ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This watercolor painting could’ve been done along the St. Croix River. It may have been near the rocky cliffs that line the Mississippi River. It could be on the North Shore of Minnesota. Cliffs are a dramatic demonstration of erosion. Waves crashing against rock eventually causes these breath-taking formations.

Most of the weekly television shows are designed to draw the viewer back for the next episode. In the early days of silent movies, this type of writing seemed to thrive. There was often a “cliff hanger” at the end to encourage the viewer to return. An example would be Sweet Polly Purebred tied to the railroad tracks with a train on the way. Suddenly the words, THE END would appear, leaving the audience wanting more.

For us, each day brings a new beginning. A story unfolds. There’s a specific pattern that follows. At the end of the day, we aren’t always sure where the next one will lead us. When our direction shifts and we follow a different path, it can also leave us on edge. When we put our trust in God, there is no question as to the outcome. We are His handiwork, His creation, those whom He loves unconditionally. He will not leave us hanging. His promises are always kept. They are always intended for our good. Tomorrow is another day. Thank Him for all of them.

It was at the height of it’s opulence, a city from of old,
It commanded respect and attention, its streets were paved with gold,
It shone like the brilliant sun in the sky, reflecting its bright rays,
Within the dark shadows secrets survived, infecting all the days.

The brilliance soon disappeared from all sight, as darkness slithered in,
No one realized what was happening, knew nothing of this sin,
The ominous shadows penetrated the brilliance of the day,
Corruption and greed encapsulated and sent the good away.

That once shining and glorious city, no longer casts its light,
What remains are shards of days long ago, decay, great loss and blight,
If only the fire had been overseen, by those within her gate,
Perhaps a flame would rise from the embers, and new life would create.

We should learn from our own sweet history, but we often fail the test,
We think that we have the perfect answers, we think that we know best,
Instead of trusting our almighty God, we struggle and we fall,
Still patience abides in His gracious love, His love is meant for all.