Tragedies hit close to home when our loved ones may be involved
The first attention I paid to Hurricane Isaac was well before it built up to its full power or approached land. It was during a phone call with my daughter. My daughter lives near Orlando. Since Orlando is in central Florida and a fair distance from either coast, it’s not in as much danger of hurricanes as other Florida locations. Still, hurricanes there are not unheard of, and the area often bears the brunt of destructive and devastating rain and [...]
It all adds up to being 100% ready
“100% scripted, 100% flexible.” That was one of the mantras we repeated over and over again when I was in Uganda last October, with an emphasis on the “flexible” part. Our plans and programs were carefully scheduled and prepared. But unexpected problems and challenges kept popping up, usually with little or no advance warning. We got used to it, and whenever something unforeseen happened – which was most of the time – we made whatever changes were necessary, and carried [...]
Laying the foundation for a Miracle Village
I’m going back to Uganda! The dream that began when I was there last October has grown and expanded and taken on a life of its own. It’s gathered momentum and interest. It’s generated plans and projects and new ideas. And it has become a passion and mission not only of mine, but of my friend Tabitha and a number of other people who want to see this dream become a reality. If you’ve been reading my column somewhat regularly [...]
Sleepy thoughts on a bright, starry night
I woke up at 4:30 one morning last weekend, and couldn’t get back to sleep. Everything going on in my life crowded into my brain, as it often does during especially busy spells. When that happens, I know the tips and tricks I need to utilize to push things out of my mind so I can get some more sleep, but frankly, it felt like too much of an effort. So I decided to get up and get a few [...]
An Olympic effort can achieve any goal
Like many other people around the country, I’ve spent a good portion of my evenings over the last two weeks sitting in front of my television, watching the Summer Olympics. It’s ironic that an event like the Olympics – which showcases people who are among the most physically fit and active in the world, and who are competing and performing at the highest level possible – turns so many of us into couch potatoes. But starting next week, I’ll get [...]
Keep on singing to brighten everyone’s day
“The sun’ll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there’ll be sun…” I smiled as I listened to a powerhouse voice belting out the popular song from the musical, “Annie.” But I wasn’t at the theatre experiencing it live, or listening to a CD of the soundtrack in my car or home. I was in the checkout line at the grocery story. The singer – whom I couldn’t even see at first because she was so tiny and [...]