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Dwell Differently: Overcome Negative Thinking with the Simple Practice of Memorizing God’s Truth
Change the way you think, one verse at a time
What if you had God's words with you all the time? Not just on your phone, but deep in your soul and on the tip of your tongue? It may sound daunting, or even impossible.
Knowing how hard Scripture memorization can be, Dwell Differently founders Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz created a simple, creative, and smart way to memorize Scripture and keep God's promises in your heart. Natalie and Vera not only reveal the importance of having a mind built on God's Word, they actually give you the tools necessary to defeat negative thoughts. In doing so, they help
· fight lies with truth
· replace fear with peace
· focus your heart on what really matters
In a world filled with negative voices competing for our attention, just one word from God is more powerful than any other. It's time to store up a wealth of them.
" Dwell Differently is an invitation we all need--to know, love, and apply God's Word to our everyday lives."--RUTH CHOU SIMONS, Wall Street Journal bestselling author
What if you had God's words with you all the time? Not just on your phone, but deep in your soul and on the tip of your tongue? It may sound daunting, or even impossible.
Knowing how hard Scripture memorization can be, Dwell Differently founders Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz created a simple, creative, and smart way to memorize Scripture and keep God's promises in your heart. Natalie and Vera not only reveal the importance of having a mind built on God's Word, they actually give you the tools necessary to defeat negative thoughts. In doing so, they help
· fight lies with truth
· replace fear with peace
· focus your heart on what really matters
In a world filled with negative voices competing for our attention, just one word from God is more powerful than any other. It's time to store up a wealth of them.
" Dwell Differently is an invitation we all need--to know, love, and apply God's Word to our everyday lives."--RUTH CHOU SIMONS, Wall Street Journal bestselling author
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
75 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Abbott
3 books6 followersAbout the Author
Natalie Abbott is the cofounder and chief content officer of Dwell Differently, a vibrant online community committed to memorizing one million Bible verses together. Cohost of the popular Dwell Differently podcast, she lives in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Natalie Abbott is the cofounder and chief content officer of Dwell Differently, a vibrant online community committed to memorizing one million Bible verses together. Cohost of the popular Dwell Differently podcast, she lives in Jefferson City, Missouri.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 18 reviews
January 24, 2025
“Just one verse, one small word from God is more powerful, more impactful, more beautiful, and more grounding than any other thing…” -Vera Schmitz🦋
If you’re anything like me, it can be so easy to fall into negative thought spirals that seem impossible to escape. But the good thing is that we can escape: by memorizing, reciting, and meditating on the Word of God. In Dwell Differently, Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz focus on eleven Bible verses and the beautiful truths they teach us. Each chapter includes illustrations and links to other resources that will help you memorize these eleven verses. Natalie and Vera’s writing is so down to earth and relatable, and I found myself so encouraged by the truth they preached. Plus, I memorized a few new verses along the way. If you’ve been wanting to memorize more Scripture or you just need some encouragement in your walk with Christ, check out Dwell Differently today!❤️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A big thank you to ICON Media Group and Bethany House Nonfiction for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.
If you’re anything like me, it can be so easy to fall into negative thought spirals that seem impossible to escape. But the good thing is that we can escape: by memorizing, reciting, and meditating on the Word of God. In Dwell Differently, Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz focus on eleven Bible verses and the beautiful truths they teach us. Each chapter includes illustrations and links to other resources that will help you memorize these eleven verses. Natalie and Vera’s writing is so down to earth and relatable, and I found myself so encouraged by the truth they preached. Plus, I memorized a few new verses along the way. If you’ve been wanting to memorize more Scripture or you just need some encouragement in your walk with Christ, check out Dwell Differently today!❤️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A big thank you to ICON Media Group and Bethany House Nonfiction for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.
Read
April 25, 2025Listened to this one, but definitely want to grab a physical copy to re-read. It’s such a solid book on Scripture memory—offering 11 verses to help combat negative lies. What I appreciated most is that they don’t just cherry-pick verses and tell you to memorize them. Instead, they walk you through the historical context and offer faithful, thoughtful application. Highly recommend!
November 4, 2024
As Natalie and Vera point out in the book, “God commands his people not just to fix his words in their minds but also their hearts” (Deuteronomy 11:18), and so I love that this book helps women do just that.
Natalie and Vera’s love for God and their passion for equipping women to deeply know and connect with their heavenly Father through His Word is evident on every page, and I could not help but feel encouraged and impassioned as I read.
I also love that at the end of each chapter, readers are invited to apply the truths taught to their own lives and given a link and QR code to access additional resources and listen to a podcast series that the authors made just for this book.
Overall, I believe this is a wonderful resource, especially for new believers; but even with that said, there are many great takeaways and techniques for memorizing Scripture that seasoned believers to glean from.
✨ Thank you, ICON Media Group, for my copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Natalie and Vera’s love for God and their passion for equipping women to deeply know and connect with their heavenly Father through His Word is evident on every page, and I could not help but feel encouraged and impassioned as I read.
I also love that at the end of each chapter, readers are invited to apply the truths taught to their own lives and given a link and QR code to access additional resources and listen to a podcast series that the authors made just for this book.
Overall, I believe this is a wonderful resource, especially for new believers; but even with that said, there are many great takeaways and techniques for memorizing Scripture that seasoned believers to glean from.
✨ Thank you, ICON Media Group, for my copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 22, 2025
I’ve had my eye on the Dwell Differently instagram page for awhile but never really explored it until this book. The aim of Dwell Differently is to help equip believers with different tools to assist with scripture memorization. In this book, they explain the different strategies they use to memorize scripture and then give certain life scenarios with verses one could have memorized that would apply to those situations.
As a more mature believer I wasn’t sure if I would get much from this book aside from scripture memorization techniques but I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, the book reads like your basic womens Bible study book and breaks down basic principles such as the gospel. But where they differ from most is that they actually refer to scripture often, and they look at the context!!! So no, they’re not telling you to memorize things like Jeremiah 29:11 to help you get through a tough situation. I really appreciated the way they handled scripture and stressed the importance of dwelling on verses in the way that the author intended. Surprisingly they helped me change the way I think about the apostle John!
If you’re only interested in the scripture memorization then the first 3ish chapters would be enough. The free online resources that coincides with the book have been super helpful. My toddlers love coloring the pages with me and even my husband without trying was able to memorize the first verse just because I had the materials laying around the house!
As a more mature believer I wasn’t sure if I would get much from this book aside from scripture memorization techniques but I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, the book reads like your basic womens Bible study book and breaks down basic principles such as the gospel. But where they differ from most is that they actually refer to scripture often, and they look at the context!!! So no, they’re not telling you to memorize things like Jeremiah 29:11 to help you get through a tough situation. I really appreciated the way they handled scripture and stressed the importance of dwelling on verses in the way that the author intended. Surprisingly they helped me change the way I think about the apostle John!
If you’re only interested in the scripture memorization then the first 3ish chapters would be enough. The free online resources that coincides with the book have been super helpful. My toddlers love coloring the pages with me and even my husband without trying was able to memorize the first verse just because I had the materials laying around the house!
June 18, 2024
How does the Bible change us for the better? In "Dwell Differently," Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz help you overcome negative thinking with the simple practice of memorizing God's truth. This book doesn't just hand you a list of verses to memorize. Instead, it guides you through a joyful process of understanding, internalization, and application. Their purpose is clear -- to fix our minds and rewire our thoughts through Bible memorization.
Remember and Retain
In this delightful book, Abbott and Schmitz invite you to memorize 11 powerful Bible verses to transform your life. They don’t just tell you what verses to memorize but they explain the verses so you understand the specific truths they tell you. They then ask you to apply the truth to your life — prompting you with helpful questions and insight. I was inspired to quote scripture from memory when I’m preaching and teaching from the pulpit, as well as simply living life together with my wife and kids at home.
One of the core techniques introduced in Dwell Differently is the mnemonic device of memorizing verses by stringing together the first letter of each word. This method not only aids in rememberance and retention but also serves as the foundation for creating beautiful Scripture designs, turning the letters into vibrant, full-color visuals that enhance your memorization experience.
Renew Your Mind
I was most challenged when presented with 1 John 3:1a. This verse combats the negative feedback loop of feeling unlovable. By emphasizing the lavish love of God, I was moved to make this a verse I take to heart.
While admitting to living in a weary world, this book is overwhelmingly positive. It's a hopeful guide to a mindset of resilience and faith. The book ends by encouraging you to replay these verses like a song in your head. They will get stuck. Renew your mind and embrace the abundant life promised by memorizing and meditating on God's Word.
I received a media copy of Dwell Differently and this is my honest review.
Remember and Retain
In this delightful book, Abbott and Schmitz invite you to memorize 11 powerful Bible verses to transform your life. They don’t just tell you what verses to memorize but they explain the verses so you understand the specific truths they tell you. They then ask you to apply the truth to your life — prompting you with helpful questions and insight. I was inspired to quote scripture from memory when I’m preaching and teaching from the pulpit, as well as simply living life together with my wife and kids at home.
One of the core techniques introduced in Dwell Differently is the mnemonic device of memorizing verses by stringing together the first letter of each word. This method not only aids in rememberance and retention but also serves as the foundation for creating beautiful Scripture designs, turning the letters into vibrant, full-color visuals that enhance your memorization experience.
Renew Your Mind
I was most challenged when presented with 1 John 3:1a. This verse combats the negative feedback loop of feeling unlovable. By emphasizing the lavish love of God, I was moved to make this a verse I take to heart.
While admitting to living in a weary world, this book is overwhelmingly positive. It's a hopeful guide to a mindset of resilience and faith. The book ends by encouraging you to replay these verses like a song in your head. They will get stuck. Renew your mind and embrace the abundant life promised by memorizing and meditating on God's Word.
I received a media copy of Dwell Differently and this is my honest review.
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November 29, 2024Natalie and Vera come besides you like a best friend/older sister to encourage in your faith, equip you to memorize scripture, and help you know Jesus better in the process!
This book is simple enough for teens in my opinion, but has such solid truths a Christian at any stage can read it and be encouraged in their walk with Christ! Memorizing scripture does not come easy to a lot of us, but that doesn’t negate the importance of hiding God’s word in our heart!
This book is jam packed with resources to help you memorize and will be one I return to often to aid in my scripture memory!
*I was gifted a copy for my honest review!
This book is simple enough for teens in my opinion, but has such solid truths a Christian at any stage can read it and be encouraged in their walk with Christ! Memorizing scripture does not come easy to a lot of us, but that doesn’t negate the importance of hiding God’s word in our heart!
This book is jam packed with resources to help you memorize and will be one I return to often to aid in my scripture memory!
*I was gifted a copy for my honest review!
June 2, 2025
I read the first three chapters, which were well written. I only gave the book 3 stars because it feels very gender specific and I didn’t necessarily get that sense when reading the synopsis on the back. I love the idea of memorizing scripture and I could see the value in memorizing using the method they use. My one issue with it would be there is a danger of taking verses out of context to support a feeling or belief when only memorizing a single topical verse.
September 29, 2024
This was great! I feel like Scripture memory is having a "moment" right now, which is fantastic! The other books I've read stress memorizing chapters and books. Also fantastic! But this one focuses on memorizing single verses. The authors combine basically a devotional, a verse, the first letter method, AND simple artwork. Love it! I plan to hand it off to my highschool aged daughter.
November 27, 2025
I loved the designs for the verses and all the additional resources from coloring pages and prints. I think some of the commentary was simplistic or cultural not in a bad or misleading way but at times it made it unrelatable. Once I knew what to expect I enjoyed the more dialogue-like commentary. It felt like hearing from a friend rather than instruction.
August 5, 2024
Great tactics to help with verse memorization! However book is mainly for newer believers or those not strong in the faith. Did not finish book as it does not apply to me, but I will definitely take into account the memorization tactic.
February 23, 2025
For someone just learning how to memorize this Scripture, this book is a really good resource, giving a specific way to memorize, 13 verses to memorize, and a chapter devoted to breaking down the verses (which also helps with memorizing).
April 11, 2025
As a member of the Dwell Differently subscription club I was already familiar with their Scripture memory method and have found it to be quite helpful but the book went into more depth and was a calming reminder of the grace and goodness that God extends to me.
Read
January 6, 2025Love the concept and the verses they chose for each, however the content itself was a bit overwritten. Could’ve just used more editing.
June 13, 2024
I read this as a combination of the physical book and the audiobook via Hoopla. I thoroughly enjoyed both formats, but I’m so glad I have the physical copy because I know this is a book I’ll want to reference again and again. This book is all about filling our minds with the beauty, goodness, and truth of God’s Word. It’s so important that we dwell on God’s truth, hide it in our hearts, recite it throughout our day, and share it with others.
The Dwell Differently technique for Scripture memorization is highlighted in each chapter along with a corresponding verse for each chapter topic. It is with God’s Word that we can face the heartache, trouble, and grief in this world. We can take heart that God has overcome the world and meditate on His word while we await His return.
Thank you to the authors for a gifted copy of the book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Dwell Differently technique for Scripture memorization is highlighted in each chapter along with a corresponding verse for each chapter topic. It is with God’s Word that we can face the heartache, trouble, and grief in this world. We can take heart that God has overcome the world and meditate on His word while we await His return.
Thank you to the authors for a gifted copy of the book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 17, 2024
“Change the way you think. One verse at a time.”
Knowing how vital scripture memory is in your life to combat negative thinking, authors Vera Schmitz and Natalie Abbott have written a wonderful book to assist you with what sometimes can feel daunting. Each chapter gives a verse to memorize along with writings on the deeper meanings of each scripture. Also included are helpful tools for memorization. By the time I finished the first chapter and meditated on the corresponding verse, I could feel my thoughts mbegin to lift out of the negative ruts that are in my mind. A great book for anyone, no matter where you are on your faith journey.
Knowing how vital scripture memory is in your life to combat negative thinking, authors Vera Schmitz and Natalie Abbott have written a wonderful book to assist you with what sometimes can feel daunting. Each chapter gives a verse to memorize along with writings on the deeper meanings of each scripture. Also included are helpful tools for memorization. By the time I finished the first chapter and meditated on the corresponding verse, I could feel my thoughts mbegin to lift out of the negative ruts that are in my mind. A great book for anyone, no matter where you are on your faith journey.
August 12, 2024
Love the style and format, and this book has helped put God’s word in my heart!
December 7, 2024
Great wisdom that is practical and down to earth
Displaying 1 - 17 of 18 reviews