Memorial Day Parade, New Haven, New York 2016Photos taken by Lisa M Buske To Them We Owe© Don Nielsen More By Don Nielsen Published on June 30, 2014 Happened today, and in the past; Sacrifice made, for ours to last. Wives to widows, families torn; Gave their lives, for them we mourn. Gone forever, souls are lost; Freedom comes, with this cost. Enjoy the life, they did preserve; Fate they suffered, did not deserve. On this day, lest we forget; To them we owe, our life in debt. Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/to-them-we-owe #FamilyFriendPoems Happy Memorial Day!
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 This morning I enjoyed morning worship at the New Haven Cemetery with members of the three churches in our beautiful town of New Haven. All three pastors led the service and community members provided refreshments and handed out bulletins and music. This service each year is an example of why I love our town and its unity. The photo on today's blog is from last year since I forgot my camera but the feeling and thankfulness it evokes is the same. Last year I stood, this year, I enjoyed a seat along the fence. The message of thankfulness for our men and women who serve and have served rang true and the patriotic songs filled the air. A beautiful way to start the day. Our church had a BBQ later for lunch so I was able to go home for a bit before returning to New Haven to celebrate with our church family specifically. Does your community prioritize getting together as a fellowship of believers? I hope so, I'd like to hear how your church, churches, or community come together as the church God encourages us to be. Come, let us sing praise to the Lord! Let us shout praises to the Rock who saves us. Come and worship him with songs of thanks For the Lord is a great God, the great King ruling over all the other “gods.” The deepest caves and the highest mountains belong to him. The ocean is his—he created it. He made the dry land with his own hands. Come, let us bow down and worship him! Let us kneel before the Lord who made us. He is our God, and we are the people he cares for, his sheep that walk by his side. Psalm 95:1-7 ERVCome, let us sing praise to the Lord! Let us shout praises to the Rock who saves us. 2 Come and worship him with songs of thanks.[a] Let us sing happy songs of praise to him. 3 For the Lord is a great God, the great King ruling over all the other “gods.” 4 The deepest caves and the highest mountains belong to him. 5 The ocean is his—he created it. He made the dry land with his own hands. 6 Come, let us bow down and worship him! Let us kneel before the Lord who made us. 7 He is our God, and we are the people he cares for, his sheep that walk by his side. Share how your community celebrates Memorial Day. For now, we can only see a dim and blurry picture of things, as when we stare into polished metal. I realize that everything I know is only part of the big picture. But one day, when Jesus arrives, we will see clearly, face-to-face. In that day, I will fully know just as I have been wholly known by God. But now faith, hope, and love remain; these three virtues must characterize our lives. The greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:12 - 13 Voice I want to thank you for remembering Heidi, our family, her friends, and our community in your thoughts and prayers, whether it is since April 3, 1994 or this past Friday when you learned of Heidi's kidnapping on Dateline. We appreciate so many remembering Heidi and joining us in prayer to bring her home. One day we will know where she is and I pray for God's peace during that time. This weekend seemed to go by quickly, or was it the busyness that made it appear this way? I'm thankful to have a couple blogs scheduled ahead of time for this week because I didn't get-r-done this weekend. As I continue to work on school work tonight (no later than Midnight, I promise), I hope you enjoy a restful night of sleep or wonderful Monday, depending on when you read this. What does this song make you think of?
Fall of 2014 I spoke with the producer, or representative, from Dateline NBC about doing an interview for an upcoming episode. Their interest sparked from local media brought them to Central New York. I was hesitant to do the interview because I wasn't sure of their intentions at the time but regardless of the story they intended to tell, I wanted Heidi represented for the missing eighteen year old she is. I accepted the interview against the better judgement of some but knew I was doing what was right and honorable for my sister.
I made it clear that I would talk about Heidi and "who" she was before she became one of America's statistics and a face on a missing person/children's poster. Tonight at 10 p.m., #DatelineNBC will air a one-hour episode on Heidi's kidnapping. I don't know what to expect and am nervous to see how they use, or don't use, the hours of footage filmed in January 2015. I'll be honest with you, I'm nervous to watch and listen to the stories and interviews they share. I'm anxious for the effect of this episode on aging and ill friends and family. As the clip below is shared on social media and possibly other blogs (you can share it and access a "embed code" on the Dateline webpage), some are excited and can't wait. I won't speak for my family, but personally, my stomach is off and I can't sleep. Throughout my interview I was cautious, not knowing who they were interviewing or their purpose for each question. Since my interview, and possibly before it, Dateline has been interviewing many people for this sixty minute broadcast. You take out the time spent on commercials and you are probably left with 48 minutes. How and what they will cut, edit, and mesh from hours and days of filming is mind boggling to me. I know I spent hours at their make shift studio, atop the Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse, New York. I don't know what to expect and my prayer is the same, to find my sister, Heidi Allen, the eighteen year old victim in this crime. This was and still is, the most difficult interview I've yet to do. At times it felt more than an interrogation than it did an interview, but I was warned about this and half expected it. This is a national news show and I kept reminding myself, "This is for Heidi, what if someone sees it and they know where she is, let this bring Heidi home." There were fun moments during the interview when I had the opportunity to share about growing up with Heidi and sister memories, the happier times. It was the latter part of the interview that took a turn and their focus was fierce and driven, creating anxiety and fear. Their focus shifted from Heidi to the court hearings, which I specified I wouldn't comment on. Things were asked and said purposely to stir up emotions and rile me. They were successful. This interviewed ended with a frustrated sister losing her cool, yes, I lost my cool and didn't handle myself well. I'm praying this isn't the only 30 seconds of the interview they use, it is my worst moment advocating for Heidi in an interview. A friend joined me for the day, she lifted me in prayer during the whole interview and when the cameras finally turned off and I was in the other room, the interviewer told her he was surprised I did so well because he was trying to stir me up (or something similar to this) and he was impressed at my composure. Ironic isn't it, I cried the entire way home and on and off for a week because I let Heidi and my family down, he viewed me as strong. I guess we all find out tonight. I don't know who we'll see during the one hour segment tonight, at 10 p.m., on #DatelineNBC, but one this remains the same today as it did almost a year and a half later, Heidi remains missing and no one has come forward to say where she is to answer my parents' first question, "Where's Heidi?". Dateline plans to post a "Remembering Heidi" video to their website following the 10:00 p.m. airing tonight.
I used Dateline NBC's Embed Codes and the Embed option on Facebook so you can view Promos - you can also follow Dateline's Facebook page for a more up-to-date postings about Heidi's case coverage today.
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Thursday, May 19, 2016 ~ Dateline Promo
​Where's Heidi?
Friday, May 20, 2016 ~ Dateline Promo
Where's Heidi?
I'll try to keep this page updated with new Dateline Promo Videos but while you wait for me, you can follow Dateline's Facebook page and probably see them before me.
The
Thank you for remembering Heidi, our family, and all involved in this case!
May #HopeHeidiAllen be first and foremost...bring Heidi Home!
I want to start today's blog by saying thank you to the outpouring of love and support for Heidi, our family, her friends, and our community. Dateline NBC's airing ofheidi's kidnapping case was beautifully done and they are reporting, something I wasn't confident of after doing my interview over a year ago. Are there things that flustered me? Of course, but overall it was wonderful.
I wish they'd shown her missing person'a flyer and lusted the Oswego County Sheriff's contact information, but if someone really wants to reach out, Google will connect them. The photo above is linked to the touching video Dateline created to remember Heidi, they posted it on their website after Friday's episode.
It was difficult to see the old clips and photographs from 1994, heartbreaking actually yet motivational. I can smell April 1994 but something is different (besides it's 22 years later), in God's strength in the hurt encourages me to keep hope alive and share it and the road I traveled to get there. A few people shared about Dateline with mention of my book, thank you. I pray God continues to use this tragedy to transform me and help others to know there is hope.
I wish they'd shown her missing person'a flyer and lusted the Oswego County Sheriff's contact information, but if someone really wants to reach out, Google will connect them. The photo above is linked to the touching video Dateline created to remember Heidi, they posted it on their website after Friday's episode.
It was difficult to see the old clips and photographs from 1994, heartbreaking actually yet motivational. I can smell April 1994 but something is different (besides it's 22 years later), in God's strength in the hurt encourages me to keep hope alive and share it and the road I traveled to get there. A few people shared about Dateline with mention of my book, thank you. I pray God continues to use this tragedy to transform me and help others to know there is hope.
Thank you again, #HopeHeidiAllen Forever
As a teenager it was normal to see me on bicycle. My friends, Von, Tab, and Pam, spent every available moment on our bikes. We rode back and forth to the lake, each other's homes, and to the New Haven Building Supply for penny candies. To ride my bike was normal and what I did.
When I went to college, my bike came with me. I enjoyed riding my bike along Cazenovia Lake. It was beautiful and peaceful. When I transferred to SUNY Oswego, I didn't have as much time to ride between work and classes but still managed to get on my bike now and then. College turned to marriage and bills. (You probably thought I was going to say love, lol, my hubby doesn't share the enjoyment of a bike ride).
Anyway, it wasn't until our daughter, Mags was a peanut that I got back on my bike. Her favorite part was kicking me in the bum to go faster while holding her hands up over her head. It was a fun time and it kept me in shape. Somewhere in those first five years, the ride time lessoned and my poundage increased (go figure, but this isn't my point, or is it?)
When I went to college, my bike came with me. I enjoyed riding my bike along Cazenovia Lake. It was beautiful and peaceful. When I transferred to SUNY Oswego, I didn't have as much time to ride between work and classes but still managed to get on my bike now and then. College turned to marriage and bills. (You probably thought I was going to say love, lol, my hubby doesn't share the enjoyment of a bike ride).
Anyway, it wasn't until our daughter, Mags was a peanut that I got back on my bike. Her favorite part was kicking me in the bum to go faster while holding her hands up over her head. It was a fun time and it kept me in shape. Somewhere in those first five years, the ride time lessoned and my poundage increased (go figure, but this isn't my point, or is it?)
Fast forward to 2008, I attended my first Ride for Missing Children hosted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It was an overwhelming and positive experience. We've only missed one ride since then because we were in Boston on a field trip with my daughter. I'm not ready to set a goal to ride 100 miles in a day BUT to get back on my bike and ride, I'm ready.
To motivate me to do this, I've set a couple goals (using my new book, Goal Setting for a Renewed You: Because You Deserve It!, to put them into writing. Here are a couple of my goals and how I plan to reach them.
First I need to get my bike ready to ride by June 1st, I'm hoping to have this done before the beginning of the month. I went to our local bicycle shop, Murdocks Bicycle & Sports, to price bikes. One of their associates, Ben, helped me. I told him my goal was to one day (way in the future) is to participate in the Ride for Missing Children but for now and probably next year, I just want to get back on a bike and ride and I'd like one before June.
I'm not sure the RMC is a realistic goal at this point but I wanted Ben's best recommendation for a bike, hoping to save money down the road. He was sweet and translated bike language into a "just to ride", "commuter", or "enjoying time riding", and of course the top of the line which was no where in my consideration. He gave me the "sweet spot" of cost and once he revived me with smelling salts, I decided to dust off my 10 - 12 year old bike and start there. It's a good bike and was taken care of, if I stay serious about riding then I'll save up for one of the sweet rides but for now, ol' red will do great.
Why do I need a bike by June you ask? Well, let me tell you. For the month of June, 2016, I have joined the "Great Cycle Challenge", riding to fight childhood cancers. I set a goal of 100 miles in one month, which I know might seem small, especially to my cycling friends because you do this in a weekend, but I wanted to set an achievable goal. If and when I reach 100 miles, I'll set another goal throughout the month. I won't give up but will try to log as many miles as I can. I've set a $500 goal amount, all monies raised go to research of childhood cancers. Thank you in advance if you can help to support this needed cause.
Not everyone can donate and I understand this. If you can't donate, will you take a moment to lift all the children, families, and communities fighting the battle of childhood cancer on a personal level? Your prayers are coveted and appreciated by those affected.
To motivate me to do this, I've set a couple goals (using my new book, Goal Setting for a Renewed You: Because You Deserve It!, to put them into writing. Here are a couple of my goals and how I plan to reach them.
First I need to get my bike ready to ride by June 1st, I'm hoping to have this done before the beginning of the month. I went to our local bicycle shop, Murdocks Bicycle & Sports, to price bikes. One of their associates, Ben, helped me. I told him my goal was to one day (way in the future) is to participate in the Ride for Missing Children but for now and probably next year, I just want to get back on a bike and ride and I'd like one before June.
I'm not sure the RMC is a realistic goal at this point but I wanted Ben's best recommendation for a bike, hoping to save money down the road. He was sweet and translated bike language into a "just to ride", "commuter", or "enjoying time riding", and of course the top of the line which was no where in my consideration. He gave me the "sweet spot" of cost and once he revived me with smelling salts, I decided to dust off my 10 - 12 year old bike and start there. It's a good bike and was taken care of, if I stay serious about riding then I'll save up for one of the sweet rides but for now, ol' red will do great.
Why do I need a bike by June you ask? Well, let me tell you. For the month of June, 2016, I have joined the "Great Cycle Challenge", riding to fight childhood cancers. I set a goal of 100 miles in one month, which I know might seem small, especially to my cycling friends because you do this in a weekend, but I wanted to set an achievable goal. If and when I reach 100 miles, I'll set another goal throughout the month. I won't give up but will try to log as many miles as I can. I've set a $500 goal amount, all monies raised go to research of childhood cancers. Thank you in advance if you can help to support this needed cause.
Not everyone can donate and I understand this. If you can't donate, will you take a moment to lift all the children, families, and communities fighting the battle of childhood cancer on a personal level? Your prayers are coveted and appreciated by those affected.
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To learn who encourages me and the reason I ride in June,
check out next week's TOP's Tuesday!
check out next week's TOP's Tuesday!
Next month, I am taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge and my goal is to pedal 100 miles throughout the month to fight kids' cancer!
Why am I doing this? Because cancer is the largest killer of children from disease in the United States - 38 children die of cancer every week.
Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
The challenge will be tough, but nothing compared to what these brave kids face every day as they fight for their lives and battle this terrible disease.
And so to show my support, I am taking on my own personal challenge
to support cancer research to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve.
But I need your help.
Please support my challenge and join me in the fight to save little lives by making a donation through my fundraising page.
Here's the link to my page:
www.greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/LisaBuske
All funds raised will support Children's Cancer Research Fund
to continue their work to develop innovative treatments
and find a cure for childhood cancer.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Why am I doing this? Because cancer is the largest killer of children from disease in the United States - 38 children die of cancer every week.
Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
The challenge will be tough, but nothing compared to what these brave kids face every day as they fight for their lives and battle this terrible disease.
And so to show my support, I am taking on my own personal challenge
to support cancer research to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve.
But I need your help.
Please support my challenge and join me in the fight to save little lives by making a donation through my fundraising page.
Here's the link to my page:
www.greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/LisaBuske
All funds raised will support Children's Cancer Research Fund
to continue their work to develop innovative treatments
and find a cure for childhood cancer.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Thank you for lifting our kiddos with cancer in your thoughts and prayers!
| “When thunderstorms roll in, you make a choice to either succumb with tears to the gloomy downpour, or smile & look for rainbows.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich, Making Wishes: Quotes, Thoughts, & a Little Poetry for Every Day of the Year |  |
As I look out my window, I wonder if the sunshine and warmth of May will last for more than a day at a time, I thought about Noah. Do you know the Noah I'm talking about?
Yes, the very one from mentioned in the book of Genesis. Check this out. Read a snip-it here.
"In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights. The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days...Then God said to Noah, “Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number on it.”...
And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.
Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” Genesis 7:11-12,24; 8:15-18; 9:12-17
"In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights. The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days...Then God said to Noah, “Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number on it.”...
And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.
Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” Genesis 7:11-12,24; 8:15-18; 9:12-17
I'm thankful Noah didn't snub his nose at God or return to his home, with complete obedience, Noah and his family started to build the ark. An ark that saved mankind. Noah trusted God in the midst of the rain and and flood. He trusted God when forty days and nights were extended as the waters evaporated into the air and absorbed into the ground. Noah used the raven and dove to search for land, using the very things God gave him before the storm. We should be like Noah.
Rather than laying on my bed watching the rain and wind increase and the likelihood of a walk or ride decrease, I should trust God and get my bum out of bed and do something. I need to trust there are better days and warmer weather in the forecast. Rather than focus on the rain, I'm opening my door to look for the rainbow. As I wait for the rainbow to appear, I'll trust God in whatever storm life deals me. Are you ready to trust God and build your ark while you wait for His rainbow and covenant to shine brightly in the dark sky? I am. If you need me, I'll be sliding down the rainbow with a smile on my face, thankful I trusted God and not the darkness of this world.
Rather than laying on my bed watching the rain and wind increase and the likelihood of a walk or ride decrease, I should trust God and get my bum out of bed and do something. I need to trust there are better days and warmer weather in the forecast. Rather than focus on the rain, I'm opening my door to look for the rainbow. As I wait for the rainbow to appear, I'll trust God in whatever storm life deals me. Are you ready to trust God and build your ark while you wait for His rainbow and covenant to shine brightly in the dark sky? I am. If you need me, I'll be sliding down the rainbow with a smile on my face, thankful I trusted God and not the darkness of this world.
Where is your focus today? Will you share?
I was CRANKY today! I woke up cranky and then went to make coffee, only to realize I put vinegar water in the pot to soak and clean it last night BUT never followed the process through. Before I could make coffee, I had to clean the pot. By the time the coffee maker was ready to make coffee, it was time for me to go. I decided to use a gift card on my DD Perks and stop on my way to the soccer field BUT the line was wrapped around and I didn't want to be late, so still no coffee. I arrived at the community field and there was minimal parking (I forgot how busy it was on a Saturday morning). Since I had 4-wheel drive, I backed it into the lawn by the entrance and parked. Rather than let the cranky win, I buried it and put on a smile and celebrated the little things that are so big to me, my kids.
I'm lucky in the sense that I have one amazing daughter and a multitude of students I care for. Today was an opportunity to encourage them as they played soccer. Six of our students are on the same team and I saw a couple others on different fields. It was such a joy to watch them play and see their excitement when they look up and realize their teachers are there. The teacher I work with is cooler than me though, she brought donut holes for the team, she rocks. We, like many teachers in our building value investing in our students in and out of the classroom so they understand and see how important they are to us.
On the sidelines I visited with friends and laughed, only checking my phone a couple times when my daughter messaged, I miscalculated my time and she was making sure I was okay. (A good kid, right?) After the game, high fives, and hugs, I ventured home. All I wanted to do was chillax but the lists never seem to end and the cranky feeling still tried to swallow me. Rather than be ugly to anyone, I confined myself to my bedroom. It was for the better good.
I'm lucky in the sense that I have one amazing daughter and a multitude of students I care for. Today was an opportunity to encourage them as they played soccer. Six of our students are on the same team and I saw a couple others on different fields. It was such a joy to watch them play and see their excitement when they look up and realize their teachers are there. The teacher I work with is cooler than me though, she brought donut holes for the team, she rocks. We, like many teachers in our building value investing in our students in and out of the classroom so they understand and see how important they are to us.
On the sidelines I visited with friends and laughed, only checking my phone a couple times when my daughter messaged, I miscalculated my time and she was making sure I was okay. (A good kid, right?) After the game, high fives, and hugs, I ventured home. All I wanted to do was chillax but the lists never seem to end and the cranky feeling still tried to swallow me. Rather than be ugly to anyone, I confined myself to my bedroom. It was for the better good.
I contemplated walking but used the weather as an excuse and then I decided the only way to get rid of cranky was to exercise. I WAS RIGHT! In less than a mile I realized the root of my cranky, it was seeing my Mom's headstone. I just missed her so much and it was eating at me and I couldn't even think about sitting and opening my Bible, this only made me crankier. What is a girl missing her mom supposed to do? Walk 3 1/2 miles in the fresh air, wind, and wild life...and it felt good.
Fast forward to the next half mile into the walk and I startled three blue herrings from the water, majestic as they flew away. I walked another half mile to see one of my mom's favorite birds, the Baltimore Oriole. Then another quarter to half mile, a beautiful Indigo Bunting. Then the sound of Lake Ontario playing rock and roll joined this serene walk.
Long story short, rather than sitting in the house and feeling sorry for myself or crying into my pillow...I got moving. Moving Forward, I think it's time to write and finish the next book. Hmm...amazing how a little fresh air, exercise, and prayer can clear the mind.
Fast forward to the next half mile into the walk and I startled three blue herrings from the water, majestic as they flew away. I walked another half mile to see one of my mom's favorite birds, the Baltimore Oriole. Then another quarter to half mile, a beautiful Indigo Bunting. Then the sound of Lake Ontario playing rock and roll joined this serene walk.
Long story short, rather than sitting in the house and feeling sorry for myself or crying into my pillow...I got moving. Moving Forward, I think it's time to write and finish the next book. Hmm...amazing how a little fresh air, exercise, and prayer can clear the mind.
What helps you clear your head
and figure out the cause of cranky?
There are moments in life when you might feel overwhelmed and question "Why?" certain things happen. You may even question God's role in it. When I think back to the days, months, and years following my sister, Heidi's, kidnapping, I was angry with God because He allowed my only sister to become a statistic, and then denied her the dignity of a burial, and the peace for my parents to know where she is.
There are days these feelings and thoughts attempt to return and smother me. A recent event compiled with my Mom's headstone nearing completion, the announcement of Dateline's airing next week, and a family member not feeling well, have my heart heavy and my mind swirling.
Yesterday I didn't want to get up. My stomach was so upset and all I wanted to do was lay in bed and cry all day. My heart breaks for a family grieving the loss of their little girl, one so full of life, beauty, and smiles. The anticipation of seeing the headstone is overwhelming. The thought of losing anyone else makes me sick to my stomach. The unknown direction of a national news show take on my sister's kidnapping and if they will even remember Heidi, the victim and missing teen, increases my anxiety. All of these things are legitimate feelings and a good friend told me something profound about "feelings", they are just that, a feeling.
My feelings, anxiety, and fears are real and personal to me. I'm not wrong or a terrible person for feeling this way. As I put my feet on the floor yesterday morning, I shook my head and said aloud, "I can do this. There are others in far greater pain than me today and the least I can do is get out of bed." A simple task that I had to talk myself through, have you experienced days like this?
I encourage you to keep getting up and putting your feet on the floor. Your feelings and emotions will come and go, they will change like the wind in CNY BUT one thing remains constant and unchanging...God. Trust Him and look to Him for guidance, love, and strength. It works for me!
There are days these feelings and thoughts attempt to return and smother me. A recent event compiled with my Mom's headstone nearing completion, the announcement of Dateline's airing next week, and a family member not feeling well, have my heart heavy and my mind swirling.
Yesterday I didn't want to get up. My stomach was so upset and all I wanted to do was lay in bed and cry all day. My heart breaks for a family grieving the loss of their little girl, one so full of life, beauty, and smiles. The anticipation of seeing the headstone is overwhelming. The thought of losing anyone else makes me sick to my stomach. The unknown direction of a national news show take on my sister's kidnapping and if they will even remember Heidi, the victim and missing teen, increases my anxiety. All of these things are legitimate feelings and a good friend told me something profound about "feelings", they are just that, a feeling.
My feelings, anxiety, and fears are real and personal to me. I'm not wrong or a terrible person for feeling this way. As I put my feet on the floor yesterday morning, I shook my head and said aloud, "I can do this. There are others in far greater pain than me today and the least I can do is get out of bed." A simple task that I had to talk myself through, have you experienced days like this?
I encourage you to keep getting up and putting your feet on the floor. Your feelings and emotions will come and go, they will change like the wind in CNY BUT one thing remains constant and unchanging...God. Trust Him and look to Him for guidance, love, and strength. It works for me!
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Dressed and ready for another day...
What helps you put your feet on the floor on the tough days?
My Mom's Legacy of Mother's Day comments...
click on the title below to take a step back in time.
A few of my favorite Mother's Day Blogs.
2015
Happy Mother's Day Everyone
2014
Mother's Day: Generations of Moms
A Mother's Day Weekend Video
Who Calls You Mom
2013
Mother's Day Can be a Challenge Too
2011
Happy Mother's Day Mom, I Love You
Remembering a "Mom" on Mother's Day
click on the title below to take a step back in time.
A few of my favorite Mother's Day Blogs.
2015
Happy Mother's Day Everyone
2014
Mother's Day: Generations of Moms
A Mother's Day Weekend Video
Who Calls You Mom
2013
Mother's Day Can be a Challenge Too
2011
Happy Mother's Day Mom, I Love You
Remembering a "Mom" on Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day!
Keep making memories with your moms readers.
One day as I sat staring at my computer, also known as writer's block, I noticed something on my keyboard. (Besides cat hair, that is) I noticed shininess to some of my keys and then realized the weight and repeat tapping on certain keys has left its park. There was an episode of Criminal Minds, NCIS, or was it National Treasure that highlighted this fact? I can't remember which, but that's not important. My point, criminal cases have been solved because of the patterns left on our computers. This is neat, don't you agree? On the flip side, it can be eerie, to think someone with a trained eye can view just the keys to our laptop and learn a lot about us.
Without even turning on the computer or opening a document, our computers and their wear and tear of use can help law enforcement know if we are right or left handed. They know which letters we use the most (like our passwords, encouragement to change your passwords often), and if we rest our wrists while typing or hold a proper form like taught in high school. I find this interesting.
Now think about yourself, sometimes people look at us and see the bags under our eyes, the extra pounds (or lack there of), or the sparkles (gray) in our hair. They can't determine details like a criminal investigator but they are able to see we aren't sleeping or eating well, and in addition to aging, we may be under stress. While there isn't one person who can look at our keyboards or our outward appearances and KNOW without a shadow of doubt what lies within, we DO HAVE a God who does. He created, designed, and loves us and knows EVERYTHING about us. Nothing is hidden.
Thank goodness. Not only does God know everything, He is right there along side you, 24/7/365. Don't try to carry the trouble or bury your troubles in the depths of a document or journal entry no one will ever read. Instead, fall to your knees and give it to Jesus. He's right here waiting for you.
Without even turning on the computer or opening a document, our computers and their wear and tear of use can help law enforcement know if we are right or left handed. They know which letters we use the most (like our passwords, encouragement to change your passwords often), and if we rest our wrists while typing or hold a proper form like taught in high school. I find this interesting.
Now think about yourself, sometimes people look at us and see the bags under our eyes, the extra pounds (or lack there of), or the sparkles (gray) in our hair. They can't determine details like a criminal investigator but they are able to see we aren't sleeping or eating well, and in addition to aging, we may be under stress. While there isn't one person who can look at our keyboards or our outward appearances and KNOW without a shadow of doubt what lies within, we DO HAVE a God who does. He created, designed, and loves us and knows EVERYTHING about us. Nothing is hidden.
Thank goodness. Not only does God know everything, He is right there along side you, 24/7/365. Don't try to carry the trouble or bury your troubles in the depths of a document or journal entry no one will ever read. Instead, fall to your knees and give it to Jesus. He's right here waiting for you.
What Message Will You Type to Jesus Today?
| “Goal Setting for a Renewed You: Because You Deserve It"... An opportunity to put your goals into writing. If you are like me, the busyness of work, school, and life interfere with this task. I challenge you to pause and look to your future. Don't stop with tomorrow or next month, consider who you desire to be in one, five, or even ten years. Not every thought we have is a goal to strive for but when we take the time to consider where we are going, it's easier to see the direction necessary to travel. Are you ready to reflect and set goals for a renewed you? |  |
This past January I announced this book was in the works, Goal Setting for a Renewed You: Because You Deserve It!. If you missed the initial announcement, click here. Since then, a few people volunteered to prioritize their goal setting and preview the book. I didn't give them a deadline to send me their feedback, instead, I encouraged them to work through the book at their own pace. Goal setting is tough work without attaching a timeline to it, don't you agree?
I ordered books to bring with me on May 21, 2016 at the New Haven Congregational Church, 4270 State Route 104, in New Haven, New York. I'll be there from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. with all my books. It is the church's Spring Chicken BBQ and Craft/Vendor Fair. The food is delicious and the the variety of crafters and vendors is wonderful. Mark your calendar.
With this being said, I await my first order so I can get started on my goal setting. I encourage you not to wait until January to set your goals. Instead, set aside time to do it today. You deserve it! While most people focus on their goals and resolutions with the new year, I challenge you to use this book when the urge hits. Don't wait. My Dad will get the first book, and the second, will be mine so I can get to work put my goals into writing.
This book is set up in the same format I organize my goals each year. I can't wait to get started transferring my hand written goals into this organized & neat goal setting journal.
I ordered books to bring with me on May 21, 2016 at the New Haven Congregational Church, 4270 State Route 104, in New Haven, New York. I'll be there from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. with all my books. It is the church's Spring Chicken BBQ and Craft/Vendor Fair. The food is delicious and the the variety of crafters and vendors is wonderful. Mark your calendar.
With this being said, I await my first order so I can get started on my goal setting. I encourage you not to wait until January to set your goals. Instead, set aside time to do it today. You deserve it! While most people focus on their goals and resolutions with the new year, I challenge you to use this book when the urge hits. Don't wait. My Dad will get the first book, and the second, will be mine so I can get to work put my goals into writing.
This book is set up in the same format I organize my goals each year. I can't wait to get started transferring my hand written goals into this organized & neat goal setting journal.
Goal Setting for a Renewed You: Because You Deserve It!
Releases on May 8, 2016 ~ Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day Mom!
| While flipping through the stations last week I saw "American Tail" listed. I smiled as memories came to mind of when this movie released in the late eighties. Heidi and I enjoyed this movie and could quote different lines. Then as quickly as these thoughts came to mind, a sadness came over me as I thought about the words in the song, "Somewhere Out There", from the movie. Tears. Prayers to bring Heidi home! |  |
What song reminds you of a lost or passed away loved one?
 |  |
In the photo below: My Mom, Sue Allen, and Marie Strong getting ready to decorate.
On this day, over twenty years ago, the children at New Haven Elementary School planted a tree at the intersection of New York State Route 104 and County Route 6 in New Haven, New York. Also on this lot at the time, was the Heidi Allen Command Center. There was a lawn sale fundraiser held to help defray the costs of postage and expenses involved in keeping the command center open and active.
This tree has grown quite a bit in the past two decades. Jimmie and Robin Guyle contacted our family, and Maggie Sue's, a few months ago to ask our permission to honor both girl's memories with plaques. The plaques will be attached to the rock located on their corner lot.
They designed a plaque for each child. Today, May 1st, 2016, they will rededicate Heidi's tree and dedicate a memorial rock to Maggie Sue. This is an opportunity for our community to gather and remember two young lives lost due to tragedy. One to kidnapping and the other to EEE. We are grateful for Jimmie James and our community, thank you for remembering Heidi and honoring Maggie Sue too. New Haven, New York is a special place to live in. A blessing to count.
Read below the post on Facebook from Jimmie James BBQ about today's small dedication.
This tree has grown quite a bit in the past two decades. Jimmie and Robin Guyle contacted our family, and Maggie Sue's, a few months ago to ask our permission to honor both girl's memories with plaques. The plaques will be attached to the rock located on their corner lot.
They designed a plaque for each child. Today, May 1st, 2016, they will rededicate Heidi's tree and dedicate a memorial rock to Maggie Sue. This is an opportunity for our community to gather and remember two young lives lost due to tragedy. One to kidnapping and the other to EEE. We are grateful for Jimmie James and our community, thank you for remembering Heidi and honoring Maggie Sue too. New Haven, New York is a special place to live in. A blessing to count.
Read below the post on Facebook from Jimmie James BBQ about today's small dedication.
From Jimmy & Robin Guyle's of Jimmie James BBQ:
On Sunday 5/1/2016 @ 2:00 pm there will be a small dedication service
held at 4249 State Route 104, New Haven, NY
(At the corner of State Route 104 and County Route 6, the old Jimmie James BBQ and Current All Wheel Auto location.) This is also where the Heidi Allen Command Post was in May 1994.
We (Jimmy James BBQ) would like to take this opportunity to invite the community
to join us in the re-dedication of the evergreen tree that was planted on May 1, 1994
by the students of the New Haven Elementary tree.
It was planted in honor of Heidi Allen, the young woman who went missing on April 3, 1994.
We would like to rededicate the tree, as well as dedicate
a new memorial rock and plaques that will help us remember both Heidi Allen
and the young girl we lost to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple E),
Maggie Sue Glenister Wilcox, on August 14, 2011.
Reverend Vivian Summerville will be there to help lead the dedication service.
There will be light refreshments served.
On Sunday 5/1/2016 @ 2:00 pm there will be a small dedication service
held at 4249 State Route 104, New Haven, NY
(At the corner of State Route 104 and County Route 6, the old Jimmie James BBQ and Current All Wheel Auto location.) This is also where the Heidi Allen Command Post was in May 1994.
We (Jimmy James BBQ) would like to take this opportunity to invite the community
to join us in the re-dedication of the evergreen tree that was planted on May 1, 1994
by the students of the New Haven Elementary tree.
It was planted in honor of Heidi Allen, the young woman who went missing on April 3, 1994.
We would like to rededicate the tree, as well as dedicate
a new memorial rock and plaques that will help us remember both Heidi Allen
and the young girl we lost to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple E),
Maggie Sue Glenister Wilcox, on August 14, 2011.
Reverend Vivian Summerville will be there to help lead the dedication service.
There will be light refreshments served.
Our family thanks Jimmie James BBQ, aka Jimmie & Robin,
for remembering Heidi & Maggie Sue with their dedication.
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