As they create, artists experiences a journey and certain meaning behind their work. However, sometimes viewers pick up a different interpretation or connection than they does.

Here is an email that one of my clients sent me about three pieces he bought as a set. Except I didn’t paint them as a set. I don’t connect them together until he did.

“I don't remember which of these three sacred paintings by Mrs. Jessica Broich I saw first, but I do remember clearly the sense I got that they belong together, and tell the Holy Story of God's redeeming love."

"I can't speak for the artist of course, but as a worshipful observer I see in the first piece God the Father, the Holy and Most Merciful God tearing the veil separating humanity from Himself, as the Lamb of God gave up His life to save us from our sin and damnation.

In the second I see the victory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lord of all.  To those who receive Him as risen Lord and Savior, the fires of hell are drowned by the Son of God and His Living Water.

In the third I see the Holy Spirit of God, sent from the Father and the Son into and upon His people, rescued by Jesus and representing Him to the world. "

"We purchased these paintings for our (medical) office prayer room and they serve as a holy and constant reminder during daily morning prayer of the central/core reality of our existence and our mission.  We are a Christian pain management practice whose purpose is to point people to Jesus as the Living Embodiment of the saving and healing Love of God.  

"Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed." 
                         -Isaiah 53:4-5"

Dr. Heath McAnally, Eagle River, Alaska. To view his medical practice click here.

I was delighted by Heath’s encounter with my art. However, this can be frustrating for some artists as they want control over the message of their work. I have had to learn to let go and let the art speak for itself. If God is going to use my imagination and paint to bless someone I do not need to understand every interpretation.

I want to give you permission to see, feel and experience art separate from the artist’s interpretation. Yes, what I have to say about my work might be helpful but sometimes it’s not. No one can tell you want part of your journey you are on and God wants to meet you in the middle using whatever methods of communication will capture your heart.

So please tell me if you see something new in one of my piece that I have missed. I want to invite you into these artistic stories.

But this was not the worst part. The worst part was the fear that I watched descend on some of my loved ones and those I watch on social media. Fear of this unseen enemy and how it would upset their lives. Fear. It seemed to be a living thing more contagious than the virus.​

I understand things are changing and people are dying but I want to tell you that Fear is not what the Father of Heaven is offering in the face of COVID-19. On the contrary, I believe He is offering Hope, Peace, Love and a unique opportunity for Him to provide in creative ways.

One last thought. While in North Carolina I had my own experience with intense fear. Once it had passed and I was processing it with God He gave me a valuable word. He told me, "You have the blood of Fear on your sword. Your sword does not forget the blood of your enemies." These words were a promise to me that I had won a victory despite how my body and emotions felt. My spirit will remember that victory the next time fear came knocking.​

Your story can be the same.

​Do you ever have trouble starting something new that requires inspiration? Like writing a paper, creating an art project or tackling a challenge at work? If you don't struggle in this area I congratulate you. If you do I have a story to tell.
 
I was at church one night when in my mind's eye I saw a picture of Jesus grinning by a large barrel.
 
"Come here," he said and proceeded to pour me a glass of something. Only slightly hesitant I saw myself taking it and drinking it.
 
Afterwards I asked, "So what is this?"
 
"It's inspiration," Jesus said, patting the top of the barrel, "And this belongs to you."

​"Me?" I looked down and thought I saw something swimming in my glass. As I peered closely it was like a tiny movie was playing in the reflection of the liquid. Was I literally drinking a new story?
 
"Yes. Do you remember the old Greek legend about the muses?"
 
"The beings that inspired creativity?"
 
He nodded. "It was believed that artists had to appease them, and even chase them. Many people still view their creative gifts that way. That inspiration will strike when you least expect it, and if you don't drop everything and cater to the thought or idea it will vanish. Who knows when it will strike again? It's easy to become a slave to the process if you are constantly dropping important things to chase inspiration."
 
"I'm very familiar with that thought process. Is that how creativity really is?"
 
"In part. It's true ideas can come out of nowhere but the lie appears when you believe you have no control when an idea will come. You see this barrel? In my kingdom inspiration is always on tap. In fact there are whole rooms in Heaven devoted to inspiration and stories not yet born. Because you are my daughter you can dip into them any time you ask."

​And that promise has remained true even years later. I have never been left high and dry without a creative word or picture to paint. It doesn’t always hit instantly, but if I wait and ask it always comes. This takes a lot of fear out of creating because I know I will have something to work with. God provides the raw materials and then we get to sculpt them together.
 
Maybe you feel like you have to chase inspiration in your area of influence and that it often eludes you. I encourage you to ask God to give you access to the inspiration He has gifted you, both now and into the future. Why don't you take a moment and ask? If you need help you can read along with the pray below.
 
Heavenly father, thank you for being good and for the areas of influence You have given me. I ask for the creativity and inspiration to help those around me and to grow. Give me access to the divine thoughts and strategies You have already established in Heaven so that I can walk out my calling. I choose to receive them and to wait on your timing. Thank You.
 
I'm excited for the new stories and inspiration that is waiting to flow through you. The world needs what you are going to bring forth.

​They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. What happens if your family line seems twisted with destruction, divorce, poor choices or sad endings? Are you doomed to repeat these cycles like a poor apple destined to stay close to the blighted tree?
 
For several seasons I’ve been pondering the idea of freedom and family legacy. In my experience I have met a handful of people who look at their family and murmur, “Look at this. I’ve been dealt a bad hand.” They might even use this as an excuse why they can’t walk into freedom or why life is so hard. Is what “they” say about apples correct?
 
I don’t think so. I think this is where the hero’s journey really begins. And yes you can be the hero of your own story, not just a puppet following what others have planned for you.

I heard a great speaker say “be the golden apple on your family tree.” That is where the inspiration of this painting was gleaned. We can become a golden apple, blessing everyone on the tree around us. I picture a golden apple as the person in the family who offers encouragement, peace and resources. They are the ones you want to spend time with.
 
I want to be a golden apple. So how do we become one? I don’t believe it happens on accident. It takes questing, learning stewardship and keeping close to God’s Voice. There are dragon’s to slay and healing to embrace. When the hero’s journey ends and the golden apple finally falls off the tree, a new group of trees can come into being. Trees that are golden. 

So far for me this epic journey has been worth it. I’m sure it will be for you too.

Thoughts to Ponder:
Who is the leader in your family?
 
If you are the golden apple who can you turn to to be encouraged by? Who can you pour into in your family that also could become a golden apple?
 
If you don’t feel like the leader or encourager in your family pick one person you are related to that you can say a kind word to today. Then do the same thing tomorrow. And the next day.
 
Encouragement:
The journey is available to you to become a golden apple and to change the direction of your family tree. Ask and you will find. Knock and God will open doors for this to become a reality. Remember, chains broken in one generation can stop slavery in the next.

"Family Tree," 24"x30", Acrylic, December 2018

​When I was nineteen I had my life figured out. I was perhaps slightly behind since I had not locked down a plan when I was eighteen. Still better late than never. Everything was in place: I would go off to college, eventually earn a master's degree in counseling and then move back to the beautiful state of Alaska. I would fall in love, marry a man who was in alignment with my plan and eventually have kids — preferably two. I would build a successful counseling practice, impact my community, and, in general, change the world.
 
I was full of confidence as I headed to college in Oregon. I put posters all over my dorm room of Alaskan mountains and wild life, determined not to go a day without seeing a glimpse of the Great Land. This strange new state sure didn't feel like home.
 
But then half way through my sophomore year Oregon did feel like home and my well laid plan fell to pieces.

That summer when I went back to Alaska nothing had changed about the glorious mountains or the pristine air. But I had changed on the inside and my sense of belonging to this ancient land was gone.

​I panicked. Not only was Alaska no longer my home but I no longer wanted to be a professional counselor. Oh and it became clear that the guy I had been crushing on since week two of my freshman year was not going to be my future husband. I was having a mid-college crises before I had even archived the second step of my master plan.
 
Have you ever had God pull a course correction on you? The life trajectory you were on needed a nudge and He happily obliged? For a planner this is not fun or at least it wasn't fun the first, second and third time He has done this to me. I grieve in the process but after the fact I am grateful He cares enough to step in. Always His story turns out better than if I had been leading.
 
I graduated with just a bachelor's degree, and fell in love twice before the right man asked me to marry him. I've traveled to Asia and back and learned that no matter what people group I find myself in I end up adoring them. Several months ago I looked back and realize a full decade has passed since I moved to Oregon. And I am still in this incredible place. I talked to my husband as the date of my ten year anniversary approached and asked his thoughts on buying something to celebrate. No “celebrate” is not the right word. “Commemorate” is a better fit.
 
I want to remember that God had me stay a decade in a land I never expected to live in. I need to remember how much I don't know the plan He has and that He wants to bless me with the unexpected. The people I have met down here are amazing, and if I had not stayed I probably would not be married to my wonderful husband. The opportunities for adventure and impact over the past decade have fed the desire of my heart that was initially kindled when I was nineteen.
 
And so I went out and bought a necklace. A compass pendant. It's a reminder of a decade well spent and that sometimes God changes the sails of your ship. I have come to trust that He knows what He is doing.

What's something in your life that you are grateful for and want to remember?

​I was in a season of waiting. Waiting for several large life transitions. Waiting. Waiting. It lasted for months. I’m not very fond of waiting.
 
Every time I tried to check in with God I would get the strangest sensation inside my soul. It felt like a cold clear night, where you can see the starts and your breath. Like the deep breath before something new. My painting "New Beginnings" was inspired by this sensation. I knew that on the other side of the waiting something amazing was going to happen. Like a star being born.
 
But I didn’t know when the new beginning would start or when I would paint the picture.

​It wasn’t until May 2019, five months after I started seeing the picture that I felt like it was time. I was at the Amazing Grace Women’s Conference painting on stage for over 120 wonderful women. The theme of the event was “reaching” and I could not help but think of reaching into the void of waiting. It’s best to be reaching for God before your star is born.
 
After I decided on this picture I found out that the theme verse was “For great is your love, reaching to the heavens: your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” Psalm 57:10 (NIV). That made me smile as I started painting this scene in the heavens.
 
I wanted to finish the painting at the conference but that didn’t happen. In fact, the fiery particles surrounding the new star took two months to finish. Aaron and I had several conversations about my pieces and almost every time he said something along the lines of “the colors are lovely but the painting didn’t look like it’s in space. Light in space doesn’t act that way.” As I continued to work the paint and craft the piece my season of waiting for life circumstance also persisted.

​Then two amazing things happened. First, I was able to follow my husband’s artistic advance and finished the painting. Second, I had a revelation about new beginnings that redirected my focus and brought peace to my soul.
 
As I began to write about this painting I got stuck. I was focused so much on the star and the anticipation of the breakthrough that God had to gently nudge my spirit. I believe He said, “New beginnings are never the beginning of the story.”
 
This caused a long pause in my spirit before I was able to absorb what He was saying. At first I didn't want to look beyond the relief of breakthrough. But the more I pondered the more I started to grasp His point.
 
Here is what I wrote in my journal 7/21/19.
 
“New beginnings look like “and Suddenly” from the outside and can often be marked by a moment, an event or a shift. But a new beginning never just happens. There is always a story proceeding it; preparation, thoughts and choices (good or bad). I myself have often prayed for God to break into my circumstances with a drastic change. Most of the time it’s because I wanted deliverance from something without having to do anything. I wanted a change now, with only a prayer as my partnering act with God. But new beginnings are best when you embrace and value the journey leading up to it. The “and suddenly” of God is amazing but it’s a very small part of the story and the relational journey.
 
There is a process, a story and even a death before the big bang of a new beginning. As we partner with God’s timing we don’t have to be impatient and passive. We can pray and ask God how we can participate in the process leading up to our breakthrough.” 

​After these reflections here are some questions I have started asking myself and God in the middle of my waiting. Perhaps they can help you as well.
 
Am I willing to participate in the process before my new beginning?
What can I do while I am waiting that still connects with my new beginning?
What are other examples in my life where there was a new beginning and what was the story of the process leading up to it?
 
My challenge to myself and to you is to embrace the process before our awaited new beginning and to allow joy to filter through each step of the journey.

"New Beginnings", 24"x30", Acrylic, July 2019

​Do you know people who make New Year resolutions? Maybe you are one. More power to you, but I have a slightly different tradition. Instead of picking one or more things I wish to change after December 31st I ask for a word. That's right. A word that will go on to define the new year.
 
Several years ago I was telling a friend about this practice and she was slightly perplexed. She was used to reflecting back on a year in December and then coming up with a word that marked that season of her life. I asked her if she and ever asked for the word ahead of time. She hadn't, but now she also has adapted this practice because it can be life changing.
 
You see I believe God still speaks today. I believe He knows what's around the bend in the coming year and that He has provision for anything and everything that we will come up again: the good, the bad and the ugly. For me, the word I hear in my heart before the strike of midnight is encouragement that lasts a long time. It's also a mystery I get to ponder, a treasure I get to guard and a conversation point between God and me all year.
 
I have a decade of these words under my belt and they have predicted several pivotal moments in my life. 

​In 2010 I asked for the first time just before midnight. The word I heard quietly inside was "Hope". Less than a month later I was introduced to a church that became my family for the next seven years and was a catalyst for my spiritual growth. That same night I also met my future husband, though we did not start dating until several years later.
 
In 2012 my word was "Love". I started a romantic relationship and then watched it implode all within that year. It was a painful lesson to learn that sometimes love means letting someone walk away from you. My brother also moved from Alaska to attend the same college as me and our sibling love grew to a whole new level.
 
In 2013 my word was "Listen". I don't know how well I walked this one out. I started dating Aaron that year and communication was one of our biggest challenges. I had to learn to listen to someone whom I loved but sometimes didn't understand. I also was fresh out of college and eagerly listening to what God wanted me to do with my life. This meant a lot of time praying and being attentive to opportunities He was bringing into my life.
 
In 2015 my word was "Fulfillment". At the beginning of 2015 I was dating Aaron and wanted to get married, but it seemed like a far off dream. January was tough; between not knowing when my dad would give his blessing and the communication problems Aaron and I were still walking through. Halfway through the year God started bringing everything into place. In June Aaron asked me to marry him. He had a ring and the full backing of my family. By the end of November we were married and in December we moved into a beautiful apartment with a Mt. Hood view. This fulfillment year launched us into the most incredible marriage I could have ever imagined.

​In 2019 my word were "New Beginnings." God radically shifted where my spare time and energy was funneling. Art became one of my top focuses, which I was not expecting  at all. This website was born and many amazing live art opportunities came my way. I started asking God and myself often "what new doors can I walk through now?" This was a far cry from where I was at the beginning of the year.
 
So what's in store for 2020 for me and for you? I would start asking God or contemplating if you don't have a word yet. It doesn't have to be a fancy word or even a new thought. Just give your heart time to quiet down and see what the first word is that comes to mind. Then write it down some place you can see it or get a painting commission about it. You will want to see it all year to keep it as something to ponder and act on.
 
If you are reading this post and we are far into the new year you can jump in at any time. If you haven't already listen for your word it's not too late.
 
What's my 2020 word? Grace. I'm sure as my readers you will hear more about this as the journey into 2020 unfolds.

"Choices," 24"x30", Acrylic, February 2014