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In this week’s episode, wellness and style coach Jane Springer reminds us that God often uses the difficulties and challenges He has allowed in our lives to serve as inspiration for our dreams. In her case, it was her own health struggles that led to her desire to help other women with theirs.

She teaches us the importance of learning to pay attention to what’s going on inside of you as you consider a direction for your dream. She also offers an example and a challenge on the importance of being true to who God created us to be—our authentic self.

Jane demonstrates courage in sharing her dream because she’s willing to talk about it even though it’s not yet perfect. She has wrestled with indecision along the way, which hasn’t been without consequence. I appreciate the realness with which she shares those struggles and reminds us that struggle is often part of the process of dreaming.

In hearing her story, you’ll discover the value of trusting God’s timing and the importance of waiting on Him to show you what’s next instead of stepping out because you’ve grown impatient with the wait.

A bit more about Jane Springer:

Jane is a Certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach. She began her wardrobe consulting business in 2012 and has been coaching women since 2014. Jane’s dream is to help women to feel as beautiful as God knows they are. Through one-on-one coaching, presentations and retreats, Jane help women get unstuck and move forward in their relationships, work, health and their God-given purpose. She is an active volunteer for her church as a religious educator and marriage prep facilitator, and she relishes her role as wife, mom, step-mom and grandmother to 10-year-old twins.

You’ll find the show notes, links to the resources mentioned, and all the ways to connect with Jane,  here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/101

CONNECT WITH JANE:

Website || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || Pinterest || LinkedIn

 

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

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Foundshop is an online vintage resale shop for affordable, sustainable and ethical clothing. Founder, Rebekah Twinem, shares in this episode what God has taught her in starting up her shop—first and foremost that her dreams are not too frivolous.

You’ll learn what lights her fire about this work, especially the impact of our shopping dollars on other people and the environment. With her gentle, soft-spoken (and non-judgmental) spirit she shares her calling to consider and not just consume, to find ways to consume less, or differently, or to do so with a greater awareness.

She also uncovers probably the most important thing about our God-shaped dreams that can be easily forgotten when you’re facing a challenge or a very real fear—that God’s going use this dream to deepen your connection with Him. She gives us a beautiful reminder of His longing to be close to His children, regardless of our failure or success. 

Rebekah is also a wife, mama, and an encourager at heart. Her dream for Foundshop was born out of a love for vintage clothing and a deep concern for people and the planet. It is her mission to spread the word about fair fashion that respects the people who make our clothing and the Earth, without sacrificing beautiful style.

Maybe you’ve been questioning the significance of your dream or maybe that questioning has led you to totally put that dream aside. If that’s you, I hope Rebekah’s story encourages you to consider all the ways God might use your “insignificant” dream, desire or passion for His Kingdom and your good.

You’ll find the show notes, links to the resources mentioned, and all the ways to connect with Rebekah and Foundshop, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/100

 

CONNECT WITH REBEKAH AND FOUNDSHOP:

Website || Instagram

 

MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

The True Cost documentary on Netflix

The Bible Project Podcast

 

GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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.

In this episode, Rebekah Twinem shares what she’s learned in starting an online clothing resale shop near Boulder, Colorado—that our dreams are not too frivolous. She teaches us the impact of our shopping dollars on other people and the environment, and in her gentle, soft-spoken way, she shares the calling to consider and not just consume. We’re also reminded of God’s great love for us and how He will use our dreams to deepen our connection with Him, regardless of our failure or success.

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We were never meant to do this life alone. Jessica Reinhart, founder of Lumitory, joins the podcast this week to share what she’s learned on her journey to encourage others toward authentic community. Jess starts us off with her favorite personality profile tool, The Elements Assessment, and reminds us of the value in knowing ourselves and others.

You’ll be inspired to uncover new ways to build community whether in the pursuit of your dream or among your immediate neighbors. In fact, Jess and Lumitory have generously offered a fantastic giveaway to Devoted Dreamers listeners to support you in this effort. Learn more over on my Instagram.

She also teaches us how to search out people to work alongside us in our dreams and what to look for as we seek the right fit in these relationships.

Jess is a wife, a mom, and an entrepreneur. She believes wholeheartedly in the importance of using her time and talents towards work that makes a positive impact and in helping to build bridges that lead to togetherness. She founded Lumitory to be a light in the world by encouraging community and meaningful connection. Jess also serves on the board for Pay It Forward Day, a global initiative on a mission to spread kindness across the world. Jessica and her husband, Jeff, are New England natives with three young children who now call sunny Arizona “home.”

You’ll find the show notes, links to the resources mentioned, and all the ways to connect with Jess, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/99

CONNECT WITH JESS AND LUMITORY:

Website || Instagram || Facebook

 

MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

Darleen Santore / Coach Dar / @thecoachdar on Instagram
The Elements Assessment
Rising Tide Society for meet-ups with other creatives/business owners
Follow Rising Tide on Instagram

 

BOOKS:

Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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.

In this episode, Jessica Reinhart shares her journey to encourage others toward authentic community. She talks about her favorite personality profile tool, The Elements Assessment, and reminds us of the value in knowing ourselves and others. You’ll be inspired to uncover new ways to build community whether in pursuit of your dream or among your neighbors. She also teaches us how to search out people to work alongside us in our dreams and what to look for as we seek the right fit in these relationships.

Send us a text

If fear has kept you from walking forward in your God-shaped dream, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone. This conversation with Jenni Eastin will also provide perspective on how to finally move forward even if you can’t see the finish line.

In this interview, Jenni gives us the assurance that God is in control and that we can trust Him enough to surrender our dreams to Him. She shares two intimate, real-life stories that are her constant reminders of these truths and motivation to share the hope she’s found with others.

Jenni helps normalize that feeling of wanting to start on your dream but getting stopped in your tracks by the voices that taunt you with doubts about who you are, how God made you and how you have no business dreaming your dream. But, along this journey, she’s discovered tools that help her fight back against those voices. One is the permission to start sloppy and another is a redefinition of success.

If you’ve ever tried to run away from the dream God’s given you, I hope this interview is just what you need to gain a little perspective and maybe even get started—even if it’s a little sloppy.

Jenni Eastin is a hope-filled, freedom-fighter set on sharing stories that leave a mark on other’s hearts. In everyday life, Jenni gratefully supports and encourages her two children, ages 6 and 10, and has been married to her husband, David, for over 18 years.  Jenni has several degrees in special education and behavioral disorders and has most recently earning a PhD from the University of North Texas.

You’ll find the show notes, links to the resources mentioned, and all the ways to connect with Jenni, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/98

CONNECT WITH JENNI:

Website || Instagram || Twitter || Facebook

 

MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

Hope Has a Voice podcast by Jenni Eastin
#hopehasavoice – tag when you share her podcast on social media

The Declare Conference

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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.

In this episode, Jenni Eastin assures us that God is in control and that we can trust and surrender our dreams to Him. She shares two intimate, real-life stories that are constant reminders of these truths and motivation to share the hope she’s found with others. Along this journey, she’s discovered tools that help her fight back against the voices that urge her to quit. If you’ve ever tried to run away from your dream, may this interview provide perspective and even help you get started.

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Julie Landreth has a passion for healthy and thriving relationships–especially marriages. She is a speaker and wife coach who loves sharing her passion for prayer and how to cultivate a thriving marriage. She leads a growing number of women in San Jose, CA through her weekly WifeLab curriculum: Loving Well, The Art of Praying for Your Husband. Julie and her husband are celebrating 15 years of cultivating a marriage filled with intentional love. Their secret? A date night every Friday. In addition to speaking, writing, and teaching, Julie is also a freelance photographer and designer.

This conversation with Julie resulted from her reaching out to encourage me last week. I was struggling to feel courageous as I worked on my fear of failure solo episode, and God used her to speak truth to me. At the same time, she volunteered to just “jump in” the next time I needed a last-minute interview.

Julie also blesses us with a few lessons she’s learned by praying for her husband and seeking his good even when she was struggling with negative feelings about their relationship. I first interviewed Julie back in April 2017, shortly after she created her WifeLab curriculum. Now, 18 months later, she relates some of the struggles regarding public speaking opportunities, the fears that still linger, and how she turns them back to the Lord and continues to step forward.

We also talk about what confession and repentance has to do with pursuing your dream in the face of fear.

If you’re still trying to find your way to being brave (or if your marriage is struggling), I pray you’ll find some hope and encouragement in this interview.

You’ll find show notes and all the ways to connect with Julie, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/97

CONNECT WITH JULIE:

Website || Instagram || Facebook

Be sure to “Like” Julie’s Speaker/Writer Facebook Page where you can join her every Friday for 5-Minute Fridays. These are quick Facebook Live videos where she covers different topics every week to encourage and educate us in life and marriage.

MENTIONED ON TH

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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.

This episode is more like a casual conversation between me and Julie Landreth. She reached out to encourage me as I prepped my solo episode last week and volunteered to fill in the next time I had a hole in my schedule. I’m so glad she did; you’ll hear her insistence to be brave, know your worth in Christ, and keep taking the steps forward. Julie also teaches us about the mindset shifts that made all the difference in her marriage and willingness to obediently listen to God’s calling upon her life.

Send us a text

 

In this week’s episode we’re talking about fear of failure, which feels ironic because even as I’m speaking on this topic, I’m wrestling with this very fear. Questions like: Am I making any sense? Is this episode even helpful? Or am I just rambling? What if my theology is off and someone calls me on it? Or, more importantly, what if something I say leads someone astray, and I can’t fix it?

The practical reason I started working on this solo episode was that I didn’t have an interview lined up this week. But, truth be told, I’ve been challenged to do more solo episodes, since it feels riskier to me than an interview. Yep. I have some insecurities around this. I fear failing at it. And it feels totally vulnerable to say that right now.

Sure, I wanted to do this solo episode. In fact, the first 10 minutes or so even felt inspired. I was on a roll. But then life happened, I had to hit pause, and a few days passed. When I sat down to wrap it up, anxiety crept in, and I wrestled over and over in my mind with what I wanted to say and whether I could really provide any value to this topic.

But the truth is, it’s not about me. It’s not about how I did creating this episode or talking about this topic. My value is in Christ and His finished work on the cross. He gives me value, even as I’m sitting here struggling with the very same things listeners told me when I asked, what is it about failure that would keep you from your God-shaped dream.

Friends, we are on this road together. Fighting the enemy who wants us to believe we are not enough or that we have nothing to offer this world. I’m pushing back on his lies today. I’m repenting of my desire to operate my own self-salvation project because it *feels* less risky if I keep my hands on the wheel instead of letting go and letting Christ run the show.

My identity is in Christ. Yours is too. He gives us value and worth and the ability to speak truth into the world, to shine a light on Him, and to live out of the gifts and talents He’s given us. If you’ve been avoiding your dream because you fear you might fail; if you’ve stopped taking steps forward because you fear you are not enough; Sister in Christ, let me tell you, you aren’t enough. But He is. And He will bring His work to completion in you. Now, let’s praise His name and give Him all the glory because that truth brings so much more freedom to step forward

Download the new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

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.