THOSE WHO REMAIN . . .

Posted on February 5, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

In 2011, a tornado swept through the north side of Minneapolis, leaving an abundance of destruction to homes in its wake. Other inhabitants which relied on the Mississippi River for their rookery were suddenly left homeless. One remaining survivor was seen surveying his past domain from a lone tree. His family had made it out of the area, but he remained. alone and scarred with the memory of what once was. In our humanity, we feel the same helplessness when someone leaves this earth. Our hope in a future life in paradise is what keeps us going. God promises to be with us always, even in death. He walks us through this journey called life, is at our side when we face trials of any kind and leads us to paradise when we die. Those left behind will mourn, but they will survive knowing that He will continue to walk with them,

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Frigid, Arctic air penetrates the skin like icy tendrils,

Unforgiving, blustery winds seals the cold deep within,

Each bone cries out for relief,

Each joint groans,

Each sinew tightens,

Alone within the remnants of his majestic nest,

Stands this survivor,

Winter spins at an outrageous speed,

Sub zero temperatures are nothing,

Compared to excruciating wind chills,

Still he stands,

Oblivious,

Staunch,

Overlooking his domain,

Even in darkness of night,

He is protected,

Those giant wings envelope him,

His feathers provide some semblance of warmth,

But to survive,

He must rely,

On his Creator.

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

THE BIRDS OF THE AIR . . .

Posted on February 4, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

An artist must experience life in their own way to set the wheels in motion. Paul’s love of nature and the outdoors was born with that truth. He would sit for hours in a tree stand or a duck blind, silently observing and experiencing the smells, sounds and light which enveloped him. I remember him telling of a time he was in the woods and birds actually landed on his shoulder. It didn’t surprise me, even though his stories were often embellished. He could walk into a room or up behind me as I worked in the garden, and even before I started to lose my hearing, I didn’t know he was there until he spoke. His paintings revealed a love of the outdoors. It was his sanctuary from the city life, the sounds of traffic and loud machinery. During this month, as we celebrate love, I think especially of this many faceted man who I loved with all my heart.

Morning can hold such glorious hope, a wonder to behold,

The birds give voice to each new day, with songs of love untold,

The air is clean, the sky is blue, the sun peeks from below,

The eastern clouds, encased in gold, a gift more than we know,

The dawning of the day gives way, and opens up the sky,

Behold His wondrous majesty, God’s love will never die.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, ENDURING LOVE, Nature | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

LITTLE TREASURES . . .

Posted on February 3, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

I was asked how I was doing yesterday and responded that I was doing all right. I sometimes ask myself that same question. The grieving process is different for every person. For me, I guess it hasn’t all set in yet. Time has been filled with the task of restructuring my living space. My family has been such a rock-solid bunch. I often wonder how they became that way, but I’m convinced that they’ve grown up in an environment of love, compassion and God at the center. That doesn’t mean we don’t fall apart at times. It’s the little things that make my life so blessed. As I try to organize the massive body of artwork that my husband accumulated over a lifetime, I stumble upon so many treasures. Each drawing, painting, piece of sculpture, each little sketch book becomes a look into the life of an amazing mind. I’ve come across these little drawings or studies that Paul created while sitting on the river’s edge, in a tree hunting for something or simply in a room that drew upon his imagination. In these daily finds, you can get a glimpse of a man who loved God’s creation and used his talent to share that love with others. These little notebooks, journals and hidden blessings lift me up each day. I hope that the love we shared is expressed as I present them to you with my poetry.

Butterflies tickle my insides each time I try something new
I worry and fret and often forget how Jesus knows just what to do.
He’s always around when I need Him, He walks with me all of the way.
He won’t let me down – He helps me find strength to sweep all frustration away.
No matter the day or the hour, I experience His awesome power.
He’s there at my side and with me He’ll abide through rain storm or light falling shower.
So when I am tempted to give into fear, I stand confident in His grace.
He is my defense – He helps me make sense of the difficulties that I face.
I praise Him today for all that He gives to a wretch as hopeless as me.
Because of His love, which comes from above, sins were buried and I am set free.

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief, love, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY

Posted on February 2, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

For over a hundred years, many Americans have been relying on a rodent to predict how long winter will last. For the past forty eight years we gather together for parties to celebrate the top two football teams in the country and place these athletes on a pedestal. About the same time, four boys from Liverpool arrived in New York City and changed the way we look at the phrase, “The British are coming.”

We as a nation have changed some over the years, but it’s interesting how we have a tendency to turn to things of this world for enjoyment or comfort. The Old Testament Israelites had a habit of doing that too.

God wants us to enjoy our lives. He doesn’t want us to suffer. His love is shown in so many ways and still we rely on worldly things to give us pleasure. Malachi 3:6 says, ““For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

Lord, I ask you to continue to be the hope of my life. You are the only awesome God – the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Let me always place my trust in you. Amen

Posted in aging, America, tradition | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

WOVEN TOGETHER . . .

Posted on February 2, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

A tapestry of beauty, a story told within,

Two hearts that come together a new life to begin,

Those lives blend into keepsakes of hearts that beat as one,

The fabric of this patchwork glows like the morning sun

A cloth sewn with God’s own hands will last for many years,

Tempers flare and passions flow along with many tears,

Some days arrive with blessings, while others fill with fear,

All part of God’s own story that ends when we draw near.

Believe Him without measure and trust the work He’s done,

He promised a Redeemer. a Savior for each one.

The tapestry is finished, He’s crafted it once more,

There’s hope of life eternal beyond His open door.

Trumpeter swans mate for life. Once together always together, until one or the other perishes. If the female dies first, the male will likely not mate again during his lifetime. The pair will both take part in the building of their nest along with caring for their young until they leave the nest. These gorgeous birds are the heaviest and longest flying birds in North America. Their long necks allow them to reach great depths underwater where they get much of their nourishment.

Paul and I would often go on little road trips to local nature centers to view these magnificent birds. They almost always appeared in pairs. We could see the comparison between these birds and our own lives together.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief, love, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A STUDY IN BLACK & WHITE . . .

Posted on February 1, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Cracks, crevices, breaks and terror, lurk at every turn in life,

Stumbling, falling, running, hiding, trying to escape the strife,

Fear befalls us, darkness calls us, there is no place we can hide,

Hanging onto the safety line, praying that we will not die,

As we traverse through the dangers, we need not fear nor wonder,

Our God is right there by our side, He leads our steps through thunder,

The bricks that lay within our path, He fractures with one touch,

This God of ours is so awesome, how can He love us so much?

He knows our fears and treasures us, with unconditional love,

He can move mountains, and He does, sharing power from above,

He gives us strength when ours is sapped, He breathes His life-giving breath,

He gives His power to the world, He even overcame death,

So, every step we take in life, we know we don’t walk alone.

Our precious Savior carries us when we run into a stone,

No obstacle gets in His way, He’s defeated everyone,

Now we can walk with confidence in God’s one and only Son.

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

WRITTEN ON THE WIND . . .

Posted on January 31, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

A few years ago, a dear friend from our high school days invited Paul to an art retreat in Wisconsin. The two of them had many memories from those early years, but our friend made a comment about Paul and the way he painted. He said that Paul’s paintbrush flew like the wind and seemed as though it worked almost faster than his mind. This can be seen in the painting I’ve chosen for today. We go through life, often chasing the wind, but never catch it. Imagine if we did.

Churning, swirling, pulsated by the turbulence of energy,

The long, leaf lavished limbs of mature trees,

Undulate under the rhythm of God’s breath,

Up and down, here and there, tossing, stirring,

His inspiration comes in the wind,

His Words have been breathed into the minds of men,

He speaks to us through them,

He never grows tired, never spent of energy, never sleeps,

Breathe life into me, Lord, God,

That my remaining days may be a testimony to you.

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

SUMMER DAZE . . .

Posted on January 30, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

Scenes like the one above are part of artist Paul Boecher’s growing up years. I believe this painting is near Hudson, WI. Paul’s family owned a summer home on Okauchee Lake in Oconomowoc, WI and he had many opportunities to crew on some of the larger sailboats on the weekend regattas. Many of his summertime paintings done plein air capture some of those early memories of his.

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The earth rotates as God first set it in the sky,

The winds are His, He controls whether we live or die,

He carves the trees into skeletal versions of themselves,

He releases His rain on parched grass and plantings,

He uses His powerful breath to breathe life into all things,

His power is amazing,

His majesty – beyond our comprehension,

His mercy – undeserved,

His love – unconditional,

Our salvation – a truth to sustain us in our darkest hours,

He is God.

He created us.

He lived with us and died for us,

His heart is totally in love with us,

He conquered death and we will too,

His resurrection makes us new,

Submit to Him,

Rely on Him,

Turn to Him in all trouble,

Don’t give up on Him,

For He has already won the war,

We are His and He is ours,

Take His hand and let Him lead,

And His sheep will always feed,

Filling every earthly need,

For our lives His heart did bleed,

Leading us to heaven’s door,

Where we’ll lift Him and adore,

Where our sin will be no more,

Amazing grace do we implore.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grace, grief, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

I LOVE THE ARTIST . . .

Posted on January 29, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

I cannot begin to tell you how my husband began the process of building a painting. I know he has quite a collection of sketch books which include studies of various plants, trees, wildlife, buildings, barns, lakes, waterfalls and so much more. Often these little drawings would end up as part of a future work. Being observant is important too. He would spend hours in various times of the day watching as light would change the way a final painting would come to be. His love of nature and God’s beautiful creation were key elements to the success of some of his paintings.

His career began in the advertising business. When meeting with a client he had to create ideas on paper which required a quick mind and fast fingers. Paul was equipped with both. Concepting carried him through the loss of his own business and the beginning of a new career in fine art. This also gave him the opportunity to share his talent through teaching and mentoring young and old.

To be an artist, one must first love the craft of the art he has dedicated his life to. For those who seek joy in composing music that will soothe the savage beast, years of training is required. For those of us who indulge in playing with words, basics of grammar and the use of colorful words becomes a paintbrush of sorts. It seems to me that any of the arts requires sacrificing a bit of ourselves into the creation. We can strive for perfection. We might even make a difference with our craft, but we must always remember who endowed us with those gifts in the first place and then to use them to God’s glory alone.

The sketch above has many components. You can almost notice creatures – either animal or human which are knit into the forest floor. Pieces of a finished work will eventually come together and create a piece that will continue to reveal something new as you gaze at it. The true joy comes to the artist when his work is appreciated, enjoyed or invokes a feeling or emotion. Though he’s no longer here to share Valentine’s Day, he will be my love forever. His love will live on through his art until we are reunited in heaven.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, MY LOVE!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief, love, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on I LOVE THE ARTIST . . .

A GROUPING OF MEMORIES . . .

Posted on January 29, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A collection of old memories upon the table rests,

Each one remains unblemished, yet each has passed a test,

The hat has wandered near and far, a shelter from the heat,

Through wind and rain, through snow and hail, it’s benefits replete,

The cup was used to quench his thirst on humid summer days,

The bottle filled with water to paint a summer haze,

The artist picked the flowers to bring home to his wife,

He cut them, oh so carefully, with his own pocket knife,

The bowls were added later, to make it all complete,

A treasured look at memories, yet some are bittersweet.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief, memories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

EVERLASTING LOVE . . .

Posted on January 28, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Shorter days surrender to a sky of crystal blue.
Woodland creatures make a last ditch effort to gather all they can,
Before an endless night creates a lifeless winter hue.
Shades of amber, rust and crimson fall untouched by any human hand.

I’ll hold your hand and walk with you.
Caressing each last moment in the sun.
Those golden days remain in view.
Though winter wants us now to know – it’s won.

Each season has its purpose. We walk through life that way.
For each one holds a promise of memories just begun.
So let us walk together, through these uncharted days
And pledge to love eternally and live our lives as one.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief, life after death | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

CAN I PRAY FOR YOU?

Posted on January 27, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

We may ask, “can I pray for you?” We may even sound sincere.
The problem with our listening skills. We sometimes never hear.
We’re so much in a hurry. We think we’re being nice,
But if it meant you’d help someone, five minutes would suffice.

It doesn’t take that long to ask if things are going well.
They may be really suffering – going through their private hell.
It’s up to us to give them hope – a friend to lean upon.
Someone to tell them they are loved, by God’s own precious Son.

So, when you ask “how are you?” prepare to stay a while
And don’t forget to listen and greet them with a smile.
Your love and understanding will go the extra mile
So show you really care for them. Through every single trial.

When we greet someone and say, “How are you,” or “Can I pray for you.” plan on sticking around for a while, because that person just might have a lot to say. So often we ask those questions and then go on our merry way, without another thought. Take the time to wait for their answer. Listen. Don’t leave them hanging. Our communications with each other must be sincere. but a simple question can often the floodgates of anxiety for some. Be ready to offer to pray with them or for them. Don’t just say the words. Follow through. Your words could make or break another person’s spirit if left unattended, but they could be just the right thing to cement your relationship and give hope to another person.

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

EARLY MORNING GLOW . . .

Posted on January 26, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The morning sky is changing as the days go by. The sun is rising earlier and so am I.

My sleep has been sporadic as I open up my eyes, to views that seem so distant in a sun kissed sky.

We took our little road trips to keep our vision new. We drove through empty landscapes but still enjoyed the view.

The days are creeping slowly by but they are filled with love. Not through passing words, but a presence from above.

I feel your presence in those times, you’re knit within my flesh. To live without you in my life is now my greatest test.

Tears fall in just an instant, with no apparent reason, but like that sepia image the colors change in season.

This emptiness I’m feeling now will pass as changing skies. I think that you’re now painting them with clear and perfect eyes.

Posted in Inspiration, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

THE LORD OF ALL . . .

Posted on January 25, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Mountainous clouds enshroud a sky of black,
Filled with tears from the Lord of all.
He sees and He knows our tribulation.
The depth of our sorrow is in His hands.
There is nothing we can do to take away our sadness.
We cannot change the course of our lives,
But He has turned His own tears to cleansing waters
Through the death of His beloved Son.
Washed – forgiven from sin’s deadly pain,
We can dance in His refreshing rain.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, eternal life, grief | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

THE ROAD HOME . . .

Posted on January 24, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Our journey through this life is filled with tangles, obstacles and messes along the way. This pencil sketch depicts the many roads we can take. Our choices can be burdensome or smooth sailing. God gives us the ability to decide which road to take by giving us a free will, but often that leads us down the wrong path. When we allow Him to lead the way, the roadblocks are just bumps in the road.

So many times we turn away a stranger. We push them out and never let them in.

Yet one so small lay in a lowly manger. So He could touch our stone-like hearts of sin.

He came in poverty to wash away those sins. He lived that way so we’d have wealth unknown.

When we push Him out you know devil wins.  We simply cannot get through life alone.

So open up your heart to Him today.  Our Jesus wants to make His home right there.

He loves us even when we turn away.  He cares for us and answers every prayer.

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

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