Shows
The Devoted Dreamers PodcastThe Truth About Your Unique Purpose as a ChristianSend us a textEp 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 que...2025-03-0521 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast320 || God’s Hand in Healing Childhood Trauma via Equine Therapy || Kim TschirretSend us a textFind 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...2024-11-0630 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast318 || [Solo] 3 Myths That Will Keep Your Big Dream in Limbo || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2024-10-0926 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast317 || How Can Your Dream Thrive if You’re Not on Social Media? || Mary Kathryn TillerSend us a textFind 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 wit...2024-09-2544 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast315 || [Solo] How to Be a Good Steward of a God-Shaped Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2024-08-2834 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast313 || [Solo] How to Feel More Capable When You’re Starting a Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2024-08-1425 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast312 || [Encore] What Will Kids Going Back to School Mean for Your God-Shaped Dream? || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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. (2024-08-0737 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast310 || [Solo] How to Find Focused Time for Your Big Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2024-07-1727 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast309 || Learning How to Live Your Story to the Fullest || Cassandra SmithSend us a textFind 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...2024-07-0336 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast308 || [Solo] 3 Reasons Why Community is Essential for Chasing Big Dreams || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2024-06-1926 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast307 || How to Start Listening to the Whispers of God || Kathy IzardSend us a textFind 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...2024-06-0538 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast306 || [Solo] How to Discover and Develop Your Good Gifts from God || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2024-05-2228 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast305 || How to Start Loving the Unique Ways God Made You || Michelle AckerSend us a textFind 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 ev...2024-05-0841 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast304 || Am I Too Old to Pursue a Big Dream? || Heather CreekmoreSend us a textFind 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 boo...2024-04-2444 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast303 || How to Re-Energize Your Faith through the Practice of Wonder || Jen WeaverSend us a textFind 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—wh...2024-04-1042 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast302 || [Solo] How to Persevere When You Want to Quit Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2024-03-2732 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast3 Tips to Help You Commit to Moving Your Body Every Day || Merritt OnsaSend us a textTHIS 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 a text 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 a text 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 a text 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 a text 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...2023-12-1328 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast292 || [Solo] How to Resist Your Dream Taking Over Your Life || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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 a text 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...2023-10-0429 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast286 || [Solo] Top 3 Traps Standing in the Way of Your God-Given Purpose || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2023-09-2729 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast279 || [Solo] What Will Kids Going Back to School Mean for Your God-Shaped Dream? || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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. (2023-08-0939 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast278 || 3 Things We Wished We Knew before Starting Our Podcasts || Merritt Onsa & Natalie BlenkushSend us a text 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...2023-08-0234 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast276 || [Recast] Find Your Purpose: 12 Steps to Uncover a God-Given Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2023-07-1939 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast274 || [Recast] Why It’s Time to Let Go of the Fear That You’re Not Enough || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2023-07-0535 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast267 || [Solo] Two Must-Have Ingredients I Want for Your God Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2023-05-0338 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast264 || [Solo] 3 Truths to Help You Make Decisions about Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2023-03-2231 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast263 || [Solo] What Can You Accomplish for Your Dream in Just Two Hours a Week? || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2023-03-1533 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast262 || [Solo] What’s the Right Way to Start Pursuing a Big Dream? || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2023-03-0839 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast260 || [Solo] Revival Springs Up. How Do We Shape Our Lives for God's Glory? || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2023-02-1827 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[Bonus] Starting Your Day with Gratitude: A Guide to Making it a Habit || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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 a textFind 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 a textFind 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 a textFind 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 a textFind 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 a textFind 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 a textFind 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 a textFind 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 a textFind 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...2022-11-1636 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast253 || [Solo] How Community Can Help You Finally Start on the Dream You’ve Had Forever || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2022-09-2823 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast252 || Do You Need to Add More Playfulness to Your Dream or Your Parenting? || Joy WendlingSend us a textFind show notes here. 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 m...2022-09-2147 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast250 || [Solo] Four Ways You Will Grow When You Build Your Dream in Community || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2022-09-0733 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast246 || [Solo] The #1 Reason to Start Pursuing Your Dream before You Feel Ready || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2022-07-2728 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast244 || How to Invest in Your Spiritual Growth as the Foundation for Your Dream || Jen EvangelistaSend us a textFind 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...2022-06-2949 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast242 || [Solo] 5 Phases of Chasing a Dream and Which One is the Most Fruitful || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2022-06-0136 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast239 || [Solo] Dream Taking Too Long? Another Way to Think About Your Timeline || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2022-05-0441 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast238 || Practical Ways to Build Intimacy with God into Your Day || Angie GibbonsSend us a textFind 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...2022-04-2733 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast235 || [Solo] Five Business Realities That Will Shape the Way You Pursue a Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2022-04-0633 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast230 || [Solo] How Messy Action Gives You Permission to Get Started on Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2022-03-0224 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast229 || [Solo] Two Practical Steps to Help You Let Go of What Other People Might Think || Merritt OnsaSend us a textWhen 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.2022-02-2339 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast228 || [Solo] 3 Questions to Help You Decide if Your Dream is Worth Pursuing || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2022-02-1632 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast227 || [Solo] How to Know if This is the Dream God Has for You || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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...2022-02-0927 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast226 || [Solo] How to Be Certain It Is the Right Time for Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind show notes here. 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...2022-02-0233 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast225 || [Solo] The Reassuring Truth about How to Grow Confidence Right Now || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFind 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 Podcast224 || [Solo] How to Go After a Dream Even When You Don’t Feel Confident || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2022-01-1919 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[BONUS] How to Get Free Dream Coaching with Merritt—In Season 10!Send us a text 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 a textMy 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...2021-10-2756 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast216 || [Solo] Do You Feel Like You’re Not Making Progress on Your Dream? || Merritt OnsaSend us a textIf 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...2021-10-0630 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast212 || [Solo] How to Know If Imposter Syndrome Is the Reason You Are Stuck || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2021-09-0826 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast208 || [Solo] Learning How to Trust God Even When You Doubt Your Purpose || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2021-08-1136 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast203 || [Solo] Why Rest Not Hustle is the Fuel Your Dream Needs || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2021-07-0726 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast200 || Celebration Episode: The Journey to Devoted Dreamers || Merritt Onsa & Tabitha Bigbee-HighlandSend us a text 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...2021-06-1656 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[BONUS] Do You Have a Dream Burning in Your Heart?Send us a textWelcome 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...2021-06-0237 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast195 || [Solo] 3 Commitments to Make Before Spending Money to Pursue Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2021-04-0738 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast193 || Do You Believe God Will Do Great Things Through Your Dream? || Blythe DanielSend us a textBook 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...2021-03-2438 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast192 || Feeling Too Broken to Dream? Embrace Your Story & Trust God's Plan || Yolanda KingSend us a textBook 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...2021-03-1734 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast190 || [Solo] A Beginner's Guide for How to be a Great Podcast Guest || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2021-03-0330 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast189 || Making a Daily Decision to Surrender Your Dreams to God|| Shelley TysonSend us a textNeed 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...2021-02-2431 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast188 || Mama, You Have Permission to Pursue Your Dreams || Amanda BennettSend us a text 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...2021-02-1739 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast186 || [Solo] 3 Strategies to Help You Shift from Busy to Purposeful || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2021-02-0333 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast182 || [Solo] Staying True to the Woman God Made You to Be || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2021-01-0633 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast180 || [Solo] Planning Your Dream While Doing Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2020-12-1625 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast3 Things to Know Before You Start Your Podcast || Merritt Onsa & Natalie ArentSend us a textThis 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...2020-12-0431 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast177 || [Solo] How I Knew My Dream & Clues to Look for to Uncover Yours || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2020-11-2443 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast174 || [Solo] A Call for Christian Women to be Part of the Solution || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2020-11-0424 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast169 || [Solo] What Is Imposter Syndrome and How to Know If You Have It || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2020-09-3024 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast154 || Writing a Vision Statement for Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2020-06-0325 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast153 || If Lies Are Keeping You from Pursuing Your Dream || Jessica HottleSend us a text 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...2020-05-2046 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast152 || What Happens When You Let God Define Your Worth || Courtney ReimerSend us a text 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 wa...2020-05-1347 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast151 || [Solo] 5 Steps to Shifting Your Dream During a Pandemic || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2020-05-0630 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast143 || [SOLO] 7 Reasons You Need a Social Media Detox || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2020-03-0430 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast[BONUS] Hello 2020 and What’s New in Season SevenSend us a textHappy 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 a text 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...2019-11-2043 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast132 || [SOLO] Finding New Ways to Trust God || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2019-10-1644 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast129 || [SOLO] How to Move Your Dream Forward Today || Merritt OnsaSend us a textIf 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...2019-09-1830 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast126 || [SOLO] How to Refocus Your Identity on Christ || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2019-08-2132 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast122 || [SOLO] Obstacles to Finding Your Identity in Christ || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2019-07-1738 minThe Devoted Dreamers PodcastA Testimony of God’s Redeeming Love || Bonus Episode || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2019-05-2940 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast119 || [SOLO] How to Stop Fear from Stealing Your Dream || Merritt OnsaSend us a textFear 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...2019-05-1535 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast116 || [SOLO] Two Simple Reasons Your Dream is Not About You || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2019-04-1732 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast113 || [SOLO] You Were Created for a Reason || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2019-03-2032 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast110 || [SOLO] You Have Great Value and Worth || Merritt OnsaSend us a text This solo episode is tied directly to my last solo episode (#107, so go listen if you haven’t already). In this one I’m talking about our value and worth because we are daughters of the Most High King. You’ll hear a few more bits of my story prior to becoming a Christian, and then even after Jesus rescued me, about how I rested my value on something that was ultimately going to fail me. I share the best response I ever got from a Christian man who kn...2019-02-2025 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast107 || [SOLO] Because You are a Daughter of the Most High King || Merritt OnsaSend us a text In this solo episode, I’m talking about identity, specifically our identity in Christ as daughters of the Most High King. You’ll hear how I struggled early on as a Christian to even understand what this means and how to live it out. To explain what it means to find our identity in Christ, I also share what it’s not, meaning you’re going to hear a bit about my messy life before Jesus (um, yes, it’s still messy AFTER Jesus but just in a different way now!) I sh...2019-01-3033 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast104 || How Your Dreams Draw You Closer to God || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2018-12-1252 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast102 || When Everything Falls Apart || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2018-11-2837 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast097 || How to Let Yourself Be Who God Created You to Be || Julie LandrethSend us a text Julie Landreth has a passion for healthy and thriving relationships–especially marriages. She is a speaker and wife coach who loves sharing her passion for prayer and how to cultivate a thriving marriage. She leads a growing number of women in San Jose, CA through her weekly WifeLab curriculum: Loving Well, The Art of Praying for Your Husband. Julie and her husband are celebrating 15 years of cultivating a marriage filled with intentional love. Their secret? A date night every Friday. In addition to speaking, writing, and teaching, Julie is also a fre...2018-10-2449 minThe Devoted Dreamers Podcast094 || Solo Show: Lessons Learned in Two Years of Podcasting || Merritt OnsaSend us a text 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...2018-06-0627 min