I am a pastor at 
I was inspired by Joe Thorn, another suburban pastor, to share with you all (whoever you are) how I use my Moleskines. If you have one, you know why these things have a little cult following. If you don’t have one…well… you just aren’t very cool.
I have spent the last 7 years of my life since graduating college trying to figure out the best way to keep my tasks and thoughts organized. Somewhere along the way I was introduce to the wonderful world of the Moleskine.
Here’s how I use these things:
Large Cashier Squared Notebook: I use this brown notebook to take notes, brainstorm and think through things. I have learned that I am often able to brainstorm new ideas, sermon outlines and thoughts better when I write.
Pocket Ruled Notebook: I use this one for managing tasks. One task per line with the date in front of it. Cross it off when I am done. I manage larger, long term projects with a computer based program called “Things” because this allows me to delete and move stuff around in a way that a paper environment doesn’t.
Writing instrument: I am a lefty so its always been a struggle to find a pen I like that won’t smear all over my hand as I write. I dream of being able to use a fountain pen but it just doesn’t work for me. For a while I was a typical frustrated left hander pen user until I found the Uni-Ball Jetstream. Its a like one of those gel rollers but it doesn’t smear at all. The combination of this pen and these notebooks makes for a very smooth writing experience.
Its funny, despite my love for computers, I work and think best on paper for some things.
You can view more images of how I use these here.
Rob Edwards said...
1Todd:
Can you tell us more about the “Things” program? I can’t seem to find it anywhere…….
Thanks!
03/16/08 4:25 PM | Comment Link
Todd said...
2Rob,
Its a mac only program. You can find info here:
http://www.culturedcode.com/things/
03/16/08 8:55 PM | Comment Link
Rob Edwards said...
3Ah….it’s a Mac thing…..Hmmmmmmm….no wonder I couldn’t find it!
Thanks
03/17/08 9:08 AM | Comment Link
ed c said...
4I suppose it all depends on what kind of work you do. Your system seems to work pretty well, but I’ll pass along what works for me.
Most of my work involves being at a computer, so I set up a variety of google calendars (writing, personal, work, nonprofit volunteering, etc.). They’re all listed on the same page with a different color for each category. I keep my tasks listed on my igoogle home page on the sticky note. So the calendar e-mails reminders and sends pop up reminders, while I have a task list on my home page.
For brainstorming I typically use my moleskine (lined, medium size). I title and date every entry, no matter how small it is, and make a practice of reading through from time to time to see if I need to revisit any previous ideas.
Anything worth typing out I flesh out on my home computer and then back up on a USB memory stick.
03/18/08 6:42 AM | Comment Link
Josh said...
5Ok bro…little freaked out here.
We both did seminary while at UPS…shifts right after the other.
You not only use a Moleskine, but you may be a fan of my favorite pen as well…Jetstream 1.0…doesn’t leave a smear when you write…I don’t use anything else, although they are a bit expensive.
As far as the Moleskine…I use mine mostly for journaling, however I keep one as well for a kind of prayer book I carry along.
03/19/08 11:15 AM | Comment Link
Tom said...
6And on the eighth day, God created Moleskine, or at least that’s what I’ve been thinking all along.
03/20/08 9:07 AM | Comment Link