Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 99

Faith is...

This morning pastor talked about faith and "who" or "what" we put our faith in. He opened with the definition of faith. He didn't grab his dictionary. Instead, he picked up his Bible and opened to the book Hebrews in the New Testament and read...

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for
and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Who or what is your faith in?

My Least Favorite Aspect of Spring!

Some of you might be asking, "How can you have a least favorite thing when it comes to Spring?" Others might assume it's the clumps of mud in our front room and throughout the house thanks to mother nature's transformation in our driveway. You are both wrong. A few might know because of previous blogs written during this weekend.

Do you have an idea yet? I included three previous blogs below. Click on either of the three photographs for a direct link to read more about my least favorite things TO DO! My only sister, Heidi M Allen, kidnapped from the D & W Convenience Store on April 3, 1994 remains missing today. There are a few things significant about this day. First, it was Easter Sunday and another, it was Daylight Savings Time. The reason many people were able to remember exact times when they learned of Heidi's abduction was because they had or hadn't set their clocks back yet.

God used something as simple as Daylight Savings Time to clear some of the fog induced by tragedy to ease the Oswego County Sheriff's and FBI's investigation. While I am able to reflect and see the benefit of this annual clock changing event, it is one thing I still struggle with today. To spring the clocks forward brings tears and buried grief for my lost sister to the surface each year.

One year I had the opportunity to share with a congregation, on Daylight Savings Time Sunday. Port City Assembly of God opened their hearts and church to me to share of Heidi and my testimony of faith. During the planning process I didn't realize I would be standing in front of others, talking about how God worked (and continues to work) in my life on one of the most difficult days of the year BUT God did. It was a blessed Sunday, to say the least and I'm grateful for the hugs, stories, and hope they shared with me.

With new technologies, it's not as difficult because most things, with the exception of the microwave, change themselves without any assistance from me. Others might just need to be turned off and back on again. Yet, each time I see a reminder to spring my clock forward, I think of Heidi and her kidnapping. Each time someone talks about the hour sleep they lose this weekend, I am taken back to 1994 when we lost Heidi.

While I still think of Heidi, remember the initial shock, and mourn our family and communities loss...something has changed. Within moments of this flashback in time, I am reminded there is hope. I have hope. Hope only found in God and my relationship with Him. Instead of wasting time, energy, or tears on things I can't change in the past...I choose to lift a prayer for Heidi, her return, our family, friends, and community.

While our family lost Heidi, one thing remains evident - we were never alone.

Thank you for always be there with us and taking time each day to lift a prayer for Heidi and her return. We hope to see you on April 3, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the New Haven Fire Barn for a social hour, fellowship, and closing with a community prayer vigil at 7:42 p.m. Bring a candle, friend, and memory! See you there! div id="fb-root"> What is your favorite or least favorite aspect of
the days leading up to Spring's arrival?

Do you have a clock that still needs manual changing?

Mark Your Calendars - Remembering Heidi on April 3, 2014

Our family would like to extend the first invitation
for an upcoming gathering to remember Heidi M Allen,
on the 20th anniversary of her abduction.

Heidi, kidnapped, while working alone at the
D & W Convenience Store, on Easter Sunday.
Her last Transaction stamped, 7:42 a.m.

Mark your calendars,
April 3, 2014
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tentative Agenda
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.  - Social Hour
7:42 p.m. - Community prayer vigil
8:00 p.m. closing
More information to follow... We hope you will be able to join us and remember Heidi...

20 years ago we came together to search,
this year we gather to remember and keep this hope alive!

TOP's Tuesday ~ Everybody's Talking About Sisterhood!

In The Moon Sisters, her second novel, Therese Walsh wanted to write about one sister’s quest to find will-o’-the-wisp light, which was her mother’s unfulfilled dream. Also called “foolish fires”, these lights are sometimes seen over wetlands and are thought to lead those who follow them to treasure. Despite the promise, they are never captured and sometimes lead to injury or even death for adventurers who follow them. The metaphor of that fire – that some dreams and goals are impossible to reach, and that hope itself may not be innately good – eventually rooted its way into deeper meaning as the Moon sisters tried to come to terms with real-world dreams and hopes, and with each other, in their strange new world.


Olivia and Jazz Moon are polar opposites: one a dreamy synesthete, able to see sounds and smell sights and the other controlling and reality driven. What will happen when they are plunged into 24/7 togetherness and control is not an option? Will they ever be able to see the world through the other’s eyes and confront the things they fear the most? Death. Suicide. The loss of faith and hope. Will they ultimately believe that life is worth living, despite the lack of promise?


The writing of The Moon Sisters was a five year journey and at times author Therese Walsh felt like it was her own “foolish fire”. But remember, some fires are worth the chase! Fun ways to interact and learn more about The Moon Sisters 1.    Book Club Materials  – Theresa has some great book club materials here: http://www.theresewalsh.com/the-moon-sisters/book-clubs/  We also heard a rumor that in the future there will be a contest just for book club members that includes a Skype visit by Theresa to their book club meeting

2.    Personality Quiz – Find out which character from The Moon Sisters you are most like here
http://www.theresewalsh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Personality-Quiz.pdf  

3.    Name Generator – If you were a train hopper (read The Moon Sisters to learn more about train hoppers) what would your name be? Find out here http://www.theresewalsh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Ng.jpg  

Link to Muffin book review – We reviewed The Moon Sisters at The Muffin on Wednesday, February 19.
The link is here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2014/02/the-moon-sisters.html A Flashback of Sisterly Love... I'm happy to have so many memories and photographs to choose from for this blog tour. The challenge was which one to share with all of you. Since no one particular instance stand outs, I decided to share a generalized memory of the sisterhood I had with my sister.

"Had" is the key word. Nearly twenty years ago my only sister, Heidi M Allen, was abducted from her place of employment on Easter Sunday. She remains missing today with one man serving a 25 to life sentence for her kidnapping and presumed death. Why do I tell you this? To emphasize the importance of memories with your sisters, whether they are your blood sisters or your Christian sisters. Only God knows what tomorrow holds, so we need to cherish our time with our loved ones, especially our sisters. A sister's bond is like no other.

After I lost Heidi, I never thought I'd experience the joy, comfort, and love of a sister again. I have four sister-in-laws who love me yet couldn't open myself up to let them in. It wasn't until I started to trust God again that I was able to open my heart for the bond of sisterhood again. I have eighteen years of memories with Heidi and since her disappearance, I slowly learned to make memories with my girlfriends, my sisters, and embrace this bond and gift from God. I lost Heidi, and will always miss her because there is nothing like the love of your sister but for those who don't have a sister, our friends and sisters-in-Christ are priceless blessings. 

My first book, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, shared my  journey after Heidi's kidnapping. I'm currently working on the sequel, taking a deeper look into life without my sister and the affect it has on my life, still today. The joy and hope is this, with God in the equation, there is no where to go but up. So my portion of this blog on sisterhood is to encourage you to embrace the sisters in your life, whether they are blood relatives or those you choose ~ these are priceless gems in your life.

Thanks for reading, be sure to leave a comment - one of your names will be entered into the drawing for a free copy of The Moon Sisters, by Therese Walsh. Good Luck! Visit Therese Walsh’s website: http://www.theresewalsh.com/  

ENTER TO WIN!!! Attention readers - enter a giveaway for The Moon Sisters here on my blog and on all the blogs participating in Everybody’s Talking About Sisterhood.

A complete list can be found on The Muffin - http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/ 

So you can enter to win The Moon Sisters dozens of times if you like! Leave a comment below to have your name entered
for a chance to win...One person will be randomly
selected from my blog comments and entered in the
giveaway to win a copy of The Moon Sisters ~
Winners will be announced on WOW!

Be sure to list your email when leaving a comment in case you are the lucky winner...

Did you see it? I did...

After what feels like months without sunshine, it is wonderful to see  natural light streaming in the windows. Of course, to open the door, you know it's not Spring yet but still...it's wonderful to know something better is coming.

The snow is pure and white yet after months of constant snow, even those who enjoy and love living in Upstate New York are raising the white flag to say, "Uncle!"

It shouldn't take a couple days of seeing the big ball of sun in the sky to revitalize us yet there is something powerful when we see, feel, and seek the Son. God sent His One and Only Son to be our Light and we have the invitation to hold this Light within us.

Instead of sitting around waiting for something better or the sun to come out...maybe we should be looking up to seek THE Son and welcome Him into our hearts and lives.

He can provide all the light, hope, and encouragement we need ~ even when it's snowing nonstop and it doesn't feel like winter will ever end.

I'm thankful for the sunshine and the reminder I have Sonshine in my heart everyday.

Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that
follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12

What helps you get through the winter with a smile?

Using Marbles to Hold Water for Nourishment

How do you water your plants? Have you seen these "water marbles" before? They are neat. While showing our foreign exchange daughter, Coline, various fun places in New York a few years ago, she and our daughter discovered them. We were all amazed. The girls used their own money and bought a few different colors. At first I only saw the beauty in them, it wasn't until I read the back side of the directions that I realized they served a purpose, more than just looking pretty.

The marbles start about the size of a pea and expand to the size of a marble as the water is absorbed. When we first discovered them you could purchase them in packets by individual color or in a multipack. We started with the multipack but ended up going back for individual colors and I think Coline may have brought some home with her as a gift for her Mom and Grandma, I can't remember now. The girls bought them because of their beauty yet their creator designed them with a greater purpose. Similar to God, He didn't just create you and I to "look" a certain way. God's gifted us each differently to share our beauty with others, just like the marbles.

Think of it like this, whatever we absorb and take in, is what others will see, hear, and witness about us through our behaviors. We were designed with more care than a marble, so shouldn't we pay more attention to what we're allowing in.

There is so much available to us in the world, we need to be cautious when we absorb all that is out there. If we desire to be beautiful like the water marbles so we can share God's love with others, then we need to keep our hearts (the marble) moisturized with God's Word, the Living Water. In doing so, we fill ourselves with joy and peace. A joy and peace that will overflow into the lives of those meet.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace 
as you trust in him, so that you may overflow
with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit"
Romans 15:13

What are you filling your heart with?
Are you a beautiful marble sharing beauty?

Life is about change...Then and Now, How God Moved

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing
of your faith produces perseverance.
Let perseverance finish its work so that
you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything."
James 1:2-4

I found this in my draft folder and was going to delete it but decided to share it with you. The words written in black are from the original draft, the purple is my update/response to the original post. This was posted at the end of June, 2013 - so eight months later...read how God is working and answering prayer. This has been a year of change in my life. Some took my breath away, caused me to sit before passing out, and others left me speechless. Some required time to process. Others hours of work and planning. Some weren't one I welcomed or planned. Others seemed to fall gently into place.

Regardless of the change, it was, and is, my reaction that truly determines the outcome of the change. With each of these different changes God placed before me during the first six months of 2013, there is always a common thread ~ prayer. Prayer, to the One, who already knew what was coming and can see beyond anything I might even dream.

So who am I to second guess Him? Although I should, I did, and do. Some changes I embrace because they are ones I've dreamed of and God opened the door to make them become realities. To write a book about Heidi's kidnapping in order to help other brothers and sisters grieving required a lot of prayer, work, time, and more prayer...yet on April 3, 2013 when hope released on a day once filled with despair...thankfulness for the change illuminated the day. A change of heart, circumstance, and outlook. Amen.

Learning to live without both of Ed's parents, a change that requires more attention on days like Mother's and Father's day. Summer is here and to think of the first July 23rd without a birthday party for and with his mom...change. Instead of mourning her loss that day, I think we will celebrate. Celebrate the mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, and woman of God she was. Celebrating life, not grieving it. Each holiday reminds me of her emphasis on family and togetherness, and her not there to keep us in line. lol

A change of position and location through work. Not one I planned yet one I look forward to with excitement and joy. Initially, shock overcame me as I asked, "Why?" After wasting time on the question I couldn't answer, I decided to welcome a new "family" to become a part of in the upcoming school year. The best part, I get to work with a friend. A couple years ago I worked with a dear friend and we had so much fun and teased each other daily because we knew each other since childhood, so to work together was pure pleasure. I anticipate the same fun and memory making this year. This new school year has renewed an energy to teach similar to that of my first years and rekindled friendships, multiple blessings continue to bring tears of joy and thankfulness to my eyes.

Our pastor and his family announce exciting things happening in their lives. This requires them to move hours away to pastor a new church. YIKES! We lost more than a pastor and his family, we said good-bye to friends. My family and church have a choice, sit around mourning the loss or getting on our knees and praying for the pastor and family God already has planned for our church. Friends are not determined by miles or the church you worship at, it's a heart, time, dedication, and choice issue. We choose to keep our friends...until we meet again. Six months after having our pastor transfer North, a new pastor and his family have moved in and made Oswego County their home. In addition to a Godly family to shepherd and lead us, the pastor's wife is a friend, one I never thought would live up the road from me. I knew her as writer and crafter first, who happened to be married to a pastor, now she is my pastor's wife. I love to see how God works.

More change...illness. Without sharing too much on the blog, just know some of those the closest to me have struggled with illness this year. I pray for complete healing for my family and friends. Most continue to fight against sickness, disease, and loss while others took their last breath to join Jesus in eternity. Change...unplanned, unexpected, and often stressful. In my own strength I can't do this but in God's strength, I know I can. I might not know what to pray, but the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. One family member's health is improving after a long couple years of testing and struggles, God provided the doctor who would figure it out and lead her to a healthier her. Our loved one still has a journey before her yet things are moving forward, we're very thankful for the doctors working together and putting the patient's health first, not the "I figured it out". We continue to pray for complete healing, strength, and freedom from pain for our loved ones.

This past weekend I enjoyed an Aaron Shust concert with my friend Holly and other sista's-in-Christ. It was an amazing concert. I'll close with his song, when you don't know what to ask or pray of God in times of change, ask HIM for the words to speak. He is faithful, loves you, and only has plans to prosper you.

God encouraged ME through my own blog today. I had forgotten all about this blog and can hear the loss and hurt in my writing. To read it a little over six months later and to share with you of how God worked through each of these situations in ways I could only pray, and some, not even imagine. Wow!

It gives me encouragement today for something weighing on our family and my heart now...God knows what it is and I pray, He answers in a mighty way. I know we can't do this on our own, only in His provision will we be able to meet our current needs.  To This blog reminded me...God is always right there and sees the big picture. Thank goodness. When you slow down to listen, God will be there.
Have you slowed down long enough to hear?

TOP's Tuesday: Heidi's Missing Person's Flyer on the Anderson Cooper Show...Did you see it?

At some point last year I received a message on Facebook from someone who noticed my sister's Missing Person's flyer in the background on an episode of the Anderson Cooper show. They wondered if I had seen it, I didn't. I was bummed but went on a hunt to see if I could find the episode and watch it. With a little time and dedication, I found the episode and there is was, my beautiful sister's face in the background of the May 10, 2013 episode titled "Vanished". I was moved to tears, for a couple reasons.

First and foremost, because one of you watched this episode and were paying such close attention to the flyers in the background, you noticed my sister. As if this wasn't special enough, you took the time to send me a note to make sure my family and I knew. Thank you so much, this means more than you might understand.

Another amazing things is that of all the thousands, upon thousands, of missing persons...the staff on the Anderson Cooper show selected my sister's flyer as one they would use as a display in the background. This is just "wow" to me. Who knows how God will use her flyer on this special episode to possibly provide answers that might end our search for Heidi M Allen. There is a link on both of these photos to the "Vanished" episode where you can learn a lot about missing person's and see Heidi in the background. This poster isn't the one you'll see, as this was just created this year by lostnmissing.org yet each poster has the same key case and contact information.

As times and technologies change, it's possible to include more in the same amount of space. Research has been done to help "missing person flyer" creators know how to design and set up the flyers to achieve the most views and shares, in hopes of bringing our missing loved ones home.

If you have time, this is an informational episode and our Heidi, Heidi M Allen, missing since April 3, 1994...is smiling back at us on one of the flyers they show.

With the 20 year anniversary of Heidi's kidnapping approaching, our hope for Heidi is the same today as it was so long ago...flyers are one way to keep hope alive. Where or when did you see your first
missing person's flyer of  Heidi M Allen?

How did it make you feel?

Are these feelings the same today?

Choose to be thankful...Not Everyone Gets a Snow Day

Do you know what a snow day is? If you live in areas prone to high amounts of snow, lake effect snow storms, or ice then you can relate. A snow day is when the school district, and sometimes businesses, close due to inclement weather. Today is one of those days in our area. I was ready for school and getting ready to wake our daughter when I saw it, "Closed", scroll across the bottom of the screen.

Usually I would still be in my jammies, hoping and praying for our school's name creep across the screen but not today. We just had a week off for winter break, I didn't want another day now and plus, if we don't use the days...we get "snow days" in May. Unused days are added to our Memorial Day weekend, I'd much rather enjoy a snow day when I can weed my garden and work outside BUT as the snow continues to fall faster than it can be shoveled or plowed, I'm thankful our district superintendent's decision.

I posted my initial disappointment with the snow day decision this morning to Facebook. Some thought I was silly, others agreed, and then one of my friends shared words of wisdom with me. She wrote, "Pick something you wish you had accomplished and look at today as a gift to complete it. And ENJOY!!! Many of us wish we could stay home today!"

An aspect of my career path I forget is such a blessing. The majority still had to get out and drive in this messy weather. They still had to bundle their kiddos up and bring them out in the cold. Although this wasn't an ideal snow day by my definition, it's turned into a fabulous day. My daughter and I are enjoying some old movies, like the Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Sister Act, and even Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

A typical snow day is an "author/speaker work day" but today, it's just a day to rest. What is your favorite "snow day" tradition?
If you could have a "snow day", what would you do?

Prayer is Simply Talking to God...

I thought about this year's tribute and remembrance for my sister, Heidi M Allen, and realized to ask some to pray might create stress or have some thinking, "I don't know how to pray or I would." Before you give up, read today's blog...prayer is simply talking to God. I used to think prayer was something you memorized, repeated verbatim, aloud, so your family and God know you are praying. I didn't get the intense, deep, and personal aspect of prayer.

Instead I just got on my knees, said the Rosary or the Our Father and called it "daily prayer". Checked it off the list and went to bed.
I was so wrong! Prayer is so much more! Is it repeating memorized prayers and Scripture? It can be. Is this the only way we can pray? No. Actually, this is the very beginning. In truth, to pray is opening your heart, mind, and schedule to spend time with a friend. A time to thank God for all He is doing in your life, praise Him for the small and big things only God can do, and share requests for ways you are in need of His guidance, love, healing, provision, or whatever it might be.

Think of praying as a time to enjoy your favorite beverage with a friend. My favorite time of day is first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee. An important aspect of prayer to remember is this, God isn't a genie in a bottle or Oz. He is God. He is loving, gracious, and merciful. He always answers prayer but it's not always with a yes. (Thank goodness!) Sometimes He says No or Not right now. Regardless, He is answering.

Just like getting together with a friend, friendship is a two-way relationship. We can't simply go to God when we have a need or desire. How would you feel if the only time you heard from someone was when they were in need and wanted something from you? Friendship goes both ways, and so does the communication we have available to us with God ~ through Jesus death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit remained so we too, can talk with God. He is ready and listening.

My first prayers after Heidi's kidnapping were bouts of anger and I'm ashamed to say, temper tantrums. I never thought of this as praying. I just thought I was yelling and releasing the anger. I don't recommend "praying" in forms of yelling and anger but on some levels, this might be where some of you need to start. God already knows you're mad at Him, or misplacing your blame, or frustrated. He loves us so much, He desires to hear us let it go. His shoulders are more than strong enough to carry this for us.

On a lighter not, watch the youtube video below for the "Skinny on Prayer".

Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —
his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

What is your definition of prayer?