1. Joy Takes Flight begins with a wedding. For those of you who are married, how did you feel on your wedding day? Did you have any unexpected surprises that day? Share your wedding story.

2. What is your idea of a perfect honeymoon? Did you get your dream honeymoon? What did you think of the one Paul had planned for him and Kate?

3. Paul and Kate struggle to find their roles as marriage partners, which is to be expected. What were some of their conflicts? What do you think, in today’s society, are some of the most difficult obstacles new couples face?

4. During the 1930’s most women did not work outside the home. But for Kate to become a full time homemaker meant that she had to give up one of her greatest joys in life. Today, women are expected to work and often when they choose to be full time homemakers they are ridiculed. How do you feel about that? And what process do you think works best to resolve questions about a woman’s role? Have you faced some of the questions and doubts that Kate did?

5. When Sidney returns to flying at the airfield he is under the authority of Jack. For some it might be difficult to return to a job at a company they used to own. How would you handle something like that?

6. Jack has been a rascal throughout the series, but in Joy Takes Flight we begin to see a different side to him. And gradually his ideas about women pilots and about Kate change. What do you think is behind his transformation? Have you ever known anyone who has been a thorn in your side and yet you still managed to find common ground and even forge a friendship with? What do you think is the key in building true friendships?

7. Paul cannot seem to reel in his fears about Kate’s work. Why do you think that is? What should he have done differently? Have you ever experienced a fear you’ve been unable to overcome? What should you do about it?

8. Kate grapples with what it means to be a submissive wife. What do you think it means? And, in light of what God requires of a husband, particularly in Ephesians 5:25, which says husbands love your wives just as Christ loves the church. He gave up his life for her, which role do you believe is more difficult to fulfill? And what did you think of Sassa’s advice to Kate in chapter ten?

9. Alaska was a dangerous place to live, even if you weren’t a pilot. What is it about the human spirit that would lead someone to choose a wild place like Alaska to live? Do you know anyone with that same spirit? How about you?

10. The death of a child is one of the most painful experiences a parent can face. When Paul and Kate lose their little girl, and then Paul leaves because of his mother’s illness how did you feel about his going? Should he have stayed with Kate? And why do you think he felt compelled to remain as long as he did? What do you think you would have done under similar circumstances?

11. The night Paul’s mother dies, she tells him, “We are born, we live and we die. The time goes by quickly, like a morning mist swept away by the warmth of the sun. Don’t throw away the moments.” Do you sometimes feel as if you’re living for tomorrow rather than embracing the moment? If you are, how can you change that?

12. Paul had allowed guilt over his first wife’s death to cut him off from his family and from God. He’d taken on too much responsibility for life and death. And not until he was able to see his lack of faith was he able to forgive himself. Do you ever step into the role of “master” and then when things go wrong blame yourself? How do you feel about the statement that God is in control of all things, including life and death? If someone close to you were to die would you be able to find peace in the sovereignty of God?