Hatching Ideas, vol.09
A re-cap, a chicken, and the truth...
Hello and welcome to Hatching Ideas, the crazy, spirit-driven space where all of my future 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!
MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE
Grab a beverage and get cozy, as I take a minute to show you around. There are many new faces, but even the old faces (and by “old” I mean all you lovely friends who have been here from the start) are asking for clarity, such as “When is Rend Your Heart? How do I join Coop Chat? What’s the deal with the Monday call?”
Good questions. Here are your good answers.
REND YOUR HEART
The Rend Your Heart series began with Septuagesima and involved a daily pre-Lenten post to help us enter into the Lenten season prepared, as well as a Monday Chick-In Call (get the play on words there? Check-In…Chick-In…). The posts and calls are my way of gifting and encouraging paid subscribers, at any level. I planned to end this on Ash Wednesday. That wasn’t your plan, however.
You all wanted to continue our walk together through Lent. And I am so glad you did!
So, what does Rend Your Heart look like for Lent?
SUNDAY REFLECTION. This is a once-a-week post for ALL SUBSCRIBERS. It contains a short reflection and a set of questions for reflection. WHY ONE POST? Because Lent is not about doing and consuming more, and good grief, your inbox is full enough. The point of Rend Your Heart is to look inward…dive deeper into the heart…to get quiet and still in the presence of God. The questions posted in Sunday’s reflection are meant to guide your daily mental prayer throughout the week: that time you set aside and protect with all your might because the devil will offer a million reasons why you do not have the time to do this, to be with the Lord, and to hear what He speaks to your heart.
MONDAY CHICK-IN ZOOM CALL. This is a once-a-week call for paid subscribers only (at any level). It is a little “thank you” for the extra support and a way for us to form a community of women who desire the same thing: holiness and union with God. I offer a talk on a different topic each week, and then we all get a chance to share what is on our hearts. It has quickly become my favorite hour of the week! Serisouly… is it just me, or are we the best flock of saints in the making ever?
WEEKLY SUBSTACK CHATS. Substack has a fun little “chat” feature. It allows me to start a text thread conversation via Substack whenever the Spirit moves me! This allows us to stay connected and offer encouragement. Some threads are for paid subscribers only, and some are for all subscribers. It’s a win for everyone!
REND YOUR HEART PRAYER GUIDE. A written Septuagesima guide was sent to paid subscribers at the start of the pre-Lenten season. If you have become a paid subscriber after Septuagesima and would like a copy, please message me! It contains many of my favorite prayers and an examen that are appropriate for the Lenten season.
REND YOUR HEART GRAPHIC. How will you recognize the Rend Your Heart post? Well, aside from it posting on a Sunday, it will always have the Rend Your Heart graphic (see above).
COOP CHAT
Every once in a while, after finishing my morning prayer, thoughts will linger. And as I walk outside to feed the chickens, I share these thoughts, and my chickens, with you! These are unfiltered, unscripted, and often unflattering videos (working on the vanity) for paid subscribers (any level). Another way to say thanks and keep the prayerful conversations going. These video chats are random. There is no specific day or time for a COOP CHAT, though you can count on at least one a week. Some COOP CHATS turn into COOP RAMBLES…you’re welcome.
WHAT’S A SUBSTACK NEWSLETTER? WHAT’S A POST? WHO GETS WHAT?
Do you want more coffee? Go for it. This is a lot of information.
This, my friends, is the Words & Birds newsletter. It is called HATCHING IDEAS and it posts every Friday. It is behind a paywall, but not all of it. Everyone gets to read some of the news, but the more personal stuff? That is behind a paywall. You can read THIS to learn more about what to expect in a Words & Birds newsletter.
REGULAR POSTS happen almost daily; a small nugget to get you through your day, life, season, whatever. These posts are free and open to everyone.
WHO ARE THE RULERS OF THE ROOST?
When you subscribed, you might have noticed there are tiers to your subscription: The TOP TIER is what I call my RULERS OF THE ROOST. These are the generous folks helping the Phelps family keep the lights on. The Rulers of the Roost get more of me… a one-on-one Zoom call, extra posts and videos, etc. And they will receive HAPPY MAIL… which is a miracle when this occurs, because I am post-office challenged.
Okay. On to the good stuff…
THE GIRLS ARE BACK
This winter has been rough, and the girls are coming through like champs. While egg production slowed down as the days grew dark and cold, they have returned to their crazy egg-laying selves! Make no mistake. It is still FREEZING, and the amount of snow is stupid. But this will pass. The winter, like all suffering, will end.
Which brings us to our guiding Scripture verse: Song of Solomon 2:11-12 :
Now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledoves is heard in our land.
Every time I open a nesting box and find multiple eggs, even though I can’t feel my fingers…I marvel at God. I am beginning to recognize how joy is possible in the sorrow. There is light in the dark.
WALKING ON EGG SHELLS
I have lived so much of my life this way. Tip-toeing carefully. Keeping the peace. In a word: CO-DEPENDENCY. If you struggle with co-dependency and would like to dive deeper into this topic, let me know. I have worked hard to learn how not to walk on eggshells and want everyone to experience the joy that is possible amid the pain.
Speaking of joy in the pain…
TODAY IS MY LAST DAY AT WALKING WITH PURPOSE, AND HERE IS THE REAL REASON WHY I LEFT
