Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

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Shift

Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God

If we want to see God in the midst of our struggles, we have to change the way we look for him.

There is no denying that miracles, answers to prayer, and abundant blessings testify to God’s presence. When the desires of our hearts are filled, it’s easy to see him. But what about the seasons when he seems invisible? Scripture tells us God never sleeps, but it is easy to feel like he is not attuned to our needs. Shift explores the life-changing truth that when we adjust our lens to focus our eyes on God rather than on what we wish we were seeing in our lives, he reveals himself to us. In fact, those moments when he seems invisible to us are often when others see him the most in us.

When Jesus walked the earth, he looked to God for his earthly needs. Jesus had a deep relationship with the Father that fueled his mission, his purpose, and his effectiveness. Scripture tells us that we can have that too. But there is a shift that needs to take place in our hearts and minds. No matter our circumstances, we can see God in our lives—right here, right now.


Endorsements for Abby McDonald’s Shift

"As new believers or seasoned Christ-followers, we all have times when we struggle to maintain the right perspective. In Shift, Abby McDonald opens our eyes to the freedom found through a change in focus. Abby communicates as if she’s sitting right here in my living room. Her desire to help others grow in Christ can be felt through her words. I can’t wait to introduce her message to our women’s ministry!"

– Kristine Brown, author of Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan & the Over It. Devotional for Teen Girls

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:04:43-05:00

– Kristine Brown, author of Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan & the Over It. Devotional for Teen Girls

"As new believers or seasoned Christ-followers, we all have times when we struggle to maintain the right perspective. In Shift, Abby McDonald opens our eyes to the freedom found through a change in focus. Abby communicates as if she’s sitting right here in my living room. Her desire to help others grow in Christ can be felt through her words. I can’t wait to introduce her message to our women’s ministry!"
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/kristine-brown/
"Abby comes alongside her reader like a safe friend inviting you to step out of the fog and see the road in front of you with new eyes. Her vulnerable stories reminded me God has not forgotten my heartache, and He is whispering grace over me even when my spiritual sight is limited. Shift will uplift your perspective on the hard seasons and help you move forward with renewed hope."

– Lyli Dunbar, Writer, Speaker, and Biblical Life Coach; Writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries First 5 App and Love God Greatly

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:13:39-05:00

– Lyli Dunbar, Writer, Speaker, and Biblical Life Coach; Writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries First 5 App and Love God Greatly

"Abby comes alongside her reader like a safe friend inviting you to step out of the fog and see the road in front of you with new eyes. Her vulnerable stories reminded me God has not forgotten my heartache, and He is whispering grace over me even when my spiritual sight is limited. Shift will uplift your perspective on the hard seasons and help you move forward with renewed hope."
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/lyli-dunbar/
"In a world that is constantly vying for our attention, it can be hard to focus on the "One Thing" that most matters, God. Shift artfully met my heart with relatable stories, insightful scripture, and fresh perspectives, many beckoning me to come closer to Jesus. As I turned page-to-page, there were various times that I had to stop and laugh, consider and ponder, or underline and write notes in the margin. I really enjoyed Abby McDonald's heartfelt message and storytelling."

- Kelly Balarie, Speaker, Blogger at www.purposefulfaith.com, Author of Fear Fighting and Battle Ready: Train your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt and Live Victoriously

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:12:40-05:00

- Kelly Balarie, Speaker, Blogger at www.purposefulfaith.com, Author of Fear Fighting and Battle Ready: Train your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt and Live Victoriously

"In a world that is constantly vying for our attention, it can be hard to focus on the "One Thing" that most matters, God. Shift artfully met my heart with relatable stories, insightful scripture, and fresh perspectives, many beckoning me to come closer to Jesus. As I turned page-to-page, there were various times that I had to stop and laugh, consider and ponder, or underline and write notes in the margin. I really enjoyed Abby McDonald's heartfelt message and storytelling."
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/kelly-balarie/
"For those who question if God cares what they are going through, Abby McDonald's wise and thoughtful insights provide a perspective shift to discouraged hearts. Learn to hang on to hope through difficult circumstances as you see God's trustworthy nature displayed with each turn of the page."

- Katie M. Reid, author of Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:03:44-05:00

- Katie M. Reid, author of Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done

"For those who question if God cares what they are going through, Abby McDonald's wise and thoughtful insights provide a perspective shift to discouraged hearts. Learn to hang on to hope through difficult circumstances as you see God's trustworthy nature displayed with each turn of the page."
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/katie-m-reid/
"Abby McDonald’s heart for her readers shows through in every word. Genuine and gentle, she leads us to a place where we can shift our lenses to see God’s presence in all the moments: good, bad, and—especially—in between. Because as much as we like to focus on the highs and lows, God longs to meet us in the middle. Shift’s practical approach will help you see Him there."

– Kelly O’Dell Stanley, author of Praying Upside Down, Designed to Pray, and InstaPrayer

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:06:39-05:00

– Kelly O’Dell Stanley, author of Praying Upside Down, Designed to Pray, and InstaPrayer

"Abby McDonald’s heart for her readers shows through in every word. Genuine and gentle, she leads us to a place where we can shift our lenses to see God’s presence in all the moments: good, bad, and—especially—in between. Because as much as we like to focus on the highs and lows, God longs to meet us in the middle. Shift’s practical approach will help you see Him there."
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/kelly-odell-stanley/
"Perspective is everything.  As Shift portrays, changing our focus is a gift that can empower a radical faith. Beneath her quiet, graceful demeanor, author McDonald emerges here as a dynamic writer with a powerful message about the necessity of seeking God’s presence in every season and situation of our lives.  Inspiring readers with her own life stories along with practical, Biblical principles, McDonald encourages that no matter what the struggle, you can discover a deeper wisdom and a stronger faith that will transform your life.  Sometimes all it takes is one small shift."

- Lisa Murray, LMFT, author of Peace For A Lifetime: Embracing a Life of Hope, Wholeness, and Harmony Through Emotional Abundance

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:11:20-05:00

- Lisa Murray, LMFT, author of Peace For A Lifetime: Embracing a Life of Hope, Wholeness, and Harmony Through Emotional Abundance

"Perspective is everything.  As Shift portrays, changing our focus is a gift that can empower a radical faith. Beneath her quiet, graceful demeanor, author McDonald emerges here as a dynamic writer with a powerful message about the necessity of seeking God’s presence in every season and situation of our lives.  Inspiring readers with her own life stories along with practical, Biblical principles, McDonald encourages that no matter what the struggle, you can discover a deeper wisdom and a stronger faith that will transform your life.  Sometimes all it takes is one small shift."
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/lisa-murray/
"Fresh and loving insight straight to the heart. Abby will stun you with her inspiring words anchored in Biblical truth. A lighthouse of Hope!"

– Jami Amerine, author of Stolen Jesus and Sacred Ground Sticky Floors 

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:08:54-05:00

– Jami Amerine, author of Stolen Jesus and Sacred Ground Sticky Floors 

"Fresh and loving insight straight to the heart. Abby will stun you with her inspiring words anchored in Biblical truth. A lighthouse of Hope!"
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/jami-amerine/
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Shift by Abby McDonald

For Sharing

"God's faithfulness is not a result of what he does but who he is." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"If we want to see God, our thirst for him must become greater than our thirst for answers." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"Surrender doesn't mean lack of desire for a rescue, but trusting God's way for our lives." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"When we allow life's messes to humble us instead of distance us, we come closer to the heart of God." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"At the foot of the cross, not one of God's children shines any brighter than the other." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"Hardship causes us to see God's presence as a gift rather than an entitlement." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"Faith is activated not by seeing, but by doing." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"When God calls us to do something, he doesn't leave us once we reach the middle of the task." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"Humbling ourselves before the Father exalts the power of the Holy Spirit within us." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook

Suggested Facebook Posts

When our faith in God’s path for us is greater than our faith in today, a whole new world opens up before us. ShiftBook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus

Most of us view trials through the filter of punishment instead of viewing them through the lens we should regard every aspect of our lives: God’s love. ShiftBook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus

In a world where people believe truth is fluid, followers of God build altars to remind them its unchanging. ShiftBook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus

If we want to be a light, we must realize we are working for God even when no one else is looking. ShiftBook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus

When we allow Jesus to work on us inside, the change will be evident on the outside. ShiftBook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus


For Tweeting

We are one of the primary ways God makes himself visible to others.  https://shiftbook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus Click To Tweet A small act of kindness can be a big arrow pointing others toward God’s character. https://shiftbook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus Click To Tweet When we follow God into the unknown, our expectations of his grace must be greater than our dependence on an answer. https://shiftbook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus Click To Tweet Getting completely raw and honest with God brings a divine recognition of who he is. https://shiftbook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus Click To Tweet Sometimes it isn’t until we take shaky steps into the unknown that we see God’s hand move. https://shiftbook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus Click To Tweet

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Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God by Abby McDonald

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Abby McDonald

About the Author

Abby McDonald is a blogger, speaker, wife, and mom whose work has been featured on (in)Courage, For Every Mom, iBelieve, Crosswalk, and more. Her passion is to empower women to grow in faith and hope, even when life is messy. She earned a BA in English from the University of South Carolina and teaches writing workshops both online and at conferences each year. Abby lives with her husband and three children in western Maryland.

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Sometimes I read a passage in scripture and the wo Sometimes I read a passage in scripture and the words sound beautiful in my mind, but I have no idea how to apply it them real life. Ever been there? This was the case for many years whenever I heard the verse, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..." (1 John 4:18). I was living with a constant low grade anxiety, and the promise here seemed to allude me.

Then, following an emergency c-section with my first child, this anxiety turned to chest pains and difficulty breathing. After a few days with no relief, I called the doctor's office and the nurse's words made my heart sink.

➡️ New post- link in bio

#amwriting #hisgrace #faithwords #hopewriters #authorsofinstagram
“Mama, will you play with me?” These words com “Mama, will you play with me?” These words come from this girl often these days. The past ten months have felt like a strange mixture of extreme solitude and overwhelming lack of space and quiet. I long for connection with others, while at the same time longing for silence.

But at the same time, I know the days when my girl wants me to color and play dolls with her are fleeting. Her sweet, bossy spirit reminds me what matters more than a friend’s latest political post. So we pull out the crayons. We make imaginary tea. And for a moment, the world is just as it needs to be.

#surpisedbymotherhood #mothersofgirls #hisgrace #hopewriters
GIVEAWAY! Do you feel like you need a faith reset GIVEAWAY!

Do you feel like you need a faith reset? Many of us are walking into 2021 with weary hearts, and need a boost of fresh courage and hope. If this is you, I hope to see your beautiful self at the Breakthrough LIVE event happening on January 23rd, where women from all over the world will gather together online to be equipped and encouraged to thrive in the new year. (find more details via link in bio)

Fun news- We are giving away a free ticket to this event! To enter, do the following:

1)	Comment on this post with why you’d like to attend.

2)	Tag 5 friends.

That's it! We will announce the winner on Friday, January 15th. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Winner will be contacted via private message.

*Attendees will also receive recordings of all 5 inspirational messages.

#breakthroughlive2021 #liveevents #onlineretreat #hopewriters #christianwomen
Will we praise God for the things we’re still ho Will we praise God for the things we’re still hoping will happen? For the answers we haven’t seen yet? When we do, I believe we will experience his presence like never before.

In my Bible study today, I learned that David wrote psalm 30 as a song to be sung at the temple dedication. But the temple wasn’t completed until after David died. He wrote the song as an act of faith that his son, Solomon, would complete it. And he did.

I don’t want to stop singing because my heart is weary. Because no matter what the atmosphere looks like right now, I know what God is preparing for his children is good. That much is certain. And on this truth I will keep lifting my voice.

#truthtellers #writersofinstagram #hopewriters #encouragingquotes #hisgrace
I stepped into 2021 with plenty of trepidation. To I stepped into 2021 with plenty of trepidation. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how to even begin to respond to the events of the past few days. I had plenty of thoughts, but sorting through them was difficult, and I still am.

Then I organized some old photos, and I was stuck by the words of a fellow sojourner. The picture above is of a church in Harpers Ferry, and above the entryway is a sign that says this:

“Come let us adore and fall down and weep before the Lord that made us. For he is the Lord our God who made us and we are the people of his pasture, the sheep of his hand.”

This is how I’ve felt during this first week of a new year. Like I want to weep and bow before the Lord. And of all the things I saw over the past few days, what disturbed me most was seeing Jesus’ name plastered on a sign like he was a slogan to be used to serve our agenda.
Like his name wasn’t the holy, beautiful thing that it is. The name of the Lord is to be revered and honored, not tossed around.

I don’t know what the rest of 2021 has in store, but I do know this: the best posture I can take is one of prayer. Because prayer changes things. And if I don’t do anything else for the next month, it will be time well spent.

#letusworship #prayerchangesthings #2021thoughts #hopewriters #prayerworks #shiftyourmindset
So many people I’ve heard from over the past wee So many people I’ve heard from over the past week are entering 2021 at slow pace. They’re still buried under the weight of 2020 and aren’t quite ready to create vision boards or goal calendars. And I get it. I feel as though I barely crossed the finish line into 2021.

What if we all need a reset? A gathering of other Jesus loving women who can encourage us , realign our focus, and help us find the courage we need to thrive in a new year? 

Friends, this group of women pictured here is doing just that. And we’ve been praying for YOU. On January 23rd, we are hosting a live online retreat that is designed to help give you the fresh start you need after a brutal, draining year.

It’s called Breakthrough Live, and we want to see you there. 

➡️To sign up and find more details, visit #linkinbio 

#breakthroughlive2021 #hopewriters #2021reset #virtualretreat #authorsofinstagram
If there’s anything 2020 taught me, it’s how m If there’s anything 2020 taught me, it’s how much we need community. Friendships can be hard and messy, but they are vital to our emotional health and for us to thrive as followers of Christ. 

Break Bread Together from @jessherberger is one of my first reads of 2020, and I love how she addresses this need for friendship from a unique perspective. 

What are you reading right now?

#authorsofinstagram #hopewriters #breakbreadtogether #authorssupportingauthors #booksofinstagram
I don’t know what 2021 has in store, and to be h I don’t know what 2021 has in store, and to be honest I’m a little wary as we walk into it. But I do know this:  Christ is our constant foundation when the world falls apart. And no matter what the future holds, I know he will point us to our purpose in it.

Keep looking up, friends. Trust me when I say, it’s the one and only way we will thrive this year.
 
#newyear #authorsofinstagram #2021goals #hopewriters #shiftyourmindset #shiftbook
My top nine posts of 2020. Oh yeah, I released a b My top nine posts of 2020. Oh yeah, I released a book during that crazy year, didn’t I? 😆 As a friend reminded me earlier this week, I should forever be proud of that. Lord knows, the months following didn’t go the way I wanted, but God pointed me back to the message I wrote and caused me to LIVE it.

Our shifts in focus are often caused by interruptions. We can either look at them as roadblocks or invitations. Through his grace, I am slowly learning to choose the latter.

#shiftbook #shiftyourmindset #booksof2020 #mytop9 #hopewriters #writersofinstagram
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