THE IVY HOUR GUIDE
7 WAYS TO ENJOY YOUR OWN IVY HOUR OR HOST A GATHERING
1. Find a Quiet Space For Yourself or Invite a Small Circle of Trusted Friends to Join You – share this experience with people you like and enjoy.
2. Set a Day and Time to Have Your Elegant Pause or to Meet with Other In-Person or Virtually – plan for 1 hour or longer depending upon what you desire.
3. Create a Relaxing Space – Light your Ivy Hour candle, pour your favorite beverage into one of the Ivy Hour mugs, grab your Ivy Hour journal, snuggle up with your Ivy Hour blanket, play quiet instrumental music and choose a comfortable spot that feels like a little retreat.
4. Remove Distractions & Practice Presence – Take care of family members, pets and put your phone away, close the laptop, and simply be in the moment. Let your mind and body slow.
5. Hang Your Ivy Hour Pennant - When you hang your pennant on a door knob or wall hook, this lets others know it's your time for an elegant pause and/or to connect in conversation with trusted friends.
6. Read the Monthly Questions & Let Conversations Flow - Select one question to answer and share your heartfelt thoughts, experiences, a Bible verse, quotes, pain and joy. Don’t hurry it. Share understanding and empathy.
7. Reflect & Journal – Write down your thoughts, impressions, prayers, doodles or gratitude list. Let the words you write untangle what’s in your heart.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
12-MONTH CALENDAR
These thoughtful conversations prompts will provide an easy and relaxing way to discuss these rich topics.
Month 1: An Elegant Pause
·What does an intentional, elegant pause look like for you?
· When you pause, what feelings or thoughts tend to surface first?
· How could one hour of pause each week change your pace of life?
· How do you know when your soul is tired?
· What’s one way you could create more margin in your week?
· How do you think God views rest compared to how you view it?
*
>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the theme of rest, margin, and listening to God
Psalm 46:10 — "Be still, and know that I am God."
Matthew 11:28-29 — "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden..."
Isaiah 30:15 — "In quietness and trust shall be your strength."
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Month 2: Seasons of Life & Identity
· Who were you ten years ago and who are you now?
· What opportunities do you have for reinventing yourself, if desired?
· What do you like about yourself in this season?
· In what area do you want to see transformation this year?
*
>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the theme of growth, transformation and identity.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 — "For everything there is a season..."
2 Corinthians 5:17 — "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation."
Jeremiah 29:11 — "For I know the plans I have for you..."
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Month 3: Friends & Acquaintances
· What are you doing to cultivate your friendships?
· What does an acquaintance versus a close friend look like to you?
· How do you handle your various circles of friendships – in person, social media, work, neighbors, etc.
· Who in your life feels like a safe place for your soul?
· How can you be that safe place for someone else?
· What’s a memory with friends that makes you smile?
*
>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the theme of relationships and community.
Proverbs 17:17 — "A friend loves at all times."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 — "Two are better than one..."
Philippians 2:4 — "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also the interests of others."
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Month 4: Marriage Seasons
· How do you describe marriage in the first half of 40 years?
· How do you describe marriage in the second half of 40 years?
· What are you doing to encourage your spouse and build your marriage?
· What makes your marriage fun in this season?
*
>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the theme of love, commitment, companionship
Ecclesiastes 4:12 — "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Ephesians 4:2-3 — "Be completely humble and gentle..."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — "Love is patient, love is kind...love never fails."
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Month 5: All the Roles
· How are you doing in these mom-seasons? Babies? Toddlers? Elementary? Middle School? High School?
· How do you love and nurture adult children without smothering/controlling them?
· How are you navigating your changing role as a mom with adult children?
· How do you help your kids establish their own families – to “leave and cleave?"
· What role do you want to play as a grandmother?
· How are you dealing with caregiving for your parents/family?
*
>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the themes of motherhood, family, caregiving and generations.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 — Teaching God's truth to the next generation.
Proverbs 22:6 — "Train up a child in the way he should go."
Psalm 145:4 — "One generation shall commend Your works to another."
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Month 6: Joy & Simple Pleasures
· What’s something that recently brought you joy?
· How can joy exist even in a hard season?
· What’s one small joy you could intentionally add to this week?
· How does joy give you strength?
*
>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the themes of joy, strength and contentment.
Nehemiah 8:10 — "The joy of the Lord is your strength."
Philippians 4:4 — "Rejoice in the Lord always."
Psalm 16:11 — "In Your presence there is fullness of joy."
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Month 7: Scripture & Revelation
· What is your rhythm and favorite time, place and way to engage with Scripture?
· What is God revealing to you through His Word lately?
· What Scriptures brings you the most joy or peace these days?
*
>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the themes of God's Word and spiritual growth.
Psalm 119:105 — "Your word is a lamp to my feet."
Hebrews 4:12 — "The word of God is living and active."
Joshua 1:8 — Meditate on God's Word day and night.
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Month 8: Beauty & Aging
· Where have you noticed beauty this week — in nature, art, or people?
· How does beauty point you toward God?
· How are you dealing with aging and what is your biggest challenge?
· What secrets do you have for aging, hormones or beauty tips.
*
>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the themes of grace, wisdom and lasting beauty.
Psalm 90:12 — "Teach us to number our days."
Proverbs 31:30 — "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting..."
2 Corinthians 4:16 — "Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed."
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Month 9: Music, Art and Creativity
· What kind of music brings calm and makes you feel happy and hopeful?
· What song that has encouraged, inspired, or carried you recently?
· How does music influence your mood or mindset?
· What creative outlets do you love and find refreshing?
*
>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the themes of worship and creativity.
Psalm 96:1 — "Sing to the Lord a new song."
Exodus 35:35 — God gives skill, artistry, and creativity.
Colossians 3:16 — Sing with gratitude in your hearts to God.
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Month 10: Hope
· What’s something you’re looking forward to?
· How does hope change the way you approach challenges?
· Where do you need fresh hope right now?
*
>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the themes of confidence and hope.
Romans 15:13 — "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace."
Lamentations 3:22-23 — "His mercies are new every morning."
Hebrews 10:23 — "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess."
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Month 11: Gratitude
· What are you most thankful for these days?
· What has been difficult to be grateful for?
· Name three things you’re thankful for right now.
· How has gratitude shifted your mood or perspective in the past?
· What’s a small, ordinary blessing you sometimes overlook?
*
>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the themes of thanksgiving and perspective.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 — "Give thanks in all circumstances."
Psalm 103:2 — "Forget not all His benefits."
Colossians 3:15 — "Be thankful."
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Month 12: Legacy
· When you look back over your life, what do you not want to regret?
· In what ways do you want your life to impact eternity?
· What would you like people to say at your funeral?
· What do you wish/pray for for your children and grandchildren?
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>> For those who desire accompanying Scriptures to read. These verses hold to the themes of finishing well and impacting future generations.
Psalm 78:4 — Tell the next generation of the Lord's works.
2 Timothy 4:7 — "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race."
Proverbs 13:22 — "A good person leaves an inheritance to their children's children."