ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Living in a house built in the late 1800s creates special attention when the temperatures dip into single digits. There are three sources of heat in this sweet little farmhouse. A furnace that’s supposed to keep the entire house and two gas room heaters. The house doesn’t have a basement so that also contributes to the lack of heat. We knew this when we bought the house. We didn’t realize that the insulation wasn’t sufficient keep our pipes from freezing. When the temperatures go below freezing. the cupboard doors need to be kept open to expose the pipes. In other words, we must remain vigilant about taking precautions when the thermostat moves down. Staying warm is a necessity. Warmth not only helps us stay healthy but comfortable during the winter. Sitting in front of a fireplace can help too. Warmth can also be a state of mind; a feeling we get when our hearts are warmed by those we love. It can come from other sources which are spiritual, emotional and natural. God has placed the sun in the sky to give us warmth. We feel warm when we receive good news, love someone, experience a miracle. Winter warmth is vital to our physical and spiritual health. We celebrate that coming as those who waited over 2000 years ago. Advent reminds us of the time before Jesus came in human form. He promised to return again and He will. You can count on it.

Majestic pines, remain fresh and green,

A light dusting of snow tickles their branches,

Glistening like diamonds across the once lush landscape,

Within that icy mass, brilliance pours forth,

Color still remains alive in the frigid temperatures,

Our souls can be cold and close to death,

But the Son of God will warm them once again,

The message of His coming burns within us.