"Our God is never caught off guard. He's never surprised. He's always watching over you."

— Natalie Abbott

Today's episode:  How might your life look different if you really believed that God himself watches over you? Today Natalie Abbott encourages us that he does, showing us in Psalm 121 how he helps us, protects us and keeps us close forever. 

This month's memory verse: "The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." — Psalm 121:8 

Memorize with us: The Dwell Differently monthly membership is the easy button for Scripture memory. Join us today!

Support Our Show: We love hearing what you think and it helps other people find our show.
 
Links from today's show: 

• Get your first month free of a Dwell Differently membership with the code: PODCAST.
• Check out Natalie and Vera's new teen Bible study, Dwell on These Things. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's Bible study and book: Dwell on These Things and Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"I'm excited about this because I used to feel guilty that my 'quiet time' didn't look like other people's...and also when I became a new mom, I also felt guilty that [it] didn't look like it used to look."

— Vera Schmitz

Today's Episode: What's a quiet time? And how exactly do I go about having one? Today, Vera and Natalie share their own habits and practices of spending time with God. They share 10 different ways, here's the list: 

1. Write out a passage that really speaks to you.
2. Spend time learning what it means.
3. Rewrite it in your own words.
4. Pray the passage back to God.  
5. Ask yourself questions about the passage. (I.e. Am I believing this? Am I living like this is true?)
6. Write a list of ways that you are or are not living out the truths in the passage. 
7. Memorize a verse from the passage. Speak it back to yourself throughout the day.
8. Recite the verse in a "breath exercise."
9. Spend time coloring the verse. 
10. Talk to others about what you're learning.

Here's the best part, they are giving away a Digital Bible Study that utilizes all 10 of these methods. GET YOURS FREE by signing up for our free weekly newsletter. Already subscribe, Go to this link for your free study!

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Links from today's show: 

• GET A FREE BIBLE STUDY: Sign up for our popular newsletter and get our FREE Digital Bible Study! Already get our newsletter? Go to this link for your free study!
• Want to memorize and study a longer passage of Scripture? Check out our Dwell on These Things study here! Or get the teen version. 
• Want more encouragement? Sign up for our emails!

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Something that I think a lot of us miss is this: In our lives, our love has become transactional. Our love has become very much 'if you do for me, then I'll do for you.' But that's not sacrificial love. That's not the love of Christ."

— Jon Nelson

Today's Episode: Natalie is talking with Pastor Jon Nelson about loving people outright—not because they've done something to earn it, or because they're easy to love, but because we have been undeservedly loved by Jesus. They discuss the challenges of laying down our prerogatives and our schedules and our stuff to love other people. You'll hear Jon share the profound words of a dying friend, talk about the concept of selflessness and deference, and you'll find out what it means to love someone even when they're "tore up from floor up." Be ready to learn, to be challenged, and to laugh.

This month's memory verse: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” — 1 John 3:16 

Today's guest: Pastor Jon C. Nelson is a native of Kansas City. He is the founder and Lead pastor of Soma Community Church, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational church in Jefferson City, MO. He is a graduate from Midwestern Baptist Theological College, where he holds a degree in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Leadership. He is a bold leader and passionate communicator deeply dedicated to the Great Commission of Christ, the equipping of disciples, and the spread of the Gospel across the nation and around the world. Jon has been married to his wife, Heather, since 2004.  His greatest joy outside of Jesus is being married to his wife and being a father to their four children.

Support Our Show: We love reading your comments! AND they help other people find our show. Please let us know what you think by leaving a review.

Links from today's show: 

• Find out more about Jon or listen to his sermons at SomaJC.org.
• Sign up for our newsletter and get our FREE Digital Bible Study! Already get our newsletter? Go to this link for your free study!
• Read The Pour Over for unbiased news from a Christian perspective. It's FREE!
• Memorize and meditate on God's Word with a Dwell Differently membership. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Sometimes it just comes down to 'being inconvenienced' and just being there for people."

— Vera Schmitz

Today's Episode: Natalie and Vera are talking about the barriers that keep us from loving people well. Maybe it's time or money or busyness or distance... Whatever it is for you right now, this episode will challenge you to take the next small step to remove the barrier the keeps you from being there for someone. Maybe it's a simple as buying stamps so you you can send them a note.

This month's memory verse:  “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” — 1 John 3:16

 
Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly kit!

Support our show: It's really just as simple as leaving us a review!

Links from today's show: 

• Sign up for our newsletter and get our FREE Digital Bible Study! Already get our newsletter? Go to this link for your free study!
• Want to do a Scripture memory Bible study? Check it out here! Or get the teen version. 
• Want more encouragement? Sign up for our emails!

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"God gets into the specifics of what's going on in our hearts and says, 'this is what's keeping you from fully walking in my love.'" — Jada Edwards

Today's Episode:  What's hindering your relationship with God? In today's episode, Jada Edwards encourages us to ask God to tell us. She challenges us to ask God to reveal those barriers and to heal whatever shame, pain, sin, or trauma we're holding onto. The hope is that we would grow closer to God, experience more of his love, and in turn love others more deeply and freely. Jada helps us see from her own life and example how this is possible when we ask God to show us our hearts. 
 
This month's memory verse: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” — 1 John 3:16 

Today's guest:  Jada Edwards is an author, speaker, Bible teacher, and mentor. Studying and teaching the Bible to women is one of her greatest passions, along with discipleship and living on mission. While she is a lively and sought-after speaker, the local church is her home. She and her husband, Conway, planted One Community Church in Plano, TX, where she leads a regular women’s Bible study and serves on the teaching team and as the Creative Services Director. Jada enjoys spending time with Conway and their two children, Joah and Chloe, particularly around the dinner table. Her new book, A New Way to Love Your Neighbor, will be available nationwide on April 22, 2025. 

Support Our Show: We love reading your comments! AND they help other people find our show. Please let us know what you think by leaving a review.

Links from today's show: 

• Find out more about Jada at JadaEdwards.org.
• Sign up for our newsletter and get our FREE Digital Bible Study! Already get our newsletter? Go to this link for your free study!
• Memorize and meditate on God's Word with a Dwell Differently membership. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"You don’t have to wait anymore. Your home is here, and he’s welcoming you in. Always. If you’ve never been, or if you've been wandering a while, the door is open. The door is always open. His arms are always open. Always." — Natalie Abbott

Today's episode:  Are you walking in the love of Jesus? Like really, really? Are you grounded in the full and beautiful, biblical definition of that love? And are you loving others in the same way? These are the questions Natalie Abbott is discussing on today's episode about the love of God for us in Jesus. You won't want to miss it. And you may just want to share it with a friend who needs to hear it too!

This month's memory verse:  "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” — 1 John 3:16 

Memorize with us: The Dwell Differently monthly membership is the easy button for Scripture memory. Join us today!

Support Our Show: We love hearing what you think and it helps other people find our show.
 
Links from today's show: 

• Check out our EASTER SALE! 
• Get your free digital Bible study to go along with this month's verse! 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's Bible study and book: Dwell on These Things and Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Christ abiding in us and us abiding in Christ is simultaneously something incredibly mysterious and something incredibly ordinary." — Courtney Doctor

Today's episode: Listen in as Courtney Doctor elaborates on the profound mystery of Christ dwelling in us...right alongside the ordinary reality of us spending regular time in his Word. She helps us understand the practical application of this verse, the difference between abiding and striving, and what it looks like to have fruitful lives. 
 
This month's memory verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5  

Today's guest: Courtney Doctor received an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary and currently serves as the Director of Women’s Initiatives for The Gospel Coalition. She is a Bible teacher and author of , From Garden to Glory as well as several Bible studies including Titus: Displaying the Gospel of Grace, In View of God’s Mercies, and Behold and Believe. Courtney and her husband Craig have four children, five beautiful grandchildren, and a goofy dog named Walter.

Support our show: Leave us a comment and a rating!

Links from today's show: 

• Check out our EASTER SALE! 
• Find out more about Courtney!  
• Memorize and meditate on God's Word with a Dwell Differently membership. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Yet there is someone, Jesus, who is offering abundant life and everything you could ever need. Come and drink and be satisfied. He is offering himself as life and power and peace. All you need to do is rest and abide in him."
— Vera Schmitz

Today's Episode: What does it look like to live a fruitful life? How do we go from feeling all used up and empty to finding joy and peace and energy? That's what sisters, Vera and Natalie are talking about on today's episode. They talk about the pitfalls of trying to do things on our own, the beauty of abundance in Jesus, and even the pain of being pruned by hard situations. We hope you're encouraged by this practical and helpful conversation.   

This month's memory verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly kit!

Support our show: It's really just as simple as leaving us a review!

Links from today's show: 

• Check out our EASTER SALE! 
• Want to do a Scripture memory Bible study? Check it out here! Or get the teen version. 
• Memorize 11 verses to help you overcome negative thinking in the Dwell Differently book.
• Want more encouragement? Sign up for our emails!

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"What a miracle that he loves me the way he does, and that I get to love him back. It's just incredible." — Jeannie Cunnion

Today's Episode:  What happens when you ask God for more...of himself? He gives it! And it is good and vulnerable and beautiful. Want to hear more about it? Listen in to today's conversation with Jeannie Cunnion about her right-now, daily experience of Jesus. You'll be inspired and encouraged to ask God for more of himself too! 
 
This month's memory verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5  

Today's guest: Jeannie Cunnion is a bestselling author and speaker whose most recent books and Bible studies include Closer to God, Mom Set Free, Don't Miss Out, and Never Alone. Her work has been featured on outlets such as the TODAY show, Fox News, CBN, and a host of popular podcasts. Jeannie holds a master's degree in social work, and she is the co-founder of The 509 Foundation. She and her husband, Mike, live in Greenwich, Connecticut, with their five boys. Connect with Jeannie at JeannieCunnion.com.

Support Our Show: We love reading your comments! AND they help other people find our show. Please let us know what you think by leaving a review.

Links from today's show: 

• Find out more about Jeannie at JeannieCunnion.com.
• Read The Pour Over for unbiased news from a Christian perspective. It's FREE!
• Memorize and meditate on God's Word with a Dwell Differently membership. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Even though the Holy Spirit is in us...we can grieve him. We can ignore him. We can go our own way. We can be in sin. We can not listen to the one who is guiding us. We can not choose to follow him." — Natalie Abbott

Today's episode:  Today Natalie Abbott is talking very practically about what it means to remain in Jesus and for him to remain in us. She answers how it is that Jesus is in us—whether his presence in us is experiential, emotional, symbolic or something more. She also unpacks the two specific ways that believers are to remain in Jesus. Finally, she encourages believers to share the abundant life we receive from Jesus with our friends. 

This month's memory verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

Memorize with us: The Dwell Differently monthly membership is the easy button for Scripture memory. Join us today!

Support Our Show: We love hearing what you think and it helps other people find our show.
 
Links from today's show: 

• Check out Natalie and Vera's new teen Bible study, Dwell on These Things. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's Bible study and book: Dwell on These Things and Dwell Differently. 
• Read more about the mutual indwelling of the Father, Son and Spirit here.
• Read Galatians 5 for more on what it looks like to walk in step with the Holy Spirit.

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Shame is an identity statement. It's saying not that I did something bad, but I am bad...And for the believer, that identity claim of shame does not stick. It's not true. By believing Jesus was who he said he was and did what he said he did, that means your identity is a child of God. Full stop." 

— Daniel Wendt

Today's Episode: Natalie is chatting about compassion with her good friend and christian counselor Daniel Wendt. Daniel shares his own story of grappling with God's goodness and compassion through a life-altering season in his early adulthood. He helps us see how God the compassion and forgiveness of God are available to all of us even (and especially) when we mess up and get caught in a cycle of shame. Finally, he unpacks the difference between offering compassion and forgiveness to those who hurt us and fully reconciling with them. It's a super helpful episode, one you won't want to miss! 
 
This month's memory verse: "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22-23

Today's guest: Daniel Wendt is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, helping individuals, couples, and families through his private practice. Additionally, he provides Faith-Integrated Life Coaching virtually for those residing outside of the state. Please reach out to danielwendtinfo@gmail.com if you would like to connect with him. Daniel and his wife Samantha have two children and enjoy camping, hiking, and stressing out together while watching the Philadelphia Eagles play. 

Support Our Show: We love reading your comments! AND they help other people find our show. Please let us know what you think by leaving a review.

Links from today's show: 

• Looking for a counselor or life coach? Find out more about pursuing therapy with Daniel if you live in Pennsylvania at danielwendtmft.com. Outside of PA, visit danielwendtcoaching.com for Faith-Integrated Life Coaching. 
• Read The Pour Over for unbiased news from a Christian perspective. It's FREE!
• Memorize and meditate on God's Word with a Dwell Differently membership. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"When we think, 'But I'm too far away from God' or 'You don't understand what I've done or the shame that I carry around with me' or whatever it is... There is nothing so great that it can keep us from the compassion God has for us."
— Natalie Abbott

Today's Episode: How do we experience God's daily compassion for us? And how do we live it out? Thats what Dwell Differently co-founders and sisters, Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz, are talking about today. You'll hear about God's loyal and limitless compassion and love towards his children, our experience of him, and how we can live like him when we show love and compassion towards others.   

This month's memory verse: "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22-23

Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly kit!

Support our show: It's really just as simple as leaving us a review!

Links from today's show: 

• Want to do a Scripture memory Bible study? Check out Natalie and Vera's Bible study, Dwell on These Things or the teen version. 
• Memorize 11 essential verses for a strong mind in Natalie and Vera's book, Dwell Differently: Overcome Negative Thinking with the Simple Practice of Memorizing God’s Truth.
• Dig deeper into this month's verse in our weekly devotionals. Get them sent to your inbox free every Monday!

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"God is just so kind. He's so patient. His heart is for his people. So in the midst of loss and grief—which he himself has experienced—he wants to be near us, even if that means we're beating our fists on his chest."
— Phylicia Masonheimer

Today's Episode: How do we navigate grief and loss? How do we find comfort and experience peace in difficult seasons? That's what Natalie is discussing with today's guest, Phylicia Masonheimer. Phylicia tells the story of 2024—one of the hardest years of her life. She walks us through how she dealt with her raw emotions, how she relied on Scripture and prayer for help and healing, and how she experienced God's compassion through visible expressions of his grace to her and her family. It's such a beautiful and compelling story. May it encourage your heart.   
 
This month's memory verse: "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22-23

Today's guest: Phylicia Masonheimer is founder of Every Woman a Theologian, an online ministry teaching Christians how to know what they believe, live it boldly, and communicate it graciously. She is an author, blogger and host of the chart-topping podcast, Verity with Phylicia Masonheimer. Phylicia and her husband Josh live in Petoskey, MI with their three children Adeline, Geneva, and Ivan.

Support Our Show: Leave a review to encourage us and help other people find our show.

Links from today's show: 

• Find out more about Phylicia's ministry, Every Woman a Theologian.
• Memorize and meditate on God's Word with a Dwell Differently membership. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Somehow, God is still compassionate, God is still in love with his people, and he's still the rescuer, even when they are the ones who have turned away and have run after other things, and they have not listened and repented. So from that deep place of sadness and of judgement...to have a verse like this sprout out of it, is just absolutely beautiful."
— Natalie Abbott

Today's episode:  Natalie gives new insight on an often familiar verse about seeking the Lord when we're going through hard times. We know that God helps us through all sorts of messes in our lives. But what about when we're the ones making the mess? Natalie helps us see how God's compassion never fails us, even then. In this episode, you'll understand more about what it means to lament and to trust God's great love and compassion to pull you though.

This month's memory verse: "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22-23

Memorize with us: The Dwell Differently monthly membership is the easy button for Scripture memory. Join us today!

Support Our Show: We love hearing what you think and it helps other people find our show.
 
Links from today's show: 

• Check out Natalie and Vera's new teen Bible study, Dwell on These Things. 
• Read The Pour Over for unbiased news from a Christian perspective. It's FREE!
• Check out our beautiful bracelets. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's Bible study and book: Dwell on These Things and Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Are tattoos wrong? Or rather, aren't tattoos wrong? We're going to look at the Bible and what it says about tattoos."
— Natalie Abbott

Today's episode: Listen in as Natalie answers our three most asked questions. Find out the value and purpose of memorizing just one Bible verse each month. Learn about the different Bible translations and why Dwell Differently uses the version they do. And finally, find out what the Bible says about tattoos.    

This month's memory verse: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” — Phil 3:14

Memorize with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory and memorize this month's verse with the Dwell Differently monthly membership!

Support Our Show: Leaving us a review is the best way to encourage us and help other people find our show.
 
Links from today's show: 

• Read this article from the Gospel Coalition to find out more about Bible translations. 
• Check out Natalie and Vera's new teen Bible study, Dwell on These Things. 
• Check out The Pour Over, Natalie and Vera's go-to source for concise, unbiased news from a Christian perspective.
• Check out our beautiful new bracelets. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's Bible study and book: Dwell on These Things and Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Sometimes we think, 'when I get to heaven someday, then I'll get to meet Jesus, and it's going go be this glorious introduction.' No the reality is that it should be a glorious reunion because we walk with him so much now...that when we get to heaven someday, it'll be like we're embraced by the one we've known our whole life."
— Jennifer Rothschild

Today's Episode: Want to know more about heaven?
Listen in on one of Natalie's favorite conversations. She's talking about heaven with Jennifer Rothschild, who just released HEAVEN: When Faith Becomes Sight. Find out about what Jennifer had to un-learn about heaven. Discover more about what heaven is like, how we get there, why it matters now, and how heaven is like Neapolitan ice cream. It's such an encouraging conversation, one that will impact not only your tomorrow, but your right now.
 
This month's memory verse: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” — Phil 3:14
 
Today's guest: Jennifer Rothschild is known for her substance and down-to-earth teaching style and has shared her inspiring messages to audiences across the country. She is host of the 4:13 Podcast with Jennifer Rothschild and the author of numerous books and Bible studies. She has been blind since age fifteen and says the greatest lesson she’s learned in the dark is that it doesn’t have to be well with your circumstances to be well with your soul. Her newest Bible study book, HEAVEN: When Faith Becomes Sight is available wherever books are sold. 

Support Our Show: Leave a review to encourage us and help other people find our show.

Links from today's show: 

• Go deeper in your study of Heaven in Jennifer's new Bible study, HEAVEN: When Faith Becomes Sight. 
• Memorize and meditate on God's Word in 2025 with a Dwell Differently membership. Sign up in January to get all of the 2025 verses!
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"What if Jesus doesn’t want anything from you? What if instead, he just wants to be closer to you?"
— Natalie Abbott

Today's Episode: What does it look like when Jesus is your life goal? How do we live that out? That's what sisters and Dwell Differently Co-founders Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz are talking about on today's episode. Listen in as they share how they've worked to set small goals and create habits to make Jesus the ultimate goal in their lives.

This month's memory verse: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” — Phil 3:14

Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly kit!

Support our show: It's really just as simple as leaving a review!

Links from today's show: 

• Check out The Pour Over, Natalie and Vera's go-to source for concise, unbiased news from a Christian perspective.
• Check out Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things: Transform Your Heart and Mind by Memorizing God's Word. 
• Find out more about Jeannie Cunnion's and her book, Closer to God.
• Memorize 11 new verses in Natalie and Vera's book, Dwell Differently: Overcome Negative Thinking with the Simple Practice of Memorizing God’s Truth.
• Dig deeper into this month's verse in our weekly devotionals. Get them sent to your inbox free every Monday!

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"So these became for me my rule of life: I'm going to do Scripture before phone. I'm going to do at least one communal meal a day. I'm going to turn my phone off for at least one hour each evening. And these were counter-liturgies to the habits I already had."

Today's Episode: Listen in as Natalie talks all things "habits" with author and expert, Justin Whitlmel Earley. He tells us that we don't stop bad habits, but replace them with better habits. He calls our attention to all of the bells and dings we respond to throughout our days and asks us to create our own intentional "counter-habits" of bells and dings. He speaks with practicality and compassion about our calling as believers to live out the faith we say we believe by creating habits that will keep us on the right path. It's a compelling, super-helpful conversation—one that will have you putting Justin's books on your reading list this year. 

This month's memory verse: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” — Phil 3:14

Today's guest: Justin Whitmel Earley is a lawyer, author and speaker from Richmond, VA. Most of all, he is a husband to Lauren and a father to his four sons – Whit, Asher, Coulter and Shep. But he also graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English Literature before spending four years in Shanghai, China, teaching and writing. Justin got his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center and he now runs his own business law practice under the Earley Business Legal (www.earleybusinesslegal.com). His books include, The Common Rule – Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction, Habits of the Household – Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms, and Made for People – Why We Drift into Loneliness and How to Fight for a Life of Friendship. 

Support Our Show: Leave a review to encourage us and help other people find our show.

Links from today's show: 

• Learn more about Justin at www.justinwhitmelearley.com.
• Memorize and meditate on God's Word in 2025 with a Dwell Differently membership. Sign up by the end of January and still get January's verse kit sent to you.
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"All the gains—gaining Christ, being found in him, eternity with him—all of that, even suffering is on one side of the balance and all of our earthly, temporal gains are on the other side of the balance. Which one is the better deal? Would you make that trade?"
— Natalie Abbott

Today's episode: Have you ever made a trade where you were the big winner? In today's teaching episode, Natalie Abbott helps us see how in Christ we gain everything. The questions she asks again and again is whether we're rightly seeing our earthly gains as losses and seeing Christ as our greatest gain. She encourages us, just like our verse does, to press on to win the prize, which is Jesus himself. 

This month's memory verse: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” — Phil 3:14

Memorize with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory and memorize this month's verse with the Dwell Differently monthly membership!

Support Our Show: Leaving us a review is the best way to encourage us and help other people find our show.
 
Links from today's show: 

• Memorize verses with us in 2025 with the Dwell Differently Membership.
• Check out our beautiful new bracelets. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's Bible study and book: Dwell on These Things and Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"It was my instinctive reaction to run back into the darkness...Whereas the more I know Jesus—the more I am in the Word, the more I am running towards the light—the more this life that God has given me just makes sense."
— Felicity Carswell
 
Today's Episode: Today we're talking about the light and life of Jesus with Felicity Carswell.  Felicity talks about the scary reality of being exposed by the light of Jesus and yet the forgiveness that we always find there. She shares about her own first experience of Jesus and coming into the light. But she also shares about the good, daily practice of exposing our hearts to the light and fighting the sin in our lives. She encourages us not only to live in the light but to invite others to step out into the light with the compassion that comes from allowing it to work in our own lives.

This month's memory verse: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” — John 1:4
 
Today's guest: Felicity is from England, but currently lives near Chicago, Illinois with her book-selling husband, Jonathan, and two young sons, Rufus and Billy. She loves to teach the Bible in her local church, and disciple women on a one to one basis. She hosts a podcast with her sister called Two Sisters and a Cup of Tea that seeks to chat through the Bible and drive it to the heart.

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Links from today's show: 

• Find out more about Felicity here.
• Struggling with anger? Here's the book Felicity recommended: A Small Book about a Big Problem: Meditations on Anger, Patience, and Peace.
• Looking for a last minute Christmas gift? A Dwell Differently membership starts in January and helps your loved one learn God's Word for months to come (available in 4, 8, and 12 month memberships).
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"I wrote in [my journal] to the Lord, 'Would you wake me up?' I wanna be awake. I want this verse to be real—that I would live a life of light, and that I would believe that Jesus is my life, and that I would be compelled to share it with others...I want to go out there and tell people about Jesus, but I was walking around like a dead person, weak and afraid of what it might mean if I wrote in [my journal], 'Wake me up.'"
— Vera Schmitz
 
Today's Episode: Today's episode with Natalie and Vera is the very thing our souls need. We need to be reminded that Jesus is the light and Jesus is the life. Sometimes we fall asleep to this reality and we need Jesus to wake us up! Listen in as they confess their own tendencies to shrink back from Jesus, especially when things are hard. But he is always right there (especially in his Word) waiting to meet us with arms open wide. May this episode compel you (no matter where you are) to step even more into the light of Jesus and experience his life today!

This month's memory verse: "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind." John 1:4

Support Our Show: Leave a review to encourage us and help other people find our show.

Links from today's show: 

• Shop our SALE and give thoughtful, Christ-centered gifts at deep discounts!
• Check out The Pour Over, Natalie and Vera's go-to source for concise, unbiased news from a Christian perspective.
• Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory: the Dwell Differently membership.
• Need a prayer journal, check out the one Vera uses from Hosanna Revival here. 
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"You can't gather up a bunch of darkness and put out a candle. But you bring in one candle, and it always beats the dark. Light is always stronger. Light always wins."
— Tara-Leigh Cobble
 
Today's Episode: Do you need to be reminded that the light of Jesus always wins over every dark thing? Then this is the episode for you! Listen in as Tara-Leigh Cobble and Natalie bring encouragement, biblical teaching, and hones, practical dialogue about the abundant life we can experience when we walk in the light of Jesus. They talk about the fear of the dark, Tara-Leigh's struggle with sleeplessness, and what she learned in the dark. They also talk about the victory of Jesus over every dark thing in our lives and what it looks like to walk in the abundant life of light. Finally, they discuss how our experience of Jesus should compel us to share his light with others. It's such an encouraging conversation, you won't want to miss it!

This month's memory verse: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” — John 1:4
 
Today's guest: Tara-Leigh Cobble's zeal for Biblical literacy is at the heart of everything she creates. Her goal is to help people read, understand, and love Scripture. Her daily podcast, "The Bible Recap", guides listeners through a chronological 1-Year Bible reading plan. She created and leads D-Group International, which has grown into an international network of 300+ weekly Bible studies that meet in homes, churches, and online. She also writes and hosts a daily radio show called "The God Shot" and leads trips to Israel to study the Bible on site. Her book The Bible Recap and Bible study He’s Where the Joy Is are outlets for understanding Scripture as a whole and the Trinity in particular. She lives in Dallas, TX, where she has no pets, children, or anything that might die if she forgets to feed it.

Support Our Show: Leave a review to encourage us and help other people find our show.

Links from today's show: 

• Find out more about Tara Leigh Cobble here.
• Looking for a last minute Christmas gift, but worried about getting it to them on time? A Dwell Differently membership starts in January and helps your loved one learn God's Word for months to come (available in 4, 8, and 12 month memberships).
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"When the light of Jesus comes on in our dark hearts, the darkness must flee!"
— Natalie Abbott

Today's episode: We want life—real life, lasting life, full life—and this is precisely what what Jesus offers us! Listen in as Natalie Abbott unpacks the metaphors Jesus uses to explain the life he wants to give us. She narrows in on the metaphor of light, helping us see what it communicates about eternal life, victory over sin and death, and the beauty of the Christian life.  This is the message of Jesus: the message of life and light! All we need to do to receive it is to believe it! It's a great episode and a helpful message to share with anyone who wants to know more about what it means to believe in Jesus.   

This month's memory verse: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” — John 1:4

Memorize with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory and memorize this month's verse with the Dwell Differently monthly membership!

Support Our Show: Leaving us a review is the best way to encourage us and help other people find our show.
 
Links from today's show: 

• Read more of Natalie's thoughts in her post, Light to All! Life for All! The Best Christmas Offer.
• Shop our SALE and give thoughtful, Christ-centered gifts at deep discounts!
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's Bible study and book: Dwell on These Things and Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Our feelings are important. But at the same time, we can't hang all of the weight of our being and our confidence on that, because they're going to vacillate, man. We've got to have something that's rock solid. And that's the Word of God. That's the presence of God." —Carlos Smith

Today's Episode: Natalie is chatting with Vera's pastor, Dr. Carlos Smith. It's such a great episode about the love and faithfulness of God. Listen in as they discuss being disappointed by our broken human relationships and our need to experience the love and faithfulness of God. Pastor Carlos shares with insight and compassion about finding healing, reorienting our feelings with truth, and experiencing God's presence both in his Word and through his people. 

This month's memory verse: "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." — Psalm 100:5
 
Today's guest: Dr. Carlos B. Smith has a deep passion for Jesus, his Word, and his people. He is the Lead Pastor of Refresh Community Church, a thriving, multiethnic, multicultural, and multigenerational congregation serving the Greater St. Louis Area.  

Support Our Show: Leave us a review! We'd love to hear what you think and it helps others find our show.
 
Links from today's show: 

• Learn more about Carlos: check out his church and podcast!
• Shop our SALE and give thoughtful, Christ-centered gifts at deep discounts!
• Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory: the Dwell Differently membership!
• Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things and book, Dwell Differently. 

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

The everlasting love of God frees us from the fear of messing up and from hiding away from him when we do mess up (which is constantly). He's always that warm and loving Father who...even though your "wrecked the car"...says, "I am going to pay for that. My arms are open wide and I will love you regardless."
— Natalie Abbott

Today's Episode: Do you ever try to earn God's love for you? Or do you doubt his love when you mess up? Well, here's the best news, God's love isn't dependent on you. Today, Dwell co-founders Natalie and Vera are talking about the joy and relief of knowing that God is unchanging in his character. You'll be encouraged as they relate stories of how they've seen God's love, goodness, and faithfulness in their own lives.

This month's memory verse: "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." — Psalm 100:5

Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly kit!

Support our show: It's really just as simple as leaving a review!

Links from today's show: 

• Check out The Pour Over, Natalie and Vera's go-to source for concise, unbiased news from a Christian perspective.
• Check out Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things: Transform Your Heart and Mind by Memorizing God's Word. 
• Memorize 11 new verses in Natalie and Vera's book, Dwell Differently: Overcome Negative Thinking with the Simple Practice of Memorizing God’s Truth.
• Dig deeper into this month's verse in our weekly devotionals. Get them sent to your inbox free every Monday!

Support the show

Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.