The Session with Tom Russell

This episode was suggested by Teresa.  Tom & Scott would love to discuss topics you suggest about faith and the family.  Email scott@risefmohio.com or tom@hccm.gmail.com The Session: Forgiving And Healing Hurts Of The Past Scripture Isaiah 40:29: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Psalm 147:3: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.   Excerpts...

This episode concludes our conversation about the impact social media is having on our kids.  Scott and Tom offer hope and ideas for controlling the screen time our kids have.  The Session: Social Media’s Impact on our Lives   I John 2:16 “For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world."   Be...

Your kids spend hours every day in front of screens - computers at school, tv at home.  And there's the computer at home PLUS their phone.  What are they watching?  What impact is it having? The Session: Social Media’s Impact on our Lives   I John 2:16 “For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from th...

Maybe you've found "the one".  First, congratulations!  But, are you READY for marriage?  All the feelings may be there.  But after the joy of the wedding, a marriage happens.  In this episode, Tom & Scott talk about how to know if you are really ready for marriage. The Session:  Am I Prepared For Marriage? Psalm 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that bui...

Christmas is a time of memory making.  In this rusty trusty episode from 2015, we talk about the memories of Tom's now grown children.  Everything from Christmas to family vacations to dating.  So no show notes today, just sit back and enjoy, and we will be back with you in 2024!  And if making positive memories has been a challenge for your family, know that you can always start fresh.  Tom...

We don't know much about Joseph, other than he was husband to Mary, and earthly father to Jesus.  So what can we learn from him about Biblical Manhood? The Session: 4 Lessons We Can Learn about Biblical manhood from Joseph’s Story   https://www.lcbcchurch.com/articles/4-lessons-we-can-learn-from-josephs-story   Open with the Matthew account of Joseph, in Matt.1:18-24 1. Acknowledge the truth...

This week, we look at the Wise Men not from the perspective of what they DID, but what we can LEARN from what they did.  And there are things we can take away and apply not just at Christmas, but every day. The Session:  4 Lessons The 3 Wise Men Can Teach Us   12/23/2020   By: Jan Lashbrook, Early Childhood Dir. at Calvary Christian Academy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL   Matthew 2:1-2   After Jesus was bor...

With all the activity and stress during this time of year, it's easy to get down.  But there is hope, with a little effort on your part.  Remember - we serve a big God who knows and understands!  Take your burden to Him! Ball State University’s Counseling Center released 10 ways to beat the holiday blues. Lower your expectations and accept that no holiday gathering is perfect Make a holiday b...

As only Tom and Scott can do, they take what was supposed to be a one week episode, and have to turn it in to two.  The full notes are here from both episodes.  If you have a topic you would like us to cover, please email scott@risefmohio.com. The Session: 5 Tips for Becoming a Blended Family Romans 8:15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the...

As only Tom and Scott can do, they take what was supposed to be a one week episode, and have to turn it in to two.  The full notes are here, and will be repeated on next week's episode. The Session: 5 Tips for Becoming a Blended Family Romans 8:15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to so...

Raw Emotions, a Look at Managing the Step Family. Five Important Emotions That Are Common In Step Family Living Luke 1:34-35 And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. Fir...

Every family struggles with it.  You want to attend church as a family, but there's soccer practice, summer leagues, mid-week practices & more to pull your kids and family out of church.  How do you strike a balance? The Session:  Managing Sports in the Christian Family 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27 says “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? FOLLOW THE...

To trick or treat or not to trick or treat...THAT is the question!  Well, not really, but you get the idea.  How can we be Christians and still do (or should we do) Halloween? The Session:  A Christian view of Halloween Proverbs 4:25-27   Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.  Do not...

In this episode, Scott & Tom talk about the unique challenges a Pastor's spouse face.  As you think about how to honor your Pastor this Pastor Appreciation Month, consider how you can  support your Pastor's spouse. 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 you...

We are continuing our celebration of Pastor Appreciation Month on the Session with this episode's 3 Essential Keys to Thrive in Ministry.  If you have an idea for a topic for us to discuss, please email scott@risefmohio.com! 3 Essential Keys to Thrive in Ministry from Loganleadership.com A vital relationship with God The first key is, Who’s helping you explore this? ·  Where do you experience...

October is Pastor Appreciation Month.  To celebrate, we bring back a classic episode from 2021, 5 Ways to Support Your Pastor.  We also have ideas for how you can celebrate Pastors at https://www.risefmohio.com The Session:  5 Ways to Support Your Pastor  Hebrews 13:17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account....

Disclaimer: In this episode, we talk about the loss of a spouse or child.  You may want to distract little ears with this episode. 5 Ways to Love Your Spouse After a Deep Loss Alicia Searl Contributing Writer   crosswalk.com As I write this, I look up into a beautiful, picturesque landscape. My heart needed this. My soul needed this. I needed a space to breathe, to absorb all that had taken place...

In the last episode, we unpacked what TO do as you parent an adult child who's an addict.  In this episode, we flip it around, and share what NOT to do.  You'll see notes for both episodes here. The Session:  Parenting The Adult Addicted Child   II Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." From Mountainside.com What TO Do  (BOLD lines...

We never know how long an episode of the Session will run.  Sometimes, we dig deep enough into a topic that it requires more than 1 episode.  That's the case with this topic.  It's split right down the middle.  We talk about the things TO do when parenting the adult child that's an adict.  We'll cover the flip side in the next episode. You'll see notes for both episodes he...

It's a first of the school year tradition on The Session.  A reminder to parents about the signs of bullying.  We even briefly discuss what to do if you find your child is the bully! The Session:  7 Christian Tips for Dealing with Bullying by CRYSTAL MCDOWELL   Psalm 138:7   Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; wi...

There's at least one family in every church, maybe more.  One of their children has "left their faith".  Some would call them "the prodigal".  No matter what you call it, there is hope!  And that's what we are sharing today. The Session: 5 Ways to Maintain a Relationship with a Child Who Has Left the Faith From Michelle S. Lazurek   Romans 8:38-39    (Parents, Rest As...

How is it that teenagers seem to be able to stay up until all hours?  It's NOT a good thing.  This week, we talk about why on The Session.   Psalm 4:8:  In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.   From Health Day.com: Studies shows that if you can get teens to go to bed earlier, they will increase their time asleep by 41 minutes for each additional hour...

How do our kids learn how to behave around the opposite sex?  How do you as a parent develop a strong relationship with your child?  The Mother-Son/Daddy-Daughter Date!   Proverbs 1:8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;   A Mothers Love for Her Son · Love is patient even when explaining the same thing for the hundredth time. · Love is kind when family...

In this episode from earlier this year, Tom & Scott welcome in Jeff & Donna Heck.  Together they discuss a hard topic, suicide.  33 Forever is a non-profit created by Jeff & Donna Heck, after their 33-year old daughter, Dani, committed suicide.  They connect people fighting with depression, suicidal thoughts and other mental health issues with the care they need.  On today's episo...

Whether you are sending your kids to college, to marriage, or to life, this episode can help.  Tom & Scott also discuss the obvious question...how long do you wait before turning their room into a man cave?   Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10   Breathe.  Seriously. Inhale and exhale. Take a moment. Grab some quiet time. Saying goodbye for the first time is...