Since you are not milling your logs, you will not be getting rid of the rot prone sap wood. Uncover your logs and debark them, let air circulate and keep them from molding or rotting (you do not want to bring molded wood into your home). Slowing the release of moisture will only minimize the checking. End sealer is a better way of slowing the release of moisture. Kerfing the side of your log that doesn't show will minimize checking even more. If the checks don't bother you aesthetically then don't worry, most checking isn't a major structural issue. It can get bad near the end of the logs and cause problems with joints, which is one plus for end sealer. If all of your logs are long, apply the sealer after you cut them to length.
If you do decide to flatten one side then a kerf on that same side would be easy enough.
The clean and easy version: peel and stack your logs off the ground and in a manner in which air can circulate. Apply an end sealer after you have cut them to length.
