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The Devoted Dreamers PodcastFaith, Fear & Dreams: Stop Procrastinating, Start MovingSend us Fan MailHave 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...
2026-03-1816 minThe Devoted Dreamers PodcastThe Readiness Myth: Start Before You Feel ConfidentSend us Fan MailThe 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 ...
2026-03-1132 minThe Devoted Dreamers PodcastWhy I Took a Break and Why Devoted Dreamers Is BackSend us Fan MailIf 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 burni...
2026-01-1212 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast315 || [Solo] How to Be a Good Steward of a God-Shaped Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind 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 di...
2024-08-2835 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast312 || [Encore] What Will Kids Going Back to School Mean for Your God-Shaped Dream? || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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. (
2024-08-0738 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast310 || [Solo] How to Find Focused Time for Your Big Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind 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 b...
2024-07-1728 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast308 || [Solo] 3 Reasons Why Community is Essential for Chasing Big Dreams || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind 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 w...
2024-06-1928 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast306 || [Solo] How to Discover and Develop Your Good Gifts from God || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind 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, o...
2024-05-2229 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast302 || [Solo] How to Persevere When You Want to Quit Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind 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 purc...
2024-03-2733 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast3 Tips to Help You Commit to Moving Your Body Every Day || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailTHIS 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...
2024-01-0908 minThe Devoted Dreamers PodcastWhy You Should Add Sabbath Rest to Your Weekly Rhythms || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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...
2024-01-0813 minThe Devoted Dreamers PodcastThe Easy Way to Start Reading the Bible Every Day || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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’...
2024-01-0510 minThe Devoted Dreamers PodcastHow to Build Habits That Nurture Your Dreams All Year Long || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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 mi...
2024-01-0312 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast296 || [Solo] The Guaranteed Result of Sharing Your Secret Dream Out Loud || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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 ho...
2023-12-1329 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast292 || [Solo] How to Resist Your Dream Taking Over Your Life || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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...
2023-11-0820 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast287 || [Solo] Find Your Momentum: The 4 Phases of Chasing a Creative Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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 sha...
2023-10-0430 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast286 || [Solo] Top 3 Traps Standing in the Way of Your God-Given Purpose || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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...
2023-09-2730 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast279 || [Solo] What Will Kids Going Back to School Mean for Your God-Shaped Dream? || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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. (
2023-08-0940 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast278 || 3 Things We Wished We Knew before Starting Our Podcasts || Merritt Onsa & Natalie BlenkushSend us Fan Mail 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 Na...
2023-08-0235 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast276 || [Recast] Find Your Purpose: 12 Steps to Uncover a God-Given Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail Find the Show Notes here. 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 inte...
2023-07-1940 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast274 || [Recast] Why It’s Time to Let Go of the Fear That You’re Not Enough || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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...
2023-07-0536 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast267 || [Solo] Two Must-Have Ingredients I Want for Your God Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail Find the show notes here. 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 mus...
2023-05-0339 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast264 || [Solo] 3 Truths to Help You Make Decisions about Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail Find the show notes here. 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 diffic...
2023-03-2232 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast263 || [Solo] What Can You Accomplish for Your Dream in Just Two Hours a Week? || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail Find the show notes here. 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...
2023-03-1534 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast262 || [Solo] What’s the Right Way to Start Pursuing a Big Dream? || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail Find the show notes here. Don’t miss my free workshop on March 20th to help you Get Out of Your Head & Find Momentum for Your Dream. Register Here 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 in...
2023-03-0840 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast260 || [Solo] Revival Springs Up. How Do We Shape Our Lives for God's Glory? || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail Find the show notes here. 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 Je...
2023-02-1828 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[Bonus] Starting Your Day with Gratitude: A Guide to Making it a Habit || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind 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 yo...
2023-01-3010 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[Bonus] Unlock Your Potential: How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Learn a New Skill || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind show notes for the entire Habits series here. 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 mean...
2023-01-2711 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[Bonus] Need more energy and clarity for your dream? Try improving your sleep || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind 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 he...
2023-01-2311 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[Bonus] How a Weekly Planning Ritual Will Give You More Time for Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind 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...
2023-01-2010 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[Bonus] 3 Tips That Will Help You Commit to Daily Movement || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind show notes for the entire Habits series here. 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...
2023-01-1808 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[Bonus] The Benefits of Adding Sabbath Rest into the Rhythms of Your Week || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind 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...
2023-01-1613 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[Bonus] The Easy Way to Start a Habit of Reading the Bible Every Day || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind 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 Bibl...
2023-01-1310 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[Bonus] Habits for Nurturing Your Dream in the New Year (And All Year Long) || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind 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...
2023-01-1112 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast258 || [Solo] What Story Will You Be Telling about Your Dream a Year from Now? || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind the show notes here. 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...
2022-11-1637 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast253 || [Solo] How Community Can Help You Finally Start on the Dream You’ve Had Forever || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind the show notes here. 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 an...
2022-09-2824 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast250 || [Solo] Four Ways You Will Grow When You Build Your Dream in Community || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind the show notes here. 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...
2022-09-0734 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast248 || How to Pursue a Dream That You Might Never See Finished || Angie WeszelySend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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 An...
2022-08-2445 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast247|| How a Healthy Lifestyle Can Give You Capacity to Get Your Dream Moving || Robin Rhine McDonaldSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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...
2022-08-1048 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast246 || [Solo] The #1 Reason to Start Pursuing Your Dream before You Feel Ready || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind the show notes here. 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 ab...
2022-07-2729 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast244 || How to Invest in Your Spiritual Growth as the Foundation for Your Dream || Jen EvangelistaSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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...
2022-06-2950 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast243 || How to Thrive Even While Feeling like a Foreigner in a Strange Land || Mabel NinanSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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 re...
2022-06-1548 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast242 || [Solo] 5 Phases of Chasing a Dream and Which One is the Most Fruitful || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind the show notes here. 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 b...
2022-06-0137 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast241 || What Is Soul Care and How to Know If You Need It || Mindy CaliguireSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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 a...
2022-05-1857 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast240 || Releasing Your Grip on What You Want Because God Has Something Better || Lindsay MaySend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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 ca...
2022-05-1148 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast239 || [Solo] Dream Taking Too Long? Another Way to Think About Your Timeline || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind the show notes here. 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 an...
2022-05-0442 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast238 || Practical Ways to Build Intimacy with God into Your Day || Angie GibbonsSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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 al...
2022-04-2734 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast237 || Do You Know About the Hidden Gift in Your God-Shaped Dream? || Gail RootSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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...
2022-04-2035 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast236 || How a Loving God Redeems Hurt and Brings Hope to His Daughters || Nicole ClarkSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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 foun...
2022-04-1339 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast235 || [Solo] Five Business Realities That Will Shape the Way You Pursue a Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind the show notes here. 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 less...
2022-04-0634 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast234 || 10 Simple but Creative Ideas for Launching a Dream on a Little Budget || Jenn Jett BarrettSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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 lau...
2022-03-3052 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast233 || Practical Lessons from a Business Coach about How to Invest in Your Dream || with Katie WussowSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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 pa...
2022-03-2353 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast232 || How to Find Money for Your Dream if You’re Just Getting Started || with Katie JonesSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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 ta...
2022-03-1647 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast230 || [Solo] How Messy Action Gives You Permission to Get Started on Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind the show notes here. 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...
2022-03-0225 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast229 || [Solo] Two Practical Steps to Help You Let Go of What Other People Might Think || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailWhen 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.
2022-02-2340 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast228 || [Solo] 3 Questions to Help You Decide if Your Dream is Worth Pursuing || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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 c...
2022-02-1633 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast227 || [Solo] How to Know if This is the Dream God Has for You || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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 ordain...
2022-02-0928 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast225 || [Solo] The Reassuring Truth about How to Grow Confidence Right Now || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFind show notes here. 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...
2022-01-2619 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[BONUS] How to Get Free Dream Coaching with Merritt—In Season 10!Send us Fan Mail 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 se...
2022-01-1218 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast219 || [Solo] Finding Space to Dream as a Mom of Young Children || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailMy 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 m...
2021-10-2757 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast216 || [Solo] Do You Feel Like You’re Not Making Progress on Your Dream? || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailIf 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 lik...
2021-10-0631 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast212 || [Solo] How to Know If Imposter Syndrome Is the Reason You Are Stuck || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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 yo...
2021-09-0827 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast208 || [Solo] Learning How to Trust God Even When You Doubt Your Purpose || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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...
2021-08-1137 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[BONUS] What does it take to start a podcast?Send us Fan MailDespite 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! T...
2021-07-1721 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast203 || [Solo] Why Rest Not Hustle is the Fuel Your Dream Needs || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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 ca...
2021-07-0727 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast200 || Celebration Episode: The Journey to Devoted Dreamers || Merritt Onsa & Tabitha Bigbee-HighlandSend us Fan Mail 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...
2021-06-1657 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[BONUS] Do You Have a Dream Burning in Your Heart?Send us Fan MailWelcome 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 conversa...
2021-06-0238 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast195 || [Solo] 3 Commitments to Make Before Spending Money to Pursue Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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...
2021-04-0739 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast194 || How to Glean the Best Path Forward from the Mentors in Your Life || Kelsey ChapmanSend us Fan MailBook 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 re...
2021-03-3139 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast193 || Do You Believe God Will Do Great Things Through Your Dream? || Blythe DanielSend us Fan MailBook 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 r...
2021-03-2439 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast192 || Feeling Too Broken to Dream? Embrace Your Story & Trust God's Plan || Yolanda KingSend us Fan MailBook 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...
2021-03-1735 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast190 || [Solo] A Beginner's Guide for How to be a Great Podcast Guest || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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 me...
2021-03-0331 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast189 || Making a Daily Decision to Surrender Your Dreams to God|| Shelley TysonSend us Fan MailNeed 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 l...
2021-02-2432 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast188 || Mama, You Have Permission to Pursue Your Dreams || Amanda BennettSend us Fan Mail 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 dre...
2021-02-1740 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast186 || [Solo] 3 Strategies to Help You Shift from Busy to Purposeful || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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...
2021-02-0334 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast182 || [Solo] Staying True to the Woman God Made You to Be || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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: Loo...
2021-01-0634 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast180 || [Solo] Planning Your Dream While Doing Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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 you...
2020-12-1626 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast3 Things to Know Before You Start Your Podcast || Merritt Onsa & Natalie ArentSend us Fan MailThis 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 - Yo...
2020-12-0432 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast177 || [Solo] How I Knew My Dream & Clues to Look for to Uncover Yours || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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...
2020-11-2445 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast174 || [Solo] A Call for Christian Women to be Part of the Solution || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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...
2020-11-0425 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast169 || [Solo] What Is Imposter Syndrome and How to Know If You Have It || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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 t...
2020-09-3025 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast154 || Writing a Vision Statement for Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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...
2020-06-0326 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast153 || If Lies Are Keeping You from Pursuing Your Dream || Jessica HottleSend us Fan Mail 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 writin...
2020-05-2047 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast151 || [Solo] 5 Steps to Shifting Your Dream During a Pandemic || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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 alo...
2020-05-0631 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast143 || [SOLO] 7 Reasons You Need a Social Media Detox || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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 t...
2020-03-0431 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[BONUS] Hello 2020 and What’s New in Season SevenSend us Fan MailHappy 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...
2020-01-0812 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast136 || [SOLO] Stop Stalling. Six Habits for Progress in Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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, “sto...
2019-11-2044 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast132 || [SOLO] Finding New Ways to Trust God || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail 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 a...
2019-10-1645 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast129 || [SOLO] How to Move Your Dream Forward Today || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailIf you’ve been putting off starting or kept your dreaming all to yourself or known you need to take a step, but you just haven’t figured out how to do that, this conversation is for you! In this year of testing out monthly solo episodes, we’ve covered a lot about the emotional and spiritual journey of pursuing our God-shaped dreams. Today, we’re talking about finally getting busy and just taking steps toward the dream. I’ve got a handy worksheet that will help clarify what your next...
2019-09-1831 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast126 || [SOLO] How to Refocus Your Identity on Christ || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail We’ve been talking about fear and what it says about our identity or, rather, how we’re placing our identity on something besides Jesus when we allow fear to stand in the way of what God created us to do with our lives. This solo episode falls in line behind #122 and provides some next steps about what to do once you realize that you have, in fact, trusted in something beside the Lord to give you hope, wholeness, satisfaction or purpose. There are three simple (I didn...
2019-08-2133 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast122 || [SOLO] Obstacles to Finding Your Identity in Christ || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail Who am I? is an age-old question. It is easy to respond with a summary of your roles, achievements, degrees, career, or job title. But I think we could all agree that those simple answers do not begin to explain who God made you, what passions ultimately motivate your decisions, or what you value most in this world. If you know Jesus, the churchy, Sunday school answer about our identity is that we are children of God. But what does that really mean? And how do we begin to ac...
2019-07-1739 minThe Devoted Dreamers PodcastA Testimony of God’s Redeeming Love || Bonus Episode || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail Not long ago I was asked by a listener to share on the podcast about how I came to know Jesus. Some of you listening who know me personally have probably heard at least a part of this story. For a lot of you, we’ve never met; you only know what you see (or hear) about my life as it is today. But that’s not the whole story—it never is. What’s remarkable to me is that 25 years ago I would have either told you I was a Ch...
2019-05-2942 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast119 || [SOLO] How to Stop Fear from Stealing Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan MailFear is a common feeling once you start chasing God-shaped dreams, but this fear is not from God. We have a very real enemy to seeks to steal, kill and destroy you and your dreams. Thankfully, we also have a good Father in heaven who loves and cherishes you, and He wants to empower courage in you, especially in the face of fear. In this episode, you’ll learn four strategies to overcome the fear and anxiety you feel related to pursuing a God-shaped dream. You will learn how to create yo...
2019-05-1536 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast116 || [SOLO] Two Simple Reasons Your Dream is Not About You || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail God has a plan for His people and His Kingdom; that means He has a plan for you and your life, too. You likely have a dream of your own, a passion that burns deep inside and makes you want to leap from bed in the morning. Maybe your dream is a desire to change the world for the better, or make beautiful things, or teach others what you have learned on your journey. Whatever it is, God put it in your heart on purpose. When that...
2019-04-1733 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast113 || [SOLO] You Were Created for a Reason || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail Please take a few minutes to respond to our listener survey. You’ll be entered to win your choice of a $10 Amazon gift card or a signature Devoted Dreamers mug! * * * * * * * There is purpose for your life; you are not here by accident. I believe there’s enough in God’s word to back this up, so today I’m talking about the two perspectives I’ve been wrestling with related to this topic and how we decipher our God-shaped dreams. The first perspective is that He uses our gifts...
2019-03-2033 minThe Devoted Dreamers PodcastHello 2019 and What’s Coming for the Rest of Season FiveSend us Fan Mail Happy New Year and welcome back to Season Five of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast. This episode is a quick update on what you can expect from the podcast for the remainder of this season, including a new publishing schedule, monthly themes, solo episodes, and the Dream Letter, which is launching later this month. Be sure to subscribe to get yours! Next week I’ll be back with another interview, this time it’s my conversation with Krista Hengesh of Live Salted ministry. CONNECT WITH MERRITT:
2019-01-0909 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast104 || How Your Dreams Draw You Closer to God || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail I’m wrapping up the podcast for 2018 this week; this is the last episode of the year, and I’m trying something a little different. Back in November, I was invited to speak to a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group in Golden, Colorado. The MOPS theme this year is Find Your Fire – an excellent fit for the conversations we’re having every week on The Devoted Dreamers Podcast. So, I recorded that talk, and I’m sharing it with you this week in lieu of an interview. I’ll be back o...
2018-12-1253 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast102 || When Everything Falls Apart || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail In this week’s episode, I confess my most recent blunder related to the podcast – in real time – and use my mistake to share some reflections on the journey God has used in my life to uncover my God-shaped dream. It isn’t a formula; our dreams don’t really work like that. My hope in sharing these steps (beyond lacking an interview and still wanting to have something to post today) is that you’ll find yourself somewhere on this continuum and gain some insight about what you might need next in the...
2018-11-2838 minThe Devoted Dreamers PodcastSeason 5 Bonus Episode || What’s Coming in Season FiveSend us Fan Mail Welcome back! I’m thrilled you’re joining me for Season Five of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast. I’m just back from maternity leave and wanted to take a few minutes to catch you up following my absence, including details on what’s to come on the podcast (like some local, Denver area, meet-up opportunities) and a preview our first episode back. The podcast will return on October 10, 2018. The first interview of the season is with Megan Sjuts of Building 07. I can’t wait for you to hear her story abou...
2018-10-0318 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast094 || Solo Show: Lessons Learned in Two Years of Podcasting || Merritt OnsaSend us Fan Mail When my interview for Episode 94 fell through a few weeks ago, I decided to do a season-closing solo episode talking about what I’ve learned in the last two years of podcasting. It seemed fitting as I just celebrated my second podcasting anniversary on June 1st and am about to take an extended leave from the show following the birth of our second child in mid-June. In this episode, I share what God’s been teaching me over the last two years of podcasting. However, these lessons aren’t really...
2018-06-0628 min