Family

A Tribute to a Favorite Aunt

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Greg and his father’s youngest sister

The angels came for her last night,
my dad’s surviving sib.
My Auntie Loie was my fav
since I was just a kid.

She made me feel like I was king.
She spoiled me for sure.
So, when I think of relatives,
my mem’ries are of her.

Her life was not a piece of cake.
Much heartache took its toll.
But Loie learned to lean upon
the Savior of her soul.

When I grew up and lost my way,
my Auntie Lo was there.
She helped me focus, gave me space
and counseled me with prayer.

I found my footing once again
with gratitude to her.
My dad’s kid sister welcomed me
just like her Jesus served.

Though Loie’s gone, her love remains.
It’s deep within my heart.
Before she left, she graced my life
with much that leaves a mark.

Peace to her memory!

P.S. Loie died as Wendy and I were celebrating our oldest daughter’s wedding in Chicago. It truly was a bittersweet day!

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.

Remembering the Family Doctor

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Dr. James Dobson was the founder of Focus on the Family

He focused on the family.
He dared to discipline.
He underscored what made our nation strong.
Through radio, his doctoring
helped heal sick marriages
prescribing antidotes to culture’s wrongs.

He diagnosed pornography
as a malignancy
that (if not treated) threatens healthy love.
This pro-life prophet stood up for
lost lives who lacked a voice,
those unborn babies known to God above.

His adventures were an odyssey
through magazines and books,
through videos, curriculum and more
that pastors, teachers, moms and dads
relied on to find help
to focus on what faith in God is for.

Though vilified and scandalized
by critics of his claims,
he bravely took a stand and held his ground.
Doc Dobson stood for what gives life
when all is said and done.
He based his views on where God’s truth is found.

I do not hold to all he held,
but hold Jim in my heart
as one who walked with Presidents and God.
This broadcasting psychologist
has left a legacy
both here within our country… and abroad.

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.

The Gift of a Brother!

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Greg Asimakoupoulos and his brother Marc

A brother walks the past with you
embracing moments known by few.
He calls to mind what you forgot
and underscores his love.

A brother stands the test of time
when life goes blank and doesn’t rhyme,
when losses undermine your wins
and having faith is hard.

A brother sits with you in pain
because he knows you’ll do the same
when it’s his turn to wipe a tear
or face uncertainty.

Yes, brothers are a gift from God.
They voice their pride
and give a nod
to dreams you long to realize.
They cheer you on your way!

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 by going to the “My Rhymes and Reasons YouTube Channel.”

A Father’s Blessing

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Celebrating the greatest gift a dad can ever give his children

“The blessing” is the greatest gift
my precious dad gave me.
It said that I am special,
that the Lord said I should be.

Twas a compass for my future
pointing me to godly goals
guiding me to be most cautious
on the journey of my soul.

Dad’s blessing said, “You’re gifted!
Greg, my son, you’re most unique.
I see in you potential
in the interests that you seek!”

Dad said he’d always love me,
that there’s nothing I could do
that would cause him to rescind his love
even when my friends are few.

Dad’s blessing gave me courage.
Through his words I felt his pride.
And in Dad’s words I heard God speak
saying He was on my side.

Check out this resource to find out how you can “bless” your family members:

My Norwegian Cousin’s Advice

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Viking Leif Erikson scans the Seattle waterfront in search of an approaching storm

​Whether the weather is cold or it’s warm,
whether there’s sunshine or threats of a storm,
whether dark clouds or blue skies are the norm,
weather cannot be our god.

Whether you’re living with hope or with fear,
whether your vision is blurry or clear,
whether your kids prompt a smile or a tear,
you cannot do life on your own.

Whether your passion is work or it’s play,
whether the future seems sunny or gray,
whether the world is all wrong or okay,
you cannot but choose how you’ll live.

*This poem is based on a poem my Norwegian cousin Bjarne Birkeland shared with me in Norway in 2001.

“Whether the weather is cold or whether the weather is hot
we’ll weather the weather whatever the weather whether we like it or not.”

I’m thinking of my Norwegian family today. After all, today is May 17th (Syttende Mai) Norwegian Constitution Day.