Author Archives: Jim Gleason

You have probably heard, “You can accomplish anything you desire in life, if you work hard”. Or how about, “You can be anything you want to be, if you want it bad enough?” Both statements are motivational statements intended to make us believe that we are in control of our destinies. The reality is thatContinue reading “Meaningless Slogans”

It is autumn in the Midwest, but the trees have passed the peak season for displaying colorful leaves. The leaves have faded, died, and fallen from the trees. What was once a beautiful array of dazzling color is now a barren dullness. The glory of colorful trees has faded away. Any glory that we receiveContinue reading “Faded Glory”

I have been blessed by visiting over 50 countries around the world. I have enjoyed the beauty of these lands and each unique culture. While traveling, I have noticed the various temples and places of worship. Some are very ornate and others are quite simple. Worshippers bring their offerings and gifts. These places of worshipContinue reading “Taking Care of the Temple”

When I was working, I did the prudent thing and invested in IRAs and 401Ks. As everyone else, I was hoping that these investments and their returns would provide for our future. We are retired now and living off of these investments. However, with declining health and volatile markets, those investments do not provide theContinue reading “Investment Returns”

When I was young, I had the habit of sucking on the two middle fingers of my left hand. I admit that it looked odd and very immature. I tried everything to get rid of this habit but continually failed. Then one day I received real motivation. My dad said that he would take meContinue reading “Temptation”