Send us a text Find show notes for episode 294 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/294 How can we learn to surrender our dreams and trust God for the outcome? As dreamers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting our dreams to go our way. We have an idea of what it might look like. We’ve grown cautiously excited about the possibilities. We talk about surrendering the dream and its outcome to God. During our quiet time, we even tell Him that we trust Him. And then, when we start to take ac...
Nov 29, 2023•26 min•Season 11Ep. 294
Send us a text Find show notes for episode 293 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/293 Is it possible to avoid overwhelm when there’s so much more to learn? In a world where anything you need or want to learn is available within a few quick keystrokes and a Google search, how do dreamers stay focused on the most significant action steps that will move a dream forward? This episode is about taking inventory of what you already have on hand to support your dream. I have two steps you can take...
Nov 15, 2023•23 min•Season 11Ep. 293
Send us a text You can find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/292 What does the day-to-day of your dream look like? Imagine you could see ten years into the future of your God-shaped dream. What would an “ideal day” in the life of your dream be like? How would you be spending your time? ➡️ Are you sitting at a laptop in your favorite coffee shop tapping away at a manuscript? ➡️ Is it spending a few hours a day in your home office / workshop fulfilling orders for your art pieces...
Nov 08, 2023•21 min•Season 11Ep. 292
Send us a text Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/291 What does creativity have to do with spiritual transformation? Amy Pierson is a champion for the spiritually transformative power of creativity. She returns to the podcast to share a dream that’s been on her heart for over a decade, her newly-published book: Makers in a Thinker's World: What Brain Science Teaches Us about the Spiritually Transforming Power of Creativity. In this episode, Amy opens up about her exploratio...
Nov 01, 2023•36 min•Season 11Ep. 291
Send us a text Note about language in this episode: Some of you may listen with children in the room, so I want you to know that there are a few occurrences of profanity in this episode, mostly towards the end of the interview. Find the show notes for Ep 290 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/290 How has self-doubt or perfectionism blocked your progress? I’m giving you a peek into my growth over the last two years of pursuing my dream of teaching and coaching Christian women through the di...
Oct 25, 2023•49 min•Season 11Ep. 290
Send us a text Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/289 Have you ever felt afraid when starting to step into a dream? If so, you are 100% not alone; in fact, one of the most valuable discoveries I made in the first six months of hosting my podcast was that every woman I spoke to said she feels the same. I reveal this juicy nugget about dreamers in a recent interview with Anne Watson, host of the Swayology Podcast . We have the most beautiful conversation about pursuing ou...
Oct 18, 2023•44 min•Season 11Ep. 289
Send us a text Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/288 Are you navigating a huge life transition right now? I recently sat down with Joy Bartholomew, host of The Divorce Confidante Podcast, and we talked about how to think about dreams during a significant life transition like divorce. Whether or not you’ve experienced divorce, you likely know someone who has. (Why not share this episode with her?) And either way, you’ve certainly experienced seasons where you wondered i...
Oct 11, 2023•35 min•Season 11Ep. 288
Send us a text Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/287 What strategies can help you stay consistent in pursuing a God-shaped dream? Buckle up! When you’re starting out with a big dream idea, your emotions can take you on a journey that puts any amusement park rollercoaster to shame. It all begins with excitement and elation. Then, as you start to get serious about the dream, look out for comparison, imposter syndrome and fear that will stop you in your tracks. In this ep...
Oct 04, 2023•30 min•Season 11Ep. 287
Send us a text Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/286 Seeking clarity and confidence for pursuing a God-shaped dream? Time, money, energy, and having little kids at home often top the list of big reasons women put their dreams on hold. However, I’ve discovered 3 traps that are an even greater threat because we don’t always recognize their power in our lives. If you’ve felt stuck and unable to move forward on your dream, grab a journal and a pen, take a listen, and then ...
Sep 27, 2023•29 min•Season 11Ep. 286
Send us a text Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/285 Can the Dreamer Lab support a dreamer like you? Over the last three weeks I’ve highlighted The Dreamer Lab—my signature group coaching program—where we build community, clarity and confidence to help you finally take meaningful action for your God-shaped dream. This week you’re a fly on the wall for a conversation with three Dreamer Lab members—Terri, Brandy, and Kathy—where they share what it’s like to be part of The Dr...
Sep 20, 2023•28 min•Season 11Ep. 285
Send us a text Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/284 What does “Christ in me” really mean? Last year I created a group coaching experience called The Dreamer Lab where women with big dreams could come together to build community, find clarity through action, and grow their confidence as they pursue a God-shaped dream. Today I want you to meet another Dreamer Lab member, Kathy Stoops, who joined in spring 2023. Kathy has been on a transformational journey of discovering her...
Sep 13, 2023•30 min•Season 11Ep. 284
Send us a text Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/283 Why is there so much pressure to figure out the dream before you start? Most women say it’s the fear of getting it wrong, making a mistake, or misunderstanding God’s prompting and falling out of His will. But truly, these concerns have nothing on God. He is not afraid of you getting it wrong. He’s not withholding his direction to see if you’ll make a misstep. He loves you deeply. He is with you constantly, and His heart ...
Sep 06, 2023•23 min•Season 11Ep. 283
Send us a text Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/282 Want an incubator for your dreams? Last year I created a space where women with big dreams could come together and build community around the experience of pursuing a dream. Together, they invite clarity by taking action and invigorate confidence by doing it all in the nurturing community of sincere like-minded believers in Jesus (because we all need Him, plus it’s just a little less scary to walk with girlfriends who ar...
Aug 30, 2023•23 min•Season 11Ep. 282
Send us a text Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/281 Have you been pursuing a dream all on your own? This week Katy McCown returns to the show with a power-packed episode on the importance of belonging in the body of Christ and the impact of community as we pursue our dreams. Join me and Katy as we unravel the significance of community, acknowledge the challenges, and uncover practical ways to invite others into your unique journey. If you didn’t catch last week’s recast o...
Aug 23, 2023•51 min•Season 11Ep. 281
Send us a text Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/280 Does it sometimes feel like God’s timing doesn’t make sense? Katy McCown always knew she was called to write but she didn’t expect to get the green light when she was eight months pregnant with her sixth child. Today she is the author of two Bible studies, president of She Laughs Ministries, a writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and a national speaker. Through all life’s uncertainties and surprises, Katy has learned s...
Aug 16, 2023•43 min•Season 11Ep. 280
Send us a text Find the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/279 How will you find balance between your dreams and your kids’ school routines? Amidst the flurry of back-to-school preparations, are you also quietly pondering what this season holds for your personal dreams? If you’re a mom with kids still living at home, your routines (and theirs) are likely about to shift big time! For some, you’ll have more free time than you’ve had in years. (<- This is me with my youngest hea...
Aug 09, 2023•40 min•Season 11Ep. 279
Send us a text Find show notes here. How could a podcast help build your dream? A podcast can help you build an audience (for your book launch, ministry, online business, you name it!) It also gives you a place to go DEEP with your audience and to talk about things that truly inspire you and will, ultimately, attract people to you and your work. If you’ve ever felt a tug to launch your own podcast, this episode is just for you. My dear friend, fellow podcaster, and brand strategist Natalie Blenk...
Aug 02, 2023•34 min•Season 11Ep. 278
Send us a text Find show notes here. I am taking a short break in July to rest and recharge (because our dreams require it), so I’m reaching back into the archives to serve you up a recast of some oldie-but-goodie episodes this month. Each week builds upon the others with tangible faith-inspired lessons and encouragement for you to find renewed energy for your dream. Looking to go deeper in your relationship with God? Krista (Hengesh) Breilh is the Executive Director and Founder of Live Salted, ...
Jul 26, 2023•51 min•Season 11Ep. 277
Send us a text Find the Show Notes here. I’m taking a short break in July to rest and recharge (because our dreams require it), so I’m reaching back into the archives to serve you up a recast of some oldie-but-goodie episodes this month. Each week builds upon the others with tangible faith-inspired lessons and encouragement for you to find renewed energy for your dream. What if you had a road map for chasing your dream? I recorded this episode because of a mistake I made recording a guest interv...
Jul 19, 2023•39 min•Season 11Ep. 276
Send us a text Find show notes here. I am taking a short break in July to rest and recharge (because our dreams require it), so I’m reaching back into the archives to serve you up a recast of some oldie-but-goodie episodes this month. Each week builds upon the others with tangible faith-inspired lessons and encouragement for you to find renewed energy for your dream. What if you were brave enough to step into your dream? Get ready to be inspired as we revisit a captivating conversation with Juli...
Jul 12, 2023•52 min•Season 11Ep. 275
Send us a text Find the show notes here. I am taking a short break in July to rest and recharge (because our dreams require it), so I’m reaching back into the archives to serve you up a recast of some oldie-but-goodie episodes this month. Each week builds upon the others with tangible faith-inspired lessons and encouragement for you to find renewed energy for your dream. What if you stepped into your fear of failure? Tune in this week to learn about fear of failure, what its true source really i...
Jul 05, 2023•36 min•Season 11Ep. 274
Send us a text Find show notes here. Are you struggling to give up control and trust God's plan for your life? This week my guest is Keagan K. Hayden, a Bible-teacher and author of the book The Struggle is Real: Purpose in the Pain . Her God-shaped dream has her on a mission of equipping women to live in freedom and confidence by resting in who God says we are. In this conversation Keagan shares how she’s had to relinquish control and learn to enjoy the journey rather than just focusing on the d...
Jun 28, 2023•31 min•Season 11Ep. 273
Send us a text Find the show notes for episode 272 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/272 Is there a “cure” for imposter syndrome? It’s easy to recognize the impact of imposter syndrome on a dream you haven’t had the courage to step into. The voice of imposter syndrome will suggest to you that it’s not the right time, you’re not the right person, you’re not ready to do this, or that it’s already been done. Obviously, without any intervention, thoughts like these would keep anyone stuck and...
Jun 21, 2023•24 min•Season 11Ep. 272
Send us a text Find show notes here. How do we find opportunities for growth in faith and in life? In last week’s episode, you heard Eryn Lynum discuss a long season of waiting for her dream to become what it is today. When Eryn first came on the show five years ago, we discussed her book on the topic of intentional parenting and her search for a publisher despite her small platform. In this episode, she returns to share what has occurred in the ensuing years. In this new conversation you’ll lea...
Jun 14, 2023•44 min•Season 11Ep. 271
Send us a text Find show notes here. Have you ever been told you need a bigger platform before you can publish your book? At the time of this recording, in 2017, Eryn Lynum lived in Northern Colorado with her husband and three boys and they spent their time hiking, camping, and exploring the Rocky Mountains. Eryn’s passion has been to come alongside authors and help them market the message God has laid on their hearts. She loves to travel and share at conferences, churches, and writers’ groups. ...
Jun 07, 2023•43 min•Season 11Ep. 270
Send us a text Find show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/269 Have you ever considered that there’s someone waiting for your dream to come alive? Several years ago, Yohonna Smith began to feel a “divine burden.” She sensed there was something new God was prompting her to do with her time and her desire to nurture friendships among women. Her kids were getting older. She had more time to dream. But what was it? She started by testing out ideas in her head, trying them on for size li...
May 24, 2023•41 min•Season 11Ep. 269
Send us a text Find show notes here. What happens when your dream is sidelined by the realities of life in a broken world? Kimberly Phinney had a vision for her future as a writer with big hopes, dreams, and ideas she wanted to share with the world. Even as a child she had a sense that this would be her path. While on that journey life got in the way, fear stepped in, and she started playing small, keeping her artistry close to the chest. When her health took a turn for the worse it seemed all o...
May 10, 2023•50 min•Season 11Ep. 268
Send us a text Find the show notes here. Have you been searching for camaraderie and understanding as you pursue a God-shaped dream? Have you noticed that the people you're closest to struggle to understand when you share about your God-shaped dream? Or maybe you’re just hoping they’ll celebrate that little milestone you just reached, but their reception is a bit too lukewarm for your liking. I get it; that hurts a bit. But this episode is not about them. It’s about the two primary ingredients y...
May 03, 2023•39 min•Season 11Ep. 267
Send us a text Find show notes here. How do you discern God’s will for your life and then surrender it back to Him? Emily Karc has a passion to minister to the hearts of hurting women. Originally, her vision was to become a writer and a speaker, maybe even the next Lysa Terkurst. But God was writing a different story for Emily, and that’s what today’s episode is all about! Emily reached out to me in the fall about being a guest on the podcast. That timing didn’t work for me, so I told her we cou...
Apr 19, 2023•42 min•Season 11Ep. 266
Send us a text Find show notes here. What if the decision you’ve been putting off could actually open up possibilities for your life and your dream that you haven’t even considered? Carol Willis launches into this conversation with a reminder of the changing nature of our dreams over time and life transitions. There’s a palpable tension between taking tangible steps towards a dream and the reality that our dreams will always be a work in progress. Following the death of her husband several years...
Apr 05, 2023•50 min•Season 11Ep. 265
