make it on time.I have an audience in mind and hope to share with them first, before anyone else. Well, except my parents, Ed, and Mags of course.
Photos then... 
With this being said, in addition to the clues hidden within the blog already, here's one more: Just like a rainbow or flower, we are each unique, with one thing in common ~ our Creator. From photo to painting to...? What are you thinking? Will you share?
June 2, 2014
Farmer's Market Monday: My Parents Share Their Gifts
Town of New Haven, New YorkFarmer's Market Monday
Starts today ~ 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Last year I joined other local community members in front of the New Haven Town Hall for town's weekly Farmer's Market. It was a lot of fun and I met some new people, caught up with old friends, and was blessed with much laughter and fellowship each week. This year will be even more fun. My parents will have a spot this year with their wood working projects. I'm taking a moment to toot my parent's horns...TOOT TOOT! In doing this, I'm sure there will be a "talking to" when I get to their house later today but you know what, I'm so proud of them both.
On Easter Sunday, 1994, their youngest daughter, my only sister, Heidi M Allen, was kidnapped from the D & W Convenience Store while working alone. She remains missing today. I have an assortment of wooden projects my father made me when I was younger but this was a hobby that stopped after Heidi's disappearance. The grief and sadness stole both Heidi and some of my parent's hobbies and love of life.
Thankfully, over the past few years, through my speaking engagements (because they are my creation and building team), their love and gifts have blossomed into something even more special and amazing than they were years ago. Friends and family have enjoyed and see some of their hard work. I've shared some at speaking engagements, as a reminder of our time together. While some are stacking up in boxes. I'm excited to let you know, Mom will be at the New Haven Farmer's Market with their masterpieces of love and hope.
So in addition to spending Monday afternoon's with the community, I will be blessed with quality mother-daughter time. I will once again join the market with my books, I have four out now and working on a couple more.
My friend, Terri, will also be there. We connected at first because of our writing but Terri has expanded to writing, baking, candles, soaps, and sewing.
Well, those aren't new to her but it's new to be as I only knew her as author but she is actually Suzie Homemaker. She recently moved to New Haven and her husband is our new pastor. If you want to laugh, visit Terri while at the market too.
I look forward to seeing everyone this afternoon and every Monday now through September. During the month of June, my tent will be there at 3 p.m. but I won't arrive until 4 p.m. due to work but once school is out, I'll be there for the entire time.
It must be summer, the Farmer's Markets have started. Have a great day! If you get a chance, stop by and encourage my Mom. I'm so proud of her and my dad. Now others can see just how amazing they are. See you at the Farmer's Market...3 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Mondays! New Haven Farmers' Market Mondays 3 pm - 6 pm
New Haven Town Hall, 4279 St Rt 104
May 31, 2014
What is Lisa M Buske up to now?
I thought about sharing what I am up to but then that would take the surprise out of all my fun. A quick visit to Walmart, some digging in the back of the cupboard for the easels, and pages of notes are ready to be combined to create. What am I creating? I cannot tell, at least not yet. The goal is the end of June, which starts tomorrow in case you missed how fast time is flying this Spring.
I haven't even shared with my parents. My husband and daughter have a little bit more information yet no one other than me, myself, and my notebook really know. I do think one of my favorite aspects of creating something new, is the surprise element of the project.
I've given you a few pictures as clues but this is all I can offer for now...but if you follow the TOP's Tuesdays during the month of June, I'll be "leaking" a clue each week. Let the fun begin.
Also, I received an exciting email yesterday and once I have confirmation either way, I'll be sharing something amazing with you all! Regardless of how it pans out, I'm honored and blessed.
What do you think Lisa is up to?
May 29, 2014
A White Board Message a Day will...
Earlier this month I had the opportunity to share Heidi and my testimony with the women at Hillside Alliance in Ithaca, New York. We shared wonderful food, chocolate, coffee, stories, and a time of fellowship. In addition to all of this, they blessed me with a little goody-bag with a new coffee mug, chocolate, and a twenty-five day devotional. The first day I read the devotional, I decided the verses were in perfect God timing to where we are in life. I grabbed my stand that usually holds my cook book and a white board. There are already dry erase markers in the kitchen for the calendar so I was all set. I started to write the verse for the day on the board and leave it on the stand for Ed and Mags. One morning I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to share the verse on Facebook.
I took a picture of the verse, shared it to Facebook, and was amazed at the number of "likes" and "shares". I didn't plan to share the white board verse on social media yet as I saw the number of people encouraged by the same verse God was using to encourage me and my family, I decided, why not.
I know that many of you are not on Facebook so thought I would share this with you. Do you read your Bible everyday and a verse jumps out to you, why not write it down on a white board or chalk board to share with the ones you live with? Maybe even share it with your social media contacts?
I have other devotionals, so when this twenty-five day devotional concludes this weekend ~ I'm dusting another one off and going to continue. I'm thankful God is using this daily post of my white board to encourage others, it is His Word after all. I'm just writing and posting the picture of the verse we read each time we stand at the kitchen counter, prepare a meal, or snack. Is there something you do to encourage your family on a daily basis? Why is it important to encourage our loved ones?
May 28, 2014
A Community Garden of Hope for Heidi
A special thanks to my wonderful husband, Ed, for weed-eating around the entire garden and star for Memorial Day weekend. It looks amazing. Rather than enjoying some time on the deck, he surprised us with this.
This is the first year since the garden was built that the garden wasn't spruced up for Memorial Day. There are a couple reasons. One, my parents have hired someone to build up the star again and stabilize it. The snowmobiles running over the top of it in the winters has done a number on the wood. So, rather than put in flowers and have to do it again, we are waiting until the new frame is built to add the flowers.
Secondly, the lawn hadn't been mowed yet so we decided there wasn't much use in worrying about the garden since you couldn't see it through the tall grass. Well, my wonderful husband, Ed, decided to take the weed-eater up to the garden after working at our house and my parents.
He knew how much we, my parents and I, wanted the garden to look nice for Memorial Day. He also understood that with the planned reconstruction, we couldn't plant. So he did the next best thing. He weed-eated around the garden, in the shape of a circle so when the store mows, they don't need to worry about getting in the triangles.
I'm thankful for my husband for many reasons yet see the garden stand out in the midst of the tall grass brought tears to my eyes. It's funny how things come to pass down the road. When the star garden was built, I didn't appreciate the full meaning. It isn't really a garden, it's a symbol of community and hope.
Look at the photo and message shared on Facebook this past weekend...Heidi is remembered by many and some of those, stop at the garden to pay their respects. This might be the location of her abduction, but it's also a place of hope and community.
No matter how tall the grass or worn the wood, one thing remains ~ the symbol of hope and community. Heidi is never forgotten and thanks to our wonderful town of New Haven, there is a place for everyone to stop, visit, pray, and remember Heidi...one of America's missing...
Just like the story of Moses from the Bible, there is hope in the tall grass. This garden might not save lives yet it does offer encouragement to our community, family, friends, and others traveling through.
"Just then, Pharaoh’s daughter went to the river to bathe.What symbolizes HOPE in your life? A ribbon, bird, or ?
She saw the basket in the tall grass. Her servants were walking beside the river,
so she told one of them to go get the basket. The king’s daughter opened the basket and saw a baby boy. The baby was crying and she felt sorry for him.
Then she noticed that it was one of the Hebrew babies."
Exodus 2:5-6 ERV
May 27, 2014
TOP's TUESDAY: Putting Others First
Yesterday as I checked Facebook for a moment for the time of the parade I noticed a post and I thought, This is something I can do and I'd be honored to join this day of prayer. Read the post below. "Over the past several weeks it has come to my attention that many in ourToday is Tuesday and a day dedicated to Heidi, titled TOP's Tuesday. An attribute of Heidi most remember is her smile and generosity. Heidi put others first so often, it was natural. In honor of Heidi and this year's Missing Person's Day, with inspiration from a local pastor, today's TOP's Tuesday is an opportunity for us to come together in prayer for our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and who ever else we might know on a mission and journey to battle cancer.
greater Church family and community are suffering from various types of cancer.
Feeling inadequate as a minister, a believer I am calling on the greater body of
Christ for support/ ACTION. I am spending Tuesday May 27 in fasting and prayer for
all those I know in this challenge, please agree with me in prayer and or fasting any
part of this day. If there is any special person we can agree in prayer for, do not hesitate
to let me know through a post or message.
Thanks in advance for your support..."
Pastor David, New Haven Congregational Church
I hope you will join all of those coming together in prayer for those thrust into a battle they didn't volunteer for. Pray for the survivors to not look back and take the journey again. Pray for the families grieving the loss of a loved one to cancer.
Thank you Pastor David for this encouragement and inspiration and for inviting all of God's people to come along side you in prayer. May there be a great healing of our sick today. If there is someone you would like us to pray for specifically today and when God places them on our heart,
please leave their name in a comment below.
If you have a praise of hope and encouragement for the men, women, children, and families walking this road...
please leave this note too.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!May God be glorified and the sick be healed...
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
May 26, 2014
Thank you for serving our United States of America
Thank you to the men, women,and children who serve,
have served, and will one day serve our country!
May your service continue to protect,
unite, and bless this country.
You are a blessing I count.
THANK YOU FOR SERVING!
With this being Memorial Day weekend, I had a couple blogs written to share some of the ways we remember the men and women who serve, and have served our country. Once home from this mornings beautiful ecumenical Memorial Day service, I realized that this date represents something else. A different type of remembrance...that of our missing children. 
