A Tribute to Brian Doerksen

July 23, 2026 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

**The Christian world is mourning the death of worship leader/composer Brian Doerksen**

God’s love is amazing,
steady and unchanging.
That’s why Brian was convinced
that the time to worship
is always now.

And with that in mind,
his pen became a torch
to light a fire within our hearts
that could purify and refine us
so that our lives might be
pure as gold and precious silver.

He encouraged us
to call out to our Faithful One
again and again
in order to light the fire of devotion
that is so easily prone to die out.

Taking his cues from King David,
Brian lifted his eyes up
to the mountains
and discovered where his help
truly came from.
His lyrics invited us to do the same.

But today we are worshiping
through a veil of tears
having released our brother
into the arms of love.

Peace to his memory!

It’s a Wonderful (Amazing) Life!

March 18, 2022March 17, 2022 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

**New words to Amazing Grace inspired by an old movie**

A wonderful life
God’s given us
through friends and family.
Each morning breaks
with hope anew
like waves upon the sea.

There’s beauty in
a walk at dawn
and geese upon a pond.
Our lives are blessed
by thoughts of times
with loved ones who are gone.

There’s wonder in
a moonlit night
and in a child’s face.
Our blessings morph
to grateful hearts
and hymns that praise God’s grace.

Sitting by a Cozy Fire

February 4, 2022January 29, 2022 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

**There is just something about a blazing fire that warms the soul**

Sitting by a cozy fire
listening to John Rutter’s choir
frees me from the quicksand mire
of daily life demands.

The dancing flames invite my gaze
and penetrate the inner haze
of foggy thoughts from stressful days
and deadlines yet unmet.

And in the fire’s warmth I find
a respite from the daily grind
and faith to trust when I am blind
to how God cares for me.

The Man and His Music

October 29, 2021December 2, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

**Celebrating the Legacy of Ralph Carmichael**

Black horned-rimmed glasses, long white hair.
I’d recognize him anywhere.

A heart for God and young folk, too.
He touched my life but never knew.

For Pete’s sake! Ralph gave our faith wings.
His upbeat praise songs helped us sing.

A restless one? I think he was
‘cause Ralph was bored with hymn-drum blahs.

This gifted bulb was soon root-bound
and could not flourish underground.

Ralph’s blades and shoots broke through the sod.
This rebel was a gift from God.

His plant grew up. Became a tree.
The rest they say is history.

From first violin to Big Band king,
Ralph Carmichael was everything.

He’s everything to me and you
because he saw we needed new.

I sing his praises though he’s gone.
Because of Ralph, the song goes on!

The man and his music both brought us deep joy.
Ralph Carmichael gave grace a voice.
Composing, arranging, conducting and such,
Ralph wired our hearts to rejoice.

With Mar at his side, this musician of note
continued to show us the score.
The soundtrack for living that flowed from his pen
was embellished with grace notes galore.

I’m just one of those grateful for what Ralph has wrought.
There are millions who counted him friend.
A friend who inspired our childlike faith
through his music again and again.

There is a thoughtful article on Ralph Carmichael’s life and work, including a few videos. Use this link to Christianity Today:
Composer Who Fought for Freedom of Christian Music

On Each Continent We Worship

October 1, 2021December 2, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

**A new hymn for World Communion Sunday**

On each continent we worship
breaking bread and sharing wine.
We are joined in sweet communion
tasting grace while marking time.
Purchased by Christ’s blood and body,
we’re diverse as we can be.
On this holy day we gather
mindful of our unity.

On each continent we worship
to proclaim Christ Jesus King.
Borders blur as anthems echo
in the lyrics that we sing.
In all corners of Christ’s Kingdom
we proclaim His majesty.
On this holy day we gather
mindful we are family.

On each continent we worship
one in mind and one in heart.
Children of a common Father
each a necessary part
of the whole that God intended
to achieve His Kingdom come.
On this holy day we gather,
mindful that the Church is one.

Tune: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee