If your smartphone was ever lost or stolen, would you know what to do? Lock it remotely, call your carrier or use a tracking app. That’s a start.

But you know what weapon most people sleep on? 

That weird 15-digit code called your IMEI. Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is like a Social Security number for your phone. Every phone has one, and it’s not tied to your phone number or SIM card.

Why does this matter? 

Let’s say someone nabs your phone and jams in a shiny new SIM. They think they’re slick. But your carrier can use your IMEI to block the hardware itself from the entire mobile network. Boom. The phone is now a $900 coaster.

It doesn’t get you the device back. Think of it as your phone’s self-destruct button, minus the explosions. Those cost extra.

Find your IMEI 

This part is easy. Just open your phone app and dial: *#06#

That’s star, pound, zero, six, pound. You don’t even have to press call. Your IMEI number will pop right up on your screen.

Grab a pen. Take a screenshot. Email it to yourself. Save it in a secure notes app. Etch it into a cursed amulet you hang above your door. Whatever works.  Just don’t only store it on your phone (reminder: likely the missing item in this future scenario)

“We learn…

10% of what we read.

20% of what we hear.

30% of what we see.

50% of what we see and hear.

70% of what we discuss.

80% of what we experience.

95% of what we teach others.

~William Glasser

Today is Doug’s last day full time day. Don’t worry, he will be back part time but we will miss you while you are gone Doug! If you see him today, tell him how much you like his shirt!

Do you recognize him without his hat!

In the book of Romans, Paul begs Christians to give their entire lives over to God because God sacrificed everything for them. Jesus gave up His life so that we could experience His unending love and grace.

We cheapen His gifts if we refuse to align our lives with the way Jesus lived. But we give our lives to God by making Him the one thing we pursue above anything else.

So here are 5 steps you can practice—right now—to help you put God first:

GIVE THANKS

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.”

Psalms 75:1 ESV

Right now, take a moment to thank God for what He’s already done for you. Reflect on His faithfulness, and recount the stories you have seen and heard of His wonderful power.

SPEND 5 MINUTES IN SILENCE

“Abide in me, and I in you.”

John 15:4 ESV

Abiding in Jesus starts with stillness. So right now, pause, take a deep breath, and give anything concerning you over to God. Spend 5 minutes centering your heart on the One who matters most.

REMEMBER WHOSE YOU ARE

“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

God loves you. The price He paid for you cost Him everything. So remind yourself of whose you are, and reflect on some of the things God says about you.

MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”

Psalms 119:97 ESV

One of the best ways to find out how Jesus wants you to live is by spending time in Scripture. As you do, ask God to speak to you through His Word about what His will is.

FOCUS ON WHAT IS EXCELLENT

“…If there is any excellence… think about these things.”

Philippians 4:8 ESV

You have been given the mind of Christ. If you’re not sure what you should think about, try asking yourself: What is praiseworthy? What thoughts and actions would honor God? Make a list of whatever comes to mind, and pursue those things.

By practicing these steps every day, you can create habits that will help you pursue intimacy with God and put Him first above everything else.

I just learned you can fax if you have Ring Central on your desktop! I was so excited that I learned so I wanted to share with you what to do.

1. Scan and save on your computer the document you want to fax.
2. Open your Ring Central app on your desktop and on the left side, click on the word Fax

3. Click the icon with +sign on the left of the pencil. (Hover over and it says SEND NEW FAX)

4. Enter the number you want to fax to (Also, note the number to fax from) That is your number!

5. You have the option to include a fax cover sheet at the drop down.

6. Attach the forms you want faxed and click SEND NOW!

7. Soon after you will receive an email showing your fax was successfull.

What’s the obvious downside for always-on devices that constantly listen for commands? They’re always listening. Voice-activated tech uses microphones that listen for wake words, meaning they can hear personal conversations you don’t want them to hear. Don’t worry, you can stop it.

The tech you can’t see

“Ultrasonic” refers to radio waves humans can’t hear. It’s like a secret language for your smart devices. And guess what? Apps are using this tech to listen in.

Sneaky apps listen for “beacons” to determine where you shop and what you buy. They then pair browser cookies to your device to track you. The good news is you can outsmart this technology, and it’s as simple as flipping a switch (well, almost).

Turn off microphone access for apps without a logical reason to use it. Think flashlights and other apps that don’t need to listen.

Note: The steps may vary depending on your device’s model and operating system version.

On iOS:

• Open the Settings app, then scroll and tap Privacy & Security.
• Locate the menu labeled Microphone and tap it.
• Find the app you want to turn off the mic for and toggle the green switch to the off position.

On Android:

• Open the Settings app, then scroll and tap Security & Privacy.
• Tap Privacy, followed by Permission manager.
• Tap Microphone and locate the app you want to turn the mic off for.
• Toggle the slider to the off position.

Stopping voice assistants

Now, let’s tackle those helpful (yet sometimes nosy) virtual assistants.

• Amazon Alexa: Find a button resembling a microphone or a circle with a line. Push that to mute your device or keep it from listening. Unmute it when you want to chat with Alexa again.
• Apple Siri: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, then scroll and tap Apple Intelligence & Search. Tap Talk & Type to Siri and select Off. You can also turn off Allow Siri When Locked to prevent Siri from activating if a button’s pressed in your pocket.
• Google Assistant: Open the Settings app on your phone, then scroll and tap Google. Tap All services in the top right, followed by Settings for Google apps > Search, Assistant and Voice > Google Assistant > Hey Google & Voice Match. Toggle off the Hey Google slider.

With your devices no longer playing detective with your conversations, you can finally relax and enjoy some privacy.