As I stand behind my mother’s sink to refill the water pitcher, a slight movement within the red maple’s leaves capture my attention. How can such a miniscule portion of the tree be in movement when the rest of tree is so still? Cool water cascades over my hand and startles my attention back to the task at hand but only long enough to turn the water off. I can’t figure out how there can be even the slightness of movement in the absence of a breeze? Lord, how is this possible?

God is so good. Before I even finish the word “possible”, I realize the reason. Resting ever so gracefully on the branch is a hummingbird! His wings flutter ___ mph yet he doesn’t move off the branch. Lord, you amaze me. In spite of the ___mph wing movement, he rests. Only you could make it possible to be still yet still in motion. Do you think it is possible to be moving that quickly yet not going anywhere? I do.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat –
For He grants sleep to those he loves.  Psalm 127:2

I’ve always been active and involved in an array of things, even as a child. After my sister’s kidnapping in 1994 my busyness took on a new dimension. I diverted my grief, fears, anger, and frustration into anything and everything. This is not to say all I did was negative or unimportant but it was a mask or substitute for seeking God. My wings fluttered constantly with no true rest, three hours a sleep a night was enough. I was the hummingbird with my wings constantly a flutter so the grief buried ever so deep couldn’t surface. 

As I watch this hummingbird “rest”, it dawns on me – even the busiest of God’s creatures rest. A rest we all need; to rejuvenate and heal our bodies, to process new material, and most importantly – to hear from God! I still remember a conversation with my pastor shortly after I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. He challenged me, “Lisa, why are you so busy? Why don’t you rest and enjoy the silence?” Without thinking, “I’ve always been busy.” Thankfully he was patient with me and explained his questions in more detail.  Since I love a good challenge (and he obviously knew this of me) I turned off the media and started to listen.

It has taken me another six plus years to truly grasp this concept and put it in to practice, hence the powerful message God blessed me with through the hummingbird. Things are not always what they seem. Do you see the bird in the photo above? I’ve eliminated a lot of the “filler busyness” in life. I am still in constant motion like the hummingbird yet I have learned to rest on the branches to hear from God – seeking His direction in my tasks, not my own.

My mind still moves like the wings of the hummingbird with my schedule quite similar yet the purpose, strength, and decisions behind the movement serve God and not me. Each day as I sit for my quiet time with God, to rest – I’m reminded of how busy my mind is. With sticky notes at my side, I jot down the distractions and return my attention where it should be – with God. I’ve learned my mind may not slow down but it is possible to “rest” amidst the movement. Do you see the hummingbird in the photo aboe and the one below...God's creation and beauty is all around us.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28 - 30

My Friend
Five years ago I crossed the threshold of room two-hundred three
To say I was nervous would be an understatement and I hoped you wouldn’t see
A highly revered & knowledgeable veteran teacher awaited my arrival on the other side
With a reputation preceding her ~ marvelous, dedicated and wonderful…dignified

With expectations and standards set high for all that enter your classroom
Your love and dedication for literature isn’t one that I would need to assume
Books, books and more books on shelves, on desks and in the children’s hands
Inspiring both children and your colleagues alike ~ to join you in an array of literature dreamlands

We started a journey as colleagues and a team hoping to inspire and motivate students to learn
Your former students look forward to sharing their new experiences and knowledge as they return
Crossing the threshold much taller and wiser than the first time they met each of us
Remembering the time they said, “The law is the law lady!  Get off the bus!”

We have shared many experiences and thoughts since that first day of school
Your ability to inspire and motivate those blessed with sharing a room with you is miniscule
For your care and love is an ever-present and unspoken gift even as I’m up the hall
We’ve become friends through the various classes and life experiences ~ sometimes causing us to bawl

You’ve taught me to be the teacher I have grown to be on this bitterly cold December day
Sharing your time, talents and heart to mentor and nurture one your protégé
Your expertise and willingness to add character qualities and skills to my repertoire
As an educator, wife, mother and especially your friend!

May God continue to bless you with life’s treasures both big and small
As life takes us in different directions in the years to come ~ all we’ll need is to make a quick call
Whether it is chocolate, paper towels or tissues in my hands ~ one thing will always be
A true friend, editor and confidant will I find in the precious room two-hundred three.

I love you my dear friend,  Lisa Buske 2010      
My apologies - formatting lost when posting to blog. 

I am so excited ~ The Ride for Missing Children for both Albany and Syracuse, New York occurs tomorrow. At 6:45 a.m. riders will arrive to unload their bicycles, equipment, and hearts to ride on behalf of our missing children. The Albany riders will ride to raise “posters” and the Syracuse riders will ride to support “prevention education”.

The Ride for Missing Children is an outreach of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). There are rides across New York State each year with this being the first in Syracuse. My daughter, cousins, and I have traveled to Albany in years past but this September – I will join the bicyclist less than hour from my home to kick off their ride. In addition to the opportunity to share Heidi’s case and my story with the riders, a couple of my girlfriends will be making the trek with me. It will be a morning of sisterhood, bonding, and encouragement.

NCMEC is more than an agency for families when their child goes missing. NCMEC devotes countless hours and funds to educate parents, children, educators, and communities of ways to keep our children safe. They believe in prevention education as the stepping stone to end the need for poster distribution. I pray and look forward to the day when there isn’t a need for new posters to be made but instead all children will understand and know how to keep themselves safe from harm.

This evening and tomorrow – will you keep the hundreds of bicyclist in your prayers? They use their personal and vacation times to ride on behalf of current missing children as a message of hope while also riding to educate and increase awareness in a proactive way – to keep our children safer, one child at a time. Thank you riders – may the wind be on your backs!

For more information about the Syracuse Ride:
http://www.rideformissingchildren.org/syracuse/
"The Ride is an event that is held to support the Upstate NY office of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (aka NCMEC, see attached mission document). In summary, the mission of NCMEC is threefold: 1) prevent the sexual exploitation of children 2) assist in the recovery of missing children 3) remind the public of the plight of missing children everywhere. All funds raised by the Ride will stay in the Central New York area.

I have had a couple emails requesting this email again. Thanks again to the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference for selecting my writing as the First Place piece in the unpublished prose category.
The Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference had a writing contest listed on their website as part of this year's conference.  The guidelines for the entry were as follows: "More than a contest, this is an opportunity to prayerfully consider our conference theme, "Write His Answer." In 500-800 words or a 12-30 line poem share how God is speaking to you. Poetry and prose by published and not-yet-published writers will be judged separately." 
http://www.writehisanswer.com/philadelphia/contest.htm


Here is my winning entry:
Psalm 17:6
I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
Turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
                An hour into my walk through the woods I hear the gentle trickling of a stream in the distance. I step off the path to seek out this hidden treasure. In moments I see rays of sunshine reflecting on the green leaves cushioning the creek. I kneel at the water’s edge. I wonder if this is what heaven looks like? I lean forward ever so gently so I don’t disturb the frog watching from across the creek. With my hands cupped together I scoop some water and splash it on my face. Refreshed and cool, I pause.
                I sit back and lift my face to the sky. The sun warms my face, evaporating the moisture from my skin. I close my eyes for a time of prayer, thanking God for this moment of peace and refreshment. As I open my eyes and lean down to take one last drink I notice there is a woman’s reflection in the water. I thought I was alone, where did she come from? I smile and she smiles back at me. 
                No words spoken. I lean closer for my drink, she leans in with me. I look at her, “Can I help you?” She mocks my words yet no sound is emitted. I shake my head and return to the task at hand. I lean close enough to the water that I feel the coolness on my cheeks with the aroma of fresh water. Before I can take a drink, I notice the woman is staring at me. What does she want?
                “Hi, my name is Sam. Are you okay?” with no response a second time. 
                I tuck the loose hairs behind my ear, she copies my movements. I turn to look her in the eye, but she is gone. “Hello? Anyone there?” Not even a bird chirps a response.
                As I turn, I notice the reflection in the water. She is back. I’ll ignore her this time, maybe she will speak first. Her gaze captures my heart. She looks as if she is searching for something…or is it someone. I scoop some water when PLOP! 
                “AHH!!!” Oh my goodness, it was just the frog. 
                Gentle ripples emerge from the epicenter, brushing the creeks bank. I place my hand in the water to feel the water massage my hand. I spy the frog beneath the surface, staring at me. I forget about the woman over my shoulder. I look back and she is there but this time wearing a more relaxed smile, almost a joyful look.
                I brush the loose strands of hair from my face and she does the same. We have a similar cut but the color is different. Eloquent streaks of gray highlights compliment her years of experience. I find myself staring at her now; envious of her beauty and grace until the sadness appears in her eyes again.  
                Since she leaves when I turn to face her, I decide to brush her cheeks in her reflection. She is crying. I wipe her tears in the reflection until there are tiny droplets of water creating multiple ripples on the water’s surface. I look up but it isn’t raining. I look behind me, yet no one is there. I look back to the water – it is me!
                Dear Jesus, Thank you for this moment of solitude and peace. I long to see her again, why did she have to leave so soon? I miss her. On bended knee I ask you Lord to bring her back. You know where she is and know why she left. Will I ever know the answer? Your Word says you will answer me, I pray you say yes this time. Thank you for listening to me today. I trust in you. Amen.
                With one last splash of cool water on my face I realize the woman staring over my shoulder IS the answer to my prayer. She never left. She has been with me the whole time. I may have lost my sister to tragedy but I didn’t lose myself. I’ve been here the whole time. God has just been waiting for me to look up. Each gray highlight represents one year of my searching…only God knows the total I will have when I join Jesus for eternity.

Spent a couple hours working in the garden with my Dad this afternoon. With the frost prediction - it was time to salvage the last of the veggies waiting to be picked. Dad, Ed, and Mary picked peppers and carrots. Dad and I picked tomatoes and indian corn. Mom and Dad picked indian corn. (We are a union family - breaks and rotating shifts, lol)

The indian corn is beautiful and Mary is selling it on her stand. We bundled some and hung them so passer-bys could see them. She is also going to sell the corn stalks for harvest decorations. There are gourds of all sizes and shapes, a few onions and the last of the tomatoes are on the stand. She and Pop enjoy their time of planting, weeding, picking and stocking through the summer.

As much as I love Autumn, I will miss watching my Dad and daughter bond through hard work, laughter, and healthy teasing.

Exodus 34:21
"Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest."

Thanks to everyone for your posts, emails, cards, phone calls, and prayers yesterday. It was a good day with God's strength and your encouragement. :)

This evening did not go as planned yet there was a lesson learned through it all. My daughter and I traveled to attend a second art class together but no one was there. Well, we were but there wasn't a teacher or even a light on. We're praying she is okay - unlike her so we left concerned but decided to alter our plans and still spend the evening together as mother-daughter.

We traveled to Mexico for the powder puff game. My daughter knew of friends who would be there, and so did I so we could be together yet seperate. (Love this teenage thing, lol) I parked the car and said, "Oh, we probably have to pay. I don't have any money." when I remembered I had $5.00 in my cubbie for the Jean's Day fundraiser tomorrow at school. I pulled down the money, put it in my pocket and we made the walk in the misty rain towards the sound of cheers and commentary.

Once we made it by all the "Hi, M." and teenage girl hellos. I smiled as she told her friends she had to go, she was hanging with her mom. Once at the gate, I pulled out my $5.oo bill and handed it to one of the mom's collecting money when she said, "No, it is $5 each person. It's a fundraiser." Ugh...embarrassed I ask for my money back with "Sorry, I thought it would be the same as the boys football games. This is all I have." Disappointed we head towards the concession stand so M can say goodby to her friends as I call my husband to say we're on our way home.

Before I hear Ed answer there is a tap on my shoulder. "If you want to come to the game, you can pay 2 for $5. I don't want to turn anyone away." I was shocked, more embarrassed, and more confused than disappointed. Do I accept her kindness or head home with my head tucked between my legs? I think of a couple friends at the game to see if I could borrow $5 until tomorrow at school (Dave Ramsey wouldn't like that, lol) but that didn't work.

M and I talk about accepting her kindness or going home. We decide if we can't donate the full $10, we are going home. As we walk the block back to the car and drive home it dawns on me - "Had God attempted to provide a way for us to still in enjoy our evening in spite of the lack of cash on hand and I chose not to receive it? Did I let my pride get in the way of God's blessing?"

Ugh...a lesson learned. No need to be ashamed or embarrassed - life happens. Next time I'll step aside in prayer for guidance not in text of desperation. God provided a way for us to go in and enjoy the game but I failed to accept.

Humbled...

My alarm was set for 4:15 a.m. but because I felt so tired when my head rested on the pillow, I set a backup alarm for 4:45 a.m. providing an extra half-hour to sleep. Exhausted with no need to count sheep, I snuggled under the covers for a good night’s sleep. NOT! I tossed and turned until 2 a.m., waking every half hour to sit on my window seat and enjoy the moonlit backyard. A few prayers and back to bed.  Finally at 1:45 a.m. I decide to get up rather than just toss and turn. Why can’t I sleep?

I’ve woke up in the middle of the night before with someone’s name on my mind, I say a prayer for them and go back to sleep. This wasn’t the case. I prayed for myself, my family and whatever came to mind. For nearly two hours, in the middle of the night with only the company of the full moon I poured my heart out to God. Items of praise, prayer, and reflection – some serious while others were silly and seemed unimportant in the grand scheme of life. Yet they flowed from my mouth to God’s ears. I closed with a reading of some Psalms and then…

I snuggled in to bed and slept like a rock for a half-hour until the alarm went off. NO! LOL Instead I felt energized and renewed. I made banana bread, organized the calendar, did a load of laundry, the dishes are done (even the ones from making the banana bread), picked up the house a bit, and put together my “to do lists” for the week. With God’s strength I’ll have this same energy at 8:30 p.m. when I leave class.

One of the verses that blessed me this morning:
Psalm 24 NIV
The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, 
   the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it on the seas 
   and established it on the waters.
Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? 
   Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, 
   who does not trust in an idol 
   or swear by a false god.[a]
They will receive blessing from the LORD 
   and vindication from God their Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him, 
   who seek your face, God of Jacob.[b][c]
Lift up your heads, you gates; 
   be lifted up, you ancient doors, 
   that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory? 
   The LORD strong and mighty, 
   the LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates; 
   lift them up, you ancient doors, 
   that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory? 
   The LORD Almighty— 
   he is the King of glory.

The school year started and the first week is complete. Tuesday and Wednesday were exciting and an adrenaline rush. Thursday morning found me hitting the snooze praying for five more minutes, exhaustion starting to set in. Today was a mix of excitement and exhaustion ~ excited for the opportunity to work alongside a friend I haven’t worked with before and the potential for a fabulous year after meeting our students. It will be a great year.

Although there is a lot to look forward to I do miss the countless hours spent this summer as writer. When I wear my writer’s hat, I don’t watch a clock or worry about setting an alarm. If I woke up at 1 a.m. with an idea, paragraph, or chapter that “must” be written so I don’t forget it ~ I didn’t worry about lost sleep, I can sleep later in the mornings. Other days I brought my writing bag, netbook, and inspiration on the road – to sit poolside, at the park, or wherever my daughter and her friends might want to spend the day.

Since returning to school on Tuesday I have carried my netbook and writing bag with me to school each day in hopes of spending my lunch on my writing ~ but it hasn’t happened yet. I have woke up two evenings in the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning with ideas for my speaking ministry, a new story, and even to make notes for a potential blog. While the creation of a new idea or concept is exciting and usually renders my brain useless the next day until I work through my notes – the alarm going off at 4:20 a.m. is a rude awakening.

The most important thing I have learned this week…need to invest. Invest in good cover up and foundation to hide the bags under my eyes because writing is a part of me and when inspiration hits, I will write. I may not take my netbook out of my bag or write a novel in the fifteen minutes I actually sit for lunch yet I will have ideas and plans…the weekends and breaks will be busy. If I hear from the publisher then those fifteen minutes will be spent rewriting and meeting deadlines. How exciting!

Today's photograph is of a hat my mom bought me at an antique store one afternoon while we were out to browse. I commented "That is my style of a writer's hat." Next thing I know...that very brilliant, feathery and orange hat was on my head. Thanks Mom!

Yesterday was the first day of school for teachers in Oswego County, New York. It was a fabulous day. With a morning of meetings behind me and an afternoon of working along side my new partner for the year ~ I came home hopeful, inspired and full anticipation for the year ahead. It will be a great year!

This morning it gets even better ~ the children arrive around 8:40 a.m. off the busses. Their smiles, hugs, and hunger to learn are exciting. If you have lost the joy to learn or for life, pay attention to the smiles and bounce in the steps of the children as they get on the bus. We are blessed in the U.S.A. to have the opportunity for every child to have a quality education - most love school and to learn. Watch their smiles - they are Tiggers as they cross to board the bus this morning. The smiles only get bigger when they arrive to school for the first day, I have one of the best jobs in the world. Teacher and writer.

While I was at school preparing for our new students today, my daughter worked along side her Pop in the garden. They restocked the peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn, and chalets on her vegetable stand before taking the buggy to the gourd garden. Oh my goodness did they pick some gourds and there are still more to come. A great way to end the summer and start the school year.

Farming is an American tradition and one that was becoming less common before our current economic situation. A garden is more work than swinging in to the grocery store to pick up a few things yet the reward is far greater than the produce (but my father might disagree - that first tomato sandwich is near perfection, lol). To till the earth, plant the seeds, nurture the seedlings and new plants, more love and nourishment throughout the summer before the crop is ready to harvest is exhilerating. The smell of the fresh soil is one of my favorite smells next to this same freshly tilled soil after a summer rain...priceless.

For my birthday I received a bar of "Wild Peppermint" goat milk soap and saved it for the first week of school. It is fabulous. Elizabeth also has salves and a wonderful blog. I hope you will take some time to check it out. Once I have a couple paychecks under my belt, I plan on placing an order. The soaps and salve
http://dandelionsacre.blogspot.com/p/goats-milk-soaps.html

I was raised Catholic, joining my Aunt and grandmother on Saturday evenings for mass was a highlight to my week. I would like to tell you it was because of the powerful message or to partake in communion but it wasn’t. I’m ashamed to admit the reason I went to church as a child and teen was for the perks that followed the mass. After church we were treated to dinner at Beck’s Hotel or the Golden Fish Restaurant. Neither of which are still open for business.

Each Sunday as I observed the communion rituals I craved to try some of the bread too but since I wasn’t baptized, this wasn’t possible. At the age of fifteen I decided to be baptized in the Catholic Church so I could go up for communion on Saturday night like everyone else. I still didn’t grasp the significance or power of this blessing. This is not to say communion wasn’t explained to me but it isn’t a memory I have. I viewed it as something everyone must do each week as part of the mass. I wanted to be like everyone else.

The Christian and Missionary Alliance church celebrates communion once a month. In 2004 I experienced the true meaning of communion and truly understood how much Jesus loved me and sacrifice He made for me (and you), for my sins. It was a transformation in my heart and true understanding. I remember explaining communion to my daughter when she was little. I wanted this same thing for her – to know and understand the significance and importance of accepting communion.

During the quiet of reflection and prayer, a soft and muffled grandmother’s voice explained communion to her precious grandson. It was a beautiful picture, one that triggered personal memories and joy in my heart. I couldn’t hear her exact words or his questions yet the tone and facial expressions exchanged warmed my heart. I tried not to stare and intrude on their moment yet it was so beautiful…it took my breath away.

Communion is about so much more than bread and juice –it is all about Jesus. It took me awhile to get this. I prioritized it when my daughter started to ask questions. A grandmother’s love for her grandson and the Lord combined with a message that God remembers me…another blessed communion Sunday.

Do you have a communion memory
you would like to share today?