Sunday, May 31, 2009

Could this be you?


Now that we are well into our second year as matchmakers, having studied the Christian dating books and trends, conferred with experts and pastors, and dealt with countless singles, some consider us experts in the field of matchmaking. Through our experiences, we have identified some patterns of singles. Although these individuals claim they want a secure, loving relationship that will lead to marriage, we often wonder if they realize the patterns of their decisions and actions (or non-actions). So, take a look at these profiles. Could it be that without realizing it, you are unknowingly contributing to your singlehood?

No. 1. Dan is in his mid-forties and has never been married. Although he leads a very full life including his work and singles ministries, he has never found "the one." It seems that he is attracted to those that are just outside of his reach: too young, too old, too far away, or already taken.

No. 2. Susie is thirty-something and is very successful at her career. She has built a good life for herself which includes owning her own home. Justifiably, she has set high standards for the men she chooses to date. The problem is that she hasn't dated in at least two years. Susie is so busy with her ministries, career and keeping up her home (all of which we applaud!), she does not make time to make herself available for social functions or put herself in situations where she can meet new people. When she is out, she unknowingly sends out messages that say "do not approach."

No. 3. Alex has dated a lot of women since his divorce. While he enjoys meeting new women and often places himself in situations where he can meet more women, he never dates a woman for more than three or four months. He is looking for a woman who is flawless and continues to supply that special spark that he enjoys at the onset of a romance. Alex is a classic perfectionist dater.

Of course, the underlying reason for many of these behaviors is fear of failed relationships, and rightly so. Many singles saw the pain of divorce with their parents (or their own marriage) and are not even sure they are able to hold a marriage together. Our prayer is that singles would be asking the Lord what they may need to do in order to become healthy, intentional daters. This may include seeking the counsel of your godly friends, mentors or even a Christian counselor.

Friday, May 8, 2009

April-May News

Happy Anniversary Cache' Connections!

On May 20, 2009, Cache' Connections will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the launch of our current website. Although we have been in business since 2/14/07 (beginning on a local level in Central Illinois), the new matchmaking site has provided a much more affordable and global way to connect Christian singles. It has been quite the journey to get from our humble beginnings to the privileged place of partnering with churches and the Christian community that we now enjoy. God has shown his favor to Cache' Connections in tremendous ways.

We are hearing of success stories at every turn! Praise God! Don't forget to check in with Cache' Connections when you have a story/praise of how God has touched you through the ministry of Cache' Connections. Many members are blessed through our events and activities on the website, including matchmaking and the chats in The Meeting Room. The latter is a great place to find a friend on a night where you might find yourself alone and wanting to talk to someone in a similar place. These chats go over much better when we have a scheduled greeter, which is fun and easy! Drop us a note if you would like to lead a chat, with or without a specific topic.

Our next event coming up on 5/16 is Cache' Connections Live! Chesterton at Liberty Bible Church in Chesterton, Indiana. We encourage all of our friends to come out and help us celebrate our anniversary! There will be some special surprises and testimonies - and a free gift for everyone! Make plans and purchase your tickets here today!

Cache' Quick Introductions on 5/3 was a a wonderful afternoon spent at Carrabba's Italian Grill in Naperville with 48 of our single friends. The feedback has been very positive; we invite you to check out the recaps here. We also had a great event at Mount Paran Church of God in Atlanta, GA on 4/24. Pastor Greg Steely was a great host and we were warmly welcomed by our new southern friends! Just like in Chicago and Peoria, the pastors were quite pleased to see the singles stick around late into the evening, connecting with one another. We look forward to our return to Atlanta on 7/31 for another Cache' Connections Live! at First Baptist Church of Atlanta, with the help of Pastor Keith Langland, who is most excited about this opportunity to embellish his singles ministry.

Before returning to Atlanta, however, we have a few stops to make: Cincinnati, Ohio on 6/5 and then to Detroit, Michigan on 6/27. We already have a second trip scheduled back to Cincinnati for The Cache' Connections Dating Game on 7/17. There is also some serious talk of scheduling a Cache' Connections Dating Game this August in Naperville, Illinois, and also in Atlanta in October. Keep checking our Events tab!

As you can see, we are busy keeping up with the events and our precious members. Please know that we pray daily for you. Some of you are in a hard place, but I came across a scripture that reminds me of you:

1 Cor 7:17 "And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life. Don't think I'm being harder on you than on the others. I give this same counsel in all the churches." The Message

Here are a few reminders for new members:
- Please post your photos! They are not required but very beneficial.
Your headshot and bodyshot against a plain wall assures your
connections that the photos are recent.
- Feel free to send messages to those connections you are interested - this goes for both genders!
- If you are having trouble with a credit card transaction, please update your billing information.
- Please remember that all subscriptions will automatically renew.
Consider taking advantage of one of our specials before your next renewal
date. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions.

Blessings,
Kim and Linda
Cache' Connections

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Success stories? Don't make us beg!


I think we may have left something out of our Terms and Conditions. There should be some language written in that requires happy couples to report in and send photos!

Really, now. Most of you know how hard we work at this thing. Many of you have offered your words of encouragement for our efforts, and believe me, they are the wind that our sails need some days. And, honestly, sometimes we get so tied up in website changes, customer service, marketing, event details (details ... details!) that we forget what this is all about. Well, we never really forget. (That would be silly.) But it is such a pleasant surprise when we hear of relationships that have formed out of our events and website matchmaking! There's just one thing: these stories come out of telephone calls we are making to you! Or, we stumble upon some information through Facebook or some other information super highway.

So, I think I'll call the lawyer and have him beef up the contract, adding a few promises such as:

a) phone call to Cache' Connections after 5th date/2nd months (whichever comes first)
b) photos of the happy couple (hey, they don't even have to be against a plain wall!)
c) engagement announcement and photos (no cropping allowed)
d) wedding invitation
e) photo opp with happily married couple

So, after you get past those first few months, tell the family, etc., don't forget to call Kim and Linda - the two crazy Christian matchmakers who followed God's call to help get you two together. We want to be praying for you! (Also, I like wedding cake.)

Linda