Today is National Care for Kids Day. How will you celebrate?

National Care of Kids Day is held annually on September 20th and gives us an opportunity to positively impact a child’s life.

Here are some easy ways to celebrate (ideas from National Day Calendar):
– Donate to your favorite children’s charity.
– Volunteer with a children’s service organization.
– Make an in-kind donation. This can be a service, supplies or other needs a charity requires.
– Share stories about amazing service organizations, volunteers or children.

When you celebrate, be sure to use #CareforKidsDay on social media.

The Morning Thing shared some inspiration from Crosswalk.com for this special day.
Here are 4 godly ways to care for your child’s mind, body and spirit:
1. Reject the World’s Ways – ”Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

2. Have the Wisdom to Give Them Healthy Choices – If you’re like most confused and frazzled parents, God understands and promises: “…If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

3. Have Courage to Overcome Negative Emotions, Starting with Yourself – The words parents say, the expressions they repeat and the attitude they convey can either bring life into their children, or bring death to their sense of security. Proverbs 18:21, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.”

4. Emulate Boldness to Make Them Warriors – We emphasize God’s purpose for their lives.

Click HERE to read the FULL article.

The Morning Thing Shares Prayers to Help You Seize the Day!

We all know the importance of starting our day on the right foot. How we begin our morning can set the tone for the rest of the day. One powerful way to kickstart your day with positivity and purpose is through morning prayer. Prayer can bring the clarity and peace you need when you’re starting your day.

The Morning Thing shared 5 short morning prayers from Christianity.com to help you seize your day. Read them HERE.

Incorporating talking to God in the morning into your daily routine can be a transformative practice that brings numerous benefits to your life. From mental clarity and reduced stress to enhanced gratitude and self-discipline, morning prayer sets a positive tone for the day and equips you to face life’s challenges with resilience and purpose. So, why not give it a try and see the positive impact it can have on your life?

The screening for the local short film “This Place” is coming to the Woodward this Friday

The Morning Thing shared the exciting news of a film screening coming to our community.
You can see the short film “This Place” this Friday, 9/22 at 7pm at the Woodward Opera House, 107 South Main Street in Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon resident, Carrie Haver wrote the script.
She shared with The Morning Thing about her inspiration behind this project and the process of turning the story into a short film.
Director Michele Bayko shared more about the partnerships that formed through the filmmaking process. A local historic home was used as the set with local actors bringing the story to life.
Michele also shared how this screening with benefit the Orange Barrel Production Company.
Both ladies talked about why it is so important to support local theater production companies.
Carrie and Michele also gave advice to young readers and writers about storytelling.

Enjoy the conversation and the show on Friday!

Blessing Offor is coming to Sonfest 2023 at MVNU

Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.

Today, we talked with Blessing Offor. He shares some of his favorites with us including coffee, favorite snack while touring, favorite book and some of his best memories while being on the road. He also talks about some of his favorite artists that have worked with him on some powerful collaborations.

Blessing Offor gives us a preview of Saturday’s show and encourages everyone to come and have fun at Sonfest. He is passionate about creating music for everyone!

We also play Rapid Fire with Blessing Offor and learn what instrument he would like to play and the song he wishes he had written.

Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.

Click HERE to connect with Blessing Offor.

KB is coming to Sonfest 2023 at MVNU

Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.

Today, we talked with KB. He shares how he first got involved with music, including how Christian Hip Hop saved his life by introducing him to Jesus.
KB also shares his inspirations when it comes to making his music. These names might surprise you – Charles Spurgeon and Frederick Douglas.

He gives us insight on the writing process and shares what he is currently working on in his career.

We also play Rapid Fire with KB and learn what song he wishes he had written.

Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.

Click HERE to connect with KB.

The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – we LOVE the artists coming to Sonfest 2023

Today for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts shared their excitement for Sonfest 2023 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Each host talked about their favorite artist that will be on the Main Stage at Sonfest this year. We hope you join the Big Blue Crew on Saturday in the MVNU Grove for this incredible day of music and ministry.

Marcy Rinehart is excited to see DAMAC – click HERE


Alyssa Sidle loves Aaron Cole – click HERE


Josiah Sidle can’t wait to see Joseph O’Brien for the first time – click HERE


Allison Prouty is super excited to see Blessing Offor on stage at his piano – click HERE


Judah Keith has been a fan of KB since he was a kid – click HERE


Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.

WNZR Talks with McKenna Johns of The Young Escape Ahead of Sonfest 2023!

Sonfest 2023 is just around the corner and WNZR’s Mike Basko caught up with McKenna Johns of The Young Escape to preview their upcoming performance.

McKenna shared some details about the band which is made of her and her three siblings — Ryan, Kyrsten, and Luke.

She talked about her background in music and some fun stories with touring on the road. Listen to the full conversation with McKenna below.

Aaron Cole is coming to Sonfest 2023 at MVNU

Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.

Today, we talked with Aaron Cole. He shares about his background and growing up in the field of music. Aaron started recording music at the age of 4. He talks about how he fell in love with rap music at the age of 12 because of the influence of his uncle.

Aaron also shares the story of how he got connected with TobyMac and his many collaborations in Christian music.

Aaron shares how people are the inspiration for his music and how excited he is to perform for the Sonfest crown on Saturday.

Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.

Click HERE to see how you can win tickets with WNZR!

Click HERE to connect with Aaron Cole.

Joseph O’Brien is coming to Sonfest 2023 at MVNU

Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.

Today, we talked with Joseph O’Brien. He shares what he is looking forward to this year and shares some fun memories from past Sonfest appearances.
Joseph gives his background in music and how he first got interested in music, and how his music today is close to Scripture and seeks to inspire the younger generation and the outcasts.
Joseph talks about his time on “America’s Got Talent” and how he was signed to TobyMac’s record label, Goatee Records.
He also shares about how Christian radio has impacted him and people in his life. He tells us about some songs that he loves to perform.
Joseph tells us about a funny memory on the road with Steven Curtis Chapman! He also has some advice for you!

Joseph O’Brien’s bio:

Singer/Songwriter Joseph O’Brien is creating and performing music to help inspire every generation to follow Jesus. Growing up with two musical parents, the TN native had music running through his blood from day one. At age 12, he taught himself how to play the piano and realized that is where his passion was. His talent took him to the quarterfinals of “America’s Got Talent,” where O’Brien wowed the judges and audiences with his quirky personality, dynamic range and emotional depth, delivering unforgettable renditions of classic songs and original compositions alike.

Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.
Click HERE to see how you can win tickets with WNZR!
Click HERE to connect with Joseph O’Brien.

WNZR Talks with the Cast of Matilda Jr.

MTVarts Presents Matilda Jr. the weekend of September 15th-17th in Mount Vernon at the Knox Memorial Theatre.

WNZR had the opportunity to chat with cast members from the show and also the choreographer for Matilda Jr.

Alyssa Sidle spoke with Kiersten Clinedinst (Matilda), Drew Caton (Mr. Wormwood), Reese Ferenbaugh (Mrs. Wormwood), Zach Cramer (Nigel), Jillian Snow (Alice), Kiarah Smith (Miss Honey), and Tony Ingham the show choreographer.

They all shared their individual backgrounds in theatre and how much they have enjoyed working on this production.

Listen to the full conversations below:

Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.

Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence… and special powers! She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!

Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR.is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

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