Month: September 2025

Over a Barrel

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
The logo of Cracker Barrel restaurants

Over a barrel, Cracker Barrel
reversed their nifty plans.
Their fresh new look did not impress
their loyal trusted fans.

“You’re off your rocker!” they complained.
“Don’t mess with what we crave.
That old-world charm and old-time look
is what you have to save.”

“We aren’t impressed with spit and shine.
What feeds our joy is found
in grits and gravy, cornbread hash
and waffles golden brown.”

In addition to these weekly blogs, Greg also produces a daily video devotional on YouTube. Here is a link to a sample devotional. If you like what you see, click subscribe and you will receive a notification when a new video is posted. https://youtu.be/yBmIdE9uDRY?si=f6ArRuctS41N7Iru

Remembering the Sundance Kid

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Robert Redford’s iconic portrayal in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

“Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head”
because the Sundance Kid is dead.
The entertainer won our hearts
the way we were back then.

The sting of death can’t be ignored.
But thanks to God, our risen Lord
has robbed the grave of endless grief
and offers life beyond.

Eternal life’s reserved for those
whose faith in Christ (with hope) still grows
as they await a promised joy
that will not be denied.

Peace to his memory!

Speaking of our Easter hope in Christ, here is a link to a video recorded this past April. If you like what you see and would like to be notified when these video devotions are posted, click on SUBSCRIBE.

Mother Liberty Weeps

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
The assassination of Charlie Kirk causes our nation to grieve

This 9/11 Mother mourns
an unprovoked attack
that killed a husband and a dad
while sharing from his heart.

The right to speak what we believe
is at our nation’s core.
But in the voicing of our views
we can’t be blindly cruel.

Right or left, it’s never right
allowing strife to take a life.
When we are fueled by toxic hate,
we reap the words we sow.

We’d best remember there’s a cost
when free speech is embraced.
But never should the price be death
for what is ours to speak.

To learn of Charlie Kirk’s death, check out the following…
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=charlie+kirk+murdered&mid=648986D7942AA58F9699648986D7942AA58F9699&FORM=VIRE

The following is a link to an episode on Greg’s YouTube channel that was recorded a year ago. It is a sample of what is available five days a week. Once you click on the link, you can SUBSCRIBE to the video version of My Rhymes and Reasons. If you subscribe, you will receive notification of each new episode. https://youtu.be/KfkAJVdPTz4?si=NPGumG_xdNi1yFiA

Redeeming a Sleepless Night

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
A nineteenth century painting by Carolus Duran

In the early morning hours
when you cannot fall asleep,
try conversing with the Shepherd.
Don’t rely on counting sheep!

Take advantage of the silence
as you toss and turn in vain.
Try to verbalize your feelings
as you pray in Jesus’ name.

Close your eyes and praise the Savior.
Hum a song you’ve sung in church.
And you’ll sense the Lord beside you
on your horizontal perch.

In addition to each week’s post on this website, Greg Asimakoupoulos offers daily video devotionals on his YouTube channel. Here is a sample video. If you are interested in receiving these devotionals Monday through Friday, you can subscribe on YouTube at My Rhymes and Reasons.

Looking Back 80 Years Later!

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Surrender ceremony on USS Missouri on September 2, 1945

Eighty-years-ago today
my dad looked back as if to say,
“Do not forget what happened here
that calls to mind world peace!”

Dad’s haunting stare invites our glance
as we recall a grave expanse
of small white crosses where the brave
lie buried six feet down.

Today’s a day to hold our breath
and pray for peace while senseless death’s
a way of life day after day
in Gaza and Ukraine.

May mem’ries made in Tokyo Bay
revisit us this solemn day
as we reflect on what it takes
to practice war no more.

* My father was a nineteen-year-old Marine on the Mighty Mo the day the surrender ending World War 2 was signed. He is seen in the lower right-hand corner of an historic photograph looking back toward the photographer.

Below is a link to a post on Facebook by SQuire Rushnell, the creator of the Godwinks phenomenon:
https://www.facebook.com/Godwinks/posts/pfbid02JvsEyzewPwY2mQokzpEYCdySJRSyx4z6PB8hrGHis72M5iYvmxQMG4wKACZRkttgl

In addition to each week’s post on this website, Greg Asimakoupoulos offers daily video devotionals on his YouTube channel. Here is a sample video. If you are interested in receiving these devotionals Monday through Friday, you can subscribe on Greg’s channel.