Cats, Coffee & God

So many things have happened today that I don't really know where to start. I guess I should start by saying that both cats are still alive! No cat fights, no hissing, no snarls, no scratching. It was a successful evening. They have remained at opposite ends of the apartment today but things have been very calm. Whew!

I grabbed a cup of coffee, my bible, my Purpose Driven Life book, my journal and cool pen and spent the next thirty minutes in bible study. I haven't been doing much of that lately and I have missed it. I wanted to do it on the deck but it was a little chilly.

Early services began at eight o'clock, so I was there on time. James had a great lesson on communication and relationships. He made a great point regarding email conversations and how difficult it was to discuss things over email, when many of the important conversations need to be done face to face. I agree with him. Too many things can be misconstrued in emails... face to face allows you to see expression, body language, tone of "face" as it goes with tone of "voice." I am much better at face to face conversation.

We had lunch and then went to have services with dad at the rehab center. It was incredibly moving. He had an "episode" on Friday and during his afternoon therapy thought he was having another heart attack/stroke. When I walked in the room, they had just received the test results and he did NOT have one. It really did scare him though. He has seemed slightly depressed all weekend. Almost as if a little light has gone out. It bothers me greatly to see him this way. Anyway.... he didn't really feel like having services, but did it anyway. Afterwards, he apologized and said that the devil was trying to keep him from worshipping and he was really glad that he didn't listen. He needed to hear the singing, praying, and needed to take communion with us. He cried during the song, I Believe in Jesus. I didn't make it throught the song either.

At five o'clock I was to meet with some girls for a discipling group meeting. There are four twenty-something year olds and myself. We decided to meet at Kelso's pizza shop and have dinner and study. Only one was able to make it, so we met anyway, ate salads, studied for awhile and then decided to continue our conversation at the local coffee shoppe down the road. I had never been there, so it was something new and for those of you that know me... I am up for something new. Brandi and I have so many similiar experiences. She is at a stage in life where she is hungering to know God and to satisfy a need within her to learn all she can. I recognize this because I had a similiar urge in myself many years ago. We had so much to share and a coffee shoppe has a certain environment that is conducive to great meaningful discussions. She is a terrific girl and I am excited to meet again Wednesday evening. I think I have found where my passion lies... in discipling.

Today in bible class, we were discussing spiritual gifts and someone made the comment regarding my conversation abilities. Earlier in my life people referred to it as talking. I was a talker. A big talker. Now I am a conversationalist! How PC. Someone mentioned "her gift of gab" and then someone else laughingly referred to me as "gabby." Suddenly I knew.... my cat's name will be Gabby. She does meow more than Miss B so I think she is qualified to wear the name. A very dear friend suggested Sassy or Sassy Cat. I had to chuckle because I had thought of that earlier as well... but this friend often referrs to me as sassy, so I think I'll keep the name for myself. Somethings are personal and not meant to be shared, even with a pet. Maybe I'll get a personalized license plate, or use it as a new title instead of Queen. Meanwhile, as for my cat's name.... Gabby it is.

It has been a good, busy day. I have done many things this weekend and I think I am ready to face the new work week. I have 19 more days until I go to Indiana. I am really looking forward to seeing my dear Indiana family and friends.... and MY TOT! I don't think I can contain my excitement. My dear SIL Dana and BIL Darren have planned a family slumber party on Saturday night and we are just going to eat pizza, talk, and laugh until we are all exhausted and fall asleep where we sit. It is going to be GREAT.

Well, dear reader, I hope your day was a good day too. I hope you did things that brought you peace and joy. Miss B, Gabby, and I wish you all a good evening and pleasant dreams.