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Have you ever wondered if your dream is actually worth the time you're spending on it, or if you're just being a little frivolous?

I hear this question a lot, and under the surface, it's rarely about the dream itself. It's about whether you're worth pursuing it.

In this episode we look at the story of David and Goliath. David didn't have the armor, the size, or the resume. What he had was confidence in the name of the Lord he was standing in. That's the same confidence available to you, whether your dream feels too small, too late, or too uncertain right now.

We're talking about:

• Why your security has to be settled in Christ before you take the next step toward your dream
• Two simple questions that help you test if a dream has real, redemptive value
• Why "am I capable enough" might be the wrong question entirely

If you've been stuck wondering whether your dream has value and worth, or if you're the right person to carry it, this episode is for you.

This episode originally aired on 2/15/2022

Devoted Dreamers is hosted by Merritt Onsa — Christian life coach, mentor, speaker, and founder of the Dream Believers community. New episodes drop every week for the woman who believes her best chapter isn't behind her.

If you want to keep working through questions like these in a supportive environment with other women who get it, come join us in Dream Believers. You don't have to figure this out alone.

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)

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~ Are you afraid you might hear God wrong and somehow miss the dream He has for you?

This episode is for the Christian woman who keeps wondering, What if I choose the wrong path? What if this dream is just my idea? What if I make a mistake and miss God’s plan for my life?

I understand that fear because I’ve asked those questions too.

In this solo episode, I’m talking about hearing God’s voice, finding your calling, and what it actually means to move forward in faith when certainty is nowhere to be found.

I also share part of my story from a long season of singleness, when I wanted God to make everything painfully clear but, instead, had to learn that trust was not the same thing as getting the answers I wanted.

If you’ve been stuck in self-doubt, afraid of stepping outside your comfort zone, or worried that your God-shaped dream depends on you getting everything exactly right, I hope this conversation brings relief.

In this episode, I’m talking about:

• Why fear of hearing God wrong can keep you frozen
• What Scripture says about purpose, gifts, and identity in Christ
• How to take a faithful next step without having the whole plan figured out

I’ll also invite you to look back over the story God has already written in your life: your experiences, gifts, passions, people, places, and the redemption He has already worked in you.

You do not need to wait until every question is answered.

You do not need to hold your dream with a white-knuckled grip.

You can trust that God is big enough to guide you, correct you, sanctify you, and use you even when your steps feel imperfect.

If you're ready to pursue your dream in a way that's rooted in Scripture, aligned with how you're wired, and supported by women who get it, come find your people 👉 merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers

Devoted Dreamers is hosted by Merritt Onsa — Christian life coach, mentor, speaker, and founder of the Dream Believers community. New episodes drop every week for the woman who believes her best chapter isn't behind her.

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)

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~ Have you ever felt like you were in a holding pattern with your dream?

If you’re wondering what to do with a season of waiting, this episode is for you. I'm so glad you're here.

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Heather Holleman, author, speaker, and Penn State instructor who has spent decades helping women fall in love with God's Word.

This half of the conversation might be the most practically encouraging thing I've shared in a long time.

We pick up right where we left off in the previous episode (#363), and Heather gets honest about what to do when you're in a slow season, when your dream feels buried, and when you're not sure what the next step even is.

Here's some of what we cover:

• The five file folder strategy Heather used during a season of preparation and how it became the foundation for everything God has built in her life
• What changes when you put worship before the dream
• The question Heather says every dreamer needs to ask

What I love about Heather is that she never lets the dream become bigger than the dream maker.

She reminds us that we are chosen by God for His purposes and that the work He has prepared for us will come as we abide in Him, not as we hustle our way toward it.

If you are a midlife Christian woman who wants to pursue a dream God has placed on your heart but you're tired of striving, this conversation is going to feel like a deep breath.

Heather also pointed us to Ephesians, especially chapters 1 and 2, as a foundation for understanding who we are in Christ before we go chasing any dream. I'd love for you to read it alongside this episode.

If you missed part 1, go back and listen to Episode 363. Then come back here and let Heather finish what she started.

And if you're looking for a community of women who take both faith and dreams seriously, come find us at Dream Believers. It is one of my favorite places on the internet, and I'd love to have you there.

👉 merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers

🔗 Connect with Heather Holleman

Website: https://heatherholleman.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writer.heatherholleman/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherholleman/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-holleman-6b101941/

Devoted Dreamers is hosted by Merritt Onsa — Christian life coach, mentor, speaker, and founder of the Dream Believers community. New episodes drop every week for the woman who believes her best chapter isn't behind her.

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)

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~ This week marks 10 years of the Devoted Dreamers podcast, and I am celebrating by sharing one of my favorite conversations from the archives.

Author, speaker, and college instructor, Heather Holleman, PhD, loves helping women fall in love with the Bible and with Jesus. She believes God's Word is so powerful that it creates life where there is none, and she has built her entire calling around helping women take God at His Word.

If you are a midlife Christian woman trying to figure out where God is calling you, Heather is the kind of woman you want to sit with.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Heather and I talk about:

• What it feels like to sense God's anointing on your work and why following that feeling matters more than having a plan
• How Heather discovered her true calling by paying attention to where God was already moving, not by forcing a direction
• How Scripture became her daily anchor and the specific verses that carry her through fear, pride, and uncertainty

This episode originally aired in 2018, and eight years later, this conversation still stops me in my tracks.

One of the things I keep coming back to is this: sometimes we get so focused on whether the dream will happen that we stop focusing on the person of Christ. She returns to that truth again and again, and every time she does, she brings a specific verse with her. It’s so rich and full of gospel truth.

So, if you find yourself in a season of wondering whether God is even doing anything with what he placed on your heart, this episode is for you.

I also want to say, if you are already pursuing a God-shaped dream and you want to build community around that, I would love for you to join us in Dream Believers, my online community for women who are taking faithful steps toward what God has put on their hearts. You can find us at merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers.

Part 2 with Heather drops next week. Do not miss it.

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)

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Does the fear of getting it wrong keep you from moving forward on your dream project?

This is one of the most common concerns I hear from Christian women who are looking for the courage to trust God with something that matters deeply. This episode is for you if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re hearing Him right, whether the timing is off, or whether a mistake means it was never supposed to happen at all.

In this final episode of a four-part series, I’m wrapping up my conversations with co-host Kari Eliza, the voice behind the Instagram account @Held.Right.Here. She is a passionate leader at the intersection of attachment science, nervous system, and Christian faith, and in this conversation, she gets honest about her own seven-year journey of resisting her calling before finally saying yes.

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:

• Why God’s timing is often more creative than the plan you had in mind
• How going public with your dream will stretch your nervous system and why that’s not a reason to stop
• What to do when someone disagrees with or pushes back on what you feel called to share

Kari Eliza shares something I think you’ll hold onto: following your calling is a gift, not a performance.

When you’re not trying to get it right for an audience, you can relax into it. God covers the mistakes. He uses the whole messy journey, including the detours, the slow seasons, and the criticism.

If you missed the first three parts of this series, go back and listen to episodes 359 through 361. Then, come back, and let this one settle in.

If you are done waiting for the perfect plan before you move forward on your dream, I want you to know you don’t have to figure it out alone. Dream Believers is my virtual community for Christian women who are ready to make real progress on what God has placed on their hearts. Come find us at merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers.

You were never meant to pursue your dream alone.

🔗 Connect with Kari Eliza

• Instagram: Held.Right.Here

Devoted Dreamers is hosted by Merritt Onsa — a Christian life coach, mentor, speaker, and founder of the Dream Believers community. New episodes drop every week for the woman who believes her best chapter isn’t behind her.

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)

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Knowing God’s love and actually feeling loved by Him can seem like two completely different things.

That gap is exactly what this episode is about. My co-host Kari Eliza of Held Right Here has spent years at the intersection of attachment science, nervous system health, and Christian faith. And what she taught me about experiencing God's love didn't just change how I pray. It shifted how I move through my whole day.

In this episode, Kari Eliza walks us through a simple daily practice, one that started not as a spiritual exercise at all but as a way to calm her nervous system. What grew out of it was something she describes as the most transformative thing she has ever done.

Three things you will take away from this conversation:

• Why knowing God loves you and feeling His love are two different things and what creates that gap
• How a practice rooted in secure attachment can help you move from performance and striving into genuine rest with God
• Practical ways to begin, even if sitting quietly with God feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar at first

We talk about why Zephaniah 3:17 hits differently when you have experienced what God’s delight in you actually feels like. She also highly recommends the book Anatomy of the Soul (affl.) by Dr. Curt Thompson, if you want to go deeper.

This is the kind of midlife Christian women spiritual growth conversation that does not come with a five-step formula. It comes with an invitation to slow down and let God love on you.

If you are pursuing a God-shaped dream, the intimacy you build with the Lord in this practice is not separate from your calling. It is the foundation of it.

If you want to keep growing in community, come find us at Dream Believers, my online space for Christian women who are done waiting on the sidelines and ready to make real progress together. Come find us at merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers.

🔗 Connect with Kari Eliza

• Instagram: Held.Right.Here

Devoted Dreamers is hosted by Merritt Onsa — a Christian life coach, mentor, speaker, and founder of the Dream Believers community. New episodes drop every week for the woman who believes her best chapter isn’t behind her.

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~ You’re reading your Bible and praying throughout the day and yet God still doesn’t feel close. You don’t have a discipline problem, so it’s got to be something else.

In this episode, I’m back in conversation with Kari Eliza, the voice behind Held Right Here, where she helps parents raise children in faith in a way that feels safe and connected rather than pressured and performative.

What Kari understands about how human beings are wired is changing the way I see my own relationship with God, and I think it will do the same for you.

We’re talking this time about what it looks like to pursue a God-given dream when your body is tense, your mind is running, and God feels far away. And more importantly, what to do about it.

Here’s some of what we cover:

• Why creativity, obedience, and joy with God are not things you produce, they are things that happen when you feel safe with him
• How your body signals disconnection from God before your mind catches up
• Why God is not disappointed in your humanness and how knowing that changes everything

This is episode 360, part two in the series with Kari. If you haven’t listened to episode 359 yet, start there first, then come back here.

One thing Kari said that I keep coming back to: the calling itself is a gift to you, not just to the people it will eventually serve.

If you’re ready to pursue your dream rooted in God’s Word, aligned with the way you’re wired, and supported by women who get it, come find your people in the Dream Believers community.

👉 merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers

🔗 Connect with Kari Eliza

• Instagram: Held.Right.Here

Devoted Dreamers is hosted by Merritt Onsa — a Christian life coach, mentor, speaker, and founder of the Dream Believers community. New episodes drop every week for the woman who believes her best chapter isn’t behind her.

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)

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~ Does your relationship with God feel like something you’re trying to achieve?

If you have ever wondered why doing more and working harder doesn’t result in the deeper relationship you desire with God, there’s actually a really good explanation for why this happens and a way through.

In this episode, I sit down with Kari Eliza, the voice behind the Instagram account Held Right Here, where she helps parents share God with their children in ways that feel connected and deeply relational.

Kari is an American living in Norway with her Norwegian husband and two kids, and she brings one of the most honest and tender perspectives on faith I have encountered in a long time.

What started for Kari in wanting to support her highly sensitive daughter became a healing journey of her own, and it changed everything about how she experiences God.

This conversation is for you if you have always believed the right things but still feel like you are working hard to earn God’s love and approval.

Here is a glimpse into our conversation:

• Why growing up in a Christian home can still produce a performance posture with God, even when your parents genuinely loved Jesus
• How striving shows up in our bodies, not just our behavior, and why renewing your mind alone may not be enough
• What it actually feels like when your nervous system begins to exhale in God's presence, and why that changes everything

Kari's story didn’t have a quick fix. It was a two-year journey of slow, steady transformation. And it is one of the most hopeful things I have heard.

If you are tired of your relationship with God feeling like something you have to manage, this episode is a good place to start.

If you are pursuing a God-shaped dream and doing it mostly alone, I want you to know there is a place for you. Dream Believers is my online community for Christian women who are ready to stop waiting on their dreams and want to start moving instead.

Come find your people: 👉merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers.

🔗 Connect with Kari Eliza on Instagram: @held.right.here

The Devoted Dreamers podcast is hosted by Merritt Onsa — Christian life coach, mentor, speaker, and founder of the Dream Believers community. New episodes drop every week for the woman who believes her best chapter isn't behind her.

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)

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~ What’s the right timing for your dream?

There’s a question I hear all the time, especially from women who already have a full life:

Is this the right time to pursue my dream?

Maybe you’ve asked it too. You’re already juggling a lot. You have people you’re caring for. And yet, somewhere in the middle of all of it, there’s this quiet idea, this pull you can’t quite shake.

But instead of moving forward, you keep circling the same thought.
Maybe later. Maybe when things calm down. Maybe when I have more time.

In this episode, I want to gently challenge those thoughts. Because sometimes what looks like a timing issue is actually something deeper. Fear. Overcommitment. Or uncertainty about what God is asking of you right now.

IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED IF IT’S THE RIGHT TIME TO PURSUE YOUR GOD-SHAPED DREAM, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU.

I walk through three common mistakes we make when we think about timing and how those thoughts can quietly keep you stuck longer than you realize.

You’ll also learn how to begin discerning your next step with God, without waiting for a perfectly clear path.

In this episode I talk about:

• Why “I can always do this later” might not be as safe as it sounds
• How being busy can mask a deeper question about obedience
• Questions to help you discern if fear or calling is driving your hesitation

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be wise about your time. Scripture reminds us to number our days and live with intention.

But wisdom doesn’t mean waiting forever. Sometimes it means asking a better question.

Not “Is this the right time?” but “God, what are You inviting me to say yes to right now?”

If you’re craving space to process that question with other women who are walking a similar road, I’d love to invite you into Dream Believers. It’s a place where you can get out of your head, hear from the Lord, and take your next step alongside women who understand what it feels like to hold both faith and a dream at the same time.

Join us here: merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

And you don’t have to wait for someday to begin.

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)

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~ You have been thinking about this dream for a while now. Maybe a long while. And somewhere in the back of your mind, there is a quiet but persistent question: what is it going to take to finally feel ready?

This episode is for you if you have been waiting on confidence to come before you begin. Because the hard truth is that the waiting might be the very thing keeping you from the activity that would grow it.

In this episode, I dig into three mistakes women make when it comes to confidence, and any one of them can quietly stall a dream for months or years.

• Believing there is a shortcut that will make starting feel easier
• Thinking confidence comes from getting things right the first time
• Looking to yourself as the source of it

That last one is the shift that changes everything. Because your confidence was never meant to come from you. It was meant to be secured in God, in who He is, and in what He has already placed inside you.

I close the episode with two specific Scripture passages I want you to sit with: Romans 8:11, 14-17 and Acts 2:1-4. These are the foundation everything else in this episode is built on.

If you are ready to figure out what your next step actually looks like, I would love to have you join me for my April 23rd workshop, The Next Best Step for Pursuing a God-shaped Dream. Register at merrittonsa.com/workshop.

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~ Has self-doubt ever talked you out of something God was calling you toward?

It’s more common than you think. And it might be the very thing keeping you from the dream God placed on your heart.

In this episode, I'm talking about something I see in almost every woman I coach: the tendency to downplay our abilities and wait until we feel ready before we take a single step forward. The problem is, that moment of feeling ready rarely comes on its own.

Here are three things I want you to walk away knowing today:

• You do not have to have it all figured out before you start.
• You do not have to feel confident before you begin.
• You do not have to be perfectly competent to take the next step.

I also dig into one of my favorite stories in Scripture: Moses at the burning bush. Moses witnessed miracles, heard directly from God, and still said, "Please send someone else." If that is not relatable, I don't know what is. His story reminds us that self-doubt in the face of a calling is nothing new, and that God's presence is what makes the calling possible, not your readiness.

Your dream has nothing to do with trying to be perfect. God gave it to you in love and grace, and He does not expect you to fulfill it a certain way. Your job is simply to be faithful and take the next step.

If you are ready to work through this and figure out what your next step actually looks like, I would love to have you join me for my workshop, The Next Best Step for Pursuing a God-shaped Dream. Register at merrittonsa.com/workshop.

**This episode was originally released on 1/19/2022.

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~ Are you a Christian woman trying to figure out the next right step for a dream? You feel like God has called you to something more in midlife, but what should you do about it?

I've spent the last 10 years talking to women about their dreams. What I've learned is that most of us are not stuck because we lack talent or even faith. We're stuck because the dream feels bigger than us, and we don't know how to move forward or who to process it with.

A God-shaped dream is a specific calling that uses your gifts, your faith, and even the hard things you've walked through. It serves others. And it carries kingdom value in a broken world that desperately needs hope and healing.

Because of that, you are not meant to carry the dream alone. No, we were meant to do this together! You, marching forward, faithfully carrying your dream, walking alongside other women who are carrying theirs.

This is important kingdom work, and this is why I'm hosting a workshop just for you on April 23rd, 2026.

Join me for The Best Next Step for Pursuing a God-Shaped Dream. Whether you're just beginning, shifting gears, or somewhere in the messy middle, this is your space.

In this episode, I cover:

• What makes a dream "God-shaped" and why that distinction matters
• Why feeling overwhelmed or uncertain doesn't mean you're off track
• How to move forward without waiting for a perfect plan

Come to the workshop and determine the next best step for your dream. There's no homework, no pressure, and no perfect starting point required. Just you, your dream, and a room full of women who get it.

RSVP at merrittonsa.com/workshop and come ready to breathe, think, and take your next step.

God made you for a purpose, and He can be trusted with the dream He gave you.

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~ What if the thing standing between you and your dream is simply that you have never said it out loud?

In this episode, my friend and co-host Erin Straza and I get honest about what it actually takes to go after something that feels bigger than you. We talk about renewing your mind, knowing who God says you are, and why speaking the dream matters more than having a perfect plan to follow.

Before we close out the conversation with Erin, she shares a story about her husband Mike, a 56-year-old competitive runner whose coach challenged him to name a time goal he had been too afraid to voice. That moment was a game-changer and sheds light on how we think about a God-shaped dream.

In this conversation, we’re talking about:

• The daily choice to set your mind on life and light instead of fear and doubt
• Why knowing you are a beloved daughter of God is the foundation
• How saying the dream out loud is an act of faith rather than pride

You do not have to say it publicly or post it online, but you do need to say it to someone you trust. That is exactly why I built Dream Believers, a community where women pursue God-shaped dreams together, are honest about the highs and lows, and remind each other who we are in Him. Learn more and join today: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers.

The dream God placed in you was never meant to stay hidden. Sometimes we think we need to see the whole path before we can take the next step, but that’s simply not true. Your job is to be faithful to what is right in front of you today.

🔗 Connect with Erin Straza

• Website: erinstraza.com/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erinstraza/

Devoted Dreamers is hosted by Merritt Onsa — Christian life coach, mentor, speaker, and founder of Dream Believers. New episodes drop every week for the woman who believes her best chapter isn't behind her.

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~ Have you been holding back, waiting for the perfect plan or just the right timing to go after a dream?

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Erin Straza for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to start something when you don't feel qualified, confident, or certain it's going to work.

We talk about the real cost of perfectionism and why it will knock you out every time if you let it.

In this episode we dig into:

• Why the momentum you're looking for comes from starting, not from waiting until you feel ready
• How a simple outline, even just two to four things written down, can break the grip of feeling stuck
• Why treating your early attempts as practice, not performance, changes everything

One of the things Erin said that I keep coming back to is that we champion a child’s first steps because we're on the outside looking in and we know it’s bound to happen. We need that same encouragement too.

If you're in a season where you feel stuck and you're longing for women who will walk with you toward your dream, I want you to know that's exactly why I built Dream Believers. It's a community of women who love Jesus, ask good questions, and show up for each other through the messy, faithful middle.

Learn more at merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers

And remember, the goal was never to be perfect. The goal is to be faithful to what God has given you right now.

🔗 Connect with Erin Straza

• Website: erinstraza.com/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erinstraza/

Devoted Dreamers is hosted by Merritt Onsa — Christian life coach, mentor, speaker, and founder of Dream Believers. New episodes drop every week for the woman who believes her best chapter isn't behind her.

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~ Have you ever felt stuck between a dream God has given you and the fear of taking the wrong step? If yes, this conversation is for you.

This month I'm joined by my friend and non-profit communications consultant Erin Straza, and together we get refreshingly honest about something so many of us quietly wrestle with: procrastination. Not the lazy kind, the kind that comes from caring deeply about getting it right.

We talk about why hesitation is often just protection in disguise, and how perfectionism can keep your dream simmering on the back burner indefinitely.

If you struggle with procrastination too, here's what I want you to hear: that stalling isn't a character flaw. It's a sign of how much this dream matters to you.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE:

• Why trusting God and acting on that trust can feel like two very different things
• How dreaming about the future can quietly replace doing the work of today
• What your personal wiring has to do with choosing your next right step
• Why imperfect progress beats perfect stillness — every single time

I also share something I believe wholeheartedly: everything we do is just practice. The missteps, the detours, the seasons that felt "wasted" — they're all shaping you for exactly where God is calling you next.

If you've been waiting for permission to move forward without having it all figured out, consider this your moment.

And if you're craving community with women who get it — women who are pursuing God-sized dreams and cheering each other on — I'd love to have you inside Dream Believers, my virtual community built just for you.

👉 Learn More: merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers

🔗 Connect with Erin Straza

• Website: http://erinstraza.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinstraza/

Devoted Dreamers is hosted by Merritt Onsa, a Christian life coach, mentor, speaker, and founder of Dream Believers. New episodes drop every week for the woman who believes her best chapter isn't behind her.

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~ The dream has been there for a while now. You can feel it.

But every time you consider the next leap of faith, something stops you. Maybe it sounds like: "I'm not ready yet." Or "What if I'm wrong about this?" Or the most persistent one: "I don't want to waste the precious time I have left."

If that's where you are right now, this episode is for you.

To open Season 14, I sit down with my longtime friend, writer, and nonprofit communications consultant Erin Straza.

Together, we unpack the belief so many women carry: that confidence must come before courage.

Spoiler: That's not how it works.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

✦ Why "I don't feel ready" is rarely about readiness.

✦ What to do when you're not sure this is the right dream.

✦ A different way to interpret the nerves.

This is the episode to send to the woman in your life who has a dream she keeps putting off. And if that woman is you, it's time.

🌿 You Were Never Meant to Do This Alone

If this conversation made you wish you had women in your corner who actually talk about these things, that longing is telling you something.

Dream Believers is a community for Christian women who have sensed God stirring something meaningful and want to take steps forward.

We gather around three things that actually move dreams forward:

Proximity: the right women walking beside you

Consistency: showing up regularly so momentum becomes real

Depth: honest conversations about faith, fear, calling, and taking the next step

If you're ready to pursue your dream in a way that's rooted in Scripture, aligned with how you're wired, and supported by women who get it, come find your people.

👉 merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers

🔗 Connect with Erin Straza

• Website: erinstraza.com/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erinstraza/

Devoted Dreamers is hosted by Merritt Onsa — Christian life coach, mentor, speaker, and founder of Dream Believers. New episodes drop every week for the woman who believes her best chapter isn't behind her.

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)

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I’m closing out this 10-part Habit Series with one of the simplest and most transformative practices I’ve ever picked up: daily gratitude.

In this episode, I share why spending just one or two minutes thanking God before your day begins can quietly reshape your mindset, soften pessimism, and strengthen your ability to persevere in the long haul. I’ll walk you through how I practice daily gratitude, why I keep it intentionally simple, and how this habit has helped me stay grounded even in seasons marked by uncertainty, grief, and things I cannot control.

We’ll also zoom out and talk about why gratitude matters so much when you’re nurturing a God shaped dream. Consistency, self-leadership, and perseverance are not just personality traits. They are muscles you build. Daily gratitude is one small habit that strengthens all three.

If you’ve felt discouraged, stuck in negativity, or unsure how to keep going faithfully with the dream God has placed on your heart, this episode will help you reset your focus and start your day from a place of trust and truth.

And before I wrap up, I’m also giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming next for the Devoted Dreamers Podcast. I’ll share how Season 14 is evolving, why I’m changing the format, and what you can expect as we head into a new season focused on taking meaningful action on your God-shaped dream.

Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits

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When it comes to creativity and taking action on our dreams, there’s a lot of talk about moving forward, but we don’t spend nearly enough time looking back.

That’s why I’m adding this brand-new habit to the Devoted Dreamers Habit Series: Scheduled Reflection. It’s a practice I didn’t include when I first launched the series, but it’s one I’ve come to see as essential for long-term faithfulness to a God-shaped dream.

Here’s why:

Without a consistent reflection practice, we miss key opportunities for growth and learning.

When was the last time you took a pause to reflect on something you tried? It could even be a new habit you attempted during this series. Did you keep it up all week? Was it a total flop? Did you find yourself making adjustments with each new attempt?

When you skip the reflection, you also miss out on the potential mindset shift that comes as you consider what you might do differently next time.

But when you build a new reflection practice, it helps you recognize what God is already doing in and through you.

Want to make it easy? I share a simple three-question reflection framework you can use weekly, monthly, or anytime you feel stuck.

If you want to pursue your dream with steadiness instead of burnout, this habit matters right now.

Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits

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Most of us say we want to grow, but when it comes time to step out of our comfort zone, we hesitate. Not because we don’t care, but because trying something we’ve never done before puts us face to face with uncertainty, insecurity, and the possibility of getting it wrong.

In this eighth episode in my Habit Series, I’m inviting you to practice a simple but powerful habit: trying something new. Not restarting a habit you’ve tried before, but stepping into something unfamiliar on purpose. A new skill. A new experience. A new way of showing up.

I talk about why this matters more than we realize, how trying something new strengthens courage and perseverance, and why your brain and your dream both benefit when you stop quitting before you’ve truly begun.

I also share reflection questions to help you notice what’s really holding you back, plus an invitation to try something new alongside other women through our monthly co-working calls.

If you’ve felt stuck, bored, hesitant, or quietly restless, this episode might be the nudge you need to take one small, brave step today.

Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits
Save your seat at the next Co-Working call: merrittonsa.com/coworking

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If you feel like your inbox is always demanding from you, you’re not crazy. Email is one of those sneaky little drains that doesn’t just steal time, it steals attention. And attention is necessary for stewarding a God-shaped dream.

In today’s Habit Series, I’ve invited my friend Christa Hutchins (host of Just One Simple Thing podcast) to share three simple ways to manage your email without turning it into a whole new project. Because when your inbox is a mess, it impacts everything else you’re working on, including the next brave step on your dream.

This is also for the woman who’s building an audience and trying to grow an email list. I know it can feel scary to clean house and remove people who never open your messages. But this habit pays off in the future. It protects your focus, keeps your systems lighter, and helps you lead your dream with more clarity and less constant noise.

If email has been stealing your time and energy, this is a habit worth building today.

Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits

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For a long time, I believed I didn’t have time to sleep more. My life was full, my evenings felt like the only quiet hours I had to myself, and going to bed earlier felt like giving something up I couldn’t afford to lose. And yet, I was exhausted, foggy, short-tempered, and running on fumes most days.

In this mini episode of the Habits Series, I’m talking about sleep hygiene and why better sleep isn’t a luxury for later, but a foundational habit for women who are trying to do too much all at once. I share honestly about how poor sleep was quietly affecting my energy, my patience, my creativity, and my ability to show up well for the people I love and the dream God has placed on my heart.

You’ll hear the small, realistic changes I’ve made to improve my sleep without overhauling my life, and why sleeping more has actually helped me regain clarity, focus, and emotional margin instead of costing me time. If you feel stretched thin, constantly tired, and tempted to believe that rest will have to wait, this conversation may help you see sleep in a completely different light.

Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits

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Weekly planning doesn’t have to be complicated or rigid to be purposeful. At its core, it’s simply a protected block of time where you slow down, look ahead, and decide how you want to steward the week you’ve been given.

In this mini episode of the Habits Series, I’m talking about the habit of weekly planning and why it matters, especially if you already have a full life along with a God-shaped dream that hasn’t had much room to breathe. I share how weekly planning has helped me move out of reactive mode, notice patterns in my days, and make small adjustments that create more clarity and margin over time.

You’ll hear what weekly planning looks like in my life, how to choose a rhythm that actually works for your season, and why consistency matters more than doing it perfectly.

If you’re tired of feeling scattered and reactive, this episode will help you see how one protected block of time for weekly planning can bring clarity, calm, and momentum.

Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits

Get my $19 training where I walk you through how I do my weekly planning, including the planning worksheet that helped me finally make this a priority in my life! Get the training here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/weeklyplanning

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Depending on your season of life (or the season in your hemisphere), getting outside to move your body every day can feel surprisingly hard. Maybe you’re juggling work, caring for children or aging parents, and managing everyday household responsibilities with already limited energy. Who has time to go for a walk?

In this mini episode of the Habits Series, I’m talking about why daily movement matters and how to approach it with grace, and consistency.

I share honestly about why this habit has been challenging for me, especially in winter and midlife, and why movement still plays an important role in supporting our bodies, our focus, and our ability to persevere in a God-given dream.

You’ll hear about the connection between movement, morning sunlight, and overall well-being, along with simple, doable ways to make this habit easier to keep.

If you’ve struggled to prioritize movement or you’ve assumed it has to look intense to count, this episode will help you rethink what’s possible. I hope you’ll come away encouraged to start small, stay consistent, and see daily movement as one more way to care for yourself as you continue dreaming with God.

Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits

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What if the exhaustion you feel at the end of every week is an invitation to live differently?

You’ve landed at the third mini episode in my Habits Series. In this one, I’m talking about Sabbath rest, not because we need another rule to follow but because of the inherent value of working from rest rather than for it.

For years, I treated rest as a burden, something I gave in to after pushing myself too hard. But a simple biblical insight shared by a friend shifted everything for me and helped me see rest as preparation, not recovery. In this episode, I share that story, explore the heart behind Sabbath, and walk you through what intentional, restorative rest looks like in my own life.

If you’re feeling worn down, constantly on, or quietly wondering how long you can keep going like this, I want you to listen. This conversation may help you reconnect with God in a gentler way, care for your soul more honestly, and build rhythms that can sustain you for the road ahead of dreaming with God.

Get the Habit Tracker at merrittonsa.com/habits

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If you’ve ever wanted to spend more time reading the Bible but felt overwhelmed or struggled with consistency, this episode is for you. In this second mini episode of my Habits series, I share a simple, doable way to build a daily Bible reading habit, even in busy or demanding seasons of life.

Learn why consistency matters more than length, how daily time in God’s Word shapes our faith and identity, and a 15-minute practice that has helped me stay grounded in God’s truth over the years (even with small children at home). You’ll also hear practical ways to make this habit easier to remember, easier to return to, and easier to sustain.

If you’re longing for a deeper relationship with God and want a habit that will support your faith and your God-shaped dream as a Christian woman, now is the perfect time to begin.

Get the Habit Tracker at merrittonsa.com/habits

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If you’ve ever needed permission to slow down and start again, this episode is for you.

After a five-month pause, the Devoted Dreamers Podcast is back. In this season opener, I share why I stepped away from podcasting, what burnout taught me about identity and rest, and how God met me in a quieter season.

I also share what’s changing in Season 14 and what you can expect as the show returns with a renewed focus on simple habits, faithful steps, and pursuing God-shaped dreams without burning out.

In case we haven't met yet, I'm your host, Merritt Onsa, a mentor for Christian women in midlife who want to turn their big ideas into purposeful work. I come alongside women like you to help you discern what God might be inviting you into and take faithful next steps without pretending to have it all figured out.

If you love Jesus, know you’ve been given specific gifts and experiences for a reason, and you’re tired of circling the dream instead of walking it out with God, you’re in the right place.

Welcome to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

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If God has given you a dream about what to do with the second half of your life but you’re not sure where to begin, give this episode a listen.

I’m kicking off season 14 with my popular Habits series. In it I’ll tell you why small, doable habits matter more than big goals when it comes to finding the courage and confidence to pursue a God-shaped dream.

You’ll hear why habits work even when they feel unrelated to your dream, how habits are different from New Year’s resolutions, and how one simple habit I’ve practiced for years has shaped the way I show up to use my voice. I also explain why tracking your habits can be a powerful tool for staying motivated and faithful over time.

This episode kicks off a short series of mini episodes focused on simple habits you can begin right now to nurture your faith, strengthen your mindset, and support the dream God has placed on your heart.

Get the Habit Tracker at merrittonsa.com/habits

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Ep 350 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/350

Ever considered launching a ministry or publishing a Bible study from your personal story?

Julie Fowler knows what it’s like to step out with a dream that feels bigger than you. After walking through years of infertility and loss, her pain turned into purpose as she built the ministry she needed in that season.

Now, 25 years later, she’s published her curriculum as men’s and women’s Bible studies for people who are walking through a similar trial.

Julie and I talk in this episode about the challenges and joys of saying yes to God’s invitation and the spiritual growth that happens when you pursue a God-shaped dream with open hands.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

📚 The pros and cons of today’s book publishing options
🙏 How to grow in faithfulness as you pursue your calling
🤝 Specific ways to ask for the support you need as you go after that big dream

Whether you feel called to write, start a ministry, or simply live more boldly for Christ, Julie’s story will remind you that God can use your unique journey to bring hope and restoration to others.

Press “play” and let this episode encourage you to keep moving forward in obedience.

Then, download my 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt, a short and powerful guide to help you remember what’s true so you can take the next step forward in your God-shaped dream.

CONNECT WITH JULIE FOWLER:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Julie’s Books for women:

Treasures in the Waiting: Finding God’s Comfort, Counsel, and Companionship Amid Infertility and Loss

Treasures in the Waiting Leader Guide

For men:

Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength and Hope; Men’s Bible Study

Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength and Hope; Men’s Bible Study - Leader Guide

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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Ep 349 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/349

Have you ever had a quiet nudge from God but felt unsure about where it might lead?

That’s where Julie Fowler found herself 25 years ago. In the middle of grief and loss, with more questions than answers, she said a simple yes to starting something she needed: a community of support and a space to hold the heartache of infertility, miscarriage, and infant loss.

What began as a few women gathering at church has grown into a long-standing ministry that now supports couples across the country through biblical encouragement, small group resources, and compassionate leadership.

In this conversation, Julie and I talk about how God can use what feels like the most tender, painful part of our story and turn it into a source of hope and healing for others.

This episode will remind you:

✨ How God can transform your struggles into meaningful ministry
🤝 The value of inviting community and support into your dream
⏳ Why trusting God’s timing is key to growth, resilience, and lasting fruitfulness

You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin working on your dream. All you need is a small step of faith and the willingness to keep moving forward as you trust the Lord along the way.

Listen to Julie’s story for a boost of encouragement for your own calling, especially when the path feels long or uphill.

Then, download my 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt, a short and powerful guide to help you remember what’s true so you can take the next step forward in your God-shaped dream. Find it here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/devo

CONNECT WITH JULIE FOWLER:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Julie’s Books For women:

Treasures in the Waiting: Finding God’s Comfort, Counsel, and Companionship Amid Infertility and Loss

Treasures in the Waiting Leader Guide

For men:

Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength and Hope; Men’s Bible Study

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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Ep 348 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/348

Has your dream been sitting on the shelf all summer?
As the school year approaches and routines shift, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with the God-shaped dream on your heart. But after months of being in “mom mode” (or simply navigating a busy season), picking that dream back up can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin?

This episode will help you focus on five intentional steps you can take to reset your dream in the transition from summer to fall. You’ll consider new rhythms for reconnecting with God, getting clear on your “why,” identifying who your dream is meant to serve, surrounding yourself with the right people, and taking those brave first steps forward.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
🙏 How to reconnect with God’s heart for your dream
🎯 The key question that will bring clarity to your purpose and help you focus
🚶‍♀️ Why starting small is the secret to building courage and momentum

Whether you’re sending kids back to school, stepping into a new season, or simply longing for renewed purpose, this episode will help you stop waiting for the “perfect time” and start moving in faith toward what God has called you to.

Press “play” and let’s reset your dream together.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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Ep 347 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/347

What if the pressure to “do it right” is actually keeping you from doing it at all?

Samantha Wells returns to the podcast, in part two, with the real story behind writing her first Bible study and the internal battle she faced along the way. From perfectionism and doubt to a two-year wrestle with the “big idea,” Samantha opens up about what it really took to move her God-shaped dream from concept to completion.

Together, we explore how God worked through her insecurities and pride, the small faithful steps she took even when clarity was absent, and the peace that came from releasing the outcome to the Lord. Her honesty will resonate if you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or paralyzed by procrastination, even when you deeply believe in the work you’ve been called to do.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
🧩 Practical strategies to overcome perfectionism and procrastination
🙏 Why trusting God for the impact helps you take the next step in faith
💬 How to move forward when you're afraid of what others might think

Whether your dream is to write, teach, lead, or create, this conversation will remind you that obedience matters more than polish, and that progress (even messy) is still progress. You don’t have to wait until you feel ready to say yes to God’s call.

Press “play” and be reminded that He wants to use you and your dream in His restoration story.

CONNECT WITH SAMANTHA WELLS:

Website

Get your hands on a copy of Sam’s new Bible study: Nehemiah: Labor, Longing, and the Promise of Restoration.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Come to the next Dream Out Loud call where you can practice talking about your dream with other dreamers.

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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Ep 346 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/346

What if the very thing that makes your dream feel different is the reason God gave it to you?

Samantha Wells is a writer, speaker, and Bible teacher with a deep love for Scripture and a heart for drawing women into comprehending God’s restorative work in the world. In this episode, she shares how she stepped out in faith to write a Bible study on the book of Nehemiah, not as a leadership guide or wall-building blueprint, but as a tender invitation to see God’s goodness in the rubble.

IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED WHETHER YOUR UNIQUE APPROACH COULD MAKE A KINGDOM DIFFERENCE, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU.

In this honest and faith-filled conversation, Samantha shares how God stirred a dream in her heart to teach and encourage women through the lesser-known parts of His Word and how she walked in obedience even when the path didn’t look like anyone else’s.

Her story will encourage you if you’ve ever felt like your ideas were too different or questioned whether your dream really matters. May it also help you trust God with your unique gifts and deepest desires.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
📖 How embracing God’s bigger story in all of Scripture can deepen your faith
✨ Why stepping out with your unique gifts—even if your approach looks different—truly matters
🤲 What it means to surrender control and trust God’s purposes with your deepest dreams

If you’ve been longing to take bold, faithful steps in your calling—especially when it looks different from others—this episode will renew your confidence that God is writing something beautiful through your life.

Press “play” and be reminded that He wants to use you in His story of restoration.

Looking for a supportive community for your dreamer journey? Join us at the Dream Out Loud call, the 3rd Wednesday of the month. RSVP here.

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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Ep 345 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/345

Have you ever lost your confidence just as you were about to take a big risk?

It’s not your imagination. That wave of self-doubt, discouragement, or distraction is more than a bad day—it’s creative resistance. Understanding where it comes from (and how to respond) could be the difference between quitting and persevering.

This episode explores the spiritual reality of creative resistance—what it looks like, why it shows up, and how to prepare your heart for the battle that often follows a calling. You’ll hear personal experiences, biblical encouragement, and three powerful strategies for staying grounded when the enemy shows up loud.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
🧠 Why resistance shows up and how to recognize it
⚔️ Practical tools to fight discouragement, doubt, and spiritual attack
✨ The surprising truth that resistance reveals about you and your dream

If you've ever wondered whether you’re cut out for this dream or whether it’s even worth the battle, this conversation will reframe the struggle and help you stand firm.

You don’t have to fight alone. It’s time to surround yourself with a community of women who know that resistance will come and are ready to fight back, together!

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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Ep 344 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/344

What if the people who love you aren’t cheerleaders for your dream?

When God gives you a big dream, you want to talk about it! But what if you shared your heart with someone close to you only to be met with confusion, criticism, or silence?

It’s deeply discouraging when your people don’t get it. But is their response a reflection of your qualifications or the validity of your dream, or is there something else at work here?

Today I’m unpacking three possible reasons why your close friends and family might not affirm your dream and what to do when their response threatens to shake your confidence. Whether their reaction is about fear, practicality, or your difficulty putting words to your ideas, there is a way forward.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
🧠 Why people close to you may not understand or affirm your God-shaped dream
💬 How to respond when your support system doesn’t “get” it
🔁 Three key strategies to shift your mindset and find the support you need

If you’ve ever felt unseen or unsupported in the early stages of your dream, this conversation will remind you where your true affirmation comes from and how to keep moving forward in faith even when it feels scary.

You were never meant to carry this big dream alone. Let’s get you the clarity, encouragement, and community you need to stay obedient to what God has asked you to do. Press ‘Play’ now!

Mentioned in this episode:

Dream Out Loud – practice talking about your dream with other dreamers

Join the Dream Believers community for $40/month or $400/year (2 months free)

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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Ep 343 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/343

What if the dream God gave you is already growing—just in a direction you didn’t expect?

In part 2 of my conversation with Andrea Olson, we explore how God often uses our past experiences, natural wiring, and even disappointments to shape something new in our calling. Andrea shares how a quiet season of listening uncovered a shift in her work, revealing a new mission to equip faith-driven entrepreneurs—something He had been preparing her for all along.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
🌱 Why your dream doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s
🙏 A spiritual practice to help you discern your next steps
❤️‍🔥 A freeing reminder that God’s will isn’t a tightrope but a wide-open meadow

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re equipped for where God is leading you—or feared doing things differently than others around you—this conversation will remind you that God delights in reshaping our dreams for His glory.

Andrea Olson is a worship leader, songwriter, and the founder of Overflow Worship. In this episode, she opens up about doing things differently, trusting God's timeline, and embracing the freedom to walk forward without a clear roadmap.

✨ Want help discerning your next step?
Grab my free 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt
It’s a short, Scripture-rich resource to help you refocus on truth and move forward in faith. You’ll find it at https://www.merrittonsa.com/devo

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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Ep 342 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/342

What if your dream doesn't unfold the way you expected?

If you've ever faced a detour or disappointment in your pursuit of a passion project, this conversation will speak straight to your heart.

This week, I’m joined by worship leader, songwriter, and accidental entrepreneur Andrea Olson, founder of Overflow Worship. Andrea opens up about the evolution of her God-shaped dream—from music ministry to equipping worship teams to coaching faith-driven entrepreneurs—and how she’s learned to take faithful, surrendered steps even when things didn’t go as planned.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
🌟 How openness to change allows a dream to evolve in unexpected and life-giving directions,
🤲🏼 The power of surrendered action over stalled-out indecision, and
🎯 What to do when your prayers don’t seem to be answered.

Andrea’s story will remind you that God’s plans are always bigger and more beautiful than what we imagine—even when the path to get there looks like failure or setback.

You’ll walk away with a deeper confidence that He knows what He’s doing and that your faithful obedience matters.

✨ Want help discerning your next step?

Grab the free 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubtfor a short, Scripture-rich resource to help you refocus on truth and move forward in faith. Grab it here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/devo

CONNECT WITH ANDREA OLSON:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

NEXT STEPS:
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Ep 341 | show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/341

What part of your dream could you test before you build it?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your dream will really work, I have a case study for you today.

I’m pulling back the curtain on the creation of my Dreamers Unleashed course to show you how I used beta testing to clarify my offer, gather feedback, and build something that genuinely serves Christian women who are battling imposter syndrome.

This conversation is part honest reflection, part practical roadmap—especially if you’re sitting on an idea and waiting to feel “ready” before you start.

Here’s what you’ll learn: 💡 How to use beta testing to validate and refine your dream 📖 The story behind building my imposter syndrome course 🛠️ How you can start fighting self-doubt with a new devotional resource

Are you ready to quiet the lies and take your next step with clarity?

Download my new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true. Find the devotional here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/devo

Whether you’re launching a new idea or simply wondering if your dream could really make a difference, this episode will encourage you to take one small, intentional step forward.

The world needs your dream, so don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. A beta test could be the spark that changes everything.

✨✨✨✨✨

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Ep 340 | Show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/340

Could your self-doubt actually be a spiritual battle in disguise?

Taking a step toward your big dream puts a bullseye on your back that the enemy cannot ignore. That’s why it is so important to equip yourself with the truth of God’s Word and put in place an action plan that will help you fight back when imposter syndrome returns.

Because it’s not just a mindset hurdle; it’s a spiritual battle the enemy loves to use to keep Christian women stuck on the sidelines.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🛡️ Why fighting imposter syndrome is a spiritual battle, not just a mindset issue 📖 How Scripture offers a real, lasting antidote to the lies you hear 🔁 The critical shift from “trying harder” to standing on God's promises

Whether you’re procrastinating out of fear, spinning in doubt, or believing the lie that you’re not “enough,” this episode will help you name the real issue and turn toward the only truth that stands firm.

You weren’t meant to fight this alone or in your own strength. God has already given you what you need to move forward in confidence, rooted in who He says you are.

So press play, and let’s get to the truth together.

Doors are OPEN for Dreamers Unleashed

If finding a better way to tackle imposter syndrome would help you move forward, my course Dreamers Unleashed is for you.

Find all the details and a link to register at:

https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamersunleashed

✨✨✨✨✨

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Ep 339 | Show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/339

Have you ever had an idea but you shut it down before it even had a chance?

Maybe you think to yourself, “Someone else is already doing this,” or “What if no one’s interested?” or “Maybe later, when I’m more experienced.” That hesitation? That voice of doubt? It might be imposter syndrome.

In this episode, we take a deeper look at the subtle ways imposter syndrome keeps you stuck. It’s not always loud or obvious. Often, it masquerades as fear, hesitation, or “just being realistic.” But if left unchecked, it will silence your God-given calling before you even begin.

You’ll learn: 🕵️ The hidden ways imposter syndrome shows up when you're about to step into your calling 🚫 Why trying to believe you are enough doesn’t actually help—and what will 🧬 How imposter syndrome attacks your identity at the root

If you’re tired of spinning in the cycle of idea → doubt → shut down → repeat, this episode will help you name what’s really going on so you can finally do something about it.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

If finding a better way to tackle imposter syndrome would help you move forward, my course Dreamers Unleashed is for you. It'll help you overcome perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and fear so you can walk in your God-given identity and purpose. It’s coming later this month, so come to the free workshop on May 20th to learn more:

Free Workshop: Becoming Confident in Your Calling

Save your spot here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/confidence

Dreamers Unleashed:

Join me this summer for freedom from the fear, imposter syndrome, and comparison that’s currently standing in the way of your God-shaped dream. Get on the list and you’ll be the first to know when Dreamers Unleashed is open: http://merrittonsa.com/impostersyndrome

✨✨✨✨✨

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Why imposter syndrome is sneakier than you think

Ep 338 | Show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/338

Do you feel like you’ll never measure up?

If you have a God-shaped dream, maybe you’re familiar with the quiet voice in your head whispering, “Who am I to do this?” That’s imposter syndrome. And it’s likely been hanging around longer than you’ve known.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 🧠 A visualization exercise that helps you spot imposter syndrome creeping in 🎭 What imposter syndrome actually sounds like (and why it’s sneakier than you think) 🚀 Why identifying these lies early gives you back your momentum

Imposter syndrome doesn’t need a loud entrance to derail your dream. It often hides behind over-preparation, self-doubt, comparison, and fear. But once you know how to recognize it, you can interrupt the cycle and get back to the work God has called you to do.

Press play and be reminded: You’re not behind. You haven’t missed your chance. And your dream doesn’t depend on you being “ready”—just willing to trust the One who called you.

This one is for the woman who believes she is “not enough” to go after the dream God put on her heart. If that’s you, pay attention when I talk about Dreamers Unleashed, my live course/group coaching experience that will help you overcome perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and fear so you can walk in your God-given identity and purpose. It’s coming later this month and you don’t want to miss it!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Free Workshop on May 20th: Becoming Confident in Your Calling

Save your spot here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/confidence

Dreamers Unleashed:

Join me this summer for freedom from the fear, imposter syndrome, and comparison that’s currently standing in the way of your God-shaped dream. Get on the list and you’ll be the first to know when Dreamers Unleashed is open: http://merrittonsa.com/impostersyndrome

✨✨✨✨✨

NEXT STEPS:

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Ep 337 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/337

What if you stepped into your fear of failure?

This week I’m talking about fear of failure, what its true source really is, and how you can battle it and get moving on your God-shaped dream.

If you’ve been avoiding your dream because you fear you might fail, if you’ve stopped taking steps forward because you feel like you are not enough, this is the episode for you. You can let go of all your striving when you remember that Jesus is enough and He promises to bring His work in you to completion.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why fear of failure feels so personal and how it tries to define your worth
• The sneaky spiritual lie fear keeps telling us about our identity in Christ
• A practical step to shift from fearing failure to resting in God’s unshakeable love

This episode is for the woman who believes she is “not enough” to go after the dream God has put on her heart. In it I share about Dreamers Unleashed, my live group coaching experience that helps you overcome perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and fear so you can walk in your God-given identity and purpose.

Whether you are just dreaming or starting to move, this episode will remind you of what is true: God doesn't need you to be enough. He already is and He will give you what you need as you go.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Get on the waitlist for Dreamers Unleashed and join us this summer for freedom from the fear, imposter syndrome and comparison that’s currently standing in the way of your God-shaped dream. Sign up here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/impostersyndrome

✨✨✨✨✨

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

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Ep 337 show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/337

What if you stepped into your fear of failure?

This week I’m talking about fear of failure, what its true source really is, and how you can battle it and get moving on your God-shaped dream.

If you’ve been avoiding your dream because you fear you might fail, if you’ve stopped taking steps forward because you feel like you are not enough, this is the episode for you. You can let go of all your striving when you remember that Jesus is enough and He promises to bring His work in you to completion.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why fear of failure feels so personal and how it tries to define your worth
• The sneaky spiritual lie fear keeps telling us about our identity in Christ
• A practical step to shift from fearing failure to resting in God’s unshakeable love

This episode is for the woman who believes she is “not enough” to go after the dream God has put on her heart. In it I share about Dreamers Unleashed, my live group coaching experience that helps you overcome perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and fear so you can walk in your God-given identity and purpose.

Whether you are just dreaming or starting to move, this episode will remind you of what is true: God doesn't need you to be enough. He already is and He will give you what you need as you go.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Get on the waitlist for Dreamers Unleashed and join us this summer for freedom from the fear, imposter syndrome and comparison that’s currently standing in the way of your God-shaped dream. Sign up here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/impostersyndrome

✨✨✨✨✨

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

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Ep 336 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/336

Is this dream going to be worth the effort? Maybe you’ve spent hours designing Canva graphics, rewriting emails, or obsessing over what people might think without ever taking a real step forward. You wonder if your dream is even valid or if you just aren't cut out for this. The truth is, you are not failing. You are distracted. And in this episode, we are naming the lies that are stealing your focus from what God is calling you to do.

These three lies: perfectionism, reputation, and platform will not just delay your dream. They will discourage you from ever starting. But God has better for you. He's calling you into freedom from the pressure you have put on yourself so you can refocus on His purposes for your life.

In this episode you'll learn:

🎯 What is really driving your perfectionism and how to break free

🙈 Why playing small protects your comfort but sidelines your calling

🕯️ How quiet obedience lays the groundwork for lasting influence

This episode is for the woman who is tired of overthinking and ready to take faithful steps forward. You will also hear about Dreamers Unleashed, my group coaching course that helps you overcome perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and fear so you can walk in your God-given identity and purpose.

Whether you are just dreaming or starting to move, this episode will remind you of what is true: God doesn't need your polish or popularity. He has already called you, and He will equip you as you go.

If one of these lies has been loud in your life, I would love to hear from you. DM me on Instagram or email me from the website and be sure to join the Dreamers Unleashed waitlist at merrittonsa.com/impostersyndrome. We are doing this together.

Throughout this month, we are exploring how to keep our focus on Christ amid distractions and setbacks. So press play and let's get started.

✨✨✨✨✨

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Ep 335 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/335

Before we dive in, I’d love your input on how the Devoted Dreamers Podcast can better serve YOU. Whether you’re a longtime listener or this is your first episode, I want to hear what’s resonating, what you need more of, and what’s not working for you. Share your thoughts here: merrittonsa.com/input.

When was the last time you truly rested?

In a world that glorifies hustle—even in Christian circles—rest often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. But what if stepping away is exactly what your soul (and your dream) needs?

In this episode, guest Eryn Lynum returns to talk about what Sabbath rest has meant for her family, her dream, and her spiritual life. She shares insights from her latest book, The Nature of Rest, to remind us that choosing rest isn’t laziness—it’s obedience. This is an invitation to stop striving and start trusting the God who never sleeps.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🌿 The comforting truth about the impact of rest on creativity and productivity 🕊️ Strategies for weaving rhythms of rest into daily life and work ⏸️ The art of taking intentional breaks that renew your soul and clarify your focus

This episode will remind you that your worth doesn’t come from your output—and your dream isn’t dependent on constant motion. When we intentionally step away from our work, we create space for God to move.

So whether you’re in a season of full plates or quiet growth, may this conversation give you permission to rest, reflect, and trust that He is still at work—especially in the stillness.

Press play and let’s lean into the gentle rhythms of Christ together.

✨✨✨✨✨

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Ep 334 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/334

What if your dream isn’t a straight line but a winding path that God is faithfully unfolding?

That’s the story we’re exploring today with my returning guest Eryn Lynum. I interviewed Eryn in 2017, (eight years ago!) about her first book, 936 Pennies; it was her very first podcast guest appearance ever! What neither of us could have predicted then was how that tiny step of obedience would lead to something much bigger.

Now Eryn is a Bible teacher, certified master naturalist, and host of the wildly successful Nat Theo Podcast, where she helps families and children discover God’s truth through His creation. In this episode, we trace her journey—from saying yes to an unfamiliar opportunity, to watching God bring her dream to life in the most unexpected way.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🦋 What a caterpillar reveals about waiting on God’s timing, 🚶 Why you don’t need all the answers before you begin, and 💡 How your purpose unfolds through imperfect, faithful steps

This conversation is a powerful reminder that God is always at work—even when we don’t know what comes next.

Whatever stage you’re at—whether you’re just beginning or walking out a long-held dream—take heart. God isn’t in a rush, and He’s not finished with your story. Keep showing up in faith, one small yes at a time, and trust that He’s doing more than you can imagine, even in the waiting.

You may not see the full picture now, but God does—and He’s shaping you along the way.

✨✨✨✨✨

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Ep 333 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/333

What if money doesn’t have to be a barrier to starting your dream?

If you’ve been holding back on your God-shaped dream because of financial concerns, this episode is packed with creative strategies to help you move forward—even on a tight budget.

This is the final conversation in my financial series from Season 10. It is such a practical conversation full of wisdom about launching a dream without overspending.

My guest Jenn Jett Barrett is the founder of Camp Well and The Well Summit. She first shared her dreamer story way back in Episode 16, and in this episode, she offers practical insights on how to take the next step toward your dream without financial fear.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 💰 Creative strategies for funding your dream with minimal risk, 📍 How to start small and embrace a phased journey toward your dream, and 🛠️ Why aligning with community and prayer can propel your dream forward.

If finances have kept you from pursuing the dream God has put on your heart, this episode will give you the encouragement and tools to finally take action on your God-given purpose.

Get the free 5-day Guided Scripture Reading Plan: https://www.merrittonsa.com/biblereadingplan and you’ll also receive a copy of the Dreamers Unleashed Manifesto to post on your mirror, fridge, or wherever you need a reminder of who you are in Jesus and the purpose you’ve been given as a Christian woman.

✨✨✨✨✨

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Ep 332 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/332

What if getting clear on your purpose is easier than you think?

Have you ever wondered, What am I good at? or How can my unique strengths help me pursue meaningful work? If those questions have crossed your mind, this episode is for you.

Last week, we met Jill Felix, a certified Core Clarity facilitator and passionate coach who helps believers understand how God has gifted them. In part 2 of my conversation with Jill, she offers practical insights and encouragement to help you uncover your unique strengths and start living on purpose as a Christian woman.

Her story is full of wisdom about embracing your God-given gifts while trusting Him through the process of pursuing a dream.

But before we dive in, I’d love your input on how the Devoted Dreamers Podcast can better serve YOU. Whether you’re a longtime listener or this is your first episode, I want to hear what’s resonating, what you need more of, and how I can walk alongside you in your dream journey. Share your thoughts here: merrittonsa.com/input.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 🌱 Why it’s essential to understand your God-given talents, 🛤️ That there are multiple paths to bring a dream to life, and ⚡ A practical exercise to help you manage your energy and avoid burnout.

But here’s the key: This conversation isn’t about overnight success or how your strengths can make pursuing a dream “easy.” Talents take time and effort to develop into strengths. And ultimately, we are called to live in dependence on Christ and for His glory—not our own.

If you’ve been wrestling with questions about your purpose or feeling stuck in your dream journey, let this conversation be a gentle nudge to trust the process, lean into your gifts, and let God lead the way.

✨✨✨✨✨

NEXT STEPS:Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat Join the Facebook Community Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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Ep 331 | Show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/331

How do you hold onto a dream when life events interrupt your plans?

Maybe you’re in a season where your dreams feel out of reach because of unexpected challenges—grief, loss, or simply the weight of life’s responsibilities. Is God still working, even in the waiting?

Jill Felix knows what it’s like to navigate deep loss while still holding onto a God-shaped dream. In this conversation, she shares how personal grief, stepping away from work, and finding rest in God ultimately helped shape her journey as a CoreClarity coach for believers who want to know what to do with their results from the Clifton StrengthsFinder Assessment.

From understanding her own talents to launching Radiate Life Coaching, Jill’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s timing is perfect, even when life feels uncertain.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 💔 How grief and unexpected loss can shape your calling, 🌿 The importance of Sabbath rest and rhythms that sustain you, and 🛤️ Practical ways to move forward in your purpose, even in seasons of waiting.

If you’ve ever wondered if you’ve missed your moment or felt like life’s detours have delayed your purpose, let Jill’s story remind you: God is never late, and He is still leading you forward—one step at a time.

Throughout this month we are exploring the theme of purpose, so press play and let’s get started!

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Will you please respond to a 4-question listener survey?

Share your thoughts about the show here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/input

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Facing your own health struggles and how to not give up on your dream? You might also like ep. 268 with Kimberly Phinney, How Weakness Will Show Us the Way Back to Ourselves.

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Ep 330 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/330

Are you living out the purpose God intended for you?

Maybe you’ve spent years searching for clarity, trying to find your unique purpose as a Christian, and it seems like the answers are just out of reach. What if the key was there all along, hidden in plain sight?

Purpose can feel elusive—especially if you’re multi-passionate and have difficulty choosing just one thing to pursue.

However, I’ve learned some key lessons in the search for purpose that I wish I had understood earlier in life. I’m sharing them with you today to shorten the window of time it takes for uncovering your purpose.

This episode is a reminder that purpose isn’t something we manufacture—it’s a gift from God. No matter your age or stage, His plans have been woven into your story from the start. Your role is to look for the clues that reveal what He’s had for you all along.

In this episode you’ll learn:

🔥 The types of life events that shape your purpose, 🚧 The five obstacles that can hinder the realization of your purpose, and 👣 Actionable steps you can take as you navigate the discovery of your God-shaped dream.

Let this conversation be a reminder that God's timing is perfect and your purpose is already unfolding in ways you may not yet see.

Grab the Life Purpose Mapping Exercise, found here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/lifemap to help you find clarity regarding the purpose God has for your life.

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Ep 329 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/329

Does the Bible have something to say about your purpose?

You bet it does! You were uniquely created by God. He knew you before you were born. He put you on the earth in a specific time and place. And He’s given you good gifts that He intends for you to use for His glory.

But if all of that is true, why is it so difficult to figure out your purpose? I’ll be responding to questions about purpose throughout the month of March, including what purpose is, who gives it to us, and why it matters.

In this episode you’ll learn:

💫To understand your life’s unique purpose through the lens of Scripture,

⚙️A practical tool you can use right now to gain deeper insight about your God-shaped dream, and

💛 How close friends/mentors can shed light on things you may not see about your gifts and strengths.

This conversation isn’t about finding a dream job or achieving some elusive calling—it’s about recognizing that God’s fingerprints are all over your intricate design. It’s about seeing how your specific gifts, passions, and even struggles are woven into His greater purpose.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, searching, or simply wanting a deeper understanding of your place in God’s story, this episode is a reminder that purpose isn’t just about what we do but about who we become as we allow God to work through us.

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Find show notes for episode 328 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/328

Can God turn your difficult story into a meaningful ministry?

Maybe you sense God nudging you toward something meaningful, but you’re unsure of the practical steps to get there. Perhaps you see a need but feel overwhelmed by what you don’t know. If that’s you, you’re in the right place! In this second half of my conversation with Kirsten D Samuel, she shares practical steps for building a dream from the ground up.

You’ll learn:

• How to embrace the uncomfortable beginnings of a God-shaped dream
• The power of sharing your dream with a trusted friend, and
• The profound impact of obedience to God’s calling.

This conversation is about the nitty-gritty of bringing a dream to life. It’s about taking that first scary step, learning as you go, and trusting God with the outcome. It’s about moving from “I could never” to “Here’s how it happened.”

Whether you’re ready to take action on your dream or just beginning to explore the possibilities, Kirsten’s journey shows us that with God’s guidance, the path forward becomes clear as we take one step at a time and let go of our control along the way.

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Ep 327 | Show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/327

Are you hiding a story that God might want you to share?

Kirsten D Samuel understands the weight of carrying a painful story alone. When God first prompted her to share her personal testimony about her husband’s pornography addiction and their resulting marriage crisis, her answer was a firm “no.” She was comfortable mentoring young moms and staying in the background—until God had different plans.

This is part 1 of my conversation with Kirsten, and in it she vulnerably shares how God transformed her “no” into a powerful “yes” that resulted in a ministry that now brings hope and healing after marriage betrayal to hundreds of women who are her clients.

Listen in and you’ll learn how she:

❤️‍🩹 moved from managing her reputation to embracing God’s invitation to heal,

🕯️discovered freedom by allowing God to redeem the messy parts of her story, and

✨stepped into a dream that felt impossible in her own strength

Whether you’re carrying a difficult story or sensing God calling you to step out of the background, Kirsten’s journey reminds us that God doesn’t waste our pain. He transforms it into purpose when we trust His leading.

Every week this month we are explore the theme of knowing your value and worth as a woman of God.

Press play and let’s get started!

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Find show notes for episode 326 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/326

Do you see yourself how God sees you?

Not sure how to answer that? Start here: How do you respond when offered a compliment? Do you receive the kind words and say, “Thank you,” or do you feel uncomfortable, brush it off, diminish it, or change the subject?

If it’s any of the latter options, you are not the only one! And we’re going to help you get past it here today.

This episode is about learning to see yourself as God sees you, in the fullness of His love, delight, and care. (It’s not really about compliments, but how we respond to praise can be a symptom that our view of self is broken.)

We must break free from the lies that distort our sense of worth (see episode #325) and learn how to root our identity in Christ. Because big dreams built on the shaky ground of lies or confusion regarding our value and worth will soon crumble.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have tools to begin embracing your identity as God’s beloved and reject the temptation of finding your value and worth in performance, perfection, or the approval of others.

Come on back every week this month as we explore the theme of knowing your value and worth as a woman of God.

Press play and let’s get started!

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Find show notes for episode 325 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/325

Have you ever believed something about yourself that wasn’t true?

In this week’s episode of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast, we’re diving into the lies that hold us back from fully embracing our God-given value and worth.

These false beliefs—whether about our abilities, identity, or purpose—can keep us stuck in fear and self-doubt. But when we uncover them and replace them with God’s truth, we can step forward with confidence into the dreams He’s placed on our hearts.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to recognize the subtle lies that distort your perception of yourself and God
• A simple three-step process to track, trace, and test your thoughts against biblical truth
• Why rooting your identity in Christ sets you free to pursue your dreams with confidence

Tune in now to start breaking free from the lies and stepping fully into God’s purpose for you!

Come back every Wednesday this month as we explore the theme of your inherent value and worth in Christ.

Press play and let’s get started!

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Find show notes for episode 324 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/324

Welcome to Season 13 of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

This year marks a shift we return to weekly episodes—each centered around a monthly theme to help you tackle the biggest barriers to pursuing your God-shaped dream.

Expect a mix of shorter solo episodes and insightful guest interviews that provide inspiration and actionable advice.

In this episode, I share the results of the 2024 listener survey, including who’s listening to the show, what life looks like for you outside of the dream, your heartfelt desires for your dream, and more.

What to expect in the new season:

1. Real-life Inspiration: Relatable stories from real dreamers overcoming real challenges with faith-driven perseverance. Their tales will inspire you to take action in your own journey.
2. Actionable Advice: Every episode is packed with practical steps to help you prioritize what matters most, manage your time effectively, and move closer to your dreams, all within a manageable 20–30-minute format.
3. Faith and Dream Integration: This podcast isn’t only about dreams; it’s about the embodied experience of integrating our faith, dreams, family life, personal growth, and creativity into a cohesive whole.

Join me every week in February as we explore the theme of breaking free from lies about your worth so you can see yourself the way God sees you.

Press play and let’s get started!

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Could accountability, community, and group coaching help bring your dream to life in 2025?

What if you could find all three in one nurturing space that welcomes your messy action?

In this final mini-episode in the 3-part series, I’ve shifted from my regular podcast rhythms in order to bring you on what you need most: strategies to help you make real progress on your God-shaped dream.

And this episode is about how you can start taking weekly action on your dream.

This bonus episode takes you behind the scenes of a recent Dreamer Lab accountability call to hear what it’s like on the inside. A member testimonial shares about our gentle approach to goal setting and accountability, celebrating small wins, and the mindset shifts necessary to successfully pursue your dream.

Ready to plan and take the next actions that will bring your dream to life?

Hit play to get started now!

Then join the waitlist for the Dreamer Lab today at: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamerlab

Doors will open again for the next cohort by summer 2025.

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What connections and relationships are helping you bring your dream to life in 2025?

In this second of three mini-episodes, I’m shaking things up and focusing on what you need most: strategies to help you make real progress on your God-shaped dream.

And this one is all about surrounding yourself with authentic community.

This bonus episode takes you behind the scenes with client testimonials about what it’s like to participate in my high-touch community, Dream Believers. This community is designed specifically for Christian women with a God-shaped dream who’ve haven’t found the support they need for taking big, bold action on their kingdom-focused dreams.

Ready to find a deeply supportive community to accompany you on the journey to your God-shaped dream?

Hit play to get started now!

And then sign up to join our community today at: https://www.merrittonsa.com/ibelieve

NEXT STEPS:

Join Dream Believers: https://www.merrittonsa.com/ibelieve

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What connections and relationships are helping you bring your dream to life in 2025?

In this second of three mini-episodes, I’m shaking things up and focusing on what you need most: strategies to help you make real progress on your God-shaped dream.

And this one is all about surrounding yourself with authentic community.

This bonus episode takes you behind the scenes with client testimonials about what it’s like to participate in my high-touch community, Dream Believers. This community is designed specifically for Christian women with a God-shaped dream who’ve haven’t found the support they need for taking big, bold action on their kingdom-focused dreams.

Ready to find a deeply supportive community to accompany you on the journey to your God-shaped dream?

Hit play to get started now!

And then sign up to join our community today at: https://www.merrittonsa.com/ibelieve

NEXT STEPS:

Join Dream Believers: https://www.merrittonsa.com/ibelieve

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What connections and relationships are helping you bring your dream to life in 2025?

In this second of three mini-episodes, I’m shaking things up and focusing on what you need most: strategies to help you make real progress on your God-shaped dream.

And this one is all about surrounding yourself with authentic community.

This bonus episode takes you behind the scenes with client testimonials about what it’s like to participate in my high-touch community, Dream Believers. This community is designed specifically for Christian women with a God-shaped dream who’ve haven’t found the support they need for taking big, bold action on their kingdom-focused dreams.

Ready to find a deeply supportive community to accompany you on the journey to your God-shaped dream?

Hit play to get started now!

And then sign up to join our community today at: https://www.merrittonsa.com/ibelieve

NEXT STEPS:

Join Dream Believers: https://www.merrittonsa.com/ibelieve

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What tools and strategies do you need to bring your dream to life in 2025?

In this first of three mini-episodes, I’m shaking things up and focusing on what you, my dedicated listeners, need most: strategies to help you make real progress on your God-shaped dream.

This bonus episode takes you behind the scenes and gives you a free resource to help you get better at speaking about your dream out loud with confidence.

You’ll hear firsthand from participants who have transformed their ability to communicate about a dream through our monthly calls together.

Ready to find your voice and gain the confidence to articulate your vision?

Hit play to get started now!

NEXT STEPS:

RSVP to attend the next Dream Out Loud call: https://merrittonsa.com/dreamoutloud

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Find show notes for episode 323 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/323

Are you ready to stop procrastinating so you can finally take action on a dream?

Get my top 3 dos and don’ts from eight years of podcasting and building a business from scratch. Here’s what I wish I’d known at the beginning to help you get there faster and easier than I did. If you’re a Christian woman with a dream to write a book, build a ministry, or start a business, you’ll gain some simple actions you can take today to support you on your journey.

You’ll learn:

🔍 A simple mindset shift that will help unlock your potential,

💡 The remarkable value of treating your dream like a testing ground, and

💫 How to counter negative self-talk so you can start believing in yourself again.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for the encouragement to take a big leap, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you bring your God-shaped dream to life.

Press play and let’s get started!

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✨ Dream Believers ~ a virtual community for Christian women with big dreams. Join the waitlist for exclusive, early access in 2025: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamco ✨ Find the show notes for episode 322 here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/322 Is fear holding you back?

Meet Amy Lively, an accidental author whose journey from nervous neighbor to community catalyst will inspire you. Despite not identifying as a traditional writer, Amy has published two books and created numerous resources for faith-based community building.

In this episode, Amy shares her vulnerable story of overcoming fears, trusting God, and launching neighborhood Bible studies. Learn how she transformed daily scripture readings into actionable faith practices, and discover practical tips for turning your own spiritual nudges into meaningful action.

Amy’s story proves that with faith, the first step doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be taken.

In this episode you’ll learn from Amy about:

🕯️A simple morning routine to fuel your peace & connection to God’s purpose, 🚶‍♀️Why it’s all about taking that first step, even when you feel scared and ill-equipped, plus ✨ The power of making bold and unexpected requests for access to extraordinary opportunities.

This episode is all about the journey of ditching excuses so you can finally listen to the Lord’s promptings and start simply to do something about them.

Get ready to be encouraged in this episode of the Devoted Dreamers podcast. Connect with Amy:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

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LinkedIn

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Get Connected in Our Facebook group

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on Apple Podcasts

on Spotify

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✨ Listener Survey ~ Give Your Feedback Here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/feedback ✨

Find the show notes for this episode here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/321

What are you longing for as we enter into the Advent season?

There is always a laundry list of things to do as the holidays enter full-swing, whether it’s shopping, decorating, cooking, baking, Christmas cards, or other activities that keep you on the go every year in the month prior to Christmas. And yet Advent invites us to experience this season in a very different way than the hustle and bustle of our modern culture.

Tune in as singer-songwriter Caroline Cobb introduces her brand-new Advent devotional—Advent for Exiles: 25 Devotions to Awaken Gospel Hope in Every Longing Heart—and encourages us toward the quiet moments that invite our longing for the coming Savior.

In this episode you’ll learn from Caroline about:

💡 A new way to engage your family in the longing of Advent this December, ✨ Continuing to plant seeds for your dream even when you don’t know what will grow, and ❤️ How being beloved by God surpasses any dream or achievement.

She also shares about the book writing process and about writing an Advent devotional to complement her Advent album A Seed, A Sunrise as well as an update about the experience of becoming a published author through this new project.

Get ready to be encouraged and pointed to the longing we find in Advent as we welcome Caroline Cobb back to the Devoted Dreamers podcast.

Connect with Caroline:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Spotify

Connect with Merritt:

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LinkedIn

Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected in Our Facebook group

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on Apple Podcasts

on Spotify

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Find the show notes here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/320

✨ Dream Believers ~ a virtual community for Christian women with big dreams. Join the waitlist for exclusive early-bird access. Sign up here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamco ✨

Could God use the pain of your past to grow a dream in your heart?

Kim Tschirret grew up in what appeared to be a normal home, but the hidden truth of her father’s alcoholism and abuse was a source of deep pain and secrecy. The only safe place she knew as a child was in her horse’s stable.

By God’s mercy, grace, and eventual healing of her childhood trauma, the story doesn’t end there. In fact, it continues to be told in the healing of more than 2,000 children over the past 15 years who have benefited from her nonprofit ministry called Hope Reins.

Tune in as Kim shares insights on the power of equine therapy for healing childhood trauma and how God planted a dream in her heart for hurting kids to find hope and healing through a relationship with rescued horses.

If you’ve been looking for examples of how God might use your story for a bigger purpose, don’t miss this conversation! It is sure to ignite your faith and give you courage as we talk about:

💡 How God often illuminates purpose through personal healing, ✨ The comfort we receive from God and give in return to the people our dreams serve, and ❤️ Anchoring your day with spiritual practices that nurture your connection with God.

This episode is for you if you have a heart for hurting kids or rescued horses or you just need the reminder that God can use all the broken things for our good and for His glory.

Connect with Kim & Hope Reins:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

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on Apple Podcasts

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Find the show notes here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/319

🤩 Hey Dreamer, join our Community Conversation calls – a supportive monthly opportunity to practice talking about your dream. Register here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect 🤩

Is life so busy that you can’t imagine making time for a dream?

Whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or somewhere in between; navigating life with teenagers; caring for aging parents or small children; serving in your community or your church, there are countless obligations that compete for your valuable and limited time.

It’s hard to imagine where you’d find “extra” time to write, pursue a business idea, or build the ministry you’ve been dreaming about.

If you’re waiting to find time so you can get serious about a passion project, I’ve got to be honest with you: It won’t just happen. The daily demands of life will always stand in the way of your ambitions.

But what if a shift in perspective could help make space for what matters?

My guest Vivian Cumins is a writer, speaker, and host of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast, and this episode is about her journey of seeing her imbalanced life, listening to the Lord, and finally stopping to do something about it.

Listen in and you’ll learn from practical examples about:

🚶‍♀️ How a morning routine can set the tone for a balanced and Christ-centered day,

✨ The importance of trusting God’s plans, especially in challenging times, and

💡 Prioritizing fun and self-care for a spiritually healthy and joyful life.

If you’ve ever struggled to maintain balance in your own life, Vivian’s story offers an encouraging alternative focused on three pillars: God first, self-care, and fun.

May this episode be an encouragement toward more balance in your daily life and a deepening relationship with the Lord.

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Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/318

🤩 Have a God-shaped dream? We have a monthly call where you can share with other Christian women about your dream. Sign up today for our next Community Conversation: https://merrittonsa.com/connect 🤩

Are you waiting for confirmation from God?

You have a big dream but you’ve felt unsure about whether you should take the leap of faith to begin. You’re waiting for God to confirm the idea or give you insight about how you’ll proceed. Once you have confirmation, you’ll go for it, but when will it come? How long should you wait with your dream on hold?

In this episode, I’m tackling three pervasive myths that can paralyze even the most passionate dreamers, including the belief that you need clear confirmation from God to begin.

Through Scripture and anecdotes from dreamers who are taking action, we’ll uncover how procrastination, fear of failure, and perfectionism can hinder your progress.

If you’re a Christian woman with a big dream, this episode is your invitation to embrace a new way of looking at how to push past these obstacles, start small, and embrace the unknown with a growing faith in Christ.

In this episode you’ll learn:

🔍 How to identify and overcome the myths that will delay your dream,

💫 What you can do if you’re caught in the trap of procrastination, and

💡 The remarkable value of embracing uncertainty even when you’d rather play it safe.

Listen in and discover the freedom to walk with God into your dream, fully confident that you have everything you need to move forward.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for the encouragement to take a big leap, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you bring your God-shaped dream to life.

Press play and let’s get started!

✨✨✨✨✨

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Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

Join the Facebook Community

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

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Find the show notes here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/317

🤩 Join our Community Conversation calls – a supportive monthly opportunity to practice talking about your dream. Register here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect 🤩

Do you have to be on social media to attract the people your dream is meant to serve?

My guest Mary Kathryn Tiller—a writer and co-founder of “Writing Off Social”—is here to share her transformative journey of leaving social media behind. “Writing Off Social” empowers Christian women writers to grow their audience without the burnout that comes with being on social media.

Packed with practical tips, faith-based insights, and inspiring reflections on community and God’s timing, this episode offers a refreshing take on balancing modern technology with your life’s calling. Tune in for a profound conversation that challenges conventional wisdom about building your platform on social media.

In this episode Mary Kathryn shares:

🚶‍♀️The emotional toll of social media and practical steps for leaving without losing your audience,

✨ The important role your faith plays in guiding these decisions, and

💡 How to build community and find support beyond social platforms.

Today’s episode is sure to encourage and challenge you. Listen in to discover how Mary Kathryn and other writers have thoughtfully and prayerfully shifted their focus away from social media to find life-giving ways to grow an audience for their dreams.

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Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

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Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

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Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/316

🤩 Join our Community Conversation calls – a supportive monthly opportunity to practice talking about your dream. Register here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect 🤩

Are insecurities keeping you from pursuing a dream?

Former child actress Wendi Lou Lee had often wondered if God could use her role in the cast of Little House on the Prairie to reach people with the gospel. But doubt and insecurity stood in the way of her doing anything about it.

It wasn’t until she was recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumor that Wendi finally began to embrace the opportunity to use her platform as a cast member share her story of God’s goodness through difficulty.

It started with a shift in perspective that was amplified by a simple question from her sister. She decided it was time to live her life differently, which led to writing her memoir, attending a writer’s conference, and then, beginning to gather Little House fans every week through live video.

In this episode she shares:

💡 the shift in perspective that ignited the flame for her quiet dream,

✨ how she battled insecurities by taking repeated action, and

❤️ how you can trust God’s ability to use your unique story and circumstances to bless others and make himself known.

Listen in to discover how Wendi’s faith and vulnerability transformed her life and connected her with believers and non-believers alike. Don’t miss this compelling story of faith, resilience, and divine purpose.

NEXT STEPS:

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Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/315

💥 This episode is brought to you by Dream Believers – a new virtual community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources that will help you bring your God-shaped dream to life!

Click to learn more and join here: merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers Let’s Go After Our Dreams Together! 💥

Are you ready to invest in yourself for the sake of your dream?

Does it feel like investing in yourself is selfish? You’re not alone. In this episode, I dive into why self-investment is actually a form of stewardship, preparing you for the unique role God has designed for you.

Tune in to gain practical insights, biblical wisdom, and inspiration to start investing in your dream today—including testimonials from women who have taken the leap of faith to get the support they need for their God-shaped dreams.

If you’re a Christian woman with a big dream, this episode is your invitation to embrace a new way of looking at how to be a responsible steward of what God has given you.

In this episode you’ll learn:

💫 Why investing in yourself is stewardship not selfishness

🔍 Practical Tips for finding extra money to support your dream

💡 What happens when you embrace the reality that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

Plus, I’ll introduce you to my Dream Believers Community, where you can find support and encouragement you need from fellow dreamers so you can stay the course when the responsibility of carrying this dream feels way beyond your abilities.

Join us and discover how and why it’s important to steward your dream by investing in yourself. Let’s dive in!

✨✨✨✨✨

Join the Dream Believers community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources to bring your God-shaped dream to life!

Click to learn more and register before the doors close on August 29th: merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers

Let’s Go After Our Dreams Together!

✨✨✨✨✨

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

Join the Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions.Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/314

💥 This episode is brought to you by Dream Believers – a new virtual community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources to bring your God-shaped dream to life! 💥

Register for the free “Start Your Dream in 30 Days” workshop coming up on August 22nd. RSVP at: merrittonsa.com/workshop and Let’s Go Together!

How disciplined do you need to be to take on a big dream?

You’d never guess it by looking from the outside in, but discipline is not one of my top strengths—it’s not even in the top 30! If “lack of discipline” is one of the reasons you’re holding off on pursuing a dream, listen in for another way to look at what it means to “be disciplined.”

Tune in to gain practical insights, biblical wisdom, and inspiration to persevere even through setbacks. If you’re a Christian woman with big dreams, this episode is your roadmap to embracing a new way of being disciplined so you can make tangible progress.

In this episode you’ll learn:

💫 3 myths that confuse our understanding of what it means to be disciplined

💃 Ways even an undisciplined person can build a habit of discipline

💡 Practical tips for how to apply everyday discipline to pursuing a God-shaped dream

Plus, I’ll introduce you to the Dream Believers Community, where you can find support and encouragement you need from fellow dreamers so you can stay the course when the dream feels beyond your abilities.

Join us and discover how discipline can be your hidden strength on the path to fulfilling your God-shaped dreams. Let’s dive in!

✨✨✨✨✨

Be sure to RSVP for the free workshop on August 22nd so you can Start Your Dream in 30 Days! Register here: merrittonsa.com/workshop. Then, show up on Thursday, August 22nd, and find your courage with other dreamers who are on the journey too!

Let’s get started! Click play and get ready to pursue your dream!

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

Join the Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions.Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/313

💥 This episode is brought to you by Dream Believers – a new virtual community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources to bring your God-shaped dream to life! Beginners are welcome!! 💥

Join us by attending a free workshop on August 22nd so you can “Start Your Dream in 30 Days.” RSVP at: merrittonsa.com/dreamco and Let’s Go Together!

✨✨✨✨✨

Have big dreams but feel uncertain how to begin?

This week on the Devoted Dreamers podcast we are exploring a mindset shift that will help you begin with ease and clarity. My goal, by the end of this solo episode, is that you would know you already have what you need to get started. So pop in your earbuds, put on your walking shoes and let’s figure out what you’re capable of! (I already know the answer: A lot more than you realize!)

Plus, I’ll introduce you to the Dream Believers Community, where you can find support and encouragement you need from fellow dreamers so you can stay the course when the dream feels beyond your abilities.

Tune in for inspiration and actionable steps to confidently walk into your dream, knowing that with faith and community, you are more capable than you think.

In this episode you’ll learn:

⚡The secret to beginning something new when you feel unqualified,

💫 The power of recognizing and embracing your inherent gifts and talents, and

🪜 Practical steps to help you start right where you are today.

Get ready to find courage as you build an enduring support system of friends to labor alongside you, together, begin taking action steps toward your God-shaped dreams.

✨✨✨✨✨

Before you go, RSVP for my free workshop on August 22nd so you can Start Your Dream in 30 Days! Register for the workshop here: merrittonsa.com/dreamco. Then, show up on Thursday, August 22nd, and find your courage with other dreamers who are on the journey too!

Let’s get started! Click play and get ready to pursue your dream!

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

Join the Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/312

How will you find balance between your dreams and your kids’ school routines?

Amidst the flurry of back-to-school preparations, are you also quietly pondering what this season holds for your personal dreams? If you’re a mom with kids still living at home, your routines (and theirs) are likely about to shift big time!

For some, you’ll have more free time than you’ve had in years. (<- This was me as my youngest went off to full-day kindergarten last year!) Or maybe you’ll have less time because your middle school and not-yet-driving high school aged kids have activities that put you in the driver's seat (for hours and days on end).

You may feel tempted to begin assembling a plan for your dream as the seasons shift. But before you do that, let’s hit “pause” and unpack what is really needed other than just more time to work on your dream.

In this solo episode you’ll learn about:

🕰️Giving yourself time to transition if you’re sending kids back to school soon

💡Creating space for your dreams if you don’t have a lot of time to yourself

⚡How to overcome fear and doubt as you’re getting ready to take action

This episode is packed with encouragement and practical insights for managing a dream during any season of transition.

Let’s get started! Click play and get ready to pursue your dreams!

✨ Start Your Dream in 30 Days – FREE Workshop✨

You're invited to a free workshop for Christian women who want to nurture God-given gifts, replace competition with curiosity, fight lies with truth and bring your God-shaped dreams to life.

August 22, 2024 – pick the best time for you:

Workshop #1 at 9am Pacific / Noon Eastern

OR

Workshop #2 at 1pm Pacific / 4pm Eastern

Register here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamco

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Talk

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

View Details

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/311

💥 This episode is brought to you by Dream Believers – a new virtual community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources to bring your God-shaped dream to life! 💥

Beginners are welcome!! Join the Dream Believers waitlist at: merrittonsa.com/dreamco and Let’s Go Together!

What if you started asking better questions about your God-shaped dream?

This week we’re diving into the essential art of asking better questions to propel your God-shaped dream forward.

In this solo episode, I’ll share how switching from fear-inspired “what if” questions to more productive, actionable questions can bring you closer to your dream. We’ll explore the importance of identifying what you can control, leaning into God, and walking this path in community with others who share your faith and dedication.

Plus, I’ll introduce you to the Dream Believers Community, where you can find support and encouragement from fellow dreamers to stay the course when the dream feels beyond your abilities.

You’re going to learn:

⚡ How to shift from fear-based questions to faith-fueled questions,

🪜 Practical steps to reframe your mindset, and

💫 The transformative power of a shared experience with other women on the dreamer journey.

Get ready to reframe all of your “what-if” questions so you can gain clarity and take actionable steps toward the big dreams God has placed on your heart.

✨✨✨✨✨

Before you go, join the waitlist for the Dream Believers community at: merrittonsa.com/dreamco and join a group of like-minded women who are going after their dreams TOGETHER!

✨✨✨✨✨

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

Join the Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions.Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/310

💥 This episode is brought to you by Dream Believers – a new virtual community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources to bring your God-shaped dream to life! 💥

Beginners are welcome!! Join the waitlist at: merrittonsa.com/dreamco and let’s Go Together!

Do you lack the free time to make your God-shaped dream a reality?

It’s difficult to imagine when you’ll find a moment to type out the next chapter of your book, or plan that event you’ve been dreaming up, or really give serious thought to the business idea swimming around in your head.

Whether it’s the demands of daily life, a family member in need, a crisis in your community, or an unexpected illness, “free time” is elusive. And because your dream isn’t urgent, it always gets pushed to the backburner when “real life” demands rise to the surface—yet again.

Pop in your earbuds to learn:

⚡ A simple framework to help you find focused time for your dream,

❤️ Practical steps for staying consistent amidst a busy life, and

💫 The shift in perspective needed so you don’t give up.

Get ready to step outside your comfort zone and tackle the time constraints of your life, so you can say “yes” to the big dreams God has placed on your heart.

Before you go, join the waitlist for the Dream Believers community at: merrittonsa.com/dreamco and surround yourself with like-minded women who are going after their dreams TOGETHER!

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

Join the Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/309

This episode is brought to you by the Dream Believers virtual community. Get on the waitlist to be notified when the doors are open to new members: https://merrittonsa.com/dreamco

What story have you been living in?

At 17 years old, Cassandra Smith was living in silence, withdrawn from others, and facing a severe mental health crisis. Never did she imagine that years later she would give keynotes and TEDx talks, write books, lead mentorship programs, and create more than 200 downloadable resources to rally around the power of living your story to the fullest.

Cassandra is passionate about mental health wellness, believing people are not defined by what has happened to them in their life but rather where they want to go. Her core message comes from asking the question: “What would your life look like if you were to take back the pen to the story of your life?”

The encouragement she brings comes from her personal story of moving out of darkness and into the light of believing God’s truth and stepping into a big dream He had given her.

Listen in and discover how you can learn to trust the Lord despite fear and how that’s just the beginning of changing the narrative of your life’s story.

In this episode she shares:

💡 how our dreams come alive through the everyday moments,

✨ practical advice on overcoming fear so you can find your voice, and

❤️ how building a support network is essential in navigating the uncertainty (and the meltdowns) that come when you start to pursue a dream

This inspiring podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents, and life experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/308

💥 This episode is brought to you by the Devoted Dreamers Community Conversation call held on the last Wednesday of the month at 10:30 AM Pacific / 1:30 PM Eastern. 💥

Register for free here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect

Are you ready to uncover the secret weapon for chasing your God-shaped dream?

If the obstacles between you and your dream feel overwhelming, it might be time for a game-changer: Community!

In this solo episode, I dive into exactly why I believe community is essential for tackling the hurdles and confidently moving forward with your God-shaped dream. Whether your dream involves writing, speaking, leading, teaching, starting a business, or building a ministry, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable tips just for you.

From tackling obstacles like time and discipline to gaining clarity and momentum, community is the key. When you’re surrounded by other Jesus-loving women who also have a big dream, everyone wins because we are stronger together than we are on our own.

I also introduce you to our supportive Devoted Dreamers community and tell you how to connect this month with like-minded women who have a similar heart and are pursuing God-shaped dreams just like you.

Pop in your earbuds to learn all about:

⚡ The three obstacles that community helps eliminate,

💫 What the Bible says about strength in numbers, and

🎁 How to find the like-minded community you seek.

If you’ve ever felt the nudge to create or build something new but find yourself overwhelmed by the enormity of the dream, you’re in the right place.

Get ready to step outside your comfort zone, face those fears, and say “yes” to the big dreams God has placed on your heart. This episode is packed with encouragement and practical insights to help you on your journey. Let’s get started!

RSVP for the free monthly Community call on Zoom

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

Join the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

View Details

Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/307

This episode is brought to you by the Devoted Dreamers Community Conversations call, held monthly on the last Wednesday at 10:30 AM Pacific / 1:30 PM Eastern. Register for free here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect

Have you ever felt a God nudge?

Whether you call it a nudge, a whisper, or a prompting, I bet you’ve had at least one. Maybe it was super subtle. Maybe you didn’t understand it in the moment. Or maybe it’s like you were knocked over the head with a two-by-four and you cannot go on ignoring it any longer.

In many cases, the whisper is beyond anything you ever imagined for your life, and for my guest, Kathy Izard, it came loud and clear and completely unexpected. Her story began in the heart of a soup kitchen where a surprising encounter sparked a journey that would require her to surrender in ways she never imagined.

As you listen, pay close attention to what you can learn from her story, like:

💡How to know if you have a God whisper, ✨ Why your dream probably doesn’t come with a roadmap (and how to take steps anyway), ❤️ What it looks like to surrender to a dream you didn’t know you wanted and how God directs your steps when you do.

This inspiring podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents, and life experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/306

💥 This episode is brought to you by the Devoted Dreamers Community Conversation call held on the last Wednesday of the month at 10:30 AM Pacific / 1:30 PM Eastern. 💥

Register for free here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect

What good gifts did God give you?

In this solo episode, we dive deep into how you can discover and develop your God-given gifts. Whether you have a burning idea for a book you want to write, a business that could transform lives, or a heartfelt vision for ministry, this episode is for you.

We’ll dig deep into scripture, reflect on life experiences, and explore practical steps to take action on your God-shaped dreams. Plus, I’ll share details about our supportive Devoted Dreamers community and how you can connect with like-minded women who are pursuing their dreams just like you.

Pop in your earbuds to learn all about:

🎁 How to identify your God-given gifts,

📝 Practical advice for using those gifts as it relates to your dream, and

❤️ Understanding why your gifts matter.

If you’ve ever felt the nudge to create or build something new but find yourself overwhelmed by the enormity of the dream, you’re in the right place.

Get ready to step outside your comfort zone, face those fears, and say “yes” to the big dreams God has placed on your heart. This episode is packed with encouragement and practical insights to help you on your journey. Let’s get started!

RSVP for the free monthly Community call on Zoom

Three questions I asked you to reflect on in this episode:

Why do my gifts matter in the world?

What, Lord, do you want to do with my good gifts?

How can my gifts bring you glory?

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

Join the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

View Details

Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/305

This episode is brought to you by the Devoted Dreamers Community Conversations call, held monthly on the last Wednesday at 10:30 AM Pacific / 1:30 PM Eastern. Register for free here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect

Do you struggle to recognize the beauty of your uniqueness?

Everywhere you look there’s evidence of the glorious ways God made other people: She’s got an eye for design. That one has a knack for speaking encouraging truth into other people’s struggles. Her every movement is so graceful and poised. I wish I could speak/write/entertain like she does.

Ultimately, we’re asking the question: God, why didn’t you make me like that?

We don’t intend to diminish God’s gifts in us; it’s more like we don’t recognize our gifts for what they are. We’ve lived our whole lives with these talents, this wiring, this personality. It doesn’t seem all that special compared to what we perceive as excellent in others.

What will it take to begin recognizing the significance of your wiring and to boldly use your gifts for His glory?

In this episode of the Devoted Dreamers Podcast, my guest Michelle Acker offers a reminder that God’s design in each of us—including you—has a beautiful purpose!

As you listen, pay close attention to what Michelle teaches us about:

💡Practical ways to overcome the negative voices threatening your dream,

✨ Giving yourself the freedom to explore and express your passions, and

❤️ The gift of collaborating with another dreamer to create beauty TOGETHER!

This inspiring podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents, and life experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/304

Is it too late for me and my dream?

If you had asked college-aged-me if my parents were old, I’m sure I would’ve said yes. And I wouldn’t have meant it as a compliment

But what about wisdom? What about the value of life experience? What does the Bible have to say about our value in the midst of inevitable aging?

When former podcast guest Heather Creekmore reached out to share her new book Aging Gratefully with me, I was convinced this was a topic we all need to consider. (Also, go listen to her previous episode, #231, on How to Trust God’s Calling on Your Life Even When You Feel Unqualified—it is among the top three downloaded Devoted Dreamers episodes of all time!)

If you’ve felt the pressure to be perfect or feared having missed your chance to pursue a dream, this conversation offers hope, truth, and a much-needed perspective shift that God’s calling transcends age because wisdom and experience are assets, not hindrances.

As you listen, pay close attention to what Heather’s story reveals about:

💡Managing the fear of not feeling qualified for the dream God has given you (whether that’s age-related or something else)

✨ How to shift into a more biblical perspective that places a high value on long life and growing old,

❤️ Heather’s practical strategy for fighting back against the thoughts that would keep you and your dream in hiding

This inspiring podcast episode helps Christian women in their search for encouragement to use the skills, talents, and life experience for the big dreams God has given you.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/303

Are you afraid of what God might do with your dream?

If fear has been a driving force in your dream (or lack thereof), it’s time to go deeper in your faith. Bible teacher and author Jen Weaver shares in this episode about how to manage the fear of not feeling qualified for the dream God has given you.

Rather than quit when you hit a fear roadblock, you can choose to walk through your fears with God—who is the antidote to fear—and He will re-energize your faith with the truth of His Word.

Jen is passionate about empowering believers to engage in every aspect of life WITH God. Her latest book A Beckoning to Wonder is a gorgeously illustrated poetry collection, helping you rest in God’s goodness as you re-energize your connection and experience the life-changing ease of wonder.

As you listen to this episode, pay close attention to what Jen’s story can teach you about:

💡Managing the fear of not feeling qualified for the dream God has given you,

❤️ The power of wonder to remove the burden of overthinking, and

✨ Partnering with God to take the pressure off and embrace your dreams like a child: with the freedom to be a learner, to try things, to mess up and keep moving forward.

This inspiring podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents, and life experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/302

What do you do when a dream feels too hard?

Somewhere along the journey of saying “yes” to a God-shaped dream you’ll probably ask yourself why in the world you did that.

It’s no small thing to attempt something you’ve never done before like writing a book when you don’t know the first thing about publishing; or starting a business when you’ve always been a W-2 employee; or taking the risk of inviting strangers to purchase the art you’ve created, attend a workshop you’ll be teaching, or buy a product you’ve spent your creative energy building.

It feels incredibly vulnerable to put yourself out there like this. And some days you might feel like quitting so you can go back to your “easy, normal life.”

I don’t blame you. We all have those moments, but there’s actually a great deal of hope in the messy middle as well, and that’s what I have to share with you in this episode.

Pop in your earbuds and you’ll learn all about:

🪤The 3 traps you’ll encounter when you’re in the messy middle of a big dream

🏃‍♀️Practical advice for how to navigate the messy middle without giving up

❤️Finding strength to persevere in community with others dreamers facing similar trials

This encouraging podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents, and experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.

Join us for my next free monthly call on Zoom with other devoted dreamers

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

Join the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

View Details

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/301

Is there a God-nudge you’ve been ignoring?

Rachel Bates never imagined starting a nonprofit; in fact, even as she leads the Beauties ministry, this role feels outside of her comfort zone and skill set on most days. The reason she said ‘yes’? Beauties has touched Rachel’s life and the faith of her young daughter so deeply. She couldn’t ignore the Spirit’s prompting to grow the ministry and reach girls beyond her home community—or that she was the one to begin this work.

Now, looking back, she can see the breadcrumbs of God’s hand leading her from a teaching career, to mothering, and then to this opportunity. At the same time, she knew nothing about nonprofit leadership before sitting down with an attorney to discuss next steps. In order to be obedient to the call, she knew she would have to surround herself with others who had the skills and experience she lacked.

Rachel candidly shares about her struggles with self-doubt and on-going battle with perfectionism, sharing scriptures that keep her anchored continuing to embrace the joys and challenges of this role.

As you listen to this episode, pay close attention to what Rachel’s story can teach you about trusting the Lord as you pursue a dream outside your comfort zone, including:

💡 Why we hesitate to listen to those “God nudges” about the big dreams He’s given us (and what’s really at play there),

✨ How to find courage to say “yes” to the adventure God has for you, and

❤️ The transformative power of stepping into the identity He has given you in Christ.

This encouraging podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents and experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions.Ad music by Komiku.

View Details

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/300

Is it possible to miss God’s plan for your life?

This is what Tracey Gates wondered as the years went by while she raised children and worked odd jobs along the way. She knew God had made her for more, but could she have missed it?

Tracey always had a dream in her heart to write a book but she had no idea how to begin or what the topic would be. It didn’t seem urgent at the time. The idea would come up in conversation with a friend or her spouse but there was never enough clarity to move forward.

In her 40s, the dream was still there. By the time she reached her 50s, Tracey realized that the comfort she once felt about this someday-dream to write a book no longer felt comfortable. It was actually frightening. Had she missed God’s plan?

As you listen to this episode, pay close attention to what Tracey’s story can teach you about finding your unique calling and purpose, including:

✨ How to overcome fear and find the courage to write,

❤️ The transformative power of daily acts of kindness, and

🗝️ Two questions that were the key to unlocking & discovering her full purpose.

This encouraging podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents and experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions.Ad music by Komiku.

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/299

What have you been waiting on God to do with your dream?

Let’s be honest, waiting is hard. But often we are so busy looking ahead wondering when God will answer a prayer or change a difficult circumstance that we risk missing out on what He’s already doing right in front of us, right now.

In this episode, I am honored to introduce you to Shadia Hrichi, a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author, and speaker. She’s joining us to share the surprising twist in her career as a result of corporate layoffs and how one question from a godly mentor opened her eyes to a seminary degree and the possibility of working in full-time ministry.

In this episode you’ll learn:

✨ How scheduled, intentional downtime can bring you into a closer walk with the Lord,

❤️ About trusting God even when progress seems slow, and

👂 The vital role of wise mentors to help uncovering your God-given dreams.

I pray this conversation is a reminder that God is always working. He never sleeps on our dreams; He is never blind to our concerns. He is always present, always loving, and completely aware of every aspect of our lives.

I’m eager for you to hear Shadia’s story about the journey to her God-shaped dream. This soul-nourishing conversation promises to reignite your passion for God’s plan in your life.

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions.Ad music by Komiku.

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/298

How do you know if you’re following God’s plan for your dream?

It’s a big question! And if you’re asking it, you should know you are not the only one. I hear this all the time from listeners who are concerned about missing what God is prompting them to do.

It’s one of the reasons I’m so honored to have the inspiring Polly Payne back for a second episode this month. In case you’re new to Polly, she’s the CEO + Founder of Horacio Printing, and she’s here to share her heart for putting structure around how we plan and pursue our dreams.

In this follow-up to last week’s interview, Polly and I talk about her core philosophy of how to make time for our dreams and ensure that those dreams are in alignment with the will of God.

You’ll learn:

• Polly’s strategies for beginning to plan and dream (anytime, not just at the new year),
• How to nurture your weekly schedule and make space for a dream, as well as
• How to set goals and intentions that stick.

If you don’t know Polly or aren’t familiar with Horacio Printing, her Dream Planner or Print School, School, go back to episode 297 and get caught up on her story of bringing Horacio Printing to life! Especially the mishap as she was naming her company; that story is unforgettable and has some great takeaways if you struggle with perfectionism!

Okay, let’s jump into it! Grab your planner, set your intentions, and lean into the blessings of God’s new mercies every morning.

You don't want to miss this revitalizing episode of the Devoted Dreamers Podcast—here's to dreaming, growing, and becoming the person God is calling you to be in this God-breathed new year!

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music by Komiku.

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/297

Have you ever felt unqualified for the dream God has given you?

You’re not alone in that. My guest today is a decade into her dream, and she’s here to share how God moved her from a career in corporate advertising to building a ministry and business that would glorify God and serve His people.

Polly Payne is the CEO + Founder of Horacio Printing and in this episode, you’ll hear her talk about the birth of her dream to create a God-centered planner company. Horacio Printing has sold over 45,000 Dream Planners around the world and raised over $73,000 to fight human trafficking through her partnership with A21.

A mother of two, Polly now lives in Lookout Mountain, GA, where she leads her company and empowers other dreamers to create their own bible studies, journals and planners, through her Print School, which she founded in 2022.

Stick around to learn from Polly about:

• the challenges, strategies, and faith journey in her shift from corporate to entrepreneurship
• sharing knowledge and experience with other creators—even if it means empowering future competitors, and
• the profound effect of surrendering our dreams and their outcomes to God's control.

Our God is good and trustworthy and He is at work in the world—in your life, in mine, in Polly’s.

If you’ve struggled to get started. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and going nowhere with your dream, join me for a Devoted Dreamers Zoom call on Wednesday, January 31st to connect, build community, share boldly and imagine what God might do with our dreams in 2024!

Register for the call at merrittonsa.com/first90days

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions.Ad music: “New Day” used under Creative Commons by Lee Rosevere.

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THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

Are you stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts?

Throughout my January Habit Series, I’ve been talking about habits you might consider adopting this year (and tips for making them easier), because building new habits has the potential to strengthen you and support your dream.

Each episode focuses on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (about 10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

In this final episode of the series, I’m talking about the reasons I began a simple daily gratitude practice and the mindset shift that resulted in a fairly short period of time after implementing it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The easiest way to practice daily gratitude,
• What daily gratitude can do to change your attitude for the better, and
• The underlying benefit for your dream when you start building new habits.

Grab my free, UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Subscribe to the show and then come on back on Wednesdays following this series for more interviews and solo episodes customized for the dreamer in you who knows there’s a dream inside just waiting to come out!

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THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

When was the last time you tried a thing you’ve never done before?

In my January Habit Series, I’ve been talking about habits you might consider adopting this year (and tips for making them easier), because building new habits has the potential to strengthen you and support your dream.

Each mini episode focuses on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (about 10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life. If you’ve missed any of them, I’ve created a Spotify playlist for you right here.

But the habits we’re talking about in these episodes are not necessarily the “new skills” I’m referring to in today’s episode. Rather, this one is all about making it a habit to try something new every chance you get. It’s important because it builds perseverance, confidence (even when you fail), and rewires your brain for other uncomfortable endeavors that are bound to come your way as you run after a God-shaped dream.

In this episode, you’ll:

• Learn the value of getting out of your comfort zone by learning a new skill,
• Consider possible roadblocks to the “new” things necessary in pursuing a dream, and
• Gather some ideas for making it easy to try new things.

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Join me for a 2-hour Co-Working session once a month in 2024, with the accountability you need to finally check that project off your list. Register for Co-Working here.

Subscribe to the show and then come back to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

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THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

How good would it feel if you could clear out your email inbox by next week?

This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

For this one, I’ve got a special treat for you. I’m sharing an episode from my friend Christa Hutchins’ podcast, Just One Simple Thing, about getting your email inbox in order as part of her “January Reset” series. (The entire series is GOLD, so I urge you to subscribe to her show and listen to all of them!)

If you don’t already know Christa, she’s a professional project manager, ministry leader, and entrepreneur. Christa loves details and turning scary, complex ideas into specific plans to accomplish a goal, one step at a time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The easy way to get your email subscriptions under control,

A simple 5-step method for clearing out your inbox once and for all, and

One thing you should start doing with the subscribers on your email list.

Grab the free, UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Get Christa’s January Reset Handout in her Plan & Pray Facebook group

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

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THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

What if getting more sleep at night could increase your energy for pursing a dream?

This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

Getting more sleep has been one of the most impactful shifts I’ve made in the last six months for improving my energy and the creativity I’m able to give to my dream.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of sleep hygiene (and a definition, in case this is the first time you’re hearing this term),
• Indicators you need to clean up your sleep habits, and
• How to get started at getting to bed earlier, even if you’re naturally a night owl.

Grab the free, UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

Could you benefit from planning out your week on Sunday nights?

Preparing for the week ahead on a Sunday night will not only help you stay on top of those one-off commitments you might otherwise forget, but it also illuminates where you have pockets of time that could be used more effectively for pursuing your God-shaped dream.

I started weekly planning (off-and-on) about two years ago. I usually get really excited about it at the beginning of the year and lose track when summer rolls around.

But I’ve noticed that when I consistently do my weekly planning, I am less likely to be in a panic about needing to be somewhere all of a sudden (even though I made the appointment just last week), or feel unprepared for a call that’s about to happen, or wish I’d washed my hair that morning so I’d be “camera ready” for an afternoon Zoom meeting.

Simply making an appointment with myself to plan once a week often means the days that follow go more smoothly.

This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

Weekly planning has so many benefits, and in this episode, you’ll learn:

• A few tell-tale signs that you could benefit from weekly planning,
• Why to start weekly planning now, even if you’re not currently engaged in pursuing a dream, and
• The surprising rhythms you might discover just by starting a habit of planning out your week in advance.

Grab the free UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Grab my Weekly Planning Training & Worksheet for just $19.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

View Details

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

What would need to change for you to spend 20 minutes a day moving your body?

Five days ago, when I recorded this episode, I did not have a daily movement habit, but that is no longer the case. Just thinking and talking about it for this episode was enough to spark me into action. Maybe it’ll do the same for you. As of Tuesday morning, I’ve walked four out of four mornings for fifteen to twenty minutes, just as the sun was rising (and didn’t let 14 degrees temps keep me inside!).

Every day I’m excited to pull out my UPDATED Habit Tracker and check off that day when I get home from my walk. So simple and yet so satisfying!

This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

This is the fourth episode in my Habit Series, and in it I’m talking about the value of moving your body every day (ideally outside in the morning sunlight) and a few tips to help you get this habit started.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What your body needs in a 24-hour cycle,
• The impact of getting morning sunlight, and
• How to make moving your body every day easier.

Grab the free UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

View Details

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

What would need to change for you to spend 20 minutes a day moving your body?

Five days ago, when I recorded this episode, I did not have a daily movement habit, but that is no longer the case. Just thinking and talking about it for this episode was enough to spark me into action. Maybe it’ll do the same for you. As of Tuesday morning, I’ve walked four out of four mornings for fifteen to twenty minutes, just as the sun was rising (and didn’t let 14 degrees temps keep me inside!).

Every day I’m excited to pull out my UPDATED Habit Tracker and check off that day when I get home from my walk. So simple and yet so satisfying!

This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

This is the fourth episode in my Habit Series, and in it I’m talking about the value of moving your body every day (ideally outside in the morning sunlight) and a few tips to help you get this habit started.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What your body needs in a 24-hour cycle,
• The impact of getting morning sunlight, and
• How to make moving your body every day easier.

Grab the free UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

View Details

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

What would need to change for you to spend 20 minutes a day moving your body?

Five days ago, when I recorded this episode, I did not have a daily movement habit, but that is no longer the case. Just thinking and talking about it for this episode was enough to spark me into action. Maybe it’ll do the same for you. As of Tuesday morning, I’ve walked four out of four mornings for fifteen to twenty minutes, just as the sun was rising (and didn’t let 14 degrees temps keep me inside!).

Every day I’m excited to pull out my UPDATED Habit Tracker and check off that day when I get home from my walk. So simple and yet so satisfying!

This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

This is the fourth episode in my Habit Series, and in it I’m talking about the value of moving your body every day (ideally outside in the morning sunlight) and a few tips to help you get this habit started.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What your body needs in a 24-hour cycle,
• The impact of getting morning sunlight, and
• How to make moving your body every day easier.

Grab the free UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

View Details

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

How important is restorative rest in pursuing a big dream?

Our body, mind and soul require rest; it’s just how we were made and it was modeled for us by God in the creation account and in Adam’s first day on earth. Why wouldn’t we also benefit from regular rhythms of rest in our lives?

This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

This is the third episode in my Habit Series; I’m talking about the value of living from rest instead of for rest and how simple it can be to add Sabbath rest into your weekly rhythms.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How restorative rest differs from just chilling out,
• Steps you can take to determine if you need more Sabbath rest, and
• When and how I get Sabbath rest even when life is busy.

Grab the free UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

View Details

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

Why should you read the Bible every day?

All month long I’ll be talking about habits to consider (and tips for making them easier) as part of my series on building habits that will strengthen you and support your dream.

Welcome to the second episode in the Habit Series. Today is all about the easy way to start a daily Bible reading habit.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The benefits of reading the Bible every day
• It’s easier than you think to create a daily Bible-reading habit, and
• Why tracking your habits can make all the difference in your motivation to stick with it!

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker and start reading the Bible on a daily basis.

Subscribe to the show and check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit you might consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement a new habit. These will be short and sweet (5-10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

View Details

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

Why should you read the Bible every day?

All month long I’ll be talking about habits to consider (and tips for making them easier) as part of my series on building habits that will strengthen you and support your dream.

Welcome to the second episode in the Habit Series. Today is all about the easy way to start a daily Bible reading habit.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The benefits of reading the Bible every day
• It’s easier than you think to create a daily Bible-reading habit, and
• Why tracking your habits can make all the difference in your motivation to stick with it!

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker and start reading the Bible on a daily basis.

Subscribe to the show and check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit you might consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement a new habit. These will be short and sweet (5-10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

View Details

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits Series here.

What small steps can you take that will have a lasting impact?

Let's spark some change today that fuels your God-shaped dream and sets the stage for enduring success tomorrow. It’s easier than you might think, and it all starts with building sustainable habits into your life.

This Habit Series was so popular in 2023 that I’m re-sharing the episodes for your new year’s inspiration.

Each mini episode focuses on a particular habit you might consider and tips to help you implement it. These are short episodes (5-10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building new habits into your life.

Welcome to the intro episode for a new series focused on habits. Come back through the first two weeks of January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why I recommend trying new habits now even if they are unrelated to your dream,
• The difference between new habits and New Year’s resolutions,
• My 2-minute vocal warm-up habit that has changed how I prepare for public speaking or podcast recording, and
• Why tracking your daily, weekly, or monthly habits can make all the difference in your motivation to stick with it!

Grab your free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker to start building competency, consistency & courage to invest in your dream!

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/296

How do you commit to a dream you’ve felt too scared to share?

Your dream is part of you; of course it feels vulnerable to speak about it, especially if you’ve tried in the past and it turned into a mess of mixed-up words as they tumbled out of your mouth.

If you’ve been keeping your dream to yourself for longer than you’d like to admit, this is your cue that it’s time to learn how to talk about it privately if you ever have a hope of it coming to fruition publicly.

If you're ready to uncover the game-changing potential of speaking your dream out loud, join me for an empowering and insightful practice that will grow your readiness for the dream.

In this final solo episode of 2023, we explore:

• the importance of speaking your dream out loud, even if it sounds discombobulated or feels uncomfortable,
• how to use your creativity to bring your dream out of hiding, and
• a simple challenge to help you get comfortable and find the words you want to use to talk about the dream.

SOMETHING NEW IS COMING IN 2024:

I’m creating something for the Devoted Dreamer who wants a road map to help guide her on the journey of stepping into a God-shaped dream in 2024.

Here’s the link to sign up for more information (when it’s ready to share): https://www.merrittonsa.com/first90days

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Talk

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

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Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/295

How important are prayer and intimacy with God to our dreams?

Even the most faithful woman can get distracted by the flood of ideas that often accompanies a God-shaped dream. As the dream enters our awareness, we begin to feel excited—a little trepidation is normal too. Then, when we entertain the possibilities, suddenly there are so many ideas vying for our attention that it’s easy to forget that we are the clay and He is the potter.

God is so gracious to call us back into an intimate and connected relationship with Him because He knows this relationship has to be the foundation for pursuing our God-shaped dreams.

This mini episode is all about the undeniable necessity of prayer and intimacy with the Lord in the pursuit of your God-shaped dream.

In it, we explore:

• Prayer as a foundational practice that is essential for every devoted dreamer,
• The significance of developing a close relationship with God,
• and how prayer can transform your approach to achieving your dreams.

DOORS ARE NOW OPEN -- JOIN THE DREAMER LAB

https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamerwinter

Enrollment is open for my highly-curated 3-month group coaching experience that’ll get you writing that book, launching your ministry, starting a business all for the glory of God and His purposes in the world.

This is a unique opportunity to build community, dive deeper into your dream, and cultivate a consistent relationship with the Lord.

Join us January - March 2024 to build community, ignite clarity, and invigorate your confidence to begin making small, consistent actions towards your God-shaped dream.

Or, if you’re hearing this after the fact, get on the waitlist for the Dreamer Lab at: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamerlab

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/294

How can we learn to surrender our dreams and trust God for the outcome?

As dreamers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting our dreams to go our way. We have an idea of what it might look like. We’ve grown cautiously excited about the possibilities. We talk about surrendering the dream and its outcome to God. During our quiet time, we even tell Him that we trust Him.

And then, when we start to take action, something shifts.

There’s a challenge we didn’t anticipate, or an opportunity we’re terrified to say ‘yes’ to, or a mentor suggesting a next step we couldn’t possibly take. All of a sudden, we realize how tightly we’ve been holding on to something that’s not even really ours to grip.

In this week’s solo episode, we explore:

• the pitfalls of holding tightly to a specific vision for your dream,
• how to start listening for God’s voice and guidance on the journey, and
• embracing surrender by letting go of control and trusting God's plan.

If you're ready to step boldly into God's path for your dream, hit play and join me on this empowering journey.

COMING UP!

Mark your calendar and RSVP for my free Devoted Dreamers Workshop on December 4, 2023, at 9am PT / Noon Eastern. During the workshop, we’ll dive deeper into how you can establish a strong foundation for pursuing your God-shaped dream. You’ll build a supportive community to encourage you on your journey, begin refining the way you talk about your dream, and learn how to move from feeling stuck into meaningful action.

Click here to RSVP: https://www.merrittonsa.com/workshop

Are you ready? Let's go!

RSVP for the Devoted Dreamers Workshop on Dec. 4th: https://www.merrittonsa.com/workshop

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/293

Is it possible to avoid overwhelm when there’s so much more to learn?

In a world where anything you need or want to learn is available within a few quick keystrokes and a Google search, how do dreamers stay focused on the most significant action steps that will move a dream forward?

This episode is about taking inventory of what you already have on hand to support your dream. I have two steps you can take and one commitment you can make that will shift your perspective on what it takes to pursue your God-shaped dream.

I'll guide you through a three-step process designed to help you celebrate God’s good gifts to you, let go of information overload, and consume only the resources you need right now so you can let go of the rest.

In this episode you’ll consider:

• What gifts has God given you to use,
• What distractions do you need to remove so you can finally make progress on your dream, and
• How to develop a discerning approach to learning and growth as you take each new step in this journey.

Mark your calendar for my upcoming free Devoted Dreamers Workshop on December 4th, where we'll dive deeper into how to pursue a God-shaped dream and gain strategies for building a supportive community to encourage you on the journey. It’s time to move your dream into action. Are you ready? Let's go!

Register for the Devoted Dreamers Workshop on Dec. 4th: https://www.merrittonsa.com/workshop

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You can find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/292

What does the day-to-day of your dream look like?

Imagine you could see ten years into the future of your God-shaped dream. What would an “ideal day” in the life of your dream be like? How would you be spending your time?

➡️ Are you sitting at a laptop in your favorite coffee shop tapping away at a manuscript?

➡️ Is it spending a few hours a day in your home office / workshop fulfilling orders for your art pieces?

➡️ Maybe you’re on a stage teaching the Bible to women who are hungry for the Word of God, and afterwards you get to participate in a lively conversation about taking the gospel and the love of Christ to a hurting world.

But what if you’re still not sure what exactly He’s asking of you?

And how do you even begin to answer these questions?

Do you just start and figure it out along the way?

I’m tackling these questions in this episode -- the first in a series of short conversations laying the groundwork for how we get started on a dream, what needs to come first, and how to think about moving forward when the path isn’t absolutely clear.

If you could choose (and you can!), what would it look like to live out your dream?

I’m asking you to consider a few key questions in this episode, including:

• Do you know what your ideal day would include?
• How can you begin in the way you want to go?
• What support might you need to bring the dream to life?
• How can you shape your day-to-day activities so all of your priorities fit?

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

I’m creating something new in 2024, for the Devoted Dreamer who wants to lay a firm foundation in her life so she can realistically consider stepping into a God-shaped dream in 2024. Here’s the link for more information: https://www.merrittonsa.com/first90days

Join me for The Everyday Disciple SummitNovember 13-17, 2023

Is Your Passion Project the Key to a Closer Relationship with God?

Register for free: http://catsharp.com/summitmerritt

Sharon McMahon (America’s Government Teacher) on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sharonsaysso

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What does creativity have to do with spiritual transformation?

Amy Pierson is a champion for the spiritually transformative power of creativity. She returns to the podcast to share a dream that’s been on her heart for over a decade, her newly-published book: Makers in a Thinker's World: What Brain Science Teaches Us about the Spiritually Transforming Power of Creativity.

In this episode, Amy opens up about her exploration of creativity and neuroscience in the context of faith. I would love to dig deeper into this topic; but since we only scratch the surface here, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of her book.

We explore the topic of lament and how it can become a catalyst for discovering ways to make meaningful contributions to the world. She also emphasizes that our pursuit of a God-shaped dream can help us find joy and purpose in our lives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How neurotheology deepens our understanding of faith and relationship with Christ,
• Practical steps to identify your personal lament and find your unique purpose, and
• How to overcome creative blocks and connect with your creativity in a meaningful way.

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions.

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Note about language in this episode: Some of you may listen with children in the room, so I want you to know that there are a few occurrences of profanity in this episode, mostly towards the end of the interview.

Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/290

How has self-doubt or perfectionism blocked your progress?

In this week’s PodSwap episode, I’m giving you a peek into my growth over the last two years of pursuing my dream of teaching and coaching Christian women through the discovery and pursuit of their dreams.

Honestly, it’s been an incredibly stretching and challenging season, filled with more struggle than I bargained for. I knew it would be difficult, but I’ve needed increased support as I’ve tried things I’ve never done before and set ambitious goals for myself and my business that felt totally outside my comfort zone.

Listeners often ask to hear more of my backstory, so in this one you’ll hear MY coach, Heather Sager, ask me pointed questions about the work we’ve done together and how far I’ve come since I started investing in my own growth.

In this episode you’ll hear us talk about:

• Learning how to clearly communicate your dream,
• The power of employing consistent action as your weapon in the battle with perfectionism, and
• How to step into a leadership role so that you truly can begin to serve others who need what you are creating.

I’m sending HUGE thanks to Heather Sager for allowing me to use her episode while I’m in content creation mode of another kind.

Want to be the first to know when what I’m creating right now is available? Get on the list for my weekly email newsletter and I’ll make sure you get the scoop in early 2024!

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Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/289

Have you ever felt afraid when starting to step into a dream?

If so, you are 100% not alone; in fact, one of the most valuable discoveries I made in the first six months of hosting my podcast was that every woman I spoke to said she feels the same.

I reveal this juicy nugget about dreamers in a recent interview with Anne Watson, host of the Swayology Podcast. We have the most beautiful conversation about pursuing our dreams even when we feel afraid. She affirms how hard it is to figure out what you want to be when you grow up, especially as a multi-passionate woman. And she takes us on a journey, digging back into the archives of how I started pursuing my dream of serving women who are actively seeking a path on which to live out their God-shaped dreams.

In this episode you’ll learn about...

• My unspoken prayer in 2012 that cracked open the door of considering how to engage my creative gifts for a purpose I felt passionate about,
• The self-imposed bondage that needs to be broken so we can live freely in who God created us to be, and
• The challenge to stop hiding behind my podcast and go all-in to create a business that would serve women with big dreams for God’s kingdom.

I’m calling this episode a PodSwap and sending HUGE thanks to Anne Watson for allowing me to re-purpose this interview while I’m in content creation mode of another kind.

Want to be the first to know when what I’m creating right now is available? Get on the list for my weekly email newsletter and I’ll make sure you get the scoop in early 2024!

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Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/288

Are you navigating a huge life transition right now?

I recently sat down with Joy Bartholomew, host of The Divorce Confidante Podcast, and we talked about how to think about dreams during a significant life transition like divorce.

Whether or not you’ve experienced divorce, you likely know someone who has. (Why not share this episode with her?) And either way, you’ve certainly experienced seasons where you wondered if you had anything left to give to a dream.

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• How to begin the process of realizing your dreams
• How to determine if you're ready to start, and
• The beautiful transformations that come when you begin to live into your authentic purpose.

I’m calling this episode a PodSwap and sending HUGE thanks to Joy for allowing me to use her episode while I’m in content creation mode of another kind.

Want to be the first to know when what I’m creating right now is available? Get on the list for my weekly email newsletter and I’ll make sure you get the scoop in early 2024!

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Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/287

What strategies can help you stay consistent in pursuing a God-shaped dream?

Buckle up! When you’re starting out with a big dream idea, your emotions can take you on a journey that puts any amusement park rollercoaster to shame. It all begins with excitement and elation. Then, as you start to get serious about the dream, look out for comparison, imposter syndrome and fear that will stop you in your tracks.

In this episode, I share behind-the-scenes tactics I used to start and manage a podcast even though I didn’t know what I was doing, had technical barriers, limited time, and a tiny budget. We cover the ways specific, attainable goals can help tamp down the emotional rollercoaster and what to do when you’re not making any progress on a dream.

You’ll also learn about:

• Overcoming distractions and negative emotions
• The significance of consistent action, and
• Why every dreamer needs to set small, attainable goals

Get the 30 Days of Prayer email series in your inbox!

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Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/286

Seeking clarity and confidence for pursuing a God-shaped dream?

Time, money, energy, and having little kids at home often top the list of big reasons women put their dreams on hold.

However, I’ve discovered 3 traps that are an even greater threat because we don’t always recognize their power in our lives.

If you’ve felt stuck and unable to move forward on your dream, grab a journal and a pen, take a listen, and then examine whether the traps mentioned in this episode could be part of the problem.

You might even pause to pray and ask God for eyes to see which one (or ones) are at work. Because you cannot escape the trap until you realize you’re caught up in it.

In this solo episode you’ll learn about:

• The transformative power of community in pursuing a God-shaped dream,
• Recognizing and overcoming common obstacles to our dreams,
• Who the Dreamer Lab is for, and how you can join us this fall!

DOORS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE DREAMER LAB!

Click here to Learn More.

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/285

Can the Dreamer Lab support a dreamer like you?

Over the last three weeks I’ve highlighted The Dreamer Lab—my signature group coaching program—where we build community, clarity and confidence to help you finally take meaningful action for your God-shaped dream.

This week you’re a fly on the wall for a conversation with three Dreamer Lab members—Terri, Brandy, and Kathy—where they share what it’s like to be part of The Dreamer Lab.

You’ll hear language like: powerful, effective, focused on God, like-minded, connection and support to describe what it’s like to commit every week to a group of women who have dreams like you—even if the dreams themselves are different—and how we work together in The Dreamer Lab sharing creative ideas, solutions, support and prayer for one another.

You’re probably wondering if the Dreamer Lab can provide results FOR YOU! Will it help you finally defeat procrastination? Do you really have time to invest in weekly calls? Will it work for you in the way that it’s worked for others? Why do I need accountability if I’m already working on my dream? What if I am not ready to commit?

In this episode you’ll learn:

• What’s different about exploring your dream with fellow dreamers,
• How we tackle spiritual as well as technical challenges inside The Dreamer Lab,
• The real struggles of saying yes to a dream and why like-minded community is a game-changer for your forward progress.

The Dreamer Lab opens on September 27th with just 5 spots available for the fall cohort.

Join the waitlist to get the news as soon as the doors are open. https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamerlab

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/284

What does “Christ in me” really mean?

Last year I created a group coaching experience called The Dreamer Lab where women with big dreams could come together to build community, find clarity through action, and grow their confidence as they pursue a God-shaped dream.

Today I want you to meet another Dreamer Lab member, Kathy Stoops, who joined in spring 2023. Kathy has been on a transformational journey of discovering her true identity in Christ, learning how God’s Word impacts her everyday life, and figuring out how to recall these truths anytime, anywhere.

As Kathy has witnessed proof of God’s unconditional love and ever-presence in her life, she’s grown in her passion to communicate those truths with others—specifically through creative endeavors like visual journaling.

Kathy’s story highlights the power of a heart-to-heart connection with God and the transformation that occurs when we live from the heart by the Spirit.

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• Discovering your true identity in Christ (and what it’s really all about),
• How small action steps can help build your confidence, and
• Cultivating an awareness of God’s presence in your everyday life.

COMING UP:

Join the Dreamer Lab Mirror Experience – a free workshop on Zoom – to experience exactly what it’s like to be part of this group of women who are invested in one another’s success and who know deep in their bones what it’s like to step boldly into a God-shaped dream.

Register at https://www.merrittonsa.com/dlexperience

Sept. 19, 2023 at 9:00 am MT / 10:00 am CT

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/283

Why is there so much pressure to figure out the dream before you start?

Most women say it’s the fear of getting it wrong, making a mistake, or misunderstanding God’s prompting and falling out of His will.

But truly, these concerns have nothing on God. He is not afraid of you getting it wrong. He’s not withholding his direction to see if you’ll make a misstep. He loves you deeply. He is with you constantly, and His heart is for you to walk confidently in the freedom he purchased for you through His Son Jesus.

Last year I created a group coaching experience called The Dreamer Lab where women with big dreams could come together to build community, find clarity through action, and grow their confidence as they pursue a God-shaped dream.

Today I want you to meet another Dreamer Lab member Brandy Traylor. She’s the dreamer behind Spoken For, a storytelling event where women share the mundane, messy, and monumental chapters of their lives and how God showed up and showed off as the main character in their stories.

When Brandy joined in January 2023, she did not have certainty about the details of her dream as it exists today.

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• Pursuing a dream even when you’re not sure of the direction or outcome,
• Letting your ideas and ambitions mature over time, and
• Maintaining an open-handedness so that God can redirect your dream if He wants to.

If you are looking to build community, clarity and confidence are your God-shaped dream, join me on September 19th for the Dreamer Lab Mirror Experience – a free workshop on Zoom – to experience exactly what it’s like to be part of a group of women who are invested in one another’s success and who know deep in their bones what it’s like to step boldly into a God-shaped dream.

September 19th at 8:00 am Pacific / 11:00 am EasternRegister here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dlexperience

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions.

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/282

Want an incubator for your dreams?

Last year I created a space where women with big dreams could come together and build community around the experience of pursuing a dream.

Together, they invite clarity by taking action and invigorate confidence by doing it all in the nurturing community of sincere like-minded believers in Jesus (because we all need Him, plus it’s just a little less scary to walk with girlfriends who are doing it too).

Terri Albrecht has been involved in church ministry most of her adult life and has a passion for finding ways to draw people closer to God and each other. One way that she’s living out that passion is by helping churches create new ministries that are specifically designed to fit their mission, culture, and unique needs.

Terri joined the Dreamer Lab in January 2023, and she is learning to follow her dream one step at a time, working through the fear while following Gods direction.

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• How our unique personal experiences shape our dreams from God,
• The importance of trusting His timing and guidance in the dream, and
• The mistake of underestimating your gifts and what you have to offer the world.

Join the Dreamer Lab Mirror Experience – a free workshop on Zoom – to experience exactly what it’s like to be part of this group of women who are invested in one another’s success and who know deep in their bones what it’s like to step boldly into a God-shaped dream.

Sept. 19th at 9:00 am MT / 10 am CT

Register at https://www.merrittonsa.com/dlexperience

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.

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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/281

Have you been pursuing a dream all on your own?

This week Katy McCown returns to the show with a power-packed episode on the importance of belonging in the body of Christ and the impact of community as we pursue our dreams. Join me and Katy as we unravel the significance of community, acknowledge the challenges, and uncover practical ways to invite others into your unique journey.

If you didn’t catch last week’s recast of episode 199, my previous conversation with Katy, you’ll learn in this one that she’s a passionate writer, speaker, and mother of six. She has a heart dedicated to sharing the message of Christ and brings a wealth of experience to this topic. She's the author of She Belongs: Learning to Embrace the Gift of Belonging in a World Meant to Divide, a new Bible study that resonates with the struggles and joys of finding true community.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How to recognize and overcome the natural tendency to isolate ourselves,
• Practical steps to invite others into your dream journey, and
• The significance of Jesus’ last words to his disciples.

DON’T MISS THE SUMMER SALE ON MY PODCASTING COURSE!

Get $30 off Your Purposeful Podcast and launch your own heart-centered, business-boosting podcast in 30 days or less! Yes, it’s possible. That’s what I did in 2016 and you can do it too with just a little support and a few shortcuts to get you started the easy way! Use the code SUMMER30 by August 31st at https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcastcourse

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.Ad music: “New Day” used under Creative Commons by Lee Rosevere.

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Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/280

Does it sometimes feel like God’s timing doesn’t make sense?

Katy McCown always knew she was called to write but she didn’t expect to get the green light when she was eight months pregnant with her sixth child. Today she is the author of two Bible studies, president of She Laughs Ministries, a writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and a national speaker. Through all life’s uncertainties and surprises, Katy has learned some things about “living sure” even when the future is not.

I hear so many women talk about not having time to pursue their dreams. I get it; life is full. Whether you’re caring for kids, a home, aging parents, yourself (or all of the above) or maybe you’re pursuing education, a career, a paycheck—whatever it is that will help you provide for yourself and your family—all of these responsibilities carry significant demands. It’s no wonder you’re finding it difficult to dream.

We all wake up with the same number of hours to our day. The question is, how do we choose to use the limited time we’ve been given, not to do every. single. thing. but to be intentional with the few things God has given us for today?

Or maybe you are the dreamer who is questioning whether you’ve heard God wrong because your dream isn’t turning out the way you imagined it would.

Or rejection has been so much a part of your story, that it hurts to the core of your being,

If any of this sounds familiar, listen as Katy and I talk about:

• What it looks like to have significant demands upon your time and still be faithful to your dream day after day,
• The temptation to take things into your own hands when you don’t see the fruit of your labors in the timing you expect (and what to do instead), and
• The fruit that grows when you allow rejection to draw you into deeper trust in the Lord and how he uses it for your good and his glory.

PODCASTING COURSE SUMMER SALE!

Get $30 off Your Purposeful Podcast and launch your own podcast in 30 days or less! Yes, it’s possible. That’s what I did when I launched mine in 2016 and you can do it too! Use the code SUMMER30 at https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcastcourse

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Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/279

How will you find balance between your dreams and your kids’ school routines?

Amidst the flurry of back-to-school preparations, are you also quietly pondering what this season holds for your personal dreams?

If you’re a mom with kids still living at home, your routines (and theirs) are likely about to shift big time!

For some, you’ll have more free time than you’ve had in years. (<- This is me with my youngest heading off to full-day kindergarten!) Or maybe you’ll have less time because your middle school and not-yet-driving high school aged kids have activities that put you in the driver's seat (for hours and days on end).

Whatever your season of life or motherhood, you may feel tempted to rush headlong into assembling plans for your dreams. But before you do that, let’s hit “pause” and unpack what is really needed other than just more time to work on your dream.

In this solo episode you’ll learn:

• Why it’s necessary to reflect and reconnect before filling up your calendar with tasks and To-Dos,
• The top qualities to look for as you build a support system,
• How to create space for your dreams, if you don’t have a lot of time to yourself, and
• How to overcome the fears and doubts that come when you’re getting ready to take action

PODCASTING COURSE SUMMER SALE!

Get $30 off Your Purposeful Podcast and launch your own podcast in 30 days or less! Yes, it’s possible. That’s what I did when I launched mine in 2016 and you can do it too! Use the code SUMMER30 through August 31st at https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcastcourse

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Find show notes here.

How could a podcast help build your dream?

A podcast can help you build an audience (for your book launch, ministry, online business, you name it!) It also gives you a place to go DEEP with your audience and to talk about things that truly inspire you and will, ultimately, attract people to you and your work.

If you’ve ever felt a tug to launch your own podcast, this episode is just for you. My dear friend, fellow podcaster, and brand strategist Natalie Blenkush and I have teamed up to share what we learned from launching our own podcasts (and how we can help you get over the hurdles faster and easier than we did when we first launched).

Three things we wished we knew before we started podcasting:

#1 - If you're bootstrapping your podcast, it's going to take way longer than you think.

#2 - Your podcast is a test run for your message as it evolves and as YOU grow in sharing your message and using your voice.

#3 - The internal battle is REAL, but surrounding yourself with supportive community is the best way to take messy, scary steps forward.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The techy obstacles are not really what’s standing in the way of you starting a podcast,
• How podcasting becomes an opportunity to show up and refine your message,
• Your authenticity attracts the right audience,
• You might be hiding rather than sharing your message—and what to do instead,
• Community can provide the support you need to launch your show.

You have a message to share, and your people need to hear it from YOU!
It's time to launch your podcast, Dreamer.

And Natalie and I are here to help with our self-paced, power-packed course, Your Purposeful Podcast!

We’re having a summer sale right now, through the end of August:

Get $30 off Your Purposeful Podcast and learn how to launch your podcast in 30 days or less! Yes, it’s possible. That’s the timeline I gave myself when I launched my podcast in 2016 and you can do it too! Just use the code SUMMER30 at https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcastcourse to grab lifetime access to Your Purposeful Podcast.

THIS IS FOR YOU IF:

✅ You're ready to show up consistently in your business, ministry or dream in a way that works around your family.
✅ You want to create evergreen content that doesn't disappear within a few hours (or minutes!)
✅ You've got a message to share with the world, and you know that a podcast is the vehicle to do it!

LESSONS INCLUDE:

• Creating your podcast launch plan
• Gaining brand clarity
• Refining your message
• Setting up the tech
• Streamlining your process + workflow
• Mapping out content
• Battling fear and imposter syndrome
• Embracing messy action
• And more!

Sign up here: https://merrittonsa.com/podcastcourse

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I am taking a short break in July to rest and recharge (because our dreams require it), so I’m reaching back into the archives to serve you up a recast of some oldie-but-goodie episodes this month. Each week builds upon the others with tangible faith-inspired lessons and encouragement for you to find renewed energy for your dream.

Looking to go deeper in your relationship with God?

Krista (Hengesh) Breilh is the Executive Director and Founder of Live Salted, an intergenerational women’s ministry based in Seattle, Washington. (Also, she’s gotten married since we last talked – go watch her wedding video on her Instagram. It’s a tear-jerker for sure!)

If you heard last week’s recast episode, you know I lost an interview because I forgot to hit record. (SMH. That’s the worst kind of mistake, if you ask me. I wanted to kick myself.) But God had other plans and Krista (Hengesh) Breilh (my guest in that conversation) was a total rockstar and said yes to re-recording with me.

It was an amazing convo back in 2018, and it’s quite possible the second time around was even better than the first! Krista has an infectious enthusiasm for life, unwavering devotion to God, and a remarkable ability to fuse practical wisdom with scriptural truths. She is such an encouragement to the dreamer in us all!

Krista shares her journey of facing uncertainty and questioning her own leadership abilities. You’ll appreciate her honesty about the faith necessary to step into what God has called you to do, especially when you don’t know what the results will be (and who ever does!?)

This episode is a reminder that, as daughters of the King, there is no challenge, doubt, or fear that can limit our potential. Krista motivates us to embrace the journey of faith, take bold steps towards our dreams, and trust that God's promises will be fulfilled.

PODCASTING COURSE SUMMER SALE!

Get $30 off Your Purposeful Podcast -- a power-packed course that will teach you how to launch your own podcast in 30 days or less! Yes, it’s possible. That’s how I launched mine in 2016 and you can do it too! Use the code SUMMER30 at https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcastcourse

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I’m taking a short break in July to rest and recharge (because our dreams require it), so I’m reaching back into the archives to serve you up a recast of some oldie-but-goodie episodes this month. Each week builds upon the others with tangible faith-inspired lessons and encouragement for you to find renewed energy for your dream.

What if you had a road map for chasing your dream?

I recorded this episode because of a mistake I made recording a guest interview. At the time, it seemed like a huge blunder, and I felt like a fool (I’m hard on myself like that).

But it wasn’t public; it happened inside the four walls of my home office. No one had to know. If I had kept it to myself, it might have minimized my embarrassment, but I chose to share it publicly.

Why? Because I always want to be real with you about the experience of pursuing our dreams. And that is: mistakes happen, and that’s okay because they are one of the best ways to learn.

In fact, when we play small or shy away from big action because we fear getting it wrong, we’re actually missing out on one of the very best ways to figure out how to do it differently next time.

This decision impacts our faith too, because when we hide a flaw or mistake or choose to self-protect in an effort to avoid making mistakes in the first place, we miss the opportunity to trust God’s sovereignty over the outcome.

Listen to this episode and you’ll gain:

• Clarity on the steps it takes to uncover your God-shaped dream,
• A road map of how I went about pursuing my dream (to help you decide what to do next in yours), and
• Insight about what you might be lacking (and why that’s okay).

I’ve written out the steps referenced throughout the episode here:

Steps to Uncovering & Pursuing Your God-Shaped Dream

• Know your value and worth in Jesus
• Believe He created you for a purpose
• Investigate your gifts, talents and life experiences that inform the identification of your dream
• Recover from the shame that keeps you in hiding or in fear
• Realize and own your true identity
• Build a set of internal and external tools to keep yourself returning to your identity in Christ
• Examine your dream and why you SHOULDN’T pursue it
• Pray with open hands about your dream
• Determine your next steps
• Consider where you’ll find the support you need to keep taking those steps
• Figure out what information and/or training you lack and where you might find it
• Be honest with yourself about what help you’ll need to recruit to keep going

Find me on Instagram or leave a comment on the Show Notes page if you know where you are on this list and what you think could be helpful as you move through that step and on to the next.

PODCASTING COURSE SUMMER SALE!

Get $30 off Your Purposeful Podcast and launch your own podcast in 30 days or less! Yes, it’s possible. That’s what I did when I launched mine in 2016 and you can do it too! Use the code SUMMER30 through August 31st at https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcastcourse

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I am taking a short break in July to rest and recharge (because our dreams require it), so I’m reaching back into the archives to serve you up a recast of some oldie-but-goodie episodes this month. Each week builds upon the others with tangible faith-inspired lessons and encouragement for you to find renewed energy for your dream.

What if you were brave enough to step into your dream?

Get ready to be inspired as we revisit a captivating conversation with Julie Landreth from season five.

If you’ve ever found yourself paralyzed by fear while preparing to embrace something significant and new, this is a must-listen. I’m sharing it again because of the vital role Julie played in anchoring me to truth when I was facing significant fear and doubt. This conversation offers fresh insights and a renewed perspective to propel you forward on your journey toward a God-shaped dream.

I know I’m not the only one who has struggled while preparing to step into something big and new. I pray this episode (along with last week’s, #274) will help you gain new perspective to move forward.

If you’re meeting Julie for the first time, she is passionate about loving others and encouraging them to become elevated in this life. She loves to pray and encourages others to pray without ceasing. She is the creator of “Wife Lab” a course that helps wives grow in their marriages. In this conversation Julie also shares how she started leading women through her Wife Lab curriculum: Loving Well, The Art of Praying for Your Husband.

If you’re still trying to find your way to being brave (or if your marriage is struggling), I pray you’ll find hope and encouragement in this conversation.

PODCASTING COURSE SUMMER SALE!

Get $30 off Your Purposeful Podcast -- a power-packed course that will teach you how to launch your own podcast in 30 days or less! Yes, it’s possible. That’s how I launched mine in 2016 and you can do it too! Use the code SUMMER30 at https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcastcourse

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
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Find the show notes here.

I am taking a short break in July to rest and recharge (because our dreams require it), so I’m reaching back into the archives to serve you up a recast of some oldie-but-goodie episodes this month. Each week builds upon the others with tangible faith-inspired lessons and encouragement for you to find renewed energy for your dream.

What if you stepped into your fear of failure?

Tune in this week to learn about fear of failure, what its true source really is, and how we can battle it and get a move on with pursuing our God-shaped dreams.

In this solo episode you’ll learn:

• What our identity in Christ really means for us,
• How to shift the way you think about failing over and over again, and
• The good news about why you can stop trying to be enough.

If you’ve been avoiding your dream because you fear you might fail, if you’ve stopped taking steps forward because you feel like you are not enough, this is the episode for you. Jesus is enough and He promises to bring His work in you to completion.

SUMMER PODCASTING COURSE SALE!

Get $30 off Your Purposeful Podcast and launch your own podcast in 30 days or less! Yes, it’s possible. That’s what I did when I launched mine in 2016 and you can do it too! Use the code SUMMER30 at https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcastcourse

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Are you struggling to give up control and trust God's plan for your life?

This week my guest is Keagan K. Hayden, a Bible-teacher and author of the book The Struggle is Real: Purpose in the Pain. Her God-shaped dream has her on a mission of equipping women to live in freedom and confidence by resting in who God says we are.

In this conversation Keagan shares how she’s had to relinquish control and learn to enjoy the journey rather than just focusing on the destination. She talks about the challenges of following God’s plan, especially when it doesn't match expectations. Despite the ebbs and flows of her dream, Keagan continues to trust in God's plan and take each day as an adventure.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• how to relinquish control and trust God, even without a detailed plan in place,
• the difference between working with God versus doing work for God, and
• how to struggle well when life feels hard.

SUMMER PODCASTING COURSE SALE!

Get $30 off Your Purposeful Podcast and launch your own podcast in 30 days or less! Yes, it’s possible. That’s what I did when I launched mine in 2016 and you can do it too! Use the code SUMMER30 at https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcastcourse

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Is there a “cure” for imposter syndrome?

It’s easy to recognize the impact of imposter syndrome on a dream you haven’t had the courage to step into. The voice of imposter syndrome will suggest to you that it’s not the right time, you’re not the right person, you’re not ready to do this, or that it’s already been done.

Obviously, without any intervention, thoughts like these would keep anyone stuck and their dream hidden.

You might be surprised to learn that imposter syndrome also threatens dreamers who have already launched their dreams. From the outside looking in, she appears successful, confident and like she knows what she’s doing! But her experience with imposter syndrome could be even worse than a dreamer who’s just starting out.

Just because you took a step doesn’t mean you won’t face discouragement. Imposter syndrome will sabotage your motivation, convince you that you’re unqualified for this, especially if it’s going slower than expected or there’s a rocky path on the journey.

Taking a step toward your dream puts a bullseye on your back that the enemy cannot ignore. That’s why is so important to equip yourself with the truth of God’s Word and implement supportive action that will help you prepare to fight back when imposter syndrome comes again.

In this solo episode you’ll learn:

• How to identify imposter syndrome in yourself,
• That imposter syndrome is far more common than you realize, even in people who are further ahead than you, and
• About the transformation that’s possible once you establish your imposter syndrome defense firmly in Scripture.

Doors are OPEN for Dreamers Unleashed

If you’re tired of imposter syndrome sabotaging your dream...

If you wish you could shut down that scornful voice of shame and inadequacy...

And you want to experience VICTORY over imposter syndrome, join us for Dreamers Unleashed this summer.

You’ll find all the details and a link to register at https://www.merrittonsa.com/imposter-syndrome

Enrollment closes on Thursday, June 22nd at 10PM Mountain Time.

Our first call is Tuesday, July 11th.

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How do we find opportunities for growth in faith and in life?

In last week’s episode, you heard Eryn Lynum discuss a long season of waiting for her dream to become what it is today.

When Eryn first came on the show five years ago, we discussed her book on the topic of intentional parenting and her search for a publisher despite her small platform.

In this episode, she returns to share what has occurred in the ensuing years. In this new conversation you’ll learn:

• How embracing doubts becomes an opportunity for God to reveal His plan,
• That waiting is not idle; it allows for growth and strength in preparation for when it's time to act, and
• How spending time in God's Word and connecting with Him through nature provides a better understanding of both God’s written Word and His created world.

My LIVE-taught Imposter Syndrome course is now open for enrollment!

If the enemy has you all wound up in

→ worry about what people might think

→ or embarrassment because you don’t want to appear to be focusing on yourself

→ or shame that you haven’t begun on your dream

→ or that you’ve already wasted too much time already

This is the course for you!

We’ll spend 7 sessions together over the summer (Jun – Sept, every other week) working through the curriculum so that you can come out on the other side with strength and hope to pursue your dream AND tools in your toolbelt to fight back against imposter syndrome.

If you’d like to stop hiding in fear and start living in the joy and flourishing promised to us in Christ, click here to get the details and register today.

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Have you ever been told you need a bigger platform before you can publish your book?

At the time of this recording, in 2017, Eryn Lynum lived in Northern Colorado with her husband and three boys and they spent their time hiking, camping, and exploring the Rocky Mountains.

Eryn’s passion has been to come alongside authors and help them market the message God has laid on their hearts. She loves to travel and share at conferences, churches, and writers’ groups. But every opportunity she gets, she is out exploring God’s creation with her family.

The author of 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting, Eryn talks in this episode about the shift towards intentional parenting that happened when she and her husband were faced with the reality that they have only 936 weeks – from birth to 18 – with each of their children.

Eryn also shares about the process of writing her first book, including the ups and downs of trying to find the right publisher and how it felt to be told again and again that she didn’t have the platform for a successful book.

The road blocks she's faced along the way have given Eryn perspective and helpful suggestions for anyone wondering how to become a published author.

Looking to reignite your prayer life?

Get 30 short, guided prayers in your inbox, one a day, for the next 30 days to connect with God and grow your intimacy with Him. Subscribe here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/prayer

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Have you ever considered that there’s someone waiting for your dream to come alive?

Several years ago, Yohonna Smith began to feel a “divine burden.” She sensed there was something new God was prompting her to do with her time and her desire to nurture friendships among women. Her kids were getting older. She had more time to dream. But what was it?

She started by testing out ideas in her head, trying them on for size like a new hat. Although she was listening to a lot of podcasts, starting her own was not on her radar.

In fact, she felt a lot of resistance and internal pushback when the idea first popped into her head. But there was a tipping point where she finally said yes to this new possibility that felt outside her comfort zone.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How Yohonna’s dream started from her own personal desires for more girl-time in her life
• About the fears that held her back from beginning, and
• A powerful lesson of shifting from taking in information to becoming a contributor and spiritual mother to others.

Yohonna is so easy to listen to – you are going to love her soothing voice – but even more, I pray that her story of surrender, obedience, and paying attention to God as He was nudging her into something more will be a sweet encouragement to you today!

Looking for some quick ideas to jump start momentum for your dream?

Grab a copy of my free Quick-Win Checklist with 17 super simple steps you can take one day at a time to get some traction for your God-shaped dream: https://www.merrittonsa.com/quickwin

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What happens when your dream is sidelined by the realities of life in a broken world?

Kimberly Phinney had a vision for her future as a writer with big hopes, dreams, and ideas she wanted to share with the world. Even as a child she had a sense that this would be her path. While on that journey life got in the way, fear stepped in, and she started playing small, keeping her artistry close to the chest.

When her health took a turn for the worse it seemed all of her dreams might be lost. Suffering infertility, miscarriages, and stage 4 endometriosis, she also lost the ability to walk. She’s endured multiple surgeries, including one that almost took her life due to sepsis and post-surgical complications.

We don’t ever seek out the pain, suffering, or weakness that ends up impacting our dreams so deeply. Even still, it finds us and presents us with an opportunity to respond in faith and trust for our heavenly Father, even while we’re still asking, “Why?”

Kimberly’s story isn’t over. It’s not tied up with a beautiful bow. She’s not fully recovered. But she’s fighting for her dream and the ways God might use her in it, despite and even because of her weakness.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Kimberly’s 3-step process for staying true to the dreams God has given you (her students rave about this year after year!)
• What God has taught her in her brokenness (and the breakthrough that awaits in such seasons)
• About letting go of anything that’s going to detract from God’s vision for you.

Looking for some quick ideas to jump start momentum for your dream?

Grab a copy of my free Quick-Win Checklist with 17 super simple steps you can take one day at a time to get some traction for your God-shaped dream: Merrittonsa.com/quickwin

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Have you been searching for camaraderie and understanding as you pursue a God-shaped dream?

Have you noticed that the people you're closest to struggle to understand when you share about your God-shaped dream? Or maybe you’re just hoping they’ll celebrate that little milestone you just reached, but their reception is a bit too lukewarm for your liking.

I get it; that hurts a bit. But this episode is not about them.

It’s about the two primary ingredients you must have in place if you’re expecting to make any noticeable progress toward your dream becoming a reality—no matter what other people think about you or the dream itself.

I’m sharing this today because it’s my birthday month and more than anything, the gift I want to give YOU is the confidence to take some action steps right now rather than waiting for the perfect time when you finally feel inspired, or when your dreams are actually understood by the people you love, or you have 100% certainty that this is what God would have you pursue.

None of those things are actually necessary (and they’re not even super easy to accomplish, and I’d guess that’s part of why you feel stuck right now).

In this solo episode you’ll learn:

• Why soaking up inspiration from everyone else’s dreams online isn’t serving you in the way you think it is,
• What to do instead of expecting your friends and family members to “get” you and your excitement for this dream, and
• Strategies to find time for your dream right now, even if you’re a busy mom, have a day job, or are caring for aging parents.

Have you heard of The Dreamer Lab?

The Dreamer Lab is my 12-week group coaching experience connecting you to other dreamers just like you in an intimate setting as we chase after our dreams together!

If authentic community is the spark that’s missing from your journey as a devoted dreamer, come and stoke the fire of your heart by surrounding yourself with other women who have big dreams from God too!

Get your name on the waitlist for the summer cohort of The Dreamer Lab where we’ll spend 3 months building community, inviting clarity, and invigorating your confidence that you CAN step into your dream—and we’ll do it together! Save your spot here: merrittonsa.com/dreamerlab

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How do you discern God’s will for your life and then surrender it back to Him?

Emily Karc has a passion to minister to the hearts of hurting women. Originally, her vision was to become a writer and a speaker, maybe even the next Lysa Terkurst. But God was writing a different story for Emily, and that’s what today’s episode is all about!

Emily reached out to me in the fall about being a guest on the podcast. That timing didn’t work for me, so I told her we could circle back in January to discuss her dream. In that short time God expanded her vision and her heart to serve women who are victims of sex trafficking—something that wasn’t even on her radar just a few months prior.

We’ll talk about what that shift has been like for her and how her experience might shed some light for other dreamers. In addition, you’ll learn:

• How surrendering our desires gives space for God to reveal even more of His heart for us and our dreams,
• What God has to teach us in our striving and how we can release the outcomes to Him, and
• The difference between creating with God rather than for God.

Looking for some quick ideas to help jump start momentum for your dream?

Grab a copy of my free Quick-Win Checklist with 17 super simple steps you can take one day at a time to get some traction for your God-shaped dream. Find it here: Merrittonsa.com/quickwin

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What if the decision you’ve been putting off could actually open up possibilities for your life and your dream that you haven’t even considered?

Carol Willis launches into this conversation with a reminder of the changing nature of our dreams over time and life transitions. There’s a palpable tension between taking tangible steps towards a dream and the reality that our dreams will always be a work in progress.

Following the death of her husband several years ago, it seemed prudent for Carol to maintain the security of full-time employment (and the benefits to go with it) rather than stepping out on her own to pursue a dream career.

However, Carol has found her way to that dream and she’s here today to share a few strands of the story about discovering purpose through a self-directed career that feels energizing and is drawing her toward wholeness in who God created her to be.

In this episode with Carol Willis, you’ll learn about:

· How a simple (even unspoken) prayer in faith can transform your circumstances,

· Why we can let go of the idea of ever arriving at the finish line,

· Holding tension between the demands of young children in one season of motherhood and the gift of time you’ll receive once you release them into the world.

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Do you keep trying to make a decision about some aspect of your dream but just can't seem to choose?

Maybe the end goal feels too far out of reach so it’s difficult to define what your dream could look like right now. Or there are so many directions you could go to get started that all those possibilities are paralyzing.

It’s like going to the grocery store without a shopping list. When you can choose anything, it’s more difficult to decide on one thing. Having all the options available to you isn’t necessarily better than just having a few. If you could just narrow it down, you’ll put yourself in a better position to make decisions more quickly and get on with implementing them.

If only.

If decision-making stirs up fear and worries like “What if I make the wrong choice?” or “How can I know I’m walking in God’s plan for my life?” this episode will help you see your tendency to avoid making decisions. And it will help you see the three gifts that are available to you that will help you look at decision-making in a new way.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The connection between a secure identity and your ability to make decisions,
• About the lie of indecision and how it’s keeping you stuck, and
• How to start asking better questions to narrow down the options you are considering.

Give it a listen, then sign up for my free workshop on March 24th to help you Get Out of Your Head & Find Momentum for Your Dream.

The Dreamer Lab doors are open! Are you ready to make some real progress on your dream? Join the Spring Cohort, kicking-off on April 3rd.

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If your time is limited, how can you make meaningful progress on your dream?

It’s the age-old question: How do I find more time to do the things I want to do?

I won’t give the pat answer, but I am going to help you see what’s possible if you could find two hours a week to devote to your God-shaped dream.

It’s not easy, but it is do-able.

Yes, even for you. 😊

Time probably feels like a huge limitation to pursuing your dream because you’re already committed in a lot of different places beyond your home and family. Maybe you’re also serving in your community, at your kids’ school, or at church. Maybe you work part-time or even full-time.

Whatever you have on your plate, I bet you are serving, giving, caring for others in so many ways that your life feels so full that there is little to no time when you could imagine really “going for it” with your dream.

That’s why I address in this episode:

• The reasons time feels like such an enormous barrier,
• What Scripture says about our time and how we spend it, and
• How you can find little windows of time so you can say, “yes” to the dream God has given you.

I even attempt a ridiculous metaphor, just to see if it helps you remember the steps you can take to get there. You’ll have to let me know how that works out for you.

I know there are some real-life challenges you are facing right now. Some of those feel like roadblocks piled high in opposition to your dream. But they won’t always be the way they are right now, and I want you to have some creative ideas for taking the next steps when that time comes.

That's what I want you to walk away with after this episode!

Give it a listen, then sign up for my free workshop on March 20th to help you Get Out of Your Head & Find Momentum for Your Dream.

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What’s the secret to finally feeling ready to start pursuing a dream?

It is a humbling experience to be trusted with a God-shaped dream. It can feel overwhelming if you think too hard about what it means to be called by the King of the universe into something bigger than yourself.

Not to mention, there is no instruction manual (though I may have Google’d at least once to try to find one!), which means you’re often on your own to map it out and stumble your way through the fog that sets in once you start along this journey.

The alternative is to try and figure out how to begin by watching others who are doing similar things, which is fine until it isn’t. It can be incredibly overwhelming to compare your twinkle of a dream to someone else’s perfectly Instagramed manifestation of their dream seven years down the road from where you are now. It’s a no-win situation, and it doesn’t serve you or your dream.

That’s why this episode will help you:

• identify some of the barriers to feeling ready,
• show you where those barriers come from, and
• then, once you see the source, I’ll show you how to make a plan to address them so you can get on with your dream.

Don’t miss my free workshop on March 20th to help you Get Out of Your Head & Find Momentum for Your Dream. Register Here

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How can your small and seemingly insignificant first steps really make any difference?

Brittany Ann began her writing and speaking career in the smallest of ways utilizing the resources and tools she already had—a little bit of time while her baby slept and a computer. It wasn’t much, but she used what she had (instead of focusing on what she lacked) to start writing.

At first, she wrote articles she was sure nobody cared to read. But with each step she took and each article she wrote, despite not being able to see the end result of her dream, she made progress in the direction she wanted to go.

Doing so required a growing trust in God for what she could not see and a belief that her limited resources, lack of experience, and difficult financial circumstances did not disqualify her from the dream.

Today she’s a bestselling author and founder of a popular Christian-living website for busy moms.

In this episode with Brittany Ann, you’ll learn:

• What can be gained by getting in the practice of trusting God without a safety net,
• To dispute the belief that you’re the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out, and
• What baking cookies with small children teaches us about God’s love.

To the woman who doesn’t feel ready to start Brittany Ann would encourage you to just start with what you already have. Don’t wait to have it all figured out. When you step into a God-shaped dream, the Lord will open the doors you need to have opened along the way.

Even if you can’t see the whole path, learning to trust Him will grow your faith and show you His heart.

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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Join the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group Follow Merritt on Instagram || Facebook || Pinterest The Devoted Dreamers Podcast is produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions.Ad music: "New Day" used under Creative Commons by Lee Rosevere.

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Have you seen what’s happening at Asbury University?

It’s been all over social media this week and elsewhere on the internet, if you know to look for it. Holy Spirit Revival is happening at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. Even secular news outlets are covering the event that’s been exponentially growing since “an ordinary chapel” gathering on Wednesday, February 8th.

What is a revival?

Maybe you have questions about this like I did earlier in the week when I saw Jennie Allen post about it in her Instagram Stories. I started to pay more attention when she said she was traveling to Kentucky on Sunday during the Super Bowl.

On Thursday night, Jennie shared footage on IF:TV (also available not on YouTube) of conversations they had at Asbury with some of the people who were there when a small group of students decided to linger to pray once the chapel service was over.

It’s not just students anymore. People have traveled from all over the nation and the world to be a part of it.

This episode is the result of what God showed me during my prayer and Word time this week when I began asking about revival and questioning its significance and wondering what, if anything, it had to teach me.

In this solo episode, I’m asking you to think along with me about:

• Being part of the body of Christ and what that means for those who aren’t physically present at Asbury,
• W here revival has already happened in your own life, and
• How Holy Spirit revival can and will impact how you see and go after a dream.

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What should you do when it feels like you don’t have what it takes to follow your dream?

Whether it’s time, energy, know-how, or all of the above, many of us struggle with feeling like we don’t have enough to accomplish the dream that God has given us.

Rachel Baker knows what it’s like to grapple with these questions. She’s the author of Deconstructed, a bible study guide for anyone who feels overwhelmed or ill-equipped to study the Word of God. She’s also a pastor’s wife and the director of women’s ministries at their home church in Northern Nevada. She has a passion for spiritual formation and is currently seeking a master’s degree in apologetics from Houston Theological Seminary.

With everything on her plate, it can feel overwhelming, yet Rachel is confident that God has placed a calling on her life to support other women in their study of God’s Word and to grow in confidence that His hand upon their lives.

Previously, Rachel shared in episode 223 The Best Way to Get Started When You Don’t Know Where To Begin. She’s back to talk about the key things God has shown her as she’s brought her lack before Him.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

· Depending on God for all that you feel you lack,

· Keeping your dream surrendered to God so He can continue to shape it and grow it, and

· Leaning into God to define success for each season of your dream.

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Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

Are negative thoughts keeping you stuck?

In my January Habit Series, I’ve been talking about habits you might consider adopting this year (and tips for making them easier), because building new habits has the potential to strengthen you and support your dream. Each episode focuses on a particular habit to consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (about 10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

In this final episode of the series, I’m talking about the reasons I began a simple, daily gratitude practice and the mindset shift that resulted in a fairly short period of time after implementing it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The easiest way to practice daily gratitude,
• What daily gratitude can do to change your attitude for the better, and
• The underlying benefit for your dream when you start building new habits.

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Subscribe to the show, share an episode from the Habits Series with a friend, and then stay tuned for the first interview of Season 11 coming out on February 15th!

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When was the last time you tried something you’ve never done before?

In my January Habit Series, I’ve been talking about habits you might consider adopting this year (and tips for making them easier), because building new habits has the potential to strengthen you and support your dream. Each episode focuses on a particular habit to consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (about 10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

For this one though, the habits you’re building right now are not the “new” skills I’m referring to. This episode is all about the value of making it a habit to try something new every chance you get. We do this because it builds perseverance, confidence (even when you fail), and rewires your brain for other uncomfortable endeavors that are bound to come your way as you run after a God-shaped dream.

In this episode, you’ll:

• Learn the value of getting out of your comfort zone by learning a new skill,
• Consider possible roadblocks to the “new” things necessary in pursuing a dream, and
• Gather some ideas for making it easy to try new things.

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

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How would it feel if you could clear out your email inbox by next week?

For the entire month of January, I’ll be talking about the habits you might consider adopting this year (and tips for making them easier). These mini episodes are all part of my series on building habits that will strengthen you and support your dream. We will focus on a particular habit you might consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement a new habit. These will be short and sweet (about 10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

For this one, I’ve got a special treat for you. I’m sharing a recent episode from my friend Christa Hutchins’ podcast, Just One Simple Thing, about getting your email inbox in order as part of her “January Reset” series. (The entire series is GOLD, so I urge you to subscribe to her show and listen to all of them!)

If you don’t already know Christa, she’s a professional project manager, ministry leader, and entrepreneur. Christa loves details and turning scary, complex ideas into specific plans to accomplish a goal, one step at a time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The easy way to get your email subscriptions under control,
• A simple 5-step method for clearing out your inbox once and for all, and
• One thing you should start doing with the subscribers on your email list.

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Get Christa’s January Reset Handout in her Plan & Pray Facebook group.

Contact me to join my free Voxer group through Jan. 31st for a place to check in with me and others about the new habits you’re working on.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

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Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

What if getting more sleep at night could significantly impact your energy to pursue a dream?

For the entire month of January, I’ll be talking on the podcast about the habits you might consider adopting this year (and tips for making them easier). These mini episodes are all part of my series on building habits that will strengthen you and support your dream. We will focus on a particular habit you might consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement a new habit. These will be short and sweet (5-10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

Getting more sleep has been one of the most impactful shifts I’ve made in the last six months for improving my energy stores and the creativity I’m able to give to my dream

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of sleep hygiene (and a definition, in case this is the first time you’re hearing this term),
• Indicators you need to clean up your sleep habits, and
• How to get started at getting to bed earlier, even if you’re naturally a night owl.

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Contact me to join my free Voxer group through Jan. 31st for a place to check in with me and others about the new habits you’re working on.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

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Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

Could you benefit from planning out your week on Sunday nights?

This habit will not only help you stay on top of those one-off commitments you might otherwise forget, but it also illuminates where you have pockets of time that could be used more effectively for pursuing your God-shaped dream.

I started weekly planning (off-and-on) about two years ago. I usually get really excited about it at the beginning of the year and lose track when summer rolls around.

But I’ve noticed that when I consistently do my weekly planning, I am less likely to be in a panic about needing to be somewhere all of a sudden (even though I made the appointment just last week), or feel unprepared for a call that’s about to happen, or wish I’d washed my hair that morning so I’d be “camera ready” for an afternoon Zoom meeting.

Simply making an appointment with myself to plan once a week often means the days that follow go more smoothly.

For the entire month of January, I’ll be talking on the podcast about the habits you might consider (and tips for making them easier) as part of my series on building habits that will strengthen you and support your dream.

Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit you might consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement a new habit. These will be short and sweet (5-10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

Weekly planning has so many benefits, and in this episode, you’ll learn:

• A few tell-tale signs that you could benefit from weekly planning,
• Why to start weekly planning now, even if you’re not currently engaged in pursuing a dream, and
• The surprising rhythms you might discover just by starting a habit of planning out your week in advance.

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Grab the Weekly Planning Training & Worksheet for just $19.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

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Get the Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker here.

What would need to change for you to spend twenty minutes a day moving your body?

Five days ago, when I recorded this episode, I did not have a daily movement habit, but that is no longer the case. Just thinking and talking about it for this episode was enough to spark me into action. Maybe it’ll do the same for you. As of Tuesday morning, I’ve walked four out of four mornings for fifteen to twenty minutes, just as the sun was rising (and didn’t let 14 degrees temps keep me inside!).

Every day I’m excited to pull out my Habit Tracker and check off that day when I get home from my walk. Can I tell you how good that feels?

All month long on the podcast I’ll be talking about this and other habits you might consider (and tips for making them easier) as part of my series on building habits that will strengthen you and support your dream.

This is the fourth episode in my Habit Series, and in it I’m talking about the value of moving your body every day (ideally outside in the morning sunlight) and a few tips to help you get this habit started.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What your body needs in a 24-hour cycle,
• The impact of getting morning sunlight, and
• How to make moving your body every day easier.

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit you might consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement a new habit. These will be short and sweet (5-10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

NEXT STEPS:

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Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

How important is restorative rest in pursuing a big ambition?

Our body, mind and soul require rest; it’s just how we were made and it was modeled for us by God in the creation account and in Adam’s first day on earth. Why wouldn’t we also benefit from regular rhythms of rest in our lives?

All month long on the podcast I’ll be talking about habits to consider (and tips for making them easier) as part of my series on building habits that will strengthen you and support your dream.

This is the third episode in my Habit Series, and in it I’m talking about the value of living from rest instead of for rest and how simple it can be to add Sabbath rest into your weekly rhythms.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How restorative rest differs from just chilling out,
• Steps you can take to determine if you need more Sabbath rest, and
• When and how I get Sabbath rest even when life is busy.

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit you might consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement a new habit. These will be short and sweet (5-10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

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Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

Why should you read the Bible every day?

All month long I’ll be talking about habits to consider (and tips for making them easier) as part of my series on building habits that will strengthen you and support your dream.

Welcome to the second episode in the Habit Series. Today is all about the easy way to start a daily Bible reading habit.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The benefits of reading the Bible every day
• It’s easier than you think to create a daily Bible-reading habit, and
• Why tracking your habits can make all the difference in your motivation to stick with it!

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker and start reading the Bible on a daily basis.

Subscribe to the show and check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit you might consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement a new habit. These will be short and sweet (5-10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

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Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

What could you begin doing today that would impact your God-shaped dream (and your ability to persevere in it) for the long haul?

It’s easier than you might think, and I’ll be talking about it all month in this new series of mini episodes focused on habits.

Welcome to the intro episode for a new series focused on habits. Come back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit you might consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement a new habit. These will be short and sweet (5-10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to prepare

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why I recommend trying new habits now even if they are unrelated to your dream,
• The difference between new habits and New Years’ resolutions,
• My 2-minute vocal warm-up habit that has changed how I prepare for public speaking or recording a podcast, and
• Why tracking your daily, weekly, or monthly habits can make all the difference in your motivation to stick with it!

Get the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker to start building competency, consistency & courage you can invest in your dream!

Check out the Show Notes for the entire Habit Series here.

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What do you want to be true about your dream in a year?

When I ask other dreamers about what’s keeping them from acting on their dream, there are a few themes I hear repeatedly.

One of the biggest struggles Christian women share with me is not having clarity on their dream. Others feel uncertain about what is the next right step to take. Some say they feel like they are taking shots in the dark, not sure if they’ll hit anything, and worrying about putting in a lot of time and effort that will be worthless in the end. They say things like, “What if I try this and it doesn’t work out? That will feel like such a waste.” So the dream stays on the shelf waiting for a day when it might feel easier or less risky to give it a try.

It's no wonder we feel this way. There is a reason it’s called a dream; it hasn’t become reality yet, and without a clear road map to your destination of accomplishing the dream you’ll never actually arrive anywhere.

In this solo episode, you’ll learn:

• How having a lot of ideas can keep you from starting and how to narrow them down to one or two,
• The most common mistake people make when seeking clarity about a dream (and what you can do instead), and
• One thing you can start today that’ll help shift the current trajectory of your dream.

Have you been praying and asking God for clarity about your dream? Do you want to begin making meaningful progress on an idea in the next year? If that’s you, I have a small group coaching experience starting the first week of January that will help you take the right steps so you can tell a different story about your dream by next year at this time.

Join the waitlist for my Q1 accountability group starting in January and be the first to know when I open the doors for enrollment.

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Have you been keeping your dream to yourself?

Putting your work out into the world is an act of vulnerability. Writers know this. Artists know this. Dreamers, too, know what it feels like to share something beyond your small, trusted circle and afterwards experience a vulnerability hangover.

My guest Ainsley Britain is an author, podcast host, and Enneagram coach, who helps young adults embrace their confidence, date healthy, and discover their identity in Christ. In this episode she shares what it was like to take her private writings and expose them to the publishing industry, editors, and to the audience she seeks to serve. We actually talk very little about the details of publishing a book (although some of my other episodes discuss it here, here, and here). Instead, Ainsley shares about the mental and spiritual battle of learning to receive praise and criticism with an eye toward Christ.

We also discuss:

• One painful but necessary part of making your dream more public
• Working from overflow rather than exhaustion and the value of being interruptible
• Practical tips on how she plans out her writing milestones and related tasks, even with a baby at home

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Have you ever wondered about bringing on extra help but didn’t think you could afford it?

Our dreams are often so big that it’s not long before you realize that you can’t do it all on your own. But you’re not even paying yourself and you can’t imagine hiring someone else to help. However, that doesn’t change the fact that your hours are limited and you’ve been spending more time on tasks that drain you rather than light you up.

Eventually the thought will occur: “What if I had help?” But the next question immediately follows:

“Do I even have time to train and mentor someone else?” Or maybe you wonder how you’d ever hand off the busywork and trust someone else to do it right. Or you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing so how could you teach someone else to do it for you?

If you’ve had any of those thoughts, today’s episode is for you. I’m talking with two special return guests about how to bring on an intern or two (or more down the line). They’re sharing everything they’ve learned along the way and some unanticipated benefits of working with interns even when it felt uncomfortable.

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What if your dream is already in the hearts of others?

Have you ever considered that just because God gave you a dream that it doesn’t mean you were intended to fulfill it alone? Could there be others out there who have gifts and talents and experiences that you lack and who could be fantastic assets to your team and the fulfillment of your dream?

Lindsay May returns to the podcast as part of my Building Your Team Series to share more details about how she built a dream team around what has become The Truly Co, Truly Co magazine and The Truly Co Podcast. She explains why it was so important to build a team from the beginning and how she started with people who were right in front of her and a need she saw in her local church.

In this episode, be listening for these key points:

• How starting with what you have will help you’ll realize what you need
• Why your dream can’t really blossom if you keep it to yourself
• A biblical example of delegation & why it’s so important to invite others to your team

You might also give some time to pray and listen to the Lord, asking if He has a team for you, what your next step is to find the first team member, and how to release control over a dream that’s so dear to your heart.

If you want to check out my original conversation with Lindsay May, it's episode 240.

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How can you launch a dream when you don’t feel ready?

It can be difficult to know when and how to launch a dream because there may be limitations that seem impossible to overcome. As Junia Judson began researching what it would take to bring her dream to life, she met someone who believed it was not only feasible but also could become a reality sooner than Junia ever imagined.

In this episode you’ll hear Junia Judson and I discuss:

• Unique ways of identifying partners and team members to help carry out your dream
• How inviting people into your dream can be a win for everyone
• Growing your team to create space for you to dream bigger

This episode was originally published in October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know needs resources or a person to talk to about a possible abuse situation in the home, please reach out to Called To Peace Ministries.

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Join the Accountability Accelerator waitlist here: https://merrittonsa.com/accelerator

Have you discovered the power of building community around your dream?

This is a different kind of solo episode; I recorded a third of it in the car because I felt so inspired after meeting with a group of dreamers this month to work through a problem area that we’ve all struggled with: defining with specificity who our dream serves.

It is so motivating to sit with other women and hear them process through the difficult aspects of figuring out who they serve and how to talk about the work they do in a meaningful way.

In this solo episode, you’re going to hear about:

• Why to intentionally surround yourself with people who think differently
• Reasons to get comfortable with the unpredictability of a group
• Who my Accountability Accelerator is for (and who it’s not for)

When you choose to walk out your dream with others alongside you who are doing the same, you’ll uncover a power and wisdom that you cannot access on your own (and what’s tricky about it is that if you DON’T choose this, you won’t even know what you’re missing!)

Join the Accountability Accelerator waitlist here: https://merrittonsa.com/accelerator

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How do you faithfully pursue a dream despite your limitations?

Mother of five little girls, Joy Wendling relishes the dream God has given her to help other moms enjoy their motherhood and incorporate playful moments with conversations about faith. But there are days when her own sin and brokenness make her feel disqualified from pursuing this dream. That’s when she reminds herself to trust that God’s faithfulness is bigger than her brokenness.

Maybe you have felt unqualified and inadequate to convey the message God has given you to share with others. Maybe the enemy has told you that you’re too broken, imperfect, or messed up to carry any goodness, hope, or encouragement to others.

Let this conversation with Joy encourage you through practical steps to integrate playfulness into your life and allow the Lord to meet you with His grace, mercy and faithfulness to do the work in and through you, despite you.

In this episode you’ll also hear Joy and I discuss:

• A definition of play, how Jesus played, and how that informs playfulness for us
• How we are meant to enjoy the abundant life
• Nurturing an awareness of God’s presence with you in your dream

Joy is a mama of five fun and fabulous girls, a podcaster, a parent coach, and a speaker with 20+ years of ministry experience and a Master’s in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. She loves to equip and encourage Christian families to grow closer to Christ through play and to help parents disciple their kids through discipline. Joy does her best to enjoy the abundant life Christ offers through daily play and adventures in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

You can listen to Joy on her podcast Playfully Faithful Parenting where she shares playful discipleship tips each Monday and parenting devotions each Thursday.

How to support Joy's Bible study: The Family Communion Experience

Grab your seat for one of my September workshops here.

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How do you adapt when your dream isn’t quite what you planned?

Fear and perfectionism are two of the biggest enemies when it comes to pursuing a God-shaped dream. Maybe you’d prefer to have it all figured out before you begin. Or maybe you’ve stepped out in the past but then retreated when things didn't work like you thought they would. Friend, you are not alone!

But what if it’s not about getting everything perfect the first time? What if it’s your progress that actually matters the most?

My guest Christine Bailey knows all about stepping into a dream that is not fully figured out and the courage that comes from taking simple steps of obedience. From small beginnings, to the messy middle, and into seasons of fruitfulness, Christine and I talk about how to find beauty in every season of dreaming. So if you need a bit of encouragement or a little shift in perspective today when it comes to your dream, come join me for my conversation with farmer, writer, and fellow dreamer Christine Bailey.

In this episode Christine and I talk about:

• Navigating the messy parts of our dream and the good that God brings from it
• Having confidence in your calling and gaining courage through obedience
• Choosing progress over perfection in pursuing your dream

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Have you resisted inviting others into the hardest parts of your dream?

We all want to be the one who helps when our friends are in need, but which of us actually wants to be the needy one? Few of us easily admit weakness; it’s our fallen nature as humans. But it’s also the lie that we see all around us: That everyone else has their stuff together. Instagram highlights rarely touch the hard stuff, not in a real, meaningful, or vulnerable way. So you end up feeling like you’re the only one who’s struggling to keep it all together.

But it’s not true. We are each fighting our own battles, and the enemy wants us to believe that we’re alone in them. It happens in your personal life, and it happens with your God-shaped dream.

In this solo episode, you’re going to hear:

• What results when we function mostly in isolation
• Why we find it so difficult to invite others in
• The difference it can make when you shift out of isolation mode and into community

And that’s not all!

In case you haven’t already heard, I’m offering four free workshops this month with practical opportunities to build up a habit of involving others in your dream. Sure, it might still be challenging to do so, but it’s going to be so good for you AND your dream!

Take my word for it and register for the workshops here: https://forms.gle/ro9jkCfcTM22mz9k7

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How is God calling you to use your gifts to make a Kingdom difference in the world?

As a college student, Simone Ispahani learned the devastating truth about human trafficking and how many millions of victims worldwide suffer from this crime. She went searching for opportunities to make a difference and learned all she could through reading, watching documentaries, speaking to nonprofits and federal agents about their work on the frontlines, interning with nonprofits, and eventually co-leading a trip to India her senior year to work with trafficking survivors.

When Simone got laid off from her job in 2020, it was the opportunity she needed to take everything she had learned and experienced to fight for the rescue and recovery of trafficking victims in a new way.

The following year she founded Social Brew, a global e-commerce coffee marketplace devoted to fighting human trafficking through profits shared with organizations committed to the cause. Her greatest hope for Social Brew is to cultivate community and provide a physical location where trafficking victims are seen, known, loved, and given practical tools that help them take back their lives.

In this episode, Simone and I are talking about:

• Responding to questions, doubts and adversity you face from others
• Finding direction and affirmation for your calling in Scripture
• How to go all-in with your dream from the start and trusting God’s faithful leading

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Does it ever feel like you got the enormous dream?

In June 2022, the nationwide conversation about abortion rose to the top again after the U.S. Supreme Court decided the Dobbs v. Jackson case and overturned Roe v. Wade after decades of legalized abortion in the U.S.

It was long before that, though, when today’s guest Angie Weszely began to understand how the politicized nature of the abortion discussion was doing more harm than good to everyone involved.

When Angie was first a Devoted Dreamers guest more than five years ago (back in season two, episode 31), she told her story about co-founding ProGrace and the vision of equipping Christians with a third Kingdom way to think, talk, and engage about abortion that values the women and child equally.

I invited Angie to return not only because the abortion conversation is so timely (and the work of ProGrace is so vital) but also because she’s on a long-haul journey to a God-shaped dream and I suspect you might be feeling some of this too: Your dream feels enormous. It’s difficult to see the finish line. Even the thought of how to begin is intimidating.

In this episode, Angie and I are talking about:

• The only way to hold an audacious dream that you may never see come to fruition
• What it looks like to believe God FOR your dream, and
• How to release the outcome and timing to the Lord.

I hope you see in Angie a perseverance and open-handedness in how deeply she is committed to the dream but also how loosely she must hold it. And I hope it brings you encouragement.

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What can you do when you lack the energy and vitality to pursue your God-shaped dream?

Oftentimes we find ourselves with to-do lists that far outweighs the hours we have in a day to complete those tasks. And somewhere in the mix, we can lose sight of our health and the impact it has on everything we do, including running after your God-shaped dreams. But where do you start and how do you make healthy living sustainable?

Robin Rhine McDonald is a Faith-Based Holistic Health Coach who is passionate about supporting and empowering Jesus-loving women to gain true health through a sustainable, grace-based process. So if you're looking to move your dreams forward or just need a little motivation and help in prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, this episode is for you!

In this episode Robin and I talk about:

• How getting your health in order can actually give you the energy to carry out your calling,
• Pursuing your dream with God and not just for Him, and
• 3 Simple tips to prioritize your health starting today.

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Join me to experience the transformation that becomes possible when you are no longer working on your dream alone!

Register here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/augustworkshop

Date: Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Time: 9am PT / 10am MT / 11am CT / Noon ET

Location: Zoom

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Have you delayed your dream because you don’t feel ready yet?

One of the biggest lies keeping dreamers stuck is thinking you are lacking something necessary to begin. It’s like there’s a box to check, an accomplishment to achieve, or a degree to earn before you can truly begin on the dream in earnest. Well, that’s simply not true.

In this episode, you’re going to hear:

• What’s at stake if you wait to feel ready
• The truth about what pursuing a dream is really like (instead of what you’ve made up in your head)
• Strategies for starting before you feel ready

And that’s not all. There’s one factor that will make the biggest difference in how you feel about beginning a project that's unfamiliar, intimidating, and overwhelming – building a support team around you. If I can help you do that, let me know by hopping on the Accountability Working Group waitlist here: Merrittonsa.com/awgwaitlist

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Do you have a burning question that feels too small to ask?

I have a really special episode for you today, thanks to a previous guest Jenn Jett Barrett who came on the show first in 2016 (ep 16) and then again in March 2022 for my financial series. In that most recent episode (#234, which was filled with amazing ideas for funding our dreams), Jenn offered to do a follow-up Zoom call to help a few of listeners with their questions on this topic.

Trauma integration practitioner Mandy Mae Johnson was the first to respond when I put out the call in my private Facebook group, and she admits that her question felt too small to ask, but she asked it anyway. (Can I pause a sec to say how proud I am of Mandy for doing that!?) More about her segment of the episode below.

Another listener Hannah Pierrou joins us as well for this conversation. She’s a photographer, designer, illustrator and children’s book author. She brings her question to Jenn about how to sell more of her children’s books.

Jenn responds to Hannah with insights on:

• Dedicating marketing dollars to activities with the highest return on investment, including how to get more of her books into boutique stores,
• Up-leveling her website messaging and putting buttons for revenue generating activities front and center on the home page,
• Creative ways to connect with her ideal customer and show how other families are engaging with the books, and
• Building an email marketing strategy now to prepare for a future podcast launch.

For Mandy’s part of our conversation, she is looking for creative ideas of additional revenue streams that could offset her one-on-one trauma integration practice. Jenn shares her thoughts related to:

• Collaborating with other organizations that have like interests,
• Creating an evergreen course for ideal clients at an entry-level price point,
• Website updates to clearly explain her best offers on the front page,
• Reaching clients who may not be ready for 1:1 services, and
• Steps to determine if nonprofit status is the way to go.

There are so many ideas packed into this 45-minute conversation! Even if your dream is completely different from the pursuits Hannah and Mandy are working on, I have some questions for you at the very end to help you process and apply what you’ve heard to your own God-shaped dream.

I hope you’ll set aside at least 10 minutes after listening to this one for journaling and to consider how one of more of Jenn’s ideas could work for you. Then, come on over to the Facebook group and share what came up for you!

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How do you discern God’s will when it comes to your passion and purpose in life?

I regularly speak to Christian women seeking to discern what God wants for their lives, especially as it relates to a personal passion or God-shaped dream. These women share worries about hearing God incorrectly, making a wrong decision about a direction to pursue, or even lacking clarity in a vision for their life and purpose on earth. None of them wants to miss God’s plan for her life.

That is why I’m bringing you today’s guest, Jen Evangelista, with her passion for teaching women to study the Word of God for themselves, and she specifically talks about how it can help us find clarity on God's will for our lives.

In this episode Jen and I talk about:

• The priceless gift of partnering with another like-minded dreamer to bring your dreams to life,
• The best way to know the will of God for your life, as well as
• Specific practices for getting into the Word consistently.

17 Quick-Win Actions to Get Your Dream Moving Forward

You’ve likely heard me talk about the value of taking baby steps toward your dream. I believe this is one of the most useful tools we have at our disposal at the beginning of such a journey.

If you’re not sure where to start or what those steps might be, check out 17 Quick-Win Actions to Get Your Dream Moving Forward. It’s just a list—you could use it as a checklist, if you like—and you don’t even have to do them all. Just choose one and that’s your baby step, momentum-builder to get you out of procrastination today. Then, choose another one tomorrow.

Get the list at: http://www.merrittonsa.com/quickwin

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Are you living as a stranger in a strange land?

My guest this week was struggling with loneliness and homesickness living away from her native India when her husband’s work required them to move to the States. It was in that experience that Mabel Ninan began to cry out to God, asking for His help to face these struggles and in the process realized the deeper issues of identity and belonging that came from her circumstances.

In this episode, Mabel shares about realizing her identity as a spiritual immigrant and her dream to inspire believers to embrace their pilgrim journey and boldly pursue their heavenly calling.

We also talk about:

• Finding stability, permanence, and security when you’re feeling adrift in the world,
• Knowing what you were made to do but having no idea where to begin, and
• How God meets you when you walk right out of your comfort zone.

Get 17 Quick-Win Actions to Move Your Dream Forward

You’ve likely heard me extoll the value of taking baby steps toward your dream. I believe this is one of the most useful tools we have at our disposal at the beginning of such a journey.

If you’re not sure where to start or what those steps might be, check out 17 Quick-Win Actions to Get Your Dream Moving Forward. It’s just a list--you could use it as a checklist if you like-- and you don’t even have to do them all. You can just choose one, and that’s your baby step, momentum-builder to get you out of procrastination and get you moving today. Then, you can choose another one tomorrow.

Get it here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/quickwin

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Have you wanted to quit on your dream before you’ve made any real progress?

Getting started can be one of the most difficult parts of pursuing a dream. In the early stages, a lot of the details are still foggy. The lack of progress makes it feel like you’re pushing a boulder uphill and pushing something heavy uphill makes you want to quit.

But don’t quit before you get to the good part!

In this episode you will be encouraged that you’re not the only one who feels this way, and in fact, these feelings are part of the process of getting started.

You’ll also hear about:

• A simple process for confidently taking the first steps into a God-shaped dream.
• The phase of pursuing a dream you will most want to avoid and why that's a mistake.
• What happens when you give in to excuses instead of getting started.

And that’s not all. I have compiled all my best baby steps ideas that will work for any kind of dream--whether it’s writing a book, starting a business, creating a home that’s bursting with hospitality, or launching an app. It doesn't matter what God has put on your heart; you can use these quick-win ideas to begin making a little headway today.

Get the free resource at Merrittonsa.com/quickwin

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What can you do to intentionally place yourself in God’s good care?

Mindy Caliguire is President/Co-Founder of Soul Care, a spiritual formation ministry dedicated to increasing soul health in the Body of Christ.

In this episode Mindy shares about a dream that’s been on her heart for decades, the shape it’s taken over the years, and where she finds herself in it right now.

We also talk about:

• How soul care differs from self-care and why both are important
• How to step into a dream in small ways rather than waiting for clarity on the whole thing before you begin, and
• Specific soul care practices you can take with you and implement once this episode is through.

It struck me when Mindy said, “If your soul is doing well or not so well, it will show up in the rest of your life.” That statement alone can and should inform the manner in which we pursue (or rest from) a God-shaped dream.

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What if God has a different path for you than the one you are on right now?

When you begin pursuing a passion project, there usually isn’t a clear finish line, so how will you know when the dream has run its course? Do you ever wonder what else might God have planned for you after this?

You may hesitate to even ask these types of questions, especially if things are going fairly well so far. Of course, God knows everything, which can be both reassuring and a little unsettling all at the same time. But one thing we know is true: God is good, and he can be trusted.

If you’ve wondered about whether you’re on the right path, or how to hear God’s gentle whispers, or maybe you’re even getting a sense that he has something different for you, you’re going to enjoy hearing from today’s guest, Lindsay May. A professional photographer turned print magazine founder, Lindsay is a fellow dream chaser who is learning to embrace the journey over wanting to control her circumstances.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• How to replace your worries of what other people might think with something better,
• The unexpected surprises that come when God closes doors you thought were firmly open, and
• For all you aspiring writers out there, Lindsay’s best tips about submitting your writing for publication.

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Does it ever feel like you’ll never reach the finish line?

If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you probably think everyone else is years ahead of where you are with your dream. It feels even worse if you haven’t started yet. But I’m here to shatter that perception and tell you that you’re right on time no matter how far along you are (or are not).

The reassuring truth is that God exists outside of time and yet He can still appreciate that our time on this earth matters to us. In fact, He was gracious enough to provide a clear example in the Bible of someone who waited what must have felt like an eternity to see a dream come to reality.

I’ll walk you through that story and offer a hopeful reminder that your waiting is not in vain. But that’s not all.

You’ll also hear about:

• Avoiding the biggest mistake that keeps dreamers from progress
• Examples of small steps of faithfulness you can take today
• Courageously facing the scariest part of pursuing a God-shaped dream

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How often do you sense yourself feeling anxious?

I don’t know if my anxiety has gotten worse since the pandemic or if I’m just more aware now of how everyday stressors make me feel in my body. The truth is, knowing the anxiety is there won’t actually change it, but it is a place to start. And certainly, finding the antidote feels important if you’re living burdened by increasing anxiousness and stress.

If you’ve been a Christian very long at all, you know the Bible says we aren’t meant to live this way. It’s not God’s best for our lives, but if we’re already there, how do we make a change?

My guest today is all too familiar with the struggle of anxiety and depression. It took a painful loss to help Angie Gibbons wake up and see the reality of her life and the impact it was having on her family, particularly her children.

The Lord took her on a journey of discovering momentary breakthroughs from anxiety that have now become a lifestyle and she’s here to share her story.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• One specific assignment to unlock your mind and release stress,
• How to live outside of an anxious space, and
• The best way to think about launching something new when you’re on a tight budget.

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Has God called you to be bold and courageous in your dream?

If you are actively pursuing a dream—or even considering it—you are possibly facing opposition, fear, comparison and even imposter syndrome. But instead of seeing your dream as a mountain too high to climb on your own—which it very likely is—what if the dream became an invitation from the creator of the universe to trust Him more fully than you have in the past?

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• The power of identifying how and where God might open your eyes to bring his boldness into your business or industry to redeem it for His glory
• How the journey of our God-shaped dreams is an invitation to intimacy with the Lord
• What we are at risk of missing out on when we aren’t willing or able to submit our plans or ideas to Him.

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Have you seen God’s hand on your life, even through the most difficult trials?

My guest today will tell you that she was so caught up in herself when the reality of her motherhood didn’t look the way she always dreamed it would. She will tell you that it became an obsession to fix the ache caused by her unmet desires. And she will tell you what God did instead of allowing her to stay there.

Today Nicole Clark is the founder of a local nonprofit ministry in North Texas helping women and families through tough seasons of infertility and loss. She hosts a podcast called Purpose Beyond Motherhood and events, both local and streaming online, to help women who are walking through the fire so they can persevere and step into whatever God is calling them to.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• The mistake of running ahead of God's timing and what to focus on instead,
• Managing expectations about the outcome of your dream, and
• A trap creatives get stuck in and how to shift so you can make true progress.

Get more info about the Refined Purpose event in Frisco, TX and online - Friday, April 29, 2022 at 7:00 pm (Central Time)

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Have you ever wondered if you could get paid to do the thing you love?

Something I often hear from dreamers is a question about whether a God-shaped dream should be a business or a hobby—and how to decide.

I recorded this solo episode first as a wrap up for my financial series from last month but also to share a bit of my business-building story. You’ll hear how I accidentally became a freelance writer in my 30s and the lessons I have learned that you can apply to your questions about whether a dream can or should be something that supports you and your life.

Listen in to hear:

• One genius example of how to make a big career move less risky,
• Five considerations you must think through before you decide to launch a business, and
• What trusting God and His plan for your life has to do with any of it.

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Have you ever wondered if you could get paid to do the thing you love?

Something I often hear from dreamers is a question about whether a God-shaped dream should be a business or a hobby—and how to decide.

I recorded this solo episode first as a wrap up for my financial series from last month but also to share a bit of my business-building story. You’ll hear how I accidentally became a freelance writer in my 30s and the lessons I have learned that you can apply to your questions about whether a dream can or should be something that supports you and your life.

Listen in to hear:

• One genius example of how to make a big career move less risky,
• Five considerations you must think through before you decide to launch a business, and
• What trusting God and His plan for your life has to do with any of it.

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What will it cost to get your dream off the ground?

This episode is the third and final conversation in my financial series where I’m bringing back a previous podcast guest to share her brilliance and experience related to the money side of launching a dream!

This week’s guest is dream defender and founder of Camp Well and The Well Summit Jenn Jett Barrett who shared her dreamer story waaaaay back in episode 16. This time we’re talking about creative ideas to launch without spending a lot of money.

You’re going to get so much out of hearing Jenn talk about:

1. Reminders from scripture that God uses financially successful women to advance kingdom purposes and how we don’t have to be afraid of conversations about money,
2. Making money decisions from where you are today rather than where you ultimately hope to end up, and
3. Specific ideas Jenn shared about how to launch and vet your dream from the beginning on a minimal budget.

Looking for my free 5-day Guided Scripture Reading Plan? Get yours today. You’ll also receive a copy of the Dreamers Unleashed Manifesto to post on your mirror, fridge, or wherever you need a reminder of who you are and the path you’ve been given. Just go to: https://www.merrittonsa.com/biblereadingplan

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Have you counted the cost of your dream?

This episode is the second of three conversations in my financial series in which we’re talking about how to think about spending your hard-earning money on a dream and how to determine if your dream should be a business or a hobby.

My guest this week is Business Coach Katie Wussow, who shared her dreamer story in episode 167.

This time we’re talking about making wise investments in your dream, whether it’s a passion project or a business. Katie brings levelheadedness and practicality to the conversation.

Here are a few topical highlights you don't want to miss:

• The mistake of spending money to solve a problem you don't yet fully understand,
• Making a realistic assessment of the costs involved in saying yes to a dream, and
• The difference between an investment in your dream and an expense it requires.

Looking for my free 5-day Guided Scripture Reading Plan? Get yours today. You’ll also receive a copy of the Dreamers Unleashed Manifesto to post on your mirror, fridge, or wherever you need a reminder of who you are and the path you’ve been given. Just go to: bit.ly/scriptureplan

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Join me for a Devoted Dreamers gathering on March 31, 2022! 

RSVP at merrittonsa.com/marchevent

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Is money a barrier to launching your dream?

This episode is the first in a series of three finance-focused conversations in my financial series where we’re talking about how to think about spending your hard-earning money on a dream.

Listeners have been telling me that time and money are among the biggest barriers to jumping into a God-shaped dream. That may be the reality for some, however, the reason I wanted to do this series was so we could have some real talk about this topic of finances (after realizing I’ve been neglecting it all this time).

I brought in Money Coach Katie Jones this week, who shared her dreamer story in episode 215, and we’re talking about how to think about your finances so you CAN invest in your dream in the future. This is Katie’s passion and I know you’re going to get so much out of this conversation where we talk about:

• The secret to getting started on a dream even when you feel like you don't have the money
• Underlying motivations that could be influencing your desire to spend, and
• The importance of identifying priorities to see if you're actually spending on what's most important to you.

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Does comparison steal your joy and keep you from fully walking in your purpose?

With 24/7 social media access to everyone’s highlight reels, it’s no wonder so many of us struggle with comparison.

Today’s guest Heather Creekmore is no stranger to comparison, and God has been using this struggle as part of her God-shaped dream to help women stop comparing and start living!

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• How easily the ideals we hold onto can become disruptive idols in our hearts,
• A simple activity to help determine where you’re most likely to cave in to comparison, and
• How to look at the “competition” and see something other than a threat.

Looking for my free 5-day Guided Scripture Reading Plan? Get yours today. You’ll also receive a copy of the Dreamers Unleashed Manifesto to post on your mirror, fridge, or wherever you need a reminder of who you are and the path you’ve been given. Just go to: bit.ly/scriptureplan

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Do you ever wonder if you’ll ever get past the novice stage of dreaming?

Dreams don’t happen overnight, but appearances are deceiving. What you see when you look at someone else’s dream from the outside is the result of years invested in learning, refining, healing, practicing, failing and getting back up to try again. You’ll never get to witness the years of that person’s wilderness experience, which is why it is futile to compare yourself to where someone is in their journey.

So, how do you get to the finish line? It’s by taking the next step, which is often messy and imperfect. But your dream matters, so it’s time to figure out where to go from here. And when you do, you will be amazed with what God does through your small steps of faithfulness to His calling upon your life.

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If you’re tired of sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else get busy on their dreams, let’s talk about 1:1 coaching. Even if you’re not sure that hiring a coach is really what will help you gain some traction, reach out to me via the Book a Call link on my website and let’s schedule free a 30-minute conversation to talk about what you need, what coaching with me looks like, and how I can help you take the next step.

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When you begin to think about taking the next step toward your dream, do you ever worry what someone else might think?

Whether it’s your sister who doesn’t get you, a parent who’s never understood your passions, or a spouse who already feels deprived of time with you (or a host of other potential responses from friends that have only played out in your head) running after a dream seems to trigger this fear about how people in our life will respond.

Find the show notes here.

If you’re tired of sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else get busy on their dreams, let’s talk about a 1:1 coaching relationship. Even if you’re not sure that hiring a coach is really what will help you gain some traction, reach out to me via the Book a Call link on my website and let’s schedule free a 30-minute conversation to talk about what you need, what coaching with me looks like, and how I can help you take the next step.

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Do you ever wonder if the time you’ve spent on your dream is going to be worth it? Maybe you haven’t seen the fruit you expected at this point, or your progress has been slower than you imagined, especially given what you’ve already invested. Wouldn’t it be terrible to look back one day and realize it was all a waste of time?

Want some support on this journey? Consider a 1:1 coaching relationship with me. Even if you’re not sure that hiring a coach is really the thing that will help you get some traction, reach out to me via the Book a Call link on my website and let’s have free a 30-minute conversation to talk about what you need, what coaching with me looks like, and how I can help you take the next step.

If you’ve felt uncertain about the value or worthiness of your dream, I’m confident there’s something for you in this episode.

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Do you tend to question your dream? Or wonder if you heard God right the first time?

Nearly every day I encounter someone talking about the fear of missing out on the purpose God has planned for her life.

Some even describe it as a deep worry or anxiety that everyone else has beaten her to the finish line, and she’s somehow gotten it wrong but doesn’t know how to find her way back into God’s prescribed path that was ordained for her before the beginning of time.

Wow! If that’s you, that is a LOT of pressure you’re putting on yourself!

I’m addressing the three challenges to believing God has given you purpose and that you can’t mess it up. I’m also offering some purposeful steps you can take today to grow in assurance that you are already walking in His plan.

This one also has a bit of homework, in case you’re still stuck at the end of the conversation; I’ll walk you through exactly what to do and some practical tools you can use every time those worries or anxieties return.

At the end, I’m inviting you to consider a 1:1 coaching relationship with me to address some of these issues so you can move forward in your dream based on your current understanding of it.

Even if you’re not sure that hiring a coach is really the thing that will help you make some progress, reach out to me via the Book a Call link on my website and let’s have free a 30-minute conversation to talk about what you need, what coaching with me looks like, and how I can help you take the next step.

If you’ve felt anxious or worried about your dream, I’m confident there’s hope and reassurance for you in this episode.

MENTIONED:

Devoted Dreamers Ep. 110 | [Solo] You Have Great Value and Worth

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Is the timing right for my dream?

I hear this question all the time in my conversations with women who have a dream on their hearts but who also have a list of other responsibilities and interests that take up the majority of their waking hours.

How do you determine the “right” timing to pursue a passion project? If your life is already full, how do you decide when to adjust your commitments so you can shift into what’s possible for the future?

In this segment, I’m helping you answer these questions and teaching you how to avoid the common mindset mistakes that often accompany questions about the timing of your dream.

If this sounds like something you’ve struggled with, I hope this episode will provide clarity, but there’s a bit of work you need to commit to first to get there, so I’ve also provided some reflection questions as a journaling exercise towards the end. You can learn more about that in the show notes, but you’ll want to listen all the way through to the end of the episode to hear my explanations about those.

Following the journaling questions, I invite you to consider a 1:1 coaching relationship with me in order to address some of those topics and help you determine if it’s time to move toward your God-shaped dream.

Even if you’re not sure that hiring a coach is really the thing that will help you make some progress, reach out to me via the Book a Call link on my website and let’s have a 30-minute conversation to talk about what you need, what coaching with me looks like, and how I can help you take the next step.

If you’ve felt anxious about starting or worried about the timing of your dream, I’m confident there’s hope and reassurance for you in this episode.

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How’s your confidence?

When I asked this question on Instagram Stories earlier this week, 100% of those who responded answered, “I’m working on it.” But what does it look like to “work on your confidence?

Maybe it’s a little bit like saying, “I’m trying.” But “trying what?” is the next question. How do we work on our confidence?

If you resonate with this, don’t miss this week’s solo episode about growing your confidence right now through the power that is already with you: the Holy Spirit.

I’m teaching you how to avoid the common mistakes when it comes to confidence building and why it’s so important to set your mind on the truth as you do that.

At the end of the episode, I invite you to consider a 1:1 coaching relationship with me in order to fast-track your progress toward your God-shaped dream.

Even if you’re not sure that hiring a coach is really the answer to helping you make some progress, reach out to me via the Book a Call link on my website and let’s have a 30-minute conversation to talk about what you need, what coaching with me looks like, and how I can help you take the next step.

I’m confident there’s hope for you on the other side of fear, perfectionism, and feeling stalled out.

Let’s do it!!

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Which of these confidence myths are keeping you from stepping into your God-shaped dream?

• “I have to know what I’m doing before I start pursuing a dream.”
• “I need to FEEL confident before I start pursuing a dream.”
• “I need to BE really good at {fill in the blank} before I can even think about starting to pursue my dream.”

Each one of these may seem true on the surface. They definitely feel that way in the eyes of the world and our culture. But what does God’s Word say about your abilities? It says they are given by God.

What does God’s Word say about your desire for everything to be perfect? It says that won’t happen until heaven.

What does it say about leaning on your own understanding? It says don’t do it!

Reminded of all that, how can this be the year when you finally say no to these methods of self-sabotage?

Your dream is given to you by God for your good and for the good of His kingdom. Can you believe that you’ve actually been invited to be part of God’s redemptive work in the world? It’s mind-blowing! And you may choose to participate, or you may choose not to. That part is up to you.

But I urge you: You definitely want to say yes if God has put a dream on your heart. And if you believe that along with me, then you’ve gotta figure out the mindset stuff that’s keeping you stuck and afraid to move forward.

There’s too much at stake here!

If even 1% of you wonders whether hiring a coach could help you make some real progress, let's have a conversation. You can reach me via the Book a Call link on my website. We'll have a 30-minute conversation to talk about what you need, what coaching with me looks like, and how I can help you take the next step.

I’m confident there’s hope for you on the other side of fear, perfectionism, and feeling stalled out.

Let’s do it!!

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People tell me my solo episodes are among their favorites! That’s why I’m kicking off Season 10 with a series of episodes focused on providing you with additional support for getting off the sidelines instead of waiting around for the right timing to pursue your dream.

The time is now! It’s not a mistake. If there’s a dream on your heart, God means for you to pursue it!

Welcome back to Season 10 of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

I’m excited to return in this season with something a little different in your earbuds over the next few months. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a thing!

This quick bonus episode is where I’m talking through my personal example of trying something new to move a dream forward. It’s the same thing I encourage you to do: Push through the fear, take a step, and trust God to meet you in it.

Next week I’ll be back to kick off a series of solo episodes coaching you through the hurdles that come with being a devoted dreamer, so come on back! I can’t wait to reconnect with you!

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Which do you struggle with most: starting on a dream or staying faithful through the messy middle?

My guest this week is Rachel Baker an author, a pastor’s wife and director of women’s ministries in her local church. Along her journey she has questioned her lack of training, doubted her calling, and has been tempted to give up before reaching the finish line.

Like many of us, she also went through a season of not knowing where to begin. In a beautiful turn of events (and through a conversation with her husband), she realized that the starting line was just outside her own door.

In this conversation we also talk about:

1. God’s rebuke when Rachel doubts her calling,
2. What to do if you’re prone to great ideas but you face discouragement in the messy middle, and
3. What it looks like to fight for your identity in Christ.

Loved this episode? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel is the author of Deconstructed, a bible study guide for the woman who feels overwhelmed or ill-equipped to study the word of God. She’s a pastor’s wife and director of women’s ministries who believes in leading through vulnerability and authenticity. She is a cheerleader herself, an encourager, and a sometimes drill-sergeant. She serves the local church alongside her husband, Kile, in Northern Nevada. They have two amazing kiddos and three dogs. Rachel is fueled by coffee, tacos and copious amounts of cheese.

CONNECT WITH RACHEL: Website || Instagram || Facebook

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Do you ever want to quit when it feels too hard to keep running after a dream? First, you are not alone. You also need to know that feeling resistance about some aspect of your God-shaped dream is not a reason to give up. Resistance may, in fact, be a nudge to keep going and keep trusting that God is with you, and He will carry you through it.

Like a lot of dreamers, Devin Clevenger discovered her dream because of a deep need in her own life. A recent move to a new city, a major life transition, plus the pandemic lockdown left her lonely and longing for connection with others. She threw out a simple idea on social media and was met with encouragement that she should take her suggestion up a notch and be the one to lead it.

You’ll hear all about how she founded Circle of Grace, who came up with the name (it wasn’t her!), and how she’s leading outside her comfort zone and trusting God to provide every next step.

We also talk about:

1. What to do with the resistance you sense when you’re considering a God-shaped dream,
2. The impact of bringing your humanity into it when you’re trying new things, especially when you feel vulnerable doing it in front of others, and
3. How to not let the little things stand in the way of the bigger impact of your dream.

Loved this episode? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT DEVIN: Devin Clevenger is a wife, retired cosmetologist, homemaker & entrepreneur. Her psychologically abusive childhood led her into a dark season of life where she struggled to invest in any relationships, including her relationship with God. By His grace, she learned the tools necessary to walk through a season of healing & ultimately found freedom.

Her husband’s role as a provider has allowed her to create the Circle of Grace -- An online membership community for women who are committed to growing deeper in self-awareness, embracing their feminine design & encouraging one another to leave a greater impact in their sphere of influence.

CONNECT WITH DEVIN: Website || Instagram || Twitter

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The world of work has changed in the last decade. Yet the question remains: Is it possible to align work with a sense of calling while also navigating equally demanding personal roles and responsibilities?

Michaela O’Donnell is no stranger to questions like these. Through starting her own company and listening to others, she has come to believe that we are all called to be part of God’s big redemptive work in this world. Her new book Make Work Matter: Your Guide to Meaningful Work in a Changing World launched into the world in November 2021.

In Michaela’s work as a practical theologian she converts academic research and lived experience into practical resources for the sake of your career (or your God-shaped dream). I’m thrilled to welcome her back to the podcast for the second time this year, this time to talk specifically about her research that let to writing her book Make Work Matter and its implications for dreamers like us.

In this conversation we talk about:

• The myth of “calling” and how we might adjust our thinking on this topic,
• An activity Michaela’s created that you can use to reflect on your own journey of calling and track God’s faithfulness in your life, and
• What you can do instead of “betting the farm” on your God-shaped dream.

Loved this episode? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

CONNECT WITH MICHAELA: Website || Instagram

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Monica Kelsey has a powerful personal testimony and a new book Blessed to Have Been Abandoned, released in May of 2021. It’s a story that reaffirms the value of every single life, regardless of the circumstances of their conception

If your dream was birthed out of pain like Monica’s was, this interview is for you. In it we talk about:

• How to reframe your fear of the unknown as you take new risks,
• Why knowing and believing in your worth in Christ is crucial to pursuing a God-shaped dream, and
• The importance of giving yourself time to heal from past hurts before you jump into that dream.

Loved this episode? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT MONICA: Monica Kelsey knew she was adopted at birth and raised by a Christian family in Ohio. It wasn't until the age of 37 that she discovered the shocking circumstances of her conception and subsequent birth. She learned that her birth mother had been brutally raped and left to die and that she had abandoned Monica just a few hours after giving birth.

After some soul searching, she stopped wrestling with the “why” and instead decided to focus on the “how.” She did this by asking herself one question: “How can I take this gift of life that I've been given and make a difference?”

Monica is also a retired firefighter and medic, living in Indiana. Her mission to protect all human life from conception to natural death is personal. She has been sharing her pro-life views with millions of people since February 2011 and works diligently to support pro-life legislators who take a stand to defend the lives of the innocent.

CONNECT WITH MONICA & SAFE HAVEN BABY BOXES: Website || Facebook

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My family is managing a health emergency this week so the full show notes will be delayed, but I have posted the handout for this episode here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/219

Although I wrote this talk for moms of young children, this episode is a reminder that God’s plans and timing have purpose no matter your life stage.

If you feel disconnected from your dream, you’re not alone. Just because it’s not today doesn’t mean it’s not EVER. Instead of despairing, think of motherhood as an opportunity to use your strengths so you can keep those muscles strong.

Finally, stay open to cultivating wonder, curiosity, and creativity; and ask the Father to help you do that through the power of the Holy Spirit!

You can find the handout for this episode here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/219

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Do you ever wonder if your God-shaped dream might be something He hasn’t yet revealed to you, or questioned why you feel blocked from God’s purpose for your life? Cindy DeBoer and her husband were 12 years into marriage when God put it on their hearts to examine if they were living out the faith they professed. What followed was a season of confession, questions, and a re-making of the life they thought they were called to.

In this conversation, Cindy shares about the gritty yet life-giving journey her family discovered as they began to live truer to their faith. It was one of letting go of the American Dream in exchange for an “unmissionary” experience abroad as they uncovered the better dream God had for their lives.

If you’ve wondered what it looks like to live out a vibrant faith, surrendered to Christ, so you can truly learn how to love God and love others, you’ll enjoy hearing what God did to transform Cindy and her dreams. We talk about:

1. The regular practice Cindy and Paul have made of asking the questions, “What am I doing? Why am I doing it? And am I living out what I say I believe?”
2. How her greatest fears about the impact of this dream on their kids were unfounded,
3. And the power of living in obedience to what God has put on your heart.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

CONNECT WITH CINDY: Website || Instagram || Facebook || Twitter

Cindy’s Free Guide: 12 Ways the Pandemic is Making Us Better People

MORE ABOUT CINDY:

On her blog Cindy often writes about how she and her family gave up on the American Dream, sold their beautiful custom dream home, left lucrative careers, lived in nearly 100 percent Muslim Morocco, and now follow Christ in the inner city of Grand Rapids. Her most popular blog post garnered over 150,000 hits from over 150 countries. Cindy is currently working to publish her book, "Far, Far Better Things - Reimagining the American Dream."

She and her husband, Paul, are passionate about demystifying Islam, working with sustainable development programs in Central America, serving the local church in Grand Rapids, and living simply—so that others can simply live. They have two daughters at home and two married sons. Their family dog, “Vie", (which is French for "life") loves to sing along with the church bells that ring out throughout their challenged neighborhood.

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Grab the free Ready to Dream Checklist HERE.

God has given you a purpose that is uniquely yours, but the temptation to control the results can disrupt any meaningful progress because the dream belongs to God first and the outcomes rest on Him alone. If you are anxious, stressed out, or worried about the future, this episode is filled with the truth of Scripture and Carla’s calming presence to remind you of the value and importance of surrendering our God-shaped dreams to Him daily.

While battling a mood disorder and a painful past, Carla Arges discovered her heart for encouraging women to walk boldly in God’s truth and His purpose for their lives. She shares how God continues to carry her through the most difficult days and the tools she has created for herself and other women to point us to the transformational truth of God’s Word.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT CARLA:

Carla Arges is an encourager, creator, and speaker. Her podcast is called Affirming Truths, and it’s just one of the places where she encourages women in their walk with Jesus. She was once an overwhelmed mom, wife, Christian woman battling a mood disorder and painful past. She lacked joy or any sense of purpose. Through her journey of deepening her relationship with Jesus she has discovered how to thrive with mental illness, grow in her faith, and she has developed a passion to help women transform their lives by helping them root their identity and confidence in Christ.

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If you’re feeling anxious, impatient or disappointed about the progression of your dream, this episode is for you.

You can’t help yourself; the dream feels big and important and all-consuming sometimes. But as you start to take steps, your progress towards a certain outcome can feel like it’s moving at a snail’s pace. There are obstacles you didn’t anticipate. Some things take longer than you imagined. Your capacity or availability to move the dream forward isn’t what you hoped. Life itself has taken over and it feels like you’re at a standstill with your dream.

What do you do now? Is this a sign that you should quit? Or do you put off the dream for a season and pick it up again when life isn’t so crazy?

I can’t answer those questions for you, but I can help you clarify if it’s just your expectations that are out of alignment with reality. In this solo episode we’ll cover the pace of your dream, your capacity to move it forward, and your perspective of the dream and the dream-giver. Then, I’ve got some suggestions for how to move forward if it truly is just an issue of expectations.

Free Resource: The Dream Readiness Checklist

If you’re worried that your dream is going to stay on the backburner forever and you’re ready to figure out whether you have what you need to step into your God-shaped dream grab the Dream Readiness Checklist here.

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Is your dream financially viable? What difference would it make if you weren’t worried about the expense involved?

In preparing for this interview, I realized what a shame it is that I have neglected to speak about this topic on the podcast.

I’m so grateful my guest today, Katie Jones, approached me about this conversation. Katie is a money coach with a passion to teach biblical financial principles so you can embrace the gifts God has given you, feel confident managing your money, and pursue your God-shaped dream without any hesitation.

Driven by a passion to challenge others that being a follower of Christ is more than going to church, reading your Bible, and praying, Katie helps young professionals learn how to become more like Jesus in the way they manage their money. She’s the founder and creator of Agape Investing and the Redeeming Your Finances mentorship experience.

In the episode Katie and I talk about:

1. How God took one simple thing she did out of curiosity and used it to inspire her dream of teaching other Christians to be more like Jesus in managing money,
2. The three tools the enemy likes to use to keep us from the kingdom calling God has for us,
3. And how we should respond to the challenges we face in our God-shaped dreams.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

Ready to check out my imposter syndrome course, Dreamers Unleashed, so you can get to your breakthrough faster. Doors close at midnight October 1, 2021.

MORE ABOUT KATIE:

Katie currently lives in Denver, Colorado where she enjoys playing board games, practicing yoga, as well as exploring the Rocky Mountains with her husband.

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Is fear of failure standing in the way of your freedom to pursue a dream? Does it feel like everyone else has a bigger following and is further along than you? If you’ve struggled with doubt, fear, comparison, or imposter syndrome and those bullies are keeping you from your God-shaped dream, I want you to hear in this episode that it IS possible to find freedom. In fact, your struggles may be an indicator that breakthrough is just around the corner.

My guest today, Kelsey Joy Rinker, is a Kingdom Speaker and Breakthrough Coach. Kelsey Joy’s passion is to equip and encourage women to step into their God given identity, go from limiting beliefs to limitless ones, and partner with Holy Spirit to live a more joy-filled and abundant life.

Although we never actually use the term “imposter syndrome” in this one, if you listen for it, you’ll hear Kelsey Joy share about her experience of wrestling with a negative mindset.

In the episode we’re talking about:

1. Changing how you think about the resistance you feel about pursuing your dream,
2. What to do when comparison is getting the best of you,
3. And all the places imposter syndrome tried to win out over her dream and how she battled those thoughts.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

Ready to check out my imposter syndrome course, Dreamers Unleashed, so you can get to your breakthrough faster? Doors open on September 27, 2021.

MORE ABOUT KELSEY JOY:

Kelsey is a wife, mom of 2, and the host of the Kingdom Dreamers Podcast where her mission is to help women develop a deep intimacy with God and create a life they thrive in!

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Do your dreams feel bigger than you? Has God revealed something that wasn’t what you expected?

My guest this week is Jamie Kirschner, founder and creator of UncommonTEEN. Her God-shaped dream is something she never expected. Missions work was what she had planned for her future; but God had a different plan a little closer to home: serving teen girls as they navigate their faith and find their identity in Jesus. God took Jamie’s experience of growing up without a support system, and He’s using it so other teen girls don’t have to navigate their journey alone.

In the episode we’re talking about:

1. Why God might call us into big dreams,
2. Taking little steps versus leaps of faith, and
3. One baby step you can (and must!) take right now.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT JAMIE:

Jamie Kirschner is the founder and creator of UncommonTEEN and the host of the UncommonTEEN Podcast serving Christian teen girls. Growing up in a small town in Missouri, Jamie longed to have someone guide her through the real-life issues that all teen girls have in life, only to find herself navigating the journey alone. At the age of 18, through the grace of God, she came to know Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. After graduating high school, she began serving in camp ministry where she discovered her passion and purpose of serving teen girls. Jamie now resides outside of Nashville, TN, has been serving in youth ministry faithfully for over 20 years.

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How is imposter syndrome killing your dream (and your confidence)?

If you’re stuck, stalled out, or struggling to say yes to your dream, maybe imposter syndrome is the thing holding you back.

Are you confused about what imposter syndrome is, whether you have it, or more importantly, how to get over it? If that’s you, this episode is full of hope that you can overcome imposter syndrome with God’s help. You’ll learn how to recognize imposter syndrome, how it impacts you, and why it’s so important to not let another day pass living under this attack on your identity.

You might have imposter syndrome if….

1. It seems to you like everyone else has it all figured out (everyone, that is, but you)
2. You can’t seem to ever get started on your dream
3. You downplay your proven skills and life experience
4. It’s easier to deflect compliments about your abilities than it is to receive them
5. You procrastinate important projects
6. You insist that once you have more education (or experience, knowledge or years under your belt) then you'll be ready to chase after your dream

Your freedom from imposter syndrome is so important that I created a free resource to help you get started. Get the Guided Scripture Reading Plan for overcoming imposter syndrome.

Loved this episode or have a thought you want to share? Come on over to the Facebook group to share what’s on your mind or to ask a question on a topic you wish I had covered.

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Are you weary of constantly striving? Have you tried everything to move your dream forward but find that no matter how hard you work it’s never enough?

Erica Wiggenhorn has been where you are. She has walked through the fire and been tempted in her journey to run after self-reliance, people pleasing and self-doubt. It’s the reason she is so passionate about seeing revival in God’s women in order that we might cease striving and choose to surrender and receive the abundant life Jesus promises.

Erica’s latest release Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck and How Surrender Sets You Free is hitting the shelves on September 7, 2021, and she’s on the podcast today to offer up a little glimpse of the grace-filled Bible teaching to remind us of who we are in Christ and how that changes everything.

Erica is passionate about teaching women to dig deeply into God’s Word, to discover your unique purpose, accept God’s promises, and live by His power. I know you’re going to feel so refreshed after hearing from her in this episode.

In it we’re talking about:

1. How our struggle to trust God when things get hard is actually a lack of intimacy with his character. She reminds us that this an invitation to press into Him and ask for help so we can see Him for who He really is: a loving Father.
2. What to do if you’re not hearing from God even though you’ve been praying and begging Him for answers.
3. And how the poison of self-reliance is a tool the enemy uses to keep us questioning our faith and God Himself.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT ERICA:

Erica Wiggenhorn is an award-winning author and the founder of Every Life Ministries, bringing you the truths of Scripture to transform your life. Erica is the author of three Bible studies released by Moody Publishers: An Unexplainable Life, The Unexplainable Church and Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God You Thought You Knew.

Erica lives in Phoenix with her best friend & husband, Jonathan, and their four children only two of which are human, and the others are furry and adorable. You can connect with her and find out more about her writing and speaking ministry at ericawiggenhorn.com.

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The Devoted Dreamers Podcast is produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.Ad Music Copyright Lee Rosevere. Used under Creative Commons 3.0.

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Do you ever feel like no one understands your passions? Like they just don’t get why you would pour so much of yourself into this dream? Megan Sjuts returns to the podcast this week to share what she’s learned about building community around your creative work and allowing God to push you out of your comfort zone to build and hone new skills within you.

If you’re ready to stop dreaming by yourself, this is the episode for you!

It’s always such a gift when a guest returns with an update about what God has been doing in her life and dream since she last shared on this podcast. In case you missed Megan’s debut here, you’ll want to go back and listen to episode 95 entitled Because You’ll Never Be Fully Ready to Start.

Megan talked before about not feeling qualified to teach design when she had just graduated from design school. She revisits this story and explains how the challenge of trying something she’d never considered and felt unqualified to do helped her grow.

It’s a reminder that God may use something unexpected to open your eyes to a passion you didn’t know you had or a skill you didn’t know you’d be good at. Because He’s like that, you can take it as permission to try scary things and take risks that feel out of your comfort zone just to see what God will do with it!

We end this conversation discussing the one ingredient that may be lacking in your creative work (Hint: many of you have told me this is true for you) and what you should do to rectify this immediately!

Loved this conversation? Have a thought you want to share? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode or ask a question that you wished we had covered.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/210

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Have you ever wondered where God is when your life feels out of control, or your plan isn’t working out the way you thought it would?

Jamie Dodero was on a successful career track in the hotel industry when Covid-19 hit and she was furloughed. This is the story of how God used a significant professional setback (alongside major health issues in her newborn baby girl) to grow Jamie’s faith and fuel her dream to write a children’s prayer book.

In this interview Jamie and I also talk about:

1. The times of testing you will face when you’re creating something new,
2. The importance of filling your cup first so that you can pour out to others, and
3. How letting go of the illusion of control over your life grows your trust in God.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

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Have you ever looked at someone else living her dream and thought, “Wow! She’s so much further along than me” or questioned why dreaming a God-shaped dream is so difficult at times? We see only a tiny glimpse of their journey on social media or IRL but still we think other people have had an easier road or at least haven’t faced the challenges we have in our dreams.

This solo episode is about clearing away misconceptions you have about the path to a dream, how God uses our difficulties to remind us of our need for Him, and the three mistakes we want to avoid in understanding our part versus God’s part in pursuing our dream.

I’ll also share how God has been shaping my perspective on loss and redemption through biblical teaching and through His Word.

As you listen, I encourage you to ask yourself a few questions:

• What’s got you tied up in knots about your dream?
• What’s causing you to believe you’re not on the right road?
• Where do you have a fairy-tale-ending expectation when in fact, the twists and turns could be the exact path that was meant for you?

Loved this episode or have a thought you want to share? Come on over to the Facebook group to share what’s on your mind or to ask a question on a topic you wish I had covered.

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I’ve got something special and a little different for you this week.

Back in May I was a guest on Connecting in the Chaos podcast, hosted by one of my podcasting students, Heather Oncken.

You might recognize the name. Heather was a guest on Devoted Dreamers for episode 197. We talked about How to Know When God is Speaking to Your Heart. Go check that out if you missed it.

Heather and I had such a great conversation when I was a guest on her show so she gave me permission to replay that conversation from her podcast here. We talked about how we can better support our friends in their dreams and what to do if you’re the friend who’s feeling a little bit alone in yours.

Join me back here next week for another one of my solo episodes to support and inspire you on your journey of following a God-shaped dream.

In the meantime, enjoy this replay of How to Support Our Friends in Their Dreams with me as a guest on the Connecting in the Chaos podcast.

You Might Also Be Looking For:

Heather’s show notes for this episode

How to Know When God is Speaking to Your Heart, my episode with Heather Oncken on Devoted Dreamers

Learn more about the Your Purposeful Podcast course if you’re looking to launch your very own podcast.

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Have you struggled to fully commit to an aspect of your dream (or maybe even the whole dream)? Is making important decisions so difficult that you put it off or change your mind repeatedly?

This mini episode is about how Jane Springer battled her fear of failure and finally made a commitment she’d been wavering on for years. Listen to learn about what changed her mindset from fear to freedom in order that her dream could flow.

If you’re ready to finally make an important decision, this is the episode for you!

By the way, a “mini” episode is just a shorter conversation with a past guest sharing an update about her dream since she last came on the podcast.

In case you missed the original episode with Jane Springer in November 2018, she has been spinning her wheels for years, plagued with an inability to commit to one aspect of her dream. But she’s finally identified the problem and decided to move forward as a coach for Christian women in midlife who are ready to enjoy dating again.

My big takeaway from her story is that allowing feelings or fears to take the lead (instead of God) can be one of the greatest contributors to indecision and a lack of forward movement toward your dream.

But how do you stop this unproductive pattern? Jane shares what worked for her, and she and I both believe it can work for you too.

Loved this conversation? Have a thought you want to share? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode or ask a question that you wished we had covered.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/206

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Are you ever tempted to seek validation or affirmation from others?

Julie Holmquist thought that she had rooted her identity deeply in Christ, but as soon as she started taking scary steps of faith toward a dream, she realized that she was looking to other people to give her what only He could. And that turned out to be a distraction from the true purpose He had put in her heart.

Julie is an author, Bible study leader and host of the Kairos Moments podcast. She loves empowering women to stop playing it safe with their faith, to start leaning into their calling, and to begin putting bold action behind their God-given dreams.

But she starts out this conversation talking first about her dream that died, how she felt about it, and what happened as a result of submitting her loss to the Lord.

In this interview Julie also shares:

1. How to get unstuck from your feelings of loss when a dream dies,
2. Why you’ve gotta stop waiting for someone else to validate you and your dream (and what to do instead) and
3. How abiding with the Lord is the best fuel for your God-shaped dream

Loved this conversation? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

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Despite the popularity of podcasts (there are 16 million “avid podcast fans” in the U.S., according to a 2018 Nielsen Q1 study), most people don’t realize what it takes to create content on a consistent basis in order to get those episodes into your podcast app.

If you’ve ever considered starting a podcast, the second most important decision to make is how to set yourself up for success so you can maintain consistency without burning out.

That’s where my new course, Your Purposeful Podcast, comes in!

This bonus episode is a replay of a Live Q&A I hosted on Facebook on July 14, 2021, about the course which provides a simple, step-by-step framework to finally launch your podcast.

God created you for good works, which He prepared in advance for you—the Bible clearly states this. If He’s given you a powerful message to share—whether it’s related to a business, a ministry or even a hobby—podcasting is just one of the ways you can put it out in the world.

Your Purposeful Podcast is a self-paced course, meaning you can engage with the lessons whenever and however you want to. I’ll host monthly office hours on Zoom to answer all your questions and when you sign up you’ll have 24/7 access to our private Facebook group where you can engage with me and the other students in the course.

Want to know more? All the details are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/yourpurposefulpodcast.

Next week I’ll be back on Wednesday with another interview, this time with Julie Holmquist, an author, Bible study leader and host of the Kairos Moments podcast. Julie loves empowering women to stop playing it safe with their faith, to start leaning into their calling, and to begin putting bold action behind their God-given dreams.

The journey to her dream was a series of starts and stops, so if you’ve felt stuck, fearful, or you’ve been waiting for someone else to validate your or your dream, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss it!

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Are you guilty of overthinking? You’re trying to figure out every little detail of a project and you’re so bogged down that you can’t even get started. In this mini-interview I bring Lauren Stengele back to the show to share an experience that gives hope to the overthinker and three easy steps for ditching those thoughts in exchange for momentum and direction for your dream.

If you’re ready to ditch worry and overthinking, this is the episode for you!

A “mini” episode is a shorter conversation with a past guest with an update about her dream since she last came on the podcast.

In case you missed the original episode in March 2020, Lauren Stengele is homeschooling her children in two languages because she believes so strongly in preserving her family’s heritage through the Spanish language. Along the way, she started developing Spanish language resources to support her kids and other families as well. As a result, her business, bilingualtogether.com, was born.

My big takeaway from this one is the reminder that you can stop worrying about what might happen if you were to talk about something new related to your dream.

I think we too easily get caught up in overthinking, which keeps us from being willing to start or try new things. It halts any learning we could glean from our audience and stops our dream in its tracks. I believe this is the harder road to take: thinking we have to get it right the first time, all the time.

Instead, the three possible steps, based on Lauren’s experience, for finding direction and momentum for your dream are to:

1. Stop worrying; instead pray (Philippians 4:6-7)
2. Take a baby step (and ask for feedback)
3. Course correct (based on what you learn)

Loved this conversation? Have a thought you want to share? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode or ask a question that you wished we had covered.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/204

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What does rest look like for you? Is it collapsing into bed after a long day? Or vegging out on the couch with Netflix? This episode will help you think about restorative rest and why you need it to pursue your dream.

I’ve been asking myself the above questions for the last several weeks in the midst of our multi-household transition to a new home, wrapping up homeschool, and trying to balance fun and purpose in our summer schedule.

Some recent wisdom from outside voices has caused me to re-think how I work and rest, what hustle culture does to our dream, and what God’s Word has to say about how and when we rest. I don’t have this all figured out but I’m learning and testing new strategies while paying attention to how I actually feel at the end of a long work week.

What I’ve realized is, there has to be a better way to work and rest.

Here are the three most significant takeaways I share about how I’m trying to think and act differently regarding rest:

1. We do better work and have more creative ideas when we are not totally sleep or rest deprived.
2. Rest is intended to fuel our good work, not serve as a reward.
3. Therefore, the temptation to give in to hustle culture instead of resting before we need it is actually a threat to our dream.

Loved this conversation? Have a thought you want to share? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode or ask a question that you wished we had covered.

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The story of how Sarah Maddack discovered her God-shaped dream illustrates the value of keeping things simple and paying attention to what flows naturally out of the gifts, talents, and experiences God has given you. Sarah didn’t know the path He would take her on; none of us do. But she was willing to take risks and try new things, to stand out from the crowd, and to trust that God is so much bigger than any of the insecurities she may have felt in the beginning, before she became a TikTok sensation.

I love Sarah’s encouragement to not take yourself so seriously probably because I so easily fall into that trap. If you do too, find a comfortable space to listen to my conversation with Sarah and then give yourself space at the end to pray and contemplate what dreaming with this kind of freedom might look like on you!

A few of my favorite takeaways from this conversation:

1. Her dad’s advice on the five things to consider in finding your purpose.

2. The value of trying new things (even if they seem scary) primarily because God can use anything! For Sarah, it was a slug on her rug!

3. And why you need to stop second-guessing yourself or overthinking the next steps in your dream.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT SARAH:

Sarah Maddack is a "wholesome rapper" with over a million followers on TikTok that she gained after she filmed herself rapping to a slug on her rug in April 2020. She's based in Nashville, Tennessee, where she spends her days making silly songs and videos to help the world stop taking itself so seriously. She has her own business she calls "Gift Rapping" where she creates personalized 30 second raps and videos for others for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. Her dream is to one day have a hit as big as "What Does the Fox Say" or to become the female Weird Al Yankovic.

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Katie Bulmer is host of the Truth for Your Twenties Podcast, a speaker to over 50 colleges nationwide, and passionate about helping sorority women understand their worth and unlock their world-changing power. The heart behind her God-shaped dream is to be who she needed when she was a young woman looking for happiness in the arms of boys, Bacardi, and attempts to be beautiful.

This is Katie’s third appearance on the Devoted Dreamers Podcast. If you want to hear what she had to say about figuring out her dream, listen to episode 55. If you want to hear how she pivoted her public speaking business (with great success) during the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, listen to episode 176.

Katie has been diligently building relationships with 20-somethings via speaking engagements, her podcast and social media for the last several years. When a 30-second video she created on TikTok went viral in early 2021, she was blindsided by what happened next. This short conversation is all about the unexpected reactions she got to that video, how she dealt with criticism from strangers, and what she learned as a result.

My big takeaway from this one is the reminder from Katie about how we are to keep our eyes on the prize and stay focused on what really matters, even in the face of adversity and especially after you achieve something you’ve been working towards for a long time.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to go viral, this is the episode for you!

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/201

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Celebrating milestones is something I want to get better at, and Devoted Dreamers has had some big ones in the past month:

• The podcast turned five on June 1st
• We hit 200,000 downloads at the end of May
• And this is episode 200!

Thanks for being here to celebrate with me!

I am honored to be interviewed by my friend and past guest Tabitha Bigbee-Highland, founder of Every Day Faith, whose mission is to support women in establishing and growing their Daily Word Habit in order to recognize and obey the voice of their Creator.

Tabitha and I met through a mutual online friend a few years ago. I was drawn to her playful spirit and her love for ballet (because of a budding ballerina in my life) and most especially her manner of encouraging women to be in God’s Word on a daily basis without it being about checking it off your list. If you want to hear more about that, you can listen to my interview with Tabitha in 2019 called Learning to Listen to God Through His Word.

Whether or not you submitted a question for this interview through my Facebook group, you’re gonna love this one if:

• You’ve ever wanted more of the backstory of Devoted Dreamers,
• You enjoy hearing about how others face the challenges that come when you pursue a dream, or
• You just love random facts about people (if that’s you, be sure to stick around for the speed round towards the end!)

Loved this conversation?

Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode or ask a question that you wished we had covered.

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Happy Happy Game Show music by Kevin MacLeod
License: CC BY 3.0

Theme music by Reaktor Productions.

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Sometimes God’s timing does not make sense in our limited perspective.

Katy McCown always knew she was called to write but she didn’t expect God to give the green light when she was eight months pregnant with her sixth child. Today she is president of She Laughs Ministries, a writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and a national speaker.

Through all life’s uncertainties and surprises, Katy has learned some things about “living sure” even when the future is not.

I hear so many listeners say they don’t have time to pursue their dream. But the reality is that we all have the same amount of time in each day. The question is, how will you choose to use the limited time you have been given, not to do every single thing but to be intentional with the one thing God has given you to do today?

Or maybe you are the dreamer who is questioning whether you’ve heard God wrong because your dream isn’t turning out the way you imagined it would.

Or rejection has been so much a part of your story, that it hurts to the core of your being,

If any of this sounds familiar, you’ll want to listen as Katy and I talk about:

1. What it looks like to have significant demands upon your time and still be faithful to your dream day after day.
2. How tempting it is to take things into your own hands when you don’t see the fruit of your labors in the timing you expect (and what to do instead).
3. And finally, what happens when you let rejection draw you into deeper trust in the Lord and how he uses it for your good and his glory.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT KATY:

You might also enjoy Katy’s podcast called Best Day Ever for the woman who wants her life to matter but doesn’t know how to do it alone. Katy meets you in the details of your ordinary, everyday life and reminds you of your extraordinary purpose.

Katy and her husband Luke, a former NFL quarterback, are raising their six children in Northeast Texas.

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Welcome to Season 9 of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast!!

This bonus episode is a little meatier than some of the season intros I’ve done in the past. As our family is getting ready to make some big changes, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting and that includes looking back at how far I’ve come with my dream in the last several years.

Yesterday I was my five-year anniversary of launching this podcast, and people always ask me what I’ve learned from the nearly 200 conversations I’ve had with other dreamers about their experience pursuing the dream God has put on their heart.

In this episode I'm sharing my three top takeaways from five years of talking with Christian women dreamers as they fight back fear to start business, launch a nonprofit, write a book, pursue a speaking career, wait on God, test out new ideas, fight the lies, battle comparison and imposter syndrome, and come out on the other side trusting God more because they’ve learned to lean on Him in the process of chasing their dreams.

If you’re new here, this is a great place to start listening so you can get a feel of what being a devoted dreamer is all about.

You'll also learn about how Dream Coaching can support you on your journey. If you would like to book a Discovery Call to learn more, sign up here.

Next week I’ll be back with another interview. This time I'm talking with Katy McCown, president of She Laughs Ministries, a writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and a national speaker. Through all life’s uncertainties and surprises, Katy has learned some things about “living sure” even when the future is not, and you won’t want to miss this conversation if you have ever struggled with rejection or wondered about God’s timing.

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Although she is the author of seven books, Dr. Heather Thompson Day has faced rejection after rejection in her dream of becoming a best-selling author.

Her newest book It’s Not Your Turn is the story of how God has used repeated rejections to shape her character over the years and to help her realize that who she is when she’s not in the spotlight is far more important than who she will be when she is.

Heather’s winsome stories of rebounding from the disappointments she has experienced remind us that our walk with God on this earth is a journey of growth and sanctification rather than a destination to be achieved.

Listen in as Heather talks about:

• Living her life as if whatever she’s doing right now is the most important thing.
• Focusing not on earning acceptance and love by what we can accomplish but rather by how we love others.
• And finally, you absolutely must listen for what her friend said that changed Heather’s perspective on how she lives her life, how she walks into a room, and her belief that God put you right where you are for a reason.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT HEATHER:

Dr. Heather Thompson Day is an interdenominational speaker and contributor for Religion News Service, Newsweek and the Barna Group. Her writing has been featured on the Today Show and the National Communication Association. She has been interviewed by BBC Radio Live. She believes her calling is to stand in the gaps of our churches for young people. She is the author of 7 books, including It’s Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife.

Heather is an Associate Professor of Communication at Colorado Christian University. She is passionate about supporting women, and runs an online community called I’m That Wife which has nearly 200k followers.

Heather resides in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Pastor Seth Day, and their three children, London, Hudson, and Sawyer Day.

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A kind gesture by a friend inspired Heather Oncken’s dream to motivate and encourage people to be more intentional in their friendships.

She knew she was supposed to do something with this inspiration. She just didn’t know what. As she continued to pray for clarity, God prompted her to simply pay attention and be faithful to the needs He placed in front of her.

Today she shares the hope that in all our relationships we have an opportunity to change someone’s day, someone’s week, and even someone’s life through our small, intentional gestures of love.

Even though Heather feels unqualified to be an entrepreneur and a podcaster, she is trusting God with the dream He has given her to inspire and motivate intentional friendships. Building an app with a friend she knew through her small group and recently launching Connecting in the Chaos Podcast, Heather is learning to recognize the signs that she’s trying to do it all on her own strength and course correct as soon as she sees it.

Listen in as she shares about:

• The importance of paying attention and being faithful in the little things,
• How promptings from the Lord come more often than we realize, likely because we aren’t trained to listen for them, and
• God’s mercy in not revealing all the little steps along the way toward your dream because you’d probably quit.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode. Heather is in the group too if you want to connect with her there.

MORE ABOUT HEATHER:

Heather Oncken is a Jesus-loving Midwestern girl, married to Riley and mother of four daughters ages 4 to 13. She’s an unlikely entrepreneur, a brand-new podcaster, and a labor and delivery nurse. She is passionate about seeing women grow in their friendships and experience the life-giving joy of deep, soul-refreshing relationships. She enjoys spending one-on-one time with friends and extended family, reading, trips to Target alone, and watching a good movie. While traveling to the beach or Disney with family is a joy, her favorite place to be is home.

Heather is a 2 on the Enneagram and a classic introvert.

NEXT STEPS:

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/devoteddreamers/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: https://www.patreon.com/DevotedDreamersPodcast

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HEADS UP: If you have children, grab some earbuds for this episode as it discusses some topics that you may not want your little ones to hear.

Kat Harris has a vision for all women to know their beauty, identity, and value. It was born out of the years she spent asking difficult questions as a single Christian woman who is saving sex for marriage, her wrestling with narratives she grew up with in the church and how they conflict with the world she lives in today. Writing a book, especially on the topic of sex, was the dream she never knew she had. It has revealed all her insecurities and yet grown her confidence in a God who gives us space to ask difficult questions and explore our dreams.

Even if you are married, don’t skip over this interview!

My conversation with Kat Harris is going to make you think deeply about our culture, sexuality, and the messages we as women absorb about our value, beauty, identity, and sexuality.

Kat has spent the last several years wrestling with these topics and even questioning whether she’s the woman for the job of writing about them. Her courage to run after a dream she didn’t know she had, when it opens her up to so much criticism and speculation, offers us an opportunity to examine our own strength and desire to run after something that might make us feel vulnerable too.

Give it a listen for some key takeaways, like:

• The importance of dealing with our own wounds and disappointments first before thinking we can “save” other people,
• What can happen when we aren’t regularly taking our thoughts captive as Scripture talks about,
• And that it’s in the desert, in our questions and doubts, that God meets us and walks toward us.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT KAT:

Kat Harris is a Brooklyn-based educator, podcaster, and her first book Sexless in the City will be in print Spring of 2021. She loves God, a good Beyoncé dance party, and is a Ranch dressing connoisseur.

Her vision is for women to know their beauty, identity and value. She is Co-Founder of the online publication The Refined Woman, and host of The Refined Collective Podcast. She has also been a full-time photographer for the last decade with her work featured in: Vanity Fair, GQ, Forbes, People, Who What Wear, US Weekly, Glamour UK, and more.

She believes in the power of story, that done is better than perfect, quality triumphs quantity, and that the journey truly is the destination.

The vehicles for her message are her podcast, online courses, Bible studies, live workshops and events, and speaking at conferences. It has become a bigger passion in her life then she ever could have imagined.

Grab a copy of Kat’s new book: Sexless in the City: A Sometimes Sassy, Sometimes Painful, Always Honest Look at Dating, Desire, and Sex available on April 20, 2021

NEXT STEPS:

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/devoteddreamers/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: https://www.patreon.com/DevotedDreamersPodcast

LEAVE A REVIEW: On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

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Do you feel ready, like really ready, for big things to happen with your dream?

Maybe you’re weighing the pros and cons of hiring a coach who could help you leap over the hurdles in your way. Or investing in a course that’ll provide resources you lack and a supportive community to push you out of your comfort zone. Or there’s that program with the built-in accountability that will finally fill in your knowledge gaps and motivate you to get going on the road to your dream.

If you have debated any choice that would require a financial investment as you launch your dream (show of hands: who’s researching 501(c)3 status right now?) I want you to hit pause on those plans for a moment and take a listen to this episode about the three commitments you need to put at the top of your list FIRST!

You’ve undoubtedly heard how important it is to first put on your oxygen mask before helping your child or the person next to you on the plane. Because if you can’t breathe, you’re not going to be able to help someone else who needs it!

It’s the same with your dream.

God has given you a vision for investing in others, serving a community, filling a need—whatever it is, but if you run headlong into the dream without tidying up your own house first or without properly ordering the position of your heart, mind, and spirit, then the road ahead will be harder than it needs to be. And you’ll likely end up spending unnecessarily on “solutions” that weren’t meant to solve the issues of the heart.

Listen in for the three commitments you need to make (or at the very least start praying about and making progress toward them) before you get super serious about investing in your dream.

NEXT STEPS:

I’d love to hear your feedback on this episode. Join me in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook group to chat about it, or if you listen and decide you’re well on your way in these three areas and you’re ready to consider dream coaching, sign up for a no-obligation Discovery Call here.

RELATED EPISODES YOU MAY ENJOY:

I mentioned some other episodes you may want to check out next:

• Ep. #124 with Tabitha Bigbee: Learning to Listen to God Through His Word
• Ep. #115 with Christa Hutchins: Four Opportunities You’ll Find on the Way to Your Dream
• Ep. #179 with Toni Hebel: A New Way of Understanding Forgiveness That Will Set You Free

And some solo episodes from 2019:

• Ep. #107 – You are a Daughter of the Most High King
• Ep. #110 – You Have Great Value and Worth
• Ep. #113 – You Were Created for a Reason
• Ep. #116 – Two Simple Reasons Your Dream is Not About You
• Ep. #119 – How to Stop Fear from Stealing Your Dream
• Ep. #122 – Obstacles to Finding Your Identity in Christ
• Ep. #126 – How to Refocus Your Identity on Christ

CHECK OUT THE SHOW NOTES: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/195

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/devoteddreamers/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: https://www.patreon.com/DevotedDreamersPodcast

LEAVE A REVIEW: On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Book a Discovery Call with Merritt to see if 1:1 Dream Coaching is for you

Kelsey Chapman is an author, podcaster, and personal cheerleader to women building their dream life and business. She loves teaching other women how to find mentors because mentorship has had such a positive impact on her life and business. Her mentors paved the way and shared their experiences, so she didn’t have to learn all the hard lessons herself. Those relationships are what pushed Kelsey to rise up and continue making her dream a reality, even through the difficulties.

It was a gift to dig a little deeper into the backstory of Kelsey’s desire to write and share her words with the world – something I didn’t remember from our previous conversation, which just goes to show you that there is often so much more percolating under the surface of whatever we’re working on today.

If you want to listen to the previous conversation with Kelsey, here’s a link: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/52

Then, here’s a bit of what stood out to me this time around:

• The glorious gift of watching others go before you (even when you feel far behind),
• Having the courage to let go of something that could be standing in the way of your REAL dream, and
• God’s never-ending faithfulness on this journey of life and dreaming our God-shaped dreams.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT KELSEY:

When Kelsey first launched her own brand in 2015, she felt all the overwhelming feelings. It was scary to take such a huge leap and commit to showing up for a dream she didn’t know would pan out. Over the first few years of business, she leaned on the shoulders of several incredible mentors who took her under their wing and taught her how to make the jump from dreamer to doer.

Kelsey needed their expert wisdom to shift old perspectives, discover the next right steps that would help her execute the vision, and stay hopeful throughout the journey. Her mentors helped shape her character so she could become the CEO and leader she is today. Now she is excited to pay it forward and be that cheerleader for you, too… because she believes YOU can turn your wildest dreams into REALITY.

Grab a copy of Kelsey’s new book: What They Taught Me

NEXT STEPS:

Book a Discovery Call with Merritt to see if 1:1 Dream Coaching is for you

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/devoteddreamers/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: https://www.patreon.com/DevotedDreamersPodcast

LEAVE A REVIEW: On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Some links to products listed here are affiliate links. When you click those and make a purchase, I earn a commission that supports this podcast. Thanks for your support!

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Book a Dream Consultation with Merritt

What’s your relationship like with your mom?

Literary agent and author Blythe Daniel and her mom wrote a book together to support restoration and healing in mother/daughter relationships. Theirs is one of the many resources Blythe has shepherded onto bookshelves around the world in fulfilling her mission as a literary evangelist.

Part of pursuing this dream for Blythe has been remembering God’s faithfulness and His limitless nature; her story reminds us that this is true for His role in our dreams as well.

Here’s what stood out to me from this conversation:

• Blythe talks about being a missionary to places that she will probably never personally visit—an encouragement that you CAN be on mission right where you are right now.
• The tension of not allowing your big dreams to become more important than the people God has put right in front of you.
• Believing in God’s limitlessness as it relates to our dreams instead of the limits we manufacture, which often keep us stuck or stalled out.

Loved this interview? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT BLYTHE:

Blythe Daniel is a marketer, author, and literary agent. She has worked in publishing for more than 20 years as a freelance writer, publicity director for Nelson Books (Harper Collins Christian Publishers) and product development for John and Stasi Eldredge.

The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. represents authors to publishers for publishing contracts and to consumers through marketing campaigns. She and her mother, Dr. Helen McIntosh, are the co-authors of Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters. Blythe and her husband have three children and live in Colorado.

NEXT STEPS:

Book a Dream Consultation with Merritt

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/devoteddreamers/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: https://www.patreon.com/DevotedDreamersPodcast

LEAVE A REVIEW: On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Some links to products listed here are affiliate links. When you click those and make a purchase, I earn a commission that supports this podcast. Thanks for your support!

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Book a Dream Consultation with Merritt

Do wounds from your past threaten your confidence or progress toward your God-shaped dream? Do you have trouble believing that God sees you and knows your needs? Yolanda King shares her story of childhood abuse and neglect that could have kept her stuck in fear and seeking approval from others. But God had a different plan. Today she’s helping other women overcome obstacles and trauma to create a life and career they love.

After I was a guest on the She’s Called and Confident podcast with Yolanda last fall, I knew I wanted to bring her on the Devoted Dreamers podcast. Her heart for Christian women with a calling or a passion from God is so aligned with mine.

Yolanda believes everyone has a story and a calling that is going to make a difference in this world, and hers is such a reminder of God’s grace and his plan to redeem what’s been broken in this world.

As you listen, I hope you’ll notice the following points that stood out to me:

• Your healing and wholeness is a priority! If you’re still holding on to hurts from your past, it’s worth it to do the work, with Jesus, to be healed.
• Why you can embrace your story, no matter the details, instead of hiding from it or trying to shove it under the rug; God is going to use it for your good and his glory!
• A reminder from Philippians that he is going to complete the work he has begun in you, and that is true even if it feels like your dream is dead. Just wait. He’s a God of resurrection!

Loved this conversation? Come on over to the Facebook group to share your thoughts on this episode.

MORE ABOUT YOLANDA:

Yolanda King is a life and confidence coach and the host of the She Called and Confident Podcast. With six years of social work experience she has helped women overcome life obstacles and trauma to beat the odds and accomplish success.

She is passionate in leading Christian women out of their insecurities and breaking through their upper limits to create a life and career they love. She believes that everyone has a story and a calling that is going to make a difference in this world. Through her “Activate your calling” 3-Step Framework she helps women identify and activate their calling so they can feel fulfilled doing work they love while glorifying God.

NEXT STEPS:

Book a Dream Consultation with Merritt

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/devoteddreamers/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: https://www.patreon.com/DevotedDreamersPodcast

LEAVE A REVIEW: On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

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What does it look like to pursue meaningful work in a changing world? Michaela O’Donnell helps people do just that. We talk about recalibrating expectations regarding the pace of change, what to do when your dreams don’t happen right away, and how to look for breadcrumbs of God's providence along the way.

In this episode, listen for my three big takeaways:

• That your dream coming to life is likely going to take longer than you anticipate and the importance of recalibrating your expectations.
• The value of taking time to reflect along the way, including processing the grief that comes with failure.
• And how a spirit of gratitude for whatever comes can shift your heart and mind.

Loved this conversation? Be sure to watch (or listen to) the two-part video series of Michaela’s keynote at the Denver Institute for Faith and Work’s Women, Work, and Calling event in Nov. 2019. I’ve linked to them in the show notes, right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/191

MORE ABOUT MICHAELA:

Michaela is the founder and CEO of the boutique creative agency Long Winter Media. She’s also the Senior Director of the De Pree Center for Leadership at Fuller Seminary where she builds programs, writes, and teaches on issues of vocation, work, and leadership. Her first book, Make Work Matter: Your Guide to Meaningful Work in a Changing World comes out later this year.

NEXT STEPS:

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/devoteddreamers/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: https://www.patreon.com/DevotedDreamersPodcast

LEAVE A REVIEW: On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

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Have you ever considered being a guest on a podcast?

It probably doesn’t surprise you to hear that the number of podcasts in the world right now exceeds 1.75 million (according to Podcast Insights) and that number is growing daily!

I just finished beta testing my brand-new podcasting course with Natalie Arent and we personally trained the hosts of three new shows coming out in the next month.

A few more stats in case you're not convinced this is a great way to get your message out:

• 55% of the US population has listened to a podcast (Infinite Dial 2020)
• 68 million people say they listen to podcasts weekly (Infinite Dial 2020)
• 16 million in the US say they are “avid podcast fans” (Nielsen Q1 2018)

This solo episode is all about how you can pitch and prepare to be the best guest you can be on someone else’s podcast so you can share your dream with a wider audience.

You’ll learn:

• Why you should consider being a podcast guest,
• How to find the right podcasts to pitch to,
• Preparing to pitch yourself and the one thing you MUST understand before you do,
• How to prepare for the interview itself,
• A few sound tips for the non-techy among us, and
• What to do during and after the interview, including my favorite tips to make sure your voice sounds full of energy even if you’ve been sitting quietly at your desk all day!

Even if you’ve never considered being a guest on a podcast, this episode will prepare you to put your best foot forward when the opportunity comes your way!

NEXT STEPS:

In case you’re new to the podcast, here are a few other episodes you may enjoy:

Ep 94: [Solo] What I Learned in Two Years of Podcasting, with Merritt Onsa

The #1 most-loved episode from Feb 2021:

Ep 186: [Solo] 3 Strategies to Help You Shift from Busy to Purposeful, with Merritt Onsa

The #1 most-loved episode of all time:

Ep 130: How to Turn Up the Volume on Truth, with Charlena Ortiz

CONNECT WITH ME:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

CHECK OUT THE SHOW NOTES: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/190

JOIN THE COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/devoteddreamers/

LOVING THIS PODCAST?

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

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Support the Devoted Dreamers Podcast on Patreon.

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Need some help getting your dream started?Book a discovery call with Merritt!

Shelley Tyson is passionate about seeing women fall in love with Jesus, live lives of wild abandon for Him, and pursue building homes and businesses that reflect Him for generations to come. She is a homeschool mom of four, wife to Bryan, and resides in Atlanta, GA, where she enjoys long talks with her husband, a strong cup of coffee, and playing the piano in her free time. She runs a skincare business and recently launched an online membership community.

Shelley has been a Devoted Dreamers listener and fan for the last three years. She found the podcast in her search for Christian community in online spaces and to find support in following her dreams. This year she has ventured into unknown territory to launch an online community called “Cultivate” that’s helping women of faith in business. Even though God surprised her with this path, He is building her faith and trust in Him on the journey.

Listen as Shelley talks about:

• What to do with your imposter syndrome,
• The importance of putting up guardrails to protect your mind and heart,
• What to do if you feel like you’re not far enough along in your journey to be able to step into your dream, and
• The one request she made of God four years ago that has deeply impacted her hope and trust in Him.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/189

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

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Get on a Discovery Call with Merritt to learn about 1:1 Dream Coaching

Motherhood can be all-consuming, especially if you’re in that stage of caring for small children. Amanda Bennett of the Gotcha Mama Podcast shares about her difficult transition as a first-time mom and how that experience motivated her dream of supporting new moms who may be struggling alone like she was. Her message is one of grace and freedom in Christ as well as resisting the temptation to make everything perfect before you begin to pursue your dream.

On her podcast, Amanda lovingly shares the challenges and the joys of motherhood and opens doors for mamas to create meaningful connections and tear down insecurities. In this conversation, Amanda shares what she learned in her obedience to God’s calling that she should “speak life” right where she was, while still a new mom.

My biggest takeaways are:

• You don’t have to have it all figured out to start,
• Taking messy action is an act of obedience,
• How Amanda finds ways to “just trust God” while taking uncomfortable steps forward, and
• An important lesson she learned just by using her own skills and gifts.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/188

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Some links to products listed here are affiliate links. When you click those and make a purchase, I earn a commission that supports this podcast. Thanks for your support!

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Trigger Warning When you are hurting, it can be difficult to believe that God would use your pain for good. In early 2014, Ashley Opliger was struggling with her faith, worrying about her unborn child, and wondering why she was not seeing answers to her constant prayers. Ultimately, her baby girl, Bridget, was stillborn at 24 weeks gestation.

Ashley’s mother brought a hand-knit cradle to the hospital, made specifically for holding such a tiny baby, and God used it to shift Ashley’s trust in Him even in the wake of her deepest loss.

Today, Ashley is the President and Executive Director of Bridget’s Cradles, a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Wichita, Kansas. Bridget’s Cradles, serves hospitals in all 50 states and comforts more than 26,000 bereaved families each year. Ashley’s God-shaped dream is for women to find faith to embrace a beautiful, broken life.

Listen as Ashley talks about how God used her suffering in order that other moms and families like hers can also be comforted in their loss. Other lessons to glean from this conversation with Ashley:

• Trust not in your own wisdom,
• There is no need to worry about the outcomes of your dream,
• God doesn’t waste anything we go through, and
• Our job is to serve Him through small acts of obedience.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/187

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Some links to products listed here are affiliate links. When you click those and make a purchase, I earn a commission that supports this podcast. Thanks for your support!

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Did the year 2020 reveal some hard truths about your life, like it did for me? Did slowing down (because you had to) reveal the true cost of busyness in your life? Or on your family? What did you gain because of the pandemic and living in lock-down? And how do you want to live as a result?

This solo episode is all about the change you can affect when you shift from busy to purposeful in how you live and how you pursue your dreams. None of this is rocket science. But if you are anything like me, these three simple shifts in your thoughts and actions will simplify day-to-day life and make a real difference in how you feel about your responsibilities.

In this solo episode I share three strategies to help you shift from busy to purposeful. You’ll learn:

• How to get focused on one thing that will move your dream ahead and then how to let go of the rest,
• What curiosity prompted me to do last year that significantly impacted my decision making, and
• The snowball effect that resulted from that one little decision (which seems totally obvious to me now but didn’t at the time I made it).

You’ll also hear how these three shifts impacted things at home for me, my kids and my spouse. It has made all the difference to let go of busy and focus on intentionality in my work and home life. I hope you can find ways to implement these strategies for more purposeful action in yours.

CONNECT WITH ME:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

CHECK OUT THE SHOW NOTES:

https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/186

NEXT STEPS:

In case you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast, here are a few other episodes you may enjoy:

Ep 115: Four Opportunities You’ll Find on the Way to Your Dream, with Christa Hutchins

The #1 most-loved episode from Jan 2021:

Ep 182: [Solo] Staying True to the Woman God Made you to Be, with Merritt Onsa

The #1 most-loved episode of all time:

Ep 130: How to Turn Up the Volume on Truth, with Charlena Ortiz

Join us in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook group and share what this episode brought up for you, how you’re asking God for help with this, and anything we can be praying about for you as you pursue Him and your dream with all your heart.

Support the Podcast as a Patron:

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Stephanie Hodges wishes she hadn’t waited so long to boldly share her message of holistic health—body and soul, not just spirit—as a godly pursuit. Her book, The Daniel Fast Journey, is about the transformative experience of fasting for spiritual and physical health. This episode not only offers a primer for those who have been curious about fasting but also shares Stephanie’s journey of not shrinking back from the dream God had placed on her heart for His people.

Getting over the fear, imposter syndrome, comparison, and the lack of time she had for her God-shaped dream were all hurdles that Stephanie Hodges battled as she began to step into her dream. But through it all, she learned to put God first, walk by faith, and not shrink back even when she felt powerless on her own.

If you glean anything from this episode, I hope it is encouragement to grow in boldness as you pursue what God has given you to do with your one life.

Other lessons to learn from this conversation with Stephanie:

• How to “make time” to use the gifts God has given you,
• Why she’d tell you not to wait to put your message out into the world, and
• The importance of surrounding yourself with a community of encouragers once you say yes to the dream.

Additionally, if you have ever been curious about fasting as a spiritual discipline, you’ll hear her talk about what fasting is, why people do it, how the Bible commands it, and how to get the free resource she’s offering towards the end of the conversation to help you get started with a simple 10 day fast.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/185

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

SUPPORT THE SHOW, BECOME A PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

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God’s plans are often different from ours. This was true for Ellie Sanazaro when her world was forever changed after her daughter was born without the chromosomal disorder doctors had told her to expect. God used this event to change Ellie's heart and lead her down the path of adopting a baby with Down syndrome. Ellie is now passionate about spreading the message that EVERY child is an Image Bearer.

Ellie shares in this episode about the heart change she and her husband went through after receiving devastating news about their expected first child who was born in 2016. God used this as a season of pruning and refining and led them first to Finn and second to become advocates for the value of all human life and every child born wonderfully different.

Ellie’s first book, Image Bearer, is intended to spark conversation in families with and without kids born with visible differences in order that we all might gain a perspective of value and worth aligned with that of our Creator.

You’ll hear Ellie share about:

• the value she’s found in collaborating with others on her dream,
• how God redeems and restores us following difficult times and then uses those very things for our good and His glory, and
• how our worth comes not from our abilities or our successes but from God who has made us in His image.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/184

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

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Failure is where we grow and learn; it shapes our future decisions and is a reminder of the choices we want to make differently next time. Few people wish to experience failure but attempting to avoid it means missing out on essential opportunities for growth that only come from taking risks, getting it wrong, and picking yourself up to learn and try anew.

This week’s guest is Hannah Brencher, the author of a new book called Fighting Forward, offering hope-filled reminders to keep seeking light in the darkest places of our lives. This message was birthed out of Hannah’s battle with depression six years ago and the hope she ultimately found to move forward, bit by bit. Her prayer is that it will encourage you to show up, claim hope, and take back your life one small win at a time.

For as long as she can remember, Hannah’s dream has been to create and inspire. Although her work has been featured by well-known media outlets and she’s been recognized for the good she’s done in her community, she finds herself still battling her fears as new layers of her dream unfold.

Though she hoped she’d be over it by now, she’s made a conscious decision to not let the fear change how and where she shows up.

In this conversation Hannah offers practical suggestions for how you can get started on your dream a little bit at a time as well as reframing some of those fears that are so common when we begin new things.

This feels like perfect timing for the New Year, and I think you’re going to appreciate her insights on

• How to create daily rhythms that will actually help you make time for your dream (plus a free resource to help with this),
• The benefits of getting started on your dream just 15 minutes at a time, and
• How failure is an essential aspect of the growth process.

If you’ve struggled to start, felt too afraid to move forward, or wondered what it looks like to partner with God in pursuit of a dream, this one is for you!

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/183

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

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Identity can feel like an overwhelming subject to discuss, especially if you don’t feel secure in yours. And there are plenty of things in the world vying for our affections so that even if you have a good understanding of the security that comes with your identity in Christ, there are still distractions like comparison, fear, or worldly desires that stand in the way.

In this solo episode I share the four mistakes we make as it relates to our identity as we pursue a God-shaped dream:

• Looking to the things of this world upon which to build your identity.
• Comparing your gifts and talents to the gifts and talents of others.
• Forgetting that the gifts you have are from God.
• Forgetting that your gifts are to be used.

You’ll hear how I’ve struggled, especially with comparison, and a biblically based antidote to all of them.

I pray you don’t have to face these difficulties on your own! That’s a huge burden to carry by yourself, so I hope you’ll jump over to the Devoted Dreamers Facebook group and share what this episode brought up for you, how you’re asking God for help with this in the New Year and anything we can be praying about for you as you pursue Him and your dream with all your heart.

NEXT STEPS:

In case you’re new to the podcast, here are a few other episodes on the topic of identity that you may enjoy:

Ep. 107 – You Are a Daughter of the Most High King

Ep. 111 – How to Find Remarkable Beauty in Ordinary Dreams with Ashley Hales

Ep. 113 - You Were Created for a Reason

Ep. 51 – How to Trust God When Dreams Disappoint with Cari Jenkins

CONNECT WITH MERRITT:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

CHECK OUT THE SHOW NOTES:

https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/182

GET CONNECTED TO OTHER DREAMERS:

Find your people in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Get Involved. Support the Devoted Dreamers Podcast on Patreon.

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Out of the darkness in her own past, Chystal Gaunt began sharing her story of domestic abuse and launched a nonprofit organization to love and serve women who have experienced the same. Her story is one of God providing for her dream repeatedly as she continues to follow His lead. Even though she went through a season of overwhelm and burnout, God provided a new vision and paved the way for each baby step along the way.

If you or someone you love has experienced domestic violence, this episode will be an encouragement to your heart and will provide resources for your healing and recovery.

Chystal and I talk about the uncomfortable experience of navigating the unknown and living in the messy moments with Jesus before you know what will happen on the other side. She talks about God calling her to something bigger than what she feels and something more important than what people think about it.

Listen in to Chystal’s story and then ask the Lord if He will give you eyes to see and a heart to live in obedience to what God is calling you to.

You’ll also gain insight on:

• The ways that God can use the pain from your past for you to love, serve and comfort others,
• Why you can stop worrying so much about what other people think and focus instead on being obedient to what you understand God is calling you to, and
• That it’s biblical to live in the messy moments and keep going, even when you cannot see the blessing to come.

Be sure to enter the Instagram giveaway starting with my post about this episode on Dec. 30th. Enter for your chance to win access to three months of online Christian meditation and yoga classes that you can participate in from the comfort of your own home.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/181

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Some links to products listed here are affiliate links. When you click those and make a purchase, I earn a commission that supports this podcast. Thanks for your support!

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Two quick links I mentioned at the beginning of this episode:

Join the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group here!

Launch your own podcast by enrolling in my podcasting beta program here. Deadline: Friday, Dec. 18th

This was the second most requested topic for a solo episode based on a poll I posted in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook group earlier this year >> Planning Your Dream While Doing Your Dream.

If you’ve let your desire to plan stand in the way of bringing your dream to life, I hope this episode provides you with a bit of perspective on how you might get started right now, even if you don’t have it all figured out.

My four points from this episode:

1. God has designed you with a purpose
2. Don’t let planning stand in the way of action taking
3. Make a habit of trying new things…and allow yourself to make some mistakes
4. Schedule time for reflection and subsequent innovation

I’m not saying planning is a bad idea or that you shouldn’t seek wisdom before you make a huge investment of time or money in your dream; both of those things are good ideas. It’s just that sometimes the need to plan becomes an excuse not to start and we end up avoiding what we know we should be doing because we either feel scared or don’t know what step to take next.

Still feel like you need time to plan or reflect before you take that next step? Join me and other devoted dreamers for a Zoom call:

Friday, Dec 18th at 2pm MST – Dreaming & Reflection Session on Zoom – 90 minutes

Register for free at: https://bit.ly/dreamerreflection and I’ll send you the link to join.

NEXT STEPS:

A few other episodes on this topic that you may enjoy, in case you’re new to the podcast:

Bonus Mini-Episode – Every Baby Step Moves You Closer to Your Dream

Ep. 113 - You Were Created for a Reason

CONNECT WITH MERRITT:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

CHECK OUT THE SHOW NOTES:

https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/180

GET CONNECTED TO OTHER DREAMERS:

Find your people in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Get Involved. Support the Devoted Dreamers Podcast on Patreon.

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Two quick links I mentioned at the beginning of this episode:

Join the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group here!

Launch your own podcast by enrolling in my podcasting beta program here. Deadline: Friday, Dec. 18th

This was the second most requested topic for a solo episode based on a poll I posted in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook group earlier this year >> Planning Your Dream While Doing Your Dream.

If you’ve let your desire to plan stand in the way of bringing your dream to life, I hope this episode provides you with a bit of perspective on how you might get started right now, even if you don’t have it all figured out.

My four points from this episode:

1. God has designed you with a purpose
2. Don’t let planning stand in the way of action taking
3. Make a habit of trying new things…and allow yourself to make some mistakes
4. Schedule time for reflection and subsequent innovation

I’m not saying planning is a bad idea or that you shouldn’t seek wisdom before you make a huge investment of time or money in your dream; both of those things are good ideas. It’s just that sometimes the need to plan becomes an excuse not to start and we end up avoiding what we know we should be doing because we either feel scared or don’t know what step to take next.

Still feel like you need time to plan or reflect before you take that next step? Join me and other devoted dreamers for a Zoom call:

Friday, Dec 18th at 2pm MST – Dreaming & Reflection Session on Zoom – 90 minutes

Register for free at: https://bit.ly/dreamerreflection and I’ll send you the link to join.

NEXT STEPS:

A few other episodes on this topic that you may enjoy, in case you’re new to the podcast:

Bonus Mini-Episode – Every Baby Step Moves You Closer to Your Dream

Ep. 113 - You Were Created for a Reason

CONNECT WITH MERRITT:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

CHECK OUT THE SHOW NOTES:

https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/180

GET CONNECTED TO OTHER DREAMERS:

Find your people in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Get Involved. Support the Devoted Dreamers Podcast on Patreon.

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You often hear about dreams that were birthed out of someone’s deepest struggles, and Toni Hebel’s God-shaped dream is no different. Hers is a story of significant hurt and yet God has used it for good. He has called Toni and her husband, Bruce, into ministry teaching people how and why we must forgive even the deepest wounds all because of the blood that was already paid on the cross through Jesus Christ.

Theirs was a dream 30 years in the making and the result of trials, betrayals, and disappointments that yielded deep wounds in the lives of Toni and her husband. Out of it all, God created good and has rescued thousands from the bondage of slavery to unforgiveness through their ministry, Forgiving Forward.

Even if you can’t think of a single person or wound from your past that remains unforgiven, the tools shared in this episode are life-changing and might just be what helps you get unstuck from making forward progress on your dream.

Listening to this episode, you’ll gain insight on:

• The power of gratitude as a kick starter to heal our broken places and difficult circumstances,
• How unforgiveness may be standing in the way of your dream, and
• The importance of learning how and why to forgive.

Be sure to enter the Instagram giveaway starting with my post about this episode on Dec. 9th, for a chance to win access to the 8-week Forgiving Forward Course or a copy of the Forgiving Forward book.

And another great next step is to check out the 7-day YouVersion devotional created by Forgiving Forward called Forgiveness: The Freedom of the Gospel.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/179

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more and get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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This bonus episode is just for you if you’ve ever felt a tug to launch your own podcast. I’m collaborating with my friend and fellow podcaster Natalie Arent to share what we learned from launching our own podcasts (and how we can help you get over the hurdles faster and easier than we did when we first launched).

Three things we wished we knew before we stated podcasting:

#1 - If you're bootstrapping your podcast, it's going to take way longer than you think.

#2 - Your podcast is a test run for your message as it evolves and as YOU grow into using your voice.

#3 - The internal battle is REAL and you need community as you take messy, scary steps forward.

Listening to this episode, you’ll gain insights on how:

• The techy obstacles really are not the things standing in your way,
• Podcasting is an opportunity to show up and refine your message,
• Your authenticity attracts the right audience,
• You might be hiding rather than sharing your message—and what to do instead, and
• Community can provide the support you need to launch your show.

You have a message to share and your people need to hear it from YOU!
It's time to launch your podcast, dreamer!!

Join us January 4th - February 26th for a beta podcast program as we walk you step-by-step through launching and growing your own podcast.

THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOU IF:

✅ You're ready to show up consistently in your business/dream in a way that works around your family.
✅ You want to create evergreen content that doesn't disappear within a few hours (or minutes!)
✅ You've got a message to share with the world, and you know that a podcast is the vehicle to do it!

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO JOIN:

We'll kick things off January 4th and work together for 8 weeks.

For only $197, you'll get the framework, support, and accountability you need to finally get your podcast into the world and get your systems up and running.

This is a BETA run, so we'll be building the trainings around your specific questions and feedback. It's a great opportunity to get hands-on support and accountability to get it done at a fraction of the normal price!

Spots are limited to 20 so that we can best serve you.

Doors close December 18th.

Sign up here: nataliearent.com/podcastbeta

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Launch your own podcast by March 1st when you join my podcast beta program with Natalie Arent. Sign up here: nataliearent.com/podcastbeta

Caroline Cobb is a mom and a wife with a passion to tell the stories of scripture through singing and songwriting.

When she started writing her own songs, it was just a hobby; but a challenge from her husband and a looming thirtieth birthday turned her passion project into a profession. Her newest albumA Seed, A Sunrise explores the longing of Advent, the joy of Christmas, and the anticipation of Jesus’s return, and builds on previous storytelling albums highlighting the message of scripture.

In 2011, Caroline gave herself the goal to write a song for every book of the Bible in a year. That put in motion a dream to tell the stories of scripture through music, with imagination, artistry and faithfulness to the text.

Listening to this episode, you’ll gain insight on:

• How stepping forward in your dream, despite the weakness and insufficiency you feel, is often the just what you need to lean more into Jesus,
• The dangerous distraction that comparison can be for creative work, and
• That being faithful to the call upon your life is far more important than the numbers of people actually paying attention to work you’re doing.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/178

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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This is the number one requested topic for the next solo episode based on a poll in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook group. And I get it! It can be difficult to discern exactly what your dream is, especially if you are a multi-passionate woman with lots of other responsibilities in your life. But if you’re here, listening to this one, I’m guessing you believe that God has something for you and you’re still just trying to figure it out.

I’ve got seven points for you in this episode:

1. Your dream is already in you, and
2. There is freedom in trusting God’s hand in your dream.
3. I’ll talk you through what it looked like when I couldn’t see my dream,
4. And then, how I began to pray, asking Him to reveal it to me.
5. I’ll share what it looked like when He finally began to peel back the curtains,
6. How God encouraged me by leaving breadcrumbs for me, and
7. My gratitude for His grace in NOT showing me everything all at once.

Stick around until the very end for a sneak preview of something God’s put on my heart to share with you at the start of the year, especially if you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast. (And if you have, I wanna help!!)

NEXT STEPS:

CONNECT WITH ME:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

CHECK OUT THE SHOW NOTES:

https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/177

GET CONNECTED TO OTHER DREAMERS:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Get Involved. Support the Devoted Dreamers Podcast on Patreon.

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Katie Bulmer is host of the Truth for Your Twenties Podcast, a speaker to over 30 colleges nationwide and passionate about helping sorority women unlock their world-changing power. The heart behind her dream is to be who she needed when she was a young woman looking for happiness in the arms of boys, Bacardi, and attempts to be beautiful.

When the pandemic hit the U.S. in the spring, Katie’s scheduled speaking engagements at nearby colleges came to an abrupt halt. Her hope, like most of us, was that by fall things would be back to normal, college students would return in person to campuses, and her speaking career could resume.

As we all know now, that wasn’t the case. Instead of letting the circumstances deal a fatal blow to her speaking career, Katie investigated what her target market needed most in the current moment and engaged them in conversations to come up with creative solutions.

Those early decisions to adapt instead of quitting doubled her speaking engagements for the year, now in a virtual format, and opened the doors to dozens more campuses able to invite her to share her message via Zoom.

I love this woman and her ambition, creativity, and energy so much – even if public speaking isn’t your thing, there’s so much you can glean from this quick 20-minute conversation.

Listen and learn as she shares about:

• Trying new things, taking risks, and listening to what her audience needed most,
• Letting her true self shine through in her speaking,
• The value of the bite-sized message, and
• Just starting even when you don’t know what you’re doing.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/176

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Courtney Wong Davis is a coach for executives and organizational leaders looking for creative solutions to complex challenges. She’s an associate professor of communication management at Azusa Pacific University, and her first book, Leading Small Groups that Thrive: Five Shifts to Take Your Group to the Next Level, is grounded in social science research and translated to make a practical contribution to equip small group leaders to facilitate individual spiritual growth.

This is exactly the type of conversation I want to have here every week! It’s grounded in the gospel with a focus on how we can best steward the gifts God has given us, and it releases us from the weight of doing it all on our own strength.

If your dream has felt heavy, let this episode be a reminder to you that the Lord has a greater purpose for your life than the form your dream is in today.

After listening to this episode, you’ll:

• be inspired by the three short words Courtney uses to describe her dream,
• learn how using specific language like this helps shape her mission and inform every “yes” and “no” she gives,
• hear how our dreams help us identify idols and provide avenues for spiritual growth, and
• glean some deep gospel-based reassurance about God’s desire for us to dream alongside Him as the creator and maker of our dreams in the first place.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/175

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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I was torn about what to share on the podcast this week. I didn’t feel comfortable continuing, business as usual, with the next episode and neglecting what feels like a really important decision being made in the U.S. right now.

So I did something that felt out of my comfort zone but also like the right choice: instead of releasing the episode I’d planned for the first week of November, I am sharing my heart about what I believe we as passionate, ambitious Christian women who are part of the body of Christ need to be thinking about right now, no matter how the presidential election is decided this week.

We need to be part of the solution.

I don’t think anyone would disagree that the U.S. is experiencing an incredible level of divisiveness, brokenness, hurt, anger, frustration, and the list goes on. I’ve seen Christians pitted against Christians – people who claim the grace and mercy given on the cross through the death and resurrection of Christ our Savior – and who are responding out of fear, who seem to have forgotten our King on the throne. Or who think possibly, maybe this time, we are too far gone as a nation to find a way back to hope, healing and reconciliation.

I want us to resist that temptation.

And I want to challenge you – the dreamer of God-shaped dreams, the woman who lies awake at night with a vision burning a hole in your mind and heart that won’t let up. I challenge you to pay attention to what’s driving you, seek out your own healing where that is needed, and rise up to bring the redemptive light of Jesus into a hurting and broken world.

This episode suggests five steps you can take right now, three resources I personally offer to help you take those steps, and a handful of past podcast episodes that will support you on that journey (just check out the show notes for those). All of it flows from the Ephesians 6 verses that came to mind for me on Monday when I was asking God what this episode needed to be about.

I hope it meets you where you are today or whenever you might be listening.

NEXT STEPS:

IF YOU’VE BEEN OVERWHELMED THIS ELECTION YEAR, THIS IS THE EPISODE FOR YOU!

CONNECT WITH ME:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

CHECK OUT THE SHOW NOTES: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/174

GET CONNECTED TO THE TRIBE:Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

LOOKING FOR A COUNSELOR?Get 10% off your first month with Faithful Counseling when you sign up using my link: https://getfaithful.com/dreamers

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Get Involved. Support the Devoted Dreamers Podcast on Patreon.

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Stephanie Rousselle is the founder of Gospel Spice Ministries. God has given her a unique passion for making the Bible come alive to modern-day hearts and minds. She offers a dose of encouragement for your unanswered prayers and a reminder of what to do when fear threatens to take over.

I love Stephanie’s heart for teaching God’s Word to a modern-day Western audience. As a fellow podcaster, I can only imagine the level of perseverance and devotion required to engage with this highly involved task on a weekly basis. I pray this conversation inspires you persevere in the dream God has uniquely tapped you for, especially if it’s something that feels beyond your abilities right now.

I hope you’ll come away from this conversation with additional insights on:

• Why the trusted people in your life who see something in you are worth listening to,
• The greatest victory you can acknowledge in following your God-shaped dream,
• Why it’s okay—even good—to take steps even in the middle of uncertainty,
• How to handle it when you’re praying for answers and God is silent, and
• The honing device God has planted in you to help you discover your God-shaped dream.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/173

JOIN THE NEXT IMPOSTER SYNDROME COURSE COHORT
Doors close Nov. 2nd.

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Beth Bruno is a curator of the feminine story, amplifier of the feminine voice, and explorer of feminine glory. You can find her doing just that with her daughters on the Fierce & Lovely Podcast; in her book, A VOICE BECOMING: A Yearlong Mother-Daughter Journey into Passionate, Purposed Living; and through the Fierce & Lovely Moms Membership Community. Deeply committed to story, she leads a team of story experts with her husband at Restoration Counseling and directs ReStory Labs, a digital laboratory for people to come alive through podcasts, webinars, courses, and more. They live in Colorado with two teen girls at home and a son in college.

These Pivot Session episodes are all short, honest conversations with a guest who has made a shift in her dream in response to the coronavirus pandemic that arrived on the scene in early 2020. This is all about not allowing the enemy of our souls win the battle for our dreams. Listen in, be encouraged, and maybe even get an idea about how you might be open to God’s nudges that could shape and shift your dream during this unprecedented time in our lives.

When lockdown happened, Beth and her husband were already trying to figure out how to shift their professional lives and build a business together. The pandemic accelerated their plans much faster than they would have chosen to without it, but it wasn’t a path that required them to start over. Instead, their “new” dream made the most of what they’d already been building individually and motivated them to act quickly to meet the needs right in front of them.

Listen and learn as Beth shares about:

• Fighting off the imposter syndrome inherent in launching something new,
• Learning and growing as change was happening,
• Making the most of a unique opportunity, and
• How to take big risks and finding the grace to fail.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/172

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Joanna Meyer serves the Denver Institute for Faith & Work as Director of Public Engagement and oversees the Women & Vocation Initiative. Joanna brings her story with vulnerability and openness regarding the loss of a personal dream, and she shares how God has continued to provide opportunities to develop her voice and vision for her vocational dream as well as clarity in how to steward a path that includes unanswered prayers.

Joanna teaches us what it’s like to actively pursue the dream in your heart even when the path you’ve been called to steward involves grief and loss. I hope you’ll come away from this conversation with insight on:

• How keep perspective even through seasons of grief and lament,
• What it looks like to trust and remain faithful to God even when He hasn’t provided the answers you’ve cried out for, and
• Letting your soul lay fallow for a season instead of forcing optimism, trying to manage difficult emotions or solve problems that aren’t yours to solve.

If you’re a single woman wanting to be married, if you’re a married woman longing for children, if you’re still not sure what your dream is or you’re trying to figure out how to integrate your relational callings with your professional callings, you won’t want to miss a minute of this honest conversation with my friend Joanna.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/171

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

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Lisa Vanderveen has a burden to bring transformation to women with past abortions or sexual heartbreak. Her God-shaped dream is the result of her own healing over the last few years, releasing 30-year-old hurts and embracing her calling as a practitioner of the healing modality that blessed her so much. Lisa is in the early stages of working on life coach certification to help her clients complete their own transformation by embracing their God-given calling.

Still in the early stages of dreaming, Lisa shares how the journey to her big dream came as a result of the difficulties in her own life. This will remind you that our God is the redeemer of our hurts and our past.

You’ll learn what it looks like to know what your dream is but not have all the details in place and how you can still have peace in your heart while you wait. You’ll witness our God as the foundation for our confidence.

And you’ll understand why it’s so important to do the work to create a vision statement and/or vision board for your dream

If you’re in the early stages of pursuing a God-shaped dream but feel intimidated by what you don’t know, I pray that seeing the pieces come together in Lisa’s story is an inspiration to you to abide with the Father and wait on His direction and leading for your next steps.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/170

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

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What keeps you from pursuing your God-shaped dream? Have you struggled with that voice in your head that says you are not enough or regularly poses the question “Who am I to do this?”

The Oxford Dictionary defines imposter syndrome as the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills.

When I first heard the term imposter syndrome I was totally confused, I didn’t understand what this was about, why people were talking about it, and even if I should be concerned about this “malady” impacting my life.

The more I learned about imposter syndrome the more I began to understand this sneaky voice that had been a part of my thinking for years and years. It was the worry that even if I was incredibly passionate about a pursuit (let’s call it a dream) that I had “no business” doing it because I was a newbie to the cause.

"I mean, others were passionate about this before I was. I’ve probably missed the boat. Everyone’s heard everything there is to hear on this topic. What new thing would I have to add to the conversation?"

These thoughts and feelings kept me in hiding and feeling insecure about what I had to offer for way, way too long.

Can you relate?

If so, this is the episode for you!

I have a vision for God’s women to not just battle imposter syndrome but to beat it once and for all, to live in freedom, and to fight back against these lies from the enemy.

Get on my email list to be the first to know when my Imposter Syndrome course is ready in late October 2020: http://bit.ly/impostersyndromeresolved

CONNECT WITH ME:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

GET CONNECTED TO THE TRIBE:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

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Get Involved. Support the Devoted Dreamers Podcast on Patreon.

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These Pivot Session episodes are all short, honest conversations with a guest who has made a shift in her dream because of the coronavirus pandemic that arrived on the scene in early 2020. ’Cause we’re all about not allowing the enemy of our souls win the battle for our dreams. Listen in and be encouraged, maybe even get an idea about how you might listen and be open to how God is shaping and shifting your dream during this unprecedented time in our lives.

Brand and graphic designer Natalie Arent hosts Presence & Purpose, a podcast and Facebook community, helping female entrepreneurs naturally standout, draw in their people, and propel their business forward.

Natalie was already considering a shift in her brand and graphic design business to do more coaching with clients prior to the pandemic. But after it hit, she decided to listen to the God-nudge and launch a paid membership community. Listen and learn as she talks about:

• Tuning out all the “expert” voices so she could listen to God,
• Following and trusting His leading,
• Launching before she had it all figured out, and
• Not giving up when she’d hardly begun.

Looking for the show notes & how to connect with Natalie? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/168

NEXT STEP - GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW:

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Katie Wussow is a business coach who specializes in working with service-based creative entrepreneurs in the early stages of their business. She helps them put a strong foundation in place in their business so they can be profitable and make a full-time income doing what they love.

Katie says she launched her dream of being a business coach back in 2017 out of necessity. In that pivotal decision-making moment, she knew she could either give in to fear and do something safe (like get a job) or she could face her fears, take a big risk, and choose her dream instead. God used that practical necessity to bring her dream to life and today Katie is serving the clients she loves in the ways she always dreamed.

From Katie’s story, you’ll learn what to do when you’re feeling alone and unseen in your dream and how God meets you right there.

If you’ve debated starting a business but feel intimidated by everything you don’t know, Katie offers you the courage to believe that business skills can be learned by just about anybody.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/167

NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

LEAVE A REVIEW: On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Hello Season Eight!!

I’m so glad to be back with you here on the podcast! A lot has happened over the summer—I don’t have to tell you that—but I’m so excited about what’s in store for us with Season Eight.

This quick little episode is a preview of what you can expect in this new season and how I want to support you as you pursue your God-shaped dream. I’ve found some real clarity on my own dream since I published my last episode in June; maybe you’ll notice that in the language I use here. 😊

But whether you’re new to the show or you’ve been here all along, I can’t wait to meet and connect with you. Please join my Insiders Facebook Group and get to know the other dreamers who are on this road with you. You won’t regret it (even though the rest of Facebook is kind of a hot mess right now)!

Next week I’ll be back with another interview: a conversation with business coach and fellow podcaster Katie Wussow. She’s amazingly talented at helping Christian creatives who are at the beginning of launching their business or their dreams. I’ve found her episodes to be really practical and challenging—in a good way!

Check out Katie’s show before next week. It's The Game Changer Podcast, found here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

CONNECT WITH ME:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Get Involved. Support the Devoted Dreamers Podcast on Patreon.

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Thanks for listening to this final Summer Rewind episode of the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

Follow Rebekah Twinem & Foundshop on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/found_shop/

You’ll find the show notes from the original episode here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/100

Rebekah Twinem created Foundshop, an online clothing resale shop near Boulder, Colorado, out of her love for vintage clothing and a deep concern for people and the planet. It is her mission to educate about fair fashion that respects the people who make our clothing and the earth without sacrificing beautiful style. Along the way God has taught her that no dream is too frivolous and that He uses our dreams to deepen our connection with Him. Rebekah Twinem is a wife, mama of three, and an encourager at heart.

Grab your copy of the journaling questions for this episode here: merrittonsa.com/store

Join My Patreon Support Team

Learn more about how you can get more connected to me and the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/DevotedDreamersPodcast

Journal Your Dream:

All summer long I am re-sharing some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed the first time around, especially if you’re kinda new around here!

For every Summer Rewind episode, you can get a set of journaling questions to help you process your dream. The ENTIRE set for the whole summer is just $5 because I believe there is some deep internal work we all need to do before we’re able to fully pursue and invest in the dreams God has given us.

And I want to see you there, with the work DONE and ready to pursue that dream when fall 2020 rolls around. So grab the journal packet in my store at merrittonsa.com/store and go a little deeper as you consider the next steps in your dream.

I’ll be back with Season 8, starting on September 9, 2020.

Until then, you can find me in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders’ Group on Facebook.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

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So many kids are heading back to school (virtually or in person) this week and next, but I've got two more Summer Rewind episodes for you before Season 8 begins! Thanks for listening today!

You can follow Kristi Hayes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristi_hayes_bestrongstory/

Since our original conversation in 2018, Kristi has published a children’s book based on the real-life experiences that led to the launch of Be Strong Story. You can grab a copy on Amazon!

You’ll find the show notes from the original episode here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/89

Kristi Hayes’ greatest desire is to influence and inspire families to go into vulnerable places and serve others. She is the Founder and CEO of Be Strong Story, a business spreading the message from a simple lunch box note that her husband wrote to their son: “Be Strong. Protect the Weak. Love Everyone.” Be inspired to work hard at your dream, to figure out what you don’t know, to check yourself for clues that you’re gripping it too tightly, and learn Kristi’s bold but simple strategy to find a mentor.

More About Kristi:

Kristi is a certified personal trainer and Level 1 Crossfit Trainer, a mom of 2 kiddos, 2 cats and 1 dog, and wife to Grant. On any given day you will find her walking on her hands with her kids, building a team of women to do what they didn’t think possible, and re-decorating multiple rooms in her house.

Grab your copy of the journaling questions for this episode here: merrittonsa.com/store

Join My Patreon Support Team

Learn more about how you can get more connected to me and the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/DevotedDreamersPodcast

Journal Your Dream:

All summer long I am re-sharing some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed the first time around, especially if you’re kinda new around here!

For every Summer Rewind episode, you can get a set of journaling questions to help you process your dream. The ENTIRE set for the whole summer is just $5 because I believe there is some deep internal work we all need to do before we’re able to fully pursue and invest in the dreams God has given us.

And I want to see you there, with the work DONE and ready to pursue that dream when fall 2020 rolls around. So grab the journal packet in my store at merrittonsa.com/store and go a little deeper as you consider the next steps in your dream.

I’ll be back with Season 8, starting on September 9, 2020.

Until then, you can find me in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders’ Group on Facebook.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Amazon Affiliate Link disclaimer: Merritt Onsa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Affiliate Link Disclosure: Certain link to products on this site are affiliate links. When you click those links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission that supports my podcast and creative endeavors but costs you nothing extra. Thanks for your support!

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Thanks for listening to this Summer Rewind episode of the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

Follow Beth Bruno on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelovely/

You’ll find the show notes from the original episode with Beth here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/81

In this interview, Beth Bruno talks about her journey to becoming a writer even though she didn’t think she was a “creative.” Her first book, A Voice Becoming, released in 2018 and illustrates her passion for mothers to lead their daughters through a year of meaningful conversations, engagement, and actions that will give them a bigger vision to live for than the common needs to find love, fit in, and belong.

Beth shares about the importance of understanding our story and suggests that, as we investigate our dreams, we need to ask questions like: What brings you to tears? What stirs you to sacrifice time and money? Who are the people you feel passionate about?

Since this was recorded two years ago, Beth has launched a course, membership community and a podcast to serve and support mothers of girls. Find out more on Beth’s website Fierce and Lovely.

About Beth:

In the margins of parenting three teens, Beth Bruno directs a non-profit aimed at preventing domestic minor sex trafficking and regularly speaks to students, law enforcement, educators and community groups around the topic of sexual exploitation. She is a proud member of Redbud Writer's Guild, a regular contributor for Red Tent Living, and a writer for various online publications.

Grab your copy of the journaling questions for this episode here: merrittonsa.com/store

Join My Patreon Support Team

Learn more about how you can get more connected to me and the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/DevotedDreamersPodcast

Journal Your Dream:

All summer long I am re-sharing some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed the first time around, especially if you’re kinda new around here!

For every Summer Rewind episode, you can get a set of journaling questions to help you process your dream. The ENTIRE set for the whole summer is just $5 because I believe there is some deep internal work we all need to do before we’re able to fully pursue and invest in the dreams God has given us.

And I want to see you there, with the work DONE and ready to pursue that dream when fall 2020 rolls around. So grab the journal packet in my store at merrittonsa.com/store and go a little deeper as you consider the next steps in your dream.

I’ll be back with Season 8, starting on September 9, 2020.

Until then, you can find me in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders’ Group on Facebook.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Amazon Affiliate Link disclaimer: Merritt Onsa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Affiliate Link Disclosure: Certain link to products on this site are affiliate links. When you click those links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission that supports my podcast and creative endeavors but costs you nothing extra. Thanks for your support!

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About Tiffany:

Tiffany Bluhm is an author, speaker, and writer who is passionate about helping women come to know their value and purpose because of a loving, redeeming God. In a style that speaks to women right where they are, she shares insights from a life spent chasing after Jesus while walking alongside women from suburbia to the inner city, jails and brothels, and the slums of Kolkata. She speaks regularly at conferences and events, and writes for several websites, print publications, and popular blogs, including the YouVersion Bible app. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and two sons.

In this interview, Tiffany helps us dump the guilt that can come with trying to balance dreaming, raising kids, and caring for a home and a spouse. Instead she talks about making the most of our time, asking for help when we need it, and how not to miss out on the dream God’s put on your heart—even if you feel too busy to pursue it. Her advice to the dreamer, near the end of our conversation, about finding someone who’s already doing your dream was priceless!

You can pre-order Tiffany’s newest book Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up here; it’s set to release in March of 2021.

Grab your copy of the journaling questions for this episode here: merrittonsa.com/store

Join My Patreon Support Team

Learn more about how you can get more connected to me and the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/DevotedDreamersPodcast

Journal Your Dream:

All summer long I am re-sharing some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed the first time around, especially if you’re kinda new around here!

For every Summer Rewind episode, you can get a set of journaling questions to help you process your dream. The ENTIRE set for the whole summer is just $5 because I believe there is some deep internal work we all need to do before we’re able to fully pursue and invest in the dreams God has given us.

And I want to see you there, with the work DONE and ready to pursue that dream when fall 2020 rolls around. So grab the journal packet in my store at merrittonsa.com/store and go a little deeper as you consider the next steps in your dream.

I’ll be back with Season 8, starting on September 9, 2020.

Until then, you can find me in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders’ Group on Facebook.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Amazon Affiliate Link disclaimer: Merritt Onsa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Affiliate Link Disclosure: Certain link to products on this site are affiliate links. When you click those links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission that supports my podcast and creative endeavors but costs you nothing extra. Thanks for your support!

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Thanks for listening to this Summer Rewind episode of the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

Follow Trillia Newbell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trillianewbell/

You’ll find the show notes from the original episode with Trillia here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/64

About Trillia:

Trillia Newbell is an author, speaker, radio commentator, wife and mother. She has authored several books and Bible studies on the topics of faith over fear, gratitude, endurance in our faith, unity in the church, diversity and celebrating differences. You’ll appreciate her honesty about the internal struggles involved in taking risks as well as her perspective that maybe not everyone has a God-shaped dream. She teaches us about being faithful in everyday ordinary things and content even when life doesn’t look the way we expected it to.

Her children’s book God’s Very Good Idea is what first drew me to her as it teaches about people being delightfully different yet all part of God's family.

Grab your copy of the journaling questions for this episode here: merrittonsa.com/store

Fall Mastermind Group:

I'm kicking off the next Dreamers Mastermind Group on September 20, 2020. Join me and up to 9 other women for weekly encouragement, monthly Zoom calls, and a 45-minute one-on-one strategy session with me to help you take the next step in your dream. Fill out the interest form here: https://bit.ly/pursuethedream and I'll follow up with you in August.

Journal Your Dream:

All summer long I am re-sharing some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed the first time around, especially if you’re kinda new around here!

For every Summer Rewind episode, you can get a set of journaling questions to help you process your dream. The ENTIRE set for the whole summer is just $5 because I believe there is some deep internal work we all need to do before we’re able to fully pursue and invest in the dreams God has given us.

And I want to see you there, with the work DONE and ready to pursue that dream when fall 2020 rolls around. So grab the journal packet in my store at merrittonsa.com/store and go a little deeper as you consider the next steps in your dream.

I’ll be back with Season 8, starting on September 9, 2020.

Until then, you can find me in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders’ Group on Facebook.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Amazon Affiliate Link disclaimer: Merritt Onsa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Affiliate Link Disclosure: Certain link to products on this site are affiliate links. When you click those links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission that supports my podcast and creative endeavors but costs you nothing extra. Thanks for your support!

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Thanks for listening to this Summer Rewind episode of the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

Follow LaKena Dunham on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakenadunham/

You’ll find the show notes from the original episode with LaKena here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/58

About LaKena:

LaKena Dunham is the founder of Hewalenamo Girls, Inc., a non-profit organization providing financial assistance for educational purposes to girls from impoverished families in developing countries. An international speaker, best-selling author and legacy coach, LaKena wants every woman to live courageously and confidently, going after the dreams that God places in each of our hearts. She has been recognized for her efforts to leave an indelible mark on girls and women around the world and resides near Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children.

Grab your copy of the journaling questions for this episode here: merrittonsa.com/store

Fall Mastermind Group:

I'm kicking off the next Dreamers Mastermind Group on September 20, 2020. Join me and up to 9 other women for weekly encouragement, monthly Zoom calls, and a 45-minute one-on-one strategy session with me to help you take the next step in your dream. Fill out the interest form here: https://bit.ly/pursuethedream and I'll follow up with you in August.

Journal Your Dream:

All summer long I am re-sharing some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed the first time around, especially if you’re kinda new around here!

For every Summer Rewind episode, you can get a set of journaling questions to help you process your dream. The ENTIRE set for the whole summer is just $5 because I believe there is some deep internal work we all need to do before we’re able to fully pursue and invest in the dreams God has given us.

And I want to see you there, with the work DONE and ready to pursue that dream when fall 2020 rolls around. So grab the journal packet in my store at merrittonsa.com/store and go a little deeper as you consider the next steps in your dream.

I’ll be back with you for Season 8 starting on September 9, 2020.

Until then, you can find me in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders’ Group on Facebook.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Jennie Allen is an award-winning and bestselling author as well as the founder and visionary for the IF: Gathering. She is a passionate leader following God’s call on her life to catalyze a generation of women to live what they believe. Jennie has a wealth of wisdom to share with dreamers like us because she is one of us. She has struggled, fought back fear, and lived to see a dream that’s bigger than herself come to fruition. Jennie holds a master’s degree in Biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Zac, and their four children.

Grab your copy of the journaling questions for this episode here: merrittonsa.com/store

Fall Mastermind Group:

I'm kicking off the next Dreamers Mastermind Group on September 20, 2020. Join me and up to 9 other women for weekly encouragement, monthly Zoom calls, and a 45-minute one-on-one strategy session with me to help you take the next step in your dream. Fill out the interest form here: https://bit.ly/pursuethedream and I'll follow up with you in August.

Journal Your Dream:

All summer long I am re-sharing some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed the first time around, especially if you’re kinda new around here!

For every Summer Rewind episode, you can get a set of journaling questions to help you process your dream. The ENTIRE set for the whole summer is just $5 because I believe there is some deep internal work we all need to do before we’re able to fully pursue and invest in the dreams God has given us.

And I want to see you there, with the work DONE and ready to pursue that dream when fall 2020 rolls around. So grab the journal packet in my store at merrittonsa.com/store and go a little deeper as you consider the next steps in your dream.

I’ll be back with new conversations in September 2020.

Until then, you can find me in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders’ Group on Facebook.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Thanks for listening to this Summer Rewind episode of the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

Follow Julie Manning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliermanning/

You’ll find the show notes from the original episode with Julie Manning here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/45

About Julie:

Julie Manning is a wife, boy mom, and pediatric nurse practitioner. At age 25 her career took a turn as she decided to leave her corporate job to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In this new career, God grew her passion to care for children with heart disease; and seven years later Julie learned her own heart was sick. The Lord’s pursuit of Julie in the valleys of uncertainty has developed a fire within her to live intentionally, moment by moment, as if each day may be her last.

Grab your copy of the journaling questions for this episode here: merrittonsa.com/store

Journal Your Dream:

All summer long I am re-sharing some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed the first time around, especially if you’re kinda new around here!

For every Summer Rewind episode, you can get a set of journaling questions to help you process your dream. The ENTIRE set for the whole summer is just $5 because I believe there is some deep internal work we all need to do before we’re able to fully pursue and invest in the dreams God has given us.

And I want to see you there, with the work DONE and ready to pursue that dream when fall 2020 rolls around. So grab the journal packet in my store at merrittonsa.com/store and go a little deeper as you consider the next steps in your dream.

I’ll be back with new conversations in September 2020.

Until then, you can find me in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders’ Group on Facebook.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Thanks for listening to this Summer Rewind episode of the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

Follow ProGrace over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamprograce/

You’ll find the show notes from the original episode with Angie Weszely here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/31

Angie Weszely is a speaker, writer, strategist and dreamer. As the co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization ProGrace, she’s passionate about equipping Christians to shift how we talk and think about abortion and the ways we reach out to women who are facing unplanned pregnancy. But before all this, there was decade in which Angie believed her dream of working in ministry was dead. So if your dream feels lifeless, join me on this journey of watching God resurrect Angie’s dream and find a sweet reminder of His great love for you too!

Grab your copy of the journaling questions for this episode here: merrittonsa.com/store

Journal Your Dream:

All summer long I am re-sharing some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed the first time around, especially if you’re kinda new around here!

For every Summer Rewind episode, you can get a set of journaling questions to help you process your dream. The ENTIRE set for the whole summer is just $5 because I believe there is some deep internal work we all need to do before we’re able to fully pursue and invest in the dreams God has given us.

And I want to see you there, with the work DONE and ready to pursue that dream when fall 2020 rolls around. So grab the journaling packet in my store at merrittonsa.com/store and go a little deeper as you consider the next steps in your dream.

I’ll be back with new conversations in September 2020.

Until then, you can find me in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders’ Group on Facebook.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Thanks for listening to this Summer Rewind episode of the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

You get all the latest news on Sharon Hodde Miller over on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonhmiller/

You’ll find the show notes from the original episode with Sharon Hodde Miller here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/29

A Quick Summary:

Sharon Hodde Miller is a teaching pastor at @brightcityrdu, an author, wife, mom, and PhD. In this episode from late 2016 she talks about the lengthy season of preparation God brought her through to write her first book. She shares about His pruning in her life and the impact of comparison, idolatry, and fear of man on her heart. She cautions us about making our dreams about us (instead of about God) and offers helpful advice about the voices to listen to as you’re pursuing your God-shaped dream.

Journal Your Dream:

All summer long I am re-sharing some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed the first time around, and especially for these summer episodes, I have compiled journaling questions to help you process your dream. I’m offering this set of journaling pages for just $5 because I believe there’s some deep internal work we need to do before we’re able to fully pursue and invest in the dreams God has given us. So, grab the journal packet in my store at merrittonsa.com/store and go a little deeper as you consider and begin to take the next steps in your dream.

I’ll be back with new conversations in September 2020.

Until then, you can find me in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders’ Group on Facebook.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Thanks for listening to this repeat episode of the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

You will find the show notes from the original episode with Hannah Anderson here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/23

All summer long I will be re-sharing some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed the first time around, and especially for these summer episodes I have compiled journaling questions to help you process your dream. I’m offering this set of journaling pages for just $5 because I believe there’s some deep internal work we need to do before we’re able to fully pursue and invest in the dreams God has given us. So, grab the journal packet in my store at merrittonsa.com/store and go a little deeper as you consider and begin to take the next steps in your dream.

I’ll be back with new conversations in September 2020.

Until then, you can find me in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders’ Group on Facebook.

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Stephanie Pletka’s superpower is encouraging other women. She desires to support the busy, overwhelmed mom who feels held hostage by other people’s expectations of her. In this final interview of Season Seven, I hope you’ll laugh at Stephanie’s honest storytelling, be encouraged by her grace-filled presence, throw off all the ridiculous expectations and give yourself permission to be the woman God created you to be.

As we bring Season Seven to a close, may this final interview and Stephanie’s story serve a reminder that you don’t need anyone’s permission other than God to pursue your dream. You don’t have to “get certified” or “graduate first.” You don’t need a degree or diploma. All you need is a heart devoted to the Lord and a willingness to be obedient to what He’s called you to, even when it flies in the face of everything the world is telling you.

Stephanie’s stories were a reminder to me that I don’t have to be perfect or even get it right all the time. I just have to be faithful to Him and His calling, trusting that He will walk with me through the fire and the failures and He is the source of my identity, not my performance (good or bad).

As you join us in this conversation, I hope you’ll pay attention to the following:

• The importance of giving yourself breathing room.
• Why we need to partner with each other rather than comparing ourselves to others.
• How prone we are to believe we’re not enough.
• And her tips on how to “own the morning” so you can “own the day.”

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Stephanie Pletka here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/155

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 152 – What Happens When You Let God Define Your Worth with Courtney Reimer – released 5/13/2020

Episode 153 – If Lies Are Keeping You from Pursuing Your Dream with Jessica Hottle – released on 5/20/20

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Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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Have you ever had the perfect opportunity to share your dream and got tongue tied (or talked waaaay too long) trying to explain it to someone you just met?

This month I wanted to delve into the topic of how we talk about our dreams because I think it’s an important step as you work to define what exactly you do or are passionate about. Because having clarity about your dream helps you make decisions about your steps and helps share with others who might want to join you in the journey.

I’ve been working on the language of my God-shaped dream for probably two years now in a really intentional way. I tweak it all the time. It’s not perfect or finished—it might never be either of those things.

But a recent conversation with Esther Littlefield in her Confident Leader Catalyst program brought this back up for me. When I talk about my dream, people automatically assume that it is the podcast, but this podcast was never my end goal.

In our conversation, Esther used the word “vehicle” in talking about things like a podcast, a book or a blog, a nonprofit, or whatever it is you are compelled to produce or create. That thing is probably not the dream. That thing is just the vehicle by which we seek to fulfill the bigger dream – a dream that probably couldn’t be achieved overnight or in a few months or even over a few years.

Our dreams are bigger than us. In fact, our dreams, if they are from Him, are more like vision statements.

In this episode I talk about why you need to write a vision statement for your dream, how to do it and how I’m willing to help if you need it. This type of exercise has helped me so much in my dreaming process because it’s forced me to get really honest about the dream, my role in it, God’s role in it, and how I want to share it in the world. And doing all that work has helped me to be more precise in defining what the dream actually is.

I hope and pray that this exercise (and yes, there’s homework with this one) will remove some roadblocks for you and help you, at a minimum, be able to speak about your dream with confidence the next time someone asks, “So, what do you do?”

NEXT STEPS:

You’ll find the show notes for this episode here, including a link to the worksheet I mentioned.

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast and you want to check out some of my other solo episodes, start here:

Episode 107 – You are a Daughter of the Most High King

Episode 110 – You Have Great Value and Worth

Then, get on the list to receive my monthly Dream Letter

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Jessica Hottle’s passion is to see women set free from the lies of this world. She’s written several books on the topic of worth and hosts a podcast called What’s the Truth? tackling the lies we believe and how you can shift back to truth. In this interview we dig into the fear of being mediocre or irrelevant, knowing what season your dream is in and not running ahead of that, how to figure out if you’re striving for the wrong things, and Jessica’s best system for writing a book.

Jessica not only helps us figure out how to tackle the lies we are dealing with but she’s also really honest about the ones that have put up roadblocks on her journey. Wondering if anyone would be inspired by her work. Worrying that she’d show up mediocre. Trying on things that weren’t for her or weren’t the right timing. She’s real, she’s been through it, and she paves the way for us with her honesty about how she wrestled to find the truth about her own dream.

As I talk with Jessica, I hope you’ll pay attention to the following:

• That the lies you’re wrestling with are an attack on your identity.
• The benefits of staying in your lane, focusing on one thing and not worrying about what “she” is doing.
• How to listen for what God is revealing to you about your dream.
• That the Father sees you!

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Jessica Hottle, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/153

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 151 – 5 Steps to Shifting Your Dream During a Pandemic a solo episode with Merritt Onsa – released 5/6/2020

Episode 152 – What Happens When You Let God Define Your Worth with Courtney Reimer – released 5/13/2020

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GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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Courtney Reimer is on a mission to not only help girls and women know and understand their worth but also to know why they have worth. This interview is a reminder that where we place our hope matters. As Christians we’ve likely heard or been part of conversations about our identity in Christ but living that out feels so complex. How do we place our identity in Him? What does that look like? How do we know if we’re even getting it right?

One of the reasons I wanted to interview Courtney and learn more about She Wears Worth is because of how highly I value women getting to the bottom of this identity question. Whether we’re aware of it or not, our identity shapes how we live, the choices we make, and the dreams we say yes to.

In four years of interviewing women about their God-shaped dreams, I have found that when we fully entrust our dreams and our lives to God and when we begin to care more about what He says about us than what the world says about us, then we’re able to rest in the security that this identity in Him provides. That kind of rest and trust steadies us so that instead of being swayed by the whims of a human audience, we can live for an audience of one.

As Courtney talks about launching God’s dream for her, I hope you’ll pay attention to the following:

• That God takes our passions and aligns them with His work in the world.
• There are so many empty encouragements in the world that won’t last, but as an image bearer of God, your beautiful because He says so.
• How getting off social media and rooting herself in the truth of God’s Word helped Courtney fight comparison.
• God uses imperfect people to do his perfect work.

You’ll find the show notes, a link to the She Wears Worth giveaway, and all the ways to connect with Courtney Reimer, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/152

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 150 – When You Struggle to Believe God is Good with Maria Hatch-Bowersock – released 4/29/2020

Episode 151 – 5 Steps to Shifting Your Dream During a Pandemic a solo episode with Merritt Onsa – released 5/6/2020

GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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Whether you’ve already started on your dream or you’re still in the starting blocks trying to figure out how to pivot as a result of changing circumstances, now is the time to think creatively about how to move forward and take messy action. What have you got to lose?

All around us people are creating new ways to encourage and inspire others, whether it’s a birthday car parade outside someone’s home, a neighborhood ritual like howling at the moon to remind one another that we’re not alone, or a brand new YouTube channel devoted to sharing the good news all around us even during these dark days.

The world around us feels a little crazy right now. Why NOT take this moment in time as your chance to kick start your dream? There is really no better time and, if the pandemic has reminded me of anything, it’s that life is short so there is certainly no time to waste.

God has given you gifts to use for his glory. If you’re not using those gifts, there’s a good chance you are being disobedient or at the very least avoidant. And if you’re avoiding starting out of fear, there is no biblical reason to allow fear to keep you from action. This is your one life? What if you lived it out and never pursued that dream?

You’ve been waiting on something, but the truth is, you’re never going to feel more prepared, educated, or ready. Those things are a façade and a stalling tactic. If the dream is there, it’s time for you to take the next step. Because the people your dream will serve need it to come to life!

There’s more in this episode about the Mastermind Group I’m launching on June 1st. I only have 10 spots available and I’d love to have you join me! Fill out this short Google form to let me know you’re interested.

NEXT STEPS:

You’ll find the show notes for this episode here.

To learn more about the Summer Mastermind Group I'm launching June 1st, fill out this short Google interest form.

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast and you want to check out some of my other solo episodes, start here:

Episode 107 – You are a Daughter of the Most High King

Episode 110 – You Have Great Value and Worth

Get on the list to receive my monthly Dream Letter

SUPPORT THE SHOW. BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

GET CONNECTED:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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Whatever your circumstances right now, I pray this honest conversation about learning to trust God’s goodness gives you hope to persist and present your requests to the Lord. There is no worry too big for him; there is no amount of doubt He cannot handle. Maria’s story will help you press into Jesus and come out on the other side of today’s concerns with a deeper trust in God and a desire to abide with Him in all things.

Weakness, grief, loss, and pain are not topics we love to talk about. Profound pain makes me want to run and hide and isolate from even the people who love me most. When Maria lost her parents in a plane crash, the story of her brother surviving his second plane crash made their story very public; but publicity was not the world in which she wanted to work out her feelings and questions for God.

This beautiful and honest conversation about finding God’s goodness amidst terribly loss feels timely given the season of loss, grief and struggle in our nation right now due to the coronavirus pandemic. No matter how these circumstances have touched you – very much or very little – I pray that the moments you spend listening to Maria’s journey to believing God’s goodness for herself will move you to trusting in Him more as well.

Specifically, pay attention to the following in this episode:

• That it’s okay to question God; your questions are not a threat to Him.
• What it means to delight in weakness and trust His strength
• How grief can lead the way for important discoveries in your faith.
• What it looks like to “practice” God’s truth and His character and how that grows your trust for Him.

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Maria Hatch-Bowersock, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/150

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 148 – How to Get Past Worry and Fear so You Can Love and Serve with Alexandra Kaval – released 4/8/2020

Episode 149 – God Uses Hardship to Transform Your Heart with Kara-Kae James – released 4/15/2020

GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

Listener support makes this show possible. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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When your circumstances feel overwhelming, it is difficult to imagine the abundant life Jesus offers or even to believe that it is available to you. This very struggle inspired Kara-Kae James to launch Thrive Moms, a ministry to encourage overwhelmed moms to believe that Jesus has something more for them besides exhaustion and isolation. In pursuit of this dream, Jesus also transformed Kara-Kae’s heart.

God works through our valleys, and if we’re not in a valley right now, I don’t know what else to call it. But He is at work, in the same way that He met Kara-Kae right where she was in the dark days of mothering tiny children and struggling with post-partum depression and anxiety. He’s always there; but sometimes we forget how to look for Him.

Whatever your current circumstances, if you feel alone, overwhelmed, not knowing which way to turn next, I urge you to listen for the bold encouragement from the woman who told Kara-Kae, “You can find abundant life right where you are” and believe He is for you and will make it known to you as you seek Him with all of your heart.

In addition, pay attention for the following wisdom in this episode:

• The reminder that whatever challenge you’re facing right now, pandemic-related or otherwise, allow the Lord carry you through it.
• That one way out of the fear of failure is to be authentic and show your true self.
• Take time to rest. Sabbath is so important for you and your dream. Don’t put it off, saying, “I’ll sabbath later” because later might never come. Establish the habit now.

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Kara-Kae James, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/149

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 147 – How to Get Past Your Mindset to Share Your Dream, a Strategy Session with Ashley Johnson – released 4/1/2020

Episode 148 – How to Get Past Worry and Fear so You Can Love and Serve with Alexandra Kaval – released 4/8/2020

GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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Alexandra Kaval is a certified Christian coach for high impact women who crave more. She formerly worked in the corporate sector in HR talent development. Just four years ago she made the leap to go out on her own and build a coaching practice that would empower women with intentional Christ-centered support for their life and careers.

It’s difficult to know where to focus when you start out building a business or pursuing a dream, especially if you are doing it on your own. The list of to-dos is overwhelming and it’s difficult to gain traction as a one-woman operation.

When Christian coach Alexandra Kaval left a well-paying HR job in corporate America and started her coaching business, fear threatened to topple it all. Whether it was a fear of not being able to do it perfectly or of what people would think of her decision to leave safe and comfortable for a personal passion, she learned to lean into the discomfort and ask God for His help along the way.

In the last few years, she has not only survived the transition but also thrived in her pursuit of a career serving Christian women in an authentic and meaningful way.

In this episode, I hope you’ll listen for nuggets of wisdom about:

• How much we can benefit by digging in to the hard stuff in life & how the culture of “busy” tempts us to ignore it instead
• New disciplines worth implementing, especially right now
• How to re-focus worry and fear to a mindset of love and service
• What to do with discouragement and doubt when it shows up, and
• Why you ought to give your dream a sabbath every week.

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Alexandra, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/148

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 146 – When You Lose Everything but Still Have a Dream with Stephanie May Wilson – released 3/25/2020

Episode 147 – How to Get Past Your Mindset to Share Your Dream, a Strategy Session with Ashley Johnson – released 4/1/2020

GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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This episode is the second in a new series of Strategy Sessions with a listener who has a burning question to ask, needs help narrowing down her options, or just wants a listening ear so she can find clarity amidst all the options before her.

Ashley Johnson has a bent toward entrepreneurship and a love of seeing new ideas come to life. Over the past few years God has uniquely brought together Ashley’s values of relationship, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment to form The Constellation Coalition, a non-profit organization empowering woman around the world to grasp their God-given value and find hope through dignified employment.

My Takeaways:

Ashley came to me asking for help to refine and communicate the message of her dream so that she can grow her nonprofit organization and empower more women worldwide and ultimately end poverty.

As we prepared for the conversation, Ashley repeatedly mentioned her greatest concern was about messaging and even went as far as telling me that she’s just “not good with words.”

I want you to keep this in mind as you listen to her talk about The Constellation Coalition, how God birthed the dream in her, and even the explanation of where the name originated. The words she uses to communicate these things are beautiful and well thought out!

The more I’ve pondered this conversation after the fact, the more it seems Ashley’s fear and imposter syndrome are the true roadblocks to progress in communicating her dream of alleviating poverty around the world.

I am guessing maybe you can relate; I know I can. We come to our dreams not because we chose them but because God chose them for us. And they are big, scary, audacious dreams. Far bigger than what we might have come up with on our own. God calls us there anyway and probably in spite of ourselves.

In this conversation you’ll learn:

• The importance of identifying your avatar (the person looking for what you’re offering)
• How to invite and engage others in advancing this dream
• To think about live video as an opportunity to rehearse and refine your message
• Why you need to fight the spiritual battle first instead of getting hung up on the material one
• To take the pressure off yourself to be good enough to accomplish your dream

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Ashley, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/147

Let me know what you think of these strategy sessions. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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As the coronavirus wreaks havoc on our world right now, it seems everyone has lost something. Even if you still have a job or at least some of your income, you’ve certainly lost the freedom you previously had to go about your life as usual. For those who have lost a great deal more or even if you’re just struggling with the fear of what could happen next, this episode is for you.

First, I want to acknowledge the scary time we are living in. There is a process of grief I think we’ll all go through just having lived through this, and that’s okay. But I also want to straight out remind us that Jesus is still on the throne, our security is in Him, and none of this surprised Him.

That’s part of the reason I wanted to air this interview with Stephanie May Wilson of the Girls Night Podcast this week instead of in June where I had penciled it in prior to our conversation. She has a story of loss that came at time when her life was already in transition, as a newlywed, and while her story is not exactly equivalent to going through a pandemic, the lessons are incredibly relevant.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• How sometimes our dreams have to die in order to be reborn in a new and better form
• How difficult circumstances draw us closer to the people we’re experiencing them with
• That we don’t always grasp how close God is to us in trouble, until we look back
• That despite the voices saying otherwise, you might already have what you need to pursue your dream
• You’ll see how we ought to redefine “job security”
• How desperate times can be an opportunity to take the next step toward your dream, and
• How greater constraints or boundaries can actually increase your creativity

I love that God saw fit to have Stephanie and I talk this month and that her story would help us make a connection to what’s happening in our world today. And I pray that you will walk away from this episode with a reminder that He is with you in whatever loss or fear you’re experiencing right now and that this might be just the right time for you to dive into your dream.

You’ll find the show notes, all the ways to connect with Stephanie, find her podcast, and grab that 10-day devotional she mentioned here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/146

GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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Dianne Jago is founder of Deeply Rooted Magazine and author of a newly released book, A Holy Pursuit, teaching us how the gospel frees us to follow and lay down our God-shaped dreams. Her dream grew out her faith in Christ and a desire for others to know and love Him too. Along the way, that dream has been displayed in different forms as life her circumstances have ebbed and flowed, but it has always remained true to its original purpose.

Dianne and I recorded this interview long before either of us knew what the reality of life would look like on March 18th in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic and several days into social distancing for most of the United States’ population. Wherever you are, I pray you are safe and healthy (and that you remain that way).

Whatever it is you’re finding most difficult about our new normal, I pray that you’ll find encouragement in this episode with Dianne Jago.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• How the gospel frees us up to follow our dream
• How Scripture can help us navigate dream chasing
• How God can use the church body in really practical ways to make our dreams a reality
• How to choose between your To Do list and your time with God
• Ways that dreaming and motherhood can go hand-in-hand, and
• That every opportunity that presents itself is an opportunity to glorify God

You’ll find the show notes, all the ways to connect with Dianne, and the details about her giveaway here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/145

GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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As a small child, Lauren Stengele fell in love with the Spanish language that gracefully flowed from her great-grandmother’s lips. Her God-shaped dream grew over the years into a desire to homeschool her children in two languages. But as a non-native Spanish speaker, it was harder than she imagined. After looking but not finding the resources she needed, she decided to create them herself and offer them to other families. That’s how Bilingual Together was born.

When you’re just starting out on your dream, the little-but-intimidating details threaten to derail you at every intersection. Lauren’s passion for this dream is evidenced by her perseverance and creativity in building something that would fit her family’s homeschooling rituals and would serve this need for other families.

But as she took the first step in building her business, it was a conversation with her marketing-minded husband that halted everything for a season. In this episode, you’ll learn about the brick wall that went up between Lauren and Joe after that discussion, the year the ensued when her dream was frozen in time, and what it took for them to move forward.

We haven’t talked much about marriage or our spouse’s involvement in our dreams on the show, so I’m excited for you to hear how this couple worked through their challenges and came out on the other side. Lauren shares the best decision she made to get past this barrier and why she’d recommend the same to you.

Be sure to listen for:

• how she tackles questions a lot of us have about motherhood and dreaming and whether the two can happen simultaneously,
• how she still struggles today with wanting to show up better on social media, and
• her vow to not just accept but surrender to the plans God has for her life.

You’ll find the show notes, all the ways to connect with Lauren, and the details about her giveaway here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/144

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 143 – 7 Reasons You Need a Social Media Detox – solo episode released 3/4/2020

Episode 142 – What to Do When You Fear the Unknown with Rachel Awtrey – released 2/19/2020

GET INVOLVED IN THE SHOW

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can become a patron.

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Some links to products listed here are affiliate links. When you click those and make a purchase, I earn a commission that supports this podcast. Thanks for your support!

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As a small child, Lauren Stengele fell in love with the Spanish language that gracefully flowed from her great-grandmother’s lips. Her God-shaped dream grew over the years into a desire to homeschool her children in two languages. But as a non-native Spanish speaker, it was harder than she imagined. After looking but not finding the resources she needed, she decided to create them herself and offer them to other families. That’s how Bilingual Together was born.

When you’re just starting out on your dream, the little-but-intimidating details threaten to derail you at every intersection. Lauren’s passion for this dream is evidenced by her perseverance and creativity in building something that would fit her family’s homeschooling rituals and would serve this need for other families.

But as she took the first step in building her business, it was a conversation with her marketing-minded husband that halted everything for a season. In this episode, you’ll learn about the brick wall that went up between Lauren and Joe after that discussion, the year the ensued when her dream was frozen in time, and what it took for them to move forward.

We haven’t talked much about marriage or our spouse’s involvement in our dreams on the show, so I’m excited for you to hear how this couple worked through their challenges and came out on the other side. Lauren shares the best decision she made to get past this barrier and why she’d recommend the same to you.

Be sure to listen for:

• how she tackles questions a lot of us have about motherhood and dreaming and whether the two can happen simultaneously,
• how she still struggles today with wanting to show up better on social media, and
• her vow to not just accept but surrender to the plans God has for her life.

You’ll find the show notes, all the ways to connect with Lauren, and the details about her giveaway here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/144

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 143 – 7 Reasons You Need a Social Media Detox – solo episode released 3/4/2020

Episode 142 – What to Do When You Fear the Unknown with Rachel Awtrey – released 2/19/2020

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GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

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When I shut down my social media activity in December 2019, I felt certain it was what my heart and mind needed, but I was struggling to really let go. The first week presented a host of issues bubbling up in my heart that affirmed the decision to detox myself in this way, as much as I was still fighting it. But thirty days later, I was no longer so eager for the habits I’d left behind.

I’m not here to tell you that social media is wrong or that you shouldn’t spend your time on it. No, not at all. But what I do hope for you, by the end of this episode, is that the topic gives you pause and permission to evaluate how you’re spending your time on social media and if a detox is right for you.

This is especially pertinent if you have a God-shaped dream you’re pursuing. I often hear from dreamers who say they wish they had more time for their dream. Do you have any idea how much time you’d get back by taking a month off from the temptation to scroll?

Trust me, I know it’s scary to take the leap of finally committing to your dream. Lack of time is a great excuse to not have to face your fears. If you’ll allow me to challenge you a bit: take the risk! Shut down the distractions and give it your all for 30 days. Then, come back and tell me how it went. I’d love to know!

Even if you don’t have a dream you’re pursuing right now (or you don’t know what it is yet) I hope you’ll pay close attention to where I talk about giving your mind space for spontaneous thought. It’s difficult to dream if you’re filling all the white space in your life with mindless scrolling.

NEXT STEPS:

You’ll find the show notes for this episode here.

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast and you want to check out some of my other solo episodes, start here:

Episode 107 – You are a Daughter of the Most High King

Episode 110 – You Have Great Value and Worth

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Rachel Awtrey is an online encourager and host of the Behind the Bliss podcast. She has a heart to create space for women to share stories and the reality of what life is really like behind the bliss so that others might experience an “Oh yeah, me too” moment. I know you’re going to relate to her so much as she talks about her fear of the unknown in following this dream and how God is meeting her in that place with His grace and goodness.

We dig in a bit to the spiritual side of what it looks like to trust in the Lord while pursuing a dream. She reminds us of the daily battle we’re in with the enemy. He speaks lies to us in an effort to betray and sabotage our dreams and Rachel shares how she combats that on the regular.

We also talk about some really practical aspects of dreaming, what it takes to really pursue the dream, and what she’s implemented along the way to keep moving forward.

You’ll definitely want to listen for the parts of our conversation that touch on the discipline it takes to persevere when your dream isn’t so dreamy, how to finance your dream at the beginning, why you should create systems, and how a board of advisors can support you in your dreaming.

This conversation was a lot of fun. I love Rachel’s bubbly smile, her warm presence, and the love she has for Jesus. AND, if you want more where this came from, subscribe to Behind the Bliss and stay tuned at the end of February where I’m showing up as a guest on her show. It’s another good one too!!

You’ll find more show notes, all the ways to connect with Rachel, and the details about the T-shirt giveaway here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/142

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 140 – How to Create Powerful Messaging for Your Audience – a Strategy Session with listener Natalie Arent – released 2/5/2020

Episode 141 – Pursuing a Dream When You Lack the Training with Jaime Fenwick – released 2/12/2020

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Join other listeners in supporting this podcast over on Patreon.

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Rachel Awtrey is an online encourager and host of the Behind the Bliss podcast. She has a heart to create space for women to share stories and the reality of what life is really like behind the bliss so that others might experience an “Oh yeah, me too” moment. I know you’re going to relate to her so much as she talks about her fear of the unknown in following this dream and how God is meeting her in that place with His grace and goodness.

We dig in a bit to the spiritual side of what it looks like to trust in the Lord while pursuing a dream. She reminds us of the daily battle we’re in with the enemy. He speaks lies to us in an effort to betray and sabotage our dreams and Rachel shares how she combats that on the regular.

We also talk about some really practical aspects of dreaming, what it takes to really pursue the dream, and what she’s implemented along the way to keep moving forward.

You’ll definitely want to listen for the parts of our conversation that touch on the discipline it takes to persevere when your dream isn’t so dreamy, how to finance your dream at the beginning, why you should create systems, and how a board of advisors can support you in your dreaming.

This conversation was a lot of fun. I love Rachel’s bubbly smile, her warm presence, and the love she has for Jesus. AND, if you want more where this came from, subscribe to Behind the Bliss and stay tuned at the end of February where I’m showing up as a guest on her show. It’s another good one too!!

You’ll find more show notes, all the ways to connect with Rachel, and the details about the T-shirt giveaway here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/142

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 140 – How to Create Powerful Messaging for Your Audience – a Strategy Session with listener Natalie Arent – released 2/5/2020

Episode 141 – Pursuing a Dream When You Lack the Training with Jaime Fenwick – released 2/12/2020

BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:

Join other listeners in supporting this podcast over on Patreon.

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Jaime Fenwick is the founder of Bringing Inspiration Home, a business dedicated to inspiring women to pursue their dreams and tap into their creative gifts through the pursuit of beauty, adventure, and purposeful living. This episode is a reminder that if God has gifted and impassioned you with a dream, there is no reason to let your lack of training stand in the way of pursuing it.

Jaime teaches us about being renewed in our dream and how we can find ways to pursue the restorative, transformative work that makes space for organic creative thought.

She explains how the pursuit of the dream that is most instinctive for you melts away your fears and builds momentum to keep going.

Her story is also an encouragement to involve others in our dream, and it shows us the value of seeking help when we need it.

Jaime adds to the conversation that we’ve already begun here that your dream really isn’t about you. There’s someone out there it will serve; dream for them. Dream for God’s kingdom—that His name would be made known, that doing what you were made to do will point back to Him and His work in the world. I could hear this in her voice near the end of the interview and, even as we got off the call, she could hardly pause before asking about MY dreams for this year. It’s really fun to see her living this out.

There’s also a little chunk in here about digital hoarding and what we can do differently to leave heirlooms for our children instead of the burden of millions of digital files. I love that she’s helping us sort through the fog in this!

You’ll find the show notes, all the ways to connect with Jaime, and that coupon code for her course here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/141

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 139 – How to Stop Hustling While Still Following Your Dream with Malinda Fuller – released 1/22/2020

Episode 140 – How to Create Powerful Messaging for Your Audience – a Strategy Session with Natalie Arent – released 2/5/2020

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GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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This episode is the first of my bi-monthly Strategy Sessions with a listener who has a burning question to ask, needs help narrowing down her options, or just wants a listening ear so she can find clarity amidst all the options before her.

Natalie Arent is a brand and graphic designer with a knack for seeing what her clients struggle to put into words. She helps female entrepreneurs naturally standout, draw in their people, and propel their business forward through meaningful design. She’s a huge fan of authenticity, which you’ll hear about in this episode, and she’s also a mom, a Minnesota native and she loves doing art projects or exploring outside with her young daughter.

In this strategy session we dig into what it looks like (and why) to narrow down your niche of who you’re trying to reach with your dream or, in Natalie’s case, with a podcast. We talk about creating an avatar and share an example I’ve been taught for selecting just one person to speak to in your messaging.

Natalie’s big question is how to choose guests for her podcast and how to determine what topics they should cover when they come on the show. This is all about content curation. Even if you don’t have a podcast, write a blog, or have a YouTube channel your dream is speaking to someone, so it’s worth giving this a listen if you’re trying to narrow down who that person is.

NEXT STEPS:

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Natalie, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/140

Let me know what you think of this strategy session. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series.

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This episode is the first of my bi-monthly Strategy Sessions with a listener who has a burning question to ask, needs help narrowing down her options, or just wants a listening ear so she can find clarity amidst all the options before her.

Natalie Arent is a brand and graphic designer with a knack for seeing what her clients struggle to put into words. She helps female entrepreneurs naturally standout, draw in their people, and propel their business forward through meaningful design. She’s a huge fan of authenticity, which you’ll hear about in this episode, and she’s also a mom, a Minnesota native and she loves doing art projects or exploring outside with her young daughter.

In this strategy session we dig into what it looks like (and why) to narrow down your niche of who you’re trying to reach with your dream or, in Natalie’s case, with a podcast. We talk about creating an avatar and share an example I’ve been taught for selecting just one person to speak to in your messaging.

Natalie’s big question is how to choose guests for her podcast and how to determine what topics they should cover when they come on the show. This is all about content curation. Even if you don’t have a podcast, write a blog, or have a YouTube channel your dream is speaking to someone, so it’s worth giving this a listen if you’re trying to narrow down who that person is.

NEXT STEPS:

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Natalie, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/140

Let me know what you think of this strategy session. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series.

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Malinda Fuller is a bold communicator who is passionate about thriving families and helping people grow as disciples of Jesus. You may have seen her writing in Christian publications both online and in print. She is the author of Obedience Over Hustle: The Surrender of the Striving Heart and has become a trusted voice on the topics of obedience, hustle and living an intentional life.

At the beginning of a new year it’s hard to miss the hustle all around us. We’re gonna set all the goals, do all the things, and change the world THIS YEAR! I put way too much pressure on myself already, so I’m totally triggered by those messages. That’s why I thought it was so important to get Malinda on the show right at the beginning of Season Seven, to give us an alternate perspective.

Early on, her book title Obedience Over Hustle: The Surrender of the Striving Heart received a lot of pushback from book agents. But she stuck to her guns, believing this is the message God gave her to share. And thank goodness she did!

Malinda is here to teach us what obedience over hustle looks like -- just in case you’re wondering. You’ll learn the importance of doing just a few things really well. She shares how this idea has shaped her life and something specific she was asking God for when He began to impress upon her the need for a shift in her priorities.

If you’ve struggled with getting in the way of your own dream, you’ll hear what the Lord showed Malinda about this struggle in her own life and how her perspective has changed as a result.

And while this may be the hardest part, you’ll glean encouragement to investigate the position of your heart in the conversation of obedience over hustle.

It’s enough to make me examine my own motivations and ask myself: Why do I want to hustle and how I might give that over to the Lord?

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Malinda, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/139

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 137 – Why Are You Hiding Your Dream? with Kat Armstrong – released 12/04/19

Episode 138 – When God Gives You an Unexpected Dream with Misty Phillip – released 1/15/2020

GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about what it means to become a patron of the show.

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Some links to products listed here are affiliate links. When you click those and make a purchase, I earn a commission that supports this podcast. Thanks for your support!

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Misty Phillip has a passion for women to seek Jesus, study the Word and grow in grace. She has recently transitioned from the role of homeschooling mom to founder of Spark Christian Podcast Conference. Her story is a vivid reminder that God is not only our creator but also our provider, and He provides far beyond what we might expect.

If your dream feels totally out of your league – way bigger than anything you could ever manage alone – you’ll love this interview.

Misty saw a need for something in her world: a way to connect to other podcasters who were ahead of her on the journey. When she didn’t find it, she prayed and asked God how she might fill that hole, and the Spark Christian Podcast Conference was born. It’s happening in Houston, Texas, at the end of February. Listen in for a chance to win a ticket to attend!

Misty teaches us through her story the importance of trusting that God knows the path and the destination, even when you can’t see exactly where you’re going. In fact, she proposes that we’d be incredibly overwhelmed if we had all the information He has; therefore, it’s His kindness that keeps us taking steps in a direction that He’s called us to. Then, we get to trust Him with the outcome.

Even if podcasting isn’t your dream, there are so many lessons we can glean from Misty’s experience of stepping out in faith to do something far beyond what she would have envisioned for her life even five years ago.

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Misty, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/138

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 136 – Stop Stalling. Six Habits for Progress in Your Dream – solo episode – released 11/20/2019

Episode 137 – Why Are You Hiding Your Dream? with Kat Armstrong – released 12/04/19

GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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Happy New Year and welcome to Season Seven of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast. This quick (self-edited) episode is an update on how the podcast will serve and support you in this coming year of fighting back fear, trusting God, and flourishing in the confidence He’s given you to pursue your God-shaped dream!

The big updates include:

I’m launching my first audiobook this season; I’ll be sharing all-new solo episodes (and would love your suggestions for topics you’re dying to hear about). And you can apply to be a guest on one of six Strategy Sessions in 2020. Let’s hash out the next steps for your dream on the air so that others can learn from your story and benefit from the work we’ll do together to get you moving forward.

Next week I’ll be back with another interview; this time it’s a conversation with Misty Phillip, host of the By His Grace Podcast and Founder of the Spark Christian Podcasters Conference coming up next month in Houston, Texas.

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GET CONNECTED WITH OTHER DREAMERS: Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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Kat Armstrong didn’t set out to become an author. Rather, she wrote her first book in order to steward a message about living in the fullness of the Greatest Commandment: how we, as women, might love the Lord with all of our mind and strength as well as our heart and soul.

I loved the opportunity to chat with Kat once again—a return visit to the show since her first appearance way back in 2016. I’ve been keeping up with her from afar on social media and always feel a connection to her desire to empower women and point them to Jesus.

In this episode, we stray a bit from the questions I ask all my first-time guests. Instead, you’ll hear the tearful story of Kat being confronted by another student in a seminary classroom years ago—an incident that ultimately played a role in the message Kat shares throughout her book.

You’ll also hear about two conversations that challenged Kat about why she was withholding her important message to women and what she did as a result.

Kat doesn’t hold back from sharing about the rejection of her first book proposal, her grief at the loss of her father, and how she has rejected the trap of being focused on numbers of followers, sales, and stats and instead considered how her work might help people.

You’ll learn what it looks like to keep pursuing your dream in the midst of opposition and why it’s so important to do that.

One of my favorite parts of the conversation is Kat’s reminder from Scripture that our adequacy comes from God not from our own competence, training, experience, or efficiency. That is a message I need to hear and remember just about every day of my life.

There’s so much more goodness in this one, which is also the last episode of Seasons Six and of 2019. Give it a listen and be encouraged about why you can’t hide your dream or hold back from the ways God is calling you to love Him and love others.

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Kat, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/137

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent interviews:

Episode 134 – Because Your Dream is Not Too Big for God with Rachel Pellegrino – released 11/6/2019

Episode 135 - How to Make Time for Your Dream Every Day with Stefanie Gass – released 11/13/19

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If this podcast has helped you draw nearer to Jesus or encouraged you to follow a God-shaped dream, click here to learn how you can support this work and gain access to even more content like this!

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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Finishing is one of the most difficult things for me to do. Maybe it’s a fear of not being able to keep improving on something once it’s done. I don’t know for sure, but I’m embarrassed to admit that more than once I’ve left a project unfinished indefinitely. But there is one thing I do know: I really like to start stuff!

This episode is all about helping you establish a process of starting and continuing to move forward in your God-shaped dream. I said, “stop stalling” in the title because I know, just like my fear of something being imperfect at the finish line, there’s also a big fear out there of not doing it right to begin with.

That’s why I wanted to document a six-step process to help you get your dream moving forward once and for all or to help you keep going once you’ve begun. I asked a few listeners for their best experiences with forming new habits in the face of pursuing something bigger than themselves; those are included as well as some of my own suggestions for what helps improve your perseverance once you’re in the middle of the dream.

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast and you want to hear where we’ve been in this series of solo episodes, you can find links to all of them in the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/136.

Sign up for my monthly Dream Letter HERE:

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Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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If “busy” has become your mantra, Stefanie Gass offers up a little real talk in this interview to help you plan out your day, prioritize what matters, and let go of the rest so you can finally find the time for your God-shaped dream. Host of The Mompreneur Mastermind Show, Stefanie loves helping women business owners step into their potential.

We can so easily get distracted or discouraged with where we are today because it is impossible to see where we’ll be tomorrow or a year from now or in five years. In this conversation, you’ll learn that the place you are right now is not necessarily your destination. Stefanie shares the steps she took and the roles she was in before she discovered her dream.

She teaches us the importance of getting to a healthy space – mentally, emotionally, spiritually – before you’re really ready to take on the dream. That might look different for you than it did for her, but it’s worth taking inventory regarding where you need healing before you take steps into your dream.

You’ll also hear her tricks for time-blocking and how to get out of your own way to make time for your dream.

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Stefanie, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/135

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent interviews:

Episode 133 – How to Center Your Life on What Matters with Tonya Dalton – released 10/31/19

Episode 134 – Because Your Dream is Not Too Big for God with Rachel Pellegrino – released 11/6/2019

GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

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Rachel Pellegrino’s story of becoming a Christian children’s book publisher will teach you to look to your own passions and experiences—even into your grief and darkness—to discern what God has called you to do with your life.

When she was in the middle of grief, Rachel couldn’t have imagined what she would be doing today. At the time, her dream to publish children’s books wasn’t even on her radar. But a few business courses, a conversation with her husband, and some outreach to people in an industry she’d never worked in were steps that brought this dream to fruition four years ago.

God revealed to her that the dream was not too big for Him and that He had a plan and a purpose to grow Rachel’s faith and to flourish this dream for her good and for the benefit of others.

Her story is a reminder that it’s okay if your dream is not crystal clear from the beginning. And it’s okay if you find yourself fighting back uncertainty, fear and insecurity, like she did. You’ll hear how she did that and how taking the next step played a role in getting over those early start-up fears.

Let this episode serve as a reminder that God calls you to be who you are, right now, in whatever season you’re in and that He can use anything in your life, good or bad, to shape your dream.

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Rachel, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/134

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent interviews:

Episode 131 – Holding on to Hope Because God Is Faithful with Anna Sackett – released 10/9/2019

Episode 133 – How to Center Your Life on What Matters with Tonya Dalton – released 10/31/19

GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

Listener support makes this show even better! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

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Productivity expert, writer, and speaker Tonya Dalton joins us on the podcast to share her vision for helping women to center their lives not on doing more but on doing what’s most important. Tonya has recently published a book and launched a movement of the same name: The Joy of Missing Out: Live More By Doing Less.

This interview was full of value in an intentional, tight little package, shorter than most of our interviews around here. Tonya really knows how to make the most of her time and if you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by your life, you’ll get a lot of out this conversation.

In it, Tonya shares how she uncovered her God-shaped dream to help women discover the goals and dreams they’ve pushed aside. You’ll hear why having clarity on your dream doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. In fact, if you’ve been listening very long at all you already know that challenges will come no matter what.

Tonya reminds us that as we face those challenges, we can choose to grow in our dependence on the Lord or we can flounder because we feel out of control.

You’ll discover that no one has all the answers, even that girl with the perfect Instagram feed.

And you will grow in confidence as you hear her story about not giving up and the choices she made when she had no idea what she was doing. It’s a poignant reminder that you always have choices and can find your way through even the most daunting of unknowns!

Don’t miss your chance to enter to win a copy of Tonya's book, The Joy of Missing Out, over on my Instagram feed.

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Tonya, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/133

OCTOBER'S SPONSOR: LAUREL DENISE

This episode is brought to you by Laurel Denise - maker of handmade jewelry designed to inspire and encourage.

Through October 31, 2019, every purchase you make from laureldenise.com, using the code DEVOTEDDREAMERS at checkout, will support The Devoted Dreamers Podcast.

Grab a leather bracelet with the message you need to keep stepping toward your dream in Laurel's petite handwriting.

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent interviews:

Episode 130 – How to Turn Up the Volume on Truth with Charlena Ortiz – released 10/2/2019

Episode 133 – Holding on to Hope Because God Is Faithful with Tonya Dalton – released 10/16/19

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What is the biggest thing you’ve ever had to trust God for? It seems that the longer we wait for something that we desire but the result of which remains unknown, the more difficult it is to believe the answer will come or that it will be the answer we’ve been praying for.

I’ve met listeners who struggle with trusting God for the deepest desires of their hearts and that extends to their dreams as well. When something feels “too big” or “too scary” to tackle on their own and they desperately need God to step in, but He doesn’t, it can feel like broken trust. Or, at the very least, they wonder if the absence of an answer is an indicator of His trustworthiness.

I think most of us want to trust God in the big and the little things.

But I wonder if part of our inability to trust God has more to do with not trusting Him in the worst-case-scenario of what might happen. And in part it might be that we are holding too tightly to what we desire instead of listening for what He wants.

This episode is all about the three connected practices that can help you combat the mindsets of fear and doubt and, instead, go to battle against the evil one with the truth and power of God’s Word.

And as you begin to actively engage your faith muscles (even those as tiny as a mustard seed), you will see a growing trust for God, His goodness and faithfulness, within you. At least that is my prayer for you!

NEXT STEPS:

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast and you want to hear where we’ve been in this series of solo episodes, you can find links to all of them in the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/132.

OCTOBER EPISODE SPONSOR: Laurel Denise

Shop from Laurel Denise in October 2019, and every purchase using the code DEVOTEDDREAMERS at checkout supports the Devoted Dreamers Podcast. Always free shipping!

Listen to Laurel’s interview, ep. 117

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GET CONNECTED:

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

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Nineteen-year-old Anna Sackett recently left the comforts of home to study midwifery as a missionary in the Philippines. This conversation, just a few weeks prior to her departure, offers us a gentle reminder that our hope and joy is not in having discovered our dream or even what’s next on our journey, but it is solely and totally in Jesus. The alternative is true as well: if you haven’t figured out your dream, you need only to look to Him for all you need.

You’ll hear from Anna why we can rejoice in our longing for something more in this life, the importance of steadfastness (what that is and why it matters) as well as the reminder that God makes us steadfast as we look to Him.

Anna is a recent homeschool graduate and the middle sibling to four protective and crazy-fun brothers. She secretly loves to have kitchen dance parties with her family, and to be creative with watercolor painting. She loves scripture and theology and, as an introvert at heart, finds joy in learning what it means to share her faith with boldness as a young adult.