Oasis Church NJ † Christian Podcasts on Dating, Parenting, Marriage, Finances, Life » 2007 » January

Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts for Singles

Oasis Church NJ — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 03:14:05 +0000

Well it’s time again to think about Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts for those special Christian singles in your life. If you need some help thinking about some unique Valentine’s day gifts for your sweetheart, the following list will give you some ideas. The unique Valentine’s day gifts with an asterisk next to it would be appropriate for those singles who maintain an online or long distance dating relationship:

Top 5 Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts

Unique Valentine’s Day Gift #1- Online Unique Valentine’s Day Card *

Upload your personalized photo or video using a free service like Kodak.com or Google Video, respectively, and send a cute pic with a sweet note. (They will love this!)*

Unique Valentine’s Day Gift #2-Name a Star For Them*

If you can’t give them the moon, how about a star? At star-registry.com you can name a star for your valentine. Talk about an out of this world, unique valentine’s day gift!

Unique Valentine’s Day Gift #3- Personalized M&Ms *

This unique Valentine gift for him or her puts a personal touch on this perennial chocolate favourite. You can pick your own colors and put your own romantic messages on them. For more info, go to www.mms.com

Unique Valentine’s Day Gift #4- I Love You Coupon Book*

With this unique Valentine’s Day gift from Essentials.com, you can give your valentine coupons redeemable for various acts of love, fun and romance Each perforated coupon includes inspirational quotes and space for personal notes. I really like this one!

Unique Valentine’s Day Gift # 5-Make Your Own Gift Basket *

Through designityourselfgiftbaskets.com, you can design your own Valentine’s day care package for that special single in your life.

Perennial Non-Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Favourites

For those of you who are not looking for a unique Valentine’s Day Gift, see the following top yearly Valentine Day Gifts:

Flowers *
Romantic Dinner
Candy *
Scented Candles *
Gift certificates for time at a health spa or a sporting event*
Jewelry *
Perfume or cologne *
Movie or a local theatre production
Romantic dinner for two

Two points on Valentine’s day

Remember, what’s most important is not the kind of Valentine’s day gift, but the thought behind it.
If you have yet to meet a valentine, please don’t fret or get depressed, but wait cheerfully on God for His provision. He always keeps His promises.

Are you a single Christian with your own perspective of Valentine’s day? Do you have something to share about Valentine’s Day unique gifts?

Related to Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts:

Romantic Gifts-Getting a Romantic Gift for Your Date

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Single Parenting Tips for Helping Your Kids

Oasis Church NJ — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 11:03:20 +0000

Did you know that over 30% of USA families are run by single parenting households? We all know that single parenting is a difficult job. However, children residing in single parenting homes usually have it more difficult because they are deprived of the full time guidance and direction of two parents, which is so essential for their moral, spiritual and character growth.

Single Parenting and Risks

Having worked in Family Court several decades, I can tell you that children growing up in single parenting households without any real influence from the other single parent are at increased risk for delinquency, having children out of wedlock, poverty, drug addiction, low self esteem, divorce and suicide.

What can you as a Christian single parent do to help your children? The good news is that the above risks can be lowered to near zero if the the custodial and non-custodial single parents put into practice the following single parenting tips.

Single Parenting Do’s

Single Parenting Tip 1-Forgive the Other Parent

Of course we understand there may be pain, bitterness, betrayal and hurt. But forgiveness brings great healing, not only for yourself, but also your children. It’s extremely important that the children have in their minds an image of two good parents. How you treat the other single parent, and what you say about them in front of the kids will have a great influence here.

Single Parenting Tip 2-Encourage Parenting Time for the Other Party

I know this parenting tip can be difficult under certain circumstances, but your children’s emotional well-being depends on it. So don’t allow your personal feelings to interfere with the long term health of your kids. Understanding the importance of co-parenting, the State of Washington, USA, recently introduced a “Co-Parenting” Bill which reads:

“The best interest of the child is ordinarily served when the existing pattern of interaction between a parent and child is altered only to the extent necessitated by the changed relationship of the parents or as required to protect the child from physical, mental, or emotional harm”

Single Parenting Tip 3-Mediate Any Parenting Conflicts

Avoid custody court battles, and do keep your kids out of the court system. Not only will this save you tons of money in the long run, you will also save your children and yourself the high stress of going through a Court ordered evaluation. Believe me, you’ll thank me later

Single Parenting Tip 4-Make Parenting Time Enjoyable for the Kids

Custodial single parents should encourage the children to go and have a guilt free, good time. Neither party should grill the children about the other party when they return for visits. This is extremely detrimental to them.

Single Parenting Tip 5-Pursue Single Parent Dating Slowly

We’ve written an extensive article on Single Parent dating with kids, as well as the pitfalls of single parenting and dating relationships. Following those tips will help you avoid hurting your children.

Single Parenting Tip 6-Guard the Spiritual Well Being of the Family

Get support for your family by hooking them into a caring local church. Finding support for yourself by joining a loving a Christian singles group will help give you strength to fulfill your single parenting responsibilities.

Visit Single Parent Mingle Today!

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Romantic Love Letters and Singles

Oasis Church NJ — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 02:08:39 +0000

I really think it’s wonderful that God included a sexy and Romantic Love Letter such as the Song of Solomon in the Bible. This romantic love letter, which is really a song, speaks about pure sexual love between a man and a woman in the bonds of marriage.
I know there are some folks who try to interpret this romantic love letter allegorically, but believe me, this letter is hot and heavy, and it’s all about God ordained SEX!

Romantic Love Letter Pod-cast

Pastor Duane Cross, from Hope Covenant Church in Dallas, (TX) Texas, speaks about this romantic love letter with a balanced and frank view of sex: “Timing is everything” – when it comes to sex too. When you do it God’s way, there is freedom. This may shock you …but God wants you to have great sex.” And He talks about it in this romantic love letter!

This is a relevant church pod-cast for any Christian single or Christian singles group contemplating God plan for the Christian’s sex life.

Are you a single Christian with differing view of this romantic love letter?

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Single Parenting and Single Parent Dating Relationships

Oasis Church NJ — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 03:42:06 +0000

Mixing single parenting responsibilities with a dating relationship is a tricky proposition for most single parents. Single parenting, especially for Christian singles, comes with a bunch of added stress units.

Single Parenting and Becoming Relationship Ready

There are several steps single moms and dads living a single parenting life can take in order to become what we call “relationship ready” for a healthy dating experience:

Single Parenting Step 1: Blow Off Steam

Successfully reducing single parenting stress in your life is an important first step single moms and dads should take before even considering a dating relationship.

Single Parenting Step 2: Leave the Past Behind.

Getting over the heartache and hurt of past relationships is essential if one is to be relationship ready. After all, who wants to deal with a rebound dater, or someone who is still carrying around bitterness in his or her soul? Oftentimes, making peace with our past starts with experiencing the power of forgiveness and forgiving in our lives. If you are a Christian single parenting divorcee, you will also have to work through the biblical aspects of dating after divorce.

Single Parenting Step 3: Remember You’re a Package Deal

As a single parent, it’s not just about you, but also about the kids. If you’re thinking about dating as a single parent , make sure your children and the person you are interested in understands this situation.

Single Parenting Step 4: Protect Yourself from Bad Dates

Bad dates can and do occur because we choose bad dating partners. Unfortunately, out of loneliness many single parents dating step heart first into dating relationships without carefully praying about and evaluating the other person. Some helpful single parenting articles that may be helpful:

Safety Dating Tips for Christian Singles
When to Dump a Dating Relationships
How to Spot a Dating Married Man
Christian Men Who Make Stupid Dating Mistakes
Pathological Liars-Are You Dating a Liar
Commitment Phobia and Singles
Abusive Relationships-Are You Dating an Abuser?
Overcoming Jealousy-Jealous Dating

Single parenting is a tough job, and adding dating to the equation makes it more complicated. However, making sure you are relationship ready will ensure a happy dating experience

Are you a single Christian with something to share about single parenting?

Visit Single Parent Mingle

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How to Ask Someone Out on a Date

Oasis Church NJ — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 05:04:29 +0000

Ask ten different people how to ask someone out on a date, and no doubt each person’s answer will be a little different than the next one. The following dating tips on how to ask someone out seeks to put together the best from what we’ve accumulated from other Christian singles.

How to Ask Someone Out Advice

How to Ask Someone Out: Practice But Speak from the Heart

Asking someone out on a date, whether a girl or guy, can be a tense experience for the simple reason you’re making yourself vulnerable to another person by sharing your feelings. A lot of singles wish they had their own personal Cyrano De Bergerac, but you don’t need that.

Practicing the general gist of what it is you want to share will help take away some of those pre-dating fears. However, the key here is not to over analyze your words, but to let them flow naturally from your heart. (This always works best.

How to Ask Someone Out: Time Your Swing

The Bible says there’s a time under heaven for everything, and that includes when to ask someone out. Besides the question, “How to ask someone out”, the question, “When is a good time to ask someone out?” is the next most popular. The answer is simple: Whenever you feel the other person can focus, and not be distracted by school, work, kids, friends or other responsibilities.

How to Ask Someone Out: Don’t Beat Around the Bush

Hey, I shouldn’t really talk on this one. It once took me two hours to pop the question to one girl. In frustration she finally blurted out, “What are you trying to tell me?” In order to avoid this situation, just remind yourself to be as specific about your intentions as possible. Oh, by the way….she said yes!

How to Ask Someone Out: Have a Dating Plan

If the person says yes be prepared with a some creative dating ideas that will be fun for both of you. Reading about first date do’s and don’ts will also be helpful at this time, that is, if you’re planning on having a second date as well.

How to Ask Someone Out: Commit the Result to the Lord

Whether the person says yes or no, remember the Lord has a future and plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Pray to your Father for guidance. If the answer is “no”, don’t put pressure on the other person for a reason. Remember your worth as a person is not connected to another human being, and rejection happens to the best of us. This just means the Lord has a better plan for you. Do you believe this?

Are you a single Christian with something to share about how to ask someone out?

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Dating Relationships and Sex for Singles

Oasis Church NJ — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 22:36:40 +0000

Our church podcast of the week is all about sex in a dating relationship. People I have to tell you, Iv’e listened to a lot of messages on sex and dating relationships, but this is the most blunt talk about sex in dating relationship I’ve ever heard, and by far of the best. If you’re serious about sex and dating, you don’t want to miss this!

Dating Relationships and sex for singles Podcast

Lon Solomon, pastor of McLean Bible Church of Vienna, Virginia (VA), speaks to Christian singles a bliblical message on sex you will never forget. I promise. Basically there are two roads we can take when it comes to sex and dating relationships. We can do things the world’s way, and screw things up (no pun intended), or do it God’s way and have an awesome sex life. Are you a Christian single person with something to share about sex and dating relationships?

Related Articles on Dating Relationships and Sex:

Sex Life of Christian Singles

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Christian Speed Dating for Single Christians

Oasis Church NJ — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 03:39:00 +0000

Christian speed dating is an out of the box way of meeting Christian singles in laid back settings such as cafes, pubs, churches and clubs. Although the Christian speed dating phenomenon is popping up everywhere, it is still most prevalent in large urban areas of the US, UK, Ireland and Australia.

How Christian Speed Dating Works

A typical Christian speed dating evening goes is like this: An equal number of Christian single women and men appear at an “event” after having registered beforehand. In an effort to get to know as many potential dates as possible, couples spend up to 10 minutes with each other.

After the pre-determined time of the “Christian speed date” is over, the single person would be matched with another single to repeat the process. At the end of the Christian speed dating event, singles hand in a list of the people (if any) they wouldn’t mind meeting again, and give it off to the Christian dating event coordinators. If there is a Christian speed dating match between any two attendees, the organizers forward this info to the Christian speed daters, along with contact information.

Christian Speed Dating Benefits

Christian Speed Dating Benefit #1

Where else can you meet a large number of Christian singles interested in the same thing you are: finding a date.

Christian Speed Dating Benefit #2

Speed dating does what it implies: It saves time in the search process for a dating relationship

Christian Speed Dating Benefit # 3

The structured interaction helps love shy singles overcome their fears of meeting others.

Christian Speed Dating Benefit # 4

It’s a low pressure and fun way to interact with the opposite sex

Are you a single Christian who has tried speed dating? Share your Christian speed dating experiences with us!

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Christian Dating Tips Podcast

Oasis Church NJ — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 20:20:02 +0000

Our Christian dating church pod-cast of the week takes us to Bloomington, Minnesota (MN). Here pastor Chris Reinertson, of the River Church at Mall of America, speaks about the journey of Christian dating. If you are a Christian single presenting in a Christian dating relationship, or simply interested in dating, this message covers it all.

If your church, Christian singles group or college ministry has a singles related message they would like pod-casted to thousands of singles for free, please contact us, and we’ll be glad to put it on the web with a link back to your site.

Are you a single Christian with a comment about Christian dating?

Related Christian Dating Articles for this Message:

Contentment Living a Christian Single Life
Good Christian Dating Relationship Signs

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Compatibility Love Test-How Compatible Are You With Your Date?

Oasis Church NJ — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 02:12:53 +0000

Many romance sites have compatibility love tests on them. For those of you who don’t know what a compatibillity love test is, it’s a set of quiz questions that’s suppose to determine if your love interest is compatible with you.

Quite frankly, most of these compatibility love tests are bogus, and should only be taken tongue in cheek. That being said, compatibility does play a huge role in how successful any dating relationship will be.

While the old saying that opposites attract is true, that usually only remains the case in the short run. Afterwards, however, those little quirky things you found “cute’ or “exciting” will most likely turn out to be unbearable, especially if the relationship continues into marriage.

Therefore, we’ve put together some compatibility love test questions that we feel will be helpful to those seeking a dating match. Honestly going over this compatibility love test checklist may save you from a broken heart later.

Compatibility Love Test Questions for Christian Singles

The following compatibility love test keys should be evaluated collectively as you gauge the compatibility level of a potential dating partner or mate.

Compatibility Love Test Key 1- Shared Common Faith

Have you both accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour? Okay, you’re not dating an unbeliever, but are your denominations compatible? Do your spiritual gifts complement each other for ministry to each other, and as a couple ministering to others?

Compatibility Love Test Key 2- Common Interests

Do you have shared activities that both enjoy? Do you both know how to share good conversations with each other?

Compatibility Love Test Key 3- Common Life’s Ambitions

Do you have similar definitions of what “success” means in regard to career, money, etc? Do you both desire children someday?

Compatibility Love Test Key 4- Common Backgrounds

Is your dating partner from different cultural and economic backgrounds? If you are an interracial dating couple, have you both worked through the potential pitfalls? Do you have a shared circle of friends? Do you reside in the same geographical area? If so, are you able to deal with a long distance dating relationship?

If you are a single Christian seeking true love and compatibility, let us know what you think of compatibility love tests.