Keeping it Real...Welcome! No matter how you found this, God knew you'd be here today. May you absorb the message He has for you. In 2011 I shared through my writing, today I've learned there is more to me than just writing. I have the energy and passion to share with others. Sometimes through Facebook live and others with my blog and most importantly, I've learned my passion to cook and bake is a vessel to share my writing and live presentations, while glorifying God in the process. I just needed to let go, and follow His lead.
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 A big thanks to those who ordered your copy of, A Journey to Easter, already. It is a joy to share a new book release with all of you, especially one that celebrates and prepares you for Easter. Would you like to help spread the word on my new release? There are a few ways to do this. 1) When your copy arrives, will you upload a picture of you and your book to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or your social media of choice? Tag me so I can share in the excitement. Use a hashtag or two: #onesistersjourney, #keepingitreal, #lisambuske, #JourneytoEaster. 2) Write a review on Amazon.com 3) Write a review on Goodreads 4) Share with your friends and family. Thank you in advance for helping me get the word out.
Lent is a great time to renew your relationship with God and prepare your heart for Jesus' resurrection.
1/23/2021
Adding Something New To the Schedule
Most of you are aware of my new venture as an Epicure Independent Consultant. Next to writing, podcasting, and speaking, spending time in the kitchen is my next passion. Epicure offers the opportunity to share good health and my faith with others at the same time without thumping people with a Bible. The best way to share Jesus is through the way we live and interact with others. It was this truth that inspired me to try something new last weekend.
On Sunday, January 10, 2021, I did an impromptu Facebook Live on my Keeping it Real Cooking with Lisa. This time, it wasn't to prepare a meal, although I did make homemade bread yet this wasn't the focus. Instead of sharing Epicure, food, and recipes...I shared my faith and a virtual devotional. Below are the first two weeks of my live devotionals from my Keeping it Real Cooking with Lisa. I hope you'll take time to check them out. The first week I encouraged people to share their thoughts if they enjoyed the devotional. There weren't many comments during the live or in public posts yet the private messages offered words of appreciation, encouragement, and requests to do this again. This past Sunday I moved the live devotional to a more comfortable setting, hoping it offered a more relaxing atmosphere for people to listen, reflect, and pray.
It was a nice way to start my Sunday, not only reading my Bible but sharing it and the message God had for us on that day. It's ben awhile since I had the opportunity to speak and share God's message with others. As the world starts to reopen and events are added to schedules, I pray for the opportunity to speak at conferences, churches, women and church groups, and libraries again. The benefit of doing in-home cooking classes is another opportunity I look forward to also.
While we wait for a return to healthy gatherings, I pray my "Sustenance Sunday" LIVE events on Facebook offer you encouragement, hope, and inspiration to brighten your day and carry you through the week. This past Sunday I recorded my Sustenance Sunday while recording my podcast, at the same time. It was fun. If you like what you hear on the video, you can listen to the remainder on my podcast by clicking here. May you have a wonderful weekend and hopefully
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 Is it writing? Is it painting? Is it baking? Is it crocheting |  Is it drawing? Is it sewing? Is it photography? Is it jewelry making? |
Today as you wind down form the week's agenda and look to the weekend, when is the last time you did something creative for yourself? If you can't answer this question, I pray you'll make time in your schedule to use the gifts God's given you.
You work hard and deserve time to relax, to create, to share allow the creative genius within you to escape. Your brain may work a little harder yet it's more relaxing when you are doing something you enjoy.
You work hard and deserve time to relax, to create, to share allow the creative genius within you to escape. Your brain may work a little harder yet it's more relaxing when you are doing something you enjoy.
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,
as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.
If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
1 Peter 4:10-11
as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.
If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
1 Peter 4:10-11
Are you making time to use your
creative gifting and talents?
When is the last time you CREATED something
for the pure joy of creating?
It's an exciting week because it's my original release week for my first devotional. A Journey to Easter was scheduled to release on January 23, 2021 to allow time for delivery prior to the start of Lent.
This devotional starts on the Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. Lent starts on February 17th this year, so you still have plenty of time to order your copy. If you don't want to wait, you can download it via Kindle and have it at your fingertips in minutes.
I've received photos from readers who received their copies and I was so excited, and jealous. It always overjoys me to see my readers post pictures on social media and private message me pictures with them and my books. The only reason I have a little envy this time, I haven't received my author copies yet. They are scheduled to be delivered next week. God is so good, I already have some of them sold to people who want a signed copy.
If you would like to order through me for a signed copy, I can accept payment via Paypal, Venmo, and credit card. I don't know the shipping rates yet until I have my books and can take them to the post office to have them weighed. Once I have those, I will share. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and prayers. I pray you order my Lenten devotional for yourself and one or two for a friend or two, or three. Those that have received it started to read and said they couldn't wait or put it down, this is a compliment above all compliments. Click here or on the cover above to purchase your copy today.www.amazon.com/Journey-Easter-Lisa-M-Buske/dp/B08RGTG3HD
This devotional starts on the Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. Lent starts on February 17th this year, so you still have plenty of time to order your copy. If you don't want to wait, you can download it via Kindle and have it at your fingertips in minutes.
I've received photos from readers who received their copies and I was so excited, and jealous. It always overjoys me to see my readers post pictures on social media and private message me pictures with them and my books. The only reason I have a little envy this time, I haven't received my author copies yet. They are scheduled to be delivered next week. God is so good, I already have some of them sold to people who want a signed copy.
If you would like to order through me for a signed copy, I can accept payment via Paypal, Venmo, and credit card. I don't know the shipping rates yet until I have my books and can take them to the post office to have them weighed. Once I have those, I will share. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and prayers. I pray you order my Lenten devotional for yourself and one or two for a friend or two, or three. Those that have received it started to read and said they couldn't wait or put it down, this is a compliment above all compliments. Click here or on the cover above to purchase your copy today.www.amazon.com/Journey-Easter-Lisa-M-Buske/dp/B08RGTG3HD
Who are you ordering a devotional for today?
Earlier this week, people talked about the length of the pandemic and how exhausted they are and how it was "almost a year". I nodded in agreement because the drain of the pandemic is wearing on everyone, even the most upbeat and positive peeps I know are starting to look drained. This week as I stared at the television, not watching or listening, to anything, it dawned on me...it's been ten months, not a year. I haven't experienced a pandemic before but I'm guessing it's normal for it to feel like the time span is more than the reality of the clock.
I read this quote from Winnie the Pooh and it reminded me of this conversation. Winnie the Pooh has it figured out! When you feel overwhelmed and like giving up.
Remember...
You are BRAVER!
You are STRONGER!
You are SMARTER!
YOU CAN DO THIS! Regardless of how long the pandemic lasts...you can do this!
I read this quote from Winnie the Pooh and it reminded me of this conversation. Winnie the Pooh has it figured out! When you feel overwhelmed and like giving up.
Remember...
You are BRAVER!
You are STRONGER!
You are SMARTER!
YOU CAN DO THIS! Regardless of how long the pandemic lasts...you can do this!
How does this quote encourage & inspire you?
1/14/2021
January 14th, 2021
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The TikTok and photo in the gym with my mask on our from this week, the others are oldies but goodies. I share these to encourage you. Here's the deal, I thought about deleting the middle photo of me using the TRX (I think that is what it's called) because of my rolls but then it's a reminder of the progress I've made. I'm not there yet but I'm closer than I was, even in that photo.
Did you set fitness goals for 2021? If so, the secret to your success is to have fun. Saturday used to be the only day I could sleep in and then I tried a total body workout class at the YMCA. Oh my goodness, it was so fun. Is it a challenge? Yes. Do I hate it at times? Yes. Do I love more than I hate it? Yes! It is so fun. Half the fun is in the challenge, the other half comes from the instructor and the others in the class. (In case you are wondering, masks are worn and we are more than 6 feet apart and class size is limited.) In addition to this class I tried yoga and although I don't love it, and I'm not very good at, but it is fun.
Are you wondering how activities that are challenging, difficult, and, that I'm not veryy good at, are fun? It's your mindset! I always feel better after exercising and getting a workout it. I sleep better and smile more. The friendships made are blessings I count. Even when exercising at home with weights or DVD, I find the fun. When I fall out of the yoga pose, I laugh. When my abs or thighs burn, I laugh. Fitness can be fun when you look at it as an opportunity to feel better, smile, and laugh. Why wait?
Did you set fitness goals for 2021? If so, the secret to your success is to have fun. Saturday used to be the only day I could sleep in and then I tried a total body workout class at the YMCA. Oh my goodness, it was so fun. Is it a challenge? Yes. Do I hate it at times? Yes. Do I love more than I hate it? Yes! It is so fun. Half the fun is in the challenge, the other half comes from the instructor and the others in the class. (In case you are wondering, masks are worn and we are more than 6 feet apart and class size is limited.) In addition to this class I tried yoga and although I don't love it, and I'm not very good at, but it is fun.
Are you wondering how activities that are challenging, difficult, and, that I'm not veryy good at, are fun? It's your mindset! I always feel better after exercising and getting a workout it. I sleep better and smile more. The friendships made are blessings I count. Even when exercising at home with weights or DVD, I find the fun. When I fall out of the yoga pose, I laugh. When my abs or thighs burn, I laugh. Fitness can be fun when you look at it as an opportunity to feel better, smile, and laugh. Why wait?
What are you doing to make fitness fun?
INSPIRED! Inspired to write is something I lacked prior to 2020. Last February the desire to write slowly returned, my mid-March I had so many ideas swirling in my mind, I couldn't keep up and then...COVID-19 and teaching from home.
The desire and inspiration to write wasn't interrupted yet the time and ability to feed this hunger was. Like most of you, I didn't let the pandemic stop me, it only created a pause. Although every free moment was spent to learn how to teach and assist the teachers from home, when inspiration and ideas came to mind, I jotted them down.
As the school year wound down, my to-do list geared up for the summer. I opted to forgo the writers' conference and played it safe, staying put and enjoy the last few weeks with our daughter before she moved. While many relaxed and recharged poolside, I logged hours at my writer's cottage. I completed my first devotional, for Easter, and met the deadlines I set for myself. The long-range goal, a January 23, 2021 release. I'm happy to say, this goal was achieved ahead of schedule.
In addition to A Journey to Easter (available on Amazon now), I started a women's Bible study, an Advent Bible Study, and organized the notes for the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. My productivity slowed in August and nearly hit a wall this past Fall. My ability to balance school and writing has been less than successful, with few writing deadlines met. The weekend after Thanksgiving was spent sewing to relax and a few hours in the writer's cottage to get in the groove.
My next goal is to readjust my writing deadlines and goals, understanding that my eyes and brain can only handle so much computer time after getting home from school. As I look forward to 2021 and future book releases, I know God is leading the way. After praying, reflecting, and listening I understand the deadlines were MINE, not God's. Over the next few weeks I plan to dedicate time to pray and listen for God's lead on what He is calling me to write and the timeline He has, not me.
The desire and inspiration to write wasn't interrupted yet the time and ability to feed this hunger was. Like most of you, I didn't let the pandemic stop me, it only created a pause. Although every free moment was spent to learn how to teach and assist the teachers from home, when inspiration and ideas came to mind, I jotted them down.
As the school year wound down, my to-do list geared up for the summer. I opted to forgo the writers' conference and played it safe, staying put and enjoy the last few weeks with our daughter before she moved. While many relaxed and recharged poolside, I logged hours at my writer's cottage. I completed my first devotional, for Easter, and met the deadlines I set for myself. The long-range goal, a January 23, 2021 release. I'm happy to say, this goal was achieved ahead of schedule.
In addition to A Journey to Easter (available on Amazon now), I started a women's Bible study, an Advent Bible Study, and organized the notes for the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. My productivity slowed in August and nearly hit a wall this past Fall. My ability to balance school and writing has been less than successful, with few writing deadlines met. The weekend after Thanksgiving was spent sewing to relax and a few hours in the writer's cottage to get in the groove.
My next goal is to readjust my writing deadlines and goals, understanding that my eyes and brain can only handle so much computer time after getting home from school. As I look forward to 2021 and future book releases, I know God is leading the way. After praying, reflecting, and listening I understand the deadlines were MINE, not God's. Over the next few weeks I plan to dedicate time to pray and listen for God's lead on what He is calling me to write and the timeline He has, not me.
What goals and deadlines have you set for 2021?
I'm excited, last February and March when this book started to come together, I wasn't sure it would be ready for a 2021 release. My target release date was initially January 23 as a gift to one amazing guy but with Lent starting on February 17, I wasn't sure there would be enough time to share and get it into your hands before then. After a little discussion and much prayer, my first devotional Journey to Easter, is available for purchase. I haven't ordered my author copies yet but plan to on payday, until then, you can order by clicking here.
Journey to Easter is available in both print and on Kindle. The devotional begins the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and concludes on the Monday after Easter. It was so much fun to write this book and when I realized Easter Sunday was April 4, I knew God had orchestrated it all. My sister disappeared on April 3, Easter Sunday, 1994. This is the closest Easter has been this anniversary in years. I don't remember exactly when I recognized the date of Easter but I remember crying. There were tears of joy, sadness, and gratefulness.
For more than a decade I couldn't celebrate Easter because I blamed God for my sister's kidnapping. In 2011 when God called, and inspired, me to write Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, I never thought devotional writing was something I could, or would do. This is one of the coolest things about God. He sees the depth of pain AND the depths of our healing and victory we have, and experience, through our relationship with Him. May He be glorified through this devotional and may others come to have a closer relationship with Him.
As I stayed at various hotels early in 2020, my heart was heavy with the knowledge of my daughter's upcoming graduation from undergrad and the 99% likelihood of attending grad school out of state. It was during these interview weeks and weekends that this devotional was birthed. There was a pharmacy near by and I walked over, spent about $50 and purchased "the" right pens and paper to start writing this devotional. Every moment that my daughter wasn't in the hotel was spent reading my Bible, researching, praying, crying, and repeating this process until the only thing that helped my eyes was a shower or soaking in the hot tub.
I look forward to sharing more about the writing of this book and how it came to be over the next few weeks. The idea was birthed in a hotel room but the real work started once we returned home. In less than a week from returning to New York, COVID-19 shut the state down and I found myself at home with a lot of time. Do not misunderstand me, I'm not thankful for the pandemic yet I'm grateful to God for opening my heart, my passion to write, and having a project I could work on while secured in our home for months.
I hope you'll take time to check out this new book, my first devotional. You can purchase it on Amazon.com. I usually check with our local book store but haven't done this yet, so for now, it can be purchased online. If you want a signed copy, I'll post when my author copies arrive and you can purchase from me directly using Venmo or PayPal. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. May God be glorified and my readers be blessed as they come to know Jesus better and on a personal level.
Journey to Easter is available in both print and on Kindle. The devotional begins the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and concludes on the Monday after Easter. It was so much fun to write this book and when I realized Easter Sunday was April 4, I knew God had orchestrated it all. My sister disappeared on April 3, Easter Sunday, 1994. This is the closest Easter has been this anniversary in years. I don't remember exactly when I recognized the date of Easter but I remember crying. There were tears of joy, sadness, and gratefulness.
For more than a decade I couldn't celebrate Easter because I blamed God for my sister's kidnapping. In 2011 when God called, and inspired, me to write Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, I never thought devotional writing was something I could, or would do. This is one of the coolest things about God. He sees the depth of pain AND the depths of our healing and victory we have, and experience, through our relationship with Him. May He be glorified through this devotional and may others come to have a closer relationship with Him.
As I stayed at various hotels early in 2020, my heart was heavy with the knowledge of my daughter's upcoming graduation from undergrad and the 99% likelihood of attending grad school out of state. It was during these interview weeks and weekends that this devotional was birthed. There was a pharmacy near by and I walked over, spent about $50 and purchased "the" right pens and paper to start writing this devotional. Every moment that my daughter wasn't in the hotel was spent reading my Bible, researching, praying, crying, and repeating this process until the only thing that helped my eyes was a shower or soaking in the hot tub.
I look forward to sharing more about the writing of this book and how it came to be over the next few weeks. The idea was birthed in a hotel room but the real work started once we returned home. In less than a week from returning to New York, COVID-19 shut the state down and I found myself at home with a lot of time. Do not misunderstand me, I'm not thankful for the pandemic yet I'm grateful to God for opening my heart, my passion to write, and having a project I could work on while secured in our home for months.
I hope you'll take time to check out this new book, my first devotional. You can purchase it on Amazon.com. I usually check with our local book store but haven't done this yet, so for now, it can be purchased online. If you want a signed copy, I'll post when my author copies arrive and you can purchase from me directly using Venmo or PayPal. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. May God be glorified and my readers be blessed as they come to know Jesus better and on a personal level.
God is good and all the time...God is good.
I'm grateful to share this new release with all of you!
Thank you and may God bless you!
1/2/2021
What Forces You Into the Air!
Happy New Year everyone! No goal setting this week, instead I want to share a couple photos my Dad's game camera captured in December.
As you look at this first photo, notice the black on the snow. These are birds at rest. As they sit, graze, and absorb the sun, they are content and at peace. Then. It. Happens.
We don't know what startled them yet that isn't important. We are like these birds. At times in our life, all is going well and then BAM!! Yup, life throws a curve an we usually don't see it coming. Regardless of how prepared, or ill prepared, to handle it, we have to deal with it. BUT you don't need to do it alone...you are never alone wen you have a relationship with Jesus. Are you ready to stand strong and confident?
As you look at this first photo, notice the black on the snow. These are birds at rest. As they sit, graze, and absorb the sun, they are content and at peace. Then. It. Happens.
We don't know what startled them yet that isn't important. We are like these birds. At times in our life, all is going well and then BAM!! Yup, life throws a curve an we usually don't see it coming. Regardless of how prepared, or ill prepared, to handle it, we have to deal with it. BUT you don't need to do it alone...you are never alone wen you have a relationship with Jesus. Are you ready to stand strong and confident?
Here is the bottom line:
do not worry about your life.
Don’t worry about what you will eat or what you will drink.
Don’t worry about how you clothe your body.
Living is about more than merely eating,
and the body is about more than dressing up.
Look at the birds in the sky.
They do not store food for winter.
They don’t plant gardens.
They do not sow or reap--and yet,
they are always fed because your heavenly Father feeds them.
And you are even more precious to Him than a beautiful bird.
If He looks after them,
of course He will look after you.
Worrying does not do any good;
who here can claim to add even an hour to his life by worrying?"
Matthew 6:25-27 VOICE
We don't know what startled the birds yet there is one thing we can all agree on, something startled them into movement. God designed the birds to know, sense, and feel when they are in danger. This verse from Matthew reminds us that if God will care for the birds with such great care, then how much more will He care for you and your needs? The birds take to flight so they remain safe. You, my friend, don't need to run to escape. Instead, you can relax.
Don't run, fall to your knees and lift your eyes and prayers to God. He is ready, willing, and able to answer your prayers. You WILL have unexpected, unwanted, and challenging events and situations in your life. The next time one of these is thrust into your life, remember, God cares for, and loves you, MORE than the birds. You can do it!
Don't run, fall to your knees and lift your eyes and prayers to God. He is ready, willing, and able to answer your prayers. You WILL have unexpected, unwanted, and challenging events and situations in your life. The next time one of these is thrust into your life, remember, God cares for, and loves you, MORE than the birds. You can do it!
Photo credits go to my Dad...thank you for letting me share these on my blog.
YOU WILL HAVE CHALLENGES...
and God is ALWAYS there for you!
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Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey * When the Waves Subside: There is Hope * Encourage Others: One Day at a Time No More Pain: I Can Fly * YOU are a Rainbow * Goal Setting for a Renewed You *Also available on Kindle* |
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