Part of my church experience (for the last two years) is taking notes. In years gone by I used to write a thought or two down on the program or something, but I never had anything lasting. When we moved here I started a notebook especially for church. It has completely changed my experience. Perhaps this sounds obvious, but since I don't see very many other people taking notes I'm thinking that maybe it's not.I find that it's easy to pay attention to whoever is speaking because I am immediately processing the information that interests me. The time flies by (no small feat) and I am giddy each Sunday with the results of my notes from 3 meetings. This also enables me to remember tons more information, to write down scriptures, conference talk titles, or any other follow up things I want to look up later, and gives me a journal of my church going. It's priceless to me. I have filled 2 1/2 notebooks and feel like I've accomplished something.
Today was no exception to the benefit of the notebook. We had a high council speaker and I feared it would be a long meeting. But he gave an excellent talk about our eternal priorities and I ended up taking 5 pages of notes. My mind didn't have a chance to wander at all, and I feel like his talk (and the others) were meant for me. They were all good, but that's a lot of information to take in so this way I can review my notes and perhaps even implement them (wouldn't that be something!). Anyway, I just feel giddy about this today and thought I'd share my thoughts on this good habit of mine (it may be my only one).
**What do you do with all the good thoughts and ideas you gain from church?**
6 comments:
Okay, now that is inspirational. I have had church books, and have done that in the past, but not in quite some time. I didn't even go today in fact- because Bella chose to miraculously sleep until 8:30- that NEVER happens and I couldn't get ready in time. I feel like I missed out, so it was nice to sleep, but not such a great Sunday otherwise. I am going to start doing it. thanks :)
I am jealous that you actually get to listen in church. Its been 5 years since my church experience has been less than steller. I am looking forward to the day when I can sit and listen. Megan is going to nursery now, but alas I am in the primary. Perhaps someday I will be able to take your suggestion and take notes. Love your book.
I spent today catching up on your life, it's crazy how much I missed! This notetaking has changed my life too! I now look forward to church and other meetings because I know I will get something out of them. (I even found myself sad when I was sick for Stake Conference because I knew I would miss "good notes"!) My notebook has also become a great resource for preparing lessons and always having a spiritual thought when it is my turn in presidency meeting.
I have been taking notes in my fun "church journal" for about a year now. I do enjoy it (the process), I need to be better at rereading or reviewing my past entries so that I may continue to glean and grow.
the notes at church.. aghh what i have to look forward to. i am getting a cute book to do that! you are awesome. i usally am out in the hall with crazy caroline, and jeff is sleeping on the pew inside (coming off of a 48 shift) but dang it, i am bringing a cute book anyway with me just in case i get a chance. love the idea! i have a great idea for how to make your RS manual look cool i will email you a photo.
kbc
Since you left a comment on my blog (the first, yay!), I thought I'd be brave and leave one on yours! I usually have a kid (or two) on my lap and a kid (or three) fighting during Sacrament meeting and I teach Sunday School, so I don't have much of an opportunity to take notes, even if I had a totally cute notebook like yours. But I did get a nice quote from RS this Sunday that I wrote in my little matchbook notebook. It's better than nothing, right?
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