Life of a Guinea Fowl

Life of a Guinea Fowl
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 by Susan K. Stewart

Categories: devotional / GUEST AUTHORS / Reviews and Interviews / TUESDAY'S TREASURE

PLEASE WELCOME

SUSAN K. STEWART

AUTHOR OF DONKEY DEVOS

TUESDAY’S TREASURE

We recently decided to add guinea fowl to our menagerie at the Peaceable Kingdom. Guineas are known for two things. One, they aren't real bright. Two, they make raucous noise. If you’ve never heard a guinea, listen to this video.

We've raised these birds from chicks. We've watched the not-so-smart moments. Like the two who insisted on standing in the rain instead of staying in shelter. Sadly, this resulted in their death.

Although not the smartest birds God created, they are good guards. Even if the flock is small, they create enough noise when danger lurks to capture attention. The guineas are the first to tell us when an unknown vehicle comes into our driveway.

One other attribute of these birds is they can’t be contained. Unless the poultry yard has a roof of some sort, the fowls are off and flying. Adult birds who have been moved often will return to their home of origin. Other times they decide they don’t like the accommodations; they will fly off in search of something more to their liking.

If guineas are so obnoxious and independent, why bother? As mentioned, they are good guard animals. Like most birds, they eat bugs. If they are trained to hang out in the garden, the guineas will keep the insects down without tearing up the soil. Their eggs are small but rich and scrumptious. We’ve been told guinea is better than chicken meat. No matter what else they can be a source of entertainment.

After spending time with these funny and infuriating birds, I can now imagine discussions at God’s throne. “What obnoxious and independent creatures those humans are?’ “Yes, they are, but I love them anyway.”

Wait. What? Humans noisy, not so bright, independent?

Yes, we are. Like guineas, we complain and moan when something is not quite the way we want it. God gives us specific instructions and cautions, but we don’t have the sense of a guinea fowl to pay attention. When we don’t like the circumstances we may be in, what do we humans do? Leave. Stomp off. Go elsewhere more to our liking, whether it’s a better place for us or not.

Does God kick us out of the coop or abandon us? No. He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5 ESV).

Does God protect us, even from ourselves? Yes. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV).

Does God welcome us back when we’ve flown the coop? Yes. Like the father of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), God waits in anticipation of our return. His father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him (Luke 15:20 ESV).

Does God delight in us? Yes. He rescued me, because he delighted in me (Psalm 18:19 ESV).

When I hear the loud and rowdy noise of the guineas or see them fly off to the neighboring ranch, I’m reminded of God’s love and care for me.

ABOUT DONKEY DEVOS

“Who would think that devotions about donkeys could be interesting, much less fascinating, motivational, and spiritually inspiring? But that’s exactly what you’ll receive as a wonderful gift when you read Donkey Devos by Susan K. Stewart.”—Kathy Collard Miller, author of God’s Intriguing Questions: 60 New Testament Devotions Revealing Jesus’s Nature

Did you know the Bible mentions three talking animals? Each of these creatures had a different message. The first to speak out was the serpent. This snake in the grass spoke words meant for evil. The last recorded animal is the eagle that John hears bringing a message of woe. In between, God allowed another animal to speak—the lowly donkey. The beast of burden. This time the animal had words of wisdom.

Donkey Devos is a collection of forty pearls Susan has learned from spending time learning about her equine friends and chatting with them. She uses her experiences, donkey facts, and Biblical donkey details to share the truths God has taught. The whole family will delight in the donkey tales with a message from God.

Buy link: Donkey Devos: Listen When God Speaks https://www.susankstewart.com/books/donkey-devos-listen-when-god-speaks/

ABOUT SUSAN K. STEWART

Susan K. Stewart expected dogs, cats, and the occasional goldfish would be all the pets she’d need—until the day Susan met donkeys at a rescue center. A few years after that fateful visit, three donkeys became part of the Stewart family. Susan soon learned these humble creatures are still messengers of wisdom.

Susan K. Stewart didn’t expect to become a “donkey whisper,” as some of her neighbors say. One day God put her in a herd of donkeys, and it was love at first bray.

Susan and her husband Bob live in Central Texas with their three dogs, three cats, numerous chickens, and inspiring donkeys. They have three children and six outstanding grandchildren. Susan’s book, Formatting e-Books for Writers, was originally released in March 2016 and received an AWSA Silver Scroll Merit Award (2016). Susan’s other books include Science in the Kitchen and Preschool: At What Cost? Her devotional, Donkey Devos: Listen When God Speaks, was released in July 2021 She has been a guest writer for Upgrade with Dawn (Dawn Wilson). Homeschool with Heart, and ChristineLindsey.org. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions and a few donkey stories. www.susankstewart.com https://www.susankstewart.com

Free Donkey Devos Lenten Guide https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KOiLvT5kjEtOAZyP7Bv_DtWLi_6E9gZ-/view

***** MY REVIEW

You will enjoy this devo, especially if you work with the free guide during Lent. The author has organized the devotionals to correspond to a theme for the day. A great companion guide to the original book.

I particularly enjoyed how the author weaved spiritual truth from the donkeys' antics. Almost made me want to get one. But I live in an apartment … so not possible.

Get your copy today. I highly recommend this book.

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