A little bit today on work at home/ stay at home/ homeschooling/ marketplace/city /rural life and all the thoughts that go along with that.

I'm so glad I listened to God when He told me to paint. It has led to many open doors for me as a Christian sharing the gospel, as a mother, financially, among other things.

The important thing is to not look around at what everyone else is doing but to be confident in Gods voice in your life and in your gifts and talents and what He has put in you!

I have had so much opportunity in the past 12 years its almost ridiculous. And to think if I had listened to people who were just type casting me, I would have missed all of this. All of the ministry and joy! All of the using what God put in me to grow and advance the kingdom. I get to do it and it's a pleasure. I don't have to do it, but I want to!! I get to!!

The answer might not be what you think... stick with me though, and read our testimony at www.melissalyonsart.com

You have a friend who is a great encourager, his name is Jesus and he wants to empower you to partner with him to love your spouse well, because God loves him /her WAY more than you do ! You need to release yourself from the struggle, the discouragement and the constant heightened emotions so you can hear the Holy Spirit clearly.

Do you struggle with thinking that what you paint is just not enough? Maybe it's not different enough from everyone else or how could something that is so simple and natural to you possibly work? Today I am sharing a sweet, powerful story about Robin who came to my last creative weekend. I am telling the strory of how I was able to help her put down a canvas and change lanes before the discouragement set in. Did you know that you already have in you, everything you need?! You do ! Be encouraged!

Our first podcast! Today we talked about God telling me to paint and how our life has been impacted by that! Scott talks a little bit about getting out of the navy and we talk about how important it was for me to be a stay at home mom. Also, Scott was not a believer when God told me to paint so how did he take it? Find out!