Just Cook: A reflection on long days

Today is one of those long days. The kind that stretches on and drains you quietly. The kind where you don’t feel like doing much of anything, but life keeps asking anyway.

I went out in the morning and didn’t get back home until late. By the time I arrived, all I wanted was rest. I even hoped, just for a moment, that I’d find something magical waiting for me. Something already made. Something easy. But there was nothing.

So I cooked.

And by cooking, I don’t just mean standing in the kitchen. I mean I showed up when I didn’t feel like it. I did the small, necessary thing. I kept going even though I was tired. That’s what cooking looks like on days like this.

We all have days when we want life to pause. Days when we want things to work without effort, without pushing, without trying so hard. But some days don’t give us that option. They ask us to cook anyway.

If you’re experiencing days like this, I just want to tell you this. It’s almost over.

Long days are usually not as long as we think they are. Yes, you’re tired. You’re frustrated. You want a break. You want things to work the way you want them to work. And they will.

Just like me, I cooked. Not because I felt like it, but because I needed to. So cook a little. Do what you have to do. Take it one step at a time and try, just a little, to stay present.

Now the moment has passed. The work is done. And I’m finally resting, the rest that felt so far away earlier. So you see? Even the longest days eventually soften.

And when the days you’re praying for finally come, you might find yourself missing some small things about these days you don’t like right now. The time, the quiet moments, the people, the parts you didn’t realise mattered.

So when the day feels heavy, just cook. Stir what you have. Work with what’s in front of you. Do one small thing at a time. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be enough.

Because the rest will come.
It always does.

Just know that I love you and I'm rooting for you.

With love,

Debbie

Atomic Habits: Lessons That Changed My Approach to Growth

As May comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on a habit I started this month: reading one book per month with my friends. The book we chose for May was Atomic Habits by James Clear, a powerful guide to building lasting habits and transforming your life.

James Clear explains that habits are what truly shape great people and make our goals achievable. In fact, you might not have many goals, but if you have good habits, you’re likely to achieve more than someone with big goals but bad habits.

Here are some key lessons I learned and want to share:

Show Up Every Day, Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
Consistency is the secret sauce. Progress comes from small, daily actions, even when motivation is low.

Create an Identity, Not Just Goals
It’s not enough to set goals; you have to decide who you want to be. What kind of person do you want to become? When your habits align with your identity, change feels more natural and fulfilling.

Connect New Habits to Existing Ones
Try habit stacking, attach a new habit to something you already do. For example, after brushing your teeth, meditate for one minute. This makes new habits easier to build.

Track Your Progress
Create a habit score sheet to rate and track your habits daily. This visual feedback keeps you motivated and aware of your growth.

Design Your Environment for Success

Change your surroundings to support your habits. If you want to read more, keep books within reach and reduce distractions.

Embrace Change, But Stay True to Your Identity
Change is constant, but your core identity is what grounds you. I want to grow and adapt, but still hold onto who I truly am.

Building better habits takes time and patience, but with consistency and the right mindset, transformation is possible.

What habits are you working on? Have you tried habit stacking or tracking your progress? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments; let’s grow together!

As the days go by, I’ll be posting more from Atomic Habits, including the four laws of behavioral change. Atomic Habits is a great read and can be found at any local bookshop.

Happy New Month in advance!

Why Walking Alone Feels Different

I usually go to a place with my sister, and the road that leads there is quite bad. It’s bumpy, rough, and not friendly to tyres, so we usually park somewhere and walk the rest of the way. All of us: me, her, and a few others.

Even though the distance is long, we never really felt it. Somehow, we never noticed how far we were walking. We’d talk. We’d laugh. Sometimes we’d walk in silence, just enjoying each other’s company. By the time we arrived, it always felt like we had only taken a short stroll. We’d walk there, and when coming back, we’d walk again, and it still never felt like a long journey.

Then one day, I had to go there alone. 

At first, I felt confident. I had walked this path many times. I knew the turns, the feel of the ground, the look of the trees. But as I started walking, it felt different. The same road suddenly looked longer. Every step felt heavier. There was no one to talk to, no one to laugh with, no voice to say something distracting. I just kept walking. And walking. And walking.

At some point, I looked around and thought, Am I not there yet?

The air was the same. The trees hadn’t moved. The road had not stretched. But the experience was completely different. It felt monotonous. Long. Quiet in a way that made me tired. I kept thinking, This is the same road we usually take, so why does it feel so far?

And that’s when it clicked.

It was never really about the road. It was never about how far the journey was.

It was about the fact that I didn’t have to walk it alone.

What had always made the journey lighter was not the distance. It was the people. The shared conversations. The spontaneous laughter. The small pauses to catch a breath or admire a flower on the side of the road. The sense of togetherness.

That day, I realised something: the same road can feel entirely different depending on whether you’re walking it alone or with others.

And this goes beyond walking to a physical destination. This is life.

Some paths you can walk alone, but they’ll feel longer, heavier, emptier.

This is why it matters that you do not walk alone.

No wonder the Bible says, “Do not forsake the gathering of the brethren.” You were not made to live in isolation. You were not meant to carry your calling, your career, your dreams, your pain alone.

Are you walking alone in that business? In that ministry? In that season?
Are you carrying silent burdens in your studies, in your personal struggles, in your family?

Speak to someone. Walk with people of like minds. Walk with those who believe in you and share your vision, your faith, your values.

And even more importantly, walk with the Holy Spirit.

Talk to Him. Tell Him your fears. Whisper your confusion. Ask Him questions. Include Him in your walk, not just as a companion, but as your guide. He knows the road even when you do not. He knows the shortcuts, the slow turns, the potholes ahead.

He walks with us through every part of the road. Even the quiet stretches. Even the rocky bits. Even the ones that do not make sense. He speaks. He reminds. He comforts. And He turns the journey from a burden into a conversation.

And if you give Him room, He will show you where to rest, where to wait, where to move forward, and where to turn.

You are not meant to walk this journey of life alone. That is why it feels heavy when you do.

So, let me ask you gently:

Who are you walking with?

Are you walking alone, lost in silence?
Are you walking with people who believe in you, who challenge and encourage you?
Are you making space each day to walk with the Holy Spirit?

Because the road may not change. Life may still have its bumps, its bends, its long stretches.
But your experience of it can change.
And that makes all the difference.

If this has blessed you in any way, feel free to drop a comment and share it with someone who needs it too.

With love💗,

Deborah

I Didn't Know Her Name...

I’ve been buying items at a particular shop for quite a while, but I never knew the woman’s name. I would always go there, especially when I needed something that was hard to find nearby. She somehow always had what I was looking for.

A few days ago, I wanted to cook and needed a specific ingredient. I didn’t think it was necessary to go to her shop because I assumed I would easily find it elsewhere, and to be honest, her place is a bit far. But after going from place to place, I still couldn’t get what I needed.

While asking around, someone told me to check Iya C’s shop (not real name), saying she sells all sorts of things. I was confused and asked, “Who is Iya C?” The woman gave me directions. As I made my way there, I kept stopping to ask people for guidance. Eventually, I found the place. To my surprise, it turned out to be the same shop I had always gone to. I had been buying from her all along without realising she was the popular Iya C everyone talked about.

A lot of people knew her by that name, but I didn’t. In fact, someone had once tried to give me directions using her shop as a landmark. I told them I didn’t know the place, and that genuinely affected the journey. I had no idea I had walked past it countless times. When I finally got to the shop, I asked someone I met there, “Is this Iya C’s shop?” He said yes. That was when it hit me. I had been there so many times. I had bought from her again and again, but I didn’t know who she was. I didn’t know her by that name.

And then I thought, how often does this happen with God?

So many people say they want to hear God. They want the Holy Spirit to speak to them, guide them and show them things. But the truth is, He has been speaking all along.

You just haven’t recognised His voice.

You may not have known what to call it. Sometimes He comes as a quiet thought while you are walking. Other times, as a suggestion, while you are studying. Sometimes it is a peaceful nudge, a soft whisper, or an inner knowing you cannot quite explain. But because you haven’t been paying attention, you assumed He was not speaking.

He has been trying to reach you in ways so ordinary that you have overlooked them.

So I am here to tell you today, take time to seek Him. Take the time to know Him. Set a rhythm for your days that makes room for Him. Spend time in prayer, study the Word, and take quiet moments to listen.   Make it a part of your daily life, not as a task, but as a place of communion.

When you do this consistently, your spiritual senses will become sharper. You will begin to recognise His presence, His voice, His nudges, and how He deals with you personally. With time, your awareness of His way of speaking will grow clearer.

The truth is, He is not as far as we think; rather, He is closer than we realise, and all He wants is companionship.  

He is speaking, even now.
All it takes is attention.

With love💗 

Deborah

Can you be vulnerable with God?

Have you ever experienced down moments? Those seasons when everything feels off, when hope seems distant, and your heart carries burdens too heavy to describe? Maybe right now you're there, worn out, overwhelmed, and wondering if God sees it all.

Life will always present us with valleys, moments when we feel crushed under the weight of emotional, spiritual, or physical battles. But even in those dark places, one of the most powerful acts of faith is to worship. Not because everything is okay, but because God is still God. Faith does not deny pain; it brings it honestly into His presence.

God never asked us to wear masks before Him. He is not a distant, superficial deity sitting in some unreachable realm. He is near. He understands. And more than anything, He longs for your vulnerability.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses...” 

Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

Jesus gets it. He was misunderstood, rejected, betrayed, tempted, weary, and heartbroken. There’s no depth you can reach that He hasn't already visited. He’s not surprised by your emotions. He doesn’t reject your brokenness. In fact, He invites it.

So whatever you're going through, don’t hide it, bring it to Him.

Let out your fears. Your insecurities. Your confusion. Tell Him where it hurts, what you can't fix, and what you've tried to hide from everyone else, even from yourself.

Maybe something is bothering you. Maybe it’s anxiety. Maybe it’s something small that’s snowballed into sleepless nights. Whatever it is, don’t carry it alone. You don’t need eloquent words, just a surrendered heart. God isn't waiting for you to get "clean" before approaching Him. He’s right there in the mess, ready to walk with you through it.

Pour it out like David in the Psalms. Be raw, be real.

Speak to Him. Cry out. He can handle your struggle. He is not overwhelmed by your weakness. He wants your honesty more than your perfection.

Have you been hurt by someone and don’t know how to deal with it? Bring that to Him, too. Let Him walk you through forgiveness and healing.  Invite Him into that emotional space. Healing begins with honesty.

There are moments when you're not just feeling tired. You are tired. Tired in your bones. Tired in your soul. Loneliness wraps around you like a heavy cloak, and everything feels too much.

God sees. He listens.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

He cares. Not in a distant, indifferent way but with the tender love of a Father who longs to carry what’s crushing you.

Worship doesn’t always look like shouting in joy or dancing with gladness. Sometimes it’s weeping in His presence. Sometimes it’s whispering,

“Lord, I’m tired... but I’m here.”

And that’s enough.

It’s enough because your worship isn’t measured by how loud it is, but by how honest it is. God meets you in your sincerity, not your perfection.

Worship isn’t only for the mountaintop moments. It’s for the valleys, too. When your voice trembles and your tears fall, let them rise as worship. You’re not pretending everything’s okay. You’re proclaiming that He’s still worthy.

And in that deep connection comes a still, small voice speaking through the storm, whispering:

“Peace, be still.”

So today, wherever you are, whatever you're carrying, be honest with God.

Lay it all down.

Worship in the midst of the mess.

Because He sees.

He is El Roi — the God who sees you.

He hears.

And yes, He cares.

With love,

Deborah

 

I'm Starting a Blog! (For Real This Time)

Hi there,
I’m Deborah, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Starting this blog feels like a long-awaited dream finally coming to life. Writing has always been something I’ve cherished, something that brings clarity, connection, and joy. Over the years, I’ve started different blogs, each one fueled by passion, but eventually paused because of procrastination and inconsistency.

But this time, it feels different.

I’m not chasing perfection. I’m choosing progress. I’m learning to build the habit of consistency in my writing, to express my thoughts freely, and to create something meaningful through words.

Here, I’ll be sharing reflections on personal growth, everyday life, creativity, and the many highs and lows we all experience. This blog is my open journal, a safe and honest space where thoughts can flow freely. My hope is that something here inspires you, encourages you, or simply reminds you that you’re not alone.

This isn’t just a blog. It’s a community — a space where we grow together, share our stories, support one another, and walk through life with hope and courage. 

If you’re someone who struggles with procrastination or inconsistency, I understand. I’ve been there too. And I want to gently encourage you. Start that course. Join that program. Write that first page. Launch that idea. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Perfection comes through consistent effort and small steps forward, because true freedom begins the moment you start to fulfil
your purpose.

So start. Start small. Start scared. Just start.

Let’s grow together.
Here’s to new beginnings and staying the course.

With love,
Deborah💖

Life is beautiful

I do not want you to worry about what tomorrow holds. It’s natural to feel uncertain about the future, but remember, we may not know what tomorrow holds, but we do know who holds our future. This assurance provides us with the strength and confidence to face whatever comes our way.

In the midst of life’s uncertainties and challenges, we can find solace in the beauty that surrounds us and the profound love that sustains us. By focusing on the present and cherishing the moments we have, we learn to appreciate the beauty of our lives. Every sunrise, every smile, and every act of kindness reminds us of the beauty inherent in our journey.

Embracing the beauty of life also means embracing the beauty of His love. It’s a love that is unwavering and constant, guiding us through the trials and tribulations

we encounter. As we navigate the complexities of life, this divine love serves as a beacon, illuminating our path and providing us with hope and comfort.

Life becomes exceptionally beautiful when Jesus is in your boat. His presence transforms our perspective, enabling us to see beyond our immediate worries and fears. With Jesus by our side, we find the courage to weather the storms and the peace to enjoy the calm waters. His guidance and support make even the toughest days more bearable and the joyous moments even more delightful.

So, let’s keep holding on to the beauty of life and the beauty of His love. Let’s cherish each moment, trust in His plan, and find peace in the knowledge that our future is secure in His hands. Life, with all its ups and downs, is truly beautiful when Jesus is in our boat, steering us toward a future filled with hope and promise.