Do Not Call...

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I received an email today saying cell numbers were going to be published and telemarketers would start calling cell phones.   First of all - this is not true.  Apparently it's been going around in email and facebook form for several years.  Regardless, this is something I've thought about checking up on the status of my home number and I knew my cell wasn't on it.  It's been several years since putting my home number on the Do Not Call Registry.  

 What I learned when I went online though is that in February 2008 it became law that numbers put on the National Do Not Call Registry will be on the list permanently. {sourced from both the donotcall.gov website and the FTC website.}  Notice it can take up to 31 days for telemarketers to quit calling.

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If you don't know whether you've listed your number(s), you want to list your number(s), or just want to verify your number(s) are listed on the National Do Not Call Registry you can go to https://www.donotcall.gov/.  Also, if you want to file a complaint because you've registered and it's more than 31 days, you go to the same website.  It is pretty simple - it does ask for your email, but I just verified both my home and cell number in one quick moment.  You put in your number(s) and email and they send you an email right away with the status of that number.

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Can you even find a telephone booth anymore?  Isn't it fun to see and so pretty behind it.  Just think, people could live their lives and a phone was a tool to be used - often only times of emergency.  Now we think we can't drive to town without our cell phone - because we have to be available to everyone and we might need to look something up online!   I've noticed people don't stop to help others because everyone has a cell to call for their own help.  I realize anymore there is wisdom in not always stopping, but I still think it's sad we don't even attempt to look out for each other.

At the same time, when we need help and we don't have access to others for help, this dependence can turn us to Christ.  "I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come?  My help comes from the LORD* who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1


*This spelling of LORD is the Hebrew word YHWH.  It is emphasizing His position as covenant maker and keeper (Stepping Up Bible Study, page 6, by Beth Moore)