ONE SISTER'S JOURNEY KEEPING IT REAL
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T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Announcing New Spotlight Series Starting

4/23/2019

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Happy Tuesday everyone! In the coming weeks I plan to spotlight each of my books in preparation for upcoming writers' conferences this summer. My hope and plan is attend at least one. As I gear up and plan, one thing I need to improve on is my elevator pitch and "selling myself" to agents and publishers. Like most writers, selling ourselves and our books is the greatest challenge.

I figured the best way to practice this is to dedicate a Tuesday to each of my books and promote it to all of you. Many of you have been following the blog since 2011 before my first book was published. Some of you started to following the blog after reading one of my books, and others, after hearing me speak at your church or event. Regardless of when or how you found this blog, thank you for your encouragement and support.

Over the next few Tuesdays, please share the blogs with your friends and family if you've read the books. If you've read them, would you take a few minutes to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads? The more reviews an author as, the more Amazon will promote our books. Thank you in advance. 

Before My Book Spotlight Series Starts...
What is your favorite book and why?
​Will you share a review on Amazon too?

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It's Holy Week...What are Your Plans?

4/18/2019

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Spring break is always different, it floats like the Easter holiday does. This year we have the week before Easter off and the Monday after. It has been a wonderful, relaxing, and full week. 

I've taken time to sleep, read, write, and refresh my heart and brain. It has been a much needed break. Maybe it's because I spent my February break horizontal with the flu and strep or maybe it's because this winter has dragged on. The reason doesn't matter, all that is important is that I followed through and took time to refresh and renew myself. 

When is the last time you took time for yourself? As we look ahead to Easter, it's important to remember the Ultimate Sacrifice. God allowed His Only Son to suffer death on the cross for sins He didn't commit. He did this for you and for me.

What does this have to do with taking time for yourself? The way I see it, we aren't supposed to carry the burdens and weight of the world on our shoulders. Instead, we are to give it to God because He 1) already overcame the world and 2) He already won the battle. In preparation for Easter you may have given something up or focused on doing something to draw closer to God. It's through your sacrifice and dedication that you are able to hear from God more.

In order to hear from God, you need to slow down, remove the background noises, and listen. I'm thankful for this week off before Easter...I've taken time to listen. Have you?

What could happen if you took time for yourself & to listen?

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Meet Author, Podcaster, & Coach Michelle Weidenbenner

4/15/2019

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I had the pleasure this past week to interview Michelle Weidenbenner on my podcast. To listen to the interview, you can click here or there is a link embedded below the cover art for Michelle's podcast. I've "known" Michelle for a few years now. I say known in quotes because we've yet to physically meet but we've communicated so much via email, social media, and on the phone...it feels as if we have met in person. 

Michelle and I visited for almost an hour doing the podcast interview, you have joy to listen to a little over twenty  minutes of our conversation when you listen to the podcast. Click here to jump to the podcast, or click below this section.

Michelle and I first met because I had the privilege to review one of her books. Michelle's writing talents vary, from adult to children's books. Her faith shines through in her writing and whether you are reading one of her adult books or one of books in the Eclair series. In addition to writing her own books, Michelle is also a writing coach. She shares her gift and knowledge on writing to helps others too. In her free time, she volunteers, speaks, podcasts, and raises her grandchildren.

It's her podcast and grandchildren that bring her to us today, both here on the blog and on my podcast. Michelle's podcast, "HOPE - Support for Parents of Addicted Loved Ones" is a passion and mission for Michelle. She shares the authentic journey of her role as parent, grandparent, and caregiver. She offers support for other parents with ways she and her husband thought they were helping, only to learn they weren't. She keeps it real and her faith in Jesus is the foundation for the success, joy, love, and compassion she has and shares with her listeners. 

In addition to the podcast, Michelle is working on a new website as another resource for her podcast listeners. There is a link listed below but "It's under construction" at the time of this post. Be patient and listen to her podcast to learn when it goes live.

I encourage you to take twenty minutes and listen to Michelle's interview on the podcast. I'm thankful not to be the parent of an addicted loved one. With this being said, I still catch her podcast when I can because I have friends and family who are or have been addicts. Michelle's honest and heartfelt messages encourage me and offer ways to be a better friend and family member. 
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Elair can be purchased individually or as a set of 3

Where to find Michelle Weidenbenner ---->>>>>

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Thank you for sharing your gifts and passion Michelle!
Facebook:
Michelle St. Germain Weidenbenner 

Twitter:
@mweidenbenner1

LinkedIn:
Michellel Weidenbenner

Website:
http://www.michelleweidenbenner.com/

Goodreads:
M. Weidenbenner

Coming SOON - Michelle's New website: 
http://momslettinggo.com 
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What is Your Favorite Smoothie to Enjoy?

4/11/2019

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Okay, so prior to January 2019 I had a misconception of what a "smoothie" is. I always thought it was mixing berries with one of my favorite protein powders. I also thought protein powders were nearly equal too. NOT!! Good golly I've learned a lot in a few short months.
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Now I understand a nutritious smoothie includes BOTH fruits and vegetables. ​Then there is the quality of the fruits and vegetables, when FRESH isn't in season and an option, then using frozen is the better alternative. And to take it a step further, a road I did not plan to travel is the benefit and nutritional value of eating organic.

Yup, I've gone to the dark side, or I should say the brighter and healthier side...organic and fresh. Guess what, I ENJOY it and feel the difference. Just to make sure I'm not imagining the difference, I bought regular, or "non-organic" vegetables. Here's the real deal, I didn't notice any flavor differences BUT my body's ability to metabolize them was notably different. So organic it is...

Then there is the protein powder. I've been a Young Living Independent Distributor for more than a decade. I enjoy and benefit from their essential oils and up until this past January, their various shakes and protein drinks. In January I was introduced to Thorne's Mediclear - SGS. I noticed the difference right away, then when I started adding organic kale and organic spinach to the smoothies, the benefits only increased. In March I switched back to the ones I used to use and within a week...it was clear (pun intended) not all proteins for a smoothie are not created equal, at least for my system. 

I've given away four containers of protein powders and made the switch to the Mediclear for now on. My digestive system, energy, and sleep quality are worth a healthier and more natural smoothie. 

Why do I share this with you? My simple answer, 1) to keep it real and 2) if a woman like me can make the switch to a healthier life style and eating patterns...you can too. 

As I enjoy smoothies, I'm looking for some new recipes to try. Do you have a favorite to share with me and other smoothie fans?

Thank you in advance for sharing
your favorite smoothie recipes
and/or protein powder supplements...
I look forward to hearing from you.

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A Beautiful Spring Day in Upstate New York

4/9/2019

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Okay, so this isn't a recent photo but with snow in the forecast for tomorrow I thought it was fitting. It's common to have snow in April and even on Mother's Day in my neck of the woods. I think this is the reason I'm not as excited on the "First Day of Spring". Why get all hyped up for the notion of warmer weather when we know more snow and cold is around the corner? Right!? 

On the flip side, I think the date of Spring gives hope to people who haven't felt their toes and noses in months. For me, the date reminds me to get my spring cleaning done so when warmer weather and sunshine returns I can be outside raking, digging in the dirt, and reading a good book on the deck. 

As I dropped my aunt off after Bible study tonight, she opened her door and we were serenaded by the peepers!! Peepers...this is a true sign of Spring. It might be snowing tomorrow but for tonight, the peepers are singing. Spring is coming...snow and peepers!
See! The winter is past;
    the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
    the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
    is heard in our land.
Song of Songs 2:11-12 NIV

What ignites your spirit of Spring?

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Take Time to Open Your Heart

4/6/2019

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As you take time this Saturday I hope you find time to spend with God and give Him your heart, your life, and time. Time is the most valuable commodity in today's society. Too often we are going, going, going...passed out. We have become so busy that it seems we don't have time for the things that matter.

As a child, our parents only let us participate in one thing at a time. Today it seems kids are involved in at least one, if not two or three different things - sports, scouts, clubs, and such. This doesn't allow time for family when you are running from event to event, especially when your kids are in different sports on different schedules.

I can't change the world with this blog or my post yet I can change my prayers for people to find time with their families, especially their children. I was a "mean mom" when our daughter was younger because she was only allowed to do one thing at a time, often forcing her to make tough choices yet as an adult, she's learned how to prioritize and budget her time. We need to choose what matters the most and make time for that.

If you are already borderline in agreement then my next statement might push you over the edge, there were things my daughter wanted to do as a child that I told her no because it happened on Sunday. We all need a day where there aren't commitments to organizations, others, and teams.

Families shouldn't have to choose between team God and x, y, or z. Sadly, this is where society is. Instead of Sunday being a day of worship, rest, and relaxation...it's become a day to cram in the tings people couldn't fit into the week or one more game or meeting. I want to challenge you...time is valuable. 

Can you carve out time for yourself? Your family? For God? This weekend...you deserve it and God's waiting to hear from you and has your back, even when we are too busy to recognize it. Please take a few minutes to listen to "Here's my Heart" by Casting Crowns after reading this blog, mute your phone, hit the play button, close your eyes and take time for you...for you and God...you deserve it!

How did God speak to you during this quiet time?

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April 3, 2019 ~ 25 Years Later...Heidi M Allen Remains Missing

4/3/2019

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Today is a whirlwind of emotions, it feels like only yesterday when the phone rang to say, "Heidi is missing, get to the store." We remember it like yesterday but the weight of 9,131 days or 300 months of not knowing where Heidi is weigh us down.

Each day I put my feet on the floor, there is a prayer and hope for the new day. May this be the day Heidi is returned home. May this be the day my parents, now my dad, can know where there youngest daughter is. Life is full ups and downs.

We have people in our lives that support us and people who attempt to bring us down. The goal and hope is there is a balance with more good than the latter. I encourage you to focus on the good, cherish each moment, and never...never...take a moment for granted. When given the opportunity to make a memory with someone you love, choose the memory making over the mundane. Tomorrow, or a minute from now are not guaranteed BUT this very moment is. It's here.

Thank you for remembering Heidi and all our missing. As you light a candle this evening at 7:42 p.m., say a prayer for Heidi's return and if you will, say a prayer for all our missing and their families. May all the missing be reunited with their families and may their parents not have to close their eyes one more night without knowing where their precious child is. Pray no more children and adults are taken against their will...may this epidemic come to an end.

Thank you for remembering Heidi and all our missing...
25 years later
Heidi remains missing
We remain HOPEFUL

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T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Candles of HOPE for Heidi & All The Missing

4/2/2019

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Mark your Calendar ~ April 3, 2019

Tomorrow marks the twenty fifth year since Heidi's disappearance. Heidi Allen went to work on Easter Sunday morning but didn't return home to enjoy dinner or her college graduation the following month.

On one hand it seems like yesterday and on the other...the weight of twenty five years is evident. You wouldn't think both feelings could happen at the same time, yet they do. It's hard to explain unless you've experienced a tragic or unexpected loss. If you understand this, I'm sorry, may The Light encourage you too.

The pain doesn't lessen and our hope doesn't falter...25 years later we still hold out hope for Heidi. To remember Heidi, and all the missing, instead of a public gathering ~ we hope to fill social media with pictures of candles...lighting the way home for Heidi and all our missing. This is one way to spread hope as we remember Heidi on a difficult day. Thank you in advance...there will also be a special blog tomorrow for Heidi.
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Thank you for remembering Heidi
and all the missing tomorrow,
April 3, 2019 at 7:42 p.m.
​as we LIGHT THEIR WAY HOME!
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No Masks Needed...

3/28/2019

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You aren't going through this alone

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Have you ever been going through something in your life and keep it to yourself? Can anyone relate? In the midst of chaos, hurts, trials, and challenges you leave the house for work and errands.

You look forward to the routine and being busy? Only a trusted few know how your heart is racing, breaking, and hurting so you're able to face the day and accomplish the list of tasks on the table. It's not that you are devastated or crushed, you just have heavier things weighing on your mind, right? Anyone out there ever feel like this? Maybe I'm alone, but I don't think so.

Have you ever been moving through the day feeling like, "I got this." and then BAM! Someone approaches with encouraging words to help you through a difficult time. You shake your head because you thought you had it together. Guess what, you probably did, or do. BUT God knows what you need, He knows what I need. God brings people into our lives with the words we need to hear, at the moment we need them - if we are open to hearing from Him.

As you go through your day with life's burdens on your shoulders, I pray you know God loves you and holds you in the palm of His hands. You are not alone and don't have to wear a mask. It's okay to put on a smile and not share with everyone yet I encourage you to trust someone with the weight. Most importantly, give it to God. He is faithful and will carry you through it. Notice I said "through it". 

Some of these journeys are necessary in life and we learn from them, grow stronger, and are better able to help someone else down the highway. I pray you know how much you are loved and cared for. Regardless of the mask you put on today, let it me one of joy, love, and hope...you aren't going through this alone.

You don't need a mask...you need to share & accept.

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As you Fasting...Remember to FEAST

3/24/2019

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It's the season of Lent, the weeks leading up to Easter. As a child, growing up in a mostly Catholic family, we "gave up" something for Lent. This includes meat on Friday. As an adult and while attending the New Haven Alliance Church I learned about not just "fasting" something but to maximize the beauty and healing of Lent, we should be "doing something" to draw closer to God. I liked this idea, instead of focusing on what I gave up, when I missed whatever it was I gave up, I'd spend time in The Word or doing something to build my relationship with God. 

I don't attend either of these churches anymore yet the life lessons remain with me. Yesterday, pastor shared this same concept of doing something to draw closer to God and giving up something but using words to make it fun. (This is my take on it anyway, I like words and these spoke to me) Instead of "giving up and doing something", pastor suggested, "Fasting and Feasting"! 

Fasting

Feasting

Fasting and Feasting during Lent...this will stick with me. I love it! It doesn't change the purpose or meaning of Lent or what I already do BUT through these words, it brings a new energy and joy to Lent for me. I've always viewed "fasting" as something difficult and painful yet the way in which pastor explained it, to fast, is a blessing and opportunity to draw closer to God and eliminate the ick keeping me from my relationship with God. 

Okay, so this isn't anything new. It's not even new to my blog BUT as I listened and digested this yesterday, the Holy Spirit nudged me and helped me to change my morning routine and figure out how to get everything in, starting with the most important thing...time with God. Want to hear more, check out today's podcast. Click here.

It's through this time that I connect and find the strength to get through whatever the day might bring my way.

I'm ready, are you?

What are you fasting and feasting on this Lenten season?

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Faith Filled Friday:Journeying Through Psalm 23

3/22/2019

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Happy Friday Everyone!

Friday is one of my favorite days because of the "Faith Filled Friday" episode on my podcast, Livin' with Lisa ~ Keeping it Real. 

The first part of the year I shared the Armor of God and each week focused on a different aspect of the armor God's provided for us. If you haven't listened, it's not too late. You can go back to older episodes by starting at the beginning. It's easy, select a Friday episode between January 2019 and March 2019. It's a twenty-plus minute message on the Armor of God to encourage you in your spiritual walk.

Last week, March 15, 2019, I started a new series diving into Psalm 23. We'll journey through this short and powerful Psalm, one nugget at a time. Many are familiar with Psalm 23 yet have you taken time to focus on it verse by verse, nugget by nugget? It's an encouraging and insightful Psalm, I encourage you to take time to join me on this journey through Psalm 23. It's not too late...listen today.

Have you checked out my podcast yet?
Have you shared it with your friends and family?
If so, thank you - if not, what's holding you back?

Have a great weekend!

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Spring Puts the SPRING in your Step

3/20/2019

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I read an article this morning with ten fun facts about the season of Spring and one of them stated that our body makeup physically changes at the start of the season. This is cool stuff, "spring fever" isn't just a thing, it's a metabolic change in our genetic makeup. This is cool stuff!

To read the entire article, click here.

I found this interesting and it also explains why so many struggle with depression in the winter. Go figure, I enjoy learning new things, don't you? Instead of sharing pictures of a robin and flowers today, I chose a spring because we are experiencing a genetic change adding a little "spring to our step", tee hee. 

Happy Wednesday! Happy Spring! The weather in Upstate New York is supposed to be in the low fifties today, this is a heatwave compared to our 20's we've experienced the past months. I look forward to the sunshine, warmer weather, and maybe even driving with the windows down. It's a good day to celebrate twelve hours of daylight and the knowledge of more daylight hours in our future.

Whether you start spring cleaning, raking, or just absorbing some vitamin D...remember to LOOK UP and enjoy the day!

What is your favorite aspect of Spring?
What do you look forward to the most this time of year?

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T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Time to "Suck it Up Buttercup"

3/19/2019

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In the past couple weeks I've run into people inquiring about the blog. Some have asked, "Lisa, have you been blogging? I miss my daily inspiration." Another shared, "I just wanted to let you know I haven't been receiving my daily notifications in my inbox for the blog, not sure if something isn't working but wanted to let you know I miss it." These two comments aren't alone yet they stand out because they are from people I love and cherish. Their words encourage me and remind me of why I started this blog.
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Through reflection and prayer I thought about their words...I was reminded of my mom. If you have followed the blog for some time, you know my writing has been inconsistent since my mom's passing in September of 2015.

My mom was the first to read my blog, emailed me if there were PUGS in need of repair, and let me know, "That was a good one." This is the same reason I've struggled to write in general, Mom was my first editor. She provided valuable and honest (VERY honest) feedback. 

Here's the deal, "Keeping it Real", I've used my Mom's passing and my  grief as a crutch long enough.

It's time to write, to blog, & to create for a few reasons:

1) I MISS it - we shouldn't do something because others want us to, instead, we should want to do it and have a passion to do so. It is both therapeutic and enjoyable, I've missed it. 

2) You are missing it - my readers, you, have been reaching out and asking 

3) I can't hide or wallow any longer, it's time to move forward, after all, this was a theme prior to my mom's passing...she told me, "Keep writing, don't stop." To write is to honor her.

I know this isn't the first blog to say "I'm back" yet there is something different in my heart this time as I type these words. Not to say I didn't want to before yet in the past I planned to write/blog because others wanted me to, not because I felt called to write. This is the change...the drive behind the writing.

I don't plan to write more because you want me to...I'm writing more because it's a calling and one I miss. May the Holy Spirit guide my fingers, thoughts, and use these words to touch your hearts.

I've missed you...
What have YOU been up to?

Leave me a comment and let me know...

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My 2019 Scripture Verse...Well Verses are...

1/30/2019

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I realized yesterday that I hadn't shared my Bible verses for 2019. I apologize for this. If you follow the podcast then you've heard me talk about how I've incorporated my personalized version of my Bible verses into my daily meditation and positive affirmation. I want to internalize my verses so God can use them to inspire, motivate, and encourage me throughout the year. I look forward to the day when I get up and I don't need to be reading from the paper because I've hidden them in y heart for eternity.
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My word for 2019 is Renewal and as I consider different choices and opportunities throughout the year, my hope is have both my word and verses guide my decisions. If it is going to be a year of renewal for me then it requires change, an open mind, and a lot of strength to make the choices necessary to being the best version of myself I can be. My hope and prayer is to use the gifts God's given me and be the Lisa that HE designed me to be before I was even born. 

Let the year begin...
​My 2019 Scripture:
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful…Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts… The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Colossians 4:2; 3:16; Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
​My 2019 Scripture Personalized:
"I will devote myself to prayer, being watchful and thankful…Letting the message of Christ dwell within me richly, as I teach and admonish others with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in my heart… The Lord my God is with me, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in me; in his love He will no longer rebuke me, but will rejoice over me with singing. Amen.”
Colossians 4:2; 3:16; Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

If you'd like to learn about my previous verses,
​click on the Year below. I haven't found my older bookmarks yet but I'm still looking. They are tucked somewhere "safe". 

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2011 - Isaiah 4:6
2012 - Psalm 62:5-8
2013 - 
2014 -
2015 - Romans 8:26-27
2016 -
2017 -
2018 - 
2019 - Colossians 4:2, 3:16; Zephaniah 3:217

Have you selected your Bible verse for 2019 yet?

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Journaling the Journey: Written, Audio, and Video

1/24/2019

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Oh happy day! How is everyone? I hope you are doing well. As I de-clutter the house, it's helping to de-clutter my mind. In addition, the change in my eating and sleep habits is providing new energy and a renewed drive to be the best version of myself I can. 

One of my favorite Bible verses is from 2 Corinthians, verses 3-4:
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort
​those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
In life, we have a lot of choices. I can choose to "just return" to the scene or I can share the journey as I do. Many of my faithful readers and followers have checked in via a message or note and others have just wondered. Then there are those that found a new blog to follow. All of these are normal and okay.

We live in a busy society and time is valuable and priceless. Time is also necessary to heal wounds, Psalm 147:3 tells us, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." There isn't a timeline with this because we are each uniquely made and it's in God's time, not ours. I've been in a funk since the summer of 2015, the summer when my Mom was diagnosed with cancer and was called home to heaven on my sister's birthday, September 14, 2015.

The journey from that summer to today has been a crazy roller coaster ride and one I've struggled to step off. I'm not claiming to have it all figured out or to be free of the pain BUT my spirit has healed a lot and it took me opening my mind, making a conscious decision, and listening to God's still small voice. 

To some, as I return more often here at the blog. You might think, "She's back!" but in truth, I never left, just took it slower. I started to attend a new church about a year and a half ago, this helped to renew my spirit and faith. This past May I started to podcast, this helped my spirit. This past Summer and Fall I started to focus on my  health. This month, January 2019, I put my good intentions into writing and motion by joining a Wellness Revolution to kick off my year. 

My hope in sharing this journey with you is so you'll understand that we all stumble and fall, we all have ups and downs, and we all have the ability to stand strong and in faith. The journey is what strengthens us and helps us to get our priorities into check. We all have something we are facing, it's a matter of attitude in how we face it. I choose to put myself out there. Some will ridicule and make rude comments BUT the majority will support, pray, and find hope in knowing if someone else can do it, so can they. So CAN YOU!

Happy New Year Everyone! Are you ready? It's your year!

Thank you for your encouragement, support, and time!

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Take Time to "See" The Beauty Around You

1/22/2019

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"We sometimes 
underestimate the
influence of the 
little things."
~ Charles W Chestnutt ~
As I walked with our dog, Faith, at the latter part of last week I noticed this beautiful sight. I'm thankful to have my phone in my pocket. As Faith played in the snow to my left, I snapped a few pictures. This single leaf in the snow took my breath away. 

The simplicity and beauty of one fallen leave. Notice the circle around it. There was a slight wind and because it landed on it's stem, the wind was gently spinning the leaf around, creating this circle. A framed leaf in the snow. The photo doesn't capture the glistening snow because the sun was shining yet if you take a deep break, or two, close your eyes and imagine a cool winter breeze and the warmth of the sun on your face...you might be able to see the snow glistening. 
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We need to seize the moments of opportunity because it only takes a second, a second, for the beauty to be erased as if it never existed.

I can still see the leaf and it's beautiful circle framing it as the sun shined down. Faith may have ran across it as she played, yet because I took the time to absorb the moment, I still have it in my memory bank.

This is a life lesson. We need to slow down and take time to absorb the little moments and when possible, snap a picture and share it with those we love.

If we each share joy and happiness with those in our circle of influence, imagine how much better the world might be? 

Share a picture of the beauty you saw today in a comment on Facebook, help to brighten someone else's day!

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Meet Today's Podcast Guest...Elaine W. Miller

1/21/2019

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Oh my goodness, Elaine and I had fun during this interview. It took a days to record, well, a few sessions over a couple days. We had a lot of laughter and phone calls. You will hear some of the laughter, joy, and conversation during the interview. Elaine's spirit and joy are contagious. I'm thankful she found time in her schedule to do this interview with me. Elaine shares her word and verse for the year, and then we dive into talking about her new book, Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo: A Hopeful Response to a Hard Reality. 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the podcast. We encourage you to share the podcast, this interview, and Elaine's books with all your friends and family in need of hope as they battle cancer. As a caregiver, I find this book a blessing too. It's a must read for all.

Click on the triangle below to listen to our interview...

Meet Elaine...

 Elaine W. Miller is a popular international author and speaker (and cancer survivor) known for sharing biblical insights with warmth, enthusiasm, and humor.

A Member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, she has brought a splash of serenity to audiences for over 25 years. Elaine is the author of four books, Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo: A Hopeful Response to a Hard Reality, We All Married Idiots: Three Things You'll Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can (available in English, Spanish, and Bosnian), Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms, and Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Wives. Her work is published in Sanctuary—A Devotional Bible for Women as well as several magazines.

Elaine and her husband, an ordained minister with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, have led many marriage retreats and counseled numerous hurting couples. For many years they traveled to Europe as Pastoral Care Couple to missionaries there.

Residing in upstate New York, Elaine and Dan enjoy a beautiful life and ministry together. Three married children and 13 grandchildren complete their joy. 

Ways to connect
​with Elaine today...

Website & Blog
http://www.splashesofserenity.com/www.splashesofserenity.com/

Email
SplashesofSerenity@yahoo.com

On Facebook: Click Here

Twitter
@ElaineWMiller
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Click on any of the book covers for a direct link for more information and to purchase your copy today!
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If you'd like an autographed copy of Elaine's books, visit her website and click on the "Bookstore" tab. 
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Thank you for listening to our interview on today's podcast,
leave a message of encouragement & thanks here for Elaine.

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T.O.P's Tuesday: Let's do the Hokey Pokey

1/15/2019

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T.O.P.'s Tuesday got its name in honor of my sister, Heidi M Allen, known as the Tower of Power during her high school volleyball days. T.O.P. One of her favorite things to do during volleyball, because it was a song she and her team did to bond and intimidate the other teams. They were more than a team, they were a volleyball family and each time they hokey pokeyed, they laughed and increased the energy in the gym.

After Heidi's kidnapping, I still remember the volleyball team coming to the Command Center and doing the Hokey Pokey in Heidi's honor. An amazing group of young ladies.

The day Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released, some of her friends came to my book release party and we did the Hokey Pokey together, Heidi was with us in spirit.

When I saw this comedian's AC/DC Hokey Pokey, I had tears in my eyes. Heidi was a big AC/DC fan so it's only fitting to share this in a new year's T.O.P.'s blog, remembering the fun-loving, dedicated, and family/team oriented sister I was blessed to be raised with.
Now that you've laughed, let us Hokey Pokey...

Is there a song from childhood
​that brings you joy and a smile?
Share in a comment below...

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T.O.P.'s Tuesday: New Logo - What do you think?

1/8/2019

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Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a fun evening with family and friends ending 2018 and ringing in 2019. Our family spent it quietly at home. I'm one of those, "it's safer to stay home on New Year's eve" people. I don't know when it happened, but I've gotten old in my thinking when it comes to some things.

My new podcast logo has been posted on my podcast page, click here, for a bit now but thought I'd share it today as one of the first T.O.P.'s Tuesdays in 2019. If you haven't taken a few minutes to listen to my podcast yet, you should. It is fun to record and the "Keeping it Real" sometimes cracks me up so much, you might hear a laughing snort. This might be too real but oh well, reality is more entertaining than making things up. Or at least to me, and my listeners agree.

My podcast, Livin' with Lisa: Keeping it Real can be found on twelve podcast platforms now:
*AnchorFM
*Apple Podcasts
*Google Podcasts
*Spotify
*Breaker
*Castbox
*Overcast
*PocketCasts
*PodBean
*RadioPublic
*Stitcher
*TuneIn

If you don't have one of these podcast apps on your phone, you can also click on the link above and listen through your computer. In addition, the most current podcast episode is available to listen on my website, in the upper right hand corner. 

If you like what you here, share it with your friends and family. If you share via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram...be sure to tag me so I can say thank you and interact with you and your friends.

Thank you all for your encouragement, support, and time! You are all blessings I count and thank God for in my prayers. Have a wonderful 2019 everyone - share joy, love, hope, and encouragement with everyone you come in contact with. It will help to make the world a better place, don't you think?

How are you keeping life real?

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Meet Today's Podcast Guest: Jeanette Levellie

1/7/2019

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​This past week I enjoyed a fun conversation with Jeanette Levellie, and my cheeks hurt from laughing. I've "known" Jeanette for a few years through social media, after reviewing her book, Two Scoops of Grace, here on my blog. Click below to listen to her visit on my podcast, Livin' with Lisa: Keeping it Real. You'll not only want to check out her books but you'll also smile a  lot as Jeanette's joy is contagious. If you can, leave a comment for Jeanette after you listen, and let us know what you enjoyed most. Have a great week!

 Listen to her interview on my podcast clicking the triangle below:

For more information, to buy, or download one or all of her books - click on the cover below for a direct link to Amazon.
​Be sure to leave a review for her on Amazon too - this helps us authors, and future readers! Thank you!

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To contact Jeanette for  speaking engagements or other questions, please email her at jeanette@jeanettelevellie.com

To find her Personal Facebook page

Her Facebook Author page

To follow her on Twitter

To follow her on Pinterest

Her Amazon Author's Central page

Her Goodreads page

To follow her on Google+
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Thank you for listening to the podcast, checking out Jeanette's books, and for leaving a message of encouragement for her!
​Have a great day!

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    Why do I write?

    Writing to glorify God and help others!  "Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders."  Psalm 119:27 (NIV)

    Lisa M Buske
    P.O. Box 261
    New Haven, NY 13121
    United States
    lbuskewriter@aol.com

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