Columns – Page 60 – FindYourBuriedTreasure

Almost ready for Uganda—one more time

Editor’s Note: Betty Liedtke is in Uganda. The following column is one that she wrote in preparation for the trip she took to Uganda last October. This column was originally published on September 29, 2011. “If anybody offers you sambusa, take it.” That’s one piece of advice that was given to me recently regarding my upcoming trip to Uganda. I’m going to be there for several weeks, and I’ve been collecting information from friends – and friends of friends – who have been there themselves [...]

By bettyliedtke|September 14th, 2012|Columns, Travel, Uganda|Comments Off

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 winds, even without full “hurricane” [...]

By bettyliedtke|September 7th, 2012|Columns, Family|Comments Off

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 on with the program. I’m [...]

By bettyliedtke|August 31st, 2012|Columns, Travel, Uganda|Comments Off

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 in recent months, you know [...]

By bettyliedtke|August 24th, 2012|Columns, Travel, Uganda|Comments Off

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 things done. I figured that [...]

By bettyliedtke|August 17th, 2012|Columns, Family|Comments Off

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 back to normal – although, [...]

By bettyliedtke|August 10th, 2012|Columns, Health and Well-being|Comments Off

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 was on the other side [...]

By bettyliedtke|August 3rd, 2012|Columns, Family, Music/Singing, Values|Comments Off

It’s not what you fear, but what you do that counts

What would you do if you were fearless? That question came up during a meeting I attended last Thursday. It was a planning session for a “Fearless Women” event that’s going to take place later this year, and as we discussed the event and the question, I had no idea how – or how often – the issues of fear and fearlessness would come up in the next 30 hours. The first instance, shocking and frightening, was when I woke up the next morning to [...]

By bettyliedtke|July 27th, 2012|Columns, Faith, Making a Difference, Uganda, Values|Comments Off

Dumb mistakes drive new lessons home

It was a dumb mistake, followed by several more – none of which should have happened, and all of which were my own fault. By the time all was said and done, I was frustrated, embarrassed, angry (at myself), swearing (at myself), crying, and driving home in defeat after more than an hour on the road. And it wasn’t even 7:30 in the morning. I had been on my way to a once-a-month meeting that starts at 6:30 a.m. I left my house early because [...]

By bettyliedtke|July 20th, 2012|Columns|Comments Off

A loving man, a successful life

I always enjoy getting feedback about my column, especially when people mention something helpful they learned while reading it, or a powerful memory it brought out in them. Occasionally, the feedback I receive actually moves me to tears. That happened this week, when I read an email from a friend that I haven’t seen in a long time. What she said was so eloquently expressed that I emailed her back to ask if I could include it here pretty much word-for-word. She graciously agreed. She [...]

By bettyliedtke|July 13th, 2012|Columns, Family|Comments Off

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