The good life

This is one of my favorite Psalms.  To me, it describes what it's like to be the kind of Christian that pleases God.  

Psalms 112

To fear God, means to respect Him.  To me it means acknowledging His power and supremacy over the earth and all that is in it.
1 Hallelujah!
Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear God,
Who cherish and relish his commandments,

When I lived in Utah, there were many Mormon families.  We moved there from Southern California.  I was struck by their rosey cheeks, and health.  They didn't drink coffee or coca cola.  But of course they got into their own trouble.  The Amish are like this as well.  There's a sense of strength and well-being in the people.
2 Their children robust on the earth,
And the homes of the upright — how blessed!

Wealth isn't always money.  It's in the heart.  When I stop and thank God for all my blessings:  my husband, my cats, a house to live in, food, my camera, my Church, friends.  I realize how wealthy I really am.  I want to give to others.  When I think of God's generosity, giving someone a drink of water when they need it seems pretty simple.
3 Their houses brim with wealth
And a generosity that never runs dry.

We do experience darkness as Christians.  My brother is sick with cancer, my Mom is in and out of the hospital.  I praise God for every moment I've had with them, for every moment I can have with them now.  I choose to focus on the joy and greet them with a smile.  I will miss them one day, but they will be in my heart forever.  (And keep praying for miracles!)
4 Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people —
God's grace and mercy and justice!
5 The good person is generous and lends lavishly;

God gives me purpose and direction.   Each day I have something to do.  I'm never bored!  That's for sure.
6 No shuffling or stumbling around for this one,
But a sterling and solid and lasting reputation.

I confess rumors and gossip does bother me.  But I move on.
7 Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in God,

I'm usually pretty stable in my faith.  But I can't say I'm never perturbed.  You can ask my husband, I do have my moments for sure!
8 Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies,

Gifts for the poor can be money or time.  I helped a woman paint who had Multiple Sclerosis once.  She was paralyzed from the head down. She used an adapter to paint with her mouth.  I'm an artist.  Like most ministries, I think I got the most out of it.  She said the same thing.  There was something wonderful about giving my time and talent to someone else, it's hard to describe.  Her spirit was set free from her paralysis for a short time.  I saw the sparkles in her eyes.  I prayed before I went, knowing I didn't have what it would take to help her on my own.  There was a wave of warmth and joy when we painted.  Eventually her condition deteriorated.  So I'd ask her what she wanted to paint.  She'd ask for a bear so I did it.  Her eyes got big and she giggled like a child.  It's honestly the best time I've ever had painting in my life.  God always has some cool stuff for His servants to do.  More than just money.  It made my life beautiful with purpose.  I'm so grateful He led me to that opportunity.
9 They lavish gifts on the poor —
A generosity that goes on, and on, and on.
An honored life! A beautiful life!

This is true too.  I have been accused of some weird stuff- but the end is usually just frustration for the accuser.

10 Someone wicked takes one look and rages,
Blusters away but ends up speechless.
There's nothing to the dreams of the wicked. Nothing.
THE MESSAGE

Maybe it's time to find another ministry.  Remembering some of the things I've done has inspired me.  : )