Sometimes a homemade cake feels far too simple to be called a “birthday cake” compared with the elaborate creations you see at parties or on television. When I try to ice one, it often looks mushy and disorganized — the result of several failed attempts. Still, the simple joy that comes with celebrating another year of life in my family is priceless.
I miss those days when my siblings and I would laugh and tease each other at our small birthday gatherings. They were never extravagant: just a quiet family time to pray, joke, and eat together. Even my dad, who usually avoided social events, would hurry home for those moments. Those memories added meaning and warmth to our lives.
This year I turn 27, and many thoughts crowd my mind. My usual celebration with siblings won’t happen because I’m miles away. I’m surrounded by two toddlers who may not yet grasp the significance of growing a year older.
Looking back, I see a tiny child who not only aged but matured and achieved much. My early years were unsettled; I attended three different primary schools in three separate towns. My highly ambitious mother continued her education while we were growing up, so I split time between my grandparents’ house and my mother’s hostel room. Through all that I learned to adapt and faced many faces of life.
I went from being a daddy’s girl who enjoyed car rides and treats to a farm girl trekking for hours to fetch firewood. I’ve had mornings of bread and tea and mornings when I ate leftover porridge of cocoyams. Those contrasts shaped me.
The most profound transition I experienced was accepting Christ and building a personal relationship with Him. From that decision my life took a different direction, and I remain deeply grateful that He found me.
At 27, I want to amplify what’s right in my life and reduce what’s wrong — not because I expect instant perfection, but because focusing on a few consistent improvements matters more than trying to change everything at once.
My first goal is simple but important: wake up on time. Proverbs 31:15 speaks of the virtuous woman rising while it is still night to prepare for her household. Over the years I’ve struggled to maintain an early routine, but it has always been a desire of mine.
Many great people rise early. Jesus woke before dawn to pray (Mark 1:35). David spoke of seeking God early in the morning. There’s a real difference in how a day unfolds when it starts early: I feel energized and productive on early mornings, and sluggish when I rise late. I’m determined to take consistent control of my mornings.
There’s much I’m looking forward to this coming year, but I’ll focus on what matters to you and me: Precious Core — our blog. God made the purpose for this space clear to me and even gave it a name. It has already added value to many lives, and it will continue to do so.
This blog is my core, the central part of who I am. When I write, the many parts of me come together beautifully. If I’ve disappointed you by not posting regularly, I apologize. Like a child learning to walk, I take steps and sometimes fall.
Soon I will walk steadily, then run, and eventually soar. Keep checking back to see new posts — I have so much waiting to be shared. Your feedback is always welcome and greatly appreciated.
I thank God for bringing me this far, for preserving and comforting me, and for being my best friend. I’m counting my blessings and am amazed at how much He has done.
Thank you for reading. See you in the next post.
P.S. I actually wrote this for my 27th birthday over a year ago, but for some reason I didn’t post it then — perhaps it was the hormones!