A RENDEZVOUS IN TIME . . . .

Posted on January 23, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Paul T. Boecher always said he was born in the wrong century. His heart belonged to wilderness exploration and culture. His talent as an artist would’ve been perfect for the 1800 journeys that spread across a brand-new country. He loved studying nature and the glory of God’s creation, which would’ve led to a collection of sketches and watercolor paintings. Though simple renderings, they became a story of sorts. A man with a beautiful mind, a faithful soul, an artist who loved nature.

A simple time when days were filled with elementary things,

Like gathering wood and breathing air and songs that nature brings,

Enjoying all the scenes of life within our earthly pale,

And leaving all the cares behind when life starts growing stale,

To start each day with wonderment, instead of fear and care,

To feel the hand of God near you, His closeness there to share,

To simply think of quiet things and not be self absorbed,

To turn your troubles to the Lord, you’ll surely be restored,

That simple place is in your heart, a place where Jesus dwells,

A place of calm and comfort too, and all our fears dispels.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, eternal life, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

A MASTERPIECE . . .

Posted on January 22, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Minutes turn into hours, hours into days, days to weeks and on we go. Life has ended for some, for others it’s just beginning. When life ends, we rejoice for those who have gone on to their eternal home, but what of those left behind. Empty rooms, quiet spaces, only the sound of outside traffic, the furnace kicking in or a dripping faucet. Part of what comprised a family no longer lives here. The depths of loss have just begun to set in.

An empty canvas fills with spinning, swirling brush strokes. Colors are added one by one they create a mixture of music, performance and fine art. Filling the blank spaces are the memories we make during a lifetime. Each one of those funny stories, the laughter you shared, the little road trips, the collection of spans of time which cover a lifetime, all combine into a story yet to be told. Words of comfort and sympathy stir tears which gather in the corners of your eyes. Slowly those tears spill onto waiting cheeks. Sometimes they turn into indescribable groans. Will they ever end? Even they serve a purpose.

The fluid brush strokes are manipulated with great care along with wild abandon. The artist is the master of his work, but he touches so many with his beauty. Even when he dies, he will be remembered for the art created in his life. Then he paints the clouds.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief, Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

EDEN

Posted on January 21, 2025 by atimetoshare.me


God made the first garden, He planted it with care,
He breathed new life within it for all the world to share,
The colors were so brilliant, and beauty blossomed forth,
He cultivated carefully and gave each one great worth,
When sin made its appearance, the weeds o’er took the place,
They choked the life from everyone and made it dark and base,
When sin steps in, our broken hearts give way and start decaying,
Our consciences begin to die, we struggle with our praying,
It nibbles at our very soul and takes away our life,
It cuts into the heart of us, destroying us with strife,
The hidden darkness in us, soon rears its ugly head,
We have nowhere to turn to, we wither and we’re dead,
But hope abounds in Jesus, He’s done the work that’s needed,
He died for us and cleansed our souls, the ransom for us pleaded,
He won for us salvation and once again we’re free,
To bloom to full potential, He’s gained our victory,
A man can plant a garden, but it never will compare,
To that perfectly sown Eden, that God created there.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, creation, eternal life, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

HE WILL FIND YOU . . .

Posted on January 20, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

When life gets tough, we sometimes feel we have to run away.

We look at things much differently with every passing day.

It seems too complicated to stay and go the course.

We cave to selfish thinking, we give in to remorse.

This force can pull us far away. It saps away our hope,

It leads into a web of fear where we can’t even cope.

It pulls us in – devours us – and spits us out again –

It doesn’t care about us. Our souls it might obtain.

To fight these awful feelings which leave us all alone,

We have to change these hearts of ours, which now have turned to stone.

“Come follow me,” our Savior says, “come walk with me today.”

“I’ll take your hand and lead you and help you find your way.”

You can’t escape the woes of life ’til death is at your door,

But when you trust in Jesus, He’ll give you so much more.

Stop running from the Prince of Peace, instead run to His arms.

He’s waiting just to help you and free you from life’s harms.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Encouragement, grief | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

LORD, TEACH ME HOW TO PRAY . . .

Posted on January 19, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Why is it when we come in prayer
We just don’t have the words to share?
The struggles still continue on,
Our hopes diminish and are gone.

We lift our voices, but we fear
That God’s too far away to hear.
We grow impatient and cannot wait
We think our problems aren’t that great.

Our ego soon gets in the way.
We think that we don’t have to pray,
But God knows all our needs and cares;
He wants to hear our inmost prayers.

He sends His spirit to our side,
To speak in words we cannot hide.
He goes to God to intercede,
In royal language does He plead.

So take your troubles to the Lord.
Don’t worry over the right word.
He loves to hear from you each day.
Don’t feel inadequate – just pray!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief, prayer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

HOW DO WE GET WISDOM?

Posted on January 18, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Mark Twain once said, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”

When we’re in our teen years, we tend to think we are the only ones who know anything, but there is some merit in age. Old people have had the benefit of years of experience. We know what love’s first kiss feels like. We’ve experienced the joy of bringing a new life into the world. We’ve struggled with finances, child rearing, striving for success, building a life. Our minds have been filled with learning.

Age doesn’t always make us wise however. We still tend to make the same mistakes, follow the wrong path, hurt people with words or actions. The truth is that the older we get, the smarter we think we are, and that can make it appear that we don’t know anything. Knowledge comes from experience. Experience comes from living. Life comes from God and He is the source of all wisdom.

Wisdom grows from experience, through trial and disappointment,

It can also evolve through times of peace, satisfaction and contentment,

 However it is obtained, we can be confident that it comes from God,

A gift,

One of many,

Given by the Creator,

Not always easy to achieve,

Often lost during times of decision,

Often deferred for the sake of self-gratification,

Often defined by circumstances,

Like hope, we often lose it when faced with difficult circumstances,

But it is a gift nonetheless – for our ultimate good.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

GRAFTED IN . . .

Posted on January 17, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A vine will truly flourish if more are grafted in,

The main root still does nourish the weaker ones within,

We all like sweet additions can gain and also give,

When Christ is at the center the stronger we will live,

Attach yourself to Jesus, give him your very life,

He’ll hold you tight and strengthen you through all your earthly strife,

He’ll breathe His life into your heart, He’ll make your body whole,

He’ll lift you up to heaven and free your smitten soul,

He has a place prepared for us where we can cling forever,

And always be a part of Him, our Nurturer and Savior.

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

CROSSING BRIDGES . . .

Posted on January 16, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Each day we cross a bridge or two, without a bridge to cross,

Our journey often takes us through some fears and pain and loss,

The goals we set, the dreams we dream, are always near at hand,

When we set out for paths unknown, it seems like sinking sand.

We stumble over obstacles, we crash into a wall,

We walk that lonely path alone, it’s certain we will fall,

But when we walk with God’s own Son, the road is safe and clear,

There are no detours or potholes, when He is ever near.

Give up, give in, release your fears, upon His shoulders lay,

The terrors of this life of ours, lead to another day,

Look up to Him and grab His hand, He’s sure to hold you near,

His will ordains that you are His, you’ve nothing more to fear.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, compassion, grief, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on CROSSING BRIDGES . . .

ALL CREATURES GREAT & SMALL . . .

Posted on January 15, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Trees stretch their limbs up to the clouds

Reaching almost high enough to touch the face of God,

Swaying gently in the summer breeze,

Or brilliantly bathed in a palette of warmth,

Eventually they lose their foliage,

Their barren limbs weep,

As frigid winter air fills with ice,

Spring brings new life,

With each tiny, insignificant bud,

Blooming slowly into a rich canopy to provide shade,

For the tiny creatures below,

God has created this masterpiece just for us,

His love is greater than our tiny hearts deserve.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Faith, grief | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

WALKING WITH JESUS . . .

Posted on January 14, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

COLORED PENCIL DRAWING BY PAUL BOECHER & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

A life once filled with loneliness, a heart that seemed like stone,

Has turned to Christ and all at once, that life is not alone,

To walk without the Son of God is like an empty day,

Time that has no purpose, where thoughts get in the way,

The road through life is burdensome and sometimes can run out,

But when we walk with Jesus, the journey has no doubt,

For He alone can guide us. His tenderness is real,

He washes all our sins away, redemption He did seal.

We walk like children through this life. We’re never satisfied,

But Jesus loves us even so, through Him we’re gratified.

Posted in grief, inspiration., Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A LIFETIME RESTORED . . .

Posted on January 13, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

What happened to days of our untethered youth

When what was required depended on truth?

When worries were few and troubles unknown.

What happened from then to the now that has grown?

Our days filled with moments both carefree and fun,

Too quickly we find nothing under the sun

Will satisfy fully or give us true peace.

We watch as our hope and delight now decrease.

Time passes in torrents. In storms it does fly.

Our laughter we mourn and often we cry.

Our tears fill up rivers, our moans sear the air,

Our hearts often give up in complete disrepair.

We come to our God with bruises and scars,

Of bludgeoning wounds which surpass all the stars.

It’s then that God finishes work that He’s done.

Our youth then returns as the victory is won.

We come to Him broken and clinging to life,

We come when no longer we can bear the strife.

We finally let go and let God do His best.

Through Him in our place, we can pass every test.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Faith, grief, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

CLOTHED IN MAJESTY . . .

Posted on January 12, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Never wanting, never needing, everything for them is there,

Clothed in majesty and beauty, life’s perfection they do wear,

Standing staunchly like brave soldiers, knowing He will soon appear,

As they wait with hearts near fainting, God’s own Son takes all their fear,

When the King arrives once more, we will know that heaven is near,

He will wash away all sadness, He will dry up every tear,

Come, Lord, Jesus, take my hand. Lead me to that promised land,

Where you reign eternally. Where I too with you will stand.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Heaven, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

WHERE CAN I HIDE?

Posted on January 11, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

In times of deep frustration, when all seems lost and gone,

When tears of tribulaltion, become our daily song,

Our Holy God, Almighty, provides a perfect spot,

A quiet place of refuge, where searing blood can clot,

He takes our hand and leads us, through dark and loneliness,

He brings us to green pastures, He gives us peacefulness,

His mighty hand will guard us, His armor is our own,

With love He too elects us and grants to us a home,

A home of life eternal, with no more pain or fears,

A heavenly home awaits us, where there will be no tears,

So put your faith in Jesus, don’t trust those worldly things,

He gives much more than riches and true salvation brings.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, death, grief, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

CHARTING THE COURSE . . .

Posted on January 10, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Ripple effects of every day, can change or drive us down,

The way to find contentment is in every perfect sound,

The breath of the wind entwines you, the grip of hate hangs tight,

No matter how you battle it, it’s right there in your sight,

A chain of events can start it, a stone thrown in the lake,

The repetition swirls around, with every step you take,

If we can control the patterns, we can enrich the path,

If we can decide our futures, or we subdue the wrath,

Alone we cannot achieve it, it takes a greater force,

A hand divine is most needed, to help us chart the course,

Our only hope is in Jesus, Beginning and the End,

He’s our only true foundation, our everlasting friend.

Posted in grief, life after death, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

HOLDING ONTO MY TEARS . . .

Posted on January 9, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

A week has passed and so many memories have run through my minds. I guess that happens when you share a life with someone for most of it. The painting included in this post is one of my favorites of Paul’s amazing collection of art. It is an accumulation of things that defined him as an artist. He always loved placing things together in such a way that would create a suitable image for a painting. The tools of his trade have always included paint, brushes, animals,

“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?
Psalm 56:8

A great expanse of brilliant blue,

Interspersed with misty clouds of purple, mauve and gold,

Within the space beyond our imagination,

Heaven waits,

Time passes,

We live,

We flourish,

We make our mark,

And then we die,

But it isn’t over,

God’s mighty hand reaches out of the expanse,

Hangs tightly to yours and leads you,

To eternity,

To peace,

Fulfillment,

Satisfaction,

There will be no more tears,

No more sadness,

Only joy will fill our hearts,

The sky is the ladder that leads to heaven,

What glory we shall behold.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, life after death, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

DON’T RUN AWAY . . .

Posted on January 8, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When life gets tough we sometimes feel we have to run away.

We look at things much differently with every passing day.

It seems too complicated to stay and go the course.

We cave to selfish thinking, we give in to remorse.

This force can pull us far away. It takes away our hope,

It leads us to a web of fear where we can’t even cope.

It pulls us in – devours us – and spits us out again –

It doesn’t care about us. Our souls it might obtain.

To fight these awful feelings which leave us all alone,

We have to change these hearts of ours, that now have turned to stone.

“Come follow me,” our Savior says, “come walk with me today.”

“I’ll take your hand and lead you and help you find your way.”

You can’t escape the woes of life ’til death is at your door,

But when you trust in Jesus, He’ll give you so much more.

Stop running from the Prince of Peace, instead run to His arms.

He’s waiting just to help you and rid you of life’s harms.

Posted in anxiety, fears, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

LIFE PRESERVER. . .

Posted on January 7, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When fears and worries are so real,
We sometimes wonder why we feel,
The pangs of deep depression.

The weight’s extreme – we lose all hope,
Our hearts grow sad – for strength we grope,
To lighten this progression.

We look within and try to cope
There are no answers in our scope
It now becomes oppression.

We try so hard to rise above,
We search in vain for any love.
To deal with this obsession.

We cannot do it on our own,
We need one advocate alone,
To bring our full confession.

God takes our hand and leads us out,
Relieves our pain – our fear – our doubt.
He is our best possession.

God’s love is great – it sees us through
When there is nothing we can do.
Our words hold no expression.

He lifts us from the pit of death.
He died for us to give us breath.
He paid for our transgression.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, New life, peace | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

MY LORD AND KING . . .

Posted on January 6, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

On January 1, 2025, my artist, my best friend, my soulmate and husband of 60 years, Paul Boecher went to be with his Savior. Over his lifetime he found time to talk with thousands of people. He was an encourager, inspirer, leader, businessman, outdoorsman, friend, faithful servant of God, son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was actively involved in life and left an impression wherever he went. I will be continuing my blog as he wished I would. For the time being I will be displaying some of his amazing artwork, which often inspired my words of poetry. I will miss him terribly, but I know that he is now walking the streets of heaven in a perfect, healthy body and I will again see him. At this time, we are planning to celebrate his life in the spring. Further information on this will follow.

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

You are my Lord and King. Without you I am lost.

My praise to you I bring, for paying the great cost.

You died upon the cross to save a wretch like me.

You suffered pain and loss upon that dreadful tree,

You gave your life for me, and others who believe.

You died to set me free. Your truth I’ll never leave.

Help me to mirror you; to walk within your light;

To share all that you do – your power and your might.

You’ve given me your Word – a manual for my life.

With it I now have heard the answers for my strife.

Prepare my heart for you. Let me your servant be.

May everything I do reflect your love for me.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, art by Paul T. Boecher, death, depression, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

LOOK TO HEAVEN . . .

Posted on January 5, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER


Where can you find some peace of mind, when all around seems lost,
In city streets so dimly lit, at an expensive cost,
In valleys green where water pours through rivers pure and clean,
In shadows of a sin filled world, with nothing in between,
In darkness of the soul within, is that where you find peace,
A sanctuary built of stone, where troubles you release,
Do you see it in the people, you work with every day,
Is it in the quiet laughter of children as they play ,
Does calm come from the depth of art, of music or of dance,
Or does it come from looking at your love’s sweet, smiling glance,
Don’t search in the darkest corners, you’ll never find it there,
The light that comes from God’s own face, will banish all your care.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Faith, Heaven | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

INNER PEACE . . .

Posted on January 4, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Times of turmoil and confusion, peace may seem aloof or gone,

Yet the Lord of all creation, stills the waters and the storm,

He will calm the rumbling seas, He can give relief from pain,

He can help you through all trouble, making loss into your gain,

Put your trust in His compassion. Put your faith in Him alone,

He provides for your salvation and will take you safely home.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Faith, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments