ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Several years ago, Paul went on a retreat with one of his old high school buddies in Wisconsin. This was a time of fellowship, renewing old memories and painting plein air. The artists were asked to paint various elements of nature. The first day – sky, Day 2 – land, Day 3 – water and on the 4th day they would paint all the elements together. These were painted on window shades, so the size and majesty of each painting was evident. Paul’s work always inspires me. I know he was in love with God. His work shows that. He knew he was forgiven and he would be with His savior forever. How can I feel guilty about that?

The third step in the grieving process is bargaining and guilt. When our loved ones are at death’s door, do we bargain with God? Do we pray for easing of pain and suffering and even sometimes ask for God to take that person home to heaven? Do we wish that it had been us instead of them? Do we feel guilty for thinking that way? Guilt is hard to admit. We have, however, been forgiven from all our sins. Because of our gratitude for God’s greatest gift, the rest of our days should be spent thanking and praising Him. Each Sunday we confess our sins. We repent. We receive God’s forgiveness. Our guilt acts as a reminder of the necessity to put God first in our lives. It also shows us our need for a Savior. The beauty of being sanctified comes by continuing to live life with a purpose. To serve Him, to care for others, to pray for them, to share your love of God with them and to reach out with the good news to everyone you meet.

My life on this planet is merely a breath,

There isn’t enough time it seems,

No work that I do here will help me face death,

The love of the Christ child redeems.

 His sweet little hands reach up from the manger

To touch the face of His mother,

One day those hands would be subject to danger.

Giving His life for His brothers,

We thank you, dear Jesus, for loving us so,

We praise you for what you have done,

You reclaimed our salvation and we can go,

To paradise which you have won.