I tend to take notes while listening to the sermon. Sometimes it is because I want to go back and look it up later and meditate on it more. Other times, it is because I want to use it in a novel. I know my mind should not wander to my stories while sitting in church. I really am working on that problem. I had gotten better, I really had and then it happened again. One simple verse sent my imagination going.
Matthew 5:48
Be prefect, therefore as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Before I left the sanctuary I knew who my hero was, where he came from, where he was in his life.
I apologize, Pastor Miller. I will really work on this problem in the future, and pay close attention to what is said after a verse inspires me. Clearly I have not reached perfection, but I will keep working on it.
Does anyone else have this problem? Something is said and your mind goes to your story, or a potential story, when you really should remain focused on where you are and what is being said?
I'm so sorry Amy but that totally cracks me up! I often do this in the car, mostly to distract me from commenting on my hubby's occasionally scary driving. I've worked out some difficult plot problems or dialogue but I never dreamed it could happen in church. ;o)
ReplyDeleteLOL It happens to me! Do you think we can blame it on the Holy Spirit inspiring us? *grin*
ReplyDeletegood for you, you're a real writer-inspiration comes anywhere and everywhere.
ReplyDeleteThat's why you take notes.... so you can focus on it again at a different time. It is so easy to get distracted. :O)
ReplyDeleteI take notes during every sermon. I like to look at them weeks later and it refreshes my mind. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness, you caught me! My husband looks over and rolls his eyes!
ReplyDeleteI definitely have this problem! I think my writer's mind just never stops!
ReplyDeleteHeather, I am glad I made you laugh.
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteI like your thinking. It is obvious the Holy Spirit is inspiring us. :)
Lin,
ReplyDeleteYou are right. Inspiration can happen anywhere and at any time.
Diane,
ReplyDeleteI have to take notes. i am distracted all of the time. Something else I need to work on.
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI think it is great to go back over the notes. I've been known to search for notes from sermons from months ago.
Karen,
ReplyDeleteIt is just as Jessica said. The Holy Spirit is inspiring you. That is our story and we are sticking with it. :)
Jody,
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is possible to turn off a writer's mind. And, do we want to?
Yes, I sooo have this problem. It seems I can never turn off the writing part of my brain, no matter where or what I'm doing. All day long, every day, in everything I do. It's why my housework is always half-done, my dinners are always burned, and why my kids complain when I spread yogurt on their toast and put globs of butter in their bowls for breakfast. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI always do this. It's terrible. I think it's natural, though.
ReplyDeleteBJ and Lazy,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad it isn't just me :). From now on when someone mentiones someone is scatter brained, I am going to assume they are a writer.
No, you are so not alone. That absolutely does happen to me. Sometimes it is literally just a word, sometimes two, or more, but they don't always end up in the story, which I find really interesting. BUT the ones that kill me are those great middle of the night ones that I forget the split second I remember them.
ReplyDelete- - - - so I don't write but my mind is usually thinking of "ideas" for us in the church library - - whether for a reading program or a display window. My mind can take off on a great idea while reading my Bible!!! Our brains usually do work better when we are relaxed.
ReplyDeleteJD
ReplyDeleteI hate those middle of the night ideas because I never, ever remember even when I promise myself to remember. I really need to keep an pen and paper on the nightstand.
MissLynda,
ReplyDeleteExcellent point. I am probably the most relaxed in church. I wonder if anyone would object to me taking my laptop into the sanctuary (when it is not in use of course) so I can write in the most relaxing place I know.
All. The. Time. My mind just drifts, but as long as it's drifting in a direction that's helping me, it's all good.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, more than I care to admit! And my husband is the preacher! Hahaahaha! Don't tell him, okay?
ReplyDeleteStephanie,
ReplyDeleteYou are right, as long as it is drifting in a good direction it works.