Have you ever wondered how you could help people become charged-up and interested in church? Not just non-believers but other Christians as well. Recently Abby Girl and family attended a church service on our family vacation. It was very overwhelming trying to pick a Baptist church in the Bible Belt. Try googling Baptist churches in Knoxville Tennessee and see the results. It’s truly mind-blowing. Now, I am not saying there needs to be a church ever .2 miles. If there is, awesome. But, the most important takeaway is trying to get more people into your local church. More importantly, more people wanting to know about Jesus and excited to take that journey to becoming a true Bible believing Christian. We were fortunate enough that our AIR BNB host, suggested us going to the church he attended, Valley View Baptist Church in Knoxville Tennessee.

While at church ….

That is when this post popped into my head on how to reach people and I personally became amped up and excited to share what I was inspired and moved to write. I really wanted people to be interested in church.

As I sat in church, I noticed not a pew was empty and I was not the loudest person singing. For once in my life, I blended into the sea of worshippers. Amen and such words popped up periodically as we sat there listening to the Pastor give a very charged-up sermon on the meaning of the colors of the American Flag. People greeted us with smiles on their faces and truly made us feel welcome. I just took so much away from this experience and had to share. As a Christian adventurer we try to learn something to strengthen our faith and be able to bring back to our readers all the time and this was the perfect chance! Now, to what I learned.

Stand Firm in your Faith-

Don’t be wishy-washy about your faith just to please others. You might lose friends and followers on social media and might even receive nasty comments. In fact, some people might not even want to do business with you. However, others will see that strength in Faith in you and possibly even stir something within them. This can then lead to them walking into a church or asking you where you attend.

In one instance, someone started asking me what it meant to be a Christian while I was at work one time. It was because I was applying this principle that I was able to plant a seed. No one ever said it was easy being a Christian. In fact, look in the Bible at the trials and tribulations Christians had to face. One word, Jesus. But, in the end, the real reward of standing firm far out ways giving in to the world, and you might even reach people in the process. Most things in life have a trickle effect and you never know who might be watching.

It’s NOT totally up to the Church Pastor

People in the ministry have stress and this goes for Pastor too. A lot is expected of them. It’s easy to pass the blame to the Pastor. Well, I don’t want to go to church, the Pastor is boring or I think they should do more for me if I am going to take an hour out of my Sunday because that’s my only free time all week. Blah, blah, blah.

We are blessed that our Pastor back home is a great preacher and very engaging. But yet, there are still empty pews on Sunday and sometimes I have even seen people texting on their phones in churches I have attended instead of listening. My point is, it is not just up to the Pastor to reach you. Yes, a strong Shepard will have an easier time leading their flock and keeping them from going astray. However, it is up to the sheep too. A sheep that wanderers off on its own could get consumed by a wolf aka the Devil.

Be prepared to talk the talk-

Say hello when you see someone new walk into church. Perhaps even ask them if they would like to sit with you. Don’t just say a quick hello and turn your back and start talking to your friend about their pecan pie recipe as if you cannot be bothered with the new person or people. Make them feel welcome.

Be prepared to talk to people just on your daily adventures outside of the church. I will let you in on a little secret, I HATE having to talk to people in person. I strongly dislike standing up in front of any crowd and talking. People say, well aren’t you an actor? Well, yes … But, as an actor you are constantly someone else and that is way easier. I am not suggesting to chase people down with a Bible yelling “do you know Jesus?” That is just scary (at least for me it is) and not how a person gains interest. Just be prepared to plant the seed. It might be uncomfortable, but, God doesn’t want His people comfortable. He wants you to go into the world and be that beacon of light in the darkness and to stir and challenge you. This is how we grow in Faith

Read this awesome post on how to be a Christian adventurer

Tip: Invite someone to church that you may or may not know or even a church event. Our super host, Nathan, did just that and look at the result. It inspired me to write this post and hopefully, the positive ripple effect will continue.

Don’t Just be a Sunday Christian: Walk the walk –

Hey didn’t you write several times that you want more people in the pews? Yes, but it doesn’t stop on Sunday. You cannot worship Jesus on Sunday and then go play poker with Devil on Monday. It just doesn’t work that way. Again, your behavior does reflect and resonate with other people. Again, I mentioned earlier in this post, Someone is always watching. Don’t you want whoever is watching to see your actions and become interested in church too?

While in Church …

Leave your worldly distractions at the door. Go in ready to learn and be charged up for your week ahead. Expect to be inspired. Everything needs fuel to keep going. What better to be fueled on for the week than the word of Christ. Have an open mind. Be postivie about the service. Don’t be concerned with what Thelma is doing next to you.

One point I noticed at the Church we attended in Knoxville is that a majorly of the parishioners at the church had Bibles in their hands. I didn’t really see any cellphones out which is the opposite of what I have seen up north. But you are thinking, “Come on, I like my Bible on my electronic device.” I used to be this person for a while. I have also been the person on the flip side with an old-school Bible in my hand. Honestly, I liked having the Bible or just watching the screen if the church has one. Again, what you are doing in the church will be seen by others there. Be the inspiration and not the distraction.

Finally thoughts about helping people become amped-up and interested in church –

I hope this inspired at least one person like I was inspired when I felt called to write this post. Let’s go build the church. Plant those seeds and truly inspire people to become amped-up and interested in the church. Remember, it all starts with you.

Before you go!

Speaking of invites … Here is mine! Local to the Hudson Valley or want to road trip to somewhere awesome? Check out this really great event in in the Hudson Valley being hosted at my home church! A night of worship. It is going to be an amazing evening.

And now … We adventure on!

Why should families bother introducing or even teach their kids their Bible? Well, that is a simple question. It’s the foundation for everyone’s daily walk. Do you know the cheesy saying about knowledge is power? Well, it’s very true. The Bible teaches everyone how to live their daily lives and ultimately salvation. The Bible is truly amazing and teaching kids the Bible will set their Christian foundation strong for all the adventures they take on.

So How does a family start to teach kids the Bible?

Well, that is a very good question and one I really couldn’t answer too well until I received a copy of a very awesome book by Danika Cooley. She wrote a book called Help your Kids Learn and Love the Bible and it’s great on so many levels to help parents achieve just this. People might be wondering how this aligns with our theme of adventuring. Well, I want my daughter to be equipped with a heart full of love for God and His teachings as well as the knowledge of His word so she can carry it on all her adventures. I actually mentioned above that with a strong Christian foundation, a person is more equipped to take on adventures they face. It’s like being able to have the full armor. She will be ready for anything life tosses at her if she not only understands the Bible but loves God’s word too. This is an affiliate post.

There are several things I loved about this book. It was informative, eye-opening, encouraging, and relatable. These are great things as I delve into the journey of teaching my child about the Bible.

Help Your Kids Learn and Love the Bible is very informing

Throughout the book, Ms. Cooley gives so many resources to help every parent successfully introduce and study the Bible with their child no matter the age. For example, I never knew which Bible version was good for my child. I always just had my NIV or NKJ. But, she breaks it down by age which Bible version a child should be studying. Later in the book, she talks about visual tools to help children learn better from sticky notes to verse cards for children like mine that are more visual with their learning. I never thought about going out and purchasing certain items to help my child learn and love the Bible until I read this book. My husband shall ask no questions when a bunch of purchases come from Amazon and Thinking Press Kids.

This Book is encouraging and eye-opening-

Like so many families, we are very busy people. The calendar is still on third and I have piles of laundry crying out to me for attention. So where do I fit time in to have Bible time with my family? Ms. Cooley gives words of encouragement throughout the book and shows people how it can be done even with busy schedules. It’s also eye-opening to realize that we can do this as a family. When there is a will, there is a way.

Finally, I love the Relatability-

Ms. Cooley gives example after example of real-life situations and shows how they relate to the Bible. I loved one part where she talked about how a bank is like the Bible. It made a lot of sense to me. In other parts, she will tell stories about her children and relate them to learning the Bible. I think the relatability factor is honestly my favorite part about this book.

Other Steps For a Strong Christian Household-

It’s great to teach kids the Bible but there are other pieces to the puzzle. Other steps need to be taken to make that foundation even stronger.

• Pray as a family. This is actually addressed in the book too!

• Get in a church and grow with a church family. Here is a post about the benefits of going to church!

• Be an example in everything you do. Ha, also addressed in the book. Remember, children are watching everything you do whether you think they are or not. They most likely are watching you. My child is such my mini.

Look at this Video of Abby Girl preaching in woods!

Final Thoughts-

Teaching kids the Bible is super important in all Christian households. So if families are looking for a book that hits all the points on teaching your kids to love and learn the Bible, then purchase a copy of Ms. Cooley’s book. It has been helping me so much and I am excited to see how what I learn from this book translates to my daughter and how she carries her Biblical knowledge on all her adventures. It’s about planting the seed and watching the tree grow. So go teach your kids the Bible and build that foundation.

Curious about how to become a Christian Adventurer? Well, look no further. Just click the link!

People always ask how we keep going. How do we go on adventure after adventure over here at Abby Girl HQ? Well here is the big secret. We rest and not just because we feel like it, but because of several excellent reasons. Are you ready to hear why adventurers need rest? Listen closely.

Rest is needed to keep going

People simply need sleep. A human body is simply just not physically made to go and go and go. No amount of double shots of espresso, big gulps (do they still make those at 711?) or power-driven music will keep a body going forever. At some point, each and everybody needs to get some shut-eye AKA rest. It’s even medically proven that every living creature needs sleep.

Let’s even get technical. According to askabiologist.com,

In the end, the scientists concluded that sleep must have some kind of necessary function; otherwise, it would not be universal and it would not be damaging to our health to go without sleep. The next step is to figure out what exactly sleep does.

The scientists think that however sleep affects the body, the major function of sleep is the same in every animal. This means they believe that sleep evolved early because it helps all animals live better lives. The scientists also think that the function of sleep has something to do with the brain because that is the part of the body that is affected most by the lack of sleep.

Other scientific studies about memory help support the idea that sleep is important for the brain by showing that sleep helps us retain more information.

Could we go out on a limb and even say, that God created sleep because it is necessary for all the creatures He created. So go get some zzzz’s!

We rest when we are sick or injured (sometimes)

We are actually horrible at this whole concept. In fact, last week, I got stitches in my back (seven total) from a mole gone bad, and the next day I was out in nature hiking. Can I tell you how much my back hurt after that one? What did my injured body need …? REST.

I ignored a stomach cramping on an adventure a while back. What happened? Well, it resulted in me sweating and holding my stomach in pain. I had forgotten the stomach medicine I usually carry on me during adventures and I was SICK. I kept going and got lucky making it home with seconds to spare. However, I remember about twenty years ago getting sick on a section hike and pushed my body. I ended up sick in a pine forest gripping a tree, crying for mercy. My body needed rest. The adventure will always be there after our bodies heal. But, if they don’t heal properly or not at all, adventuring can be shut down indefinitely.

The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health

Psalm 41:3 ESV

We take breaks for clarity of mind

We take breaks to clear the mind. A mind that is busy all the time becomes clouded. This can lead to a lack of focus. We cannot be a strong Christian adventurer with a brain going a million miles a minute. Our brain will just go on auto-pilot and we won’t be able to focus our attention in the correct directions.

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

Hebrews 12:2 NIV

Need to refuel!

A human body is a lot like a car. It needs fuel to keep going. If a car has no fuel then it doesn’t run. We run on two types of fuel. It’s similar to how cars run on different types. The human body needs food and water. However, it also needs spiritual sustenance. So we break to eat grub, rehydrate and also to speak to the Lord, and be still in prayer. It all fuels ours bodies and keeps us going for future adventures. We need to take care of our bodies so rest is best! Besides, I know personally that if I am not sustained, I get cranky. We cannot be Christian Adventurers and be cranky. That’s a total oxi-moron.

Speaking of, have you read our post on how to be a Christian Adventurer?

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

We just feel like we need rest …

Sometimes we honestly just feel like taking a rest. We don’t want to go anymore. Remember in Forrest Gump when he kept running and running until he said he was tired and going home? Yes, we sometimes do the same. The key to remember is not to rest to the point of being a sloth. Yes, the creature, the sloth rocks. However, true slothfulness does not and is actually sinful. So it’s important to not become lazy. Find the balance.

Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger

Proverbs 19:15 ESV

Sometimes we take a break to take it all in

Have you ever rested and just looked around and said, “man, God is awesome. He created all of this for His children to adore.” Every mountain we summit. We rest and take it all in because each view is different and awe-inspiring in its own way. The best part is it’s all created by God. He is the most amazing artist of all time.

Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes

1 Samuel 12:16 ESV

What’s good for God is good for everyone!

God rested. So if He rested, then clearly everyone needs rest too and that includes adventurers.

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.

Genesis 2:2 NIV

Final Thoughts on Needing Rest

Rest is necessary for everyone and that includes adventurers. God didn’t make our bodies with the ability to run on auto-pilot and never rest. Whether it’s for sustenance or to simply take it all in, everyone needs to go take a break. So, go put your feet up and take five. The adventure will still be out there when you are done resting.

Adventures of Abby Girl is a Christian Adventurer. We go into the world having all these new experiences, traveling all kinds of places and try new products. The awesome aspect of being a Christian is showing God’s love wherever we go and radiate a Christian attitude. It doesn’t mean as we adventure, we chase down people with tracks and Bibles and ask if they know Jesus. No. It’s an attitude and there are steps to take. So read what we do below and you too can be a Christian Adventurer just like Abby Girl.

Have a Positive Attitude on Adventures-

It’s easy to just start talking about all the bad when approaching people willing to listen. However, instead, be radiating and positive. Smile and say hello. Did you know a simple smile could change someone’s day and so can a frown or even blank stare? There is even a difference between a false smile and a real smile. So on those adventures, show that true smile and shed some of that positive, radiating Christian Spirit.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

Help those in need-

While adventuring throughout the world, you might encounter someone in need. It might be something as simple as a dropped item on the trail or someone who doesn’t have enough money in front of you on the checkout line. It could even be holding a door for someone. Whatever, it is, be ready to help those in need. On the trails, we have found ourselves helping several people find their way or helping by giving trail suggestions or warning of obstacles up ahead. You never know the ripple effect it can have to help someone. Have you ever heard of “paying it forward?”

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

1 John 3:17

Read Kindness on the Mountain. An account with wonderful people on the trail.

Control Your Tongue on Adventures-

Gossiping, swearing, negative speech, screaming (as in at your kid or even to yourself), self-praise, etc., should try to be avoided. Obviously, it in some respect will happen at some point. Everyone has sinned. All people can do is try and continue to better themselves. Remember God is the Potter and we are the clay. But as much as a person can, controlling the tongue on adventures will show people a person who is truly trying to walk the walk and talk the talk.

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 34:12-14

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

James 1:26 ESV

Have Humility and Be Willing to Learn on Adventures-

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,^[a]who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,^[b] but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,^[c] being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:1-30 ESV

Having a humble heart is important. No one person should be better than the next. We were on an adventure once where they brought in a bunch of bloggers in similar fields to cover the same place. The woman next to me turns to the person next to us and declares, “I’m a mommy expert” in a very no it all pious voice. No one is truly an expert in anything as there is always something new to learn.

So on adventures, open up not only your mind but your heart and be prepared to learn something new. When a person does this, the adventure will be a whole other level of awesome. Did you know that even my own child, I have learned so much from her? It’s two-fold on adventures. Even though she is only 5, we are still able to both learn and grow from each other. It is truly amazing. Therefore, parents, I urge you to take a step back when adventuring with your child. Listen to them with both ears and watch them and you too will grow.

Be Prepared

When a door opens on adventures, be prepared to talk about God. Don’t be afraid. If the opportunity happens, go for it and talk from your heart all about God’s love and your faith. It might not even just be non-believers you run into. My daughter and I struck up a random conversation today at a store and the woman asked me to meet her outside to talk further. I was surprised when I was talking face to face with a Pastor. Even talking amongst each other, you never know who is listening. So be prepared. Who knows what door will open or whose life you might change all from being prepared.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 7:6-8 NIV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that^[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 ESV

You Can Do Amazing Things-Be That Adventurer

So many times, people utter words such as “I can’t do that” or “I really shouldn’t.” Stop. There is a verse Adventures of Abby Girl carries with them throughout life and on every adventure. It’s even stated on our Instagram description.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Phil. 4:13 ESV

Do you know the crazy things we have done over here at Adventures of Abby Girl HQ? Wandered over 700 miles over all types of crazy terrain. Ate crickets. Danced in the rain. Abby Girl horseback rides in English, Western, and Vault. Even after falling off a horse on a jump, she got up and brushed herself off. She got right back on that horse. Why? She can do all things through Christ.

Another example, Abby Girl has a severe speech delay. It’s believed all the times she was taken to the doctor for clogged ears as a baby and toddler that it was impeding her hearing well. The reason she didn’t talk much until almost four was that she couldn’t hear. But, it never stopped her. In fact, she makes TikTok videos and talks fearlessly. She doesn’t let her handicap get in her way. Again, why? Well, she can do all things through Christ because he gives her strength. When a person adopts this attitude on adventures, it will radiate onto others and have a positive effect.

Watch the YouTube video of Abby preaching in the woods

Don’t Rush the Adventures-

God wants people to enjoy their adventures. Take everything in around you. Be present and in the moment. There was a time where we completed 7 hikes in a half a day. It was fun. However, how much did we really get to enjoy it or see everything? That last mile, we were shoeless and power hiking through woods at dusk with bear bells dangling. Exciting … yes. But, not that enjoyable. So take your time. Make the most out of each adventure God has planned for you.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Col. 4:5-6 NIV

Read the 7 Hike Post Here!

Final Thoughts-

Being a Christian Adventurer is amazing. With a few simple steps, any person can be one too. It opens doors, impacts others in a positive light, and is a great way to show God’s love and an amazing Christian spirit. So what are you waiting for? Go adventure on like Adventures of Abby Girl. Oh one last thought, if you want to read more Christian posts about what our faith has taught us on adventures go here!