Free Republic

As Jessica Evans' younger siblings feverishly rip open their presents Christmas morning, she waits patiently to hear two little words. "It might take a little while, but then everyone tells me happy birthday," said Jessica, who will turn 14 on Christmas. Jessica, of Rostraver Township, is one of many Mon Valley residents of all ages who celebrate their birthdays on one of the most celebrated days of the year, Dec. 25. And while many said their birthdays sometimes take a backseat to Christmas festivities, their families never forget to save them a special gift or have a birthday cake. "They...

I am asking for continued prayers. As some may remember I asked for prayers because my wife and I were splitting up after eight years. The thoughts behind her reasoning were that we were too different and my inability to find a meaningful job. I thought that I had finally gained some peace about the situation and was able to accept the split, however, I was packing to head to Florida today and it felt as if God was telling me to pray for reconciliation and to not close the door on this relationship. I am confused because I am...

'I wish somebody else could be boss of the people' B Y M E L I N D A R U L E Y Children, I've noticed, are powerfully drawn to tribes, groups of others who are, if not like-minded, fitted out at least with the same colors, slogans, face paint, piercings, war whoops. The first tribe is the family, the "us" into which each child is born, but kids are quick to diversify, declare allegiances to other "us"es--teams, clubs, gangs, fraternities--that may or may not reflect the values of their tribe of origin. I've no idea why, six thousand...

I feel a little ashamed to ask for a prayer request as I am not an active member of this board, more of a Lurker? I suppose. Last weekend my wife and I split after 8 years together. She claims that her heart has changed due to me not finding a job in the past 6 months. She says that she still loves me, however, she can't wait forever for me to find a job. I asked her if we could go to counseling and work this out, but she states that her heart won't change on this. I must...