ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Here’s another farmstead painting. I love the colors and detail. The fellow waving us in reminds me of Paul. He was friendly, inviting, welcoming, eager to talk, a man with stories galore and a mind filled with so much creativity and love for the Lord.

Every day is special as long as you are in it. I don’t know if that’s a quote from someone famous or not, but it makes sense to me. Today is my birthday. I thank God for waking me up a little later this morning. I will be lunching with my youngest daughter, her daughter and her daughter’s son. A family outing is a wonderful time. When food is involved, it’s even better. I just opened my front door to greet a delivery person who had a special gift of flowers from my sister. I’ve received many loving messages from friends and family. I don’t feel older. I feel different though, because my husband isn’t here to share this day with me. These “first” days will get easier as time goes by, but there are so many. Actually, waking up without him sleeping beside me is probably the hardest time of all. However, I know that I’m not alone in any of these special times. God is still in control. He never changes. He will always be at my side. He will never leave me. Though special days seem different now, without my Paul, I am learning that the Light of the World is with me to guide me through each new page of my journey.

I’m not alone, though I might feel that way,

I’m not alone, when sadness comes each day,

Though tears may fall when unexpected,

I’m not alone, I’m not rejected,

There will be times when I might feel so lost,

I long to see your face at any cost,

To hold your hand and feel your tender touch,

On certain days I miss you very much.

There is no lack of precious memories,

I feel your presence in the sky and trees,

I’m not alone, I hold you in my heart,

You’re always there. We’ll never be apart.

The day will come when I’m with you again,

I don’t know how – and I don’t know just when,

God has promised to bring me back to you,

To share His paradise – I know that’s true.