Dustin Update

I have had several people request an update on Dustin. He is doing awesome! He is stationed at 29 Palms California. He will deploy in January to Iraq or Afghanistan. He tries to call us at least once a week to let us know what he has been doing. I don't feel comfortable sharing all of that for obvious reasons. He loves being a Marine that is for sure. A mom of a Marine once told me that Marines were born not made and I believe it.

Dustin is still Dustin though! Funny, jokster living life to the fullest and always a smile on his face. He misses his family but like he told me "mom I have to do this."

He is still my baby boy and I miss him. A kid came into the office the other day who reminded me so much of Dustin it made my heart break. He was kidding with his mom like Dustin does with me, smiling the whole time. His mom said I know he is charming and funny but it does get on my nerves. I said "I know but enjoy every minute of it because before you know it you will be wishing for this time again."

People ask me how I feel about Dustin joining the Marines. Well...all Dustin ever asked me for was my blessings. For a long time that was the one thing I could not give him. As the time grew closer for him to sign the papers I was struggling. As soon as he turned 18 he was going to sign those papers with or without my blessings, but he really wanted my blessings before he signed. One day I am driving to work and I was praying for Gods guidance and His peace. All of the sudden I heard this voice say "Elaine I will take care of him." It was so loud, I looked around in the car and I thought for sure someone was in there with me. That is when I realized God had just answered me. That night I went home and gave Dustin my blessings. He looked at me smiled gave me a big hug and said "thank you mama, that is all I wanted." So that is how I feel about Dustin joining the Marines. God gave me peace because He called Dustin to do this and Dustin is being faithful and doing what God called him to do.

Ya Ya Sisterhood!

This week my sister Jodie came up from Texas for a visit. I am the oldest of 5 girls. We were all born and raised in San Antonio. Four of us ended up here and Jodie remained in Texas. It is very rare we all get together.

This year it seems strange that 3 of us will be in our 50's. We still act like kids when we get together. Trust me, ask the waiter at Los Cobos, I am sure he was ready for us to leave! Here is a picture of the Buchanan sisters, Elaine, Kelley, Jamie, Cathy and Jodie. Or as we sign our emails to each other #1, #4, #5, #3 and #2.

Between us we have 14 kids and I think 9 grand kids. We had it rough growing up and that made us very close. We can go weeks or even months without talking but we know without a doubt we are there for each other and we love each other. Here's to sister's!

Gina

Remember in the last post I mentioned we have those times we may not ask but wonder why? Well I have one today. I woke up this morning to the very sad news that our friend Gina died in a house fire Sunday morning in Tulsa. She worked at our dentist office and was such a sweetie. She was so good to our family and absolutely adored all of our children. She was a sweetheart. When you walked in the office you could always count on seeing Gina and a great big smile! She was only 42, and a single mom.
So today I ask you to say a prayer for Gina's family and for those of us who knew her.
God bless you Gina.

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians: 1-3

An update on Gina's death. They are suspecting foul play.

Held

I have several friends who are going through a lot right now. One friend and her husband have waited way to long to bring home their baby boy, one just lost her father and two friends had to make a very heart wrenching decision. They know who they are and they know I love them and my heart breaks for them. In the last five years we have lost two nephews and a niece 8 days old, 14 years old and 18 years old a 25 year old cousin and my father in law and an uncle. We all go through times when we wonder why? And as simple as it sounds the fact is only Jesus knows. But He is there to hold us and love us through it. So too my friends who are hurting and too those who read this blog and are going through a tough time and heart ache right now please just close your eyes, think of what good and wonderful things Jesus has done in your life, happy memories, like mine that I have posted in the pictures above and just imagine yourself being held and comforted by Jesus.

And this is life

I was looking in the mirror the other day and realized I am more than likely past the half way mark of my life. Yup, the end is closer than the beginning. With that uplifting thought I realized how quickly life has gone by. I remember wanting to hurry up and be 16, 18, 21. Not that I want to be any of those ages again but I would settle for 40 IF I could have what I have now and know what I know now.
Since I became a christian at 37 everything about me has changed. How I made it without God in my life for 37 years is a mystery to me! I do believe God had a plan for me and knew I would do everything I could to be faithful to His plan. I am sure If God gets headaches I have given Him more than His fair share, and He has had a few sighs and gritted His teeth on more than one occasion through this process. And like any loving father He knows there will be more of that to come, as long as I am on earth. It makes my heart happy to know He loves me that much. He never gives up on me, He is always forgiving me and will never quit loving me. Something I don't deserve but He gives me freely anyway.
This brings me to my kids and my love for them. The same thing applies to them except I have a few gray hairs, wrinkles and I have clinched my jaw so tight that I sleep that way! But I forgive, forget and try to be patient, but above all I love them unconditionally. They are six beautiful, special gifts from God and I will treat them as such. But the deal is at some point you have to let them go. That is the part of life I don't really care for. Hey, I'm a mom OK? We raise them, love them, protect them so HOPEFULLY someday they will be able to go out in this big world and make it. While they move on the parent stays behind, still praying for them and loving them...always.
I started out in this world in not the greatest environment and have gone through things most people could not even comprehend. If you had told me when I was 12,16,18 or 21 that my life would have turned out so wonderful and blessed I probably would have laughed in your face. No way. How could a life that was so miserable ever turn out good let alone blessed. But I wanted something better and through every tear, every valley, through fear and darkness I persevered.
When life took me down I looked up and took Gods hand and He pulled me up and out.
God didn't cause the bad things that happened but He allowed me to be in situations where I learned to depend on Him and for that I am grateful. In the book of James 1:2 it tells us to be joyful whenever we face hard times because our faith is being tested and that develops perseverance. Now I personally don't go around kicking up my heals when life isn't going my way, anyone who reads my blog knows this BUT after I get out of my pity party and decide I am going to do something about it I see the plan God had for me, the lesson I learned and for that I am always grateful. You also know that if you read my blog.
I don't pretend to be this perfect Christan with all the answers. I am human and I succumb to bad moods, ungratefulness and pity parties. The things that separates me from non believers is the fact I always come out on top, full of joy, grateful, forgiving and loving. That is the difference between believers and non-believers. Very simple really. It's a choice.
So as I grow older and my kids grow up (way to quick) and move on, when things are not going my way and I feel like giving up, when things are so great and I have one of those days I would love to freeze in time but can't, I have to remember, this is life, the one God gave me, the one I didn't deserve but one I am so very grateful for.

America

Happy 4th of July! And to our Marine and all those who have served, are serving and will serve

thank you and God bless!

And to everyone else remember, freedom isn't free.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strenth. They will soar like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Answered prayers

Remember those mountains? Well God moved a bunch of them! He never ceases to amaze me. I am fully aware of what He is capable of but it still takes my breath away. I knew deep down He would take care of everything but I always allow myself a little doubt. Shame on me!
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who...crowns you with love and compasssion. Psalm 103:2-4
Yesterday was a perfect day. You know, one of those days you hate to see end. As I watched God move these mountains that stood before me I stood in awe. I realized I can not remember one time He has ever let me down. I let Him down a lot but never, ever has He let me down. Thank you God, for loving me even when I am doubtful.
Now wisdom from my buddy Kooper who is five years old. My daughter Jordan and I were blessed to bring Kooper home to his mommy and daddy when he was 4 months old.
His mom told me that they were talking about Jesus and going to heaven. He told her how you get to heaven. Mom realized they really had not spoken about where you would go if you didn't believe in Jesus. So she said "Kooper do you know where you go if you do not believe in Jesus?" He looked at her for a moment and as serious as could be said "I don't know, Walmart or something?" :0) Now anyone who has adopted internationally and your children look nothing like you knows that a trip to Walmart can bring on some of the most bizarre, intrusive, rude, unheard of questions about your child that you could imagine. So in a way my buddy Kopper wasn't to far off. It can be a hell that's for sure.