The Session with Tom Russell

The Session: Shopaholics I Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." The psychology of shopaholism is rooted in the temporary relief and emotional highs that shopping provides, which c...

You start 2026 as an engaged person.  First, congratulations!  But now there's lots of things to start doing.  We talk through that on this episode of The Session.  Please forgive me (Scott), the notes from the episode have vanished into the ether world of my laptop, and I can't find them anywhere.  So listen close!  ;)  A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scriptur...

Sorry, no show notes here. Just Tom and his kids talking about what it was like to grow up a Russell, and the Christmas/family traditions that shaped them. To reach Tom Russell, visit his website at https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com or email Tom at tom.hccm@gmail.com

Sorry, no show notes here. Just Tom and his kids talking about what it was like to grow up a Russell, and the Christmas/family traditions that shaped them. To reach Tom Russell, visit his website at https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com or email Tom at tom.hccm@gmail.com

The Session: Favorite Christmas Story Characters and Favorite Christmas Movie Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.   Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:8 Favorite Characters in Christmas story  Heather - I love the shepherds—to think that they were out in a field at night and a host of angels appeared above them—they had to be...

The Session: What Christmas Means for Vulnerable Children, from an article by Helen Richardson, Focus on the Family. What Christmas Means for Vulnerable Children - Focus on the Family Psalm 103:8 – “The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” Ways to make Christmas special for vulnerable children Be intentional and proactive. This includes putting tim...

The Session: The Spending habits of Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z. Genesis 22:17, “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.”   This verse reminds us that God’s promises are not just for us, but for the generations that follow us, ensuring a legacy that reflects His faithfulness.  Ages of the different generations. The Age of...

With the Thanksgiving holiday here, we thought it would be appropriate to discuss gratitude....in our own, quirky way.  The article we used as a basis for our discussion is "7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude That Will Motivate You to Give Thanks Year Round", by Amy Morin.  Here's the link to the full article: 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motiva...

The Session: 5 Ways Your Blended Family Can Find Peace Over the Holidays Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"  As God's chosen, holy, and beloved people, you should clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Verse 13: Be patient with each other, and if you have a complaint against someone, forgive them as the L...

The Session: The First Christmas (and other holidays) Without A Loved One Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" Highlights And Reactions To The First Christmas Without A Loved One from Tom and Scott. It Is Important To Prioritize Your Needs.  Take Time To: Walk Nap Have important conversations  Take time to have your space. Crying and hugs are to be expec...

The Session - The Christian Response to AI  The Golden Calf (Exodus 32): While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, the Israelites created a golden calf to worship, a blatant act of idolatry that angered God. Exodus 20: 3-5 You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in t...

Sorry, no show notes for this one.  This is the conclusion of a two-episode conversation I had with my daughter, Erin about her daughter, Allison.  My hope is that our conversation raises awareness about just how truly beautiful and special kids with exceptionalities are, and that they have a role in our world today. A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & praye...

Sorry, no show notes for this one.  This is the first of a two-episode conversation I had with my daughter, Erin about her daughter, Allison.  My hope is that our conversation raises awareness about just how truly beautiful and special kids with exceptionalities are, and that they have a role in our world today. A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in...

The Session:  Helping the Pastor’s Spouse Lord of peace, may You give our pastor(s) and their families peace at all times and in every way (2 Thess. 3:16).  Support your spouse without being the assistant pastor. 1.   Be a loving, supportive spouse 2.   Do not neglect the training of your children. 3.   Take care of your home. The Unique Challenges ·  Living under constant scrutiny ·  Unrealistic...

The Session: Celebrating the Success of your Pastor  1 Timothy 5:17 (NIV): “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” Celebration suggestions Write a letter. Handwritten is best! For example:   We are grateful for your leadership and the love you show through your service. May God continue to bless you a...

The Session: A Pastor’s Struggles Part 2 “7 Struggles of Ministry That Aren’t Talked About Enough” by Stephan Cote You Have Doubts About God Doubting Thomas wanted evidence for his beliefs. He was known for I won’t believe it unless I see the Neal ones in his hands and put my fingers into them and place my hand into the wound in his side. (John 20:25) Sarah didn’t believe she could get pregnant, M...

The Session: A Pastor’s Struggles Part 1 Psalm 119:130 “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” “A third of pastors who leave ministry cite burnout, conflict with church”: Study from Christianpost.com Reasons Pastors, Leave The Ministry Around one-third of pastors who leave the ministry cite burnout or conflict with the church as the reasons, according to a...

Excerpts from: What does the Bible teach us about bullying?  From Neal Hardin   Genesis 1:27  So God created mankind in his own image,  in the image of God he created them;  male and female he created them.  Bullying happens more frequently than you might think. According to the American Medical Association, by the time students finish school, nearly half of students have been bullied at one point...

The Session: 7 Essentials For Grandparenting Your Grandchildren, from Focus On The Family 1. Understand Your Impact Potential Grandpa or grandma, you are second only to parents in your potential to influence your grandkids spiritually. If you haven’t thought about your impact potential before, you’re not alone. Many Christian grandparents are missing important opportunities because they haven’t se...

The Session: When Our Adult Children Walk Away From The Faith By Pamela Henkelman of FamilyChristian.com Parent Feelings When Their Children Turn From the Faith Grief Confusion  Fear Relational Depression  Parents Should Prioritize: Love Empathy  Open Communication  Continue to be an Example Shame and Failure: Don't let shame paralyze you. It's important to address these feelings and rem...

The Session: Tips for Parenting Twins Scripture: Genesis 25:22-26 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.  The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”   When the time came fo...

The Session: Grandparents Parenting Their Grandchildren - Parenting for Faith Proverbs 22:6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Scott and Tom’s memories of their grandparents 3 Truths That Every Grandparent Should Know 1. You are influential – whether you know it or not Think back to your childhood. Can you remember your grandparents? What is...

The Session: 5 People to Surround Yourself With  By Dan Orlovsky, on All Pro Dads.com Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”   1. People Who Will Challenge You We all spend time with like-minded people. It’s easy. It’s where we find comfort.  Small groups are a boost in confidence It can be very helpful to hear another perspective on what you are thinking. It prese...

The Session: Words We Shouldn’t Use , from Tom’s daily devotionals on Facebook  The words we say are very powerful. It’s amazing what happens when someone says a blessing over you. It is capable of lifting your spirits or encouraging you when you’re feeling down. The words we use are also very reflective of what is going on in a person’s heart. Matthew 15:11 teaches, “It is not what goes into the...

The Session:  7 habits of men who have quietly lost their joy in life, according to psychology          by Isabella Chase | May 22, 2025  Posted on Global English Editing.com  There’s a subtle distinction between being content and truly joyful. This divide often goes unnoticed, especially by those who’ve slowly, but surely, lost their zest for life. These men might seem fine on the surface, but be...