Learning as you go - Life 201

I'm glad you've dropped by the Update on Zack blog. You have probably gotten a confusing note or two from me this week about how to view and/or join this blog. This was not actually a plot to frustrate you. No, this was me trying to figure out a new way of using computers and learning as I go. (To actually join the blog, email me and I'll send you an invitation. It looks like spam, sender is "Blogger invites", but it's the real deal. So click on it and come and add your comments, posts and pictures.)

But life is that way. I mean, I feel sorry for oldest children, like Zack. They are the test subject/guinea pigs for their parents. We usually are too tough on them and expect them to be like short adults. Of course, first kids usually do end up being leaders, right along with only children. For more on this see,

Dr. Kevin Leman's website and click "browse by category." Ken and I went and saw him speak and have several of his books. I have a degree in Psychology and, from personal experience, life and raising kids, I can say with confidence that a lot of it is hooey. But he knows his subject.

Anyway, life. What a deal, huh? Most of it is just dress rehearsal. Oh sure, some things you get used to, like swimming. At first, it's scary having your head under water, not being able to breathe and the water temperature is uncertain, sometimes surprisingly cold. But you learn to hold your breath, move your arms and legs and to judge the water with your toe. I used to get really frustrated with the way life changes all the time. Just when things were going well, I had a great place to live, job, friends - boom, something would change. Good friends would move away, or I would. I hated it. Over time, I learned that life is change. I know this is not earth-shattering news, but it did take a long time for me to accept it. I still like stability - but not boredom. I've even gotten used to, "Hey, hun, what would you say if we I were to put in for a job in ???"

This summer, after Ariel gets out of school, modeling and the pageant; our neice, Melissa, graduates from High School; Zack's friends Matt, Trish and David graduate from their respective schools and military academies; and after Karen and Clyde's daughter, Nicole, gets Married, we are moving to Brisbane, Queensland. I know we'll miss everyone here. The Woodlands is our home now - we've been here almost 10 years. I've never been anywhere 10 years. Also, all our family is here in Texas. But Ken and I have learned over the years to pray not for where we think we want to go, but to pray that God would show us where he wants us to be, so he can use us for the next thing he has for us to do. So many, many wonderful things have just fallen into line for us, great renters for this home, a great new home in Brisbane, a great new church there - when God is behind a move, things just fly.

One change that is harder to get used to is Zack being gone. I mean, I know with confidence where he is, but I have a lot of questions for God when I see Him. I guess the things that help me deal with life's diversions is having a great guide book (the Bible), and great traveling partner (Ken) and all the great family and friends that God has blessed me with. So thank you.


I know this is long, so just post your own thoughts, comments and jump right in, the water's fine.