Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 95

Never Give Up

Spending time preparing for my time with Hillside Alliance this coming weekend. I'm thankful for the way God continues to use one family's tragedy to encourage, inspire, and help others know there is hope and healing when we keep our eyes and hearts focused on God. The song on today's blog is one the worship team played and sang at my baptism in 2006. 


A nice reminder...God will make a way.

TOP's Tuesday: Something for the Sisters

Today's TOP's Tuesday is dedicated to sisterhood. This evening I spent time with some dear women in my life. We laughed and before putting our jackets on to return home to our families, we prayed for each other. I love these women. There is a special bond between women, often called a sisterhood. 


As I thought about what to blog for this week's TOP's Tuesday, God reminded me of my friend's prayer requests tonight. Rather than post some random thought tonight, I prayed for a Bible verse to gift each of my friends with. As I read, reflected, and prayed on them again I realized something, these words might be the answer to your prayer or the encouragement you need right now. So I gift them to you too.

And we know that in all things God 
works for the good of those who love him, 
who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— 
where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the LORD, 
the Maker of heaven and earth.  
Psalm 121:1-2 NIV
They will have no fear of bad news; 
their hearts are steadfast, 
trusting in the LORD.  
Psalm 112:7 NIV


Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. 
They will soar on wings like eagles; 
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.  
Isaiah 40:31 NIV Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.  In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.   
1 Peter 5:7-10 NLT

God is our refuge and strength, 
an ever-present help in trouble.  
Psalm 46:1 NIV
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.  
Phillipians 4:6-7 NIV You never know, God might use you to offer the encouragement someone needs at that moment.
Who will you share this blog or Bible verse with?

Recovered...A Blog Buried in the Draft Folder

As I looked through the growing list of blogs drafted for future posting, I found this one. It has links (by clicking on the photos) to some of the coverage last April, on the 19th anniversary of Heidi's kidnapping, and even some from 2010 and 2012 before my Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey book even released. I thought about deleting it yet it's fun to look back at the stories of what might be, after they've become a reality.

Feel free to click on the pictures to read some of the articles and who knows, there might even be a news video to watch. You never know, this blog draft was deep in the file. LOL Sister still asking ‘Where's Heidi’ 19 years later
Published: 4/03 4:43 pm
"Oswego (WSYR-TV) -- On the 19th anniversary of her disappearance, Heidi Allen’s sister is releasing a book about the ordeal. April 3, 1994 was the last time the 18-year-old was seen while working at a convenience store in Oswego County. Heidi’s sister, Lisa Buske, says she lived back in 1994 for the last couple of years writing the book. “There were a lot of tears,” she told NewsChannel 9. She’s been back many times to the store where..."
To read their story and watch a video clip ~ click on the photo of Heidi to the left. Updated 08/05/2013 09:26 PM
Age progression picture of Heidi Allen released  
By: Web Staff

"OSWEGO COUNTY, N.Y. -- One Oswego County woman continues to keep the memory of her sister alive Heidi Allen was abducted at a gas station in the Town of New Haven nearly 20 years ago. Allen's body was never found..." To read the entire article and link to the Oswego County Sheriff's Department, click on collage to the left. Kidnapping victim’s sister writes book; hopes to help siblings cope with loss, tragedy
Published: 9/14/2012 7:56 pm

"Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Heidi Allen was abducted from a convenience store where she was worked in the town of New Haven back in 1994. She was 18 at the time. Her body was never found, but one man is in prison for kidnapping her. Now, almost 20 years later, Allen’s sister is telling her story in a book called “Where’s Heidi? One sister’s journey.” Lisa Buskey says..."

To read the entire article and watch the video coverage ~ click on the photo to the right with the ribbon. Updated 04/03/2013 09:30 PM
Remembering Heidi Allen            
By: Web Staff
"OSWEGO, N.Y. -- Nearly two decades after her disappearance, Heidi Allen is not a forgotten name in her Oswego County community. Allen was just 18 when she was kidnapped while working alone on Easter Day in 1994. Allen has never been found. On Wednesday, Allen's only sister, Lisa Buske, released her second book at the River’s End Bookstore in Oswego..."
To read the entire article, click on the contact number to the left. Updated 08/05/2010 06:48 PM
Notorious case may be subject of book          
By: Andy Mattison

"It's a notorious missing person case from the '90s that still haunts Oswego County and now it could become the subject of a new book. Heidi Allen, 18, was kidnapped from a New Haven convenience store in 1994 and her body was never found. Her disappearance resulted in a pair of trials that ended very differently. Allen's older sister is putting together a book about the case and as our Andy Mattison tells us, she hopes the book will not just help with the
investigation, but with anyone missing a loved one..."

To read the entire article and watch the video coverage - click on the photo of Heidi to the right. Have you ever found something you drafted months or years ago and wonder, "Where was I going with that?"

Come to the Theater - This Weekend!

Oswego Children's Theater presents
it's teen show:

April 25th @7:30pm
Saturday April 26th @7:30pm
Sunday April
27th @2pm
 

$5 for students and adults ...
3 years old and younger are free
 
Alky and Juvie are both written by Jerome McDonough
 
Alky is a one act play the depicts the lives of teenagers
and how alcohol affects them.

Juvie is a one act play that depicts the life of teens
who are scared lonely and locked up,
awaiting judgment for their crimes.

An intriguing look at how all actions
and decisions have their consequences.

Invite your friends and feel free to ask any questions you have. See you this weekend...you know where we'll be!

When They Die Too Young...We Must Still Hope

When the Waves Subside: There is Hope ~ written to encourage the grieving parent.

Lisa uses the analogy of the broken glass turned into "glass rocks" or "sea stones" to explain how the grieving parent is beaten and tossed against the waves after the loss of their child yet is stronger and more beautiful because of the tragic loss they experienced.

Lisa wrote this for her parents to illustrate to them and other parents, you are stronger than you might realize. No More Pain: I Can Fly ~ written to encourage anyone who has lost someone "too soon".

Lisa's eighteen year old sister was kidnapped and remains missing. Her nineteen year old cousin was killed in a motorcycle accident. Another cousin survived less than a day after his birth. A friend lost her battle to cancer, leaving behind her husband, and two wonderful children. All of them, left us too soon.

I'm sure you can think of someone in your life that was taken from you before it was time. While in our mind we know all our days are numbered for us, because the Bible tells us so. In our hearts, it is too soon. Sometimes it is always too soon but when they are young, it seems to sting a little bit more, and requires more time to heal. At times, it feels like the pain will never go away.

No More Pain: I Can Fly is written to encourage the broken hearted after the loss of someone...too soon. The twentieth anniversary of Heidi's kidnapping has provided another twist on the roller coaster of life when a loved one is missing. The actual anniversary date of Heidi's disappearance was eased thanks to the outpouring of love, support, and community gathered in remembrance of her. Some of you physically were at the New Haven Fire Barn for the social hour and/or candle light vigil while others joined us via prayer, email, private message, text, or a phone call.

Thank you again for never forgetting and helping to keep the Light of Hope alive in New Haven. Heidi will always be remembered and God always answers prayer...keep praying God brings Heidi home. We can't give up.

"Rejoice always,
 pray continually,
 give thanks in all circumstances; 
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In 2013, I gifted When the Waves Subside: There is Hope to my parents for their anniversary at the end of January. This was months before the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey , yet a release I didn't make a big deal about or promote a lot. I wrote When the Waves Subside to encourage my parents as they continue to wait for answers about their youngest daughter, Heidi M Allen. I used an analogy based on the glass rocks we used to look for along Lake Ontario's shores as a family.

This past Christmas, I gifted them No More Pain: I Can Fly . A book written to encourage anyone who lost someone "too soon". Initially I intended to keep these books as something for my parents or to share with other parents of missing children/adults but then Mom started sharing her book with friends.

Something happened I never dreamed possible, these two books are helping parents who lost a child for whatever the reason, even if they were adult children when they passed. To God be the glory, only He knew how these books could encourage and help others endure one of life's toughest losses, that of one's child.

This weekend, we will extend comfort to my husband's cousin and her family. Their twenty-two year old son died during Spring Break last week. The loss and pain they are going through just breaks my heart. Although I didn't know him well, he is family. His twin brother mourns the loss of brother, best friend, and "his other half". His parents say good-bye to their son...too soon.

We could spend time asking why or we can be thankful for the moments we have. These words feel empty at a time like this yet it is the times like this that remind me to seize each day, make memories, and enjoy life.

Only God knows what tomorrow, or even five minutes from now holds. If you've lost a child or someone "too soon" ~ check out my books. I've heard from other parents, siblings, and even friends that these books helped them heal and understand how their loved one is feeling during the most difficult moments of their life. I can't promise God will use these books for instant healing yet they might provide the seed of hope someone needs at that very moment. My prayer is for all to know there is Hope, even on the most tragic and sad of days. What gives you hope? Prayers for the parents grieving the loss of a child
and thanksgiving for the memories made to give them strength on the most difficult of days...
Have you made a memory today?

TOP's Tuesday: A look Back to 94' and December 13'

Crystal Calloway, Director of Heidi Search Center in San Antonio, Texas and Lisa M Buske Twenty years ago the Heidi Search Center located in San Antonio, Texas released its director and lead search and rescue expert, Rick Benningfield, to come alongside local law enforcement to help find our Heidi, Heidi M Allen. It was their sixth case outside of Texas and one of their 4% of unsolved cases (at that time).

Last June I received a message from Crystal, the center's current director. We enjoyed a wonderful conversation. Initially Crystal didn't know we were "connected" because of the center's involvement with my sister's case in 1994, but before we hung up the phone, she did. We agreed it was a "God-thing" and knew He brought us together.

On that warm June day, neither of us knew how God planned to work in our lives. Six months later, I boarded a plane and enjoyed a weekend in Texas. Each year the Heidi Search Center hosts an evening for families of the missing, this past year, I had the privilege to be their speaker. It was a bittersweet and empowering weekend. Bittersweet because God opened the door, or in this case, airplane, for me to bring a message of thanks to the center who provided needed wisdom, encouragement, and hope to our tired family nearly two decades prior. On the flip side, it reminded me that my sister is still missing and her case is one of their 4% of unsolved cases.

I hoped to meet the Seemans, who founded the center but was unable to because the same storm that made my arrival tardy, prevented them from even making it to Texas. I hoped to see Rick again, but this wasn't possible. I did meet some amazing new people. The new staff at the center, the board of directors, and some precious families of the missing. As I reflect on the twenty year anniversary of my sister's disappearance and pray we know one day where she is. I thank God for the blessing this center was because Rick's know-how combined with local determination, we know everything that could of been done to find Heidi, was done.

TOP's Tuesday is a day specifically dedicated to Heidi...this week I dedicate it to both Heidi's - Heidi Seeman and Heidi Allen. I thank God for Auntie M finding this center through her Google search in 94' and for God reconnecting us in 2013 when Crystal Googled for birthday celebration ideas for their Heidi. You never know how today's event, friend, or memory might be next year's hope. A HOPE to Help Other People Evolve. Has something in your past helped you years later? How?

Easter Monday...Time of Reflection

Saturday
Easter Sunday
"Reflective" Easter Sunday
Memories It's Easter Monday - depending on your location in the United States, or even my state of New York...you may or may not have enjoyed the day after Easter off. Our Spring Break was last week so we returned to school today.

It was great to see my friends, colleagues, and the kiddos. I was tired this morning but when I saw all those smiling and fabulous faces walk through the door, all I thought about was how much they had grown in a week. It was a wonderful day. Once home, I spent a few hours outside working on a couple projects.

Before the temperature dropped I retreated inside for dinner and to work on upcoming speaking engagements. I don't know about any of you but I'm a little behind on my reading so rather than post a new blog, I've included links to the past three blogs. All were posted during Easter weekend.

In case you missed one, you can catch up by clicking on the photo. Have a great week and remember to rest up so you don't get sick. Do you have a favorite memory from this weekend?

Easter 2014 ~ Part II ~ Let's have fun, you can only pick ONE

Far back with the M & M Bonnet on...my amazing Mom!!
Back left to right: My Grandma Mary Searles, Me - sporting the rainbow sweatshirt and plaid skirt (Oh my!, lol)
Bottom left to right: My beautiful little sister, Heidi Allen and my cousin Shawnacy Searles Pick your favorite tradition?





New Easter Outfit


Annual Easter Bonnet Contest
(or wearing an Easter bonnet if you didn't have a contest like we did) Heidi and I are in the bottom right-hand corner - I have on a red, white, and blue, striped hat and Heidi is behind me.


Easter Egg Hunts with the community


Easter Egg hunts with the family



The Easter Bunny



Decorating the
Easter Eggs


Annual Cross Walk
Sunrise Service on Easter Morning

The Candy - which is your favorite?



One I didn't list you would like to add I couldn't help it...one more Annual Easter Bonnet competition photo Which is your favorite and why?

Easter 2014 ~ Part I ~ A Reflection in The Wee Hours

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. 
This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —
may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

Though you have not seen him, you love him;
and even though you do not see him now,
you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-9

Easter is first and foremost a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As they rolled away the tomb after three days, all that remained was the burial cloth. He is risen and in heaven, waiting to greet us when we are called home. The Bible verses I selected today might not be ones you typically think of when it comes to Easter yet when I think of those who grieve the loss of a loved one during the holidays, sometimes we need more than the celebratory cheers. Celebration is wonderful and good, yet the joyfulness of others, on a day you struggle the most can sometimes push one away from God and the cause for such jubilee.

How do I know? I was one of these people. When the hurt is so deep, it's difficult to open your heart, mind, and arms to embrace something or someone so wonderful or "too good to be true." Medication is a Band-Aid. People will let us down. Material items are temporary. Thankfully, God is True. Jesus is Love. God is the Only One who can heal the
hurts deep within our hearts. So we have a choice to make today, celebrate or mourn.

There are many in this world mourning ~ whether you mourn the loss of  loved one, a career, your health, or whatever it might be...remember God is right there waiting for you. In addition to dying for our sins on the cross this past Good Friday, Jesus opened a direct line to His Father, God, through the Holy Spirit. All you have to do is open your heart, lift your voice, and give all your praise, grief, and honest feelings to God. He will forgive, love, and embrace you like you've never experienced before. There is no better time than Easter, a season of forgiveness and selfless love...

Your faith and relationship with God doesn't stop the pain or remove the hurt instantly. BUT you won't spend another day alone on your journey and He'll give you the strength to get through each day, even if it's one day at a time for awhile. Never lose Hope. Praying you are able to receive Joy today...
~ Happy Easter ~
What is the first thing you think of Easter morning?

Easter Weekend...Multitude of Emotions

Photo taken last year during an video interview with Dr. Mary Starr, photograph taken by Mary Buske THANKFULLNESS:
Last year, Dr. Mary Starr, invited me over for a video interview to share with her readers and clients. We laughed, cried, and remembered Heidi. You see, Dr. Mary is more than the knowledgeable and wonderful doctor most know her as. She was a dear friend to my sister, Heidi Allen, and over the years has become a dear friend to us too. I'm thankful for her love to share hope with others, to remember her friend (and my sister), and her faith in God that guides her through each step.

GRIEF:
Easter weekend starts with loss as we reflect and remember Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He didn't just die, He was crucified...not because of anything He did wrong but for me, and for you. We mourn his death on Friday yet when Sunday comes, we celebrate His resurrection and the hope we have for eternity in Heaven through our relationship with Him. This is the grief most relate to when they think of Easter, yet there is an additional grief that revisits me each year, at least since 1994.

The day my little sister was kidnapped from the D & W Convenience Store in New Haven, New York. She remains missing twenty years later. So while I mourn the loss of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ...I also mourn the loss of my only sister and pray for her return. In hindsight, the first ten years following Heidi's kidnapping, we barely celebrated Easter because of what the day represented...loss. Thankfully, today, I can celebrate Jesus' resurrection and the joyous time of Easter and still respect my sister's memory. It's a bittersweet weekend, and day. HOPE:
It is because of Easter we have hope. If you believe in prophecy, then you would love the Bible. It's full of it. You can read in the Old Testament of things to come, and sometimes even Who will be coming. Jesus' birth, life, crucifixion, and resurrection were prophesized and came to be. What does this mean to you and me? It means we have Hope for eternal life, with God.

Another reason I have hope this weekend is because of one small way God continues to show His love for me, and my family. On April third, we gathered with family, friends, and community to remember Heidi. We were, and are, so thankful for the outpouring of love, encouragement, and hope we witnessed during that difficult week, day, and the days that have followed. Thank you so much for your prayers, words, and hugs. I pray you are blessed in return.

LOVE:
Love isn't an emotion per say, it's a verb, yet it's something surrounding me, my family, and all of you. I feel such love when I think of the sacrifice Jesus gave to accept death on the cross. Love for a God who had the ability to save His Son from death yet chose to let Him suffer so we can receive forgiveness and spend eternity with Him in heaven. Love for my sister who I miss each day. Love for my parents who never give up and exhibit strength and endurance on a daily basis, living each parent's worst nightmare...the loss of their child. Love for families as they gather for the holiday, setting aside their differences to enjoy and celebrate the gift of family. Love is in the air, it's spring! HUMBLED:
In the days leading up to April third, I did an interview with one of Dr. Mary Starr's staff, Claudia, for an upcoming article in her Moms of Faith blog.

I was humbled when asked because Dr. Mary interviewed me last year for a video interview, so to be asked for another one, I was very touched. After I read the questions, I knew God orchestrated this interview. I have notes and ideas in notebooks, on pieces of paper, and even on scraps of papers throughout the house. One of the ideas I've been tossing around for a mini-book or blog or something was on "Fear".

As I read Claudia and Dr. Mary's questions, I smiled as God tugged at my heart, reminding me to "not fear". I prayed before responding and took longer than normal to respond. Part of the reason for the delay was due to the time of year it was and the other, I wanted to answer the way God desired. I hope you'll visit Dr. Mary's Moms of Faith to read more. Click on any of the links or photographs on this page for direct links to today's article, last year's Vimeo interview, or to Amazon to purchase your copy of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. If you purchase the print copy of this book, you can get the Kindle copy for only $.99 What emotions or feelings come to mind for you this Easter?