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."Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Follow to our social media channels:https://www.facebook.com/AmyLynnsVoiceOvershttps://twitter.com/amylynnorghttps://thevoiceofamylynn.wordpress.comhttps://www.youtube.com/AmyLynnOrgVisit our website at: http://www.amylynn.org

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«.Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Follow to our social media channels:https://www.facebook.com/AmyLynnsVoiceOvershttps://twitter.com/amylynnorghttps://thevoiceofamylynn.wordpress.comhttps://www.youtube.com/AmyLynnOrgVisit our website at: http://www.amylynn.org

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".Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Follow to our social media channels:https://www.facebook.com/AmyLynnsVoiceOvershttps://twitter.com/amylynnorghttps://thevoiceofamylynn.wordpress.comhttps://www.youtube.com/AmyLynnOrgVisit our website at: http://www.amylynn.org

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.comBe sure to Like, Subscribe, and Follow to our social media channels:https://www.facebook.com/AmyLynnsVoiceOvershttps://twitter.com/amylynnorghttps://thevoiceofamylynn.wordpress.comhttps://www.youtube.com/AmyLynnOrgVisit our website at: http://www.amylynn.org

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."Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Follow to our social media channels:https://www.facebook.com/AmyLynnsVoiceOvershttps://twitter.com/amylynnorghttps://thevoiceofamylynn.wordpress.comhttps://www.youtube.com/AmyLynnOrgVisit our website at: http://www.amylynn.org

This is a combination of shows: Everything is Going to Let You DownEverything Old is New AgainWhy Does Every Victory Come with a PricePeople PleaserPerfectly ImperfectSay What?Change is HardBoundariesWho's The Boss?Is That Really You?Getting OrganizedBe sure to Like, Subscribe, and Follow to our social media channels:https://www.facebook.com/AmyLynnsVoiceOvershttps://twitter.com/amylynnorghttps://thevoiceofamylynn.wordpress.comhttps://www.youtube.com/AmyLynnOrgVisit our website at: http://www.amylynn.org

Getting yourself organized is a lot easier with tech than you think.  It takes determination and disciple to be organized. It doesn't "just happen." But technology can help you set schedules and time limits for things you set your mind to doing.Getting organized in faith takes time too. Finding the time to pray, finding the time to read the bible, finding the time to go to church. Asking God for help to be more organized is a start. Don't pressure yourself or give up.1 Corinthians 14:40 - "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."Resource: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/free-office-online-for-the-webBe sure to Like, Subscribe, and Follow to our social media channels:https://www.facebook.com/AmyLynnsVoiceOvershttps://twitter.com/amylynnorghttps://thevoiceofamylynn.wordpress.comhttps://www.youtube.com/AmyLynnOrgVisit our website at: http://www.amylynn.org

Long before we had caller ID on our phones we had to take our chances that the person calling was who they said they were.  And long before we had email, everyone use to snail mail. We would have to take our chances then as well that the mail we got was from a legitimate source. Now with AI, we are once again left wondering if that person we are hearing is who we think they are.The Bible actually has a lot to say about scams, liars, tricksters and the like. There have been many false witnesses and false prophets. This is why we need to pray for wisdom, truth and understanding.Proverbs 14:15 - The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.Resource: https://www.mydataremoval.com/?aff_id=1126Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Follow to our social media channels:https://www.facebook.com/AmyLynnsVoiceOvershttps://twitter.com/amylynnorghttps://thevoiceofamylynn.wordpress.comhttps://www.youtube.com/AmyLynnOrgVisit our website at: http://www.amylynn.org

Many feel that technology slows them down. This could be because they are allowing tech to become a distraction, instead of them controlling the technology. No one has to answer the phone or the texts when they come in and the same with emails.While it's okay to take control over our lives when it comes to technology, the Bible teaches us to be careful of a controlling spirit. The manipulators in our lives. Controlling people will often use emotional trickery to get their victims to do what they want. This podcast goes hand in hand with my last episode titled "Boundaries." God will guide us if we let him. Many are impatient and take action before God has given his answer. That's when we take control over our own lives instead of God.2 Timothy 1:7 "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control".Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Follow to our social media channels:https://www.facebook.com/AmyLynnsVoiceOvershttps://twitter.com/amylynnorghttps://thevoiceofamylynn.wordpress.comhttps://www.youtube.com/AmyLynnOrgVisit our website at: http://www.amylynn.org

Some places seem to think people don't have lives, a family, or a business that they maintain. Let's just drop more on your "to do list." This is about boundaries. This is about respecting those boundaries and setting up them if you don't have them.  It's about saying the word NO.  You need to decide what is important to you.  What on your "to do" list can wait and what can't.In regards to tech, you may have to say the word "No" to yourself from time to time, or your kids. Example social media time, no cellphones at the dinner table, timeouts, and family time. Like when you go to the theater and it asks you to silence your phone.The Bible says a lot about respect and boundaries. There is a lot in the old and the new testament.  Many of the teachings of Christ have him addressing this very issue.  That's how important it is to figure out what your boundaries are and then stand by them. Proverbs 25:28 - "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Follow to our social media channels:https://www.facebook.com/AmyLynnsVoiceOvershttps://twitter.com/amylynnorghttps://thevoiceofamylynn.wordpress.comhttps://www.youtube.com/AmyLynnOrgVisit our website at: http://www.amylynn.org