Hatching Ideas, vol. 12
Spitting out ham, balls to the wall, and rejecting the fear of being forgotten
Hello and welcome to Hatching Ideas, the crazy, spirit-driven space where all of my plans, big ideas, and wildest dreams reside. All for the glory of God, of course, because after all, every good idea comes from Him. I am simply here to say “yes” and bring you along!
FROM FIELD TO AIRPORT
“What field are you on today?”
This was the predictable text I’d receive from my sister every weekend, back when “kids' sports” ran my life. Today, the question is, “What airport are you at?” I’d imagine that way back when, the thought of packing my bags and getting out of town, sleeping alone in a hotel room, and drinking my morning coffee uninterrupted would have sounded glorious.
It is not.
I am currently writing from White Plains Airport. Personally, it feels more like a crowded bus depot. I have a long trip ahead of me, as I am headed to Sacramento to speak at a women’s annual conference. I know it will be good. I know it is where God needs me to be. When I am communicating a message, there is no doubt that I am doing exactly what the Lord has called me to do. But at the moment, I just want to be home with my chickens.
On the flip side, the invitation to speak can dry out in a minute. I am well aware of this. Even when flights are delayed and uncomfortable, I remain grateful for this new ministry I have been called to: the ministry of right now.
You should try it.
MARY KATE OLSEN HAS A FAT BUTT
It is true. And oh, the irony.
Sweet MK hasn’t been looking so good. She is behaving fine, eating, walking, laying. But her butt (just below her vent) is red, swollen, and losing feathers. We have taken her to the vet twice, and please don't ask how I have become the person who repeatedly takes her chicken to the vet, just nod your head as if you are thinking, “Of course, a chicken should go to the vet, I totally get it.” She’s been on antibiotics, had both an X-ray and a biopsy, and we are waiting for the results.
Honestly? I pray she doesn’t die while I am on the road.
People. I have twelve chickens. Six chicks are on their way. That’s eighteen unavoidable future chicken deaths. I pray for a farmer’s mentality, but I just don’t see that happening. They are my pets. They are the inspiration for my new book. They are…
chickens.
I know.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS LISTENING
I had the honor of joining speakers Kendra Von Esh and Keith Nester at Wisconsin’s annual women’s conference. Shout out to the amazing young woman who helped sell my books, and to the kind stranger who recognized me from the Ascension Press App video reflections I have given in the past. Truth be told, I wondered if people really watched the videos. Apparently, the answer is yes, they do! And, God be praised, they are making a difference in viewers' lives. This is just the shot of encouragement a creator needs, because we put so much out there just hoping something lands…that something worth while sticks…and someone’s heart is turned every so slightly towards Jesus. Confirmation is no small thing in a world saturated with content.
Confirmation that you are doing well is no small thing, no matter what you are doing.
I don’t think we tell people “good job” enough.
Okay, now on to the good stuff. Because I have wrestled with some deep thoughts this week and just traveled all night to Sacramento, which included a five-hour flight next to a lovely woman who talked a lot but I couldn’t understand one word she said, and I got to my hotel room an hour before I normally wake up. The coffee will be on a steady flow today, my friends—all this to say…Lord knows what's about to come out of my mouth. Also, my eyes can barely focus. So buckle up, here we go…