Monday, April 24, 2017

Identity Scam


I became a victim of identity theft a few months ago. In spite of all we did to protect ourselves, nevertheless this happened at my husband’s job by a fake email scam. Because I recently worked there, my Social Security number was stolen, along with many others. 

As a result our lives will probably be altered from now on. We had to freeze our credit reports and keep a watchful eye on all our accounts. 

I had to make an inconvenient trip to an IRS office to clear my identity, which meant gathering written proof of who I am. Social Security card, Driver License, Tax Returns, Birth Certificate, Bills, etc...

Thankfully the IRS agent was very helpful and cleared it all up. After looking over all my proof, there was no doubt of who I am. He couldn’t deny the truth after that.

My identity may be in doubt. I may have to prove it again. Another trip to the IRS may be in order in the years to come. But I’ll just pull out the proof again and hopefully it will be cleared up. 

I have my own unique identity, which has been formed since my birth. Formed from my surroundings, circumstances, and my choices. What is my identity? What do I believe about myself? 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had my own identity scams. Lies I believed about myself. Negative garbage I’ve heard, or perceived about myself.  

“You’re not loved”, “You’ll never amount to much,” “You’re ugly”, “You will always be a victim”, “You can’t rise above this”..and so on and so forth. 

I can’t change my past. I can’t go back and undo the pain. I can’t retrace my steps, my choices. Ugly things have been done and said to me. I have the scars to prove it. So is this to be my lot in life? Is this my identity? Will it define me forever?

My friend, if we are believing these lies about ourselves, then it is a identity scam. It’s a scam to get us to live way beneath ourselves. To live short of our God given potential. The cold iron links of lies can chain us for years. 

But it doesn’t have to be like that. My God is a God of redemption. He can free the captive heart. He restores the pain. He can heal those open wounds. I can testify to His great power to do this. 

He healed and restored me completely. The chains have been broken and I am free. He longs to do the same for you. If you let Him. 

Sometimes an identity crisis can happen. Doubt and fear harasses me and I question myself. But I have written proof. Proof that shuts up even the enemy of my soul. It’s the truth that can’t be denied. 

The Word of God tells me,  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 

I’m not merely renovated, I’m transformed. A new creature. 

 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

How can I question the Potter of the clay, “Oh I’ll never amount to anything?” I am His workmanship and I am beautiful in His eyes. 

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7

In and through Jesus I have restoration and redemption. He has lavished His grace on me. 

I’ve only shared three verses. I could fill pages and pages of promises. Written proof that will clear up any identity scam. It is the Word of God that has the power to transform our minds, the way we think. 

I’m ending with a beautiful promise. Let Him free you. 


“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:31-34

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Rambling Thursdays


Summer is fast approaching and I’m sure some of you are planning vacations or long weekends. So I’ll be giving you some ideas on my Rambling Thursdays. Today I’m talking about Parke County Indiana. 

Parke County is one of my favorite places to visit here in Indiana. It’s a beautiful rural area; wooded and hilly. Great for a country drive, antiquing, hiking, photography, food, river activities and just getting away from it all. Click here for any detailed information. 

Of course Parke county is known for Turky Run State Park. This is an awesome state park. Sugar Creek runs through the middle of the park. A suspension bridge adjoining each side. Awesome hiking, some of it rugged. It has a beautiful inn, horseback riding, campground, swimming pool, and nature center. You can easily spend a few days in the park, if you so desire.  But there’s much more to do in Parke County. 

Shades state park is also close by. In my opinion, it’s just as beautiful as Turkey run. Some of it more so. It’s also more quieter than Turkey Run. I’ve hiked there on occasions without meeting a soul. Pine Hills Nature Preserve which is inside the park is probably the best hike I have ever done in Indiana. Bar none! Highly recommend it. 

Canoeing and kayaking on Sugar Creek is an awesome way to spend the day. Sugar Valley Creek Canoes is a great way to start. These people will get you started. They also have tubes for floating the river. They do all the work shuttling you around. 

If you love antiques, there’s plenty of shops for you. Click here for a list. Of course Parke county is the epicenter for the Covered Bridge festival every October. 

Yes, Parke County is known for their covered bridges. Here's a list, and also link to a map. They are all unique and quite beautiful. It makes for an enjoyable country drive to visit them.

Rockville is the county seat. It is a very small town, but there are a few nice restaurants and plenty of antique shops. The county is full of tiny towns, but Bridgeton is probably my favorite town to visit. There’s a beautiful covered bridge and a grist mill on the creek. 

Parke county has plenty of options for lodging. Motels, cabins, camping and bed n breakfasts. Here's a list of what is available.

Lastly, if you desire to drive a little further out, Saint Mary of the Woods, just north of Terre Haute, Saint Mary of the Woods is a beautiful place to visit. The grounds are so peaceful and beautiful. And the Sunday brunch is to die for! I highly recommend it. 



If you love pottery, drive south to Clay City Pottery They make beautiful pottery and sell them in a store there in Clay City. 


You will love Parke County as a getaway. I’ll have another vacation idea in my next Rambling Thursday.