Category: health

Wired to Give: The Neuroscience and Spiritual Power of Generosity

We often think of generosity as something that benefits other people—and it absolutely does—but what’s fascinating is what it does to us. Neuroscience shows that when we give, our brains release powerful “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These neurotransmitters boost happiness, reduce stress, and deepen our sense of connection. Even more compelling, acts of generosity activate the brain’s reward center, the ventral striatum—the same area that lights up when we experience pleasure ourselves. In other words, we’re actually wired to give. It’s no accident that generosity feels good; it’s part of our design.

From a biblical perspective, this makes perfect sense. Scripture reminds us in Acts of the Apostles 20:35 that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and passages like 2 Corinthians 9:7 emphasize giving from a cheerful heart. Generosity isn’t about obligation—it’s about partnership with God. When we give intentionally and joyfully, we align ourselves with His design, strengthening trust, community, and spiritual fulfillment. Generosity transforms not only the lives of those we bless, but also our own hearts and minds in the process.

On the Morning Thing Wednesday, Marcy gave some of the Top 15 ways you can bless others including:

  • Practice Random Acts of Kindness
  • Give the Gift of Prayer
  • Give Unexpected Gifts
  • Offer a Helping Hand

Click HERE to read the full article from Dr. Michelle Bengston!

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Misery Isn’t Permanent: 17 Habits to Let Go of So You Can Start Feeling Better

Let’s be honest — we all want to live better, happier lives. But sometimes the very habits we cling to are the ones quietly making us miserable.

According to Ana Vakos from A Conscious Rethink, if you constantly feel unhappy, it’s easy to start believing happiness just isn’t meant for you. But here’s the good news: that’s simply not true.

The key isn’t waking up tomorrow as a completely different, sunshine-and-rainbows type of person. Real change doesn’t happen overnight.

Instead of chasing instant happiness, the first goal should be something much more realistic — just become less miserable. Find that neutral ground where you’re not thriving yet, but you’re no longer stuck in negativity either.

From there, you can build toward the life you actually want. One step at a time.

WNZR’s Eric Brown shared some of the list on Thursday during the Morning Thing including:

• Stop surrounding yourself with negative people.

• Stop being a people pleaser.

• Stop comparing yourself to others.

Click HERE to read the full article!

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Family Fun Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

In a world filled with busy schedules and endless screens, meaningful family time often feels harder to create than it should be. But sometimes, the most memorable moments come from the simplest ideas.

Inspired by a list from Ordinary and Happy, families can turn ordinary evenings into something special with easy, creative activities at home—like movie nights, blanket forts, craft projects, storytelling games, baking together, mini competitions, virtual tours, and treasure hunts.

These ideas don’t require expensive supplies or elaborate planning—just presence, creativity, and a willingness to have fun together.

Whether it’s laughter in the kitchen, imagination in the living room, or shared stories around the table, small moments can become lifelong memories when families choose connection over distraction.

Click HERE to check out more from Ordinary and Happy’s website.

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Getting Older Isn’t Easy!

You know, nobody ever wakes up one morning and says, “Well, today I feel officially older.”
It sneaks up on you. On the Morning Thing Thursday, WNZR’s Eric Brown talks about the fact he is getting older (He turns the BIG 5-0 this year) and how to embrace the fact its actually happening.

It’s the moment you stand up and make a noise without realizing it. Or when you hear a song on the radio and think, “That’s still new,” only to realize it came out 20 years ago.

Getting older doesn’t arrive with flashing lights or an announcement. It shows up quietly—in routines, in habits, in the way your calendar fills up faster than it used to.

And the strange thing is, inside, you don’t feel all that different. You still feel like you. The same thoughts, the same humor, the same dreams. But the mirror tells a slightly different story, and so does the calendar.

Aging sneaks up on you because life keeps moving while you’re busy living it. And maybe that’s not a flaw—it’s a gift. Because if we were constantly aware of time passing, we’d never enjoy the moments we’re in.

Sometimes the quiet arrival of age reminds us to pause, take stock, and be thankful we’ve been given the time to even notice it at all.

Click HERE for more information from Focus on the Family!

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WNZR talks with Marissa Stephens, Mobile Operations Coordinator for Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center

The Morning Thing talked about the Sanctity of Human Life on Friday. They shared some eye-opening facts and talked about a new ministry outreach from Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center.
Marissa Stephens, Starting Point’s NEW Mobile Operations Coordinator shared the exciting news on how this new part of their ministry will reach our community.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation, or click on the link below.

She shared the mission and services that the Mobile Unit will provide to residents. Starting Point is currently looking for volunteers – specifically stenographers or nurses anyone that can provide maintenance to the mobile vehicles. You can support this project at www.friendsofksp.com/give

Facts on Life (from Starting Point):

  • 80% of women choose life after they see an ultrasound
  • A baby’s Heart starts beating at 5 weeks, often before a woman knows she’s pregnant! The heart beats about 54 million times between conception and birth!
  • In 2024 there was a total of 2,164,043 client visits to pro-life pregnancy centers, according to a report from Heartbeat International! Starting Point saw 2,033 client visits in 2024 and 2,277 in 2025!
  • A baby’s unique fingerprints form at 13 weeks
  • Strong Families are the foundation of a healthy communities. Starting Point served 287 individual clients. 40 of those clients were men seeking fatherhood and other support!
  • At 18 weeks in the womb, a baby can hear and identify their mom’s voice! (Abortion is legal in Ohio up to 21 weeks and 6 days!)

Also, check out the video below that gives you an overview of the NEW Mobile Unit Ministry with Starting Point. Exciting things are happening here in Knox County. Join the Fight for LIFE!

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Have Your Kids Help Reduce Holiday Stress

If your house is full of kids with extra energy and you’re feeling the pressure of a long holiday to-do list, you’re not alone.

The Christmas season can be joyful, but it can also be overwhelming when it feels like everything is on your shoulders.

That’s why iMOM.com suggests letting kids be part of the holiday prep. With simple, age-appropriate tasks, kids get to contribute, feel proud of their role, and help make Christmas meaningful — and parents get a little breathing room along the way.

Earlier on The Morning Thing Monday, we shared a list of holiday helper ideas broken down by age to make it easy to get everyone involved.

Click HERE to see the full list from iMOM.com

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The WNZR staff shares what they are thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day!

Today on the Morning Thing we got the chance to talk with many of our fellow staff members!

The Big Blue Crew shared what they are thankful for on this special holiday. We are thankful for YOU! Thanks for listening and supporting WNZR! Happy Thanksgiving!

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Pop-up food distributions are happening!

We sat down with Austin Swallow, the Food For The Hungry Board President! They are getting started early this year by helping families with some pop-up food distributions in our community.

Austin tells us the motivation behind these events and he gives us the details on one happening very soon! He also talks about the upcoming Food For The Hungry Drive happening in December.

To learn more about FFTH click HERE!

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Thanksgiving is 1 week away! Are you ready?

Today, The Morning Thing shared some great advice on how to prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Here are some great tips that we found online to help you plan ahead and be ready to enjoy this special holiday.

🛒 1. Plan and Shop

  • Finalize your menu. Decide exactly what dishes you’ll serve (and what guests might bring).
  • Make a detailed grocery list. Include all ingredients, drinks, and supplies like foil, plastic wrap, and napkins.
  • Do your big grocery run. Get non-perishables, frozen items, and anything that can store well for a week. (Avoid the last-minute rush!)
  • Order your turkey. If you haven’t yet, make sure it’s purchased or reserved.

🦃 2. Prep the Turkey

  • If you bought a frozen turkey, move it to the fridge to thaw — it can take up to 4–5 days depending on the size.
  • Check you have a roasting pan, thermometer, and carving knife.

🍽️ 3. Get Your Kitchen Ready

  • Clean out the fridge to make space for ingredients and leftovers.
  • Sharpen knives and clean cookware, baking sheets, and serving dishes.
  • Label serving platters or sticky-note them (“mashed potatoes here,” “stuffing here”) to stay organized.

🏡 4. Prepare Your Home

  • Clean main areas (kitchen, dining room, bathrooms, entryway).
  • Plan table seating and décor. Make sure you have enough chairs, plates, glasses, and utensils.
  • Set aside time to decorate — candles, fall centerpieces, or a festive tablecloth go a long way.

🕒 5. Plan the Timeline

  • Create a cooking schedule for the week and Thanksgiving Day. (e.g., pies the day before, casseroles in the morning, turkey in at noon.)
  • Make a to-do list for each day leading up to the holiday.

👪 6. Coordinate with Guests

  • Confirm who’s coming and what time they’ll arrive.
  • Double-check who’s bringing what dishes or drinks.
  • Plan for any dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).

🍰 7. Start Early Prep

  • Make and freeze pie dough, casseroles, or rolls if possible.
  • Chop veggies ahead of time and store them in labeled containers.
  • Prepare any make-ahead dishes like cranberry sauce or gravy base.
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Get Out and Experience God’s Beauty During Fall!

We love the “Places to Go This Fall” Planner from Ordinary & Happy because it encourages you to look a little closer to home. Sure, those famous parks and big cities are stunning this time of year—but sometimes we miss the beauty, the community, and the fun happening right in our own towns.

This planner is a great way to think about nearby parks, local events, and simple meet-ups with friends and family to soak in the season.

Click HERE to see the list at Ordinary and Happy.com

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