ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Imagine waking up to this view. Paul preferred painting on location – maybe because of his past career in advertising. Those were the days of true imaginative creativity, when they would shoot photos in natural settings like the one in this painting. The onset of computer technology led to the Internet and there was no longer a need for these destinations. They could rely on photos that were already taken and stored. I guess that’s why Paul chose to change his career path. He became a fine artist, crafting wood into beautiful creations for lake homes and businesses. Eventually, he started to plein air paint, because it allowed him to be in the natural settings that he loved. Our lives are subject to change and growing older doesn’t mean we can’t still be creative in our choices.

Within the mountain’s early dawn, His majesty is seen,

The skies fill up with brilliance, and glorious golden sheen,

His breath is seen in morning mist, His voice through eagles’ song,

His power displays in sunlit rays, He shines the whole day long,

His love for us unspoken, but seen in every rock,

He leads us like a shepherd protects his wandering flock,

I am so weak and fragile, like many a stubborn sheep,

My trust oft wanes, my fears o’er take, I toss through dream filled sleep,

My tears won’t stop, my faith grows weak, I stumble all the way,

But He’s right there, surrounding me, protecting me each day,

I’ll never grow to understand His unconditional love,

But thank Him that He grants it from His throne high up above,

My God, you are my fortress, my strength when I am weak,

You carry me through deserts, you lead me when you speak,

Through pastures green and waters clean, fulfilling every need,

You fill my heart with gratitude, my soul your Word does feed.