ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This colored pencil sketch is of a familiar sight for those who have traveled through Wyoming. Imagine what the first pioneers thought of this ominous looking butte popping up from the ground. The first inhabitants of the area named it Bear’s House or Bear’s Lodge. Several other names were attributed to the butte by indigenous tribes. In 1875, during an expedition led by Richard Irving Dodge, an interpreter mistakenly gave Dodge the name “Bad God’s Tower.” It officially was named Devils Tower. In the 21st century, there was a call to rename it because it was assumed it was offensive to some. Whatever the name, it is another of God’s interesting creations that often surprises those who see it. The sketch includes the rising of the sun and makes me think about the Advent of Jesus, the Son that would be born in Bethlehem to fulfill the Creator’s promise of salvation. The intricate lines and details, mingled with the movement of the scene, represents the process of fulfilling that prophesy. God has a plan for each one of us. The complex design of that plan is something only God can make happen. Thank you, Jesus, for another day.

Through the darkest nights are spinning; fears and shadows filled with strife,

Through the dankness of our sinning and the wickedness of life,

Through the deep, darkened pits of hell reeks the helplessness we feel,

Comes a single light from heaven, for our sinful hearts to heal,

Light increases as we move, open eyes improve our glance,

As we reach to touch the light, we’re enveloped in a trance,

It’s just within our reach we think, but no matter how we try,

Escape from gloomy darkness now, consumes us and makes us cry,

Just when we think that all is lost and relinquish every hope,

The light erases those dark clouds and with it helps us to cope.

This little light from Bethlehem became a brilliant star,

He came to earth to save the world, from sin and its ugly scar.

He came in darkness of the night, but His brilliance cannot hide,

We are redeemed by His great might,  His love will always abide.