On Passion. {And Fave Finds on Friday.}

Wow, what a week, eh?

The re-election of President Obama stirred a frenzy of passion from all corners of the country, from both sides of the aisle. Social media again lit up with opinion and argument. I love to see so many people fired up about the direction of the United States; it’s much preferred to apathy and indifference.

However, a lot of what I have seen over the past week has disheartened me. From behind the safety of their computer and phone screens, people hurled insults, belittled other people, and spread hurt and hate that was unnecessary, divisive, and unproductive. And this wasn’t only directed at strangers on the other side of their screens; no, friendships have ended, familial relationships have been broken. For the sake of what?

When you blame, bash, and ostracize folks, it says more about your own character than it does theirs.

I whole-heartedly believe in having and expressing passion. But if passion isn’t tempered by compassion, it only becomes more ineffective noise, just more graffiti on an already ugly (facebook) wall.

If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.
~ Benjamin Franklin

Now then…let’s move on to some happy Friday favorite finds!

How adorable are these family-photos-turned-puzzles? I’m pretty sure Santa will be saving some room under our tree for one!
http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/puzzles

Source: shutterfly.com via Christy on Pinterest

I don’t have any boys, but I still related to this one: 25 Rules for Mothers of Boys
http://gimundo.com/news/article/25-rules-for-mothers-of-boys/

Fall is my favorite time of year to break out my crockpot. I love chilis and stews and other such comfort foods! So this one may have just blown my mind…18 Things you Didn’t know your Slow Cooker Could Make.