I want to thank you for visiting my website and blog - continue to follow and check in during the week to follow the progress of my book, submiting for publication and when I hear the news "We want to publish your book!" from the publisher God has for me.

Please read the previous post - there is a new one yesterday too with about a very cool organizational tool my parents built for me. :)

Also - if you would like to receive an email notification when there has been a new blog posting - send me a comment via the "contact me" page.  I look forward to hearing from

I have the best parents!! I had this vision for an organizational unit that could hold both the pages I am working on revising along with some of the different critiques that coorelate with those same pages.  My vision involved a board, dowels and cloths pins along with some hot glue and the use of the saw and drill. 

Hence the reason Dad was pulled into this.  I know Dad's creative genious works similar to mine but with the ability to maneuver the saw and drill with accuracy and skill - leaving all digits intact when done.  I'm not so sure I would be able to say that.  LOL

Oh my gosh...I came up with this idea last week.  I shared it with my parents last night and while in Oswego this afternoon I receive a phone call from my parents, "Lisa, Call Mom."  Hmm....these types of messages always leave me intrigued.  I return the phone call to learn that Dad and Mom worked together to transfer my chicken scratch drawing and vision into a reality. 

We finish our errands and stop at my parents before returning home to see the most magnificant organizational unit.  It is beautiful and perfectly functional!!  My parents are so clever and modified it a bit so it was more "durable" and could withstand being clipped and unclipped often. 

Not only did Dad drill the eight holes in the bottom for the dowels to stand - he drilled two holes in each clothspin (all 16 of them) with the same tiny hole through the top of the dowel and then place a tiny dowel (toothpick) through the first clothspin then the dowel and finally through the top clothspin.  Once both of the mini-dowels were through Mom used the hot glue gun to secure the clothspin in place by glueing the clothspin in place. 

I couldn't wait to get home - Dad carried it to the car for me and off we went.  Upon backing in to the driveway - my daughter and I unloaded the car.  My husband saw my fabulous gift and finished carrying the groceries to the kitchen as I started reorganizing the table to make room for this wonderful addition.  Thankfully my husband knew this was not only exciting but also motivational! 

My parents might view it as only a unit to make my writing an easier process yet it is so much more.  This unit represents my parent's belief in me.  This says with 40 small drilled holes (2 per clothspin and one per dowel along the top) and eight toothpicks - my parents value me, my gift and are there each step along the way to help me! 

This WILL make the revising and writing easier to accomplish while encouraging me to continue on the days when it is just hard!  My parents love and believe in me enough to spend their Saturday morning and afternoon building, cutting and glueing as their "small" way of helping me yet in my eyes, it is a "huge" encouragement and joy!

Thanks Mom and Dad!
Lisa :)

God is good...Debra Groom of the Post Standard did an interview with me in August (some of you may remember this) ~ She called me last night and the article will be running in this week's Sunday paper. If you live in or near the Syracuse area - The Post Standard will feature a story about me as I'm working on writing this book to help other siblings. 

I've been waiting and anticipating this article - it is always interesting to read what someone else writes about you and how they weave your spoken words into an article for the newspaper.  I've only written a couple articles for the newspaper and it requires a special gift and ability to get to the point in a clear and concise manner - an area I'm still "developing", lol. 

I was bummed about having to wait since August but understand there are news stories with timelines and I think God was making sure my heart was in the right place.  He is so good!  As my husband were talking last night he made such a profound and blessed comment (he is so smart!) - he had made an observation while listening to me chirp. 

Once the singing stopped for a breath (he is used to me, thank goodness) he simply stated his observation - "I can't think of a better article to run in the paper this Sunday, on Halloween.  You're a christian writer and sharing a story of how God has worked in your life to overcome evil.  AND this article is going to run in the Sunday paper on Halloween!  It doesn't get much better!"  Oh my - May God be glorified this weekend in multitudes as their readership can read of God's love and blessing.  Thank you Jesus!  And Thanks to my wonderful hubby!

Have a great day!
Lisa :)

I'm still in awe at the concept and ever so blessed by it!  God not only provided an opportunity for me to speak about the writing process and a little about my book ~ He provided my very first "honorarium" check as an added blessing!  My goodness...I was overwhelmed at the concept when I was asked and then as I opened the mail yesterday and saw the check, it was such a moment of praise. 

God has not only gifted me to write and to help others with their writing - He has blessed me excedingly and abundantly above and beyond with the blessing of an honorarium!  The college said it "wasn't much" yet in my eyes, it was so much!!

Thank you Jesus for the way you intercede, encourage and bless me and my life!

Have a great Saturday everyone!
Lisa :)

Epesians 3:20 - 21
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ev

It was a busy and eventful day today.  The morning started with a productive meeting at work which developed into and opportunity to present two different afternoons to other teaching assistants.  The topic of discussion...WRITING! 

Yeah!  I'm both nervous and excited - I will be presenting on how to implement writing instruction using some of the different programs and strategies available currently.  This will be fun and they aren't until March and April so I have time to prepare, research and put together something fun and enjoyable for my fellow teaching assistants while also teaching them some new tricks or strategies they could use with their struggling students. 

I also will be speaking to our local reading council in February or March!  Now to write and secure a publ

Side note:
The writing class I spoke to last week should have turned in their assignments this past Tuesday - I'm hoping the professor shares some, well at least the positive ones.  Haha...They had a choice to write a responsive essay about my presentation or to finish the creative writing piece we started during class.  I'm curious of how many challenged themselves to the creative writing piece.  I also pray our future police officer gave it a shot because he was super nice and has a story to tell and doesn't even realize it. :)

I didn't wake up when the alarm went of at 4:45 a.m. again this morning! I love getting up early on days of work so there is enough time to enjoy some time in God's Word - reading and studying.  Some prayer time  conversing with a dear friend who is always there - if I get my bum out of bed.  Thank goodness He is faithful -

Although I am up late - I've showered and am getting things together so I'm ready for work and will spend a few quiet moments after my daughter is on the bus and before it is time for me to head to work.  I usually go early so I can walk a mile with one of my friends but I really need some God time.  We all do - during this time I try to journal too - I have a few journals spread about and each have a different purpose.  One of my friends uses the same journal for all her devotion writing.  Regardless of how you organize your thoughts in writing from God - I encourage you to do it.  They are always interesting to return to at a later date and read.  They're also a legacy for your famliy when you pass - they will know how you were connected to your heavenly Father.  What a precious gift...we receive each day and our families will re-receive that same gift fifty years down the road.  On

A great day to spend some time praising and giving glory to God for all he has done!  Following church my daughter and I went and did the bi-weekly grocery run and then came home and played some Bible Memorization games (as practice for tonight's AWANA meeting) Some fun and quality mother-daughter time.

Each time I think of this past Thursday and my first speaking engagement - I am so encouraged and motivated to finish my book!  Thank you God - Thank you for the invite and the wonderful people I met.

I also enjoyed reading my most recent critique from an author friend and she inspired and guided me once again.  I'm so thankful for the people God places in my life.  Those helping me to be a better writer and those helping me with being a better wife and mom or daughter or friend...you name it, God is there for me and has placed someone in my life to meet that need. 

I pray you have someone in your life that is a blessing for the various

Well, as a Christian writer!  Oh my goodness - as I sat out in the hallway preparing and calming my heart reading from Psalms and a little in Isaiah - I felt as if my entire body was shaking!  And guess what...when I stood up -it was.  There must be a ventalation system near the benches I was sitting on because when I stood up and changed locations - it stopped.  Back to the original bench and the vibrations began - I placed a paper on the bench next to me and watched it shake its way down to the back and hover.  I must have been nervous - I was watching paper vibrate and shimmy! 

As the clock neared 7 p.m. I decided to take one final walk around the campus, ending in room 155.  Perfect timing - they had just dismissed for a break to await the students joining for the next class while also giving me a few moments to set up without a rush. (Very thoughtful!)  I enjoyed the minutes prior to the official class starting conversing with some of the students. 

At 7:30 I was introduced and off we went.  I had notes prepared to guide me through the Power Point I put together.  Thankfully God lead me through - sharing tidbits about who I was and why I write.  I shared a non-traditional way of writing versus the traditional and typical.  This group learned I'm a little ADHD/OCD and non-typical with my writing.  An odd combination I know yet it works for me thus far.

I shared a little of my book - first draft to the finalized (well as of today).  I hope they were able to see the difference - the first was so wordy and disconnected while the final revision is from the heart.  Ruth (their professor) pointed this out - both writings are emotional yet the final is a different level of emotions - for the better I think. 

I did share a comic writing I putter on here and there.  Some liked it and some didn't but that is okay - I enjoy it and it makes me laugh.  I shared a couple different books to read when facing writer's block and other strategies I use.  I put together a small folder containing some graphic organizers and missing person's flyer.  (I think that was the most depressing part of the evening)

I had the opportunity to share the pain and grief associated with having my sister abducted while also sharing the joy and love of who I've grown to be because of the situation.  It isn't that I wouldn't love to have my sister here with me but that isn't the journey God has me on.  I've living the one He's blessed me with and hope to glorify Him through the process.

Following the presentation some of the students stopped at the front table to share encouragement and their memories, or lack there of.  I left my house after dinner in hopes of Jesus shining through me while also teaching some writing strategies.  I arrived home inspired and encouraged to write more because of the encouragement I received from that wonderful class at CCC!  :)

If you are one of those students from class tonight and you are reading this - thank YOU for renewing the hope and inspiration to write and finish this book.  Some days are more difficult while others it seems to flow easily - this weekend will flow much easier with the memories and love shared tonight!  Thank you!

Remember you can comment on the blog or contact me via this website.  My email is lbuskewriter@aol.com also if you prefer to email directly.

Thanks to everyone checking the blog throughout the week - you inspire me to continue to write and knowing you are following the blog helps to h 

Good evening everyone!  :)  I have all but a couple things to do in order to finalize my presentation at Cayuga Community College tomorrow night.  I'm looking forward to meeting the students - traditional and non-traditional alike!  :)  I've put together a Power Point to keep me on track with minimal notes prepared.  I (usually) work better with time in prayer prior to speaking so that God is speaking and working through me instead of me trying to push my personal agenda. 

The calendar is clearing up and it appears there will be more time for writing - Starting tomorrow I will be meeting with a couple other Christian writers to start a new Christian writers' group!  Yeah!

I also heard from Elaine Miller (http://www.splashesofserenity.com/) with some great encouragement and another author's blog -

I'm returning to you a new and "changed" woman.  I spent Thursday through Saturday in Rochester, New York for the Women of Faith 2010 Conference!  God is amazing and I have fourteen pages of notes to remind me of how God spoke to me and oodles more memories and thoughts racing around in my brain. 

God spoke to me through the speakers, the worship music and the fellowship!  Women of Faith is having a writing contest and after some prayer and goosebumps as I read about it in the event flyer - I've decided to submit my manuscript to them.  The finalized manuscript is due in January but I'm aiming for December 31st - winners will be announced on March 1st, 2011. 

I'm asking for your prayers to guide me over the next eleven weeks as I work to complete the revision my manuscript.  May I write for God and share my spiritual and physical journey of being the sister of an abducted child - Although eighteen years old - she was a child and I am her only sister, and she mine.  Thank you for praying - I'm not asking you to pray I would win the contest but to pray I am able to continue the revision process with healing and glory for God each step of the way.  Pray lives would be touched and the publisher God has in mind would be the one to approach me - if it Thomas Nelson or WestBow Press than Praise God!  If it is another publishing house then praise God still!  Thank you for your prayers! 

I'm also hoping to blog more as a way to be held accountable with you all - my prayer warriers and supporters.  Feel free to drop me an email, blog posting or note - both encouraging and pushing when needed to finish the revisions!  Thank you so much in advance!

Ephesians 3:20 - 21 (The Message)
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

   Glory to God in the church!
   Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
   Glory down all the generations!
   Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!

Lisa :)

Check out Biblegateway.com for ways to look up Scripture by passage, topic or

I worked for an hour or more last night on my book while at my parents.  I usually write at home but I've come to realize something - when I'm stuck and having a little "writer's block" or "avoidance", I can overcome the block and deal with what is keeping me from my writing if I take all my stuff to my parent's house. 

I'm sure there are many reasons - it is where I grew up, it is where I have the most memories of Heidi or even the mere fact, "It's my mom and dad's house and I can deal with anything with them sitting there!"  Mom talked me through a couple spots I wasn't sure of and asked questions where needed.  Wow...once we did that - I was able to organize my thoughts and piles of notes and originals and start writing. 

I wish I could tell you I did so much writing I had finished another revised chapter yet that isn't what happened.  While laying on the bed talking to my mom and working on my writing - I fell asleep!  Head down, spiral notebook marks on my forehead and hand.  3 ring binder mark on the other hand.  Out cold - sweet sleep!  I slept solid - makes me wonder if it was the book keeping me awake lately?  After Ed and Mary woke me from slumber in the dining room - we came home and I went to bed.  I slept wonderfully! 

:) Thank you Jesus!

I had a realization while typing this message to you all - if I relied on and trusted my heavenly Father like I do my earthly parents - I could have dealt with my writer's block at home.  I would still need my parents to help me sift through the details and such - yet God gave us the parents we have and He gave us to them. 

I'm glad I have a relationship with my parents that is open, trusting and helpful - WHENEVER I need them!  Our Lord Jesus Christ is the same - yesterday, today and forever!  He is ALWAYS there for us - we need only ask.  Last night was good - I faced some difficult questions, cured a writer's block with a morning epiphany - God was waiting for me

Today I am blessed with an opportunity to write a character reference for a bright and responsible young lady.  I’ve watched her transition from an elementary student to the young woman she is today – preparing for final year of high school with an anticipation of her college career.  She exemplifies each of the character traits emphasized for our school district and most importantly for Jesus. 

2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV)
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

This is both an honor to write and also a great writing exercise – needing to be clear and concise in one page to share all that this young woman is with the committee.  God uses the things special and precious to us – to fine tune our gifts.  Thank you Jesus! J  Lisa

Another week starting...a beautiful crisp Autumn Sunday!  God's light shining with a crisp and refreshing breeze drying up last week's rain.  Sheets are clean and smell ever so refreshing...will sleep good tonight!  Piles eliminated off the table, budget complete and time to chill with the family - a wonderful day!

Compiled all the sticky notes with book titles written on them...they are now all listed on one piece of paper with the little sticky notes recycled.  Now where to put the list?  I have an idea...with my other list of books to read someday in my writing binder.  A list started in response to a Blog posting awhile back. 

Purchased a planner yesterday that will fit in my purse, school bag or that neat little storage space in the van.  I have everything organized and color coded in a 3-ring binder but that doesn't travel well to appointments, school and church.  Hoping to get a little more organized while on the road and avoid double and triple booking.  Have you ever done that?

I'll be speaking at Cayuga Community College on October 14th!  I'm both excited and nervous...I have many thoughts of what to talk about, how to start, etc...yet not sure of which I am going to committ to.  I learned today the video taping has been confirmed and will be available online.  I'll post the link once I have it so you can see how it went.  I'm praying all goes well - I'm going to put together a Powerpoint to assist me in keeping on track with an outline at my fingertips - yet these tools will probably not keep me on a straight path. I've learned that once I start God directs me and it rarely is the same road I had mapped out before arriving.  His plan and way is ALWAYS clearer and better.  I'm still planning yet trusting God to lead the way...

Have a great week everyone! 
Lisa