Grace To Gather: Recent Episodes
Damon and Neva Hieb
At Grace To Gather, our mission is to foster hospitality in such a way that we are building community, strengthening marriages and families, serving others and creating an atmosphere where deeper relationships can thrive.Our social media:Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/gracetogather_/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/gracetogather
In this episode, we’re sharing a little life update, talking about big changes happening behind the scenes at GTG, and inviting you into a slower, more intentional summer rhythm centered around hospitality, community, and gathering at the table.
We talk about:
• Family, summer simplicity, and the ordinary moments we treasure most
• Alena and Wes stepping into a new season in Texas
• Why social media may look different moving forward
• Hosting dinner clubs and starting a home church
• Learning to practice hospitality without pressure or performance
• What’s next for the podcast and the future of GTG
This conversation is an encouragement to open your home, embrace change with grace, and remember that genuine community often starts with a simple invitation.
Scriptures shared:
Colossians 3:23–24
Hebrews 13:1–2
We pray this episode inspires you to gather intentionally, love people well, and create space for meaningful connection this summer.
If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs a little more grace at the table this season.
Episode 10 — Let’s Start a Dinner Club
Community isn’t complicated — sometimes it starts with a simple meal around the table.
In this episode, we’re talking all things hosting, gathering, and creating meaningful community in a season where life feels full, busy, and expensive. From garden updates and chicken stories to practical hosting ideas and budget-friendly meals, we’re sharing what hospitality is going to look like in our home this year — and why we believe it still matters.
We talk about:
• Creating intentional community through simple dinner parties
• Hosting in a new season of life with home church and travel
• Why we’re choosing “community over aesthetic” this year
• Easy, slow-cooked meals, pizza oven nights, and seasonal food
• Practical ways to host without overspending
• Why you don’t have to do it all yourself
• Potlucks, progressive dinners, and starting small
Plus, we share practical encouragement for anyone who wants to gather people but feels overwhelmed by the pressure to make everything perfect.
“The point isn’t perfection. It’s people.”
Scripture of the week:
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” — 1 Peter 3:8
So here’s the challenge: start the dinner club. Invite people over. Make something simple. Feed good people. Have a blast doing it.
If you’re hosting this summer, tag us and share your table — we’d love to see it.
In Episode 9, “Where Do I Find My People?”, we’re talking about something so many of us are quietly searching for: real community. Between sheep fiascos, struggling gardens, remote work, endless streaming, and lives lived more online than in person, it’s easy to feel disconnected — even when we technically have “our people.”
This episode explores the growing reality of what researchers are calling the “Anti-Social Century,” where Americans are spending more time at home and less time building face-to-face relationships than ever before. We unpack what true community actually means, why Scripture consistently calls us toward one another, and how isolation affects our spiritual and emotional health.
Together, we look at what the Bible says about carrying each other’s burdens, gathering together, sharpening one another, and living as one body in Christ. Most importantly, we talk about practical ways to stop waiting for community to happen and start building it ourselves — one invitation, one shared meal, one intentional step at a time.
Because imperfect community is still better than perfect isolation.
Scripture featured:
Romans 15:7
Galatians 6:2
Hebrews 10:24–25
Acts 2:42–47
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Question to reflect on this week:
Who’s one person you can invite into something this week?
What do you do when someone you love sits on the opposite side of the table politically, spiritually, culturally, or morally?
In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about loving people we deeply disagree with — not just in theory, but in real life. From family tension and online division to hospitality, judgment, and the fear of the Lord, we unpack what Scripture says about navigating differences with truth, compassion, and conviction.
We talk about:
- Finding peace in difficult seasons
- Trusting God before clarity comes
- Politics, religion, race, sexuality & strong opinions
- Why social media profits from outrage
- What biblical hospitality looks like today
- How judgment quietly hardens our hearts
- The difference between fearing man and fearing God
- Why loving your neighbor still matters in a divided world
Scriptures referenced:
- Luke 6:27–37
- Zechariah 7:9–10
- Romans 13:10
- Romans 14:5
- Job 6:14
- Proverbs 9:10
Books mentioned:
- “The Awe of God” — John Bevere
- “The Holiness of God” — R.C. Sproul
This week’s challenge:
Identify one person you’ve been keeping at arm’s length and intentionally show them kindness.
If this episode encouraged or challenged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone you’ve found yourself “on the opposite side” from.
What do you do when you don’t like your neighbors… or you’re pretty sure they don’t like you? This week, we’re diving into the messy, honest, and sometimes hilarious reality of neighbor relationships—and what they reveal about us.
We kick things off with a casual catch-up: life lately, farm projects in full swing, garden updates, tiny house progress, and a sweet nod to May Day baskets 🌸. Then we ease into the big questions: Who actually counts as a neighbor? And if you had to choose… who would you let in?
From there, we share three real-life stories that couldn’t have turned out more differently:
- A conflict that escalated too fast and left no room for repair
- A simple act of kindness that meant everything to someone who’d never experienced it
- A farm-life frustration that revealed something deeper—our own attitudes
In the second half, we get real about what’s actually at the root of these situations. How much of our experience with others is shaped by them… and how much is shaped by us? We talk about maturity, self-awareness, and the challenge of living out love, patience, and kindness when it’s not easy.
We also share practical, down-to-earth ways to build healthier neighbor relationships—without forcing anything fake or over-the-top. Because sometimes, small shifts in attitude can change everything.
We close with a powerful reminder from Romans 14:13 and reflect on what it looks like to stop judging and start removing obstacles in our relationships.
If you’ve ever struggled with difficult people (or realized you might be the difficult one 😅), this episode is for you.
🎧 Tune in for honest stories, a little humor, and a lot of heart.
What if the idea of “missions” isn’t what we’ve made it out to be?
In this episode, we start with real life — prepping for family photos, navigating a full (and very loud) house, and what it looks like to be an introvert in the middle of it all. But that conversation quickly leads us into a deeper question: what does it actually mean to live on mission?
We unpack the definition of a “missionary” and look at the mission Jesus Himself declared in Luke 4, rooted in Isaiah 61 — a calling to bring good news, healing, freedom, and restoration. And here’s the tension we wrestle with: is that mission reserved for a select few… or is it for all of us?
From there, we get honest about the modern church and how easy it is to outsource missions — to treat it as something we support occasionally instead of a lifestyle we embody daily. Through scriptures like 1 Peter 3:15, Luke 19:10, and Galatians 5:14, we challenge the idea that sharing the gospel is optional or distant. It’s not a spectator sport — it’s a calling to love people in tangible, intentional ways right where we are.
And then — we share a big announcement.
After years of feeling the nudge, we’re stepping out in faith and starting a home church. Not because we have it all figured out, but because we believe the mission field isn’t just overseas — sometimes it’s your living room, your neighborhood, your everyday life.
So maybe the real question isn’t “Am I a missionary?”
Maybe it’s “Am I living like one?”
We’d love to hear from you: what does living on mission look like in your world?
Don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need the reminder — you don’t have to go far to live on mission.
What if hospitality was about more than just a meal?
In this episode, we’re sharing a personal life update in the middle of a demanding season—navigating another move, shifting from a place of burnout to intentional movement, and learning what it looks like to slow down spiritually and emotionally even when life feels anything but slow. Where is God in the middle of all this? And what does it mean to stay grounded in Him through constant change?
From there, we dive into a deeper conversation about ministry—not as something reserved for church walls, but as a way of living. What does it really look like to “carry each other’s burdens” in everyday life? Could something as simple as opening your home actually be sacred work?
We also explore why we minister in the first place. If eternity is written on our hearts, how should that shape the way we live, serve, and gather with others? This conversation reframes ordinary rhythms—like cooking, hosting, and setting the table—as meaningful, eternal acts of service.
Then we turn to the story of the Good Samaritan and wrestle with a challenging question: Who is our neighbor, really? It’s easy to overlook the people right in front of us. This episode invites you to slow down, notice, and step into compassion in tangible ways.
Finally, we bring it all back to the table.
Because when we invite people in, when we love and serve them well, we’re participating in something much bigger than a shared meal—we’re investing in eternity. Hospitality isn’t just about dinner. It’s about purpose.
Practical encouragement:
Invite someone in this week. Keep it simple. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Because hospitality is deeper than dinner—it’s ministry. And it matters forever.
In this episode, we’re sharing a little life update—what this season has looked like for our family as we build a tiny home for our daughter, spend time in the garden and orchard, and soak in the fullness of summer.
From there, we take a step back to revisit something foundational: why do we gather in the first place?
What does gathering do in our own hearts—and how does it impact the people around us? Is hospitality meant to serve us, others, or both?
We talk about the true meaning of encouragement—giving support, confidence, and hope—and why it matters more than ever.
While we love the idea of gathering around the table, we also explore how hospitality goes far beyond it. Some of the most meaningful expressions are simple and small: a note, a plate of cookies, a kind word, or an invitation. These small acts have the power to deeply impact others—and ourselves.
We also dive into what we’re seeing in both research and real life: how loneliness and self-focus can create a cycle of isolation, and how breaking that cycle starts with intentional connection, trust, and choosing others.
Finally, we grounded the conversation in a biblical perspective, reflecting on what it means to live selflessly and follow the example of Jesus in our everyday lives.
As you listen, we invite you to consider your own sphere of influence—who are the people right in front of you?
Because when we intentionally practice hospitality where we are, it has the power to truly transform lives.
Episode 3: The Emergence of the Supper Club (4/8)
In this episode, we explore the powerful return of the supper club—and why gathering around the table matters now more than ever.
We begin with a simple but meaningful reminder from 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” That spirit of encouragement and connection sets the tone for today’s conversation.
So what exactly is a supper club? Traditionally, it’s a cozy, often family-owned dining experience rooted in hospitality, community, and a slower pace of life. But in 2025 and 2026, supper clubs have evolved into something much bigger—a cultural movement reshaping how we eat, gather, and connect.
We break down what’s driving this resurgence, from digital fatigue and the longing for real human connection, to rising restaurant costs and a growing desire for meaningful, shared experiences. Younger generations are leading the charge, prioritizing “social-first” dining that goes beyond food and into storytelling, creativity, and community.
You’ll also hear about the different forms supper clubs are taking today—from chef-led pop-ups and home-based gatherings to themed dining communities and hospitality-driven membership experiences.
More than just a trend, this movement speaks to something deeper: we were never meant to do life alone. After seasons of isolation, many are rediscovering the beauty and necessity of gathering—whether around a kitchen table, at a dinner party, or through a simple shared meal.
We reflect on how the world changed when gathering stopped—and why creating space for connection is more important than ever. Because at the heart of it all, people don’t just want a meal… they want to belong.
Finally, we share inspiration for starting your own rhythm of gathering—finding your niche, opening your home, and creating intentional moments that bring people together.
The table is being set again. And everyone is invited.
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” — Mark 12:31
What does it really mean to love your neighbor in today’s world?
In this episode of Grace to Gather, we take a thoughtful and honest look at how the idea of “neighbor” has evolved over the last century—and what that means for us as believers today. From the front-porch communities of the early 1900s to today’s fast-paced, digitally connected (yet often disconnected) culture, the way we relate to those living right next door has dramatically changed.
We explore how neighborhoods once thrived on daily, face-to-face interaction and shared dependence—where borrowing sugar, watching each other’s kids, and gathering outside were simply part of life. Over time, cultural and technological shifts led us toward greater privacy, busier schedules, and fewer meaningful connections with those around us.
But something interesting is happening.
Despite decades of increasing isolation, many people—especially younger generations—are beginning to crave a return to simplicity, real relationships, and authentic community. From stepping away from social media to slowing down and being more present, there’s a growing desire to reconnect—not just digitally, but personally.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The rise and decline of close-knit neighborhood communities
- How culture, technology, and lifestyle changes reshaped “neighboring”
- Why many people today feel more disconnected than ever
- Signs of a renewed longing for genuine, local community
- What it could look like to live out Mark 12:31 in a modern world
This conversation isn’t just about history—it’s an invitation. An invitation to reconsider how we show up, how we connect, and how we love the people God has placed right around us.
Because maybe “loving your neighbor” starts closer than we think.
In this episode, we share a few personal life updates—from enjoying spring at the cottage and being intentional about building more fun into our days, to celebrating the joy of welcoming a new granddaughter. As we settle into this season, we also talk honestly about working our way back to spiritual disciplines and rhythms that keep us grounded.
From there, we turn our focus to a powerful reminder from Hebrews 10:24–25 about encouraging one another and staying connected in community. What does it really mean to live out our faith together?
We explore the question: What is your ministry? While not everyone is called to full-time pastoral work, we are all called to minister to others. Looking at passages like 1 Peter 2:9, Galatians 6:9, and James 2, we unpack the truth that faith isn’t meant to stay internal—it should be lived out through action.
This episode serves as an introduction to the idea of being a good neighbor. Because love isn’t just something we feel—it’s something we do. Join us as we reflect on how small, everyday acts of obedience and kindness can make a lasting impact.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
In this week’s episode of the Grace to Gather podcast, we talk about dropping perfection. We ask the question—are people more important than everything being perfect? It’s easy to want all our ducks in a row before we feel comfortable inviting others to our table. But if we wait for that, we may never open our doors at all. Today we’re talking about the importance of showing up, inviting others in, and extending hospitality—even in the middle of our mess.
Podcast Description:
In this episode of the Grace to Gather podcast, we talk about the importance of simply being you. The world tells us to compare, copy, and conform—but God calls us to stand apart. His Word reminds us, “Do not conform to this world.” He created you with purpose, on purpose. You are uniquely designed and deeply needed—needed at the table and in the lives of those around you.
This week on the Grace to Gather Podcast, we talk about what it means to take your purpose to the next level. In light of recent world events and the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, we feel the timing of this conversation couldn’t be more significant. Now is the time to rise up, stand firm, and know where you will spend eternity. Hospitality is more than just a meal—it’s an extension of the Lord’s own invitation to His table, and we’re called to share that invitation with others.
Damon and I have been sensing a call to rise up and step out of our comfort zone in this season. When we planned to share this interview with George and Kate, we couldn’t have known what would unfold just a week earlier. Our hearts and prayers go out to Charlie Kirk’s family. We also believe deeply that our country is at a turning point. Even in times like this, we hold fast to the truth that hospitality is powerful. One small step toward others can spark something amazing—just look at the life Charlie lived. Please enjoy this interview and the story George and Kate share. It’s a beautiful reminder of how even the smallest act can transform a community.
In this episode, we dig into what it really means to make room at the table. We reflect on how the Lord has made room for us at His table and the importance of following His example. For some, hospitality feels natural, while for others it can feel uncomfortable—but it always begins with the heart. We talk through checking our hearts, the practical steps of preparing to host, and the call to be obedient even when it’s hard. Most of all, we want you to remember this truth: God created you to be uniquely you, with a powerful purpose on this planet.
Welcome back to the Grace to Gather podcast! This season is all about how to practice hospitality practically. In this episode, you will get some exciting life updates from us and the details about our new Grace to Gather Gathering. Make sure to come back each Wednesday for more from GTG!
This week on the GTG podcast, we dive into how we spend our time and the art of balancing our commitments. We discuss the vital importance of rest—while activities are essential, rest holds significant value. We revisit the concept of vision retreats, emphasizing the need to let go of what isn’t serving our highest priorities. Additionally, we explore the importance of routines and cultivating positive habits. Finally, we circle back to the benefits of hospitality and its role in enriching our lives and communities.
In this episode of the Grace to Gather podcast, we discuss the importance of being an empty vessel, examining the heart, and creating space to experience true physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness. What’s holding you back from living life to the fullest?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6. Emotions play a strong part in all of our lives and can take us on a roller coaster ride if we aren’t focusing on the right things. In this week's episode, we are going to remind ourselves of the importance of focusing on God’s promises in the midst of emotional circumstances.
In this week's episode of the Grace To Gather podcast, we’re sharing our thoughts on physical wellness. Believe it or not, health and fitness have been a significant part of our lives for much of our journey. This week, we'll be discussing some of the things we believe help us maintain our physical well-being.
We apologize for the audio quality of this episode, there were technical difficulties
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The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 4:8 that “physical training is of some value, but godliness (or spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and the life to come. This week, we are going to talk about being spiritually well. How making sure to spend quality time seeking God and being in His word daily is of great benefit for our whole being.
BURN-OUT: exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation, usually as a result of prolonged stress, or frustration. I’m sure that all of us have felt this way at some point in our life, especially over the last four years or so. In today’s episode, we are going to talk about the best ways to deal with that “burned out” feeling.
Welcome to Season 8 of the Grace to Gather podcast. This season we are going to focus on the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health. Let’s face it, when we are depleted in any of these areas, it can make hospitality and serving others feel like a chore. But when we take care of ourselves it enables us to pour into others with love and grace
It’s time for the season 7 finale! This week, following the election, we will discuss the importance of knowing where your hope comes from. We don't find our hope in any political party or politician, our hope is in Jesus Christ and Him alone. And it’s our job to spread that hope to the watching world through practicing hospitality, loving one another, and caring for others.
In this week's episode, entitled “A Seat at the Table”, we are going to discuss the significance of the different “table settings” described throughout the Bible. And how your table setting can bring honor and glory to the One who invites you to a seat at His!
The sources from this episode:
https://leadmin.org/articlesarchive/tables-in-the-bible
http://www.messianicgoodnews.org/part-4-the-bread-of-the-presence/
In this week's episode, we are going to talk about some of the biblical mandates for caring for others. And some of the reasons and excuses why we sometimes find that hard to do.
Well, this week's episode is either going to lose us some followers or gain us some followers. But we feel like the issue is too important not to speak out. We are going to be talking about the upcoming elections, the importance of voting, and the importance of loving those around you who may have different political views
We know that in the midst of the current high inflation in our nation, the idea of practicing hospitality and helping others can seem daunting. Giving to others when you yourself are having a difficult time making ends meet can be scary. Today, we are going to talk about some simple ways of serving others in your community that wont break your budget.
Azure Standard- https://www.azurestandard.com/
Samaritans Purse- https://www.samaritanspurse.org/
If you are a Christ follower and really study Gods word, there is nothing going on in the world today that should surprise you. Prophesies in the books of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and many others including Revelations all talk about the things that are happening today. Jesus himself told us what would happen as we got closer to His return. In this weeks episode we are going to talk about extending hospitality and loving one another in times of trouble.
There is a difference between fancy and well-thought-out when it comes to hospitality. Making a plan and doing just a little extra will make your guests feel appreciated and cared for. Don’t try to be something you’re not, just be yourself. Do what you enjoy, and do it to the best of your ability.
Hospitality is not a restful activity for the host, and it often requires personal sacrifice. The key is to find rest and fulfillment within the act of serving others. We will discuss this and more on this week's episode of Grace to Gather.
What is in your hand? When it comes to practicing hospitality, it doesn’t have to be extravagant or perfect. Just use what you have. Because it’s not about the silverware or candlesticks, it’s about you being you and having a heart to serve others. None of us are perfect and certainly don't live in a perfect world. So relax, nobody is looking for perfection.
True community requires us to step out of our comfort zone, for some more than others. Most of us desire normal, routine, comfort, and safety. But stepping out of those areas and into hospitality through serving others can pay huge dividends by drawing us closer to God and to others.
Your first and most important community is your immediate family. But did you know that most people spend more time with the people they work with than their own family? So, how do we reach those people outside of our immediate circle? We will discuss this and more in this week's episode of Grace to Gather.
This week we are going back to the real meaning of hospitality, and why it is so important. We live in a world that is more connected than at any time in history, through electronics and social media. However, this lack of actual physical contact and communication has left people feeling lonely and isolated. With a deep hunger and need for true community.
Every one of us has some kind of influence on other people, whether we like it or not. Good or bad. The question is, are we being intentional about the type of influence we are having? This week, we are talking about the importance of mentoring others—especially the younger generations.
Can’t believe that we are starting our 4th year of the GTG podcast! We hope you enjoy this season as we get back to the basics of hospitality and duplication through mentoring others.
Thank you for joining us on GTG this season. We hope that it has been as much of a blessing to you as it has been for us. In this season finale, we will recap what it means to be led by the Spirit and the fruit that He produces in our lives as we seek God and His Kingdom.
This week on GTG we will be talking about the final Fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians chapter 5: self-control. And one of the main ways to exhibit self-control in hospitality is to control how we speak. James tells us that if we could control our tongues, then we would be able to control everything else and be perfect in every way.
This week on GTG we will be talking about the final Fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians chapter 5: self-control. And one of the main ways to exhibit self-control in hospitality is to control how we speak. James tells us that if we could control our tongues, then we would be able to control everything else and be perfect in every way.
Gentleness is the action of being kind and considerate. In this episode of Grace to Gather we dig into what the Bible says about the spiritual fruit of gentleness and how we apply it in our lives and the practice of hospitality.
For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor 5:7
Biblical faithfulness requires belief in what the Bible says about God, His existence, His works, and His character. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit. It is the result of the Spirit working in us. But the Spirit is also our seal of faithfulness. He is our witness to God’s promise that if we accept the truth about God, He will save us.
What does it mean to have a spirit of goodness? Today we are going to be talking about a heart condition of goodness, like that of the Father, when putting good deeds into action and interacting with others.
This week on the podcast we are going to be talking about the fruit of kindness. And Neva is going to be very honest that this is an area that we both can struggle in. Because we both process information through logic rather than our feelings, we can often come across as sounding harsh or unkind. Something that we both very much need the help of the Holy Spirit to work on in us.
In today's episode, we are going to be talking about the attribute of patience. I’ve heard it said that you shouldn’t pray for patience, because God will then put you into situations where you need it. When dealing with people or waiting on God to answer your prayers, patience is definitely a virtue. But why is it so hard to put patience into practice?
What did Jesus mean when He said “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27 NLT
Tune in this week as we discuss the difference between “world peace” and “inner peace”. And how we can find peace even in the midst of chaos and stressful situations.
Webster's dictionary defines joy as the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying. This week we are going to discuss how to have joy that cannot be taken away even in the midst of your circumstances. And how we can live in a victorious mindset, rather than a victim mindset, by keeping our focus on the One who is exceptionally good and satisfying.
This week on GTG we are going to dive into the first Fruit of the Spirit: Love. And as we read through 1 Corinthians 13, God clearly defines what it means to love someone.
This week on GTG we are going to talk about the “nature of fruit”. In Genesis chapter 1
“Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.”
And in Genesis 1:28 He commanded Noah to be fruitful and multiply.
What fruit is being produced in your life?
Who or what is leading you in your life? Is it money, fear, ambition, family, faith? What we have found in our lives is that when we are being led by anything other than the Holy Spirit, it doesn’t often end well. In our own flesh, we can be selfish and stubborn and often want to go our own way, which is most often contrary to what God wants. But when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us, things generally go a whole lot smoother.
“For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself “ Galatians 5:14.
I once heard someone say “How can you say that you love God if you don’t love your neighbor”. This week we are going to spend some time on practical ways that we can love our neighbors and build community.
Welcome back to Season Six! This season on Grace to Gather we will discuss personal qualities that we can all work on and improve to make hospitality more enjoyable, fun, and impactful!
In this final episode of season 5, we will recap what we have learned while studying Acts chapter 5 and how a true lasting community is formed. We wrap up this season with “No Needy People”
There is power in the Name of Jesus! This week we are going to continue in the book of Acts and also many other scriptures that point to who Jesus is and the power granted to us through His Name and the Holy Spirit.
In this weeks episode we are going to pause for a moment and reflect on what has been happening in Israel and other parts of the world these last weeks. Can we, as Americans, tend to enjoy our comfort and safety? And sometimes turn a blind eye to the sufferings and tribulations that people in other parts of the world are facing? How can we change this and how can we make a stand against the evil that is permeating much of the world?
In this week's episode, we are going to talk about the promises of God when we seek Him. He promises to bring times of refreshment as we lean into His purposes for our lives. And this enables us to be a refreshment to others.
This week as we continue in the second chapter of Acts, we see how the Holy Spirit worked among the believers and built a real, authentic community when the people really took to heart the promise of God in 2 Chronicles 7:14
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
It happened then, It has happened since then and it can happen today!
Wouldn’t it be great to have an Advantage in this life? To have someone to strengthen and encourage you on a daily basis? To have someone in your corner to comfort you when going through hard times? Well, it just so happens that we can all have access to someone just like that! Tune in tomorrow to hear about the Promise that Jesus spoke of.
It’s an unfortunate fact that we are living in a world that is increasingly void of hope. In fact, I have heard it said that this current generation is the first generation that has no hope for their future. How heartbreaking! So many people are full of doubt, despair, and discouragement. And also, so many people put their hope in a roller coaster ride of a government that changes every 2 or 4 years. I want you to ask yourself, where are you placing your hope? If you are in a place of doubt, despair, or discouragement, we want to encourage you that there is an absolute anchor of hope that never changes. And His name is Jesus Christ! He will exchange your doubt, despair, and discouragement for Hope, Joy, and love. He is the One who makes beauty from ashes.
Are we allowing current events, current technology, and social media to shape our worldview? Or are we standing firm in our beliefs and shaping our worldview based on what the Bible tells us about the times that we are living in? There is a whole lot about current events and current culture that could lead people into a place of anxiety, despair, and hopelessness. But if we keep our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds focused on the Hope that lies before us in Jesus, then He uplifts our faith and enables us to love others and serve others from a place of internal peace.
DISCLAIMER: We apologize for the sound quality of this episode. We had some technical difficulties while recording.
What is the difference between being bold and being brash? Which of the two can be done with humility? The Bible tells us to be bold and always act in humility, and it also tells of many instances where God punished individuals for being brash. Boldness comes from a firm foundation of principles, whereas brashness often comes from being insecure. The great thing is that we don't have to come from a place of insecurity when we lean on the absolute security of Jesus Christ, and boldly step into His calling on our life. For He always equips those whom He calls.
Who is the “Helper” that Jesus spoke of? And how does a relationship with the “Helper” change how we practice hospitality and build community? In today's episode, we are going to share a little bit about how a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit helps us and enables us to step out of our comfort zones and step into the calling of hospitality, relationships, and community building.
Together in one place. Unity is attractive. Unity draws people in and makes us want to be a part of whatever is going on. And just like He did 2000 years ago, the Holy Spirit is still bringing people together with unified hearts and minds. When we submit to His ways and thoughts on community, then everybody has an opportunity to flourish and thrive. Don’t you want to live in a community like that? We do! So join us on the journey as we recognize how God does community.
Welcome back for season 5 of Grace to Gather. I have heard it said that if you know and understand the “Why” of something, you can accomplish almost anything that you set your mind to. So, in this season of GTG, we are going to dig into the “Why” we are called to build community and practice hospitality, specifically by exploring the book of Acts. The book of Acts details the beginning of the first Christian communities and how they lived and thrived. And we certainly want to see communities thrive and live in an abundance of unity and generosity. So please join us as we seek the “Why” that will set our hearts and minds into action!
The Season Four Finale is here! In this special episode we are joined first by our oldest daughter, Elizabeth and then by our youngest daughter, Alena, to discuss her wedding! With Liz, we discussed her perspective on how the wedding went as the day of coordinator. She told of what she thought were some pros and cons of the wedding day. Then Alena joined us to tell her side of how the wedding day went! We got to here her unique perspective as the bride on what she would change about her wedding day and what she would keep the same! We hope you enjoy this special Finale of season 4 of the Grace to Gather podcast! Please join us next season!
Elizabeth's Instagram: @Liz.demery
Alena's Instagram: @alena_tedlock
The Philgreens Instagram: @Thephilgreens
In this episode, we will talk about how to enjoy yourself during the event. Now that the day has come take a step back from all the planning and allow yourself to be in the moment and enjoy the event with your guests!
In this episode, we discuss some important things to do and remember on the day of your event. We will walk you through some practical ways that we prepare for an event to make the day as seamless as possible!
This week we are talking about what to plan for the week of the event. We will discuss ways to prepare for the day of the event in the week leading up to it. We will share some of the ways we like to stay organized during this time to make the event day easy for everyone involved!
In this episode, we are discussing how to plan what food to serve at your event. We will give you ideas of what types of food to use for your events and what we have done in the past that was a hit! We will also give you creative ways to make your event's food more interesting and save money at the same time!
This week we are discussing how to plan the decor for a large event. We will give you some tricks on how to save money when decorating and tell you about some of the ways we have decorated for events in the past!
This week on the Grace to Gather podcast, we're discussing how to build a team for an event and the best ways to communicate with your team. We go over good qualities to look for in team members and how to handle curtain situations that may arise with your volunteers.
Last week we talked about creating a plan for an event. This week, Neva and her daughter Elizabeth will be talking about how to execute the plan. They recently put on a bridal shower with about 40 guests and will share their experience with planning and hosting that event!
Follow Liz on her social media:
Instagram: @liz.demery
Facebook: Elizabeth Demery
In this episode, join us as we walk you through our steps for creating a plan for a large event. Every plan looks different depending on the event, but these are our practical steps to the beginning stages of planning an event for 30 or more people.
It's wedding season! This week we are talking about planning and hosting large events! We will walk you through some our tips for the of the early stages of planning an event for 30 or more guests.
This week we have an exciting episode for you! Join us as we interview our kids about their experience with hospitality growing up and how they intend to use it as adults. This was such a fun episode for us to record and we hope you enjoy it too!
It's Wedding season! Join us as we jump into season 4 of the Grace to Gather podcast! This season it's all about large events! We're going to share our tips and tricks for navigating events for 30 or more people.
As we head into the Christmas holiday, we will end this season with some encouragement to focus on the most important things during the holidays. Spending time with family, slowing down and being present in the moments, and taking time to experience all the joy and laughter that this season can bring. We wish you and your family all the blessings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the season.
As we wrap up the Thanksgiving weekend, we thought it might be a good time to talk about keeping peace and the right perspective throughout the holiday season. We will talk about some of the different family dynamics that may happen when we are all together and how we deal with any conflict that may arise. We will also talk about keeping the most important things in focus as we are bombarded by all of the holiday marketing.
We know and understand that many of us are struggling in the current economic situation. In this week's episode, we hope to encourage and inspire you to think outside of the box in finding ways to practice hospitality without breaking the budget. Food is awesome, but not always necessary when practicing hospitality. The important thing is that we gather together and enjoy one another.
In the midst of doom and gloom headlines from the news, it is more important than ever to build community. We are in a war for the very fabric of society. People all over the world are in great need and desperation. This week we are going to talk about the importance of coming together to help and provide for those in your community, especially during this upcoming holiday season.
It’s easy to practice generosity and hospitality with people that we like and enjoy, but what about people who are very different from us? In this episode, we are going to talk about going outside our comfort zone to start a conversation with people who may live or think differently than us. Jesus was always starting conversations with people and He asks us to do the same thing. This is a wonderful way to create opportunities for practicing hospitality.
The devotional: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/30901
Sometimes when life gets crazy practicing hospitality can seem like just one more thing to do. In this episode we discuss if the costs are worth the efforts.
Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on an iPhone so the sound quality may sound different.
This week we will be asking the question, “who is your neighbor?” Jesus shared a wonderful story about being neighborly in the parable of the Good Samaritan found in the book of Luke. Being a good neighbor requires us to keep our eyes and ears open to the needs of those around us, and a willingness to meet those needs when we are able.
In this weeks episode we are going to talk about creating a legacy of hospitality within your family that future generations can build on. We all leave a legacy whether we like it or not. The question is, are we going to leave a good legacy that people will want to follow, or a bad legacy that people will want to avoid. The choice is ours.
Strong healthy relationships just dont happen by accident. In This weeks episode we are going to talk about the need for intentionality and putting in the hard work to build healthy marriages and relationships. Maintaining a healthy relationship is much easier than bringing a broken relationship back into unity. In an age of extreme busyness and distraction, being intentional is all the more important.
Last week we talked about how strong healthy marriages build strong families and strong communities. We feel like this message is so important and want to cover a little more ground on marriage. Then we will talk about training up our kids in a way that encourages them and strengthens them to be givers, not takers our modern day culture.
Community starts in the home and we are going to talk about how strong healthy marriages build strong healthy communities. Learning to love people well starts with learning to love your spouse well. Practicing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control with your spouse trains you to practice those same things with others. Strong marriages attract people and give you the opportunity to speak into their lives.
This week on Grace to Gather we are going to talk about the most important thing when it comes to community, your own personal relationship with God. Your relationship with God has a huge impact on every other relationship that you have. Your personal relationship with God helps you to love and treat people better. We will also dive into some of what the Bible has to say about the importance of community.
In this third season of Grace to Gather will be going deeper into the importance of building community and strengthening families. We will dive into some of the most important aspects of community and where to start. We will talk about your community with God, your spouse, your family, your neighbors and so much more.
The Season Two Finale is here! In this episode we will discuss the Grace to Gather life group curriculum and other topics that have been on our heart as we have been on this journey of hospitality! Stay tuned for more information about the next season of Grace to Gather!
In this episode we will talk about how to manage time so that you and your guests can have a great experience!
In this episode, we are talking about the importance of engaging and encouraging your guests.
In this episode we talk about preparing the meal for your guests and how love, caring and generosity can shine through that meal!
In this weeks episode we will talk about how setting your table lets your guest know that you care about them. We discuss important tasks to do the night of hosting to set the atmosphere for your guest.
In this weeks episode we will be talking about creating the atmosphere for your guests. Creating the right atmosphere for anything starts with the heart. What is your heart for your guests?
Don't forget to check out Winter on social media.
Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailybalancedliving/
Her Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dailybalancedliving
Now that we have made the invite, its time to plan the meal! In this weeks episode we will talk about things to consider when planning a meal for your guest.
In this episode of Grace to Gather we talk about the first step of hosting: making a plan. As all things in life, in order to have success you need to make a plan. We discuss and explain why the art of hospitality also requires a plan. Being prepared lessens the amount of stress and work.
Welcome back to Grace to Gather! We are so excited to be back for our second season of GTG! In this episode we will talk about what we have been up to in our time off and about what you can expect from this season of the Grace to Gather podcast!
In this final episode of season one, we will talk about some things we learned and answer some questions sent in by our listeners. Thank you for joining us in our first season of Grace To Gather, we will see you next season!
This week we are excited to have our special guess Lee and Ellen Wheeler on the podcast. Lee and Ellen were on the list of couples that Neva and I started out with as we entered into the practice of hospitality more than 15 years ago. They too love to host and have some great insight into the word of hospitality.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast was recorded on an iPhone so the sound quality may be different, but the content is great!
Follow Lee and Ellen on Social media.
Lee's Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/lee.l.wheeler
Ellens Facebook and Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/ellen.wheeler.52
https://www.instagram.com/elliechapin/
This week we will be talking about dealing with unexpected or challenging situations that may occur when practicing hospitality in your home.
Follow Winter on Instagram and Facebook:
https://www.instagram.com/dailybalancedliving/
https://www.facebook.com/dailybalancedliving
In today's episode, we have our good friends and special guests Winter and Asher Burnett, with Daily Balanced Living. We talk about bringing peace and balance to your life and home with some simple organization techniques.
Follow Winter on Instagram and Facebook:
https://www.instagram.com/dailybalancedliving/
https://www.facebook.com/dailybalancedliving
This week we will be discussing how to get your husband excited about hospitality and some of the ways he can help in the process.
In this episode of Grace To Gather we are finishing our series on Excuses! For our final excuse we are covering the topic of children and how to involve your children when practicing hospitality.
In this weeks episode we are continuing our series on Excuses. We will talk about using what you already have to create a welcoming environment for your guest without breaking the bank.
In this episode we will continue our series on Excuses by talking about the fact that you don’t need to be an amazing cook to practice hospitality. Hospitality is not about the food, it’s about a heart that desires to serve others.
Sometimes the biggest mess in our life is ourself. In this episode we will talk about some areas of our hearts and minds that can be messy and interfere with the practice of hospitality. And how managing these areas better can create a more healthy and comfortable environment for hospitality.
Today, we will be continuing our series on Excuses. In this episode we will talk about how managing your mess can help you in making the practice of hospitality a priority in your life.
In Todays episode, we are continuing our series on common excuses that we make for not gathering. We offer time saving tips in order make it easier to invite people to your table.
Join us as we begin our series on Excuses and dig into the several excuses that can prevent us from practicing hospitality. We touch on topics like personalities, busyness, food, and the messes that can arise in our lives.
In this episode we identify the meaning of hospitality, discuss the realities of of gathering during a pandemic, and explain the significance of extending grace.
Welcome to Grace To Gather! In episode one, we introduce ourselves and the heart behind the podcast. We begin our journey into what it means to be hospitable and invite others into our home. You will get a look into our lifestyle and the mission for Grace To Gather.