Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 94

Mother's Day...Generations of Moms

Each Generation Plants a Tree
by Jack Ellison

Each generation plants a tree 
The next one enjoys the shade 
Seeds we plant in young people's minds 
Are engraved and will never fade 

 So choose your path very carefully 
They're watching your every step 
You might think they're too distracted 
Or they think you're old and inept 

 They're always watching how you react 
Each move that you choose to make 
Be careful the seeds you sow every day 
Will grow with them, make no mistake 

 The burden is on us for each generation 
To guide them and show them the way 
Map out the route to a happy life 
Don't let anyone lead them astray 

 There'll be mine fields galore along the way 
Protect them with words and with deeds 
They'll love you for caring and taking the time 
Encourage them to follow your lead 

 © Jack Ellison 2012
Every Mom's Test
© Nandita Shailesh Shanbhag

You are special; you mean the world to me
You are my daughter, a reflection of my entity

Every year, as I watch you grow by my side
No matter what you do, you are my source of pride

The umbilical cord may have been cut but you should know
You are still bound to my soul, wherever you go



Sometimes I am firm and you may think I am wrong
Remember it is easy to give in, but tough to be strong

Sometimes I am strict and you may think it is unfair
But I correct you only because I love and care

I harden my heart and nag, scold and fight
To teach you the difference between the wrong and the right

For soon, the days will pass swiftly all in a whirl
And into a woman will grow my baby girl

Tomorrow when you need inner strength above all
I hope my values will give you the courage to stand tall

I hope that in my teaching you will find tips few
Soon when you strive to make your dreams come true

At a later date, when the real world you have to face
Today's lessons will help you go ahead in the race

Some day in the future when a mother you will be
From my point of view, the world you will see

For your baby then you will do what is best
To blend discipline with kindness is every mom's test

Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/every-moms-test#ixzz31PbuV0JB 
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Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Weekend...Who calls you Mom?

Yesterday I focused on the grieving mother and how we can encourage them. Today, I’d like us to remember, pray for, and encourage the women who are not called “Mom” in the traditional sense because they don’t have their own children.

If you think about it, most people can name at least one woman in their life that doesn’t have a child per say, yet is mentoring, loving, caring, raising, nurturing, and encouraging another person or child on a daily basis. One week before my wedding I sat in the doctor’s office to learn I needed surgery immediately and I may never have children. To say I was devastated is probably putting it mildly.

As I made the trip from Syracuse back to New Haven, my first thought, “What if Ed doesn’t want to still marry me? The wedding is next week?” Why did I think this? One of Ed’s goals was to have a lot of children. He is from a family of eight kids – four boys and four girls. I, on the other hand, said two was a good number. We compromised and agreed two was more realistic in today’s society (and this was over twenty years ago). Ed could tell by the red eyes and sniffling the appointment hadn’t gone well. He just held me.

Once I shared the news, he held me tighter. I remember asking him, “Do you still want to marry me? I can’t give you any kids.” Ed’s response was beautiful and perfect, “I’m not marrying you for the kids you might have, and I’m marrying you because I love YOU.” More tears. We didn’t share the news with anyone, except our parents, until after the wedding. No sense in worrying others – of course to hear “This time next year you’ll be a family” in various forms throughout the day was a challenge, but no one knew this wasn’t a possibility.

Or so we thought. Years later when we had finally accepted we would probably never have children, God worked His miracles and blessed us with a daughter. One we love so much and I thank God for each day. I have friends who were in similar situations as us that never gave birth to a child yet they are some of the finest women I know. Their care and ability to help others and make a difference in the lives of many is an encouragement to me.

I say Happy Mother’s Day to all the women out there who may not have their own child or children. To the women who might not understand why God hasn’t given them their own child. To the women that choose to invest in the lives of others in deep, meaningful, and huge ways as they use the gifts God’s given them. I pray for each of these women, for you, if this is you.

Mom is an endearing word to most, while to others it has the potential to trigger pain, loss, and discouragement. Join me in praying that these women would feel the love of God surround them and know their purpose is different than what they may have planned, dreamed, or envisioned YET it’s the one God has for them. This is easier to type and say, than to accept and live.

Regardless of who is calling you Mom (teacher, mentor, role model, neighbor, aunt, grandma, and friend) ~ remember you are not an accident and God has great things for you and your life, even if you can’t see it at the moment.

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Is it in the traditional or non-traditional sense?

A Mother's Day Weekend Video...2014

Today kicks off the Mother’s Day weekend celebrations. While Sunday is the official day, many go to dinner and start the honoring of Mom this evening. Our lives are busier and more hectic than when I was a kid, at least it feels this way. 

Instead of stores being closed on Sundays, so the only thing to do was worship God and spend time with family. There are days I say, “Phew, glad the store was open.” Yet at the same time, if I was prepared, I wouldn’t need to make the emergency stop.

What does this have to do with Mother’s Day? Little to nothing really, my point, we are so “busy” that we can’t spend an entire day with Mom for Mother’s Day so many squeeze in dinner on Friday or Saturday, maybe lunch or an outing on Saturday so they can enjoy their Sunday and relax. 

I like to enjoy a day off and be a bum too yet if it wasn’t for God or my Mom; I wouldn’t be here to have these kinds of days. So, rather than cross things off my list on Sunday ~ I’ll start the day at church and then to my parents for the day, unless Mom wants to alone. It’s all about her…right?

Check out today’s video for another aspect of Mother’s Day you might not think about too often…

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The Cardinal...More than a Brilliant Colored Bird

This is the gentleman that greeted me this morning as I opened the blinds.  A special thanks to my daughter for letting me use her camera, it is wonderful and allowed me to capture some great shots of Mr. Cardinal enjoying his breakfast. I wanted to capture him in the smoking bush but by the time I returned to the window with my camera, he was on the ground nibbling. 


Rather than revisit comments I've shared in the past about the cardinal, pop over to

Previous Cardinal Blogs by Me: (click on title for direct link)
"Happy 1st Day of School"  What does the cardinal mean to you, if anything?

TOP'S Tuesday: A Look Back and into the future

The TOP's Tuesday blog started in August of 2012, there are quite a few new people following the blog. How many people remember why we started the TOP's Tuesday blog? Initially, this weekly blog was designated to share publication updates for Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey . 


Since the release of Where's Heidi? last April, 2013, the TOP's Tuesday blog continues to share updates about my books, speaking engagements, and happenings in life. If there is something new and exciting to share, we try to save it for today's blog . Another thing I enjoy doing on Tuesdays is to share a memory or sister moment, in a special way.


In a nutshell, TOP's Tuesday is a one day dedicated to highlighting Heidi. I write and speak for God and my sister ~ to help, encourage, inspire, and spur on others to know without a doubt, there is hope and healing after loss...even tragic loss. It's a process.


I've included many links to previous TOP'S Tuesday blogs for you to enjoy. And to keep with tradition, a publishing tidbit - there are a couple books in the works with a possible announcement this summer! Tease, tease! Why is is called  T.O.P.'s Tuesday ? Great question! Heidi played volleyball for the Bishop Cunningham Jr./Sr. High School until it closed in 1992. 


On February 14th, 1992 the Palladium Times, (an Oswego, New York newspaper) named my sister, Heidi M. Allen athlete of the week. This was exciting and we were all proud of her but it was the name they gave her that stirred the most attention, "Tower of Power" . 

Heidi was a force to be reckoned with on the court. In honor of Heidi  -  T.O.P.'s Tuesday's  is for, a sister day on the virtual kind. A fun way to remember Heidi and share updates for my writing, speaking, and Heidi's case if something changes. What is your favorite aspect of TOP's Tuesday? Why?

A Gift for Mom...Hope, Love, & Encouragement

With Mother's Day this weekend, why not gift Mom or the women you know with a book of encouragement and hope. Mother's Day can be a joyous and special day yet to some, it's a challenging and difficult day.

My books offer a little hope to the mom, woman, or friend in need of a little pick-me-up. Order today on Amazon.com and you could have it in time for Mother's Day. Click on the book photos for a direct link.

When the Waves Subside: There is Hope
*Written to encourage the grieving parent.


"...is written by a daughter for her parents out of appreciation for their strength, love, and perseverance since the disappearance of their youngest daughter, Heidi M. Allen. My parents started to look for glass rocks while they were dating and after my sister and I joined the family, the tradition continued. "When the Waves Subside" represents the similarities between broken glass and the parent grieving the loss of their child." Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey
*Specifically written for the grieving sibling yet broad enough to help anyone whose lost in their life.

"In 1994, my only sister was abducted while working alone at a local convenience store. The journey starts with an early morning phone call then details of the emotions, grief, and confusion felt in those first moments while transitioning through the days, months, and years that follow. A sibling's journey is different from that of a parent. Our role and feelings cannot compare yet they are just as important. Parents experience the greatest loss of their lives through the loss of their child and the emotional loss of the surviving children is just as traumatic. I lost more than my sister on April 3, 1994 I lost my faith. Thanks to the boldness and faith of a child, I have hope and a story to share. There is no one person or thing here on earth to replace Heidi or the friendship we had together yet after ten years of searching I realized there is Someone who can, God. “Mrs. Buske, you need Jesus.” He was right. My name is Lisa M. Buske and Heidi Allen is my sister. She remains missing but never forgotten. Our journeys after loss may vary yet the pain, grief, and need for hope are similar. This is my story of discovery, healing, and hope from the moment I learn of Heidi’s kidnapping until today. Life after loss is a rollercoaster ride of memories and emotions. Will you take this ride with me?"
No More Pain: I Can Fly
* Written for anyone whose lost a loved one, "too" soon


"No More Pain: I Can Fly" is a short story to remind us there is hope. Death, although sad to those left behind, is only the beginning for our loved ones wearing angel's wings." Encourage Others: One Day at a Time
*An organizational tool to remember the important days you can encourage someone else throughout the year


As a child I watched my Mom, Gram, great-aunts, and aunts dedicate time to send cards and share baked good with those needing a pick-me-up. Births, deaths, wedding anniversaries, and celebrations were recorded on “the” calendar. At the close of each year, they were transferred to following year’s calendar so no one would be forgotten. A name written meant there was a reason to pray and encourage someone on that date. In addition to prayer, tangible remembrance and celebration blessed them too on occasion. A tradition I pray to pass on to my daughter, grandchildren, and hopefully YOU This book is divided by the months of the year. Each month then has four categories to organize your information. These are: birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Anniversaries of Death, and miscellaneous dates someone might need a little encouragement. Keep this resource with your address book, near the telephone, or in your purse. You never know when there will be cause to add a new life event and opportunity to bless and encourage someone else.
Who do you know that might need a little hope and encouragement today? Or to know God loves them?

One Rainbow Offers Miles of Hope

 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."
Genesis 9:13-16

Yesterday evening as we sat on the couch watching the the rain fall with the sun shining ever so brightly at the same time, we commented on the its beauty. In the midst of this conversation, a neighbor tagged me on Facebook to look out my back window. I was thankful and awestruck. 

We jumped went out in the rain and took pictures from the front and back, I posted a few on Facebook and then I noticed so many others were too. I messaged some of them and asked permission to share their rainbow photos too. For those who missed it, check out yesterday's rainbow. 

I teared up looking at the rainbow, it was a "Kiss from the King" - "A God Moment" - a reminder of how much God loved me. I spent yesterday sharing with the women at Hillside Alliance Church in Ithaca, New York. It was a wonderful day and I pray they were as encouraged as I was when I left. The rainbow was the cherry on top of a great day.

A special thanks to all my guest photographers...

As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, 
so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. 
Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. 
And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking.
Ezekiel 1:28 

How does a rainbow inspire you?

What is the first thing you think of when you see this brilliance of color and hope?

Laughter is Wonderful Medicine...Here is today's dose!

A good, real, unrestrained, hearty laugh is a sort of glorified internal massage, 
performed rapidly and automatically. It manipulates and revitalizes corners and unexplored crannies of the system that are unresponsive to most other exercise methods. 


~Author unknown, from an editorial in New-York Tribune, quoted in
Quotations for Special Occasions by Maud van Buren

Where to begin? I could start with the above picture, the one I shared on Facebook to tease you all about reading this blog today or I could flashback to Thursday evening when I attempted to be a good daughter and how it all went up in smoke, pun intended. 

Because it's easier to cook for five instead of two or three, we usually have dinner with my parents. This past Thursday I cooked hot dogs and coneys (white hot dogs)  for supper. I heard the conversation in the other room and someone mentioned having french fries. Rather than ask who wanted some, I turned on the oven and put about half the bag on a cookie sheet and put them in to cook. Can you feel where this is going yet?  Well, I finished cooking the hot dogs, called everyone out, and we ate. Since no one knew I put the in, no one missed them when they weren't out. 

After dinner, rather than hanging out for awhile we headed home so I could work on my presentation for today's speaking engagement and Mary could finish a project for school. Once home I was in the mood for homemade chocolate chip cookies, so I whipped up a batch. I know how much my parents like these so Ed and Mags took a plate down as soon as they came out of the oven, so they could eat them hot. Wasn't this sweet of me, and Ed to deliver? 

Instead of dropping off cookies and going to the store for milk, Ed found himself turning off the oven, opening the windows, and taking out very burnt french fries. 

In nothing but love and fun, my daughter said, 'Wait, I need to get a picture first." 

What did she need the picture for? To send to me of course, with a note "Did you forget something?" As soon as I saw the picture I shouted, "Oh no!" The dogs jumped and I started shaking my head as I reached for the phone to call my parents and apologize. Mom was laughing as she answered. I apologized, she laughed. Little did I know that this little blunder of mine triggered my parent's inner creativity and jokester. I love that my dad is working in the shop again and Mom's wood burning and painting is beautiful. Well they put both their talents and joys to work and made a plaque in less than twenty-four hours to gift me.

My understanding is that it was supposed to be for my birthday later this summer, then it was next week. Dad was going to come to our house while I was at work and hang it up in my kitchen, but neither he or Mom could wait. Last night I after we ate and the dishes were done, I joined my parents in the other room to watch the NCIS Dad taped the previous Tuesday.

Dad got up a couple times to go to the garage. I didn't think much of it because he is usually puttering on something. I never expected that something was the beautiful plaque you see below. Not only did Dad cut a wooden circle, Mom wood burned and painted it to match our plate pattern THEN they arranged the burnt french fries on this plate create. With the french fries carefully placed and glued together, they went to work to apply the Apoxy. Not only do I have a plate of burnt french fries to remind me of my moment, they made a sign to hang from it too.


In case you can't read it, the sign says: "(cover of my new book) - I Love To Cook, by Lisa M Buske, Author"


When Mom and Dad called me out to the kitchen last night I thought something was wrong but when I saw Mom with the camera and Dad attempting to hold back his laughter, I knew something fun and wonderful was coming my way BUT I never expected this. We laughed and laughed. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Mom took pictures. Ed stayed in the other room because he knew they were making the plaque and didn't want me to know he knew. 


I can't wait to hang this in my house, it is a reminder. 
1) 1st and foremost - turn OFF the oven!
2) Be Thankful - God didn't engulf my parent's oven or home in flames
3) Be Thankful - my parents have a sense of humor and joy has returned
4) Reflective - Heidi would have been in the kitchen laughing the hardest with us.
5) Blessed to have a family with such love 

Carry laughter with you wherever you go. 
~Hugh Sidey

A memory saved forever beneath glass...
Let the laughter continue...
Is there a story that brings instant laughter to you?

A Little Fun Reminds Me of a Great Friend

I'm thankful for a career I love and enjoy. There are so many moments in our days that bring smiles. Today is no different. This afternoon I taught the kiddos and my friend, a new song, "Tony Chestnut". 


As we sang and did the moves, I thought of my friend who first taught me this song, LMD. Joyful memories and one way she continues to invest in the lives of children. Cancer may have called her home too soon but her memory, love to teach, and engage students continues to the next generation.


In her memory, I give you..."Tony Chestnut", and yes, I do the motions and love it. This is a great song to give the students a much needed brain break, help them transition between activities, or just to relax them after a test.  I dare you...get up and find out what toe, knee, nose...LOL

National Day of Prayer 2014

Just wondering...does your town, city, community, 
or area do anything special for today? 

Does your church hold a special 
prayer service or hold a service? 

Prayer is communication with God and is 
available to anyone wanting to talk to God. 

If you're not talking to God already, 
why not lift a prayer to him right now? Thanks for sharing - I wonder how many people will post?