Hi everyone,<P>I'm 25 today. My wife arranged to come out for a meal with me, but she just phoned to say she was too tired to drive up to see me. I feel so low, there isn't even one birthday card on my door mat. I feel so lonely and the one person who could have made it special couldn't even be there for <BR>me. <P>I ask for all your prayers right now. I'm really lonely, but now I feel God so close I only have to tell him how I feel and he uplifts my soul and fills me with the holy spirit. I know God has a plan for my wife and I, and although the path to stray away from him was easy, the route back to him is very tough. It's almost like i've walked through the strip in Vegas and been distracted by the lights of the Casinos. I've strayed into the bright lights and <BR>worldly excitement and got engrossed. Now I'm walking back to God's straight road but I have to go through the desert, fighting with the cactus vultures and the dryness of a place with no water! When I was in the bright lights everthing told me the straight road was just a mirage, but now I'm <BR>close enough to see that it's real and nothing, and nobody, can tell me otherwise.<P>Sometimes life is so tough, but I know God is here with me and saying "Happy Birthday" right now.<P>If you're reading this yourself and feeling hopeless, remember that there is someone on the other side of the Atlantic praying for you when you're least expecting it!<P>Plec.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by plecostomous:<BR><B>Hi everyone,<P>I'm 25 today. My wife arranged to come out for a meal with me, but she just phoned to say she was too tired to drive up to see me. I feel so low, there isn't even one birthday card on my door mat. I feel so lonely and the one person who could have made it special couldn't even be there for <BR>me. <P>I ask for all your prayers right now. I'm really lonely, but now I feel God so close I only have to tell him how I feel and he uplifts my soul and fills me with the holy spirit. I know God has a plan for my wife and I, and although the path to stray away from him was easy, the route back to him is very tough. It's almost like i've walked through the strip in Vegas and been distracted by the lights of the Casinos. I've strayed into the bright lights and <BR>worldly excitement and got engrossed. Now I'm walking back to God's straight road but I have to go through the desert, fighting with the cactus vultures and the dryness of a place with no water! When I was in the bright lights everthing told me the straight road was just a mirage, but now I'm <BR>close enough to see that it's real and nothing, and nobody, can tell me otherwise.<P>Sometimes life is so tough, but I know God is here with me and saying "Happy Birthday" right now.<P>If you're reading this yourself and feeling hopeless, remember that there is someone on the other side of the Atlantic praying for you when you're least expecting it!<P>Plec.</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Dear Plec.<BR>Today my wife of over 20 years turns 41. Most women who are 31 would be thrilled to look as good as my wife. We have two children a 15 year old daughter and a son who is nearly 13. She has no desire to reconcile. I know I did some things that offended her and some things that were wrong but I know I did nothing to warrant divorce.<BR>I can drag everthing out long enough that we can stay together in the same house until my daughter is out of high school, but how difficult will that be living together with someone who doesn't want to be with me for 3 years?<BR>The point: How fortunate you are at 25 to be going through this rather that at age 45 or 47 (I am 47). <BR>I am not suggesting you are fortunate to go through what you are going through but at age 25 you have more time to work it out. Your have more time to start over if things turn out that you need to. Your wife is young enough than many years of unhappiness (in my case that I didn't know about) have not been built up. There are not years of anger and bitterness, although there may be anger and bitterness. <BR>I believe I am a pretty youthful guy but how I wish I was going through this at 25 rather than 47. I didn't even get married until I was nearly 27, not that that is old to get married only that you have so much time.<BR>I was so much looking forward to seeing and helping my children get through high school and I still will but I will not be able to make the impact I would have liked<BR>to make. I was looking forward to my children going to the same (great) Christian college I went to, and that may still happen with my son who is younger and I have more influence over, but it sure doesn't look like my daughter will be influenced to go to any Christian college.<BR>I was looking forward to growing old with my wife (the wife of my youth). Now I just don't know.<BR>My thoughts and prayers are with you but you have some things going for you some us do not.<P>Joe<BR>

Joe,<P>Thanks for your post. I know that I am only young and I can start a new life again, but I know that's not God's plan for me. I am sure in what he has shown me that I am not to divorce. I feel totally confident that is what God wants, no matter how many Christians I know tell me I should divorce.<P>I can tell you that God created marriage, but only Moses created divorce due to the weakness of mens hearts!<P>I can also tell you that God says that he created marriage, and let no man seperate it. He actually says he HATES divorce! How many other things in the bible can you tell me that God says he hates?<P>I have handed over my marriage, my wife and everything over to the Lord. I have faith that it is in his hands now, why should I worry about what is going to happen.<P>If God can use little David as a boy to conquer a 10ft sword bearing Goliath with a sling, then what can he do for my 'little' problems in comparison.<P>If you don't have faith in God's power to restore your marriage right now, then look at this womans testimony:<BR> <A HREF="http://www.restorem.org/about_us.shtml" TARGET=_blank>http://www.restorem.org/about_us.shtml</A> <P>God wants us to be faithful when everything is at it's worst. It proves our faith in him that we trust him even at the worst of times. <P>If you don't know what is going to happen with your wife. Pray to God that he will direct you through scripture. The Bible is the only truth, anything else is just an opinion.<P>I will be praying for you.<P>Plec.

Hey Plec - <P>Well, you're not the only one on this side of the Atlantic. I wish you a great and unique birthday with the power of God.<P>I am so glad to hear your desire to fight for your marriage. Your age is an advantage in some ways, like Joe was saying, but I think you have be stronger in other ways so it all sort of evens out.<P>I am glad you are close to the Lord tonight. I am glad you feel His comfort and you know what He wants you to do. I'm glad you still love your wife and are an instrument of God. Pray for all of us and we will pray for you.<P>Thanks...<P>

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by plecostomous:<BR><B>I feel so lonely and the one person who could have made it special couldn't even be there for me. <BR></B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Hello, Plec.<P>I realize it's very late now, and probably not even still your actual birthday date! But I wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you anyway. I went through my own birthday alone this year, too (in July).<P>I know this hurts. But believe me, they don't mean to do this to you. She probably isn't even thinking about how much her "breaking" the date hurt you. They are so wrapped up in themselves. BUT, if they ARE thinking about it, and knowingly hurting us, then it makes the guilt they are feeling even that much WORSE!<P>We, as believers, must forgive them, bless them, etc, "for in so doing, we will heap coals of fire on their heads..." I know you don't wish her any ill will. And if she has made this choice, then God knew you (and I) could handle being alone today, regardless if we believe it or not. <P>It's not fun, but it's ONLY ONE BIRTHDAY. And I'm twice your age, so I haven't got as many left as you have! <P>Take care<P>Lupo<BR>

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by plecostomous:<BR><B>Joe,<P>Thanks for your post. I know that I am only young and I can start a new life again, but I know that's not God's plan for me. I am sure in what he has shown me that I am not to divorce. I feel totally confident that is what God wants, no matter how many Christians I know tell me I should divorce.<P>I can tell you that God created marriage, but only Moses created divorce due to the weakness of mens hearts!<P>I can also tell you that God says that he created marriage, and let no man seperate it. He actually says he HATES divorce! How many other things in the bible can you tell me that God says he hates?<P>I have handed over my marriage, my wife and everything over to the Lord. I have faith that it is in his hands now, why should I worry about what is going to happen.<P>If God can use little David as a boy to conquer a 10ft sword bearing Goliath with a sling, then what can he do for my 'little' problems in comparison.<P>If you don't have faith in God's power to restore your marriage right now, then look at this womans testimony:<BR> <A HREF="http://www.restorem.org/about_us.shtml" TARGET=_blank>http://www.restorem.org/about_us.shtml</A> <P>God wants us to be faithful when everything is at it's worst. It proves our faith in him that we trust him even at the worst of times. <P>If you don't know what is going to happen with your wife. Pray to God that he will direct you through scripture. The Bible is the only truth, anything else is just an opinion.<P>I will be praying for you.<P>Plec.</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Please don't misunderstand me, I am familiar with the scriptures dealing with divorce (although I wish I didn't have to be familiar with them). I would never suggest you give up. We want God's best for ourselves, our spouse, not some replacement. I only mean to express that you have time on your side, which is an advantage in many way. No children to put through difficulty. <BR>Maybe I'm just jealous of you being only 25. Whatever, my thoughts and prayers are with you.<P>Joe<P><BR>

Happy Birthday!!<P>You and I are truly blessed through our youth to being led through the fire now. God has great and immeasurable things planned for us in our futures. Years from now, you can look back at this birthday and remember not the loneliness in your home, but the lack of it in your heart through us here at MB, but most certainly our awesome Lord.<BR>We are with you.<P>Chris

Hi Everyone,<P>What am I doing at work at this late hour? Well, I don't exactly know!!!<P>Thanks for all your posts. Sorry Joe, I probably did take your post the wrong way ... my mistake I apologise. I do thank you for your prayers too.<P>My wife actually called me to say sorry for not turning up later on. It was only a little thing, but I appreciated that she bothered to call.<P>Thanks again everyone!<P>Plec.

Plec,<P>Happy belated birthday! Sorry I missed the real date. I, too, spent a lonely birthday this year. My kids even asked my H to take them to get something for me, and he said he would, but he never did. The only people who remembered by b-day was my co-workers, so I know how you feel.<P>I hope to some day be as strong in the Lord as you are - and I'm 32 years old. I BELIEVE with all my heart that my marriage will be restored, but I keep asking for signs, and I keep "pestering" my H about it. And, I keep saying if he's not planning on coming back, then he should let me go so I can move on, but I know I won't move on. I know I will still be waiting - even though it's the hardest thing I've ever had to do. <P>Thanks for directing us to the site restorem.org. I got some good scriptures from there.<P>Please pray for me and I will pray for you!<P>God bless you!<BR>TIG

Plec, You are so refreshing and reassuring for me....I just wanted to tell you HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! We, your brothers and sisters in Christ love you and honor you on your special day!!!!<P>------------------<BR>always-faith4us