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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

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

🎧 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.

🎧 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.