Marriage is tough. It’s a given. This list covers most of the common troubles, but your situation is unique, and the key point here is to face the hardship—whatever kind of struggle it is—together with your wife.

OK, if you haven’t watched the “Ian and Larissa” video, then stop reading right now, watch the video, then come back to this list. Seriously, you have to watch it.

Do you remember your marriage vows?

“For better, for worse … .”

“In sickness and in health … .”

“For richer, for poorer … .”

These promises presuppose tough times. We went into our marriage with our eyes open, so there’s really no excuse for not bringing everything we have to the table when things—once in a while—get dicey.

Here are 10 hardships in marriage and a few ideas regarding how to overcome them:

1. Financial struggle. The stress associated with money problems can be overwhelming. But in the end, it’s only money, and money has no power over your commitment to your relationship.

• Commit to a plan. (See Dave Ramsey for tools and resources.) 
• Live simply.
• Never keep financial secrets from your wife.

2. Challenging children. Even the best behaved children in the world present challenges, and the No. 1 casualty is always the relationship between mom and dad. So remember this: “The marriage comes first.” Not the kids but the marriage. Nurture your relationship with your wife, and you will be better equipped to deal with whatever it is the kids dish out.

3. Immaturity. Great relationships are supposed to mature over time. If you still relate to one another the same way you did when you first married, then it’s past time for the marriage to grow up. Get involved in a couples’ group at your faith community. Love one another out loud. Invest in the marriage as if your life depends on it—because it does.

4. Unfaithfulness. Marriages run into this hardship often. We may not sleep with other women, but we’re all guilty of being unfaithful when it comes to time, attention, priorities, the way we use our resources and so much more. One way to deal with this is to recommit yourself to your wife. Woo her all over again. Make it clear where your priorities steer your time and attention.

5. Moving. It’s a fact: Most Americans change careers several times. That often means moving across the state or across the world. Moving is a huge stress. Regardless of if it’s because of your job or if it’s hers, make the decision to be 100 percent supportive and flat-out refuse to whine. Do what it takes to get invested in the new community quickly. Find a church. Get involved. Live forward.

6. Sickness. We forget how much we rely on one another until someone breaks down physically. If you’re the one still standing, do everything in your power to be a servant to your spouse. Sure, it’s tough to do everything, but your attempt with an obvious willing spirit is going to make all the difference.

7. Depression. Everyone goes through the blues at times in their lives. Here, again, it’s about having the heart of a servant, about going the extra mile, about putting the needs of your wife ahead of your own. Look to God for your source of happiness, be a conduit of that joy to your spouse, and seek medical attention.

8. Disinterest. Sometimes it happens the first year. Sometimes it takes a decade or so. Regardless of where we are on the time spectrum, disinterest or boredom can easily set in. Not feeling special about the relationship is a hardship for everyone. But it doesn’t have to be. Our job is to be intentional about the relationship. She didn’t fall for you in the first place without any effort on your part—so why stop now?

• When was the last time you took her out on a date?
• Have you told her lately how stunning she looks?
• What about a day off with the entire day devoted to her?

9. Career. We’ve already talked about moving, but career issues can cause hardship without a change of location. Keep her in the loop. Ask her opinion about what you’re up to. Do everything in your power to protect family time and to promote a work culture that respects family values.

10. Empty nest. We invest a lot in the kids. If we’re not careful, our relationship with our spouse gets neglected. First, guard against that day by investing in your wife now. Then, rather than mourn the children after they leave, try celebrating the freedom you now have to invest more time and interest in your marriage. Again, it’s all about being intentional.

All Pro Dad is Family First’s innovative and unique program for every father. Their aim is to interlock the hearts of the fathers with their children and, as a byproduct, the hearts of the children with their dads. At , dads in any stage of fatherhood can find helpful resources to aid in their parenting. Resources include daily emails, blogs, Top 10 lists, articles, printable tools, videos and eBooks. From , fathers can join the highly engaged All Pro Dad social media communities on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

British scientists have developed an ingredient that makes foods more filling, and say initial tests in overweight people showed that it helped prevent them gaining more weight.

The ingredient, developed by researchers at London’s Imperial College and at the University of Glasgow, contains propionate, a natural substance that stimulates the gut to release hormones that act on the brain to reduce hunger.

Propionate is produced naturally when fiber in the diet is fermented by microbes in the gut, but the new ingredient, inulin-propionate ester (IPE), provides much larger amounts of propionate than people can generate in a normal diet.

“Molecules like propionate stimulate the release of gut hormones that control appetite, but you need to eat huge amounts of fiber to achieve a strong effect,” said Gary Frost of Imperial’s department of medicine, who led the study.

“We wanted to find a more efficient way to deliver propionate to the gut.”

In a study published in the journal Gut, Frost’s team gave 20 volunteers either IPE or inulin, a dietary fiber and then allowed them to eat as much as they liked from a buffet.

The team found that those given IPE ate 14 percent less on average and had higher concentrations of appetite-reducing hormones in their blood.

In a second phase, 60 overweight volunteers took part in a 24-week study in which half were given IPE powder to add to their food and half given inulin.

Only one out of 25 volunteers given IPE who completed the study gained more than 3.0 percent of their body weight, compared with six out of 24 given inulin. None of the IPE group gained more than 5.0 percent of their body weight, compared with four in the inulin group.

After 24 weeks, the IPE group also had less fat in their abdomens and livers compared with the inulin group.

Frost said that while the findings were only from a small, early-stage study, they offered “encouraging signs” that IPE might help prevent weight gain in overweight people.

He and his team are working with Imperial Innovations, a technology commercialization company focused on developing promising British academic research, on taking IPE to market.

“We’re exploring what kinds of foods it could be added to, but something like bread or fruit smoothies might work well,” he said.

© 2014 Thomson/Reuters. All rights reserved.

With the arrival of the winter holiday season, many municipalities throughout the United States are gearing up for the festive time of the year by decorating public areas with Christmas trees, snowflakes, and even Hanukkah menorahs. But the holiday displays are sometimes accompanied by not-so-festive controversies over the appearance of religious symbols in public places. 

The debate over public displays of religion has been a longstanding one, despite numerous legal rulings in favor of the displays. But for Jews, the increasing inclusion of the Hanukkah menorah as well as other Jewish symbols in the pantheon of American civic and religious discourse highlights their mainstream acceptance in society.

Today, publicly displayed menorahs have become commonplace in the U.S.—largely due to the efforts of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, whose giant menorahs and even car-rooftop menorahs signal that the holiday season has arrived in any given community. (Chabad has a permanent presence in 49 of 50 U.S. states, with only South Dakota left out.)

“Chabad is out there in the world to make sure that every Jew is not forgotten. Every Jew is remembered and thought about, and that every Jew maintains a connection to their heritage, so there is an assurance for the continuity of Judaism,” said Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld, a Pittsburgh-based Chabad emissary who has extensive experience on this issue due to his involvement in County of Allegheny v. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the 1989 Supreme Court case on a publicly displayed nativity scene and 18-foot-tall menorah in Pittsburgh.

According to Chabad, the first public menorah lighting occurred in Philadelphia in 1974 near the Liberty Bell, and the tradition spread when the Hasidic group’s seventh leader or “Rebbe,” Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, issued a directive encouraging menorah lightings in public places. In line with the movement’s famous zeal and grassroots initiatives, Chabad eventually launched a global menorah campaign, and today thousands of Chabad-led menorah lightings take place in municipalities across America.

“Obviously there are always those who come up and have [taken] issue with it,” Rosenfeld told . “The perspective the Rebbe gave us was that Jews should have a positive feeling about their mitzvot and their Judaism. So he encouraged us to do whatever we can to display those menorahs.”

The public display of religious symbols is anchored in the First Amendment of the Constitution in the so-called “Religious Clauses” of the Establishment and Free Exercise Clause. The Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” in a portion known as the Establishment Clause, but proceeds to also ban “prohibiting the free exercise” of religion in a portion known as the Free Exercise Clause. The discourse surrounding these clauses has become one of the most controversial debates in America, yielding numerous legal battles being waged over the display of religious symbols in public areas.  

Most of these issues stem from a concept known as separation of church and state, which was attributed to founding father Thomas Jefferson in a letter he wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802 and has been used as an argument against the use of religion in public places, despite the church-state concept not being explicitly spelled out in the Constitution.

Noted civil rights attorney Nathan Lewin, who argued the Allegheny v. ACLU case and many other cases involving public menorahs over the years, explained that the Supreme Court agreed in Allegheny v. ACLU that a public menorah display does not violate the Establishment Clause.

“The ACLU argued that having a menorah on public property seemed like the city of Pittsburgh was endorsing the Jewish religion and encouraging people to follow the religion,” Lewin told . “[But] the Supreme Court was clear in this case that a total display with a Christmas tree and a menorah does not do that and shows the diversity of religion in the U.S.”

Following the case in Pittsburgh, numerous legal battles were fought over this issue in cities like Grand Rapids, Mich., and Atlanta. In 2002, Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens—who had dissented on the Pittsburgh decision—overruled an appeals court order and allowed Chabad to display a menorah in Cincinnati’s Fountain Square. Stevens said that due to the square’s “historic character as a public forum,” the city could not limit access to the area during the holiday season.

The Cincinnati case helped clarify what cities can and cannot do concerning access to public places.

“By now it has been established that there is a constitutional right to put menorahs in public places,” Lewin told . 

Nevertheless, the public display of religious symbols continues to be contested in some local communities, with new cases emerging every year—though most don’t end up going to litigation. For instance, the University of Maine this week ignited a controversy by banning Christmas trees, wreaths, and menorahs in public areas. The school said in a statement that it “makes every effort to ensure that all members—students, employees, alumni and the public—feel included and welcome on campus,” and that banning decorations of particular religions would help promote diversity.

In October, a group of Jewish high school students in suburban Milwaukee were barred from erecting a sukkah on school property for the holiday of Sukkot. It was actually Jewish parents and local Jewish officials who advocated the sukkah ban, citing the separation of church and state.

“The challenge of our public high schools is to find the balance between those two principles,” said Elana Kahn-Oren, director of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council, The Forward reported. 

“Schools must give students the ability to practice their religion without having school-sanctioned religious observance,” Kahn-Oren said. “We know that the presence of a sukkah on school property may herald the presence of other religious symbols. We must ask ourselves: How would we feel if there was a nativity scene at school? How would we feel if our children’s friends invited them to a warm meal and religious teaching during lunchtime at the crèche?”

Lewin told that Kahn-Oren’s stance has been a common one taken by Jewish organizations and leaders, tracing back to a time when Jews faced greater intolerance in America than they do now. 

“They are simply following the traditional view that Jewish organizations took years ago, that any display of religion on public property ends up proselytizing people,” he said. “Since they do not want to see nativity scenes or crosses, they thought that in fairness they should not have menorahs or other Jewish symbols either.”

But according to Lewin, “this is an outdated view by Jewish institutions that has been rejected by the courts repeatedly.”

“Those who raise these issues today are by and large senior citizens like me,” he joked. 

Indeed, many of today’s younger Jews grew up in a country where public Jewish symbols are commonplace—particularly menorahs during the winter holiday season. This includes the famous “National Menorah” on the Ellipse, just across the street from the White House. The annual lighting of what is called the “world’s largest menorah,” launched by Chabad in 1979, is attended by thousands of people and is broadcast to millions of viewers across the world. This year, Vice President Joe Biden is slated to attend the menorah lighting. 

Despite the episode in Milwaukee, most national Jewish organizations today do not take issue with the display of Jewish symbols in public. They consider the legal debate to be settled because the Supreme Court has allowed religious symbols to be publicly displayed as long as they don’t stand alone.

“Most organized American Jewish organizations, including the American Jewish Committee, have historically opposed placing menorah in public spaces. But the case law has now developed to the point where that position is no longer viable,” Marc Stern, general counsel for the American Jewish Committee, told . 

Similarly, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said in a statement provided to that while itviews the menorah as a religious symbol, the Supreme Court “has ruled that it can be publicly displayed alongside secular symbols like Christmas trees.” 

“Therefore, we believe that the primary concern for government officials should be to respect our nation’s religious diversity by ensuring that whatever displays they authorize do not convey a preference for a particular faith or holiday,” ADL said.

Chabad’s Rosenfeld said it is a matter of pride that a Jewish American can now walk down the street and see the menorah displayed alongside other popular symbols.

“I can walk down the street knowing that I am proud to be a Jew,” he said. “And in fact the government does whatever they can to help us and encourages us to practice our faith. [We have] freedom of religion, meaning freedom to practice whatever religion we want, and freedom to do that and be proud of it.”

For the original article, visit .

The moment you held your baby for the first time was beautiful. It was a clean slate.

As you projected into the future, all you could see were positive times ahead. You may have foreseen the typical problems in parenting, but you knew how you were going to handle it. The future was bright.

You weren’t expecting your child to one day ignore your rules, show little respect for you or others, throw tantrums to get their way, and display a consistent attitude of entitlement and lack of gratitude.

As you experience consistent bad behavior, you may be concerned that you are raising a brat. Do you feel powerless as they slip out of control? In the middle of a battle, do you feel unsure of what to do? Are you at your wit’s end?

You can turn that around by following a couple of easy principles. Here’s advice for bratty kids.

Consistency

A lack of consistency will bring confusion and anxiety for both of you. For younger kids, dos and don’ts are black and white. Do not be vague, ambiguous, or uncertain. You need to give them clear boundaries. “These are the things you can do and these are the things you can’t.” Have good and solid reasons for the boundaries you are setting.

Work them out in your mind, write them down, and practice explaining them. That doesn’t matter as much when kids are young but will as they get older. Boundaries need to be held consistently. In other words, you always have to be on your game. Every minute of every day is an opportunity to mold and shape their attitude.

Consequences and Explanations

Reinforce the boundaries you set with consequences. Never threaten them with a consequence you will not follow-through on. If you say you are going to take something away, cancel a fun trip, or administer a spanking, then you need be ready to do it. I would say, you need to almost welcome it. The moment they cross the line, enforce the warning. Be quick, decisive, and calm. If they throw a tantrum or speak to you disrespectfully, add another consequence. They need to know that anything you say will be followed-through.

You are doing more than punishing bad attitudes and behavior. You are showing them that you are trustworthy which will actually make them feel more secure. Then give them an explanation of why they are receiving a consequence so it is understood clearly. Have them repeat back to you what they heard so you can clarify further if needs be.

Practice Appropriate Behavior

If they have treated anyone, particularly adults, with rudeness or disrespect, practice with them. Teach them how they are to act when meeting an adult. Show them proper eye contact, manners, what to say and what not to say. Then have them practice. If they ask you for something and don’t say, “please”, make them ask again or simply deny the request. If they don’t say “thank you” when giving them dessert, or perhaps dinner, don’t give it to them until they do.

Personal Responsibility

Make them earn toys and money rather than just giving it to them. Use them as a reward system for good attitudes, noble treatment of others, and chores completed. Don’t give an allowance that hasn’t been earned in some way. The only thing it will create is a sense of entitlement. Create a checklist of things they need to do to earn money or things.

You are teaching them practical things that will help them in the real world. If they do not display a strong work ethic, appropriate manners, and a grateful attitude, they will not be hired for a job or promoted within a company.

What do you do when your child is disrespectful? Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What does it mean to be respectful?” 

© 2014 All Pro Dad. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks. Used with permission.

Mark Merrill is the president of Family First. For the original article, visit .

We desperately need to bring back the family dinner. Most families just don’t have the time, or the desire, to sit together around a table and eat at the same time with no electronics in the way.

That sad trend has led to a number of troubling consequences that we need to reverse.

Dr. Anne Fishel is a family therapist at the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School. She’s also a wife and mother.

In her new book, Home For Dinner: Mixing Food, Fun, and Conversation for a Happier Family and Healthier Kids, she uses scientific studies to build a solid case for making the effort to eat together as a family … whatever your family happens to look like at the moment.

Regardless of whether you have babies and toddlers who are difficult to keep sitting still, school-age kids loaded down with homework and extra-curricular activities, sullen teenagers who don’t want to participate in anything, or perhaps you are empty nesters, the scenario is the same: Eating together around a table will improve your health in a variety of ways.

Researchers considered a family that “eats together” as one that gathers around the table with food, without electronics, at a minimum of five meals per week. That can be breakfast, lunch or dinner. More is better than less. Here’s what they found:

Family Dinners Are Good for the Brain, the Spirit and the Body

Over the past 30 years, researchers at the Harvard School of Education have found consistently that as a way to boost children’s vocabulary, talking to them during dinner is even better than reading to them. Children with well-developed vocabularies will have an easier time learning to read.

Studies of school-aged children found children who have regular family dinners perform better academically in school. This is true for children of all socioeconomic levels.

Furthermore, teenagers who regularly ate family dinners were twice as likely to get A’s than those who didn’t.

Family Dinners Are Good for Mental Health

A number of studies have found a correlation between regular family dinners and a reduction of high-risk behaviors, especially among teenagers. This includes smoking, binge drinking, marijuana use, violence and sexual activity.

Family Dinners Are Good for Physical Health

The research shows profound evidence that people who regularly eat family dinners have better weight control, better nutritional intake and better eating habits that those who don’t.

The reasons family dinners are so important are numerous. Topping the list is the fact that sitting around the table talking is one of the few ways family members can connect meaningfully with each other. It’s a ritual that conveys meaning and stability that are vital for the emotional well-being of every family member.

Another key point is the fact that when you and your kids are sitting together enjoying a meal you—and more importantly they—are not doing other things that can be troublesome, such as spending time in front of some type of screen.

Don’t worry if the idea of eating a family dinner makes you feel intimidated. In her book, Dr. Fishel explains how to manage dinner conversations in a way that makes them the most productive and conflict-free.

For example, she suggests avoiding asking a family member an open-ended question such as, “How was your day?” which is bound to illicit a single word response such as, “Fine.”

Instead, she suggests asking a question that requires explanation, such as “What was the funniest thing that happened to you today?”

If you’re a busy person who also happens to be clumsy in the kitchen, don’t fret. Dr. Fishel explains how to ditch those unhealthy drive-thrus and make your own nutritious dinners in a flash.

As an added bonus, she suggests ways to get the whole family involved in meal preparation (and clean-up) no matter what ages you’re dealing with. She includes a number of delicious, affordable recipes such as this vegetable soup, which sounds delightful this time of year:

For the original article, visit .

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick now has more than 1 million copies in print, WaterBrook Multnomah announced Dec. 11. Kirkpatrick has written more than 25 books with seven publishers.

Many of her historical novels have been set in the American West, with her first, A Sweetness to the Soul, winning the prestigious Western Heritage Wrangler Award in 1995.

Replacement Theology teaches that God has replaced Israel with the church. Fulfillment Theology teaches that all of God’s promises to Israel were fulfilled in Yeshua and now have a new meaning.

They both agree the land of Israel is not a fulfillment of prophecy. Is this what the Bible teaches?

Ron Cantor is the director of Messiah’s Mandate International in Israel, a Messianic ministry dedicated to taking the message of Jesus from Israel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Cantor also travels internationally teaching on the Jewish roots of the New Testament. He serves on the pastoral team of Tiferet Yeshua, a Hebrew-speaking congregation in Tel Aviv. His newest book is Identity Theft. Follow him at @RonSCantor on Twitter.

If your childhood Christmas experience was anything like mine, then perhaps you can recall digging through your stocking without a whole lot of holiday cheer.

The first thing I used to do on Christmas morning, after making sure Santa ate his cookies and drank his milk, was unhook my stocking and try as hard as I could to feign gladness and glee at the sight of new socks and underwear, country-western CDs, and pieces of fruit. However, looking back on it, I probably should have been more appreciative of the latter gift, considering that it reinforces my notion that stocking stuffers create a wonderful opportunity to give the gift of health and wellness to our loved ones.

I have nothing against folk music or undergarments, but why not throw in at least one of the 12 health-related items below into a stocking or two? Who knows—it could be the gift that the recipients light up about the most, or perhaps it will be what inspires them to start 2015 on the right fitness-focused foot!

Food and Drink

1. Vega Protein Smoothie: Being lactose intolerant, I steer clear of whey (a protein found in milk) protein, which is unfortunate considering whey makes excellent post-workout fuel. But I can honestly say that since finding and trying Vega, I don’t miss my whey shakes one bit! Vega Protein boasts 15 grams of protein that come from whole food ingredients like kale, spinach, broccoli (one scoop equals two servings of veggies) papaya extract, brown rice, pea, hemp and SaviSeed. The blend is soy, dairy and gluten-free, and it comes in delicious flavors like chocolate (my favorite!), vanilla, tropical and berry! Price per single pack: $, per pouch: $

2. Raw Revolution Bars: There is a plethora of bars on the market, and sad to say, most of them are heavily processed and filled with unhealthy ingredients, such as artificial flavors and sweeteners and GMOs. I personally love Raw Revolution because their bars are not only organic, but also mostly vegan and completely gluten-free, making them perfect for individuals with certain food allergies and sensitivities. The bars come in over a dozen flavors, my favorites being Spirulina Dream (made with cashews, dates, spirulina powder and agave nectar, just to name a few ingredients) and Chocolate Crave (which features organic cocoa and almonds). Price: $

3. Numi Tea: Who doesn’t love a warm, comforting cup of tea during the holiday months? Tea is known for its amazing health benefits, from improving digestion to preventing certain diseases. But it turns out that some brands of tea can do more harm than good, brands that are laden with toxins, pesticides, artificial flavors and sweeteners, and GMOs (genetically modified organisms). I’m a fan of Numi Tea because it’s an organic and non-GMO certified company, is fair trade certified, and helps supply clean drinking water to needy people around the globe. Last, but certainly not least, they offer dozens of delicious teas to suit any taste, like Carrot Curry and Chocolate Mint! Price: $

4. Dark Chocolate: What’s a stocking without a little something sweet to eat? The abundant research on the health properties of dark chocolate is music to a health nut’s ears because it proves that eating chocolate can not only be OK, but beneficial! Dark chocolate is an outstanding source of antioxidants and has been proven to lower the risk of heart disease, improve cognitive function, lower blood pressure, and even provide UV protection for our skin! There are several excellent, organic varieties you could go with, such as Endangered Species, Sweetriot, Taza, and Giddy YoYo, but whatever you choose, make sure the label doesn’t say “processed with alkali,” as this process diminishes the amount of healthy, naturally occurring flavanols of chocolate.

Kitchen

5. Gefu Spirelli Spiral Slicer: If you haven’t noticed, julienned cucumbers and carrots and gluten-free, low-cal veggie noodles are all the rage! They’re a fantastic, fun alternative to plain ol’ roasted or steamed veggies and can almost convince you that you’re really eating carb-heavy, processed pasta! To use the Spiral Slicer, you simply place a vegetable into the end of it and twist! It’s made of stainless steel and plastic and is dishwasher safe! Price: $

6. OXO Good Grips Apple Divider: I’m all about convenience and healthy snacks. Put those two things together, and you’ve got one must-have stocking stuffer. This product makes slicing an apple into perfectly sized wedges as easy as one smooth stroke. Then all you have to do is bag them up and carry them out the door on your way to work or school. You’ll make vending machine stops a ghost of Christmas past! Price: $

7. Microplane® Herb Mill: This little contraption makes prepping fragrant, tasty and healthy herbs a cinch! All you do is place herbs inside, twist the handle, then presto! The sharp scissoring blades have minced away, providing you with heaps of herbs to use for seasonings, sauces and salad dressings. Price: $

8. Ninja Express Chopper: This small yet powerful beauty is at the top of my Christmas wish list this year! (I hope my husband is reading!) It evenly chops vegetables, minces garlic and herbs in seconds, purees like a dream (so I’ve heard), and it’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe! Price: $

Nifty Gadgets and Accessories

9. Tea Bag Buddy: Traveling tea drinkers, rejoice! The Tea Bag is a terrific on-the-go device that will keep you from dripping hot tea on yourself and your stuff. It’s made of 100 percent pure silicone that helps insulate your cup to preserve the brewing temperature. Then, when your tea is ready, you simply pull the string, lift and turn, then squeeze your tea bag with zero mess! And it protects your fingers too! Price: $

10. Sip n’ Go (BPA-Free) Spill-Proof Collapsible Bottle: This lightweight, BPA-free, dishwasher safe, fits-in-your-pocket bottle is great for taking both to the gym or on hikes and long, leisurely strolls. Designed with a durable snap, it folds neatly and easily into a purse or pocket. What’s more, it’s freezable, so your drink stays cold. Another nice touch is that you can write your name on it so it doesn’t get mixed up with anyone else’s bottle. Price: $

11. WristSTASH: This zippered pocket wristband handily stores your essentials, such as keys, money, and credit cards, as you run. I like it because it’s comfortable, convenient, woven from soft recycled cotton terry, machine washable and comes in several cool colors and patterns. Price: $

12. SKLZ Accupoint: This ergonomic, spine-friendly little tool was designed to relieve sore parts of your body through trigger release massage. I love it because it’s compact, easy to store, easy to clean and has a super-cool double-ball shape that wonderfully cradles the spine. Price: $

I hope these gift ideas have been helpful! I pray you and yours enjoy a healthy, happy and very Merry Christmas!

Diana Anderson-Tyler is the author of Creation House’s Fit for Faith: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Total Fitness and her latest book, Perfect Fit: Weekly Wisdom and Workouts for Women of Faith and Fitness. Her popular website can be found at , and she is the owner and a coach at CrossFit 925. Diana can be reached on Twitter.

For the original article, visit .

An overwhelming majority of Palestinians support a recent spate of attacks on Israelis amid heightened tensions in Jerusalem, according to an opinion poll released Tuesday.

The poll also found that more than half of Palestinians support a new uprising against Israel, and that the Hamas terrorist group would win presidential elections if they were held today.

Palestinian pollster Khalil Shikaki said the results reflected Palestinian anger over statements by Israeli politicians about the Temple Mount, as well as a loss of hope following the collapse of peace talks last spring and the fighting in the Gaza Strip during the summer.

The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research interviewed 1,270 people in the West Bank and Gaza last week. The poll had an error margin of 3 percentage points.

“There is an environment in which violence is becoming a dominant issue,” said Shikaki. “This seems to be one of the most important driving forces.”

There has been a spate of attacks in Jerusalem over the past month and a half, at a time of rising tensions over the Temple Mount, which Muslims refer to as the Noble Sanctuary.

A number of Israeli politicians became more vocal in recent months about demands that Jews be allowed to pray at the Muslim-run site, which is home to Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Many Palestinians fear this is a pretext for a gradual Jewish takeover—a claim Israel denies.

The poll found 86 percent of respondents believe the shrine is in grave danger from Israel. It said 80 percent supported individual attacks by Palestinians who have stabbed Israelis or rammed cars into crowds at light rail stations.

For the original article, visit .

I broke the rules.

I asked overly self-conscious Orange County men and women to stand in the middle of a church service if they had never heard the words “I love you” or “I am proud of you” from their father. A good 10 seconds passed before one brave man stood and then several more women and men joined him. The keyboard player began to play some comforting chords which infused this moment of freedom and healing with a gentle and safe spirit.

Like a breaker rolling onto the Laguna Beach shoreline, it came from the back to the front. A wave of people began to rise up out of their seats. Some were weeping, some were holding their spouse’s hand, and others stood alone. The pure shock and awe of people letting their defenses down and making themselves vulnerable, in a public way, was powerful.

This burning bush moment began 40 minutes earlier with a few well-placed matches that I knew would kindle a great fire in the hearts and souls of many when I said: “I think all of us can agree that, for better or for worse, fathers leave an emotional fingerprint in our lives. I think that we can also agree that the love of a father can be transforming.

And guess what? We don’t grow out of our desire to be daddy’s ‘Big Man’ or ‘Little Princess.’ You and I are created to be the special object of a father’s love.” I then methodically blew on that ember with a steady wind of spiritual truth that transformed into—spiritually and emotionally speaking—a signature Southern California wildfire. 

By the end, hundreds of grown men and women were consumed by God’s desire for them. They were now standing to renew or receive the blessing of their Father’s love. By standing they were saying that they wanted to resolve the acceptance issue once and for all. They were saying that they wanted to end their quest for validation as men and women in unhealthy and destructive ways. They came to their feet in order to experience healing from that deep fear in all of our souls of not being personally affirmed by someone significant in our lives.   

 They wanted exactly what God modeled for all of us. Observe closely:

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased'” (Matt. 3:16-17, NIV).

Here are four things every man, woman and child wants for Christmas:

 1.  A special moment from the Father. The Scripture says, “At that moment, heaven was opened and he [Jesus] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him” (Matt. 3:16). Think spotlight. Every man, woman, and child deeply craves a father’s special love. God modeled this need and this pattern for all of us. 

2.  A special name from the Father. Have you ever heard that phrase, “They’re trying to make a name for themselves?” Men, women and children all want to be identified as a loved son or daughter first on the journey of life. If that is not there, they will begin a quest to find a name. They will find an identity that bestows a name. They will connect to groups or communities that bestow names—gangs, social networks, professional titles or lifestyles that provide a label. The one they crave more than any other is the name “My son” or “My daughter,” regardless of age.

 3.  A special love from the Father. Relationally speaking, there are two kinds of people. The first type of person is dominated by unhealthy fears of non-acceptance and that fear sabotages the way they see themselves and the way they engage people and manage their relationships. The second type of person has encountered and experienced unconditional love, feels deeply accepted and is being set free from the real insecurities that sabotage relationships. Scripture says: “There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love,” (1 John 4:18, MSG). God the Father says to His Son, “I love you, Son.” God says to us: “I love you, son” to liberate us from insecurity as men and set us on a firm and mature emotional foundation.

4.  A special blessing from the Father. While acceptance without performance sets us free from insecurity and fear, affirmation of progression is also needed in a man’s life. It’s called encouragement. It’s not just any kind of encouragement, but the thoughtful kind that is watching, observing and drawing the conclusion of “in whom I am well pleased.” God was saying that He was pleased with who Jesus had become as a man. 

What God models with His Son He wants to replicate with all of His spiritual sons and daughters adopted into the family through Jesus Christ. He knows that in order to escape deep insecurities, false names and identities, immaturity and acting selfishly, all men, all women and all children need a personal and powerful encounter with their Father.

He wants us fully formed in His love so that we can help form our children in that same love. Men and women cannot give away what they do not possess on the inside to their children, spouse or others God has placed in their life to influence. That realization sometimes takes a lifetime to come to, but many times it’s too late (or so you believe).

The good news of Christmas is that with God it is never too late to receive the gift of your Father’s blessing. Once received, opening it is as easy as one, two, three: 

• Personally see God’s heart for you as a Father (Jer. 3:19).
• Openly accept His blessing and respond to Him (Rom. 8:15-16). 
• Emotionally define yourself by His acceptance alone (Rom. 8:37).

The reason Jesus Christ came that first Christmas was so that all of us could stop searching for love and acceptance and start living in our Father’s blessing and under His loving rule. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit modeled for us at Jesus’ baptism, what every child and adult are created to receive from our earthly fathers initially and our Heavenly Father ultimately.

We all crave a special moment, special name, special love and special blessing from our Creator. God offers that freely in Christ because he knows that a broken world filled with broken dads fail to give that to their sons and daughters. That’s why so many adult men and women stood up in front of a room full of people. That’s why some of us spend the rest of our lives on a broken quest for significance and meaning.  

God knows that in order to successfully navigate the emotional challenges, temptations, and tests on our journey here on earth, we need the pervasive and securing love of a father, as well as His promise that all will be okay in the end. If that is what God felt Jesus needed going forward, then that is what we all need going forward—no need to wait for Christmas morning to open that gift.

Heavenly Father,

In this moment, I recognize You want to be a loving Father to me. Forgive me for not seeing this sooner, seeking approval of people outside of Your love, and not seeing Your Father’s heart for me. I recognize that through Jesus I can become a child of God and live strongly as a child of God. I recognize that through His life, death on the cross, and resurrection for me I can share in His life and have you as my heavenly Father forever.  Today, I open the gift of salvation, receive the gift of Your acceptance, and fully embrace the gift of Your love through Jesus. I receive Your name for me, Your love for me, and Your blessing upon me now and forever. Thank You redeeming my identity and calling me Yours. Amen.

Kenny Luck is the president and founder of Every Man Ministries. As the former men’s pastor at Saddleback Church in California and current leadership pastor at Crossline Community Church, Kenny has found the proven way to improve men’s ministries around the world. Sleeping Giant is this blueprint, and gives men the tools they need to lead and understand their own men’s ministry. Watch Kenny’s teachings at  and start your men’s group today!

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