Abigail E.

Today, Abigail speaks to us about nostalgic traditions, the importance of applying scripture, and how God can speak to us through what we see as a gut feeling.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I grew up in beautiful Northern Michigan in a faithful homeschool household. I am surrounded by parents and family members who have only the best of intentions. When it came to faith, choosing to accept Jesus was our own choice. We were never forced into creating a relationship with Jesus but definitely encouraged because my parents fully believe it is the best way to live. I have always agreed. Our life has always been chaotic and our schedule packed to the MAX. I’ve always enjoyed it but as I’ve gotten older I realized that the busyness was quite possibly a distraction from issues at home. We’ve long since worked through most of them and now I enjoy life at a more leisurely pace.

 Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Patience for sure. It’s a common answer but seriously, I am not patient when it comes to waiting for His plan to GET MOVING! I am learning to hold onto my dreams and cherishing them until God says it’s time to make them a reality. As someone who wants to wander the earth and has an adventurous spirit, it is sometimes unbearable to sit at home with nothing to do but strum away on my ukulele.

“As someone who wants to wander the earth and has an adventurous spirit, it is sometimes unbearable to sit at home with nothing to do but strum away on my ukulele.”

Profession: I will be a college student in the fall for baking/culinary, I teach violin and play a few instruments, and I hope to be a small business owner in the future. (who knows how near) 

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? Blessings Upon Blessings

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? The first time I remember experiencing God  I was very little, under 7 years old, and had hidden myself away under a desk in our living room. I vividly remember sitting under it, my knees to my chest praying to God and asking Him to allow me to become His daughter and for Him to open the door to my heart. I remember asking Him into my life multiple times and renewing my faith because I felt like I wasn’t doing a good enough job at being Christian until I realized the extent of God’s forgiveness. My first time encountering God would have to have been during a drive into town where I was going through a hard time with friendships and career choices. (Must’ve been my junior year in HS 😅) I had a lot of stress and I remember pleading with God. “Please, just give me something. Let me hear you speak, please.” And I did. And let me tell you, it was definitely a still, small, voice… but no less powerful. I cried the rest of the day.

How would you describe Jesus? Jesus is a FATHER. I emphasis that because of how true it really is. He loves us so unconditionally and never wants to see us hurt, but if need be, will deal out consequences and disciplines like a deck of playing cards if only for our own good. 

How has your relationship with Him changed you? Ever since I was small I was shy, anxious, and later, depressed. God has shown me over and over again how much love I deserve and how beautiful life is!

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? I thank the Lord and my parents that I have been spared from experiencing some truly dark times in my life. There are a couple moments that stand out to me though. The first would be when my depression had never been worse. My mom and I had a long talk about God and how He could help me if I let Him. The second was when the pastor of my church at the time took his own life after some trouble with the authorities. That shook me a up a little. If you can’t trust your pastor who on Earth can you trust but Jesus himself? 

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Seeking truth and learning grace. I am also leaning toward an even deeper relationship with my Lord and learning how I can talk to Him.

Top three essentials: My Bible, my mom, and my all natural health supplements. 

How did God speak to you recently? God/the Holy Spirit often talk to me through gut feelings. A little over a year ago my brother a friend and I were out for coffee when a guy came up and introduced himself to us as new to our town. Keep in mind that we were all 18 and under. He was well into his 20’s or late 30’s. As homeschoolers, we were quite used to making friends of all ages, but the three of us agreed that this was weird. Anyway, we all made introductions and talked for a little bit before he said he had to head out. We said our goodbyes, exchanged Instagram handles and never saw him again. He tried to keep in touch with us and I even set up a hangout with him. As the day approached I just felt more and more sick. The night before I was going to see him, I was absolutely sick to my stomach and shaking with nerves. I had asked my brother to go with me for safety even though I was going to meet him at my workplace where I knew everyone there anyway, but I felt worse. This was not normal and never happened to me even when I was a very anxious person. Sitting on our stairs, it dawned on me; perhaps this was divine intervention. So, I picked up my phone and all I could hear was “call it off, call it off, call it off…”. So I texted him and said I was sick and couldn’t go. I remember closing my eyes in that moment and feeling unprecedented peace wash over me. My soul could rest and to this day I can’t imagine what would have happened if I went to see him.

Hobby: I sing, play violin, ukulele, and a little piano. I also enjoy baking, drawing painting, and marketing.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Read your Bible all the time! It really changes how you approach your day. Talk to God like he’s your best friend, or how you chatter on to yourself. He loves to hear His children talk to Him, I just know it. Practically apply the Bible to your life. You can read the Bible all the live long day, but actually taking what you read and applying it to your everyday life? Game changer.

“You can read the Bible all the live long day, but actually taking what you read and applying it to your everyday life? Game changer.”

Favorite person in scripture? Is it too cliche to say Jesus? 😉 Seriously, though. He is sassy, righteously angry, compassionate, mysterious, and the savior of the world. He’s the complete package.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want to radiate unconditional love.

“I want to radiate unconditional love.”

How do you engage with your community? I love planning events, having book clubs, Bible studies, and donating to local charities and pregnancy care centers.

Favorite holiday? Thankagiving.

A goal you have? To see this “small world” we live in and to find beauty in everything and everyone I see.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Every year, without fail, us kids get together with our only cousin on Mom’s side, who lives up north, and decorate Christmas sugar cookies with our grandma with old gospel-y Christmas music blaring from the tape player. It is magical and beautifully nostalgic.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? When can I meet my older sister?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Abortion, and the fact that just because someone is lgbtq+ doesn’t mean they are undeserving of Gods love or the chance to go to heaven.

What does your morning routine consist of? I don’t like routine, as much as I need it, but it pretty much consists of the basics such as brushing your teeth and hair, getting dressed and having breakfast. I also have an abundance of supplements to take and prepare for the rest of the day.😅🥴

What is on your nightstand? I don’t own a nightstand, but if I did I would keep my phone, prayer journal, wandering thoughts journal, and probably a pair of earrings on/in it.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is more than a religion or a lifestyle.

For more Abigail:

Instagram: @gail.er_

Note from Abigail: My mom is creating a wonderful prayer journal app for pregnant women that also tracks baby’s growth. It’s a wonderful God-driven tool called Keeping Baby. Please feel free to DM me if you would like more more information at @gail.er_ , www.keepingbaby.com.

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX