ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
The watercolor sketch was painted several years ago, when Paul’s vision was still clear and bright. The colors were more brilliant in those days. As macular degeneration invaded those dark brown eyes, the colors began to fade. He still painted beautiful paintings, but he began to experiment with impressionism on a larger scale. I don’t know much about the disease, but I did see a definite change over time. He painted every day to keep his craft at work. Bigger projects were coming his way in the form of murals. He created some wonderful pieces on much larger canvases – including backdrops for my children’s theatre company. God continues to use our talents throughout our lives. Even though vision may change and body strength diminishes, our Creator still provides ways for us to fulfill the gifts He’s given us.
God had a plan in mind for His very own Son. This perfect (without sin) baby that was sent to earth to be with us, to live a human life, feel pain and suffering, preach, heal and change lives and hearts, would become our brother. The plan began a long time ago when He promised the first human beings that a Messiah would come to save the world. That was something that only God could make happen. Jesus came from an interesting list of ancestors. This too, shows how He was fully man. He suffered death and rose again for the purpose of making it possible for us to share in eternal life. He overcame death and we will too. In just a short life span, a baby grew into a boy and then a man. At the young age of 33 He died, but he crushed the devil and still lives. God’s plan for us has already been established. No matter what our past – no matter what our abilities – no matter what life throws at us – we are redeemed by Him. True man but also true God.
The prophet said it plainly. The Son of God would come,
To be the perfect sacrifice for each and every one.
The words have been fulfilled. The Lamb of God was slain;
Our sins have all been washed away and we have hope again.
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch;
And do justice and righteousness in the land.” Jeremiah 23:51
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Mama K, it soothes my soul to be back here–to see Paul’s journal, the branch, your wise words, the beautiful poetry (which I sang!). Praise God HE uses us in every season. When our eyes fail, our bodies are tired and diseased…HE has plans and they never fail!
Although I’ve been absent, you are ALWAYS in my heart and prayers. I love you and appreciate your Spirit, faith, and encouraging words. Your wisdom has helped my journey so much. ❣️❣️🙏🏻🙏🏻
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I have been thinking of you and praying that all is well with you. I am having some residual issues after my bout with pneumonia and being n the hospital. I have home health care but keep on coughing. Guess it takes longer to recover when we get older. Prayers for you and your family during this Advent season. Love you to the moon and back❤️. Mama K
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You brought to mind a favorite passage from 1 Peter about the glorious hope we have in Christ: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade” (vs. 3-4). Such wonderful truths! P.S. I’m SO sorry you’re still recovering from pneumonia, Cathy. Praying in this moment the cough will subside quickly so you can get the REST you surely need after being in the hospital.
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Thank you Nancy. I appreciate your reference to the1 Peter passage. I look forward to that glorious hope. I have been getting plenty rest. I feel like a bump in a log. My grandson escorted me get some groceries today. It was good to get some fresh air. It seems to take longer to recover than it used to. Thanks for your concern!
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