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:

144 || When Little Details Are Blocking Your Dream|| Lauren Stengele Mar 11, 2020

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Ep 144 | Show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/144

As a small child, Lauren Stengele fell in love with the Spanish language that gracefully flowed from her great-grandmother’s lips. Her God-shaped dream grew over the years into a desire to homeschool her children in two languages. But as a non-native Spanish speaker, it was harder than she imagined. After looking but not finding the resources she needed, she decided to create them herself and offer them to other families. That’s how Bilingual Together was born.

When you’re just starting out on your dream, the little-but-intimidating details threaten to derail you at every intersection. Lauren’s passion for this dream is evidenced by her perseverance and creativity in building something that would fit her family’s homeschooling rituals and would serve this need for other families.

But as she took the first step in building her business, it was a conversation with her marketing-minded husband that halted everything for a season. In this episode, you’ll learn about the brick wall that went up between Lauren and Joe after that discussion, the year the ensued when her dream was frozen in time, and what it took for them to move forward.

We haven’t talked much about marriage or our spouse’s involvement in our dreams on the show, so I’m excited for you to hear how this couple worked through their challenges and came out on the other side. Lauren shares the best decision she made to get past this barrier and why she’d recommend the same to you.

Be sure to listen for:

how she tackles questions a lot of us have about motherhood and dreaming and whether the two can happen simultaneously,
how she still struggles today with wanting to show up better on social media, and
her vow to not just accept but surrender to the plans God has for her life.

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 143 – 7 Reasons You Need a Social Media Detox – solo episode released 3/4/2020

Episode 142 – What to Do When You Fear the Unknown with Rachel Awtrey – released 2/19/2020

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.

**143 || [SOLO] 7 Reasons You Need a Social Media Detox || Merritt Onsa** Mar 04, 2020
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When I shut down my social media activity in December 2019, I felt certain it was what my heart and mind needed, but I was struggling to really let go. The first week presented a host of issues bubbling up in my heart that affirmed the decision to detox myself in this way, as much as I was still fighting it. But thirty days later, I was no longer so eager for the habits I’d left behind.

I’m not here to tell you that social media is wrong or that you shouldn’t spend your time on it. No, not at all. But what I do hope for you, by the end of this episode, is that the topic gives you pause and permission to evaluate how you’re spending your time on social media and if a detox is right for you.

This is especially pertinent if you have a God-shaped dream you’re pursuing. I often hear from dreamers who say they wish they had more time for their dream. Do you have any idea how much time you’d get back by taking a month off from the temptation to scroll?

Trust me, I know it’s scary to take the leap of finally committing to your dream. Lack of time is a great excuse to not have to face your fears. If you’ll allow me to challenge you a bit: take the risk! Shut down the distractions and give it your all for 30 days. Then, come back and tell me how it went. I’d love to know!

Even if you don’t have a dream you’re pursuing right now (or you don’t know what it is yet) I hope you’ll pay close attention to where I talk about giving your mind space for spontaneous thought. It’s difficult to dream if you’re filling all the white space in your life with mindless scrolling.

**NEXT STEPS:**

You’ll find the show notes for this episode here.

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast and you want to check out some of my other solo episodes, start here:

Episode 107 – You are a Daughter of the Most High King
Episode 110 – You Have Great Value and Worth

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**GET CONNECTED:**

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders 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

*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.

**142 || What to Do When You Fear the Unknown || Rachel Awtrey** Feb 19, 2020
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Rachel Awtrey is an online encourager and host of the *Behind the Bliss* podcast. She has a heart to create space for women to share stories and the reality of what life is really like behind the bliss so that others might experience an “Oh yeah, me too” moment. I know you’re going to relate to her so much as she talks about her fear of the unknown in following this dream and how God is meeting her in that place with His grace and goodness.

We dig in a bit to the spiritual side of what it looks like to trust in the Lord while pursuing a dream. She reminds us of the daily battle we’re in with the enemy. He speaks lies to us in an effort to betray and sabotage our dreams and Rachel shares how she combats that on the regular.

We also talk about some really practical aspects of dreaming, what it takes to really pursue the dream, and what she’s implemented along the way to keep moving forward.

You’ll definitely want to listen for the parts of our conversation that touch on the discipline it takes to persevere when your dream isn’t so dreamy, how to finance your dream at the beginning, why you should create systems, and how a board of advisors can support you in your dreaming.

This conversation was a lot of fun. I love Rachel’s bubbly smile, her warm presence, and the love she has for Jesus. AND, if you want more where this came from, subscribe to Behind the Bliss and stay tuned at the end of February where I’m showing up as a guest on her show. It’s another good one too!!

You’ll find more show notes, all the ways to connect with Rachel, and the details about the T-shirt giveaway here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/142

**NEXT STEPS:**

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 140 – How to Create Powerful Messaging for Your Audience – a Strategy Session with listener Natalie Arent – released 2/5/2020

Episode 141 – Pursuing a Dream When You Lack the Training *with* *Jaime Fenwick* – released 2/12/2020

**BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON:**

Join other listeners in supporting this podcast over on Patreon.

**GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:**

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders 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
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.

**141 || Pursuing a Dream When You Lack the Training || Jaime Fenwick** Feb 12, 2020
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Jaime Fenwick is the founder of Bringing Inspiration Home, a business dedicated to inspiring women to pursue their dreams and tap into their creative gifts through the pursuit of beauty, adventure, and purposeful living. This episode is a reminder that if God has gifted and impassioned you with a dream, there is no reason to let your lack of training stand in the way of pursuing it.

Jaime teaches us about being renewed in our dream and how we can find ways to pursue the restorative, transformative work that makes space for organic creative thought.

She explains how the pursuit of the dream that is most instinctive for you melts away your fears and builds momentum to keep going.

Her story is also an encouragement to involve others in our dream, and it shows us the value of seeking help when we need it.

Jaime adds to the conversation that we’ve already begun here that your dream really isn’t about you. There’s someone out there it will serve; dream for them. Dream for God’s kingdom—that His name would be made known, that doing what you were made to do will point back to Him and His work in the world. I could hear this in her voice near the end of the interview and, even as we got off the call, she could hardly pause before asking about MY dreams for this year. It’s really fun to see her living this out.

There’s also a little chunk in here about digital hoarding and what we can do differently to leave heirlooms for our children instead of the burden of millions of digital files. I love that she’s helping us sort through the fog in this!

You’ll find the show notes, all the ways to connect with Jaime, and that coupon code for her course here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/141

**NEXT STEPS:**

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 139 – How to Stop Hustling While Still Following Your Dream *with Malinda Fuller* – released 1/22/2020
Episode 140 – How to Create Powerful Messaging for Your Audience – a Strategy Session with Natalie Arent – released 2/5/2020

**GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON**

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

**GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:**

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders 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 *
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.

**140 || How to Create Powerful Messaging for Your Audience || Natalie Arent** Feb 05, 2020
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This episode is the first of my bi-monthly Strategy Sessions with a listener who has a burning question to ask, needs help narrowing down her options, or just wants a listening ear so she can find clarity amidst all the options before her.

Natalie Arent is a brand and graphic designer with a knack for seeing what her clients struggle to put into words. She helps female entrepreneurs naturally standout, draw in their people, and propel their business forward through meaningful design. She’s a huge fan of authenticity, which you’ll hear about in this episode, and she’s also a mom, a Minnesota native and she loves doing art projects or exploring outside with her young daughter.

In this strategy session we dig into what it looks like (and why) to narrow down your niche of who you’re trying to reach with your dream or, in Natalie’s case, with a podcast. We talk about creating an avatar and share an example I’ve been taught for selecting just one person to speak to in your messaging.

Natalie’s big question is how to choose guests for her podcast and how to determine what topics they should cover when they come on the show. This is all about content curation. Even if you don’t have a podcast, write a blog, or have a YouTube channel your dream is speaking to someone, so it’s worth giving this a listen if you’re trying to narrow down who that person is.

**NEXT STEPS:**

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Natalie, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/140
Let me know what you think of this strategy session. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series.
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.

**139 || How to Stop Hustling While Still Following Your Dream || Malinda Fuller** Jan 22, 2020
Show notes

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Malinda Fuller is a bold communicator who is passionate about thriving families and helping people grow as disciples of Jesus. You may have seen her writing in Christian publications both online and in print. 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.

At the beginning of a new year it’s hard to miss the hustle all around us. We’re gonna set all the goals, do all the things, and change the world THIS YEAR! I put way too much pressure on myself already, so I’m totally triggered by those messages. That’s why I thought it was so important to get Malinda on the show right at the beginning of Season Seven, to give us an alternate perspective.

Early on, her book title *Obedience Over Hustle: The Surrender of the Striving Heart* received a lot of pushback from book agents. But she stuck to her guns, believing this is the message God gave her to share. And thank goodness she did!

Malinda is here to teach us what obedience over hustle looks like -- just in case you’re wondering. You’ll learn the importance of doing just a few things really well. She shares how this idea has shaped her life and something specific she was asking God for when He began to impress upon her the need for a shift in her priorities.

If you’ve struggled with getting in the way of your own dream, you’ll hear what the Lord showed Malinda about this struggle in her own life and how her perspective has changed as a result.

And while this may be the hardest part, you’ll glean encouragement to investigate the position of your heart in the conversation of obedience over hustle.

It’s enough to make me examine my own motivations and ask myself: Why do I want to hustle and how I might give that over to the Lord?

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Malinda, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/139

**NEXT STEPS:**

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 137 – Why Are You Hiding Your Dream? *with Kat Armstrong* – released 12/04/19
Episode 138 – When God Gives You an Unexpected Dream with Misty Phillip – released 1/15/2020

**GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON**

Listener support makes this show possible! Click here to learn more about what it means to become a patron of the show.

**GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:**

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

**Leave your review** on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or
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.

**138 || When God Gives You an Unexpected Dream || Misty Phillip** Jan 15, 2020
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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. 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.

Misty saw a need for something in her world: a way to connect to other podcasters who were ahead of her on the journey. When she didn’t find it, she prayed and asked God how she might fill that hole, and the Spark Christian Podcast Conference was born. It’s happening in Houston, Texas, at the end of February. Listen in for a chance to win a ticket to attend!

Misty teaches us through her story the importance of trusting that God knows the path and the destination, even when you can’t see exactly where you’re going. In fact, she proposes that we’d be incredibly overwhelmed if we had all the information He has; therefore, it’s His kindness that keeps us taking steps in a direction that He’s called us to. Then, we get to trust Him with the outcome.

Even if podcasting isn’t your dream, there are so many lessons we can glean from Misty’s experience of stepping out in faith to do something far beyond what she would have envisioned for her life even five years ago.

You’ll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Misty, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/138

**NEXT STEPS:**

If you’re new to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast or just trying to figure out what’s next after you’ve heard this one, check out my 30 Days of Prayer series or one of these recent episodes:

Episode 136 – Stop Stalling. Six Habits for Progress in Your Dream – solo episode – released 11/20/2019

Episode 137 – Why Are You Hiding Your Dream? *with* *Kat Armstrong* – released 12/04/19

**GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON**

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

**GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY:**

Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders 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
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.

[BONUS] Hello 2020 and What’s New in Season Seven Jan 08, 2020

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Happy New Year and welcome to Season Seven of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast. This quick (self-edited) episode is an update on how the podcast will serve and support you in this coming year of fighting back fear, trusting God, and flourishing in the confidence He’s given you to pursue your God-shaped dream!

The big updates include:

I’m launching my first audiobook this season; I’ll be sharing all-new solo episodes (and would love your suggestions for topics you’re dying to hear about). And you can apply to be a guest on one of six Strategy Sessions in 2020. Let’s hash out the next steps for your dream on the air so that others can learn from your story and benefit from the work we’ll do together to get you moving forward.

Next week I’ll be back with another interview; this time it’s a conversation with Misty Phillip, host of the By His Grace Podcast and Founder of the Spark Christian Podcasters Conference coming up next month in Houston, Texas.

CONNECT WITH MERRITT:
Website || Instagram

GET CONNECTED WITH OTHER DREAMERS:
Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders 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.

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.