"One night I'm sitting out in my car, smoking a cigarette, and I look up at the church (cause it's always lit up) and the tree that's on the front corner...is engulfed in flames. I got joy for a second, you know. Like, 'oh this is good.' But I'm looking at it, and it's burning...but it's not being consumed."

— Patrick Mahon

Today's Episode: Listen in as Natalie's friend Patrick Mahon shares his remarkable testimony of God's work in his life to bring him out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light. It's a powerful story of miraculous transformation. You won't want to miss it! Note: this episode is not appropriate for younger listeners. 

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: Patrick Mahon is a member of Central Church in Jefferson City, Missouri, where Natalie's husband is the pastor. 

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: 

• 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.
• Join Dwell Differently, and start memorizing in 2026!

Support the show

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

"The amount of time that we spend on our screens, the amount of time that we spend numbing ourselves, the amount of time that we "check out" as people, as parents, as friends....It's amazing to me how more and more isolated we have become as a culture in the last 20 years and the last 5 years and the last year."

— Natalie Abbott

Today's episode: Join Dwell Differently cofounders and sisters Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz as they talk about darkness and light from a biblical perspective. They share personal stories, including Vera's childhood fear of the dark. They talk about the temptation to isolate in the dark and to numb ourselves with false comforts instead of walking in the true freedom and peace we find only in the light of Jesus. You'll love this heartfelt encouragement to bask in the warmth of God's light.

This month's memory verse: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18

Memorize 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: 

• 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.
• Looking to give your loved one God's Word in the new year? Consider giving the gift of Dwell Differently!

Support the show

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

"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 Platt

Today'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 show

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

"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 Abbott

Today'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 9:2

Memorize 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 show

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

"You don't want to just 'hang in there' forever. You want to be able to thrive again."

—Clarissa Moll

Today'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 3:18

Today'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 show

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

"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 Abbott

Today'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 3:18

Memorize 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 show

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

"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 Zasowski

Today'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 3:18

Today'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 show

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

"There are things going on that are difficult...and yet I will rejoice in the Lord."

— Natalie Abbott

Today'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 3:18

Memorize 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 show

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

"The more we learn about angels, the more we learn about God, and the more we can root our faith in him."

— Melissa Spoelstra

Today'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 5:7

Today'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 show

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

"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 Hoover

Today'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 5:7

Today'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 show

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