Passion lives here!
PUC Seventh-day Adventist Church
What are you passionate about? You might be passionate about one specific thing, a lot of things or nothing.
Passion is defined as a strong feeling or emotion. It can also be love or anger and the sufferings of Christ.
Obviously, Jesus was most passionate about us — humanity. He suffered so that we might live forever! His death upon the cross made freedom from our sins possible. Whether we acknowledge Jesus or not, His passion for you and me is unchanging and awesome. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
We can have passion for anything under the sun — a person, place or thing, an idea, an ideal, and more. We can simply live with passion, making each day the best. “Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion.” (Wilhelm)

When I think of passionate people, the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, comes to mind. I always enjoy watching his programs. He lived with such enthusiasm and energy. I can hear him now, “Crikey!” or “Would you look at the size of that croc?” What an inspiration he was! Irwin was a great example of “Follow your passion, and success will follow you.” (Buddhold)

One thing I like to see is a person who stands up for what he truly believes. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, right? Unfortunately, some people try to squelch differing voices rather than standing up for what they themselves believe. This tactic is actually egocentric, weak and uneducated. Why try to extinguish someone else’s passion? You can have your own.
In the daily grind of our lives, is there enough time to be passionate and enthusiastic? Sometimes hours turn into days, blended together without passion. We can get caught up in the To Do Lists. What we really need “to do” is start living now!
Make today the best day yet. “Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching.”
Have a passion for life! “Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.” (Diderot) “Renew your passions daily.” (Yeux-verdi) Experience joy everyday.
“Passion Lives Here!” was the slogan for the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy last year. The games were certainly filled with emotion and gusto. I’ve observed the Napa Valley to be quite a passionate place too. In general, people embrace life.
To many, the very thought of the Napa Valley conjures up a sense of passion, from the vineyards to hot-air balloons to unique restaurants, etc. Even as a lifetime local, I never get tired of driving up and down the valley roads. I love my hometown of St. Helena and the Napa Valley. I’ve traveled all over the world, but nothing compares to this area.
We live in such a beautiful part of the planet. The mustard in the spring, the vines’ red leaves in the fall and the magnificent open space all preach their own, special sermon about God’s creativity and His love for us.
Why not reciprocate the love? Let’s make Jesus a passion priority, not a side note or an afterthought. Let’s be on fire for Him. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart,” declared God. (Jeremiah 29:13)
Live with zest. Live your dreams. Pursue your passions.