Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

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Privacy Policy

EFFECTIVE DATE: MAY 19, 2018

Abby McDonald (“us”, “we”, or “our”) operates the https://abbymcdonald.org website (the “Service”).

This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data when you use our Service and the choices you have associated with that data.

We use your data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. Unless otherwise defined in this Privacy Policy, terms used in this Privacy Policy have the same meanings as in our Terms and Conditions, accessible from https://abbymcdonald.org.

DEFINITIONS

PERSONAL DATA

Personal Data means data about a living individual who can be identified from those data (or from those and other information either in our possession or likely to come into our possession).

USAGE DATA

Usage Data is data collected automatically either generated by the use of the Service or from the Service infrastructure itself (for example, the duration of a page visit).

COOKIES

Cookies are small pieces of data stored on a User’s device.

DATA CONTROLLER

Data Controller means a person who (either alone or jointly or in common with other persons) determines the purposes for which and the manner in which any personal data are, or are to be, processed.

For the purpose of this Privacy Policy, we are a Data Controller of your data.

DATA PROCESSOR (OR SERVICE PROVIDERS)

Data Processor (or Service Provider) means any person (other than an employee of the Data Controller) who processes the data on behalf of the Data Controller.

We may use the services of various Service Providers in order to process your data more effectively.

DATA SUBJECT

Data Subject is any living individual who is the subject of Personal Data.

USER

The User is the individual using our Service. The User corresponds to the Data Subject, who is the subject of Personal Data.

INFORMATION COLLECTION AND USE

We collect several different types of information for various purposes to provide and improve our Service to you.

TYPES OF DATA COLLECTED

PERSONAL DATA

While using our Service, we may ask you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify you (“Personal Data”). Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to:

  • Email address
  • First name and last name
  • Phone number
  • Address, State, Province, ZIP/Postal code, City
  • Cookies and Usage Data

We may use your Personal Data to contact you with newsletters, marketing or promotional materials and other information that may be of interest to you. You may opt out of receiving any, or all, of these communications from us by following the unsubscribe link or instructions provided in any email we send.

USAGE DATA

We may also collect information how the Service is accessed and used (“Usage Data”). This Usage Data may include information such as your computer’s Internet Protocol address (e.g. IP address), browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data.

TRACKING & COOKIES DATA

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track the activity on our Service and hold certain information.

Cookies are files with small amount of data which may include an anonymous unique identifier. Cookies are sent to your browser from a website and stored on your device. Tracking technologies also used are beacons, tags, and scripts to collect and track information and to improve and analyze our Service.

You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our Service.

Examples of Cookies we use:

  • Session Cookies. We use Session Cookies to operate our Service.
  • Preference Cookies. We use Preference Cookies to remember your preferences and various settings.
  • Security Cookies. We use Security Cookies for security purposes.

USE OF DATA

Abby McDonald at abbymcdonald.org uses the collected data for various purposes:

  • To provide and maintain our Service
  • To notify you about changes to our Service
  • To allow you to participate in interactive features of our Service when you choose to do so
  • To provide customer support
  • To gather analysis or valuable information so that we can improve our Service
  • To monitor the usage of our Service
  • To detect, prevent and address technical issues
  • To provide you with news, special offers and general information about other goods, services and events which we offer that are similar to those that you have already purchased or enquired about unless you have opted not to receive such information

RETENTION OF DATA

Abby McDonald at abbymcdonald.org will retain your Personal Data only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. We will retain and use your Personal Data to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations (for example, if we are required to retain your data to comply with applicable laws), resolve disputes, and enforce our legal agreements and policies.

Abby McDonald at abbymcdonald.org will also retain Usage Data for internal analysis purposes. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period of time, except when this data is used to strengthen the security or to improve the functionality of our Service, or we are legally obligated to retain this data for longer time periods.

TRANSFER OF DATA

Your information, including Personal Data, may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ than those from your jurisdiction.

If you are located outside United States and choose to provide information to us, please note that we transfer the data, including Personal Data, to United States and process it there.

Your consent to this Privacy Policy followed by your submission of such information represents your agreement to that transfer.

Abby McDonald at abbymcdonald.org will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and no transfer of your Personal Data will take place to an organization or a country unless there are adequate controls in place including the security of your data and other personal information.

DISCLOSURE OF DATA

DISCLOSURE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

Under certain circumstances, Abby McDonald at abbymcdonald.org may be required to disclose your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency).

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Abby McDonald at abbymcdonald.org may disclose your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

  • To comply with a legal obligation
  • To protect and defend the rights or property of Abby McDonald at abbymcdonald.org
  • To prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Service
  • To protect the personal safety of users of the Service or the public
  • To protect against legal liability

SECURITY OF DATA

The security of your data is important to us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your Personal Data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security

“DO NOT TRACK” SIGNALS

We do not support Do Not Track (“DNT”). Do Not Track is a preference you can set in your web browser to inform websites that you do not want to be tracked.

You can enable or disable Do Not Track by visiting the Preferences or Settings page of your web browser.

YOUR RIGHTS

Abby McDonald at abbymcdonald.org aims to take reasonable steps to allow you to correct, amend, delete, or limit the use of your Personal Data.

Whenever made possible, you can update your Personal Data directly within your account settings section. If you are unable to change your Personal Data, please contact us to make the required changes.

If you wish to be informed what Personal Data we hold about you and if you want it to be removed from our systems, please contact us.

In certain circumstances, you have the right:

  • To access and receive a copy of the Personal Data we hold about you
  • To rectify any Personal Data held about you that is inaccurate
  • To request the deletion of Personal Data held about you

You have the right to data portability for the information you provide to Abby McDonald at abbymcdonald.org. You can request to obtain a copy of your Personal Data in a commonly used electronic format so that you can manage and move it.

Please note that we may ask you to verify your identity before responding to such requests.

SERVICE PROVIDERS

We may employ third-party companies and individuals to facilitate our Service (“Service Providers”), to provide the Service on our behalf, to perform Service-related services or to assist us in analyzing how our Service is used.

These third parties have access to your Personal Data only to perform these tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.

ANALYTICS

We may use third-party Service Providers to monitor and analyze the use of our Service.

GOOGLE ANALYTICS

Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. Google uses the data collected to track and monitor the use of our Service. This data is shared with other Google services. Google may use the collected data to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network.

You can opt-out of having made your activity on the Service available to Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on. The add-on prevents the Google Analytics JavaScript (ga.js, analytics.js, and dc.js) from sharing information with Google Analytics about visits activity.

For more information on the privacy practices of Google, please visit the Google Privacy & Terms web page: http://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/

PAYMENTS

We may provide paid products and/or services within the Service. In that case, we use third-party services for payment processing (e.g. payment processors).

We will not store or collect your payment card details. That information is provided directly to our third-party payment processors whose use of your personal information is governed by their Privacy Policy. These payment processors adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS as managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands like Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. PCI-DSS requirements help ensure the secure handling of payment information.

The payment processors we work with are:

STRIPE

Their Privacy Policy can be viewed at https://stripe.com/us/privacy

PAYPAL OR BRAINTREE

Their Privacy Policy can be viewed at https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full.

LINKS TO OTHER SITES

Our Service may contain links to other sites that are not operated by us. If you click on a third-party link, you will be directed to that third party’s site. We strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policy of every site you visit.

We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third-party sites or services.

CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 18 (“Children”).

We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 18. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your Children has provided us with Personal Data, please contact us. If we become aware that we have collected Personal Data from children without verification of parental consent, we take steps to remove that information from our servers.

CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.

We will let you know via email and/or a prominent notice on our Service, prior to the change becoming effective and update the “effective date” at the top of this Privacy Policy.

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us here.

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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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Several years ago, I learned something about dark Several years ago, I learned something about dark seasons I tried hard to avoid. I saw that rather than running from them or explaining them away, sometimes we have to lean into them. 

When Martha sends word that her brother is dying, Jesus is only one day’s walk away. But he waits. And he doesn’t wait because he’s disillusioned about the situation. No, he has a purpose to his delay.

“This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
John 11:4 NIV

Sometimes God allows the darkness so that his Light can be magnified.

It isn’t because he doesn’t care. He isn’t sitting on his throne, removed from our situation like he’s playing some video game. He weeps for us. 

He doesn’t just hurt when we hurt. As I read in a recent devotion, he hurts because we hurt.

Could Jesus have prevented Lazarus from dying altogether? Absolutely. Mary and Martha know this, and it is one of the first things they say to him when he arrives. They don’t yet see the reason for his delay. So what good comes out of his death? We see it as the story concludes.

“Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.” John 11:45 NIV

I don’t know what darkness you’re walking through today, friend. But I do know he sees and he laments with you. Invite him into that place with you today. Sometimes the light we long to see is just on the other side of a weary cry for help.
When I read the story of creation, I always find i When I read the story of creation, I always find it interesting how God didn’t remove the darkness to create the light. Although he had the authority to do so, he didn’t expel it once and for all when he said, “Let there be light.”

No, he separated the two. It’s as though there was some plan, some purpose behind it. Then, fast-forward a couple of thousand years and we meet Jesus- the One who calls himself The Light. He tells us in John that those who follow Him will never walk in darkness. (John 8:12)

And yet, he doesn’t banish the darkness either.

As a matter of fact, there are situations where he allows it to enter the lives of those who walk with Him.

Recently, my family entered circumstances where the darkness was thick. I wasn’t just uncomfortable. I was on my knees. But I wasn’t interested in seeing what God was trying to reveal to me through the pain or whether there was a reason for it. I wanted it to go away. Period.

➡️ New post - link in bio

#amwriting #hopewriters #hislight #hisgrace #authorsofinstagram #shiftyourmindset
A few months ago, I learned something new about on A few months ago, I learned something new about onions: They have a ripening agent in them. So when we had groceries delivered over the weekend and our avocados weren’t ripe, I put them next to the onions. A day later, and we had delicious avocados, perfect for guacamole, wraps and sandwiches.

Have you ever noticed people can have the same effect? Some bring out the best in you, while others make you doubt and second-guess yourself. Some want to see you pursue your God-given dreams and talents, while others only criticize and point out all the reasons your ideas will fail. Friends, I’m not talking about criticism that’s constructive- and yes, it does exist. I’m taking about criticism that highlights the giver’s insecurity. There is a huge difference.

The more I expand my creative pursuits, the more I see that I need to surround myself with people who are like those onions. They bring out the sweet stuff that’s hiding underneath the hard surface. They want to see me thrive.

As I give thanks for those friends, I pray I am that type of friend for them too. Lord, help me to be that friend.
A couple of years ago, I experienced decision fati A couple of years ago, I experienced decision fatigue unlike any other time of my life. In a season filled with highs and joyful moments, there were also days when I felt paralyzed. Fear of making the wrong choice darkened my thoughts like a constant bully, and I didn’t know which way to turn.

I wanted clarity and a crystal clear writing on the wall, telling me what to do. But it didn’t come. The lack of an answer when I prayed made me unsure of my footing, like I couldn’t move forward.

We make thousands of choices each day, but not all of them are life altering. If you’re anything like me, when those big ones come you can go to God and expect an answer right then, even when you’ve done little to even connect with him. 

➡️ New post- link in bio

#decisionmaking #hopewriters #shiftyourmindset #amwriting #authorsofinstagram
#fridayintroductions Happy Friday, friends! This #fridayintroductions

Happy Friday, friends! This is me standing in the middle of our work-in-progress kitchen. We’ve been piecemealing a reno together for a few years now, and I’m smiling because the end is finally in sight.

The middle of things can feel messy, can’t it? Whether it’s a renovation, a project, or a big move, that middle place can be long and tiring. We may question a call we heard from God or even quit when it gets hard.

Here are 3 things I’ve learned about this place that help me keep going:

1. God doesn’t abandon us when we reach the middle of a task. He is the faithful God of the beginning, middle, and end.

2. The middle ground is often where we learn life skills we need most, like perseverance and determination.

3. When we reach the end of one goal or project, we sometimes find it is the middle of something else. There will always be another mountain to climb or place to aim for.

Although I can be impatient, I’m slowly learning to enjoy the journey. I know my soul was created to long for a future, but that future ultimately isn’t here. This is just the practicing ground for place far more beautiful.

#hopewriters #hisgrace #keepgoing #amwriting #shiftyourmindset #authorsofinstagram
My focus can admittedly be pretty narrow. I get ho My focus can admittedly be pretty narrow. I get honed in on that one goal or one problem I can’t seem to surmount. I look at what’s in front of me instead of remembering that my story doesn’t start or end there.

But God. He always sees. And I’m so grateful he sends there little reminders from fellow sojourners like Bob Goff to stop, to breathe and relax a bit. 

God is the master at creating beautiful pictures. Often, we just have to stop and readjust our lens. It’s only then that we’ll catch a tiny glimpse of what he’s doing. And sometimes, it takes our breath away.

#hopewriters #encouragingquotes #keepgoing #hisgrace #liveingracewalkinlove
His mercies are new each day. Happy Easter from ou His mercies are new each day. Happy Easter from our family to yours. 🌅🌷

#heisalive #hismerciesareneweverymorning #easter2021 #resurrectionsunday
I used to think big acts of faith were in the life I used to think big acts of faith were in the life-changing leaps. Cross-country moves. Chasing the dream that seems impossible. Getting up on the stage. And yes, each of things require faith and I believe each one is important. When God asked me to do each of them, my knees shook.

But here’s what I’ve found to be true - if they’re not done with love, they mean nothing. Love not only for God, but for others. Because the person who doesn’t love others can’t claim to love God.

The more I walk this road with Jesus, the more I see this: Big faith is reaching out to my neighbor, even when I’m not sure she’ll reciprocate. It’s making another attempt at connection, even when we’ve been humiliated by rejection. This is faith. These are the things that honor a God who faced the biggest rejection and humiliation of anyone.

Big faith doesn’t always require a leap. Sometimes it just means opening your door.

Will it be easy? No. But when we make those friendships and reach those who feel alone and lost, it’s more than worth it. It’s everything.

#amwriting #authorsofinstagram #hopewriters #keepgoing #communitymatters #cultivatewhatmatters
A gift that sits on a shelf, unopened, isn’t a g A gift that sits on a shelf, unopened, isn’t a gift that’s going to make a difference or impact. And it occurred to me as I was reading in Romans this morning - this is often how I treat God’s grace. I act as though it’s borrowed and he’s going to ask me to return it when I mess up or fall. I often walk as if at any moment he may say, “Nope, that’s it. No grace for you today.” 

Today I’m declaring: lie from the pit of the enemy.

When Paul talks about Christ’s work and our justification through his blood, he repeatedly uses the past tense. In other words, it’s already done. It’s not dependent on any works we do or will do. 

But we must do this: Receive it. Accept it. 
God’s grace is a gift freely offered to each of us, but like any gift it must be received to change who we are. 

Claim it as yours today and forever. And then, walk in it. 

#grace #faithwriter #hopewriters #writersofinstagram #amwriting #identityinchrist #christianblogger
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