ANOTHER GEM . . .

Posted on February 18, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

I had to do a little research on this painting. It almost looks like it originates in Italy. Actually, it was painted in Hudson, WI, one of Paul’s favorite places to paint outdoors. The Bugatti logo remains on the side of what used to be an auto shop owned by the Gohlike brothers. They opened their company restoring rare pre-World War 11 automobiles in 1982. The company didn’t last long, but the Bugatti image remains as a reminder of what once was.

Bold brush strokes, slide across an empty canvas,

A dab of color, a splash of pigment, the imagination of the artist,

What we see may not match his interpretation,

What we feel through his interpretation is his goal,

The artists lays the paint, scrumbling colors together,

Blending,

Adding light,

Filling negative spaces,

Always thinking about the end result,

Always hoping to touch a heart,

To inspire,

To engage,

To bring joy,

Life is made of memories,

We sometimes dwell too much on them,

We often revise them to fit our current situation,

Or paint over our original imagery,

Whatever our intention,

We should face it with a joyful heart,

Clinging to the hope that our true Creator has designed for us.

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

GOD KNOWS . . .

Posted on February 17, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

The days are growing longer but soon daylight savings time will come and confuse us again. Only God can place the sun in the sky as it circles the earth. When man tries to manage things without God’s precision, there will be confusion. When we interfere in the will of God, we’re chasing the wind. He is in complete control of the rising and setting of the sun. That should give us such comfort. This painting was done at dawn on site, The location was an old inner-city area with rundown warehouse buildings. Paul tried to catch the light on that early morning, but only God can turn something ugly into a masterpiece.

Jesus knew His final hours were coming to a close.  He knew this would be the last Passover He’d spend with His disciples.  He was fully aware of what lay ahead.  His mission was about to be accomplished.

How did He know?

He knew, a few days prior, that a donkey would be waiting for Him within the city.  He knew that a room would be prepared for Him and His homeless band of disciples.  He knew someone in that room would betray Him and another would deny Him.

How did He know?

He knew the hour of His death, but He wanted to fill their hearts with a few final lessons before it occurred – lessons that seemed impossible to them.  He knew He had to do what was expected of Him.  His human flesh longed for a different outcome, but His divinity told Him it was the only way.

How did He know?

He knew that by washing their feet, he was demonstrating how they should serve others.  He knew their fears.  He knew they wouldn’t be alone in their future struggles, just like we can count on His omnipresence.  He knew He had to suffer in our place.  He accepted His fate because of His great love for humanity.  He knew it was God’s will.

How did He know?

He knew that His disciples would fall asleep in the garden as He prayed.  He realized his need to talk to His Father – to beg Him that this cup be taken from Him.  He sweat drops of blood as He made His final appeal, knowing there was no escape.

How did He know?

He knew He would conquer death.  He would win the victory over sin and the devil. He knew that His resurrected body would reveal itself to them once more before He ascended into heaven to reign forever as our King of Kings.

How did He know?  He is God!

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

A TABLE FOR TWO . . .

Posted on February 16, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

It’s the last day of Valentine’s weekend. I’ve chosen this painting and poetry to finish it off. I was one of the fortunate to have married my high school sweetheart and spend 60 years together as husband and wife. God chose for us to be together for a lifetime, because He knew we would complement one another. We were exact opposites at the beginning, but we grew as one during that time. When Paul went heaven, part of me went with him.


ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Each Valentine’s Day they met there, a table for two was set,

Vase with a flower were set there, a place they’d never forget,

For years it became a habit, one that would keep love alive,

With time they’d willingly grab it, moments like this made them thrive.

With each passing year their love grew, they’d always count on this date,

To restart, replenish, renew, and all their troubles abate,

The obstacles they encountered, strengthened their bond and resolve,

The journey they shared through each day, would simply never dissolve.

Days turned to years and they flourished, but death came to visit one,

Their love survived and was nourished, at a table for two, set for one,

Each year the tradition goes on, their love will never subside,

And when they’re rejoined in heaven, forever they will abide.

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

MY FOREVER VALENTINE . . .

Posted on February 15, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Yesterday was possibly the first Valentine’s Day that we weren’t together. I found this post from seven years ago which I wrote to my forever Valentine. This special day was one that didn’t always include flowers or candy. It always included a love that can’t be described in words. Even in this last year of his life, I knew that our love would go on until I join him someday in heaven.

The touch of your hand, the power behind the hugs you give,

The joy I receive when I see you smile and know you have peace,

The feeling I get when you come home from a trip,

The tears I shed when we disagree or misunderstand each other,

The way my heart hurts when you hurt,

The laughter we’ve shared for so many years,

Your silly jokes, your funny little dance, the way your humor still makes me laugh and laugh,

The feeling I get when I look into your eyes,

The tenderness of your kisses,

The security I feel when locked in your embrace,

The knowledge I have that we will see each other again in eternity,

The satisfaction I experience knowing that we have had a wonderful life together even in the most difficult of times,

The leader you’ve become through your teaching, sharing and caring for those you lead.

The enthusiasm you give to everything you do,

Your love for God – the Father, Son and Holy Ghost,

Your appreciation and interest in preserving the beauty of this world through your art,

Your talent, your zeal, your unselfishness, your faith,

These are just a few of the reasons I love you.

Thank you and thank God for allowing me to grow old with you.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, TO THE MAN I WILL ALWAYS LOVE!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, ENDURING LOVE, life after death | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

EVERYONE MATTERS . . .

Posted on February 13, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This acrylic painting, done completely with a pallet knife, is one of many favorites because it exhibits movement, contrast, depth and an energy which is often difficult to capture with mere brush strokes. Paul experimented with many media. I love this one because it demonstrates his ability to capture God’s majesty with many different tools, We all have been given different gifts to use for God’s glory. It’s up to us to put those gifts to work. We all matter so much to our Creator that He paid the ultimate price to win our salvation.

You can almost imagine the sound of a babbling brook,

Trickling rapidly over rocks,

winding over obstacles, but still persisting,

Each turn in that flowage, touches something along the way,

We can be like that force,

As we tumble through life, we touch others,

Our presence has some impact on those we meet,

Either good or bad,

Wouldn’t it be grand if we made a huge difference,

If we could change another’s circumstances,

Lend a hand,

Be a friend,

We can reach beyond our wildest imaginations,

We can inspire, encourage, support, care,

With those tools,

We are making a difference,

Not only in someone else’s life,

But in our own.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God's plans, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

UNDESERVED LOVE . . .

Posted on February 12, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When bruised and injured we do fall, before our Father’s throne And look upon the lamb once slain for all sins to atone, Our pain is nothing next to His, our wounds are all but naught. The blood He shed, His torturous death were all with insult fraught,

But still the Son of God went forth in dignity and strength, He took our place and bore the cross until His dying breath, Three days went by. He shunned the grave and rose to life again. He did this so I too could claim a life in heaven with Him.

Sweet Jesus you have walked the road that I deserved to go.You did this oh so willingly and You knew just what to do So when I’m feeling battered and pulled in many ways, remind me of the walk you took and please accept the praise.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, eternal life, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on UNDESERVED LOVE . . .

UNTIL OUR DYING DAY

Posted on February 11, 2025 by atimetoshare.me
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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

We sat, just the two of us, looking out upon the still waters,

You held my hand in yours with strength and love,

Two bodies, yet one,

We’ve grown together from children into old age,

Still the touch of your hand excites, brings comfort and peace,

Our minds have matured like fine wine,

Our hearts have melded together through our common faith,

Love will not die even when life ends,

We will always be together.

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

LONGING FOR SUMMER . . .

Posted on February 10, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Summer seems so far away especially when a blanket of white covers the grass, the trees and the roads. It’s a good time to bring up a summer painting. Memories of a sunny day, with boats in the harbor is welcome as we face bone chilling temperatures this week, This is also the week of Paul’s birthday. He would have been 83 tomorrow. What a blessing to spend this special day in heaven. It’s also Valentine’s Day week. The love of my life will always remain in my heart.

Like ships in the night, we pass through this life,
We’re tossed and oft crushed by the waves,
We sometimes sail peacefully then there comes strife,
It seems not a single one saves.

We enter a harbor protected and safe,
It cradles and calms all our fears,
A sweet sanctuary, a place to call home,
Unbound by sheer terror or tears,

Still waters there greet us, He’s waiting to meet us,
The Savior and King of the world,
No more shall we struggle our path is made clear,
His cloak of salvation unfurled.

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

WE ARE NEVER ALONE . . .

Posted on February 9, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The path is sparse and destitute, with danger all around,

I know I’m never all alone. Your arm will me surround,

The wind declares your glory, the sun will guide my ways,

My tongue is parched, my voice is weak, too weak to sing your praise.

In darkness some relief may come, but still the fear of death,

Lurks everywhere the shadows fall, with every waking breath,

I call the righteous name of God to take away my stress,

To lead me to refreshing springs, and feel His fond caress.

He turns mountains into valleys, the dry land becomes wet,

Resurrecting His great bounty, He never will forget,

The fear of death seems to linger, He stays with me still,

His love brings refreshment, as a life giving thrill.

To You, my Redeemer, my God, You take me from death’s door,

You renew me and set me free, You raise me and much more,

You crush those who stand in the way of blessings that you give,

You gave your own begotten Son, so the rest of us could live.

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

GOD’S REFLECTED LIGHT . . .

Posted on February 8, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The glory of God’s majesty spilled into my window this morning,

Is it a foreshadowing of good things to come?

Alone I sit in its warmth

Wrapped in its glistening light,

Soaking in the rays of heaven,

Feeling God’s presence,

Delighting in His perfection,

There is nothing like looking beyond the snow,

The ice,

The crystallized frost which coats the windows,

Into the depth of God’s warmth,

His comfort,

His strong yet gentle arms,

I rest in the knowledge that even though the thermometer registers below zero,

My heart is warmed by the heat of God’s sun drops,

It was bound to happen. Here in the tundra of Minnesota, winter wouldn’t be winter without a good old fashioned snow event. I remember days long ago when we would gather our three children and cross-country skis and venture out to one of the local parks. The two older children were eager to show off their skills, while the youngest sat comfortably on the back of her daddy as he dashed gingerly through the freshly fallen white stuff. I would bring up the rear as usual. As time went by, it was apparent that the two older kids would inherit their dad’s sense of adventure. Snow sports included snow mobiles, downhill skis and snowshoes. Their dad taught them to enjoy every season and God’s amazing creation, while mom and youngest daughter would rather go shopping or out to lunch. I guess every member of a family is unique, but their differences add so much to the mix. I thank God each day for the blessings He’s bestowed on me through all of them. Paul continues the adventure in a perfect, healthy body. Can’t wait to be together again.

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

UNDER THE SUN …

Posted on February 7, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

There is nothing new under the sun.

Things we do wrong have already been done

The sins of today are nothing new.

Most men have observed this to be true.

All we experience has been done before.

The hopes we aspire to aren’t new anymore.

The trials we face and the battles we’ve won,

Have been conquered by another one.

The beauty we long for – the time that we crave

Will go along with us when we enter the grave.

It may seem defeatist to go on this way,

But still there is something to brighten our day.

Though life may seem futile and desperate for some,

There’s hope for all creatures. It’s already come.

It came straight from heaven, the work has been done.

Now all things are new when lived under the SON!

When life has been ravaged by years of struggle and disappointment, our thoughts naturally question what we’ve done to deserve this. Jesus told His followers not to worry. He assured them that everything has a purpose. So why do difficult things follow like a black cloud hanging over our heads? Some seem to be able to handle difficult times better than others. Some wonder why those times continue on and on. History repeats itself. There is really nothing new under the sun. We make the same mistakes. We blame others for our plight. We beat ourselves up with guilt. For the past few years this prayer has kept me going. It gives me hope and promise. “Thank you, Jesus, for another day.” A simple prayer with few words makes a troubling time less heavy. God know our needs before we do. He provides answers. He leads us in the right direction and guides our footsteps as we go through life. Jesus also said, “In this world you will have troubles, but I have overcome the world.”

THANK YOU, JESUS FOR ANOTHER DAY!


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

BE STILL & KNOW . . .

Posted on February 6, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

During these cold and snowy months, the plein air artist retreats to the warm recesses of his indoor studio. For Paul, anywhere he was, became a studio. In these last years, he would often make art while sitting in a chair or on the couch. The memories of an outdoor landscape, the recollection of a scenic park, the colors of spring, summer and fall, were all drawn upon as he sketched. In going through his many photographs recently, I found scenes he had painted by simply referring to those photos. Other things could be arranged to capture a still life painitng. Again, a stickler for detail and the creation of a story through his art, Paul could take ordinary things and turn them into the extraordinary. Being quiet was unusual for Paul, but when he entered the memories he had photographed in his mind, his art took on a voice of its own.

Weary of the noise of media attention,

Exhausted by virtuous and often untrue claims,

Troubled hearts cling to greater intervention,

Longing for refreshment from the flames,

Looking up is what we need for our salvation,

God alone brings peace from all our shames,

Quieting the dissidence and excitation,

Giving love instead of naming names,

Sin no more holds constant consternation,

Through His Son our guilt no longer blames.

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

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