The Valentine's Day Woodpecker

Welcome my sweet sister, Laurie Kinkaid. Her insights from nature and connection to our Heavenly Father will encourage you on this Valentine's Day.

The second storm of February 2014 is gently dropping its first inches of powder. As I sit here sipping Irish Breakfast tea, winter birds frantically peck at the seeds scattered for their dining pleasure before they are covered with snow. Except for my hubby puttering with the pellet stove and fireplace, this Valentine Eve is quiet. It's comforting to sit in my office as the outdoors gets whiter and whiter.

In sharp contrast to this peaceful atmosphere, my devotional time this morning began as a skirmish over my "sin of choice". Not something you expect to see on a Christian blog, but hang in there with me. As in His conversation with Job, God's final word in our discussion is wise, creative, loving and omnipotent.

Searching For JOY

 

Discovering Four Sources

of JOY in John 15

             I often wonder how much fruit I’m bearing, especially JOY. I’m told I’m patient. Others say I exhibit peace. But, Joy? Over the last several years I’ve wondered why I’m lacking in the joy department.

Now, I know these qualities aren’t something I can manufacture on my own. If I could get JOY-seeds, I would plant them so I could share the fruit with others. But, since there isn’t any such thing as Burpee Joy-seeds, what can I do? Scripture says the Holy Spirit produces fruit in me.

When I was asked to lead a Bible study on JOY, I laughed at God’s sense of humor. What better way to answer the question of where JOY comes from? For months I’ve wondered how I can FEEL joyful? I am asking for His Truth to be made clear. And, now it seems every place I look, I am discovering His answers.