The Devoted Dreamers Podcast

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**The Devoted Dreamers Podcast**

What if the dream in your heart was placed there by God for a reason?

Merritt Onsa, host of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast, helps Christian women in midlife find the courage to pursue their God-shaped dreams—even when fear, doubt, and imposter syndrome say they’re not ready.

Through real conversations with women living out their callings and short solo episodes full of biblical truth and encouragement, you’ll discover:
✨ How to move forward even when you feel unqualified
✨ The source of lies that keep dreamers stuck (and the truth that sets you free)
✨ Practical wisdom for taking the next brave step with God

This is your safe place to wrestle with questions about how to move forward, get clarity for your calling, and remember you don’t have to do it alone.

Together we’re building a community of sisters in Christ who will remind you where your hope lies and encourage you to keep taking the next step.

If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start walking boldly with Jesus toward the life He’s calling you to, you’re in the right place.

Latest Episodes:

**183 || Why You Need to Give Yourself Permission to Fail || Hannah Brencher** Jan 13, 2021
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Failure is where we grow and learn; it shapes our future decisions and is a reminder of the choices we want to make differently next time. Few people wish to experience failure but attempting to avoid it means missing out on essential opportunities for growth that only come from taking risks, getting it wrong, and picking yourself up to learn and try anew.

This week’s guest is Hannah Brencher, the author of a new book called *Fighting Forward,* offering hope-filled reminders to keep seeking light in the darkest places of our lives. This message was birthed out of Hannah’s battle with depression six years ago and the hope she ultimately found to move forward, bit by bit. Her prayer is that it will encourage you to show up, claim hope, and take back your life one small win at a time.

For as long as she can remember, Hannah’s dream has been to create and inspire. Although her work has been featured by well-known media outlets and she’s been recognized for the good she’s done in her community, she finds herself still battling her fears as new layers of her dream unfold.

Though she hoped she’d be over it by now, she’s made a conscious decision to not let the fear change how and where she shows up.

In this conversation Hannah offers practical suggestions for how you can get started on your dream a little bit at a time as well as reframing some of those fears that are so common when we begin new things.

This feels like perfect timing for the New Year, and I think you’re going to appreciate her insights on

How to create daily rhythms that will actually help you make time for your dream (plus a free resource to help with this),

The benefits of getting started on your dream just 15 minutes at a time, and

How failure is an essential aspect of the growth process.

If you’ve struggled to start, felt too afraid to move forward, or wondered what it looks like to partner with God in pursuit of a dream, this one is for you!

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/183

**NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY**

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

**BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:**

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

**LEAVE A REVIEW:**

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android
Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)
NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the *Dream Believers* community

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

**182 || [Solo] Staying True to the Woman God Made You to Be || Merritt Onsa** Jan 06, 2021
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Identity can feel like an overwhelming subject to discuss, especially if you don’t feel secure in yours. And there are plenty of things in the world vying for our affections so that even if you have a good understanding of the security that comes with your identity in Christ, there are still distractions like comparison, fear, or worldly desires that stand in the way.

In this solo episode I share the four mistakes we make as it relates to our identity as we pursue a God-shaped dream:

Looking to the things of this world upon which to build your identity.

Comparing your gifts and talents to the gifts and talents of others.

Forgetting that the gifts you have are from God.

Forgetting that your gifts are to be used.

You’ll hear how I’ve struggled, especially with comparison, and a biblically based antidote to all of them.

I pray you don’t have to face these difficulties on your own! That’s a huge burden to carry by yourself, so I hope you’ll jump over to the Devoted Dreamers Facebook group and share what this episode brought up for you, how you’re asking God for help with this in the New Year and anything we can be praying about for you as you pursue Him and your dream with all your heart.

**NEXT STEPS:**

In case you’re new to the podcast, here are a few other episodes on the topic of identity that you may enjoy:

Ep. 107 – You Are a Daughter of the Most High King

Ep. 111 – How to Find Remarkable Beauty in Ordinary Dreams with Ashley Hales

Ep. 113 - You Were Created for a Reason

Ep. 51 – How to Trust God When Dreams Disappoint with Cari Jenkins

**CONNECT WITH MERRITT:**

Website || Facebook || Instagram

**CHECK OUT THE SHOW NOTES:**

https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/182

**GET CONNECTED TO OTHER DREAMERS:**

Find your people in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Get Involved. Support the Devoted Dreamers Podcast on Patreon.
Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)
NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the *Dream Believers* community

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

**181 || Healing and Hope Breakthrough After an Abusive Relationship || Chystal Gaunt** Dec 30, 2020
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Out of the darkness in her own past, Chystal Gaunt began sharing her story of domestic abuse and launched a nonprofit organization to love and serve women who have experienced the same. Her story is one of God providing for her dream repeatedly as she continues to follow His lead. Even though she went through a season of overwhelm and burnout, God provided a new vision and paved the way for each baby step along the way.

If you or someone you love has experienced domestic violence, this episode will be an encouragement to your heart and will provide resources for your healing and recovery.

Chystal and I talk about the uncomfortable experience of navigating the unknown and living in the messy moments with Jesus before you know what will happen on the other side. She talks about God calling her to something bigger than what she feels and something more important than what people think about it.

Listen in to Chystal’s story and then ask the Lord if He will give you eyes to see and a heart to live in obedience to what God is calling you to.

**You’ll also gain insight on:**

The ways that God can use the pain from your past for you to love, serve and comfort others,

Why you can stop worrying so much about what other people think and focus instead on being obedient to what you understand God is calling you to, and

That it’s biblical to live in the messy moments and keep going, even when you cannot see the blessing to come.

Be sure to enter the Instagram giveaway starting with my post about this episode on Dec. 30th. Enter for your chance to win access to three months of online Christian meditation and yoga classes that you can participate in from the comfort of your own home.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/181

**NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY**

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

**BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:**

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

**LEAVE A REVIEW:**

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

*Some links to products listed here are affiliate links. When you click those and make a purchase, I earn a commission that supports this podcast. Thanks for your support!*
Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)
NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the *Dream Believers* community

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

**180 || [Solo] Planning Your Dream While Doing Your Dream || Merritt Onsa** Dec 16, 2020
Show notes

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**Two quick links I mentioned at the beginning of this episode:**

Join the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group here!

Launch your own podcast by enrolling in my podcasting beta program here. Deadline: Friday, Dec. 18th

********

This was the second most requested topic for a solo episode based on a poll I posted in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook group earlier this year >> Planning Your Dream While Doing Your Dream.

If you’ve let your desire to plan stand in the way of bringing your dream to life, I hope this episode provides you with a bit of perspective on how you might get started right now, even if you don’t have it all figured out.

My four points from this episode:

God has designed you with a purpose

Don’t let planning stand in the way of action taking

Make a habit of trying new things…and allow yourself to make some mistakes

Schedule time for reflection and subsequent innovation

I’m not saying planning is a bad idea or that you shouldn’t seek wisdom before you make a huge investment of time or money in your dream; both of those things are good ideas. It’s just that sometimes the need to plan becomes an excuse not to start and we end up avoiding what we know we should be doing because we either feel scared or don’t know what step to take next.

Still feel like you need time to plan or reflect before you take that next step? Join me and other devoted dreamers for a Zoom call:

**Friday, Dec 18th at 2pm MST – Dreaming & Reflection Session on Zoom – 90 minutes**

Register for free at: https://bit.ly/dreamerreflection and I’ll send you the link to join.

**NEXT STEPS:**

A few other episodes on this topic that you may enjoy, in case you’re new to the podcast:

Bonus Mini-Episode – Every Baby Step Moves You Closer to Your Dream

Ep. 113 - You Were Created for a Reason

**CONNECT WITH MERRITT:**

Website || Facebook || Instagram

**CHECK OUT THE SHOW NOTES:**

https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/180

**GET CONNECTED TO OTHER DREAMERS:**

Find your people in the Devoted Dreamers Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.

Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android

Get Involved. Support the Devoted Dreamers Podcast on Patreon.
Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)
NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the *Dream Believers* community

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

**179 || A New Way of Understanding Forgiveness That Will Set You Free || Toni Hebel** Dec 09, 2020
Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

You often hear about dreams that were birthed out of someone’s deepest struggles, and Toni Hebel’s God-shaped dream is no different. Hers is a story of significant hurt and yet God has used it for good. He has called Toni and her husband, Bruce, into ministry teaching people how and why we must forgive even the deepest wounds all because of the blood that was already paid on the cross through Jesus Christ.

Theirs was a dream 30 years in the making and the result of trials, betrayals, and disappointments that yielded deep wounds in the lives of Toni and her husband. Out of it all, God created good and has rescued thousands from the bondage of slavery to unforgiveness through their ministry, Forgiving Forward.

Even if you can’t think of a single person or wound from your past that remains unforgiven, the tools shared in this episode are life-changing and might just be what helps you get unstuck from making forward progress on your dream.

**Listening to this episode, you’ll gain insight on:**

The power of gratitude as a kick starter to heal our broken places and difficult circumstances,

How unforgiveness may be standing in the way of your dream, and

The importance of learning how and why to forgive.

Be sure to enter the Instagram giveaway starting with my post about this episode on Dec. 9th, for a chance to win access to the 8-week Forgiving Forward Course or a copy of the *Forgiving Forward* book.

And another great next step is to check out the 7-day YouVersion devotional created by Forgiving Forward called Forgiveness: The Freedom of the Gospel.

Looking for the show notes? You’ll find them right here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/179

**NEXT STEP: GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY**

Join the Devoted Dreamers Podcast Facebook Group for passionate Christian women with a dream. It’s a place to gather with other like-minded Christian women who are taking next steps toward their God-shaped dreams. Because none of us were meant to do this alone!

**BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:**

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more and get involved!

**LEAVE A REVIEW:**

On Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android
Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!)
NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the *Dream Believers* community

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

3 Things to Know Before You Start Your Podcast || Merritt Onsa & Natalie Arent Dec 04, 2020

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Send us Fan Mail

This bonus episode is just for you if you’ve ever felt a tug to launch your own podcast. I’m collaborating with my friend and fellow podcaster Natalie Arent to share what we learned from launching our own podcasts (and how we can help you get over the hurdles faster and easier than we did when we first launched).

Three things we wished we knew before we stated podcasting:

#1 - If you're bootstrapping your podcast, it's going to take way longer than you think.

#2 - Your podcast is a test run for your message as it evolves and as YOU grow into using your voice.

#3 - The internal battle is REAL and you need community as you take messy, scary steps forward.

Listening to this episode, you’ll gain insights on how:

The techy obstacles really are not the things standing in your way,
Podcasting is an opportunity to show up and refine your message,
Your authenticity attracts the right audience,
You might be hiding rather than sharing your message—and what to do instead, and
Community can provide the support you need to launch your show.

You have a message to share and your people need to hear it from YOU!
It's time to launch your podcast, dreamer!!

Join us January 4th - February 26th for a beta podcast program as we walk you step-by-step through launching and growing your own podcast.

THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOU IF:

✅ You're ready to show up consistently in your business/dream in a way that works around your family.
✅ You want to create evergreen content that doesn't disappear within a few hours (or minutes!)
✅ You've got a message to share with the world, and you know that a podcast is the vehicle to do it!

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO JOIN:

We'll kick things off January 4th and work together for 8 weeks.
For only $197, you'll get the framework, support, and accountability you need to finally get your podcast into the world and get your systems up and running.

This is a BETA run, so we'll be building the trainings around your specific questions and feedback. It's a great opportunity to get hands-on support and accountability to get it done at a fraction of the normal price!

Spots are limited to 20 so that we can best serve you.

Doors close December 18th.

NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the Dream Believers community

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