If you have ever wanted to try a social media detox, this solo episode offers seven reasons that will help you decide if doing one is right for you. From realizing how our digital devices rewire our brains (thanks, Cal Newport!), to figuring out where your affections lie, to making space for spontaneous thought and Scripture recall, there are so many reasons to take a break from the scroll and make a conscious decision about how you want to spend your digital minutes.
142 || What to Do When You Fear the Unknown || Rachel Awtrey
Does the fear of what might happen stand in the way of your dream becoming a reality? If so, you’re not alone. Even women who are further along in their dreaming can become stuck by a fear of the unknown. Rachel Awtrey admits to this struggle, and she teaches us her tactics for what to do when it shows up. You also don’t want to miss what it takes to persevere when your dream isn’t dreamy, how to finance your dream at the beginning, and why to create systems and build a board of advisors.
141 || Pursuing a Dream When You Lack the Training || Jaime Fenwick
If God has gifted and impassioned you with a dream, there is no reason to let a lack of training stand in the way of pursuing it. Jaime Fenwick, creator of Bringing Inspiration Home, teaches us about being renewed in our dream, making space for organic creative thought, involving others in the process so we don’t have to go it alone, and building momentum for your dream by getting really specific about the aspect of your dream that most inspires you.
140 || How to Create Powerful Messaging for Your Audience || Strategy Session with Natalie Arent
Through this strategy session with Natalie Arent, you’ll learn about tackling your nerves related to following your dream, narrowing down your niche, and how to message specifically for your audience. Natalie helps Christian coaches and online service providers position themselves as an expert in their industry and attract the people they’re meant to serve with a cohesive visual brand. She has a knack for seeing what her clients struggle to put into words and is a huge fan of sharing your authentic self.
139 || How to Stop Hustling While Still Following Your Dream || Malinda Fuller
If your plate is so full that hustle has become your middle name and stress has begun to negatively impact your life, this episode with Malinda Fuller will speak straight to your need. Malinda is a bold communicator who is passionate about thriving families and helping people grow as disciples of Jesus. She is the author of Obedience Over Hustle: The Surrender of the Striving Heart and has become a trusted voice on the topics of obedience, hustle and living an intentional life.
138 || When God Gives You an Unexpected Dream || Misty Phillip
Misty Phillip has a passion for women to seek Jesus, study the Word, and grow in grace. She has recently transitioned from the role of homeschooling mom to founder of Spark Christian Podcast Conference, coming in February to Houston, Texas. Her story is a vivid reminder that God is not only our Creator but also our provider, and He provides far beyond what we might expect. If your dream feels totally out of your league – way bigger than anything you could ever manage alone – you’ll love this interview.
137 || Why are You Hiding Your Dream? || Kat Armstrong
Kat Armstrong didn’t set out to become an author. Rather, she wrote her first book in order to steward a message about the Greatest Commandment: how we, as women, might love the Lord with all our heart and soul as well as with our mind and strength. Kat doesn’t hold back from sharing about the rejection of her first book proposal, her grief at the loss of her father, and how she has shifted her mindset from numbers of followers and sales to considering how her work could help people.
136 || Stop Stalling. Six Habits for Progress in Your Dream || Merritt Onsa
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!
IF YOU HAVE EVER HAD TROUBLE GETTING STARTED, THIS WAS THE EPISODE FOR YOU.
This episode is all about helping you establish a process of starting and continuing to move forward in your God-shaped dream. I said, “stop stalling” in the title because I know, just like my fear of something being imperfect at the finish line, there’s also a big fear out there of not doing it right to begin with.
That’s why I wanted to document a six-step process to help you get your dream moving forward once and for all or to help you keep going once you’ve begun. I asked a few listeners for their best experiences with forming new habits in the face of pursuing something bigger than themselves; those are included as well as some of my own suggestions for what helps improve your perseverance once you’re in the middle of the dream.
In this final solo episode of 2019, my prayer for you is that you would take a big leap in the year to come: that you would trust God fully with whatever He has for you and whatever He’s shown you to do with your one life here on this earth. I also pray that He gives you the strength to just keep moving forward unless or until He shows you differently.
We are in this together, my Sisters in Christ. You’re not alone in stepping out to pursue a dream that scares the crud out of you. But don’t let that stop you. You were created for a reason, and we can’t wait to see how God will use you for the praise of His glory!
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MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
Episode 107 – You are a Daughter of the Most High King
TBD - Where you can find the audio book including the entire set of solo episodes from 2019 PLUS bonus content just for those who buy the audio book.
Stay Connected:
Subscribe for my monthly Dream Letter HERE: Bit.ly/dreamltr for once a month letter from me!
The Other Solo Episodes You May Have Missed:
Episode 110 – You Have Great Value and Worth
Episode 113 – You Were Created for a Reason
Episode 116 – Two Simple Reasons Your Dream is Not About You
Episode 119 – How to Stop Fear from Stealing Your Dream
And My appearance on Kindled Podcast with Haley Williams where I walk her through a Fear Inventory
Episode 122 – Obstacles to Finding Your Identity in Christ
Episode 126 – How to Refocus Your Identity on Christ
Episode 129 - How to Move Your Dream Forward Today
Episode 132 – Finding New Ways to Trust God
SCRIPTURE:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
~ Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV)
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
~ Colossians 3:1-4 (NLT)
MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Subscribeand leave a review on Apple PodcastsorStitcher Radio.
Join the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group
Follow Merritt on Instagram || Facebook || Twitter
The Devoted Dreamers Podcastis produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
135 || How to Make Time for Your Dream Every Day || Stefanie Gass
This one is for the dreamer who thinks she’s too busy to pursue her God-shaped dream. Stephanie Gass shares a little tough love and a reminder that there IS time for your dream; it just might mean planning out your days differently, prioritizing what matters, and forgetting about the rest. She’ll teach us that where we are right now may not be the destination and that it’s important to get healthy—and how she did that—before you really get busy on your dream.
134 || Because Your Dream Is Not Too Big for God || Rachel Pellegrino
In the midst of grief, Rachel Pellegrino couldn’t have imagined what she’d be doing today; the dream to publish children’s books wasn’t even on her radar. But a few business courses, lots of prayer, a conversation with her husband, and some outreach to people in an industry she’d never worked in brought this dream to fruition. Today, she’s building a legacy for her daughter, serving families in search of high-quality, values-based books for kids, and helping authors launch their books into the world.
133 || How to Center Your Life on What Matters || Tonya Dalton
Productivity expert, writer, speaker, and owner of inkWELL Press Tonya Dalton shares her vision for helping women center their lives not on doing more but on doing what’s most important. Tonya teaches us that having clarity on your dream doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy to pursue and how facing challenges helps grow your dependence on Jesus. You will grow in confidence as you hear her story about not giving up and the choices she made when she had no idea what she was doing.
132 || Finding New Ways to Trust God || Merritt Onsa
What is the biggest thing you’ve ever had to trust God for? It seems the longer we wait for something 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. This episode will teach you three connected practices to help combat the mindsets of fear and doubt and, instead, go to battle against the evil one with the truth and power of God’s Word.
131 || Holding on to Hope Because God Is Faithful || Anna Sackett
Nineteen-year-old Anna Sackett recently left the comforts of home in the U.S. to study midwifery as a missionary in the Philippines. Just before her life shifted dramatically as a result of her dream to serve women and families, she shares how she is resting her hope and joy in Jesus, what it looks like to rejoice in the midst of longing for something more in life, and the importance of remaining steadfast in Him (and how we might do that).
130 || How to Turn Up the Volume on Truth || Charlena Ortiz
Charlena Ortiz, founder of Grit & Virtue, teaches us how she’s learned to trust Jesus as her sustainer, sought unforced rhythms of grace in pursuing her dream, and discovered patience with herself and with God. Listen for the one question she used to figure out her dream, learn how to gain clarity on the lies you believe and turn up the volume on truth instead, and trust that God will use your dream as a tool for personal transformation.
129 || How to Move Your Dream Forward Today || Merritt Onsa
If you’ve put off starting, kept your dream all to yourself, or known you need to take a step but haven’t figured out how to do that, this conversation is for you! This episode is all about finally getting busy taking steps toward the dream. You’ll learn about what next-step-momentum can do for your dream, get access to a handy worksheet to help you figure out that next step, and gain the clarity you need to finally stop waiting and start moving in the direction of your dream.
128 || How to Be a Mother and Follow Your God-Shaped Dream || Lesley Pyle
Lesley Pyle’s dream was born out of a desire to stay home after the birth of her first baby. In 2007, she founded HireMyMom.com to help professional women find flexible, legitimate, home-based work. Her story teaches us the value of not waiting until you have it all figured out. She shares how she learned along the way and how passion made up for expertise she didn’t have at the start. Let Lesley encourage you to release the mom guilt and get out of your comfort zone to pursue your God-shaped dream.
127 || Because It Will Never Be the Perfect Time to Start || Haley Williams
Podcast host Haley Williams is living her dream to engage women in meaningful conversations that point to a bigger story: the hope we have in Jesus. Haley reminds us that we are not defined by our work, and she shares what she’s learned from disappointment, including the advice to start before you’re ready. You’ll discover the value of trusting God with the outcome of your dream, understanding your need for grace, finding your approval in Him alone, and allowing Jesus to change you from the inside out.
126 || How to Refocus Your Identity on Christ || Merritt Onsa
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.
IF YOU HAVE PLACED YOUR IDENTITY IN SOMETHING BESIDES JESUS, THIS WAS THE EPISODE FOR YOU.
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’t say easy) steps you can take to move past your fears and on to the dream God has placed on your heart. Listen to this quick solo episode to learn what they are and then join us in the Facebook Group to share how you’re moving forward despite the fear.
There are a few episodes I mention in this episode that you’ll want to go back to, if you haven’t heard them already.
Ep 119 – How to Stop Fear from Stealing Your Dream – released May 15, 2019
Ep 122 – Obstacles to Finding Your Identity in Christ – released July 17, 2019
This solo episode is tied directly to my last six solo episodes, listed below under MENTIONED ON THE SHOW, in case you want to listen in order.
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MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
Episode 107 – Solo Episode – You are a Daughter of the Most High King
Episode 110 – Solo Episode – You Have Great Value and Worth
Episode 113 – Solo Episode – You Were Created for a Reason
Episode 116 – Solo Episode – Two Simple Reasons Your Dream is Not About You
Episode 119 – Solo Episode – How to Stop Fear from Stealing Your Dream
And My appearance on Kindled Podcast with Haley Williams where I walk her through a Fear Inventory
Episode 122 – Solo Episode - Obstacles to Finding Your Identity in Christ
SUBSCRIBE:
Subscribe for my monthly Dream Letter HERE: Bit.ly/dreamltr
BOOKS:
This is Marketing by Seth Godin
SCRIPTURE:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
~ 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 4:6-7
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,
that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
~ Acts 3:19-20
I believe, Lord help me with my unbelief.
~ Mark 9:24
MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Join the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group
Follow Merritt on Instagram || Facebook || Twitter
The Devoted Dreamers Podcast is produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.
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125 || How to Step Confidently into God's Calling for Your Life || Brittany Rust
This week’s interview builds upon last week’s episode on listening to God. Brittany Rust teaches us how to build a foundation of intimacy with Jesus by being in God’s word and through prayer, and she shares how those two actions plus the practice of listening and responding in obedience have grown her understanding of what God is calling her to next. You’ll learn the value of waiting on His timing as well as what it looks like to let go of control and trust Him in the pauses, resets and redirection.
124 || Learning to Listen to God Through His Word || Tabitha Bigbee
Wondering how to hear God’s voice? Or know if you’re on the right path? Or what He wants you to do next? Tabitha Bigbee is a faith-based life coach and founder of Every Day Faith. She offers up to us grace-filled thinking on how to get in God’s Word every day so you can be transformed by it and learn to hear the voice of the Father. She freely shares her everyday practices that will strengthen your faith muscles and help you find clarity about the next step in your dream or your life.