Want to know what is like in the mind of a slightly experienced preacher?  Well here you go an outline of my thoughts going into and through my 5th sermon.

1. The message is received.  Nothing divine like a dove dropping out of the sky.  I’m simply day dreaming while cleaning and reminded of an old sermon.
2. Do I try to recreate the sermon?  Well I remember none of the points only the vivid imagery of ridding yourself of trash.
3. Thinking, Thinking, Thinking.  It hits me.  I’m reminded of something I wrote on “Studying to show yourself approved”.  Next I search a digital bible (biblestudytools.com ) for other scripture references to support my points.  My own idea and message begins to form.
4. I write the sermon.  Next I record the sermon so I can listen to my voice. I do this so I won’t have to rely so heavily on my notes.
5. Leading up to Sunday I’m nervous that I’m not nervous.  This was the first time I wasn’t nervous going into a preaching experience.
6. The service is on and popin.  Wow it is pretty crowded.
7. Ugh I should not have drunk any liquids, I have to go to the bathroom.  (Hurries off to the restroom)
8. I’m back wow it is crowded.  BAM – Nerves Hit.  GASP I can’t breath
9. Start praying ASAP
10. The sermonic selection/song is on point
11. A sense of calmness hits.
12. Tears almost drop but I compose myself
13. Preaching begins
14. Be sure to make eye contact
15. Breathe
16. Are they even into it?
17. <BLACK OUT> I remember nothing at this point thinking it becomes gray and fuzzy
18. Wrap it up.  Wait, I’m at the end already?  Was it too short?
19. Man I bombed
20. Greet the people/shake hands as they exit the building
21. Received confirmation from a teen that what was spoken made sense and he was able to take something from it, guess God used me after all