Author Archives: Jim Gleason

Gifted to Serve

We tend to glorify the gifted person. The athlete who is extremely talented and successful is honored with accolades and awards, along with large sums of money. The talented actor or actress is wooed by an adoring public. The successful businessperson is honored in a variety of venues. But all these honors and most ofContinue reading “Gifted to Serve”

Changes Everything

When we fill a clear glass with orange juice, it changes the appearance of the glass. When we fill our car with gasoline, we enhance the power of the car to go farther. When we fill our minds with good thoughts our perspective changes. The process of filling changes things. Ephesians 5:18-21 says, “but beContinue reading “Changes Everything”

Regifting

Some people are avid regifters. They may need very little themselves, so they get joy out of giving what they have received to others. Many just see regifting as an opportunity to offload something that they didn’t really want in the first place. White elephant gift exchanges are a prime example of the downside ofContinue reading “Regifting”

They Cry, “Peace”

In the news, we see and hear scores of people crying out for peace. In the name of peace, they are taking over college campuses, stopping traffic, and condemning everyone on the other side of the political spectrum. At the same time, families are being destroyed and angry people dominate social media and oftentimes theContinue reading “They Cry, “Peace””

Love Received, Love to Give

Among material things, we cannot give what we have not received. You cannot give away a cup of sugar to a neighbor, without somehow receiving sugar from which you can give. While that applies materially, we can give from our heart without first receiving. For instance, you can give a kindness to a stranger, withoutContinue reading “Love Received, Love to Give”