Find show notes for episode 323 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/323

Are you ready to stop procrastinating so you can finally take action on a dream? 

Get my top 3 dos and don’ts from eight years of podcasting and building a business from scratch. Here’s what I wish I’d known at the beginning to help you get there faster and easier than I did. If you’re a Christian woman with a dream to write a book, build a ministry, or start a business, you’ll gain some simple actions you can take today to support you on your journey.

You’ll learn:

🔍 A simple mindset shift that will help unlock your potential, 

💡 The remarkable value of treating your dream like a testing ground, and

💫 How to counter negative self-talk so you can start believing in yourself again.

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!

✨✨✨✨✨

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.

✨ Dream Believers ~ a virtual community for Christian women with big dreams. Join the waitlist for exclusive, early access in 2025: https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamco ✨ Find the show notes for episode 322 here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/322 Is fear holding you back? 

Meet Amy Lively, an accidental author whose journey from nervous neighbor to community catalyst will inspire you. Despite not identifying as a traditional writer, Amy has published two books and created numerous resources for faith-based community building. 

In this episode, Amy shares her vulnerable story of overcoming fears, trusting God, and launching neighborhood Bible studies. Learn how she transformed daily scripture readings into actionable faith practices, and discover practical tips for turning your own spiritual nudges into meaningful action. 

Amy’s story proves that with faith, the first step doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be taken.

In this episode you’ll learn from Amy about:

🕯️A simple morning routine to fuel your peace & connection to God’s purpose,  🚶‍♀️Why it’s all about taking that first step, even when you feel scared and ill-equipped, plus ✨ The power of making bold and unexpected requests for access to extraordinary opportunities.

This episode is all about the journey of ditching excuses so you can finally listen to the Lord’s promptings and start simply to do something about them. 

Get ready to be encouraged in this episode of the Devoted Dreamers podcast. Connect with Amy:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Connect with Merritt:

Website 

Instagram 

LinkedIn

Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected in Our Facebook group

Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: 

on Apple Podcasts 

on Spotify

on Android 

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

✨ Listener Survey ~ Give Your Feedback Here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/feedback ✨

Find the show notes for this episode here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/321

What are you longing for as we enter into the Advent season?  

There is always a laundry list of things to do as the holidays enter full-swing, whether it’s shopping, decorating, cooking, baking, Christmas cards, or other activities that keep you on the go every year in the month prior to Christmas. And yet Advent invites us to experience this season in a very different way than the hustle and bustle of our modern culture.

Tune in as singer-songwriter Caroline Cobb introduces her brand-new Advent devotional—Advent for Exiles: 25 Devotions to Awaken Gospel Hope in Every Longing Heart—and encourages us toward the quiet moments that invite our longing for the coming Savior.  

In this episode you’ll learn from Caroline about:

💡 A new way to engage your family in the longing of Advent this December,  ✨ Continuing to plant seeds for your dream even when you don’t know what will grow, and ❤️ How being beloved by God surpasses any dream or achievement.

She also shares about the book writing process and about writing an Advent devotional to complement her Advent album A Seed, A Sunrise as well as an update about the experience of becoming a published author through this new project. 

Get ready to be encouraged and pointed to the longing we find in Advent as we welcome Caroline Cobb back to the Devoted Dreamers podcast.

Connect with Caroline:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Spotify

Connect with Merritt:

Website 

Instagram 

LinkedIn

Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected in Our Facebook group

Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: 

on Apple Podcasts 

on Spotify

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/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

Facebook

Instagram

X

Connect with Merritt:

Website 

Instagram 

LinkedIn

Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected in Our Facebook group

Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes Subscribe: 

on Apple Podcasts 

on Spotify

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/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. Ad music by Komiku.

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!

✨✨✨✨✨

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!

✨✨✨✨✨

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!

✨✨✨✨✨

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!

✨✨✨✨✨

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.