God's Sterling Goodness- It's been a rough week emotionally for me. I am no hero, of that I assure you, but there are moments when I empathize in a very small way with Paul the Apostle. He said things like: When you (his church) are sick, suffering, hurting- I am sick, I suffer, I hurt. And another time he said that on every side he is perplexed, crushed- attacked. I am not feeling sorry for myself- I understand it comes with the proverbial territory. This weeks has been a week of constant stream of bad news (not that there hasn't been good news, it just seems the bad is overwhelming the good). So here this morning, I sit at my desk (aka our dining room table) praying- praying for a close friend who needs huge changes in his life, praying for another friend who is getting ready for a major job shifting, another who is seeking God's wisdom for a huge decision, for a friend whose dad just underwent a triple bypass yesterday, for another new companion who has some sort of tumor in the brain-others who are struggling financially- and more and more- it's all weighing down on me this morning. I ask God to do his thing. God show us, show me- what is going on. Show me something- (I know this is a little Mella-dramatic) to remind me of your goodness. Remind me of what I desperately need to be reminded of- and just then- ......... my little bells comes over to me (Samantha was out w/ a couple of ladies)-up to this time she had been playing really quietly- and says - "Daddy, don't freak out" (a term she picked up from Hannah Montana). I picked her up and she hugged my neck as she said "I miiiiiiiiissed you daddy, i love you". May not be writing on the wall for others- but my heart sank- "oh Sam of little faith.....God IS good!" thanks my little, sweet, beautiful, Bella for teaching, reminding daddy of God's goodness.....and btw- you are not only the teacher, but the goodness today! Thank you Lord for being patient, loving, kind, gracious to me-the sinner. And help me to trust You more.