TRANQUILITY . . .

Posted on April 5, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

As I scroll through Paul’s art, I feel he is with me. It’s always been a connection for us. He painted and I wrote. The words were easily inspired, because his work always gave me a sense of peace and tranquility. In so many ways, our life together was a matter of collaboration. We shared God at our center. This made it possible for us to get through the rough times without too much scarring. We enjoyed all the arts which gave us something in common. We liked to laugh. In my memory are moments of rollicking laughter, inopportune chuckles, LOLs when no one else saw the funny. We grew up together, having known each other from the age of 13 to 82. We went through rough times as well as profitable times. God had our plan arranged before we ever met. In these pieces of art, I have found a solace because so much of this man is in the work. I can no longer hug him. The days of conversation and laughter are gone, but I can’t erase the memories. Today’s painting is similar to many others, but the beautiful sunrise over a turquoise lake is breathtaking.

Life and all its rigor, anxiety and friction, comes to a screeching halt when you find that tranquil place that gives you complete peace.  It can be held in words written on a page, the sounds of nature or the music of a classical masterpiece. Or it can be a memory of a place once traveled – a site untouched by human hands which has endured the test of time – a place where only you and God exist together in harmony.

Psalm 91:2-6 ESV “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”

Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

PEACE IN THE VALLEY . . .

Posted on April 4, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

It seems at times that there is no place to go when life is throwing brick after brick at you. We scurry through this life trying to figure things out – trying to fix things – looking for answers. We may even think that we have the issue solved and something else happens to shake our world. In Psalm 23, God tells us that we can take refuge in Him. He will calm our fears and give us hope. He can even solve those problems that we can’t begin to handle. This painting shows how our sanctuary can be found wherever He abides and that’s everywhere. He is our “go to” place where we can leave our cares on His shoulders.

A peaceful mist hangs over the stillness of a chilly mountain lake,

Covered as with fairy dust, the beclouded vapor permeates,

The cool blue water reflects an autumn morning,

Light bounces off trees, causing them to dance in the breeze,

Soon all that will remain is the shadows of winter,

Snow will fill the valleys,

Ice will hang in branches where leaves once lived,

The scent of pine fills the air,

Posted in anxiety, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, peace | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

GOD’S INTRICATE DESIGN . . .

Posted on April 3, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

God’s design is so amazing. Just take a moment to feast your eyes on it. The indigenous people of America were very much aware of this. This painting is an example of the Northwest Coast people. Paul was intrigued by their art and many of his sculptures reflect that. With each season, change is all throughout nature. God’s amazing design is everywhere. With the coming of spring, birds are making their way back into our environment. His eye is on the smallest and greatest of them. Today, as the sun rises, thank Him for His handiwork. Each line, curve and detail is important to the finished product. Yes, there is darkness in this sin filled world, but look closer and you will see the majesty of God’s masterpiece.

A tree stands firmly in the ground, though ancient yet unworthy,

Its life has spanned a hundred years, its limbs cried out for mercy,

The sun has withered, burnt and scorched, the wind has taken its toll,

The snow filled skies and frosty air are God’s quality control.

In spring new life will come again as leaves bud forth in glory,

A canopy of green appears creating a new story,

In fall the tree must undergo another painful trimming,

As leaves of crimson, gold and rust upon the ground are swimming.

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

SIGNS OF SPRING . . .

Posted on April 2, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©


A gentle breeze winds its way through a treed canopy,
Taking a trip along the water’s edge,
Clouds begin to collect in angelic form above the lake,
A peaceful setting, filled with people walking the perfectly landscaped path,
Artists interspersed throughout,
Where each of them casts his own interpretation upon an empty canvas,
While onlookers draw their own conclusions,
Soon the gentle, drifting clouds connect,
A raging storm ensues,
A mad dash to collect belongings and hit the road,
A spring day in the life of the itinerate artist

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, change, Encouragement, grace, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on SIGNS OF SPRING . . .

OPEN SKETCH BOOK

Posted on April 1, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

A gentle breeze flows through the trees as people stroll along the water’s edge. Clouds gather above the lake, creating a tranquil scene filled with artists painting on their canvases and observers forming their own ideas. Suddenly, the clouds unite, leading to a sudden storm. Everyone rushes to gather their things and leave, capturing a chaotic moment in a summer day for the traveling artist.

The inspiring part about going through some of Paul’s sketchbooks, is finding his little notes or observations or prayers. He noticed the little things in nature. I remember him telling about one particular class he taught to young children regarding ants. He had them sit in one place and watch as a colony of ants would move about – their intensity and great work ethic. They sat patiently for a while. Some of them lost interest, but those who persevered were met with an abundance of surprises. Those who continued to watch noticed things like little cities, or houses, or storage units. Their imaginations were coming to life and Paul’s lesson on taking time to observe the little things was hitting home.

Take time today to watch, listen and observe. God has His eye on the whole world. Imagine what he sees. If we take just a few minutes to meditate on what is being said or done, we can open the door to a million miracles.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Nature, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on OPEN SKETCH BOOK

JESUS MY KING

Posted on March 31, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Our God is inconceivable in every aspect of life. He is the King of Creation, Lord of Lords, the One and only True God. His love is beyond our human comprehension. He is Master of all things. This simple painting, framed in natural elements, shows the human vision of what God does every minute of every day. The light He sheds upon our world is the same light that guides us through it. He didn’t have to die for me, but He did.

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, God, Lent, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

A BRAND NEW DAY . . .

Posted on March 30, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Paul was part of a daily study of an osprey nest at the Coon Rapids Dam park several years back. There were about four guys altogether, who met each morning to bird watch. They kept copious notes and took hundreds of photographs as Paul set up his easel and palette. Being the naturalist that he was it wasn’t long before he had laid the underpainting and made notes as he watched. The project lasted for more than a month from the beginning of the nesting process, the laying of eggs to the new life that finally sprang forth. Paul was a stickler for detail, because every little bit of a painting tells a story. He took note of the different sizes of the birds – the expressions on their faces – the pecking order – even the details within the nest. You’ll see a dog collar, which was scrounged by one of the mature birds to hold things together. All that remains of that adventure is this painting and many unused notes and photos. The memory lingers, however, of a few guys getting together in nature and enjoying the view.

The osprey will return each year to the same nest. I wonder if that particular one is still there.

The dark days of winter have finally passed, a new day awakes with the sun,

The earth now gives way to the greening of grass, the squirrels are all on the run,

A robin is perched on a sweet budding branch, a cardinal sings beautiful tunes,

A newly tilled field lies awaiting a chance, to enjoy the sun’s long afternoons,

From dormant, dead soil, springs new life once again, sweet flowers explode in the rain,

The water from God benefits the terrain, and gives all  that it needs to sustain,

The process of life, makes us blessed like the earth, with seasons of unending bliss,

The story begins at the time of our birth, there are days that we’d rather dismiss,

We cannot escape trouble, it’s part of the plan, to test and refine us each day,

To strengthen our growth in life’s tenuous span, to trust in our God as we pray,

No more will we lay in that backbreaking ground, a new life awaits in the end,

Upon our last day, we’ll inherit a crown, given by our sweet Jesus, our friend

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Nature, New life, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

ADDING COLOR TO A DREARY DAY

Posted on March 29, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Here’s another example from one of Paul’s sketch books. I’m assuming it was done with ball point pens. Paul would often draw a sketch for future use in a painting. He had the knack of being able to show movement in his works just by adding a line or curve or two. You can almost feel the wind blowing on this little farmstead and the chill of a March morning displaying grey skies. When days like that occur, it’s time to spend some time with God in prayer.

WHEN ALL WE CAN DO IS PRAY

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, life after death, seasons | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

CELEBRATING BRUCE . . .

Posted on March 29, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

The picture above is of my brother-in-law, Bruce Bloom. On Christmas day of 2024, he went peacefully into his heavenly Father’s home after battling Alzheimer’s disease. This was a man who made great strides in the business world, raised two lovely daughters and was dearly loved by my sister and many others throughout his life. My memories of Bruce include his dry and sometimes sarcastic sense of humor. I recall him singing the song, “Picnic Time For Teddy Bears,” in a monotone voice that begged for help. He also displayed his magical talents by performing a trick on occasion. He would flourish a handkerchief in the air and then insert it into his cupped hand. Here’s where the magic came, folks. He pulled it out the other end and it appeared he had accomplished a great fete. The whole time this was going on, he again hummed a tune in that same monotone voice.

There was a time, early in their marriage, while he and my sister were managing one of the stores in the family business. The two of them devoted time, energy and much of their assets to make the store run smoothly and make a profit. At one point, my sister apparently got sick of the job and went on strike. Yes, she actually made up a picket sign and paraded in front of the store making her demands.

Bruce was a jock in high school and college. He continued to support his alma mater for many years. His wife, Carol was his greatest cheerleader, and they shared many happy memories throughout their marriage.

We share in the family’s grief today as we celebrate his amazing life. We pray for comfort for his family, Carol, Kristen, Jason, Jenny, Jonathan and Pearson. May God be with you through this difficult time and give you the assurance that Bruce is in heaven waiting for the rest of us.

Posted in aging, life after death, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

MATED FOR LIFE

Posted on March 28, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

There are many creatures that mate for life. The magnificent trumpeter swans are in that category. Swans often decide on their partner before they’ve completely matured. They spend all their time together. They help each other through those times, giving of themselves to do so. They have to make compromises and decisions based on each other’s needs. These two were captured on a large canvas Paul decided to paint one day. It’s also true that they migrate in pairs. He and I were like those two.

I didn’t think too much of you at first,

A little guy with energy to burst,

You proved me wrong so many times,

You courted me and changed my life,

You asked that I would be your wife,

I didn’t know just quite what I should do.

God knew exactly what I needed. He is the One who interceded,

Bringing us together was His goal.

The years we spent together through every kind of weather,

We muddled through and were much stronger as we grew,

Your life now holds perfection, with no more insurrection,

My heart is happy for that blessed gift.

I know that it’s not ended. My heart has been upended,

But we will be together soon, my love.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, ENDURING LOVE, enouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

WISHFUL THINKING . . .

Posted on March 27, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

I think of these paintings as an invitation to summer. They were created by the brush of Paul Boecher, but behind the scenes there were snippets of a special time, being recorded into the memories of those experiencing it. A small group of theatre students and their moms often found refreshment at this park at Elm Creek Park Reserve during the hot days of summer. These kids and their moms had a connection that reached outside of the theatre stage as friendships had been forged long before that. Those days imprinted fun times, laughter, memories and time that would not soon be forgotten. I think Paul embraced that thought throughout his life. Not only did he love the outdoors, the water, the center of activity, but also the time spent with those he truly cared about.

Time we spend walking this planet is limited. Who we walk with, makes the journey worth it.

Posted in change, Encouragement | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

BATHED IN NEW LIFE

Posted on March 26, 2025 by atimetoshare.me
BATHED IN NEW LIFE . . .
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on BATHED IN NEW LIFE

BROKEN BUT NOT DEAD YET . . .

Posted on March 25, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A sputtering, rusted, old, decrepit vehicle sits outside a broken down edifice,

Both of them have seen better days,

Some days I feel like this,

My engine chugs along, performing well for a day or two and then,

It chokes, rattles and gasps for air,

These old bones have succumbed to age,

And often need an oil change,

The joints creak, the muscles have lost their bulk and the

Exterior is in need of updating and repair,

Still, we press on,

To that final day, when new bodies await,

Where tears and sadness do not exist,

Where pain is nothing but a distant remembrance of the past,

Though broken and scarred in this life, there is always hope in the next.

This painting tells a story of restoration. Of getting back into the game or up on a horse when you’ve fallen. I’ve been working my way through a bad cold this week. I’m coming close to the end, but the coughing lingers. When we get sick and at my age, rarely think recovery is going to be easy. Today is another day. Another chance at being alive. I also had an orthopedic injection in my knee and it finally kicked in. In filling out the necessary paperwork, I had to list my marital status. I checked “widow” for the first time. I am now a widow. As I sat there checking that box, tears started to form, but not for long. Like that old truck, I need a little help getting started. I know my days are numbered, but restoration is not only possible, it’s already been taken care of.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, death, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

HOPE ON A HILL . . .

Posted on March 24, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This painting was completed in 1989 by Paul Boecher after returning from a hunting trip in Oregon. He was not here when his mother passed, but in what appeared to be a heavenly valley in the mountains. That picture remained in his mind until he reached home. It now resides in a church office at King of Grace Lutheran Church in Golden Valley. The title of the painting is “Heaven is my Home,” and truly conveys the beauty waiting for all the believers that trust that they will be there someday.

Sumptuous views from an old stone bridge, meeting the dawn of day,

Crossing the waters on the river’s edge, wishing that you could stay,

A quiet town from days gone by is kissed by the morning sun,

Painting the landscape and the sky, with colors one by one,

Valleys and hills do here abound – memories of days long past,

Peace and contentment can be found, but none of it will last,

Our only hope is Christ, the Lord, who bled upon a hill,

Suffered and died to keep His Word, followed His Father’s will,

But then He rose to life again, He conquered death that day,

Eternal life for us did win, He took our sins away.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, change, death | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

THE PEACE OF GOD IS THERE . . .

Posted on March 23, 2025 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER@

This lovely little watercolor displays Paul’s ability to capture light with the use of little color. These wonderful sketches are the heart of who Paul was. He loved God with a servant’s heart. He saw beauty in the little things of life. He had a zest for knowledge and a creative mind that spanned a lifetime. I miss this amazing artist, but I see him every day in what he’s left behind.

Looking back on days gone by,

Gazing at a muddied sky,

In the twinkling of an eye,

The peace of God is there.

Trudging through the path of life,

Summing up our natural strife,

Wishing for the after life,

The peace of God is there.

When we cross that great expanse,

Will it be by circumstance,

Will we have second chance,

The peace of God is there.

He’s waiting on the other side,

Continuing to lead and guide,

From Him we never more shall hide,

The peace of God is there.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Faith, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

FOR S0ME THE SNOW WILL FALL

Posted on March 22, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

We’re often surprised at another snowfall in March, but it goes with the territory. Minnesota has been known to have all kinds of weather during these spring months – from snow, hail and ice to high temps with extreme humidity and even a tornado or two. The weatherman can be 50% right in his forecasts, but God is still in charge of the weather, and He has His reasons for changing things if He chooses to do so. The painting above was done in 2013.

You can see the newly fallen white quilt of glistening diamonds, fastened to the trees. It weighs on the fragile branches but also gives them nourishment for the coming growing season. White stuff clings to the streetlight, giving off a shimmer as the light filters through it. Fresh snow reminds me of how God describes our sins. Though they be like scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Jesus bathed us in his salvation when He carried our burden of sin to Calvary. He defeated death and was resurrected as we will also be as we take our last breath on earth.

My grief is weighing on me right now. I have grieved for a few years before my husband left this world to take his place in heaven. I have moments when a memory will trigger some tears, but I am overwhelmed with joy, knowing that he is in God’s kingdom now. I know we’ll be together again when I join him there. Tears come and go. Memories linger as they should. Our hearts will not be untouched by the loss of one we love. Even through our sadness, there is consolation. We’ve already been washed as white as snow.

Posted in art & inspiration from the Boechers, change, seasons, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

MAKE WAY FOR SPRING . . .

Posted on March 21, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The remnants of the last snowfall are swiftly receding into the ground. Nurturing and enriching the soil with moisture and tenderness. Each drop will revive the dead and bring it back to life. So it is with the seasons of life and death. We stay on this planet for a little while. We grow in size and abilities. Our reliance on others is essential and yet our young minds are thirsting for knowledge. We grow some more. We learn – the simple tasks of living; how to tie our shoes – how to respect others – the manners necessary to get us through 9- all the essentials of early childhood. We then grow even bigger and our base for learning leaves the home and enters the classroom, where many more doors are opened to us. Twelve or more years of schooling provides us with all that we need to identify ourselves, or does it?

When we reach our 70s, 80s or more, we retreat to early years once more. We become dependent on others to help us with minor tasks, like changing a light bulb or turning the clocks back or forward. We need help as much as we did when we were little babes. Our range of motion is limited. Bodily functions aren’t always controllable. Many of the needs we required as small children are now quite necessary again. We can rest assured that we will live again, if we trust in God’s Holy Word. He promises to resurrect us from death, because Jesus has paid the price of redemption.

So as we look at spring as another season, let’s look at life in that way too. When we leave this world, we are just entering another season. One that will replenish us, restore us, provide for all our needs and give us a future in eternity.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

Isaiah 55:10-11

Posted in aging, art & inspiration from the Boechers, change | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

SPRING THAW . . .

Posted on March 20, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

“Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed… Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.”
Henry David Thoreau

The calendar says that spring;s here, still snow lays on the ground.

The squirrels are very active now, they’re searching all around,

For things they buried long ago, it seems like years not days,

The fog still settles on the ground, creating morning haze,

Desiring much warmer weather, the river flows with ice,

The birds are singing their spring songs, it sounds so very nice,

The cold most tightly lingers on, the frost is in the air,

We long for the warmer climate, it doesn’t seem quite fair,

That spring in Minnesota lasts only a few days,

We bounce from cold to melting down, we jump from ice to blaze,

But we, up here in the tundra, have learned how to adapt,

We’ll soon be wearing our flip flops with parkas and a hat.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Encouragement | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

BACK TO NATURE . . .

Posted on March 19, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A blue-grey sky, rolls swiftly by, the clouds entwine with glory,

The road is paved with gilded stones, that tell an endless story,

A husky mule, a rugged man, set out to see what nature brings,

They take the path less travelled and fall on angels’ wings,

The beauty of the landscape, enriches this sweet scene,

As light reflects on every rock, new life will reconvene,

An eagle watches from afar – takes in your every move,

While you may falter, He is there to guide you and reprove,

When days grow long and life wears on, we search for simple things,

So take a road less traveled and fly on angels’ wings.

The ability to observe is inherent in all of us unless our eyes have been blinded from birth, but even then, God gives us four other senses to allow us to breathe in everything in our existence.  We may not be able to see the brilliant colors, the majestic mass of a tree, the vastness of the heavens or the beauty of a sea or landscape, but He blesses us with other ways to “see”.

Every artist, whether a writer, painter, sculptor, actor, musician or dancer must observe everything in life in order to portray it in a believable, convincing way.  Studying every idiosyncrasy, examining each detail, with all the senses God has given us, allows our interpretation to be expressed in unique and wonderful ways.

Praise the Lord for the special attention He has paid to every detail of this life.  He calms the storms, He makes things grow and develop, He provides for every living thing, He gives life, He provides for eternity.  With Him, our salvation has been assured and life everlasting waits for those who believe in Him.

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

SHED YOUR LIGHT ON ME . . .

Posted on March 18, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

A babe so soft, a child so sweet, lay on a bed of hay,

His mom looked at the dimpled hands and counted fingers at play.

His hands would grow with bruises and scuffs as children often do.

He used them to craft with wood and nails and callouses He knew.

The hands would search the scriptures, though He wrote every phrase,

His hands would do miraculous deeds – like heal and calm and raise.

He touched the hearts of many, He healed their broken souls, He held them close and tight.

The soldiers rammed iron nails into His willing flesh. Each nerve burned for our plight.

He died upon that wooden cross, He suffered, and He bled,

The grave would never hold Him. He conquered death instead.

When once again we see Him in glory and in might,

He’ll take our hands and hold them. For He has won our fight.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments