A few weeks ago, these two came to visit us and stayed with us for a bit.

Watching their behavior had been interesting to say the least. So when the opportunity was presented to read Chicken Scratch: Stories of Love, Risk & Poultry  by Kelly Chripczuk, I said, “Yes,” quickly.

On her thirty-ninth birthday, Kelly bought herself ten laying hens as she wants to begin an egg business. Instead she ushered in an adventure which caused her to journal each day with her hens and resulted in a book.

Kelly writes with a transparency that is thoughtful and thought provoking. Her adventure with the hens brought times of laughter, frustration, and learning. As she contemplated and absorbed the lessons unfolding, each chicken escapade brought spiritual growth as God revealed truths in the midst of the chaos.

Kelly’s words became more meaningful to me as I watched my own two visitors. I soon realized how timely the reading of this book was to their visit.

My feathered friends are pretty social, both with the activity in the house and with each other. They separate at times, but then usually come together in a huddle.

Kelly shares a special moment in which her hens finally came to roost together for the first time. Her daughter reveals she had tenderly and gently placed them side by side to teach them to accept one another and Kelly shares …

“Sometimes I worry I’m not teaching my kids enough about the bible. We have yet to memorize Bible verses. We don’t do devotionals morning, noon, or night. And maybe as the kids grow older that area of our life will improve. But for now, I know I’m giving my kids plenty of opportunities to love and I believe that love changes us, grow us, in ways we cannot foresee or even, sometimes understand. I trust that love is shaping my little flock just as it is shaping me.”

And the greater lesson her roosting birds brought that day?

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings . . ..”  (Luke 13:34, NRSV)

The book is a sweet and easy read. Kelly is a writer and speaker, telling her stories in ways to draw her readers to her words as they point to greater life lessons. You can find her blogging at www.afieldofwildflowers.blogspot.com .Be sure to go to HERE today as Kelly has two prize packages to celebrate the release of her book.

** I was given a PDF of the book in exchange for my honest review. It truly was my joy to read and I know it will be yours as well.

Today I am joining … #SmallWonder and Moments of Hope and #LifeGiving and Literacy Musing Mondays .