The Shadow of His Wings
Psalm 91:4
“Designed to make a difference.”
“To everything there is a season…”
Spring reminds us that God designed life with rhythms of renewal and change.
Ecc. 3:1
Spring has long been associated with rebirth and transformation which center on renewal, freedom, and new beginnings. In that sense, spring cleaning becomes a physical expression of a spiritual truth: letting go of the old to make room for the new.
Thoughts and Takeaways
A Reset for Your Home and Mind
Spring cleaning symbolizes renewal. Just as nature resets in the springtime, clearing out clutter can help us reset our body’s rhythm by reducing stress and creating a calmer, more focused environment that promotes health, and spiritual well-being.
Decluttering Brings Clarity
Letting go of unused or unnecessary items makes our space more functional and easier to maintain. It also helps us feel more in control and less overwhelmed by bringing a sense of order into our lives.
Emotional Letting Go
As, Apostle Paul reminds to forget the things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. Likewise, removing physical clutter can also help people process as they let go of emotional and physical attachments, making space for new experiences and memories.
Boosts Productivity /Motivation
A clean, organized space often leads to better concentration and efficiency. It’s easier to tackle tasks when your surroundings feel clean and orderly. When we submit to His will and ask Him to create in a clean heart, His power flows within us.
Finally 2026.
"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end, it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV)
Intentional Living
Savory Summer Soups
One of the best things about homemade soup is that it can be perfect for any season by making simple adjustments. It can be kept light and fresh for summer enjoyment or an added extra herbs and vegetables to make it heartier in cooler months.
Texas Coastal Chowder
This is a delicious creamy seafood soup inspired by an infusion of coastal chowder and light cajun seafood stew, featuring clams, shrimp, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh littleneck or Manila clams, scrubbed well
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup seafood stock
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for extra richness)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium potato, peeled and diced small
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon sea salt, add more to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Add the onion and fennel. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.
Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the seafood stock and diced potato. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Add the heavy cream, coconut milk (if using), and cherry tomatoes. Simmer for 3 minutes.
Add the clams, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the shells open. Discard any clams that remain closed.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until pink and opaque.
Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Serve with:
Crusty sourdough bread
Garlic toast
A simple green salad
For an extra touch, drizzle with a little olive oil and garnish with additional herbs, peppers, or a pinch of smoked paprika.