Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

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What if “No” is God’s Saving Grace?

February 27, 2020 by Abby McDonald

I knew the answer, but I didn’t want to hear it. “No. Not this season. Not yet.” So I tried to twist God’s arm a little. Present him with a list of reasons why my plan was better. Manipulate. Did he see the stress and worry our family experienced? Did he care? When that approach didn’t work, I cried bitter tears. My body felt like it was imploding as I screamed the question, “Why?” I still don’t have the answer. We don’t like to be left with unanswered questions, do we? We like it Continue Reading

For the One Who Grieves Someone Who is Still Living

February 6, 2020 by Abby McDonald

I was fresh out of words. With arms folded across my chest, I looked out the bay window as if I might find fresh fire for my prayers. It seemed as though each one fell flat or hit some invisible wall, not reaching the place I needed it to. For years, I didn’t realize you could grieve a living person. In my mind, you only grieved for those who left this life for the next or perhaps those fighting a terminal illness. But someone still alive? I didn’t see it. Until one day, through a Continue Reading

Why the Best Is Yet to Come

December 26, 2019 by Abby McDonald

I admit, I don't always live like the best is yet to come. Take the other day, for example. I almost missed it. It was the third day in a row of grey, overcast whether, and a mixture of ice and snow covered the ground. My three-year-old played inside while I did some last minute Christmas shopping online. Then, I hurried to round up my two youngest and pick up my firstborn from after school activities. As we made our way down the mountain, it appeared. With swift movement, it peaked from 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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Something in me won’t allow me to stop planting. Something in me won’t allow me to stop planting. Whether it’s literal like these flowers or proverbial like the other seeds I plant, it’s a constant pull. The wildlife will come onto our porch and make a salad out of each thing they desire, and I’m out there the next month, digging in the ground. 

Some may call it crazy. But to watch something you nurtured and watered grow brings a satisfaction like no other. 

But there are times when I scatter seeds and see nothing. Despite my best efforts, the fruit doesn’t come and often I get weary and discouraged.

Today I was deep in Hebrews and was fascinated by the eternal nature of the Holy Spirit. But what really got me was this realization: Eternal doesn’t just mean going on forever. It means outside of time completely. 

Why is this significant? Because it means the works we do in the Spirit will live on continuously too, outside what we see, think and feel. Whether we see fruit or not, we are contributing to something beyond us.

This fills me not only with immense hope, but joy. Keep scattering, friends. His Spirit will do the rest.

#encouragingword #hopewriters #cultivatewhatmatters #scripturestudy
I am awestruck by this truth today. At the same ti I am awestruck by this truth today. At the same time our bodies are deteriorating, the Spirit is continually renewing us. He doesn’t renew us once, at the point of salvation, but constantly, moment by moment. 

If you’re feeling spiritually depleted today, like you’re running on empty, you don’t have to fill yourself up on your own. Go to the source. Go to the Living Water that never runs dry. His life springs up from a place that is gentle and light. Go there. 

#hopewriters #scriptureoftheday #dailyencouragement #hisburdenislight
I can paralyze myself with thinking sometimes. Bef I can paralyze myself with thinking sometimes. Before I even take the first step to pursuing something, I’ve thought of contingencies, plan Bs and reroutes. This can have its benefits, but goodness it can be exhausting too.

So here’s a reminder I’m saying on repeat this season. A mantra of sorts. I don’t have to have everything figured out. And you don’t either.

Part of the beauty of stepping out and pursuing something new is watching God move in unexpected ways. It’s a beauty I can’t plan for, because He loves to surprise me.

And while I may not have it figured out, He does. Thank you, Jesus.

#onedaymay #mondaymantra #hopewriters #wordsofencouragement
Anyone else? 😂 Happy Friday, everyone! 📸 @d Anyone else? 😂 Happy Friday, everyone!

📸 @dc101radio 

#weekendvibes #funnymemes
The path didn’t stay straight for long. As soon The path didn’t stay straight for long. As soon as we hit the mountain, it was filled with twists, turns and switchbacks. If it had been straight, we never would have made it. The incline would have been to steep and too dangerous for us to attempt, especially with little ones.

Sometimes the meandering is a gift. As much as I fight it and want a straight path without interruptions, God repeatedly shows me this isn’t the best way. Stops and changes in course often end up being the necessary stuff growth is made of. And when I open my eyes to the beauty around me, I see it.

➡️Joining @hopewriters for the Instagram Writing Challenge. Today’s prompt was “path.” Use hashtag #hopewriterlife to participate.

#searchingforbeauty #cultivatewhatmatters #amwriting #path
What a wild and wonderful journey motherhood has b What a wild and wonderful journey motherhood has been so far. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mamas and women who nurture your people like mothers. You are beloved.

#mothersday #surprisedbymotherhood #greatestgifts #mothersday2022
Is there anything cuter than those who considered Is there anything cuter than those who considered “senior citizens” taking a selfie? I think not. These are my parents. They’re not on social media much, but they’ve been two of my biggest supporters in life. This photo was taken a few weeks ago when they joined me and some friends at the beach for spring break. You know those elderly people who sit in chairs in the front yard and just watch people go by? My grandfather used to do that. But not my parents. They are on the go, always thinking about they next thing they want to do. This energy, at ages 78 and 82. I don’t fault them for it for a moment.

When I saw this photo, my Dad said, “We want you to remember us,” with his usual understated humor.

I will always remember you, Mom and Dad. But thank you for the photo. It’s a gem.

Joining @laura.tremaine for the #onedaymay challenge. Who’s one person/ persons who you love dearly and you want to acknowledge today?

#cultivategratitude #oneday #hopewriters #challengeaccepted #1000gifts
When others misunderstand my heart and my motives, When others misunderstand my heart and my motives, it’s often difficult for me to let it go. Anyone else? With God’s grace, I’m learning that He is the only One who will ever fully understand me, and that’s okay. He longs for me to come to Him with my hurts and hang ups, but sometimes I waste time and energy trying to explain myself to people who, quite frankly, only want to stir dissension.

God, thank you for being our Defender. Help us to know when to speak and act and when to stay silent. 

Today, I’m sharing more on this topic over @proverbs31ministries 

#proverbs31ministries #encouragementfortoday #hopewriters #dailydevotional #hisgraceissufficient
I come back to this book every year and each time, I come back to this book every year and each time, it enriches my relationship with God and reveals new things to me about the Holy Spirit. It goes through every reference to the Holy Spirit from Genesis to Revelation and highlights what that scripture reveals to us about him. I believe it’s out of print, which astounds me because it’s an amazing book. But if you can find a copy, do yourself a favor and grab it. 

Joining. @laura.tremaine for the #onedaymay challenge. Today’s challenge: post a picture of what you’re reading.

Tell me, what are you reading?

#oneday #bookstagram #whatimreading #christianbooks #mayreads
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As a thank you, I’ll send you a free PDF download of “The Daughter’s Manifesto.”