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If you’ve ever wanted to spend more time reading the Bible but felt overwhelmed or struggled with consistency, this episode is for you. In this second mini episode of my Habits series, I share a simple, doable way to build a daily Bible reading habit, even in busy or demanding seasons of life.

Learn why consistency matters more than length, how daily time in God’s Word shapes our faith and identity, and a 15-minute practice that has helped me stay grounded in God’s truth over the years (even with small children at home). You’ll also hear practical ways to make this habit easier to remember, easier to return to, and easier to sustain.

If you’re longing for a deeper relationship with God and want a habit that will support your faith and your God-shaped dream as a Christian woman, now is the perfect time to begin.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday

NEXT STEPS:
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Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

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If God has given you a dream about what to do with the second half of your life but you’re not sure where to begin, give this episode a listen.

I’m kicking off season 14 with my popular Habits series. In it I’ll tell you why small, doable habits matter more than big goals when it comes to finding the courage and confidence to pursue a God-shaped dream.

You’ll hear why habits work even when they feel unrelated to your dream, how habits are different from New Year’s resolutions, and how one simple habit I’ve practiced for years has shaped the way I show up to use my voice. I also explain why tracking your habits can be a powerful tool for staying motivated and faithful over time.

This episode kicks off a short series of mini episodes focused on simple habits you can begin right now to nurture your faith, strengthen your mindset, and support the dream God has placed on your heart.

🎧 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.

Send us a text

If you’ve ever needed permission to slow down and start again, this episode is for you.

After a five-month pause, the Devoted Dreamers Podcast is back. In this season opener, I share why I stepped away from podcasting, what burnout taught me about identity and rest, and how God met me in a quieter season.

I also share what’s changing in Season 14 and what you can expect as the show returns with a renewed focus on simple habits, faithful steps, and pursuing God-shaped dreams without burning out.

In case we haven't met yet, I'm your host, Merritt Onsa, a mentor for Christian women in midlife who want to turn their big ideas into purposeful work. I come alongside women like you to help you discern what God might be inviting you into and take faithful next steps without pretending to have it all figured out.

If you love Jesus, know you’ve been given specific gifts and experiences for a reason, and you’re tired of circling the dream instead of walking it out with God, you’re in the right place.

Welcome to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

🎧 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.

Send us a text

Ep 350 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/350

Ever considered launching a ministry or publishing a Bible study from your personal story?

Julie Fowler knows what it’s like to step out with a dream that feels bigger than you. After walking through years of infertility and loss, her pain turned into purpose as she built the ministry she needed in that season.

Now, 25 years later, she’s published her curriculum as men’s and women’s Bible studies for people who are walking through a similar trial.

Julie and I talk in this episode about the challenges and joys of saying yes to God’s invitation and the spiritual growth that happens when you pursue a God-shaped dream with open hands.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

📚 The pros and cons of today’s book publishing options
🙏 How to grow in faithfulness as you pursue your calling
🤝 Specific ways to ask for the support you need as you go after that big dream

Whether you feel called to write, start a ministry, or simply live more boldly for Christ, Julie’s story will remind you that God can use your unique journey to bring hope and restoration to others.

Press “play” and let this episode encourage you to keep moving forward in obedience.

Then, download my 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt, a short and powerful guide to help you remember what’s true so you can take the next step forward in your God-shaped dream.

CONNECT WITH JULIE FOWLER:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Julie’s Books for women:

Treasures in the Waiting: Finding God’s Comfort, Counsel, and Companionship Amid Infertility and Loss

Treasures in the Waiting Leader Guide

For men:

Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength and Hope; Men’s Bible Study

Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength and Hope; Men’s Bible Study - Leader Guide

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.

Send us a text

Ep 349 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/349

Have you ever had a quiet nudge from God but felt unsure about where it might lead?

That’s where Julie Fowler found herself 25 years ago. In the middle of grief and loss, with more questions than answers, she said a simple yes to starting something she needed: a community of support and a space to hold the heartache of infertility, miscarriage, and infant loss.

What began as a few women gathering at church has grown into a long-standing ministry that now supports couples across the country through biblical encouragement, small group resources, and compassionate leadership.

In this conversation, Julie and I talk about how God can use what feels like the most tender, painful part of our story and turn it into a source of hope and healing for others.

This episode will remind you:

✨ How God can transform your struggles into meaningful ministry
🤝 The value of inviting community and support into your dream
⏳ Why trusting God’s timing is key to growth, resilience, and lasting fruitfulness

You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin working on your dream. All you need is a small step of faith and the willingness to keep moving forward as you trust the Lord along the way.

Listen to Julie’s story for a boost of encouragement for your own calling, especially when the path feels long or uphill.

Then, download my 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt, a short and powerful guide to help you remember what’s true so you can take the next step forward in your God-shaped dream. Find it here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/devo

CONNECT WITH JULIE FOWLER:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Julie’s Books For women:

Treasures in the Waiting: Finding God’s Comfort, Counsel, and Companionship Amid Infertility and Loss

Treasures in the Waiting Leader Guide

For men:

Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength and Hope; Men’s Bible Study

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.

Send us a text

Ep 348 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/348

Has your dream been sitting on the shelf all summer?

As the school year approaches and routines shift, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with the God-shaped dream on your heart. But after months of being in “mom mode” (or simply navigating a busy season), picking that dream back up can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin?

This episode will help you focus on five intentional steps you can take to reset your dream in the transition from summer to fall. You’ll consider new rhythms for reconnecting with God, getting clear on your “why,” identifying who your dream is meant to serve, surrounding yourself with the right people, and taking those brave first steps forward.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
🙏 How to reconnect with God’s heart for your dream
🎯 The key question that will bring clarity to your purpose and help you focus
🚶‍♀️ Why starting small is the secret to building courage and momentum

Whether you’re sending kids back to school, stepping into a new season, or simply longing for renewed purpose, this episode will help you stop waiting for the “perfect time” and start moving in faith toward what God has called you to.

Press “play” and let’s reset your dream together.

🎧 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.

Send us a text

Ep 347 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/347

What if the pressure to “do it right” is actually keeping you from doing it at all?

Samantha Wells returns to the podcast, in part two, with the real story behind writing her first Bible study and the internal battle she faced along the way. From perfectionism and doubt to a two-year wrestle with the “big idea,” Samantha opens up about what it really took to move her God-shaped dream from concept to completion.

Together, we explore how God worked through her insecurities and pride, the small faithful steps she took even when clarity was absent, and the peace that came from releasing the outcome to the Lord. Her honesty will resonate if you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or paralyzed by procrastination, even when you deeply believe in the work you’ve been called to do.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
🧩 Practical strategies to overcome perfectionism and procrastination
🙏 Why trusting God for the impact helps you take the next step in faith
💬 How to move forward when you're afraid of what others might think

Whether your dream is to write, teach, lead, or create, this conversation will remind you that obedience matters more than polish, and that progress (even messy) is still progress. You don’t have to wait until you feel ready to say yes to God’s call.

Press “play” and be reminded that He wants to use you and your dream in His restoration story.

CONNECT WITH SAMANTHA WELLS:

Website

Get your hands on a copy of Sam’s new Bible study: Nehemiah: Labor, Longing, and the Promise of Restoration.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Come to the next Dream Out Loud call where you can practice talking about your dream with other dreamers.

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.

Send us a text

Ep 346 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/346

What if the very thing that makes your dream feel different is the reason God gave it to you?

Samantha Wells is a writer, speaker, and Bible teacher with a deep love for Scripture and a heart for drawing women into comprehending God’s restorative work in the world. In this episode, she shares how she stepped out in faith to write a Bible study on the book of Nehemiah, not as a leadership guide or wall-building blueprint, but as a tender invitation to see God’s goodness in the rubble.

IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED WHETHER YOUR UNIQUE APPROACH COULD MAKE A KINGDOM DIFFERENCE, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU.

In this honest and faith-filled conversation, Samantha shares how God stirred a dream in her heart to teach and encourage women through the lesser-known parts of His Word and how she walked in obedience even when the path didn’t look like anyone else’s.

Her story will encourage you if you’ve ever felt like your ideas were too different or questioned whether your dream really matters. May it also help you trust God with your unique gifts and deepest desires.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
📖 How embracing God’s bigger story in all of Scripture can deepen your faith
✨ Why stepping out with your unique gifts—even if your approach looks different—truly matters
🤲 What it means to surrender control and trust God’s purposes with your deepest dreams

If you’ve been longing to take bold, faithful steps in your calling—especially when it looks different from others—this episode will renew your confidence that God is writing something beautiful through your life.

Press “play” and be reminded that He wants to use you in His story of restoration.

Looking for a supportive community for your dreamer journey? Join us at the Dream Out Loud call, the 3rd Wednesday of the month. RSVP here.

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.