Author Archives: Jim Gleason

We all have some things that we keep hidden away. It could be the ugly sweater that Aunt Mabel gave us one Christmas. Or perhaps it as an old torn t-shirt that we keep because it is so comfortable. We also keep some of our behaviors under wraps because we don’t want others to knowContinue reading “Out of the Shadows”

I learned a lesson about self confidence today. I overestimated my ability to pull my car into a parking place and wound up hitting a pole. A certain amount of confidence is needed, but we have to be careful not to let pride cloud our judgment. When pride takes over we can really make aContinue reading “Self Confidence”

Our lives are very busy. So our minds have a million things to think about. We have agendas, schedules, plans to make, people to interact with, relationships to maintain and work to do. And all that is just our home life. Add to that our jobs and all we need to take care of thereContinue reading “Untamed Mind”

It seems that we spend our whole lives in training. We spend our early years in school learning a variety of subjects. For some, schooling extends into young adulthood as they pursue masters and doctorate degrees. Then we take a job and are in training for the specific job tasks. Since most of us don’tContinue reading “Training”

This is the season of new things. Christmas brings us new toys, clothes, electronics, etc. A week later we make new year’s resolutions to become the new improved us. It is all fun and gives us great joy. We all hope that 2021 will be much better than this year. We anticipate the end ofContinue reading “New Things”

Think back over Christmases past. Did you receive anything you didn’t expect to receive? Many times those are the best presents. They reflect thought, care and love of the giver. Do you think it will happen again this year? Could you receive an unexpected gift that will knock your socks off? Perhaps you will beContinue reading “What You Didn’t Expect”

Doesn’t it seem like we need some grand mediator to bring some civility to our world? The constant bickering and accusations are obnoxious. A Hollywood star recently suggested that we need to agree on a set of values. Well, I don’t think that is going to happen soon. Finding a mediator who could objectively lookContinue reading “Mediations”

What motivates people to get up each day and to do the things that they do? For some it is the almighty dollar. For others it is to gain the approval of significant people in their lives. Some are motivated by academic or athletic achievement. But for some people it is simply to make itContinue reading “Today’s Motivation”

Nature can inspire us to think of grandeur and beautiful things. Personally I draw inspiration from the seashore. The vastness of the ocean and the faithful rhythm of the waves led me to thoughts of the Creator. Perhaps dense forests and tall trees cause you to think about strength. We can also draw inspiration fromContinue reading “Inspiration”

Each investment company and financial advisor has their own investment strategy. They all promise you financial security if you invest with them. There are certain fundamentals that they all adhere to, but they can’t quantify the risks. Those risks are beyond their control. Markets tumble and unforeseen disasters destroy the value of investments. Jesus promisedContinue reading “Investment Strategies”