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

    đŸ’„ 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. đŸ’„

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Pop in your earbuds to learn all about:

    ⚡ The three obstacles that community helps eliminate,

    đŸ’« What the Bible says about strength in numbers, and

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

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

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

    RSVP for the free monthly Community call on Zoom



    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Join the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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

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

    Have you ever felt a God nudge?

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

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

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

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

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

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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

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

    đŸ’„ 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. đŸ’„

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

    What good gifts did God give you?

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

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

    Pop in your earbuds to learn all about:

    🎁 How to identify your God-given gifts,

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

    ❀ Understanding why your gifts matter.

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

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

    RSVP for the free monthly Community call on Zoom

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

    Why do my gifts matter in the world?

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

    How can my gifts bring you glory?

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Join the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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

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

    Do you struggle to recognize the beauty of your uniqueness?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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

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

    Is it too late for me and my dream?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ❀ The power of wonder to remove the burden of overthinking, and

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

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

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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

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

    What do you do when a dream feels too hard?

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

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

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

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

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

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

    đŸƒâ€â™€ïžPractical advice for how to navigate the messy middle without giving up

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

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

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

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Join the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ❀ The transformative power of daily acts of kindness, and

    đŸ—ïž Two questions that were the key to unlocking & discovering her full purpose.

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

    NEXT STEPS:

    Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

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

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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

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

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

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

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

    In this episode you’ll learn:

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

    ❀ About trusting God even when progress seems slow, and

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

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

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

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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

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

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

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

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

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

    You’ll learn:

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

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

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

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

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

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

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

    Have you ever felt unqualified for the dream God has given you?

    You’re not alone in that. My guest today is a decade into her dream, and she’s here to share how God moved her from a career in corporate advertising to building a ministry and business that would glorify God and serve His people.

    Polly Payne is the CEO + Founder of Horacio Printing and in this episode, you’ll hear her talk about the birth of her dream to create a God-centered planner company. Horacio Printing has sold over 45,000 Dream Planners around the world and raised over $73,000 to fight human trafficking through her partnership with A21.

    A mother of two, Polly now lives in Lookout Mountain, GA, where she leads her company and empowers other dreamers to create their own bible studies, journals and planners, through her Print School, which she founded in 2022.

    Stick around to learn from Polly about:

    the challenges, strategies, and faith journey in her shift from corporate to entrepreneurship sharing knowledge and experience with other creators—even if it means empowering future competitors, and the profound effect of surrendering our dreams and their outcomes to God's control.

    Our God is good and trustworthy and He is at work in the world—in your life, in mine, in Polly’s.

    If you’ve struggled to get started. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and going nowhere with your dream, join me for a Devoted Dreamers Zoom call on Wednesday, January 31st to connect, build community, share boldly and imagine what God might do with our dreams in 2024!

    Register for the call at merrittonsa.com/first90days

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

    MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
    Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
    Theme music by
    Reaktor Productions.
    Ad music: “New Day” used under Creative Commons by Lee Rosevere.

  • THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

    Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

    Are you stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts?

    Throughout my January Habit Series, I’ve been talking about habits you might consider adopting this year (and tips for making them easier), because building new habits has the potential to strengthen you and support your dream.

    Each episode focuses on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (about 10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

    In this final episode of the series, I’m talking about the reasons I began a simple daily gratitude practice and the mindset shift that resulted in a fairly short period of time after implementing it.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    The easiest way to practice daily gratitude, What daily gratitude can do to change your attitude for the better, and The underlying benefit for your dream when you start building new habits.

    Grab my free, UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

    Subscribe to the show and then come on back on Wednesdays following this series for more interviews and solo episodes customized for the dreamer in you who knows there’s a dream inside just waiting to come out!

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

  • THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

    Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

    When was the last time you tried a thing you’ve never done before?

    In my January Habit Series, I’ve been talking about habits you might consider adopting this year (and tips for making them easier), because building new habits has the potential to strengthen you and support your dream.

    Each mini episode focuses on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (about 10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life. If you’ve missed any of them, I’ve created a Spotify playlist for you right here.

    But the habits we’re talking about in these episodes are not necessarily the “new skills” I’m referring to in today’s episode. Rather, this one is all about making it a habit to try something new every chance you get. It’s important because it builds perseverance, confidence (even when you fail), and rewires your brain for other uncomfortable endeavors that are bound to come your way as you run after a God-shaped dream.

    In this episode, you’ll:

    Learn the value of getting out of your comfort zone by learning a new skill, Consider possible roadblocks to the “new” things necessary in pursuing a dream, and Gather some ideas for making it easy to try new things.

    Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

    Join me for a 2-hour Co-Working session once a month in 2024, with the accountability you need to finally check that project off your list. Register for Co-Working here.

    Subscribe to the show and then come back to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

  • THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

    Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

    How good would it feel if you could clear out your email inbox by next week?

    This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

    For this one, I’ve got a special treat for you. I’m sharing an episode from my friend Christa Hutchins’ podcast, Just One Simple Thing, about getting your email inbox in order as part of her “January Reset” series. (The entire series is GOLD, so I urge you to subscribe to her show and listen to all of them!)

    If you don’t already know Christa, she’s a professional project manager, ministry leader, and entrepreneur. Christa loves details and turning scary, complex ideas into specific plans to accomplish a goal, one step at a time.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    The easy way to get your email subscriptions under control,

    A simple 5-step method for clearing out your inbox once and for all, and

    One thing you should start doing with the subscribers on your email list.

    Grab the free, UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

    Get Christa’s January Reset Handout in her Plan & Pray Facebook group

    Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

  • THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

    Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

    What if getting more sleep at night could increase your energy for pursing a dream?

    This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

    Getting more sleep has been one of the most impactful shifts I’ve made in the last six months for improving my energy and the creativity I’m able to give to my dream.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    The importance of sleep hygiene (and a definition, in case this is the first time you’re hearing this term), Indicators you need to clean up your sleep habits, and How to get started at getting to bed earlier, even if you’re naturally a night owl.

    Grab the free, UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

    Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

  • THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

    Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

    Could you benefit from planning out your week on Sunday nights?

    Preparing for the week ahead on a Sunday night will not only help you stay on top of those one-off commitments you might otherwise forget, but it also illuminates where you have pockets of time that could be used more effectively for pursuing your God-shaped dream.

    I started weekly planning (off-and-on) about two years ago. I usually get really excited about it at the beginning of the year and lose track when summer rolls around.

    But I’ve noticed that when I consistently do my weekly planning, I am less likely to be in a panic about needing to be somewhere all of a sudden (even though I made the appointment just last week), or feel unprepared for a call that’s about to happen, or wish I’d washed my hair that morning so I’d be “camera ready” for an afternoon Zoom meeting.

    Simply making an appointment with myself to plan once a week often means the days that follow go more smoothly.

    This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

    Weekly planning has so many benefits, and in this episode, you’ll learn:

    A few tell-tale signs that you could benefit from weekly planning, Why to start weekly planning now, even if you’re not currently engaged in pursuing a dream, and The surprising rhythms you might discover just by starting a habit of planning out your week in advance.

    Grab the free UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

    Grab my Weekly Planning Training & Worksheet for just $19.

    Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

  • THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

    Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

    What would need to change for you to spend 20 minutes a day moving your body?

    Five days ago, when I recorded this episode, I did not have a daily movement habit, but that is no longer the case. Just thinking and talking about it for this episode was enough to spark me into action. Maybe it’ll do the same for you. As of Tuesday morning, I’ve walked four out of four mornings for fifteen to twenty minutes, just as the sun was rising (and didn’t let 14 degrees temps keep me inside!).

    Every day I’m excited to pull out my UPDATED Habit Tracker and check off that day when I get home from my walk. So simple and yet so satisfying!

    This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

    This is the fourth episode in my Habit Series, and in it I’m talking about the value of moving your body every day (ideally outside in the morning sunlight) and a few tips to help you get this habit started.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    What your body needs in a 24-hour cycle, The impact of getting morning sunlight, and How to make moving your body every day easier.

    Grab the free UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

    Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

  • THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

    Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

    How important is restorative rest in pursuing a big dream?

    Our body, mind and soul require rest; it’s just how we were made and it was modeled for us by God in the creation account and in Adam’s first day on earth. Why wouldn’t we also benefit from regular rhythms of rest in our lives?

    This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

    This is the third episode in my Habit Series; I’m talking about the value of living from rest instead of for rest and how simple it can be to add Sabbath rest into your weekly rhythms.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    How restorative rest differs from just chilling out, Steps you can take to determine if you need more Sabbath rest, and When and how I get Sabbath rest even when life is busy.

    Grab the free UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

    Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

  • THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

    Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

    Why should you read the Bible every day?

    All month long I’ll be talking about habits to consider (and tips for making them easier) as part of my series on building habits that will strengthen you and support your dream.

    Welcome to the second episode in the Habit Series. Today is all about the easy way to start a daily Bible reading habit.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    The benefits of reading the Bible every day It’s easier than you think to create a daily Bible-reading habit, and Why tracking your habits can make all the difference in your motivation to stick with it!

    Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker and start reading the Bible on a daily basis.

    Subscribe to the show and check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

    Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit you might consider and/or a tip/hack to help you implement a new habit. These will be short and sweet (5-10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

    NEXT STEPS:

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

    Get Connected with the Facebook Community

    Support the Podcast

    Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

    Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android