Have you seen those commercials for lifelock? You know, the one
where the guy has his social security number plastered on a truck for the world to see. Do you ever wonder how they can keep your information safe enough to reveal your social security number to anyone and everyone? Here’s how they do it:

First, they ask the credit bureaus to set free fraud alerts on your behalf. Usually, this is done through our automated systems and the alerts are set within an hour. From time to time there may be a hitch and we have to do the first one manually, usually because they have a different address on file for you. If this happens, we’ll tell you right away and do what needs to be done to get the alerts set. (In case you’re wondering, we don’t charge anything more for this and our Total Service Guarantee is still in effect from day one.)

Second, unless your circumstances change and you tell them not to, every 90 days or so they ask the credit bureaus to do it again. You can do this for free if you’d prefer, but we make sure it gets done and that it gets done right. That’s where the oil change analogy we were talking about kicks in.

Third, they request that your name be removed from pre-approved credit card and junk mail lists and we keep making the requests as they expire. Statistics show that this is one of the many ways that thieves hijack identities. Plus, all that mail is just so irritating. Many members say that this alone is worth the price. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you can do this for free, but why not let us do it for you?

Fourth, they order your free credit reports on your behalf from the major credit bureaus and they are sent directly to you. They do this every year.

Fifth, hassling with lost or stolen wallets is no longer a problem with WalletLock™. If ever your wallet goes missing, just give them a call – anytime, anywhere – and a WalletLock specialist will help you contact each credit card, bank or document issuing company, cancel your affected accounts and complete the paperwork and steps necessary to replace your lost documents*, including your credit/debit cards, driver’s license, social security card, insurance cards, checkbook – even travelers checks – at no additional cost.

Last, but certainly not least: If your Identity is stolen while you are a member of LifeLock, they are going to do whatever it takes to recover your good name. If you need lawyers, they are going to hire the best they can find. If you need investigators, accountants, case managers, whatever, they’re yours. If you lose money as a result of the theft, they are going to give it back to you.

The words we speak are so important. In Proverbs 18:21 it says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” I am learning more and more everyday that I have what I say. The bible says if you say to the mountain be removed and be cast into the sea and do not doubt it in your heart, it will happen. It doesn’t say to pray to God that the mountain might fall into the sea if it is His will. It says that you are to speak directly to that mountain. The mountain is the issues of life that we want to change. It’s important to speak directly to those problems and believe what I am saying in my heart. It may sound a little crazy, but it is the truth and it is directly from God’s word. Try it, next time you have a mountain in your way… tell it to move. If you believe it, it will move!

A little sidenote: I’ve been speaking to one of my mountains (Izzy’s brain, hands, legs etc.). I spoke to those issues many times yesterday. We have a bell beside Izzy’s bed that she can ring if she wants up. She has done it one time before. Last night at 3 a.m., she rang that bell. It takes a very deliberate movement to ring it and there is not much chance for accidental ringings. She was reaching to ring it again when I got her out of bed and let her snuggle with me. I was happy to be woken up even that early in the morning for Izzy.

My bloggy friend Sheryl is the host of faith lift fridays each week, visit her to share your faith or to read about others.

Looking for a reliable source for Outer Banks vacation rentals for more than 20 years? You can find the finest beach homes for rent on the Outer Banks rentals of North Carolina. Outer Banks vacation rentals are in Corolla, Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head & Southern Shores. You will find thousands of vacation home images, views, floor plans and much more. Come enjoy the Outer Banks in the vacation rental of your choice!

What is term life insurance? Term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period of time, which usually ranges from 5-30 years depending on your need for coverage. A death benefit (coverage amount) is determined when the policy is applied for, and the beneficiary receives the death benefit if the insured individual dies while the policy is in force. Premiums on a guaranteed level term policy remain level for the duration of the policy. A non-guaranteed policy’s premiums will typically remain level for a pre-disclosed period of time and then increase after that.

I feel like I haven’t been very bloggy this week. It’s been busier than usual I guess. Monday I stayed home all day, but cleaned and cleaned. I even took the cushion covers off the couch in the den and washed them. It was harder putting them back on but it sure looks fresh and clean. I also spent a lot of time in Emelia’s room, going through all her clothes. I got rid of so much stuff. Tuesday afternoon I had lunch with Miki, we went to City Bites and Hobby Lobby. Yesterday I had a bunch of paperwork to get done and even got up at 5 a.m. this morning to finish.

Isabelle had a good day at school today. She spent time with Melanie (VT) and Niecie. Niecie said she repeatedly responded to their instructions and smiled a lot at school. While she was in school I had lunch with my brother and then ran a couple of errands.

The diet is still going good. I have lost about 16.5 pounds now. I am excited to get to 20!

Matt and I have been asked to teach at our new church. He will be teaching the junior high boys, and I’ll be teaching the junior high girls. It’s going to make Sunday mornings a challenge for me, but I guess I’m always up for a challenge. It took a few days for me to decide and give an answer because I wasn’t sure I could do it now, but today I told them yes. Matt loves teaching that age so he’s excited about it.

I (it was actually addressed to Annie and Isabelle) got a cuddly critter in the mail today. It’s a pink poodle and really cute. The problem is that the card in the box is for a different person. I think they mixed up the cards so I don’t know who sent it. It says to Abby Jo, I guess I’ll call the company tomorrow and see if they can tell me who sent it and let them know I got someone elses little note. I mostly want to be able to thank whoever sent it!

Have you heard of the phone called Jitterbug that is aimed at seniors? I think it would come in handy for Mom, who sometimes doesn’t hear her phone, or for dad who has trouble reading the little numbers on his phone… There are a few different models to choose from. There is one that has only three buttons on it for emergency calls. There is also a model that has all the numbers but they are just bigger than the usual numbers on a cell phone. The service plans for the Jitterbug start at $20.00 a month and go up to around $80.00 depending on how many minutes you will use. There are also plans for people who only want the phone for emergencies. The phones themselves are $147.00. Matt’s grandmothers have both passed, but I know they would have benefited for a phone like this several years ago. There is a lanyard available as an accessory so you can actually wear the phone around your neck. It would be really nice for an elderly person who lives alone. They would have access to medical help or emergency care at all times. Do you know anyone who would benefit from having a Jitterbug phone?

I’m glad it’s Friday!

This weekend should be fairly quiet…

I have to do Lorenzo’s sisters (2) hair and makeup for prom…

Have you ever been to Orange, Texas?
Since the publication of the book Lost Horizon in 1933, the term “Shangri La” has represented a place of beauty, peace and enlightenment. In Orange, Texas, a modern Shangri La has been recreated with the best of both nature and gardens.

Nestled within 252 acres in the heart of Orange, Texas, Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center is a program of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, a private foundation whose mission is to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas and encourage and assist education. The unique ecosystem of Shangri La presents an ideal opportunity to further that mission as well as carry on the vision of H.J Lutcher Stark, the man who originally developed it more than 60 years ago.

The formal Botanical Gardens contain more than 300 plant species in five formal “rooms” as well as four sculpture “rooms.” Adjacent to the Botanical Gardens is a bird blind which allows visitors to observe nesting birds in Shangri La’s heronry.

The Nature Center includes a hands-on exhibit called the Nature Discovery Center, a laboratory, and three outdoor classrooms located deep in the cypress swamp. The Orientation Center includes an Exhibit Hall, Discovery Theater, Children’s Garden, Exhibition Greenhouses, Café, and Garden Store.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is the first project in Texas and the 50^th project in the world to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum certification for LEED®-NC, which verifies the design and construction of Shangri La reached the highest green building and performance measures.

As one of the most earth-friendly projects in the world, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center offers a glimpse of how people can live in harmony with nature. The combination of gardens and nature at Shangri La presents a serene oasis for retreat and renewal, as well as the opportunity to explore, discover and learn.

Visit Shangri La and rekindle your sense of wonder.

I don’t know how many of you keep up with sweet little Parker and his mom Tammy? Little Parker is having another surgery May 16 and I was checking in on bloglines when I saw that Michelle (Big Blueberry Eyes) is having a toyraiser for Parker. She sells Discovery Toys and this is what she had to say…

I decided to have a “toyraiser” for Parker. I’m a consultant with Discovery Toys and I would like to donate my commissions to Tammy and Parker.

Parker’s next surgery is scheduled for May 16 (which is also my dear husband’s birthday, so I’m guessing this is a good date for a successful surgery!) I’ll donate commissions from any sales from now until May 10th (so I have time to send them the funds before his surgery).

You can shop at my online store … and check out the great Spring Break Sale – 50% off select items until Apr 26th. If you don’t have a need for any toys, books, board games, or music CDs right now you might consider purchasing something fun and educational for Parker to have while he recovers from his latest surgery.

If you feel like spreading the word on your own blogs that would be great!

Above anything else though, please keep Parker in your prayers for his upcoming surgery. Thanks!

I also noticed over at Parker’s site there is a link to his wishlist for toys to keep him busy while he is recovering from surgery. I love when bloggers join together to make a difference.

Are you looking for a free cell phone? Bestincellphones.com is a one stop shop for the best and newest cell phone deals online. You can choose free cell phones from T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Spring, Nextel, and Alltel. You can get the awesome razor phone and even get cash back after rebates on some phones. Choose the best cell phone plan for you or your family and you can even save more money. You can get free cell phones with a bonus bluetooth headset for a limited time while supplies last. Ordering online is quick, secure, and easy. Take advantage of great online only prices and you are guaranteed to find the best cell phone deals at bestincellphones.com.