ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The smells of summer still hang in the air. The potent fragrance of fertile soil. The aroma of a bonfire after dark to whisk away the mosquitoes. The blooming roses cast their lovely scent as they cling to life, knowing only too well that their days are numbered. The days grow shorter. The last glimmer of sunlight is consumed by darkness. In what seems like an instant crimsons, golds, rusts and brilliant yellows take the place of lush, succulent greens. God has taken His paint brush and blended warm hues on His palette – placing the pigment on the landscape. He gives us one more brilliant display before the lifeless blanket of white spreads across the great expanse. Autumn!

When it seems that all is gone and the days stretch on too long,

There is hope and consolation in God’s perfect preservation,

He provides for every need, even when there’s naught to feed,

When miracles are required, He will give with love inspired,

His perfection does abound in creation all around,

Lift your hands to Him in prayer, He will answer you with care,

Maybe not as you expected, but in ways that He’s directed,

He will soothe your troubled mind, give you peace in all you find,

He will lift you to His breast, calming fears through every test,

He will breathe new life in you, when the present one is through.