

Dwell Differently
Natalie Abbott & Vera Schmitz
If you were our friend, and if we could look you in the eyes and see your struggles and know you fully, and if we could only give you ONE thing—we'd give you God’s Word. There is more power and love and truth in one verse than in a thousand other words. So, let us help you memorize God's words in a simple, easy way. We hope you'll love listening in while we chat about what our verse means, why it matters, and how it intersects with our daily lives.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 10, 2025 • 37min
Share the Light! // David Platt
"The picture is to just faithfully share light—be light and share light—and trust that God is going to open eyes and bring people out of darkness in his time and in his power. And we get to be a part of it." — David PlattToday's Episode: Join Natalie as she talks with David Platt about God's work of rescuing people out of darkness and bringing them into the kingdom of his light. You'll hear them talk about the beauty of God's Word and how it shines like a light in people's lives, bringing freedom and salvation and guidance and life. They also share powerful stories about how the they've seen that light dawn in the lives of people. You'll go away encouraged to walk in the light and to share the light of Jesus with others too. This month's memory verse: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” — Isaiah 9:2 Today's guest: David Platt serves as a Lead Pastor for McLean Bible Church. He is also the Founder of Radical, an organization that makes Jesus known among the nations. David lives in the Washington, D.C. metro area with his wife and children. Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!Love this show? Support us by leaving a review.Links from today's show: Find out more about David at Radical.net.Be encouraged with bite-sized biblical truth in New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp.Find empathy, wisdom, and real-life stories in When Dreams Fall Apart, by Jennifer Lucy Tyler.Dwell on God's character in Amazed: 30 Days of Growing in Awe, by Carolyn Lacey.Check out the Dwell Differently Christmas Sale!Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

Dec 1, 2025 • 28min
Isaiah 9:2 Deep Dive // The Gospel of Light
"The gospel story remains the same—that the God of the universe has stepped into the darkness of this world and is offering us life and light."— Natalie AbbottToday's episode: Join host Natalie Abbott as she delves into the profound imagery of light and darkness in the book of Isaiah. She follows the theme of light throughout the book and shows us how it tells God's salvation story, spanning thousands of years and going on into eternity. More than that she invites us into God's story of light and life, challenging us to allow God to continue to break into our personal darkness and to shine his light in the world. This month's memory verse: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” — Isaiah 9:2Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!If you love this show...support it by leaving us a review.Links from today's show: Be encouraged with bite-sized biblical truth in New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp.Find empathy, wisdom, and real-life stories in When Dreams Fall Apart, by Jennifer Lucy Tyler.Dwell on God's character in Amazed: 30 Days of Growing in Awe, by Carolyn Lacey.Check out the Dwell Differently Christmas Sale!Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

Nov 26, 2025 • 35min
Thrive Again // Clarissa Moll
"You don't want to just 'hang in there' forever. You want to be able to thrive again."—Clarissa MollToday's Episode: Natalie talks with Clarissa Moll about her personal journey of loss—discussing the impact of her husband's death and how she navigated grief with faith. Clarissa helps us understand the complexity of finding joy even amidst deep sorrow. She talks honestly about struggling for faith and the importance of community. Clarissa also talks about her dedication to helping different age groups cope with grief, creating resources to help both kids and adults.This month's memory verse: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18Today's guest: Clarissa Moll is an award-winning writer and podcaster who helps bereaved people find flourishing after loss. Clarissa’s writing appears in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, RELEVANT, Modern Loss, Grief Digest and more. She co-hosted Christianity Today’s “Surprised by Grief” podcast and produces Christianity Today's flagship news podcast, "The Bulletin." Clarissa’s debut book, Beyond the Darkness was a best-selling new release in 2022. She is the author of the Beyond the Darkness Devotional, Hurt Help Hope: A Real Conversation about Teen Grief and Life after Loss, and Hope Comes to Stay.Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!Love this show? Support us by leaving a review.Links from today's show: Find out more about Clarissa at ClarissaMoll.com.Get your copy of How to Remember, by Andrew Osenga.Check out Qava to help you study the Bible (use code DWELL50 for 50% off).Get The Biggest Story Holy Bible here for 30% off with a free Crossway Plus account.Check out the Dwell Differently Christmas Sale!Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

Nov 19, 2025 • 25min
Defiant Joy // Natalie & Vera
"These are the words that we need in our own despondency and our sadness and the hard reality of living in the world that we live in. We need a defiant, 'Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior.'"— Natalie AbbottToday's episode: Join Dwell Differently cofounders and sisters Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz as they talk about finding joy even in the toughest situations—in the Bible and in their own lives. They help us understand Habakkuk's struggle for defiant joy in spite of his fear and his complete lack. They also talk about the gritty daily reality of choosing joy every day—especially when life feels bleak. They are compassionate and compelling. It's a message you won't want to miss.This month's memory verse: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!Support our show: It's really just as simple as leaving us a review!Links from today's show: Get your copy of How to Remember, by Andrew Osenga.Check out Qava to help you study the Bible (use code DWELL50 for 50% off).Get The Biggest Story Holy Bible here for 30% off with a free Crossway Plus account.Check out the Dwell Differently Christmas Sale!Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

Nov 12, 2025 • 30min
Access Joy // Nicole Zasowski
"Joy is accessible to all of us now, if we've put our trust in Jesus. This is something we can access and practice."— Nicole ZasowskiToday's Episode: In this heartfelt episode, Nicole Zasowski sits down with Natalie Abbott to chat about the beautiful yet challenging journey of finding joy in the midst of life's trials. They discuss the biblical practice of speaking truth into circumstances as a means or rewiring our feelings and rooting our hope in Christ. Nicole shows how joy can be a choice we make, even when life feels tough. She opens up about her own experiences, sharing how practicing joy and wrestling with God can deepen our relationship with Him. The conversation is a warm reminder of the power of hope. Listeners are invited to embrace joy and trust in God's promises, no matter what life throws their way.This month's memory verse: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18Today's guest: Nicole Zasowski is a licensed marriage and family therapist, sought-after speaker, and author. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three young children.Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!Love this show? Support us by leaving a review.Links from today's show: Get your copy of How to Remember, by Andrew Osenga.Check out Qava to help you study the Bible (use code DWELL50 for 50% off).Get The Biggest Story Holy Bible here for 30% off with a free Crossway Plus account.Celebrate with a Piper and Leaf Tea Advent Calendar (use code DWELL10 for 10% off.Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

Nov 3, 2025 • 26min
Habakkuk 3:18 Deep Dive // Tremble and Rejoice
"There are things going on that are difficult...and yet I will rejoice in the Lord."— Natalie AbbottToday's episode: Join host Natalie Abbott as she delves into the profound beauty of finding joy even in our struggles. In this episode, Natalie walks us through Habakkuk's journey from honest criticism of the injustices he sees to complete trust in the God who is just and who saves those who trust in him. You'll be encouraged to be honest and to trust in God through your own trials. saying with Habakkuk, "Yet, I will rejoice in the LORD!"This month's memory verse: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!If you love this show...support it by leaving us a review.Links from today's show: Get your copy of How to Remember, by Andrew Osenga.Check out Qava to help you study the Bible (use code DWELL50 for 50% off).Get The Biggest Story Holy Bible here for 30% off with a free Crossway Plus account.Celebrate with a Piper and Leaf Tea Advent Calendar (use code DWELL10 for 10% off)Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

Oct 29, 2025 • 37min
BONUS: The Unseen Realm of Angels // Melissa Spoelstra
"The more we learn about angels, the more we learn about God, and the more we can root our faith in him."— Melissa SpoelstraToday's Episode: Today Natalie is chatting with Melissa Spoelstra about the unseen spiritual realm, specifically angels. They talk about our tendency to either underemphasize or overemphasize angels—pointing out that a good theology of angels comes from a healthy study of them. They discuss how our theology of angels helps us rightly understand the role of angels and our own place as fellow creatures, worshipers, and messengers of God in the world. This episode will not only grow your understanding of the spiritual realm but awaken your awe for our amazing God who created all things, including angels. This month's memory verse: "For we live by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7Today's guest: Melissa Spoelstra is a women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher and author who is madly in love with Jesus. She is passionate about studying God’s Word and helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. Melissa has a degree in Bible theology, and she enjoys teaching God’s Word to diverse groups and churches across the nation. Melissa is the author of many Bible studies, including “Angels,” “The Gospel of John,” and “Isaiah.”Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!Love this show? Support us by leaving a review.Links from today's show: Find out more about Melissa at MelissaSpoelstra.com. Check out her Angels Bible study. Get the ESV Prayer Journals for 30% off with a free Crossway Plus account.Check out the Forever Welcomed bible study, by Oghosa Iyamu. Get your copy of Scarlet Hiltibidal's book, Hopeful-ish.Check out the Piper and Leaf Tea Advent Calendar. Use: DWELL10 to save 10%.Our Black Friday Sale starts November 3rd!Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

Oct 22, 2025 • 38min
Faith Made Real through Suffering // Christine Hoover
"Suffering is where our faith is made real... And anything you see of enduring faith in me, that's God. That's his strength in my weakness."— Christine HooverToday's Episode: Listen in as Natalie talks with Bible teacher Christine Hoover about how God brought her through the most difficult year of her life. She shares how she learned to rely on God's strength in her weakness, to relinquish control, to accept the help and love of others, and to believe God through even the darkest times. More than that, she walk us through how she heard God's tender, faithful voice speaking to her in 2 Corinthians. You won't want to miss her amazing story!This month's memory verse: "For we live by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7Today's guest: Christine Hoover is Bible teacher who serves as the Women’s Ministry Associate at The Austin Stone Community Church’s Northwest congregation in Austin, Texas. She has authored seven books, including Messy Beautiful Friendship and You Are Not Forgotten, as well as a Bible study of Matthew, Seek First the Kingdom. Her work has been featured on The Gospel Coalition and Christianity Today. Christine is married to Kyle, a pastor, and they have three sons. Want to go even deeper in this month's verse? Study along with Natalie in the monthly Bible Study Membership. Get the first month FREE with the code: PODCAST.Love this show? Support us by leaving a review.Links from today's show: Find out more about Christine at christinehoover.net or @christinehoover98.Get Christine's 2 Corinthians Bible study, More than Enough. Check out the Piper and Leaf Tea Advent Calendar. Use: DWELL10 to save 10%.Get the ESV Prayer Journals for 30% off with a free Crossway Plus account.Check out the Forever Welcomed bible study, by Oghosa Iyamu. Get your copy of Scarlet Hiltibidal's book, Hopeful-ish.Check out our FALL SALE October 13 through the 23rd! Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

Oct 15, 2025 • 24min
Believe God Is at Work // Natalie & Vera
Join Natalie and Vera as they explore what it truly means to live by faith rather than sight. They emphasize believing in God’s unseen work and how it shapes daily choices. Practical habits like reading and memorizing Scripture are discussed as tools for overcoming anxiety and cultivating trust. The sisters highlight the importance of relying on the faith of others during tough times. Dive into Psalm 23 imagery to understand God's active pursuit and guidance, reminding listeners to anchor their lives in faith.

Oct 8, 2025 • 36min
Precarious, Messy, Genuine Faith // Scarlet Hiltibidal
"Our faith is not about how well we do our faith."— Scarlet HiltibidalToday's Episode: Join Natalie Abbott and Scarlet Hiltibidal as they discuss what it looks like to actually live by faith and instead of trusting in more tangible things. It's messy, and it often feels precarious, but it's so good. Scarlet talks about how she's seen God show up in the midst of cross-country moves and sad days and her mom's cancer diagnosis. She shares about the wonder of receiving instead of faking our faith or trying to earn God's favor. You won't want to miss this episode!This month's memory verse: "For we live by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7Today's guest: Scarlet Hiltibidal is the author of “Afraid of All the Things,” “You’re the Worst Person in the World,” “He Numbered the Pores on My Face,” and the “Anxious and Ashamed” Bible studies. She writes regularly for ParentLife Magazine, HomeLife Magazine, and She Reads Truth. Scarlet enjoys speaking to women around the country about the freedom and rest available in Jesus. She loves hanging out with her husband and four kids, eating nachos by herself, writing for her friends, and studying stand-up comedy with a passion that should be reserved for more important pursuits. Want to go even deeper in this month's verse? Study along with Natalie in the monthly Bible Study Membership. Get the first month FREE with the code: PODCAST.Love this show? Support us by leaving a review.Links from today's show: Find out all things Scarlet at ScarletHiltibidal.com. Get your copy of Scarlet's book, Hopeful-ish.Get the ESV Prayer Journals for 30% off with a free Crossway Plus account.Check out the Forever Welcomed bible study, by Oghosa Iyamu. Check out the book Scarlet recommended: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, by Eugene Peterson. Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.


