The Devoted Dreamers Podcast

Merritt Onsa: Dream Coach | Faith-based Business Owner | Christian Entrepre
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The Devoted Dreamers Podcast

Whether you have a dream in your heart or aren’t sure what God might be calling you to, The Devoted Dreamers Podcast will encourage you on the journey. This space is dedicated to sharing stories every week of women who are following Jesus and pursuing their God-given gifts in beautifully imperfect ways. You’ll hear about the fears and challenges that threaten their dreams as well as the joy, courage and confidence that comes from following Jesus even in the unexpected…especially in the unexpected. I’m your host, Merritt Onsa, and my prayer is that this show will meet you where you are in your walk with God. I hope you will come away from the podcast each week with encouragement to begin pursuing your own dreams even when you still feel flawed, imperfect, unfinished and not ready. Because if you wait until you are perfect, you will never take the first step. Join us!

  1. 3D AGO

    Finding Purpose Again After Grief and Loss of a Loved One

    Ep 331 | Show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/331 How do you hold onto a dream when life events interrupt your plans? Maybe you’re in a season where your dreams feel out of reach because of unexpected challenges—grief, loss, or simply the weight of life’s responsibilities. Is God still working, even in the waiting? Jill Felix knows what it’s like to navigate deep loss while still holding onto a God-shaped dream. In this conversation, she shares how personal grief, stepping away from work, and finding rest in God ultimately helped shape her journey as a CoreClarity coach for believers who want to know what to do with their results from the Clifton StrengthsFinder Assessment. From understanding her own talents to launching Radiate Life Coaching, Jill’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s timing is perfect, even when life feels uncertain. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💔 How grief and unexpected loss can shape your calling, 🌿 The importance of Sabbath rest and rhythms that sustain you, and 🛤️ Practical ways to move forward in your purpose, even in seasons of waiting. If you’ve ever wondered if you’ve missed your moment or felt like life’s detours have delayed your purpose, let Jill’s story remind you: God is never late, and He is still leading you forward—one step at a time. Throughout this month we are exploring the theme of purpose, so press play and let’s get started!   ✨✨✨✨✨ Will you please respond to a 4-question listener survey? Share your thoughts about the show here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/input   YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Facing your own health struggles and how to not give up on your dream? You might also like ep. 268 with Kimberly Phinney, How Weakness Will Show Us the Way Back to Ourselves. ✨✨✨✨✨   NEXT STEPS: Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat Join the 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.

    31 min

  2. MAR 12

    What I Wish I’d Known About Purpose Before Turning 40

    Ep 330 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/330 Are you living out the purpose God intended for you?  Maybe you’ve spent years searching for clarity, trying to find your unique purpose as a Christian, and it seems like the answers are just out of reach. What if the key was there all along, hidden in plain sight? Purpose can feel elusive—especially if you’re multi-passionate and have difficulty choosing just one thing to pursue. However, I’ve learned some key lessons in the search for purpose that I wish I had understood earlier in life. I’m sharing them with you today to shorten the window of time it takes for uncovering your purpose.  This episode is a reminder that purpose isn’t something we manufacture—it’s a gift from God. No matter your age or stage, His plans have been woven into your story from the start. Your role is to look for the clues that reveal what He’s had for you all along. In this episode you’ll learn: 🔥 The types of life events that shape your purpose, 🚧 The five obstacles that can hinder the realization of your purpose, and 👣 Actionable steps you can take as you navigate the discovery of your God-shaped dream. Let this conversation be a reminder that God's timing is perfect and your purpose is already unfolding in ways you may not yet see.  Grab the Life Purpose Mapping Exercise, found here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/lifemap to help you find clarity regarding the purpose God has for your life.    ✨✨✨✨✨ NEXT STEPS:  Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat Join the 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.

    22 min

  3. MAR 5

    The Truth About Your Unique Purpose as a Christian

    Ep 329 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/329 Does the Bible have something to say about your purpose?  You bet it does! You were uniquely created by God. He knew you before you were born. He put you on the earth in a specific time and place. And He’s given you good gifts that He intends for you to use for His glory.  But if all of that is true, why is it so difficult to figure out your purpose? I’ll be responding to questions about purpose throughout the month of March, including what purpose is, who gives it to us, and why it matters. In this episode you’ll learn:  💫To understand your life’s unique purpose through the lens of Scripture,  ⚙️A practical tool you can use right now to gain deeper insight about your God-shaped dream, and 💛 How close friends/mentors can shed light on things you may not see about your gifts and strengths. This conversation isn’t about finding a dream job or achieving some elusive calling—it’s about recognizing that God’s fingerprints are all over your intricate design. It’s about seeing how your specific gifts, passions, and even struggles are woven into His greater purpose.  Whether you’re feeling stuck, searching, or simply wanting a deeper understanding of your place in God’s story, this episode is a reminder that purpose isn’t just about what we do but about who we become as we allow God to work through us.   ✨✨✨✨✨ NEXT STEPS:  Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat Join the 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.

    22 min

  4. FEB 26

    How to Start When Dreams Feel Too Big w/ Kirsten D Samuel

    Find show notes for episode 328 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/328 Can God turn your difficult story into a meaningful ministry? Maybe you sense God nudging you toward something meaningful, but you’re unsure of the practical steps to get there. Perhaps you see a need but feel overwhelmed by what you don’t know. If that’s you, you’re in the right place! In this second half of my conversation with Kirsten D Samuel, she shares practical steps for building a dream from the ground up. You’ll learn: How to embrace the uncomfortable beginnings of a God-shaped dream The power of sharing your dream with a trusted friend, and  The profound impact of obedience to God’s calling. This conversation is about the nitty-gritty of bringing a dream to life. It’s about taking that first scary step, learning as you go, and trusting God with the outcome. It’s about moving from “I could never” to “Here’s how it happened.” Whether you’re ready to take action on your dream or just beginning to explore the possibilities, Kirsten’s journey shows us that with God’s guidance, the path forward becomes clear as we take one step at a time and let go of our control along the way. ✨✨✨✨✨ NEXT STEPS: Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat Join the 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.

    39 min

  5. FEB 19

    Overcoming Betrayal to Embrace a God-Shaped Dream

    Ep 327 | Show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/327 Are you hiding a story that God might want you to share? Kirsten D Samuel understands the weight of carrying a painful story alone. When God first prompted her to share her personal testimony about her husband’s pornography addiction and their resulting marriage crisis, her answer was a firm “no.” She was comfortable mentoring young moms and staying in the background—until God had different plans. This is part 1 of my conversation with Kirsten, and in it she vulnerably shares how God transformed her “no” into a powerful “yes” that resulted in a ministry that now brings hope and healing after marriage betrayal to hundreds of women who are her clients. Listen in and you’ll learn how she: ❤️‍🩹 moved from managing her reputation to embracing God’s invitation to heal, 🕯️discovered freedom by allowing God to redeem the messy parts of her story, and ✨stepped into a dream that felt impossible in her own strength Whether you’re carrying a difficult story or sensing God calling you to step out of the background, Kirsten’s journey reminds us that God doesn’t waste our pain. He transforms it into purpose when we trust His leading. Every week this month we are explore the theme of knowing your value and worth as a woman of God. Press play and let’s get started! ✨✨✨✨✨ NEXT STEPS: Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat Join the 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.

    37 min

  6. FEB 12

    Seeing Yourself as God Sees You—A Biblical Perspective

    Find show notes for episode 326 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/326 Do you see yourself how God sees you? Not sure how to answer that? Start here: How do you respond when offered a compliment? Do you receive the kind words and say, “Thank you,” or do you feel uncomfortable, brush it off, diminish it, or change the subject? If it’s any of the latter options, you are not the only one! And we’re going to help you get past it here today. This episode is about learning to see yourself as God sees you, in the fullness of His love, delight, and care. (It’s not really about compliments, but how we respond to praise can be a symptom that our view of self is broken.)  We must break free from the lies that distort our sense of worth (see episode #325) and learn how to root our identity in Christ. Because big dreams built on the shaky ground of lies or confusion regarding our value and worth will soon crumble.  By the end of this episode, you’ll have tools to begin embracing your identity as God’s beloved and reject the temptation of finding your value and worth in performance, perfection, or the approval of others.  Come on back every week this month as we explore the theme of knowing your value and worth as a woman of God.  Press play and let’s get started!   ✨✨✨✨✨ NEXT STEPS:  Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat Join the 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.

    25 min

  7. FEB 5

    How to Recognize Lies Holding You Back from Your Dreams

    Find show notes for episode 325 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/325 Have you ever believed something about yourself that wasn’t true? In this week’s episode of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast, we’re diving into the lies that hold us back from fully embracing our God-given value and worth. These false beliefs—whether about our abilities, identity, or purpose—can keep us stuck in fear and self-doubt. But when we uncover them and replace them with God’s truth, we can step forward with confidence into the dreams He’s placed on our hearts. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to recognize the subtle lies that distort your perception of yourself and God A simple three-step process to track, trace, and test your thoughts against biblical truth Why rooting your identity in Christ sets you free to pursue your dreams with confidence Tune in now to start breaking free from the lies and stepping fully into God’s purpose for you! Come back every Wednesday this month as we explore the theme of your inherent value and worth in Christ.  Press play and let’s get started!   ✨✨✨✨✨ NEXT STEPS: Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Let’s Chat Join the 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.

    19 min

  8. JAN 29

    Listener Survey Results + Season 13 Preview

    Find show notes for episode 324 here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/324 Welcome to Season 13 of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast! This year marks a shift we return to weekly episodes—each centered around a monthly theme to help you tackle the biggest barriers to pursuing your God-shaped dream. Expect a mix of shorter solo episodes and insightful guest interviews that provide inspiration and actionable advice. In this episode, I share the results of the 2024 listener survey, including who’s listening to the show, what life looks like for you outside of the dream, your heartfelt desires for your dream, and more. What to expect in the new season: Real-life Inspiration: Relatable stories from real dreamers overcoming real challenges with faith-driven perseverance. Their tales will inspire you to take action in your own journey. Actionable Advice: Every episode is packed with practical steps to help you prioritize what matters most, manage your time effectively, and move closer to your dreams, all within a manageable 20–30-minute format. Faith and Dream Integration: This podcast isn’t only about dreams; it’s about the embodied experience of integrating our faith, dreams, family life, personal growth, and creativity into a cohesive whole. Join me every week in February as we explore the theme of breaking free from lies about your worth so you can see yourself the way God sees you. Press play and let’s get started!   ✨✨✨✨✨ NEXT STEPS: Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Ask a Question Join the 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.

    27 min
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4.9
out of 5
147 Ratings

About

Whether you have a dream in your heart or aren’t sure what God might be calling you to, The Devoted Dreamers Podcast will encourage you on the journey. This space is dedicated to sharing stories every week of women who are following Jesus and pursuing their God-given gifts in beautifully imperfect ways. You’ll hear about the fears and challenges that threaten their dreams as well as the joy, courage and confidence that comes from following Jesus even in the unexpected…especially in the unexpected. I’m your host, Merritt Onsa, and my prayer is that this show will meet you where you are in your walk with God. I hope you will come away from the podcast each week with encouragement to begin pursuing your own dreams even when you still feel flawed, imperfect, unfinished and not ready. Because if you wait until you are perfect, you will never take the first step. Join us!

Information

  • Creator
    Merritt Onsa: Dream Coach | Faith-based Business Owner | Christian Entrepre
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    371
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Devoted Dreamers Podcast

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