The Devoted Dreamers Podcast

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 fear. Sure, I wanted to do this solo episode. In fact, the first 10 minutes or so 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 provide any value to this topic. #solidar

In this episode, Megan Sjuts teaches us her favorite strategy for combating the ugly feelings that come with comparing yourself to others. You’ll hear how she discovered graphic design (and it wasn’t because she went looking for it) and why not knowing the path in advance doesn’t make it wrong. She also shares the lessons learned from a difficult conversation she had early on with one of her first clients. These will be vital to anyone who is starting a business or dealing with client communications.

Welcome back! I’m thrilled you’re joining me for Season Five of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast. I’m just back from maternity leave and wanted to catch you up following my absence, including details on what’s to come on the podcast (like some Denver area meet-ups) and a preview our first episode. The podcast returns October 10th with Megan Sjuts of Building 07. You'll hear what she’s learned in pursuing her dream of a graphic and web design business, including lessons from the first client she disapp

This bonus episode is the final of three coaching sessions with listener Lois Martin talking to me and life coach Cynthia Culver. The focus of this call is the Development stage of coaching, in which Lois works through a plan that will produce results aligned with her new direction and mindset. As you listen, consider what actions have (or could) help you trigger the mindset of truth in you, instead of the broken mindset. Download the homework in the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/coaching3

This bonus episode is the second of three coaching sessions with listener Lois Martin talking to me and life coach Cynthia Culver. The focus is on the Direction -- where Lois is right now and how she might establish a new, clear direction for the future. As you listen, keep an ear toward your own story, passions, and the specific dream God has put on your heart for His Kingdom. Download the homework in the show notes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/coaching2

This bonus episode is the first of three sessions you’ll hear with Lois Martin talking with Cynthia through the Discovery, Direction and Development coaching stages so that she might put aside what’s holding her back from pursuing her God-shaped dream. As you hear from Lois, listen with an ear toward your own broken mindset that’s keeping you stuck and/or resisting what God has put on your heart to contribute to His Kingdom. Get the homework in the show notes: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/coachi

In this mini-sode with Heather Conkin of The Practical Minimalist Podcast, you’ll learn why taking a no-expectations, hands-off break from your dream is a good idea (based on the wisdom of farmers). Heather shares the reasons she’s taking a break from her podcast, what her break looks like, and what might happen when it’s over. If you’ve been searching for a little creative boost, this 15-minute conversation about letting your dream lie fallow may be just what you need.

God created you with a purpose. I’m not just saying that. He says it in His word. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10) This short “mini-sode” tells the story about my own baby steps that led me to podcasting. My hope in these 15 minutes is to encourage you in taking your own baby steps toward your dream. Listen for a list of baby step suggestions at the end for your consideration.

In this episode, I share what God’s been teaching me in the last two years of podcasting. However, these lessons aren’t about starting a podcast. Whatever your dream, you can apply them to your journey. I’ve broken it down into simple takeaways so you can think about how you might start or proceed in following your dream. You’ll learn why you don’t have to be perfect to move forward, how to consider the costs of your dream before you get started, and why fear must not get the best of you in the pr

In this episode, you’ll hear Columbine survivor, Crystal Woodman Miller, talk about how God uses our stories – no matter how dark and hopeless -- to make an impact for His Kingdom. You’ll learn how the enemy of our souls feeds us lies that trick us into insecurity, comparison, and fear to keep us from making that Kingdom impact. If you’re suffering or grieving or struggling to find hope in a broken world, I pray this interview gives you hope that God is with you in the midst of it all.

In this episode, you’re going to be bathed in scripture! Hunter Beless knows her bible and shares the value of being in His word daily. She reminds us of God's power to fulfill dreams regardless of circumstances. You’ll learn about re-orienting your fear of the things of this world to the God of the universe and how that gives us courage to keep taking the next step. She also teaches us about embracing our limitedness with the grace and freedom to do what is within your capacity and let go of the rest!

In this episode, blogger/author Teresa Swanstom Anderson shares how she went from not wanting children in her 20s to having a house full of kids today. She reminds us that God put each one of us here, in this time and place, for a purpose. You’ll learn about her struggle in a season of waiting for God to reveal His plan and how she figured out the direction she was going wasn’t it. She also teaches us what happens when we forget that closed doors can be an answer to prayer for doors to be opened.

In this episode, Bailey Hurley and I talk about friendship – the good and the challenging. You’ll learn how to invest and grow intentional friendships, why Bailey believes loving others is part of our relationship with God, and how to do this not just with grand gestures of hospitality but also with everyday acts of building community. She shares about figuring out your dream, waiting on the fruit of your investment in it, and the joy in pursuing what God created you to do, even when you want to quit.

Kristi Hayes’ greatest desire is to influence and inspire families to go into the vulnerable places and serve others. In this episode, she shares about the years in which God taught her to hold loosely to her dreams. You will be inspired to work hard at your dream but also to check yourself for clues that you’re gripping it too tightly. You will learn Kristi’s bold but simple strategy to find a mentor and the value of obedience, even if you can’t see the rewards right away.

In this episode, Jessica Mathisen reminds us we don’t have to be perfect to pursue our dream. In fact, our desire for perfection can often stand in the way of our dream. She encourages us that our dream is really God’s dream, and it’s meant for His glory and the good of others. You’re going to love her story about being bold with her former boss to go after a need she knew she could fill. You’ll also learn from her why it’s so important to share your dreams with others.