Buchanan Beeline: family

Hi all,

I just wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge my husband and his family before everybody. Dave doesn't know I'm doing this, neither do the rest of his family. But I wanted to praise God for bringing Dave to me, and for allowing me to be a part of his family. I believe us ladies complain and grumble about our husbands far too much, rather than focusing on the goodness that exists in our husbands. We may even criticise them to the point that we can see no good in them at all anymore.

L-R: Grandma, Louisa holding Samuel, Steve holding Micah,
Richard (Dad), Linda (Mum), Dave, myself, Jasmine, Grant, Jen

Firstly, he has a wonderful family (hi Mum and Dad, Jazzy, Louisa and Grant). For someone like myself who did not have a strong family growing up, I see the blessings that the Buchanan parents have been to their children in providing a stable and loving home for their children. While it was not always easy (and whose life really is easy?), they did their best to provide a strong Christian foundation for their family. Not having this myself, I treasure it when I see it in other people, and count it an honour to be a part of this wonderful family. I love my in-laws as if they were my own family. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but I love them now so very dearly.

L-R: Steve holding Samuel (3 days old),
Louisa holding Micah

Steve and Weezy (Louisa), you guys are like the older brother and sister that I never had, and I love visiting your place and being one of the family. You make me feel very welcome and extremely loved, and I love being an Aunty to your two boys.

Grant and Jen

Grant and Jen, its nice to have you as brother and sister, and good friends. I love hanging out with you guys and enjoying your company. Its nice to have friends my age who are at the same stage in life, and are easy to talk to. Love you guys so much!!

Jazzy and Callum

Jazzy (Jasmine) and Callum, I love you guys heaps. I love your zest for life and passion for God...and I love Jazzy's hugs! You give the best hugs ever Jazzy! You're such an awesome little sister, and its been great getting to know you and Callum.

Mum and Dad Buchanan

Thanks Mum and Dad Buchanan for raising such wonderful kids. You guys are a true example to me of marriage at its best, and even though I know it hasn't always been easy sailing for you in your relationship, you kept at it and didn't give up on it. You are an inspiration to me, in how you relate to each other and to God. Thankyou for loving me, even if I didn't always like what you had to say... :-) Love you guys so much like my own parents.

L-R: Dave, Great Grandma Rita, myself

Also musn't forget Grandma and Great Grandma, you guys are beautiful..Grandma, you make me feel like your own grandaughter, and thanks for your wonderful hospitality whenever Dave and I come to Bundy. Love you and Great Grandma heaps :-)

The grandkids with Grandma and Grandpa (Grandpa has now
gone to be with Jesus)

L-R: Myself, Dave, Mum, Dad, Grant, Jen

The Buchanan girls

Now to my husband. He is a very strong Christian man (much like his father), who has a passion for God and a compassion for people. He knows how to show unconditional love, and helps me understand God in a way that nobody has ever been able to do. He shows me what God is like by treating me the way God would treat me. No, he's not perfect...nobody is. But Dave is in with God, and I know that Dave follows God first before everything else. So having that knowledge enables me to submit to Dave (not always willingly, but I'm getting better) without fear.

Have you heard of those households where the woman is the one who is really in charge, and the woman is always right? Not so in our household... Dave is definitely in charge in our house. He is extremely strong willed and a good leader. Once he's made up his mind, there's no changing it unless GOD tells him to do it differently. While its difficult sometimes, ultimately I know that God is in control because Dave submits to God's will, and if Dave is firm in something, he's got a reason for it most of the time. (everyone has faults, so he's not always right...but who is?) Overall, Dave is a strong leader. So when I hear things like this where men say that women really lead the household and that the wife is always right, it seems really weird to me. It's totally not that way in our household.

I totally love my husband and my new family, because they give me the opportunity of being part of a strong Christian family who love each other and are there for each other no matter what happens. They stick together and help each other out wherever possible, supporting each other through all the hard things of life. I love my family, and just wanted to acknowledge them before everybody else.. YOU GUYS ARE SO AWESOME, and I LOVE doing life
with you :-)

Love always,
Coral