Danica Monique

I am a young woman married to a pastor. I created this blog as a collection of my meditations, that may hopefully reach young & curious hearts as well. My writings vary from self-worth & improvement, to leadership and taking a stand. Take a read, or send me a message and we can talk and pray together.

[devotedpanda]

Under the Umbrella of God’s Goodness

My husband and I were only a month into our marriage when we received news that a group for Pastors’ Wives here in our location has been created, and I am one of the blessed women to be invited. They had asked me to share my feelings as a pastor’s wife and what are my expectations. Quite frankly I didn’t know what to say and even thought I’m not qualified to even speak because I’m merely beginning my journey. But I couldn’t bring myself to say ‘no,’.

I keep getting reminded of various callings to testify and share God’s work in one’s life, especially from the book of Psalms. So I sat myself down and began recording. To be honest I did not know what I wanted to share or talk about but I was surprised to see myself continuously speaking of God’s goodness. And so I wanted to drop my thought here too.

I feel like our family is mostly challenged in the financial aspect of life. We always find ourselves struggling to make ends meet despite having jobs. And this testimony from my husband always gives me the needed “knock-on-the-head” every time. He always shares that back when he was a student he barely had any money, and yet he was healthy, eating, traveling and enjoying life. He even jokes about how he was even able to take me on dates despite having so little. Its quite funny, but its an eye opener too.

God is able to use the people around him to bless him and care for him, and even before we were married these blessing also covered me. The people that loved and guided him did the same for me. The people that looked out for him, looked out for me as well. The people that embraced and appreciated him gave me their warmest welcome too.

So now in our married life, I have no fear. For my husband is a good man, and God loves him. And the abundance He gives to my husband, He also showers into our family.

I pray that whoever this post reaches also shares the umbrella of blessing with us. Take care and God bless! Xoxo 

[bkbro69]

[devotedpanda]

Giving to the Lord (My Testimony about Tithes)

The first month of our marriage has been financially straining. There were suppliers to be paid and loans to be settled. Not to mention the daily living expenses we had to secure. It was tiring because most of my energy revolved around how we could make ends meet.

But then I remembered what my mother told me when I started earning my own money. “Do not forget about the Lord,” she says. Being a young professional is another chance to be helpful to the church’s ministry. And to her, being blessed with a source of income rightfully deserves to be used in God’s kingdom.

“You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.” - Deuteronomy 15:10

And so with this in mind, I prayed to God to help us through. I sat down and took my laptop out, I had a calculator and spreadsheet on screen. I started jotting down all of our sources of income and all of our expenses. And I made sure that I included giving to the Lord in this budget. I made sure that no matter what happens, even if it means we had to live on such small budget the following week, we will give back to the Lord what he has blessed us with.

My husband and I had a talk and we agreed to this. No matter how tight it is, we will not hold on to money and even if our banks hit a negative - it will be fine for the Lord has us in His hands.

Sunday comes around and the time to drop our financial offerings to the basket has come. Believe me when I say that when we dropped that envelope, our pockets and wallets became empty. We prayed that the Lord use this offering for the good of His kingdom, and that we rest ourselves in his greatness knowing that he will provide.

The next day, our small business starts getting orders in. One satisfied customer even came back to place more orders. Truly the Lord had blessed us enough that we may put food on our table.

I will forever be in awe and I pray I never forget this great encounter. I pray that I may always be open to giving to the Lord and allowing Him to use me in ways he see fit.

Whatever it is you may offer to the Lord’s ministry - your talents, strengths, your time and knowledge, it doesn’t have to be money. Know that if you give it the Lord, He will multiply it and bless you in more ways than one can imagine.

Hoping this has inspired a reader today.

Love and blessing to all. Xoxo

[christian-quotes-faith]

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy - think of such things. -Phil 4:8

[devotedpanda]

Getting ready for the next level

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. “ James 1:4 

 read: James 1:1-6

It seems that whenever I start a new chapter in my life, I always happen to come across this passage. I remember jotting this down back when I was a student. I remember hearing this in one of our preacher’s messages when I started my life as a young professional. And now I am reading about it again as a newly-wed, Preacher’s Wife.

God has sneaky ways to remind us of his promises, don’t He?

In these passages I can’t help but take note of 4 things that can be used in any point of our lives.

We must consider it pure joy that we face trials (v.2-3) because in these trying times is where we are assured that God is preparing us for what is ahead in our lives.

Trials happen in our lives to for us to mature (v.4). This will help us build ourselves to be better versions of who we are now.

Learn to ask for help when it is needed (v.5). And when do we need it? We need God’s help every step of the way. This is why we must constantly call out to him, not just in times of trouble. Which brings us to the next point;

We must believe and stand firm in our belief (v.6) that God will be able to provide for us in this time of trial, that God will bring us through it, and that God will raise us up to victory.

Another thing that my mentor’s repeatedly say is that when we pray, we must be specific in our prayers. Yes, God knows everything even before we open our mouths. But saying a specific prayer opens up our hearts and minds. Doing so helps us to not be worrisome and let the Holy Spirit move in us. Because when God is in control, every thing is under control.

I know we have all experienced playing video games once or more times in our lives. Notice that these games begin as easy and tutorial modes and gradually transition to harder levels. The trials we face in our lives are gradual transitions to the next levels of our faith.

I pray that those reached by this post is able to push through the hardships of life and come out stronger than before. May God be Glorified in our victories.

Love and blessings to all. Xoxo

[devotedpanda]

A helpful guide in studying your Bible

Back when I was still new in the faith of Christianity, I just sat in the crowd of my church. Thinking that attendance and listening is enough to get myself into promised land. A few months in, I realized a lot of things were wrong in this approach.

The next day, I barely remember any of the teachings given by our preacher.

I nod and agree while listening but do not deeply understand what is said.

I tend to remember only the scriptures and teachings that appeal to me (mostly things that justify my earthly desires)

And it was one day in my psychology class that I realized what was wrong with this system of mine.

I pay so close attention during class, highlighting my books and writing keywords down. Reading my books at home and even creating little drawings to help me remember. And it worked! I aced my exams, like a charm. I told myself the next time I attend our Sunday gatherings I am going to apply this behavior.

I started reading my bible, one chapter a day. I started highlighting on my bible and taking down notes on my journal. I started reading other materials as well to confirm my understanding, and I had most fun doodling on my journal of what I can imagine happened on the passages. Soon enough I observed that:

I was enjoying Sunday gatherings more.

I deeply understood what our preacher shares.

I am able to relate and actively participate in the gatherings.

The information are retained more clearly in my head and helped me to connect the bible’s timeline.

From the book of James 1:22-25 ″Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

This change in my bible study habit has helped me to enjoy my meditation time. And in this journey my husband has shared with me 5 questions to note so that I can organize my readings and therefore understand them better, and I want to leave it in this post too.

What is the message that the scripture wanted to say?

Is there a promise for us in the passage?

Is there a warning that we must take note of?

Are there consequences stated?

What is your prayer?

I hope this blog reaches those who need a push in their faith. If you’ve reached this far into this post, it means that you are seeking help.

Take this as a sign to grow your faith.

Love and blessings to all. Xoxo

[mengel-along-blog]

“What A Beautiful Name” - Hillsong Worship

[devotedpanda]

Find someone who is ahead of you in life’s journey and heading in the direction you want to take.

Kristy’s Cottage