Dear readers of Precious Core,
I hope you are well in this season of life. Today I’m grateful and excited to celebrate three years of blogging. My very first post went live on February 13, 2014.
At that time I was about four months into living in the United States, caring for two children under four, and adjusting to a new environment. In the midst of all that change I started this blog.
At first my posting schedule was irregular. I paused completely when I was pregnant with my youngest, and only returned to writing months after she was born in May 2015. Since then I’ve been much more consistent, pouring my thoughts and experiences into this space I share with you.
This blog has been an important source of therapy and purpose for me. It helped me move from feeling overwhelmed as a stay-at-home mom to feeling fulfilled and sane. Through this platform I’ve been able to homeschool my children, and the creative work I carry inside—books, videos, talks—finds a place to grow. Each post brings me closer to living out that calling, and that is a wonderful feeling.
None of this would mean as much without you. I’m deeply thankful for your presence here—particularly for:
- Reading and engaging with the blog from day one, and offering feedback
- Sending emails, messages, prayerful corrections, or notes just to say hello
- My blogging friends whose encouragement, visits, and comments have been a huge support
- Commenting on posts—your thoughts make this space lively and teach me so much
- Sharing the blog with friends and family
- Following on social media and liking, sharing, or commenting on posts
All of these actions have been incredibly motivating. Thank you so much.
Here are the blog stats so far:
Facebook: 7,029 fans
YouTube: 1,415 subscribers
Email subscribers: 1,618
Instagram: 660 followers
Twitter: 121 followers
All of this growth belongs to you. Thank you for letting me share my writing and recipes, and for being part of this journey.
As I continue this journey, I’m making a couple of small changes to the blog:
- No more “Here’s What’s Up.” This Monday slot, which mostly recapped the previous week or shared random thoughts, has been fun, but I’m ready for a refresh. Mondays will become a “pen-speaking” slot for more thoughtful, intentional posts. I’ll still update you when something is happening—those updates will appear in my diary but not necessarily on Monday mornings.
- Fridays are now reserved for videos. Previously I uploaded videos and published the matching recipe post on Saturday mornings, but that timing has been difficult to keep. Moving videos to Fridays will help me stay on schedule.
That’s all for the changes!
Now the Giveaway!
I wish I could give something to every one of you to show my gratitude. At the last giveaway I wanted everyone who entered to receive $50, but I’m not that wealthy—yet. As this ministry grows, I plan to give more because generosity is important to me.
Today I’m giving away $50 to one reader anywhere in the world. To enter, please leave a comment below telling us why you visit this blog. The winner will be chosen at random and announced next Monday.
Let’s get commenting!
P.S. Because today is special, I’m moving the next part of my minimalism series to next Tuesday.