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

HOW DO WE GET WISDOM?

Posted on January 18, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

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

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

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

Wisdom grows from experience, through trial and disappointment,

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

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

A gift,

One of many,

Given by the Creator,

Not always easy to achieve,

Often lost during times of decision,

Often deferred for the sake of self-gratification,

Often defined by circumstances,

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

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

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

GRAFTED IN . . .

Posted on January 17, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A vine will truly flourish if more are grafted in,

The main root still does nourish the weaker ones within,

We all like sweet additions can gain and also give,

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

Attach yourself to Jesus, give him your very life,

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

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

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

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

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

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

CROSSING BRIDGES . . .

Posted on January 16, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

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

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

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

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

We stumble over obstacles, we crash into a wall,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL CREATURES GREAT & SMALL . . .

Posted on January 15, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Trees stretch their limbs up to the clouds

Reaching almost high enough to touch the face of God,

Swaying gently in the summer breeze,

Or brilliantly bathed in a palette of warmth,

Eventually they lose their foliage,

Their barren limbs weep,

As frigid winter air fills with ice,

Spring brings new life,

With each tiny, insignificant bud,

Blooming slowly into a rich canopy to provide shade,

For the tiny creatures below,

God has created this masterpiece just for us,

His love is greater than our tiny hearts deserve.

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

WALKING WITH JESUS . . .

Posted on January 14, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A LIFETIME RESTORED . . .

Posted on January 13, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

What happened to days of our untethered youth

When what was required depended on truth?

When worries were few and troubles unknown.

What happened from then to the now that has grown?

Our days filled with moments both carefree and fun,

Too quickly we find nothing under the sun

Will satisfy fully or give us true peace.

We watch as our hope and delight now decrease.

Time passes in torrents. In storms it does fly.

Our laughter we mourn and often we cry.

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

Our hearts often give up in complete disrepair.

We come to our God with bruises and scars,

Of bludgeoning wounds which surpass all the stars.

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

Our youth then returns as the victory is won.

We come to Him broken and clinging to life,

We come when no longer we can bear the strife.

We finally let go and let God do His best.

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

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

CLOTHED IN MAJESTY . . .

Posted on January 12, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE CAN I HIDE?

Posted on January 11, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

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

When tears of tribulaltion, become our daily song,

Our Holy God, Almighty, provides a perfect spot,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He gives much more than riches and true salvation brings.

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