Faith and Tech Bytes with Amy Lynn

I share the importance of exercising caution with emails that appear to come from legitimate sources like PayPal, Facebook, or Microsoft, as scammers are becoming increasingly skilled at creating fraudulent messages. I share steps to confirm the authenticity of such emails, including checking if you recently initiated the action mentioned (e.g., a password reset or transaction) and examining the email for personalization and a matching recipient address. If these indicators suggest a scam, I recommend deleting or reporting the email.
 
I then share the parallels between scam emails and matters of faith, sharing a personal story about a toxic relationship. After the relationship ended, my ex-partner attacked my character and faith, which I hold as a core principle in my life and businesses (e.g., featuring my testimony on my voice-over website). I note that such behavior is common among those who are hurting and that some individuals or groups exploit faith for personal gain. However, I believe that deception is unsustainable, and authenticity endures over time—supported by the fact that you continue to listen. I conclude by encouraging vigilance in both digital interactions and personal trust, emphasizing the reliability of gut instincts.

Psalm 145:18 "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."

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I'm honored to participate in the third edition of Podcasthon! For one week, more than a thousand podcasts will highlight a charity of their choice. And today, I'm sharing STARNetwork.

I selected STARNetwork charity because I believe in what they do. Their saying "you are not a victim! you're a star" really hit home with me. Star stands for Survivor of Toxic Abuse Relationships. Their videos, images, and social media content is exactly what is needed. Simple, point blank answers to things you may be wondering. Originally they were TAR NETWORK. As you know, TAR stands for toxic abuse relationships. Which they illustrate as being “stuck” in TAR (since it’s very similar to being stuck in a toxic relationship) But moving forward, they felt that STAR was more appropriate, as it stands for SURVIVORS of TOXIC ABUSE RELATIONSHIPS, and they want this to empower all to become survivors of TAR.

The years of 2020 through 2023 I was involved in a toxic, abusive relationship with a narcissist.  I was both working for and dating the guy. When I broke up with him, his mask came off for everyone to see, causing me PTSD and nightmares.  In his attempt to control me - everything I posted, he would twist and react to. Even my work related content such as this very podcast.  But the content shared by STARNetwork made me realize exactly what was going on and how do deal with it. I am not alone, and I will be okay. There is help and support for others in abusive relationships.

I hope you enjoyed this change of pace with this special episode, as part of Podcasthon. If you enjoyed it, feel free to visit podcasthon.org to discover hundreds of other associations through the talents of amazing podcasters! 

Proverbs 19:17: "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed".

Resources: https://www.starnetwork.org/
http://www.podcasthon.org/
https://www.give.org/
https://www.charitynavigator.org/
https://www.pinterest.com/amylynnorg/click-to-donate-click-to-give-non-profit/

.»º©º«. This episode is being published as part of Podcasthon .»º©º«.


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While technology is great, and our phones can ping cell towers to tell emergency responders our location it's not foolproof. It is crucial for emergency services, postal workers, and delivery personnel from companies like Grubhub and DoorDash to locate your residence quickly and accurately. Ensure your house numbers are clearly visible either on your home or mailbox or even both. I encourage you to share this information with your community, as it could be vital in saving lives, so much so that I didn't just make this a podcast but a social media posting for all to have access to.

As for the faith side of this podcast, the song "This Little Light of Mine" serves as a poignant reminder that one should not conceal their faith. This principle applies universally, regardless of one's religious affiliations. Everyone should feel empowered to practice their faith openly.

Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven".

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There are a lot of people and companies promoting VPN's for privacy. But there are a lot of online companies that don't accept users who use VPN's.  While VPN's may help with cybersecurity, they may end up creating you a nightmare.

Now you may be asking what does this have to do with faith?  Simple.  These VPN's or Proxies are digital masks you wear online. People have been known to wear masks online and off.  They may be pretending to be something they aren't. They are either lying to the world or lying to themselves. Walter Scott said, "O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!"

Leviticus 19:11: "You shall not steal. You shall not deceive or speak falsely to one another."

Resources: http://www.annikaswfh.com

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The new year everyone tries to start it off right. But while you are focusing on either your mental health, or your physical appearance don't forget about the well-being of your technology and spiritual life.

When was the last time you wiped down your keyboard, screen, or your mouse? I even used canned air to clean out the inside of my mouse because I couldn't remember the last time I did that.  Don't forget to wipe down your remotes too!

As for faith, you could start fresh with the goal to read the whole bible in a year.  I did this a few times with several different versions. I didn't really think it would be possible but it is. 

Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."


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