A Reflection and Encouragement For Us All

“Sing a new song to the LORD!
Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!
Sing to the LORD; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise…”
Psalm 96:1-4a NLT

Where do I begin? Wednesday was a bittersweet day. Up until this year, the mention of, and even the scheduling of events for April third created angst within. This year was so different! Yesterday was the product of six and half years of prayer, hard work, dedication, revision, editing, rewriting, more prayer, revision, and editing – accompanied by perseverance and a desire to publish the best book I could to honor my sister, Heidi M. Allen and God. I believe in my heart ~ this goal was achieved.

Instead of “Heidi Missing 10 Years” with a sad face on my calendars for 4/3, “BOOK RELEASE” with lines shooting from the words as if it were glowing marked the day and those to follow. Five weeks of clues on the T.O.P’s Tuesday blog led people to the “Mystery Book Signing” at Noon. Those who know my heart for Heidi and hope predicted the intersection of State Routes 104 and 104b as the location but I tried to throw a few wrenches into the clues to keep it fun. There was a wonderful turn out at the Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden, with the exception of the television interviews ~ the book signing was held within the warmth of the store. Special thanks, to the Valero staff for their hospitality and warm welcome for this event.

“This is the LORD’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.
This is the day the LORD has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:23-24 NLT

The afternoon was a verse from a Girl Scout song – new and old friends. It was an afternoon of laughter, joy, and anticipation. The clock clicked to 4 p.m. and it was time for us to get ready and head to Oswego to the River’s End Bookstore for the big release party and celebration. Once there, the “free” time was spent meeting more new friends and hugging friends of the past. Before I knew it, Bill Reilly, one of the store owners was motioning it was time to start. After a brief introduction and a song, the signing began. With two perfectly pink feather pens made with tie-dye duct tape for the occasion I assumed the position and enjoyed hours of encouragement, love, and memories from so many people.

After a little hokey-pokey with Heidi’s friends and my daughter in the middle of the bookstore, we returned home to the sound of tweets, beeps, and dings from the phone. Your messages, posts, and emails were and are such an encouragement to me and the entire family. My prayer as I spent six years praying, preparing, organizing, and writing this book was for one person to know there is HOPE! God is so good because your messages keep coming.

Up until this point there haven’t been negative reviews from all of you. Some have messaged wanting more information or thought there would be more about criminal case, or my thoughts about the case, and even information the public doesn’t know. I don’t know any more or less than you do but that isn’t the point. This book isn’t about Heidi’s missing person’s case on legal documents – it’s about Heidi’s missing from my life and not having a sister to laugh, shop, or even argue with anymore. Where’s Heidi? is about ONE SISTER’S JOURNEY, hence the subtitle.

It is a story about how one sister, me, turned her back on God only to have a student tell me the truth we all need to hear…WE NEED JESUS!

Anyone could write a book filled with case facts, details, scenarios, and predictions but this first and foremost, doesn’t interest me but more importantly – I want people to know there is Hope and Healing available to them. Whether your struggles is with paying the bills, grieving the loss of a loved one, or how to style your hair one day – we each have something that tears us away and brings us down.

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At the very introduction of this book’s release I stated, “It’s not about the case, it’s about One Sister’s Journey, and the effect the kidnapping and presumed murder of her only sister had on her life...my life. I understand not everyone will agree. I know each member of my family remembers the same events differently. I know the public thinks I have information they don’t, this is false.

I realize some are reading my book because they thought there would be details of the case revealed yet this was never the purpose of my book. My heart’s desire is for others to know it is possible to survive and thrive after tragedy and loss through a faith, love, and relationship with Jesus. God is stronger with an eternal love for each of us.

Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey is written to the best of my memory as seen through my eyes. No one else can see, think, or reason the emotions and things I experienced. This is one reason memoirs and inspirational nonfiction varies from author to author. I believe two individuals in the same room, watching and experiencing the same thing would write two different stories. This is my story, my journey, and the way God worked in my life. I’ve said from the beginning, this is a story of faith in spite of adversity, about healing after loss, and about trusting when all seems to point you in the other direction. I’m thankful to know I have Hope and Who is in charge of my days.

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“…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD.”…Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me”
Isaiah 41:10; 54:17; Psalm 138:7

Thank you everyone for your encouragement, love, support, and amazing reminders of how special each day is. Your words continue to encourage me. For those who have read the book or are deciding if they should read the book, with permission, I’ve posted a few comments I’ve received since Wednesday.

This isn’t about a criminal case; it’s about love, hope, and a relationship with Jesus. May God bless you in return. I would love to hear your reviews and thoughts below.

Are you Looking for Hope in Where's Heidi?
What Others have said...

“Half way through the book already....tears.....I remember so much, and had forgotten so much. I would be in shock in recalling details.....I will never forget you standing in the Fire Hall when we were on the search. I was utterly speechless. This couldn't be happening in New Haven. It's an emotional exhaustion to read going through these emotions…Your book will help people.” Mary Bennett, Camillus, New York

“Finished reading your book Lisa and I actually couldn't put it down. Kudos to you for writing such a heartfelt book....Best of luck on the next one! Keep writing......” N.S.

Thank YOU for encouraging us!

"I started reading tonight - I didn't get far before I had chills and tears from the truth in your writing.  It is so very moving that I've already recommended it as a resource to a coaching peer who specializes in helping people navigate their way through grief.  Kudos to you!" Julie Fischer
Certified Holistic Health & Transformational Coach

Do you have a positive thought to share and encourage us too?
Feel free to share below so others deciding if they should read Where's Heidi?, have your reviews and thoughts - not mine.

To order your copy - click on any photograph in today's blog. For an signed copy, contact the River's End Bookstore.