Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

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5 Ways to Promote Unity in the Church

February 24, 2015 by Abby McDonald

  One word can change everything. Our interpretation can be altered with just a few letters and the way we string those letters together can make an undeniable difference in the impact they have. For years, I thought I knew a popular verse in scripture. When I came to it, I quickly skimmed over it and move forward because I didn’t think there was anything new for me to digest. Last week, I realized how how wrong I was. Two words jumped off the page of my Bible. “And we know that in all things Continue Reading

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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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!