Welcome to "Fresh Brew" September 2003, ChristianCafe.com's monthly newsletter, which keeps you informed on the latest trends, news and views of Christian singles.

Hope you had a great summer! The Cafe sure did! Over 60,000 new members joined ChristianCafe.com this summer!

ASK DR. JIM - CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

PREMARITAL SEX
If not the biggest, premarital sex is one of the biggest temptations that a single adult faces. It is very prevalent even among Christians. The "shop before you buy" mentality seems to be an accepted way of getting to know another person.

This is not only a dangerous practice for health reasons but for relationship reasons as well. Sex is not just a physical act but involves the deepest element of our being - our spirit. Premarital sex is a false god and one who has his own demands on your soul. False gods "sound good" but their intent is to rob us. The price is mental and spiritual instability and it NEVER benefits a relationship. It only serves for selfish needs and a feeling of abandonment, guilt, or confusion soon follows the thrill. Father knows best!

DO NOT GIVE UP!
The economy is still very unstable with so many out of work. Birthdays come and go and many single adults find themselves in conditions or situations that are not their desire. It seems that someone hung a big clock over his or her head and the hands are racing around the face of the clock. Whoa! It is so easy to get caught up in the rat race of the world's pace. The trap is set to compare to others. If one is looking for trouble, this approach will soon find it.

God IS the clock and has ALL the time in His hands. Use others as good lessons, but not as examples. Christ is not only our example, but also our strength and wisdom to experience life, even in this world, to the fullest. HE is the creator of joy and loves you unconditionally. It can be challenging at times. God desires us to use these challenging times to draw us nearer to Him and use His power and wisdom. Our Daddy is bigger - than all out challenges.

Rev. Dr. Jim Rives
Founder & President

Dr. Jim Rives provides Pastoral advice on relationship and other issues that single adults face. You can find answers to other questions and resources for singles on his web site at www.askpastorjim.org or write Jim at jim@askpastorjim.org

CHRISTIANCAFE.COM IS IN THE NEWS!
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/col/story/111289p-100526c.html

Be sure to tune in to radio station WNWS-FM, in Jackson, Tennessee. Steve Bowers will be interviewing Sam Moorcroft (CEO of ChristianCafe.com) in September. They will be discussing Christian singles in the 21st Century. Steve Bowers is the host of "Daybreak" and "Prime Time Drive", has been with News-Talk 101.5 FM since February 1994. (See http://www.wnws.com/daybreak.htm or http://www.bowerszone.com for more info.)

GET READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP!

Have you posted your picture on ChristianCafe.com? Did you know that posting a photo can dramatically increase the number of responses you receive? If you are camera shy we have some great tips for you. First, relax. Posing for a photo is not difficult and can be fun. Follow these steps and you will be camera ready.

1. Project your personality and communicate with the camera or photographer as if they were a close friend. Communicate through your eyes and the rest of your face will naturally follow with it.
2. Pose with your head as straight as possible to the camera so that all of your facial features are visible in the picture.
3. You can alter each shot by turning your head slightly and raise or lower your chin, slightly nothing too drastic or you may features may appear distorted. Did you know that There are over 200 muscles in the human face -- imagine all of the possible expressions you can make.
4. What to do with those hands? Hands are best not seen in a close up of your face. You may place a relaxed hand to your face. Resting your weight on your hands will cause your facial features to look distorted.
5. Your posture should be good, but not stiff. RELAXED. Try not to square your shoulders to the camera or dropping them in a slouch. Sit straight and slightly draw your shoulders back.
6. Smile openly. Avoid big smiles. Think subtle. Try smiling with your mouth closed or smile with your lips slightly parted.
7. 7. Lighting makes all the difference. Make sure your photographer has you in the best most natural looking lighting!

SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAYS!
This month's giveaways include:

1. A week's supply of "The new diet patch" try it and see how it works for you!
   Books:
2. The Joyful Single in a Couple's World
3. Trusting God
4. Connecting with God's Family
5. Beauty Supplies

Be the one of the first 5 to write to this address and one of these prizes could be yours. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

See you next issue!

Cafe Staff

Previous issue   Next issue