Today I celebrate my birthday. I am so thankful for a chance to live, a chance to thrive rather than just survive. This blog has made me live.
I never in my wildest imagination imagined that someday, I will have a blog called "Precious Core". Never. But one day, 3 years ago as I prayed, I felt God was speaking to me and asking me to "write". I followed that leading and made some research on how to begin a blog so I could write.
Then came the naming part. I didn't have to think of or choose a name for myself. But permit me to be a little weirdo here and tell you the name Precious Core just came. I heard the words Precious Core and I ran with it.
So I named my blog Precious Core and began to write. Over the years, I have shared lots of love tips, real life stories and recipes amongst others. Then I also started my YouTube channel which has been a HUGE blessing. Cooking in front of the camera is my happy place. Totally.
As my blog grew, I noticed a lot of people were interested in the recipes I share. Then there was the temptation to "niche-down" and share only recipes, therefore making my blog an exclusive food blog. I felt left out of the 'food blogger circle' because you know, most food bloggers churn recipe posts, one after the other. Meanwhile here, I share recipes and other kinds of post - basically the things that matter to me.
I highly considered taking out the non-recipe posts but I just couldn't. You know why? Because I started this blog not just to share recipes but to write.
This is the place where my pen speaks. This is the place where I share real life stories. This is the place where I share my love for cooking. This is my outlet. This is my contribution to humanity. This is my core. This is why I am here right now, at this time.
I have grown to totally understand the name Precious Core. This is my core, the essence of my being, my purpose.
This is why I can't hide the fact that I am a child of God. The most important thing of my life is that I love Jesus. Being transformed by God is the most wonderful thing I ever experienced. And I can't hold back on sharing that.
My pen can't hold back from speaking. Whether it is sharing raw emotions, funny stories from my past or opinions on current happenings, I have to write. Writing to me is like breathing. I have to do it in order to live.
I used to think that when my blog makes an income, I will be so happy and fulfilled. While making an income is GREAT, I have discovered that that is not what makes me fulfilled. You know what makes me fulfilled? The people who write to me telling me how much this blog has changed them. Whether it is a recipe they cooked, or a story that made them laugh or a tip that changed their marriage or a prayer they followed, reading these things brings a satisfaction to my soul that cannot be financially or materially quantified.
So as long as I can, I will keep writing, cooking, sharing, encouraging and connecting with the friends all over the world who visit this space.
I am so grateful for a chance to live out my calling. When the going gets tough, I remind myself that I am in the right place. I am supposed to be running this blog at this time of my life. There is nothing like being assured that you are in the right place.
So thank you so much for being here! I can't wait to see what the days ahead bring. Love you!
Zinny says
Happy birthday, dear. The 17th is your birthday and the 18th is mine haha. I guess I can call you a birthday mate.
Please keep writing and making videos, I remember a comment you left on my blog some months back, I wrote in a post that I love a whole lot of things and I remember you telling me to incorporate what I love into my blog platform. I took it into consideration and kept on writing. Then I gradually found out ways I could still write on topics in my niche, while still making reference to other things I love.
Precious, you are an inspiration and may God continue to bless you. I'm not sure if I told you this in the past, but I'll just leave this here now. Have an awesome birthday and a great year ahead!
http://www.zinnyfactor.com
Precious says
Awww we are actually birthday mates, Zinny! I'm glad to hear of how my comment made a difference for you. Thanks for sharing that. And thanks so much for all the inspiring comments you leave on the blog. God bless you dear. Happy birthday in advance!
Chinwe Umeh-Ujubuonu says
Happy Birthday dear, blessed years ahead.
I have tried one of your recipes, very good I must say. Thumbs up to you sis and keep it up.
Precious says
So glad to hear that, Chinwe! Thank you so much!
Zee says
Precious, you are Precious in the eyes of God and what you do here is precious to many including me. It is great to know and see that our food is going international while helping so many people cook INSANELY DELICIOUS meals. It is great to see that Christ even as you share recipes and things. I pray that your pen will continue to speak and your pot will continue to sizzle. And as you share your core with us, may the heavens be open, may all the blessings you need for exponential success be showered down on you like rain. May lives in the kitchen be changed and souls be transformed in the PRECIOUS name of Jesus.I love you dearly.
http://www.shapeupafrican.com
Precious says
I just kept saying "Amen" as I read your comment, sis. Thank you so much! Chai may God bless you, sis. Love you too ❤
Irene Z. Fon says
Dear Precious,
It is my first comment here after being subscribed for a while and following your quite interesting posts.
Permit me encourage you to keep going, even though i know that you would! I know so because when you got a calling; when you find your purpose and your reason for being here, you just can`t help it. The Thought of simply having Found it is so Precious, and the Grace of being able to Fulfill it is even Priceless.
You are a wonderful, inspirational blogger, whose contribution to the world is definitely having an impact.
Happy Birthday!
Precious says
Dear Irene, your comment totally made my day! Being able to fulfill purpose is so priceless. I have read your comment over and over again. So uplifting! Thanks dear!
Meylam Dibaka Eliz says
Just love dear!!! You are a Precious gift to the world. Your love and passion really inspires, transforms and build. I join you thank the Lord for all He's done and for the grace you've received to see His deeds and consciously live it. Keep writing, keep cooking!!! Love you lots sweetheart. It's our month, so let's celebrate!!!!!
Precious says
Aww happy birthday to you too, darling! With amazing support like you on my side, I can only keep up. Thank you so much!
Lois. O says
Happy Birthday Precious!!! Thanks for sharing your core with us, it has truly been a blessing to follow you for the last couple of months. It is refreshing to see other sisters that can enjoy something as simple as cooking and still love the Lord. There is nothing as awesome as going with the leading of God, so keep on!
Precious says
Lois, thank you so much! You have been a HUGE encouragement to me. So blessed to know you.
Leila says
Happy birthday Precious!
I began by watching you from a distance,then I grew more and more interested in your write ups and your passion for cooking and your family.
The final stroke, your group on Facebook opened your world much more to me and I must say am happy our paths crossed.
I pray that the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ will fill you with the knowledge of Christ, that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened that you may know him more and the exceeding greatness of His power at work in You.
Blessed with all blessings
Leila
Precious says
Amen and amen! Thank you for praying that scripture over me, Leila. So blessed to know you.
Ngum says
Happy Birthday Lady Pre, Many more fruitful and fulling years ahead as you continue living for Jehovah and making purpose a really. Indeed you have been a blessing to me through your write-ups as well as recipes. I must confess I have tried almost all the cake recipes and they were all great, unfortunately I got this laziness of sharing photos on the social media but hoping to get there one day. More grace Dear.
Precious says
Ngum, thank you so much dear! So glad of hearing if your success with the cakes. Aww hopefully you get to share someday. God bless you, sis.
Ugwueze Faith says
Joyful birthday celebration Ma, I pray for more grace with all the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to excel beyond men imagination to fulfill the purpose of God calling in your life and family. Your post concerning no matter every situation you find yourself is for a purpose that we should not see it as a stumbling rather as a stepping stone to our greatness. That post call mine attention with your shrimp fried rice, home made short bread etc a lot of recipe has spark up my baking &cooking desire
Precious says
Hi Faith, thank you so much for your kind words. I am glad that post encouraged you dear. God bless you.
Meena's Deli says
Happy birthday Precious. I am an ardent follower of Precious Kitchen. It has built my catering career. I am a pro in many things. Thanks to you. I love you dearly
Precious says
Oh my, Meena! Stories like your make me so fulfill. So glad to hear about your catering career. All the best, dear.
Buh Thecla says
Hello Precious dear uve really inspired me all this time I must confess uve taught me many things especially the baking and frying my boys are like oh mum this is good each time..thanks so much dear and we keep thanking God too for inspiration u got ure blessed! Greet my girls and husy for me.much love Thecla from Cameroon
Precious says
Hi Thecla, thank you so much for taking out the time to let me know. My love to your sweet boys. God's blessings.
Dominika says
Wow! You are my birthday mate, mine is on the 19th. I can't believe this oh! No wonder why I find your personality so striking. You are an epitome of inspiration. May God continue to bless you, keep you and may you continue daily, in many years to come live a life of accomplishments in God's purpose for your life. I love you a lot Precious and I wish you where the elder sister that I don't have. God bless you dearest. Happy birthday!!
http://dominikagoodness.blogspot.com.ng
Precious says
Awww I love you a lot too my dear. Thank you for being so supportive. Wishing you a very happy birthday, birthday mate. Ehugs.
Bisola says
Happy birthday dearie. The pictures, kitchen, the name of the blog, the recipes, posts everything is so you and it is a wonder to behold. You are an amazing person, a talented woman, a kind friend, loving mother and good -wife, Christian, teacher, cook everything .
I love that you see it as a calling and a ministry and that you take it all so seriously. Love you Sis. And if only I could cook a quarter of the things you cook. 😂
Precious says
God bless the day I "met" you sis! Thank you for being such an amazing support system. And to think that we have never met in real life...
Hahaha I believe you can totally cook the things that I cook. Lol
Gisele says
You are gifted and talent and never stop blessing and inspiring. Happy bday and may God enlarge Precious Core to the Core in Jesus name. Enjoy
Precious says
Thank you so much, dear Gisele.
Goodness-Mercy says
Happy belated birthday ma'am. God bless you richly. I congratulate your faithfulness. More grace!
Precious says
Thanks dear! God bless you.
El says
Happy birthday dear, keep doing you. You are beautiful just the way you are. xoxo
Precious says
Thanks so much, El!
Gloriafined says
Happy birthday Precious. May God continue to fill your cup with unending inspiration.
Precious says
Aww thank you, Gloria!
Emily says
Hi Precious!
Happy Belated Birthday. I’m also an October born. Sorry for the late greeting but I just discovered you today. I found you on YouTube while checking out recipes (one of my hobbies) and I couldn’t resist but to follow you. Its funny because I don’t usually go beyond the video when I watch recipes but with your video it was something different....so genuine and pure. I wanted to leave you a comment because I’m just inspired and in awe. Thanks for sharing your talents with the world.
Precious says
Emily, your comment brightened my day so much. Thank you for your kind words, dear. So glad you found me.