ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

One of my favorite movies is “The Wizard of Oz.” I loved how the beginning started out in black and white. Clouds filled the air as the approaching cyclone was seen on the horizon. The wind swirled as trees, cows and other debris were ripped from the ground. The Wicked Witch blew through on her broom as Dorothy and Toto clung to each other in fear. When the storm is over, the scene turns into technicolor. Opening up a place that to Dorothy depicts a place not in Kansas anymore.

We are faced with the possibility of storms every day of our lives. In fact, I believe one is anticipated for today. The beautiful flowers of summer have taken a beating with an excessive amount of rain this month. Many were in full bloom a week ago are now struggling to hold up their heads. When the sun returns, we’ll see an abundance of brilliant color again. Those same blooms are preparing for their final curtain call before autumn arrives.

Things may seem black and white some days. Clouds cover the sun, causing darkness to fall during daylight. Some get depressed on days like this. Some relax and read. Some enjoy the sound of raindrops on the roof. Whatever you feel like when a storm approaches, you can be sure that the technicolor will show its face again. God is good in all kinds of weather.

A bouquet of vibrant colors, slowly fading in the hand,

Picked fresh this very morning, plucked from the moistened land,

Our lives are like those flowers – they slowly wilt and die,

We want to intercede somehow, but no matter how we try,

Our days on earth are numbered and our lives will surely end,

But even through our darkest days, we know we have a friend,

Our loving Savior, Jesus, shed precious blood for me,

He gave His life to save me and set my spirit free,

Life never ends with Jesus, His love endures the ages,

His Word sustains me every day within its splendid pages.