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Find the show notes here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/320
✨ Dream Believers ~ a virtual community for Christian women with big dreams. Join the waitlist for exclusive early-bird access. Sign up here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamco ✨
Could God use the pain of your past to grow a dream in your heart?
Kim Tschirret grew up in what appeared to be a normal home, but the hidden truth of her father’s alcoholism and abuse was a source of deep pain and secrecy. The only safe place she knew as a child was in her horse’s stable.
By God’s mercy, grace, and eventual healing of her childhood trauma, the story doesn’t end there. In fact, it continues to be told in the healing of more than 2,000 children over the past 15 years who have benefited from her nonprofit ministry called Hope Reins.
Tune in as Kim shares insights on the power of equine therapy for healing childhood trauma and how God planted a dream in her heart for hurting kids to find hope and healing through a relationship with rescued horses.
If you’ve been looking for examples of how God might use your story for a bigger purpose, don’t miss this conversation! It is sure to ignite your faith and give you courage as we talk about:
💡 How God often illuminates purpose through personal healing,
✨ The comfort we receive from God and give in return to the people our dreams serve, and
❤️ Anchoring your day with spiritual practices that nurture your connection with God.
This episode is for you if you have a heart for hurting kids or rescued horses or you just need the reminder that God can use all the broken things for our good and for His glory.
Connect with Kim & Hope Reins:Website
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Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
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Find the show notes here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/319
🤩 Hey Dreamer, join our Community Conversation calls – a supportive monthly opportunity to practice talking about your dream. Register here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect 🤩
Is life so busy that you can’t imagine making time for a dream?
Whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or somewhere in between; navigating life with teenagers; caring for aging parents or small children; serving in your community or your church, there are countless obligations that compete for your valuable and limited time.
It’s hard to imagine where you’d find “extra” time to write, pursue a business idea, or build the ministry you’ve been dreaming about.
If you’re waiting to find time so you can get serious about a passion project, I’ve got to be honest with you: It won’t just happen. The daily demands of life will always stand in the way of your ambitions.
But what if a shift in perspective could help make space for what matters?
My guest Vivian Cumins is a writer, speaker, and host of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast, and this episode is about her journey of seeing her imbalanced life, listening to the Lord, and finally stopping to do something about it.
Listen in and you’ll learn from practical examples about:
🚶♀️ How a morning routine can set the tone for a balanced and Christ-centered day,
✨ The importance of trusting God’s plans, especially in challenging times, and
💡 Prioritizing fun and self-care for a spiritually healthy and joyful life.
If you’ve ever struggled to maintain balance in your own life, Vivian’s story offers an encouraging alternative focused on three pillars: God first, self-care, and fun.
May this episode be an encouragement toward more balance in your daily life and a deepening relationship with the Lord.
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.
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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/318
🤩 Have a God-shaped dream? We have a monthly call where you can share with other Christian women about your dream. Sign up today for our next Community Conversation: https://merrittonsa.com/connect 🤩
Are you waiting for confirmation from God?You have a big dream but you’ve felt unsure about whether you should take the leap of faith to begin. You’re waiting for God to confirm the idea or give you insight about how you’ll proceed. Once you have confirmation, you’ll go for it, but when will it come? How long should you wait with your dream on hold?
In this episode, I’m tackling three pervasive myths that can paralyze even the most passionate dreamers, including the belief that you need clear confirmation from God to begin.
Through Scripture and anecdotes from dreamers who are taking action, we’ll uncover how procrastination, fear of failure, and perfectionism can hinder your progress.
If you’re a Christian woman with a big dream, this episode is your invitation to embrace a new way of looking at how to push past these obstacles, start small, and embrace the unknown with a growing faith in Christ.
In this episode you’ll learn:
🔍 How to identify and overcome the myths that will delay your dream,
💫 What you can do if you’re caught in the trap of procrastination, and
💡 The remarkable value of embracing uncertainty even when you’d rather play it safe.
Listen in and discover the freedom to walk with God into your dream, fully confident that you have everything you need to move forward.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for the encouragement to take a big leap, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you bring your God-shaped dream to life.
Press play and let’s get started!
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NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat
Join the Facebook Community
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
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: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/317
🤩 Join our Community Conversation calls – a supportive monthly opportunity to practice talking about your dream. Register here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect 🤩
Do you have to be on social media to attract the people your dream is meant to serve?
My guest Mary Kathryn Tiller—a writer and co-founder of “Writing Off Social”—is here to share her transformative journey of leaving social media behind. “Writing Off Social” empowers Christian women writers to grow their audience without the burnout that comes with being on social media.
Packed with practical tips, faith-based insights, and inspiring reflections on community and God’s timing, this episode offers a refreshing take on balancing modern technology with your life’s calling. Tune in for a profound conversation that challenges conventional wisdom about building your platform on social media.
In this episode Mary Kathryn shares:
🚶♀️The emotional toll of social media and practical steps for leaving without losing your audience,
✨ The important role your faith plays in guiding these decisions, and
💡 How to build community and find support beyond social platforms.
Today’s episode is sure to encourage and challenge you. Listen in to discover how Mary Kathryn and other writers have thoughtfully and prayerfully shifted their focus away from social media to find life-giving ways to grow an audience for their dreams.
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/316
🤩 Join our Community Conversation calls – a supportive monthly opportunity to practice talking about your dream. Register here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect 🤩
Are insecurities keeping you from pursuing a dream?
Former child actress Wendi Lou Lee had often wondered if God could use her role in the cast of Little House on the Prairie to reach people with the gospel. But doubt and insecurity stood in the way of her doing anything about it.
It wasn’t until she was recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumor that Wendi finally began to embrace the opportunity to use her platform as a cast member share her story of God’s goodness through difficulty.
It started with a shift in perspective that was amplified by a simple question from her sister. She decided it was time to live her life differently, which led to writing her memoir, attending a writer’s conference, and then, beginning to gather Little House fans every week through live video.
In this episode she shares:
💡 the shift in perspective that ignited the flame for her quiet dream,
✨ how she battled insecurities by taking repeated action, and
❤️ how you can trust God’s ability to use your unique story and circumstances to bless others and make himself known.
Listen in to discover how Wendi’s faith and vulnerability transformed her life and connected her with believers and non-believers alike. Don’t miss this compelling story of faith, resilience, and divine purpose.
NEXT STEPS:
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/315
💥 This episode is brought to you by Dream Believers – a new virtual community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources that will help you bring your God-shaped dream to life!
Click to learn more and join here: merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers
Let’s Go After Our Dreams Together! 💥Are you ready to invest in yourself for the sake of your dream?
Does it feel like investing in yourself is selfish? You’re not alone. In this episode, I dive into why self-investment is actually a form of stewardship, preparing you for the unique role God has designed for you.
Tune in to gain practical insights, biblical wisdom, and inspiration to start investing in your dream today—including testimonials from women who have taken the leap of faith to get the support they need for their God-shaped dreams.
If you’re a Christian woman with a big dream, this episode is your invitation to embrace a new way of looking at how to be a responsible steward of what God has given you.
In this episode you’ll learn:
💫 Why investing in yourself is stewardship not selfishness
🔍 Practical Tips for finding extra money to support your dream
💡 What happens when you embrace the reality that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
Plus, I’ll introduce you to my Dream Believers Community, where you can find support and encouragement you need from fellow dreamers so you can stay the course when the responsibility of carrying this dream feels way beyond your abilities.
Join us and discover how and why it’s important to steward your dream by investing in yourself. Let’s dive in!
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Join the Dream Believers community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources to bring your God-shaped dream to life!
Click to learn more and register before the doors close on August 29th: merrittonsa.com/dreambelievers
Let’s Go After Our Dreams Together!
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Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat
Join the Facebook Community
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku. -
Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/314
💥 This episode is brought to you by Dream Believers – a new virtual community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources to bring your God-shaped dream to life! 💥
Register for the free “Start Your Dream in 30 Days” workshop coming up on August 22nd. RSVP at: merrittonsa.com/workshop and Let’s Go Together!
How disciplined do you need to be to take on a big dream?
You’d never guess it by looking from the outside in, but discipline is not one of my top strengths—it’s not even in the top 30! If “lack of discipline” is one of the reasons you’re holding off on pursuing a dream, listen in for another way to look at what it means to “be disciplined.”
Tune in to gain practical insights, biblical wisdom, and inspiration to persevere even through setbacks. If you’re a Christian woman with big dreams, this episode is your roadmap to embracing a new way of being disciplined so you can make tangible progress.
In this episode you’ll learn:
💫 3 myths that confuse our understanding of what it means to be disciplined
💃 Ways even an undisciplined person can build a habit of discipline
💡 Practical tips for how to apply everyday discipline to pursuing a God-shaped dream
Plus, I’ll introduce you to the Dream Believers Community, where you can find support and encouragement you need from fellow dreamers so you can stay the course when the dream feels beyond your abilities.
Join us and discover how discipline can be your hidden strength on the path to fulfilling your God-shaped dreams. Let’s dive in!
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Be sure to RSVP for the free workshop on August 22nd so you can Start Your Dream in 30 Days! Register here: merrittonsa.com/workshop. Then, show up on Thursday, August 22nd, and find your courage with other dreamers who are on the journey too!
Let’s get started! Click play and get ready to pursue your dream!
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat
Join the Facebook Community
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku. -
Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/313
💥 This episode is brought to you by Dream Believers – a new virtual community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources to bring your God-shaped dream to life! Beginners are welcome!! 💥
Join us by attending a free workshop on August 22nd so you can “Start Your Dream in 30 Days.” RSVP at: merrittonsa.com/dreamco and Let’s Go Together!
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Have big dreams but feel uncertain how to begin?
This week on the Devoted Dreamers podcast we are exploring a mindset shift that will help you begin with ease and clarity. My goal, by the end of this solo episode, is that you would know you already have what you need to get started. So pop in your earbuds, put on your walking shoes and let’s figure out what you’re capable of! (I already know the answer: A lot more than you realize!)
Plus, I’ll introduce you to the Dream Believers Community, where you can find support and encouragement you need from fellow dreamers so you can stay the course when the dream feels beyond your abilities.
Tune in for inspiration and actionable steps to confidently walk into your dream, knowing that with faith and community, you are more capable than you think.
In this episode you’ll learn:
⚡The secret to beginning something new when you feel unqualified,
💫 The power of recognizing and embracing your inherent gifts and talents, and
🪜 Practical steps to help you start right where you are today.
Get ready to find courage as you build an enduring support system of friends to labor alongside you, together, begin taking action steps toward your God-shaped dreams.
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Before you go, RSVP for my free workshop on August 22nd so you can Start Your Dream in 30 Days! Register for the workshop here: merrittonsa.com/dreamco. Then, show up on Thursday, August 22nd, and find your courage with other dreamers who are on the journey too!
Let’s get started! Click play and get ready to pursue your dream!
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat
Join the Facebook Community
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku. -
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. (
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Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/311
💥 This episode is brought to you by Dream Believers – a new virtual community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources to bring your God-shaped dream to life! 💥
Beginners are welcome!! Join the Dream Believers waitlist at: merrittonsa.com/dreamco and Let’s Go Together!
What if you started asking better questions about your God-shaped dream?
This week we’re diving into the essential art of asking better questions to propel your God-shaped dream forward.
In this solo episode, I’ll share how switching from fear-inspired “what if” questions to more productive, actionable questions can bring you closer to your dream. We’ll explore the importance of identifying what you can control, leaning into God, and walking this path in community with others who share your faith and dedication.
Plus, I’ll introduce you to the Dream Believers Community, where you can find support and encouragement from fellow dreamers to stay the course when the dream feels beyond your abilities.
You’re going to learn:
⚡ How to shift from fear-based questions to faith-fueled questions,
🪜 Practical steps to reframe your mindset, and
💫 The transformative power of a shared experience with other women on the dreamer journey.
Get ready to reframe all of your “what-if” questions so you can gain clarity and take actionable steps toward the big dreams God has placed on your heart.
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Before you go, join the waitlist for the Dream Believers community at: merrittonsa.com/dreamco and join a group of like-minded women who are going after their dreams TOGETHER!
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Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat
Join the Facebook Community
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku. -
Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/310
💥 This episode is brought to you by Dream Believers – a new virtual community for inspiration, accountability & practical resources to bring your God-shaped dream to life! 💥
Beginners are welcome!! Join the waitlist at: merrittonsa.com/dreamco and let’s Go Together!
Do you lack the free time to make your God-shaped dream a reality?
It’s difficult to imagine when you’ll find a moment to type out the next chapter of your book, or plan that event you’ve been dreaming up, or really give serious thought to the business idea swimming around in your head.
Whether it’s the demands of daily life, a family member in need, a crisis in your community, or an unexpected illness, “free time” is elusive. And because your dream isn’t urgent, it always gets pushed to the backburner when “real life” demands rise to the surface—yet again.
Pop in your earbuds to learn:
⚡ A simple framework to help you find focused time for your dream,
❤️ Practical steps for staying consistent amidst a busy life, and
💫 The shift in perspective needed so you don’t give up.
Get ready to step outside your comfort zone and tackle the time constraints of your life, so you can say “yes” to the big dreams God has placed on your heart.
Before you go, join the waitlist for the Dream Believers community at: merrittonsa.com/dreamco and surround yourself with like-minded women who are going after their dreams TOGETHER!
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat
Join the Facebook Community
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku. -
Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/309
This episode is brought to you by the Dream Believers virtual community. Get on the waitlist to be notified when the doors are open to new members: https://merrittonsa.com/dreamco
What story have you been living in?
At 17 years old, Cassandra Smith was living in silence, withdrawn from others, and facing a severe mental health crisis. Never did she imagine that years later she would give keynotes and TEDx talks, write books, lead mentorship programs, and create more than 200 downloadable resources to rally around the power of living your story to the fullest.
Cassandra is passionate about mental health wellness, believing people are not defined by what has happened to them in their life but rather where they want to go. Her core message comes from asking the question: “What would your life look like if you were to take back the pen to the story of your life?”
The encouragement she brings comes from her personal story of moving out of darkness and into the light of believing God’s truth and stepping into a big dream He had given her.
Listen in and discover how you can learn to trust the Lord despite fear and how that’s just the beginning of changing the narrative of your life’s story.
In this episode she shares:
💡 how our dreams come alive through the everyday moments,
✨ practical advice on overcoming fear so you can find your voice, and
❤️ how building a support network is essential in navigating the uncertainty (and the meltdowns) that come when you start to pursue a dream
This inspiring podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents, and life experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call
Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku. -
Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/308
💥 This episode is brought to you by the Devoted Dreamers Community Conversation call held on the last Wednesday of the month at 10:30 AM Pacific / 1:30 PM Eastern. 💥
Register for free here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect
Are you ready to uncover the secret weapon for chasing your God-shaped dream?
If the obstacles between you and your dream feel overwhelming, it might be time for a game-changer: Community!
In this solo episode, I dive into exactly why I believe community is essential for tackling the hurdles and confidently moving forward with your God-shaped dream. Whether your dream involves writing, speaking, leading, teaching, starting a business, or building a ministry, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable tips just for you.
From tackling obstacles like time and discipline to gaining clarity and momentum, community is the key. When you’re surrounded by other Jesus-loving women who also have a big dream, everyone wins because we are stronger together than we are on our own.
I also introduce you to our supportive Devoted Dreamers community and tell you how to connect this month with like-minded women who have a similar heart and are pursuing God-shaped dreams just like you.
Pop in your earbuds to learn all about:
⚡ The three obstacles that community helps eliminate,
💫 What the Bible says about strength in numbers, and
🎁 How to find the like-minded community you seek.
If you’ve ever felt the nudge to create or build something new but find yourself overwhelmed by the enormity of the dream, you’re in the right place.
Get ready to step outside your comfort zone, face those fears, and say “yes” to the big dreams God has placed on your heart. This episode is packed with encouragement and practical insights to help you on your journey. Let’s get started!
RSVP for the free monthly Community call on Zoom
NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat
Join the Facebook Community
Support the Podcast
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
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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. -
Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/306
💥 This episode is brought to you by the Devoted Dreamers Community Conversation call held on the last Wednesday of the month at 10:30 AM Pacific / 1:30 PM Eastern. 💥
Register for free here: https://merrittonsa.com/connect
What good gifts did God give you?
In this solo episode, we dive deep into how you can discover and develop your God-given gifts. Whether you have a burning idea for a book you want to write, a business that could transform lives, or a heartfelt vision for ministry, this episode is for you.
We’ll dig deep into scripture, reflect on life experiences, and explore practical steps to take action on your God-shaped dreams. Plus, I’ll share details about our supportive Devoted Dreamers community and how you can connect with like-minded women who are pursuing their dreams just like you.
Pop in your earbuds to learn all about:
🎁 How to identify your God-given gifts,
📝 Practical advice for using those gifts as it relates to your dream, and
❤️ Understanding why your gifts matter.
If you’ve ever felt the nudge to create or build something new but find yourself overwhelmed by the enormity of the dream, you’re in the right place.
Get ready to step outside your comfort zone, face those fears, and say “yes” to the big dreams God has placed on your heart. This episode is packed with encouragement and practical insights to help you on your journey. Let’s get started!
RSVP for the free monthly Community call on Zoom
Three questions I asked you to reflect on in this episode:
Why do my gifts matter in the world?
What, Lord, do you want to do with my good gifts?
How can my gifts bring you glory?
NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat
Join the Facebook Community
Support the Podcast
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
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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:
🪤The 3 traps you’ll encounter when you’re in the messy middle of a big dream
🏃♀️Practical advice for how to navigate the messy middle without giving up
❤️Finding strength to persevere in community with others dreamers facing similar trials
This encouraging podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents, and experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.
Join us for my next free monthly call on Zoom with other devoted dreamers
NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat
Join the Facebook Community
Support the Podcast
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
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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. - もっと表示する
