ONE SISTER'S JOURNEY KEEPING IT REAL
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The Son Shines Regardless of the Season

2/28/2015

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"Sunshine is delicious, 
rain is refreshing, 
wind braces us up, 
snow is exhilarating; 
there is really no such thing 
as bad weather, 
only different kinds 
of good weather"
~ John Ruskin
Our plan for this beautiful Saturday was to sleep until we woke up. My goal was simple, sleep past 6 a.m. I'm happy to say, I slept until 6:30 a.m., so first goal of the day met. The house was silent, with the exception of the kitten and dogs excitement to have one of their humans awake so early on the weekend. 

With the pets happy from receiving some love, I ventured to the kitchen to start the coffee. I looked around at the things I should do but decided to cop-a-squat instead and spend some quiet time in prayer and journaling. Within a couple hours I was feeling tired so guess what I did? I snuggled under the warmth of a blanket on the couch and napped until ten. Although it was my friend's text tone that initially jarred me back awake, it was the sunshine fighting to get through the blinds and curtains that truly awakened me.
This second start to the day wasn't slow moving but a jump to my feet. I opened the curtains and blinds and let the sunshine stream in. The warmth on my face, exhilarating. I've missed the day starting like this. It is wonderful.

As I looked out our bedroom window, shock shaped my face. I couldn't believe how high the snow is on the deck, nearly to the top of our rails. Wow! I grabbed my camera to take pictures of the sunshine and snow.
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Something that amazes me daily is how it's impossible to capture God's beauty with a camera.
I know snow and cold isn't specific to the typical areas this year. If you are tired of being cold, plowing, shoveling, and the bitterness of winter. Open your blinds today, the sun is shining and Spring is closer than it might feel right now. Regardless of the weather, the True Son, Jesus Christ, He shines everyday and He's waiting to be invited into your life. It's like opening the blinds to let the sun in, simply open your heart and let God in.
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For God, who said,"Let light shine out of darkness,"
made his light shine in our hearts 
to give us the light of the knowledge
of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ."
2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV

Do you measure Spring by the date on a calendar or the reality of the weather outside?

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Thankfulness is a VERB

2/26/2015

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The past few weeks have left me praying and asking God those "why" questions again. My heart breaks for a family near and dear to us. It breaks for a family I've never met in person yet thanks to their strength and faithfulness, I feel as if I know them. What do these two families have in common? They both have a young children with terrible illnesses. Diagnosis, treatments, and lack of treatments that have altered the way they function, live, and enjoy life.

What does this have to me, outside the empathy I feel for them? Many are unaware of what I'm about to share, some things are meant to remain private but as I journey into an unknown with someone dear to me, I wanted to share.

Well, a little over five years ago I remember the first time I watched our young daughter enter the "donut" for testing. The care, patience, and understanding of the technicians still amazes me today, a blessing I still count today. My daughter visited the "donut" a variety of times since then, all in hopes of determining what was attacking her system. I found myself on my knees, in tears, at the feet of Jesus asking "why".

The good news, each time she gently moved into the "donut", the results came back clear, with no cancer or other life threatening disease. The frustration became the four years of no diagnosis and doctors having to treat symptom rather than the route of the illness. 

I'm thankful to report, last year, about this time, the neurologist team at Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, New York were able to use ALL the various scans, blood tests, and other testing administered over the years, along with an updated CT Scan (now a teen, she didn't call it a donut) to determine the cause of the pain, the attack on her immune system, and the reason she struggled to function like a typical teenager. 

We are thankful God answered prayer and showed the doctors what testing needed to be done and then directed her to the right doctor. She continues to get stronger and most have no idea of this journey we traveled. She is a determined young woman, preparing and planning for her future after high school. Instead of "Why am I sick?" or "Why can't the doctors figure out what is wrong with me?" or the struggles that come with missing a lot of school and the absence of friends...our conversations and struggles are that of a typical and healthy teen.
Yesterday as I poured out my heart to my parents about the hurt and grief I feel for children with severe and life threatening diseases, my sweet teen came in the room with an attitude about her "busy schedule" this week. I didn't say anything but my father's words of wisdom humbled and reminded me...there was a time we prayed for normal and busy.
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I'm thankful for this reminder and the hope it renewed in my heart. At one point, we didn't know what caused our daughter's poor health yet thanks to God answering prayer, we know. There were days of crying as I listened to her in pain and their was nothing I could do to help her. BUT...today, thanks to God, we know the cause and our burdens are "I need shoes for the semi-formal and we have no time to get them." 

Seize the day and enjoy each blessing God gives you ~ we don't know what tomorrow brings. God doesn't answer all our prayers the way we want yet HE ANSWERS ALL PRAYER, IN HIS TIME. May we continue to seek His face, wisdom, and direction in the depths of all life's circumstances - good and challenging.

What are you thankful for today?

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Where Do You Find Relaxation and Inspiration?

2/22/2015

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One thing I ask of the LORD, 
this is what I seek: 
that I may dwell in the house 
of the LORD 
all the days of my life, 
to gaze upon the beauty 
of the LORD 
and to seek him 
in his temple."
Psalm 27:4
If you are a frequent follower of my blog, you know where my inspiration is rooted. I’m a nature girl and to see the colors, variety, and life in all God’s created around me brings instant relaxation then inspiration to write and create. My favorite time of year is when I can sit on my back deck; there is something about drinking coffee or iced tea on the deck.
Some of my best journaling, editing, and writing happen when relaxed right in my back yard. My husband laughs because you’ll almost always find me under the safety of my table umbrella or in a chair near the house to remain in the shade. As much as I love being on the deck, the sun and I aren’t great friends. I enjoy the warm, breeze, and view…not the sun rays. I’ve been known to bring the fan outside so as to create a cool breeze so I can stay outside longer. 
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And at night, I bring the fan out to blow the mosquitos away so I can write into the evening. With the exception of an occasional car, jogger, or cyclist…nothing but the birds serenade my thoughts.
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God uses nature to inspire me. While summer is my favorite, I still enjoy the beauty of a sunrise or sunset in the winter. The softness of pastels illuminated on the white snow or as a backdrop to the brown tree trunks and branches is breath taking. One reason I try to have my camera and a notepad with me when traveling, even if it’s to work or the grocery store.  
Regardless of where or when you find your inspiration, be prepared. In my case this means always having paper, pens, pencils, and a camera with me. Yours might be drawing pencils and a pad, or possibly paints. The sky is the limit, so go for it. Once you know what inspires you, seek out opportunities to be inspired.
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Share at least one 
person, place, or thing 
(so a noun, lol) 
that INSPIRES YOU? 
GO…

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What are your Lent and/or Easter Traditions?

2/20/2015

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Yesterday’s blog started our journey into the season of Lent, the forty days before Easter. A majority of these United States spend this time focused on the Greatest Sacrifice to date, the death of Jesus on the cross for our sins. God sent His Only Son to earth, to live and die. This He did for you and me. A selfless act of love displayed for people to see firsthand and then share for generations beyond our time here on earth, thanks to the Bible.

Did you attend an Ash Wednesday or a “Kick-off to Lent” service or mass yesterday?  I had intentions to attend one but as I basked in the sun shining in the café window while I worked, I lost track of time. Although I didn’t attend a church service, I did spend time in reflection and prayer as I started my Easter devotional. I found this devotional at the Catholic shop that used to be on West First Street in Oswego, across from The King’s Business. I guess it doesn’t really matter where I purchased it, my point in sharing is because I’ve used this same devotional for many years and each time I read it, I learn or realize something different than the year before. 
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It reminds me of reading the Bible. Have you ever read a portion of the Bible a dozen times and then one day you read this same, and familiar verse, and have this major “I never saw that before” moment? I know I have. To read this devotional is one of these moments.
My memory must be going because each year as I read, I’m in awe of how God speaks to my heart through the words written on the page and the Bible verses selected. I read as if it’s the first time I’ve read the book even though it’s been years. I think this is one of the valuable lessons to focus and learn during Lent. While we may do many things out of habit or tradition, we need to remember to slow down. 
As we slow down, we are able to reflect and focus on God and His plan for our life. We’re all designed differently and God’s unique and intrikit creation, you, is more wonderful than you might even realize. Take time each day as we journey to the cross to reflect on the reason for this season.

How are you gifted? Where do your talents shine? What attributes do you have that leave people saying, “You are so good at “x”, you should…” This might be the way God plans to use you to share Him and the Hope of Eternity with the people you meet. 
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Some find devotionals too restricting. Maybe as you transition through Lent this year, take a one-subject notebook and dedicate it to your quiet time during this season. List the Bible verse you read, journal a response to the reading, and log your prayers and answers to prayer during this time. 

Who knows, you might have a Lenten Devotional within you that could bless the hearts and lives of others…you just don’t realize it yet. Or, it might just be the tool you need a year from now when you look back to see how far God has brought you and the growth within your heart and lives, thanks to a few moments of quiet time during the next forty days.

Do you have a favorite devotional for Lent or do you do a different reading plan each year?

Someone reading this today might be looking for their first or a new devotional and your thoughts might start them on a journey to the cross that will change their lives in ways only God can imagine. 

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It’s the start of Lent, aka Ash Wednesday

2/18/2015

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“Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face continually.”
1 Chronicles 16:11
One of the things I miss about attending the Catholic Church is the Ash Wednesday service. Some of you may remember I attended the Bishop Cunningham Catholic High School in Oswego, New York. One of my favorite services during the school year was the Ash Wednesday mass. Father Leo Heizman was principal at the beginning of my time there, his faith and love for Jesus always amazed me and was new in comparison to priests I’d met throughout my life. At the time, I didn’t understand why Father Leo was different than other priests I met. It wasn’t until after I accepted Jesus as my Savior that it clicked. I had one of those V8, aha, moments. 
I was raised with the knowledge that God was the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit but it wasn’t until my adult life that I understood Jesus died for ME. I know it was taught in our CCD religious education classes and different Scriptures were read during the weekly masses but it took a child to drive the important and vital part of this death on a cross home. Jesus died for me. Jesus died for you. 
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Ash Wednesday is an important day in the Catholic church, with services held throughout the day for believers to join together and listen to the reason for Ash Wednesday and the significance of the ashes placed on a Catholic’s forehead to display for all, they believe in Jesus, his death on a cross, and the hope of his resurrection on Easter Sunday. In 2004, I started to attend a Christian church; one of the things that stood out to me was the absence of an Ash Wednesday service.

Being the inquisitive type, I asked the pastor if there was a reason no Ash Wednesday service to start the season of Lent. I can’t remember his response yet I was left to reflect on the majority of my life and this drastic change of events. It took me some time to understand the concept but as I thought about it last week, I think I might finally understand. I could be wrong but here is my understanding on today’s significance in the life of all believers.
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Lent represents the forty days before Easter. Easter is the fulfillment of Scripture that after Jesus is crucified; He rose again, and lives in Heaven for Eternity at the right hand of God the Father. He left us Himself, the Holy Spirit, to intercede on our behalf. Is it necessary to place ashes on your head in the form of a cross and to receive a blessing from the priest or lay ministers?

I don’t think it is BUT if this is one of your beliefs and it draws you closer to humbling yourself at the feet of the cross…then you should. The Church is not a building; it is the people believing in God. The church is the people who know Jesus died on the cross for their sins. The church is the people who know they are sinners and are only saved because of Jesus’ crucifixion. We, the church, have the right in this country to worship under whatever “house” or building, we desire but the unity of Church is our believe and faith in God.
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I have a secret, or not so secret tidbit to share with you…you don’t have to wait until Ash Wednesday to humble yourself at the Father’s feet, or seek His face, and direction in your life. You can do this on any given day or time but if you enjoy the closeness to Jesus experienced through the process of the blessing of ashes on your forehead, then you should follow this tradition and belief.

I’m thankful we can reflect on God’s gift to us. I’m thankful for God’s sacrifice when He sent Jesus to earth knowing he would life a short life then suffer crucifixion on the cross for our sins. I’m thankful God keeps His promises and Jesus rose again three days later, on Easter Sunday. I’m thankful He left us the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf, especially when we know not what to pray.

As we enter this season of Lent, regardless of your religious beliefs and routines, keep your focus on God and seek His face and direction. Have a conversation with God, also known as prayer, about what He might have you sacrifice for forty days. What might you add to your life to renew and strengthen your faith over the next forty days? Ask God how He plans to use you and what you need to do in order to better achieve HIS plan, not yours.

Lent is a journey to the cross. A journey you aren’t meant to travel alone, God is walking alongside you the entire way…waiting for you to reach out, call out, and seek His love, guidance, and provision. 

The best news of all, you don't have to wait until the forty days before Easter to start this relationship and journey...you can do it today, all you have to do is invite God into your heart and life, then spend time daily talking with Him. 

Lent and Ash Wednesday are beautiful displays of the intimate relationship available to each of us. Not everyone participates or believes in the traditions of ashes but if you think about it, it's about fasting and starting anew all for the sake of drawing nearer to Jesus. I haven't attended an Ash Wednesday service is years yet the lessons learned when I did remain in my heart with new perspectives I've gained since. It's a learning process. 

I'm thankful for the various religions that build our Church...church is the believers and one day, in heaven we'll join hands and humble ourselves together at the feet of Jesus. It's not about the different practices, it's all about the heart and our relationships with Jesus. I'm thankful for Lent as it draws attention to Jesus' death and resurrection and opens the door to share our faith with others. 

What, if any, traditions or routines 
do you participate or practice at the start 
of and during the course of Lent,
in preparation for Easter?

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Are You A Morning Person...

2/15/2015

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Or do you hide from the Morning Person or people you live with?
I fit into one of these roles quite distinctly yet live with two polar opposites of myself. Although I wear the hat of "morning person", I require hours of awake time before motivating into life's activities. One thing I notice at our house, my beloved non-morning people are able to jump out of bed, shower, get ready, pack their lunch, and be ready in ten minutes or less. 

The most frustrating of this fact, sometimes I've been up almost two hours and am still finishing up while they put their coats on. 

So here is another question, am I the morning person or do the ones with the ability to jump out of bed, prepare, and leave in less than ten minutes really fit the mode of "morning person"? They have maximized their sleep time and still manage to be out the door and functioning in 1/25th of the time required by me. I might have non-morning-person envy, lol. 

Generally, the morning person is the one who enjoys getting up early, usually before the sun peeks through the window. This is so me. I'll be the first to admit that if I oversleep or have to get ready quick, I'm a bear to spend a morning with. I require an hour of no human interaction before starting the day. I enjoy this quiet time, no distractions or things-to-do. It's just easing into another gift of a day. 

Whether you are a morning person or a get-up-and-go kind of a person, remember to start each day thanking God for the new one He gifted you with.


Tomorrow isn't promised to us and life can change in an instant. Is there a morning routing that makes the start easier? Are there things that happen that trigger a bad start?

Where do you fall on the spectrum? 
Morning Person or Non-Morning Person?
Or somewhere in the middle?

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"Throw Back Thursday"...A Social Media Trend

2/12/2015

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My sister Heidi, our Gram, and K.C. on his birthday. He turned twenty-five this week.
I understand many who follow the blog are not on Social Media. As I typed that I thought, you might not even know what "social media" is. Social Media are the online (Internet) social sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and so many others. 

I do have Facebook - click here to visit the Where's Heidi? or One Sister's Journey pages. I'm on Twitter too, click here. I believe I even have Vine and Instagram accounts too, thanks to my sweet teen.
Now that you understand what Social Media is, now we can talk about the recent fad. Each Thursday you can see your friend's "TBT" photos. TBT means, Throw Back Thursday. Basically, people dig out their old photos to scan and upload as a way of remembering loved ones, good times, and memories. It's fun and sometimes you might even catch a glimpse of a thinner, younger, and stress-free image of your self. On Facebook, friends can "tag" you, to make sure you don't miss seeing the fun photograph too.

Instead of posting my photo to FB, I'm sharing here on the blog so those not on social media have learned a new phrase, "TBT", and its meaning. You also get so see my beautiful sister and grandmother on Scoops birthday many years ago.

Do you participate in TBT? Why or Why not?
What is your favorite part of TBT?

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Who is your Refuge & Stronghold?

2/8/2015

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To know and trust is the first step...
What trouble can you give to God today?

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Walk a Mile...One of Life's Lessons

2/4/2015

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You never truly know someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes." 
–American Adage, Source Unknown
The first song (below) was recorded in 1970, I think some of the wording is a bit tough yet the overall message is important. Instead of judging someone else based on the information we have, it's important to remember there is always two sides to each story, situation, and activity. The second song is performed by a group called, Vitamin L, "Children's Music focusing on positive character development and universal values such as human rights, tolerance, love and acceptance." Every situation or conflict we encounter in life has two sides and sometimes to think of how the other side might be feeling, can help to keep life in perspective. This isn't easy yet important.

Vitamin L's song is written to encourage positive character traits in children because it's a powerful and catching tune. I've found if the tune is catchy and we can memorize it, then it becomes a part of who we are. In light of the current hearing, allegations and rumors fill social media and news media. I can't speak for my entire family, but I know personally, I do my best to avoid reading too much. The current situation is overwhelming enough without adding the additional stress of comments made with no regard to the feelings of anyone involved.

There are two families and generations of children, some now adults, affected by all the he-said-she-said publications, comments, and drama created by the masses responding with no concern to how the other might be feeling. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I pray that through the justice system working the way it was designed...truth and justice will prevail and answer the initial question...

Where's Heidi?

I don't know what lies ahead yet if it brings my sister home, then all our prayers have been answered. I don't understand God's plan or the reasons for all that is going on BUT I do know this...God is faithful. God answers prayers. God still performs miracles. He does this according to HIS will, not ours. It might be difficult yet we need to trust His plan and move forward in faith for what tomorrow brings. 

One thing that can make this journey more manageable, is to put yourself in someone else's shoes, because none of us can know how or what the other is feeling or doing. Conflict is a struggle for ALL involved. Life's situations affect ALL involved in the situation differently. It isn't our role to determine how the other's role, it's our responsibility to deal with ourselves. Just a thought to ponder today.
"Life’s challenges confront us all.  
Many amongst us courageously carry a burden
while also carrying on with life.  
We cannot know whether the person seated 
next to us has shoes lined in velvet or nails.  
We cannot know.  Nor do we need to know. 

Especially today, in our sometimes topsy-turvy world, 
leading with compassion and acceptance 
can change the course of human encounter.  
It's not necessary for us to know a life story 
before we offer a warm smile and a kind word or gesture."
Quote taken from an article on www.everydaysuccess.com 
https://www.everydaysuccess.com/everyday-life/single/a-mile-in-their-shoes

Do you find it easy or difficult to put 
yourself in someone else's shoes? 
What helps you maintain this perspective?

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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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