Keeping it Real...One Sister's JourneyWelcome to my blog! No matter how you found this, God knew you'd be here today. May you absorb the message He has for you through my writing, photos, and more. I enjoy sharing hope to encourage others.
In 2011 it was through the written word, today I've learned there is more to me than just writing and speaking. I use my love of cooking with sharing and it's renewed an energy and hope within me. I look forward to sharing this with you here. Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to leave a comment on the blog or recipe that speaks to you. God is at work in all you and I each do, it's up to us to share this with others. |
Did you know When the Waves Subsides: There is Hope released in January of 2013, three months prior to the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey? At the time I kidded with people that it was a secret. In a sense, it was because I wrote it as a gift to my parents to let them know how much they inspired me through their strength and courage. The premise is that when parents lose a child, they are like the broken glass in the lake or ocean. Although broken because of their pain and the constant beating from the waves of grief, illness, tragedy, and loss might feel like they are wearing them down but instead...this constant beating transforms them into a stronger and more beautiful version of themselves. I can't understand first hand how they feel but as a daughter who watched her parents suffer a parents' worse nightmare, in addition to the gray hairs and pain, I saw and see strength, courage, patience, dedication, and beauty. When the Waves Subside: There is Hope is dedicated to my parents and any parent who has lost a child. You are heroes and in so many people's prayers...never give up. Who can you gift a book of hope to? I have a few ideas buzzing through my mind on what to write next. I shared snip-its last week. A week later, I'm happy to say I've dedicated more time to writing and the inspiration and motivation returns in leaps and bounds. I look forward to seeing where it takes me and which book draws my attention the most. I'll keep you posted, for now. I'm happy to be writing and looking forward to the next time I hear the tapping of the keyboard. If you are a writer, can you relate? To write might not be your thing but everyone is working on something. You might be painting, coloring, building, designing, developing, changing, or who knows...the sky is the limit. Can you take a few moments to share one thing you are working and what inspires you to create? What are you working on?
As I surfed the net for a quote for today's blog I found this one and then smiled, it was written by me. Kind of funny, at least to me. I wasn't going to share it but decided it delivers the message I was looking for. What are some of your favorite things to do? What do you need to do them? Is it something you do independently or are there others with you? When you are in a lull of life, what motivates and inspires you to keep moving forward and enjoying the little things in life? A few thoughts to ponder today...although the deck is under a few feet of snow and there isn't any signs of spring in the near future, I am encouraged when I reread the above statement because warmer, sunnier, and brighter days are yet to come. Are you ready? What are some of your favorite things to do? Oh my goodness, in exactly one week and a day, the book I vomited onto paper will release for the world to read. At Midnight on April 3, 2013, Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey will be available online. At 6 p.m., The River’s End Bookstore hosts a book signing and release party. And twelve hours after its online release, I will be signing have my first public book signing. As if this isn’t exciting enough, friends are traveling hours to join us for this day of celebration. Now the decision is to cook or let someone else cook. I want to do some crock pock cooking for the day to feed my friends as they arrive but my husband says I shouldn’t do anything but enjoy the day and to order in. My response, but that cost money and I’ll have nervous energy to burn. But the decision has been made – I’m not cooking. What we will eat is still to be determined but it will either be delivered or picked up my wonderful husband. He is too sweet!! Do you think it will be nice next week? I wonder if we can sit on the deck and visit and enjoy some sunshine and vitamin D? Time will tell. Time…Heidi disappeared on April 3, 1994. This was also Easter Sunday and Daylight Savings Time. These three triggers remind me of our family and community’s loss. God used the Daylight Savings Time to help witnesses confirm exact times because they had just changed their clocks. The holiday is another aspect of time, holidays tend to stand out in one’s mind. The date, forever the day I last new where my sister was.  Next week, I will visit the places Heidi and I spent so much time together at and ones significant to the case. Of course there is the store, at the intersection of State Route 104 and 104b, the New Haven Volunteer Fire barn, the intersection of County Route 6 and State Route 104 where the Heidi Allen Center moved in May of 94’, and then there is the bridge dedicated to Heidi at the intersection of County Route 6 and County Route 1. Although I will drive by them all, there is only one where I’ll set up my handmade book signing table (Thank you Dad and Mom – it is beautiful). I will have a tent in case the weather is snowy like it was nineteen years ago. But in the end, I will sign my first public copy of Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey in the same spot I enjoyed time with my sister…it’s up to you to decide which of the above places that might be. Next Tuesday will be the first T.O.P.’s Tuesday of April. On April 2, 1994 I said good-bye to my sister after much laughter, never knowing it would be our last good-bye. Next Tuesday, we say hello to hope because Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey will release the next day. I will forever miss my sister and I pray this book helps to bring her home. After the loss of a loved one, have you noticed how precious your last conversation, adventure, or time spent together becomes? How do you keep that memory alive?
Week three and the clues continue to stand out with a bold attitude, don’t you think. Is your mind racing? Have you zeroed in on the location yet? There are some who say, “I know where you are. See you then” while others are still asking, “I have a couple places in mind.” Whether you are one who knows or one still searching, my main question is this, ARE YOU HAVING FUN? Life is too short to stress on the tragedy, loss, and disappointments of our past. Trust me. I spent a decade searching for something or someone to fill the void left after losing my only sister. Nothing did until a child shared Who I needed and who I needed to trust. Today, I choose to shine as an example of hope for others. I don’t do this on my own and I couldn’t if I tried. It is only through God’s strength and grace that I can write, speak, and share the hope I found through Him.  I have some who read it and said it was missing something at the end. My first response, after hanging my head with a slight shake was, “I know, but I struggled to write an end to a story that doesn’t end.” This reader touched my arm and said, “No Lisa, the end is beautiful. The thing you are missing are the tissues.” We both laughed. Then I said, “Wait, I don’t people to cry. What can I change?” Her response was immediate. “Don’t change a thing. Your write from the heart and sometimes I cried from laughter and others because of the pain. In the end, I cried for joy, and hope, and for the journey you are on.” Wow…I didn’t know what to say so I said, “Thank you.” She smiled and said, “No, thank you Lisa M Buske for writing this book. As we looked at the clock we noticed it was lunch time and neither of had eaten. More laughter with tears as evidence of a well spent break with a friend. As the clock struck Noon, we parted to our separate classrooms with smiles on our face. She encouraged me but you know what, I encouraged her too. What encourages you? Can you believe Friday is March 1st? Time seems to be moving quickly since the new year started. There is so much to do as we move closer to the April 3, 2013 release date. I have my lists compiled and continue to cross things off. Of course, it seems new lists are created with each completed one but this is a process. I'm thankful for a team of family and friends helping to keep me focused and moving forward. As most first-born personalities, I find myself going back over things to make sure I haven't missed anything. Yesterday, thanks to the wonderful Terri Groh (new author by the way) I realized I missed something. Well, it was something I did months ago but then didn't think I needed it so I never sent it -- and long story short, I should have. Since I had the form completed, I sent it out yesterday and the wait time is 4 - 6 weeks - join me in prayer that I receive what I need in four weeks, if not sooner. My stomach is a mess over this and the error/oversight on my part. I'm trusting this to God and pray He forgives my human mistake with grace and mercy only He can provide. I am going to try and not fret over this because it is in God's hands. So I will pray to trust and rest in His continued provision. Now you are probably wondering what this big announcement for the month of March is, right? In keeping with the fun and excitement of this blog and the book's release in April we decided to have two book signings on April 3, 2103. Many of you have the 6 p.m. Book Release and Signing party at the River's End Bookstore written down but there will be one more on that day!! Do you want to know where? This is where the fun comes into play. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have in the preparation. 4/3/94 Searches for Heidi...4/3/13 A Search for Hope Where's Heidi? is a phrase many are familiar with. To some it takes them back nineteen years ago when a young girl from their community disappeared. For the family it is a questions engraved on our hearts. And for some, it is the book written by Heidi's only sister, Lisa M Buske. Regardless of how you connect to this phrase, it is still a question. Where's Heidi?, a question we never thought would still be left unanswered so many years later, but it is. This year we invite you to join us in a new search. Instead of memories of the day Heidi disappeared, we hope you can find room to treasure a new aspect of this April third date. Heidi's disappearance was tragic and has affected our family and community greatly. While the book signing in Oswego is local, Heidi's family wants to provide a time for the community on April 3 too. As part of this search for hope, there will be clues in each of the blogs posted on T.O.P.'s Tuesday in March. On April 2, 2013, the T.O.P.'s Tuesday before the release, there may be one final clue. We encourage you to visit the blog daily but especially on Tuesdays to figure out where this MYSTERY BOOK SIGNING might be. Doesn't this sound like fun? There will be a designated amount of books available for purchase at this location. I look forward to meeting you and signing your books, this is one way to say THANK YOU to our community on the anniversary date of when life changed for our small town of New Haven and our entire county.
Are you for a little fun in March as we count down to 4/3/13? This week I am mailing out information about my upcoming release, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, and my availability for book signings and presentations. I've spent the past few weeks looking for locations that might be interested in having me come for a book signing. I've learned a couple things through this search. First, unless I know the name of the independent bookstore in your area, it might not show on my Google search. And second, there are cafés and other places that might encourage book signings yet unless I know their exact name, it doesn't show either. Instead of banging my head on the wall or giving up I had an idea. I know there are many of you following the blog from across New York State and beyond. The reason Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey is only available in print from on April third at the River's End Bookstore is because I want to meet as many of my readers as possible. After April third though, I would love to deliver books to other bookstores so it can be available in your area too. In order to do this, I need to hear from you. If you have a church, library, bookstore, cafe', coffee house, book nook, art center, or other establishments that host book signings and author visits, will you share their information with me? If you leave their name, address, phone, and email ~ I will mail contact them to see if there is a way we could set up a time for me to visit for a book signing or if they would be interested in carrying the books for sale. I may not be able to reach all your suggestions but I will do my best to. Thanks for helping me find you... April is filling quickly but May and June is warm and full of sunshine so we can keep the momentum of Where's Heidi?'s release going.  Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey In 1994, my only sister was abducted while working alone at a local convenience store. The book opens with an early morning phone call then details the emotions, grief, and confusion felt in those first moments while transitioning through the days, months, and years to follow. A sibling's journey is different from that of a parent. Our role and feelings cannot compare yet they are just as important. Parents experience the greatest loss of their lives through the loss of their child. The emotional loss of the missing child’s siblings, has a similar and traumatic effect in their lives too. I lost more than my sister on April 3, 1994 I lost my faith. Thanks to the bold faith of one child I have hope and a story to share. There is no one person or thing here on earth to replace Heidi or the friendship we had together yet after ten years of searching, I realized there is Someone who can, God. “Mrs. Buske, you need Jesus.” Words that changed my life for the better. My name is Lisa M. Buske and Heidi Allen is my sister. She remains missing but never forgotten. Our journeys after loss may vary yet the pain, grief, and need for hope are similar. This is my story of discovery, healing, and hope from the moment I learn of Heidi’s kidnapping until today. Life after loss is a rollercoaster ride of memories and emotions. Will you take this ride with me? To read reviews of this book, click on the photograph of me holding the book.  When the Waves Subside ~ There is Hope Inspired by memories of time spent with my parents and sister along the shores of Lake Ontario. Beneath the smooth stones of Lake Ontario are hidden treasures of glass ~ once broken shards, now transformed into beautiful rocks to treasure. Just like that glass, the parents of a missing child are broken and beaten against the rocks. To purchase this book: click on the book cover. If you leave the name of your favorite library, bookstore, café, or other location for a potential book signing ~
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What's the significance of T.O.P.'s Tuesday?Our Tuesday blogs are 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 it 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".  | What's New Since Last Week?*BOOK GIVEAWAY ~ Ash Wednesday: Be sure to read tomorrow to learn how you can enter to win your copy of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey before its release in April. *My 2nd book, When the Waves Subside - There is Hope, a book written in honor of my parents and the strength and miraculous ability to survive a parents worst fear, the loss of a child. *The Blog Tour continues - if you've missed one, visit the "Book Reviews" page on my site. There is a direct link using the cover of my "Where's Heidi?" book *"Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey" Book Release & Signing Party are scheduled for April 3, 2013, 6 p.m. at the River's End Bookstore located on 19 West First Street, Oswego, New York*BIG NEWS: You can PRE-ORDER your books through The River's End Bookstore today! Call 342-0077 or email, [email protected]. *Author/book portfolio - aka "Media Kit" to send out to bookstores, libraries, and media: I have one ready for the bookstores and hope to get them out in the mail today. If all goes as planned, the information packets for libraries will be completed, printed, and mailed before next Tuesday. *Contact book stores, libraries, and other potential venues for book signings *Keep my eyes focused on HIM... *Join me in prayer for the protection and provision of our family as the release of Where's Heidi? gets closer |
The first book I wrote, shared, edited, revised, and then published is Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. Although this is my first book, it isn't the first one released to you, my readers. My parents celebrated their forty-second wedding anniversary on January 30, 2013. Nineteen years ago, my husband, Ed, and I gifted them a surprise anniversary party with friends they hadn't seen in decades. It was their first anniversary celebrated without Heidi, so a party was the only way I could think to keep the day semi-joyful. It was a success.
This year, I wanted to do something special for them again. We ALL eagerly await April 3, 2013. It will be a bittersweet day this year, nineteen years without Heidi, yet a book sharing Heidi and her kidnapping from a sister's viewpoint, my viewpoint will release. Instead of searching for Heidi this year, may we search for the One who gives us Hope, Healing, and an extraordinary strength to survive and thrive after loss.
While Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey isn't my first released book, it will forever be my first written and dedicated book...to my sister...forever in our hearts...Heidi M. Allen. If you are interested in reading When the Waves Subside - There is Hope, it is available on Amazon.com - there is a direct link if you click on the cover. As always, thank you for your continued prayers, support, encouragement, and love.
This year, I wanted to do something special for them again. We ALL eagerly await April 3, 2013. It will be a bittersweet day this year, nineteen years without Heidi, yet a book sharing Heidi and her kidnapping from a sister's viewpoint, my viewpoint will release. Instead of searching for Heidi this year, may we search for the One who gives us Hope, Healing, and an extraordinary strength to survive and thrive after loss.
While Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey isn't my first released book, it will forever be my first written and dedicated book...to my sister...forever in our hearts...Heidi M. Allen. If you are interested in reading When the Waves Subside - There is Hope, it is available on Amazon.com - there is a direct link if you click on the cover. As always, thank you for your continued prayers, support, encouragement, and love.
Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey is still first...
| A three-hundred fifty-eight page account of life after Heidi. One sister shares how life changed after her only sister is kidnapped, this is my story.  In 1994, my only sister was abducted while working alone at a local convenience store. A sibling's journey is different from that of a parent. Our role and feelings cannot compare yet they are just as important. The emotional loss of the missing child’s siblings, has a similar and traumatic effect to the parents, yet different. I lost more than my sister on April 3, 1994 I lost my faith. Thanks to the bold faith of one child I have hope and a story to share. There is no one person or thing here on earth to replace Heidi or the friendship we had together yet after ten years of searching, I realized there is Someone who can, God. “Mrs. Buske, you need Jesus.” Words that changed my life for the better. Our journeys after loss may vary yet the pain, grief, and need for hope are similar. This is my story of discovery, healing, and hope from the moment I learn of Heidi’s kidnapping until today. Life after loss is a roller coaster ride of memories and emotions.Will you take this ride with me? | A forty-four page book, formatted like a children's book yet written for the grieving and hurting parents.  When the Waves Subside ~ There is Hope, was written as anniversary gift for my parents in January 2013. In 1994, my only sister, Heidi M. Allen, worked alone at the local convenience store on Easter Sunday. While most people enjoyed Easter celebrations with their family and friends, my family and community searched for my missing sister. Heidi was kidnapped on the third of April and remains missing to this day. I don’t claim to understand how my parents felt after the loss of their youngest daughter, yet I do see how they changed. This is how I saw tragedy change my parents since Heidi’s disappearance, over eighteen years ago. None of us will ever be the same. Beneath the smooth stones of Lake Ontario are hidden treasures of glass ~ once broken shards, now transformed into beautiful rocks to treasure. Just like that glass, the parents of a missing child are broken and beaten against the rocks. |
What does T.O.P.'s Tuesday Stand for?
Our Tuesday blogs are 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 it 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".
Why is it 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".
WHAT'S NEW AND WHAT'S LEFT TO DO:
*Released my 2nd book, When the Waves Subside - There is Hope on February 1, 2013. A book written in honor of my parents and the strength and miraculous ability to survive a parents worst fear, the loss of a child. Feel free to write a review on Amazon if you like it.
*The Blog Tour continues - if you've missed one, visit the "Book Reviews" page on my site. There is a direct link using the cover of my "Where's Heidi?" book
*"Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey" Book Release & Signing Party are scheduled for April 3, 2013, 6 p.m. at the River's End Bookstore located on 19 West First Street, Oswego, New York*BIG NEWS: You can PRE-ORDER your books through The River's End Bookstore today! Call 342-0077 or email, [email protected].
Continue With:
*Author/book portfolio - aka "Media Kit" to send out to bookstores, libraries, and media
*Contact book stores, libraries, and other potential venues for book signings
*Keep my eyes focused on HIM...
*Released my 2nd book, When the Waves Subside - There is Hope on February 1, 2013. A book written in honor of my parents and the strength and miraculous ability to survive a parents worst fear, the loss of a child. Feel free to write a review on Amazon if you like it.
*The Blog Tour continues - if you've missed one, visit the "Book Reviews" page on my site. There is a direct link using the cover of my "Where's Heidi?" book
*"Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey" Book Release & Signing Party are scheduled for April 3, 2013, 6 p.m. at the River's End Bookstore located on 19 West First Street, Oswego, New York*BIG NEWS: You can PRE-ORDER your books through The River's End Bookstore today! Call 342-0077 or email, [email protected].
Continue With:
*Author/book portfolio - aka "Media Kit" to send out to bookstores, libraries, and media
*Contact book stores, libraries, and other potential venues for book signings
*Keep my eyes focused on HIM...
This past Thursday I met with Bill Reilly. Bill and his wife, Mindy, own the beautiful River's End Bookstore in Oswego, New York. Last summer I announced the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey to the world. Bill and Mindy were one of the first to contact me about joining in the fun of its release. We agreed to meet in January to discuss the details.
It is going to be an exciting evening at the River's End on April third. Refreshments, quiet music playing in the back ground, and a guest author to share a bit about her book before sitting at the hand crafted table, built by her dad, and signing books.
As if this isn't exciting enough, there is more. If you live in the area or are looking for an excuse to go on a road trip over Spring Break this year, you can reserve your copy of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey through the River's End Bookstore's website or in the store starting in February. I will post when you can reserve your copy, once all the technological aspects are complete.
Also, starting on the first "TOP's Tuesday Blog" of March, one clue will be given each week of a mystery book signing for April third. Nineteen years ago we searched for Heidi and still haven't found her BUT this year you can search for the story ignited by this event ~ it will be available on Amazon.com at Midnight yet you won't be able to have your copy signed if you order online. Tease, tease.
It is going to be an exciting evening at the River's End on April third. Refreshments, quiet music playing in the back ground, and a guest author to share a bit about her book before sitting at the hand crafted table, built by her dad, and signing books.
As if this isn't exciting enough, there is more. If you live in the area or are looking for an excuse to go on a road trip over Spring Break this year, you can reserve your copy of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey through the River's End Bookstore's website or in the store starting in February. I will post when you can reserve your copy, once all the technological aspects are complete.
Also, starting on the first "TOP's Tuesday Blog" of March, one clue will be given each week of a mystery book signing for April third. Nineteen years ago we searched for Heidi and still haven't found her BUT this year you can search for the story ignited by this event ~ it will be available on Amazon.com at Midnight yet you won't be able to have your copy signed if you order online. Tease, tease.
~ April 3, 2013 at 6 p.m. ~
River's End Bookstore
19 West Bridge Street
Oswego, New York 13126
(315)342-0077
Our Tuesday blogs are 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 it 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".
Why is it 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".
What's New Since Last Week:
*Mom and Dad's anniversary gift is finished. Thank goodness since tomorrow is their anniversary. Be sure to visit the blog tomorrow to join in the celebration. I think you will be excited, I know I am.
*A few more bloggers have joined the Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey blog-book tour, very exciting.
*Invitations to speak and share are coming in: a writer's conference, library, and reading council to name a few
*Ideas for other writing pieces are dancing in my head
Things yet to do:
*Develop my author/book portfolio to send out to bookstores, libraries, and media about the book release on April 3, 2013
*Send out said portfolio
*Schedule rest days on the calendar so I don't get sick. :0)
*A few more bloggers have joined the Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey blog-book tour, very exciting.
*Invitations to speak and share are coming in: a writer's conference, library, and reading council to name a few
*Ideas for other writing pieces are dancing in my head
Things yet to do:
*Develop my author/book portfolio to send out to bookstores, libraries, and media about the book release on April 3, 2013
*Send out said portfolio
*Schedule rest days on the calendar so I don't get sick. :0)
Are you familiar with the joy and gift associated with a teacher and student's favorite two words, "snow day", during the winter months? If not, let me explain.
There are times in beautiful upstate New York the snow falls so fast, so hard, and in such great quantity that our school superintendents are forced to close school for the day. This is for the safety and wellbeing of the students and staff. These days are built into our school calendar and if we don't use them all, we have an extended Memorial Day weekend. I enjoy a long weekend as much as the next gal but there is something special about a snow day.
There are times in beautiful upstate New York the snow falls so fast, so hard, and in such great quantity that our school superintendents are forced to close school for the day. This is for the safety and wellbeing of the students and staff. These days are built into our school calendar and if we don't use them all, we have an extended Memorial Day weekend. I enjoy a long weekend as much as the next gal but there is something special about a snow day.
Snow days are an unplanned gift of time...a true blessing!
I have enjoyed these two words since my childhood but for different reasons. In elementary school this meant a day full of playing outside in the snow until my fingers were numb or the snow fort was built, whichever was first. During middle school, it meant more time to watch television or finish assignments in need of my attention. The snow days of my high school years were spent sleeping!
As an adult working as a teacher's assistant at the local elementary school, and as an author with an upcoming book release, and a speaker with various speaking presentations in the next few months ~ the snow day has taken on new meaning. I have no intention of going out to play in the snow, to sleep the day away, or waste this gift of time God has blessed me with.
This week's "things to do" and "things accomplished list" is exciting. First and foremost, there are more things on the accomplished list BUT the excitement to have an entire day to eliminate some of the "to do" items on my list ahead of schedule...awesome!!
As an adult working as a teacher's assistant at the local elementary school, and as an author with an upcoming book release, and a speaker with various speaking presentations in the next few months ~ the snow day has taken on new meaning. I have no intention of going out to play in the snow, to sleep the day away, or waste this gift of time God has blessed me with.
This week's "things to do" and "things accomplished list" is exciting. First and foremost, there are more things on the accomplished list BUT the excitement to have an entire day to eliminate some of the "to do" items on my list ahead of schedule...awesome!!
Don't worry though, it won't be a day of only work.
Mags and I plan to watch a chic flic or two, too.
Things to Do*Finish Mom and Dad's anniversary gift by the end of the weekend *Meet with Bill & Mindy at the River's End Bookstore to plan the book release party!! *Write upcoming blogs and save as drafts - Ash Wednesday (2/13) kicks off Lent and in celebration of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey's release at the end of Lent, there will be an opportunity for one of you to win a book prior to its release, with the drawing video taped and posted on Thursday (2/14) - Mystery Book Signing on 4/3 Announced During March, there will be one clue in each TOP's Tuesday blog of the time and location for an unadvertised book signing prior to the party at the River's End Bookstore in Oswego (oops, already gave you a clue) - Friends and Sweetheart Dinner Ticket Giveaway - On February 16th, our church is hosting their annual dinner. Two tickets will be given away to someone commenting on the blog between 2/8 - 2/10 * Develop My Portfolio to send out to: bookstores, media, and libraries to announce the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey and to secure interviews and book signings for the days and months following 4/3/13 * Compile lists of potential media: local television news, talk shows, newspapers, radio, etc. * Compile lists of bookstores, libraries, and other places to do book signings * Continue to pray, prepare, and share while keeping my eyes and heart focused on Jesus | Accomplished Since Last Week*Approved final proof for Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey!!! *The Blog Tour started - with a couple new bloggers added to the schedule since last week *My house is clean and organized! *Ran out of regular coffee :( Drinking the decaf from the freezer ~ and guess what, it isn't that bad *Nearly completed a surprise gift for my parents - their anniversary is on Jan. 30th. I will share a photo of what the surprise is, on Jan. 31st, so my parents have a day to enjoy it. |
I had the privilege to share "The lake where the fish are always biting ~ the lake of life" with the Fulton Alliance's women's group this afternoon. My mother and daughter joined me for the afternoon, with women traveling from Lafayette to join in the fun. It was a fun and wonderful afternoon. One of my favorite things is to exchange hugs and conversation with all of you in person. The Internet is a great way to stay connected yet I so enjoy visiting with you one on one at events like this.
This afternoon I opened with a reading from James 1, talking about being tempted. We, the fish in this lake of life are tempted "...when dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed." Ouch! Right?
In this lake of life there are many "lures" pulling us away from God but when we remember to put on the "armor of God" and "clothe ourselves" ~ we can do so much! And personally, it is possible to be al"lure"ing, even after tragedy. There is hope. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did sharing with the ladies in attendance at Fulton Alliance Church this afternoon.
I look forward to sharing with other ladies and churches in the future. God is good and I've so blessed by His Love.
This afternoon I opened with a reading from James 1, talking about being tempted. We, the fish in this lake of life are tempted "...when dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed." Ouch! Right?
In this lake of life there are many "lures" pulling us away from God but when we remember to put on the "armor of God" and "clothe ourselves" ~ we can do so much! And personally, it is possible to be al"lure"ing, even after tragedy. There is hope. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did sharing with the ladies in attendance at Fulton Alliance Church this afternoon.
I look forward to sharing with other ladies and churches in the future. God is good and I've so blessed by His Love.
Before watching the video ~ please read Ephesians 6:10-20 about the armor of God
and Colossians 3:12-17 about items we should clothe ourselves with.
This will provide some of the background you missed before the filming started ~
a Lisa M Buske twist on the Spiritual Armor and clothes we are to put on.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me,that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
and Colossians 3:12-17 about items we should clothe ourselves with.
This will provide some of the background you missed before the filming started ~
a Lisa M Buske twist on the Spiritual Armor and clothes we are to put on.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me,that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."