Why I’m eating crow instead of leftover turkey

The day after finds me
still scratching my head
perplexed why I porked out
last night before bed.

I’m kicking myself
that I lacked self-control
after leaving the table
sufficiently full.

But the leftover turkey
was calling to me
as I zoned out in front of
my flat screen TV.

I walked to the kitchen
and filled up a plate
in spite of the fact
that it really was late.

And then without thinking
(please don’t ask me why)
I served up a slice of
my wife’s pumpkin pie.

I was stuffed like a turkey
while heading for bed.
But this morning I’m filled with
a heap-full of dread.

The day after (last year)
I woke up this way
and vowed that I’d hold back
next Thanksgiving Day.

But, alas, I’m a liar
as my wife and kids know.
So, instead of more turkey,
I’m doomed to eat crow.

How to awaken a sleeping marriage; A Thanksgiving Table Grace

From “I Do” to “I Doze”
How to awaken a sleeping marriage

You said “I do” so long ago
and now you say “I doze.”
Like unused limbs, love atrophies.
That’s just the way it goes.

What once excited leaves you flat.
Your routines yield a yawn.
And passion’s fruit remains unpicked.
Your taste for it is gone.

Unless you exercise your love
and work out aches and pains,
the joys of marriage disappear.
You tend to lose your aim.

The time has come to rouse yourself
before it is too late.
A sleeping marriage tends to die.
So, you’ve no time to wait.

Disrupt the norm. Experiment.
Start dating once again.
Then, ask the Lord to kindle joy
and feel love spark within.
 
* This poem was written for couples who lines no longer rhyme. Through it I hope to encourage some friends who are dealing with boredome in a marriage that lacks energy and joy.

A Thanksgiving Table Grace
New lyrics to America the Beautiful

Before we eat, we sing this prayer
with gratitude that we
can share this meal with those we love,
our friends and family.
Most awesome God, we sing Your praise
for blessings undeserved.
They call to mind why we are fed…
to reach out and to serve.

Remind us, Lord, of little things
that make our lives so blest,
like lids that blink and buds that taste
and sleep when we are stressed.
Most awesome God, receive our thanks
on this Thanksgiving Day
and fill this home with joy and peace
in Jesus’ name we pray!

(tune: America the Beautiful)

A general rule for battling lust

The head of secrets had his own,
but just like history has shown
unbridled passion foils fame
and brings the mighty down.

A general rule we’re called to keep
relates to those with whom we sleep.
The marriage bed must be preserved
with sanctity and trust.

The greatest war we’re called to win
is one that’s lost time and again
and all because we fail to fight
an enemy called lust.

So, Lord, remind us of the cost
when battles of the mind are lost
and those we love are maimed for life
when we let down our guard.

* “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” 2 Timothy 2:22

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/09/15054517-cia-director-david-petraeus-resigns-cites-extramarital-affair?lite

Looking out for the overlooked

He holds a cardboard sign that says
he’s homeless and needs funds.
He claims that he’s a veteran
though he doesn’t look like one.

The frontlines left him fragile
when at last he made it home.
The protest signs that greeted him
implied he was alone.

He married and had children,
but he couldn’t keep a job.
His nightmares left him troubled
and his bosses found him odd.

In time he lost his marriage,
then his house and dignity.
And now this veteran pleads for help
from passersby like me.

Lord, guide me as I ponder
what to give and what to say
to encourage men who hold up signs
and beg on Veterans’ Day.