Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

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Bio

Abby McDonald is a writer at heart, but she also loves to speak, teach, and do interviews on living a life of faith and the craft of writing. One of Abby’s greatest desires is to show women that their identity is shaped by Christ alone, not the constant noise of the world. She knows the power of a story, and uses her life experiences with fear, discouragement and doubt to deliver hope to women. She illustrates Christ’s power to help us overcome these struggles and through her transparency, she shows her audience they are not alone. We are made stronger together, and through real, sometimes hard conversations, Abby sheds light in a dark and sometimes chaotic world.

Abby’s writing has been featured on Proverbs 31 Ministries, (in)Courage, iBelieve, Crosswalk, For Every Mom, and more. She reaches thousands of readers each month on her website and on various social media outlets, and is always listening to conversations to identify felt needs. Abby also leads workshops at conferences each year, and would be honored to connect with your regarding your speaking event.

Speaking Topics

These are a few of the topics Abby addresses, but is not an all-inclusive list. Abby would be happy to accommodate your event’s topic or theme.

Seeing God Even When You Don’t See Results

We are wired to crave results. We live in a fast paced culture that promotes instant gratification and affirmation through social media, prime shipping, on-demand viewing, etc. But in our relationship with God, he often molds us in the wait. When we don’t see the answer, the solution or affirmation, he fine-tunes our faith. So how do we fix our eyes on the Author of our hope? In this talk, Abby will share what God has taught her through her pursuit and him and her goals.

You Are Not a Disappointment

As followers of Christ we often stumble and need to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and try again. When we make the same mistake several times or fail, we may even think God is disappointed in us. Is this true? Is it scriptural? In this talk, Abby will use biblical truths to show how it this type of mindset keeps us from moving forward in our spiritual walk and ultimately distorts our view of God. Once we see who he is, we can embrace who we are as well.

His Promises Go Further Than Our Dreams

Each of us is made to crave something greater than what this world has to offer. The writer of Ecclesiastes says we have eternity in our hearts, and this longing often takes the form of goals and dreams we can’t accomplish on our own. The problem comes when our dreams become idols, taking the place of the God who gave them to us. We have to remember his promises go further and are more reliable than our dreams, and keep our focus on what he says in his Word. In this talk, Abby will discuss why God’s promises go further than our dreams, and we can trust him to do what he says he will.

Contact

If you would like to have Abby speak at your event, please fill out the form located on the Contact page. She will get in touch with you promptly.

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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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Popular Posts

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Just do your best today. 👌🏼👌🏼

#kidsarethebest #funnymemes #doyourbest
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
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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!