Chapter 7: A Place of Grace

How this works

Listen to Joanne read the chapter using the audio player above, and then dive into the corresponding group discussion questions below.

Chapter 7 - Group Discussion Questions

1. Ask yourself, “What hesitations and fear do I have about having outsiders in my home?”  In what ways does it feel risky to you?

2. Ask yourself, “How could God use my unique story to reach out to others?”

3. Several ideas expressed in this chapter are listed below. Personalize and comment on each one. Remember people God has brought into your life who have offered these gifts to you. How does their example inspire you?

   1. Noticing the need of the human heart.

   2. Hospitality is the happy overflow of a forgiven heart.

   3. Love your story and pass it on.

4. What does the word haven mean to you?

Going Deeper

1. Meditate on the attributes of the kingdom as described in Romans 14:17: “Righteous, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”  What words would you pick to describe the opposites of these attributes, which we see destroying people and families today?  Take time to ask God to make your house a place of peace and joy.

2. Find another believer in your neighborhood and plan together a root-beer-float block party. Make it an annual event, creating expectation and connection. This can build comfort zones and bridges to later invite neighbors inside your home for a meal or to respond to a need.

Taste and See

I think there’s something missing in our daily life—the joy of spontaneous visits.  Honestly, I wish people would drop in more than they do. A simple glass of iced tea does great for a drop-in visit, but this Margarita Ice Cream dessert is my favorite make-ahead recipe to keep in the freezer.  It’ s easy, convenient, and the blen of creamy, sweet, and salty is out-of-this-world delicious.  If the dessert is too tempting and you can’t save it until someone pops in, invite a neighbor over for this lime delight.  This recipe recipe would be perfect for a Christmas Gathering.

Margarita Ice Cream Dessert

• 1 ¼ cup crushed pretzels

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1/3 cup butter

• ½ gallon vanilla ice cream.

• One 10-ounce can frozen margarita concentrate (Or use can frozen limeade)

• ½ jar lime curd

Combine pretzels, sugar, and butter, reserving 2 tablespoons for topping. Press into bottom of 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven 375 degrees F 8 – 10 minutes. Cool. In large bowl, soften ice cream and add margarita concentrate. Mix thoroughly. Put ice cream mixture in pan. Freeze til almost hardened. Take out to carefully swirl lime curd into the ice cream with a knife.  Sprinkle remaining pretzel mixture on top . Freeze til serving.  (Optional; decorate with lime twists or strawberries)