ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Paul Boecher was known for sketching ideas for future paintings. Many of those sketch books he created were used for that purpose, but these two are reminiscent of another time and a different way of tilling the soil and harvesting crops. Undoubtedly, they were done at one of the many reenactments he participated in. Farmers were among the many early settlers in Minnesota and Wisconsin during the 1800s. Today’s farmers have updated equipment; many have sold off acreage for profit; some have turned into mega-farms supported by large corporations. That being said, the farmer often doesn’t get the credit he deserves for helping to feed the people of our country and provide forage for horses and cattle. I was not raised on a farm, but I spent many summers with my maternal grandparents and saw firsthand what was required of them.

The Bible makes many references to those who spend their lives and bodies working hard every day. In the following verses, the Apostle Paul tells the early Christians to become lights in a dark and corrupt world. Maybe we should all heed those words.

“Philippians 2:14-15 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation among whom you shine as lights of the world. (ESV)

Instead of a poem today, I’d like to offer a prayer for our nation. Dear, Heavenly, Father, you have given us resources for provision in abundance. Those who spend their labors by the sweat of their brow are the core of our country. Lately we’ve witnessed all kinds of evil behavior, mindless killings, enraged minds and unhappy people. Some struggle with mental problems from various causes – all the way from drug or alcohol abuse to fake news and a surge of technology that puts way too much information in the brain to handle for the average person. You and You alone are the only One who knows what will happen today, tomorrow and in years to come. The plans for these days were made long before the world was created. There is also an abundance of hatred, evil and darkness covering our planet, yet there are many who still hold to your precepts. I pray that you will inspire us to follow your early disciples’ example by being lights to a darkened world. You will make it happen, because you can do anything. I pray this and all things in the name of your precious Son, who conquered death and assures eternal life. Amen!