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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8/31/2012
Who do you cry out to?
A video I taped this summer while enjoying the beauty of the lake. It might be a little deep for some of you but I pray it leaves you thinking when you are done watching. You might think it is one of my more depressing posts yet when you take time to pause and reflect on the words ~ it is an encouragement.
Regardless of the troubles and trials we face in this life, God is always right there. We can call on Him at any time of day or night. The Lord put it on my heart to share this with you tonight. I pray those meant to hear these words as the waves crash upon the shore are blessed. Have a great Saturday! Football games, coffee dates, and last minute errands make for a fabulous "back to school on Tuesday" weekend for me! Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. Psalm 88:1  I have met a lot of writers in my life. Some may have a book or more published, some write for the church bulletin, some write as a release, and others write to make money. The last one makes me laugh because unless you are in the ever so small window of 4% - 5% of authors, this is not a money-making industry for the writer. Regardless of why you write, if you are going to be the best writer, author, and spokesperson for God you can be, YOU MUST BE WILLING TO LEARN.
The books you download and purchase have probably been revised ten, twenty, or even a hundred times before it developed into the book you are now reading. Some writers do not make it to the "author" stage because the learning curve and process in the writing industry can be harsh. Even the best comments, critiques, and suggestions given in love have potential to ruffle feathers. Think about it. An author's masterpiece is similar to a mother and her child. Ouch! Yeah, now you get it. If we are not careful, a writer can become mother bear protecting her cub even when the cub needs a complete overhaul. My challenge and encouragement to my fellow writers and to each of you stepping out to use the gifts God has given you is this - trust God and the people he places in your life to lead, guide, and critique your skill in order to be the best you can be. We are not writing, creating, and sharing for ourselves (or we shouldn't be). It is all about the God who created us and the way He has gifted us. I choose to receive the critiques and suggestions as opportunities to learn. Most of the time I make the changes but sometimes I hold firm to the direction I have taken. If I choose to remain and not make the change, I have my reasons and will explain these. After discussion, sometimes I make the suggested change and others, the editor/critic/friends says, "Oh, I hadn't thought of it that way." and we tweak it together to better reflect my intentions. For the next couple days I will be "learning" as I complete the revisions on Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey so I can return it to the lovely Alyssa before I go back to school on Tuesday morning. How is God teaching you to better utilize the gifts He has given you? Is there an area in your life you have a passion to do? Are you open to suggestions in order to make the product better? Will you share your moment of "Aha" after receiving the feedback? Enjoy your day! Lisa :)
8/28/2012
It is T.O.P.'s Tuesday on the Blog Welcome to our first weekly blog posting, T.O.P.'s Tuesday to inform you of updates about the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. My family and I are so blessed by your support, prayers, and encouragement since we announced my first book will be released in April 2013. Thank you. It is an exciting and busy time ahead of us as we meet an array of deadlines necessary to guarantee an April release. Your response on the blog and the new Facebook page (Where's Heidi?) have been abundant and inspiring. You touch our hearts with the posts, comments, and emails as continue to remember and pray for our precious Heidi and her return. Starting today, the Tuesday blogs will be titled, T.0.P.'s Tuesday and will provide you with information relating to the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. It might be an upcoming speaking engagement, the cover, an excerpt, or bizarre tidbits about the publishing process you may not be aware of. Why is is called T.O.P.'s Tuesday? Great question! Heidi played volleyball for the Bishop Cunningham Jr./Sr. High School until it closed in 1992. On February 14th, 1992 the Palladium Times (an Oswego, New York newspaper) named my sister, Heidi M. Allen athlete of the week. This was exciting and we were all proud of her but it was the name they gave her that stirred the most attention, "Tower of Power".  Heidi was a force to be reckoned with on the court. As I visited with Suz last week I told her about the name for your weekly updates. Not only did she like the name but she reminded me of this newspaper article (posted below with permission from the Palladium Times). My parents and I could not find it in the boxes of memories so the hunt was on. Mags and I spent over two hours at the Oswego Public Library today going through months and years of microfilm. Side by side, we scrolled and enjoyed the conversation and then it happened, Mags found the article we prayed to find. An answered prayer. Each Tuesday we will remember Heidi, Bishop Cunningham's "Tower of Power" (T.O.P.) as we move forward in this publishing journey. God is the ultimate Tower of Power for us all but Heidi was her friend's T.O.P. on the court. In honor of Heidi - Let the T.O.P.'s Tuesday's begin. News to report: * I have my manuscript back from the editor and I am working on the revisions, suggestions, and a little leg work I didn't realize I needed. * Mags and Dad are working on the book trailer for the September 14th book cover reveal. * Postcards, rack cards, and a surprise for my parents arrived this past week. All will be revealed after 9/14. * School starts next week so I have a lot of work to get done so my manuscript can be back in the editor's hands before then. * I have started to schedule speaking engagements for this Fall, winter, and even into the spring. God is so good! Have a great week! T.O.P.'s Tuesday will be one day you can plan on learning something new, interesting, or upcoming as it pertains to the book. Of course I might sneak stuff in throughout the week but Tuesday will be a scheduled day. Thank you again for your prayers, encouragement, and support. You are blessings in our lives. 
8/27/2012
Signs Designed In Love
This past Friday my day started with the "No food or beverages" after Midnight still looming. Before I went to bed on Thursday night I told my daughter, "I hope I don't get up in the morning and make my coffee and start drinking it before I remember I can't have it." With a chuckle and smile I went to bed. Obviously my daughter did NOT go directly to bed and she made my day when I woke up on Friday morning with all the reminder notes in the kitchen. The only one I don't have a picture of is the one taped to the fridge. All brightly colored and written, designed, and taped in love as a reminder of my daughter's concern for me.  God is the same way. He uses his best penmanship, brightest colors, the right placement, and His Perfect timing to warn, remind, or prepare us. As for Friday morning, Mags was reminding me not to enjoy my morning coffee as a warning so I wouldn't get sick later that day. Each day, if we have our eyes open, God leaves us messages and signs to help us. What signs has God shown you today? Do you have your eyes open to recognize them when they are revealed to you or are you too busy and preoccupied to notice?  The best part about God's signs to us is they don't last forever and change on a daily basis. Sometimes He might tell us "NOT TODAY" or "Sorry!" because He knows something better is around the corner but if we don't listen and follow His suggestions, we may never see the blessing and joy He has in store for us.
As for me, I smiled all morning and saved the signs made with love by my daughter. Small tokens to remind me I am never forgotten, always loved, and to keep my eyes open because God loves me enough to remind me of it every day. This day, He worked through my daughter. I didn't have my coffee and the day was a success! I'm thankful for the reminders in my life. Sometimes brightly designed and placed with careful love to slow us down as a caution BUT others require a basic, bold, and large STOP! What type of sign is God displaying for you today?
8/26/2012
Need to see "G" in the midst of "T"
Tragedy is not unique to our family or to yours. We all experience it and at different levels. The greatest tragedy I have expereienced thus far is the kidnapping of my only sister, Heidi M. Allen. When Heidi disappeared I attended church on Saturday evenings with my Gram and Aunt Nancy but did not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I knew of God, believed He existed, and even understood Jesus dies on the cross for mankind BUT I didn't know this meant me too. A cool and life changing concept I didn't grasp until after the tenth anniversary of Heidi's disappearance. I struggled and searched for more than decade for something or someone to fill the void left from Heidi's absence. Nothing did. I needed to know God, not just believe in Him. Eventually I came to know God in spite of my greatest life tragedy. Do you know "G" in the midst of "T" in your life? One of my speaking presentations shares how the trials, tribulations, and tragedies of life can be overcome when we know God on a personal level. With this relationship, we are guranteed Eternity and prayerfully the person we lost will be waiting for us when we get there, standing right next to Jesus. From "Tragedy to Triumph", one sister's journey to know God after loss. Do you know "G" and trust Him? "T" will come yet they will not beat you when you are trusting capital "G" God. Do you have an instance to share that illustrates God love and provision for you when you thought it was impossible? Your testimony could encourage another.
8/25/2012
A Guest Poet on the Blog
Rejuvenating Breath Of fresh spring air. Just for a moment I'm without a care. Funny how little things can change your mood you can escape the problems your life may include. So take advantage of moments in your day as here, then quickly gone away. But that's what makes life good when things don't make sense and a fresh breath leaves things understood. Whenever you think you can't make it through the day take a breath and you will find your way. by Chad Nearbin This past Sunday at the family reunion Chad "came out of the closet" as a WRITER. He shared this poem with me and I asked his permission to share it with all of you. If you have words of encouragement for this brave writer sharing his creative genious, feel free to do so below.
I found it to be beautiful. If you are in the Oswego area, a poet, and looking for a writers' critique group - so is Chad. You can find him on Facebook.
8/24/2012
Operation...More than a game
As I looked for a photo for today's blog I saw this and an instant smile came to my face. A few years ago my mother gave me a couple "fun" pens. One was the game "Connect" and the other was "Operation". Yes, a pen with the game "Operation", it was great. Distracting but fun. Some of you know this but I am a lover of fun/silly/ridiculous pens, sticky notes, and highlighters. I am teased often yet I am the first person people ask when at a meeting, retreat, or conference when in need. TeeHee. Different styles, colors, and sizes...LOVE THEM! My next favorite thing to have with me are legal pads. Small ones, regular size, and my dream...different colored ones or patterned ones. Because I can't seem to find them on clearance, I stick to yellow. The color doesn't matter because by the time I am done making notes you can't see the yellow anyway. I choose to enjoy life most of the time (I have my bad days, trust me - I am so human) and the variety of pens, pencils, sticky notes, and paper help to keep my writing and speaking life just as fun and fancy free. What "little" things in life help to make your day more fun? What is one little thing that made your day a little brighter today? I hope you will share! As for me, I spent today playing operation so until Monday, have a great weekend! There might be a blog tomorrow or Sunday but I cannot make this promise so rather than let you down, I will say "See you Monday" and if there is a blog tomorrow, SWEET! 
"Trust the LORD completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the LORD and stay away from evil. If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body."
Proverbs 5-8 ERV
8/23/2012
Another Box Arrives!
While some are at the Great New York State Fair today, I enjoyed a busy morning of final details before the start of this school year and a couple errands. With those complete, Mags and I went to my parents to pick some veggies for her stand then enjoyed some of the NCIS marathon. Meanwhile, the UPS person left another fabulous package at my door. Thankfully, this one is much lighter and I could carry it inside on my own. It has been opened, inspected, and put away. I did take a picture of one of the posters though and used below. Of course you can't see the cover but you can see part of the poster display. September 14th will be here before you know it and everyone will see the cover of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. We pray you all enjoy it as much as we do. Of course the meaning and story of how the cover came to be will be shared on the blog too. What are you most excited about as it pertains to the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey? Will you share with us? 
8/22/2012
"What is in the box?" Mr. UPS man delivered a big, rectangular, and heavy box to my door yesterday. I felt like a little girl on Christmas morning or an adult Lisa on her birthday, lol. Within the box was the beginning of a dream come true. Rack cards, postcards, and a few surprises for Mom and Dad with the book cover displayed. All I can tell show you is this...  Just so you know I am not totally cruel, I did bring one of each down to my parents so they could see. THEN I brought them back home with me. We are so excited. Ed is guarding them so I don't show anyone else before the reveal date on September 14th! A few more packages to arrive this week and next. This is so exciting. If I am this joyful over the postcards, rack cards, and my parents' mystery gifts - can you even imagine when the books arrive in the Spring? God is so good. Mark your calendars: September 14th - Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey cover revealed April 2013 - Tentative Book Release (exact date to be announced by year end, hopefully) Tuesday's - starting next week will be T.O.P.'s Tuesday! More information to come. You can always visit the Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey book page here on the website too for more upcoming events. Thanks for following the blog, praying for Heidi, and all of us. 
8/21/2012
Happy Anniversary to my Honey
19 years ago I married the boy I chased....  Happy Anniversary Sparky! 
 Looking forward to many more. He told me Sunday we have to wait until our 25th anniversary for a big party! Sweet...I love a party! 
"If anyone believes in me, rivers of living water will flow out from their heart. That is what the Scriptures say.” John 7:38 We spent the day with our family for the annual family reunion. It was beautiful weather, delicious food, and a lot of great conversations. This is a day we look forward to for many reasons. From our favorite dish of "x" that only Auntie Soandso can make to the visits of relatives who live miles, states, and coast away from home now.
In addition to the "reunion" aspect of the gathering, this is also an opportunity to be challenged. I know, I just said it is a day to look forward to and it is, but at the same time, we face our truest and most honest critics...our family. Family is fantastic. I am blessed with a few wonderful families. The one one God delivered me to forty-one years ago, the one I joined when I married my husband, and my church family. All three are lovely and all three help to make me who I am. I cherish them all. Today's picnic was with my husband's family, now my family too. The reason I say reunions can be a time to be challenged is because we only see most of these people once a year. They remember me as "Lisa, Ed's wife" of last year or maybe five years ago, depending on when they joined in the festivities last. Thankfully I am not the person I was last year yet this is who others remember me to be. Had you thought about this before? Each time we attend a family reunion or other annual event, we have an opportunity to witness the changes in our lives through our thoughts, words, and deeds. A lot can happen in a year's time. Last year I was praying to have my book published, this year I have a tentative release date. Last year I had ten less pounds than this year and hopefully next year I'll have thirty less pounds. Last year it rained and we were confined under the pavilion, this year the weather was perfect and everyone was scattered around the park. Last year I...., this year I..... How would you fill in the blanks? In 2005 I could have said, "Last year I lived for myself but today I live for God and aim to make better decisions." A transformation like this doesn't end the first year we start believing. Each year we should be growing and striving to be more like Jesus Family reunions are an opportunity to be challenged. Are we living and modeling the person we proclaim to be to others? Do we take time to share how God is working in our life with family we don't see throughout the year? Are we seizing every opportunity to share where our strength comes from and why we do the things we do? Today was a blessing. I was overwhelmed with hugs and words of congratulations and celebration for my book's release in April 2013. I fought tears a few times. It touched my heart beyond words to know my family, the one God blessed me with through marriage, loves me so much. Of course I knew they did yet today was the cherry-on-top of their love and support to me. I pray we look at each day as a challenge. The world tells us it is okay to live, speak, and be one thing while the Bible and God call us to something more beautiful and true. If we are not challenged, then we might want to "check ourselves at the door" because our compass is off and we need to get back on course. Carpe Diem - Seize the day! Don't wait for a family reunion, everyday is an opportunity to be challenged. How will you respond! Hugs, love, and thanks to my precious families! What is your favorite part of reuniting with family at such an event? Are you seizing opportunities to show how God has changed you on a daily basis or are you waiting for the reunion? Don't wait, you don't know what tomorrow holds.
8/18/2012
Weekly Updates: Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey Tentative April 2013 Release Date
 The journey without Heidi started on April 3, 1994. The journey to write this book started in September 2006. Six years later, there is only one way to go. FORWARD!
The editor is working her magic on the manuscript as you read this blog. I thought to submit to an agent or publisher made me nervous, ugh, it is nothing compared to waiting to hear from the editor. I have an array of questions in my brain:Will she like it? Will it come back with so many notes that my head spins around twice? Will it need a complete overhaul? Have I made a mistake? Will I need to try those energy drinks in order to stay up at night after working all day just to make the publishing deadline for an April release? Am I doing the right thing? See what I mean? I'm blessed with family, friends, and a God who will not let fear take a foothold in the progress of this book. I know it is going to come back in need of changes and corrections, this is why we are investing time and money with a good editor. I know it might need some reorganization because eighteen years are jumbled in my brain when it comes to Heidi's disappearance. I pray I don't need energy drinks though, they scare me. lol Time will tell and I am excited and looking forward to moving one way with God as the director. He continues to open doors for this story and me. The book cover will be revealed on September 14th, 2012 in honor of Heidi's birthday. This will be exciting too. We cannot wait to share it with you and how it came to be. As we, my family and I, move forward with the multitude of details that are required for an April release date we want to make sure you are included with any new developments, changes, upcoming events, and news of the exact release date. Each Tuesday will be dedicated to my first book, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. Starting next week, on August 21, T.O.P.'s Tuesday will begin. To learn what the T.O.P.S. stands for and more information about the book's release - be sure to read the blogs on Tuesdays and check the "Where's Heidi?" book page on my site too. Blogs will continue as usual throughout the week with Tuesday being a special blog with significance to the book and its release in April.
8/17/2012
Times change and so do book titles
Since my book was first written in 2006 the title has changed a few times. The very first one was, "Kidnapped: A Sister Remembers" or something like that. Then as my relationship with Jesus grew and my writing improved, I would modify the title.
Up until this past July the title was "Where's Heidi? The Search Begins" It was suppose to be a play on words - we are still searching for Heidi, I searched for something to fill the void left from her kidnapping, others search for something or someone to fill their void, and to search means we are not satisfied where we are. Of course this is a lot of "search" related ideas tied into one title but it was the search that lead me to Jesus. Then last month my very wise and wonderful father said, "I think your title needs to be more personal so people know this is your story. Every sister's story would be different but this is your story. No right or wrong, but yours." Then he flipped the pancakes on the griddle and returned to garden conversation yet his words tugged at my heart. I was not set on my title nor did I feel it was God's title for the book but I could come up with nothing better so it remained. Dad's words jingled in my head throughout the day and into my sleep. I woke up in the middle of the night with the title you know, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey is written by a sister for other siblings grieving the loss of their brother or sister. If you have lost your sibling, your journey will have similarities to mine yet because we are both individuals, our stories are different. If you were to write a book about how your life was affected by the loss of your sibling, what would its title be? I hope you will share in a post below. 
I am going to answer them out of order as I received them but in a more logical way to provide you with the information.
 Who is the publisher? You are looking at her! After much prayer, research, family discussion, and a lot more prayer...Lisa M. Buske and the publishing arm of Amazon, CreateSpace. Of course I am not doing this alone. I have many wonderful people joining me in this journey. The Lord has blessed me with an array of talented family and friends. As I prayed to self-publish or continue to search and wait for just the right publisher, God answered as he opened doors with people on the other side to help. I think an aspect of this decision is the waiting. Some have waited five and ten years before obtaining their first contract with another year or two before the book comes out. We have waited over eighteen years to find Heidi so if God chooses to bless us with open doors and opportunity to self-publish...then the wait is over and the next part of the journey has began.  "Will there be another book?" Whoa! I am still working on this one. BUT I have a few books going through my mind and scribbled on paper. One would be a sequel, in some sense, to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. Another is a children's book to help parents explain kidnapping to their young children in a less frightening way. And yet another would be a tribute to Heidi, a compilation of your favorite blogs. So the ideas are there, with more flying in as I work on this one but one thing at a time. My father always reminded us to finish one project before moving to the next. For now, we finish this first book. But who knows, by September 2013 there might be another ready for the shelves. Thank you again for the great questions!
Remember to visit the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page or the page on this website for more information and updates on the book and upcoming speaking engagements. 
I am going to answer them out of order as I received them but in a more logical way to provide you with the information.
 "How many offers did you receive?" I have been blessed with the response and feedback for my first book and crack at the publishing world. Before 2010 I thought all you had to do was send your book to a publisher and they either said yes or no. This is so far from the truth. In addition to the one-page query letter that determines if they will even request more information, you need to have a twenty-five to thirty page book proposal prepared. And of course this proposal needs to be set up differently for each agency and publisher you submit to. In addition, you need to have your "platform" established, an author's Facebook page, a blog, website, Tweet, and any other social media avenue you can think of to establish why you are the best person to write this book. Once you have this all done and can Google your name with it showing up in the top ten, they you are ready to start sending the perfected (or so you hope) queries and proposals out. I never knew but I learned. I am a better writer, public speaker, and promoter because of all I have learned over the past two years. Typically an author will send out hundreds of queries and book proposals, with a similar number of rejections. God was gracious to me. I only sent my proposal to a few publishers on my own, the rest contacted me. Some after a recommendation by a wonderful friend and others because they saw my blog. My hope was to obtain an agent and publisher. My first publishing offer was for an E-book only. I was thrilled yet there are so many people without E-readers, we prayerfully passed on this opportunity. I didn't even own one at the time. Since then two more have offered contracts yet each wanted me to pay them a substantial amount of money for tasks I have either completed or have the skill to do on my own. We prayed about these offers yet as I asked questions, the answers didn't match the contract or our wallet. We declined both of these offers and contracts. A week or so later, one of the acquisition editors emailed and suggested I self-publish. I was already praying about this so I chalked this one for God and kept praying. How Many Rejections? My first rejection was also my first direct submission yet it was an encouraging response and suggested "if" my book was still available to resubmit for the 2013 year. In the past few weeks I also heard back from one of the largest Christian publishers with a rejection. I heard from two editors and both offered words of encouragement and hope for my book. One said, "for you to find your audience and meet their needs, you may want to go the route of self-publishing...This route, rather than commercial publication which still relies heavily on retail success would be far more targeted and hopeful in terms of reaching your intended audience." Another one for God in response to our prayers. As if two weren't enough, a couple others suggest I look into this route. After much research, remembering a presentation I attended this summer by Amy Quonce, and even more prayer. Decisions were made.  "How much money will you make?" This question just makes me uncomfortable and I thought it was rude but then convinced myself, people are just concerned until I read a blog last week that answered this very question. I wish I could remember who wrote about it so I could give them credit because they responded better than I probably can. This is an unfair question. I don't ask you how much you make for a living so why is it okay to ask an author their income from the sales of their books. One thing I know to be true, unless you are the select 3% - 5%, you most likely will not quit your job and write full-time. Some authors I have met work at least one full-time job and write after the kids go to bed and on weekends, like me. Speaking engagements, book signings, and tours are done at the expense of lost days at work. I know authors who have taken a loss at tax time. BUT what you need to remember is WHY we write. If I can break even financially, I will be happy. If the Lord chooses to bless me above and beyond like Eph. 3:20-21 tells us, Praise God! But if I take a loss in my purse but lives are changed, my book is a success. I might not make a lot of money but this journey never was about how much money I make, it is about healing the hurt in people's hearts. To break even and possibly eliminate substantial debts (mostly accumulated due to my inability to work and deal with life after Heidi's disappearance) would be an unexpected blessing yet not one for public record. Some things should and need to remain private. Thanks again! Great questions.
The last two will be answered tomorrow. 
This is a blurry photograph of Heidi. Can you hear her saying, "Finally Lisa, thank goodness." She is the inspiration to my writing. God gifted me. He changed my heart. He strengthens and guides me with each word written or spoken Yet it is because of Heidi, my only sister, and her kidnapping that I am motivated and inspired to write. I want others to know there is hope and healing after such a tragic loss. My theme verse for this mission is from 2 Corinthians. " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 It is only because of Him and Heidi I have a book soon to be released. Since yesterday's announcement, questions have been posed. My hope is to answer them today and tomorrow on the blog. I am going to answer them out of order as I received them but in a more logical way to provide you with the information.
 "What do your parent's think about the book coming out?" This is an easier question than some might think. My parent's are both very excited about the book's release and are my greatest cheerleaders, alongside Ed and Mags. Two years ago when I started this blog, I had their blessing. When I asked them if I could write the book, their response ~ "It is your story to tell. We are proud of you for doing it. You are honoring your sister and helping others. We couldn't ask for anything more." Since then, this book has been a team (family) project. My parents help me prepare for speaking engagements, edit, revise, market, and celebrate the book, and most importantly...they encourage me when the memories suck the last bit of joy from my heart. They love me when I struggle to snap out of the grief and anger induced from reading old articles and notes. They support me no matter what, 24/7. My parents rock! This isn't my book. This is OUR book...for Heidi and other's who hurt.  "Are you Excited?" Oh my, YES! YES! AND MORE YES! I thought this was a silly question at first but then as I thought about it I realized, it is a fair question. I am tickled to know Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey will be available the same month, if not on the very anniversary of Heidi's disappearance. Keep this in prayer - we should know before year's end the official release date. Will you join us in prayer for it to be 4/3/13?) thank you. During my editing brain breaks, I jot things-to-do down on my list, or should I say lists. :) I am excited to have the book released yet the amount of work before me in order to meet an April deadline could be overwhelming. My friend and author, Elaine W. Miller (side note: Elaine's newest release, "We All Married Idiots" is a FREE Kindle download today!!) told me, "The work really begins after the book is accepted for publication." She wasn't kidding. While it is work, it is so much fun. My father and daughter are now my "marketing team". A fourteen year old created yesterday's video! My mother is editor, counselor, and creative consultant. My husband is my glue. He holds me together when returning to 1994 and that first decade tear me apart. He probably has the toughest role yet he does it because he loves me. And I love him. He already bore this burden once and he chooses to do it again. I am excited and thankful. I couldn't do it without my immediate team or the many others who play silent, yet vital roles in the success of this book and my speaking. Okay, so I only answered two questions but there is a lot to read. You asked great questions, it might take three blogs to answer them. See you tomorrow when I answer more of your questions. Thanks for your encouragement, support, and prayers!
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Many of you have been with me on this journey called "book writing" and "blogging" since 2010 when this blog began and others have joined over the years. Either way, thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement. I happy to announce WHERE'S HEIDI? ONE SISTER'S JOURNEY is tentatively scheduled to be released in APRIL 2013!!! We, my husband, daughter, and parents are so excited to share this book with all of you. The ultimate goal is a release date of April 3rd, 2013. WHERE’S HEIDI? ONE SISTER'S JOURNEY invites the reader to join me on a journey no one ever expects to take-- a journey through abduction and the loss of hope, family, and faith. With a soft and comforting tone, I speak to the sibling left to deal with the stress and grief experienced when their brother or sister is tragically taken from their lives. Through my experience, you will recognize similar emotions with new or renewing perspective; you aren’t alone, someone else understands, and there is hope to get through with joy. This is my story after my only sister's kidnapping. In her honor, the cover will be revealed on September 14th, 2012. ~ Heidi's birthday ~ 
Our prayer is a April 3rd release date to honor Heidi on the anniversary of her disappearance. As more information becomes available it will be posted both here on the blog, on our new "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page, and on the "Where's Heidi? Book Release" page on this site. Thank you for your prayers! It is going to be an exciting 7 months until the release of my first book, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. Video design and creation by Mags
8/11/2012
Thankful for the rainbows in life It has been a busy couple weeks and the anticipation and excitement for tomorrow's announcement and Wednesday's deadline leaves me smiling and anxious. I struggle to keep "it" under wraps when I am out. Thankfully the amount of work in progress keeps me busy and hidden within the walls of our home or my secret writing location.
Tomorrow's blog will be posted in the morning instead of the afternoon so you won't need to wait any longer. For those who receive blog notifications via the RSS feed, email subscriptions, and Twitter ~ these will all still be sent at the normal time but feel free to visit earlier in the day. In addition to the announcement (Oh my gosh! We are so excited!) A new page will be added to the site and if all goes well, a new video will be uploaded on this page as part of the announcement. A lot of exciting things happening which means it is time for me to get back to work. See you tomorrow! Eighteen years of rain...time for a rainbow! Lisa ;)
8/10/2012
Loved, Memories of April 3rd, 1994
I started a "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page a couple days ago as a clue to the Sunday's announcement. The response has been amazing and brings tears to my eyes on occasion to follow some of your conversations and the things you remember about Heidi or your location on April 3, 1994, Easter Sunday. A common theme stands out to me. We are loved! First, God loved us and then he blessed us with so many of you to offer prayers, support, and encouragement for the duration of this search for Heidi. Today's photo reminds us, "YOU are loved always!!" God loves each of us. I want to personally thank each of you for all you do to keep Heidi's name and case in the forefront. If you remember something about that day, no matter how small ~ would you share it with us today? As we read the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page we are so touched to read your memories. We are truly blessed and loved. And most importantly, our precious Heidi is not forgotten and loved by many. We look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day! 
8/9/2012
Thankful and celebrating!
I received notification today from ALife magazine my first magazine article will run in their September 2012 issue. How cool is that!? Heidi's birthday on September 14th -another big announcement on this date but you will find out what this will be in Sunday's blog. So at least you will know what you are waiting for this time. I speak for the first time with the Alliance Women's Northeast District, at their annual Fall Refocus. And now the magazine article will be out this month too. God is so amazing! I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty-- and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 135:1-7 Will you share ONE thing you can praise God for today? I hope so.
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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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