It is National Random Acts of Kindness Day! Celebrate with The Morning Thing!

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NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY

Observed on February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day has grown in popularity each year.  It is celebrated by individuals, groups and organizations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness.

What will YOU do today to show kindness to others?
We found a really great list of ways to show kindness to others at www.hoveround.com

Random Acts of Kindness You Can Do Every Day of the Month

Using your words
1.Smile and say hello to everyone in your path. Your smile could turn someone’s day around!
2.Compliment a stranger —what they are wearing, what they did or their great smile.
3.Tell a mom out shopping with her kids that she’s doing a great job (and that her children are adorable!). We all need to hear we’re doing a great job sometimes!
4.Thank a police officer for his or her service.
5.Go sit and talk with a friend who has been having a tough time.
6.Whenever you introduce someone, tell others something great about him or her.
7.When you receive great service, thank the person — and then tell their superior (or write an email to corporate, if fitting).
8.Acknowledge every worker you meet in the same friendly manner — from the corporate CEO to the custodian to the security guard.
9.Ask someone random how his or her day is — and listen.
10.Call a person who has made a difference in your life and tell them just that.
11.Have a conversation with the homeless person you would normally pass by.

Click HERE to see the complete list. See ideas on how do do random acts of kindness using your skills, with what you have and with a small amount of money.

This morning, we also shared some bible verses that talk about Acts of Kindness. Click HERE to see a list of 58 powerful bible verses on this topic of kindness.

We love to hear stories of Random Acts of Kindness. We shared a few this morning.
Click HERE to read about an Ohio student that spent months making 1,300 valentines for her high school classmates. AMAZING!

Click HERE to hear the amazing story of how a local softball league from Mount Vernon are reaching out to an 8 year old girl from Florida. This story is amazing! This precious girl was turned away from a Father/Daughter dance because she didn’t have a Dad. This girl will be in Mount Vernon this weekend to attend a dance with her new friends from Mount Vernon. Please take a few moments and listen to this story.

For our Morning Thing Fave 5 – each co-host shared a random act of kindness they have received.
Click HERE to hear Kelsey Bryte’s story.
Click HERE for Dan Monnin’s story.
Click HERE for Jenna Potts’ story.
Click HERE for Marcy Rinehart’s story.

 

 

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20 Verses about Fear and Anxiety to Remind Us God is in Control

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Debbie McDaniel, Contributing Writer for Crosswalk.com compiled 20 verses that remind us that God is in control!

Debbie shared her struggle with fear and anxiety:
I struggled with fear and worry for years. But through time, I began to find that the things that once would have sent me down an anxious spiral, no longer had the same effect.  It didn’t happen quickly, but over days, months, years.

I read words – of life – of truth. Soaking them in, over and over, praying them out loud.  Until they became so familiar, they replaced the other things in my mind that I’d battled against. There’s nothing magical about words and verses, but there is power through them, because they’re God’s words.

Click HERE to see these 20 powerful verses.
It is our hope and prayer that you will use these verses to find strength and hope for today!

(Picture from www.crosswalk.com)

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From Boys To Men – The Morning Thing looks at this important transition

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How does a little boy transition through the years into a man?
It helps when lessons are taught by the father.

Rick Johnson from Focus on the Family shares “What Boys Need to Learn to Become Good Men”. Click HERE to read the entire article.

Rick points out the qualities that can help your boy become a good man.

Perseverance – Boys must learn to persevere in the face of adversity now if they are to succeed later during even tougher seasons of life. Perseverance is probably one of the toughest things for moms to teach their boys. It requires them to resist the urge to rescue their sons when they are struggling. Greatness is born by perseverance in the face of adversity. Few things worth doing are ever easy.

Trustworthiness -Talk to your son about what being able to trust someone means to you. If you have trouble trusting due to past experiences, discuss it with him so he can understand how important trustworthiness is and how damaging it can be when violated.

Courage – Teach your son to lead courageously, to stand by his convictions even when they may result in pain, sorrow or negative consequences. Someday he will lead his own family. Fathers are faced with tough decisions every day. The question is, do you want him to lead with courage or cowardice?

Compassion – A man should defend those who cannot defend themselves. Teach your boy early in life the nobility of protecting the weak and helpless.

Self-discipline and self-control – Self-discipline and self-control keep a man from doing things in private that he would never do in public. They are inner strengths a man develops over time with exercise, like a muscle. Typically, if a man lacks self-discipline in one area of his life, he lacks self-control in other areas as well.

How does a boy develop self-discipline and self-control? He develops them by being held accountable for his actions.

Honesty – Let your son know that you expect honesty from him at all times, even when he has made bad choices — then model that behavior yourself. A man w

Dave Willis of http://sixseeds.patheos.com/ shares 7 LESSONS THAT TURN A BOY INTO A MAN.

Click HERE to read the entire article.

1. Fight for what’s right.

Being a man doesn’t mean you have to go around punching people like your in a UFC cage match, but it does mean you must have the courage to take a stand for what’s right. Speak up for the powerless. Defend the weak. Fight for justice for the oppressed. Fight for your family.

“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14

2. Take responsibility.

Boys run from responsibility; men run towards responsibility. If you’re a grown man living in your parents’ basement and constantly bouncing around between different women and dead-end jobs, you’re not a man. You’re a boy with a beard. Grow up.

“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.” Proverbs 10:1

3. Provide for your family.

Your wife and your children should know that you would be willing to go hungry to make sure they’re fed.  It’s not the government’s job to feed your family. It’s YOUR job. There’s no shame in assistance when you need it, but you should also be willing to work hard to provide.

“The man who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10

4. Control your emotions.

Emotions are a tool given by God and there are healthy and important ways to express them, but don’t be ruled by them. If you don’t learn to master your anger and your emotions, then your anger and emotions will master you.

“Fools are quick to express their anger, but wise people are patient and control themselves.” Proverbs 29:11 

5. Love your wife.

In many ways, your life and legacy will be defined by how you love your wife. Show her you’d be willing to lay down your life for her. Show your boys what it means to love and respect a wife, because they’re learning what marriage means by watching you. For more on this, check out my free video on How to have a stronger marriage.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ” Ephesians 5:25

6. Keep your commitments.

Fulfill your commitments. This is the essence of manhood. Pay your debts, keep your word, and always speak the truth. When you’ve blown it, admit and seek forgiveness. Don’t make your decisions based on your feelings; make your choices based on your commitments.

“Keep an oath even when it hurts.” Psalm 15:4

7. Trust God.

God made you and His plan for your life is the only plan that counts. Don’t be so prideful that you try to do it on your own. Life is meant to be lived in relationship with your Creator. If you’re walking with Him, you’ll always be headed in the right direction!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6

(Picture from Pinterest)

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5 Ways to Share Love with our WORDS!

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It is Valentine’s Day! The Morning Thing today shared an insightful article from www.FaithGateway.com – 5 Ways to Share Love with Our Words.

Click HERE to access the entire article from Jessica Wolstenholm, Author at FaithGateway.
(Jessica is co-founder of Grace for Moms. After 13+ years in the music and publishing industries, Jessica came home last year to be with her two small children. Although the transition from the corporate world to the playground has been an adjustment, she is learning more every day about accessing the grace available to us through Christ as she navigates the full time job of motherhood. She is the co-author of The Pregnancy Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey to Motherhood and The Baby Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey Through Baby’s First Year. Jessica lives in Nolensville, Tennessee, with her husband, Dave and two miracle babies, Hope (6) and Joshua (3).)

Scripture gives us several clear ways we can love others. Let’s start by looking for ways to be an ambassador for Jesus by sharing love with our words.

We can start by adopting these simple habits:

  1. Be an encourager.

    Some people are natural born encouragers. Others have to work hard to remember to pay compliments. Whatever your tendency, make it a point to spread words of affirmation to your loved ones, coworkers, even strangers. I had a waitress the other day go on and on about how much she loved my haircut. She didn’t know I’d been second-guessing my choice for a style. Hearing her encouraging words made my day! And I was reminded that compliments are a powerful way to share love. Try to make it a habit to say one encouraging thing every day to someone you interact with. Start with your spouse, child, coworker or the girl checking you out at the grocery store.

  2. Practice the lost art of written notes.

    I love modern technology and the way it allows us to stay connected so easily. But it will never be as personal and beautiful as a hand-written note. Tuesday February 7th is National Send a Card to a Friend Day (who knew?!). This is the perfect opportunity to practice the lost art of social graces. This weekend, grab a card while you are out and about. Think about a friend or loved one you’d like to surprise with some good ol’ snail mail. Send your card on Tuesday and then make it a goal to send just one hand-written, personal note to someone you love every week (or even once a month would be a good start).

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. — Proverbs 16:24

  1. Focus on the bright side.

    There are a lot of ugly words flying around on social media right now and it’s easy to get caught up in the battles. But what if we made a commitment to be more careful, more intentional with our words? How would that change the verbal climate in our culture? How might that strengthen the world’s view of believers if we led the way in looking for and sharing the good, no matter what? We serve a redemptive God who cares more about these issues than we ever could. He calls us to be a light in the darkness. To spread His love with our words and deeds. When we put our trust in Him and focus on the bright side in the midst of tough times, we pierce the darkness with the light of his love. Try seeking out one good thing every day to share with others via social media or in a conversation over a meal. If that good thing is somehow related to the state of our culture, you get bonus points!

  2. Speak the truth.

    This one can often get us into trouble. All those passionate posts we’re reading are likely written by people who strongly believe they are sharing the truth. And maybe they are. But when there’s turmoil amongst people, everyone thinks they are the one standing on the truth. The Bible tells us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). It also tells us that Jesus is “the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6) and that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). The truth has become very relative in our culture. And on many issues, there are gray areas. When in doubt, I know the truth lies hidden in God. Instead of sharing our own version of it, we can point people to Jesus, trusting that he’ll show us the way forward.

The next time you feel passion rise up within you about a particular issue, instead of posting your opinion about it, share a verse in the Bible that has influenced your thoughts. When we share God’s truth in place of our own, our words are guided by love.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. — Psalm 19:14

  1. Keep a quiet life.

    One of the most powerful ways to share love with our words is to stay silent; to keep our words to ourselves. My mama told me, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I need that reminder most days. The leaders and influencers I respect most are the ones that remain quiet. It’s not that they have nothing to say, but their actions speak louder than their words. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 says to “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.” What if we shared love through the absence of our words? What if saying nothing at all was the best representation of Jesus we could be? If you are one to get vocal when passionate about an issue (I love people who stand for things!) try staying silent for a bit. Let your peace speak volumes of gentle love.

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How much do you know about the New Directions Shelter in Knox County?

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Marcy Rinehart of The Morning Thing talked with representatives from the New Directions Shelter of Knox County today on the show.

Laurie Thompson, Advocate and Prevention Educator at New Directions talked about the Stewards of Children program.

Lori Jones, Delta Focus Coordinator talked about the See the Signs Program and TAC (Teen Advisory Counci).

Listen in and find out how to get help and how to get involved in our community.
Click HERE to hear their conversation.

Click HERE to go to the New Directions website.

If you need help, please call 740-397-4357 (HELP).

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Happy National Bagel Day!

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(from www.nationaldaycalendar.com) National Bagel Day is observed annually on February 9th.

Bagels are one of the few breads that are boiled then baked. This creates a soft inside while keeping a crisp outside. Bagels originated in Poland in the early 17th century and now sell over a billion dollars worth each year in the United States.

Here are a few unique and yummy bagel recipes to try from www.sheknows.com!

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Hospice of Knox County Bereavement Groups for 2017

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Rachel Rinehart of WNZR talked with Kathy Wantland, Bereavement Coordinator at Hospice of Knox County. They talked about the support groups available for 2017.

Click HERE to hear their conversation and find out more details about the following groups:
– Passage Group
– Parents Groups
– Men’s Breakfast Group
– Healing Hearts Group
– Doorways Group
– Camp Hope

To get in touch with Hospice, call 740-397-5188 or visit http://www.hospiceofknox.org/

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Dating – how has it changed over the decades? The Morning Thing 2/7/17

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It’s Dating 101 – from generation to generation.
Today, Marcy and Jenna talked about how dating has changed over the past few decades.
Times have definitely changed and so has dating!
(Picture from www.sheknows.com)

Take a listen to a true-to-life description of the differences of dating from 1980 to 2017! Click HERE to listen as Marcy and Jenna share dating insights from freelance writer Maureen Stiles from www.scarymommy.com
You’ll love this! :-)

You can follow Maureen through her monthly column at towncourier.com and find her at her blog, Magnificence in the Mundane.

We also talked with Jenna’s Mom, Missy Potts about how much dating has changed. Missy has been working as a youth pastor for over 25 years. Click HERE to hear our conversation (and get some great advice)!

Check out this article from Sarah Kelsey that shows us 10 Ways Dating Now is Different Than Dating in the ‘80s. Click HERE to read the full article.
1. How did you meet? Social media has changed this answer.
2. First dates no longer exist.  In 2017, a potential date has been Googled, Facebooked and Internet-stalked so much that there’s no real need for first-date jitters.
3. Keeping in Touch. Remember way back when the wait to hear back from a crush was agonizing? You’d have to sit by the phone and pray they’d call (and that your mom, father or sibling wouldn’t pick up when they did!). Now getting in touch with someone is as simple as sending a quick text.
4. Wardrobe Requirements. ‘80s outfits were the best. The hair! The scrunchies! The high-waisted jeans! It was all so over-the-top. What has changed?  A date now is much more casual and relaxed. Sweatpants are a suitable pant option.
5. Blind Dates. Blind dates aren’t really blind anymore because so much information is shared on a potential dating candidate before the big event actually happens. People can even text their date a photo of what they’re wearing so they can be picked out from a crowd.
6. What’s Romantic? Girls in the ‘80s wanted to be romanced: with romantic tunes, dancing, birthday cakes and sweet words. Today, being romantic is much more elaborate. Sweeping gestures are way more public; they may even involve videographers who capture a moment on film then promptly post it to YouTube.
7. Cost-Effectiveness. Dating was a lot cheaper in the 80s. Movies were cheap, candy was only five cents and drive-ins combined food and a movie all for the price of $5. Today, going out will set you back at least $25.
8. What You Do. The skyrocketing price of date-night activities has led to a complete shift in what potential couples actually do. Concerts or movie dates have given way to park sits and even window shopping. Free lectures, art talks and even cooking a meal at home are also more contemporary options.
9. Following Up With an Ex. Another danger of the Internet age is post-breakup stalking of an ex. Back in the ‘80s finding out what someone was up to was a long, arduous process; news traveled so slow that by the time you heard an update it was probably outdated. Thanks to Facebook, finding out what an ex is up to is only a small click away.
10. Breaking Up. Ending a relationship is harder than ever in 2017. Not only do you have to do the deed in person (it’s never acceptable to do it via text or a phone call), but you also have to change your relationship status on multiple social platforms. You may even consider de-friending him, her or their posse of pals.

 

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

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More than 1 in 10 teens who have been on a date have also been physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is a national effort to raise awareness and protect teens from violence.(from http://www.healthfinder.gov)

The New Directions Shelter of Knox County is working hard to create awareness and prevention education for our community.

New Directions has a Teen Advisory Council that is making a difference. The Teen Advisory Council is a group of Knox County youth, ages 14-18, who actively work to end teen dating and sexual violence. TAC members are “Ambassadors” of healthy, safe, equal, and non-violent relationships among their peers and in the community.

The Teen Advisory Council is a group of passionate, informed high school students who serve as ambassadors of healthy relationships in their schools and communities. The Teen Advisory Council is trained by New Directions Staff, and takes that training into the community through projects and events of their design. One of the TAC’s annual events is the “Color for a Cause” 5K in downtown Mount Vernon.

WNZR’s Rachel Rinehart had a chance to talk with 2 members of the Teen Advisory Council. Click HERE https://soundcloud.com/wnzr/sets/february-is-teen-dating-violence-awareness-month
to hear their conversation about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Click HERE http://newdirectionsshelter.org/ to find out more about New Directions.

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