Now that life has settled down a bit I will attempt to blog.....My reasons for blogging are simple yet complex.  Yes I know that seems to be an oxymoron, my explanation will clarify. Simple in that I have 2 goals 1. To learn from others who will be willing to participate in a respectable, godly conversation. and... 2. To hold my self accountable.

From the young age of 6 my family became Christians. I have been taught many things, studied many things, read the good book many times, and yet still feel as though I have only scratched the surface. I have been shy about my beliefs, afraid to be rejected, or shut out by loved ones.

Wanting to love everyone and be loved by everyone. . . . . .

A powerful thought hit me when I said that to myself. That must have been how Jesus felt... My heart sank, I can still love everyone, even "if" the love is not returned. The worst I will face is a heart scaring e-mail/call or be unfriended on Facebook. I will not be hung on a cross....

I am currently reading "The Power of Suffering" "Strengthening your faith in the refiner's fire" by John MacArthur. I have been in the Introduction for over 2 weeks! Reading and re-reading, absorbing the powerful thoughts that spurned me to finally start up my blogging.

"Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12)
"Christian bashing" is increasingly popular. It has become a favorite pastime among journalists in the liberal media and among liberals in education, the arts, and politics. Bigotry is back in style, and the politically correct for of it is to assault Christians. Often it is those who preach "tolerance," "nonjudgmentalism," and "intellectualism" who are the most intolerant.

With its many allurements  Satan uses the world system constantly to entice and wear down true Christians everywhere. The challenge of worldly attractions is, I believe, even more difficult for American believers. Our culture's subtle persecution often lead to individuals and groups to compromise, offering just enough acceptance of Christians and the church generally to sway unsuspecting believers. Before long they become apathetic* and afraid to make Christianity an issue. In such an environment it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain an untainted Christian testimony. By contrast, in totalitarian societies where a high cost is associated with Christianity, it might just be easier to sustain a consistent testimony. 

For example, I remember once asking a Russian pastor if it was difficult to pastor a local church when the society and government were so hostile to Christianity. He answered, "It's easy. You always know where everyone stands. What I do not understand is how in the world you can pastor a church in America, where the compromises are so common and subtle."

John MacArthur "The power of Suffering"

Thoughts........




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Building Habits for Christ - Part One

When we were young our parents taught us vital habits such as....brushing our teeth, tying our shoes, covering our sneezes, etc. As we grew we learned to wake to an alarm, study in school, and take out the trash on Tuesdays. As adults we have learned to pay the bills on time, balance the checkbook, take our vitamins, and plan our mornings so we arrive at work on time. These are habits we have developed over time that help us manage our daily life. The more established your habits are the more smoothly your life runs.

Habits can be so ingrained that when there is a change we struggle to NOT do things the old way. For example, my fathers dog recently passed. Yet my father still wakes up at 5am with the thought, "I better let Woody out.". This was a habit for over 12 years. It is so ingrained that it will now take months for the habit to let go of his mind.

Do you see where I am going?...................

Habits are important to daily life! They keep us on track. Have you ever been driving home from work, like you do every day, but on this day with the intention of a stop that is not part of your normal routine? Of'course, we all do at times. But did you almost get home before realizing you did not make that stop?? You were on "auto-pilot"! Your brain knows to go home after work, it has taken you there so many times you do not even have to put much though into it! Habit.

What if our spiritual life was this habitual????

Let me tell you a story......

In 1988 I was in a serious car accident. I suffered from numerous broken bones, lacerations and an undiagnosed brain injury. After a few months my family noticed my memory was lacking. They would be talking about days gone by and I would have no memory of the event. It seemed at first it was just my long term memory, no big deal, I was alive and healthy! A few months later I started noticing other issues. I was forgetful, scattered, disorganized, and easily frustrated. I saw a specialist who said I had scaring on my brain from the accident and that I may or may not regain the missing memories. He was not too worried about the rest and suggested I make myself note cards with duties. He chalked my memory issues up to recovery, a new baby, the holidays and my young age. I spent the next few years struggling with organization and forgetfulness. Over time I learned to used a datebook faithfully, chore cards, reminder notes, and even left myself messages on my answering machine. Life was a little better but I was still not where I needed to be. Why?

Jump ahead to 2011 and I have a brain aneurysm in the spring. And this time it is very apparent that my brain had suffered additional damage. While lying in my hospital bed praying for healing, understanding and strength, a powerful thought was placed in my mind. "This is how a babe in Christ feels, coming out of the world and into the fold. Scared, confused, uncertain, and at a loss where to start. Everything they once knew is no more. They have to change so much. Thoughts, actions, language, habits............."

Wow, I had never thought of that. I was raised in Christianity. Beyond that what about those who left the fold and have developed bad thoughts, actions, language, habits............

They are just like me!!!! Wanting to be and do, but not knowing how or where to start. There is no step by step "how to break bad habits", or "how to establish new habits" for Christians handbook! Yes, I know we have the inspired word of God and yes it is all in there. Every bit that we need. But when you are a babe in Christ, where do you start?? What habit do you focus on first?? Do I change everything all at once? The change needed in ones life can be overwhelming, insurmountable, and ultimately defeating.

After the 1988 accident the brain specialist I met with said something that stuck with me. "It takes approximately 20 days to build a habit, 30 days to lock it in place."  This kept repeating in my mind along with "baby steps"

Laying in that hospital bed, listening to the beeps, muffled voices, whispers, sniffles and prayers. I found myself  completely at peace. It was ok if I could not remember the name of where I worked, I knew who my Lord was. It was ok if I could not remember what foot to put my shoe on, My Lord knows me and I can do ALL things through Him who strengthens me!

Unless you have had a brain injury you probably do not put much thought into habit building. Nevertheless you have many habits! Some you are aware of and some you are not. What foot do you put your sock on first? The left or the right? Chances are you put the first sock on the same foot every time. Why? We are creatures of habit. Our brains are programmed to repeat tasks the same way.

I began *cognitive therapy shortly after leaving the hospital. Task #1 how to get ready in the morning. Wow, believe it or not this was/is a hard one. There is so much to this routine full of habits.
1. gather clothes (what do I need?)
2. shower
3. wash hair
4. rinse hair
5. condition hair
6. shave (hmmmmm how do you do that)
7. dry off (did I rinse my hair)
8. brush teeth
9. take meds
10. put on lotion
11. put on deodorant
12. brush and style hair

You might be laughing, but this was/is no laughing matter. I knew I needed to clean myself, but I did not know where to start. Hard to believe, but true. Talk about frustrating! Can you imagine NOT knowing how to do this??? I felt like a little child. Angry because I knew I should know what to do and to embarrassed to ask. Sound like any new Christians to you???? Being born again does not mean you get up and know what to do and where to start! New Christians are babies in Christ. They need guidance, instruction, teaching, habit building......

Through cognitive therapy I learned to plan it out. I have a list on my bathroom mirror that tells me what to do and what order to do it in. Whew, No more stress. Look at the list, do what it says and over time re-program my brain to do this list without looking. In other words build it into a habit.

This same problem/solution works for our Christian walk!

You want to be humble?

Make a list!
1. Look up scriptures on humility. Read one every day for 30 days
2. Refrain from talking about myself. Instead, listen to others or inquire of someone I know. Remember the key is to listen. What did I learn?
3. Give positive feedback or words of encouragement to one person every day. How did this feel?
4........

I have reminders all over my house! A stop sign inside the front door that reminds me to put my keys where they belong. Another on the front door to remind me to take my purse, phone, and keys before leaving. One on my nightstand to remind me to pray before bed and upon waking.

This ends part one. I look forward to your comments I will post again soon.

God Bless,

Mary Lynne Lawrence






 *Cognitive therapy seeks to help the patient overcome difficulties by identifying and changing dysfunctional thinking, behavior, and emotional responses. This involves helping patients develop skills for modifying beliefs, identifying distorted thinking, relating to others in different ways, and changing behaviors. Cognitive therapy. (2012, June 27). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:10, October 10, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cognitive_therapy&oldid=499579666