Month: June 2012

Birthday Candles on America’s Cake

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

Rambling thoughts as our nation turns 237 years old

As we approach yet another Fourth of July
it is good to be reminded 
that all that flickers are not sparklers
and that which brightens this night of celebration
is not just an explosive display in the sky.

The birthday candles on our nation’s cake
are flaming reminders of a much-decorated past.
They illuminate a long and winding road
reaching back in time revealing a rich history.

But the candlelight that dances in the wind
also exposes smudges in the icing
for which we should be ashamed.
We are old enough to know better
than to leave God out
of our public displays of affection.

After all, it is because of Him that 
our nation is better known
(in spite of what we sometimes think)
for our successes more than for our failures.

Good fortune has marked our past
and it frames our future.
Yes, we are a fortunate lot.
An envied democracy.
A kaleidoscopic array of colors, cultures and creeds
refracted by a prism of countless opportunities.
A spectrum of humanity
attesting to the creativity of our Creator.

With gratitude to the God
who conceived our amazing country
and birthed us to be a beacon to the world,
we celebrate the past
even as we contemplate the future.

We are America’s children
pledging allegiance to its flag
as well as to its core values
of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

May the candles on our nation’s cake never go out!

God on a High Wire

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

Taking our cues from born-again athletes

Did you hear that tightrope walker
as he crossed Niagra Falls? *
Did you hear Webb Simpson doing much the same? ** 
At the foggy U. S. Open or amid Niagra’s mist,
you could hear those young men praising Jesus’ name.

When your faith is more than prayer beads
that you finger once a day
or the place you spend an hour once a week,
then it has a way of springing
from that well deep down inside
and impacts the way you live and how you speak.

When you love the Lord you’re serving,
when King Jesus owns your heart,
when you seek his kingdom faithfully each day,
then your faith’s not dull religion
or list of endless rules 
it’s a source of joy that shows in what you say.

* For a link to ABC 20/20 to watch Nik Walende’s high wire stunt and hear his unedited praise of God go to…  http://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=11122

 ** For a link to a Christianity Today article about Webb Simpson’s public witness to his faith go to…  http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2012/06/webb_simpson_go.html

Hey Dad!

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

A Fathers’ Day message to military dads serving overseas

Hey Dad. your kids are very proud you’re serving Uncle Sam,
but they sure do miss you since you’re far from home.
They are worried for your safety and they ask the Lord each night
to protect you when you’re frightened and alone.

Hey Dad, your son is certain what he wants to be someday.
There’s just one thing that he really wants to do.
While standing soldier-straight he gives a miniature salute
and says one day he wants to be like you.

Hey Dad, I heard your daughter brag about you to her friends
while primping at the mirror combing curls.
She says you call her princess and that you’re her handsome prince
even though she knows she’s daddy’s little girl.

Hey Dad, your wife is counting days until you will be home,
She can’t find the words to say how much you’re missed,
You’re her hero plain and simple and that’s what she tells your kids
as she tucks them into bed with one last kiss.

Hey Dad, you’re being thought about a lot this Fathers’ Day.
No one else can fill your shoes or take your place.
You are loved by God in Heaven and by family here on earth
as you go about your duties at your base.

Reach for the Stars

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

A baccalaureate hymn

Reach for the stars, but stoop to help your neighbor
who’s lost his footing on life’s rocky road.
Success is measured by much more than dollars.
Your worth derives from lifting someone’s load.
The bottom line (when all is said and finished)
is what you’ve given, not how much you’re owed.

Set lofty goals, but seek the Lord to reach them.
It’s His desire to help you to succeed.
He’ll make a way when dreams are dashed or doubtful.
He can restore the hope you dearly need.
God knows your name and can be fully trusted
if you let go and let Him take the lead.

Glance back with pride at what you have accomplished.
Gaze forward at new opportunities.
Look deep within and focus on your motives.
Don’t overlook but own the things you see.
Do not be blind to flaws that blur your vision.
Just visualize who God wants you to be.

Reach for the stars but serve the One who made them.
His grand design is purposeful and good.
Your God will clarify what seems uncertain
while guiding you to do the things you should.
Take confidence in knowing what He’s promised
will be provided as He said it would.

* The above lyrics can be sung to the tune FINLANDIA

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

Reflecting on the worthiness of Queen Elizabeth; God, Save the Queen

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Reflecting on the worthiness of Queen Elizabeth

Mirror, mirror on the wall,
she is the fairest still.
The Diamond Jubilee’s for her.
It’s not for Kate and Will.

Yes, QE2 deserves all this.
She’s reigned since ’52.
And though large cracks have marred the Crown,
she’s been like Super Glue.

She’s held the monarchy in tact
through scandal, loss and change,
and yet the budget for this bash
may seem absurd and strange.

But ritual’s a priceless jewel.
It’s worth more than we think,
for pomp and circumstance have forged
the strength of history’s link.

Since Paul and Ringo thinks she rocks,
(and most the Brits agree)
instead of gripe about the cost,
we all should let it be.

God, Save the Queen
New lyrics for the Diamond Jubilee

God, save this aging queen
and may Your sovereign dream
for her come true.
May she and Philip see
Your hand in history
while bowing to Your majesty
and to Your grace.