How is your personal relationship with God?
Getting to know more about God through the Holy Bible and consciously trying to live my life the way He would want me to live has given me so much peace. Whenever I’m faced with problems, whether it is in the home or work, I immediately surrender and let Him to take care of my battles. Fighting anger with anger will not take us anywhere; but facing our problems through prayers and knowing God is on our side, for as long as what we ask is within His Divine Will, will lead us to what is best for us.
ALEX ARANETA, CEO, Inspire Leadership Consultancy: With times so difficult these days and life uncontrollable, I make it a point each day for God to be my refuge and strength. While there are moments I still would go against His will for me, I make sure I immediately make peace with Him because I know God’s heart is always after what’s best for me.
MECA PENSON PRIETO, fulltime housewife and mother: My personal relationship with God is no different from my personal relationship with my parents. I respect Him a whole lot, I need Him in my life, I always seek to talk to Him anytime within the day, I want to please and make Him happy, I get scared of Him when I do something wrong and I love Him with all my heart. I have always seen God as a parent. I know He watches over me and protects me from harm. I also know that He loves me very much but He can also punish me when I do something not acceptable. Any time of the day, when I want to say a prayer, I close my eyes and speak to him. I lift up my husband and my children to Him everyday for I know He is the Almighty and no one else can watch over my precious loved ones better than Him. I know He is always there for me. The most recent experience I had in which I felt the love and kindness of God was when my mother was at the hospital due to a massive heart attack. I have never prayed that hard in my life. I literally prayed every single second of my life. I asked all my friends every day to help me pray for my mom. He was so kind and merciful, He healed my mother. God is very real and present in my life. He is my Almighty Father and I know that He loves me and will love me unconditionally forever.
FRANCO LAUREL, actor: Since I became a Christian 10 years ago, I discovered that having a personal relationship with God is truly the best thing that ever happened to me. I talk to Him any time of the day; I have a 24/7 online communication with God. I dedicate my day to Him and thank Him for all His blessings. I start and end my day reading His word, which strengthens, encourages and uplifts me. Reading His word also gives me the wisdom on how to handle everything in my life. He is truly my Abba Father!
GINA TANJANGCO GARCIA: I developed a deeper and more personal relationship with God about three years ago. My dad struggled and battled with the big C, and eventually passed on. No one is spared from trials. These very trials are the ones that strengthened the core of my relationship with Him. At first, it was hard for both me and my family. I couldn’t make sense of it all, but with the love and grace of our Lord, this fight my dad had with cancer totally opened my heart, and it gave me a different perspective on life.
I now start and end my day with a prayer of worship and thanks for all blessings, both big and small. Today, because of this rekindled relationship, I now have a more positive outlook on life. Every cloud really does have a silver lining! I’m also more patient, and try to live out His teachings in my everyday life, armed with His love, grace and mercy. I still struggle with this from time to time. Acceptance is key. So, with God’s grace, I have learned to accept, trust and embrace His will for me!
MIA BORROMEO, editor at large, Philippine Tatler: My relationship with God is a gift that I treasure. I see and experience His presence, provision and guidance in all things, big and small.. . so I try to begin and end each day with a prayer of thanks and praise to Him for all that He has blessed me with.
ANGELU DE LEON RIVERA, actress: My relationship with God is very intimate. I’m a Bible-believing Born Again Christian. In John14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commands.” I live and breathe His word. I am still undone.
SANDRA RECTO JALBUENA, mother: I always start my day in prayer, yet I seek to know Him better through the Bible.
ALELEE AGUILAR ANDANAR, businesswoman: He is my BFF.
JOANNE MILLONADO SANTOS, yoga instructor: My personal relationship with God is based on this prayer I always say before the Gospel during the Mass: “In my thoughts (the first sign of the cross on my forehead) and in my words (the second over my lips) and in my heart (the third on my chest), always guide me to do the right thing.”
ITONG TORRES, businessman: I am so grateful for my life and constantly thank God for all my blessings. I feel very fortunate to have such a loving, beautiful and talented wife, Richie; adorable daughters Olivia and Luccia; wonderful and supportive parents, siblings, relatives and in-laws; genuine friends; good health which allows for an active lifestyle; and a productive and fulfilling profession. I believe that God’s plan is to maximize one’s blessings and talents to the fullest potential so I perpetually pray to God for grace and guidance. I pray to remain authentic. I pray for discernment so I am led to choose paths with heart. I also pray to be reminded of what really matters in life such as love, integrity, happiness, respect, family, friendship, etc. as I go through my own journey. Life is short so I try to live every day to the fullest, regularly starting and ending my day in prayer.
MARISSA ALEJANDRO LOPA, writer, businesswoman: God is my best friend. He is my first thought in the morning, thanking Him for a new day and my last thought as I drift off to sleep. He is the one sure thing in my life, never letting me down especially when I need Him the most. When I was a teenager, I’d say my prayers in the form of a “kwento” telling Him about my day, sharing thoughts or feelings I wouldn’t dare tell my closest girlfriends! In everything I do, whether it’s making life-changing decisions or just the most menial ones like a color scheme for a project, I trust Him completely to guide me toward the right path.
