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Chapter 2: Thanks for Supper, Mom

  • Writer: Joanne Thompson
    Joanne Thompson
  • Aug 9
  • 2 min read

How this works

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

Chapter 2 - Group Discussion Questions

  1. If you could ask Mary, the mother of Jesus, one question about how she handled mealtime and its preparations, what would that question be?

  2. What are the attitudes and habits of mealtime in your home right now?  Describe both positives and negatives as concretely as you can.

  3. Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can do to make meals special?”

  4. How does your family cherish Sundays?  How is it reflected in your Sunday meal?

  5. What are ways you can foster a spirit of gratitude at the table?

  6. “Mealtime is God’s metronome designed to bind our busy lives to the Father.” Our souls long for rhythm, het it’s often difficult to begin and/or maintain. What’s one obstacle that tends to pull your family off balance?

  7. Every yes simultaneously means many nos. Think of the things you are now saying yes to. What can you say no to in order to prioritize a yes to your family table?

Going Deeper

  1. Take a twenty-minute coffee or tea break to mediate on Romans 12:1-2. One may to meditate is to slowly read the verse in several translations or paraphrases. Pray these verses as a prayer of commitment to pursue the rewards of table life with your family.

  2. There are many faith treasures found in our Jewish roots that pertain to table life today. Explore some treasures, such as memorizing Deuteronomy 6:4-6; reading a book about Jewish feasts, such as Celebrating Biblical Feasts, by Martha Zimmerman; or watch the Sabbath meal scene in the movie Fiddler on the Roof.

 

Taste and See

It’s easy to stay in a rut with meal planning. Occasionally surprise your family with a “just dessert” dinner.  I knew I had stumbled upon a great idea when I surprised our girls with the one-entrée meal of strawberry shortcake. A bowl mounded with juicy strawberries welcomed them to the table, and we had free reign with the whipped cream dispenser. While it was uncharacteristic of my healthy-food preference for a balance of protein and carbs, it fostered a happy meal (without the greasy burger, fries and packaging)! Try this variation.

Pizzazz Strawberries

  • Fresh strawberries

  • Balsamic vinegar

  • Fresh pepper

 

Wash and slice strawberries. Drizzle balsamic vinegar. Grind just a touch of fresh pepper over berries. Toss lightly and let soak at least 2 hours.

 
 
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