I know that I should be better organized, but I have made a profession out of going off the cuff. Even after years of writing papers for the various degrees I have earned, I still write papers without an outline. I read the information, take out the nuggets I want, and write. I earned A’s in nearly every course, so I came to believe that this works for me.
However, I realize now that I wasted so much time not having an organized outline, which would have given me structure and saved me a lot of time. As I am preparing to teach an adult Sunday School class at my church, I am learning the time-saving quality of being organized and writing an outline. Knowing which topics and scriptures I will cover each Sunday, rather than just deciding on Friday night and spending time trying to find information, I decided to do a series on the twelve Minor Prophets.
By outlining a schedule of which prophets to teach and when, I can prepare and not lose valuable time wondering what to do next. We started with Jonah, and we will move to Hosea. I have already decided which chapters we will cover each week for the next four months, began collecting information I need, and deciding on titles. This preparation leaves me lots of time to read the text in different translations and commentaries, so I can give deeper and better lessons, including preparing handouts. It also helps the two women who substitute teach for me to have ideas ahead of time on what text and topic we will cover each Sunday, so they can decide how to teach when called to do so.
My husband suggests I do the same thing for my blogs. I should decide on topics for each week or day the previous week and write the blogs first in Word and cut and paste to the blog, so that I have copies of my blogs if I decide on a book. I am still promising myself that I will do that, but so far, I am still procrastinating. Disorganization is a thief of time, I know, but breaking life-long habits is hard for me. But, I am making a start with the Sunday School materials,, and I am proud of me.
Help from Heaven 
I am much like you, although I do write my posts in Word first so I can edit and refine them over a few days. But my posts are just musings, thoughts and insights based on things I think about. Very random. I kind of like writing that way, but it doesn’t give my readers much to hold onto or anticipate. Then I have to as the question, is this for me or for others? Probably for me. But I, too, lead a Bible study and tend toward last minute study and prep. I like your idea of planning. I’ve had to do it in my professional life, so why not apply it to my other passions? Good food for thought.
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Thank you so much for commenting.
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Regina, your blogs are awesome and well written. I am still trying to get where you are with my writing. I appreciate you and your knowledge. Happy New Year and have a magnificent day.
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Thank you so much. Your words mean so much to me. Happy New Year.
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You’re welcome.
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