Yesterday was definitely a high spot on the calendar for us...it was the long awaited day that Tom and I would meet our long-time friends, Fred and Chris, in Richmond for lunch.
We try and plan a get-together as a twosome (just us girls) once a year and a foursome once a year to renew old friendships and to catch up on what's happening in our lives. With 14 children between us, there's a lot of information to pass along, lots of grandbabies' pictures to show off, and lots of quilt talk!
Maggiano's, located at Short Pump Town Center, was a fun new place for us to visit. The food was delicious, although we opted for the soup and salad and didn't experiment with some of the more exotic Italian dishes.
Our personable waiter gladly took a picture of the four of us together. What a good day it was! Thanks, friends!
On another note...since I've mentioned our home church on the blog many times before and posted pictures of some of our activities, I would like to mention that this Sunday was the last gathering of our home fellowship...it was a low spot for us today.
In the past months some families have moved away from our area, and others who were driving long distances (like 2 hours each way) have (understandably) decided that it was too much to drive each Sunday. Another family decided that they needed a fellowship with a larger cross-section of families. So a decision was made to acknowledge the end of our home fellowship and pursue whatever else the Lord might have for us.
Would you pray for wisdom and discernment for us to know what to do next, where to find fellowship of like-minded families, and for encouragement for all of our family during this season of our lives. Thank you so much!
~Deb
I'm so glad that you had a nice visit with your friends. Please know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you try to discern what the Lord wants you to do now.
Posted by: Bobbi | Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 08:04 PM
Such a lovely photo of the four of you. Best wishes for the decisions ahead re your new church/fellowship.
Posted by: Rose | Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 09:16 PM
Thanks for meeting us Tom and Deb! Another day of sweet memories, filled with laughter, encouraging words, memories and even a few tears. :) Yes we will continue to keep you all in our prayers. We know that God has some special plans for you all. We had a great time with you guys... as always!
Posted by: Chris | Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 10:29 PM
Glad you got to have lunch with your friends.Are they from your former church in Newport News?
Will be praying for your family on what is next.Interesting that you brought up about your home fellowship group on the same day I saw Scott Brown and a few other people come out of the Integrated Family church office.As many times I drive in down town I do not see people come out of the office.
Posted by: Tammy | Monday, September 20, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Deb, I am so sorry that your church has stopped. We are in a similar situation. I will be praying for you!
Love, Heather
Posted by: Heather | Monday, September 20, 2010 at 05:47 PM
Hey Deb,
I'll be praying.
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 12:00 AM
So glad you got to have lunch with Chris and Fred! Will be continuing to pray for you and your family regarding your church situation. Isn't it wonderful to KNOW that God is working everything together for good?! That verse in Romans is very reassuring and comforting! Love you!
Posted by: Dorothy | Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 09:01 AM
I'm sorry to hear that your home fellowship has ended. Our family has just moved and we are visiting churches in our new area. It is so hard sometimes, I forget that I can't recreate what I left behind and that I must be open to what the Lord has planned for us next.
Crista
Posted by: Crista | Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 04:37 PM
Deb,
I'm so sorry to hear about your church fellowship ending. We will be praying for you as you seek direction.
It looks like you had a nice visit with your dear friends.
Blessings,
Vicky
Posted by: victoria | Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 06:57 PM
Hi Deb,
So glad that you were able to have a lovely visit with your dear friends. It definitely is a low spot when a fellowship ends - I'm praying that the Lord will give you guidance and peace as you trust in Him for the next step.
Posted by: Islandsparrow | Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 12:15 PM
Heard your restaurant experience was great....and delicious! :) Sorry to hear about your home church but surely that means something else is in the works for you all!
Posted by: Lindsey O. | Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 10:22 AM
Hi Deb - It is Saturday evening and Maddy girl has a little message for you--- go visit the blog dear friend!
Vicki
Posted by: vicki Boster | Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 08:08 PM
Deb, you are a blessed woman to have had such a strong group of God's people to share life with. Now He will give you others. We know the feelings and share in your wonderment of the future.
When I came to your site, it was to say YEA, you are going to love Vicki's home away from home, instead of that being the most important message, God has given me a new friend. God bless you in your life's journey. Jan
Posted by: Jan Yost | Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 02:57 AM
Deb,
I have "lurked" on your website for probably the last two years. My husband and I have been very interested in the home church idea and would value your input. We live in Harrisonburg and were hoping you and Tom would be willing to meet David and I for a conversation. Would that be a possibility? Thanks so much!
Posted by: Julie Sacra | Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 06:24 PM
Hi Deb! I am sorry you had to end your fellowship with the other families. I know that our Lord will provide sweet fellowship for you soon. I am excited that I will get to see you this Sunday :) Joanna called me last nite to tell me. Alli is excited also and can't wait for you to meet Esther! Looking forward to catching up and drive safely:)
Posted by: Julie | Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 03:50 PM