Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

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The Truth About Belonging that Opened My Calloused Heart

May 25, 2023 by Abby McDonald Leave a Comment

“You’ve changed in the short time I’ve known you.” My friend made the observation as we drove up the windy road through the mountains, chatting on our way home from a moms’ night out. I smiled because knew she meant statement in a positive way. After over a year living in northern Utah, my walls were coming down. I was inviting people into the space in my heart I usually kept guarded. And this was a huge step for me. The truth about belonging that had alluded me for most of my life became Continue Reading

What Happens to Our Souls When We Compare

June 3, 2021 by Abby McDonald

The shouts echo from the family room and as much as I try to avoid them, I know I’ll have to referee. I can’t see what’s taking place, but I know. My rising blood pressure is a sure sign. As I stand in the doorway, my suspicions are confirmed. There are hundreds of toys strewn across the house, but my four-year-old wants the one her big brother is playing with. It doesn’t matter that the airplane is missing a wheel and a fin. The reason she wants it is quite simple. Her brother has it. As Continue Reading

Hope to Anchor Your Soul in the Midst of Rejection

April 1, 2021 by Abby McDonald

When we moved to this area ten years ago, I was sure we'd be friends with this family down the street. Our boys were in the same class. We saw each other at school and stood at the bus stop together each morning when they started kindergarten. But somehow, it never happened. My family’s attempts to reach out weren’t rejected just once, but repeatedly. On two separate occasions my brave son rode his bike down the street to invite them over for a Nerf battle. When my husband told me, I prayed Continue Reading

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Hi! I'm Abby and I'm so glad you're here. I am a wife and a mom of two very energetic boys and one sweet baby girl. When I'm not chasing them around I love to write about my love for a God who relentlessly pursued me, even during my darkest times. READ MORE...

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How God Responds When His Own Want to Die
The Day I Realized Why I Wasn't Hearing God Speak
The Truth About Belonging that Opened My Calloused Heart
4 Truths to Hold Onto When You Think You've Let God Down

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I can’t explain it, and that’s part of the bea I can’t explain it, and that’s part of the beauty of it. But often, it isn’t until I take the intentional time to get still before God that I see all the ways he’s already moving in a situation. While the circumstances may not change, his peace covers me. It’s an exchange so beautiful, it’s difficult to put into words. I guess that’s why the Holy Spirit often intercedes for us with groans instead of perfectly crafted sentences. And yet, it’s still every bit perfection.

#prayerworks #keeppraying #hisgrace
As of today, I only have one left in elementary sc As of today, I only have one left in elementary school. I’m still not sure how I feel about it, and that’s okay.

To all the moms out there who feel the conflicting emotions of pride, sadness, and everything in between: I see you. You don’t have to choose one or the other. 

In this mothering journey, the commitment that counts is being here for it. 

#solongelementaryschool #summerishere #mothersofboys
We braved the rain today, and I’m so glad we did We braved the rain today, and I’m so glad we did. After a few showers, the sun came out and we made some beautiful memories together.

#almostheaven #blackwaterfallsstatepark #memorialday
As much as I love summer, it can bring a lot of co As much as I love summer, it can bring a lot of conflicting feelings for this work at home mom. But I know like every season, this one is a gift. 

For all of you moms who are entering summer with this tension, I wrote a prayer for you. As you navigate new rhythms, give yourself grace. I’m sending your favorite caffeinated drink your way. 😘

#workingmom #workathomemom #summerrhythm #keepgoing
I don’t consider myself a painter by any stretch I don’t consider myself a painter by any stretch of the imagination. When I took an Intro to Art College, each assignment faced my teacher’s intense scrutiny. 

“Too many lines,” he said.
“Too busy,” he commented.

But over time and practice, I grew, and he saw that. 

I’ve always been drawn to the creative process of painting. So when a church friend offered a Prayer & Paint class, I signed up. I knew it would be different than any class I’d taken, but I was intrigued.

Then came the first paint session.

No paintbrushes, the teacher said. Only fingers. My inner control freak screamed, “Wait, what?” But since there were no brushes available, I went to work. The freedom I found in the lack of control amazed me.

The following week, we again had no brushes. Only sponges, fingers and a scraper type tool. Again, laid down my need to prove myself and tried to lay my inner critic to rest. 

By the third week, I didn’t expect anything but paint and a canvas, but we found a surprise: paintbrushes! Much to my amazement, I was back to using my fingers by the end of the session. 

Then came the last class. A collaborative effort with no instruction. Any comfort zone I imagined having was thrown out the window. The end result: my favorite piece. 

Each class, I realized something:
When we try to control each step of the creative process, we miss opportunities for God to lead.

Whether it’s painting, or writing, or some other pursuit, freedom is found when we realize the end result is not about us. It’s about pointing others toward the ultimate Creator.

As we refine our work and let others speak into it, He refines us. He speaks in each stroke. But first, we have to release our grip.

#creativeprocess #creativespace #trysomethingnew #stilllearning
This is the face of a girl who finished her book p This is the face of a girl who finished her book proposal and sent it to her agent. After months of distractions, I pushed past the excuses, sat my butt in the chair (for days upon days) and did it.

I know there will still be work ahead. I don’t know what the future holds. 

But I’m celebrating this moment. 🙌🏼🎉

#authorsofinstagram #bookinprogress #writingcoach
We’ve lived in this area for almost twelve years We’ve lived in this area for almost twelve years, and somehow we’ve never ventured to this park. I’m so glad we did today. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you beautiful moms, and to all the women who mother and nurture. You are loved.

#mothersday #mothersday23 #happymothersday
Several months ago, I felt like I was chasing brea Several months ago, I felt like I was chasing breadcrumbs. I faced an uncertain health diagnosis, and thought God was giving me hints of what was to come. But through the course of several events that could only be orchestrated by God, I realized something; I had it all wrong. 

When God speaks, his voice is steady and consistent, not confusing and fear-inducing.

Although Jesus spoke to the Jews in parables they didn’t understand, this was because he already knew their hearts. He knew they didn’t believe, and they had already chosen their path. But when he speaks to us as children, it isn’t in parables. It’s in a loving voice that says, “Don’t be afraid. No matter what the future holds, I’m with you.”

If you feel like you’re chasing breadcrumbs today, trying to hear the voice of God, know this: He still speaks. Sit down, quiet your mind, and put your phone on “do not disturb.” Open your Bible and see what happens. He wants to communicate with each of us. Sometimes we just have to slow down our racing hearts enough to listen.

#hisword #hisgrace #hopewriters
It’s easy for me to put Elijah on an untouchable It’s easy for me to put Elijah on an untouchable plain when it comes to heroes of the faith. I mean, the man brought down fire from heaven. But then I read verses like this one, and it reminds me of the truth. He was a man. God used him to bring the fire, yes. But then he ran. He was afraid and flawed, just like you and me.

His power rested not in any earthly qualification, but in his closeness to One who gave it.

The One who continues the to give to us. Through prayer.

When Elijah prayed, it didn’t rain a drop for three years. And then he prayed again, and the heavens opened.

Today on this day of prayer, may we remember the Spirit gives us this same power. Jesus said, “Greater things than these…” (John 14:12) Let’s seek Him and not become blind to the greatest gift we have. 

#nationaldayofprayer #prayerlife #prayerchangesthings
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The 5 Days to Life Unstuck Challenge

Are there areas of your life where you can’t seem to find breakthrough? Do you feel as though your keep praying the same prayers over and over, but you’re not getting anywhere?

A life stuck is one that never moves into the fullness Christ created us to have.

This is why I created the “5 Days to Life Unstuck Challenge”. In this 5-day challenge, we will look at five key areas where the enemy likes for us to stay stuck. Then, we will implement a simple, doable mindset shift.

Ready to get get unstuck?

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!