Category: Inspirational

Helping your home find humor and happiness – The Morning Thing 10/25/17

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On Wednesday’s show, we focused on the desire to have a happy home. It is something all of us want, right?!

We shared more great advice from the wonderful website, wwwimom.com.
Here are 9 habits for a happy home from author Susan Merrill
Click HERE to see the entire article.

H – HOLD YOUR CHILD AND HUSBAND EVERY CHANCE YOU GET.
A –  ANSWER EVERY CHILD’S “MOM!” AS IF AN ANGEL WAS CALLING FOR YOU.
P – PRAY DAILY, HOURLY, EVERY SECOND IF NECESSARY.
P – PUSH EVERY NEGATIVE THOUGHT INTO THE DISPOSAL AND TURN IT ON.
Y – YEARN FOR NOW, APPRECIATE THIS STAGE OF YOUR CHILD’S LIFE.
H – HAVE SUNDAY SUPPER TOGETHER IN YOUR KITCHEN WITH YOUR FAMILY.
O – ORDER YOUR DAYS EFFICIENTLY SO THAT YOU HAVE TIME TO PLAY.
M – MAINTAIN PEACE AND FORGIVE DAILY.
E – ENJOY THE BLESSING OF YOUR CHILDREN.

We also shared some tips from Focus on the Family on how to encourage family fun and humor at your house.

How can you turn your house into a place where the walls ring with laughter and where family members actually get a kick out of being together? We have a few simple suggestions:

  1. First, don’t take yourself so seriously. If you and the rest of your family are like most people, perspective is probably hard for you. You find it difficult to remember how small and insignificant you are in the grand scheme of things. You allow your petty trials and concerns to cast a pall of gloom over the entire universe. Our advice is to lighten up and relax. Take a step back and try to get a sense of where you fit in the “bigger picture.” And remind yourself that God alone sees your situation as it really is.
  2. Second, resolve tolaugh even when you don’t feel like laughing. It’s precisely when you’ve had a tough day that your need for a good laugh is most urgent. At such times, a bit of humor will help wash away the stress. It will also keep your marriage and family together when you’re coming unglued.
  3. Next, look for the humor around you. This may require some extra work, but it’s worth the effort. Once you open your eyes, you’ll find that life is full of good comedic material. Art Linkletter had it right when he said that “people are funny.” So stay on the lookout for the comic element in everyday life. If you can’t find it, create it for yourself.
  4. Discover what makes your spouse and children laugh . When you hear guffaws coming from their direction, pay attention and investigate the cause. Study their individual humor styles. Learn to distinguish between sarcasm, slapstick, irony, clownishness, and absurdity. Exploit your findings at least once a day. Pay special attention to the ways in which these humor styles reflect the various temperaments and personalities of your children. Think in terms of birth order. Learn to recognize each individual’s unique role in the family system. An awareness of these issues will help you find the correct balance between humor and sensitivity.
  5. Finally, learn how to poke fun at one another in a light-hearted, healthy, affirming, and non-derogatory way. A certain amount of good-natured “teasing” can actually increase feelings of intimacy among the members of your household. But be careful. Some skins are thinner than others. It’s all too easy for one person’s “joke” to become another person’s raw and bleeding wound. It may be acceptable for people to laugh at one another if they share a certain kind of relationship. But when that connection is lacking, it’s best to avoid the kind of “playfulness” that is all too easily interpreted as disrespect.

Click HERE to read the entire article.

(Picture from www.imom.com)

 

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Parenting – a tough, but rewarding job.

Dad and kid

Today, The Morning Thing focused on parenting. We shared some incredible insight from 2 great resources.

We shared 8 truths that every parent should know from Mark W. Merrill. Mark is the president of All Pro Dad and Family First , a national non-profit organization.
Click HERE to read the entire article from www.allprodad.com

1. Parenting requires loving your child for who they are, not for what they do.

2. Parenting requires patience.

3. Parenting is “heart work.”

4. Parenting is always doing what’s best for your child.

5. Parenting requires always speaking the truth to your child and into your child’s life.

6. Parenting is about failing, forgiving, and asking for forgiveness.

7. Parenting requires prayer.

8. Parenting is putting your relationship with God, and then your spouse, ahead of your relationship with your child.

We also shared 8 warning signs that your child is headed for trouble.
Click HERE to read the entire article from www.imom.com

Here are some of the common signs of a child who’s heading the wrong direction. It is important to recognize these and take the appropriate steps to guide your child back down a positive path.

1. Mood Swings

2. Withdrawal

3. Hiding Things

4. Dropping Grades

5. Sudden Change of Friends

6. Fluctuating Weight

7. Personality Changes

8. Changing The Way They Dress

(Picture from www.allprodad.com)

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Meet the Team Monday – MVNU Women’s Basketball

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For our Meet the Team Monday feature, we shine the spotlight on the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Women’s Basketball Team.

WNZR’s Dan Monnin talked with Head Coach, Amanda Short about this year’s team and the season opener coming up this weekend.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

Get YOUR team nominated for our Meet the Team feature. Fill out the form HERE.

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Date your spouse – It’s good for you and your relationship!

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Are you married? Good! Take a few minutes to read this blog. Today, The Morning Thing talked about the benefits of dating your spouse.

Dr. Greg Smalley is Vice President of Marriage and Family Formation at Focus on the Family and the author or co-author of several books, including Take the Date Night Challenge.

Dr. Smalley shares that when a couple spends time alone each week, their levels of happiness, positive communication and sexual satisfaction are more than three times higher than those who don’t spend that time together. That means you might be able to dramatically increase these important areas of your marriage by simply dating your wife!
The Morning Thing shared some insight from his article, “The Hidden Benefits of Dating your Wife” from www.focusonthefamily.com

Click HERE to read the entire article.

Dr. Smalley says that Date night is a fantastic way to make sure you and your wife are connecting positively and enjoying each other’s company on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. But it’s going to take time, effort and planning.

The key to a great date is to make sure you don’t administrate your marriage when you go out — don’t have conversations about finances, household responsibilities, problems with the kids or sensitive issues. You need to talk about these things, but not during a date. Date night is about enjoying each other.

Are you willing to take the Date Night Challenge? Go out on three dates in three weeks and watch how this will strengthen your marriage!

Dating takes some planning. Click HERE to read more about the heart and soul of Date Night!he best dates need to have the following characteristics:

  • Regularity—You need to make time on a regular and consistent basis to enjoy one another’s company.
  • Variety—Doing the same thing over and over can become monotonous. Spice up your couple time with a wide range of interesting pursuits.
  • Adventure—You don’t have to plan something elaborate or expensive. Maintaining a sense of adventure simply means including an element of the new, the unusual, or the unexpected.
  • Fun—This might seem obvious, but it’s more important than you think. Research shows that couples who engage in fun activities together enjoy deeper intimacy. So whatever you do during your Date Nights—and during other moments when you’re enjoying leisure time as a couple—make sure it’s FUN!

Sometimes in marriage, we forget that we need to pursue and “woo” our spouse.
Here are some more tips from Dr. Greg Smalley from Focus on the Family.
– Dress up
– Be polite and open doors
– Compliment one another
– Be affectionate – hold hands, cuddle and steal kisses

Other steps for a great date night:

Step 1: Go someplace different for dinner.

Instead of visiting the same familiar locations and eating the same old food, pick somewhere new or try a different type of cuisine.

Step 2: Enjoy your time together!

Your assignment for this Date Night is simple: do something that you both enjoy! If possible, select an activity that that has the elements of adventure, variety, and fun in it, as described above. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Play a round of miniature golf or Frisbee golf
  • Take a cooking class together
  • Attend a sporting event (but remember, this needs to be something you both enjoy!)
  • Go ballroom dancing
  • Go shopping at thrift stores and find some new treasures
  • Visit an amusement park and enjoy the Ferris wheel—or tempt fate on the roller coaster!

Step 3: Relax and unwind.

After your activity, relax and emotionally connect by talking.  Answer the following questions. Be sure to keep your responses positive, uplifting and encouraging.
– What was your favorite part of the evening?
– What is the one thing you learned tonight that you didn’t know about me before?
– What are some of the things we enjoy doing together?
– What memories do these activities evoke?
– What are some new activities that we’d like to consider for a future date?
– How can we make sure that  we make spending enjoyable time together a regular part of our marriage?

Step 4: Home and Sweet Home

As you drive home, spend time planning your next date. Also, think about additional ways you can foster fun times together.  Once you get home, however, it’s up to you what happens next. Have a great final adventure!

The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage’s strengths and weaknesses? Click HERE to find out more and to take the FREE test!

We also shared 6 things that keep an emotional connection in marriage. Susan Merrill writes an insightful article for www.imom.com. Click HERE to read the full article.

These 6 things will help you stay connected to your husband.

1. Be courteous and kind to each other.

2. Talk about issues before they get out of hand.

3. Support each other.

4. Date regularly.

5. Live in a “we” world.

6. Be physically intimate.

(Picture from www.imom.com)

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It’s Information Overload Day! The Morning Thing wants to help you unplug.

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(picture from www.daysoftheyear.com)

The world is full of noise. Some device is always buzzing or dinging sharing “important information” with us. We connect daily with our cell phones, email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Messenger, etc., etc. Research has been showing that productivity is actually being hurt by the sheer amount of information flowing through our lives, with the average employee receiving no less than 93 emails a day.

Information Overload Day was created by companies to bring awareness to what happens to employees when they are overloaded. This day reminds us that there’s such a thing as too much information, and sometimes this constant inundation can actually have a negative impact on our happiness and productivity.
To help you in this fight, The Morning Thing shared some tips for avoiding information overload.

  1. Skip the alerts
  2. Personalize your feeds
  3. Log off
  4. Prioritize
  5. Read books
  6. Unfollow and unsubscribe
  7. Let it go
  8. Clean house

For the full article and details on how to avoid this information overload, click HERE.

For our Morning Thing Fave 5, we each shared our favorite way to unplug.

Eddie Dilts

Daria Swisher

Trevor Moore

Marcy Rinehart

(and guest co-host) Joe Rinehart

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Practical tips for Biblical Conflict Resolution

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It is Conflict Resolution Day! A day created for people to resolve conflict peacefully. People were not created for war, but fellowship and relationship. Today we focused on how to resolve conflict without violence while maintaining healthy, Christian relationships.

For information on the global event click HERE

On The Morning Thing we talked about an article from Focus on the Family about Biblical conflict resolution. Here are a few tips for honoring Christ during times for conflict and disagreement.

Define the Problem and Stick to the Issue

Clearly define the issue and stay on topic during the discussion. Conflict deteriorates when the issue that started the conflict gets lost in angry words, past issues, or hurts tossed into the mix.

Pursue Purity in Heart

Before approaching others regarding their faults and shortcomings, prayerfully face up to your own. Confess any way you might have contributed to the problem.

Affirm the Relationship

Affirm the relationship before clearly defining the problem. For example, “Our relationship is important to me. But when you don’t return my calls, I feel rejected and unimportant.” Avoid blaming the other person and saying, “You make me feel…” Instead, say, “When you do ‘A’, I feel ‘B’.”

Forgive

Forgive others as Christ has forgiven you. “Forgiveness is both an event and a process,” Don’t expect it to happen over night. In fact, you should offer forgiveness along with these four promises:

  • I promise I won’t bring this up and use it against you in the future.
  • I promise I’m not going to dwell on it in my own heart and mind.
  • I’m not going to talk to other people about it.
  • I’m not going to let it stand between us or hinder our personal relationship.

 

Check out the full article from Focus on the Family about healthy, Biblical conflict resolution, HERE!

(Picture from www.pintrest.com/wetzel5/conflict-resolution/ )

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The 2017 Dove Award Winners have been announced!


The Morning Thing congratulates the winners of WNZR’s Dove Awards Prediction Prize Giveaway!

Congratulations to Ruthie Johnson, Adrian Clutter and Jennifer Sperry!
These 3 ladies are winners of a 9 CD prize package with Dove Award nominees!!

 

9 CD Prize package includes:
Casting Crowns – The Very Next Thing
Lauren Daigle – How Can It Be (Deluxe Edition)
Lauren Daigle – Behold: A Christmas Collection
Jordan Feliz – The River (Deluxe Edition)
Danny Gokey – Rise
Natalie Grant – Be One
MercyMe – Lifer
One Sonic Society – Great are You Lord
Zach Williams – Chain Breaker

To see a complete list of the 2017 GMA Dove Award Winners, go to http://doveawards.com/2017-winners/

For more information about the Gospel Music Awards, go to www.doveawards.com

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It is National Boss’s Day!

Joe and Marcy with ice

Today is a day to honor the person in charge at your place of work – your Boss!

We often forget to thank our Bosses for their hard work and sacrifice. Take a few minutes today to share your appreciation to the Boss.

(from www.daysoftheyear.com) History of Boss’ Day
Boss’ Day was created by Patricia Bays Haroski in 1958, when she registered it with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce while working as a secretary at State Farm Insurance. The date she selected was her father’s birthday, due in no small part to the fact that she was working for him at the time. She felt that the work her father did was rarely recognized, and that employees rarely showed appreciation for these people who kept their workplaces moving smoothly. By 1979 it had grown popular enough that Hallmark Cards issued a Boss’ Day card to honor the holiday.

How to celebrate Boss’ Day
Celebrate Boss’ Day by giving them a nice card, or just stop in and let them know how much you appreciate what they do. If you realize that you don’t really know what their work consists of or what demands are placed on them, Boss’ Day can also be a good opportunity to learn exactly what they do each day to keep your workplace moving smoothly.

You can also celebrate your Boss with some simple, everyday actions that show your appreciation.
Check out these 5 ways to show your bosses that you appreciate them from www.bizjournals.com. Click HERE for the full article.

A few simple everyday actions will show your recognition and thanks:

1. Be on time

Boss appreciation begins with timeliness. From the time you arrive at your work station, be prepped and ready to go for a full work day.

2. Offer to help out

Whether you volunteer to cover the shift or workload of an absent employee, stay late or work overtime, offer to help out. Think about what is best for the company and offer your support.

3. Never say it’s not your job

Four words that a boss never wants to hear, “That’s not my job.” If your boss asks you to do something that is not your job, strongly consider doing it anyway. Then (with a smile on your face) say you’re happy to help out.

4. Always say thank you

We all learn this early on from our parents, but saying “thank you” will always matter, even in your professional life. If your boss commends you, gives you time off, lets it slide when you’re late or helps you out in any way, those two little words show a great appreciation.

5. Be direct

A boss likes it when employees are honest about work. If you have a question, concern or even a reasonable complaint, let your boss know in a professional manner. Schedule an appointment to speak with your boss and be clear and honest.

When you stop and think about everything your bosses have done, you realize that showing them appreciation is valuable. So, save the cake and presents and use courtesy to display your gratitude. This will ensure a healthy employer-employee relationship — and it’s free!

 

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Fear and Fire Prevention, and Clergy Appreciation!

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(picture from NFPA)

This morning on the show we talked about Fire Prevention Week, and how important it is! Here is a Home Safety Checklist that you and your family can use to stay prepared!

 

Smoke Alarms
□ There is one smoke alarm on every level of the
home and inside and outside each sleeping area.
□ Smoke alarms are tested and cleaned monthly.
□ Smoke alarm batteries are changed as needed.
□ Smoke alarms are less than 10 years old.
Cooking Safety
□ Cooking area is free from items that can catch fire.
□ Kitchen stove hood is clean and vented to the outside.
□ Pots are not left unattended on the stove.
Electrical & Appliance Safety
□ Electrical cords do not run under rugs.
□ Electrical cords are not frayed or cracked.
□ Circuit-protected, multi-prong adapters are used for
additional outlets.
□ Large and small appliances are plugged directly
into wall outlets.
□ Clothes dryer lint filter and venting system are
clean.
Candle Safety
□ Candles are in sturdy fire-proof containers that
won’t be tipped over.
□ All candles are extinguished before going to bed or
leaving the room.
□ Children and pets are never left unattended with
candles.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
□ Carbon monoxide alarms are located on each level
of the home.
□ Carbon monoxide alarms are less than 7 years old.
Heating Safety
□ Chimney and furnace are cleaned and
inspected yearly.
□ Furniture and other items that can catch fire
are at least 3 feet from fireplaces, wall heaters,
baseboards, and space heaters.
□ Fireplace and barbecue ashes are placed outdoors
in a covered metal container at least 3 feet from
anything that can catch fire.
□ Extension cords are never used with space heaters.
□ Heaters are approved by a national testing laboratory
and have tip-over shut-off function.
Home Escape Plan
□ Have two ways out of each room.
□ Know to crawl low to the floor when escaping to
avoid toxic smoke.
□ Know that once you’re out, stay out.
□ Know where to meet after the escape.
□ Meeting place should be near the front of your
home, so firefighters know you are out.
□ Practice your fire escape plan

 

The Mount Vernon Fire Department will hold an open house tonight from 4 until 7 at the fire house, 200 West Gambier Street in Mount Vernon.

Residents can meet Fire Chief Chad Christopher, plus the Fire Prevention Officer, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, and of course, the fire fighters.  The department will offer safety talks and valuable safety information handouts, tours and demonstrations.  Kids can enjoy special handouts, a bounce house, bicycle safety information and balloons.

Attendees can enter a drawing to win free home fire equipment, while kids can enter a drawing for a new bike!

 

Today is Face Your Fears day, and we shared some awesome Bible verses about Fear. Check them out here!

 

Clergy Appreciation Month is here! Send your pastor to breakfast!

WNZR wants to help YOU honor your pastor during October! It’s Clergy Appreciation Month. Go online to www.wnzr.fm for details on how you can nominate your pastor for a wonderful prize package.
Plus, WNZR is partnering with MVNU Church Relations and the Knox Network of Christian Ministries for a Clergy Appreciation Prayer Breakfast!
The breakfast will be held on Saturday, October 21st from 8:30am to 10:30am in Foster Hall (inside Ariel Arena) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Our goal is to have pastors and their spouses come to an event where there is good food, a chance to connect with other pastors and a time praying for each other’s ministries. Tickets are $14.00 per person. The ticket will include the “Country Breakfast Buffet” from Pioneer Food Service. The buffet will include Scrambled Eggs with Cheddar Cheese, Sliced Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Pancakes, Crispy Bacon and Sliced Ham, Fresh Baked Biscuits with Country Gravy, Home Fried Potatoes, Cheese Grits, Breakfast Pastries, Coffee, Tea and Orange Juice.

The program will include a special welcome and prayer from Rev. Roger Tickle from Grace Community Church and the Knox Network of Christian Ministries. Special music will be provided by a trio of MVNU Students – Lilly Buckley, Richie Johns and Rachel Rinehart. Joe Rinehart from WNZR will share an encouraging message for pastors and their families. Plus, we’ll have door prizes and a special gift for each pastor!
We want YOU to buy a ticket for your pastor and their spouse. Tickets are on sale NOW at the WNZR studios on the MVNU Campus.
What a wonderful way to show your appreciation with a kind note and tickets to a prayer breakfast! The deadline to purchase tickets is THIS Friday, 10/13 at 6pm.
So don’t delay, buy 2 tickets today and say THANK YOU to your pastor.

Call 740-392-9090 if you have any questions.
Celebrate your pastor during Clergy Appreciation Month with WNZR!

 

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