195 || [Solo] 3 Commitments to Make Before Spending Money to Pursue Your Dream || Merritt Onsa

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.

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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

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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:

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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:

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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

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023. 

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here. 

What if getting more sleep at night could increase your energy for pursing a dream?

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.

Getting more sleep has been one of the most impactful shifts I’ve made in the last six months for improving my energy and the creativity I’m able to give to my dream.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of sleep hygiene (and a definition, in case this is the first time you’re hearing this term),
• Indicators you need to clean up your sleep habits, and
• How to get started at getting to bed earlier, even if you’re naturally a night owl.

Grab the free, UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

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

THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2023. 

Find show notes for the entire Habits series here. 

Could you benefit from planning out your week on Sunday nights?

Preparing for the week ahead on a Sunday night will not only help you stay on top of those one-off commitments you might otherwise forget, but it also illuminates where you have pockets of time that could be used more effectively for pursuing your God-shaped dream.

I started weekly planning (off-and-on) about two years ago. I usually get really excited about it at the beginning of the year and lose track when summer rolls around.

But I’ve noticed that when I consistently do my weekly planning, I am less likely to be in a panic about needing to be somewhere all of a sudden (even though I made the appointment just last week), or feel unprepared for a call that’s about to happen, or wish I’d washed my hair that morning so I’d be “camera ready” for an afternoon Zoom meeting.

Simply making an appointment with myself to plan once a week often means the days that follow go more smoothly.

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.

Weekly planning has so many benefits, and in this episode, you’ll learn:

• A few tell-tale signs that you could benefit from weekly planning,
• Why to start weekly planning now, even if you’re not currently engaged in pursuing a dream, and
• The surprising rhythms you might discover just by starting a habit of planning out your week in advance.

Grab the free UPDATED Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker.

Grab my Weekly Planning Training & Worksheet for just $19.

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