ONE SISTER'S JOURNEY KEEPING IT REAL
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Enjoy the View...There Is Always Something New

9/30/2014

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By the time I returned, my visitor was en route across the lawn. I couldn't believe it, he was joining his family. 

There were a dozen turkeys walking between our new line of Rose of Sharon trees. Since the maid hasn't been to clean the windows, I moved to the back door to attempt a few photos. Not only did the turkeys ignore the opening of the door, they didn't mind me standing in the rain on the deck to take pictures of them. 

God's creation is so beautiful. Despite the pouring rain, these wild turkeys continued their meandering in and out of my neighbors garden, to the Rose of Sharon trees, and back many times. Their little necks down more than up as they filled their bellies with whatever nutrients they could find. 

The pelleting rain didn't bother them a bit. I wonder if they even noticed?

One of my favorite things to do during the day as I move about the interior of our home is to look out the windows. I prefer the back yard, since the front usually only offers a new car driving faster than the posted speed limit. Our backyard offers a more peaceful view.

This past weekend as I peered through the sheer curtain something caught my eye. Something was in the fire pit. I wonder what it is? Is that a...turkey? Once I pulled the curtain to the side, years of walking the woods with my father proved my prediction correct. I released the curtain and went for my camera instantly.
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Are you wondering why the turkeys joined the blog or why their feeding from my backyard in the rain is important? It's simple really, if I never slowed down to look out the window and take a breath and vision of relaxation and beauty, I might have missed this priceless moment in time. To see wild turkeys crossing the road, in the pastures and fields, or in one's backyard isn't abnormal in Upstate New York yet how often do we rush by.

What if we all looked out our windows with the eyes of child? Do you remember the sense of joy and excitement when you saw something "new" or "out of the ordinary"? Another aspect of this wonder, the communication with your parents and/or care giver, when they stopped to answer the questions and embrace your intrigue and desire for knowledge. God is waiting for us to slow down and appreciate all He creates. He is always there to listen to your praises and cries. BUT...are we looking and reaching up to receive His love, grace, and mercy.
Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, 
for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?
Matthew 6:26 NLT

Look out the nearest window right now, what do you see?
What question does it trigger in your mind?

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Are you Focused on the Light or the Dark?

9/28/2014

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How busy are you? Are you busier today than you were this time last year, five years ago, or maybe ten? If you have more time, less time, or about the same...what has changed and what remains constant in your life mandating your schedule? 

More importantly, what does this have to do with today's blog? The original post that went with this first picture, of the broken window with pink duct tape holding it together, posted in May 2012. 

It's been more than two years and this window remains broken and taped. There are a couple reasons we haven't fixed it. 
I could spend time reflecting on my husband's calmness and understanding when I broke this window with carelessness fueled by frustration and imperfection...but I won't.

Instead, I want to focus on the primary reason for keeping my broken window displayed for me each day. It reminds me of my mixed priorities and misdirected frustration when I tossed the CD case causing such destruction. There isn't a time I glance at this window without some sort of emotional response. From laughter to shaking my head, but always a response.
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A couple weeks ago as I put things away in the cabinet I heard the kitten playing behind me. I couldn't figure out what she was doing until I watched for a couple minutes. She was jumping over the shadows created by the duct tape on the window. It was so much fun to observe. She sniffed the heart and the lines leading to the center, then would jump over the shadow as if it would sting or she'd sink. This went on for more than ten minutes. I ended up sitting on the window seat to simply enjoy her but then my shadow ruined the moment.

This is true in life, isn't it. God might have a beautiful plan before us, one we can enjoy and share with others but then, SMASH! One of life's circumstances flies from our hand or lips. Instead of jumping from His provided areas of light, we focus on the lines of darkness we believe prevent us from reaching the next stop on our journey. Just like the kitten, we can spend time investigating but eventually, we need to just jump over/through the obstacle in order to reach God's goal for us. 

This isn't always easy and sometimes darkness will appear to prevail, like when I sat in the window to block the light and eliminate the shadows BUT when we are following God's leading and His direction for our life - God is bigger, stronger, and able to move that darkness from our path when we've learned the lesson necessary at that moment. A life lesson from my kitten, KM would have loved this blog and how our sweet little Naomi is showing me other ways God is working in my life.
As water reflects the face,
so one's life reflects the heart.
Proverbs 27:19 NIV

Where are you looking? Seeking God  or focusing on the obstacles?

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A Feline Friend During Bible Study...

9/26/2014

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“A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.”

- Ernest Hemingway
At the end of July, a friend delivered a precious, tiny, and adorable bundle of love for our daughter on her birthday. This sweet kitten not only moved into our home, but instantly into each of our hearts. Our two dogs adore her. It's common to see the rottweiler and kitten drinking from the dog's water bowl at the same time or to see all three laying side by side in the living room. Our tiniest and newest member, Naomi, has found a home.

Our daughter has wanted a kitten for a couple years and we have put it off but decided this summer to give in, if she dedicated some of her own money to help with the medical and nutritional costs. It was a greed. A dear family friend, one who used to read the blog daily, was a cat lover. Our last visit to her camp, Mags was sharing how much she wanted a kitten but we (the terrible parents) wouldn't allow her. I motioned to my friend to let her know Mags would be getting one for her birthday. Our friend smiled and I whispered, "We'll bring her down to meet you after she gets her."

Sadly, our friend never met Naomi. The very day Naomi joined our family, God called our friend home and gifted her with angel wings. I'll always remember the day Naomi came and how she is a reminder of our cat-loving-wonderful friend, who left this world on the same day. Miss Naomi has received much love and attention. One of my favorite times to snuggle her is when I'm reading or writing, before everyone else is awake. 
Something I didn't think of this summer when starting this quality quiet time, that Miss Naomi would get bigger than the the size of Ed's hand. As our beloved kitten grows, it's becoming challenging to have her on my lap during study, reading, or work times.

This past weekend, as I read and took some notes, Naomi joined me. She snuggled in and took a nap. As I attempted to turn my pages, make a note, and find a different verse...she woke up. Oh boy! She went from sleeping quietly on top of my notebook to chasing the top of my pen as I wrote and then nibbling on my pages.
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Ed sat in his chair, laughing! Yes, laughing...Then we were both laughing. Then...Ed said, "Not so cut anymore, eh?" She is still just as cute and lovable, I just need to figure out how to balance a sleeping cat on my lap with my Bible, notebook, journal, and pen. And of course, still be able to reach for my coffee in the process. I managed alright but I'm trying to develop a better scenario for future quiet times.

Life presents us with choices. I could toss the cat to the floor and tell her "No!", but since I started this habit, that isn't the right or logical thing to do. Instead, I'm thinking of changing my comfy spot so that it allows for her to lay along the side of me while I enjoy some quiet reading, research, or work time. We'll see how it goes. One thing I do know, I enjoy her presence and comfort. While my dear friend isn't reading my blogs at 7 a.m. each morning anymore, I feel as if she is sitting next to me as I write them.
“I write so much because my cat sits on my lap. 
She purrs so I don’t want to get up.”
- Joyce Carol Oates

Does your pet have a favorite spot to nestle next to, or with you? 
Is there a favorite time of day your pet likes to seek your attention?

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No Matter What You Call It...A Blessing From Above

9/24/2014

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Last month I participated in a blog tour for Lifting the Curtain. As a thank you for sharing Don's book, he gave away a couple prizes. The winners were selected by random, based off each time a bloggers blog was shared on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social networking sites. So thank YOU for sharing, commenting, and responding to my blog because I WON second prize.

What is second prize you ask, good question. Let me tell you. I'm excited to have a copy of Lifting the Curtain coming to me in the mail, so I can read and share it with my fellow educators. As if this is isn't enough, I also won a six-month subscription to the AutomatedEditing service.

Talk about motivation to get to work on the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey...oh yeah!! I'm still reading the fine print of how it works but if I could wrap up my draft to a closer to publication copy, I could have the preliminary edit done in the next six months before I work with my professional editor I one to one.
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The way God works continues to amaze me. Yesterday I blogged about missing my personal deadline and goal of having a draft ready for edit by the end if August, 2014. No one set this goal but me yet God knows my heart, and yours. 

If God is blessing me with free editorial services for six months then it's time for coffee after 9 pm, late nights, and long weekends. May He be glorified through it all.
Will you be a part of my prayer team? While writing Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, a wonderful group if ladies joined me in prayer during the entire process, and still today lift my writing and speaking in prayer. 

My friend and author, Elaine W Miller, is dedicated to include her prayer team by sending periodic emails to her prayer team, so we can pray more specifically. As a member if her team, I know I appreciate it because I'm joining her with needs, concerns, and praises she's feeling the need of. 

Would you like to be a member of my prayer team? If so, enter your email in the form below to receive emails with specific prayer and praises as they pertain to my writing, speaking, and "Hope for Heidi".
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Thank you for sharing in this exciting news and for praying...
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TOP's Tuesday: Keeping Hope Alive

9/23/2014

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How do we keep hope alive? Each person has their personal way of doing this. Often it depends on why you lost hope that will determine the means in which you dedicate energy, time, and focus. If you are a victim, your hope comes from others who walked a similar path as you If you lose a loved one, we want to hear from others who understand this loss. 

One thing I share when I speak is that we've all lost someone. I physically "lost" my sister, Heidi M. Allen, when when she was abducted on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1994. You may have lost a sibling or loved one to death, disease, in an argument, or some other reason. This loss and absence from your life leaves an emptiness and void. 

I try to keep my sister's name, story, and "who" she was alive through my writing and speaking. This was not a path I chose yet it's one God directed me towards and continues to open doors with. In April, on the twentieth anniversary of Heidi's disappearance I set a goal to have a draft of the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey drafted so I could let it sit a few weeks until the first school break to take a read through. 

While the goal was set, it wasn't achieved as different events and attention to Heidi's case developed. Instead of finding myself sitting on the deck enjoying the sunshine and relaxation, our family, friends, and community were thrust back to 1994 all over again. Once again, I found myself wrestling with emotions, feelings, and thoughts...mostly in isolation. Some of this alone time was by choice yet most was because people, even those closest to me, don't know what to say or how to act. 

Why do I share this? Instead of beating myself up for missing a deadline I set for myself, I'm prayerfully considering the direction of the next book. Part of me wants to say, "I'm done. I'm not writing anymore." BUT I will not let the darkness of despair win. God called me to write and speak, to share hope and inspiration with others feeling the effects of loss, and to hold my head high as He walks with me every step of the way.

Does the future make me nervous? Of course it does BUT there is ONE Huge Difference this time, I'm never alone, even when I feel lonely. God is with me EVERY STEP OF EVERY DAY and I TRUST HIM!! Keeping hope alive and Heidi's memory is the very least I can do...I will not hide. In His strength, I Move Forward While We Wait.

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Are you looking for an inspirational speaker for your women's group, church event, or organization - contact me today for more information and to schedule a date. Scheduling into May 2015.

Email: lbuskewriter@aol.com 


I can do all this through 
him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

How do you keep HOPE Alive in your life?

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Angels Watching Over Us...A Poem

9/21/2014

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The Wreck on Highway 109
By Ruth Gillis

A drunk man in an Oldsmobile
They said had run the light
That caused the six-car pileup
On Hwy. 109 that night.

When broken bodies lay about
And blood was everywhere,
The sirens screamed out eulogies,
For death was in the air.

A mother, trapped inside her car,
Was heard above the noise;
Her plaintive plea near split the air:

Oh, God, please spare my boys!
She fought to loose her pinned hands;
She struggled to get free,
But mangled metal held her fast
In grim captivity.

Her frightened eyes then focused
On where the back seat once had been,
But all she saw was broken glass and
Two children's seats crushed in.

Her twins were nowhere to be seen;
She did not hear them cry,
And then she prayed they'd been thrown free,
Oh, God, don't let them die!

Then firemen came and cut her loose,
But when they searched the back,
They found therein no little boys,
But the seat belts were intact.

They thought the woman had gone mad
And was traveling alone,
But when they turned to question her,
They discovered she was gone.

Policemen saw her running wild
And screaming above the noise
In beseeching supplication,
Please help me find my boys!

They're four years old and wear blue shirts;
Their jeans are blue to match.
One cop spoke up, They're in my car,
And they don't have a scratch.

They said their daddy put them there
And gave them each a cone,
Then told them both to wait for Mom
To come and take them home.

I've searched the area high and low,
But I can't find their dad.
He must have fled the scene,
I guess, and that is very bad.

The mother hugged the twins and said,
While wiping at a tear,
He could not flee the scene, you see,
For he's been dead a year.

The cop just looked confused and asked,
Now, how can that be true?
The boys said, Mommy, Daddy came
And left a kiss for you.

He told us not to worry
And that you would be all right,
And then he put us in this car with
The pretty, flashing light.

We wanted him to stay with us,
Because we miss him so,
But Mommy, he just hugged us tight
And said he had to go.

He said someday we'd understand
And told us not to fuss,
And he said to tell you, Mommy,
He's watching over us.

The mother knew without a doubt
That what they spoke was true,
For she recalled their dad's last words,
I will watch over you.

The firemen's notes could not explain
The twisted, mangled car,
And how the three of them escaped
Without a single scar.

But on the cop's report was scribed,
In print so very fine,
An angel walked the beat tonight
    -on Highway 109.

Can you think of a time God used an "Angel" to watch over you?
Will you share with us today?

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Fun Friday: Which Way Do You Divide Your Sandwich?

9/19/2014

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Middle - Top to Bottom
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Middle - Side to Side
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Diagonal - Left or Right
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Quarters
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Who Cuts It? I just Eat!
There are times in life when we just have to have fun. Each Tuesday I post a "TOP's Tuesday" blog. This is a day to reflect, remember, and share a little on Heidi, my writing, and speaking. It is one of the most viewed blogs each week. 

I have an idea, to lighten things up and have a little fun. I don't know if it will be weekly, but I'll start posting a "Fun Friday" blog, at least once a month. I have a feeling this could become a weekly blog because I like to have fun, so why not share the fun with all of you.

As I made my PB&J yesterday, this question came to mind..."Is there a Science to how people cut their sandwiches? A reason? Or does anyone really care?" Hence, the first of many "Fun Friday" blogs on One Sister's Journey. So how do you divide your sandwich?
So, how do YOU divide your sandwich? 
There are multiple ways to share:
*Answer the poll above by selecting your answer and click "vote" - you'll get an instant percentage of where you stand compared to the norm

*Leave a comment below to Facebook

*Leave a comment directly on the Blog 

*Post something on all three places and share with your friends 
to see how they divide their sandwiches
Remember, not much purpose today, just a little fun!
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TOP's Tuesday: More Than Candlelight

9/16/2014

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My office has a beautiful antique shelf in it, one my parents gifted me for Christmas in 2012. To some, it would be used in the dining room to hold one's good china but not me. Mine houses books.

Two of the shelves house writing resource guides, dictionaries, thesauruses, manuals, and other books to help me when writing and to be a better writer. Next to my helper books on the top shelf are proof copies of my books, I think it's good to remember how each book evolves from first proof to final copy. 

On the second shelf, in addition to the books are photos of me with my sister, one with my handsome husband (the one shown here), and one with my parents. On the shelf between these keepsakes are two battery operated candles. I don't leave them lit but on special occasions, I light the one next to my sister's picture.
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Around our anniversary as Ed and I talked about going out for dinner or what we should do to celebrate twenty-one years of marriage, one of the candles lit up, the one next to our photo. I smiled and told Ed, Heidi is saying to have fun.
We both laughed and enjoyed the moment before I opened the door to unwind the light bulb and disconnect its connection to the battery. Some will say this was a ghost or Heidi talking to us from the "other side", but we realize I probably hadn't loosened the bulb enough the last time I lit it and when the kitchen shelf busted, it probably jostled even this battery operated candle.

BUT, I do think God uses moments like this to give us encouragement. He is the Ultimate and Only Light. I love my husband so much and our anniversary is such a special day of the year yet sometimes, it also induces a touch of sadness. What do you talk about on your anniversary? Your wedding day, right? As we reflect, remember, and recall the moments of our day...Heidi's name is used often.
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She was such a goof and always smiling. This year, I missed that joyous and bubbly personality more than years past. Many tears were shed. Ed called from work to check on me. 

Somehow this he knows when my mind is thinking. While I missed my sister, I also am so thankful to have her presence filling the most important part of my adult life...the day I married Ed. 

While I don't believe it was Heidi's ghost that lit the candle, I do believe God used His light as a reminder of how much He loves me and to remind me...Heidi is always with me, in my heart.

This is Ed and Heidi at our wedding...
For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," 
has made this light shine in our hearts 
so we could know the glory of God 
that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT

What sign of hope and light gives you encouragement? Please share...

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Writing Process Blog Hop...The Next Blogger

9/15/2014

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To visit Terri's blog and website 
for today's Blog Hop:  
Click here or on the picture of Terri and I. 
This photograph was taken the Spring of 2013 when I spoke 
at Lagrangeville Alliance Church. 
Thanks for joining the Writing Process Blog Hop Terri! I hope many will pop over to learn more about your writing process.
If you haven't visited Karen Beaudin's blog yet,click here or on her picture. 

Karen wrote,A Child is Missing. 

Her sister was also kidnapped and murdered, the difference, 
her sister was discovered. 
YET, our pain and loss are similar.

Thank you again Karen for the invitation to join the Writing Process Blog Hop. It was fun to be a part of this great hop.
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And the blog that started the entire process and blog hop:
Click on the "Blog Hop for Writers!" image or click here.

Thank you in advance for taking 
a moment to visit my friend's blogs.

This is one way authors encourage, inspire, and support each other and their readers. 

What is one new thing you learned on any of these blog posts? Will you share below?

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A Birthday Tribute...Happy 39th Heidi M Allen!

9/14/2014

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Today would be my sister's 39th birthday. Each year we remember, celebrate, and honor her differently. 

This year, we will place balloons at the Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden and on our mailboxes as a symbol of "Hope for Heidi".

Thank you all for your continued and ongoing support to find Heidi. Our family appreciates you all.
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Happy Birthday My Wonderful Sister!


You are always remembered...
always prayed for...
NEVER FORGOTTEN!
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Feel free to leave a note of encouragement for my parents and Heidi's family here...
thank you in advance!

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TOP's Tuesday: Lifting Hope for All to See

9/9/2014

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This past April the community gathered to remember Heidi at the New Haven Fire Barn with a candle light vigil and time of fellowship. It was a beautiful evening with encouragement, remembrance, and hope as the overwhelming theme. My only sister, kidnapped on April 3, 1994, more than twenty years ago. How does one survive the abduction of a loved one for twenty years? How does the family find the strength to put their feet on the floor each morning? What motivates friends and family to not just get up but to enjoy life?

The answer is different for each person, for me, I lean on God. I spent the first decade running in the opposite direction of Him because I blamed Him for taking Heidi from us, after all, He allowed it to happen. Right? This is both truth and a lie at the same time. God is a God of love, comfort, and hope. This is TRUTH, yet God also gave man something called "free will". God can place a path of righteousness, morals, and goodness in our paths but it's up to us to accept this modeling. God did not kidnap my sister, man did.
The LORD is compassionate and merciful; 
he is patient and demonstrates great loyal love. 
Psalm 103:8
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This Thursday is 9/11. the nation will remember the lives lost in 2001, along with the six lives lost in the World Trade Center bombing in 1993. What does this have to do with my sister's abduction, tragic loss. 

Families, friends, and communities rally and gather to remember the missing yet our nation as a whole come together on 9/11 to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost through the tragic terrorist attacks on our nation. God did not attack our country, terrorist did utilizing their free will.

In April, our small community gathered at the New Haven Fire Department, in the side lawn, in honor and remembrance of my sister, this Thursday, September 11, 2014, we gather to remember the men, women, and children who lost their lives on this tragic day, fourteen years ago. While our community might be small in number, it is huge in heart and love.

I hope you and yours will take time out of your busy schedule to remember the lives lost, honor the first responders who served, pray for the families effected, and to show unity as a nation through our time together. If you don't live in our area, check with your local fire departments, churches, and organizations. This is a national day of remembrance and honor, I hope you find time to pause, reflect, and lift a prayer for those dealing with the heavy grief and darkness. If possible, join your community and light a candle of hope too.
The LORD's loyal kindness never ceases; 
his compassions never end. 
They are fresh every morning; 
your faithfulness is abundant!
Lamentations 3:22-23

How does your family, community, or organization honor and remember 9/11? Please share, your idea might encourage another?

For those in the New Haven, New York area:
New Haven Volunteer Fire Corporation 
4211 State Route 104
New Haven, NY 13121
Non-Emergency: 315-963-8070

7 pm on 9/11

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Writers Process Blog Hop: A Little Behind the Scene Fun

9/8/2014

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Link to Blog that inspired this Blog Hop
A special thanks to author, speaker, and friend, Karen Beaudin, for inviting me to join this blog hop with her. Karen and I "met" the first time via email and then Facebook. 

A couple years ago, we had the opportunity to meet in person as Karen traveled through New York between speaking engagements. 

As I drafted my book proposal for Where's Heidi?, I found Karen's book, A Child is Misisng. It was a powerful and encouraging read for me. Karen's sister,Kathy, disappeared over forty years ago. Karen's sister was found and her family gave her a proper burial, yet her abductor and murderer, remains free. Karen uses this as the fuel for helping other families of the missing, educating law enforcement, and keeping cold cases on the forefront across the country. 

One way she helps victims of violent crimes is through an ongoing fundraising effort. She designed and is selling bracelets. For more information, she has a page on her website or you can click here for more information. To order Karen's book, click here.  To visit Karen's website - click on her picture or click here.
About me:
1) What am I working on? 
At this moment, I have a few different things I'm "working on". This past June, I released my first children's book, YOU are a Rainbow. On the last page of this book is ideas for teachers, youth leaders, and parents to use that will help to take this book to the next level and ignite a reflective thought process and creative output in our children. I only listed a few ideas here but have some others so I'm working on a YOU are a Rainbow Resource Book to supplement my children's book, making the extension activities available with minimal prep. 

I'm also working on the book to build from Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. My hope is to share the next part of the journey, when a loved one is missing, "Moving Forward While We Wait". I have a few other ideas for potential books but they are still in the dream and idea stages, so I'll wait before sharing them with you. 

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
If I were to compare Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey to Karen Beaudin's, A Child is Missing, the greatest difference is in the amount of time spent sharing about the legal process and actual case. My book focuses on my faith journey with minimal attention given to Heidi's kidnapping as a "case file", whereas, Karen talks about her faith and her sister's case, with vigor and intensity to find answers. Both are similar, yet very different. My writing is motivated by my faith and hope for Heidi, the greatest difference between my book and that of others about missing persons, it's written from a sister's perspective.

3) Why do I write what I do?
I write what I do because this is the direction I feel God is leading me. On April 3, 1994, Heidi was kidnapped and remains missing still today. An aspect of kidnapping and missing persons that you might not understand is the impact a loved one's disappearance has on the family and friends left to pray, wonder, and wait for the missing to be found. My greatest hope is to help others grieving the loss of a loved one. To lose a loved one, especially unexpectedly or "too soon", creates a heightened level of grief and sadness. I write and speak in hopes of encouraging and inspiring others to look beyond their loss and see how they can use this to be stronger and help others in the process. I write to share how God's love saved me from going through the motions to living life to the best of my ability and helping others along the way.

4) How does my writing process work?
My writing starts as an idea milling around in my head and then its first visit to paper is usually on a sticky note, napkin, scrap piece of paper, or in one of the small notebooks I travel with. Then the idea sits there for days, weeks, months, and sometimes years before I do anything else with it. Similar to high school, I do my writing first, then write the outline. I've learned if I get all the ideas out and don't worry about the PUGS in the first draft, I do better. Once the first draft is written, it's time for a read through and to formulate an outline to make sure there is a flow. I utilize the feedback and support from a few trusted friends and family during the revising and editing, before I enlist the skills of a professional editor. Also in the revision and editing process, my writers' critique group is an integral part. The editing process with a professional editor is vital and such a learning experience, when you have the right editor. The greatest lesson I learned in the revision process was when to say "Enough is enough, it's time." If we are truly growing and improving our craft, our book will never be good enough and you keep finding new mistakes or areas you can strengthen if worded differently. My hope is to publish the best book I can, with the next book showing my growth as a writer and to leave the reader wanting more.

Everyone Has a Story to Tell...

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Meet Terri Groh - She'll join the "Writing Process Blog Hop" Next Monday - September 15th - Click on her photo or her for a direct link to her page. 
In addition to writing, Terri recently opened her first business, Terri's Country Crafts and Books: 

Located at 3291 Main Street, Mexico, NY
 
Wednesdays from 10-5 p.m. 
Thursdays from 10-7 p.m.
Fridays, 10-5 p.m.
Saturdays, 9-1 p.m.
The shop is closed Sunday-Tuesday. 
Here's a little about Terri:

Terri Groh is the author of three women’s devotionals, Words of Encouragement for a Discouraged World, One Clear, Still Night and Poured Out.  Terri first discovered how much she loved writing when she was a child and won a New York State writing contest as a fourth grader.
 
She has also had a love for God’s word since becoming a Christian as a young teen and her desire has been to encourage other women in their walk with the Lord and also encourage them to dig into God’s word too.  This provided the perfect outlet for her writing.  She writes with transparency and uses many examples from her own life.
 
Terri and her husband, Dan, minister in a church in Central New York.  She loves to write, sew, craft and cook.  One of her passions is taking care of her family.  Terri writes a daily blog at heartsinservice.blogspot.com.

Thanks for taking time to learn more about Karen & myself this week ~ remember to visit Terri's pages too and her guest blog next week!

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What Can YOU Do Today to Make a Difference

9/7/2014

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Today you can choose to count your blessings 
or you can count your troubles. 

Today you can live each moment 
or you can put in time.

Today you can take action towards your goals 
or you can procrastinate. 

Today you can plan for the future 
or you can regret the past.

Today you can learn one new thing 
or you can stay the same. 

Today you can seek possibilities 
or you can overwhelm yourself with the impossible.

Today you can continue to move forward 
or you can quit. 

Today you can take steps towards resolving your challenges or you can procrastinate.

You see today the choices are up to you 
in deciding what you do today.


You Can 
by Catherine Pulsifer 

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What can YOU do today to inspire, encourage, & help someone else?

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National Grief Awareness Day 2014

9/6/2014

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Visit the National Grief Awareness Day page by clicking on the above photograph or click here:
"Coming Out of the Darkness & Into the Light"
2014 National Grief Awareness Day Project

We our trying to educate our society on grief and what grief is really like. Our purpose is to take grief out of the dark and into the light. We want to break the silence and smash the stigmas surrounding grief.

There is nothing wrong with grieving. 
No one person grieves the same. 
Time has nothing to do with grief.

We no longer will hide our grief!

Sending warm hugs to my grieving community.
Angie Cartwright 
To join the community on Facebook, click here
Grief affects nearly every person, if not all. Grief is that feeling of loss after losing someone or something close to you. The greatest grief a person can experience is that of a ....? You fill in the blank, because to be honest, the blank is different for each of us. It depends on the loss we've experienced thus far in our life. I have friends who would say their parents. A child might say their grandparent or beloved family pet. Regardless of your loss, grief is involved and necessary. This is one of the greatest lessons Angie and her team hope people will understand as they increase awareness of grief.

Angie Cartwright has a couple different pages on Facebook, you should check them out:
National Grief Awareness
National Grief Awareness - Texas

And of course you can visit the website here - 
http://www.griefawarenessday.com/national-grief-awareness-day.html

If you like to follow blogs with a purpose, check out Angie's blog here: 
http://www.griefawarenessday.com/angies-blog

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGTU

This year's campaign invites those grieving to submit a video. The deadline was August first ,click here to view some of the videos submitted to share with you. May you be encouraged by their honest and loving grief, it's okay to grieve. In fact, it's healthy.
Earlier in the week I said you would be able to view the cover to my next book. I apologize if you expected to see this today but I've decided to wait. While I believe the cover is complete, the title is still a work in process so until I confirm this is the title God will have for this next book, I'm going to wait. 

If you think of it, will you pray for me as I write this next book. My hope is to share the another part of the journey, when a loved one is missing. While I have direction, notes, a skeletal outline, and ideas to move forward, I don't want to rush it. When it's time, I'll reveal the cover and title. Until then, I'll keep writing, blogging, and speaking to share hope and encouragement with those God places in my life. 

I hope you'll visit the National Grief Awareness Day pages

I invite you to leave a note of hope, 
encouragement, or remembrance 
below in memory of those you grieve...

As Angie Cartwright says, "We no longer hide our grief!"

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It's the First Day of School...Yeah!

9/3/2014

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New Pencils & Crayons
The first day of school is an exciting time for parents, teachers, and or kiddos. The feelings and emotions compared to those on the last day of school are polar opposites, at least for me. To say good-bye to our kids on the last day of school is bittersweet. 

We, the teachers, are excited to see them grow and blossom into the beautiful butterflies they are designed to be the next year yet to watch them leave is also sad. The part that gives a teacher encouragement is the knowledge that next year's teacher is going to love, nurture, and teach our kiddos with as much vigor and warm fuzzies as us. 
With this said, today was a GREAT day! We met our new kiddos and their parents today as the kindergartners joined us for their "bus run" this morning. It's a great way to introduce the kiddos, and the parents, to the bus and the school setting. As the kiddos cross the threshold into their career of learning, they have their biggest cheerleaders at their side...their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or guardian. 
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Read Alouds & Learning to Read
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Adventures & Learning

Once inside the school, the look of amazement and wonder captured in these innocent eyes can take your breath away. Education is a blessing many take for granted, if only we viewed it through the eyes of a four or five year old as they enter school for the first time...imagine the change of attitude and desire to learn, to be the best each of us can be.

Yesterday, as the staff in my district joined together for our kick-off to the new year, I was encouraged, inspired, and motivated to be the best teacher I could be. The superintendent's message, our union's goal, and our building principal's message all echoed the same thing - relationships!
If you think about it, to focus on relationships isn't something new. Actually, it's Biblical and starts back with Adam and Eve.  But I don't want to lose you so rather than focus on God creating Eve so Adam wasn't alone, I'll say this...we need other people in our life. Positive, healthy, and like-minded relationships provide encouragement, support, inspiration, rebuke, motivation, and so much more. 

Our superintendent shared the usual curriculum and data necessary to remind us we teach in New York State yet placed a personal and important spin on our educational role. He said there are only two types of employees in our district now, instructional staff and instructional support staff. It doesn't matter a person's job title when it comes to investing in the lives of others. There isn't a job or person more important than the next, we are part of a team working towards the same goal. 

In this case, schools are working towards the education, development, and growth of future generations to make our United States of America the best it can be, with a generation empowered to carry on tradition with new and informed decision making. We're not all called to the field of education in a school system but we are all designed to build up and train others. It's a matter of perspective. You have so many different relationships and opportunities to be a blessing, never underestimate where you are or the lives you touch.
As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

What is your role in inspiring, empowering, educating, or encouraging the next generation?

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A Blast From the Past Delivers Encouragement

9/1/2014

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Awhile back I received a private Facebook message from one of Heidi's friends, Tracy. She wrote to let me know that while her mother was going through her jewelry box, she found Heidi's ID bracelet. For the younger generation, these were the in-thing, back in the day. Heidi spent a lot of time at Tracy's house in her early high school years so it wasn't surprising that her bracelet would be there.

I  remember packing to move in to my own place and finding a notebook and other items from my high school friends. It's amazing as teens how we pack rat, leave, and forget about things. I honestly don't remember the particular items that I found but they weren't something I felt needed to be returned to my high school friends. They weren't that important...or were they? It wasn't jewelry or anything super personal or I would of made sure it made its way back yet in hindsight, if it was important enough to tuck away years prior, doesn't it hold the same value and importance?
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I'm thankful Tracy and her Mom thought to contact me and return Heidi's ID bracelet to us. I didn't share the message with my parents in order to surprise them when the package came. I opened it while sitting in the car outside the post office. With a big smile on my face and slow trickles of tears down my cheeks, I thanked God for returning this treasure. I couldn't wait to deliver it to my parents. Their expression of appreciation and thankfulness as they peered in the box, priceless.
This reminds me of cards, ornaments, and art projects I find when pulling out the holiday boxes. Some of the same trinket and hand made items I might have tossed because "we were just kids" when Heidi made them, are now treasures. Why? It's not that the glitter or sloppy hand writing have changed but the story behind each is more precious and instead of being a memory to laugh about with Heidi, they hold the memory of when Heidi was with us.

This mentality is one reason I am such a pack rat but as I grow and recognize the greatest treasure one can hold is their faith and relationship with Jesus, I'm able to let go of the dry-rotted paper crafts a little easier. I've learned it's possible to take a picture of the item for a tactile remembrance while eliminating clutter and potential bedding for winter guests. There are some items I will probably never get rid of, our daughter will have to be the one to sift through most of it. Her emotional attachment compared to mine is much different. To me, they are priceless but to her, never seeing them before, will be a box of wonder.
And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness--secret riches. 
I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.
Isaiah 45:3 NLT
What if we valued and cherished our relationship with Jesus 
like we do the priceless memories hidden away in storage and our attics? 

What if we spent time reflecting all God gave and sacrificed for us, 
would we be so quick to look the other way and go in a different direction? 

What if I held on to my faith like I do memories? 

Think of all God could do with me and with you.

What is one item you've found or that was returned to you that reminded you of a loved one passed? Will you share?

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    Why do I write?

    Writing to glorify God and help others!  "Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders."  Psalm 119:27 (NIV)

    Lisa M Buske
    P.O. Box 261
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    lbuskewriter@aol.com

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