Kirsten D Samuel was certain she didn’t want to share publicly about her husband’s pornography addiction and their resulting marriage crisis. She was comfortable mentoring young moms and staying in the background—until God had different plans. In this conversation, Kirsten vulnerably shares how God transformed her “no” into a powerful “yes” resulting in a ministry of hope and healing for women after marriage betrayal. This one is all about what God can do with our imperfect, even terrified, yes.
Seeing Yourself as God Sees You—A Biblical Perspective
Do you see yourself how God sees you? It’s time to break free from the lies that distort our sense of worth so we can learn to fix our identity on Christ. It’s important because big dreams built on the shaky ground of lies or confusion about who we are will soon crumble. Listen in for the tools to embrace your identity as God’s beloved and reject the temptation of finding your value and worth in performance, perfection, or the approval of others.
How to Recognize Lies Holding You Back from Your Dreams
Let's examine 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.
Listener Survey Results + Season 13 Preview
Welcome to Season 13 of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast! In this episode I’m sharing exciting changes, including monthly themes and shorter, more actionable episodes tailored to empower you and your God-shaped dream. You’ll hear insights from a listener survey that have shaped what’s new on the podcast this year and more about who is actually listening to the show. Tune in for inspiring stories, practical advice, and to find your place in our community of faith-driven perseverance.
Faith-Filled Dos and Don’ts for Pursuing a God-Given Dream
Get my top 3 dos and don’ts from eight years of podcasting and building a business from scratch. This is what I wish I’d known at the beginning, and I’m sharing it with you today so you can get there faster and easier than I did. If you’re a Christian woman with a dream to write a book, build a ministry, or start a business, you’ll walk away from this episode with simple actions you can take today to support you on your journey. Click play to turn your dreams into reality today!
322 || Overcoming Excuses, Moving Past Fear & Taking the Next Step || Amy Lively
Listen to Amy Lively’s vulnerable story about overcoming fears and trusting God for His provision as she launched a neighborhood Bible study. Finally ditching excuses and listening to the Lord’s promptings, Amy began to write about what He’s been teaching her. She now has two published books as well as numerous resources for faith-based community building. Her story demonstrates that with faith, the first step doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be taken.
321 || Advent Longing, Book Writing & the Seeds of a New Dream || Caroline Cobb
A new Advent devotional from singer-songwriter Caroline Cobb stirs up in us a deep and holy longing for Christ, our coming Savior. In this episode, Caroline reveals the story behind her book-writing dream, inspiring us to keep sowing seeds of faith, even when the results feel uncertain. And she brings this life-giving truth: being beloved by God surpasses every achievement. Give it a listen and grab Caroline’s devotional for a meaningful encounter as you wait for Christ’s arrival this Advent.
320 || God’s Hand in Healing Childhood Trauma via Equine Therapy || Kim Tschirret
Kim Tschirret grew up in an outwardly normal home marked by deep internal struggles. The only safe place she knew was in the stable with her horse. Decades later, Kim felt a prompting to facilitate hope and healing by paring rescued horses with children recovering from trauma. Listen in about her dream, now known as Hope Reins, based in Raleigh, N.C., and how God has built up this ministry of equine therapy to serve over 2,000 children in need.
319 || How to Juggle Life to Find Time for Your Dreams || Vivian Cumins
How do you find time for a big dream? Vivian Cumins shares on Devoted Dreamers Podcast about her journey of balancing a full-time job, creative pursuits, and her spiritual life. From overcoming cancer to finding purpose in chaos, she offers tips on prioritizing God, self-care, and fun. Perfect for Christian women seeking to live their ambitious dreams through faith! Listen now and get inspired to seek balance so you can bring your dream to life.
318 || [Solo] 3 Myths That Will Keep Your Big Dream in Limbo || Merritt Onsa
Discover the three myths keeping your God-shaped dream in limbo. In this compelling episode, we’ll dismantle the fears and procrastination holding you back and reveal how to find freedom and clarity in pursuing your dream. Learn why you don’t need further confirmation from God to start, how trials build character, and the surprising value of uncertainty. Ready to walk boldly into your dream? Click play and turn your heartfelt aspirations into actionable plans today!
317 || How Can Your Dream Thrive if You’re Not on Social Media? || Mary Kathryn Tiller
Does it feel like social media is the only way to grow an audience? We love our apps when it comes to connecting with friends, family, and the brands we love. But what about sharing your dream? Is social media where it’s at, or is it a distraction from the real work you want to be doing on your dream? Join me and Mary Kathyrn Tiller to discover new ways you can amplify your voice, lean into faith, and find the freedom to pursue your big ambitions without social media.
316 || How to Let God Form a New Dream in Your Heart || Wendi Lou Lee
Are insecurities keeping you from pursuing a dream? Former child actress Wendi Lou Lee wondered if God could use her role in Little House on the Prairie to reach people with the gospel. But doubt and insecurity stood in the way. Listen as she shares the shift in perspective that ignited the flame for her quiet dream, how she battled insecurity by taking repeated action, and how you can trust God’s ability to use your unique circumstances to bless others and make himself known.
315 || [Solo] How to Be a Good Steward of a God-Shaped Dream || Merritt Onsa
314 || [Solo] Uncovering the Discipline You Need to Pursue a Big Dream || Merritt Onsa
How disciplined do you need to be to take on a big dream? If “a lack of discipline” is one of the reasons you’ve held off on pursuing a dream, listen in for another way to look at discipline. We’ll break down the myths about discipline and give you a fresh perspective on this often-misunderstood strength. Tune in if you’re a Christian woman looking for practical insights, biblical wisdom, and inspiration to persevere even through setbacks.
313 || [Solo] How to Feel More Capable When You’re Starting a Dream || Merritt Onsa
Have big dreams but feel uncertain how to begin? This week we are exploring a mindset shift that will help you find ease and clarity you need to take on a big dream. You’ll learn the secret to beginning something new when you feel unqualified, the power of recognizing and embracing your inherent gifts and talents, and practical steps to help you start right where you are today. My goal, by the end of this solo episode, is that you would know you already have what you need to get started.
312 || [Encore] What Will Kids Going Back to School Mean for Your God-Shaped Dream? || Merritt Onsa
How will you find balance between your dreams and your kids’ school routines? Once the flurry of back-to-school preparations is behind you, are you 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. In this solo episode you’ll learn about creating space for yourself first, building your support system, and overcoming fears and doubts that come with big dreams.
311 || [Solo] Unlock Your Dream: Discover the Power of Asking Better Questions || Merritt Onsa
Let’s explore how “what-if” questions about your God-shaped dream are holding you back and why reframing those questions can lead to actionable, faith-driven steps. Pop in your earbuds to learn about the power of asking better questions, the importance of walking with other dreamers and strategies for gaining clarity in the midst of uncertainty. God has given you unique gifts and dreams—now it’s time to act on them! I will help you take the first step in turning your God-inspired vision into reality.
310 || [Solo] How to Find Focused Time for Your Big Dream || Merritt Onsa
This episode is packed with relatable insights and actionable steps for discerning how to move forward on a dream with clarity and confidence. Write your book, launch your podcast, start that business, or build a ministry with simple steps from a tried-and-true framework to help you find focused time for a dream amidst your busy schedule. God has given you unique gifts and dreams—now it’s time to act on them! Join us to take the first step in turning your God-inspired vision into reality.
309 || Learning How to Live Your Story to the Fullest || Cassandra Smith
At 17 years old, Cassandra Smith was living in silence, withdrawn from others, and facing a severe mental health crisis. Never did she imagine that she would give keynotes and TEDx talks, write books, lead mentorship programs, and create resources to rally around the power of living your story to the fullest. This episode is all about her transformation of moving out of darkness and into the light as she believed God’s truth and began stepping into the big dream He gave her.
308 || [Solo] 3 Reasons Why Community is Essential for Chasing Big Dreams || Merritt Onsa
If the obstacles between you and your dream feel overwhelming, it might be time for a game-changer: Community! In this episode, we’re diving in to exactly why I believe community is essential to our big dreams. Whether your dream is to write, speak, lead, teach, start a business, or build a ministry, this episode is packed with inspiration and tips just for you. Don’t go it alone—learn actionable strategies to find support, spark creativity, and build momentum with other women who love Jesus.