It’s amazing what God reveals through His creation. My recent trip to Puerto Rico was another reminder of how incredible our Creator truly is, the Master Artist who painted this world for our delight. Every palm tree, every burst of color, every ocean wave is a reflection of His care for beauty. And if God values beauty enough to weave it into the world around us, shouldn’t we also weave it into our own lives?
Traveling to Puerto Rico was a blessing that I didn’t think I’d do so soon in my life. I am Puerto Rican in ethnicity, but as my mom and dad are both 1st generation born in America, I didn’t grow up knowing the tons of family that I’m sure I have on the island. So, visiting family was not something I never thought I’d do. I also am not in a season of my life where vacationing to other countries is something that I do often, but I was overjoyed to have the opportunity after my Dad moved to the island not so long ago.
Once I landed, I was immediately met with with warm, tropical weather that I loved so much. As my dad drove me over a grand bridge and into the country, I was astonished by all of the beautiful nature around.
There were palm trees I’ve never seen before, trees filled with vibrant colors, and all types of tropical plants that people usually keep in their homes in the mainland. I instantly felt like things where slower than the traffic-filled area I currently live in. As we went on the high-way, I looked to the left and right and was amazed by the green mountains full of rainforests and the homes shaped differently than what I’m used to.
As I sit here and reflect, I realize all of the amazing lessons that God can show us through His creation: God made a beautiful world for us to live in not just to survive in, but to enjoy. He didn’t have to make the flowers bright or the mountains breathtaking. He didn’t have to make the ocean sparkle under the sun. But He did, because beauty matters to Him. And if beauty matters to God, then perhaps we should be more intentional about bringing beauty into our own lives.
1. Read Books That Nourish Your Soul
Not every book needs to be about productivity. God gave us stories, wisdom, and imagination to shape our hearts. Choose classics, wholesome fiction, or biblically rich non-fiction that inspire beauty in your thoughts.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
2. Decorate Your Home with Intention
Beauty doesn’t require perfection. A vase of flowers, a cozy blanket, or a favorite candle can make a space welcoming. God placed man in a lush garden because beauty nurtures the soul.
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” – Proverbs 24:3-4
3. Try a New Recipe in the Kitchen
Cooking something new awakens creativity, connects you to culture, and blesses others at your table. Even simple dishes can be beautiful when made with love.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Cozy Autumn Book Club – Launching September
Picture this: a warm drink in your hand, a cozy blanket around your shoulders, and a good book in your lap—while gathering with friends from all over, right from your own home.
Our cozy autumn Book Club begins September 1, and it’s the perfect way to welcome the season. We’ll meet over Zoom to connect, reflect, and share our thoughts on books that inspire, challenge, and delight us. Each session will feel like sitting by the fire with friends and full of good conversation and thoughtful insights.
This isn’t just reading, it’s building a community, growing together, and savoring the joy of a good story. Our first read is already lined up. Click here to purchase and be ready for our launch.
Hosted right on Substack—exclusive for paid members.
Can’t wait to share more soon!
Chicken Sofrito with Black Beans Empanadas
Yields: 12–15 empanadas | Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 25 mins
Ingredients
For the Sofrito Chicken Filling:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium tomato, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), finely chopped or shredded after cooking
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Empanadas:
2 packages refrigerated empanada discs (or homemade pastry dough, about 4” rounds)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
1. Make the Sofrito:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and peppers; sauté 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, tomato, paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili flakes. Cook 5–7 minutes until tomatoes break down.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Push sofrito to one side of the pan. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked (6–8 minutes).
Mix chicken into the sofrito.
3. Add Black Beans:
Stir in black beans and chicken broth. Let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Let filling cool before assembling.
4. Assemble the Empanadas:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Place 1–2 tbsp filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold over to form a half-moon, pressing edges together. Crimp with a fork.
Brush tops with egg wash.
5. Bake:
Bake 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Seeing beauty as God filled and not wasteful is great. Thank you. ☺️❤️
I have made sofrito chicken empanadas before! I’ll have to try this version. I didn’t put black beans in mine. Love this about bringing beauty into your life. It wasn’t something I thought about or cared about until somewhat recently. Slowly growing to care about it in the last decade maybe. I wrote about it as well. I’ll link it in another comment if you’re interested.