Author: themorningthing

Happy TAX DAY! Let’s SAVE some money together. The Morning Thing 4/15/15

Tax DAyIt’s TAX DAY! We found some ways to save money for you and your family.
http://www.americasaves.org/for-savers/make-a-plan-how-to-save-money/54-ways-to-save-money

We also shared Dave Ramsey’s Top 5 Money tips for kids.
http://www.imom.com/dave-ramsey-gives-his-top-5-money-tips-for-kids/

And…just in case you want to “forget” about money for awhile, try one of these fun, spring activities. Get out and enjoy the weather!
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/entertainment/spring-activities

Make sure to tune in to The Morning Thing each weekday from 6am – 9am. It is a GREAT way to start your day!

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Gardening is GOOD for you! The Morning Thing 4/14/15

gardeningSpring is here and it is National Gardening Month.

The Morning Thing shared 10 tips on how to start your own garden.
http://www.marthastewart.com/270176/spring-gardening-tips

http://www.nationalgardenmonth.org/index.php?page=storyline04

Here are 5 reasons why everyone should have a garden. It really is healthy for you and your family!
http://www.offthegridnews.com/survival-gardening-2/5-reasons-everyone-should-have-a-garden/

Plus, just for fun, take a look at the meanings behind your favorite flowers. Now you can build the perfect bouquet for those you love.
http://www.aboutflowers.com/flower-a-plant-information-and-photos/meanings-of-flowers.html

We would love to see pictures of YOUR garden! Send them to wnzr@mvnu.edu
We will post them in a future blog.
Happy Gardening!

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Get Healthy and Get Back to Reading with The Morning Thing

Library WeekThe Morning Thing kicked off the week by celebrating National Library Week and sharing some “Get Healthy” tips from the Knox County Healthy Department.

Here are some interesting facts about libraries.
http://libraryoutsourcing.com/10-interesting-facts-libraries/

Find out more about the Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County!
This is a very active place with special events for readers of every age.
http://www.knox.net/

Here is more information about National Library Week.
http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/factsheets/nationallibraryweek

Want to get your kids interested in reading? Check out these 10 tips! http://www.mercyhome.org/10-ways-get-your-child-interested-reading

It was also a Get Healthy Monday on the show. 
Studies show that when it comes to making decisions to improve your health, Monday is the day most people make those decisions. The Knox County Health Department and Get Healthy Knox County want you to think of every Monday as an opportunity to do something to improve your health.The Knox County Health Department and Get Healthy Knox County want you to think of every Monday as an opportunity to do something to improve your health – Make that decision to lose a few pounds, get exercising, make a doctor’s appointment, stop smoking – Make every Monday the day to start getting healthy.

Do you know your numbers…your health numbers?
We live our lives by the numbers: phone numbers, PIN numbers, stock market numbers. When it comes to health, you should live by the numbers, too.

The key health numbers to know are: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI).

Doctors test most of these numbers at annual check-ups – which begs the question – when was the last time you had a checkup? It’s important that you know your numbers and understand what they mean. By keeping your numbers within a healthy range, you can greatly improve your health and reduce your risk for heart disease and other illnesses.

Blood Pressure When it comes to your blood pressure number, pay attention to the top number – the systolic pressure, which indicates the pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. A systolic reading above 140 is considered too high and warrants seeing your doctor. Your Blood Pressure goal is 120 over 80 or less.

Cholesterol When it comes to cholesterol, there are really three numbers to know – your total cholesterol, your “healthy” cholesterol, called HDL and your “bad” cholesterol, called LDL.

The normal range for total cholesterol is 200 or less. The optimal range for HDL cholesterol is more than 60 and LDL cholesterol should be less than 100. There are no definite symptoms of high cholesterol, so it’s important to see your doctor and know your cholesterol numbers.

Blood Sugar or Glucose Glucose is sugar stored in your blood as your body’s main source of energy. Your fasting blood sugar number must be measured after an 8-hour fast. Fasting is key since ingesting food—say, a banana an hour beforehand—would raise blood sugar levels and could create a false pre-diabetic or diabetic reading. Your FBS can be determined with a simple blood test or a finger stick test.

A fasting blood sugar number above 100 is considered pre-diabetic; treatment measures should be discussed with a physician.

Body Mass Index Your body mass index (BMI) measures your weight in relation to your height. A BMI over 25 means that you are overweight and a number over 30 indicates obesity. That extra weight can lead to high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and other serious illnesses.

Your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index numbers are key indicators of your risk for serious illness. If you know these important numbers, you can make changes to improve your health.

Small changes can make a big difference. So start today. It’s Get Healthy Monday!

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Are you wearing blue today? The Morning Thing – Wednesday, 4/8/15

It’s Wear Blue to Work Day!
Here is a message we shared this morning from Knox County Children Services.

Knox County Children Services is excited to be a part of this year’s state-wide campaign called “Wear Blue to Work” day! As part of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in April, we are hoping to get countywide participation for this event from local businesses and citizens. To participate, we ask that you encourage your staff to wear blue on Wednesday April 8, 2015. We also ask that you take photos of your staff that we can share on the Facebook page, in local news stories and also with the state wide campaign.

Photos should meet the following specifications:
• We are looking for no less than 2-3 people in each photo
• No action shots, just people looking right at the camera
• If your camera has an option to set resolution, make sure it is high or 300 dpi (most digital cameras will do just fine!).
Photos should be sent to Aimee Frye at Aimee.Frye@jfs.ohio.gov
If you are on Facebook and haven’t done so already, please become a fan of Ohio’s Wear Blue to Work page at: http://www.facebook.com/WearBlueOhio.
Thank You again for wearing blue and making the difference in the life of a child!
Local Partners include: Knox County Family and Children First Council, United Way of Knox County, Village of Fredericktown, Knox County Commissioners, City of Mount Vernon and ECR.

Have you seen the Pinwheels for Prevention display? Here is more information about why those pinwheels are SO important!

In April, many counties throughout Ohio will be displaying children’s pinwheels in front of courthouses, playgrounds, libraries, parks and other locations. Each pinwheel represents the voice of someone who advocated for children in 2014.

The Pinwheels for Prevention campaign provides a very dramatic way of showing the public that child abuse and neglect occurs in every community. It also encourages communities to focus on prevention as part of an overall plan to break the cycle of abuse.

This year, Knox County Children Services will be displaying 524 pinwheels representing those who advocated for child abuse and neglect prevention in 2014 at the following locations through April:
April 6 – April 10 – ECR Harcourt Road
April 13 – April 17 – Village of Fredericktown Public Square
April 20 – 30 – City of Mount Vernon Coshocton Road

2015 Pinwheel Partners: Knox County Commissioners, United Way of Knox County, ECR, Knox County Department of Job and Family Services, City of Mount Vernon, Village of Fredericktown & Family & Children First Council.
Knox County Children Services 740-392-KIDS

We also shared 10 spring car care tips with you.  
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/04/14/10-tips-for-spring-vehicle-maintenance/

 

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The Morning Thing – Tuesday 4/7/15

World Health Day 2015: Food safety

7 April 2015 – World Health Day

World Health Day 2015 poster

Background

Unsafe food is linked to the deaths of an estimated 2 million people annually – including many children. Food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances is responsible for more than 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers.

New threats to food safety are constantly emerging. Changes in food production, distribution and consumption; changes to the environment; new and emerging pathogens; antimicrobial resistance – all pose challenges to national food safety systems. Increases in travel and trade enhance the likelihood that contamination can spread internationally.

The topic for World Health Day 2015 is food safety

As our food supply becomes increasingly globalized, the need to strengthen food safety systems in and between all countries is becoming more and more evident. That is why the WHO is promoting efforts to improve food safety, from farm to plate (and everywhere in between) on World Health Day, 7 April 2015.

WHO helps countries prevent, detect and respond to foodborne disease outbreaks – in line with the Codex Alimentarius, a collection of international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice covering all the main foods and processes. Together with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), WHO alerts countries to food safety emergencies through an international information network.

Five keys to safer food

Food safety is a shared responsibility. It is important to work all along the food production chain – from farmers and manufacturers to vendors and consumers. For example, WHO’s Five keys to safer food offer practical guidance to vendors and consumers for handling and preparing food:

  • Key 1: Keep clean
  • Key 2: Separate raw and cooked food
  • Key 3: Cook food thoroughly
  • Key 4: Keep food at safe temperatures
  • Key 5: Use safe water and raw materials.

World Health Day 2015 is an opportunity to alert people working in different government sectors, farmers, manufacturers, retailers, health practitioners – as well as consumers – about the importance of food safety, and the part each can play in ensuring that everyone can feel confident that the food on their plate is safe to eat.

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Monday 4/6/15 Morning Thing

Did you catch The Morning Thing on Monday 4/6/15?
Here are the topics we talked about on the show.

We shared some yummy recipes for your leftover Easter eggs.
Bacon Devlied Eggs
http://www.cairnsmanor.com/?p=446
Easy English Muffin Egg Pizzas
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/english-muffin-egg-pizzas

We also found some new uses for dish soap.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a22511/new-uses-for-dish-soap/

It was also a GET HEALTHY Monday.
Studies show that when it comes to making decisions to improve your health, Monday is the day most people make those decisions. The Knox County Health Department and Get Healthy Knox County want you to think of every Monday as an opportunity to do something to improve your health.

Today is the start of National Public Health Week and this year’s theme is “Healthier Nation in One Generation.”

Americans believe they are the healthiest in the world… but we actually live shorter lives and suffer from more health problems than our peers in other high-income countries.

“Healthier Nation in One Generation” refers to the notion that today’s youth will not live as long as their parents because of health problems from not eating right or exercising regularly….. so we need to tackle this problem now for our kid’s sake – and ours. Here’s what we are dealing with: Americans eat the most calories and 2/3 of our population is overweight or obese….37 percent of U.S. adults eat vegetables less than once a day (instead of the recommended five!!)…Nearly 50% of Americans suffer from a preventable, chronic disease.

Creating the healthiest nation in one generation requires making healthy choices as individuals AND as a society. You can do your part by deciding to do improve your own health.

Whatever healthy thing you decide to do whether it’s eating more vegetables or getting some type of exercise every day or making an appointment to see your doctor for a check up – Make the decision to get started today…. it’s Get Healthy Monday.

We always have GREAT PRIZES on The Morning Thing! This week, we are giving away tickets to see Plumb and JJ Heller in concert. Listen Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for your chance to win tickets to the “Ready Now” tour coming to Family Of Faith Community Church in Newark on Saturday, April 11th.

We are ALSO giving away ticket to see Chris Tomlin AT the Ohio State Fair. You can WIN tickets before you can BUY THEM! Tickets go on sale on Saturday, April 11th at Noon! Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets and online at http://www.ticketmaster.com

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The Morning Thing “Week In Review” – Easter Week

 easter-weekend

We are starting a new tradition for The Morning Thing Blog. Every Friday, we will post a list of topics that we covered for the past week. We will provide links to the articles and information that we share weekday mornings from 6-9.

We hope that you will go through this list of topics and dig a little deeper to find helpful and encouraging information for you and your family. It is our passion and desire to provide you with fun and inspiration that will strengthen YOU and your family every weekday morning as you start your day. Thanks for listening! We’ll see you Monday at 6am!

The Morning Thing 3/30 – 4/3/15

We have some special features to get your day started!
– National News updates from the Associated Press every hour
– WNZR State and Local News 7am & 8am
– Weather every 15 minutes
– The Morning Thing Game of the Day 7:20am
– Birthdays and Anniversaries 7:40am
– Focus on the Family Minute 7:50am

The Morning Thing Game of the Day at 7:20am is your chance to win! Monday through Thursday – you get a chance to win a $5.00 gift certificate to Southside Diner. On Friday – we’ll have a surprise prize every week!

It was Easter Week! Each day, we shared some special bible verses for Easter. We also took a Journey to the Cross with daily activities for kids for the week of Easter.

Easter Bible Verses: http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/easter-bible-verses/​

Journey to the cross: http://www.jesus-without-language.net/holy-week-review/

PLUS, we gave away tickets to the ALIVE FESTIVAL every day this week!
Click here to see the amazing lineup. http://www.alive.org/

On Monday,  Marcy and Jenna, shared some Easter traditions. How do you celebrate the holiday at your house?http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/celebrating-the-easter-season/easter-traditions-that-matter

They shared a conversation with Gigi and Brandon Gonazalez Cottrell from the Salvation Army about their upcoming father/daughter dance.

https://soundcloud.com/wnzr/brandon-and-gigi-gonzalez-cotrell-march-2015

It was also a GET HEALTHY Monday. They shared some tips from the Knox County Health Department and a chance to win a Get Healthy Prize Package.

Get Healthy Tips – Drink MORE Water.
A simple step to better health is to drink more water. Water is the second most popular beverage in the U.S. after soft drinks. This is a scary stat, since sugary soda is a huge health hazard, upping the risk of obesity, stroke, and other heart problems. However, these dangers can be avoided if people choose to drink water, which doesn’t have negative side effects. So help put the sugary stuff to the side and make water the number one drink of choice. When it comes to thirst, put water first.

There are a number of reasons you should drink more water:
Water can keep your body in balance. Roughly 60 percent of the body is made of water. Drinking enough H2O maintains the body’s fluid balance, which helps transport nutrients in the body, regulate body temperature, digest food, and more.

Drinking water could also help with weight loss. Numerous studies have found a connection between water consumption and losing a few pounds. The secret? – Water simply helps people feel full, and as a result consume fewer calories.

Water can increase your productivity at work and studies show that water can help you think better, concentrate and stay alert. A study in London found a link between students bringing water into an exam room and better grades, suggesting H2O promotes clearer thinking. While it’s unclear if drinking the water had anything to do with a better score, it doesn’t hurt to try it out!

When you feel tired, try drinking water. One of the most common symptoms of dehydration is tiredness.

The amount of water people need per day is up for debate, but studies suggest adults need nine to 16 cups of H2O. However this number varies depending on activity level, age, and how much water people are consuming in coffee, tea, or water-rich veggies and fruit. Here’s how to keep yourself hydrated: Begin by drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up, and 30 minutes before eating any big meal. (This will help control appetite, too.) Get in the habit of keeping a water bottle on hand at all times. And if the taste beings to bore, spice up the taste buds with a squeeze of citrus to the glass! Before you know it, all the benefits of water will be right at your fingertips… and in your body

Whatever healthy thing you decide to do …and we do want you to choose to something healthy for yourself – whether it’s something small like drinking more water –  or something big like joining a gym – do it today…. it’s Get Healthy Monday.

On Tuesday, Wesley and Josh Pope, talked about the Easter Candy and some unique recipes using your Easter candy.

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/eastercandy1.html

http://fillyourplate.org/blog/twenty-fun-facts-about-jelly-beans/

http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/25-fun-easter-candy-trivia-facts/

​http://weeklyworldnews.com/headlines/7505/peeps-trivia/

http://allrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-events/easter/desserts/candy/

http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/808489/leftover-easter-candy-recipes

On Wednesday, Marcy and Faith, celebrated April Fool’s Day by sharing the greatest April Fool’s Day jokes of all time. They also shared some yummy dinner menu ideas for your family.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/april-fools-day-top-10-1788823​

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/holiday—celebration-recipes/easter-recipes/top-10-easter-dinner-ideas#1

On Thursday, Jenna and Wesley, celebrated National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day with some yummy recipes using America’s 2 favorite ingredients. They also celebrated National Children’s Book Day by reading some of the greatest children’s books on the list.

http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/pbandjday.htm

http://www.buzzfeed.com/vdlr/56-peanut-butter-and-jelly-recipes-44qs

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/10630229/15-best-childrens-books-of-all-time.html

http://www.nypl.org/childrens100​

On Friday, Marcy and her daughter Rachel celebrated PTLIGF – Praise the Lord, It’s GOOD Friday!

This Friday was very special. We shared 3 hours of songs picked specifically for Easter.
Our Morning Thing Fave 5 featured our 5 favorite Easter Songs.
https://soundcloud.com/wnzr/morning-thing-favorite-easter-songs-2015

We talked about the mini-series AD – the Bible Continues, which premieres on NBC on Easter Sunday.
Here’s a link to hear Executive Producers, Roma Downey and Mark Burnett talk with Jim Daly on Focus on the Family.

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/media/daily-broadcast/a-bold-witness-for-christ-on-network-tv

In the 8am hour, we shared our April MVNU Presidential Update with Dr. Henry Spaulding.
https://soundcloud.com/wnzr/april-mvnu-presidential-update-with-dr-henry-spaulding

Have a GREAT weekend.
Remember that The Morning Thing is a GREAT way to start your day. Every weekday morning from 6-9am.

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A look at The Morning Thing for the week of 3/23/2015

We are starting a new tradition for The Morning Thing Blog. Every Friday, we will post a list of topics that we covered for the past week. We will provide links to the articles and information that we share weekday mornings from 6-9.
Our hope is that when you have some free time, that you will go through this list of topics and dig a little deeper to find helpful and encouraging information for you and your family. It is our passion and desire to provide you with fun and inspiration that will strengthen YOU and your family every weekday morning as you start your day. Thanks for listening! We’ll see you Monday at 6am!

The Morning Thing Agenda for 3/23 – 3/27/15

The Morning Thing is a GREAT way to start your day, every weekday from 6 to 9am! Join Marcy Rinehart and her Morning Thing team from 6 – 9am each weekday morning. 

Marcy shares the WNZR studios with Faith Orecchio, Wesley Boston and Jenna Potts!

We have some special features to get your day started!

– National News updates from the Associated Press every hour
– WNZR State and Local News 7am & 8am
– Weather every 15 minutes
– The Morning Thing Game of the Day 7:20am
– Birthdays and Anniversaries 7:40am
– Focus on the Family Minute 7:50am

The Morning Thing Game of the Day at 7:20am is your chance to win!
Monday through Thursday – you get a chance to win a $5.00 gift certificate to Southside Diner. On Friday – we’ll have a surprise prize every week!

On Monday – Marcy and Jenna talked about the new mandatory use of area codes in Ohio.Many of you have experienced the new “dialing pains” this week. Here is a link to all the information on this change in using our phones.

http://www.puco.ohio.gov/puco/index.cfm/media-room/media-releases/mandatory-10-digit-dialing-is-here-for-callers-in-the-ohio-740-area-code/#sthash.R0pIJoKI.dpbs

We celebrated OK Day and how this word became popular in our everyday language.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/ok-enters-national-vernacular

Plus, it was a Get Healthy Monday. Here are some Get Healthy tips from the Knox County Health Department.

If you have been trying to make an effort to get healthy, but you feel you have too many bad habits – try to develop some good habits. According to the people who study stuff like this – it takes about 66 days to form a good habit.  Checking your cell phone every time you receive a text or turning on the TV every time you sit down, are all examples of habits we pick up easily, because of their immediate payoffs.  However, when we are trying to eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise every day –  it’s harder because there is no immediate reward. If you want to create positive behavior, you need to start with Tiny Habits… and that can be done with three tiny steps.

First –  START SMALL – Pick something to do that is so tiny, you’ll think it’s ridiculous.  For example, when watching TV, stand up every time there’s a commercial…decide to do 2-3 push-ups or sit-ups  every day…eat at least one more vegetable or piece of fruit every day.  Because it’s radically easy, you’re more likely to actually complete the behavior, regardless of how much or how little motivation you feel.

Second – FIND AN ANCHOR – Choose an existing routine to act as a trigger for your new behavior. Every time you take a shower – do 5 stand up push ups- … or …try doing 2-3  sit-ups while lying in bed ….when you are waiting for the microwave, do some stretches.

Third – CELEBRATE IMMEDIATELY –Reward yourself in a positive way that is as small as your tiny behaviors. Give yourself a pat on the back….allow yourself to feel successful. Not only do small celebrations reinforce desired behavior, but they also create “tiny thrills.” That’s part of the habit-building momentum – allowing the success to be larger than it should be, then growing and leveraging that attitude into bigger things. There’s a snowball effect: When you achieve a goal by integrating simple daily habits into your life, no matter how small, you gain a confidence that helps pave the way to reach bigger goals.

Whatever healthy thing you decide to do – whether it’s something small like doing sit-ups while lying in bed–  or something big like joining a gym – do it today…. it’s Get Healthy Monday.

On Tuesday – Marcy and Wesley talked about Spring Cleaning! They walked you through the house and shared a cleaning checklist for each room. Here are a few tips to help you tackle the kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/10/spring-cleaning-checklist-bedroom_n_3053128.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/27/spring-cleaning-checklist-bathroom_n_2964712.html

Spring Cleaning check lists:
https://www.google.com/search?q=tips+for+spring+cleaning+in+bathroom+checklist&biw=1366&bih=650&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=0BwLVZLeJYTOaMvCgsAE&sqi=2&ved=0CB0QsAQ&dpr=1

On Wednesday – Marcy and Faith talked about the list of baby names that are on the verge of extinction. They also shared the list of the most popular baby names of 2014. They also shared some tricks on how to get more organized in just 60 seconds!

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/news/a31699/baby-names-extinction/

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/tips/a22749/most-popular-baby-names-2014/

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/a27044/one-minute-organizing-ideas/​

On Thursday – Jenna and Wesley shared an amazing story that will have thousands of people wearing yellow on Friday, 3/27. Click here and find out why.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a31704/seth-lane-bubble-boy-wear-yellow/

They also talked about how and why you should become a lifelong learner.
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/03/18/how-and-why-to-become-a-lifelong-learner/​

On Friday – We always celebrate PTLIF – Praise the Lord, It’s Friday!
How safe is it to use a public Wi-Fi network? Click here and find out how to keep yourself and your technology safe.
http://lifehacker.com/5576927/how-to-stay-safe-on-public-wi-fi-networks.

We also shared a conversation about the new movie, Beyond the Mask. Marcy talked with Director, Chad Burns and Producer, Aaron Burns from Burns Family Studios. Find out more about this movie and get tickets at http://beyondthemaskmovie.com/home
The movie IS coming to Premiere Theatre in Mount Vernon. It is a ONE time showing on Monday, 4/6 at 3pm.

Hear Marcy’s interview here. https://soundcloud.com/wnzr/beyond-the-mask-full-interview-on-the-mt

Have a GREAT weekend.
Remember that The Morning Thing is a GREAT way to start your day. Every weekday morning from 6-9am.

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A Look At WinterJam 2015

In addition to sporting events, coffee shops, and naps, Christian concerts are my favorite place to be. I love being in a high energy atmosphere that is entirely centered on our Creator and in an atmosphere where I am surrounded by people of all ages who are having the time of their life worshipping and enjoying the presence of our Lord. Plus, I LOVE music! So for me, there is not a better way to spend my free time.

This past weekend I was in my element. I had the opportunity to attend Winter Jam 2015, and I can’t begin to describe the amount of joy I experienced at this event. Traveling with close friends to experience the Lord with thousands of brothers and sisters in Christ was unforgettable! As a pastor’s kid who grew up in the youth group, I have been to many, many WinterJams and each year they continue to blow my mind. Each artist and band work hard to share their love of music and God with every person in the audience. No one should leave the stadium without feeling the hand of God at work in the arena.

Unlike most concerts, WinterJam brings ten artists to the stage to share their story with the audience. Artists such as for King and Country, Jeremy Camp, Family Force 5, and Newsong shared their music with thousands. Though each artist had an incredible message, two of them really hit home with me this weekend, and I hope they will encourage you as well.

Francesca Battistelli performed her new song “Write Your Story” reminding me that we are all an open book for God, and He writes our story. As a college student, I am in the midst of confusion and chaos surrounding my future. I do not know what I will do after graduation, how I want to use my major, who I will marry, where I will live, or what I want to do with the rest of my life. These decisions and many more are constantly swarming through my head. Though some would say I still have time to decide, that time is quickly slipping away. Because of this, I am often stressed about the future and apprehensive about the present, but Francesca reminded me that He knows my name, and He has written a story for me, far better than I could imagine.

I’m an empty page

I’m an open book

Write Your story on my heart

Come on and make Your Mark

Author of my hope

Maker of the stars

Let me be Your work of art

Won’t you write Your story on my heart

-Francesca Battistelli’s Write Your Story

The last band to take the stage was Skillet, a Christian Rock band that often travels with secular groups. John Cooper, the lead singer of Skillet, shared his love for God and his desire to spread the gospel in everything he does. Cooper shared with us that managers and band members of secular groups often tell him that Skillet could be one of the most successful rock bands if he would stop talking about God. Cooper’s faith and love for God is more important than material possessions. God has called him to live out his faith and share God’s love above all else. John Cooper often quotes Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” This hit home for me. I want to live my faith in such a way that people tell me to stop talking about God. I want others to know through my actions and words that I am a Christian, and I love the Lord with all of my heart.

I’m at war with the world cause I

Ain’t never gonna sell my soul

I’ve already made up my mind

No matter what I can’t be bought or sold

When my faith is getting weak

And I feel like giving in

You breathe into me again.

-Skillet’s Awake and Alive

 

As you can tell, my time at WinterJam 2015 was amazing, and I am thankful for the opportunity to experience the love of God with so many others. I hope you have or will know the energy and excitement of thousands of Christians gathering together for one purpose – to know and worship the one true God.

– Jenna Potts

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Just Around the Corner: Thoughts as we begin 2015

Just Around the Corner: Thoughts as we begin 2015
Wow. That is my first thought when I realize that we are into a new year. Just wow. 2014 was full of so much and flew by so quickly. On a global level we saw Anti-Russian Protests in the Ukraine and subsequent action, as well as a missing airline flight. On the national scale we had a successful midterm election for the Republicans. Locally we saw a new police chief sworn in for Mount Vernon. Personally, my year held many memories and events including having the lead role in a stage show and I started dating a wonderful girl. These are of course just drops in the comprehensive ocean of events from 2014. You have your own events too- some happy and some, well, some that you wish hadn’t happened. The fact is, you and I have reached the end of another year.

So what does that mean for us?

First off, it means we’d best start dusting off those weights and adding vegetables to the shopping list because it’s time for New Year’s Resolutions.
Secondly, it means that we are being given a new white sheet of paper to draw out our adventures on- a fresh horizon full of possibilities, both good and bad. At 21 years old I am still relatively young, but I’ve gone through enough- especially in this past year- to know that life doesn’t slow down. 2015 is full of possibilities, but let’s be real, there are going to be just as many bad things as there were riots, celebrity suicides, and CIA torture scandals in 2014. It can be easy to get into the mindset of “New Year? It looks just like the old one.” And it very well might.

But it doesn’t have to.

Sometimes things are defined not by what they are, but how we perceive them. That is to say, perspective is critically important. We can look at 2015 and expect more natural disasters, political unrest, crimes, injustices, and personal tragedies and loss, and say to ourselves, “This world is a rough and terrible place. This year is going to be the same.” OR… we can remember Isaiah 45:6-7- “So that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know that there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” That’s power. We focus so much on God’s love and grace, which is most definitely very important and wonderful, but I think we miss out on just how might and powerful He is. He can’t be restrained. The verse says he forms light- this is the God who spoke the vast cosmos into creation and who controls spiraling galaxies and interstellar constructions. He is constant and He is still guiding our world.
So yes, 2015 is here and will be full of many untold events- both wonderful and terrible. But despite facing the unknown year ahead you can smile with confidence as you count down with the ball drop and sing Auld Lang Syne because you know that you are entering a year already known by the great and mighty creator of the universe.
Here’s to a wonderful 2015! Happy New Year!​

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