i will be back later to respond to others, i just read this in someone's thread and wanted a record of it...

Quote:

"Passion: "God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible." 2 Timothy 1:7

She's the woman with that extra glow. She only has to walk into the room and people feel better. They are drawn to her like bees to a flower, attracted by her joyous attitude and loving smile. She doesn't have to be a beautiful woman or a party girl. She's just as often a quiet person, one whom you wouldn't look at twice in a crowd. But there is something about her that draws you, warms your heart and makes you feel better about life. She's a woman of passion, embracing life with her whole heart.

Here are some ways to cultivate passion and embrace life:

Appreciate life itself.
Enjoy the details of God's creation.
Rejoice in the small things as well as the large.
Look around you and see how amazing and wondrous life is.
Seek out new experiences.
Live your life as an adventure - never let it become a routine chore.
Always be open to learning something new.
Be active, not passive. Don't let the parade of life pass you by. Join in. Don't sit back and complain, get up out of your seat and play.
Cultivate beauty.
Plant a garden.
Put a rose on your desk at work.
Go to a museum or art gallery.
Take up painting or quilting.
Create beauty as well as enjoying it.
Reach out to others. Smile. Get to know people who are different from you. Appreciate and enjoy those differences. Really listen when you are in conversation. Give each person your full attention. Show affection. Be encouraging. Add spice and color to your days. Try new dishes from exotic places. Learn new exercises to stretch your body. Break up your routine. Plan a date with friends or just yourself! Give gifts for no occasion - just because. Do something fun on the spur of the moment.
Lighten up. Laugh a little more. Take to heart the biblical commend to "Rejoice in the Lord always." Be thankful for the many blessings in your life.
Share some of those blessings with others.
Never be afraid to be passionate about your faith. Love God with your whole heart, mind, body and spirit. He will be your never failing source of passion and zest for life."