Fighting Secular Drift with Sacred Tradition

I recently listened to a seminar where the speaker explained how secularism has subtly infiltrated the church and how we can identify its effects. Secularism in the church is often marked by a shift away from core theological truths and spiritual growth, toward worldly metrics of success. It starts when beauty is stripped away, then goodness, and finally truth.

❓I left the seminar with a deeper question: How has secularism crept into our homes?

Have we, knowingly or unknowingly, ejected God, sacred rhythms, and holy practices from our everyday life? Have we replaced reverence with achievement and worship with busyness?

Our homes are meant to be holy, set apart as sanctuaries from the noise and hardship of the world. God is not confined to the church and He desires to dwell with us, right in our kitchens, living rooms, and around our tables.

In Matthew 22, Jesus shares the greatest commandment, quoting from Deuteronomy 6, which offers repeated instructions for worship:

“Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be in your heart.  And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.  You shall also tie them as a sign to your hand, and they shall be as frontlets on your forehead.  You shall also write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

- Deuteronomy 6:4-9

This command shows the individual responsibility to care for our relationship with God.  Our worship is lived out in ordinary moments. It repeats the importance of communal worship in the family.  We are called to cultivate love for God in the home.  Our responsibility as parents to pass on the word and introduce our children to their heavenly Father.  

❓How do we bring heaven into our homes? How do we draw near to God, and invite our children to do the same?

For our family, one way we do this is through weekly Shabbat dinners. Practicing Shabbat is less about ritual and more about posture.  It’s not a “have to,” but a “get to.” It's a sacred rhythm that refreshes us, connects us, and centers us on our Creator.

The Significance of Shabbat

Shabbat points us in three directions:

Past, as we remember God as Creator.
Present, as we receive His gift of rest.
Future, as we look ahead to our eternal rest in Him.

How We Prepare

We choose one nght out of the week. Friday nights in the summer, Thursday nights during the school year because of sports. We clean the house and set the table with candles, fresh flower, and nice dishes. I try to cook a meal everyone loves. Dessert is a must, and when I'm able I'll bake cinnamon crunch challah which is our family favorite.

Shabbat Prayers 

Due to my full hands with babies, right now we aim to do a full Shabbat at the beginning of each quarter.  We read all the  prayers, have communion, and share a scripture passage.  As shown below, after each element is done a prayer is said.  We light candles, lay hands on each other in prayer, place coins in the Tzedakah box, drink sparkling grape juice, wash hands, and break the challah. The “ritual” ends with a blessing over the meal, typically prayed by the boss. You can download the prayer printout HERE and feel free to add to or customize it.

Making It Meaningful

For special occasions such as birthdays, school milestones, we incorporate relevant prayers or passages. Each week, we read a short scripture and share. Sometimes, we pause to repent, pray for others, worship, or pray over requests.

Sharing Shabbat

We occasionally invite others to join us.  Nowadays, we invite people to church to meet God, but for centuries, the Shabbat meal and to the table was where people were invited to.  

With my love for food and gathering, planning and partaking in Shabbat is a joy.  It’s a tangible way to worship in our home.

The Gift of Remembrance: Honoring Dad on Father's Day

Father’s Day is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate because it’s such a joy to honor one of the best dads I know. Over the years, the kids and I have found our own special way to do this through what we lovingly call The Dad Book.

This book has become a treasured family tradition, filled with moments that bring every emotion to the table: laughter, tears, joy, and gratitude. It’s more than just a collection of memories, it’s a tangible expression of our love, unity, and appreciation. Each page celebrates the incredible man we call husband and dad, as we express the ways he reflects the goodness and faithfulness of God to our family.

When Cindy was a toddler, I chose a blue gold polkadot notebook at TJ Maxx, and that’s where it all began. We’ve filled its pages with heartfelt tributes that honor their dad through the kids’ talents, words, and creativity.

Here’s what we include in The Dad Book each year, along with a few tips and resources if you'd like to start your own (printout at the end of the post):

"About My Dad" printouts: These are sweet, often funny, always cherished.

Pictures of the Boss and the family: Collected throughout the year.

Baby handprints and footprints: A tender reminder of how far we've all come.

Artwork from the kids: Their creativity is a gift in itself.

Letters from the kids: Using THIS format

A love letter from me: Words of life and encouragement.

Scripture and Prayers

Now that we’ve been doing this for more than a decade, flipping through the pages has become an emotional journey. The kids giggle at their old drawings and innocent letters. We marvel at their tiny handprints. And “the boss” (as we affectionately call him) is reminded that his role as husband and father is seen, appreciated, and impactful.  It’s a beautiful way to remind him and encourage him to, “Not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9  

So, if you’re looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Father’s Day, consider starting your own Dad Book. It doesn't have to be fancy, just filled with love. You can download this printout HERE.

Rest as God Intended

 If you had asked me what rest meant when I was in my twenties, I would’ve said it was sleeping in, doing nothing, and vegging out in front of the TV. Rest, to me, meant a vacation somewhere peaceful, where I could unplug from life’s constant demands and work pressures.

And while those scenarios can help us relax our bodies and quiet our minds, is that the kind of rest God had in mind when He spoke about it?

The first glimpse of Shabbat, or the day of rest, appears right after creation:

"By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on it He rested from all His work which God had created and made."

— Genesis 2:2–3

Before the commandments were even given, we see a model for Shabbat in the wilderness, as the Israelites wandered through the desert. It became a test, not just of obedience, but of trust in God’s provision:

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, so that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.'"

— Exodus 16:4–5

Eventually, it became part of the Ten Commandments, a law not rooted in burden, but in blessing because rest isn’t a have to it’s a get to:

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the foreigner within your gates."

— Exodus 20:8–10

True rest is shalom wholeness in our mind, body, and soul.  While we await the fullness of that rest in eternity, God invites us to experience a taste of it each week through Shabbat. Shabbat is a time to lay our burdens down, remember God, to be and to do the things that restore us.

In our home, we welcome this time of rest with a meal together as a family and we intentionally remember God. These nights are not rushed. We take our time eating, sharing, and laughing. Sometimes we do communion together as a family. We take our day of rest as a time to do the things that restore our soul which may include being outside, crafting, playing games, or reading.

What is the purpose of Shabbat?

Shabbat is a weekly rhythm that invites us to the following: 

1. Shabbat is a time to remember God as our creator, our provider.  

    "'The Lord’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed             times are these: For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a Sabbath of             complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a Sabbath to the Lord in all         your dwellings.'"
     — Leviticus 23:2–3

2. Shabbat connects our love for God with our love for others.

    “Now as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You must keep My Sabbaths; for this is a sign             between Me and you throughout your generations, so that you may know that I am the Lord who                 sanctifies you. Therefore you are to keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you.'

     — Exodus 31:12

3. Shabbat is a time for peace, joy, and intimacy. When practiced with intention and a heart that desires to serve, it becomes a sacred opportunity for communion with God and restoration for our souls.When I prepare the bread and pray over those who will gather at my table, I picture myself receiving God’s goodness then breaking off a piece to share with others.

    "'You must keep My Sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your                         generations, so that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.'"

    — Exodus 31:13

4. Shabbat is a divine reset. A weekly reminder that God is our authority, our sustainer, and our provider.

    "And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
     — Philippians 4:19

🙏🏻 Prayer

Lord, thank You that from the beginning of time, You gave us the gift of rest. Though You didn’t need it, You modeled it and then blessed a day for us to receive refreshment. It is a time where we can intentionally connect with You and with one another.

Each week, help me lead my family by creating an atmosphere of worship in our home. Prepare our hearts to welcome Your Spirit, and help us take time to remember and honor You as our Creator and Provider.

As we unplug from work, I trust that You will meet all of our needs physically, spiritually, and mentally according to Your riches.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Shabbat: A Weekly Reset for the Heart and Home

 Traditionally, Shabbat dinner is held on Friday night to mark the beginning of the Sabbath. Though it’s a time of shared food and fellowship with family and friends, it’s distinct and set apart by prayers, rituals, and traditional foods. Every family celebrates Shabbat a little differently, but at its core, it’s a sacred rhythm designed to honor God’s command: to rest. It’s a weekly invitation to receive the gift of rest while looking forward to the ultimate rest we’ll one day experience in heaven.

One of the most meaningful elements of Shabbat in our home is the time of prayer before the meal. This tradition resets our relationships through forgiveness and blessing. One of the most powerful moments is when the father places his hands on each child and speaks a blessing over them. Then he turns to his wife, lays his hands on her, and blesses her as well. She, in turn, blesses him.

Do you know how hard it is to lay hands on someone and say a blessing when you're angry? In our family, it feels nearly impossible to come to the table with bitterness, frustration, or unresolved conflict. Shabbat forces us to confront those tensions. Sometimes we address them before the meal; other times we deal with them right there at the table, confessing, forgiving, and often shedding tears. Shabbat offers a weekly opportunity to clear out the emotional and spiritual clutter and ensure our hearts are free from hurt.

This prayer time also strengthens our family bond. There’s something so sweet about hearing the boss speak gentle, loving words of blessing over our children. I cherish the moment when he wraps his arm around me to tell me I am worth far more than rubies and it is a powerful witness to everyone at the table.  It’s a deep honor for me to return that blessing telling him and speak life over him.

We know that the power of life and death is in the tongue. We’re called to speak encouragement and blessing over one another. And scripture gives us clear direction on how to handle conflict in our closest relationships. The Shabbat prayers are a practical, beautiful way to live out those teachings.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:26, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

In Romans 12:21, we’re told, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

And in those hard seasons when even those in our household feel like enemies, Jesus calls us higher in Matthew 5:43-48:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

Each week, I leave Shabbat dinner with both my belly and heart full, restored and at peace. Sometimes we follow our printed prayer guide, and other times we speak blessings from the heart. Either way, this intentional practice continues to shape our family, one meal, one prayer, one week at a time.

You can download a copy of our Shabbat prayer printout HERE.

Click below for more about Shabbat:

Discovering True Rest

Centered Around Food

Centered Around Food

 There are certain “we always” traditions that shape families. When we first got married in 2009, there was an unspoken season of discovering what our own family culture would be. One thing became clear early on.  Our family, even when it was just the two of us, would be centered around food.

I’ll never forget my first meal with the Mullens. After dating about a month, Randy’s dad invited me over for dinner which I presume was his way to get to know the girl his son was seeing. He made spaghetti in the crock pot, a salad, and garlic bread on the side.  We sat at a simple, yet beautifully set table, and we ate together.

A few months later, I joined the Mullens on vacation to Yosemite. That trip revealed the deep roots of their tradition around meals. All the Mullens can cook and set a beautiful table. Grandma Norma treated every breakfast, lunch, and dinner as an act of love and service to her family.  Each  meal was thoughtfully planned.  She set a gorgeous table and prepared the most delicious food. Sitting down to a meal with the Mullens felt like receiving a warm hug.

A few months later, Randy experienced his first Christmas Eve with my family. Everyone was welcome. Tables were pushed together and lined with food each family had brought, forming the biggest buffet.  At the center was a lechon, a whole roasted pig with an apple in its mouth.  My extended family knew how to celebrate.  With music, games, and dancing, the entire space radiated joy.

Centering celebration and gathering around food isn’t a human idea, it’s divine. From God’s provision of manna and the first Shabbat in Exodus 16 to Jesus preparing a meal for His disciples in John 21:1–14, food has always been more than nourishment.  It’s been a means of remembrance and a time of fellowship with one another and with God. Through the act of eating together, God invites us: all who are hungry, all who are thirsty, to taste and see that He is good.

Our first Thanksgiving as a married couple became our “we always” and the beginning of our own traditions, blending two cultures into one. We had just moved to Mississippi, our first duty station, and at the ripe young age of twenty three years old, we couldn’t afford flights home. So we had a feast of our own. I roasted my first turkey and made a humble snack board to nibble on while Randy watched the football game. And we enjoyed a beautiful meal at a simply set table.  It was perfect. 

That table has become the center of our home. It’s the altar where we worship. It’s the well where we receive nourishment for our bodies and soul. In our home, we always come to the table. And we always celebrate.

Grace in the Growth: Walking with Your Child Through Growth

📖 Suggested Reading: Exodus 14

Having kids in each stage of life from baby, toddler, and tween to teen has been eye-opening. In the baby and toddler years, growth is rapid and obvious. Change happens seemingly overnight. You can track their progress in milestones, first steps, and new words.

But the teen years? They can feel like walking in the wilderness. The growth we hope for is no longer physical but emotional and spiritual. It's slower, harder to measure, and often feels invisible. At times, it even comes with resistance.

One day, during our mom and son time, we were driving after a game of pickle ball.  He had just finished his piano lesson and was happily enjoying a donut. These moments, just the two of us are when I get a rare window into his heart. With the right questions, he opened up and that day, he shared a dream of playing high school baseball.

As any parent would, I started laying out what the path to that dream might look like: the physical and mental training, the sacrifices, the challenges he might face. I ended with encouragement, reminding him that if God gave him this desire he would help him and I believed he’s fully capable.

But when I glanced over, I saw something in his eyes: hurt. He seemed offended by my mention of weaknesses, and I could tell he only partly believed my words.

Everything in me wanted to respond with frustration, to lecture him about how I knew better. But by the grace of God, I responded gently.

I told him, “You may be hurt by some of what I said.  Maybe you only believe me forty percent right now. But it’s true. And I’m going to walk with you and show you.”

At that moment, I couldn’t help but think of Moses. In Exodus 4, God laid out exactly what would happen and yet Moses still doubted. He told God he wasn’t good enough, that he couldn’t speak well. But by Exodus 14, Moses stood a leader boldly before the Israelites and declared:

“Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today you will never see them again forever.”

How did Moses go from doubt to faith?  From mute to leader?  I believe it was the patient, faithful presence of God. God walked with him, showed him what to do, and performed signs and wonders along the way. Moses didn’t become a leader overnight, he grew into it.

This was a gentle reminder to me to have grace in the growth.  It was a reminder to follow God’s example of presence, training, and experiences.  My role isn’t just to speak truth but to be there as it unfolds.

So take heart, weary mama. When your wisdom, experience, or love isn’t received right away, press in. Stay gentle. Stay intentional. The growth might be invisible now, but each seed you plant is seen by God. Let Him water them. Trust Him with the harvest.

🙏🏻 Prayer:
Thank You for the examples in Scripture that show us how to disciple our children. When You called Moses, he could hardly speak and doubted everything You said. Yet You walked with him through every battle, built his faith with every miracle, and patiently gave him the words he needed until he could stand in confidence.

Help us, as parents, to respond the same way. When our children express doubt or struggle with belief, keep us from taking offense. Teach us to be patient in their areas of growth, to guide them with grace rather than frustration.

We long to follow Your example walking with them in love, offering truth with gentleness, and staying present as they mature. Grant us wisdom in what to say and how to lead them through each season.

Our children are not our own. We surrender them to You, trusting that Your will for their lives is good and far greater than our own.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.