Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/304

Is it too late for me and my dream? 

If you had asked college-aged-me if my parents were old, I’m sure I would’ve said yes. And I wouldn’t have meant it as a compliment

But what about wisdom? What about the value of life experience? What does the Bible have to say about our value in the midst of inevitable aging?

When former podcast guest Heather Creekmore reached out to share her new book Aging Gratefully with me, I was convinced this was a topic we all need to consider. (Also, go listen to her previous episode, #231, on How to Trust God’s Calling on Your Life Even When You Feel Unqualified—it is among the top three downloaded Devoted Dreamers episodes of all time!)

If you’ve felt the pressure to be perfect or feared having missed your chance to pursue a dream, this conversation offers hope, truth, and a much-needed perspective shift that God’s calling transcends age because wisdom and experience are assets, not hindrances.

As you listen, pay close attention to what Heather’s story reveals about: 

💡Managing the fear of not feeling qualified for the dream God has given you (whether that’s age-related or something else)

✨ How to shift into a more biblical perspective that places a high value on long life and growing old,

❤️ Heather’s practical strategy for fighting back against the thoughts that would keep you and your dream in hiding

This inspiring podcast episode helps Christian women in their search for encouragement to use the skills, talents, and life experience for the big dreams God has given you. 

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/303  

Are you afraid of what God might do with your dream? 

If fear has been a driving force in your dream (or lack thereof), it’s time to go deeper in your faith. Bible teacher and author Jen Weaver shares in this episode about how to manage the fear of not feeling qualified for the dream God has given you. 

Rather than quit when you hit a fear roadblock, you can choose to walk through your fears with God—who is the antidote to fear—and He will re-energize your faith with the truth of His Word. 

Jen is passionate about empowering believers to engage in every aspect of life WITH God. Her latest book A Beckoning to Wonder is a gorgeously illustrated poetry collection, helping you rest in God’s goodness as you re-energize your connection and experience the life-changing ease of wonder. 

As you listen to this episode, pay close attention to what Jen’s story can teach you about: 

💡Managing the fear of not feeling qualified for the dream God has given you,

❤️ The power of wonder to remove the burden of overthinking, and 

✨ Partnering with God to take the pressure off and embrace your dreams like a child: with the freedom to be a learner, to try things, to mess up and keep moving forward.

This inspiring podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents, and life experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.

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/302 

What do you do when a dream feels too hard? 

Somewhere along the journey of saying “yes” to a God-shaped dream you’ll probably ask yourself why in the world you did that. 

It’s no small thing to attempt something you’ve never done before like writing a book when you don’t know the first thing about publishing; or starting a business when you’ve always been a W-2 employee; or taking the risk of inviting strangers to purchase the art you’ve created, attend a workshop you’ll be teaching, or buy a product you’ve spent your creative energy building. 

It feels incredibly vulnerable to put yourself out there like this. And some days you might feel like quitting so you can go back to your “easy, normal life.” 

I don’t blame you. We all have those moments, but there’s actually a great deal of hope in the messy middle as well, and that’s what I have to share with you in this episode. 

Pop in your earbuds and you’ll learn all about: 

🪤The 3 traps you’ll encounter when you’re in the messy middle of a big dream

🏃‍♀️Practical advice for how to navigate the messy middle without giving up

❤️Finding strength to persevere in community with others dreamers facing similar trials

This encouraging podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents, and experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.

Join us for my next free monthly call on Zoom with other devoted dreamers 

NEXT STEPS: 

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat

Join the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast 

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android 

Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/301 

Is there a God-nudge you’ve been ignoring? 

Rachel Bates never imagined starting a nonprofit; in fact, even as she leads the Beauties ministry, this role feels outside of her comfort zone and skill set on most days. The reason she said ‘yes’? Beauties has touched Rachel’s life and the faith of her young daughter so deeply. She couldn’t ignore the Spirit’s prompting to grow the ministry and reach girls beyond her home community—or that she was the one to begin this work.

Now, looking back, she can see the breadcrumbs of God’s hand leading her from a teaching career, to mothering, and then to this opportunity. At the same time, she knew nothing about nonprofit leadership before sitting down with an attorney to discuss next steps. In order to be obedient to the call, she knew she would have to surround herself with others who had the skills and experience she lacked. 

Rachel candidly shares about her struggles with self-doubt and on-going battle with perfectionism, sharing scriptures that keep her anchored continuing to embrace the joys and challenges of this role.

As you listen to this episode, pay close attention to what Rachel’s story can teach you about trusting the Lord as you pursue a dream outside your comfort zone, including: 

💡 Why we hesitate to listen to those “God nudges” about the big dreams He’s given us (and what’s really at play there),

✨ How to find courage to say “yes” to the adventure God has for you, and

❤️ The transformative power of stepping into the identity He has given you in Christ.

This encouraging podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents and experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.

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/300 

Is it possible to miss God’s plan for your life? 

This is what Tracey Gates wondered as the years went by while she raised children and worked odd jobs along the way. She knew God had made her for more, but could she have missed it?

Tracey always had a dream in her heart to write a book but she had no idea how to begin or what the topic would be. It didn’t seem urgent at the time. The idea would come up in conversation with a friend or her spouse but there was never enough clarity to move forward. 

In her 40s, the dream was still there. By the time she reached her 50s, Tracey realized that the comfort she once felt about this someday-dream to write a book no longer felt comfortable. It was actually frightening. Had she missed God’s plan?

As you listen to this episode, pay close attention to what Tracey’s story can teach you about finding your unique calling and purpose, including:

✨ How to overcome fear and find the courage to write,

❤️ The transformative power of daily acts of kindness, and

🗝️ Two questions that were the key to unlocking & discovering her full purpose.

This encouraging podcast episode is for any Christian woman in search of encouragement about how to use your skills, talents and experience for the big dreams God has planted in your heart.

NEXT STEPS:

Get Connected with the Dreamers Facebook Community

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

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/299 

What have you been waiting on God to do with your dream? 

Let’s be honest, waiting is hard. But often we are so busy looking ahead wondering when God will answer a prayer or change a difficult circumstance that we risk missing out on what He’s already doing right in front of us, right now.

In this episode, I am honored to introduce you to Shadia Hrichi, a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author, and speaker. She’s joining us to share the surprising twist in her career as a result of corporate layoffs and how one question from a godly mentor opened her eyes to a seminary degree and the possibility of working in full-time ministry.  

In this episode you’ll learn:

✨ How scheduled, intentional downtime can bring you into a closer walk with the Lord,

❤️ About trusting God even when progress seems slow, and

👂 The vital role of wise mentors to help uncovering your God-given dreams.

I pray this conversation is a reminder that God is always working. He never sleeps on our dreams; He is never blind to our concerns. He is always present, always loving, and completely aware of every aspect of our lives.

I’m eager for you to hear Shadia’s story about the journey to her God-shaped dream. This soul-nourishing conversation promises to reignite your passion for God’s plan in your life.  

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

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/298 

How do you know if you’re following God’s plan for your dream? 

It’s a big question! And if you’re asking it, you should know you are not the only one. I hear this all the time from listeners who are concerned about missing what God is prompting them to do. 

It’s one of the reasons I’m so honored to have the inspiring Polly Payne back for a second episode this month. In case you’re new to Polly, she’s the CEO + Founder of Horacio Printing, and she’s here to share her heart for putting structure around how we plan and pursue our dreams.

In this follow-up to last week’s interview, Polly and I talk about her core philosophy of how to make time for our dreams and ensure that those dreams are in alignment with the will of God.

You’ll learn:  

• Polly’s strategies for beginning to plan and dream (anytime, not just at the new year),
• How to nurture your weekly schedule and make space for a dream, as well as
• How to set goals and intentions that stick.

If you don’t know Polly or aren’t familiar with Horacio Printing, her Dream Planner or Print School, School, go back to episode 297 and get caught up on her story of bringing Horacio Printing to life! Especially the mishap as she was naming her company; that story is unforgettable and has some great takeaways if you struggle with perfectionism!

Okay, let’s jump into it! Grab your planner, set your intentions, and lean into the blessings of God’s new mercies every morning.

 You don't want to miss this revitalizing episode of the Devoted Dreamers Podcast—here's to dreaming, growing, and becoming the person God is calling you to be in this God-breathed new year! 

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

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/297 

Have you ever felt unqualified for the dream God has given you? 

You’re not alone in that. My guest today is a decade into her dream, and she’s here to share how God moved her from a career in corporate advertising to building a ministry and business that would glorify God and serve His people. 

Polly Payne is the CEO + Founder of Horacio Printing and in this episode, you’ll hear her talk about the birth of her dream to create a God-centered planner company. Horacio Printing has sold over 45,000 Dream Planners around the world and raised over $73,000 to fight human trafficking through her partnership with A21.

A mother of two, Polly now lives in Lookout Mountain, GA, where she leads her company and empowers other dreamers to create their own bible studies, journals and planners, through her Print School, which she founded in 2022.

Stick around to learn from Polly about:

• the challenges, strategies, and faith journey in her shift from corporate to entrepreneurship
• sharing knowledge and experience with other creators—even if it means empowering future competitors, and
• the profound effect of surrendering our dreams and their outcomes to God's control.

Our God is good and trustworthy and He is at work in the world—in your life, in mine, in Polly’s.

If you’ve struggled to get started. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and going nowhere with your dream, join me for a Devoted Dreamers Zoom call on Wednesday, January 31st to connect, build community, share boldly and imagine what God might do with our dreams in 2024! 

Register for the call at merrittonsa.com/first90days

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

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: “New Day” used under Creative Commons by Lee Rosevere.

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here. 

Are you stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts?

Throughout my January Habit Series, I’ve been talking about habits you might consider adopting this year (and tips for making them easier), because building new habits has the potential to strengthen you and support your dream.

Each episode focuses on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (about 10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

In this final episode of the series, I’m talking about the reasons I began a simple daily gratitude practice and the mindset shift that resulted in a fairly short period of time after implementing it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The easiest way to practice daily gratitude,
• What daily gratitude can do to change your attitude for the better, and
• The underlying benefit for your dream when you start building new habits.

Grab my free, UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Subscribe to the show and then come on back on Wednesdays following this series for more interviews and solo episodes customized for the dreamer in you who knows there’s a dream inside just waiting to come out!

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

When was the last time you tried a thing you’ve never done before? 

In my January Habit Series, I’ve been talking about habits you might consider adopting this year (and tips for making them easier), because building new habits has the potential to strengthen you and support your dream.

Each mini episode focuses on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (about 10 minutes each) and are meant to get you thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life. If you’ve missed any of them, I’ve created a Spotify playlist for you right here.

But the habits we’re talking about in these episodes are not necessarily the “new skills” I’m referring to in today’s episode. Rather, this one is all about making it a habit to try something new every chance you get. It’s important because it builds perseverance, confidence (even when you fail), and rewires your brain for other uncomfortable endeavors that are bound to come your way as you run after a God-shaped dream.

In this episode, you’ll:

• Learn the value of getting out of your comfort zone by learning a new skill,
• Consider possible roadblocks to the “new” things necessary in pursuing a dream, and
• Gather some ideas for making it easy to try new things.

Grab the free Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Join me for a 2-hour Co-Working session once a month in 2024, with the accountability you need to finally check that project off your list. Register for Co-Working here.

Subscribe to the show and then come back to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream. 

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023.

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here.

How good would it feel if you could clear out your email inbox by next week?

This month on the podcast I’m talking about habits to consider that will strengthen you and support your God-shaped dream. Each mini episode will focus on a particular habit and a tip/hack to help you implement it. These are short and sweet episodes (~10 minutes each) and will help you begin thinking about what you can do right now to nurture your dream by building positive habits into your life.

For this one, I’ve got a special treat for you. I’m sharing an episode from my friend Christa Hutchins’ podcast, Just One Simple Thing, about getting your email inbox in order as part of her “January Reset” series. (The entire series is GOLD, so I urge you to subscribe to her show and listen to all of them!)

If you don’t already know Christa, she’s a professional project manager, ministry leader, and entrepreneur. Christa loves details and turning scary, complex ideas into specific plans to accomplish a goal, one step at a time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The easy way to get your email subscriptions under control,

A simple 5-step method for clearing out your inbox once and for all, and

One thing you should start doing with the subscribers on your email list.

Grab the free, UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Get Christa’s January Reset Handout in her Plan & Pray Facebook group

Subscribe to the show and then come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January to learn about building simple, small habits that will grow your confidence and create the consistency you need to run your race and pursue a God-shaped dream.

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Support the Podcast

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android