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 Lord has forgiven you.
• Verse 14: And above all these virtues, put on love, which binds all of them together in perfect

1. Remember the reason for the season. Keeping peace on earth starts with you. As Christians, it’s our responsibility to model Christ to our stepchildren and ex-spouses, especially those who are not walking with the Lord. Romans 14:19 says, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (NIV).

These special days are a celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ, the one who has brought salvation, grace, love, and joy.

Are we demonstrating the love of God in our stepfamily? Are we expressing the joy of the Lord? Remember to center your holidays on the right celebration.

2. Honor traditions that your step kids bring and consider new ones.

We learned that a new family means doing things a new way. That involves flexibility and open minds. It’s okay to keep some old traditions, but it may be time to create some new ones, too. We asked each of our kids to suggest something they’d like to create as a new tradition. As long as it was legal and not immoral, we agreed.

One new tradition sounds pretty simple, but had a lot of impact. We bought matching ornaments for the kids each year and added their names and the year. As each has married, we have carefully packed up their ornaments and presented to them for their first Christmas tree. There are lots of great memories attached to those ornaments.

As the kids have gotten older, we have added a new tradition of Thanksgiving Day golf. The boys (since we have more of them) leave the house with my husband, Gil, by 8 a.m. Living in the Northwest, you never know what kind of weather will greet you on that morning. Last year, it was more like ice golfing. We came back with a video of 28-year-old Kyle ice skating in the sand trap as he tried to maneuver his way out. Feet sliding under him, his feeble attempt to escape the trap made us all laugh! As we reminisce around the dinner table each year, that tradition is always brought up.

3. Reduce pressure of holiday schedules.

So much strife is created by the timing of family get-togethers, but if you look at things a little differently, you can stretch your holiday time and even enjoy it. (As we always say, “Remember, blessed are the flexible, for they won’t snap.”)

Consider that your celebration doesn’t need to be on the day of the holiday. Instead, reserve another date close to the holiday for your holiday festivities. Having an “open house” day may work best.

4. Don’t hold grudges. Many families trade off each year where kids will be for the major holidays, which can disappoint and hurt feelings. But don’t spend your energy on holding grudges over scheduling chaos. Instead, put your energy into loving them, and enjoy the time you have with them.

If emotions run crazy, chances are they are just trying to make all of their parents happy by showing up when asked. The more understanding you have, the more pleasant the holiday will be and the more your kids will look forward to spending time in your home.

5. Don’t forget about your marriage. Take time to check in with your spouse. Sometimes my husband and I wi

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

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 expected and enjoyed

Find new family traditions that help after experiencing loss

• New traditions could include cruises
• Rent a house in a vacation spot for the family

Continue with routine that helps normalize life

• Have your regular coffee time?
• Continue watching your favorite shows or news on TV
• Praying
• Seeking God And His Word
• Eat healthy
• Connect with a friend you haven’t talked to in a long time

3 Suggestions from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

1. Look to the past. God gave you and your spouse many years together; have you ever stopped to thank Him for this? In other words, don’t let the loneliness of the present crowd out the happiness of the past. iMovies, photo albums

2. Look to the present. All around you are people who are lonely or grieving or discouraged. Ask God to help you reach out and be a friend to them this Christmas. It may be someone you already know—in your church or among your circle of friends. Invite them to dinner; take them to a Christmas program at your church; in small ways let them know you care. They need you—and you need them.

3. Third, look to the future. Jesus came into the world for one reason: to make it possible for us to be with Him in Heaven forever. The more we focus on eternity, the lighter our burdens become. In Christ we have hope, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

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 the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God.

The Setup from Scott: We did some training and orientation to A.I. in the office. Some of us were a little uneasy with it. Including me. My position has been that I would prefer to use the A.I. God gave me…my brain.

Advantages to AI

• Translating scripture into different languages CBN
• When creative with ethic Christian values, it can be helpful
• AI and promote God’s values like compassion and justice, encourage and
• Promote God’s sovereignty

AI Dangers

• Believing anything that would distort God’s plan or will in this world
• Avoiding any form of worship or unmerited importance that would be more important than our God
• Unhealthy dependence on AI
• AI becomes an unhealthy control over society

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

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, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

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 just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

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 expectations

· Perfect social behavior

· Thorough knowledge of the Bible

· Attendance at all meetings

· Ready entertainer

· Spiritual giant

The Unique Circumstances

· Limited finances

· The demands of church members

· Loneliness

· Absent Spouse

How to Succeed As a Pastor’s Spouse

· Love and accept yourself.

· Concentrate on being the best you can be.

· Have realistic expectations of yourself.

· Build your own spiritual life.

· Work on self-improvement.

· Love and accept your spouse.

· Try to understand your spouse’s ministry.

· Decide on what you are comfortable doing in your church.

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

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 and your ministry. Your dedication to the Lord's work touches our hearts. Thank you for being our shepherd and always guiding us towards God's love.

It would be very important to celebrate your pastors, preaching style and the enthusiasm and love that they present God’s word in.

Another example, if your pastor helped you or someone else you know:

Thanks for your help with [specific action or situation]. I really appreciate all of your hard work. You've been so helpful with [specific action or situation]. Thanks

Have a church potluck in their honor

• Possibly have people lined up ahead of time to honor the Pastor after the meal
• It is possible to have no cards at each table setting that would say one thing I appreciate about the Pastor is…

Start a prayer chain of having people sign up to pray for the pastor(s) for a week.

Start an email chain of celebrating the pastor all month. Maybe talk to the church office manager about sending out emails to the church.

Other Ideas:

Through the years of ministry, the pastor suffers from the spiritual attacks by the enemy on their emotions and well-being. It is important to encourage them in their life outside of leading the church. We should encourage them to take care of themselves and acknowledge the success of their family and their life.

• Let them know what a great job they’ve done in their marriage
• Equally important is to let them know how great they have been as a parent
• Find something that is special in them to acknowledge and celebrate. As an example. Your pastor may have a great way of greeting you that is heartwarming. Take time to acknowledge that.
• Let them know that they do a great job of leadership of the staff and church members
• It might sound odd, but celebrate them by sending them on a sabbatical?

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

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, Mary, mother of Jesus, doubted an angel (Luke 1:34)
• Confusing devotion in vocation you allow your job is a pastor take over your personal devotional life. Your time in the Bible is more for a Bible study or sermon than it is your own charging of your battery.
• Pastoral Stress Levels Are Off The Charts 75% of Pastor’s report being extremely stressed or highly stressed

Tight finances, emotional turmoil, and long hours are all stress factors for the Pastor. Carrying a stressful load that was not yours in the first place.

• Pastors Find It hard to deal with the 3’ G’s: Girls, Gold and Glory

57% of pastors and 64% youth pastors report porn use.

Affairs, both physical and emotional, Accountability partners, and computer

filters are very important.

• Feeling Alone

Easy pray for the enemy when you find yourself low and in a dry spirit to

stay. Support groups or counselor or mentor or a coach can be very helpful.

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.