Art & Inspiration from the Boechers
One remaining lure I just found as I am sifting through the many pieces of art work from Paul Boecher.
GIVE A MAN A FISH . . .
ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
Paul was well acquainted with fishing. His family owned a summer home on a Wisconsin lake and fishing was a requirement. When I think of fishing, my thoughts turn to baiting a hook with a fresh, juicy earthworm. That alone was enough to deter me from enjoying the fun of landing a huge bottom feeder with an ugly face. The detailed drawings of fishing lures would seem a lot easier solution to ever having to handle said worm. This collection shows some of the contents of his dad’s bait box
The old proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” makes a lot of sense. When we become so reliant on someone or something to pay our way, or give us a free education, or provide for daycare, or protect our environment, or approve abortion, or eliminate racism – sexual identity – we’re becomIng enslaved to the very source providing all of those goodies. We are beholding to them.
Here are few variants to that proverb:
- “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Give a man a poisoned fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
- “Don’t give him a fish and you feed yourself. He’s a grown man and should be able to figure it out for himself.”
- “Teach him to fish and he’ll need graphite fishing rods, tackle box, fishing line, expensive reels, lures, tackle box, silly hat and vest, minnows, fishing boat with motor, a trailer to carry the boat, lots of vacation time, beer and no wife.”
All kidding aside, are we really better off having our government involved in every area of our lives? Nothing comes without a price tag. We are each responsible for our own lives, but we’re also asked to care for our neighbors and rightly so. We don’t do that nearly enough. In fact most of us don’t even know our neighbor’s name. Our isolation began a long time before the pandemic, when people began expecting the government to do what we don’t want to do.
If we really care about the poor, or those being oppressed, or those without specific skills, we help them to learn how to make a living, provide jobs, financially help them, encourage them that they have a future, reinforce their value and love them. Don’t enslave them to powers that be. We can all be thankful for that possibility.
Some of Jesus’ followers were fishermen and He asked all of them to fish for men. That means WE’RE obliged to cast our nets for those who need the Greatest Fisher of Men ever.
WHO DO YOU TRUST?
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
Imagine waking up to this view. Paul preferred painting on location – maybe because of his past career in advertising. Those were the days of true imaginative creativity, when they would shoot photos in natural settings like the one in this painting. The onset of computer technology led to the Internet and there was no longer a need for these destinations. They could rely on photos that were already taken and stored. I guess that’s why Paul chose to change his career path. He became a fine artist, crafting wood into beautiful creations for lake homes and businesses. Eventually, he started to plein air paint, because it allowed him to be in the natural settings that he loved. Our lives are subject to change and growing older doesn’t mean we can’t still be creative in our choices.
Within the mountain’s early dawn, His majesty is seen,
The skies fill up with brilliance, and glorious golden sheen,
His breath is seen in morning mist, His voice through eagles’ song,
His power displays in sunlit rays, He shines the whole day long,
His love for us unspoken, but seen in every rock,
He leads us like a shepherd protects his wandering flock,
I am so weak and fragile, like many a stubborn sheep,
My trust oft wanes, my fears o’er take, I toss through dream filled sleep,
My tears won’t stop, my faith grows weak, I stumble all the way,
But He’s right there, surrounding me, protecting me each day,
I’ll never grow to understand His unconditional love,
But thank Him that He grants it from His throne high up above,
My God, you are my fortress, my strength when I am weak,
You carry me through deserts, you lead me when you speak,
Through pastures green and waters clean, fulfilling every need,
You fill my heart with gratitude, my soul your Word does feed.
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MORNING MIST . . .
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Paul had always been an early riser. He especially liked to paint at the dawn of a new day. The painting for today is shown in the process of being created and the finished product. You can almost see the moisture of morning in the surrounding grass.
The golden orb has returned to the morning sky today. Drops of dew cling tightly to the blades of newly grown grass and weeds. Each day starts like this for me. I wake, usually with the sun, work my way slowly to the bathroom, splash some water on my face, feel refreshed and then I look in the mirror. At least one or two new wrinkles have appeared. I guess, like the weeds that grow within the new grass so, grow those wrinkles. We grow older. Our steps are slower and more cautious. Our dreams for the future have now turned to heaven. The aging process is tough, but we manage to get through it. Some days are better than others. The sun doesn’t always shine. Dark clouds fill a heavy sky and the things we planned for don’t always happen.
Thankfully, God never changes. He is always the same. He is consistent, ever present, all knowing and so powerful, we must seem like ants to Him. Instead, He attends to each and every need we encounter. He hears each prayer. He answers on His own timeline, but always answers. He is by our side through all the adventures awaiting us. He gives us amazing gifts – like the morning mist.
You beckon me before your throne. I have no plea to give.
My sins are far too many and I don’t deserve to live,
But still you call to me. You tell me it’s all right,
You promise that you’ve carried me from darkness into light.
You gave your only Son to wash away my sin,
I don’t deserve this love that you have placed so deep within,
My soul is cleansed and free. You’ve done that with your love.
I now can look into your eyes when we meet up above.
Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Nature
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WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
This watercolor painting was done on site. Looking at this landscape shows the determination of American farmers as we see the deep ruts, indicating where seeds have been laid. The little house looks lonely set behind the massive foreground. Can you imagine the beautiful view from that miniscule house? Beautiful pine trees lining a river that runs swiftly by them. It makes me wonder who lives there? When the land was bought, there were dreams of future families sprouting up across the acreage. Whoever inhabited the place may have never ventured outside that property except to go to town once a month to purchase supplies needed. There are several little farms left. Many in disrepair, and some apparently unoccupied. Each of them holds a history. They may have been members of a church community even though they were separated by miles from each other and their church.
Today, the average farmer has sold much of their land to subsidize their income. Bigger barns are built, with silos to match. New housing developments are growing all over what once was farmland. You would think with all that growth, there would be lots of members worshipping together in churches across the land. However, membership is on the decline in these rural areas as well as the cities.
In the early days of our country, churches were the center of family togetherness. In fact, many spent an entire day at church. Fellowship was encouraged. Picnics and potlucks would showcase the fruits of their labors. Bible studies were held after church. The hardships endured would be shared with fellow church members. They would encourage each other, inspire them to keep on trucking and befriend them completely. The church became their second family. New barns were built by a team of neighbors. Farmers helping farmers was not uncommon. For many it was their family.
The early church was made up of community, where people pooled their resources. I am blessed to be part of a church like that. Our membership is small – the love pouring out of each of those who are there, is abundant. People care about each other. It is a sanctuary for those with broken hearts. It is a place where everyone feels welcome. Some even call the church a hospital for sinners. We are all in need of God’s perfect love. He welcomes us to worship in his house, stands with us as we confess our sins, forgives us as we repent and change. Jesus changed everything when He came to live with us. He’s so much more than a neighbor. He is our Brother, our Savior and our God.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
HEARTS MELTING . . .
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
There’s a heat alert for us today. Add a hefty dewpoint and it’s a recipe for a storm to come. I’ve chosen to highlight this watercolor today. It brings thoughts of refreshment on the water. In summer, our respite comes to us in so many ways, but being on a lake, or a beach or actually floating in the water can renew us. The poem refers to a melting of hearts, which takes place when we come to know God. His creation can be such a relief to tired souls. He loves every human being and will continue to do so throughout time. He is consistent, like day and night. He is always there for us, no matter what the time. He understands our struggles and provides a way out for us. He gives us the necessary living water, to quench our thirsting lives.
Intricate patterns of geometrical shapes
Created one by one.
Snowflakes –
Each with a unique design.
Like us they are not only unique,
They are destined to melt down.
They float gently through their brief existence –
Maybe experiencing an abbreviated encounter –
Knowing that their lives are short, they don’t get too friendly.
We pass through life in a breath of a moment.
Little time to establish friendships and relationships –
But unlike snowflakes, the warmth of the sun holds no threat.
When we come to the end of our lives, we have a choice.
We can let our lives consume us or we can put ourselves into them –
We can live for the warmth.
We can give our hearts to it.
With the Son, we can accomplish amazing things.
What would the world be without you? God had your life all planned out for you before you ever came into existence. His plans are perfect and He wants His purpose to be accomplished.
If you never were – you never would have met your spouse – you never would’ve had children – the goodness you had to offer the world would never have been experienced. You would never have known the emotions of love, peace, joy, the laughter of a child, all the things that illuminate this world. You never would know how much God loved you, because you never would have been.
Life can be awful at times, but it can also be amazing. It’s your choice.
Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, discipleship, SELF ESTEEM
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IN THE WILDERNESS . . .
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
This set of watercolors was inspiration for gifts for each of our grandchildren when they were younger. The water buffalo was painted for our oldest grandson, the giraffe led to a painting for our middle grandson and the lion cub would become a piece of art for our granddaughter. Paul had included some other animals in this collection but never converted them into full sized paintings. Paul’s interpretation would’ve made great illustrations for a children’s book. Maybe I’ll have to write one.
The creatures He bestowed to man, were perfect in every way.
He crafted each one differently, each species He did display
His paradise was freely laid to feed and nurture them all,
But mankind made a big mistake, when he didn’t heed God’s call.
Like our first parents we have sinned and fallen short every day,
We need an advocate right now to carry our sins away.
God sent His only perfect Son to pay the ransom for all,
The world is safe from Satan’s snares, when we answer God’s sweet call.
He died for all upon a cross, He suffered great pain and shame,
The sweet unblemished Lamb of God, would carry our sins and blame,
When He came back to life again, He showed us that we will too,
Eternity awaits us all. Believe He did it for you.
BROKEN DOWN . . .
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©
With each birthday comes the realization that I am no longer a spring chicken. I have been able to get around pretty well, except for knees that have bent beyond their limit over my 83 years. The things around us break down too, and they all seem to at the same time. The sketch today, shows a couple of farm buildings which have seen better days. They’ve been repaired and upgraded as time went by, but eventually their worth will wear out and have to be replaced. As for us, we will get to that point as well. Our bodies can endure just so much, before they become useless. Then we die. What comes next is what almost all octogenarians are waiting for. Brand new bodies, renewed to perfection. No pain or tears. No worries – only peace. No complaints because we will be in God’s eternal home. The time is unknown, but the prize is great. So, we pray that God will use us to His glory, while we wait.
Once alive and bustling with activity,
Abandoned, but still built on solid ground,
We trudge through time with hearts held in captivity,
Our walk in life may keep us earthly bound,
But when Christ came He gave us the proclivity,
He shows us how to turn our lives around,
We are not able through our own activity,
To reach the gates where glory does abound,
Through Him alone and His sweet sensitivity,
We now are free, our sins have been unbound.
BIRD ON A STUMP . . .
ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
181 days have passed since Paul entered heaven. During these past days I’ve been sorting through his many pieces of art. Paul loved nature. In fact, I learned how to determine a white pine out of all the other pine trees from him. He also taught me the little things to observe in life. A colony of ants for example. These tiny creatures work so hard at building and gathering food. They move from place to place so swiftly that it seems the world will never catch up with them. Though they were persistent and determined, their habitat could be washed away in an instant by a deluge of rain. He showed me the difference in the wingspan of an eagle and how those massive wings would soar straight out to the side, like a plane ascending into the clouds. He also taught me how God is with us through our daily walk. He never leaves us. He is available 24/7. He is totally accessible. He never changes, though everything around us seems to be in chaos.
The beautiful little watercolor of a heron sitting on a stump is one of those little things that Paul was completely aware of. I thank God for putting him into my life for so long. I was blessed beyond words, and I am glad to be able to share his art, so you can see not only what a wonderful artist he was, but also a servant of God.
1 Chronicles 29:11 “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”
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COOL, CLEAR WATER . . .
ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
Whenever I see a water fall, I think of living water. It’s water that begins as a little trickle, bubbling over a rocky crevasse and down into a serene pool of everlasting life.
She wasn’t one of them. She was used to being ignored and bullied. She came from a different place and definitely didn’t fit in. So, she waited until they were all finished with their tasks before she came to do hers. She had a reputation, you see. One of the oldest professions for women. She wasn’t proud of herself, but she had no choice – or did she? When she got there, a man was waiting. He began to talk to her and told her things about herself that she had tried to forget. Who was this man? He was talking to her – a woman of ill repute – an outcast and interloper from a town that most folks rejected. Yet, this stranger was so much different than any other. He offered her what He called, “living water.” He continued to speak of this water that would entirely quench her thirst. It would well up and give eternal life. Of course, she asked for some of this special liquid.
When Jesus met with the Samaritan woman at the well, He was tired and thirsty, which shows His humanity. Offering her a drink that would lead to eternal life made her question if He might be the Messiah everyone was talking about. Who was this man? Both man and God. Divinely true in words and deeds. He tested her conscience and made her think. She ran back to her town to tell of this One who knew everything about her. She might be considered one of the first missionaries, spreading the truth about Jesus – both Son of God and Son of man. Her life changed after this encounter. Jesus changes everything. He is the promised Messiah, come to save His people from their sins.
Thank you, Jesus, for your blessings of truth. We need to realize our sins and repent of them, knowing that you paid the eternal price for our forgiveness. We’re all strangers in this world. We face daily attacks from those who don’t really know us. You know us inside and out, because You are God. Your unconditional love saves us, but it is up to us to change our ways and not return to the sin that broke us in the first place. Give us the wisdom to follow you to the ends of the earth. AMEN!
DON’T SWEAT THE BIG STUFF . . .
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
Have you ever felt like a frog sitting in a hot frying pan? The heat is rising and you’re slowly succumbing to the effects. You’ve tried to get out, but you’re stuck. It may be the loss of a job. You may be facing a diagnosis of Cancer. The debts are piling up and you have no means to cover them. Those are all life altering events, but you can overcome them. The self-help folks will tell you to dig in your heels and fight the depression that might ensue. You can do it. You are in control of your destiny. Only YOU can make a difference.
There once lived a man who had it all. His bank account was full. He had a wonderful family. His success was known by everyone. Suddenly the bottom fell out. He lost everything. His wealth disappeared. His children were swept away in a storm. His health deteriorated to the point of death, but still he lived through the disappointments and loss. His friends, on the other hand, thought he must have done something egregious to cause God to put him through all these disasters. Even his wife questioned him. The man was named Job. He suffered through, knowing that God wasn’t causing this.
Today there are similar situations. Floods and storms that strip away lives. Any school shooting. The loss of a family member. A financial loss, murder, assault, abuse, corruption, hatred, division, and on and on. Our lives are filled with difficult situations, but God remains the same throughout. At what seemed the end of his life, the man in the story remained strong in his faith even though he had been put through every agony possible. God didn’t desert him. in fact, His majestic voice poured out of a whirlwind.
“Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Will you even put me in the wrong. Will you condemn me that you may be in the right? Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like his? Adorn yourself with majesty and dignity; clothe yourself with glory and splendor.” Job 40:7-10 ES
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.
NEVER SAY NEVER . . .
ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
When you look at others and how they’ve overcome their past, how does that make you feel? So many people feel unqualified or unfit to worship God. They may believe they are unworthy because of their past sins. We all face this question at one point or another in a lifetime.
For example, you’re born into an ordinary life to people with little means. You have barely gotten to know your mother’s face when she has been torn from you. Your tiny body is given up by her in order to save you from death. Your life changes drastically as you’re adopted into a wealthy family. You grow up in luxury – learn things you never would have been afforded before – grow into a physically strong individual – have power you never dreamed of. As you mature into a young adult you see the injustices that surround you. They tug at your heart. You feel helpless and yet being exposed to so much wrongdoing sets you on fire. You witness a young man being unjustly bludgeoned by another and intercede. In the process, you take the aggressor’s life.
What you do next makes you appear a coward to those you leave behind. You run away. You hide for many years without apprehension. You change your identity – try to fit in – find a new life. You try to forget your past, but it soon catches up with you. You are no longer a vibrant, young adult. Time has weathered you. You’ve become comfortable in this new life you’ve made. One day, you’re called upon to return home and do something about the tyrannical government you left behind. You ask yourself – Why me? If I go back, they’ll discover who I am and throw me in jail. I can’t do this! Send someone else.
The man in this scenario is Moses, but it could be any one of us. The One asking him was God Himself. God assured Moses that He would be with Him – He would even provide the right words for him to get the job done.
How often do we think we have things figured out? We’re content with life as it is. We make excuses – we procrastinate – we say no. God doesn’t take no for an answer. When He calls on us to do His work, He also promises to be with us every step of the way – giving us the right words, leading us and protecting us.
Lord, when I feel satisfied with my life, you invite me to take a closer look. Examine my heart and use me in whatever way you have left for me to do. You are my God and I can do anything with you. Amen!
THE TREE OF LIFE . . .
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
God created a paradise for mankind. Mankind doubted God. Today the world sits in darkness and that tree is no more. However. God also created mankind in His own image. He loves all people with an unconditional love that has no boundaries. The above painting was made by artist, Paul Boecher, but God gave him the talent to use for His glory. The following poem by me was written after seeing this painting. God also gave me a gift of sharing my love for Him through my poetry and words. Both Paul and I were seeded in God’s Word. The glory is all His. Paul is no longer here, but every time I find another painting of his, I am moved to write words to go with it. I pray that God will use me until I join Paul in heaven. We’re all capable of telling others about this wondrous God. We are equally linked to the body of Christ. Each part has a purpose in God’s plan of salvation. By using the gifts that He has endowed with us, we are giving back to Him. We’re honoring Him by doing so. Today, make it a point to tell someone how God has affected your daily walk. You can do so in many ways. Say a kind word, help someone with a simple task, walk an old lady across the street, stop to listen to someone’s problems and provide comfort. Any act of kindness is what we all need. Out of gratitude to God for all the blessings He provides, we are obligated to do so in thanksgiving and praise.
In the Garden of Eden You planted two trees, with fruit so divine and sweet.
One was given for eating, the other not so, but temptation would soon defeat.
Man had fallen from grandeur to deepest despair, He needed redemption within.
So you gave him the purest – the sinless – the pure – to take on the burden of sin.
When we travel to heaven, we’ll see that sweet fruit, that grows on the Tree of Life.
It will heal and restore us and give us new life – from troubles and pain and strife.
He will take us and lead us to pastures of green and still waters will He provide.
We’ll at last be united and joined with Him there – as His perfectly treasured bride.
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SUMMERTIME ON THE FARM. . .
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
With summer at its height comes all sorts of activities for families to attend. You don’t have to make an out-of-town trip to see some kind of historical gathering of reenactors. Paul enjoyed setting up his easel and some of his artwork at these events. He often said he was an 1800s kind of guy. In his growing up years, he worked on a farm close to the family lake home. He loved leading a team of horses. He grew a few more muscles taking part in all the work involved with life on a farm. In later years he would find barns that had an interesting look to them. Many were falling apart, but the Wisconsin farms were often very pristine and well cared for. They became the subject of several of his paintings. As time went by, he became part of one of our local county parks as a naturalist. Those reenactments I talk about were a special part of that time period. He often said I’d never get him on the stage, but he sure liked becoming an 1800s farmer, traveling artist or just a Renaissance man with ideas galore. He’d dress in period costume – had a special tent that was big enough to house a lot of his handiwork – gave presentations on what it was like to live in that time – sweat a lot in the heavy clothing worn at the time – enjoyed every minute of being “on stage.” The above sketches were done at one of these events. I think I can see him, can you?
In the weeds and trenches,
In the darkest holes,
Perched within the clenches,
Of yearned for days of old,
A bird of many colors,
Stands guard along the gate,
As colors bloom like flowers,
As spring’s brief advocate,
The new growth brings fresh life,
The gentle rain renews,
The end of snow and winter strife,
Replaced with wondrous views.
KEEP YOUR EYES UP
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
Never underestimate your physical strength, nor forget the inner power that God has implanted in your soul.
Looking back at our past sins is fruitless. It only leads to depression and hopelessness. God has made it possible for us, through His precious Son to have complete freedom from those old iniquities. This weekend has been filled with the song of freedom. What greater independence do we possess than a freedom from death. Through the works of Christ alone, we have been redeemed. Our debt has been paid in full. We have been endowed with the Holy Spirit. Because of that payment we can depend on a future in heaven.
The battle against the devil and all his wicked ways has been won. Jesus was the victor. He suffered so we wouldn’t have to. He experienced all that we should have. He died in a most humiliating way, but the victory was won when He rose from death and ascended into heaven. Likewise, we may physically die, but we will be restored into new bodies and reborn in God’s paradise.
That is true freedom. While we are still walking this planet, we should give thanks for this amazing treasure. Thank God for that undeserved grace and tell others about their ticket to real freedom.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE . . .
ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
The long weekend is giving us an extra day to have fun. We may have waited all week for this day to play golf or stretch out in a hammock for an hour or five. How about a trip to the beach or what if you’ve planned a special day to gather as a family and the power goes out. It’s 90 degrees with a dewpoint of 74. Is the party over? Is the golf game cancelled? These are little disappointments and of course we get over them, but what if you get a report that you have Cancer and you fret over the treatments, thinking of the strain this will put on your family. What if you lose your job and you’ve just put your John Hancock to a 30 year mortgage that would increase your budget greatly. What if you die?
It’s funny how the days slip by so quickly when you grow older. When we’re children we can’t wait to grow up; when we’re teens we can’t wait to get our driver’s license; when we’re in our twenties we can’t wait to move out on our own; then we can’t wait until we’re married, successful and finally retired. Even when we retire, we can’t wait for something.
Waiting for the things of this world isn’t easy. Our patience is tested every day. What we want in life is what motivates us, but what we want after this life is even more important. I want to go to heaven. I know that God has made that possible for me. The glorious truth is that the price for my ticket to heaven has already been paid. Knowing what’s waiting at the end of this life is a blessed thought. Much better than taking an amazing trip around the world, winning the lottery or living a life of luxury. The cost was unimaginable, but God graciously gives it with His unconditional love. I can’t wait!
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I STILL LOVE MY COUNTRY . . .
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
“When government falls out of favor with those it governs it’s either time to re-elect new officials or get out of the country.” Mark Twain
What exactly is patriotism? I think it’s a natural feeling of pride for our nation’s accomplishments – a desire to defend its beliefs and moral fiber – love of the precepts established by that country – a social responsibility towards that nation.
Sometimes I feel that we have become complacent about what’s happening in Washington. We sit back and complain. We give in to the idea that we can do nothing about it. We forget that we employ those in government. We are the boss. What kind of boss will stand still while his employees run his company into the ground? We are a nation of laws. I still have pride in what America means to me. I don’t like what’s happening to her, but I feel helpless to do anything about it. Most of us do. We’ve grown to distrust everything about our government, including the only true voice of the people – elections. Even those have been corrupted.
Have we strayed so far from God that we have become slaves to those we thought would provide for all our material needs – make life easy for us – take from the rich and give to the poor? The minute we depend on our government instead of the Creator of the Universe, we are destined for failure.
I won’t give up though. I love my country. Too many lives have been spent in defense of her. Her people will be heard again, but not unless they speak. The first words uttered should be a prayer to our God.
When human lives invade the land, they’re bound to take their toll,
Like sin corrupts and sucks out life, investing in our soul,
These precious remnants of our land must not be overrun,
For those who care so little for what God had once begun,
The hand of God is evident. His finger formed the seas,
The mountain ranges still stand tall, the forests filled with trees,
The waters raging over rocks, the mighty waterfalls,
The valleys green, the tepid springs, outshine man’s greedy calls,
Will all these wonders die someday, destroyed by man’s own hand,
Will wildlife that once flourished soon vanish from the land,
Our God remains in charge of things. The world’s at His command,
But in the meantime, may we try to keep our land secure,
So, it will fill the hearts of those who follow and endure.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
OOOPS
FOXES & BIRDS . . .
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
Another page from a sketchbook brought to mind Jesus’ words in Matthew 8:20. “And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” In context, a man had just stated that he’d follow Jesus everywhere He went. Jesus wasn’t giving a positive or negative response here. He was simply stating fact that a life like His would not be easy. He would wander from place to place and have no place that He could really call home. I suppose that’s what Jesus means. The fact that He would be with us even when we feel alone is also very comforting. The creatures of this world are provided for, and we will be too. Becoming a follower requires submission, but isn’t it so worth it?
I’ll never grow to comprehend the power of your love.
You hold me fast. You treasure me. You guide me from above.
There is no other love like yours. You fill my every need.
You comfort and protect me. For my soul you did bleed.
So, take my life and use it, to serve you in some way.
Help me to share your message today and every day.
Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Chistian devotions, discipleship, wisdom
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, discipleship, following, Peace, submission, wisdom
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PRUNIFIED . . . THROW BACK THURSDAY
It’s throwback Thursday and time for one of my older posts. This is from April 2020 and the effects of aging have moved from my face to my entire body. Thus I have become prunified. Phyllis Diller once said, “You know you’re old when someone compliments you on your alligator shoes, and you’re barefoot.” It’s true! My body is finally catching up with my face. It’s amazing what five years can do to you in the looks department.
There are so many commercials for products which promise to reduce or removed wrinkles and signs of aging. Have you ever noticed that all the models in said ads are probably 14 years old? For once, I’d love to see real people (70+) using these products and getting the same promised results. There are countless potions, not to mention special kinds of tape to pull the skin up and look younger. I tried it once with duct tape but found it a little inconvenient when I tried to comb my hair. When I was a teenager, I read that hot baby oil would give me radiant skin, so I boiled some and almost set the kitchen on fire. I didn’t actually. Just created a nice black mark on the wall behind the stove.
I was an early wrinkler. In fact, I come from a long line of wrinkled women. One of the reasons for those deeply imbedded lines has to do with being part of a family of laughers. Crow’s feet and laugh lines made their appearance when I was in my thirties. The deeper forehead lines and what I like to call “marionette lines” (which go from each corner of the nose to each corner of the mouth) came with children. If you’re really lucky, they extend down to create a line from the edge of the mouth to the chin. You actually look like someone must be standing above you, ready to operate the strings which get your mouth moving.
With each year came a new wrinkle. Each decade filled with laughter, serious issues and sadness created new ones. Weather contributed to the situation. The change of seasons brought the heat of summer and the cold of winter. In the summer I would lather up with sun tan oil and lay in the sun for hours. In the winter, the heat would turn on inside and dry out every skin cell. Winter also brough freezing temps outside which meant possible frostbite or just plain dry skin.
I was slowly drying out, like a plum turning into a prune or a grape becoming a raisin. The skin on my elbows and feet now resemble a rhinoceros. My limbs are flakey and shriveled. My neck resembles a large turkey, and the advertisements are now calling it crepey skin. I suppose because it has the consistency of crepe paper. In the past few months, I’ve had a few zits pop up on my face. What’s that all about? Am I advancing into adolescent old age? Liver spots are another thing altogether.
There is very little hair on my legs. I only have five of my original teeth. My hair is thick, but it seems like a handful gets combed out each day. My bones are brittle. My strength is waning; my memory is failing along with my hearing and there are days I’d rather stay in bed.
The idea of one day having a new body, without infirmities and one that is perfect in every way, is becoming more and more appealing to me. See! There is actually something to look forward to when you grow old. You are that much closer to heaven. There’s always a bright side, even when it comes to aging.
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