We’ve reached the age where the front page
resembles a parade
of heroes gone who still live on
through what they did or made.
Each day we grieve for those who leave
this world (but not our hearts).
But let’s be clear. Our death draws near.
Today our swan-song starts!
So may our song (though short or long)
be voiced with honesty.
May what we sing reduce the sting
of life’s brutalities.
Remember, today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make it count!
When God speaks,
I want to hear
against the backdrop of constant distractions.
Amid the din of doing life
in the midst of mounting pressures
and maintaining routines
(all the while pursuing dreams),
I want to sense His presence
and hear the essence of His heart.
When God speaks,
I want to know what He is saying.
And even if it means a moratorium from praying
(because my words can often get in the way),
I am willing to be still
to know that He is God.
 Greg’s book, “When God Speaks“ is listed on the BOOKS menu at $14.99 from Lulu Books. |
Another year’s been published.
It was one for the books.
It’s bound to be remembered,
so let’s take one last look
at pages filled with busyness
and paragraphs of fear.
There’re endnotes of a loved one’s death
and footnotes of good cheer.
Some chapters point to answered prayer
while others reveal stress.
No fiction, here. Your story boasts
the facts and nothing less.
But all that’s ancient history, now.
What’s past is in the past.
It’s time to write a sequel
filled with mem’ries that will last.
Your yellow pad is a blank slate
just like the days ahead.
So, trusting in a faithful God,
write-on with ink or lead.
While sitting near my Christmas tree
the lights that twinkle speak to me
recalling poignant memories
of happy times and sad
I visualize my mom and dad
and packages all wrapped in plaid
and buttered lefsa Nana had
to serve on Christmas Day.
I think about our relatives
and thoughtful gifts that they would give
and Grandpa’s prayer that we would live
to serve the newborn King.
I still recall our stereo
and records that we kids would know
by Mel Torme and Nat King Cole
(and the Chipmunks, too).
I can’t help picturing the past.
Somehow I thought those days would last.
Could I have known time moves so fast
as kids find their own way?
I pine for how it used to be
while sitting near this twinkling tree
and cherishing such memories
that time cannot erase.
The delightful image of this nostalgic Christmas scene was painted by my brother Marc Asimakoupoulos.
Finding God in Bedford Falls?
By George, I have. Will you?
Like Waldo He keeps showing up
amid the many clues.
He’s there at old man Gower’s store.
and in the Granville home.
You’ll find Him there at Harry’s prom
or as George prays alone.
He’s there beside young Zuzu’s bed
and at Martini’s bar.
To find the Lord within this film,
you need not look that far.
He’s there when Mr. Potter tries
to trap George in his web.
And He is there when George gives up
and wishes he was dead.
Although you’ll never see His face,
God’s fingerprints abound
within this movie millions love.
The plot is holy ground!
*Frank Capra’s timeless Christmas movie premiered on December 20, 1946 (exactly 75 years ago). Although it was nominated for five Academy Awards, it didn’t win any. What appeared at first to be a flop has become one of the most inspirational and popular films of all times. The following radio interviews were recently aired, interviewing Greg for his insights on the movie and the festival:
 Greg’s book, “Finding God in It’s a Wonderful Life“ is listed on the BOOKS menu at $5.88-$14.99 Lulu Books. |
My Rhymes and Reasons 