The foothills of Heaven
this life has been called
marked by footprints
of what waits in store.
Eternity’s summit. Celestial air
and the promise of, oh, so much more.
The foothills of Heaven
invite us to climb
while exploring the beauty we see
in the love of a mate
and contentment at work as we wait for
what one day will be.
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.
There is a mountain we must climb
just like old Moses did:
meeting deadlines, greeting clients,
taking care of kids.
Nursing needs of aging parents,
battling the blues,
facing fears when cancer flaunts
a short and shrinking fuse.
Finding funds to meet the mortgage,
visiting a grave,
taking stock for starting over
while trying to be brave.
Our current Sinai looms quite large.
It beckons every day.
But climbing with companions close
will help us on the 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 on Greg’s channel.
Lord, there will be an empty place
at the Christmas table this year
and I’m not able to face it alone.
Please pass a second helping of Your grace.
I can’t seem to get enough of it these days.
The lights on the tree are all ablur
as I look through swollen eyes.
The carols catch in my throat.
Wise men and shepherds,
angels and stars,
Christmas cards, candles and gifts–
They all used to move me.
But this year I’m scarred
by wounds too fresh to heal.
And I’m scared by what I feel–
haunting memories,
good ones,
but regrets, too.
Too many tears.
Too few tissues.
Too many days in December.
And all because the one I love is dead.
And is my heart.
I’m so afraid of what still lies ahead.
Please remind me that Easter,
and all that it promises,
will soon be here.
Dear God, maybe then I can celebrate
the good tidings of Christmas
in spite of this empty chair.
Reds and greens blur into blues as
Christmas draws near.
Lights and music morph to black as
grief wrestles fear.
Silent night is not a carol.
Rather, it’s a constant peril
as a distant lonely sparrow
coaxes a tear.
In the darkness of depression,
day mimics night.
While my friends are celebrating,
I long for light.
Paralyzed and lacking feeling,
dizzied by my world that’s reeling,
desperate for a longed-for healing,
wrong disses right.
God in Heaven, hear my longings.
Draw near, I pray.
Free me from what holds me hostage
day after day.
In my anxious desperation,
be my safe and sure foundation.
Though I’m lost, be my salvation.
Show me the way.
tune: Ar Hyd Y Nos
My Rhymes and Reasons 