My Blissful Break from Facebook

Exactly 24 days ago, I decided to go on a Facebook fast. I didn't do it for religious reasons, although many types of religious fasts last for 21 days. I simply needed a break. I gave myself 21 days of Facebook abstinence & deactivated my account. My fast is now over & I have given consideration to reactivating my account. But here's the thing: I just don't want to. It has been a very blissful break & I'm not ready for it to end. Here's why:

What is Love, Really?

Ah, the age-old question: What is love??? Is love real? Is it available to everyone?

Of course it's real!! And yes, everyone can find & experience it.

Love isn't just romantic, you know. It's not just a feeling.....it's a "doing". 

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Whether you apply the concept of love to a romantic relationship, or to a family member or friend, or whether you show love to your fellow man.... love is something that when applied the right way, just makes everything better.

A person doesn't have to believe in the words of the Bible if they don't want to. I'm not asking anyone to believe in God, although I would be happy to think that those reading this know that God loves them. But here's the thing: no matter what a person's beliefs are, one can't deny the wisdom in the following passage of the Bible. This passage is often referred to as "The Love Chapter", & it can be found in 1 Corinthians 13. It's a small chapter, with only 13 verses, but verses 4-7 are especially important:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. It is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered.

It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Now of course I could expound on the above Bible verses, but what more needs to be said? It already says it all. Now if we could all treat our fellow man, our friends & loved ones with this type of love, the world would indeed be a better place!

 **Have an opinion about this post? I would truly appreciate your feedback in the comment section below, or in the confidential feedback form on this page.**

Life Is a Picture

Life is a picture

People paint for themselves;

To put on display

Or to stick on a shelf

They may hide it from others,

Let it gather some dust,

Or they may show it off proudly,

Accepting praise if they must.

As the picture is formed

With each stroke of the brush,

One can tell if a person

Took it slowly or rushed.

I say to not stress about

Profit or gain

But appreciate life

And enjoy each new day.

Take a walk in the country

Or swim in a lake,

And trust in the Lord

From the moment you awake.

It is He who decides

How long we shall live,

So let's enjoy each new day

As we live it with Him.

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© Cari Kissel (first written as a teenager in 1978...edited 2013)

No Longer the Victim

I don't need to be a victim.

I don't want to confess my pain.

I don't need to share my heartaches -

I want my dignity back again!!

I will no longer place blame with others

For the things they "should not have" done -

I'm responsible for the present.

I will leave the past alone.

I can't blame my loving family,

Nor my friends, nor someone else,

For the problems in my life - 

I am responsible for myself!!

"Woe is me" is gone forever

From my mouth, where once was home

To a host of negativity,

And where self-pity was free to roam.

I cannot change my history,

Nor undo the wrongs done unto me.

But I can make my future brighter,

By being the best that I can be.

For life's too precious to waste it fretting

Over events of yesterday.

I will live for every moment

And judge my life for just today!!

© Cari Kissel (first written in 1994...edited in 2013)

Venting, & Other Healthy Habits

It's been awhile since I've written anything here. I haven't felt like writing. Writing for me, is cathartic. It soothes the soul. It ignites something in me that I am passionate about. It gets me motivated to encourage someone else in some way or another. But I've been dead. Too much stress. Too much on my plate & feeling overwhelmed.

Having a Dog With Cancer

Animals are awesome. They have the amazing ability to feel discomfort, yet still act as if nothing is wrong. I mean, there are dogs hobbling around on 3 legs, acting as if it's a perfectly normal thing. People on the other hand, whine & fuss, complain & evoke sympathy, when we are in pain, sick with the flu, or just don't "feel right". When we're not feeling well, most people know it.....unless we have the physical stamina of an animal, & can hide our discomfort well.

Stop and Smell the Roses

Sometimes when people are perky & happy, & life never seems to get them down, it's hard to be around them. It's easy to wonder how it is that they always manage to have a smile on their face.

Glass Is Half Full

***This post has been edited for clarification, after reader feedback. Please see edit at the bottom of this post.***

"Why hello there! Fine day isn't it?"

"How are you today?"

"How may I help you?"

"C'mon, turn that frown upside down!"
"Do you want fries with that?"

Do you ever feel irritated when you wake up on the wrong side of bed & just aren't ready to greet the day, & you come across someone who is just SO PERKY  & FULL OF ENERGY? Uggh!! Often times, these people will be wearing a smile on their face that looks like it was painted on because they have no facial lines that go in the opposite direction. They may say hello, give the customary "how are you", & then if you say you're tired or that you wish it was Friday already, they chastise you & say "cheer up....it's a beautiful day...the day has just begun....your day will be what you make it!". They may be wondering who poured vinegar in your corn flakes, all while you may be thinking of ways to shove those corn flakes up their nose! Perky people can be so annoying, right?