Summertime Salad: Don't Take a Vacation from God

Don’t Take a Vacation from God: Build a Spiritual Salad This Summer with PET FROG

Summer is often a time to slow down, travel, and enjoy a change of pace. But just like students can experience academic regression during summer break, believers can experience spiritual regression when they check out on God. That’s why this summer, we’re inviting you to stay connected to Christ with a fresh and memorable approach: a spiritual salad—and one very helpful PET FROG.

Let’s build a summer salad that fuels your soul with spiritual nutrients. Each ingredient represents one habit, and together they form the acronym P.E.T. F.R.O.G. (Yes, it’s weird—but you won’t forget it!)

G is for Go to Church
We begin with leafy greens, the base of every good salad. These represent the importance of showing up for worship. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to neglect meeting together. Summer schedules can get packed, but staying engaged in a local church—either in-person or online—is essential for encouragement and spiritual nourishment.
Traveling? Visit a church where you’re vacationing (do your homework online first). Still in town? Don’t let sports, yard work, or sleeping in crowd out your connection to the body of Christ.

R is for Read God’s Word
Next, we toss in some crisp radishes. These add crunch to the salad and remind us to dig into Scripture. Psalm 1 celebrates the person who delights in God’s Word day and night. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or new to the Bible, summer is a great time to start or restart. Try five minutes a day—maybe in the Gospel of John—and see how it transforms your outlook.

O is for Obey God
Time to slice some onion. It might bring tears, but obedience is key. James 1:22 challenges us to be doers, not just hearers. Real growth comes not just from reading the Word but living it. Sometimes, obedience stings—especially when it comes to forgiving others or controlling our anger—but it leads to blessing and spiritual maturity.
(Parents, this one’s for your kids too: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” - Ephesians 6:1)

F is for Flee Temptation
Add a sprinkle of feta. This flavorful cheese represents resisting temptation. Too often, we flirt with it instead of fleeing from it. Joseph’s example in Genesis 39 shows us how to run, not rationalize. Whatever your temptation this summer—old habits, toxic relationships, laziness—don’t linger near the line. Step away.

P is for Pray Continually
Now let’s spice it up with some peppers. These hot additions represent passionate, persistent prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 simply says, “Pray continually.” You don’t need eloquent words or perfect timing. Just talk to God throughout your day—when you're walking, grilling, resting, or driving. Keep the line of communication open.

T is for Thank God Specifically
No salad is complete without tomatoes. They bring color and brightness—and so does thankfulness in our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Practice naming your blessings out loud: “God, thank you for this rainy vacation, this challenging job, this energetic toddler.” Gratitude shifts your focus and cultivates joy.

E is for Evangelize (Share Your Faith)
Finally, the hard-boiled egg. It transforms a side salad into a satisfying meal. Likewise, sharing your faith moves you from spiritual maintenance to mission. Acts 1:8 calls us to be witnesses—wherever life takes us. That might be your neighborhood, a beach boardwalk, a family reunion, or even another country. Share what Jesus has done in your life, and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

Summertime Can Be Soul-Time
This summer, don’t let your faith go into cruise control. Instead, build your spiritual salad and embrace the habits in PET FROG:

• Pray continually
• Evangelize
• Thank God specifically
• Flee temptation
• Read God’s Word
• Obey God
• Go to church

With God’s help—and a little intentionality—your summer can be one of spiritual growth, joy, and purpose. So… will you take a bite?

Let us know how you're staying spiritually nourished this summer! And if you need help finding a church while traveling, we’re just an email away.