After a year-and-a-half after my retirement, I was again asked last week to resume doing a web ministry work I used to do for some 8 years previously -- disseminating relevant information electronically to all our pastors and membership nationwide in the denomination I'm affiliated with.

And just yesterday, the first email I sent to all our pastors nationwide was a July letter from Dr. Joseph Tkach, president of Grace Communion International. It was about how sometimes, we cannot handle the truth that is introduced before us -- and we resist it.

It did not take long after I sent that letter and I received a response email expressing dismay at

Just a few days ago, I bought two brand new tires for my car, a Ford Lynx. The other two tires are still relatively new so I didn't need to replace all four. One of the tires was worn out badly and worn out in the wrong place. It had to be replaced as I'm now traveling long distances back again. I don’t want to experience a tire exploding while I’m driving at high speed. I want to make sure that my rims and tires are in top shape.

It's my first time here in Bacolod and my visit here reminded me of my first cousin who was assassinated for what he believed in years ago. He was once a top ranking communist.

Many decades ago, when the communist movement was very much alive in many parts of the world, I have always been fascinated by their passion for communism. And I saw that firsthand in my first cousin. During those years, I was amazed at how they can sacrifice so much of their time, their money and all their efforts  to even willingly die for their cause.

Except for a few super rich people who grew up with a silver spoon or people like Bill Gates, most of us ordinary mortals have to face our financial problems daily as part of our usual routine in life. Thankfully, there is credit available from various sources. And with the advent of credit cards many decades ago, credit has become even more easily accessible.

Used wisely, credit cards are a great big help in so many ways for many a family. It has made life a bit easier and financial problems more bearable -- that is, if used wisely. The trouble begins when one misuses his or her credit card. Debts pile up and become impossible to repay. Family troubles begin. And you get a bad report from credit companies who begin to hunt you down like a criminal.  Where can you turn to for help?