Ask Lisa!
Your opportunity to ASK LISA the questions on your heart.
Q: My fiancé and I fell into sin. I know I have to forgive him and I do, but how do I deal with making him understand that the hurt involved sin, sin has consequences, and that as a Christian he should have never allowed that to happen?
A: You need to put boundaries in place immediately! It sounds as though he has lost your trust. He will have to earn this once again. I agree it is important that he now needs to show himself trustworthy. I hope you have both learned not to put yourself in whatever situation you BOTH were in that allowed this to happen...such as being alone. Many young couples make this mistake because they are engaged and they think it is OK to have sex or that if they mess up, it is no big deal. I am glad you understand that it is a big deal. Has he apologized to you? Does he understand how you feel about this? Perhaps you might need to enforce some time apart from each other so you can both pull back and get some perspective. Have you spoken with your parents about this? I know you are probably afraid of disappointing them, but if I had a beautiful daughter like you and she was wrestling with this much hurt and disappointment, I would hope she would come to me so I could walk her through this. Beautiful one, lift up your head and move through this.
Q: I have just recently started university. All my life my parents were very strict about going out at night. I grew up believing that it wasn’t best for me to go to clubs and any environment like that. When I started college, there were many events trying to make people mingle and get to know each other so I went in order to meet people. The problem is that I feel guilty like I’m going against what I believe in and what God would approve of. I don’t drink or dance with anyone, but the music is secular. I feel confused and I don’t want to keep going if I’m not supposed to. I’m afraid if I don’t go people will say I’m being too holy. I just don’t feel right. Am I just being paranoid or should I find other ways of having fun? I also heard that secular music isn’t good for a Christian. I feel like a hypocrite and it's bugging me. I just want to be in God's will and be right standing with Him.
A: It sounds to me as though you have a lot of people telling you what you should and should not do. I am not going to be another one on your list. You need to do what you’re comfortable with. Get alone with God and ask Him to reveal Himself to you; share your concerns with Him as you have with me. He will lead you. It’s time to hear from Him regarding your life as you have lived long enough with everyone else's opinions and rules!
Q: If I know I am to be more than just "the wife" of the pastor, how do I prepare? Are there some books you would recommend? I've read Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry and Fight Like a Girl and loved them!! I've always been told to find someone you admire and ask them questions about how to get where they are, so there you go.
A: Reach out, gather those who are in need, and serve wherever you feel called! Step out in faith and go for it! Your gift will make room for you!
Q: My church has been talking a lot about the importance of volunteering at the church. I am a mother of 2 small children, a wife, and a personal trainer with crazy hours. I've tried to volunteer in a couple of different areas but I've been dissatisfied feeling that I don't have the time. I want to serve God, but I feel that the times I am available are inconvenient and take away from my family time. I don't know if I am sinning with this attitude, or if God is telling me that it's not the right timing. I want to have good works to go with my faith, and I'm afraid that if I don't volunteer that I won't have any. However, I don't know where to serve or when or how. Is it possible that God does not want me to volunteer now, or is there something wrong in my heart?
A: First, be free of all guilt and pressure! As a mother of young children, I think there is nothing wrong with you wanting to focus on your family. There are many ways to serve God and most often it has to do with the specific season of life you are in. With marriages and families falling apart all around us, you are serving God well by investing in your family. There will be time enough for other things in the future.
Q: Lisa, I have just been on the most wonderful journey thanks to your and John's wonderful teachings. For the first time in my life, instead of trying to control my career I am leaving it to God but seem to be still undecided…after weeks of prayer… help!!!
A: Be still and know He is God. You have asked and soon you will know your answer!
Q: Lisa, after a difficult previous marriage, I am now remarried. I love the Lord and my new husband who is a believer; however, I feel in some way that God is not able to use me due to my past bad decisions. I have no children and my husband's are all grown. I want to make a difference in the life of his family but am consumed with the failures from my past and find it difficult to reach out and walk in God's love. Is there hope for me? Is there a second chance to rise up and be the woman God has called me to be?
A: Of course! There's no reason your past should prevent your future! I could go into this in detail but my book, Your Past is Not Your Future will lead you in a much better way. Read the Bible every day as it will anchor your life into His will and promises!
Q: What are your views on women dating younger men?
A: I really have not given it much thought and it is quite possible that my view is rather unnecessary. Sometimes this is a “per situation” issue anyway. Why is it okay for guys to date younger women, but not women to date younger men? I think the real issue is a life submitted to God's direction.
Please note: Not all questions will be answered and posted on the web site.
